Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 14250 words

Dissertation Example However, several barriers hinder the route to successful implementation of cross-border acquisitions. Different authors and scholars have provided many factors hindering cross border acquisitions. In its entirety, cultural factors need the biggest attention because of their influence in changing the fate of the merger or acquisition activity. Cross border M&A are termed as ‘marriage between two culturally separate entities’ and endeavours to manage M&A’s arise more from the tenets of cross-cultural management than any other factor. Cultural knowledge has been found to facilitate organizations to come together for M&A with their partners. This view has been propounded by various theories like Hofstede’s and Trompenaars dimensions, Schwartz Value survey, Kluckhohn and Strodbeck Framework , and many others. Application of cultural factors are involved across various activities and different functions that include expatriate management, leadership, motivation, decision making, managing diversity and developing intercultural communications through managerial competencies. Taking examples of some successful and unsuccessful cross-border mergers and acquisitions and relating these with related theories and models, a study has been conducted to determine how cross-cultural knowledge, awareness and responsiveness helped the successful parties and vice versa. This research has investigated the cultural issues which are often not given utmost importance in regard to cross border M&A. The study has helped to gain an understanding of the significance of determination of cultural factors affecting cross border M&A and the necessity to deal with them before entering into a merger or an acquisition. Also, with perceived and identified gaps, recommendations have been suggested which might improve upon the way cross-border mergers and acquisitions should be implemented and dealt with. The research has been based completely on secondary sources and case studies. Real life M&A have been taken into consideration based on which a detailed analysis has been done thus determining the cultural factors that may affect cross border M&A. Recommendations have been provided for those organizations that tend to ignore the importance of such cultural differences, often leading to failure. Table of Contents Topic Page no. Introduction 7 Research Aims and Objectives 10 -Aim of the research 10 -Objectives of the research 10 Literature Review 11 Limitations of the Study 30 Research Methodology 31 -Research Philosophy 31 -Research technique 32 -Sources of information 32 -Credibility & Verification 33 Findings & Analysis 35 -Study of real life M&A 36 -Key features of success or failure 43 -Comparison of actual scenario with theoretical models 44 -Discussion 49 Conclusion 51 Recommendation 54 References 57 List of Figures Figure Page no. Figure 1. Different types of mergers and acquisitions 15 Figure 2. Consequences of differences in individualist or collectivist scores for work and organizations 18 Figure 3. Consequences of differences in power distance cores for work and organizations 19 Figure 4. Consequences of differences in masculinity or femininity scores for work and organizations 20 Figure 5. Consequences of differences in uncertainty avoidance scores for work and organizations 21 Figure 6. Acculturative model for the implementation of mergers 23 Figure 7. Reasons

Key Skills of Management Essay Example for Free

Key Skills of Management Essay 1. Introduction In this essay I have attempted to describe the key skills of management, in my opinion, and how working with others can develop them. I have drawn on my own experiences as a manager and reinforced my answers with research from the internet and other reference sources. There are various skills needed for good management, some skills are learned others are instilled as a part of that person’s nature. Within this essay I discuss these skills and the importance of good management behaviour. 2. Key skills my viewpoint I manage four teams, each consisting of 15 members of staff. Within each team is a supervisor whose task is to monitor the running of the operation line and to inform me of any deviation from the norm. I am privileged enough to have a support team of a quality facilitator, two fitters, an electrician and a process engineer, who I direct to assist with the events of the day. Enthusiasm and motivation I am enthusiastic and self-motivated; I maintain this through seeing issues as a challenge and an opportunity to test my skills. If I am enthusiastic then my staff will be encouraged to be motivated too, ‘It’s hard to be productive without enthusiasm.’ (Gates B) Henri Fayol states that there are fourteen principles of management. In principle number seven (Remuneration) Fayol argues that ‘Workers must be paid sufficiently as this is a chief motivation of employees and therefore greatly influences productivity.’ I personally do not feel that this is a chief motivation even though it is a factor but that job satisfaction and also a sense of belonging are greater influences in productivity. Communication I believe it is important to have a pre-shift meeting with the supervisors and run through what is planned for the day. Any concerns are raised prior to the start of the shift, so we have a clear direction of how we are going to achieve these goals. I try to keep meetings informative, constructive yet light and brisk. I feel it is important that we start the day with a can-do attitude. It is important to me that the delivery of any communication is clear, precise and accurate. Communication works two ways and I feel that we only learn by listening. I operate an open door policy, where any member of staff at any level can speak to me. Encouraging growth of people and business I want to encourage growth within the company; in order to do this I develop people by encouraging them to learn new skills and keep up-to-date with processes on the line. The rotation of staff within the production line not only benefits the operator with skills and self worth but also protects the company when manning levels are low. Control of production is constantly developing and shifts with new products, technology and tools. Clear instruction is given to staff to embrace and use these as a way forward for the success of the company and maintain our position as leaders in the world market. Following policies I follow the company policies in all aspects of my work and with discipline. I feel I am firm but fair; I nip things in the bud and deal with conflict in a calm, mature and professional manner. I am trustworthy and always deal with matters with integrity. Respect Respect plays an important role in getting results from staff. I respect everyone and work hard to earn respect from my staff by being a team player and not taking my role for granted. I have worked on every process on each line to different skill levels and am aware of the requirements of each job. I would never expect any member of staff to complete a task I would not do myself. Understanding customers It is important to understand the expectations of customers, to achieve these within the budget and on time. In order to achieve this we work closely to a plan, delivering on time and in full (OTIF). Feedback It is important that recognition is given on a regular basis to staff that are doing well and like wise, support is given to staff who find things a struggle. It is easier to rectify any non-conformance at the very beginning than letting bad habits form. The ability to explain things that are incorrect and how to rectify them is an important management quality. Resolving issues Whenever a major problem comes to light, I tend to bring key skilled personnel such as quality facilitators, department manager, shift manager, manufacturing supervisors, process engineers, fitters, electricians or operators into a brain storming session. We utilise the skills we have developed and use management tools such as, the ‘Ishikawa diagram’, or known to myself as the ‘Fishbone diagram’. Each personnel would have a valuable input using the knowledge that they have obtained from their own perspective. Cause Cause Cause Cause Cause Figure 1: Fishbone diagram as based on the original by Kaoru Ishikawa. In these sessions, we systematically work through inputs that could cause the effect that we see and then place a frame around the problem to find out what is, and is not a possible factor. Further investigation is made into these probable causes until the root of the issue is found. It is extremely important to use all of the skills at hand to have a complete overview. 3. Conclusion Throughout this essay I have explored the use of what are in my opinion, the most important skills to have as a manager. It is not intended as an exhaustive list, but a sample of the many ways people manage. In my opinion the most important skills of management are being able to project manage and coordinate while also having leadership qualities, or personable skills. In the words of John C Maxwell, Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. Within this essay I have explored the nature of the key skills and have shown that in working together with staff, results can be achieved by following these rules.

Regulation of Gastric Acid Secretion

Regulation of Gastric Acid Secretion The stomach is a J-shaped enlargement of the gastrointestinal tract just lies below the diaphragm; the digestive tube dilates into an elongated pouchlike structure, the size of which varies according to several factors, notably the amount of distention. For sometime after a meal, the stomach is enlarged because of distention of its walls, but, as food leaves, the walls partially collapse, leaving the organ about the size of a large sausage. In adults the stomach usually holds a volume upto 1.0 to 1.5L. ANATOMY OF STOMACH 1.1.1 Divisions of the stomach: The fundus, body and the pylorus are the three divisions of the stomach. The fundus is the enlargement portion of the left and above opening of the oesophagus into the stomach. The body is the central part of the stomach, and the pylorus is its lower portion. 1.1.2 Curves of the stomach: The curve formed by the upper right surface of the stomach is known as the lesser curvature; the curve formed by the lower left surface is known as the greater curvature. 1.1.3 Sphincter muscles: Sphincter muscles guard both stomach openings. A sphincter muscle consists of circular fibres so arranged that there is an opening in the centre of them (like the hole in a doughnut) when they are relaxed and no opening when they are contracted. The cardiac sphincter controls the opening of the oesophagus into the stomach, and the pyloric sphincter controls the opening from the pyloric portion of the stomach into the first part of the small intestine. 1.1.4 Stomach wall: Gastric mucosa The epithelial lining of the stomach is thrown into folds, called rugae, and marked by depressions called gastric pits. Numerous coiled tubular- type glands, gastric glands, are found below the level of the pits, particularly in the fundus and body of the stomach. The glands secrete most of the gastric juice, a mucous fluid containing digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid. 1.1.5 Functions of the stomach: The stomach carries on the following the functions: It serves as a reservoir, storing food until it can be partially digested and moved further along the gastrointestinal tract. It secretes gastric juice, containing acid and enzymes, to aid in the digestion of food. It carries on the limited amount of absorption of some water, alcohol, and certain drugs. It produces the hormone gastrin, which helps regulation of digestive functions. It helps to protect the body by destroying pathogenic bacteria swallowed with food or with mucous from the respiratory tract. 1.2 Regulation of gastric acid secretion: The mechanisms operating at the gastric parietal cells as summarized in the above figure. The terminal enzyme H+K+ATPase (proton pump) which secretes H+ ions in the apical canaliculi of parietal cells can be activated by histamine, Ach and gastrin acting via their own receptors located on the basolateral membrane of these cells.Out of the three physiological secretagogues, histamine, acting through H2 receptors, plays the dominant role, because the other two, gastrin and Ach act partly directly by releasing histamine from paracrine enterochromaffin like cells called histaminocytes located in the oxyntic glands. While H2 receptors activate H+K+ATPase by generating cAMP, muscarinic and gastrin receptors appear to function through the phospholipaseC -IP3-DAG pathway that mobilizes intracellular Ca+. The cAMP mediated proton pump activation also involves Ca+. The secretomotor response to gastrin and cholinergic agonists is expressed fully only in the presence of cAMP generated by H2 acti vation. As such, histamine participates in the acid response to gastrin and Ach at more than one levels, and H2 antagonists suppress not only histamine but also Ach, pentagastrin and in fact any gastric acid secretory stimulus. Gastrin is secreted from the antrum in response to rise in antral pH, food constituents and vagally mediated reflexes. The dominant muscarinic receptor mediating vagal responses is of M1 subtype. Its location on the ganglion cells of the intramural plexuses has been confirmed. The parietal cell muscarinic receptor is of the M2 subtype but the subtype of muscarinic receptor on histaminocytes has not been defined. Vagus releases Ach in dose proximity to histaminocytes and gastrin secreting cells, but apparently at a distance from the parietal cells. Prostaglandins have been ascribed a cytoprotective role in the gastric mucosa by augmenting mucus and bicarbonate secretion, as well as other actions. PGE2, produced by gastric mucosa, inhibits acid secretion by opposing cAMP generation and gastrin release. CONTROL OF GASTRIC ACID IN STOMACH: 1.3 Peptic Ulcer Peptic ulcers disease refers to a group of disorders characterized by circumscribed lesions of the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract (especially of the stomach and duodenum). The lesions occur in regions exposed to gastric juices. When the stomachs natural protections from acid stop working ulcers will occur. Duodenal ulcers almost always develop in the duodenal bulb (the first few centimetres of the duodenum). A few, however, arise between the bulb and the ampulla. Gastric ulcers form most commonly in the antrum or at the antral-fundal junction. Nearly 80 % of peptic ulcers are duodenal the others are gastric ulcers. Most duodenal ulcers appear in people between ages 20 and 50 years, while gastric ulcer usually occurs between ages 45 and 55 years. Duodenal ulcer is twice as common in men as in women and gastric ulcers affect men and women equally. Approximately 10 to 20 % of gastric ulcer patients also have a concurrent duodenal ulcer. Gastric ulcer is often a chronic disease and may persist for 10 to 20 years characterized by repeated episodes of healing and re-exacerbation. Peptic ulcers occur when there is an imbalance between offensive factors and defensive mucosal factors (Goel and Bhattacharya, 1991). Ulceration in the mucosa can be because of either breakdown of mucosa with the development of surface defects or failure of restitution of mucosal integrity resulting in retardation or failure of healing of the ulcers. No apparent causal factor is sufficiently uniquely associated with peptic ulcers to warrant unequivocal implication in pathogenesis of the ulceration. The mechanism of defensive action consists of humoral, functional and neuronal factors. All these factors are responsible for the mucosal protection. The precise biochemical changes during ulcer generation are not clear yet, although various hypotheses have been proposed from time to time. Increased gastric motility, vagal over activity, mast cell degranulation decreased gastric mucosal blood flow and decreased prostaglandin level during stress condition is thought to be involved in ulcer generation. Similarly role of oxygen derived free radicals have been shown to play a role in experimental gastric damage induced by ischemia and reperfusion, hemorrhagic shock and ethanol administration. Helicobacter pylori a pathogen is now known to be the most common and important causes of gastric ulcer in humans (Davies et al., 1994), exhibits active inflammation with epithelial damage accompanied by neutrophil migration. Although the currently used drugs for ulceration are broadly classified into two, those that decrease or counter increase in acid-pepsin secretion and those that afford cytoprotection by virtue of their effects on mucosal defensive factors. Ulcer treatment can be carried out by reducing the action of aggravating factors. Since gastric acid is one of the major aggressive factor contributing to peptic ulcer disease, the reduction of gastric acid either by surgical or pharmacological intervention has been used to promote ulcer healing. However, not all patients, with gastric or duodenal ulcer have high acid secretion. In fact, only 30%-40% of cases with duodenal ulcer have hypersecretion of gastric acid and, in patients with gastric ulcer, acid secretion is either normal or low (Gupta et al., 1980). In these cases, decreased mucosal resistance might be the dominant factor. The neutralization of gastric acid can be done by antacid administration, but their effectiveness is only for a brief period. Muscarinic antagonists such as pirenzepine or telenzepine are effective inhibitors of acid production. The histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA) like cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine etc. act as potent inhibitors of acid secretion. Complete inhibition of parietal cells acid secretion by receptor antagonist is difficult because of complexity of known receptors on parietal cells and a variety of second messenger signaling system coupled to these receptors, which involve adenylate cyclase coupled with histamine receptor and intracellular Ca+2 with acetylcholine receptors. Thus, the most successful and desirable therapy is to inhibit the enzyme responsible for acid secretion. Moreover, H2RA have been reported to have some adverse reactions ranging from gastric carcinoid to tolerance and rebound acid secretion. Inhibition of gastric H+/K+ -ATPase of the pariet al cell by drugs such as by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole, lansoprazole, timoprazole, etc. has been shown to be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. However, such agents irreversibly inactivate the ATPase and the return of acid secretion following such inhibition requires de novo synthesis of new pump. Although these drugs have brought about remarkable changes in ulcer therapy, the efficiency of these drugs is still debatable. Reports on clinical evaluation of these drugs shows that there are incidences of relapses and adverse effects and danger of drug interactions during ulcer therapy. Further, in the developing countries, like India, most of the population is living in rural areas and depending on their indigenous system of drugs because of expensive modern treatment. Hence, the search for an ideal anti-ulcer drug continues and has also been extended to herbal drugs in search for new and novel molecules, which afford better protection, decrease the incidence of relapse and decrease the cost of the treatment. Of late the search for new safe alternative drugs have rekindled the interest in cytoprotective drugs, which protects the mucosal layer from inducing agents. Cytoprotection has been defined as the ability of pharmacological agents-originally prostaglandins to prevent or reduce gastric, duodenal, or intestinal mucosal injury by mechanisms other than inhibition of gastric acid secretion. Although few drugs like sucralfate and prostaglandin analogs are recognized as cytoprotective agents (Vergin and Kori-Lindner, 1990), many natural drugs have been reported to posses this activity viz. plantain banana (Musa sapientum var Paradisiaca), Tectona grandis, Azadirachta indica and rasayana drugs like Centella asiatica, Asparagus racemosus, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Emblica officinalis, Bacopa monniera and Withania somnifera, etc. (Goel and Sairam , 2002). India is one of the country rich in medicinal plants which were used by our ancestors. Traditionally, plants were used as medicine in a traditional way such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Siddha and Unani. After knowing the used of plants in medicine, synthetic drugs were now started replacing by herbal products. Humans have used plant materials since prehistoric times and in some countries such as China documentary evidence shows that herbal medicines have been used for at least 7000 years. In Europe there is a rich history in the use of herbal medicines and these have been well documented in medieval herbals such as Culpepers and Gerards materia medica. Nowadays many countries are having interest in using Indian medicinal plants as it can cure many diseases and other purposes. Herbal medicines differ from synthetic drugs in several attributes. Though, herbal medicines are mixed chemical compounds, all have not been isolated, characterized and quantified. When an extract of a plant or a compound isolated from the plant has to be clinically evaluated for a therapeutic effect not originally described in the texts of traditional systems or, the method of preparation is different, it has to be treated as a new substances or new chemical entity. The same type of acute, subacute and chronic toxicity data has to be generated. Majority of medicinal herbs contain dozens of different compounds, often of great complexity, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, mucilage, tannins, polysaccharides, etc., that buffer, modulates and modify the effect of any active principles. Study after study has shown that administering of isolated purified constituents of the whole or part of the plant cannot mimic effects produced by extracts of same part of the plant. 1.3.1 Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Peptic ulcer generally occurs when aggravating factors are higher than defensive mucosal factors(Goel Bhattacharya, 1991). The peptic ulcer can be treated by reducing the activity of aggravating factors thereby increasing the activity of defensive factors. H. Pylori H.Pyloric is a Gram -ve spiral-shaped bacterium. H.Pyloric is the most common cause of non-NASID associated peptic ulcer disease. H.Pyloric has been found in the gastric antrum of a significant number of patients with duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers. H.Pyloric lives in the acidic environment of the stomach. The initial infection is transmitted by the oral route. H.Pyloric attaches to adhesion molecules on the surface of gastric epithelial cells. In the duodenum, H.Pyloric attaches only to areas containing gastric epithelial cell that have arisen as a result of excess and damage to the duodenal mucosa. H.Pyloric is able to live in such a hostile environment partly because of its production of the enzyme increase, which converts urea to ammonia. The ammonia buffers the H+ and forms ammonia OH creating an alkaline cloud around the bacteria and protecting it from the acidic environment of the stomach. It causes inflammation and epithelial cell damage (Golan, and Arman). Nsaids More than 100, 000 patients are hospitalised each year for NSAID-associated gastro-intestinal complications and gastrointestinal bleeding has a 5% to 10% mortality rate in these patients. NSAID-associated gastrointestinal damage is attributable to both topical injury and systemise effects of the NSAID. Most NSAIDS are weak organic acids. In the acidic environment of the stomach, these drugs are neutral components that can cross the plasma membrane and enter gastric epithelial cells. In the neutral intracellular environment, the drugs are recognized and trapped. The resulting intracellular damage is responsible for the local gastrointestinal injury associated with NSAID use. Gastric acid secretion Inhibition of cycloxygenase prostaglandins Bicarbonate/ Mucous Production Blood flow NSAIDS Neutrophil adherence Mucosal dama- Expression of intercellular vascular endothelial ge due to neutro- Adhesion molecules in gastric cells phil free radicals Vascular endothelium and proteases. Acid hypersecretion Acid hypersection is an important causative factor in some patients with peptic ulcer disease. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome(Z-E-S)are two clinical examples in which hyperacidity leads to peptic ulcer disease. In Z-E-S, a gastrin-recreting tumor of the non-beta cells of the endrocrine pancrease lead to increased acid secretion. In lusting ulcer, seen in patients with reverse head injuries, heightened vagaltone causes gastric hyperacidity. Figure is showing the interactions among an enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell that secretes histamine, a parietal cell that secretes acid, and a superficial epithelial cell that secretes cytoprotective mucus and bicarbonate. Physiological pathways, shown in solid black, may be stimulatory (+) or inhibitory (-). 1 and 3 indicate possible inputs from postganglionic cholinergic fibres, while 2 shows neural input from the vagus nerve. Physiological agonists and their respective membrane receptors include acetylcholine (ACh), muscarinic (M), and nicotinic (N) receptors; gastrin, cholecystokinin receptor 2 (CCK2); histamine (HIST), H2 receptor; and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), EP3 receptor. Drug actions are indicated by dashed lines. A blue X indicates targets of pharmacological antagonism. A light blue dashed arrow indicates a drug action that mimics or enhances a physiological pathway. Shown in blue are drugs used to treat acid-peptic disorders. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and are ulcerogenic. 1.4 Gastrointestinal Motility: Laxatives are drugs that either accelerate faecal passage or decrease faecal consistency. They work by promoting one or more of the mechanisms that cause diarrhoea. Because of the wide availability and marketing of OTC laxatives, there is a potential that an appropriate diagnosis will not be sought (Jahangir moini). Rarely in medicine is there an absolute indication for the use of laxatives. A high fibre, well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supplemented by bran should be enough to normalize bowel function. The fear of autointoxication and the constant concern of many patients regarding the frequency and quality of bowel movement make laxatives one of the most popular over the counter drugs in the market with serious potential for user abuse. Accepted indications for laxatives and stool softeners include preparation for diagnostic colonic examination (Barium enema, colonoscopy: treatment of anorectal disorders) and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (Smith and Reynard). Fibre is defined as the undigested residue of fruits, vegetables, and other foods of plant origin after digestion by the human GI enzymes. Fibres water holding capacity is the ability of the fibre to hold water and make bulking of faecal materials possible. Fibres stool bulking capacity is the ability of the fibre to increase the volume of intestinal content because it can absorb and holds water. Bacterial growth in the colon provides additional bulking. Insoluble fibres speeds GI transit time. Cholinergic mechanisms are also responsible for modulating motor phenomena in the gut; thus it is not surprising that cholinomimetic agents are effective in promoting gastrointestinal motility. It also has cholinomimetic properties, apparently sensitizing intestinal smooth muscle cells to the action of Acetylcholine rather than acting on acetylcholine receptors. The drugs acts to hasten esophageal clearance, raise lower esophageal sphincter pressure, accelerate gastric emptying, and shorten small bowel transit time 1.4.1 Mechanism of Laxative Action: (KD Tripathi, 1999) a. By their hydrophilic or osmotic nature, laxative can cause retention of fluids, in the colonic content, as well as increase the mass. b. Inhibiting Na+K+ATPase of villous cells impairing electrolyte and water absorption. c. Stimulating adenyl cyclase in crypt cells increasing water and electrolyte secretion. d. Enhancing PG synthesis in mucosa which increases secretion. e. Structural injury to the absorbing intestinal mucosal cells. 1.4.2 Classification of Laxatives:- Many drugs in low doses act as laxative and in larger doses as purgatives 1. Bulk forming 4. Stimulant purgatives Dietary fibre: Bran (a) Diphenylmethanes Psyllium Phenolphthalein Methylcellulose (b) Castor oil 5. Anthraquinones 2. Stool softner Senna, Cascara sagrada Docusates (DOSS) 6. Osmotic purgatives 3. Lubricant Magnesium, sodium salts Liquid paraffin Lactulose 1.4.3 Anthraquinone Derivatives:- Senna is obtained from the leaves and pods of Cassia augustifolia and contains the anthraquinone glycosides called emodins. In oral dose the sennosides is poorly absorbed, but after removal of the sugar and reduction to anthrol by colonic bacteria, they are absorbed into circulation excreted in bile to act on small intestine. It takes 6-7 hrs to produce action. The active principle is believed to act on the myentric plexus to increase peristalsis and decrease segmentation. They also inhibit salt and water absorption in the colon. In India, sennosides are usually marketed in combination with stool softeners such as docusates. Side effects observed are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, colic, urine discoloration (yellowish brown to red) and melanosis (colonic atony and mucosal pigmentation after a regular use of the drug). It should be used cautiously in women and children bebelow years of age, and after abdominal surgery. Preparations GLAXENNA tab. Sennosides ( calcium salt) 11.5 mg. SOFSENA tab 12 mg. PURSENNID tab -18 mg LAXSENA tab 12mg, 18mg(forte)

The Impact of Videoconferencing in Organizations Essay -- Videoconfere

The Impact of Videoconferencing in Organizations This report analyses the various influences of videoconferencing, both positive and negative, and evaluates its usefulness in organisations. One of the major points of discussion is how face-to-face meetings, whether virtual or physical, have been affected by the embracing of this new technology by various organisations and groups. Due to the radical nature in which traditional meetings and appointments have been challenged by videoconferencing, many issues have arisen regarding its application, like whether video-conferencing actually improves communication? Another important discussion involves the cost-saving benefits to organisations, primarily through reducing travel, and how this affects organisations strategically as well as other industries (i.e. hotels, airlines). Since many organisations now compete and communicate internationally, this potential elimination of travel for businessmen and women has far-reaching consequences. This essay seeks to explore these and other issues using three major themes: ICTs have unexpected and paradoxical effects, costs and benefits of ICTs are unevenly distributed throughout organizations and society, and ICTs and socio-technical context are co-produced. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY Videoconferencing is an emerging technology which enables people from any location, with the appropriate set of equipment, to communicate with each other in a virtual ‘face-to-face’ manner. The impact of videoconferencing on organizations has been extensive, with the effects of this technology growing as it becomes more user-friendly and the cost of equipment decreases. As a promising technological advance, videoconferencing has already had recent impacts upon some organisations. From a positive perspective videoconferencing has permitted things like decreases in costs, greater flexibility, and heightened strategic opportunities. Nevertheless, caution must still be applied to videoconferencing, like any new device, with concern now emerging regarding the negative consequences of such technology. These extend too many areas for example interaction, psychological outcomes, and team dynamics. POSITIVE OUTCOMES A primary impact of videoconferencing is that it allows more people to conduct work from home. This has many implications such as reducing the levels of trav... ...ay, Sarah. ‘The world of e-mail and videoconferencing has its advantages and disadvantages’. Financial Times. 5/6/02, p.3 17.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Narraway, Gwyn. ‘Take back the power’. Chartered Accountants Journal of New Zealand, Volume 82 No5: 58, 2003 18.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Neuman, Scott. ‘Executives on a leash’. Far Eastern Economic Review, Volume 166 No.27: 35, 2003 19.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Powell, Dave. ‘Videoconferencing: A wise strategy’. Computer World, Volume 32 No28: 63-68, 1999 20.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rosen, Sheir. ‘Keeping technology in its place’. Communication World, Volume 11 No6: 56, 1994 21.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Schneider, Ivan. ‘Videoconferencing a hit in China’. Bank Systems and Technology, Volume 40 No2: 12, 2003 22.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vine, Phillipa. ‘A meeting of minds’. The British Journal of Administrative Management, Volume 7 No4 12-13, 1999 23.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whittaker, Steve. ‘Rethinking video as a technology for interpersonal communications: theory and design implications’. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Volume 42 No5: 501-529, 1995 24.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wong, Edward. ‘Even After Sars Airlines Suffer On Asian Routes’. New York Times. 12/8/03. p.4 25.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Zielinski, Dave. ‘Face Value’. Presentations, Volume 14 No6: 58-70, 2000

Autobiography of a Simple Girl…Yeah Right.

[ Alicia V. ] February 1st 2013 Autobiography How does one start an autobiography? I tried reading some other works and some would start off with â€Å"Hello my name is†¦ † or â€Å"I grew up in a blah blah blah†. Nothing seemed very inspirational so I guess I'll just start with my name. Alicia. It's just a simple name. I was born on a Friday. My mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico until she was 25, she moved to NYC the late 80s. My dad was born and raised in the Dominican Republic until he was 22; he too decided to move to NYC in the70s.They met at some warehouse in the late 80s and around '89 they started living with each other. Then in January '91, I decided to be free from the comfortable womb. I figured it was time to explore the world. So of course with my Puerto Rican and Dominican parents the only language in the house is Spanish. My dad worked at a school as a janitor and my mother was a babysitter with 14 kids in our small apartment in the Bronx. Th at till this day, we still live in that small Bronx apartment that is now an official daycare. I was my mom's one and only and she worked so hard so I could get whatever was best for me.She would buy fabric and by the end of the week, I would have a new dress ready to show off to the world. She would match whatever outfit I was wearing with my shoelaces, if I happen to be wearing sneakers. I was her doll. I was her baby. Until I was 5, my dad would take me to the barbershop and get my boyish haircut, basically and small little fro. I don't what in the world was going through my parents mind but I looked like a boy if I didn't wear a dress until I was 5. This isn't even a joke. When I was four I looked like 6 year old, so anyone who would walk past would say, â€Å"Wow, that little boy of yours is so adorable†.And then my mother would say, â€Å"She's a girl†. My mother told me that they would just walked away out of embarrassment. I think around the fifth or sixth time someone has said that my mom decided that it wasn't a good idea that I kept getting the boyish haircut. Back to my father, my father thought of me as his prized possession. Since I am the only child that he helped raise with. You see my father hasn't been so innocent in his life. He went around in his youth and well I'm his fourth child from his fourth woman. It’s the biggest stereotype of most male Dominicans; I still chuckle about it.I have an older brother named Charlie. Second oldest is Melisa and then the third oldest is Angie, and then there's me, just in case you forgot. Also since I am the youngest, I'm his baby. But there has been tension in my family due to my father's actions. So siblings. Yeah, I love them to death but like I kind of explained before†¦ tension. My brother Charlie, the oldest, the boy or I should say man. The one who carries the name has done some bad things and sadly had to pay the price. In my freshman year of High school, my brother was se nt to prison for manslaughter.I personally do not know if he really did it but they gave him fifteen years. Around that time I entered my â€Å"Goth† phase, but I don't believe I have left that phase. All through high school I was angry and depressed. But I never took my frustration to my parents, which I should have but I fear that they would be so disappointed, so that kind of steered me away from rebellion. It's weird I know, but I was a strange person growing up. My sister Melisa, the one I wish I got to understand better must secretly hate me. She has two kids, they are sweet but I don’t see them as much.My sister Angie, I grew up with her for a bit. I love her, but she was a misunderstood teen and made some funky decisions that made some explosive arguments between our dad and her. She was considered the black sheep of the family. I love her to death but now I don’t see her. She had three kids, and I became an aunt when I was seven because of my sister. No w my sister is ten years older than me, so she was a teen mom and my father hated that. Luckily he was nice to his grandchildren except for one. Now no more of this or this will turn into a chapter book. High school was absolutely boring.I entered a predominantly black and Hispanic high school, even though they were all for diversity you would see that in my school. I was an honor student. I didn’t get bothered or bullied because everyone thought I did voodoo because they were so ignorant. I was a Goth not a witch even though I befriended a witch. She caused the trouble. But that did rid the bullies and even the gangsters away. They were just friendly to me. I kept a camera around and I would record my friends doing stunts and jokes. I would edit it and then in the end we would have a few laughs.That’s when I realized that I loved painting too. I spent more time in the art room then my other classes, and yes I got really good grades. High school, now thinking about it, went by really fast. College! Now that was the best times of my life. I went to a school far away from home. I wanted to be away from my overprotected parents. I wanted to be free and learn how to cook for myself and do my own laundry whenever I wanted to. I was able to paint and experience new things that my parents will never know. The college I went to was out of a fantasy book.Filled with haunted stories and farms to no end. The best parts would be the friends that I made, all the art classes I took and the lake. It was something I wasn’t used to. I lived in a city for eighteen years and living in that place rural with closest city an hour away. So it was a huge culture shock, but I made the greatest friends a girl could ever make. I was there for three years, I have found love and I have found so much knowledge. I grew up when I was there. Sadly I couldn’t afford it, so I took a break from school and withdrew from that school.Seven months I wasn’t in schoo l. Looking for a job, failed miserably. So here I am typing this down. I’ve been helping my mother with the 7 or so children in the daycare. To entertain myself I created arts and craft for toddlers. I taught my 2 year old how to write. Right then and there I realized that I wanted to be a teacher, again. I’ve always wanted to be that but I always kept that to myself. I am back in school. Soon I will be the art teacher that I want to be. But for now, stay in this new school, enjoy the city and just be me.

What skills are needed to make an effective team member

Good communication skills are essential in making an important contribution to a team. Different elements of these are outlined in the following paragraphs. In our event unit 18 I kept an upright body posture to help me communicate my message in a confident way, for example I avoided crossing my arms in a defensive position when speaking to people, when listening to someone else, I would smile, frown, laugh or be silent at appropriate times to show that I understand and to give feedback when working in a team work situation. Tact is a very important teamwork skill. During my event unit I respected others and their ideas; I tried not to consciously abrupt or cut off other people while they are still trying to say something. Everyone in the team is important and deserves respect, so I listened to their ideas and valued their contributions. I was sensitive and tactful in disagreements. Raising team morale and reducing tension in a team is very important when defusing resolving conflict within a team. Once there was a disagreement between two team members and I resolved this by stepping in and trying to identify the positives in both positions; making it a ‘win-win' situation. It is even better if you can anticipate conflict as actions can be taken before hand to avoid it. Conflict generally occurs when people have different ways of working, different characters, or give different values to their own contribution to the team. If one person is likely to try to force their view on others without listening to alternatives – then I would encourage others to put forward their views first. Earlier in my assignments I have studied that the difference between a group and a team is that a team is all about shared responsibility in achieving goals. We have also studied that there are two main elements of teamwork – concern to complete the task and concern to support the process. Concern for team members is a vital process skill. Tasks are completed better when everyone is pulling in the same direction a united team is a motivated team. A genuine concern should be displayed so team recuperation and performance will increase to a higher level. Many of us pay little attention to the quality of our listening, leaving a gap between hearing others and really listening to what they have to say. Real listening involves three steps: 1. Hearing – this is listening well enough to catch what the speakers have to say. E.g. if the speaker is talking about team roles and says that it is important to have a leader. You hear jus enough to repeat this fact- then you have what was said. 2. Understanding – you absorb what has been said and understand it in your own way. When you heard the speaker say that it is important to have a leader then you understand that the speaker could be suggesting that the team should have a leader. 3. Judging – this is when you understand what the speaker has said and you will want to judge whether it makes sense. To get to stage three you really need to listen carefully. So attentive listening can create a good team listener- someone who is willing to see that the sum of the team is greater than the individual parts. I have felt this before as I have seen that other people have good ideas which are better than my own. Questioning is useful, it helps clarify issues in a team and displays awareness for areas that need clearing up. If people don't ask questions they are more likely to make mistakes. I have found in my event unit that by asking a question politely, when you are unsure of something, the chances are that someone else in your team is also not sure but was too polite or scared to ask. Sincerity is important. Sincere and honest people are preferred to the superficial. One of the main criticisms of team members is that they are ‘two faced' or ‘insincere'. Teams should be built on trust. In our event unit, all team members put forward their ideas and contributed to the team in a sincere and open way, which is why we created a powerful team. You need to feel sure that your ideas are worth sharing if you want to speak clearly and confidently. Focusing on the key message that you want to get across and avoid getting sidetracked into irrelevant issues. Long pauses and ‘ers' and ‘ums' that break up the flow of your message should be avoided. When presenting powerpoints in my event unit or speaking with customers and team members I would take this into account. In one circumstance, I had to speak to a member of the management staff and I was told I speak articulately. A good team member needs to be organised, areas to work on will include the following: * Preparation for meetings – it is important to be effectively prepared for your meetings. Ensure you arrive on time and have done the appropriate background work. E.g. if the meeting is to discuss an action plan, you need to ensure that you have completed all the actions required from the last meeting. If you are being asked to present information you should ensure that it is set out in a summary paper that is clear and easy to understand. Dates of meetings and other important team activities should be put into your diary, you need to monitor that you haven't double booked meetings on your calendar. * As a team member it is important to be able to identify key issues facing your team. Consider what these issues are and then about the best ways of presenting them to your team. E.g. an issue we had in our event unit was that we didn't confirm what we were going to sell so we had a team meeting to resolve this issue. Having identified what the root causes of these issues were it was necessary to broach them in a tactful and sensitive way. * Teams should create schedules laying out when activities have to be carried out. Team work activities usually involve targets and deadlines. Scheduling involves identifying the key stages and processes that need to be completed. Dates should be attached to the completion of these activities and team members allocated responsibilities on a clear schedule. Our event unit required us to create schedules. A crucial element of scheduling activities at the personal level is effective time management. In order to develop this skill it is necessary to allocate time in a well organised way. By focusing on one activity at a time it is possible to maximise attention on that activity before moving onto another prioritised area. In our event unit our teacher advised to us to use a method of allocating time through a value analysis of time called the ABC analysis. * ‘A' activities are those that are ranked as very important. They can be effectively carried out by the person involved or team working with that person. * ‘B' activities are important but can be delegated. E.g. in our event unit it was my job to obtain a game console, I did this by myself but as another team member working in the same department as me, as a backup, so if I could not obtain the game console he would. * ‘C' activities are less important but usually represent the lion's share of the work. They include routine tasks such as paperwork and telephone calls. In our event unit we had to create flyers, leaflets etc to promote our business. To meet deadlines, we focused on the most important ‘A' task and completed one or two ‘A' tasks each day then a further two to three ‘B' tasks and set aside some time for ‘C' marks. This helped us to complete tasks on schedule when new carefully prioritise activities and gave appropriate time to the most important ones. * Responsibility – allocating responsibility is important in team work. At the end of the day the team needs to take responsibility for getting team tasks completed to a standard on time. But within the team it is vital to allocate responsibilities to individuals. A vital teamwork skill thus involves taking on responsibility. We were all allocated by our manager in our event unit 18. Self management is when we are able to manage ourselves effectively in our interactions with others. This is very important because as people are asked to take on more responsibility in organisations it can lead to increasing levels on stress and frustration if others do not accept their responsibilities. However we were a well managed group in our event unit 18 so this situation did not occur. * Responsiveness – good team workers are responsive to the needs of their team and to the needs of other team members. They respond to emails, they respond to other forms of communication and they respond to the challenges of creating a great team. A responsive team member rises to any team challenge that comes their way. * Adaptability – team workers need to be able to adapt to changing situations. Modern organisations are characterised by change, in our event unit 18 team workers are frequently asked to adjust to changing situations by: * Making decisions for themselves when dealing with customers. * Taking on more responsibility * Dealing with situations they have never faced before * Taking on new team roles – perhaps roles that they have not played before e.g. to chair a meeting. * Consideration of options – in most problem solving and decision making situations there are options to choose from. Teams are likely to generate more options than individuals working alone. A good team member will seek to find out as many different options as possible. They will then consider the options and help the team come up with a decision to choose the best option. A poor team worker will only consider one option- their own. For example in our event unit 18 we all had different ideas what to do for the event. * Maintaining focus – people tend to be only to concentrate on tasks for a relatively short period of time. Then they lose focus. This means that a team project can get off to a good start before losing momentum. Jus before the deadline date people regain focus- but often it is too late. This happened quite a lot in our event unit 18 as, to be honest, we are teenagers and easily distracted by internet gaming, online shopping, but thanks to our manager and teacher we were motivated to maintain focus and we held a successful event before it was too late. * Openness to criticism – we should all be open to criticism in order to improve ourselves, good criticism should focus on processes rather than judgments about people. E.g. when I created a business logo, I went round the group and asked them whether they liked the design or not, from their feedback, I tweaked my the original logo and created a couple of other logos, from which the whole group, picked one, this brought the group together and made us feel more like a team. ‘That didn't work, perhaps we could do it this way' is positive criticism which helps the team move forward. If providing criticism is focused on processes then we should accept it in a good spirit. Process criticism helps us to make improvements to our practice. I think that these skills were important for my unit 18 event and in general too.