Organizational Structures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Organizational Structures - Essay Example Organizations use matrix structure when they need expertise that a functional structure offers along with the ability for coping with rapid changes occurring in a specific product line. The structure is superior to both the divisional and functional structures because it allows the functional and divisional aspects of organizational structures to simultaneously operate. The matrix structure is supported by rigorous planning between the functional divisions. For instance, the employees respond to both their line managers as well as their product managers. The matrix structure works well when there is pressure for sharing scarce resources across different product lines. It is also highly beneficial when the environment is rapidly changing and extreme predictive coordination is required across departments. Theoretically speaking, the balance of power between the products a functional leader is almost equal and a high degree of cooperation occurs between managers. It has the following st rengths: Strengths: It offers adjustable sharing of human resources across the organization. It has more flexibility to deal with complex decisions and offers a wider range of input. The matrix structure has the ability to cope with larger product range. Functional specialization can avail more opportunities compared to a divisionalized structure in the organization when the matrix form of structure is implemented. Weaknesses Sometimes the shared authority can create confusion and frustration.

The Terror of War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Terror of War - Essay Example These arguments sound convincing and appear to be more dramatic. However, times have changed now. In this new century, we do not face an enemy who appears to have no face; nor cares of human, moral and ethical standards; nor is respecting any human social values. Such people use violence to force their hateful ideology. For them, violence, killing, terrorism are the only way to bring about their ideology. Al-Qaeda and its terrorist groups around the world have a dangerous and inhumane agenda. Al-Qaeda contributes insurgencies, rebellions and local brands of terrorism (Coolsaet, 2005; pp.100). Under this agenda, they subscribe to a particular doctrine. And, that doctrine dictates them to enforce the tenets of such doctrine around the world. For that, they can challenge any government policies and writ of the government anywhere in the world. They legitimize killing police, army and other law enforcing personals. Interestingly, they are not limited to one particular country rather they have spread in different countries. Al-Qaeda declared its war over the sovereign nations by attacking the United States of America in September 2001. In which more than 3,000 innocent ordinary American was killed (Curtis, 2010; pp. 628). They not only targeted the Pentagon but also hit the airplanes with the World Trade Centre. (Herbst, 2003; pp.138). Even if they had a military agenda to target military installations, they why did they choose to hit Twin Towers? That was not a military target. This proves that terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and its associated groups do not care while launching their attacks. They do not differentiate between military and civilian target. In front of them, both-military and civilians- are deserved to be targeted. So, those who argue that war must not be taken and it must be avoided. They must give some serious thought over the latest inhumane form of terrorism. There are certain critics who criticize the U.S. government over its actions in Afgha nistan and other parts of the world. But, it is reminded to them, initially, the U.S. government and other governments did give some time and asked the Afghan government to hand over the Al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden. Instead of going directly into the war, the Government of the United States of America did try to avoid the war option.

John Lockes and Aristotles Understanding of Moral Life Essay

John Lockes and Aristotles Understanding of Moral Life - Essay Example Similarities and differences between John Locke and Aristotle’s understanding of moral life and model of governance While both thinkers focus on extralegal action, their intention is deepen mankind’s understanding of the competing to political theory. According to the Lockean view, self-preservation, liberties and estates causes men to support the legitimacy of government. On the other hand, Aristotle suggests that, the wants and interests of mankind must be secured, for political life to exist. However, Aristotle also explains that every regime aims for a common good and exist for the sake of living well. On another note, Locke reiterates that, human organizations exist in a state of nature where they have different ends, ties and bound (Maloy, 2009). This position is similar to Aristotle’s; however, he does not distinguish what is social or political. Aristotle considers social organizations to be part of the political community. Further, Aristotle asserts that men cannot live without the polis or government. Aristotle considers political association to be the most sovereign. Furt her, he views politics as part and parcel of human life. Politics according to Aristotle plays a role in fulfilling all aspects of human needs (Edmundson, 2013). Conversely, Locke differentiates social and political and suggests that while men are social by nature, their politics is not guided by nature. Locke further states that government is also not natural and its role is limited when it comes to serving human interests.

Genetically modified seeds Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Genetically modified seeds - Assignment Example This report summarizes public awareness on GM seeds, their benefits, risks, safety concerns, environmental concerns; and makes recommendations based on these findings. This study uses simple random sampling. The population of the sample includes individuals in the neighbourhood who were randomly selected. Findings are based on case data to derive general conclusions. To meet the objectives of this study, a questionnaire focussing on the objectives of the study was established. Most people said that there is little public awareness about GM seeds. However, eight out of fifteen respondents said that over 70% of foods in grocery stores contain an ingredient grown from GM seeds, which did not surprise them. The results showed that most consumers do not have entrenched knowledge about the benefits and risks of genetically modified seeds. However, most people are suspicious that GM seeds pose health and environmental risks. People are generally uncertain about consumer benefits from GM seeds. Environmental threats posed by GM foods are the leading contributors of these uncertainties. Although most people are concerned about safety of GM seeds, more concern is on the risk these seeds pose to the environment. When asked on benefits of GM seeds to consumers and farmers, nine out of fifteen respondents indicated that GM seeds have richer nutritional value, higher quality and are better priced. Five of the respondents claimed that GM seeds are drought resistant, pest resistant and weed resistant. Most respondents were aware that the seeds would ensure adequate food supply for the booming population. Six respondents argued that GM seeds would lead to high quality foods free from chemicals needed to keep pests and weeds away. Eleven respondents felt that GM seeds would greatly benefit farmers in producing high yields and reducing production costs. Results indicated concerns about future

Contrast leadership and power Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Contrast leadership and power - Essay Example owerful person rewards or pays the cooperative followers, he/she encourages goal-directed behavior and when such rewards are withdrawn or threats and intimidations are issued, the unwanted behaviors are discouraged while the desirable ones are encouraged. (Nye, 2-3) The powerful are influential over their powerless dependants and the greater the follower’s dependency, the greater the power of the powerful. Dependency rises with the rise of the scarcity, importance and the non-substitutability of the resources that the powerful controls. In contrast, leadership is mutual and aims at everyone’s autonomy as opposed to dependency. (Prentice Hall inc, 2-5) Leadership can be defined as the ability to influence and motivate followers towards achievement of a common goal or purpose. Leaders are people of integrity, visions and charisma – they inspire and not coerce. Unlike power that operates from being in control over valued resources, leadership motivates without necessarily being in control of resources. Leadership is set on a common goal and requires the compatibility of the goal with the followers for common good. Power on the other hand is a means of achieving personal goals and requires the followers to be dependent thus to work in compliance with their leaders. Power is therefore egocentric while leadership is exercised to the benefit of all. A leader puts others first before self while the vice versa is true with the powerful (Prentice Hall inc, 5 and Ciulla, et al, 285) Leadership influences intrinsically as opposed to power that is used to attain lateral and extrinsic influence. Power uses rewards and punishment which makes followers feel that their behavior is externally demanded i.e. extrinsic motivation. When such rewards are absent, the powerful looses control and direction of behavior. This is contrary to leadership that transforms the feelings and thoughts persuasively and intrinsically devoid of rewards, promises or threats and intimidations.

Gay Community in the Army Essay Example for Free

Gay Community in the Army Essay The story of the African American struggle after the Emancipation Declaration is quite significant in the current occurrences in the United States. One issue that has mirrored the struggle of the freed slaves has been the struggle of the gay community for acceptance in the military and to enjoy marriage rights just as the heterosexual couples. While there are similarities between these two historical happenings as both sought to have equal rights, privileges and treatment just like other citizens of the land, there are also some quite significant differences between the two. While the gay community has been struggling to have protection rights and recognition in the military, the freed slaves were happily recruited in the military but were never extended the privileges of having legal marriages (Berlin, Reidy Rowland, 1982). Policies that have been adopted by the military over the years have been quite discriminating against the gay community and those serving in its ranks. At some point, the homosexuals were entirely banned from joining the military. And although the gay rights movement has struggled to have their members join the military, the war is far from over. Just as was experienced by the freed slaves in the military who were never extended the rights to vote and legally marry, the gay community still suffers discrimination and lack recognition in the military. This is coupled with lack of laws to recognize their marriages. Outside the military, the other comparison between these two struggles has to be in the social and political spheres. While the freed slaves were concerned with lack of political and social rights which they could not enjoy, the gay community problems have been even worse. The current federal laws do not any bit recognize gay people let alone their marriages. The law therefore does not simply prohibit but perpetuate discrimination in all fronts (Nguyen, 1999). Just as was the case during the struggle by the free slaves to enjoy equal social and political rights which were prohibited by laws, the law again has been used to discriminate against sexual orientation. In conclusion, the two struggles are more similar than different and the only difference is probably the historical times of their occurrence. Common in both of them is the inherent intolerance of minorities in our culture. Laws are erected on the way to justify our convictions against people or practices we do not like. Nevertheless, just as the struggle of the African American, the gay community may triumph someday. References Berlin, I. Reidy, J. Rowland, L. S. eds (1982). Freedom: A Documentary History of Emancipation, 1861-1867, Series 2, Vol. 1, The Black Military Experience, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. Nguyen, M. T. (1999). Civil Rights – the History of Gay Rights. Retrieved on August 9, 2010, from http://webcache. googleusercontent. com/search? q=cache:er-MHl1Bb6sJ:www. enderminh. com/minh/civilrights. aspx+struggles+of+gay+community+to+be+accepted+in+the+militarycd=4hl=enct=clnkgl=keclient=firefox-a

Recommendations for the Children Act 2004

Recommendations for the Children Act 2004 The Children Act 2004 created the office of Childrens Commissioner. If you were to be appointed to this office, which changes and innovations would you propose to the law and policy relating to children and the family to ensure that your function is fulfilled? How would you justify such changes and innovations? Introduction The Children Act 2004[1] was the product of a Government consultation exercise informed by the publication of the Every Child Matters[2] Green Paper which was drawn up to complement the Government’s formal response to the Victoria Climbià ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ©, Inquiry Report.[3] The Act provided for the establishment of the post of Children’s Commissioner to ensure a voice and lobbyist for children and young people at a national level. The current incumbent of this post is Professor Al Aynsley-Green. Section 2 of the Children Act stipulates that the Commissioners role will be to promote awareness of the interests and views of children and young adults up to the age of 20 including those in care or with learning disabilities. The Commissioner is also empowered to hold inquiries on direction by the Secretary of State or on his own initiative into cases of individual children with wider policy relevance This paper makes various proposals aimed at improving the current regime of law, policy and administration concerning the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults in the United Kingdom.[4] Bullying in Schools Bullying is a serious issue and something that affects the life of almost every child at one point or another in their time at school. It is also an issue for adult society, given that bullies sometimes take their habits into later life and that victims may harbour profound emotional scars long after they grow up. Bullying is consistently highlighted as a key concern, if not the paramount concern, in surveys of children.[5] As such it is submitted that proposals for action in this field would be warmly welcomed. The recent Anti-Bullying Week, which was coordinated by Professor Aynsley-Green, received considerable media attention and attracted the support of high profile media and sporting celebrities such as David Beckham. This indicates that there is widespread support for advances in policy in this area and this is significant because the likelihood of a proposal’s successful adoption and implementation is an important criterion in deciding which suggestions to put forward for consideration. Some shocking incidents have recently increased the momentum behind calls for innovative and progressive enhancement of society’s response to the problem of bullying. In November 2005 Natashia Jackman, aged 15, was attacked by three girls at a school in Surrey.[6] One of the girls used a pair of scissors to attack Natashia, stabbing her in the eye and face. It transpired that Natashia had been the victim of prolonged and concerted bullying at school. It is submitted that tough new intervention in this field is necessary before the situation escalates into one where a terrible incident such as one that occurred in this case takes place. Even more serious are the suicides of schoolchildren who are driven to a final act of desperation after being victimised by other children in classrooms and playgrounds.[7] If given the opportunity outlined in the title to this paper this commentator would make a proactive and effective anti-bullying policy a top priority for immediate action. In particular the following reforms are recommended: (a) A senior member of teaching staff at every primary and secondary school should be appointed as bullying surveillance officer. This position should be recognised and incorporated within the workload of the staff concerned, allowing sufficient time for the fulfilment of this duty and the role should be subject to external quality assessment, just as teaching is. (b) External speakers should be engaged to address children on bullying at school assembly. These should include authority figures such as police officers (who can explain the criminal consequences of such action), adult victims of bullying who can relate the experiences and the impact bullying had on them with force and even celebrities and notable figures could be enlisted to tour schools and offer influential advice. Professional footballer Rio Ferdinand recently starred in an anti-bullying television campaign[8] and it should be possible to gather together a sizeable team of prominent people who could participate in a scheme that would grab the attention of pupils and speak to them at their level. (c) Specialist bullying mediators should be appointed to local education areas with appropriate skills and experience and a dedicated remit to deal with bullying both at school and in the homes of victims and perpetrators alike. It is argued that teachers simply don’t have the training to conduct such sensitive work and negotiation and the matter is too serious to be left to concerned amateurs, no matter how much classroom experience they may have. (d) Pupils at all levels should be required to sign an anti-bullying pledge which emphasises that acquiescence in the face of bullying is an act that will itself attract punitive sanction under the school’s disciplinary code. Almost all of us will remember witnessing bullying, often sustaining bullying, of particular children from our schooldays, and almost all of us will probably regret failing to intervene to assist at the time. (e) School disciplinary mechanisms should deal sharply with any incidents of bullying, imposing stern and escalating punishments including suspension and possible exclusion and involving parents at an early stage. Moreover, the victims of bullying must be effectively protected in the process. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that teachers sometimes prefer to deal with the complaints of one set of parents of a bullied child, rather than tackle four or five sets of parents of the bullies themselves. This is an appalling state of affairs and one that must be brought to an end forthwith. (f) A peer mentoring system should be introduced nationwide, to offer the victims of bullying the opportunity to speak with respected older children who have undergone training. Occasionally victims will be intimidated by the prospect of complaining to a teacher or even a parent. The other advantage of this suggested scheme is that peer mentors will typically have a better grasp of ‘ground-level’ activities and politics within a school than the most well- informed teachers. A range of incentives could be offered for participation in this scheme, and volunteering might prove especially attractive to older students with one eye on character references for work and university. (g) A comprehensive national education and advertising campaign should be launched to back up these reforms. If sustained, such a campaign is capable of producing an attitudinal shift in society from one of generally passive acquiescence to one of intolerance and proactive intervention. Thirty years ago car seatbelts were considered an annoyance at worst and an optional extra at best, however a concerted campaign shifted opinions to such an extent that for most people riding in a car without a seatbelt is now unthinkable just a generation later. Public campaigns have proved equally successful in such fields as passive smoking and there is no reason why a properly funded and lengthy anti-bullying campaign could not produce a similar seismic shift in our collective attitude to the activity. Better coordination, clarified responsibilities, increased funding This commentator would make it a priority to bash heads together (ie. encourage better liaison and cooperation) among local authorities and key agencies to improve the service that they collectively provide to children. At present too many children either fall through the cracks in the system or have pressing needs overlooked because the division of responsibilities between different agencies and bodies is unclear, piecemeal and patchy. Perhaps the best and most notorious example of this problem is the appalling case of Victoria Climbie, the inquiry into which presented shocking findings suggesting poor communication and coordination between responsible agencies. Moreover the general scarcity of resources dictates that it is often difficult for agencies to extend themselves beyond their own traditional spheres of activity in cases which may merit such action. It should surely be a priority in any general programme of reform to support child welfare professionals, be they working in the social services, police, education or health services, in an effort to work together more effectively, share information to identify difficulties and concerns, and provide the appropriate assistance more efficiently. To this end the creation of universal national database holding all information relevant to children and young people and the interests that concern them is recommended. It is time to exploit fully the exponentially growing power of technology in a way that is beneficial to children. A policy aimed at improved integration and enhanced cooperation must also entail measures to ensure better and clearer accountability for childrens services. For too long children have suffered from ambiguities in this crucial area. It is contended that concrete accountability in particular should perhaps be the ultimate aim of any proposed reform. Public and professional accountability is without doubt to best way guarantee diligence in any office. This clutch of proposals must go hand in hand with concerted lobbying for more funds from Government. Quality costs that is something that every parent understands on an individual level in respect to the care of their own children and it is something that the community should be susceptible to accept on a collective basis for the nation’s young. It is submitted that such a funding priority should prove more popular with the electorate than almost any other drain on the public purse. In simple terms, it can only be a vote winner for a Government beset with criticism over funding of such endeavours as the Iraq War and it chimes with the overarching policy of comprehensive, all-inclusive care endorsed by the Beveridge report[9] which founded the welfare state. Child Health and Welfare It is proposed that new policies are implemented to address specific problems that affect the health and well-being of the nation’s youth. While some apparent progress has been made in other sections of society it is damning fact that smoking rates are actually on the increase among children, in particular girls.[10] Approximately sixteen per cent of girls currently smoke, compared to around twelve per cent of boys. More than half of all children, male and female have consumed alcohol and a significant number are regular drinkers. Perhaps more startling is the fact that around seventeen per cent of children have abused solvents and a similar proportion have taken drugs, such as cannabis. Around twelve per cent of children claim to be sexually active or at least to have had sexual experience. Married to this statistic is the fact that the United Kingdom is top of the European league table for teenage pregnancy. Another concern for the health and well-being of the nation’s children is linked to dwindling participation rates in physical activity, both in and out of school hours, and to the point that standards of nutrition are negatively affected by the high and increasing consumption of convenience foods, fast foods, carbonated drinks and sweets. Girls have slightly healthier nutritional tastes than boys on average but sweets and sugary drinks are consumed at around twice the rate of fresh fruit and vegetables on a meal by meal basis. In isolation every one of the above statistics is a cause for serious concern. When viewed collectively it is submitted that these facts present a startling picture which demands immediate and concerted attention. If this commentator was to be appointed Children’s Commissioner a basket of policies would be recommended to improve the health and welfare of the nation’s children. Proposals would include restrictions on advertising, tax measures designed to reward (rather than punish as is the case today) healthy dietary choices, and hard hitting campaigns educating about the risks of drug and substance abuse. It is hard to argue that the age for smoking should be increased above sixteen, given that a person can get married or join the army and fight and die for his or her country at that age. However, the sale of cigarettes to minors should be more rigorously detected and punished and general measures to deter smoking in the adult population would reduce both the number of role models and exposure to passive smoke in the home and community. In terms of sexual health, a policy leaning away from permissive rights to emphasise more strongly responsibilities and risks would be advocated and a more open and accessible sexual education programme, such as that successfully employed at Scandinavian schools would be suggested. Concluding Comments A society can be judged by the way in which it treats its most vulnerable citizens. The office of Children’s Commissioner carries the heavy burden of safeguarding and furthering the interests of the nation’s youth, which is the nation’s future, and as such it is a function that must be carried out with commitment, verve and vigour. It is submitted that the proposals set out in this short paper would, if implemented, attract popular support and therefore access to funding and improve the lot of children nationwide. Moreover, at first and indeed second sight it is hard to conceive of any cogent argument against the concerted pursuit of such objectives. As such these proposals merit serious consideration for prompt and wholehearted adoption. THE END WORD COUNT: 2298 (excluding footnotes bullying was given particular emphasis as requested) BIBLIOGRAPHY Every Child Matters, Department for Education and Skills (2003) Victoria Climbie, Inquiry Report, Lord Laming (2003) Report to Parliament on Social Insurance and Allied Services, (Cmd. 6404) London: HMSO, 1942 ISBN: 0108502767 Bullied Girl Stabbed with Scissors: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1868635,00.html Suicide ruling over bullied girls death, The Scotsman, 14 May 2005 Survey of smoking, drinking and drug use among secondary school children, Office of National Statistics: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ssd/surveys/survey_smoking_drinking_drug_use_among_ secondary_school_children.asp 1 Footnotes [1] The Act received Royal Assent on 15th November 2004. [2] See: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/socialinclusion/youngpeople/greenpaper.html [3] See: http://www.victoria-climbie-inquiry.org.uk/finreport/summary-report.pdf. [4] Although it is noted that there is a separate Commissioner for each national jurisdiction within the United Kingdom. [5] The BBC television programme Newsround provides an online forum on bullying. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/specials/bullying/default.stm. [6] Bullied Girl Stabbed with Scissors: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1868635,00.html. [7] See: Suicide ruling over bullied girls death, The Scotsman, 14 May 2005; and, inter alia: http://www.tinotopia.com/log/archive/2002/03/26/bc_schoolgirl_bully_convicted.htm; [8] See: http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/0000000CA8E9.htm. [9] Report to Parliament on Social Insurance and Allied Services, (Cmd. 6404) London: HMSO, 1942 ISBN: 0108502767. [10] See: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ssd/surveys/survey_smoking_drinking_drug_use_among_secondary_school_children.asp