Management and Group Essay

Reliable, Planning and organizing, resourceful, capable of making sound decisions with her job, not widely affected by emotions †¢How can understanding stages of group development and group properties help employees in a work group function more effectively? As a manager, how would you help employees come to that understanding? Understanding the stages of group development is very important to anyone involved in a group or organization. Understanding the stages can make for a healthy group because in order to perform well you need to have accomplished the prior stages before moving on. Understanding the stages of group development enables employees to work more effectively since results in a clear plan. The stages enable employees to work together as a group to finish the assignments that the company has. As a manager, I would sit down the employees and give them to bottom line. Typically when groups have an idea of the main goal or plan, the individuals come together to work towards that goal. †¢Although the optimal level of conflict can be functional, no conflict or too much conflict can be dysfunctional. What steps would you as a manager take to stimulate some degree of conflict when appropriate and reduce conflict when it is excessive? I would ask tough hard questions to stimulate a degree of conflict when it is appropriate. I would also use conflict in problem solving type training just to see how the employees react. Knowing how your employees react during stressful times is a great thing for managers to know. †¢What is the difference between a group and a team? Would your strategy be different for putting together a group than creating a team? Explain your answer. A group is a collection of individuals who coordinate their individual efforts. On the other hand, a team is a group of people who share a common team purpose and a number of challenging goals. Members of the team are mutually committed to the goals and to each other. This mutual commitment also creates joint accountability which creates a strong bond and a strong motivation to perform. Yes, my strategy would be different. I would have to try to get the group to work towards the same goal whereas a team is already doing just that. †¢In the article, â€Å"Conflict in Work Teams†, the author discusses several strategies for resolving group or team conflict. Which type of strategies seems to fit you best? Compromise is the type of strategy that best fits me. What criteria should you consider when determining the best conflict resolution strategy? I would get the employees to turn their anger around to interact peacefully and productively with their peers. Leaders learn how to conduct presentations, guide discussions, and help participants understand the purposes and pitfalls of anger and how to channel it into constructive and useful actions

Africa and Aids essays

Africa and Aids essays Africa by far, is struggling the worst with its on going battle with AIDS. In comparison with the rest of the world they have the largest number of infected people. Throughout the years more and more people are catching this virus and nothing seems to be getting done to prevent it. In the US as we battle with HIV and the AIDS virus there are discussion groups and early childhood classes on safe sex and how AIDS can be contracted. When the time comes that young adults are beginning to become sexually active they know the precautions they should be taking. Unlike the US Africa holds back on their teachings about sex in schools, for reasons of culture and religion they do not believe in. In 2000 the statistics on the number affected with the virus in Africa was around 23.5 in the US the numbers were slightly under one million. This raises the question what causes Africas population to be overtaken? I found it interesting in the article that employment rates were not close to where they should be. In South Africa, a 1996 study estimated that 52% of the 11 million people aged 16-30 were unemployed, and half of those unemployed people were classified as marginalized, with few prospects of formal sector employment. Employment plays a big role in the spreading of the virus. The fact that there is little money around and so many are without jobs leads them to think of the present instead of the future. Meaning they are more worried about housing and sex that they dont think of where they will be in ten years and the effects of catching AIDS. The other problem with the lack of money in the country is that most people are not helping to find a cure or are spending any money to help the sick. Over the years there has been work done to lessen the affects of AIDS. In the US and in some of the other more powerful countries, millions of dollars have been put towards a cure and slowing the virus down as it...

Vought F4U Corsair in World War II

Vought F4U Corsair in World War II The Chance Vought F4U Corsair was a noted American fighter that debuted during World War II. Though intended for use aboard aircraft carriers, the F4U experienced early landing issues that initially prevented its deployment to the fleet. As a result, it first entered combat in large numbers with the U.S. Marine Corps. A highly-effective fighter, the F4U posted an impressive kill ratio against Japanese aircraft and also fulfilled a ground-attack role. The Corsair was retained after the conflict and saw extensive service during the Korean War. Though retired from American service in the 1950s, the aircraft remained in use around the world until the late 1960s. Design Development In February 1938, the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics began seeking proposals for new carrier-based fighter aircraft. Issuing requests for proposals for both single-engine and twin-engine aircraft, they required the former be capable of a high top speed, but have a stall speed of 70 mph. Among those who entered the competition was Chance Vought. Led by Rex Beisel and Igor Sikorsky, the design team at Chance Vought created an aircraft centered on the Pratt Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine. To maximize the power of the engine, they selected the large (13 ft. 4 in.) Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propeller. While this significantly enhanced performance, it presented problems in designing other elements of the aircraft such as the landing gear. Due to the propellers size, the landing gear struts were unusually long which required the aircrafts wings to be redesigned. In seeking a solution, the designers ultimately settled on utilizing an inverted gull wing. Though this type of structure was more difficult to construct, it minimized drag and allowed for air intakes to be installed on the leading edges of the wings. Pleased with Chance Voughts progress, the U.S. Navy signed a contract for a prototype in June 1938. Chance Vought XF4U-1 Corsair prototype during tests at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), Langley Research Center at Hampton, VA, in 1940-41.   NASA Langley Research Center Designated the XF4U-1 Corsair, the new aircraft quickly moved forward with the Navy approving the mock-up in February 1939, and the first prototype took flight on May 29, 1940. On October 1, the XF4U-1 made a trial flight from Stratford, CT to Hartford, CT averaging 405 mph and becoming the first US fighter to break the 400 mph barrier. While the Navy and the design team at Chance Vought were pleased with the planes performance, control issues persisted. Many of these were dealt with by the addition of a small spoiler on the leading edge of the starboard wing. With the outbreak of World War II in Europe, the Navy altered its requirements and asked that the aircrafts armament be enhanced. Chance Vought complied by equipping the XF4U-1 with six .50 cal. machine guns mounted in the wings. This addition forced the removal of fuel tanks from the wings and an expansion of the fuselage tank. As a result, the XF4U-1s cockpit was moved 36 inches aft. The movement of the cockpit, coupled with the aircrafts long nose, made it difficult to land for inexperienced pilots. With many of the Corsairs problems eliminated, the aircraft moved into production in mid-1942. Chance Vought F4U Corsair GeneralLength: 33 ft. 4 in.Wingspan: 41 ft.Height: 16 ft. 1 in.Wing Area: 314 sq. ft.Empty Weight: 8,982 lbs.Loaded Weight: 14,669 lbs.Crew: 1PerformancePower Plant: 1 Ãâ€" Pratt Whitney R-2800-8W radial engine, 2,250 hpRange: 1,015 milesMax Speed: 425 mphCeiling: 36,900 ft.ArmamentGuns: 6 Ãâ€" 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gunsRockets: 4Ãâ€" 5 in High Velocity Aircraft Rockets orBombs: 2,000 lbs. Operational History In September 1942, new issues arose with the Corsair when it underwent carrier qualification trials. Already a difficult aircraft to land, numerous problems were found with its main landing gear, tail wheel, and tailhook. As the Navy also had the F6F Hellcat coming into service, the decision was made to release the Corsair to the U.S. Marine Corps until the deck landing problems could be resolved. First arriving in the Southwest Pacific in late 1942, the Corsair appeared in larger numbers over the Solomons in early 1943. Marine pilots quickly took to the new aircraft as its speed and power gave it a decisive advantage over the Japanese A6M Zero. Made famous by pilots such as Major Gregory Pappy Boyington (VMF-214), the F4U soon began to rack up impressive kill numbers against the Japanese. The fighter was largely restricted to the Marines until September 1943, when the Navy began flying it in larger numbers. It was not until April 1944, that the F4U was fully certified for carrier operations. As Allied forces pushed through the Pacific the Corsair joined the Hellcat in protecting US ships from kamikaze attacks. F4U Corsair attacks Japanese ground targets on Okinawa, 1945. National Archives and Records Administration In addition to service as a fighter, the F4U saw extensive use as a fighter-bomber providing vital ground support to Allied troops. Capable of carrying bombs, rockets, and glide bombs, the Corsair earned the name Whistling Death from the Japanese due to sound it made when diving to attack ground targets. By the end of the war, Corsairs were credited with 2,140 Japanese aircraft against losses of 189 F4Us for an impressive kill ratio of 11:1. During the conflict F4Us flew 64,051 sorties of which only 15% were from carriers. The aircraft also saw service with other Allied air arms. Later Use Retained after the war, the Corsair returned to combat in 1950, with the outbreak of fighting in Korea. During the early days of the conflict, the Corsair engaged North Korean Yak-9 fighters, however with the introduction of the jet-powered MiG-15, the F4U was shifted to a purely ground support role. Flown throughout the war, special purpose-built AU-1 Corsairs were constructed for use by the Marines. Retired after the Korean War, the Corsair remained in service with other countries for several years. The last known combat missions flown by the aircraft were during the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras Football War.

Role of IT in today's business Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Role of IT in today's business - Term Paper Example In addition, by implementing information technology into their business the corporations have better options for managing their business activities. This paper will outline different aspects of information technology. The basic aim of this research is to examine the impacts of information technology on businesses. Role of IT in Today’s Business Improving business efficiency is the term that can be utilized to describe the scope of information technology role in today’s business. Additionally, at the present, competition in the fast growing trade circumstances requires timeline for people to analyze and implement advance distributing information and knowledge which comes in a more rapid manner than ever before. In addition, it is a key fact that technology plays a crucial role in today's business setting. Seeing that a lot of companies at the present significantly rely on computer machines and software that are valuable for them to provide precise information for their b usiness, to mange them properly. Moreover, IT role in business today has become ever more necessary for all businesses to slot in information technology related solutions to manage them in a successful way. In this scenario, one major aspect that several organizations have adopted IT infrastructure on a large scale by implementing the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems in order to carry out their business transaction, business hosting, marketing and data processing requirements (Bae and Ashcroft; Turban, Leidner and McLean). Majority of businesses today seem to be a balanced flow of knowledge that is available for some organizations that implement information technology inside the business. Additionally, the constant up gradation of IT sector is gradually developing and it results in strong impact on business applications that has changed considerably from the time when the IT enabled organizations were often considered as data processing. Today, in several industries, IT pr ovides such services, which are useful for some businesses to make them more eminent than their competitors in local or international market. In addition, successful managers of companies or corporations examine information technology like a strategic business enabler or as a substitute of an expenditure center; furthermore work for maximal competence and effectiveness of their IT operations. As a result, they can focus on their resources on providing worth to the business and quick reaction to today’s environment of swiftly varying business conditions (TechNet; Turban, Leidner and McLean). The Changing Role of IT in Today's Business Climate At the present, business competitors must make sure that no matter whatever funds they allocate and what investments they formulate are paid incrementally. As a result, in this perspective, capitulate from an IT asset or investment desires to be pretty quick. Additionally, the advancements in information technology have allowed the busine ss society to create a passion with the scope of risk management that various IT executives are finding it to be challenging and difficult to adopt devoid of some external help. In this scenario, partnerships with IT services companies would result in better productivity, global competition, organizational network structures, reduction in the expenditure of failures that are expected and healthy growth rates

As chief accountant of Curtis you are required to write a report to Essay

As chief accountant of Curtis you are required to write a report to the Chairman - Essay Example A Comparison of financial year 2012 with the financial year of 2011 presents that fact that the volume of sales in the retail industry in UK increased by 2.7 percent. Changes in reported retail sales between August 2011 and August 2012 standard reporting periods (by size of business)       Pre-dominantly food Non-specialized pre-dominantly non-food Textile, clothing and footwear House-hold goods Other non-food Non-store retailing Pre-dominantly automotive fuel Total All Retailing including automotive fuel                               increase 107 32 138 72 375 64 23 811 All decrease 97 33 104 77 306 46 50 713    total 204 65 242 149 681 110 73 1524                               Large increase 66 32 110 42 158 30 n.a. 438 decrease 56 33 73 47 107 19 n.a. 335    total 122 65 183 89 265 49 n.a. 773 Small increase 41 n.a. 28 30 217 34 23 373 and decrease 41 n.a. 31 30 199 27 50 378 medium total 82 n.a. 59 60 416 61 73 751 [Ons.gov.uk (1999 ) Retail Sales: August, 2012] With respect to the food merchandise business, there were certain hardships that were faced by the retailer. During the year 2012, costs of both food items and fuel increased, particularly of fuel which resulted in an escalation in the manufacturing cost of the merchandise. Tate & Lyle Plc has in place an import team which constantly monitors the fluctuation in prices of cotton. For the purpose of reducing the cost of fuel, the retailers are now acquiring the help from the appropriate technology to manage the distribution in the most cost effective manner. In addition to that, retailers are now opting annual fixed price contracts. It is considered that the food industry is comparatively remaining consistent. However, it the prevailing market condition especially the low demand of food ingredient in EU countries significantly influence the market and brought the fluctuation the food market. The deterioration in macroeconomic environment as the result of existing financial crisis also negatively affects this sector. Additionally, the market is passing through from the bad time because the consumer and government are more focusing on the healthy lifestyle. A lot of advertisement is doing on the published media, social media to create awareness among consumers to adopt the healthy life style. The second main reason of downward trend of the food market is increase in the sugar prices and other various raw materials. The increase in the input material results in the high price of the end food products. The consumers are price conscious. The purchasing power of the consumer has been tightening due to low income. (b) As the companies being evaluated are situated in Hong Kong, the primary risk that the acquisition of any of these companies entails is that of the currency risk. Curtis Plc needs to have an adequate understanding of what these risks here and how they can be mitigated. The global operations of any multinational require it to a ctively participate in international trade which causes it to be exposed to a great deal of foreign exchange risks. These companies engages in international trade through foreign exchange forward contracts and options and cross currency swaps to hedge various currency exposures. These exposures primarily include assets, liabilities and bonds denominated in foreign currency. Effective financial management requires identification of

Cubist movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cubist movement - Essay Example This â€Å"something that can be conceived but not seen nor made visible† is often referred to as the sublime, a quality of transcendent greatness â€Å"with which nothing else can be compared and which is beyond all possibility of calculation, measurement or imitation† (Wikipedia, 2006). The presence of this sublime element, then, inspires the imagination in a specific direction based on which elements remain visible or understandable. Its significance is in the way in which it brings attention to the uncertainty of meaning inherent in the work, such that no resolution makes itself apparent. For artists of this period, the best way to achieve this sublime element was to forget the training they received in art school in order to recapture the sense of wonder and imagination reflected in art produced by children through the use of ‘primitive’ geometric forms. To understand how the sublime can be communicated through visual art, the work of cubist master Pab lo Picasso will be discussed in terms of materials, subject matter, content, composition, color and impacts of context or the time period in which they were produced. The cubist movement is now widely recognized as an early phase of the avant-garde. Author Peter Wollen recognized it in 1975 as a means of breaking the boundaries of traditional signifiers and make reference instead to the relationship between the signifier and the signified (Wollen, 1975). As this idea expanded, the traditional approach to art of making reference to an established set of symbols was further broken down and explored through abstraction and minimalism. The ultimate breaking down of this was the examination of how the art medium was able to communicate a world of transition and change, reality and illusion within the very context of its delivery. â€Å"What soon emerged as the dominant strand was

Everyday Use by Walker Essay Example for Free

Everyday Use by Walker Essay Although I enjoyed â€Å"Everyday Use† by Walker, I did not find the first person point of view to be as effective as I would have liked it to be. By writing the story from mama’s point of view Walker denies the reader a chance to gain insight to how the other characters are feeling about the situation. The story tends to give the reader a bias opinion of the events that occur in the story. I believe that if Walker had used an omniscient point of view instead of a first person point of view the story would have been a lot more effective. Mama had a very bias opinion of Dee and by using her point of view for the story the reader may adopt her opinion. But had Walker used an omniscient point of view the reader could have gained insight into Dee’s thoughts and feelings. With the gained insight the reader would be given the chance to form his or her own opinion of Dee. Further insight into Dee’s thoughts and feelings would explain to the reader why Dee acts so superior to Mama and Maggie. The reader would get an idea of whether she really did feel superior or if she was trying to hide her true feelings. An omniscient point of view would also give the reader insight into Maggie’s thoughts and feelings. Being a younger sister myself I couldn’t help but wonder how Maggie felt about her sister. Mama gives the impression that Maggie feels about Dee the same way she does. With an omniscient point of view the reader would know whether or not this is true. When given more personal insight into characters I find that I feel more empathy towards them and enjoy the story more. It makes it more memorable and meaningful for me.