ACT Science Reasoning Test Information

ACT Science Reasoning Test Information    ACT Science Reasoning. It sounds scary, right? Combining reasoning and science all in one lengthy ACT test section? What sort of monster decided to come up with a test like that? Before you run screaming for the nearest bridge, consider reading the following explanation about what you are really going to encounter on the ACT Science Reasoning section. And yes, it is more conquerable than you can imagine. And before you read the ACT Science Tricks that can help you get the score you want, you should know whats  on  the test first. So keep reading! ACT Science Reasoning Basics If you have read ACT 101, then you already know the following information. But just in case you havent had a chance to take a peek, here are the basics about the science (and often most feared) section of the ACT: 40 multiple-choice questionsYoull read either six or seven passages35 minutes to answer all 40 questionsCan earn you between 1 and 36 points on the overall score (the average is about a 20)Youll also get three scores based on the reporting categories below, which are listed as percentages correct.   ACT Science Reasoning Reporting Categories/Skills ​The ACT wants to provide colleges with information related to the  types  of content in which you shine, so on your score report, youll see the following categories with the number of questions asked in that category along with the percent correct you earned on each type.    Interpretation of Data (approximately 18 - 22 questions): Manipulate and analyze data presented in graphs, tables and diagrams. For instance, youll need to be able to do things like recognize trends, translate table data to graphic data, reason mathematically, interpolate and extrapolate.   Scientific Investigation (approximately 8 - 12 questions): Understand experimental tools and design like identifying variables and controls, and compare, extend and change experiments to make predictions.   Evalutation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (approximately 10 - 14 questions): Judge the validity of a scientific information, make conclusions and predictions like figuring out which scientific explanation is best supported by new findings, etc.  Ã‚   ACT Science Reasoning Content Before you get all worried, dont sweat it! You do not have to have some sort of advanced degree in any of the areas listed below in order to score well on this exam. Not all of this content will be tested. The ACT test-makers will merely pull passages from the following areas. Plus, the test is about scientific reasoning, so even if you don’t remember a few content details, you will still probably be able to figure out the answers to many of the questions in these fields. None require rote memorization. All require that you use your brain and logical reasoning to figure out the questions in the following fields: Biology: biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, and evolution Chemistry: atomic theory, inorganic chemical reactions, chemical bonding, reaction rates, solutions, equilibriums, gas laws, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and properties and states of matter Physics: mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, fluids, solids, and light waves Earth/Space Sciences: geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and environmental sciences ACT Science Reasoning Passages All the questions on the Science Reasoning Test will contain some data given to you in graphs, charts, tables or paragraphs, along with an explanation of what to do with the data. The questions are broken down into 6 or 7 different passages with approximately 5 - 7 questions each: Approximately 3 Data Representation passages with ~4 -  5 questions each: Tests knowledge of graphs, scatterplots, and interpretation of info in tables, diagrams, and figures. Approximately 3  Research Summaries passages with  ~6   -  8  questions each: Tests your ability to interpret results from given experiments. 1 Conflicting Viewpoints passage with ~6 - 8  questions: Gives you two or three different viewpoints on some sort of observable phenomenon and asks you to understand differences and similarities in the hypotheses. ACT Scores and the Science Reasoning Section Obviously, you want this score to be fantastic, so your overall ACT score will be, too. Here are some helpful hints to get your closer to that 36 and farther away from that 0. Read the questions before you read the charts in Data Representation. The Data Representation sections contain very little actual writing. So, before you slog through the charts, read the questions first. In many cases, youll be able to answer the questions by just looking at one chart exclusively. Mark up the text. Physically underline, cross-out, and circle things that stand out to you as you read. Some of the text is going to be pretty heavy, so you’ll want to dissect it as you go to make the most sense of it. Paraphrase the questions. Before you read the answers, put those questions into words you would use if you can’t understand what they’re asking. Cover the answers. Keep your hand over the answers while you read the question. Then, make a wild stab at answering before you uncover your choices. You may just find a paraphrase of your own answer in one of the choices, and odds are, it’s the right choice. There it is – the ACT Science Reasoning section in brief. Good luck! More strategies to improve your ACT score!

Shakespeare Coursework Essays

Shakespeare Coursework Essays Shakespeare Coursework Essay Shakespeare Coursework Essay My version of Romeo and Juliet is set in Britain in 130 AD. This is just after the Romans have invaded Britain; Hadrians Wall has been built to separate to separate the barbaric Scottish tribes away from the civilised Romans in England. In my story Juliet is the daughter of a Roman soldier, Capulet and Romeo is the son of a leader of one of the Scottish clans, Montague.Role-playThat was the worst party I have ever been to. I cant believe hes done this to me. Actually I cant believe that theyve both done is to me. I mean, its only normal for me to want to kill a Montague, a Montague! Our foe! Why would he not let me? Especially a Montague that dares to come to our party. A barbarian at a Capulet party! What is the world coming to?! All I wanted to do as quickly finish him off. Stab him a couple of times and he would have been dead.Dead! Well, we all know that Romeos no fighter, the weakling! If only I hadnt been near LORD Capulet, he would never have heard me say it and it would all b e over and done with by now. But I was there and he did hear me, how I regret that! Ill never forgive him for humiliating me like that. NEVER! How can HE be the leader of our centurion? HE is the worst leader that we have ever had, as he has proved. I tell you one thing; I will kill Romeo, no matter how long it takes me. I will even kill my uncle to get to get to him. I will KILL Romeo the MONTAGUE.DiscussionIn the first section of Act 1 Scene 5 the main characters are the three servants. They should be frantic and panicked and the atmosphere is very rushed so this helps to set the scene and get the audience involved in the scene. The first servant is very bossy and is very stressed Wheres Potpan that he helps no to take away? He shift a trencher! He scrape a trencher! This should be said very quickly and comically. Then the second servant is quite dumb which the audience finds humorous and thy unwashd too, tis a foul thing. The third servant is very calm and relaxed. The contrast b etween the characters is very funny and makes the audience laugh. The section is set in the kitchen and they are wearing servants costumes. The music playing is the faint echo of the music thats playing in the party sort of bouncing against the wall and the lighting is a bit shady.In the second section the main characters are Capulet and his cousin. When Capulet walks in he is very welcoming and plays the happy host, e is in a party mood and teases the girls into dancing. The atmosphere is very bright and happy and the lighting reflects this. The music is jig-like and very jolly so that the characters can dance. This is set in a huge ballroom that is elaborately decorated to show off Capulets wealth and the costumes are gorgeous dresses for the girls and masks on the young men. But this changes and the audience sees a contrast in his attitude when he talks to the servants as he commands them and speaks to them very rudely. More light, you knaves; and turn the tables up. Then he chan ges again when talking to his cousin and they start to reminisce about their youth. Here, they take a seat in a room next door to ballroom and sit.In the section the main character is Romeo and he has just spotted Juliet. He acts as if hes in a trance is fascinated by her What ladys that which doth enrich the hand of yonder knight. He asks in soft as he is in a daze. He uses similes she hangs upon the cheek of night like a rich jewel in an Ethiops ear and metaphors a snowy dove trooping with crows to compare her to other women so that the audience can see that she is amazing and all other girls are insignificant in comparison with her. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight; for I neer saw true beauty till this night shows that he has completely forgotten about Rosaline and is totally in love with Juliet and this is done with the use of rhyme.Shakespeare had introduced the idea of courtly love earlier because Romeo was in love with Rosaline, a girl totally out of his reach h e had put her on a pedestal. She totally ignored his approaches and he was left to despair over her rejections. This section is very important because it is the beginning of their love and their doom. The theme is love. Romeo should stand in the shadows and when he sees her, take of his ask to get a better view of Juliet. Juliet is in the spotlight wearing a white dress that shimmers and reflects of the light as she moves. She notices Romeo and then romantic music starts playing, which will play every time they see each other. This is the instrumental violin music, sort of like whats used in Bahz Lurmans Romeo + Juliet.In the fourth section the main characters are Tybalt and Capulet. Tybalt sees Romeo staring at Juliet and is furious that he dares attend a Capulet part. There is a huge contrast from Romeos soft language to Tybalts fiery and dangerous language. He tries to get rid of Romeo Fetch me my rapier boy he asks in a quiet and menacing voice, wanting t kill Romeo quickly and quietly. Capulet sees him and tries to get him to calm down and stop being in a storm) saying that he would not allow Romeo to be killed here in MY house this gives the impression that Capulet would not care if Romeo was murdered outside of his home.But Tybalt does not like this and loses his temper saying Ill not endure him. Capulet is furious and goes to humiliate Tybalt He shall be endured he says in a stern voice as if talking to a child. Tybalt backs down but Capulet keeps on shouting at him and totally humiliates him. Tybalt is fuming to the point that his flesh trembles which shows that hes so angry that hes shaking. He controls his temper because he has to. In a mean whisper he says This intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bittrest gall. He uses alliteration to show his contempt and the rhyming makes the words more memorable. This gives a sense of foreboding and the audience and knows that something bad will come of the Tybalt situation. The lighting is dark, mayb e a bit of red and there is just one long ominous note of dread.In this section the main characters are Romeo and Juliet. Juliet searches for Romeo and he searches for her. Romeo finds her and pulls her into the next. Romeo and Juliet share a love sonnet which shows that they are both in love; its almost as if their minds are working together and they are in a world of their own. They seem about to start speaking in another sonnet but are interrupted. Although modern audiences might not notice, audiences in Shakespearian times would have. The lighting is very soft and creates a romantic atmosphere. The music is the same as was in the third section when they first saw each other. Shakespeare uses religious language to show the purity and tenderness of their love. Shakespeare shows that Romeo and Juliets love is not fake and the typical courtly love because she doesnt despise him and they both love each other.The main characters in this section are the Romeo, the Nurse, Benvolio and C apulet. Capulet is standing on the stairs and is about to retire to his chambers so he bids his guests goodnight. Juliet is standing behind him. Capulet is still talking but the sound goes over to Romeo. Romeo is standing with the crowd of people in the shadows. Still enchanted by Juliet wants to know who she is and asks the Nurse. The Nurse, who is a crude character, is very talkative.He that can lay hold of her shall have the chinks she says, giving Romeo a clue that Juliet is rich. It dawns on Romeo who Juliet is and his world comes crashing down Is she a Capulet? The party music stops. He is devastated that one of the best things to have happened to him could also be the worst. Benvolio tries to tell him that its all for the best but hes oblivious. The spotlight goes onto Juliet as she walks upstairs, away from him (even more out of reach).In the final section the music playing is still the romantic music remnant of the fifth section and Juliet wants to find out who Romeo is but she doesnt want to be too obvious. When the nurse returns an tells Juliet who Romeo is the music stops and she is very unhappy. My only love sprung from my only hate! she says with despair. She knows that her father will never marry a Montague, a dreaded enemy. This is how marriage was in those times. The father picked out a man, usually of higher class for his daughter and she had little choice about whether she would marry him. A girl could be married at young ages such as fourteen or fifteen. She goes into her bedroom. The audience is left looking at an empty stage.

Looking For Alaska Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Looking For Alaska - Research Paper Example In the novel, Looking for Alaska by John Green, a girl named Alaska mysteriously dies, and her friends must go on a  journey to figure out what exactly happened to her. Not only do the readers follow them on their journey, but they are also given a look into the suffering of Alaska and her own quest to find the end to hers. Although many people suffer and may consider suicide as their solution. It is essential that they find their own way to end their suffering and escape the Labyrinth, and to do so they need to realize that life has so much to offer, people are there to help them, and with hard work anything is possible. Although many people suffer and may consider suicide as their solution, it is vital that they find their own way to end their suffering and escape the Labyrinth, and to do, so they need to realize life has so much to offer, people are there to help them, and with hard work anything is possible. John Green was born in 1977, in Alabama. John Green is inspired by aut hors like Laurie Halse Anderson and Walter Dean Myers. He began writing his writing career while working at Booklist. In the book looking for Alaska, john green uses his native birth place as the setting for the novel. John Green grew-up in Orlando Florida and attended Kenyon College. In 2007, John and his brother Hank made a pact to cease communication  through texting and only communicate via YouTube video posts. They video posted each other every day. The two brothers named this Project brotherhood 2.0 (Nicholas, 2011). The decision to use YouTube to communicate to each other, inspired ‘nerd fighters’ an online community, who fight for intellectualism and try to reduce by large the level of suck worldwide. This attempt has received thousands of dollars through donations from various charities (Nerdfighters, 2012). We are all born with hope and desire to fulfill and have a purpose in life. The finding of this purpose is beneficial to individuals. The effort to find this purpose is all left to an individual. Looking for Alaska is a story about finding that purpose in an individual’s life. Miles describes  the labyrinth suffering  as the greater perhaps in life and quotes from Francois Rabelais (Green, p.5). In looking for Alaska, John Green uses his characters to demonstrate the search for this purpose in life. He says, â€Å""Imagining the future is a kind of nostalgia. (...) You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking about how you'll escape it one day, and how fearsome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it. You just use the future to escape the present."(Green 30) The distractive lifestyles of the teenagers, dabbles in sex and drugs and the pranks, this is all an attempt to find their purpose in life. As one is trying to find their purpose in life, they meet obstacles and suffer  along the way. How  a  person  deals or perceives this suffering is notable as it will help how one tackles with them. The paper discusses the different answers that the characters in looking for Alaska give after searching themselves. Alaska’s last words were â€Å"how do I get out of this labyrinth of suffering?† this word taunted her classmates as well as those that she told. They all try to find an answer to this question. Throughout the book, this question is answered. To some they thought that the only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is through death. Miles and Alaska are out to find the

Comparison between Canada's Military Correctional System and the Research Paper

Comparison between Canada's Military Correctional System and the United States Military Correctional System - Research Paper Example The responsibility of the Army Correctional Command ACC is the management of resources like force structure, budget, personnel and the day to day operations of the U.S Military Corrections System (Grande, 2009). The U.S Military Corrections system has two oversees facilities in Germany and Korea, two medium security regional facilities in Fort Sill Oklahoma and Fort Lewis Washington, and one maximum security prison ( U.S Disciplinary Barracks ) in Fort Leavenworth Kansas. Both the regional Military Corrections facilities and U.S Disciplinary Barracks provide a complete range of custodial and correctional treatment programs to military offenders regardless of the branch of service, and the only maximum security facility in the department of U.S defense is the U.S Disciplinary Barracks. The military corrections system comprise of three level tiers: Level-1 accommodates inmates with sentence of less than one year. The level-1 tier has no different from the public prisons and most progra ms are the same in comparison. The marine corps operates two facilities; the navy is in charge of six facilities, while the air force manages 36 facilities. The level-1 tier is not controlled by the Army. The level-2 tier accommodates inmates with sentence of less than 7 years and is the middle tier. The majority of military offenders are retained in level two. The army is in charge and controls the better part of level two while the marine corps operates and controls 3 facilities. The Air force does not operate any facility in level two, thus majority of inmates are retained in at two Naval consolidated brigs. The level-3 accommodating inmates with sentence of more than 7 years and inmates whose character pose threat to the national security of the United states. Females are majorly confined in this level so as to benefit from the health facilities, assets and consolidated space. Level-3 tier includes male military. The level-3 does not accommodate pre-trial inmates and its mission is â€Å"Our mission, Your Future†. Unlike the United States of America, Canada has only one Military forces prison named, the Canadian Forces Service Prison and Detention Barracks (CFSPDB), located at the Canadian Forces Based Edmonton. The Canada military prison is maintained and controlled by the Canadian Forces Military Police, although non-commissioned officers NCOs from various branches of the Canadian Forces also serves as staffs at the prison. The prison confines inmates with the jail term not exceeding two years. Military offenders with a crime sentence of more than two years imprisonment are then referred to the public prison after they have been relieved of their duties as Canadian Force Personnel. Rights/Treatment of Inmates The Canada’s detention facilities at Edmonton Alberta have unforgettable experience in store for any soldier who dares to go the wrong path of the law, which is very useful in military personnel behavior corrections purposes. The Canad ian Forces Service Detention Barracks (CFSPDB) inmates go through training, counseling and are assigned various duties majorly hard labor like performing drills. For about two weeks from their arrival, the military prisoners have limited privileges like sleeping and eating, but are not allowed to make phone calls, interacting with fellow prisoners, interact with

Jane's Asylum Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jane's Asylum Research - Essay Example Jane does not wish to do this because her father is abusive to her. She wishes to remain a resident of the U.S., and her uncle in California will become her legal guardian. In order for this to occur, a petition for asylum will need to be filed. While we know that this is the course of action that needs to be taken, there are some present issues that need to be addressed. First, there is the issue of how the petition will need to be filed. According to the Department of justice and other reliable sources, only the parent can file the petition (2002; the City University of New York, 2008; Migration & Refugee Services, 2010). Then, there is the issue of whether or not her uncle can serve as her legal guardian, as refugees under the age of twenty-one are still considered to be children (Refugee Info, 2010; Immihelp ®.com, 1999-2010). Finally, there is the issue of misrepresentation. If a case involving an immigrant is misrepresented, there will be severe consequences for the misrepresentation (Honore, 2005; U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs, 2009). To be sure that we carefully address each of these issues, a thorough research plan will need to be put into place, making sure that each issue is given careful considerati on. This will be done in the following ways: www.refugeeinfo.org Being that this site is devoted to helping refugees, this will be an excellent resource, since Jane is considered to be a refugee and will need to follow the same process that refugee’s do, in order for her to continue to reside in the U.S. legally. Jane’s rights will only be best defended if we have the proper information about the laws regarding the petition of asylum, as well as concerning the proper processes that will need to be followed. Because knowledge is power, it is important that we have as much of it as possible to insure success of this case. Such knowledge can

The Purposes Of Different Types Of Organisations Commerce Essay

The Purposes Of Different Types Of Organisations Commerce Essay An organisation is a formal structure of relationships, responsibilities and authorities through which specific objectives are achieved. A work organisation is a social arrangement for the controlled performance of collective goals (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2004). Purposes of different types of Organisation: Business organisations: To make a profit in a socially standard way. For example: Airlines, Fast food. Non-profit service organisations: They want to help to all of people without any profit. For example: NHS, Universities. Mutual-benefit organisations: Individuals join together to pursue their own self-interest. For example: Clubs, Trade Union. Commonweal organisations: They provide service to all members of a given population. For example: Fire Service, Police. Organisations by their intended purpose: Purpose Primary beneficiary Examples Business Owners Manufacturers, Fast-food, Restaurants Non profit services Clients Universities, Hospitals Mutual-benefit Members Unions, Clubs Commonweal Public at large Police, Public schools Classifying Organizations: Sector classification: Private enterprise organisations: A private sector organisation is one that is owned and controlled by private individuals, not the government and usually exists to make a profit for its shareholders. Public sector organisations: A public sector organisation is one that is controlled by the government. It is called public because the government is responsible to the entire public. Commercial interest classification: Profit oriented: Profit-oriented means pricing strategies rely on setting a product or services price to attain a specific, programmed net profit percentage. Non-profit oriented: In the broadest sense, an organisation in which no part of any net earnings can grow for the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Size oriented classification: Large scale: To access the large-scale data sources efficiently and automatically, it is necessary to classify these data sources into different domains and categories. Medium scale: The demands on an intensely-managed landscape need a regional landscape planning system, which balances the social economic needs with geo-biological conditions. Small scale: Title for firms of a certain size which fall below certain criteria in terms of annual income, number of employees, total value of assets. Formal and Informal Organization: The Formal organization is- Deliberately planned and created. Concerned with the co-ordination of activities, Hierarchically structured with stated objectives, the specification of tasks and defined relationships of authority and responsibility. The Informal organisation is- Is flexible and loosely structured, Relationships may be left undefined, Membership is spontaneous and with varying degrees of involvement. Describe the extent to which an organisation meets the objectives of different stakeholders. [P2] Stakeholders: A shareholder is a  stakeholder  simply because he or she has spent money in a company. Therefore, those people remain for to see a good return on the investment. This may not only consist of the value of the stock increasing over time, but it may also include getting periodical dividend payments based on profitability. Organisational objectives: Objectives are defined as specific commitment to complete a measurable result within a given time frame. Importance of objectives: Targets, Measuring sticks, Commitment and Motivation. Characteristics of objectives: Organisational purpose and aims, Be realistic, Be measurable, Preferably be set by agreement, Set clear and challenging targets, Be open to adaptation, Form a network. Objectives of different Stakeholders: Owners: In a company it would be the shareholders. Owners are often thought to be the most important stakeholders because they have set up the business and give a lot of time into the company to make it successful. Owners like to see their share of profit increasing, and the value of their business increasing. Customers: Customers want superiority for money which involves providing the highest quality products at rival prices. Employees: Their stake is that the company provides them with am livelihood. They want security of employments, good rates of reward and also improvement opportunities. Suppliers: They want to feel valued by the company and want frequent orders with on time payments. Trade Unions: This is for groups of employees who seek to secure higher wages and better working conditions for their members. Governments: The government wants businesses to become successful, to create jobs and to pay taxes. Inducements and contribution of inside stakeholders: Stakeholders Contribution of the organisation Inducement to contribute Shareholders Money capital Dividends Managers Skills expertise Salaries, bonuses, status power Workforce Skills expertise Wages, bonuses, stable employment promotion Inducements contributions of outside stakeholders: Stakeholder Contribution to the organization Inducement to contribute Customers Revenue from purchase of goods and services Quality and price of goods and services Government High quality inputs Revenue from purchase of inputs Unions Free and fair collective bargaining Equitable share of inducements Community Social and economic infrastructure Revenue, taxes and employment General public Customer loyalty and reputation National pride Explain the responsibilities of an organisation and strategies employed to meet them. [P3] Responsibilities of an Organisation: Responsibilities are the most important thing in this topic. Because of an organisation have a plan. So, to success plan, they must be maintaining some responsibilities. The main aim of the research is to give a formal analysis of the relations between collective obligations to individual responsibilities. Which individual agent in a group should be held responsible if an obligation directed to the whole group is not fulfilled? To this aim, concepts from planning fiction (like plan and task allocation) and organization theory are used in order to conceptualize collective agency and the organizational structures. These concepts are formalized in a dynamic demonic logic framework, which allows us to study the connections between all these concepts. I give a formal account of the notion of coordination, power and controls intended as management of interdependencies among agents activities and show how these organizational relations together with specific task breakdown determine the responsibilities within an organization. For example: CSR (Corporate social responsibility) is an organizations moral responsibility to stakeholder groups that are affected directly or indirectly by the organizations actions. An organization can adopt a narrow or a broad stance on social responsibility. Strategies: Once clear targets have been identified, a set of strategies must be decided on to further the organisations efforts. Strategies are defined here as specific programs, initiatives, and decisions which will require resources allocated to them. They can range from the development of Strategies alliances to developing and conveyance special in-house training for customer service. These operating Strategies are usually very special given that the good plans are very clear and focused. Frequently, there may be some Strategies that are critical and yet dont get openly shared, particularly since they may be really sensitive and general knowledge of them would put you at a competitive weakness. The Strategies document the approach that will be used to meet the performance goals. They are generated by middle management and approved by top management. Every effort should be made to keep the Strategies up to date, without making major changes. Major change can also result in the termination of projects that are only partially completed and/or have not become totally effective. It should be apparent that many Strategies are generated by many different functions, supporting the business objectives. Explain how economic systems attempt to allocate resources effectively. [P4] Economics: Economic is a social science that studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. That is, economic is the study of the trade-offs involved when choosing between alternate sets of decisions. (Lionel Robbins, 1935) The purpose of economic activity: It is openly said that the central purpose of economic activity is the production of goods and service to satisfy consumers needs want i.e. to meet people need for consumption both as a means of survival but also to meet their ever-growing demand for an improved lifestyle or standard of living. What goods and service to produce: Does the economic uses its resources to operate more hospitals or hotels? Do we make ipod Nanos or produce more coffee? How best to produce goods and service: What is the best use of our scarce resources of land labour and capital? Should school playing fields be sold off to provide more land for affordable housing? Who is to receive goods and service: What is the best method of distributing products or ensure the highest level of wants and needs are met? Who will get expensive hospital treatment-and who not? Economic Systems: An economic system is best described as a network of organisations used by a society to resolve the basic problem of what, how and for whom to produce. C:UsersKaisar HamidDesktopeconomicsystem.gif Categories of economic system: Traditional Economy: Where decision about what, how and for whom to produce are based on custom and tradition. Free market economy: Where households own resources and free markets allocate resources through the workings of the price mechanism. Planned or command economy:   In a planned or command system typically associated with a socialist or communist economic system. Mixed economy: In a mixed economy, some resources are owned by the public sector (government) and some resources are owned by the private sector. Sectors of production in the economy: Primary sector: This involves extraction of natural resources e.g. agriculture, forestry, fishing, quarrying, and mining. Secondary sector: This involves the production of goods in the economy, i.e. transforming materials produced by the primary sector e.g. manufacturing and the construction industry. Tertiary sector: the tertiary sector provided services such as banking, finance, insurance, retail, education and travel and tourism. Quaternary sector: The quaternary sector is involved with information processing e.g. education, research and development. Meaning of economic scarcity: Scarcity is the fundamental economic problem, in a world of limited resources. Society has insufficient productive resources to fulfil all human wants and needs. For example: Flowers such as tulips are scarce on occasion because they grow only at certain time of the year. When they supply of tulips is lower, they are scarce, or not always available. If enough people want tulips when none are available, then the demand increases. And this demand is high not because the price is high but because the supply is low. Criteria for Allocation: Appropriate means of resource allocation are necessary to achieve optimal allocation of the resource. There are several criteria used to compare of water allocation @owe aelt, 1986. Flexibility in the allocation of existing supplies, so that resource can be shifted from use to use, place, as demand change, thus allowing equating marginal values over many uses. Predictability of the allocation process, so that uncertainty (especially for transaction costs) is minimized. Equity of the allocation process should be perceived by the prospective users, providing equal opportunity gains from the resource to every potential user. Political and public acceptability, so that the allocation serves values and objectives of various segments in society. Allocate resources effectively: The business plan plays a key role in allocating resources throughout a business so that the objectives set in the plan can be met. Once you have reviewed our progress to date and identified our strategy for growth, our existing business plan may look dated and may no longer reflect our business position and future direction. When we are reviewing our business plan to cover the next stages, its important to be clear on how we will allocate our resources to make our strategy work. The allocation of scare resources: Allocation of scarce resources is a reality for health care professionals and organizations. Resource allocation issues can be particularly challenging for rural communities, where resources are not enough to meet all needs and fewer alternatives exist to resolve conflicts between competing needs. Flexibility Security Real opportunity cost Predictability Equity Political and public acceptability Assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on business organisations and their activities. [P5] Fiscal policy: Fiscal policy is the means by which a government adjusts its levels of spending in order to monitor and influence a nations economy. It is the sister strategy to monetary policy with which a central bank influences a nations money supply. These two policies are used in various combinations in an effort to direct a countrys economic goals. How Fiscal policy works? Objectives of fiscal policy: To fund government spending To redistribute income and wealth more evenly A way of managing demand in the economy To influence the supply side of the economy To correct the negative externalities, such as pollution and passive smoking Effects of fiscal policy: Taxation and work incentives Taxation and pattern of demand Taxation and productivity Taxation and business investment decision What is monetary policy? The Federal Reserves actions that are designed to influence the availability cost of money. Such as changing the discount rate, altering bank reserve requirements, and conducting open market operations. In general, a policy to restrict monetary growth results in tightened credit conditions and, at least temporarily, higher rates of interest. Impact of monetary policy: Control inflation: The control of inflation has become one of the dominant objectives of government economic policy in many countries. Interest rates: The price of money. Interest is what you pay when you borrow money and what you are paid when you lend your money to someone else, like a bank. Business cycles: The term business cycle refers to economy-wide fluctuations in production or economic activity over a number of months or years. Spending: Money that has actually left the governments bank account and entered the economy. Employment: The act of giving someone a job. Fiscal Monetary policys activities: The role of government in the UK economy extends far beyond its activities as a regulator of specific industries. The government also manages the overall pace of economic activity, seeking to maintain high levels of employment and stable prices. It has two main tools for achieving these objectives: fiscal policy, through which it determines the appropriate level of taxes and spending; and monetary policy, through which it manages the supply of money. Evaluate the impact of competition policy and other regulatory mechanisms on the activities of a selected organisation. [P6]

Complementarity and Substitution in the Theory of Capital :: essays papers

Complementarity and Substitution in the Theory of Capital This essay is an explanation and importance of complementarity and substitution in the theory of capital. Complementarity can be usually seen in goods with â€Å"sympathetic shifts in demand.† It is also important to realize the narrowness of the traditional treatment of complementarity. Complementarity is analyzed in a single enterprise and also in the economic system as a whole. In the latter complementarity is analyzed in an economic system in equilibrium and also in disequilibrium. In an economic system with equilibrium all the acts of all individuals are consistent with each other and all factors of production are complementary. The system with disequilibrium on the contrary, realizes that while a factor of substitution eliminates another factor, another will be created, though possibly it might be of a different mode. It is idealistic to think that capital structure can only exist in equilibrium, but realistically, capital structure is in a state of continuous transformation. Any major change creates a situation of instability of the capitalistic economy. A clear example of this is the accumulation of capital on profits and the inducement to invest. As capital accumulation grows, investment opportunities and the rate of profit decline. Also, the existence of unused human or material resources provides potential complements for new productive combinations, which in result produce the changes in capital. These unused resources have two main functions in the world of dynamic change. First, they reduce the shock when disintegration exists, and second they stimulate the investment of capital goods complementary to them. In conclusion, the theory of capital is a dynamic discipline, and is not in static equilibrium.

Examining The African Union And Economies Economics Essay

Harmonizing to Stephanie ( 2009 ) was enlighten about AU and AU was abbreviated as an AFRICAN UNION. Initially formed as an â€Å" ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY † ( OAU ) and it was established in 1963. Harmonizing to Manelisi, Francis and Stephen ( 2000 ) was cited about OAU and briefing the personal businesss of an Continental degree and looking into independent organic structure as a forming of a African Union. They are taking into consideration of speed uping public presentation of OAU. They have certain rules and majorly concentrating in two countries. First one was sovereignty and secondly known as non-interference. Leaderships of a African states lack behind in leading qualities and emphasized to organize an African brotherhood. MR. Muammar el-Qaddafi and he was from Libya state and their chief aspiration to establish an AU. 53 states Members are actively indulge to back up a African brotherhood excepting the Morocco state.African brotherhood and their Main aimsHarmoniz ing to Stephanie ( 2009 ) was AU is endeavoring to better the development in the African states and to cut down the poorness and the graft and to stop the legion differences in the Africa. Harmonizing to Ryan Africa have its ain aims, that African brotherhood is a political brotherhood. African brotherhood chief aim is to develop the different type of undertakings in broad scope of administrations in this African brotherhood. This African brotherhood ever taking that to develop and societal and economic development in Africa. By the manner, they have got success in release for African provinces by utilizing their power of colonial. Chiefly African brotherhood have their ain aims are To accomplish integrity in between African provinces and in peoples integrity besides. To accomplish peace in between provinces of Africa by giving security to the continent of Africa. To better the velocity in political countries and to unite the socio-economic facets in the continents of Africa. By giving the encouragement to research in all the Fieldss the growing of the continents are travel frontward, particularly in the Fieldss like scientific discipline and the engineering. Promote the minimal criterions of the people populating in Africa, by promoting the support in human activity in all the Fieldss. Required conditions are set up which allow the African state to take portion to execute its right function in the international conferences and the planetary market. Encourage to keep the ecological balanced betterment at all degrees like societal and economical and cultural facets over and above African economic systems integrating. African brotherhood is taking the aid of the international spouses and they are giving accent for obliteration of chief causes of diseases. Whole continent want to advance the hygienic conditions for good wellness of African people. African brotherhood concentrating on cardinal issues like democratic rules. African brotherhood concentrating on their establishments. African brotherhood want to keep good administration and active indulgenceGlobal crisis:Harmonizing to Anup ( 2009 ) planetary crisis was foremost started in united provinces and it shown its consequence on all other states and once more it started In the year2007 the planetary economic crisis was started and had a immense consequence in fiscal position of different states of the universe and it continued to 2008.due to the planetary crisis there is a immense diminution in the stock market worldwide. Fiscal establishment in different parts of the universe has been collapsed and even the authorities in the strongest states has to some forward to raise the fiscal position of the other states. Harmonizing to Patrick ( 2008 ) worldwide figure of states put into the recession due to the fiscal planetary crisis. It is on-going processReasons for planetary crisis:Harmonizing to Mak ( 2008 ) is the chief ground for the recent planetary economic crisis is â€Å" sub-priming lodging market â €  . It was chiefly started in United States. Harmonizing to Anup ( 2009 ) was due to the sudden autumn of the sub-prime market which is based in the US and the unfortunate reverse in the lodging roar shows its ripple consequence on the other industries throughout the universe. Because of the place mortgages fiscal merchandises was adversely affected and have major deductions for the planetary crisis. Taking all above facet in to considerations and eventually it reach to neglect. Harmonizing to rakesh ( 2009 ) was the addition of the fiscal planetary crisis was started in 2008 and shows it effects on the present economic system and the fiscal environments. The economic failure it made the universe economic system really hard at this clip due to crisis. Global crisis shows its immense consequence on cardinal Bankss. The effects of fiscal crisis are leads to epoch alteration in the cardinal Bankss. Because of the autumn of the cardinal Bankss the fiscal system was affected. At the initial degree of the crisis, it ascribed that the crisis leads to the planetary instabilities but the result of these instabilities remains for longer. Global imbalances show its shortage in the histories of the America. It shows its excess in developing states Asia like China and the states like Russia and Middle East which are exporting the oil besides affected due to the crisis. Macroeconomic instabilities like salvaging investing and immense flows in the cross-border fiscal is put its emphasis on the procedure of the intermediation. These instabilities are cooperated to bring fort h some of the characteristics for the current crisis. Harmonizing to Ivan was the chief job that raised due to the crisis was unemployment. Harmonizing to economic adviser ( 2009 ) This can be solved by cut downing the unemployment easy than the other crisis and the other ground for the crisis is most of the economic systems are depending on the frail policies. These policies are prostrations and these consequences to the planetary crisis. Crisis shows the impact on the international concern. Companies need to acknowledge the its operations to get the better of the recission.otherwise 1000000s of workers are quit from the occupations. Globally concerns are adequately hit by the crisis and due to this companies seek the aid from the authorities. To last companies need the aid of the authorities. Most of the little graduated table industries are in danger and others are confronting the jobs like insolvents.Impact of planetary crisis on African economic system:Chapter 2CHALLENGES POSED BY THE CURRENT GLOBAL CRISIS ON AFRICAN ECONOMIESMAIN CHALLENGESHarmonizing to AFM ( 2009 ) was enlighten in their committe about African economic systems confronting with several jobs and their economic system severely affected by the crisis. The commission be aftering to concentrate on cardinal countries and placing jobs to purl tinkle and they want to take necessary stairss to get the better of the crisis state of affairs in AU economic systems. These are the chief challenges to get the better of jobs during crisis stage.AU have to analysed challenges and actively indulge in their several Fieldss and speed up plants process to make a good economic system for whole African people. Eradication of poorness Keeping sustainability of a growing Inflows of a capital Lack of support from private sectors Worsening of a financial grosss Lack of promotional activities on wellness attention systems Lack of substructure installations regional every bit good as national degree. Worsening of a exportsEradication of poorness:African economic systems confronting many hurdlings during the crisis. The first and most of import measure is disputing undertaking for African economic systems is looking farther obliteration of poorness in their several states. Poverty plays a critical function for the economical development of the county. African economic systems have to take particular steps to eliminate poorness and it is really indispensable measure for development of the states. Recently an African economic system was severely affected by crisis and poorness has become one large major job for their states. All African states come to together and take remedial steps for poorness and Lashkar-e-Taiba ‘s make African states pride at planetary degree.Keeping sustainability of a growing:The 2nd of import measure is disputing undertaking of a sustainability growing for economic systems. They are majorly concentrating on investings and use the resources in a proper mode. Availability of investing and they are majorly giving accent for substructure installations and do sustainability growing of African economic systems. Due to crisis and their economic system was fallen down and short autumn of investing. Before the crisis African economic systems was kept high outlooks about their investing. They kept marks to make their places, during 2009 about 50 billion dollars and 2010 it can be reached to fifty six one million millions dollars harmonizing to USD. African economic systems have to do their economic system more stable and need to take particular steps to get the better of the planetary crisis.Inflow of a capital:Harmonizing to concern directory was cited in their web site about capital influx stands acquiring beginnings externally like foreign states and they can be cheaper comparing with domestic market. Harmonizing to Michele ( 2008 ) was cited in his article about capital influx for African economic systems and other states like South Af rica [ SA ] adversely effected due to economical crisis and certain countries like about an agribusiness sector, about an excavation sector and fabrication sector. before the crisis SA states and other African states holding a good capital influxs for a period of 2007. These states are majorly depending on foreign states and looking into economical development of the African states. When foreign Countries was severely by planetary recession and it straight reflects to an African Economies [ AE ] .Lack of support from private sectorsPrivate sector plays a critical function for economic development of the state. Due to crisis many African states was faced with shortage of their payments. This is an of import challenging undertaking for African states and these states are wholly rely on private sectors. Many of the African states people lost their occupations in different sectors because of planetary crisis. African authoritiess was failed raising financess from fiscal markets of a int ernational markets. Many of the undertakings has been cancelled due to miss of support from private sectors for African economic systems. Harmonizing to Afrol about their intelligence was cited in their website African authorities has to promote the FDI from the developed states and it leads to economic development of the state. African states taking that private sector can salvage from planetary recession. Taking support of private sector, African states can supply ample of occupation chances for their state people. Many of the foreign investors are looking for ample of resources and that at the same clip seeking support from African states.Worsening of a financial grosssHarmonizing to ADB ( 2009 ) was enlighten in his article about financial grosss in African economic systems. African states are adversely set uping during planetary crisis minute. African states were confronting with financial grosss jobs because they do n't hold ample of financess for development of African Union. Fiscal grosss are eventually reached to worsen phase and advancement of a African economic systems coming down and growing of GDP was reached up to 0 % . Harmonizing to AFM ( 2009 ) was cited about financial grosss reached to worsen phase due to planetary crisis. Producing of a oil states of African states confronting many hurdlings, authorities does n't hold any financess, deficiency buttocks at development of substructure installations was taking some jobs because of financial grosss. Other sectors known to be about building field, about fabricating field and other several Fieldss of service degrees and others sectors are considers as a non-oil. These sectors are wholly rely on public sectors and slowly it reached to worsen phase. African economic systems forecasted grosss of a authorities can be reached upto twenty four per centum during the period of 2009. African states need to analyze approximately financial gross and this can be taking to an of import challenging undertaking for economic development of African states.Lack of promotional activities on wellness attention systemsHarmonizing to Nana and Alan ( 2004 ) was cited in his book about HIV/AIDS and their programmes. African states confronting many jobs on wellness attention systems. African states people are infected by HIV diseases and about 50 to eighty per centum affected by an urban population. African economic systems was severely affected by planetary crisis and they are holding another of import challenging undertaking was wellness attention system. Because of recession and their states economic system goes down. Their states confronting many jobs with wellness attention system and they concentrate on cardinal factors to advance a good wellness attention system in African states. Some African states like Zambia and other state Zimbabwe are extremely affected HIV Patients. Harmonizing to Hanlin ( 2007 ) was cited in his journal African states want to advance advanced wellness systems to awfu l diseases like HIV and AIDS. African states need to accommodate advanced constructs to command and supervise the HIV/AIDS programmes. They are implemented PPS and PPS stands for â€Å" Public-Private Partnership † as an advanced construct and authorities invested plenty of financess during 2005. At present scenario African states adversely affected by planetary crisis and take challenging undertaking and implemented efficaciously to protect awful diseases for African state peoples.Lack of substructure installations regional every bit good as national degreeAFM commission ( 2009 ) was enlightened that African Economies was adversely affected deficiency of substructure installations due to planetary crisis. Initially African states have to concentrate at basic degree. Every Country economical development depends on substructure installations and it plays a vital for economical development of the state. Infrastructure is an of import facet and anchor for African states. African states have infrastructural spread between regional every bit good as national degree. Harmonizing to Zuma and Jacob ( 2009 ) was cited in his article says that substructure is an of import facet and they has dressed ore certain countries like about rail webs, about coevals of a power, about a telecommunications and proper public conveyance installations. South African state in their history it was the first clip gone in recession and GDP came at diminution phase and many African economic systems are emphasize and they are seeking stable their a economic system in a stipulated period of clip. Many of the investors is non coming frontward to put in African states because of planetary crisis. Now it was become ambitious undertaking for African states to heighten substructure installations for development of African states. African Government has to promote private participants and they have provide some particular privileges to private participants and taking support of these partici pants they can extenuate hazard from planetary crisis.Worsening of a exportsHarmonizing to AFM commission ( 2009 ) was stated that African states major exports are Oil bring forthing, wood merchandises and valuable diamonds and other sectors like fabrication. Producing of an oil was severely affected by crisis. An export was fallen down during the period of 2009 and 2010. Before crisis expected up to two 50 one billion dollars of 2009 and two 70 seven dollars of U.S. planetary crisis hit severely for African states and the exports are reached phase of diminution at two 100 one million millions of dollars in 2009 and two 20 billion of dollars in 2010 of U.S.Chapter 3Schemes implemented by African economic systemsChapter N0:4ANALYSIS REPORT FOR AFRICAN ECONOMIESGlobal recovery of an African states comparing with other states.Harmonizing to Andre ( 2010 ) was cited in their web site on Jan 28th about planetary recession and hurdlings faced by states and concentrating on economical grow ing calculating for following approaching old ages. African economic system is emerging economic system in recent old ages. Most of the African economic systems came to worsen phase and their economic systems are adversely affected by planetary crisis during the period of 2009. From figure 1 Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/newrels/wesp-graph.gif ( 27/04/2010 ) From Figure 1 provinces that African economic systems economical growing was 1.3 % during the period of 2009. UN enlighten in their studies about Many of the African states adversely by planetary crisis and growing of African economic systems was slow down. They forecasting that African economic system growing can be reached to 4.3 % by 2010 comparing to 2009. They want to heighten public presentation and growing of an African economic system at least 3 times and they are taking into consideration and comparing with 2009 and 2010. African can be consider as a 2nd fastest of a turning economic system in planetary parts and they holding an trust on them and anticipating to make growing of a economic system by 2010. While we taking in to consideration of Asiatic states economical growing during the period 2009 and following approaching twelvemonth of 2010. About south Asiatic states and east states parts and these states are see as emerging economic systems and these states are affect b y planetary crisis during 2009. The economic system growing was 4.3 % in 2009 and they kept immense outlooks for their economic growing and these states are seeking really hard and they kept mark to make to 6.4 % growing of a economic system by the terminal of 2010. Lets we take other portion of the part known as Western Asia from Asiatic states. Western Asia of a economic system growing 0.4 per centum in 2009 and these part has to work hard develop their economic system and they are be aftering to make 3.6 growing of a economic system by 2010. While we taking into consideration about Latin American and Caribbean states and other parts of a developed economic systems. They are adversely affected by planetary crisis and confronting many hurdlings during 2009. The growing of a economic system was reached to 0.4 per centum in 2009. about African states and southeast states at least they are in a normal places comparing to developed economic systems. Developed economic systems economic system growing drastically fallen down due to planetary crisis in 2009. These states are seeking their best and develop the economic system growing and looking farther to their mark 1.3 % of a economic system growing by the terminal of 2010. African states are concentrating on cardinal sectors like an oil and other related mineral merchandises. African states is rich natural resources and their merchandises have an immense demand and they exports their merchandises to developed states. FDI plays an critical function for African economic systems and if they want to get the better of from planetary crisis, FDI is an of import factor development of African Economy and it has some privileges for African states. African states promoting FDI and at the same clip they giving accent for private participants. By taking support of FDI and participants of a private sectors and they can get the better of the planetary crisis job by the terminal 2010. African states make their economic system su stainable and advancement of an African economic system.The domestic nest eggs and their several rates from 2005-2008 and following period from 2009 -2010Harmonizing to AFDB ( 2010 ) was enlighten that domestic nest eggs of African states comparing with about developed economic systems and about developing economic systems. They are explained in context degree of diagrammatical chart which is listed below.i.e Figure 2. Figure 2 about Domestic Savingss of a part side Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.afdb.org ( 27/04/2010 ) From figure2 stated that about developing states of Asiatic states demoing sustainable growing rate of economic system and heightening salvaging rates from 2005-2008 and during crisis minute of 2009-2010 their economic system turning at an mean 35 % . About advanced economic systems during 2005-2008 was steadily bettering and it reaches up to 20 % nest eggs. During planetary crisis minute economic systems salvaging rates fallen down drastically 2009-2010 and it was 18 % . About Middle East states, approximately Latin American states and Carribeans during 2005-2008 salvaging rates growing was bettering 42 % and 22 % severally and during 2009- 2010 their economy rates fallen during planetary crisis minute 38 % and 29 % severally. African economic system was dining before the crisis during 2005-2008 and salvaging rates was high and they reached upto 25 % severally comparing with other states like Asiatic states, about in-between east states their redemptive really high, but relatively A frican states growing was mean, but all of a sudden African states salvaging fallen down i.e. 18 % . During 2009-2010. It is clip taking procedure for African states over come from planetary crisis. It is really difficult for African states during planetary crisis and they have to plan suited schemes and concentrate on cardinal sectors where they are lack behind. FDI scheme is suited scheme for African economic systems because there was reached to worsen phase. Due to planetary crisis African states lack in resources like about substructure installations, Human capital and non-suitable for concern environment. An African states faces many hurdlings to develop their economic system and they have merely one major ground behind i.e. Fundss. Any state want to develop that should hold ample of financess to develop their economic system. African state besides confronting same job.i.e FUNDS. Before crisis African economic system was dining in the universe. African faces international degre e every bit good as domestic degree and it shows immense impacts growing of their economic system. An African states faces unemployment jobs and they are unable to supply ample of occupation chances for African states specially youth. The stock markets and their major resources of their exports reached to worsen phases and these are major impacts for African economic systems.The Real GDP and their growing ( % ) of African states and the several sub-regions in 2009.The African states were slow down their GDP and it is adversely affected by African economic system due to planetary crisis. Figure 3 Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.afdb.org ( 27/04/2010 ) The growing of African states was before the crisis is bettering and they are seeking to run into the demands of Global economic system. But planetary crisis make the African economic system slowed down and its automatically reflects on GDP of a African states. From fig3 provinces about GDP of African provinces and how it reaches diminutions phases between 2008 to 2009. The existent gross domestic merchandise ( GDP ) and their growing was calculated in per centums during 2009. About Eastern African existent GDP of their 4.3 % during 2009 and their growing reached a diminution phase 2 % between the old ages of 2008 and in 2009. About Central Africa Real GDP of their 2.1 % during 2009 and their growing reached a diminution phase between the old ages of 2008 and in 2009. Decline phase is somewhat more relatively of existent GDP of a cardinal Africa. About Western African existent GDP of 3.5 % during 2009 and their growing reached a diminution phase 2 % between the old ages of 2008 and in 2009. About South African was severely affected by the planetary crisis and their existent GDP was demoing in negative i.e. ( -1.3 % ) . South African plays a critical function for economic development of African states. The major portion come from south African because they are holding ample resources and it is cardinal location and it major suited all concern environment for domestic every bit good as international degree. South African is major affected by planetary crisis and growing came to worsen 6.5 % . Many African of the states are wholly rely on exports and they want to develop African economic system and at the same clip concentrating on growing of GDP of a African states. African states keep the mark to crush planetary crisis and do the African economic system as a sustainable economic system by the terminal of 2010. About oil and their trade good exports of African states Harmonizing to Urbanomics ( 2009 ) was cited in web site about exports of African states. Figure4 Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //4.bp.blogspot.com/_GMkD4mFrFxw/ScYoFFQPWfI/AAAAAAAAA0k/VMU5QZYF6kY/s320/oil+and+commodities.gif ( Accessed on 28/04/2010 ) African states are majorly concentrating on exporting trade good merchandises and they are bring forthing ample of sum

Free Essays on Sex In Class

Sexism in the Classroom In â€Å"Failing at Fairness† one of the most important topics of sexism is addressed, and that of course is sexism in the schools. From the beginning of public education there is evidence of hidden sexism in the classroom, yet not until recently have researchers began to take a closer look at the dilemma at hand. Sexism in the classroom is not a problem that has just occurred overnight in schools. I believe that it has a history, staring long before I was born. I love to listen to the stories that my Grandparents share with me, as do many children my age. They always tell me how great those â€Å"good old days† were. Yet the stories make me step back and look at my grandparents, and see that those â€Å"good old days† are very different from today. Back then, the male role was heads of the household and they were responsible for any of the â€Å"physical work† to be done around the house. On the other hand, women had much less say in what was going on in the house, community, and even the nation. For the most part, women stayed home to take care of the kids and do all the housework that needed to be done. This has been the way of life for along time right up until the Second World War. Then slowly women began to work their way into the work force, leaving those elementary ideas behind. Through the years women have gained more and more rights focus on equality, but are they really equal? To some extent yes, and by law yes, but there are still those hidden views and ideas that are continually being pushed on society. I have always witnessed sexism in the classroom, even though I have attended catholic school all my life. I believe that it is more harmful if it is not that obvious. For instance, if sexism is taking place in a kindergarten class, and no one is there to correct it from the beginning, girls will feel like they are inferior to the boys and therefore hold back in participation. I ... Free Essays on Sex In Class Free Essays on Sex In Class Sexism in the Classroom In â€Å"Failing at Fairness† one of the most important topics of sexism is addressed, and that of course is sexism in the schools. From the beginning of public education there is evidence of hidden sexism in the classroom, yet not until recently have researchers began to take a closer look at the dilemma at hand. Sexism in the classroom is not a problem that has just occurred overnight in schools. I believe that it has a history, staring long before I was born. I love to listen to the stories that my Grandparents share with me, as do many children my age. They always tell me how great those â€Å"good old days† were. Yet the stories make me step back and look at my grandparents, and see that those â€Å"good old days† are very different from today. Back then, the male role was heads of the household and they were responsible for any of the â€Å"physical work† to be done around the house. On the other hand, women had much less say in what was going on in the house, community, and even the nation. For the most part, women stayed home to take care of the kids and do all the housework that needed to be done. This has been the way of life for along time right up until the Second World War. Then slowly women began to work their way into the work force, leaving those elementary ideas behind. Through the years women have gained more and more rights focus on equality, but are they really equal? To some extent yes, and by law yes, but there are still those hidden views and ideas that are continually being pushed on society. I have always witnessed sexism in the classroom, even though I have attended catholic school all my life. I believe that it is more harmful if it is not that obvious. For instance, if sexism is taking place in a kindergarten class, and no one is there to correct it from the beginning, girls will feel like they are inferior to the boys and therefore hold back in participation. I ...

Shrm and Strategic Fit Essays

Shrm and Strategic Fit Essays Shrm and Strategic Fit Paper Shrm and Strategic Fit Paper Introduction ‘Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is concerned with the development and implementation of people strategies which are integrated with corporate strategies and ensure that the culture, values and structure of the organization and the quality, motivation and commitment of its members contribute fully to the achievement of its goals’ Armstrong (1991, p. 81). While human resource management (HRM) focuses on the potential and actual productive value of ‘human resources’ (HR) to an organization success, SHRM takes a more long-run focus by emphasizing the need of HR plans and strategies to be formulated within the framework of overall organizational strategies and objectives, and to be responsive to the changing nature of the organizations external environment. The emphasis of SHRM is on strategic integration, which is matching HRM strategies to business strategy. Refer to Appendix 1 for the characteristics of SHRM. Figure 1: Strategic alignment between HRM and its internal and external environment. Source: Nankervis, Campton and Baird (2002, p. 41) ‘SHRM is a model of practice, which like all models, require interpretation and adaptation by HR practitioners to ensure the most suitable alignment or fit between HR and business strategies and plans’ Nankervis, Compton and Baird (2002, p. 42). Figure 1 above shows the strategic alignment of HRM and internal and external environment. Refer to Appendix 2 for the reasons for HR strategies. Figure 2: Gaining competitive advantage through SHRM Source: Fottler, Phillips, Blair and Duran (1990) Figure 2 provides an outline for determining and focusing on desired outcomes and anticipating essential HRM actions required for successful implementation of a company’s business strategy. This process stretch management thinking about HR and influence decisions affecting people. ‘The strategic approach to HRM includes: ?Assessing the organization’s environment and mission ?Formulating the organization’s business strategy ?Assessing the HR requirements based on the intended strategy ? Comparing the current inventory of HR in terms of numbers, characteristics, and HRM practices with respect to the strategic requirements of the organization and its services or product lines ? Formulating the HR strategy based on the differences between the new requirements and an assessment of the current inventory ? Implementing the appropriate HR practices to reinforce the strategy and achieve competitive advantage’ Fottler, Phillips, Blair and Duran (1990). Strategic staffing Staffing is defined by Mondy and Noe (2005, p. ) as ‘the process through which an organization ensure that it always has the proper number of employees with the appropriate skills in the right job, at the right time, to achieve the organization’s objectives’. There are many different types of decisions that have to be made relating to an organization staffing requirements. Organizations need to decide upon replacing existing staff, providing training to the staff, selecting people who can adapt to the culture of the organization and continuing and inevitable change, promoting, transferring, demoting and releasing people from the workforce when making strategic staffing decisions. Strategic staffing is the process of implementing a plan of action to secure the needed talent through recruitment, selection, promotion and transfer. Strategic staffing need to be implemented for organizations to get the right people at the right time for achieving the goals and objective of the organization. Nankervis, Compton and Baird (2002, p. 79) stated ‘HR planning is to try to ensure that organizational objectives are met through the effective utilization of the human resource of the organization, taking into account changing circumstances within and outside particular organizations’. The staffing function encompasses the implementation of the HR planning process. Strategies like internal growth make it vital for organizations to make strategic staffing decisions. Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart and Wright (2006, p. 74) mentioned ‘Growth requires that a company constantly hire, transfer, and promote individuals, and expansion into different markets may change the necessary skills that prospective employees must have’. To gain a competitive advantage this makes is important for organizations to realize the staffing needs and make strategic staffing policies in alignment with the organizational strategies. When staffing process is carried out strategically it ensures managers that the organization’s human resources would consist not only of educated or skilled workforce. Skilled and educated workforce can contribute to the effective and efficient performance and productivity of organizations as this would help organizations to achieve a competitive advantage. Strategic performance management Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart and Wright (2006, p. 330) defined performance management as ‘the process through which managers ensure that employees activities and outputs are congruent with the organization’s goals’. The aim of performance management is to establish a culture in which employees take responsibility for continuous improvement of business processes and their own skills and contributions. Performance management is central to gaining competitive advantage. Performance management have three parts, defining performance, measuring performance and feeding back performance. Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart and Wright (2006, p. 330) stated ‘performance management measures performance through performance appraisals, which is the only one method of for managing employee performance’. Performance management has come to encompass much more than just appraisals. ‘A major trend in performance management is that while employee appraisals are the heart of performance management, organizations are now integrating a number of closely related functions including compensation, succession planning and goal management into the performance management process’ Loucks (2007). This holistic approach enables HR professionals to manage talent and supporting strategic goals to achieve competitive advantage. The strategic purpose of performance management links employee activities to organizational goals and objectives. Performance appraisals can be used to motivate and improve performance of employees. By identifying internal strengths and weaknesses managers can focus on areas where there is need for improvement to make an organization to be productive to achieve the goals and objectives. Anthony, Kacmar and Perrewe (2002, p. 355) mentioned ‘a well designed performance appraisal system can encourage individuals to work together as a team. If this is an organizational goal, it must face several challenges in designing and implementing such a system’. An effective performance management can help managers to implement strategies. Performance evaluations will have greater impact on strategy implementation when evaluators make meaningful distinctions among different levels of performance. ‘In a highly competitive knowledge-based economy, performance management is taking its place in boardrooms across the country. Faced with pressures including the aging workforce and skills shortage, executives are becoming more involved in the performance management process as they realize that well-executed performance management strategies can help them get better results for the company’ Loucks (2007). As Loucks mentioned the strategic importance of performance management are mounting. There is need for organizations to follow systems that elicit job performance that is consistent with the organization’s goals and strategies as it helps companies to gain competitive advantage. Strategic human resource development (SHRD) Noe (2005, p. 45) defines strategic training and development as ‘learning-related activities that a company should take to help achieve its business strategy’. SHRD is about improving and widening the skills of employees by training and development, by helping people to grow within the organization, and by allowing them to make better use of their skills and abilities to attain the strategic goals and objectives. The Figure 3 below is a model that shows the processes of strategic planning that begin by identifying business strategy. Next, strategic training and development initiatives that support the strategy are selected. Interpreting these strategic training and development initiatives into actual training and development activities is the next step of the process. The final step involves the identifying of measures used to determine if training helped contribute to goals related to business strategy. Figure 3: The strategic training and development process Source: Noe (2005, p. 43) The strategic training and development initiatives are based on the business environment, an understanding of the company’s goals and resources, an insight of potential training and development options. Noe (2005, p. 45) mentioned ‘strategic training and development initiatives provide the company with road map to guide specific training and development activities. They also show how the training function will help the company reach its goals (and in doing so, show how the training function will add value)’. Refer to Appendix 3 for the strategic training and development initiatives and their implications. SHRD’s focus is first on the strategic level, which deals with overall aims and objectives and formulation of plans and policies. Secondly this interconnects to managerial level focusing on the process by which the organization obtains and allocates resources to achieve its strategic objectives. Finally it is linked to the operational level, the hands on and day to day processes of managing and organizing of work. Leopold, Harris and Watson (2005, p. 59) explained ‘Thus SHRD may be considered as a range of culturally sensitive interventions linked vertically to business goals and strategy, and horizontally to other HR and business activities, to actively encourage and support employee learning, commitment and involvement throughout the organization’. Investigating training needs is used in combination with environmental scanning and assessment of external forces and internal strengths and weaknesses of an organization to anticipate or respond to indentified challenges and opportunities. Such reactions maybe rooted in the here-and-now of skills deficit analyses and meeting gaps. This is assuring that employee development is ‘fit for purpose’. Leopold, Harris and Watson (2005, p. 353) stated ‘ ‘fit for future’ agenda maybe responding to anticipated skills needed and gaps and is also part of a wider reflection of changes in the labour market, for example attracting potential employees into areas where there are perceived likelihood of skills shortage’. Leopold, Harris and Watson (2005, p. 353) also stated ‘ Much of the language associated with increasing access to ‘learning opportunities’ through workplace activities is linked to increasing the (for-profit) organization’s competitive advantage. Language such as enhancing sustainability increasing efficiency and effectiveness; of increasing commitment of employees; of creating learning environment where unique skills of employees can be exploited for current needs and for the long-term survival of the company’. Strategic compensation and reward In the development of a pay system and reward systems, several policies must be made. Three of the most important are pay level policies, pay structure policy and types of rewards offered. Anthony, Kacmar and Perrewe (2002, p. 398) stated ‘an organization’s pay level is simply the average wage paid for a specific group of jobs. Pay level is important because if influence both organization’s ability to attract and retain competent employees and its competitive position in the product market. Pay level policy refers to how an organization’s pay level compares with its competitor’s pay level’. An organization’s compensation system should be consistent with the overall strategy of the organization. Success depends on displaying consistent strategy supported by complementary organization structures, designs and management process. The two major strategic initiatives that occur today are growth and retrenchment. Anthony, Kacmar and Perrewe (2002, p. 04) mentioned ‘Firm’s growth mode would focus on employee performance and especially on external performance. This would force firms to pay attention to external competitiveness and equity. Total compensation packages would be oriented towards incentives and would be driven by recruitment needs’. Figure 4: Framewo rk for strategic pay design Source: Williams (1999) To develop pay practices intended to become best, an organization must first recognize the importance of building reward and recognition practices within a framework that ultimately addresses both the extrinsic and intrinsic aspects of employee recognition and reward. Williams (1999) explained the framework using the Figure 3 ‘this framework begins with the organizations strategic business objectives and then considers company culture, values, and performance measurement capabilities as critical elements in the overall design strategy. Programs are designed to motivate performance aligned with critical business objectives and reward contribution and results in ways that are meaningful to employees and consistent with company values’. When designing a pay system it is vital for organizations to take a note of the relationship between pay and employee performance when planning strategies for achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. Anthony, Kacmar and Perrewe (2002, p. 419) stated ‘equity theory proposes that employees examine the relationship between their outcomes from the job (such as pay, job satisfaction, recognition and promotion) and their inputs (such as education, skill, and effort). Dissatisfaction probably does not occur if positive inequity (the person feels over-rewarded)’. Satisfaction will lead to productivity that is the key to competitive advantage. So it is necessary for organizations to formulate strategic compensation and reward systems and implement it for achieving their goals and objectives. Refer to Appendix 4 for further understanding of strategic rewarding and how Southwest Airlines design and implement rewarding strategies to achieve its goals and objectives and to be a successful competitor in today’s competitive environments. Importance of SHRM HRM today has taken a wider role in overall organizational strategy. HRM plays a vital role in creating and sustaining competitive advantage of an organization. There is a growing need for organizations to practice SHRM because of the evolving changes that businesses need to adopt to be successful in achieving its short and long term strategic goals and objectives in the competitive environments that it exists in. Nankervis, Baird and Compton (2002. p. 22) stated the roles of SHRM to be ‘responsive to highly competitive workplace and global business structures; closely linked to business strategic goals; jointly conceived and implemented by both line and HR managers and focused on quality, customer service, productivity, employee involvement, teamwork and workforce flexibility’. This shows the benefits of SHRM and suggests that by successfully implementing SHRM, the organization goals and objectives can be met to achieve competitive advantage. ‘The bridge between HR strategy and HR functions is the formulation of human resource plan (HRP) that incorporate the desired outcomes of HR strategies, are responsive to continual changes in industry environments and can be operationalized through efficient and effective HR functions’ Nankervis, Baird and Compton (2002. p. 79). For SHRM to be successfully implemented it is necessary to follow a process of SHRP. SHRP can be said to be the foundation of SHRM. Nankervis, Baird and Compton (2002. p. 79) ‘HRP allows the HRM functions to position itself to take the best advantage of fluctuations in the economy or labour market. The likely effects of future economic, social and legislative conditions, or organizational changes, can be converted from constraints and pressures to challenges and opportunities’. SHRP therefore can help businesses to seek advantages from the limiting factors while implementing strategic plans. For example if organizations make a decision to downsize, it might lead to loss of specialist staff and valuable intellectual capital. It might even lead to poor corporate image that lead to breakdown of psychological contract between employers and their staff which result in poor performance and loss of competitiveness. Downsizing is seen as a strategic HR tool to shape the organizations future with a well prepared HR strategy. If SHRP is not followed while implanting strategic plans it can lead an organization to loose its competitive edge. Nankervis, Baird and Compton (2002. p. 0) mentioned ‘the failure to adequately plan for an organization’s human resource, can result in losses in efficiency and sustainable costs to the organization, through unstaffed vacancies, expensive replacement training, over hiring or fragmented career management’. Nankervis, Baird and Compton (2002. p. 80) also mentioned ‘by SHRP which focused in retraining, multi-skilling, or e arly retirement campaigns reduces the high financial costs (e. g. outplacement fees, termination and superannuation payments) and the adverse effects on employee morale of poor planned redundancies’. Conclusion As effective HRM practices are strategic, contributing to the goals and objectives of organizations, SHRM has shown to enhance organizations performance by contributing to employee and customer satisfaction, innovation, productivity, development of favorable reputation and profitability. Employees today are trying to learn new things and organizations are adapting characteristics of learning organizations to address the issues of globalization and changes revolving around like technological changes. HRM functions are interrelated with one another making it vital for organizations to take a holistic view in strategy formulation and implementation to reach the organizational strategic goals and objectives to achieve and sustain the competitive advantage. WORD COUNT: 2642 List of References Books Anthony, W. P. , Kacmar, K. M. and Perrewe, P. L. (2002), Human Resource Management: A Strategic Approach, 4th edition, South Western Thomson Learning, Ohio, U. S. Armstrong, M. (1991), A Handbook of Personnel Management Practice, Kogan Page, London, U. K. Leopold, J. , Harris, L. and Watson, T. 2005), The Strategic Managing of Human Resources, Prentice Hall, London, U. K. Mondy, R. W. and Noe, R. M. (2005), Human resources Management, 9th edition, Pearson, New Jersey, U. S. Nankervis, A. , Compton, R. and Baird, M. (2002), Strategic Human Resource Management, 4th edition, Thomson, Australia. Noe R. A. (2005), Employees Training and Development, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, U. S. No e, R. A. , Hollenbeck, J. R. , Gerhart, B. and Wright, P. M. (2006), Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, U. S. Journals Fottler, M. D. Phillips, R. L. , Blair, J. D. and Duran, C. A. (1990) ‘Achieving Competitive Advantage through Strategic Human Resource Management’, Hospital Health Services Administration. (last viewed on 22nd august 2007). http://proquest. umi. com/pdf/b20ab77d0af6f502d6fa5273feb65c6d/1187785739/share2/pqimage/irs2/20070822075858556/4858/out. pdf Loucks, P. (2007), ‘Plugging into performance management’ Canadian HR Reporter. Toronto (last viewed on 22nd August 2007). http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb? index=11=1227887641=1=4=3=PROD=PQD=309=PQD=1187875162=63584 Singh, P. (2002), ‘Strategic reward systems at Southwest Airlines’, Compensation and Benefits Review, Saranac Lake (last viewed on 22nd August 2007) http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb? index=9=113196055=1=1=4=PROD=PQD=309=PQD=1187868971=63584 Williams, V. L. (1999), ‘Compensation done the right way’, Vol. 78, Costa Mesa, (last viewed on 22nd August 2007) http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb? index=9=47187924=1=1=4=PROD=PQD=309=PQD=1187862655=63584 APPENDIX 1: Characteristics of SHRM A longer term focus – an inclusion of multiple-year strategic plans for human resource use is often considered the first step in the evolution of a strategically oriented HRM function. New linkages between HRM and strategic planning have emerged as a critical element in many implementations, while a two-way linkage describes a more proactive approach where HRM exerts influence on strategy formulation as well Proposed linkages between HRM and organizational performance – most models of SHRM include the proposition that HRM plays a key role in the achievement of strategic goals. Since the expected outcome of company strategies is an improvement in the firm’s economic value, HRM must thus directly contribute to the firm’s ‘bottom line’ in order to be judged effectively. Inclusion of line managers in the HRM policy-making process – the recognition of HRM’s strategic importance may make it more of a line management responsibility, particularly in areas involving the selection and compensation of managers. A CEO of a large trucking company echoed this sentiment to us when he told us that ‘HRM is too important to be left to the HRM department’. Source: Nankervis, Campton and Baird (2002, p. 3) APPENDIX 2: Why human resource strategy? ?Defines opportunities and barriers for achievement of business objective. ?Prompts new thinking about issues; orients and educates participants and provide a wide perspective. ?Tests management commitment for actions; creates a process for allocating resources to specific program and activities. ?Develops a sense of urgency and commitment to action. ?Establishes selected long-term courses of action considered to be of high priority over the next two to three years ? Provides a strategic focus for managing the business and developing management talents. Source: Nankervis, Campton and Baird (2002, p. 42) APPENDIX 3: Strategic training and development initiatives and their implications STRATEGIC TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT INITIVESIMPLICATIONS Diversify the learning portfolioUse new technology such as the internet for training Facilitate informal learning Provide more personalized learning opportunities Expand who is trainedTrain customers, suppliers and employees Offer more learning opportunities to non-managerial employees Accelerate the pace of employee learningQuickly identify needs and provide a high-quality learning solution Reduce the time to develop training programs Facilitate access to learning resources on an as-needed basis Improve customer serviceEnsure that employees have product and service knowledge Ensure that employees have skills needed to interact with customers Ensure that employees understand their roles and decision making authority Provide development opportunities and communicate to employeesEnsure that employees have opportunities to develop Ensure that employees understand career opportunities and personal growth opportunities Ensure that training and development addresses employees need in current job as well as growth opportunities Capture and share knowledgeCapture insight and information from knowledge, skills, abilities, or competencies Logically organize and store information Provide methods to make information available (e. g. resources guides, websites) Align training and development with the company’s strategic decisionsIdentify needed knowledge, skills, abilities, or competencies Ensure that current training and development programs support the company’s strategic needs Ensure that the work environment supports learning and transfer of trainingRemove constraints to learning, such as lack of time, resources, and equipment Dedicate physical space to encourage teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and knowledge sharing Ensure that employees understand the importance of learning Ensure that managers and peers are supportive of training, development and learning Source: Noe (2005, p. 46) APPENDIX 4: Strategic reward system at Southwest Airlines With the dawn of the 21st century, technological, political, regulatory, demographic and economic forces unleashed in the past will continue to exert pressures on organizations to change to ensure their survival and success. Initiating and sustaining successful change require considerable thought and action on related supportive structures and systems. Organizations and their subsystems, including critical human resource management systems, have to become increasingly strategic to succeed in an environment that is in constant flux. That is, functional and unit strategies must be aligned with overall firm strategy to enhance organizational effectiveness. It is a widely held view that strategic compensation systems, an integral aspect of human resource management, are vital in ensuring desired employee behaviors and enhanced firm performance. This article provides an overview of strategic rewards and a detailed discussion of rewards at Southwest Airlines (SWA), including implications for management. The Need for Strategic Reward Systems Traditional rewards systems usually have a large proportion of the total package as base pay and just a small portion tied to employee performance as reflected in a periodic performance appraisal. Such systems emphasize Tayloristic-type management structures and systems, including functional and hierarchical differentiation in organizational structures, rigid supervisory control and strict compliance with rules. The traditional structures have changed considerably over the past few decades and will continue to do so as organizations attempt to reinvent themselves. This has led to a call for the implementation of new and more strategic rewards systems, whereby an organizations rewards systems are aligned with overall organizational strategy. Although traditional rewards continue to be used by the majority of North American organizations, there is some evidence that strategic reward systems are being implemented at an increasing rate. These strategic rewards, categorized by some researchers as the new pay,3 include performance based variable pay (individual and group based), skill-based pay (or competency- or knowledge based plans), broad banding, team-based pay and recognition programs. In general, the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these reward systems suggests that the new pay strategies are related to increased employee productivity and firm performance. 4 It should be noted, however, that for some of these programs, such as broad banding and team-based pay, the empirical evidence on their effectiveness is sparse. Challenges Given the relatively strong rationale for strategic organizational rewards, why are not most, if not all, companies implementing them? There are many reasons. First, some managers lack the political will to implement changes in compensation systems that have been in place for decades. Second, there are some inherent difficulties in implementing strategic rewards. For instance, employees who do not trust management may view variable pay with suspicion. In fact, unions have generally opposed strategic reward systems based on the perception that, by reducing the proportion of an established base pay, such systems would place too much control in the hands of management. Finally, managers sometimes incorrectly perceive strategic rewards to be more costly than traditional rewards. These challenges are, however, not insurmountable. In fact, as the case study illustrates, SWA has successfully wrestled with these challenges. With appropriate supportive systems and structures, the prospects for strategic reward systems for organizations in North America appear bright for the next few decades. In fact, organizations may not have a choice if they are to successfully compete in the new marketplace. SWAs Philosophy and Strategy SWA was launched in 1971 by Herb Kelleher, its charismatic former CEO and president and now chairman of the Board of Directors, and Rollin King, a friend of Kelleher and later a board member. The company was based on the simple idea that people would fly an airline that took passengers directly where they wanted to go, when they wanted to get there, for as little money as possible, in a fun-filled environment. The airline should provide lower cost point-to-point services delivered with more efficiency and service than any of the other major airlines. The airline began with only three planes servicing three cities in Texas. Thirty years later, SWA now flies more than 64 million passengers to 58 cities in 30 states, 2,700 times a day. Over time, SWA has become the envy of the airline industry (see Exhibit 1). In fact, other airlines have unashamedly tried to imitate SW. Ns policies and strategies-with limited success. Furthermore, as airlines reel under the pressures of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, SWA is the only major airline that continues to be profitable. These accomplishments take on additional meaning because they were achieved in an industry historically regarded as one of the most turbulent, rocked by forces such as deregulation, mergers and alliances, high fuel costs, oil embargos, labor conflicts and more recently, terrorism. SWA is one of the most heavily unionized airlines, with approximately 81% of its 33,000 employees covered by union contracts. So what is SWAs recipe for success? According to industry analysts and Herb Kelleher himself, it is the culture of the firm, especially its dedication to its employees. 5 As Kelleher states, Ask anyone at Southwest for the secret of the companys success, and you are guaranteed to get the same response: the people. It is the dedication and zeal of the companys employees that have made it a premier customer service organization. Nothing comes ahead of your people. 6 Several aspects of its people-oriented culture are worth noting. Employees have considerable freedom and responsibility a nd a high level of employee involvement in decision making. The company hires the right people-those who match/fit the organization. It places an emphasis on training and flexibility in using the skills of its employees, and it uses strategic compensation and reward systems. Strategic Reward Systems Southwests compensation and reward systems are considered strategically oriented, even though most of the employees are covered by collective bargaining contracts. As one author noted, SWPs reward systems are viewed as a process for supporting and reinforcing the airlines philosophy ence salaries, variable compensation, and recognition programs are part of the process of management and highly integrated with the things leaders and people do on a day-to-day basis. 7 For analytical purposes, strategic rewards may be classified into four groups: strategic base pay, strategic benefits, strategic incentives and strategic recognition programs. EXHIBIT I Strategic Base Pay Base pay is covered largely by union contracts; however, the collective-bargaining process and end results/final contract may be viewed as extremely strategic. One of the key aspects of SWNs strategy is to retain valued employees and secure long-term commitment. These objectives are attained, in part, though seniority and job security clauses in the collective-bargaining agreement. In general, negotiated agreements reflect pay levels consistent with or slightly below market wages and salaries. This helps to keep labor costs in line with the companys low-cost provider strategy. Nevertheless, employees can share in the company success through various contingent compensation programs, thereby increasing their overall pay. In fact, many of SWAs employees are millionaires, including all of those who started with the company in 1971. The airline industry is one of the most conflict ridden industries, with seemingly never-ending labor disputes. Thus, one of SWAs strategy is to reduce such conflicts. However, this can only be achieved in an environment of trust and compromise. It is this perspective that the history making 10-year contract, signed in 1995 with its pilot union, must be viewed. In terms of executive compensation, the CEO is paid at below the median of the market for executives in companies of similar size. Other senior managers are compensated slightly above the market, but they retain a smaller portion of the companys stock. In this manner, company executives are relatively underpaid in cash compensation, but they are committed to the companys long-term financial success and growth through stock ownership. Employees and executives have the same opportunities for stock ownership. Strategic Benefits The list of employee benefits offered by SWA is truly impressive. It includes both traditional programs and a few innovative initiatives. For instance, like many other companies, SWA offers medical insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, dependent care, adoption assistance and mental health assistance, among others. Many of these are at no cost to the employee. Furthermore, employees and their family fly free with SWA and enjoy discounted travel with other carriers. Employees also receive thoughtful gifts on major life achievements and a chance to celebrate often (see Exhibit 2). One of the key concepts behind this array of benefits is the assurance that employees matter at SWA and that the company will do its utmost to take care of its most important stakeholder. Benefits help to reinforce the organizations strategic intent of valuing its employees. EXHIBIT 2 Strategic Incentives The two main contingent or variable pay systems are the corporate-wide profit-sharing program and the employee stock purchase plan. The profit-sharing program, initiated in 1973, is strategic in that it encourages employees to keep costs as low as possible (thus likely higher profits), a key aspect of company strategy. Furthermore, it allows employees to share in the success of the organization. Profits are shared equally based on employee earnings and company profits, with those who work longer hours or fly extra trips receiving a larger portion of the profit-sharing payouts. Traditionally, the program is composed of a cash component, as well as a deferral to retirement account; however, as a result of employee requests, beginning in 1990 the total payout was made on a deferral basis, thereby increasing the retirement benefits of the employees. This is important in an organization that actively promotes long-term commitment from its employees. Employees are offered several investment options, including company stock, enabling many retirees to become quite wealthy. The companys employee stock purchase plan allows all employees and managers to share in the risks and success of the company. In addition to the profit-sharing investment options, employees may purchase stock from payroll deductions at a discount through the employee stock purchase plan. In fact, through these purchases, employees now own about 12% of the company. The pilot contract allows for even greater investments in the company through stock options. Employees are acutely aware that the firms performance is pivotal to their pocketbooks. In fact, the stock price is displayed in each SWA facility so as to allow the employees to keep a constant track of SWAs and their own destiny. Strategic Recognition Programs Strategic recognition programs abound at SWA. Many of these programs are specifically designed to encourage and reinforce desired behaviors and, consequently, company strategy. In fact, these programs have limited the need for more variable pay programs. Strategic recognition programs are at both the corporate and local unit levels, and reward and celebrate exemplary service and behaviors, as well as employees birthdays, anniversaries and so forth. Even though many of these programs originated and are managed at the local level, a few key characteristics emerge. They all enjoy the support of top management, with senior executives including the CEO often gracing the reward ceremonies; they mean something to employees/winners; and they encourage behaviors linked to firm strategy. Some of the thought processes and effects of these programs may be gleaned from their descriptions. These include the Heroes of the Heart program, the Presidents awards, and the Winning Spirit awards. The Heroes of the Heart program was initiated by SWAs Culture Committee in 1992. The committee wanted to devise a way to honor unsung heroes-the behind the scenes employees who customers rarely see. A subcommittee representing a wide variety of departments was established to find a unique way to honor such employees, resulting in the Heroes of the Heart recognition program. Each year, one group is selected for its outstanding efforts in serving and supporting employees in other parts of the company. The winner of the award is kept secret until Valentines Day, when the announcement is made with much pomp and ceremony at the companys headquarters in Dallas. The name of the winning group is painted on one of SWAs aircraft that carries the Heroes of the Heart insignia. An article is also run in the companys in-flight magazine, as well as its newsletter. The Presidents Awards are also given annually to employees who demonstrate values and virtues embodied in the firms strategy: showing compassion for customers, untiring support for coworkers, leading by example, keeping promises and following through, bringing fun to the job and embracing change. Each winner is given a plaque written by his or her vice president, a monetary reward and a collage of photos taken during the award ceremony. The photos of the winners are also published in the companys newsletter. The Winning Spirit Awards are given out every month to 10 to 12 employees whose actions reflect the companys values and strateg y. These awards are given to employees, nominated by colleagues and/or by customers, across SWAs system. A broad-based committee makes the final decision. Each winner is invited to the companys headquarters where the CEO reads the letter of nomination and gives a Winning Spirit lapel pin to him or her. The winner also receives a framed photo with the CEO as a follow-up gift, and an article is published in the companys newsletter. There are several other awards/recognition programs at SWA, including programs such as Together We Make It Great, Ticket to the Future, Walk a Mile, Helping Hands, Stuck on Service, and Go See Do and such awards as Joe Cool Award, Top Wrench Award, Superstars, A Shining Star and Voice Award. These exhibit similar characteristics as the above in that they promote behaviors pivotal in achieving the firms goals and strategy. The overall effects of these recognition programs and awards on SWAs bottom line is not clear; however, as Herb Kelleher stated, the case for these programs lies in the long-term effects. If you were a statistician you wouldnt [have recognition programs], because youd say, well, we could save money if we didnt do it. Southwest Airlines has the best customer complaint record in the American airline industry and who can say what that is worth? I could sit in my office one afternoon and cut SWAs budget substantially by cutting these things. But thats like cutting out your heart. 9 It is this attitude that keeps the company ticking all the way to the bank. Implications for Management There is no universal right reward strategy, and every reward system will not be equally effective. Nevertheless, a review of the literature, including relevant case studies, reveals certain core principles that can help to make reward strategies more effective. Many of these principles are exemplified in the SWA case described in this article. First, it is important that the reward is linked to what is important for the organization. That is, as the SWA case illustrates, the reward system must be aligned with organizational philosophy and strategy. In this way, the organization will encourage and reinforce behaviors and values that are crucial for success. Second, the planning and delivery of these rewards must explicitly demonstrate commitment from organizational leaders. Leaders and employees must be involved in the development of the rewards, the process must be trusted as being fair, adequate resources must be budgeted and the final announcement and delivery must convey a message that the reward is important. In SWAs case, the CEO and other executives spend considerable time and effort to ensure that these conditions are met. Third, these rewards must have meaning and value. Winning these awards must be a significant achievement, and this must be communicated throughout the organization. Winners must feel proud about their achievements, and the organization must glorify the effort. For instance, at SWA, the name of the winning team in the Heroes of the Heart program is painted on one of the airlines carriers and the effort of the winning team is communicated throughout the organization. Fourth, there must be a supportive organizational culture for these rewards to be effective. That is, there must be trust, a pervasive sense that related systems are fair and an unequivocal perception that effort is truly appreciated. Furthermore, the culture must ensure friendly competition. Also, the criteria for winning and the judging process must be clear and effectively communicated to all employees. Finally, there must be a continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of new reward systems and strategies. This implies that changes must be made to those not working at optimal levels, and the company must constantly introduce new and exciting awards. Of course, the costs of these programs must be continuously evaluated to ensure that they contribute more than what they cost the organization Source: Singh (2002)