Project Management Research Paper Essay

The common denominator of all successful projects is the capacity and quality of its project managing mechanism. Project management is the discipline that integrates various processes towards the achievement of specific objectives and deliverables. This discipline is founded under the premise that all projects are unique, and no two are ever the same. Managing the efforts of those individuals involved requires a great deal of coordination, organization, and a forward thinking focus on the project’s objective[s]. Facilitating a successful integration of people variables and project variables towards specific objectives is the condition that the project management function provides. There is an enormous disparity between projects and operational processes. While each paradigms purpose is to yield a value and/or benefit to the organization the manner in which those values are created varies greatly. Operational processes involve the creation of organizational wealth through the manufacturing of a product or service. These processes are typically mechanistic and consuming specific resources while yielding linear and proportional revenues. In contrast, project objectives are unique, which inhibits the structuralizing of any procedural or mechanistic components. Projects occur within a lifecycle which begins with the projects selection. It is at this stage of the cycle that the project outcome is assessed for feasibility. â€Å"Project selection, the initial phase, refers to the time frame during which a strategic need is recognized by top management. It starts with identifying the needs and desires of the user of the project deliverables-the customer† (Jiang & Heiser, 2004). Very little resource consumption and collaborative efforts occur at this stage. The development stage of the project is a more involved process. It is during this stage that risk and impacts become realized and project management integration is applied. It is vital the project managers have a clear understanding of the project objective at this stage, and that risk mitigating plans be fully implemented. â€Å"The project manager and newly assigned team members meet to plan jointly at a macro level of detail the major activities that must be accomplished† (Jiang & Heiser, 2004). The third stage of a projects life cycle consists of implementation. It is during this stage that higher levels of risk are prevalent. â€Å"This is generally the longest phase of the project both in terms of duration and effort (Kloppenborg & Petrick, 1999). Implementation efforts can be highly involved and complex determined primarily by the scope and scale of the project. The fourth and final stage of the project life cycle is its termination. At this stage the project has beco me fully implemented, and any programs, products, or services are fully adopted by the end-users. A project that has achieved this stage on-or-under budget and time is considered successful. As budgets and time become inflated a projects success become proportionately debilitated. If the issues and impact affecting those consequences go unaddressed, the project will fail entirely. It is for this reason that measuring progress—at the micro level—and through each phase of the projects life cycle is crucial. A successful project manager not only maintains a constant focus on the projects end result, but also assesses task completion and progress on the basis of their costs and timing. When either these components become debilitated or show signs of retardation, it becomes the projects managers’ responsibility to escalate those efforts to appropriate levels of progress. Achieving this outcome requires that project managers possess those leadership qualities needed to motivate the necessary mechanisms. Furthermore, that assumes that leadership qualities affect accurate and effective communications to every layer of the organizational structure. One of the most important contributions project managers make to a project is the leadership capacity they fulfill. Effective leaders remain engaged throughout the projects lifecycle by the decisions they make and the efforts they put forward. However, effective leaders must also know when a situation/issue needs to escalated. The timing of the escalation is important, because it does not do any good if that  effort is reactive to the point that the solicited response becomes invalid. The study [Royal Air Force study] also found the universal applicability of the interpersonal sensitivity, influence and communication skills required to interact, whether it be in management co-ordination and problem solving, leadership motivation or command decision making, and that personal motivation, vigour and conscientious commitment that will lead to managerial control of the environment will also support leadership mastery and command success. (Turner, Mà ¼ller, & Dulewicz(2009). The impact these competencies have on the leadership and sponsorship capacity of project managers is invaluable to those efforts. Project managers that cannot effectively fulfill these conditions will find it difficult to motivate and escalate progress wh ere necessary. Capital improvement and traffic safety projects are the culmination of a series of complex phases. These phases consist of scoping and formalizing the projects charter; assigning authorization and responsibilities to each stakeholder; and procuring the necessary resources to execute and complete the project. Because these activities are performed by various project team members and outside stakeholders the activities require a great deal of coordination and communication in order to effectively perform the individual assignments and tasks. The success of these capital improvement and safety projects would not be possible without the implementation of various project management tools. The civil sector of the construction industry is the primary agent responsible for maintaining all public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water and sanitation systems, and pedestrian a vehicle safety devices. Assuming this responsibility involves implementing various maintenance and construction projects, each one with a different objective and scope of work. A project recently completed by the capital improvement projects (CIP) team involved both road-widening and drainage components. The project had a 24 month lifecycle, with 12 of those months used for securing funding and clearing the right-of-way for construction. The scale of this project warranted a great number of resources beyond financial and accounting. One such resource needed was consultants with design experience  whom had accomplished project of the same magnitude and in a similar fashion. Additional resources consisted of individuals with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, as well as, organi zation, design[s] compilation, and documentation. A number of different project management tools were used to coordinate these efforts and efficiently consume these resources. The work authorization system was an invaluable asset of this project. The work authorization system was the instrument used by the project manager to account for project-specific work. Because there are always projects in various stages of a lifecycle that need attention, it is important to know how much time each project has consumed. In addition, work authorization allows the project manager to assess what efforts are needed for a specific phase of the project and determine if a member with a particular skillset can be added or reassigned to another project. Essentially, this tool allows the project manager to authorize the cash expenditures associated with that work, while tracking the capital budget for that fiscal year. â€Å"This process would be appropriate to define (or bound) the authorized or approved scope, schedule, and cost for the project. On most government projects, which are primarily funding limited, this work authorization process is the current year (or detailed ) work planning process intended to match the approved project work to the fiscal year funding plan.† (Douglas, 2000) Project status reports were vital to the cohesiveness of varying tasks towards objectives. The status reports for this particular project were formally submitted on a weekly basis, and involved meeting with all team members to discuss the previous week’s developments. The purpose of these progress meetings was to discuss any issues that may impact the project’s budget or its schedule. During these meetings the project manager reviews the reports and inquires on any events that â€Å"standout†. In addition, all pertinent information becomes available during these meetings, which allowed for a more collaborative and cooperative task engagement. Without this progress-tracking instrument, the progress status of the project’s varying phases would be difficult to assess and account for. The implementation of integrated manage tools has become a contributing factor of the capital improvement projects successes. Work authorization and scheduling systems provide the means to assess and control resources more efficiently, and the decision making process adopted by the CIP has dramatically minimized the costs associated with erroneous and/or delayed decisions. The use of these tools allowed for the high-profile road-widening and drainage project’s success, and continues to be an invaluable asset towards the efficient completion of subsequent projects. The project management plan is the method that establishes a link between efforts and outputs. Barkley (2006) â€Å"The project management plan defines how the project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed† The plans components include people, namely the roles the individuals will play and the responsibilities assigned to them. The plan also requires inputs in the form of technology and financing that will aid in bringing the project-objectives to fruition. In addition to these components, an effective project management plan will include accurate and frequent communications. The essence of a good project management plan (PMP), PSMJ contends, is to keep it brief (you can do that simply by making reference to other documents instead of incorporating them), to the point, well-indexed, and not cluttered with text-instead, use tables and figures to illustrate your points. Distributed and regularly updated, the plan becomes a reference for the client; the team members; and principals, top managers, and administrators of your firm. (PMP, 2004) These items are the specific components needed to exact a project management plan. Segmenting the project into specific milestones is an important condition needed to monitor progress, and more importantly weigh all inputs against the objectives met. Segmenting affords a more accurate means of measuring current progress (current progress – resources consumed) and make adjustments to meet the anticipated results outlined in the projects charter. Without this segmentation comparing progress to costs would not be possible until the project’s completion, at which point the desired outcome would be less than the resources allocated for its creation. In conclusion, the formal role of a project manager is not difficult to grasp. However, the manner in which an effective project manager exacts this  function can be difficult to understand. This complexity is the consequence of integrating people, systems, and resources into a harmonious and unique sequence of events that culminate to achieve an objective. The quantifiable and qualitative paradigms of this d iscipline can be learned in any academic institution. However, the effective application of these principles is inherent to an individual’s character. References Barkley, B. (2006). Integrated project management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 9780390319944 Collins, J., & Rowe, J. (2005). Management challenges unique to transit projects. AACE International Transactions, , PM151-PM156. Retrieved from Douglas,Edward E., I.,II. (2000). Project trends and change control. AACE International Transactions, , C10.1-C10.5. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/208184374?accountid=32521 Jiang, B., & Heiser, D. R. (2004). The eye diagram: A new perspective on the project life cycle. Journal of Education for Business, 80(1), 10-16. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/202820997?accountid=32521 Turner, J. R., Ralf Mà ¼ller, & Dulewicz, V. (2009). Comparing the leadership styles of functional and project managers. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 2(2), 198-216. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17538370910949266 Project management plan: A foundation for success. (2004). Design Firm Management & Administration R eport, 04(3), 1. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/223209894?accountid=32521

Team building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Team building - Essay Example The critical inaccuracies lied in the factors of overall motivation and job satisfaction, and positive firm and lawyer acknowledgment of good performance. Apart from self-determination and autonomy, teamwork also exerts a significant influence on work performance and motivation. The affiliation or membership in a firm goes with multiple group memberships, including that of the department, team or section. Identification to a team influences behavior and may be a source of motivation for employees. In fact, researches have demonstrated that the psychological oneness that one feels for a firm compels employees to identify with the firm’s way of seeing things, attaining its goals, and striving for its benefit. Eventually, the employee will exhibit ownership of the company’s goals. Thus, it is critical that the organization be able to effectively foster teamwork among the members of its workforce for sustained productivity (van Knippenberg, 2000). The paper by Neff (2002) has failed to consider the effect of task complexity on perceptions of teamwork. In general, it has only focused on teamwork as a general construct, and has not integrated the more important correlates of this concept. Jassawalla & Sashittal (2003) assert that the building of collaborative teams is not enough, specifically for highly complex projects such as the institutionalization of novel product processes. He conducted a study of new product development (NPD) processes in 10 mid size to large high-technology firms; among these, 8 utilized teams. The results of the study were culled from in-depth interviews with those involved in NPD processes. The authors have put forth contradictory outcomes from two distinct high-innovation organizations that upheld collaborative teamwork. The most apparent findings from Jassawalla & Sashittal (2003) assert that the simple

Customer Service Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Customer Service - Research Paper Example From this paper it is clear that  managements of these agencies are often turning to human resource training and technology to deliver services fast and competently to achieve satisfactions for all queries, complaints or inquiries. Customers have been accustomed to attention from the private sector, and they now want the same from their government agencies. Government agencies have adopted standards of measuring citizens’ satisfaction in responding to their needs through electronic or manual reviews.This study highlights that there has been a shift in the management systems from an emphasis on product quality to Total Quality Management for customer satisfaction.   This change focuses on continual improvement of organization’s output. Quality of outputs in this case very much includes all products and services and the processes that are involved in the production of the products or services. The shift is intended for the sole purpose of meeting, if not surpassing cu stomer expectations. Customer service provision requires the co-operation of all levels of management within the organization.  Most organizations in the world today are registered with different standardization agencies locally or internationally such as The International Customer Service Institute (TICSI) or the International Standard Organization ISO 900 series.  The ‘Soft’ aspect of total quality management focuses on the principles that guide organizations.... The shift is intended for the sole purpose of meeting, if not surpassing customer expectations. Customer service provision requires the co-operation of all levels of management within the organization. Achievement of excellent customer service is guided by tools and principles. The tools are the so-called ‘hard’ aspects of customer service. They include the analyzing systems of an organization’s performance using a wide array of analysis tools and the presentation of these in a way that all the stakeholders using the information can understand that when recommendations are applied, it would lead to better results. Display of organizations’ performance could be represented in various ways including tabulation, graphs, polygons and charts. Statistical analysis of results is a common method used to evaluate performance of output through, mean, mode, probability analysis, critical path analysis and variance and correlation analysis. When these tools are used, q uantitative data is displayed to help in controlling the output be it products or services. Most organizations in the world today are registered with different standardization agencies locally or internationally such as The International Customer Service Institute (TICSI) or the International Standard Organization ISO 900 series. These set up standards of different kinds that aim at improving excellence in customer service by having a policy that focuses on quality improvement. Results from statistical analysis should be checked against these standards, and the necessary areas of improvement are identified. The ‘Soft’ aspect of total quality management focuses on the principles that guide organizations. Emphasis is put in

The Royal Tenenbaums -movie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Royal Tenenbaums -movie - Essay Example was my friends’ reviews that had made me dislike the movie, but then I figured out that the reason was the lack of adventure and eccentricity in the film which was something that I had expected from Wes Anderson. I had Rushmore, amongst others, as a trademark for Anderson’s movies and this one was just not as thrilling as its predecessors. As things turned out, I was forced to watch this movie again after a few months- this time with my family, and I must say it was a totally different experience. The movie showcases one of the best in the art genre with perfection abound in everything ranging from dialogue delivery to the sets and the overall theme. The story offers a unique blend of comedy and drama and revolves around a dysfunctional patriarch, Royal who is forced into unfortunate consequences despite the success of his children. The story takes a turn when, in an attempt to re-win the love of his former wife, Royal fakes up an illness and makes a comeback into his wife’s and children’s’ lives. The plot marks the death of Royal and life moves on the in the Tenenbaums family. As I watched the movie, I could not have imagined anyone else in Hackman’s place play Royal’s character. The struggle shown between his ill intentions and good doing is remarkable and effortless. As common sense would suggest, situations cannot be mended and troubles averted once a lot of time has elapsed. Anderson defies this logic in the movie by demonstrating how it’s never late to set things right. Love must be appreciated even if it comes from an ill-hearted character such as Royal’s because life is too short for

Analysing Finances Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analysing Finances - Essay Example Additionally, how the company’s share price has been throughout a year, what the audit report is saying about the company’s financial position and performance, whether it provides a positive healthy financial position or the audit report raises some doubts over some aspects of the company. In addition, an investor must try to gain understanding that how the company has obtained the financial numbers, it would be only possible by knowing its corporate strategies. Many reasons require obtain such information. For investors only relying on the provided annual report would be insufficient to convince them as recently many huge companies despite showing a remarkably healthy financial position become bankrupt and declared their bankruptcy; among them, the debacle of energy giant Enron, declared bankruptcy in late 2001 (Barreveld, 2002, pp.118). Additionally, third party evaluation presents more realistic as there are less chances of conflict of interest. Among them, the credi t rankings issued by different ranking companies may offer some help as the ranking companies do not have, most of the time, any direct link or business dealing with the corporate companies. References Barreveld, D.J. (2002), â€Å"The Enron Collapse: Creative Accounting, Wrong Economics or Criminal Acts† USA: IUniverse.

Application of Organizational Behavior Concepts Essay

Application of Organizational Behavior Concepts - Essay Example Therefore, Healthcare Inc. approximates that turnover expenses are to the tune of $2.2 million per annum and that falling turnover could have a beneficial effect not just on its outcome, but also the drive of its employees. As a result, it is imperative to underscore the core essence of the company’s turnover problem in order to tackle the problem as a whole. Such a process will involve a number of considerations as to why employee turnover is high in the company and the reasons behind the phenomenon. To kick-start, the process will be the naming of the reasons for the high turnover at Healthcare Inc. In essence, high turnover emanates from a diversity of factors that affect the working morale and drive of the employees. Several issues in the operation of the organization are responsible for its turnover problems. It is only through the identification of the issues causing turnover that a formidable solution for Healthcare Inc can be developed (Jex, 2002). Issues at the Root o f the Healthcare Inc Turnover Problems Recruitment and Employee Selection Issues Healthcare Inc high turnover is mainly as a result of recruitment and employee selection issues, which have an upper hand in influencing the drive and confidence of workers. Under normal circumstances, recruitment and selection issues are the principal process of admitting new talent into the organization (Smith, 2007). Whenever there is a problem regarding the quality of staff or the nature of the process, the organization is affected in a great way. Recruitment and selection are two related processes that determine the nature of employees the company attracts and retains over and above the way in which the workforce operates in the organization. Whereas recruitment deals with the general hunt for talent, selection involves the particular scrutiny of potential staff for employment considerations. Selection relies so much on recruitment owing to the fact that the employees to be selected emanate from re cruitment stage. Issues surrounding the recruitment and selection of staff have a significant implication on the operation of an organization and are leading causes of high turnover. It is evident that Healthcare Inc turnover problems mostly affect new employees in their first year of service; this is a direct result of recruitment and selection issues. Half of the turnover cases involve fresh employees, which imply that the company’s recruitment and selection process is flawed and does not herald required staff in the organization or fails to inculcate organizational values in them. There must be a reason why fresh employees are a huge source of turnover, the organization processes of searching and choosing new employees is not up to date or does not satisfy the threshold of organizational effectiveness. Recruitment along with selection issues are crucial components in an organization’s turnover problems. Motivational Issues High turnover could be as a result of motiv ational issues because the ability of workers to stay committed to their roles squarely lies with their level of motivation.

Perceptions that consumers have for the different marketing messages Essay

Perceptions that consumers have for the different marketing messages - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the selective exposure process focuses on individuals to agree with those medium of communication that is in alignment with their views and opinions. Consumers in this selective process only go out for things that are of interest to them and oppose those things that they are against about. An example can be the fluctuations of the share prices. A drop in the share prices would affect the consumers and they may apply the selective exposure process. The selective retention process observes that consumers tend to retain those marketing messages that are of interest to them and also are favoring their opinions as well. The marketing messages that are against the opinion of the consumers do not tend to retain for long in the minds of consumers. The products advertised to consumers such as mobile phones for youngsters may be a highly attractive product and they may observe keenly the advertising done for mobile phones. The selective percepti on theory states that consumers interpret facts that they are interested in. In other words, consumers comprehend the situation the way they want to see it as. They hear what they believe in rather than what the message is actually trying to state. Therefore, in this case for different consumers, the same message may have different worth and meaning to them. For example, consumers that like to watch a lot of television may only see the advantageous side of watching television and may ignore the disadvantages that watching too much television has on humans.

Free Market Economy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Free Market Economy - Research Paper Example In this respect, resources are allocated based on demand of those resources and their supply. More often than not, free markets are closely associated with capitalism with socialists advocating for it. This has made them, on many occasions, to utilized free markets in proposals where the capital allocation of the market is intertwined with self-management within the enterprises alongside the ownership of cooperatives owned by employees. According to Adman Smith, an invisible hand balances supply and demand forces and maintains equilibrium (Smith, 1776, Book IV). Invisible hand refers to the ability of the market to balance itself without government intervention, and which might occur in a free market system of resource allocation. Supply refers to the quantity of product that can be supplied by firms. Demand, on the other hand, refers to the quantity of product demanded by the consumers. Equilibrium occurs for cases where demand and supply curves intersect. This is illustrated in fig 01 below. Fig 01 shows equilibrium position of a demand and supply curve. Source: www.learngoldcoins.com This, if taken from this approach, implies that in a free market, monopolies and cartels cannot exist because monopolies are created mainly by government help and, therefore, are more likely to co-exist in a controlled economy than in a free economy. Monopolies and cartels thrive well when supported by governments. In such cases, the government notably, provide help to large firms in the form of lower tariffs or taxation. A free economy is characterized by tight competitions. For instances, where businesses sprout with maximum profits following the discovery of some thrilling items of demand, other firms often enter into that business driving the profits down. In this case,... There are various advantages attributed to the free market economy. First, free market economy is characterized by free resource allocation with lacking monopolies and cartels. Secondly, the free market system has improved efficiency, as opposed to controlled market system. It is quite apparent that whenever price setting is left to market forces, firms operate efficiently exhausting all their resources to produce at lowest possible prices. Firms in the free market system are often free to enter into any business while consumers access a wide range of products and services. In such a system, no government help or intervention exists. Firms work out a production system that maximizes output and lowers costs. Thirdly, in the free market system, consumers are made to access products and services. In such cases, the existence of demand necessitates the existence of supply. Occasionally, consumers are allowed to get a wide range of products and services. Research shows that when productio n and investment decisions are made by market forces instead of the government, resource allocation is done in a way that that benefits the whole society. Most notable is the fact that in the free market system represents economic freedom for all customers (Friedman & Friedman, 2002, 15). The chart below (chart 02) is the evidence for the worldwide support of the free market system. There are other market systems other than the free market system. They include mixed economy and command economy.

Theology Reflection Paper Essay Example for Free

Theology Reflection Paper Essay Introduction For my two topics I choose The Nature of God and Sin Nature (the nature of man). The two topics are obviously complete opposites but as a child most of what I knew about God came from the sinful nature of family that I looked up to and later how I learned to recognize and pray for my current sinful nature was from learning the actual Nature of God. In this paper I will explain how the two topics connected with my life and how this study has help me understand both topics even more. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God (Galatians 4:8). The Nature of God The Nature of God is truly understood with the Holy Spirit and the study of God’s Word. Supremacy, Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence are just a few words that describe the Nature of God. To truly know God is to fear him and be in awe of him. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1Timothy 1:17). I was raised in a Gypsy culture which led to many terrible understandings in the outside world. One huge misunderstanding is that I had of the nature of God. As a gypsy child we would listen to many stories from â€Å"successful†Ã‚  elders in hopes of learning some great secret to help us. Many of these stories involved superstitions and the justification of doing bad things to get a head. One story that helped justify such acts was that as Jesus Christ was being crucified a gypsy boy stole one of the nails intended to be used to nail Jesus to the cross. We were told because of this Jesus forgives us for like sins that we commit to live our life in the gypsy culture. This story and mentality really affected the view I had of the Nature of God and the life I should live. The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you (John 14:26). It is pretty clear to me now that the understanding we all had back then was not due to the Holy Spirit. After being adopted by a Baptist preacher and actually being saved I started my journey to understand the Nature of God. The current understanding I have of the Nature of God has taken 15 years to create. Every day God reveals his nature to me with current issues, reviewing my past and with studying God’s Word. Sin Nature The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants (Galatians 5:17). Sin Nature is something mankind cannot combat without the Spirit. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out (Romans 7:18). Sinful Nature has been passed down all the way back to Adam. But one’s personal Sin Nature can find its roots much closer to present time. I have found that I share most of my sinful struggles with my father, Tommy. Tommy, has been married over 12 times is an alcoholic and addicted to drugs and violence. But all of these sinful destructive traits are easy to avoid for a son that has a clear picture of what happens to a man with such habits. But the issue that wasn’t as known is Tommy’s addiction to porn. My journey with porn started at an early age and is rooted deep within me. This sin nature has defeated over 20 relationships with distorted visions of sex. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do (Romans 7:15). As my father before me I could fall into the same traps of multiple marriages and violence, but because of the knowledge I have of God’s Nature and the Holy Spirit inside of me I can combat said sin with knowledge. Those who  live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5). Conclusion In the 11th chapter of Core Christianity, Elmer Towns says â€Å"Whenever Christianity touches a culture in a significant way; there is always a change in a positive way.† Being raised in one culture that was not truly touched by Christianity and then adopted into a completely different culture that was truly touched by Christ I have personally felt and seen the positive effects Christianity has when it touches a life or culture. In chapter 5 of Core Christianity, Elmer Towns speaks to One Door—Two Sides. In most of his book but especially in this section E. Towns, highlights my now Reformed Perspective God has revealed to me. I now have a better understanding of The Nature of God and how truly blessed I am, The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him {Psalm 28:7)

Transactional and relationship marketing

Transactional and relationship marketing In this age of modernization and technological advancement one must be on top of the game to succeed in a competitive business market. And to accomplish this task a firm need not only produce high quality products but also effectively handle customer queries and complaints, which results in maintaining good customer relationship. Two different types of marketing approaches have been discussed here. Transactional marketing which focuses only on individual transactions and gives no importance for customer relationship. On the other hand, Relationship Marketing gives top most importance for building long term customer relationships and concentrates on customer satisfaction. Differences between these two approaches have been provided for better understanding of the concepts. Detailed study has been done on customer relationship management techniques, how it is beneficial for the organisation, etc. In the end, we will be discussing the best practices followed by ICICI Bank Ltd, a successf ul and leading organisation in the banking industry. Transactional Marketing is a traditional marketing approach that concentrates only on individual transactions. It mainly focuses on the single sale formula, pushing the sales through mass marketing and promotions of the product. It is based on short period of time, with little or no emphasis on customer service. It is a theory that includes low-price competition, cost cutting, promotion, return on investment etc. They also believe that they can gain market share with only price and customer loyalty is not a major factor. Effective use of the internet helps them to reach customers in a cost effective manner. Transactional Marketing is done by the purchase of consumer information in the form of databases. The company then reaches the consumer by telemarketing, mass e-mailing and other promotional activities. It is not very popular currently as there is no post sale consulting or service. Example: A sales agent who is given commission for each successful sale. He / she tries to persuade the customer to buy the product by describing the features of the product, and then never get back to the customer after closing the sale. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1146/541909499_13501229b7.jpg In simple words, we can say that Transactional Marketing focuses on maximizing the profit of the company by attracting more customers to purchase the firms product. Relationship Marketing Relationship marketing is concerned with developing and strengthening the relationship with both current and prospective customers. It is more focused on providing the valued products and services to the customers rather than advertisement and promotion. It differs from other marketing schemes as it aims to value the long term relationship and customers contribution towards the business. The main emphasis will be on retention of existing customers for the long term benefits of the company, not on attracting new customers on a daily basis. This gives the organization a competitive gain over its rivals. The biggest threat every company face is the fear that their customers could switch to its competitors. But, if an organization follows a good relationship strategy, their customers are less likely to switch to the competitors. Today, companies are trying their best to build long term relationship with the customers, which will lower the cost of attracting new ones. This ongoing process of building and creating new values with individual customers, and sharing lifetime benefits with them is vital and very important for the organisation because it creates the sense of loyalty in customers and long-term profit for the company. Customer loyalty, particularly to a small business is the key to companys survival. Example: In banking industry, it is very important to maintain a very good relationship with the customers. More number of happy customers will help in terms of expanding customer base, which will result in more revenue and gaining competitive edge over others in the industry. http://www.cxo.eu.com/media/media-news/news-thumb/100517/customer-relationship-management.jpg Comparison between Transactional and Relationship Marketing Transactional Marketing Relationship Marketing Short time scale Long time scale Focus on single sale Focus on retention of the customer No importance to customer service Top priority for customer service Orientation to product features Orientation to customer values Limited commitment towards customers Higher commitment towards customers Focus on product quality while production Ensure product quality in all aspects No post sale consulting or services Follow up after sales to ensure customer satisfaction Mechanical and production oriented business model More humanistic and relationship based business model In conclusion, we can say that Relationship Marketing is a much more affordable approach in terms of a companys budget as it focuses on current customers and prospective clients rather than blindly searching for individuals who may have no interest in the product or services offered by the company. http://courseware.finntrack.eu/images/RelationshipMarketingIsNotJustLoyaltyPrograms.jpg Customer Relationship Management Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a comprehensive approach for creating, maintaining and expanding customer relationships. An excellent customer relationship management is at the heart of every business success. With CRM, you will easily understand customer requirements, meet those needs effectively, predict market trends and enhance your bottom line. A good CRM will help the business to become more efficient and effective. CRM is the strategic use of Information, processes, technology and people to manage the customers relationship with your company (Marketing, sales, services and support) across the whole customer life cycle. CRM will help the business to improve customer satisfaction, increase staff productivity, slash operational costs and maximize the effectiveness of each customer interaction. CRM programs enhance the customer-friendly services by automating all proceedings and procedures in a company. All CRM systems are primarily large customer databases capable of storing all customer information such as customers name, address, customer contacting method, ability to spend money on products, money spending per visit etc. The specific programs built in these systems integrate the stored data on demand to identify good customers and help to create better service plans for them. The finest CRM system chiefly computerizes the customer service process and also makes it more competent and user friendly. Customers can effortlessly navigate their way to the exact information, so that personal exchanges such as phone calls, emails can be put away for, out of the ordinary situations. http://www.masternewmedia.org/images/customer_relationships_management_handshake_id180610_size485_b.jpg The key to targeting new customers is relatively straight forward, holding onto them is another thing altogether, and this is where good customer service plays an important role. Taking all the efforts to keep a client happy, will vastly improve the chances of them returning with their custom in the future. Effective CRM is central to any successful business. In short, it is the process a company follows to track and organise its current customer base. If implemented correctly, a holistic CRM approach can help businesses of all sizes to make better informed marketing decisions, offer more efficient customer service and support and, ultimately, create shorter sales cycles. CRM software enables companies to proactively create sales that otherwise may not have happened. And ultimately, the long term success of any business will depend on the effectiveness of their overall customer relationship management strategy. Success of any business small, medium or large greatly depends on customer satisfaction and the manner in which an enterprise makes attempts to cater to client requirements and boost customer relationships. It is herein that the concept of CRM becomes vital to win customers and sustain their growth. Benefits of CRM Customer Satisfaction: Using CRM, marketing, selling and servicing your customers will be organized and systematic. As every customer interaction is done in a consistent way, your business exceeds customers expectations. A well-implemented CRM will increase customer satisfaction. A Customer Relationship Management for your company is a worthwhile investment and a smart solution to keep your business stay competitive. Today, CRM programs have become the most effective tools for all marketing and service providing companies to enhance their customer satisfaction. Increased Revenue: CRM will result to shorter sales cycles because of efficient management of accounts and orders. This will then naturally encourage business growth and long term profitability as the number of customers increase and opportunities are maximized. In the cut throat environment of modern times, a CRM system then emerges as a valuable tool to help build customer loyalty. CRM as the acronym suggests is all about managing the customer. If the customer is managed in an effective manner, the profit on a continuous basis is the logical by-product. A business can generate profit only when it has a committed and faithful following of customers. It does not matter whether your business is small, or you are running a large business, the longevity of your business relays on the information you acquire about your customer. Profits can be maximized first and foremost on a continued basis by having retaining satisfied customers. It can be done only through a personal touch. This personal touch can be ensured through maintaining a database on the needs and preferences of your customers. Building a relationship of trust and understanding by knowing their needs and wants will help you and your customer develop a long term relationship, or more importantly, partnership. Reduced costs: Through the use of CRM, work and activities become systematic and coordinated. This will eliminate waste of funds and leads to reduced labour costs. CRM solution providers bring in healthy solutions to enable companies to better serve their customers and recognize their target customers, manage marketing campaigns and generate quality leads for the sales team. Statistics reveal that expenditure is much higher in acquiring a new customer than to retain an existing one. This can be guaranteed by keeping a database on the requirements of your customers. CRM system allows you to have a better grip on your customers. This in turn saves a lot of time and money thereby by being twice as more beneficial to your concern than any other similar system. Why CRM is crucial? CRM is an effective tool to take the business forward as it helps to evaluate the companys customer base and manage their customer data efficiently and effectively. It is required to have a proper planning and a strategic device to expand their footprint as well as retain their old customers, while also winning new clients; CRM becomes imperative in the current situation. CRM also helps businesses to simplify sales and marketing processes, while also reducing costs. http://www.thebmrant.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/crm-12.jpg The main objective of CRM is to maintain a better understanding of the customer requirements and manage customer relationship through the use of software, Web-based integration of business processes and methodologies. Besides, CRM programme provides a swift mechanism to monitor all contact points between a client and the company, thereby reducing the hassles of handling customer complaints. Loyal Customers are Most Important Profit Drivers Best customers, allow you to earn your acquisition cost and generate a positive return on investment. The longer you keep them, the more positive your returns will be. Loyal customers are more likely to buy more things from you. They dont have to be sold as hard because they understand your value proposition and, since they have a relationship with you, they are more likely to see your marketing, which increases revenue and profit, and reduces acquisition cost. Loyal customers will pay a higher price. They understand your product and see its value. You dont have to bribe them to buy again. This further improves the profitability of the company. Experienced customers cost less to service. Because they know how your product or service works. All this reduces your cost, which improves profitability. Loyal customers will happily tell their friends and associates about your product. This brings in more great customers with no acquisition cost. http://images04.olx.com.ph/ui/13/95/62/1300216362_177789362_2-Pictures-ofBuild-Your-Business-With-Loyal-Customers.jpg http://themarketbureauwebsite.businesscatalyst.com/images/blog/growth2.jpg Impact of CRM on Marketing and Operations of an Organisation This view of CRM completely changed the operations of the organisations. Companies became more concerned about keeping the existing customer than searching for new ones. This new dimension of marketing changed the entire approach, companies changed their marketing strategies, and every customer is different than other, so each one is being treated differently. Different CRM strategies are used by the companies, which allow them to identify their best customers, try to satisfy their needs and continuously increase their level of satisfaction and take them up to the loyalty level. CRM has affected the marketing of the organisation in a sense that it made organisations to change all its marketing strategies and operations. CRM based organisations are concerned about the customers. Organisations now attempt to define the characteristics of the best customers, estimate their lifetime value, and are changing their marketing strategies accordingly. CRM system is mostly technology based, and it affects the customers behaviour a lot, if it is not implemented properly. CRM has a huge impact on marketing of the organization. It has almost shifted the focus from mass marketing to individual customer. Managing each customer relationship is the heart of CRM, while traditional market metrics hardly allowed the companies to make operational decisions that affect individual customers. CRM helped the organizations to improve its mass marketing and campaign measures. These retention campaigns cost a lot but its very effective in longer run. Furthermore, having a regular client base also alleviates a lot of the pressure that comes with continuously having to target new customers, which is not only costly and time consuming, but there is no guarantee how much revenue any new marketing initiative will generate. http://www.divessi-indo.com/images/loyalty-cycle.gif By having access to customers detailed buying history, its possible to offer related products and services. Known as cross-selling, this is an extremely effective means of generating additional revenue. Then there is what is known as up-selling, which is where the customer is encouraged to buy upgrades or add-ons at the point of sale. Traditional marketing approach was more focused on the sales while CRM has a view of long-term relationship with the customers. This idea of retaining the customers made huge changes within the organizations and changed its marketing and operations. Organisations started building and maintaining databases of the customers information. CRM made businesses more conscious about customer services, acquiring and serving the customers, increasing their value towards the company, retaining good customers and determining which customer should be retained or given a higher level of services. Businesses today put a lot of efforts on analysing the purchasing behaviour of the customer; they manage several databases where they keep records of each customer. According to the information each customer is targeted separately. Different schemes and campaigns are being organized by the business to retain the customers. These schemes include different promotions to create a sense of loyalty among the customer. Like different newspapers give a free copy to its regular customers. http://securitysystemprice.com/images/opfso-2.jpg http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbDzvInkO7kX_1BM9EIfTILUYrMayXiYqzJKgmmVjN5SsYzG5goAt=1 A CRM system could run better if the organisation have the right employees, who have knowledge of the CRM system, so organisations now have to spend more on training the employees and make them aware of the system. CRM system is more or less technology based so certain tools should be upgraded continuously like Web Pages. Organisations now tend to make databases of the customers, which have increased the burden because this approach of one-to-one marketing and customer loyalty expects a lot. With the implementation of CRM system in the organizations, their marketing strategies seemed to be customer centric (striving to create the customer loyalty rather than making new customer every time) and focus is being given to One-to-one marketing, rather than mass marketing. Today, organisations are more customer centric. In simple worlds organization makes sure that its customers could easily contact it. The best example of customer centric organization could be Amazon.com. They have personalized web pages with wide range of products to select, the low price lead towards the customer loyalty and a long-term relationship of Amazon.com. One-to-one Marketing: It is also expressed as 1:1 Marketing. Its a CRM strategy which emphasis on personalized interaction with customers. It is thought that this personalized interaction will grow customer loyalty and will give a better return on the marketing investments. This one-to-one marketing term could be new but the approach is quite old. And its been taking place since the commerce came into existence. For example: the owner of a grocery store would naturally take this one-to-one approach while dealing with customers, i.e. remembering the customer details about their preferences and their characteristics and ultimately providing the services based on that knowledge. http://www.websitepromotionsltd.co.uk/images/customer-focus3.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295915031625 http://kiranmendekar.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/customer_focus.jpg In Conclusion, we can say that CRM has given organization great benefits in terms of improved marketing methods, customer retention, a growth in the market share and an analysis of customer profitability. CRM provides the organization with a sustainable competitive advantage. CRM is the comprehensive approach of creating and maintaining long term relationships. This one to-one marketing approach has impacted a lot on different aspects of the organization; this is more technology-based approach to stay in touch with customers, striving to make them loyal with the company. Due to this relation maintaining approach, companies have also affected in terms of their marketing strategies, and their operations. Companies have to change all of their previous strategies and start working on this new approach. http://www.awinsjclarke.com/wp-content/uploads/diag_serv_crm2.gif Case Study Best CRM Practices followed by ICICI Bank Ltd CRM at ICICI involves increased communication between the bank and the customers. ICICI believes that a true customer-centric relationship can only be accomplished by considering the unique perspectives of every single customer. ICICI also believes in one to one marketing strategy by tracking complete customer life-cycle history. Effective use of Cross Selling technique helped the bank in terms of generating more revenue. Implementing CRM at ICICI Bank Business Focus: There are various components of CRM like customer information, sales, marketing trends and marketing effectiveness that acted in tandem to improve relationship between ICICI and its consumers. ICICI captured customer data and analyzed them while dealing with customers at these very touch points. A CRM solution from Siebel was implemented for the automation of customer handling in all key retail products of the Group. The solution allows customer service agents to track all customer complaints and requests. It also allows target setting and centralized tracking of turnaround times for request fulfilment. The bank has also undertaken a retail data warehouse initiative to achieve customer integration at the back-office. This central view of the total customer relationship is being used extensively for identifying opportunities to cross-sell new products and services to the existing customer base. Technology Focus: ICICI Bank continues to leverage information and computer technology as a strategic tool for its business operations to gain competitive advantage. Its technology strategy emphasizes enhanced level of customer services through 247 availability, multi-channel banking and straight through processing, and cost efficiency through optimal use of electronic channels, wider and focused market reach and opportunities for cross-selling. The Technology Management Group (TMG) is the focal point for the ICICI Groups technology strategy and Group-wide technology initiatives. This group reports directly to the Managing Director CEO. A key to ICICIs success has been its ability to harness business information to CRM initiatives that have fuelled growth and helped attract more than 30 million customers. http://www.foxif.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ICICI-Bank.jpg http://thezerolife.com/kobnaghar/wp-content/uploads/ICICIBankCustomerFirstTheZeroLife.Com_thumb.jpg Components of CRM Cycle Understand and Differentiate: Organisations need to understand their customers in order to have a relationship with them. ICICI understands every individual and offer products and services based on their learning. Develop and Customise: In a customer-focused world, Organizations are increasingly developing products and services, and even new channels based on customer needs and service expectations. ICICI believes that the extent of customization should be based on the potential value delivered by the customer segment. Interact and Deliver: ICICI is strongly of the opinion that value is not just based on the price of the product or the discounts offered, but are based on a number of factors including the quality of products and services, convenience, speed, ease of use, responsiveness, and service excellence. Acquire and Retain: The more ICICI learns about customers, the easier it is to pinpoint those that are producing the greatest value for the organization. They aim to continue to learn more about each customer segment and use it for successful customer retention. As ICICI moves step further in CRM they hopes to gain insight and understanding that enhance the subsequent efforts. Successful customer retention is based on the organizations ability to constantly deliver the best services to its customers. http://cdn.information-management.com/media/editorial/dmreview/199911/199911_060_1.gif We can say that ICICI Bank has achieved this level by way of focussed and customer centric approach using various customer relationship management techniques. CRM plays a vital role for organisations growth and success. Effective use of the latest and proven CRM techniques will help organisations to be competitive in this changing world. http://www.gwtindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/crm_internship.jpg

How Far Can Business Methods Developed In One Country Be Applied In Another :: essays research papers fc

The question states the transferability of business methods from one country to another, via Japanese techniques. However, in order to answer, we must define the term culture, as the term culture encompasses business methods, i.e. in order to adopt foreign business methods we must adopt its culture. In Needle's (1994) definition of culture he states, "A particular interest in business is the extent to which we can learn from the business experiences of other cultures and transplant ideas d eveloped by businesses in one culture and use then in a totally different setting." A major implication of the work of Hofstede (1980) and Trompenaars (1994) and other contributors to the knowledge about international culture and management is that "cultural interpretation and adaptation" are a necessary prerequisite to the comparative understanding of national and international management practice. Hofstede suggests that while 'hard - nosed' (short termist, task/result orientated) American or Anglo-Saxon approachs to business management may work well in Chicago, they may be counterproductive in Japan. More specifically, the procedure of international cultural adaptation may be applied to the three following areas: 1. Motivation theories, 2. Leadership concepts, 3. Management by Objectives (MBO) The three areas are described by Hofstede as symptomatic of the issue at hand. Hofstede states that "not only organisations are culture bound; theories about organisations are equally culture bound." Morden (1993) comments "There is no guarantee, therefore, that theories and concepts developed within the cultural context of one country can with good effect be applied in another. This implies that it is not possible for such theories to be 'universally valid'." In the UK, interest has been awakened by the considerable investment in the economy by major Japanese firms, who have entered certain key industries, such as motor manufacturing and electronics. Whilst taking advantage of investment incentives offered by the British Government, and the range of skills offered by British workers, these Japanese companies (e.g. Toyota, Honda, Panasonic, etc.) have also introduced several of their own personnel and production practices. These have been adapted to achieve the acceptance of the managers and workers concerned, especially in relation to production methods, quality control and management worker attitudes. A comparison between east and west industrial environments can simply illustrate culture differences., In particular, Britain versus Japan. Nevertheless, a number of Japanese management practices have been adopted very successfully in a British context (e.g. Nissan). One of the important general difference between Japanese and British companies lies in the way they are funded.

Othello’s Diversity of Imagery Essay -- Othello essays

Othello’s Diversity of Imagery  Ã‚        Ã‚   The diverse imagery found in Shakespeare’s drama Othello represents a world all by itself. And this world of imagery contributes to the prevailing sentiment of pain and suffering and unpleasantness.    There is no shortage of imagery in the play; this is for certain. Critic Caroline Spurgeon in â€Å"Shakespeare’s Imagery and What it Tells Us† sorts through the plethora of imagery in the play:    The main image in Othello is that of animals in action, preying upon one another, mischievous, lascivious, cruel or suffering, and through these, the general sense of pain and unpleasantness is much increased and kept constantly before us. More than half the animal images in the play are Iago’s, and all these are contemptuous or repellent: a plague of flies, a quarrelsome dog, the recurrent image of bird-snaring, leading asses by the nose, a spider catching a fly, beating an offenceless dog, wild cats, wolves, goats and monkeys. To these Othello adds his pictures of foul toads breeding in a cistern, summer flies in the shambles, the ill-boding raven over the infected house, a toad in a dungeon, the monster ‘too hideous to be shown,’ bird-snaring again, aspics’ tongues, crocodiles’ tears, and his reiteration of goats and monkeys.’ In addition, [. . .] . (79)    The play’s imagery is oftentimes reflective of the fortunes of the protagonist. As the Moor’s status declines, the quality of the imagery in the play declines. In The Riverside Shakespeare Frank Kermode explains the relationship between imagery and Othello’s jealousy:    It is very important to see that Othello’s self-estimate – â€Å"one not easily jealious, but, being wrought, / Perplexed in the extreme† (V.ii.345-... ...rizona Quarterly (Spring 1956), pp.5-16.    Kermode, Frank. â€Å"Othello, the Moor of Venice.† The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1974.    Mack, Maynard. Everybody’s Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993.    Muir, Kenneth. Introduction. William Shakespeare: Othello. New York: Penguin Books, 1968.    Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.    Spurgeon, Caroline. â€Å"Shakespeare’s Imagery and What it Tells Us.† Shakespearean Tragedy. Ed. D. F. Bratchell. New York: Routledge, 1990.    Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.            

Personalized Conversational Recommendation Systems :: Business Communications

Conversation via Dialogue Management Up: Personalized Conversational Recommendation Systems Conversational Recommendation The goal of recommendation systems is to help users find items of interest, and thus they must eliminate some choices from consideration while keeping others. To achieve this, they must either know or determine the interests of the current user, then present items that satisfy those interests. One of the most widely used approaches for information acquisition in recommendation systems is the use of a simple form (usually a single query box) that the user fills in. Coupled with this, a common presentation format is the ranked list approach. In this scheme, the system presents a usually long list of results, ordered by their predicted relevance to the user. The combined technique of information acquisition through a form and presentation in a list originated in information retrieval, where it was used to help find documents or reports during library research. The basic method, which we refer to as the ranked list approach, is more general, however, and it underlies the simpler search e ngines for the World Wide Web, which are used regularly for many different selection tasks. In contrast, the ADAPTIVE PLACE ADVISOR supports conversations as its mode of interaction. In this approach, one conversational participant, which we call the inquirer, asks a second participant, which we call the advisor, for assistance in selecting an item. For example, if the inquirer is deciding on a restaurant at which to have dinner, the conversation may proceed as follows: 1. Inquirer: Where do you think I should eat tonight? 2. Advisor: What type of food would you like? 3. Inquirer: What types are there? 4. Advisor: You can say things like Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean. 5. Inquirer: Oh, maybe a cheap Indian place. 6. Advisor: What kind of parking would you like? 7. Inquirer: I don't care, as long as it's in Palo Alto. 8. Advisor: I'm sorry, I don't know of any restaurants like that, would you like to search for any price? 9. Inquirer: No, I think I'd like Chinese instead. 10. Advisor: How does Mandarin Gourmet on 420 Ramona sound?1 11. Inquirer: No, what else do you have? 12. Advisor: How about Jing-Jing Szechwan Hunan Gourmet on 443 Emerson Street? 13. Inquirer: Sure, that sounds fine. We will refer to systems that mimic this approach to recommendation as conversational recommendation systems. The interaction supported by conversational recommendation systems is quite different from that found in the ranked list approach.

Ranking of Learning Benefit of Each CEO Essay

For those who have not read any great leaders biographies and theirs accomplishments, the book provide good introduction of all the seven exceptional corporate leaders and their signature strategies. The books should be able to stir reader interest for more serious reading and learning on other more in-depth leadership books. 2. Strengths Krames’s rigorous analysis of each of the CEO and their strategies, provide reader an understanding of what are their strategies and how the strategies implemented and why they were implemented. The book not only discusses the framework of each of their strategies but also entails some of the example of the leaders’ relevant experience. Through these leaders, the book portrays proven business insights, ideas and innovations of practiced by these world-class organizations. The inclusion of thoughts provoking case studies and self-test â€Å"Assessing Your CEO Quotient† at each of the chapters provide interactive learning experience. 3. Weaknesses The book could have provided experience from wider spectrum of leaders from other non-profit organization, corporate leaders from emerging economies and corporate leaders from Asia. The definition of successful leaders in this book is narrow is the sense its only from the perspective of immediate financial wealth creation. 4. General Learning Benefit The author, being a novice in the area of strategic leadership studies found that the book provide a very good introduction to strategic leadership and corporate strategy. The books open the author mind on the dynamism of strategic and critical thinking of addressing corporate problems. The author found that the â€Å"More Lesson From CEO† sections at the end of each chapter were practical and applicable to the author current profession. Ranking of Learning Benefit of Each CEO Out of all the CEOs the author has learned the most is from Andy Grove. Turning from negative situation to positive though it took resourcefulness to achieved, without real strong courage and determination, many leaders would not succeed. These strong qualities possessed by Grove no doubts would have developed through his early days hardship and this had earned Grove the respect of being a leader. Through his ability see the condition Intel from the perspective of an outsider enable him to prepare Intel for drastic change and turn into a multi-billion dollars business. The author admired Grove leadership style based on truth telling. Ranking second after Grove is Herb Kelleher. The author learned the important of building performance-based culture in business. Kelleher’s down-to-earth leadership style, by putting customer and employee, putting aside title and protocol caught the attention of the author especially when it came from the leader from big organization like Southwest. Kelleher lean management structure that made him accessible by his front lines supervisor plus his flamboyant and people treatment breed loyalty and commitment from his staff. Ranking third is Sam Walton. Walton continuous endeavor to be better by learning from his competitors, and remain faithful to his vision to provide lowest cost impressed the author. Normally when organization became big, they will not adopt lowest cost strategy. Lesson that the author draws from Walton leadership style was to lead by example in the aspect of learning from others. Ranking fourth is Bill Gates. Bill Gates leadership approach to knowledge management was definitely a lesson that that the author have learned. Gates ability to see the future label him as visionary leader. Ranking fifth is Jack Welch. Jack Welch was good corporate strategies. Though through learning organization make GE a great company, his â€Å"number one or number two† strategy was mean and neglected the human aspect which the author believe negate the overall leadership pursuit. This strategy though might work with big corporation like GE, might not work on the smaller organization. People commitment to their job could be due to job security. Ranking sixth is Lou Gerstner. Gerstner approach to put IBM under the scrutiny of its customer and use the market feedback to transform IBM would be expected of him. His previous experience in Nabisco naturally would give IBM a fresh perspective of how to business would be directed. No doubt his leadership abilities would have contributed to his success transforming IBM. Ranking seventh is Michael Dell. Dell approach to build DELL business model surround the customer and his strategy of mass customization would be the natural things to do for highly competitive industry like computers. Whereas other failed, Dell succeeded to harness the power of Information Technology to build DELL supply chain. Probably other computer makers would have recognized the important of bringing the business closer to the customer but they fail to know how. 6. Other Prominent Leader. Another leader that the author regards to be prominent is Fujio Cho, the president of the Toyota Motor Corporation. Fortune reported that Toyota’s worldwide sales leapt 10%, to 7. 5 million vehicles, posting strong growth in all regions. Toyota’s profits for fiscal year 2003 exceeded those of GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen combined. (Annex A) Cho portray his leadership style particularly dedicates his time through interaction with the working group on the production floor, congratulating them of their best achievement. Cho leading by example has earned him admiration and respect from his employees. (Annex B) Cho none compromising stand on environmental issue evident went he lambasted his own company saying â€Å"The sense of crisis we feel, despite increasing sales and profits, stems from our fear that we have no kept up. Particularly fears that we have not kept up with environmental issues†¦ † (Annex C) To be globally competitive today, according to Cho, a company must be agile, able to make rapid decisions and respond quickly to changing business environments (Annex D) and this factor has brought Toyota to the current level. Cho leadership exemplifies the quest for organization for continuous improvement. Lesson that can be drawn by the author from his leadership and strategy are, his treatment for his employee, passion for quality and meeting customer expectation and respect for the environment. Conclusion The reading of the book provides the author a good introduction of the practice and the dynamics of strategic leadership. Based on experiences of these CEOs, the author realized that the application strategic leadership varies depending on the personality of the leadership and the circumstances and type of the organization they are in. Source:  http://www.fortune.com

Design Communication Manual.WCLR Widget developers and networking LTD Essay

Design Communication Manual Introduction WCLR Widget developers and networking LTD Going it solo   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many organizations are set with different aims and objectives that are achieved through effective coordination of all departments. These achievements are obtained when the company identifies its main business which is primary, secondary or tertiary. The main primary business of WCLR limited is to come up with widget developers groups with support and networking.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Communication refers to the process of transferring information in a given organization through the use of a medium (Lacar, 2011). This is very essential to a business organization if done efficiently and information understood by the receiver. A well planned overview of communication within an organizational department like HR is very important as it allows effective implementation of business responsibilities. This benefits the employees as they understand their responsibilities well through the communication department. Supervisors, managers and board of directors also benefits from such a plan as they also understand their roles and ensures effective running of the organization. Roles and responsibilities   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In every organization, it is necessary for every stakeholder such as employees, supervisors and managers to understand their roles. This reduces confrontations as each team understands its responsibility. Employees are expected to play the following responsibilities:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Technical expert: it is the role of employees to ensure that they perform properly in their work. This implies that they use competencies and skills and perform their work according to goals, mission, goals and organizational expectations. Team players   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They should work as a team. Their responsibility is to contribute to a successful team and fulfill their responsibility of attending meetings, participating in problem solving and decision making and organizational projects. Management   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have a role of managing different business aspects through managing processes that are assigned to them by the business. Developers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have a responsibility of ensuring that they contribute towards the organizational growth in terms of profits. Supervisors’ roles in a business   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Discipline: they are required to maintain a high level of discipline with the organizational staff. This prevents employees from engaging with prohibited activities and abides by the rules as outlined in the company handbook. Development   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Being the intermediary between the management department and employees, he has a role of developing skills of employees. A supervisor is also required to determine employees who can perform the work of supervising in future. Peace maker   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have a responsibility of addressing conflicts and issues when they arise in the business. They are required to help the employees in conflict prevention from elevating them to executive or management level. Productivity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have a responsibility of ensuring that there is maximum efficiency in the operations of the business. After being presented with the group production goals, they should determine better ways of achieving them. Day to day mission   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mission of a business which indicates the purpose, spells out organizational goals, guides in making decisions and providing a business path should be known to everybody. It should be clear and precise to ensure effective implementation. HR strategic planning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This refers to a process of establishing future and current HR needs that facilitates the business to achieve its objectives through organizing its resources. It links HRM to the overall organizational strategic plan. Process of strategic planning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is a process that comprises of seven steps that are interrelated such as business units’ strategic establishment, organizational mission definition, planning marketing objectives, developing strategies for marketing, doing situational analysis, monitoring results and implementing tactics. This plan comprises of five steps: Determining your initial point through conducting an internal and external audit;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This gives a clear understanding of the competitive environment, marketplace and organizational competencies within the business.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Identifying the important things in the business through focusing on the point that business to be in due time. It gives the business a direction which clearly defines its mission such as customers, markets and products and its vision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Define the set objectives that clearly show what business is expected to do to meet its priority issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Determine the person who is accountable to a given responsibility that will give the direction of the business. It strategizes on budgets and action plans for effective communication, human capital, time allocation and money for addressing priority issues and achieving the business objectives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Review: its calls for regular formal reviews and refining the necessary processes at least a quarter once. Such a process of strategic planning is very important as it contributes towards organizational growth at a very high rate. Performance management   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It refers to a systematic process used by an organization to involve its members and individuals in a group, its employees, in order to improve business effectiveness in accomplishing its goals and missions. This type of management should be one through preparing meetings, conducting performance appraisal among other management strategies. Effective performance helps the managers in the following areas and makes their work easy.Alignment of objectives and goals within the organization   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It involves focusing the set goals to the targeted market and reducing utilization of physical and human resources to improve operations of the business.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Guidance through the mission of the company to managers based on the program of their performance management concerning their responsibilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Performance benchmark of individual work of the employees through evaluating their performance and the basis of any action and a decision made.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pinpointing problems of performance: specific metrics used in a program of performance management allows managers to break down the performance. It also enhances pinpointing of problems and proper actions taken to solve them before getting to major issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Providing focused feedback: allow managers to participate in decision making and giving feedback to employees concerning achievement of their set objectives.   Legal responsibilities   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This refers to a state of exercising legal responsibilities with competence and reasonable care with a lot of professionalism. In an organization, all members involved should carry out their responsibilities with due care. This regards the communication is done through posters and notices. All posters appearing in the business should be legal and put within the authorized areas and by authorized people. Staffing   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This refers to the area where individuals are selected and trained for a given job function and charged with their responsibilities. This should be done in the business in case a post is left vacant or there need to increase the number of employees. Clear communication should be done through identifying the job description, advertising the post using the agreed medium of communication, inviting for applications. After all applications are received, applicants are shortlisted and an effective interview conducted. Organizational training for excellence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Training is done to improve the performance of the business, staff morale and profits gained when workers become effective and productive in their work. This training is beneficial to the workers in the following ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They get new skills, improve their business contribution and build their self-esteem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Enhances their promotions within the business that improves their salaries. They acquire new skills to perform different and new tasks. They get a better view of the business as through training they see that business is valuing them through investing in their training. Training preparations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These preparations should be made earlier, and the information distributed in due time to avoid confusions. Through should be done through legal considerations, topics of training should be prepared in advance and the training resources distributed evenly.5 Appendix: model resources and documents   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is an area documents are required to be kept in an orderly and systematic manner. Business documents should be well recorded and kept minimizing wastage and loss of essential information. All heads of departments in the business should have a well kept table of documents which contains: business forms, checklists, policies and resources. This will lead to better management and effective utilization of resources.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conclusively, communication should be enhanced in all departments within an organization. A well planned business with effective systems of communication leads to productivity which in turn leads to organizational growth. Regular training should also be recommended to ensure upkeep of employees’ skills and well implementation of their responsibilities. Managers and supervisors should also have an overview of their roles to ensure that they set a good example to their subordinates. References Basarab, D. J. (2011). Predictive evaluation ensuring training delivers business and organizational results. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Buckley, R., & Caple, J. (2009). The theory & practice of training (6th ed.). London: Kogan Page. Jenkins, H., & Ford, S. (2013). Spreadable media creating value and meaning in a networked culture. New York: New York University Press. Jha, S. (2010). The project manager’s communication toolkit. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis. Paulet, E. (2009). Financial markets and the banking sector: roles and responsibilities in a global world. London: Pickering & Chatto. Thomas, J. (2013). A nurse’s survival guide to leadership and management on the ward (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Turner, T. (2012). One team on all levels: stories from Toyota team members (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press. Source document

Authentic Leadership

Article Summary: Authentic leadership for 21st century project delivery from the International Journal of Project Management APA citation: Lloyd-Walker, Beverley1 beverley. [email  protected] edu. au Walker, Derek(2). International Journal of Project Management; May2011, Vol. 29 Issue 4, p383-395. Retrieved from EBSCOhost, summarized by Rachell Bishop. Summary: The project managers of the 21st century will need to adopt new leadership models to sustain continuous improvement. There are three primary points that the article & study present.CMM (Capability maturity model), Authentic leadership and Alliance project management are at the forefront of the study. The importance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, trust and commitment are emphasized rather than the hard core technical skills held by project managers in general. The necessity to transition from transactional and transformational leadership styles to authentic leadership style is presented in detail. The authors noted the differences in leadership approaches and skill sets that will be necessary for project managers to be successful and remain relevant in the future. . Leadership styles: Transactional, Transformational and Authentic 2. CMM (Capability maturity model): Integration of transactional and transformational leadership styles resulting in authentic leadership paradigm 3. Alliancing: Demonstrated team building and cooperation among project management professionals to achieve optimal project delivery for all not just key stakeholders 4. Authentic leadership soft skills – overall emotional intelligence as demonstrated through ethical and moral actions, integrity and clarity in words and behavior, honesty, fairness and relational development 5.Generational shift: Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y valuation of leadership skill sets must be addressed 6. Project managers and leaders: project-based versus project-oriented 7. Implementation: Communication and engage ment of all stakeholders is key The pilot study and preliminary research results concluded that there are major changes necessary for project management to evolve and remain relevant in the 21st century workplace. Authentic leadership, a CMM plan and soft skills are particularly relevant for the continuous improvement of the project management field.

Commentator on the human condition Essay

Michael Leunig is a commentator on the human condition who uses simple, short cartoons to express his ideas to the public. In The Plotter, he conveys the message that society operates in a created sense of urgency. The idea is that the majority of the people believe that acting too slowly upon seeing an opportunity means there will be no other chances of success later on and thus must move quickly. Another idea that arises in The Plotter is that life is a journey and not a destination. This is all shown using intriguing techniques in his interesting and comical cartoon that captures its viewers. The episode starts out with an individual character walking towards the left slowly followed by the screen. Every step is taken with precision, taking about the same amount of time for each step to land, and this is emphasised by the musical beat of the background. The music is motion-toned as the pitch rises as a hurrying man runs from right to left, passing the individual. As the man runs past he calls out † â€Å", and the individual’s response is † † After this, the pitch is lowered again and the individual continues walking slowly. Only in a matter of seconds, a lady comes running by in the same direction and as she passes she yells † † to which he replies † â€Å". One by one, people run past him trying to condemn and mock the leisurely individual for not conforming, however, the individual remains unhurt by their sayings and repeats pleasant words as an answer to the runners. The technique of dialogue and its setting out is very important. It tells the viewer that the individual thinks in his own ways, not conforming to the society that believes in the created sense of urgency. This individual has his own objective in life and wants to live by experiencing everything slowly while others try to make him keep in touch with the real world hence the call â€Å"you wont know whats happening, you wont be clever. † Visual techniques used by Michael Leunig to deliver his ideas include colour, foreground/backgrounding and body language. The colour of the background is natural, with the sky in blue and the ground in green as grass usually is. This use of natural colour has connotations to the natural instincts of human beings and thus links with the issue that Leunig suggests. The colour of the people running in the background is darker than the individual who stands in the foreground, possibly containing the meaning of evil in the runners, who together represent the majority of the world. The foregrounding of the individual and the backgrounding of the runners signifies the individual over the other people, as if criticising the world in the background and using the individual character to portray the world that should be as it always is with Michael Leunig’s works. The posture and body language of the characters in The Plotter is organised so that the individual is slightly hunched showing the person’s humbleness while the runners are portrayed standing tall and strong showing false confidence. Through these techniques, Michael Leunig illustrates a simple and interesting story with deep meaning,

Medicare Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Medicare - Research Paper Example However, it is of essence to note that this insurance program is faced with numerous challenges that have led to strains on various stakeholders that access help from this program. This essay will attempt to assess the Medicare Insurance Program and the issues that have faced this program, the costs of the challenge and the possible solutions that could help solve the issues facing the insurance program. As Schieber, et al (2009) write, Medicare has had its share of problems for the longest time. Among the challenges that Medicare faces ranges from financial problems to management issues that have seen the insurance program fail to deliver services as would be expected of them. Failure of Medicare to fully deliver its services is huge challenge as the beneficiaries fail to get the required services. With reimbursement of funds being a major challenge, it is obvious that the persons with chronic conditions will not help as they would wish. On a deeper insight, it is evident that the population is growing by the day. Schieber, et al (2009) write that as soon as the younger generation get to their old age, the healthcare system will not provide the required services to the aged. This fact explains the reason behind the healthcare services being very expensive for a majority of US citizens. The Medicare challenges affect a huge percentage of people, organizations and even government agencies. However, it is very crucial to note that the tax payers are the most affected persons by the challenges of Medicare. As seen in the research conducted by Schieber, et al (2009), the American workers are spending too much of their pay towards the Medicare program, but most of them do not enjoy the outcomes of the health service. Worse still, the authors continue to indicate that some individuals actually spend from their pockets to get treatment (Schieber, et al., 2009). An analysis of this fact

Trade mark and Copy right Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Trade mark and Copy right - Essay Example Trade marks are registrable at state level and federal level in the U.S. Whenever any one wants to claim some thing as a trademark, he can use the words" TM" next to the trade mark to serve public or competitor as notice of his right over the same whether registered or not. Unregistered trademark is called common law trade mark giving right to the user who is manufacturer or seller by virtue of its use. If it is registered with the U.S. patent and Trademark Office, the symbol can be used beside the trademark and not while the application for trade mark reiteration is pending. Benefits of registering with federal agency are 1) it serves as a constructive notice throughout the country, 2) evidence that it is owned by the user, 3) invocation of federal courts jurisdictions, 4) it can be used for registration in foreign countries, and 5) if registration is field with U.S.customs which will be used for preventing entry of foreign goods infringing trademarks. (FindLaw) The legal basis of Tempur-Basic is that ComfortStep used by Real Man Boot Company is similar to their brand name 'Comfort-step' in their goods. Though it is not registered, they are alleged to be the first ever users of the said name. However close scrutiny of the names reveals that they are not similar. There is a hyphen between the word comfort and step in the claimant's trade mark where as there is no hyphen in the defendant's trade mark. More over goods are also not the same. Whereas the claimant is using it on casual wears, defendants are using it on work boots though both are foot wears. Position would be different had the claimant registered the trade mark stating that they are using in all their goods including boots. The right over the trade mark registered or not is perpetual. Hence claimant can not succeed in their claim. Question 2 A Describe the general duties of a director of a corporation, and the standards that a director is expected to meet in fulfilling those duties. Also describe what factors or interests you can consider in making decisions as a director. Originally, a director was expected to act only in the interest of share holders of the corporation. But of late, it is the acting in the best interest of the corporation that has to be taken into account before considering interest of the share holders. By virtue of section 302 A.251, subd 5, other stake holders' interests have also to be kept in mind by the director. The other stake holders are corporation's bankers, creditors, Government bodies, employees, and environment. The director should be loyal to the corporation by not competing with the corporation's business. Any thing that the director is accessible to in the affairs of the corporation should not be used by the director for self-serving personal enrichment. He is expected neither to use for personal gain nor disclose matters that are confidential to outsiders and rivals. The director must notify any conflicting interest he may be involved on which the company board must decide for the director to continue with or drop i t before taking director ship or before assuming any new role during his directorship. The director has the power to appoint or dismiss the CEO of the corporation and also decide his salaries. The director is responsible to declare dividends, work out strategies, and can restructure corporation's capital structure including class of share

Marx and Weber- rise of capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marx and Weber- rise of capitalism - Essay Example Karl Marx and Max Weber are two eminent sociologists whose theories have been regarded as milestones in the development of two distinct schools of thought in sociology. This paper investigates into the theories presented by these two sociologists on the rise and growth of capitalism in the Western society. The theories presented by both the sociologists are very significant, yet very distinct from each other on several bases. The essay compares the differences in the approaches of Marx and Weber towards the emergence of capitalism and the crucial factors behind its origin and growth. After contrasting both the theories, the essay points out the most preferable theories of the two.Marx’s and Weber’s theories of rise of capitalism gave two distinct directions to the world concerning the emergence and growth of capitalism that dramatically transformed the social and economic aspects of life in the Western world from sixteenth century and onwards. Weber criticized and refus ed the theory of capitalism as proposed by Marx and put forward his study on the egression of capitalism Western society that differs with Marx’s approach on several grounds. Karl Marx was a sociologist who wrote to make people aware of the changes taking place in their social and economic environment due to the growth of capitalistic systemIn his renowned book â€Å"Capital†, he illustrates capitalism as a system of production under which entrepreneur class or few capitalists control the means necessary to bring about production process

Preventable Hospitalizations for Congestive Heart Failure Article

Preventable Hospitalizations for Congestive Heart Failure - Article Example The independent variable in the study is from the year 1995 to 2009 while the dependent variable is preventable hospitalization for congestive heart failure among adults in sampled hospitals (Will et al., 2012). The study design in the article is cross-sectional research design using a sample of age, sex, and race of the patients. The sample size is 501 to 525 hospitals representing one percent of United States hospitalizations. The study uses stratified sampling with the sample characteristics being age, sex, and race of patients hospitalized of CHF in participating hospitals. Data was collected from the 1995 to 2009 National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (Will et al., 2012). Data collection methods were entrance records by hospitals of the CHF patients admitted between 1995 and 2009. The procedures conducted were the removal of severe CHF patients to ensure the sample taken included that of patients whose hospitalization was preventable (Will et al., 2012). Data analysis involved weighting CHF hospitalization from 1995 to 2009 for the people above 18 and summation of numbers of three consecutive years to form 7 periods whose rates w ere calculated 100,000 of the population. Standardization, development of confidence intervals, Z-tests, and other statistical tests followed the analysis. The results depict increased rates of CHF hospitalization among all ages, and blacks have higher hospitalization rates than whites (Will et al., 2012). The strengths of the article are the in-depth data analysis and use of large sample data. The study limitations are non-reporting of 17% to 21% of the CHF hospitalizations and classification of people as multiracial from 2000 onwards. Another liability is the inability to exclude CHF hospitalizations occurring from transfers from other facilities (Will et al., 2012). Heart Failure in Hispanics is a qualitative research study done in the United States where the risk  factors, etiological conditions, diagnosis and treatment, and barriers to health care are done on Hispanic Patients.