Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley Case Essay Example

Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley Case Paper Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley 1. 360? Performance Evaluation System Overview 360 ? performance evaluation system is a multi source feedback model for evaluating the performance of the employees within a company. The main purpose of this system is to develop the employees, not to use it for the administrative purposes as promotion, firing, and compensation package. The feedback is received from the direct manager, customers, peers and subordinates. Also, the self-evaluation of the employee is taken into consideration. 2. A Critical Assessment of the Current Evaluation System The system used within Morgan Stanley is a kind of 360 ? feedback, based only on behavioral data. Although it is recommended for development process, in this case it is used mainly for administrative purposes promotion and compensation packages. If a performance system is intended to be used for administrative purposes, including promotion, the output data (management by objectives) should be used besides the behavior data. The dimensions of behaviors are not formally defined and not well understood by the company employees, even by the recently hired managers. The company wants to change the culture through this performance appraisal system, but the design was not complete and not appropriate training was provided. In this 360 ? feedback implementation, the self-evaluation and customers feedback are not included, although Rob Parson has direct contact with them all the time. A relative assessment in not used, only absolute assessment. The relative one is useful in this case to compare internal potential candidates for the managing direct position. We will write a custom essay sample on Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley Case specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley Case specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley Case specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The new line of business Capital Markets Services is a special type of business, which requires a special approach, with high priority activities, which require a fast action. The existing culture does not meet the demands for this type of business. The colleagues are not aware of the importance and characteristics of Robs activity and therefore they do not support him enough. 3. Assessment of Rob Parsons Performance 3. 1Business Objectives Achievement Strong revenue producer Increased dramatically the number of clients Increase market share more then 6 times in one year Change the firm ranked position from 10 to 3. 3. 2Behavior Achievement Positive Ability to cross-sell, willingness to share information and make introductions, energetic approach, outstanding contributor, Very good client relationship skills Self-starter, well known in the industry, good reputation and image. Negative Created a hostile environment around him He always has the right answer, but he doesnt know to save the face of his colleagues 4. Recommendations We understand that one of the main objectives of the company is to change the culture through team work, cooperation, cross-selling and improving management skills. On the other hand, the company strategy includes the development of the Capital Markets Services line of business, which is very demanding and whose principal is Rob Parson. We suggest to improve the current performance management system through: The implementation of performance appraisal system including management by objectives to be used for administrative purposes The improving of the 360 ? erformance system by formal definition of behavioral dimensions, appropriate training for all employees, adding self-evaluation and customer feedback. The Morgan Stanley should provide for managers training programs as team-building and programs for the development of coaching and management skills. Socializing events should be organized across the company. The results of each department performances should be presented to all emp loyees through special channels. Regarding Rob Parson, we suggest to promote him to the managing director position, with the recommendation to improve his management and communication skills, to be less aggressive with the colleagues and also to explain them what are the challenges of his business and to ask for their support. If Rob will not be promoted there are big chances that he will leave the company. He wants this promotion because is part of his long term career goal and this will motivate him to improve himself and his team. If he will leave Morgan Stanley, the company can loose important clients and business opportunities.

Kandinsky essays

Kandinsky essays Analyze Kandinskys sources for his abstract works. In order to fully understand the art of Kandinsky, it is important to start with a definition of the word Abstract (for it is not really a concept that we have come across, before in this course). Abstract art does not depict recognizable scenes or objects, but instead is made up of forms and colours that exist for their own expressive sake. In short it abandons the European tradition, the idea of art as the imitation of nature. Kandinsky, in a work known as the First Abstract watercolour dated 1910 is often cited as the first person to paint an abstract picture. His work, his achievement in the search for a new form of expression in painting and a new conception of art in general, may look as though it has no precursors, however, in his case as with all other artists there are there were many influences which he encountered throughout his career, which had a profound effect on his road to the abstract. We can start with his childhood. Kandinsky lived in Russia until he was 30 and his experiences were crucial to his development as an artist. The general impression of his early life in Russia (as with most middle class Russians) must be one of backwardness. He was drawn to a particular class of people, whose main aim was to bring their country up to speed with the rest of Europe. As a result he was made to feel that art was an uncalled for luxury. To try and help his country he decided to study law and political economics at university, however his interest in economics waned after his first real introduction to the arts. He once said I love painting more than anything. It is clear that Kandinskys growth as an artist and intellectual were marked by a rejection of materialism, and a leaning towards spiritualism. Certainly his move towards abstraction was motivated by his avoidance of the material world, brought on...

Conch Facts

Conch Facts A queen conch (Lobatus  gigas) is an invertebrate mollusk that produces what many people think of as the iconic seashell. This shell is often sold as a souvenir, and its said you can hear the sound of ocean waves if you put a conch (pronounced konk,) shell to your ear (although what youre actually hearing is your own pulse). Fast Facts: Conch Scientific Name: Lobatus gigasCommon Names: Queen conch, pink conchBasic Animal Group: InvertebrateSize: 6–12 inchesWeight: Up to 5 poundsLifespan: 30 yearsDiet:  HerbivoreHabitat: Off coastlines adjacent to the Caribbean SeaConservation Status: Not Evaluated Description Conchs are mollusks, marine snails that build elaborate shells as a home and a form of protection from predators. The shell of the queen conch or pink conch shell ranges in size from about six inches to 12 inches in length. It has between nine and 11 whorls on the protruding spire. In adults, the expanding lip points outward, rather than curving inward, and the last whorl has a strong spiral sculpture on its surface. Very rarely the conch may produce a pearl. The adult queen conch has a very heavy shell, with a brown horny organic exterior cover (called periostracum) and a bright pink interior.  The shell is strong, thick, and very attractive, and is used to make shell tools, as ballast, to form jewelry. It is often sold unmodified as a collectible and the animal is also fished and sold for its meat. Damocean/Getty Images Species There are over 60 species of sea snails, all of which have medium- to large-sized (14 inches) shells. In many species, the shell is elaborate and colorful. All conchs are in the Kingdom: Animalia, the Phylum: Mollusca, and the Class: Gastropoda. True conchs like the queen are gastropods in the family Strombidae. The general term conch is also applied to other taxonomic families, such as the Melongenidae, which include the melon and crown conchs. The queen conchs scientific name was Strombus gigas until 2008 when it was changed to Lobatus  gigas to reflect current taxonomy. Habitat and Distribution The conch species live in tropical waters throughout the world, including the Caribbean, West Indies, and the Mediterranean. They live in relatively shallow waters, including reef and seagrass habitats. Queen conchs live in several different habitat types in the Caribbean, along the Gulf coasts of Florida and Mexico, and in South America. At different depths and aquatic vegetation, their shells have different morphologies, different spine patterns, and various overall lengths and spire shape. The samba conch is the same species as the queen, but compared to a typical queen conch, the samba lives in a shallow environment, is much shorter and very thickly shelled with a darker periostracum layer. Diet and Behavior Conchs are herbivores that eat sea grass and algae as well as dead material. In turn, they are eaten by loggerhead sea turtles, horse conchs, and humans. A queen conch can grow to be over a foot long and can live for as long as 30 years- other species have been known to live to 40 or more. Queen conch diets, like most of the conchs in the family, are herbivorous. Larvae and juveniles feed mainly on algae and plankton, but as growing subadults, they develop a long snout that allows them to select and consume bigger pieces of algae, and as juveniles they feed on seagrass. Adult conchs wander for miles instead of staying in one place. Rather than swimming, they use their feet to lift and and then throw their bodies forward. Conchs also are good climbers. The average home range of a queen conch varies from a third of an acre to nearly 15 acres. They move within their range at the greatest speed in the summer during their reproductive season, when males search for mates and females look for egg-laying habitats. They are social creatures and reproduce best in aggregations. Reproduction and Offspring Queen conchs reproduce sexually and can spawn year-round, depending on latitude and water temperature- in some locations, females migrate from offshore feeding areas in the winter to summer spawning grounds. Females can store fertilized eggs for weeks and multiple males can fertilize any single egg mass during that time. The eggs are laid in shallow coastal waters with sandy substrates. Up to 10 million eggs can be laid by a single individual each spawning season, depending on the availability of food.  Ã‚   Eggs hatch after four days and the planktonic larvae (known as veligers) drift with the current for between 14 to 60 days. After reaching lengths of about a half-inch, they sink to the sea bottom and hide. There they morph into juvenile forms and grow to about a 4-inch length. Finally, they move into nearby seagrass beds, where they aggregate in masses and stay until sexually mature. That happens at about 3.5 years of age when they reach their maximum adult length and their outer lips are at least 0.3–0.4 inches thick. After the queen conch reaches maturity, the shell stops growing in length but continues to grow in breadth and its outer lip begins to expand. The animal itself also stops growing, except for its sexual organs which continue to grow in size. The lifespan of a queen conch is approximately 30 years. Conservation Status The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not as yet evaluated conchs for their status. But conchs are edible, and in many cases, have been overharvested for meat and also for souvenir shells. In the 1990s, queen conchs were listed in Appendix II under the  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) agreement, regulating international trade. Queen conchs are also harvested for their meat in other areas of the Caribbean where they are not yet endangered. Much of this meat is sold to the United States. Live conchs are also sold for use in aquariums. Sources Boman, Erik Maitz, et al. Variability in Size at Maturity and Reproductive Season of Queen Conch Lobatus Gigas (Gastropoda: Strombidae) in the Wider Caribbean Region. Fisheries Research 201 (2018): 18–25. Print.Final Status Report: Queen Conch Biological Assessment. Peer Review Plans, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), 2014.Kough, A. S., et al. Efficacy of an Established Marine Protected Area at Sustaining a Queen Conch Lobatus Gigas Population During Three Decades of Monitoring. Marine Ecology Progress Series 573 (2017): 177–89. Print.Stoner, Allan W., et al. Maturation and Age in Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas): Urgent Need for Changes in Harvest Criteria. Fisheries Research 131-133 (2012): 76–84. Print.Tiley, Katie, Mark A. Freeman, and Michelle M. Dennis. Pathology and Reproductive Health of Queen Conch (Lobatus Gigas) in St. Kitts. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 155 (2018): 32–37. Print.

Popular Culture in the Middle East Class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Popular Culture in the Middle East Class - Essay Example Government occupies a crucial position in our daily life endeavors. Indeed, the government defines the condition of our society since it resides with the control and supervisory power. Particularly, any government has a role of managing the country’s people and resources. Consequently, the government designs the scheme that will protect people’s interest and forester peaceful interactions among the citizens. Managing people is a complex multifaceted procedure that demands critical and rational mind since individuals will always present assorted interests and traits. Apparently, some individuals depict ill interest and traits that pose risks to the society. Builds a role for the government entrusting it with the responsibility of ensuring a monitored environment by the spelling regulations. Importantly, the authority has a role of providing guidance to the citizens. Since governments are entrusted with leadership as its prime duty, the body should be capable of availing proper guidance and clarifications where the need arises. Notably, this guidance ought to be justified since citizens expect genuine solutions and representations out of their government. However, compromised governance may misuse these opportunities to impose irrational values in the society. This poses challenges to the role of government in safeguarding the people and their interest since such practices contravenes with principles of good governance (Meier 29). Surprisingly, such governments adopt tactical schemes hence making it difficult for the society to realize their ill practices. Besides managing people, the administration has a role of organizing the country’s property or resources. Apparently, life demands material support hence there arises the concern of managing these resources since they determine our wellbeing. The administrators hence has a role of

My city should enact an ordinance prohibiting businesses from Essay

My city should enact an ordinance prohibiting businesses from distributing plastic shopping bags with retail sales - Essay Example c. Environmental degradation This section will highlight how plastic paper bags contribute to environmental degradation and what can be done by authorities to reduce the effects of plastic bags on the environment. d. Dangers to human life. This section will discuss how plastic bags endanger human life. The section will also provide examples of situations whereby human life is endangered by plastic bags. e. Summary This part will give a summary of what is contained in the paper. The section will also give a few suggestions on how to end the hazards caused by plastic bags. f. Works Cited This section will list all the sources that were used and consulted during this research. Introduction Non biodegradable substances are used in the manufacture of plastic bags. Therefore, they do not decompose and are quite durable, during which time they separate into toxic particles which contaminate waterways and the soil. Plastics are large molecules that consist of units known as monomers. In plas tic bags, the units of monomers are known as ethylene. Plastic bags have been shown to pose a hazard to marine life, human life and contribute to environmental degradations. ... Manufacturing a new plastic shopping bag is cheaper than recycling, the reason why more and more bags are being manufactured as people shop. This increases dependency on foreign oil, which is used in the manufacture of plastic bags. Natural resources are depleted as the earth is extracted and destroyed in order to mine oil to manufacture plastic bags that are used, on average, for 10 minutes then dumped. Traditionally, plastic bags are made from polyethylene. Polyethylene is in turn, made up of monomer ethylene chains derived from petroleum and natural gas. Petroleum and natural gases are non renewable natural resources. Therefore, their products are getting costlier or diminishing every day with increased mining (Stillwell 63). Petroleum and natural gases are vital for everyday lifestyles as they are used in lighting, heating, transport and as raw materials in factories. With the current circumstances without a viable option for energy sources, petroleum and natural gas supplies sho uld be controlled to avoid a situation where industries would grind to a halt. It has been documented that the number of barrels of oil used globally are between 60 to 100 million annually in the manufacture of plastic bags (Stillwell 63). This oil could be put to better use. Therefore, what was a short-lived convenience for shoppers soon becomes an ecological hazard to all in habitants of the earth. Hazards Faced by Marine Life Due to Plastic Bags More than one million marine reptiles, birds and mammals succumb to plastic bag-related deaths each year (Brown 1). Some get entangled in them, losing limbs or life, while others ingest them. Sea turtles, for instance, consume plenty of jelly fish in their

The Nature of Demand for Shipping Essay Example for Free

The Nature of Demand for Shipping Essay The shipping industry is engaged in the production of water borne transport of goods and people. This industry can be defined as a group of individual industries or sectors operating within different markets and reacting to different economic conditions. The primary economic function of shipping services is, like all transport, to bridge the gap which exists between producer and consumer. Shipping is an expanding, global business which carries most of the worlds traded goods; it is relatively free of capacity constraints, and less harmful to the environment than other transport modes. The future offers substantial opportunities for the shipping industry, bringing with them the potential for significant inward investment and wider economic benefits for the world. For example if we look in to the economic contribution of shipping in UK we can see Efficient shipping is vital to our economic well-being: 95% of our external trade by weight (77% by value) and 7% of domestic freight tonnage (but around 25% in terms of tonne kilometres), moves by water. So when we will judge the nature of demand for shipping we have to look into the traditional demand supply rules of economic theory. Human wants are the core of all economic activities. This is the core of economic analysis that how people choose what needs they are going to satisfy through the use of which resources. In economics, demand means effective demand or demand that is backed by ability to pay. The demand for shipping is effective demand because it has actually been satisfied by the world fleet. Generally demands for transport results from demand for goods. Without the demand for goods there would be no demand for transport. Here transport itself is not the primary demand, its the secondary one. Where it (the demand for transport) derives from the need of goods to be transported. Thats why the demand of the mode of transport, here shipping, is a derived demand. So shipping demand is determined by the final consumers for the Product. Here the level of sea borne trade determines the number of shipping and cargo space required. For Example, after 02nd world war ,the rapid world wide industrialization, resulted in concentrated centres of production and consumption, which led to rapid growth of world trade and particularly shipping. 3 So Shipping is directly related to world trade. And world trade is directly related to world output or production. Here industrial economic development is the central factor in the volume of sea borne trade, but the volume can also be influenced by technological development and political factors. And this demand for shipping is mainly derived from two sources, the demand for the commodities for industrial utilisation and demand for those commodities for final consumption. As said before that shipping demand is an effective demand because the demand for the quantity of an economic good which can be transported by ships at each and every possible price during a given time period. And also because the shipping of commodities creates utility because it creates user value in a number of ways like 4 1. The Utility of Place and Location : Shipping makes it the availability of goods in a certain place where they are wanted. For example Australian apple or Costarican banana is available in the UK super market. 2. The Utility of Time : Shipping makes the availability of goods when they are required heating oil during the winter. 3. The Utility of Form :Shipping services contribute to make the change in the material or physical form of a good in such a way to increase its ability to satisfy wants. For example ,middle east crude oil converted to gas or petroleum in refineries adjacent to consumer markets. 4. Intangibles: Like other services, shipping service is also intangible in that it does not result in the physical production of a commodity. The growth rates of 1999 had been strongly distorted by the Asian crisis. In 2000 a sound recovery took place. Both world trade growth of 8. 0 per cent and the world output growth of 3. 0 per cent represent favourable values, but did not entirely approach to the higher levels in 1994, 1995 and 1997. For the years 2000 and 2001, OECD and other international organisations expect a growth rate of real world output of 4.3 per cent and 3. 8 per cent, respectively, with clearly higher rates for world trade, namely about 10 per cent and more than 8 per cent, respectively. This will boost especially world container shipping towards even higher growth rates5 Table 01: World Output, World trade and shipping trend 1993 to 2010. (IMF/World Bank ISL-Estimates) Source: ISL Shipping Statistics and Market Review 2000 Table 02: World merchant fleet Annual tonnage changes as of January 1st, 1987-2001 (dwt-% change) Source: ISL Shipping Statistics and Market Review 2000

Breach Of Confidentiality: The Legal Implications When You Are Seeking :: essays research papers

Breach of Confidentiality: The Legal Implications When You Are Seeking Therapy Abnormal Psychology 204 November 2, 1996 Breach of Confidentiality: The legal Implications when You are seeking Therapy I. The need for confidentiality in therapy A. Establish trust B. A patients bill of rights Thesis: The duty to warn has created an ethical dilemma for psychological professionals. II. Therapists face a moral problem B. Requirement by law to breach confidentiality C. Exceptions for breaching confidentiality D. Prediction of violence E. Impact on client I. The future outlook for therapy A. Conflicting views between the legal and psychological professions People are afraid to admit to themselves and others that they need to help to resolve their psychological problems. This is due to the social stigma which society attaches to people, when they seek assistance from a mental health professional. Consequently it is very difficult for any person to establish a trusting relationship with their therapist, because they fear, that the therapist might reveal their most personal information and emotions to others. Health professionals therefore created the patients bill of rights to install confidence between clients and therapists. The patient has a right to every consideration of privacy concerning his own medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. Those not directly involved in his care must have the permission of the patient to be present. The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his care should be treated as confidential. ( Edge, 63 ) This bill of rights enables clients to disclose all personal information without fears. To fully confide in the therapist is essential to the success of the therapy. On the other hand, the therapist is legally obliged to breach this trust when necessary. The duty to warn has created an ethical dilemma for psychological professionals. The duty to warn is based on a court ruling in 1974. Tatiana Tarasoff was killed by Prosenjit Poddar. Prior to the killing Poddar had told his therapist that he would kill Tatiana upon her return from Brazil. The psychologist tried to have Poddar committed, but since the psychiatrist overseeing this case failed to take action, Poddar was never committed nor was Tarasoff warned about Poddars intentions to kill her. This failure resulted in Tatianas death. The Supreme Court therefore ruled that the psychologist had a duty to warn people which could possibly become harmed ( Bourne, 195-196 ). This policy, to warn endangered people, insures that therapists must breach there confidentiality for specific reasons only. These few exceptions are: Harm Principle: "When the practitioner can foresee a danger to an individual who

eBay: The Global Strategy

Pierre Omidyar, a computer programmer, developed the platform of eBay and introduced it to the World Wide Web in 1995. (Daniels, Radebaugh, & Sullivan, 2007) Omidyar’s goals and objectives in designing the interface of eBay was grounded on his idea of opening the industry of market auctions to wider populations of buyers and sellers that link up through the Internet. Moreover, his idea of an online marketplace for buyers and sellers was based upon his vision of equal competition among sellers, eliminating the discrepancies on how sellers are competing in the real market structure for the purpose of attracting the attention of buyers and overpowering their competitors. For Omidyar, eBay balances the playing field for all sellers and provides equal opportunities of purchase for the buyers. (Gopalkrishnan & Gupta, N. D. ) Although Omidyar was able to eliminate the competition within the virtual sphere of eBay, eBay Inc. was experiencing the surge of competition from other virtual commercial establishments that were designed under the same framework of eBay’s market auction. In addition, eBay, as a business organization, needed to cope with the challenges of the globalization, thus, the development of strong and stable globalization strategy for eBay as supported by its core competency and its configured and coordinated value chain. (Daniels, Radebaugh, & Sullivan, 2007) The core competencies of eBay constitute the unique platform or design of eBay as an online marketplace that sets it apart from other virtual business organizations establishing its competitive advantage in terms of services or offerings, eBay’s valuing of establishing trust among its clients and assuring the safety and security of being involved in online auctions facilitated by the organization, the value or significance that eBay grants market efficiency, and one of the primary goals of eBay to establish partnerships with other organizations to foster network benefits and productivity. Daniels, Radebaugh, & Sullivan, 2007) These core competencies have established some of the strategies that eBay has implemented over the years in order to obtain competitive advantage and fulfill the goals and objectives of the organization. Perhaps the most successful strategy which has helped sustain the growth and development of eBay was its opening of services of an online open market for everyone who needs to tie up with the platform of eBay in order to sell or buy goods or products from different parts of the world. This has widened the client base of eBay, realizing one of its core competencies, that is its uniqueness in being able to establish a marketplace that is open to all despite the distance. (Gopalkrishnan & Gupta, N. D. ) In addition, according to a report released by eBay in 2006 in order to discuss its global strategies for continued growth and development of the business, through its acquisitions of other organizations, such as PayPal (eBay, 2009a), and its development of other virtual services that assist in the facilitation of services provided by eBay. Some of these services include Skype which is a communication tool that buyers and sellers around the world may use to communicate. eBay has also realized that in order to uphold its core competency of market efficiency, it needed to implement a multi-branding strategy to capture a larger market population. This was accomplished through its development of Shopping. om and other Marketplaces such as eBay stores, ProStores, and such. (eBay, 2009b) Reviewing the value chain configuration and coordination of eBay, the decision to structure this particular system was motivated by the platform of eBay considering what drives the business – that is, the buyers and the sellers – and the processes that facilitate business practices and operations. Apparently, the value chain model of eBay constitutes five tiers of factors or features, starting from the legal aspect of the business, to its management of finances, the human capital of the organization, the technical department of the organization which keeps eBay up and running online, and most importantly, the process and operations involved in running eBay. This process starts with marketing, to the transfer of information from sellers to buyers, the process of auctioning products of goods, the payment, and the review of accountability and reliability of eBay and sellers to provide for the needs and demands of buyers. Schmidl, 2006) The configuration and coordination of eBay’s value chain was based on the logical analysis of how eBay will commence operations, especially since the organization is run by the buyers and sellers who are involved in the process of keeping organizational operations. The analysis of eBay’s value chain establishes the fact that it is vir tual and not real since the process of marketing up until peer reviews is completed online. From marketing eBay, to the transfer of information and facilitation of communication between buyers and sellers, the auction and payment process, until the peer reviews regarding accountability and reliability of eBay and sellers, is done through online tools and applications that constitute the platform of eBay. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons why the particular process identified as eBay’s value chain adds value and advantage to eBay, since it is able to provide services virtually to global networks without offering problems and difficulties to buyers and sellers. The analysis of eBay’s core competencies, strategies, and its value chain proves that they are no different from what eBay has implemented ten years ago. Until today, the strategies employed by eBay are based on its mission of providing an online open market for everyone – to buyers and sellers – eliminating competition and the challenges that constitute to the establishment of concrete business establishments that operate in the same manner. eBay has made it easy for individuals to operate a business and purchase specific goods or products. However, eBay has to continue in developing its platform if it hopes to grow in the following years, based on the threats and challenges posed by some issues that eBay clearly needs to addressed as mentioned by Daniels, Radebaugh, and Sullivan (2007). These challenges suggests that eBay should be able to raise its cultural sensitivity, addressing the problem of language barriers, the implementation of legal laws and policies to regulate overall eBay operations, and its modification of its virtual value chain, applying concepts of real value chain in order to address the digital divide.

Belonging to Culture

People feel a strong sense of belonging to their culture. This is seen in the film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ by Gurinder Chadha. The main scenes that portray this statement are the engagement scene, pre-wedding scene and the wedding scene. This statement is also shown in the related text ‘Integrated’ by Sylvia Kantaris. In the film, various techniques are used such as long shots, full shots and panning. In the related text the techniques used are a metaphor, listing, contrast and emotive words. In the film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ the engagement scene starts off with a long shot of the outside of Jessminder’s house.The house is decorated with lights and lighting is a technique used to make the house stand out. After that there is a high angle/close up shot of the food. The foods are colourful and bright. Bright colours are festive and symbolises happy occasions. Costume is another technique. Everyone is wearing the same sort of clothing and th ey are colourful. This shows that they belong to the Indian culture. The full/long shot of the room and the people sitting next to each other shows sense of belonging to their culture. This scene also explores gender roles.The males were sitting down, eating and talking to others whilst Jess was walking around offering food to the guests. A woman tells Jess â€Å"it will be your turn soon. † This means that she is expected to marry an Indian man just like every other Indian woman. These values and traditions are aspects of their Sikh Indian culture and Jess is expected to follow them. People feel a strong sense of belonging to their culture. We also see this in the pre-wedding preparation scene. In this scene we see everyone sitting together again. Gender roles are explored in this scene as well.All the women are sitting next to each other around a table making samosas. A full shot is a technique used in this scene. This shows belonging to their culture because they are all c elebrating harmoniously. There are alternations used between the Indian and British culture to show contrast between the two cultures. There is an overhead shot of the Bhamra’s backyard and their neighbours backyard. The Bhamra’s backyard is colourful, active and bright while their neighbours backyard is quiet, dull and empty. There are alternations used between Jess preparing for the wedding and her team training for the finals.This shows that she is caught between two cultures. Music is a technique used. The music is sad and so is Jess. Her facial expressions show us that she is not interested in what’s going on around her. She takes down her David Beckham poster and this shows that she is giving up on soccer. People feel a strong belonging to their culture however some people can feel caught between two cultures. Another text that that shows people feel a strong sense of belonging to their culture is the poem ‘Integrated’ by Sylvia Kantaris. This poem is about a Greek woman who moves into Australia but does not want to integrate.The metaphor â€Å"she brought her country with her in packing cases† tells us that she has brought ornaments of her country with her because she feels strongly about her culture. She does not want to integrate because she is scared of losing her own culture. At her home in Australia, she listens to Greek music, speaks Greek with her granddaughter and this shows she feels strongly about her culture. Another technique used in this poem is listing. First there is a listing of all the Greek items and then there is a listing of Australian items.This shows contrast between two cultures. Her granddaughter listens to western music, speaks English and eats Australian food. â€Å"Her grandchild†¦has eaten corned-beef, cornflakes†¦another tongue, her future. † This quote tells us her granddaughter has found it quite easy to integrate whereas â€Å"the land gave way, she arranged it to her liking,† shows the grandmother got her way. The use of emotive words such as â€Å"fierce† and â€Å"confrontation† shows that there was a battle between the grandmother and her new environment and she won because she did not integrate. Australia is more malleable than she,† tell us Australia was manipulated because the grandmother did not give up. She kept to her culture. Not only do people feel a strong sense of belonging to their culture but they can experience cultural clash. In conclusion people feel a strong sense of belonging to their culture. This is seen in the film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and the poem ‘Integrated. ’ Both of these texts show us people feel strongly about their culture. However they also show us that cultural clashes can arise as well when people feel trapped between two cultures.

The contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Shell Nigeria’s Corporate Strategy The WritePass Journal

The contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Shell Nigeria’s Corporate Strategy Introduction The contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Shell Nigeria’s Corporate Strategy a; OPEC, 2011). The parent company, Shell Corporation, is one among major entities participating in the exploration, production, distribution and sale of oil and gas across the globe. The company manages multinational subsidiary petrochemical and energy companies operating in over 80 countries (OPEC, 2011). Exploration and extraction operations of crude oil and gas in Nigeria form an essential component of Shell Corporations upstream supply chain. Its downstream supply chain is engaged in refinery and distribution of oil and gas, as well as trade and shipping of crude worldwide. The company is also involved in the manufacture and marketing of a range of products including petrochemicals for its industrial customers. Its daily volume of production entails 3.2 million barrels of oil and gas (at 48% this output) delivering refined fuel oil to consumers through its 43,000 Shell service stations across the globe (OPEC, 2011). Nigeria is important for Shell accounting for about a quarter of its worldwide production with an estimated contributed share in profit averaging $1.8 billion annually. This represents 10.4% of upstream operational profits and 7.3% of total profit (Shell, 2011). Given its importance to the Group’s upstream operations, any challenge on this front adversely affects global operations of the multinational corporation (Royal Dutch Shell, 2012a; Emesh, 2009). Several challenges beset multinational oil corporations operating particularly in developing countries as explored below. The dilemma of oil companies operating in developing countries Significant oil and gas reserves are found in developing countries of Africa (OPEC, 2011). These countries often lack the resource capability both in terms of financial capacity and infrastructure to conduct exploration and extraction operations of oil and gas. This explains the presence of multinational oil corporations such as Shell in these countries and in regions such as the Niger Delta of Nigeria which holds significant oil reserves deemed to be among the largest in Africa (Wheeler et al., 2010). Operations of oil multinationals in these developing countries are however fraught with huge challenges brought about by the political and social situations which characterise them. Due to their structural and institutional weaknesses, these countries are often prone to recurring conflict and political instability which portends violence and risks to investments (Wheeler et al., 2010; Idemudia, 2009). However, with much to gain from the exploration and exploitation of oil and in spite of the risks and attendant challenges, the multinational oil corporations value the acquisition of market share (Emesh, 2009). It is also noteworthy that profits accrued from the exploitation of the oil resource have historically been misappropriated, benefitting a few influential people in the local and national governments while the host communities and citizenry at large suffer poverty. With an abundance of oil revenue, a corrupt leadership forego accountability to constituents and undermine political and economic institutions while focus on oil wealth stifles diversification of the economy into other essential sectors (Emesh, 2009; Olowu, 2011). This scenario has often exacerbated the political and social situation, increasing the occurrences of conflicts and violence and threatening sustainability of business and integrity of the supply chain (Wheeler et al., 2010). The discontent of host communities and stakeholders at the local level has led to acts of vandalism, sabotage and disruption, as well as outright insurgency which not only threaten operations but also impact the prices of crude oil internationally fomenting unnecessary fluctuations (Olowu, 2011). This alongside the adverse environmental impact of the extractive industry in general and impacts on human rights has often injured the reputations particularly of oil multinationals such as Shell Nigeria. They have promoted the perception that such companies are merely profit-oriented and care less about the impacts of their operations (Idemudia, 2009). Such global concern over these issues has hitherto led to threats of and actual boycotts of Shell products, costly lawsuits and liabilities, and in addition to attendant inefficiencies and security of assets and resources, these challenges have not only impacted Shell’s local operations in Nigeria but have hindered the potential of the entire multinational corporation internationally (Olowu, 2011). Companies such as Shell, therefore, continually need to evaluate political and social risks assessing probable effects on their business and the investment climate, as well as the impact on their profit forecasts and sustenance of operations (Olowu, 2011; Fombrun, 2001). This scenario has illustrated that adverse effects can have dire consequences for the entire business beyond its local operational environment. In order to sustain their business and even achieve growth and expansion, it is imperative for companies to enhance their relations with society ensuring that they are strong and mutually beneficial. Beyond the profit objective, multinational corporations are increasingly demanded of to engage with host countries and communities and CSR has become one of the strategies towards this endeavour (Haigh and Jones, 2006). In response to this demand and in the attempt to shore up its reputation and to build goodwill with local communities, Shell has developed policies and programs aimed at taking on social responsibilities. These programs focus on poverty alleviation, dealing with challenging human rights issues, and the pursuit of sustainable development, seeking to lower the negative environmental impact of their activities (Shell, 2011; Olowu, 2011). These practices are generally referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR). They can serve as a channel through which to nurture relations with society and stakeholders in general so as to address this dilemma that companies face in the modern business environment (Driver, 2006; Haigh and Jones, 2006). In this regard, it can act dually as an avenue for ethical and social responsibility and as well a worthwhile and essential business strategy. However, finding the right approach and the right initiatives to undertake is challenging for many entities as expectations are very high and diverse particularly in developing countries. As well, in most cases, the development initiatives anticipated should ideally be the prerogative and duty of respective governments and authorities. Their pursuit enables these public agencies to disregard their duties and to forgo accountability to their constituents, a free hand to misappropriate what would otherwise be spent on development (Frynas, 2005). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) CSR is a fast-growing concept in which organizations consider the interests of various stakeholders including society, the environment, and the community in which they are established, taking responsibility for the impact of their activities. It refers to activities that a corporate entity engages with and which are aimed at investment into better and stronger relations with stakeholders and society (Bourne, 2009). This commitment is a voluntary endeavour to improve quality of life for local communities and society at large and extends beyond the basic requirement to comply with regulations or legislation (Boyd et al., 2007). Though historically consider to encompass corporate philanthropy, the concept can now be summarized conveniently in the phrase†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"doing well by doing good† which is inherent in a firm’s accountability and which underlies its social contract with society (Driver, 2006). It encompasses concepts such as corporate accountability, corporate citizenship, business ethics, sustainability, as well as social responsibility in investment and community involvement (Fombrun, 2001). CSR is thus not the sole responsibility of the multinational corporation, but it also concerns the host communities and countries that can engage in planning and in the push for implementation of activities. This, however, gives the pursuit an arbitrariness that makes assessment of success and effectiveness quite challenging. Success in business and sustainability of operations significantly depends on an organization’s capacity to maximize benefits accrued from its resources such as financial and human resources, physical assets, as well as intangible resources such as goodwill from stakeholders and society in general (Werbach, 2009). This is quite evident in challenges that have beset Shell’s supply chain stemming from challenges in its operations in the Niger Delta. Even with the right mix of financial and human resources, as well as an adequate asset base, the lack of goodwill leading to discontent locally and globally and acts of reprisals has in the past led to disruption of operations and loss of potential which have had widespread implications, including adverse effects on profitability, the company’s reputation, as well as the prices of crude oil in the international market. In this regard CSR has become a significant component of Shell Nigeria’s corporate strategy in its quest for mutually beneficial engagement with stakeholders and achievement of requisite goodwill (Shell, 2011; Olowu, 2011). Through the proactive pursuit of CSR, companies can take responsibility for the impact of their operations and welfare of host societies, as well as stakeholders in general. Though perceived as an outlay that is difficult to recoup, there is evidence of potential reciprocal effect and business sense in CSR investments attributed to its creation of value and enhancement of stakeholder relations (Driver, 2006;). Due to the general lack of infrastructure and development projects provided by respective governments in developing countries, the need for CSR covering broader roles such as poverty alleviation, good governance and development is prominent. Multinational corporations such as Shell come under heightened expectations to fill in the gap providing the requisite development (Wheeler et al., 2010). The initiatives undertaken by Shell towards CSR are explored. Critics bemoan this reality in the expectation for intervention by such business entities on matters outside their primary objective. They posit that this demand influences and affects the conduct of business in the increasingly competitive business environment posing a challenge to strategists in the choice between meeting business objectives and shareholder satisfaction on the one hand, and the needs of the wider stakeholder base on the other (Frynas, 2005). This further complicates the development of corporate strategy given the need to focus on a number of extraneous issues often with private entities arrogating themselves duties that ought to be performed by the state or local councils. Such realities hinder the effectiveness of CSR initiatives and particularly its contribution to the company’s corporate strategy. CSR initiatives of Shell Nigeria are thus evaluated in the following section. CSR initiatives of Shell Nigeria Numerous activities that Shell engages in its pursuit of social responsibility are herein evaluated to assess their effectiveness and therefore contribution to the company’s corporate strategy. Initiatives undertaken by Shell Nigeria in its CSR pursuit cover external aspects such as environmental protection, community relations and human rights, as well as internal aspects such as principles and codes of practice, product stewardship, stakeholder and employee rights, and transparency (Shell, 2011; Idemudia, 2009). Shell Nigeria and the entire Group takes up an active leadership role in the development of codes of conduct and practice governing workplaces and their engagement with facets of society (Royal Dutch Shell, 2012b; UN, 2011). The company has also supported development through programs in education, health, construction, commerce, agriculture, transport, etc. benefiting local communities (Olowu, 2011). Additionally, the company alongside others in the oil industry command leadership in programs promoting CSR internationally on various fronts. This has been facilitated by Shell’s new and sophisticated approach they refer to as Community Development (CD), offering a paradigm shift to environmental responsibility, social welfare, human rights, and political responsibility, among other issues of CSR (UN, 2011). This approach entails greater stakeholder engagement bringing together many entities including NGOs, state and local governments, and community leaders in identifying and implementing projects, ensuring increased local ownership, transparency and accountability (Idemudia, 2009). Numerous projects have been successfully undertaken through this approach over the years especially benefiting areas in which the company’s infrastructure is located and/or flow lines traverse (Royal Dutch Shell, 2012b; Olowu, 2011). Goodwill generated from such â€Å"investments† in CSR has ensured integrity of assets that were hitherto under threat which is fundamental to successful operations. Various initiatives undertaken such as the community Health Insurance Schemes, enterprise development schemes, water supply and electricity supply, among others offer worthwhile lessons through which the success can be replicated elsewhere (UN, 2011; Idemudia, 2009). This way, the company has benefited from consistency afforded enabling it to meet tight lead times and to better align supply and demand through greater efficiency. Success of development initiatives has enhanced well-being and economic empowerment of communities thereby reducing dependency for regional development which had burdened the company (Shell, 2011; Emesh, 2009). Additionally, initiatives undertaken in partnership with numerous players aimed at enhancement of the conservation of biodiversity through the minimization of the negative impact of activities have enabled reduction of environmental impact due to gas flaring and oil spills. The diversification into the production of natural gas has benefited the company significantly, becoming a worthwhile revenue stream (Royal Dutch Shell, 2012a). Through a variety of indices assessing social and environmental performance of entities such as Shell, its CSR initiatives have earned it recognition globally as a leader in responsibility and a CSR champion. These indices include: the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)- 2010; Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DSI)- 2010; Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index 2011, the FTSE4Good and Goldman Sachs Sustain ESG (environmental, social and governance) – 2010 (UN, 2011; Shell, 2011; OPEC, 2011). Good ratings attained in these indices are evidence of the impact that it has had in its CSR pursuit. The recognition has been beneficial in shoring the company’s reputation across the globe enhancing its corporate value and standing of its brand. However, oil multinationals (including Shell) remain at variance with local communities regarding the success and effectiveness of these CSR initiatives with the latter still not content. This represents the major challenge with CSR pursuits, particularly in cases such as this where expectations are quite high (Frynas, 2005). The actual success of Shell Nigeria’s CSR is evaluated to assess its contribution to its corporate strategy and bottom line. Contribution of CSR to Shell Nigeria’s corporate strategy Corporate strategy focuses on the organization’s overall scope with an aim to sustain growth and to achieve strategic positioning. The maximization of profits and minimization of costs is a primary goal of any business venture. This not only necessitates continuous improvement along the supply chain towards the enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness, but also entails an important aspect in the modern competitive business environment, value creation (Werbach, 2009; Kazem and Richard, 2008). Competitive advantage entails the capability a business to provide superior products, services, or value differentiating itself from its competitors. Price/cost advantage, delivery, quality and flexibility are identified as among the components of the value advantage which enhance competitive capability. To be able to sustain its competitive advantage, a company or organization has to exploit such available capabilities which are as important as resources such as physical assets, financial resources, and human resources (Werbach, 2009). However, the oil industry is characterized by minimal capacity for value addition to products and services, exploitation of a price advantage, or physical resource capabilities (Wheeler et al., 2010). It is therefore crucial for players in the industry to focus on value advantage deriving from delivery efficiency, quality, flexibility, as well as intangible aspects such as corporate value and reputation. The pursuit of corporate value and goodwill through CSR is therefore crucial for an entity to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage given the intense competition and capabilities (Fombrun, 2001). According to Sachs et al., (2009) and Driver (2006), the CSR idea†¦ â€Å"ties up with the drive for sustainability which is to develop solutions for business in such a way as to meet the requirements of the current generation without compromising the ability to provide the needs of future generations in bounty and diversity.† This is the basis for Shell’s renewed and revitalised pursuit of CSR which has enabled it to assume leadership on the responsibility front, a model for corporate citizenship (Shell, 2011). Despite the challenge in defining actual benefit and achievement in sustainability initiatives, the pursuit of CSR has granted Shell an important edge in the intensely competitive environment, enhancing the company’s corporate value. Corporations invest in CSR motivated by the view on business ethics which holds that shareholders and stakeholders desire a financially stable and responsible corporation adhering to values of ethical conduct and environmental sustainability. A worthwhile brand image and reputation is thus central to strategy (Sachs et al., 2009; Haigh and Jones, 2006). This is the primary thesis of this report and which is shown to guide Shell Nigeria’s corporate strategy, as well as that of the entire Group. Benefiting from reduced civil tension, as well as oil theft and sabotage, Shell has, in recent years, managed to increase production from new ventures such as offshore deep water explorations, as well as enhanced supply chain efficiencies – achieving increases in production averaging 31% year-on-year. Diversification into Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) production has enabled the company to enhance its revenue and to develop a new market (both locally and for export). Its economic potential has generated incentive and economic impetus to enhance the capture of natural gas associated with oil reserves that would otherwise be flared (Royal Dutch Shell, 2012a; Shell, 2011; Fombrun, 2001). Reduced flaring and the clean-up of oil spills have had a positive effect on the company’s risk and reputation management warding off potential lawsuits and liabilities (Shell, 2011; Dyer and Chu, 2003). Turbulence in the political and social environment and the resultant uncertainty in supply and demand, as well as concerns over bad repute negatively affect investor decisions and therefore share prices (Fombrun, 2008). A firm that wishes to attain success in the modern business environment must keenly assess these fundamental flags and their associated costs , as well as future value or potential which significantly influence investor decisions. These may influence the company’s access to capital and to new markets and cannot be ignored (Sachs et al., 2009; Dyer and Chu, 2003). These factors can be adequately addressed through the focus on enhancement of goodwill and efficiency through social responsibility pursuits. It is evident therefore that Shell’s CSR initiatives have contributed significantly to the company’s corporate strategy enhancing its capacity to sustain its operations and to thrive despite the challenges in the extractive sector and developing countries hosting it. Conclusion Through the pursuit of CSR, oil multinationals such as Shell can gain valuable goodwill enabling success of their operations and the enhancement of their overall image and perception as a corporate citizen both locally and internationally. Shell Nigeria’s proactive community development initiatives have in the most part significantly reduced conflict resultant from discontent and grievance of local communities and global concern impacting the corporate reputation of the entire Group internationally. Reductions in civil tensions, oil theft and sabotage have enabled increased production and new ventures and as well, the venture into the capture of associated natural gas has seen the company diversify into new revenue streams and markets of LNG. These benefits as well as the bolstering investor confidence due to this revitalization are evidence of the contribution of CSR to Shell Nigeria’s corporate strategy. Bibliography Bourne, L., 2009. Stakeholder Relationship Management. CA, USA: Gower.. Boyd, E., Spekman, R., Kamauff, J., and Werhane, P., 2007. â€Å"Corporate Social Responsibility in Global Supply Chains: A Procedural Justice Perspective.† In: Long Range Planning, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 341-356. Driver, M., 2006. ‘Beyond the Stalemate of Economics versus Ethics: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Discourse of the Organizational Self.’ Journal of Business Ethics, 66: 337–56. Dyer, J., and Chu, W., 2003. â€Å"The role of trustworthiness in reducing transaction costs and improving performance: Empirical evidence from the United States, Japan and Korea.† Organization Science 14 (1), 57–68. Emesh, E., 2009. â€Å"Social Responsibility in Practice in the Oil Producing Niger Delta: Assessing Corporations and Government’s Actions.† Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, Vol. 11, No.2, pp.113-125. Fombrun, J., 2008. Corporate reputations as economic asset. In: Freeman, E., Harrison, J. S., (Eds.). The Blackwell handbook of strategic management. Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, 289–312. Frynas, J., 2005. â€Å"The False Developmental Promise of Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Multinational Oil Companies.† International Affairs, Vol. 81, No. 3, pp. 581-598. Haigh, M., and Jones, M., 2006. â€Å"The Drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Critical Review.† The Business Review, Cambridge, 5(2): 245–51. Idemudia, U., 2009. â€Å"Oil Extraction and Poverty Reduction in the Niger Delta: A Critical Examination of Partnership Initiatives.† Journal of Business Ethics: Supplement 90: 91. ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. Kazem, C., and Richard, L., 2008. Sustainable competitive advantage: towards a dynamic resource-based strategy. East London Business School, University of East London, UK Olowu, D., 2011. â€Å"From Defiance to Engagement: An Evaluation of Shell’s Approach to Conflict Resolution in the Niger Delta.† African Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 10, Nr.3, pp. 75-100. OPEC, 2011. Nigeria facts and figures Viewed on 8/7/2014 from: opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/167.htm Royal Dutch Shell Public Limited Company, 2012a. Shell Petroleum Development and Exploration Company report: â€Å"Environmental Performance: Oil Spills. Shell Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company.† Viewed on 3/7/2014 from www.shellreport.com Royal Dutch Shell Public Limited Company, 2012b. Shell Petroleum Development Company, Shell Nigeria report: â€Å"Improving Lives in the Niger Delta.† Viewed on 3/7/2014 from www.shellnigeria.com Sachs, S., E. Ruhli and I., Kern, 2009. Sustainable Success with Stakeholders. Palgrave Macmillan Shell, 2011. â€Å"Sustainability Report: Royal Dutch Shell Sustainability Report 2010.† In: Royal Dutch Shell Sustainability Report, pp. 1-37. Viewed on 6/7/2013 from: http://sustainabilityreport.shell.com/2010/servicepages/previous.html UN, 2011. Supply chain sustainability. United Nations global compact. Viewed from: unglobalcompact.org/Issues/supply_chain/index.html Werbach, A., 2009. Strategy for sustainability: a business manifesto. Adam Werbach. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Press Wheeler, D., H., Fabig, and R., Boele, 2010. â€Å"Paradoxes and Dilemmas for Stakeholder Responsive Firms in the Extractive Sector: Lessons from the Case of Shell and the Ogoni.† In: Journal of Business Ethics, Vol. 39, pp. 297-318.

Behaviour modification

The Effect of Behaviour Modification on Studying and Procrastination University of Sydney Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of behaviour self-modification on the number of hours spent studying and procrastinating. The 141 participants were second year University students studying Psychology. Baseline behaviour was recorded for both studying and procrastination followed by a treatment week where each student selected to modify either studying or procrastination and planned and carried out their behaviour modification. Results were significant, revealing that those trying to decrease procrastination were successful in decreasing this behaviour, as well as increasing the alternative behaviour, studying. Similarly, students trying to increase studying were successful, as well as decreasing their procrastination. Overall, it was found that behaviour modification has significant effects on the amount of time spend studying and procrastinating. The Effect of Behaviour Modification on Studying and Procrastination Behaviour modification is an interesting aspect of Psychology as it gives people the opportunity to alter their behaviour for reasons that may include health, happiness, education or general wellbeing. Many researchers have found that behaviour self-modification programs are especially effective with immediate reinforcement and are more successful than other cognitive methods (Levitz Stunkard 1974; Galscow Klesges 1985). The effectiveness of these programs also depends on other factors such as the person’s commitment to change, the degree of preparation and the management of antecedents. In order to alter behaviour, it is more successful to partake in a behaviour modification program which includes reinforcements or punishments, rather than simply relying on other cognitive processes. One study, involving overweight people, showed a behaviour self-modification program which resulted in greater weight loss than other methods, including nutrition education (Levitz Stunkard 1974). Similarly the effectiveness of behaviour modification is seen in smokers who were able to abstain from smoking using self-reward strategies and positive self-statements at a greater rate than those who used other cognitive strategies (Galscow Klesges 1985). Immediate reinforcers have a much stronger effect on behaviour than a delayed punishment (Martin Pear 2007). Choosing a behaviour which will provide immediate gratification is often more likely to occur than an alternative behaviour, even if the punishment is somewhat severe. This includes cumulatively significant punishments, such as smoking increasing the risk of lung cancer, because the negative effect from each cigarette is too small to notice, whereas the immediate gratification produces enjoyment. This highlights the importance of immediate reinforcement when conducting a behaviour self-modification program. The methods of behaviour modification found to be successful vary, (Perri Richards 1977), however there are steps one can take to increase the likelihood of success. (Martin Pear 2007). Firstly, it is essential that problems are specified and goals are set. These goals should be in quantitative terms so that overall success can be easily determined. Secondly, there should be a commitment to change. This should be evident in the effort made to plan a successful behavioural modification including management of antecedents and appropriate reinforcements. A baseline of behaviour should be recorded for comparison with the following self-control program to quantify success and overall effect. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of behaviour modification on the number of hours spent studying and procrastinating. It was hypothesised that, in the treatment week, there would be a decrease in the number of hours spent procrastinating for the â€Å"decrease procrastination† group, and an increase in the number of hours spent studying in the â€Å"increase studying† group. Studying will be defined as any kind of reading, writing or other preparation which is related to the student’s University course work. It is the desired behaviour; Examples include reading background material for a lecture or tutorial, studying for quizzes or creating course notes. Procrastination will be defined as all other recreational activities with the exception of socialising and exercising. This is the delaying behaviour; Examples include watching TV, browsing the internet for pleasure or playing computer games. Method Subjects There were 715 second-year Psychology University students who were required to take part in this study as a tutorial exercise. Of these students, 628 created online accounts to record their behaviour. The number of students who successfully completed the task by recording data for all 8 days was 141. These 141 students provided all data used in this study. All students used data sheets to record their behaviour for all 8 days of the exercise. This data was logged online. Procedure Students were instructed to choose the behaviour that they wanted to change; They could decrease procrastination or increase studying. Students would, in the first four days, record both their studying and procrastination habits in a results table provided. Students were then required to devise their own strategy to either decrease procrastination or increase studying. These strategies aimed to complete goals set by the student which were improvements from their current state, but realistic and achievable. These plans included, preferably immediate to the behaviour being performed, reinforcement for the desired behaviour or punishment for the behaviour to be decreased. Since often this was not practical, there were options for alternative reinforcement/punishment schedules. Firstly, daily targets could be set to reach, or not exceed, a certain number of hours of study or procrastination. Secondly, rolling targets or limits could be used where appropriate reinforcement or punishment is given when a number of hours of a behaviour is met. Finally, students could use duration limits or targets on how long they engage in a behaviour once they have started. The independent variable was the 2 x (2) mixed design with the between subjects variables being modifying studying or procrastination, and the within-subjects variable being the targeted and non-targeted behaviour. The recorded hours became the dependant variable. Results There were no statistical differences found in the conditions of the baseline week. In the treatment week, time spent studying was found to be significantly different to the time spent procrastinating in the group who tried to decrease procrastination.

Critically assess the virtues and shortcomings of Britain's Essay

Critically assess the virtues and shortcomings of Britain's 'un-codified' Constitution. Critically assess the Pr - Essay Example For this reason, the acts and laws passed in parliament become the constitution, as long as they have respect to the sovereignty of parliament as well as the principles of governance and legislation. The parliament in this case is sovereign and superior to every other institution in Britain, which means that it has the mandate of interpreting the constitution, thereby representing the sovereign will of the people. The un-codified British constitution constitutes values and political ideas that are based on ideals and precepts rather than fundamentals that are based on texts or documents (Williams, 1998: p 57). This means that the constitution and laws are symbols of the embodiment of their political culture, traditions and values of the British society. One of the strengths of the un-codified British constitution is that it is flexible. Many countries with the codified constitution find it difficult to pass legislation since the government is accountable and the constitution is prote cts individuals. For instance, Britain was able to pass legislation meant to detain terror suspects for a long period after several terrorist attacks. Other countries with the codified constitution during this period found it difficult to do the same since their constitutions were protecting the liberties of individuals (Watts, 2007: p 204). For this reason, these governments were not able to detain the terror suspects for a long duration, as the relevant authorities continued with their investigations. Apart from the flexibility of the un-codified constitution, its other strength is that it is able to evolve. Individuals in society live according to the changes in the political climate. This gives the British parliament the power to change some of the laws that seem to be outdated, consequently changing the way people live in the society (Watts, 2007: p 202). The ability of the evolution of the un-codified constitution creates an environment that is comfortable for individuals to r eside. For instance, in 1867, sovereignty was given to parliament, after it was taken away from the monarchy, which was responsible for the creation of a democratic political environment. This change made it possible for individuals to know their place in society. On the other hand, other than the opposition in parliament, there are no provisions for checking the government. This is one of the major shortcomings of the un-codified constitution. The absence of the checks and balance mechanisms might lead to the creation of an unjust political system, where the government might be in a position to oppress individuals in the society selectively. Using the previous example on terrorism, the British government had the capability of holding suspects for long periods, and with the probability that they might be lacking enough evidence to charge them, the detainment would be an infringement on the rights of the individual. Contrary to this, the codified constitution presents an opportunity for the creation of a political system that is just (Williams, 1998: p 52). In this case, the government will not be able to oppress individuals in the society, unless they have concrete evidence that a suspect is a terrorist. Before charging the suspect, he or she will be able to continue enjoying some of the rights and freedoms in society.