Business Enviroment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Enviroment - Essay Example Environmental scanning drives an organization's strategic planning process-the quality of the planning depends on the quality of the scan. The scanning manager faces a lot of challenges because the external environment is changing rapidly in complex ways; there are numerous sources of information and this information is often ambiguous. (Auster and Choo, 1994). The organisation has to use this information to make consequential decisions or long-term commitments by the organisation. Scanning involves several modes of information seeking. Aguilar (1967) usefully differentiates between searching for information about a specific question, and viewing information or being exposed to information without a specific information need in mind. According to Auster and Choo (1994). Scanning could range from a casual conversation at the lunch table or a chance observation of an angry customer dumping a product, to an extensive market research programme to identify business opportunities. At a conceptual level then, environmental scanning may be seen as an extended case of information seeking, in that scanning not only includes searching for particular information, but also simply being exposed to information that could impact the firm. (Auster and Choo, 1994). Duncan (1972) defines the environment as "the totality of physical and social factors that are taken directly into consideration in the decision-making behavior of individuals in the organization" (p. 314). Draft et al. (1988) suggest that a firm's external environment can be divided into six environmental sectors including: 1. Customer sector refers to those companies or individuals that purchase the products made by the respondent's firm, and includes companies that acquire the products for resale, as well as final customers. 2. Competition sector includes the companies, products, and competitive tactics: companies that make substitute products; products that compete with the respondent firm's products; and competitive actions between the respondent's firm and other companies in the same industry. 3. Technological sector includes the development of new production techniques and methods, innovation in materials and products, and general trends in research and science relevant to the respondent's firm. 4. Regulatory sector includes federal and provincial legislation and regulations, city or community policies, and political developments at all levels of government. 5. Economic sector includes economic factors such as stock markets, rate of inflation, foreign trade balance, federal and provincial budgets, interest rates, unemployment,and economic growth rate. 6. Socio-cultural sector comprises social values in the general population, the work ethic, and demographic trends such as an increasing number of women in the work force (Daft et al., 1988, pp. 137-38). By understanding the above environmental sector a company can better understand how to deal with the requirements of each sector. There is a general model proposed by Mintzberg (1973) which deals with managerial use of information acquired from the external environment. According to this framework, a manager's interpersonal roles provide access and exposure to

Reimbursement and Pay-for-performance paper Essay

Reimbursement and Pay-for-performance paper - Essay Example This information is provided by physicians, medical groups or even hospitals since they are in constant touch with the clients of these health insurance and some of them are also clients. The compensation depending on the agreed terms may be in form of elimination of payments and other non-financial incentives (Greenwald, 2010). Reimbursement works on a fee-for-service initiative where the physicians are paid according to the services they offer and not the quality of those services. Since this is not the original pay for the physician but rather a reimbursement, the number of needed services may not be provided (especially if there is no reimbursement or it is not much). This has in turn led to undersupply of the needed services by the clients when compared to the pay-for-performance approach. The pay-for-performance approach requires evidence of the services offered which should be quality services before any incentive of compensation is made (which may be financial or not). This new approach has overridden the reimbursement approach and is seen to be more client-concerned than the earlier approach. The physicians also have no alternative but to work towards providing the quality services that they were not concerned about earlier. Even though the reimbursement approach is not being faced-away by the pay-for-performance approach, those who are paying are allowed to choose between the two approaches and most are going for the latter considering its advantages over the former approach. This therefore means that the reimbursement approach is slowly but surely failing and becoming out of touch. The new pay-for-performance approach is also seen as a way to correct the distortions incentives that have and are continuing to be made by the reimbursement approach. This is because the reimbursement approach pays physicians double for the services they render which are even not of quality at times. The newer approach is

Health Care Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Health Care Ethics - Essay Example However, in today's world, where the scientific world has come of age in its standing vis--vis disease care and prevention, subsidiary issues have emerged that are considered to be of prime importance in the realm of health care. The changes in society and life all around the world have brought about considerable changes in the lifestyles of people. Similarly, the profession of health care has seen its development through the ages, and many additional factors like ethical, legal and professional concerns need to be understood better. The learning outcomes associated with this course are crucially linked to the integral understand of clinical issues and practice. This paper in turn shall go a long way in reestablishing the norms that were to be established by the goals for this course. Understand the domain of every prong individually is of vital importance: As was mentioned earlier, knowledge of legal issues to the cause of clinical practice has now become imperative. Though universal laws for humanitarianism and morality remain constant for humans, yet there are certain legal implications that are different for certain countries and even states within countries. It must be understood by a practitioner, that the legal clauses are not a matter of burden, but actually a facilitating and binding factor that ensures that the provision of health care would be unequivocal and just for all. The current face of health care is largely a product of the advancement made during and after the World Wars. However, despite the magnitude and quality of work that was done at that time, the obvious constraint due to the war was that a systematic procedure for providing health care cannot be established. Much has changed since then, and the corporate face of the organizations in the changing world has brought about a new shape to the domain of clinical practice. With the inception of concepts like quality and the ISO standards, what the world of today has realized, is that documentation, for any system of work, is not only essential, but is a must. Though the importance and significance of the three major issues has been established, yet appropriate working with these concerns in minds is still easier said than done. For a new practitioner, it is extremely important to properly identify with the issues. The ethical and legal concerns are very similar to the medical ones in their dynamics. For one, the first thing that needs to be done with a disease is appropriate identification with respect to the symptoms. Only a sound knowledge of the traits of a disease and its patterns can help identity for the practitioner as to what is to be done with it. Similarly, with legal and ethical concerns, the first step is to identify any anomaly in the normal proceedings that are likely to produce a problematic response. This is probably the most important element of the assignment, which helps the participant in preparation for the future challenges. This is one factor alone that differentiates the follower from the leader. The fact of the matter is, that many people in all professions tend to believe what is taught and practiced in front of them. They do not have the ability, urge and background to question - which is the most important feature in the development of science. Henceforth, the most credible feature of this assignment is that it would help in the preparation of analytical insight of the healthcare

Assessing the impact of modular construction products and processes on Dissertation

Assessing the impact of modular construction products and processes on the sustainability of the construction industry - Dissertation Example re 3.3.1: Suggested Research Process for Construction Management Research 65 Figure 4.1: Stadthaus Apartments, the World’s Tallest Prefabricated Timber Structure standing Nine Stories High, Constructed in 27 Days 76 Figure 4.2: The Renault Centre, Swindon, England Presents an Example of Modular and Prefabricated Steel Architecture with High Level of Modularisation, Prefabrication and Judicious Use of High-Embodied Energy Materials for Superior Life Cycle Performance 77 List of Tables Table 2.1.1: Embodied Energy of Common Construction Materials 17 Table 2.1.2: Five Topical and Three Bonus Categories in the LEED v3 Sustainability Rating System 19 Table 2.1.3: Matrices for Assessment of Various Building Products Based on Various Attributes 20 Table 2.1.4: Core Indicators for Sustainability in a Building 24 Table 2.7.2.1: A Comparison of Different Structural Schemes for Multi-Story Buildings in China and their Associated Construction Methods 46 Table 4.1: Housing Affordability in Various Countries 73 Table 4.2: Stakeholder Interest in Construction 74 Acknowledgements I would like to thank firstly GOD who has given me strength and wisdom to which has allowed me to complete this course successfully. Secondly I would like to thank my wife and family for all of their support and encouragements. Thirdly I would like to thank Mr. Willy Confait for his trust in me and his support during my studies. And fourthly I would like to thank Doctor David Moore for his most appreciated support, teachings and guidance to which has allowed me to complete my dissertation. Lastly but not least I would like to thank the University for the opportunity and also all of my teachers (Mr Gerard Buda, Mr Graham Castle, Mr Rod McLennan, Mr Paul Begg, Mr Bassam Bejeirmi, Mr Richard Laing, Mr Neil... Results of the investigations suggest that there is overwhelming evidence to support the hypothesis that modular construction and prefabrication enhance sustainability of the construction industry. Considerations related to affordability of housing, the built environment and products of construction demand use of innovative designs that present judicious use of construction materials with modularisation and prefabrication. However, a need exists to collaborate to develop standardised modular systems for construction, standards for modular construction and flexible systems that enable flexible construction. It is important to note that deployment of highly flexible CAD / CAM systems for manufacturing of prefabricated, modular components is essential for manufacturing of high precision and flexible modular systems, and designers need to emphasise a life-cycle approach for incorporating sustainability, modularisation and prefabrication in designs for construction. Innovation in modular design for construction is all important because a judicious mix of materials for construction, including high embodied energy materials, such as steel, with other fourth-generation materials promises to deliver construction that is sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable for the users and suited to material reuse after dismantling at the end of its useful life. Thus, it makes sense for builders, architects and engineers to emphasise the use of modular components for construction by incorporating the modular in design and adding to the number of modular components used for various products of construction.

Source Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Source Evaluation - Essay Example Consequently, the number of available papers intended for this topic has made finding suitable sources a very difficult and tedious process. Some titles with good information may be those published a few decades ago, while there are also some recently released papers posted on the internet which pose doubts in terms of integrity and sincerity. Indeed after meticulously reviewing the available list of sources, five academic titles have been chosen to serve as references for the upcoming research paper namely Recycling and Waste Diversion Effectiveness: Evidence from Canada by Ida Ferrara  and  Paul Missios, Managing Electronic Waste: Issues with Exporting E-Waste by Linda Luther, Recycling and Waste-to-Energy: The Ongoing Compatibility Success Story by Jonathan V. L. Kiser, Greening Household Behaviour:  The Role of Public Policy and Improving Recycling Markets both by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Recycling and Waste Diversion Effectiveness: Evi dence from Canada is a paper written by Ida Ferrara  and  Paul Missios that was published in the 2005 issue of Environmental and Resource Economics, a peer-reviewed academic journal about environmental economics and one that acts as the official journal of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists since 1991 (Environmental Economics). The paper explores the relationship between recycling policy options and recycling behaviors that will identify the effective means of averting post-consumer waste. Also, it focuses on the significant effects of mandatory recycling for almost all types of provisions, which is similar to the core of my research paper. Its authors Dr. Ida Ferrara and Dr. Paul Missios both completed their Ph.D at York University. Ferrara is currently the Associate Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies in the same school (York University) while Missios is the Chair of the Department of Economics and Assoc iate Professor at Ryerson University in Canada (Energy Innovation Corp.). They both received several merit and research awards and numerous study grants over the years and have written several articles for peer-reviewed publications, journals, books and technical papers specifically in the Canadian territories. Managing Electronic Waste: Issues with Exporting E-waste is a book written by Linda Luther, an analyst in Environmental Policy at the Congressional Research Service in the United States who took her Masters degree in John Hopkins University (Profile). It was published in 2010 by DIANE Publishing which distributes important documents and reports from the U.S. government. They also publish journals of prestigious associations such as the American Philosophical Society, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and The Library Company of Philadelphia (Diane Publishing). The featured book focuses on the hazards of e-wastes and its relevant recycling procedures. This will set the int roduction of my research paper by presenting the impact of garbage to the society and the factors influencing recycling. Recycling and Waste-to-Energy: The Ongoing Compatibility Success Story by Jonathan V.L. Kiser is an article featured in the online copy of MSW Management:  The Journal for Municipal Solid Waste Professionals in its May-June 2003 series. The paper demonstrates how recycling and waste-to-energy management finally work together after ten years of tedious investigation. This will address my research paper’s claims that recycling is an efficient waste management process that will benefit everyone. Kiser did his MBA in Business

A critical review of an academic article in which ideas about learning Essay

A critical review of an academic article in which ideas about learning relevant to the module are discussed - Essay Example Research on MI has spread like wildfire, critically dissecting every angle and application. Basically, Gardner claims that intelligence is not limited to the cognitive domain, as traditionally conceptualized. He views it in a much broader sense to include the individual’s affective, social and creative domains. He has come up with a number of intelligences a person possesses within him, as follows: Linguistic intelligence – this has to do with how a person uses words to express himself well verbally or in print. Some people just have a natural flair for speaking or writing and keep their audience in awe of the language they use and how it influences them. This intelligence is exhibited by motivational speakers, preachers, orators, writers and journalists. Logical mathematical intelligence – this is what is usually studied by cognitive psychologists and educators, how the mind works with logic, reasoning and mathematical accuracy. This is very much related to critical thinking and analytical skills. Gardner calls it the traditional scholastic intelligence which was given too much focus in schools and intelligence tests. Musical intelligence – this is the ability to create, perform and appreciate music. Gardner rates this equivalent to the other intelligences and refuses to call them mere talents, relegated less than intelligence. This is exhibited by composers, musicians, singers and musical critics or reviewers. Spatial intelligence – this is the capacity to visualize and concretize how things will turn out from the way it was planned, and to accurately estimate space allocations. Such intelligence is displayed by architects, artists, photographers, aviators, navigators and surgeons. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence – This is the ability to solve problems, express oneself or achieve a lot of goals using one’s body. Not everyone can be as limber and well-coordinated in doing so, unlike dancers, actors, mime artists, athletes and

Ojt Doc Essay Example for Free

Ojt Doc Essay Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2007 after a successful initial public offering, the company has built its reputation for delivering its projects on time, without sacrificing the beauty and functionality of its developments. Initially finding its niche within the affluent Filipino-Chinese community, ALHI has brought modern condo living to Old Manila through a fusion of current trends and traditional comforts and practices. The company’s developments take inspiration from upscale condos in major cities around the world while incorporating age-old Feng Shui principles. Building on the successful formula of its first project, the 33-storey Lee Tower in Binondo which was sold out within 9 months and delivered ahead of schedule in 2006, ALHI has continued its dynamic and aggressive approach to take on even bigger and bolder challenges. The company has several ongoing developments, with more in the pipeline. It has started turning over units to buyers of its Mayfair Tower along UN Avenue in Ermita, in the heart of colonial Old Manila, and its second condominium in Binondo, the Mandarin Square, which by the end of 2008 is more than 50 percent completed. Both developments will take condo living in Manila to a higher level with first class amenities rivaling the best there is in the country. Anchor Land likewise broke ground for its Solemare Parksuites, its first project outside of the City of Manila, in December of 2008. The 18-storey twin tower residential project at the ASEANA Business Park in Paranaque City, near the humongous Mall of Asia, caters to those who want to be at the center of Metro Manila’s emerging cultural and entertainment hub along scenic Manila Bay. Among the company’s plans are the development of the tallest building in Binondo, Manila, the 56-storey Anchor Skysuites that is guaranteed to further raise the benchmark in the Chinatown district, as well as projects in San Juan, another in Ermita, a fourth project in Binondo, among others. What sets the company apart from other Philippine developers is its ability to execute its business plans. While others give tremendous focus and attention to their business development efforts but hardly sustain them afterwards, Anchor Land makes sure that its business plans are meticulously implemented. The secret lies in the active involvement of its key people in sales and marketing from the conceptualization stage and throughout the development of each project, with each department – from business development to engineering, finance, sales and customer relations – all in constant touch to ensure the seamless, on time delivery of the company’s commitments. In 2008, the company has started to attract the attention not only of local investors, but international award-giving bodies as well for its sterling performance. Anchor Land was one of only two Philippine companies included in Forbes Magazine’s list of 200 Best Companies in Asia with capitalization of under $1 billion, a feat made possible by the company’s sterling financial performance amidst the global economic slowdown. Internally, the company continues to build and strengthen its organization with the goal by recruiting and honing the best talents available in the manpower market, and by maintaining a small but dedicated cadre of sales people who have imbued Anchor Land’s corporate values of discipline, commitment, and excellent service. The company values each and every employee’s contributions, and recognizes them via a rewards and recognition system that puts premium on providing the best service to customers throughout the whole cycle of each and every project. III. Summary of OJT Experience IV. Assessment of the OJT/Practicum Program A. New Knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired Being the intern of the I. T. Department of Anchor Land Holdings Inc. I have learned many things that are beneficial for me and for my well – being. Here is the list of the skills that I acquired during my internship period: -Organization of files. -Networking. -Remote Access. -LAN cables. -LAN and Internet connections. -Centralized server. -Ncomputing technology -Computer building. -Kaspersky Lab. -Organization Security. -Data Back-up. -Routers For Troubleshooting -Printers -Fax Machine -Photocopy Machine. -Outlook. -Web connectivity. -Skype. -Computers. -Routers.