Overview of Martin Luther’s Christian Liberty Essay

Martin Luther’s pamphlet, Christian Liberty, describes his feelings towards the Church. He did not agree with what the Church did. For example, the church had too many restrictions. Meaning that you could not practice another religion. Also, the Church had indulgences, which are supposed to be where if someone sinned, they would go to the church and pray, and have the church forgive you. But the idea of indulgences to the Catholic Church was if you sinned, then you were to pay a certain amount of money and then your sin would have been forgotten. Luther thought the Church should be about faith, not all about power and money. In the pamphlet, Luther believes that faith nurtures the body and soul. He believed that the Church did not believe in that. Luther eventually broke away from the Church for several reasons. Some reasons were how the Church made people pay for their indulgences, how that they had too many restrictions, and how the Church had so much power and how they abused it. Luther stated in his pamphlet, â€Å"From this anyone can clearly see how a Christian is free from all things and over all things so that he needs no works to make him righteous and save him, since faith alone abundantly confers all these things.† Luther in this sentence is saying how things such as indulgences are not needed to make him a better Christian, but if a man has enough faith, it alone will do the job. Luther also states that for preachers not to preach only about repentance, but also about the faith of the religion. The criticism that Luther has towards the preachers was that they abused authority that they don’t preach commandments and promises, and they don’t work solely out of serving one’s neighbor; they do it seeking their own profit. Luther was also angry with priests who use the word of Christ to make people dislike Jews. He believes that they should pray for the people and teach the people by example. Martin Luther’s solutions took the middle course and faced up too how, â€Å"They want to show that they are free men and Christians only by despising and finding fault with ceremonies†. What Luther meant by this was that the religious ceremonies done was not how they used to be; now they entail only the power that the Church has among the people. Luther believed that you should join a church and do as they say not to gain righteousness, but out  of respect for them. He said this by, â€Å"I will fast, pray, do this and that as men command, not because it is necessary to my righteousness or salvation; but that I may show due respect to the pope, the bishop, the community, a magistrate, or my neighbor.† Martin Luther believed of three powers or benefits of faith. One was that Christians are free from the land. If we honor God, he will honor us. He will see us as righteous and truthful people. Faith writes the soul with Christ. Christian soul therefore has all the good characteristics of Christ. Also Luther believes that faith gives us freedom. He states this by writing, â€Å"It is clear, then, that a Christian has all he needs in faith and needs no works to justify him; and if he needs no need of works, he has no need of the law; and if he has no need of the law, surely he is free from the law.† Since we are not perfect on earth, works help keep us moving towards our goal of perfection. Do works freely, only to please God. This is said by, â€Å"however, we are not wholly recreated, and our faith and love are not yet perfect, these are to be increased, not by external works, however but of themselves†. Through work, think only to benefit others. Faith is active through love. Luther stated this by, â€Å"we should devote all our works to the welfare of others.† â€Å"But works, being inanimate things, cannot glorify God, although they can, if faith is present, be done to the glory of God.† What Luther is stating here is if you have enough faith, then you can make the presence of God true. Because works don’t lead to righteousness, but with faith works can be done to the glory of God.

Conflict Resolution Essay

Merriam-Webster (n.d) defines conflict as, â€Å"the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction†. Interpersonal conflicts, whether they are between family members, students and teachers, employees and supervisors, or groups, have certain elements in common. Coser (1967) asserts that conflict is â€Å"a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power, and resources, in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure, or eliminate the rivals.† (p. 8) Coser’s definition grew out of the cold war, when conflict between the United States and the former U.S.S.R. dominated Western method to conflict. Conflict was viewed as a win-lose solution. According to Dana (2001) there are only three ways to resolve any conflict; power contests, rights contests, and interest’s reconciliation. Power contest is based on Coser’s (1967) win-lose situation. Each party views their point as right each wanting power over the other. Rights contest is an orderly system which has rules, regulations, policies, precedents and a hierarchy of authority which is used in order to â€Å"win† again this model is a win-lose resolution. The solution to conflict resolution is interest reconciliation. This approach enlists support from both parties to find the best solution. All parties win with interest reconciliation model as their solution. Conflict in the workplace is a condition between or among two or more workers whose jobs are independent, who feel angry, who perceive the other(s) as being at fault, and act in a way that causes a business problem. Conflict has three elements feelings (emotions), perceptions (thoughts) and actions (behaviors). â€Å"Psychologists consider these three the only dimensions of human experience. So, conflict is rooted in all parts of the human nature† (Dana, 2001, p. 5) some confuse conflict with indecisi on, disagreement, stress, or some other common experience that may cause or be caused by a conflict. However, those elements are not best handled by conflict resolution. The question many ask, is conflict normal? Conflict is a fact of any organizational life. On the job, â€Å"conflict is a stubborn fact of organizational life† (Kolb and Putnam, 1992, p. 311). Rather than seeing conflict as abnormal, Pondy (1992) suggests we view organizations as â€Å"arenas for staging conflicts, and managers as both fight promoters who organize bouts and as referees who regulate them† (p. 259). In addition, Pondy states that in the company, agency, or small business, conflict may be the very essence of what the organization is about, and if â€Å"conflict isn’t happening then the organization has no reason for being† (p. 259). One study surveyed workers and found that almost 85 percent reported conflicts at work (Volkema and Bergmann 1989). With an increasing awareness of cultural diversity and gender equity issues, it is essential that employees become familiar with issues surrounding promotions and harassment. In fact, one can see tra ining in organizations as a form of preventive conflict management (Hathaway, 1995). The recognition of the frequency of conflict at work has led to books on mediating conflict in the workplace (Yarbrough and Wilmot 1995), showing how managers can learn conflict management skills to intervene in disputes in their organization. As employees, daily work with clients, customers, co-workers, or bosses can be a struggle. Conflict is as Wilmot (1995) wrote, â€Å"What determines the course of a relationship . . . is in a large measure determined by how successfully the participants move through conflict episodes† (p. 95). Conflict resolution has five styles, giving in, avoiding, fight it out, comprise, and work together style. No style is right or wrong; however some do work better than others. Accommodation, giving in to the other’s wishes or smoothing waves sacrifices one’s own goals for the sake of the other person. Accommodators often use phrases like: â€Å"Whatever you want is fine with me.† When one party in a conflict genuinely does not care about the outcome of the conflict, accommodation may be the right choice for that situation. However, if accommodation is the only style a person utilizes, he or she is advised to learn more skills. Avoidance is characterized by behaviors that either ignore or refuse to engage in the conflict. While avoidance is by some consider a negative style that shows low concern for both one’s own and the other party’s interests, there are sometimes strategic reasons to avoid conflict. For example, when the relationship is short-term and the issue is not important or when the situation has a potential to escalate to violence, avoidance may be the prudent choice. Fight it out, competition, or win/lose, style maximizes reaching one’s own goals or getting the problem solved at the cost of the others goals or feelings. While always choosing competition has negative repercussions for relationships, businesses and cultures, it can occasionally be the right style to choose if the other party is firmly fixed in a competitive style or there are limited resources. While competitive strategy is not necessarily dysfunctional, competition can easily slip into a destructive situation. Understanding the methods and strategies of others who use competitive styles can assist conflict managers in neutralizing the negative consequences of competition and work toward a mutual gain approach. Compromise is a give and take of resources. The classic compromise in negotiating is to â€Å"split the difference† between two positions. While there is no victor from compromise, each person also fails to achieve her or his original goal. Finally, working together to collaborate is when parties cooperatively team up until a mutually agreeable solution is found. Compromise and collaboration are win-win solution where as the other styles are win-lose. Why do people avoid dealing with conflict? People have a natural instinct of fear and some let that fear overpower them. The fear of harm causes people to fight-or-flight. Individuals will choose the flight option when in a dangerous part of a city that they have never been in before in order to avoid danger, it shows wisdom or strength to get out a of physically abusive relationship, commendable to stay out emotionally abusive relationships. In spite of this, in some cases people have the response to flight to a false perception of harm. People overstress in their minds the emotional harm that someone can cause harm. The same is said for conflict in the workplace, people will avoid conflict for fear of being harmed by others. Some avoid conflict because of a fear of rejection from others. These individuals feel others will withdraw their friendship or push them away causing more hurt. People have the perception if they do not risk rejection they can suppress their needs and feelings. Loss of relationship is the fear of rejection taken up a level they fear totally losing a relationship. Others avoid conflict to mask their true desires because preserving a relationship is more important than getting what they want. These individuals are trapped into believing their worth is dependant on another accepting them. People avoid conflict for fear of anger. These people do not like listening to someone who is angry. They believe another will hurt them, reject them, or leave them, and they just cannot stand to witness anger. However, anger is just anger and it is not necessarily directed toward them. Individuals do not want to be seen as selfish. In some situations people are not afraid of others reactions, but rather their interpretation of the situation. They fear that they will appear selfish. However, is it wrong to have a need, feeling, or want and to express it? Society has sometimes had it seem that way. Although, there is nothing wrong with asking for what individuals want versus feeling they are entitled to always getting what they want. The truth is if one never asks, then they are depriving people around them from being able give to them effectively. Still, people who feel their wants should not be fulfilled, regardless of what others want, fall into the selfishness category. Sometimes people avoid conflict for fear of saying the wrong thing or something they will regret. Individuals will avoid conflict rather than risk putting â€Å"their foot in their mouth† they contain their anger and frustration which often leads to that which they fear. When people have conflicts in the past that have failed so they avoid future conflict for the fear of failing those too and begin to believe the confrontation is not worth the emotional energy it takes to deal with others. The fear of failing can impact other aspects of ones life. The fear of hurting another is more than just saying the wrong thing. These individuals are extremely sensitive and caring. They would rather hurt themselves than risk hurting another. The fear of success is a fear that most over look. However, it is much like the fear of failure. Some people are afraid to get what they want; they believe they will never get it. These people feel they do not deserve what they want, the consequences of getting of what they want is regret, or the responsibility is more than they need or desire. The fear of intimacy is the most subconscious of the fears. People do not want to share their dreams, desires, and wants with others. They feel they are private and do not want to be exposed. People do not want to appear weak. If resolution involves giving in, avoiding, or compromise they may feel they appear as though they do not have confidence. People do not want the stress of confrontation. They feel it is better to avoid conflict rather than deal with the stress it will cause them in the workplace between co-workers. Our society tends to reward alternative responses to conflict, rather than negotiation. People, who aggressively pursue their needs, competing rather than collaborating, are often satisfied by others who prefer to accommodate. Managers and leaders are often rewarded for their aggressive, controlling approaches to problems, rather than taking a more compassionate approach to issues that may seem less decisive to the public or their staffs. Conflict resolution requires profound courage on the part of all parties: It takes courage to honestly and clearly express one’s needs, and it takes coura ge to sit down and listen to one’s adversaries. It takes courage to look at one’s own role in the dispute, and it takes courage to approach others with a sense of empathy, openness and respect for their perspective. Collaborative approaches to conflict management require individuals to engage in the moment of dialogue in thoughtful and meaningful ways, so it is understandable if people tend to avoid such situations until the balance of wisdom tips in favor of negotiation. People have certain perceptions in conflict when dealing with different situations. Culture shapes and frames each individual’s interpretation of appropriate behaviors during conflicts. Conflict across cultures, whether across nations or across the diverse cultures within a country, exacerbates the routine difficulties of conflict management (Fry and Bjorkqvist, 1997). There is no clear conclusion about whether men and women actually behave in different ways while conducting conflicts. However, gender stereotypes do affect conflict behaviors when in dividuals act and react based on stereotypes of how men and women will/should act rather than selecting behaviors appropriate for the individual one is communicating with (Borisoff and Victor, 1997). Parties respond to conflicts on the basis of the knowledge they have about the issue at hand. This includes situation-specific knowledge and general knowledge. The understanding of the knowledge they have can influence the person’s willingness to engage in efforts to manage the conflict, either reinforcing confidence to deal with the dilemma or undermining one’s willingness to flexibly consider alternatives. The person sharing the message is considered to be the messenger. If the messenger is perceived to be a threat (powerful, scary, unknown, etc.) the message can influence others responses to the overall situation being experienced. For example, if a big scary-looking guy is yelling at people they may respond differently than if a diminutive, calm person would express the same message. Additionally, if the people knew the messenger previously, they might respond differently based upon that prior sense of the person’s credibility. People are more inclined to listen with respect to someone they view more credible than if the message comes from someone who lacks credibility and integrity. Some people have had significant life experiences that continue to influence their perceptions of current situations. These experiences may have left them fearful, lacking trust, and reluctant to take risks. On the other hand, previous experiences may have left them confident, willing to take chances and experience the unknown. Either way, one must acknowledge the role of previous experiences as elements of their perceptual filter in the current dilemma. These factors, along with others, work together to form the perceptual filters through which people experience conflict. As a result, their reactions to the threat and dilemma posed by conflict should be anticipated to include varying understandings of the situation. This also means that they can anticipate that in many conflicts there will be significant misunderstanding of each other’s perceptions, needs and feelings. These challenges contribute to our emerging sense, during conflict, that the situation is overwhelming and unsolvable. As such, they become critical sources of potential understanding, insight and possibility. How do people respond to conflict? There are three responses to conflict emotional, cognitive and physical responses that are important windows into our experience during conflict, for they frequently tell people more about what is the true source of threat that is perceived; by understanding the thoughts, feelings and behavior to conflict, a better insight into the best potential solution to the situation. Emotional (feelings) are the feelings we experience in conflict, ranging from anger and fear to despair and confusion. Emotional responses are often misunderstood, as people tend to believe that others feel the same as they do. Thus, differing emotional responses are confusing and, at times, threatening. Cognitive (thinking) are our ideas and thoughts about a conflict, often present as inner voices or internal observers in the midst of a situation. Through sub-vocalization (self-talk), people understand these cognitive responses. Physical (behavior) can play an important role in our ability to meet our needs in the conflict. They include heightened stress, bodily tension, increased perspiration, tunnel vision, shallow or accelerated breathing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. These responses are similar to those we experience in high-anxiety situations, and they may be managed through stress management techniques. Establishing a calmer environment in which emotions can be managed is more likely if the physical response is addressed effectively. Dealing with someone unwilling to negotiate can be difficult for the person who is trying to resolve the conflict. However, the â€Å"8 Step Model† can be very beneficial, by focusing first on listening to the other person, and seeking to understand the sources of their resistance, the stage can be set for clarifying the conditions he or she requires in order to talk things out. This is not about being ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in the situation, but a practical strategy for getting the other person engaged as a partner in the negotiation process. Another alternative is to focus on things we can do to influence conflicts in the future, rather than putting initial energy into understanding (or solving) problems we have had in the past. By remaining relatively flexible about the agenda – taking on topics individuals care about, but not necessarily the most pressing issues – thus, creating an opportunity to reduce the fears associated with resistance. While the conflict may not be able to be truly resolved, some key issues that exist will be managed and will help to prevent the issues from getting worse. Power is an important and complex issue facing anyone seeking a negotiated solution to a conflict. Before negotiating clarify the true sources of power in the room: The boss has position power, associated with the â€Å"carrots and sticks† that come with the role. She or he may also have coercive power, supported by contracts or statute that compels employees to behave in certain ways and do certain tasks associated with the job. Some may have a great deal of expertise power, accumulated from doing your job over a period of time. Either conflict participants may possess normative power, through which they know â€Å"the lay of the land† in their department and, therefore, how to get things done. And either may possess referent power, through which others show respect for the manner in which the employee conducts themselves. Generally, referent power accrues to those who demonstrate a mature willingness to seek collaborative solutions. An impasse is the sense of being â€Å"stuck†. Impasse is the point within a dispute in which the parties are unable to perceiv e effective solutions. People feel stuck, frustrated, angry, and disillusioned. Therefore, they might either dig their heels in deeper, anchoring themselves in extreme and rigid poitions, or they might decide to withdraw from negotiation. Either way, impasse represents a turning point in our efforts to negotiate a solution to the conflict. As such, rather than avoiding or dreading it, impasse should be viewed with calmness, patience, and respect. Multi-party disputes are complex situations, and they require careful attention and persistence. However, the same â€Å"8 Step Model† can be applied to the disputes. In spite of using the same process expect everything to take a bit longer than if there where only two or three people. Patiently make sure that all points of view are heard, that issues are clarified for all to see, and that all members in the group accept the agreements being negotiated. If there are limits to the group’s decision-making power, then it is important to acknowledge those limits and understand how they are perceived by all members of the group. There are many different ideas of the steps for resolution, some claim five steps while others claim six or seven for the purpose of this paper Weeks (1992) eight step resolution style is identified. Step one – Create an Effective Atmos phere Creating the right atmosphere in which the conflict resolution process will take place is very important, yet most overlook its importance. The atmosphere is the frame around the canvas which will be painted the negotiations and building of better relationships (Weeks, 1992). Step two – Clarify Perceptions Perceptions are lenses through which a person sees themselves, others, their relationships, and the situations they encounter. Perceptions have a great influence on behavior of people. Once people perceive something in certain way, even if the perception is wrong, in the mind it is that way, and often base behaviors on that perception (Weeks, 1992). Step three – Focus on the Individual and Shared Needs This step builds on the previous step as needs as the conditions people perceive they cannot do without, those conditions critical to each persons wellbeing and relationships. However, step three focuses more on skills involved in the conflict partnership approach. There are several key points to keep in mind in this step. 1) Needs are the foundation of relationship and are an essential part of that foundation. 2) People sometimes confuse needs with desires. 3) Personal needs in relationships perceived by individuals must allow for respect of the needs or the relationship (Weeks, 1992). Step four – Build Shared Power Power is a part of every relationship. However, the way people perceive and use power is seen frequently as a dirty word. Such as when people use power as means to control or to manipulate some else to get what they want. Although, power is and of itself not corrupt, it is the way in which people use their power and whether they allow such power to corrupt. Developing positive self power through a clear self-image means that we base our perceptions of ourselves not on what others expect of us or want us to be but what we believe to be our own needs, capabilities, priorities and goals (Weeks, 1992, p. 152). Step five – Look to the Future, Then Learn from the Past. All relationships and conflicts have a past, present and future. Resolving conflicts requires dealing with all three. The conflict partnership process encourages the use of positive power to focus on the present-future to learn from the past. The past experiences people face set the landscape for present and future decision making and how relate to others (Weeks, 1992). Step six – Generate Options People have the ability to discover new possibilities in their relationships as well as conflict resolution. However, both are often impaired by the packaged truths and limited vision people hold onto in times of stress, insecurity, and conflict. Generating options breaks through the predetermined restrictions brought into the conflict resolution process. Generating options imparts choices which specific steps to resolve conflicts and enhanced relationship can be agreed upon (Weeks, 1992). Step seven – Develop â€Å"Doables†: the Stepping-stones to Action Doables are the necessary stepping-stones taken along the way to resolve conflict. Doables are explicit acts that stand a good possibility of success, meet some individual and shared need, and depend on positive power, usually shared power to be carried out. Working on and accomplishing some doables can help the conflict partners see more clearly where they need to go. Many conflict partners have changed their preconceived definitions of both the conflict itself and the expected outcome due to the lessons learned and clarified perceptions through working with doables (Weeks, 1992) Step eight – Make Mutual-Benefit Agreements Mutual-benefit agreements are the next step on the pathway to conflict resolution. Conflict resolution agreements must be realistic and effective enough to survive and the potential to develop further as challenges arise in the future. Mutual-benefit agreements replace the need or want for demands, see the others needs, shared goals, and establish a standard wherein power is identified as positive mutual action through which differences can be dealt with constructively (Weeks, 1992). Conclusion Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of everyday life whether it is with family, teachers, students, friends, or an organization. The best approach to resolving conflict is interest reconciliation. It joins both parties of the dispute to find the best solution. In so doing, all parties win. People respond to conflict in three ways emotional (feelings), cognitive (thinking), and physical (behavior). All are important to the conflict experience. They allow a better awareness to best furnish a solution to the situation. An important tactic to conflict resolution is to develop persuasion skills with the ability to clearly explain one’s point of view and to argue for their conclusions and convictions. Week’s Eight-Step Process is a valuable tool in helping people to become more strategic about resolving conflict. References Borisoff, D., and D. A. Victor., (1997). Conflict management: A communication skills approach, 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Conflict, (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict Coser, L. A. 1967. Continuities in the study of social conflict. New York: Free Press. Dana, D. (2001). Conflict resolution. New York: Mcgraw-Hill. Fry, D. P., and Bjorkqvist K., (1997). Cultural variation in conflict resolution. Mahwah, N. J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Hathaway, W., (1995). A new way of viewing dispute resolution training. Mediation Quarterly, 13(1), 37-45. doi:10.1002/crq.3900130105 Kolb, D. M., & Putnam, L. L. (1992). The Multiple Faces of Conflict in Organizations. Journal of Organizational Behavior, (3), 311. doi:10.2307/2488478 Pondy, L. R. (1992). Reflections on organizational conflict. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13(3), 257-261. Volkema, R. J., and Bergmann T. J., (1989). Interpersonal conflict at work: an analysis of behavioral responses. Human Relations 42: 757-770. Weeks, D. (1992). The eight essential steps to conflict resolution: preserving relationships at work, at home, and in the community. Los Angeles, J.P. Tarcher; New York: Distributed by St. Martin’s Press Wilmot, W. W. (1995). Relational communication. New York: McGraw-Hill. Yarbrough, E., and Wilmot W., (1995). Artful mediation: Constructive conflict at work. Boulder, Colo.: Cairns Publishing.

Present Complex Internal Business Information Essay

Present complex internal business information using three different methods appropriate to the user’s needs In this assignment I will present internal business information using three different types of communication methods which are appropriate to the user’s needs. The three types of methods I have chosen are written, on screen multimedia presentation and verbal presentations. I have chosen ASDA to do my research upon. ASDA is a global supermarket which sells groceries, electrical equipment, general domestic equipment, toys and clothing. It is now subsidiary of the American store Wal-Mart. Today they are the UK’s second-largest chain by market share. Written- written communication involves any type of interaction that makes us use the form of a written word. It is one of the main types of communication used. Written communication is used a lot in a business as written communication involves reports, letter, instruction, agreements, memos and policies. Written communication is the most appropriate when detailed instructions are required, when something needs to be documented, or when the person is too far away to easily speak with over the phone or in person. ASDA uses this type of communication to communicate without different people in the hierarchy system or to one of their customers. It is appropriate to the user’s needs because written communication is precise and explicit. It also allows the manager to get in contact with someone easily without hassle. On-screen multimedia presentation- on screen presentation means any sort of information that is presented on the screen. It can be written so the user can read it. It can be in the form of a video clip with sound and images aswell. This can be used by the board of directors and managers when showing key information about the business. It is appropriate to the user’s needs because it allows you to show information and has a variety in ways which you can do so. The data can be in any form. Verbal communication- verbal communication has more to do with listening then speaking as you are always dealing with an audience. Verbal communication is best when you need to discuss something in detail. There are two types of verbal communication. One is through an electrical device and the second is face-to-face. With verbal communication it allows quick response. Asda uses verbal communication because you can say precisely what you mean without any confusion. It allows passage of accurate information. Verbal information is used everywhere in ASDA.

Chinese Food Essay

China is a country which has a long history and tradition dealing with food, especially eating habit. There are lots of rules or customs about how to eat in a polite way. First of all, the way you eat can sort of show your social. The funniest habit is that Chinese people share food; this means that all the dishes are placed on the table and everybody can eat whatever they want. Moreover, Chinese dining customs are built on tradition; they are not casual. People should talk less while eating when it is an official situation or the atmosphere is really serious because when you have food in your mouth and you want to talk, there is high possibility that the food is splashed from your mouth, then it would be really rude and impolite to others. In addition, Chinese people never place those chopsticks vertically in rice even they are eating at home because Chinese people incense dead person by inserting two sticks of incenses upright into sand or rice. Therefore, it looks like people who place those chopsticks like that are wishing death upon other people at the table. What people should do is place those chopsticks on the dish or rest them on the chopstick stand. At the same time, any kinds of sounds are not allowed either. People should eat quietly and slowly in order to show politeness and respect, this means people shouldn’t tap on the bowl with chopsticks or spoons. Following these eating habits can help people feel comfortable and relaxed when they are eating with others.

Innovative Widgets Customer Service Plan Essay

Vision †¢This is a statement of how you envision customer services being delivered in the future In five years’ time, Innovative Widgets will be the leader in customer service satisfaction, providing timely, responsive service with integrity, simplicity and a passion for excellence, while meeting or exceeding the customer’s expectations. Mission statement †¢This defines what a company will do to achieve its vision. It may include the company’s functions, goals and philosophies The mission of Innovative Widgets is to always convey a passion for the customer and to consistently deliver the best service experience. Innovative Widgets defines customer service as any activity provided by an Innovative Widget employee that enhances the ability of a customer to realize the full potential value of an Innovative Widget product or service before and after the sale is made, thereby leading to Customer Satisfaction and repurchase. Product standards †¢Provide a clear description of the product standards or specifications (page 27). †¢Use the information provided in the case study. †¢If the information for one aspect of the product is not available in the case study, use your own judgement to outline a reasonable standard. Product (widget) aspectProduct standard or specification DimensionsMean widget size = 10mm Tolerances+/- 3% variance (0.03) = all widgets including tolerances = 9.7mm – 10.3mm PricingCompetitive pricing which is determined by the size and materials MaterialMetal and plastic Delivery3 day guarantee delivery via courier or pick up 24 hours after order taken Customer information and market research policy and procedure †¢Outline policies and procedures for gathering customer information and conducting market research to identify customer needs using the RATER model Policy Customer information and market research policy and procedure Purpose To remain competitive as Australia’s leading manufacturer and distributor of widgets by identifying our customers’ needs Relevant legislation †¢Privacy Act 1998 (Commonwealth) †¢Australia’s Spam Act 2003 †¢Competition and Consumers Act 2010 Procedures Using the RATER model Innovative Widgets will identify customer needs †¢Customer service employees are to contact clients by email or telephone to understand their experiences and expectations †¢Customer service employees will use active listening skills to ensure all information is correct and up to date. †¢Customer service employees will obtain information of all customers using the RATER survey which will focus on the following criteria; Reliability: Deliver what we promise in service and product Assurance: Ensuring our customer have trust in our knowledge and confidence in our ability to deliver Tangibles: Always representing Innovative Widgets at a high standard Empathy: Being attentive to our customers using active listening and courteous language Response: Always going above and beyond in all customer interactions as well as internal customers. †¢Customer service Managers will analyse the survey results to determine customer needs Updated (date)CEO Innovative Widgets 2014 Customer complaints policy and procedure †¢Outline policies and procedures for responding to customer complaints Policy Complaints policy and procedure Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure the management of complaints is carried out consistently, fairly and transparently and in accordance with organisational requirements. Relevant legislation †¢Privacy Act 1998 (Commonwealth) †¢Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) †¢Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Commonwealth) †¢Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) Procedures †¢Greet the customer courteously and give them your name †¢Listen fully to what the customer is saying. Try to gather all the facts about the complaint and jot them down. Ask questions and summaries what they are saying †¢Never argue with the customer †¢Apologise for any product fault or poor service. Be sympathetic. Ask if the customer will allow us to send the faulty item to our quality department for testing. †¢When you have all the details about the complaint, ask the customer how they would like it to be resolved Updated (date)10/2011 CFO Managing records and data policy and procedure †¢Outline policies and procedures for managing records and data Policy Managing records and data policy and procedure Purpose The purpose of this document is to establish a framework for the implementation and maintenance of an appropriate records management system. Innovative Widget is committed to maintaining a records management system that meets its business needs as well as its legal and accountability requirements. Relevant legislation †¢Privacy Act 1988 †¢Anti-discrimination legislation †¢Do Not Call Register Act 2006 †¢Industry codes of practice Procedures †¢Innovative Widgets records and data are accurate, up-to-date and clear to ensure that they can be used for the benefit of the customer and service provision †¢They must be understood by anyone who needs access to them †¢They are to be treated as confidential and kept secure as per Privacy Act 1998 †¢Customer are allowed to see the information which Innovative Widgets hold about them †¢Any incorrect information must be changed or destroyed Updated (date)CEO Innovative Widgets 2014 Reflection Reflect on how the design of your plan will work to achieve quality customer service and legal compliance. You may wish to include †¢how procedures will work to ensure quality time and cost specifications agreed with customers †¢key provisions of legislation and mandatory standards and an explanation as to why they are relevant to aspects of your plan, particularly policies and procedures †¢best practice models and voluntary standards and codes of practice which inform your plan †¢customer service charters and the importance for public relations and product/service promotion; discussion whether a customer service charter should be developed for Innovative Widgets to explain the organisation’s customer service policy to customers. The main issue with the performance of Innovative Widgets is the implications of the continued bad customer service. In line with the Innovative Widget’s mission statement; to always convey a passion for the customer and to consistently deliver the best service experience. †¢Using the RATER model as the key training tool and used as the underlying aspect of all procedures, will ensure superior customer service; oAlways delivering what we promise in service and product (reliability) oEnsuring our customers have trust in our knowledge and confidence in our ability to deliver to the highest standard (assurance) oAlways representing Innovative Widgets in a positive way (tangibles) oBeing attentive to our customers, using active listening and courteous language (empathy) oAlways going above and beyond in all customer interactions as well as internal customers (responsiveness) †¢All legal aspects are covered to ensure legislation compliance which include; oPrivacy Act 1998 (Commonwealth), Australia’s Spam Act 2003, Competition and Consumers Act 2010, Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), Anti-discrimination legislation, Do Not Call Register Act 2006, Industry codes of practice

Movie Half Nelson Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Half Nelson - Movie Review Example All these make up the indifferent urban dramas. Dan and Drey are teacher and student with significant varying age differences but are faced with similar crisis. They are both looking for something to believe in and rely on. (Halliwell123) Dan does not only do drugs but is a successful history teacher at Brooklyn high school and finds time to coach girls basket ball team. He believes in the essence of history being the Hegelian dialects and this theory is seen to reflect in his own life. He is neither a good man with negative habits nor a bad man with positive habits. Rather he is both sides of himself at all times and this conflict is what is pulling him apart. (Halliwell128) Drey is also familiar with the world of drug abuse as her brother is in prison for related charges. With the realization that Dan is a user, both of them are alarmed with the possible negative or positive changes that they may not be capable to prevent or encourage. Frank is also a drug dealer and has ties with Drey's family. He seemed to be an intelligent and mediocre caring man.Drey knows that drugs are evil but does not view frank as a dangerous man (Halliwell130) Dan is a dedicated teacher, full of ideas and a skeptic, who devotes his life to improve others while destroying himself an

Peer Pressure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Peer Pressure - Essay Example I asked him if he had discussed this matter with his parents, to which he replied that he felt embarrassed discussing it with them. So he had not shared his problems with his parents thus far. He did not know what he should do about this problem. He told me that he had done some research about this problem on the internet and had learnt that the problem can be treated with a mild surgery if it does not go away with age, though he was not sure if he would ever get the surgery done. He said that he had always let his parents decide things for him, and could not take decision as an individual. This boy adjusts in the stage of identity diffusion of Marcias theory of identity development as he does not have a sound ability to make rational choices and is not sure how to come out of the problem. My second interviewee was a sixteen year old girl. When I asked her about the most significant challenge she was facing, she replied that she did not feel safe, or at least content with the co-educ ation system. She said that her male class fellows would more look at her body than into her eyes while talking to her. She said that she felt offended at this disgraceful behavior of her male class fellows.

The American Constitution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

The American Constitution - Research Paper Example This essay discusses the Robert Morris from Pennsylvania, the "investor" of the Revolution, who began the events with a nomenclature Gen. George Washington for the presidency of the Constitutional Convention. The vote was undoubtedly unanimous. With distinctive traditional humility, Washington articulated his discomfiture at his lack of qualifications to be in charge over such an imposing body and apologized for any errors into which he may plummet in the path of its negotiations. Thus began the majestic ‘beginning’ of the constitution of the greatest economic epicenter of modern day. The Anti-Federalist, played a key role in how the United States was going to function as a Government and the effect the Anti-Federalist paper had on the creation of our constitution. The Anti-Federalist movement, should be given credit in helping to shape our constitution, their cause was a major stumbling block that had to be resolve in order for a more perfect union that protects each in dividual States. The Federalists had more than an innovative political plan and a well-chosen name to aid their cause. The Anti-Federalists were a rebellious alliance of citizens who disagreed with the ratification of the Constitution. In conclusion, the researcher states that no group in the US political history was more dynamic & heterogeneous than the Anti Federalists. Even a brief glance of the concluding vote on confirmation, demonstrates the unbelievable provincial and geological diversity of the Anti Federalist alliance.

Security and Risk Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Security and Risk Managment - Essay Example To add to this statement, a number of long speeches are delivered by the politicians in this regard alarming the people of various countries. In the UK, the government has, and is taking a number of measures to control the international terrorist activities. With management principles creeping into every aspect of the government’s strategies, these measures to control the activities of the terrorists are no exception. It is interesting to note that the government has adopted four core strategies for dealing with the management and control of risk. This essay aims at understanding these strategies used by the UK government in trying to deal with these possible risks. These four core strategies are then analysed and the relevance to the management of dealing with business risks is also discussed. In order to understand the government’s strategy, it is essential to completely understand the threat prevailing in the country, in terms of terrorist activities. Initially, there were a number of terrorist activities in the Northern Ireland. However, the current threat is from radicalized individuals who form the unrepresentative version of Islamist faith and indulge in terrorist activities. The Muslim community on the whole has created value for the entire United Kingdom in terms of knowledge, investments, etc.., Hence it does not pose threat to the UK. However, the terrorist groups have remained a serious threat to the country and its people for a few years now. These terrorists are based locally as well as internationally. These terrorist groups have wide networks and penetrate the societies by training the youth and teenagers to indulge in violence. They aim at mass destruction and their attitude is the same with all age groups. In short, they aim at the general, innocen t public. Hence they are a major threat to the UK people. There is a high risk involved in the lives of the people living in the UK due to the terrorist activities and this risk

Critical analysis of the process of deconstructing an organisation in Essay

Critical analysis of the process of deconstructing an organisation in such a way as to be able to identify the organisations strategy and policy - Essay Example In the first one, the literature published by the organization in the form of reports and analysis is deconstructed to find out the emphasis and to interpret what it excludes. In addition to the texts of the organization, the symbols can also be deconstructed to find the inner meaning. The second approach is that the deconstruction enables us to write the organizational analysis. The main motive is to understand the theme of the context and how these are employed to understand the inner meanings of the texts. The texts interpret what the organizations do not want to talk about. The deconstruction process helps in the evaluation of the motives of the company. The process of deconstruction has not assumed popularity because it puts in question the integrity of the management and its publications. (Thorpe & Holt, 2008; Pp 71-72) However, the efficiency of the process cannot be questioned in the analysis of the company. The paper will discuss the process of deconstruction in the understa nding of the strategy and policy of the organization. As stated earlier, deconstruction as a process or an analytical tool has not assumed the popularity like the other analytical tools. This is because the deconstruction process emphasizes on the analysis of the inner meanings. Deconstruction as a process is based on the texts and the symbols of the organization. The texts and the symbols are analyzed to reveal the inner meaning. The deconstruction analysis is based on the observation of the organizations as bodies of texts. The organizations are not viewed as static entities and they are viewed as some structure, which have some inherent meaning. True to the deconstruction theory of philosophy, the texts of the organizations have inner meaning that reveals some important information about the organizations. The base of the deconstruction process is based on the observation of the texts of the

Best Practices on Autism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Best Practices on Autism - Research Paper Example While the paper has focused on the best practices in the field but the limited diagnosis criteria and lack of emphatic treatment has greatly frustrated the parents and the scholars alike and presents a challenge for the medical fraternity as well. In the recent times, there has been extensive and wide ranging concern for issues relating to disability. The prognosis and the use of technology in the field has made tremendous advancement and the amendments in the constitutions, making special provisions to include all round welfare programs for the people with disabilities has facilitated equal participation in the socio-economic development of the country. Though the huge efforts made by the countries to facilitate and promote the participation of the people with disabilities has made significant mark, a lot more needs to be done in the field of developmental disabilities which have multifaceted and multilateral aspects that are not only complex by nature but they also need socio-psychological interventions, stretched over a period of time, involving extensive inter-personal communication. Of the various developmental disabilities, autism is significantly different and encompasses a wide set of communication problem. Autism and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) can be broadly defined as neuro-developmental disorder that affects social interaction and communication. There is decided lack of responsiveness to others that is accompanied by resistance towards any type of change. The studies have shown that autism is more prominent displayed amongst the children in the age group of 4-12 (Rutter, 1970; Wiug, 1988). The various studies looking for contextual variables have found that the demographic representation of autistic children was higher in the urban areas (DSM II criteria, 1980; DSM III R criteria, 1987). The incidence of autism was higher in the immigrant population from third world countries, especially Caribbean, Asia, south America, South-east Europe

Advertising Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advertising - Assignment Example From the modest beginning, today it has grown into a consumer product giant with 400 brands. Their product portfolio includes those related to personal care, home care, food, hygiene, nutrition, health and beauty. These are used in more than 190 countries around the world, with dual headquarters in UK and Netherlands. Driven by strong and futuristic principles, the company registered a turnover of  £44.3 billion in 2010, the net profit being  £4.6 billion. It has 12 power brands that drive annual sales of more than  £1 billion. Unilever is a workplace for around 170,000 employees. The company’s success is hugely attributable to its belief in maintaining high standards of corporate behavior, be it at the consumer, stakeholder or community participation levels (Unilever, 2011). The sustenance of a brand in consumer product sector is dependent on its promotion, which is again largely shouldered by advertising. This is because of the competition in the industry and the need to reach out even to the remote population, in order to tap some extra space in the market pie. The pull effect caused by advertising in the consumer product range far exceeds that resulting from other methods of promotion, mainly because of its reachability, influence on consumer preferences and buying decision (Lamb & Dunne, 2010). Unilever also abides by this mode of promotion, due to the widespread nature of its operations and multiplicity of products. It sees advertising as a medium to explain the benefits of Unilever’s products, while actively engaging the consumers in improving not only the company’s products, but their own lives. The advertising and promotional expenses of the company amounted to 5.6 billion euros in 2010 (Unilever, 2011). Ad Age Digital reports that this advertising budget of Unilever is ranked second highest investment by various

Science Lab Research, Predictions, & Observations Report

Science Research, Predictions, & Observations - Lab Report Example The force of gravity is greater on objects that have a heavier total mass. 2. When a rock and a feather are dropped on the moon, they are going to float in the air rather than falling, for a much longer time. There is no friction from the air to influence the feather, on the moon. â€Å"The weight of an object is different on the earth and on the moon since the strength of the gravitational field is different† (Newton, 2009). The hammer still has greater mass, so it will still hit the ground on the moon, faster than the feather. 4. The containers fall at the same rate, apparently. I dropped them from about five feet: a drop of several stories may have been different. When the objects are in the containers, the air resistance is equalized. 1. In terms of the logic of the horse, when the horse pulls, it puts force on the earth. It contacts the earth with its hooves, and pushes against the earth. At the same time, the earth exerts force itself. Meanwhile, the horse is exerting force on the wagon. It is a system of pushing and pulling, in which various forces have an impact on each other. The logic of the horse is that it will cause the wagon to accelerate, because of the force of the horse. 2. This may seem to make sense, but what the horse is stating incorrectly is the relative importance of its force on the wagon. The wagon and the horse are separate, so they have different levels of force acting on them, independently. The forces at work on the horse, are not the same as those at work on the wagon. The relation between the horse and the wagon is incorrect. 3. The force between the cart’s wheels and the road is another force that can be added to the picture. From this perspective, the force exerted by the horse on the ground, has an effect on how the wagon moves. This then questions the fallacy of the

Intellectual Property Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Intellectual Property Law - Essay Example He is just as responsible as the Ph.D. student for having come up with a cure for the common cold. However, there are some things that Trevor might want to consider before applying his name to the patent. Coming from a relatively unknown Ph.D. student, this â€Å"cure for the common cold† could have major consequences (good and/or bad). The good consequences that could happen is that the cure for the common cold could be a huge success and garner both Trevor and the Ph.D. student international acclaim—since this would be such a huge discovery. On the other hand, there have been no clinical trials on the medication/drug. If something were to go wrong with the drug being used by actual people, Trevor could also be liable for damages claimed against him if he were to be named in a lawsuit which could prove the drug was faulty. Thus, whether Trevor puts his name on the drug discovery patent or not may have a lot to do with liability, as shall be seen in the future. In the s ubsequent follow-up question, we will speak more about this thread or line of thought as well. Trevor has to think in terms of dollar signs as well—or, in his case, Euros. This is because trial medications can actually cost a lot of money to get approval for to get them to take off in terms of popularity. Also, a lot of doctors need to proffer the medication before the drug starts to gain popularity. In addition, Trevor should think about all these aspects before he assigns his name to anything. With so many things that could possibly go wrong, it doesn’t make sense for Trevor to wildly assign his name to a product that he’s not completely sure about in terms of safety. The other unknown element that might be difficult to ascertain is what Trevor’s legal recourse would be in... In the same manner, torts could come into play were people to complain about this new medication slash prescription drug. The Consumer Protection Act basically guarantees that any product that a consumer consumes will be safe for them to consume. Trevor and this Ph.D. student have no idea what they are doing in terms of reassuring that they have adequate protection against the retributions that they could face, if, indeed it is the case that the medication is faulty. Thusly, the copyright alone will not protect Trevor and the Ph.D. student in case the drug does turn out to be faulty. It is simply a matter of judging what should be done in this case. Copyright law aims to protect those who have patented the item—but on the other hand, someone must be at fault if the drug turns out to be faulty. The government should not assume that weighty responsibility unless it wants to take the risk of having class action lawsuits filed against it in the case that the drug either: a) does n ot indeed work; or b) is faulty in some way, shape, or form. The Consumer Protection Act was basically put in place to protect the consumer. Basically, even though the people who made the product (Trevor and the Ph.D. student) have a copyright on the patent, that does not excuse the pair from being either negligent or having neglected a duty of care. Trevor and the Ph.D. student (and possibly, the person that signed off on the patent) could be in trouble if the drug were presumed to be faulty. Trevor and the student conducted no tests—other than a single trial, with no controls—in order to legitimize the drug’s supposed positive effects. So, in effect, having a copyright on a product does not prevent the public from suing against the maker of the product, in essence.

Music Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Music Management - Essay Example supervision of studio inventive administrators, gives a "green light" to studio creation subsidizing, and disperses the finished film with the studio-affiliated wholesaler utilizing the merchants stores to cover P&A costs. An autonomous maker (or screenwriter, chief, performing artist or on-screen character) may have initially presented the thought, idea, fundamental property, layout, summation, treatment or screenplay to the studio, however rights to deliver as a movie were then gained by the studio. In the event that the maker or others stay appended, they do as such as representatives of the studio or venture (Wise Geek Editors, 2012). Production Financing/Distribution Agreement- The independent producer gives the securing/improvement financing (or raises such supports from speculators) and takes the arrangement to a studio/merchant with a genuinely finish bundle (i.e., huge components are joined). The studio/merchants cash used to deliver and appropriate the photo. The circulation agreement is gone into (hypothetically) before they begin production or if nothing else before the end of the generation. The merchant will deduct its charge, recover wholesaler costs, and gather enthusiasm on the creation cash credit and after that decrease the negative expense with staying gross receipts, if any(Wise Geek Editors, 2012). Negative Pickups (and different manifestations of moneylender creation cash financing) - The free maker gives securing/improvement financing (or raises such supports from financial specialists) and acquires one or more merchant responsibilities and insurances. This is to buy the finished picture (for the around the world, residential or global markets, or individual domains) if the completed film meets determined conveyance necessities (as put forward in subtle element in the appropriation agreement)(Wise Geek Editors, 2012). To remain relevant in the industry, the best approach to discover begins with placing ourselves in our clients shoes.

Pinocchio and the Liar Liar Movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pinocchio and the Liar Liar Movies - Essay Example Fletcher spends ample time with his son and the ex-wife though every promise he makes to the son, Max, happens without being fulfilled. This portrays the theme of dishonesty, in this movie. Fletcher has adopted the habit of giving superiority to his job while giving false statements on his declining nature to take good care of his son after his divorce with the wife. This research paper compares and contrasts the Pinocchio and Liar Liar movies in relation to their dishonesty thematic settings. One of the significant themes that are portrayed, in these films, is dishonesty. Both Pinocchio and Liar Liar movies portray their characters to be of an ever-lying nature thus making these movies inappropriate for children without parental guidance. Lastly, this paper explores the thematic differences in these two movies and their impacts on the viewers. Pinocchio’s kidnapping, being caged and threats for destructions leave him with no option, but to lie in order to be rescued in any ca se his parents refuse to turn up. The Liar Liar movie, on the other hand, portrays Fletcher as an ever-lying parent who even misses his son’s fifth birthday party. The son makes an ironical wish that, on his fifth birthday party, his father would not lie for the whole day. The father finally turned him down by not attending the birthday party. Pinocchio and Fletcher seem to have neglected their parenting responsibility by leaving the whole upbringing aspect of the socialization process to the mothers. This is evident in Fletcher and Audrey case where they even got divorced as a result of his irresponsible character. In the Pinocchio movie, Pinocchio’s friend, Lampwick, introduced him to cigar smoking, but he denies it. He is dishonest of the drug abuse they carry out together, and when their parents find this out, they are severely punished. The punishment should be carried out in the dishonest cases especially to bring back the norms into the existence within the dish onest individuals. This becomes one of the reasons why Lampwick and Pinocchio are punished for them to comply with social norms. Morality, in these two movies, becomes the key point of view in dishonesty as a thematic setting in both films. Gambling and smoking are the order of the day between Pinocchio, Lampwick and the other boys they find on their way to Geppetto’s house. This brings closely the relationship between dishonesty and morality in the Pinocchio dismay pictures (Pinocchio). These characters, in addition, get drunk and vandalized Jiminy’s dismay because of deviance and dishonest behaviors, which are exhibited by Pinocchio and his friends. This is due to the lack of rules and authority to deter them from these dishonest behaviors. In the Liar Liar movie, on the other hand, moral issues are as well pictured where Fletcher indulges in the extramarital sex before and even after he divorced his wife (Liar Liar). Fletcher is immoral, and he finally confesses thi s through a series of embarrassing moments. He says to his wife that he just had better sex with Miranda, his boss than he did with her, which makes him unable to tell a lie (Liar Liar).  

The Creation of Modern Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

The Creation of Modern Capitalism - Essay Example We are now in the early stages of such a revolution, the transformation toward sustainable development. Most large corporations developed in an era of abundant raw materials, cheap energy, and limitless sinks for waste disposal. While successful in reestablishing the legitimacy of an industry under tremendous public pressure, Responsible Care has failed to address the fundamental underlying problems associated with the chemical industry; many of its products and processes are highly toxic, resource intensive, and continue to place enormous pressures on air and water resources. (Abernathy, 1978, 41) As the corporation ages, the bureaucracy begins to settle in. Passions cool and are replaced by "rational decision making," often simply the codification of what has worked in the past. Data are gathered, analysis is performed, alternatives are postulated, and scenarios are developed. Attempts are made to avoid the game of information sculpting. Only when rational decision making is in vogue does all the relevant information flow to the right decision maker, at the right time, and in the right form to be easily analyzed and interpreted. Rational decision making is triumphant, at least for a while. This stage is often pictured as the normal state of the corporation, although in our experience, particularly as the pace of change increases, rarely does this ideal state accurately describe how the company actually operates. Eventually, rational decision making reveals that the future potential of the business is limited. Often, at this point, threatened by the prospect of a bleak future, the corporation falls back on defensive routines to protect the organization from its fate, just as defensive emotions emerge in our lives when we sense impending trauma. Management now sees the future filled more with trouble than with promise. Decisions are made to protect existing businesses. The fear of discarding the old for the new (product cannibalization), the fear of channel conflict, and the fear of earnings dilution through acquisition paralyze acts of creative destruction and often effectively shield the corporation from the perception of future trouble--as well as the need to act--for a long time. Cultural lock-in is established, thwarting the emergence of a leader or team that might save the day. The causes of cultural lock-in Why does cultural lock-in occur The heart of the problem is the formation of hidden sets of rules, or mental models, that once formed are extremely difficult to change. Mental models are the core concepts of the corporation, the beliefs and assumptions, the cause-and-effect relationships, the guidelines for interpreting language and signals, the stories repeated within the corporate walls. Charlie Munger, a longtime friend of and co-investor with Warren Buffett and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, calls mental models the "theoretical frameworks that help investors better understand the world." Mental models are invisible in the corporation. They are neither explicit nor

Consumer decision-making models Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Consumer decision-making models - Assignment Example However, in case of holiday decision making, the process is not that logical and uniform. The need for a holiday is a luxury for most people and hence their decisions are very flexible. The decision to go on a holiday is dependent as much on external factors as the aspiration of the customer. Many times, the decisions are made due to other co-customers. Also the actual purchase decisions are often made very late in the process in order to avoid risks and regrets. While in traditional models, the customers search for a product before buying it, in case of holiday decision making the search may actually continue during or even after the experience. The decisions regarding holidays are more emotional than rational and are often dependent upon right opportunity and adaptability. Most of the holiday customers tend to fall in the ‘Affective’ quadrant of the FCB grid (Erasmus et. al. 2001). 2. The information search process for a household appliance is quite different from that of a holiday planning. In case of a household appliance, the customers recognize or feel the need of the appliance due to an unmet need say not able to have fruit juices because juicer is not available at home. However, in case of holiday planning, a holiday may simply be planned because a friend or a relative is going.

The Color of Innocence Essay Example for Free

The Color of Innocence Essay In the context of The Picture of Dorian Gray, one of the most noticeable and important motifs is that of the color white and its variants, including, but not limited to, pale and listless. The meaning of this color evolves as the novel progresses, changing in relation to Dorians character. While the motif may never physically alter in appearance, it succeeds in reversing meaning completely, signifying the great contrast in Dorians soul between the beginning of the novel and the end. In the very beginning of the novel, as Basil speaks of his first encounter with Mr. Gray, he notes that when their eyes met, I [Basil] felt that I was growing pale (9). The motif comes to signify a sort of timid transparency; as if Dorians purity softens everything around he comes into contact with. Similarly, Lord Henry employs the motif when describing Dorians youth, labeling it as his rose-white boyhood (21). Shortly after, Dorian is described as possessing the white purity of boyhood (37). In both of these passages, the motif represents its most basic connotation, that of innocence, particularly, the innocence of youth. White gives Dorians appearance a sense of vivacity. Lord Henry describes Dorians soul as having turned to this white girl [Sibyl Vane] and bowed in worship before her (57). The motif denotes a youthful purity or vitality in Sibyl Vanes soul, most likely one that is shared by Dorian Gray. Her innocence soon grows to incorporate innocent affection for Dorian, as after kissing him, She trembled all over, and shook like a white narcissus (74). The motif has not reversed its meaning at this point; rather, it incorporates a virtue similar to youth and innocence, that of love. Furthermore, as Sibyl Vane performs onstage, Dorian tells how Her hair clustered round her face like dark leaves around a pale rose (74). The complexion in Sibyls face suggests a pure exquisiteness that embodies everything desirable to Dorian. He has employed the motif in describing Sibyls youth, innocence, passion, and beauty, all of which seems to mirror Dorians face and soul, as is evident in Basils description of him. The motifs meaning has reached the climax of goodness here, signifying qualities Oscar Wilde holds in highest esteem. However, it does not occupy this position for long, as the ensuing events  begin an extensive bastardization of the colors significance. As Sibyl Vane performs as Juliet in front of Basil and Lord Henry, The curves of her throat were the curves of a white lilyyet she was curiously listless (81). In this performance Sibyl retains her physical beauty, yet her vitality has escaped her. In a single sentence the motif revolves to a negative connotation, coming to suggest a vapid emptiness where there had previously been such fervent life. Sibyl, whose apparent perfection and talent once embodied the motif, has become to Dorian A third-rate actress with a pretty face (85). Her disappointing showing, an obvious contrast to previous performances, succeeds in deeply affecting Dorians definition of the motif as well, as Dorian Gray grew pale as he watched her (81). Later, as he rescinds his love for Sibyl, He looked proud, pale, and indifferent (83). A word used only pages before to describe the beauty of a rose has changed in such magnitude to be grouped alongside such words as proud and indifferent. The motif utilized in the illustration of Sibyls unhindered affection is now used to depict Dorians lack of love altogether. Deeply wounded by Dorians tirade and exclamation of nothing but distaste for her, The girl [Sibyl Vane] grew white, and trembled (85). Whereas Sibyl had previously taken on such a color and shuddered after sharing her first kiss with Dorian, she does it here in response to losing Dorians love. The motif changes from signifying passionate ardor to passionate sadness and fear. A color that gave Sibyl a reason to live her life to the fullest quickly steals her will and pushes her to take her own life. It is represented in a literal sense as well, as Lord Henry describes the instrument of her death as having either prussic acid or white lead in it (96). Distressed by Sibyls untimely death, Dorian muses, Can they feel, I wonder, those white silent people we call the dead? (96). As opposed to describing liveliness, or beauty, the motif is associated with that of a corpse. Basil refers to Sibyl Vanes body similarly, proclaiming, Why, man, there are horrors in store for that little white body of hers! (105). However, as opposed to Dorian, Basils use of the motif preserves the purity of Sibyl Vane, recognizing her innocence as a person. Only Dorians perceptions have changed on the meaning of the color; it has become something sinister and  deathly to him, as if the colors meaning and significance died along with Sibyl Vane. Lord Henry purports that a long term relationship with Sibyl Vane would have been futile, and Dorian agrees, saying, I supposed it would,' as he was walking up and down the room, and looking horribly pale (97). As Dorians value for human life recedes, and his soul darkens, one would expect his face to dim as well, as it would have developed the lines and shadows accompanied by such nature. However, this motifs connotation, much akin to the portraits appearance, has been forced to change while Dorian stays the same. Later, when Basil insists upon seeing the horrible portrait, Dorian responds, Basil he said, looking very pale, you must not look at it. I dont wish you to' (108). Basil turned pale upon first meeting Dorian, implying a shy fear of the boys pure livelihood. Here, when Dorians secret is threatened, when his evil soul is in danger of being revealed and he exhibits a similar reaction, it becomes clear that whatever fear Basil experienced earlier is much different than the fea r Dorian is experiencing now. Basil grew afraid out of reverence, while Dorian grew afraid out of shame. While the motif was previously synonymous with purity, it has adopted a sinister, calloused meaning with Dorian. Further on, Dorian would place his white hands beside the coarse bloated hands of the picture, and smile. He mocked the misshapen body and the failing limbs (124). In 19th century England, white hands were a sign of aristocracy, and beauty. However, when juxtaposed with the awful vileness of the portrait and Dorians soul, they seem wicked, and deathly. The motif changes meaning not only in Dorians eyes, but also in the readers eyes as well. A while after this, pressed against the window of the conservatory, like a white handkerchief, he [Dorian Gray] had seen the face of James Vane watching him (190). Although Dorian was not aware of James promise to kill him, he understands James purpose for being there. The motif, thoroughly transformed in meaning by now, is a brooding symbol of death that Dorian has come to fear. Dorian returns to the party after seeing James, and As the thought crept through his brain, he grew pale with terror, and the air seemed to him to have become suddenly colder (192). Dorians fear of death mirrors James lust for death. The passion Dorian first had for what this color signified has  turned into a loathsome fear of all it embodies. Dorian Grays static appearance can do nothing to stop the transformation of the world around him, or, more importantly, his soul. The color white becomes a motif in the novel that mirrors Dorian Gray; its appearance remains the same, yet as the story progresses, it begins to convey a meaning much less innocent than early on. The juxtaposition between the whiteness of purity early on and the whiteness of death in the end gives the reader a clear idea of the evolution of Dorians soul, and in doing so, it provides a concise understanding of the plot as a whole

Activity Essay Example for Free

Activity Essay Another strength of mine is knowing my audience. When reading to say an older crowd they probably wouldn’t like a lot of loud sound effects like a fire truck or a police car. When reading to a younger crowd say for example â€Å"the car came to a screeching holt† making a sound of a car coming to a sudden stop would not be bad at all and It will keep your young listeners entertained. Critical thinking can be a hard concept to grasp because your just not letting your pen or pencil flow freely you have to think and analyze your answer. One of my strengths in critical thinking is to be able to take notes while reading so when it comes to the questions at the end I can tell myself that the answer is in my notes somewhere so I know I should find it. A weakness of mine is that I get lazy and I wont turn back to my notes to actually find the answer I might just fill in whatever I feel is correct. Another one of my weaknesses is sometimes I may not read the question all the way through and because of that I wont get the exact answer that I need and I wind up not caring anymore. The writing process in my opinion is the most important part of writing without it your paper would probably make no sense and have a lot of mistakes. Strength of mine in the writing process is that I like to plan my writing carefully before just jumping into a paper. A weakness in this area is that I hate the revising and editing portion and I know its something that I need to work on if I want to have a great paper. Another strength is when I write the paper I try to get it exactly how I want it the 1st time so the second time through I just have to add a couple words or periods here or there. Spelling and grammar everyone’s favorite part of a paper without it nobody would ever understand what you were trying to say. If you leave your paper with a lot of sentence fragments and run-ons nobody will bother to pick up anything you have written. Strength of mine in this area is I typically read over a sentence aloud twice to make sure it makes sense and it’s not a run-on. A weakness of mine is that I am not a very good speller without word and spell check all my teachers would probably look at me like I was crazy and its something that I have got to work on. Another weakness is sometimes I may forget a comma or a period or put a period where a question mark should go and if you give that paper to a newspaper or magazine they will hand it right back to you. Writing has a lot of components and some of the most important ones are rhetorical knowledge, critical thinking, reading and writing; writing processes; and knowledge of conventions. Even though every one has there own strengths and weaknesses you can always get your strengths stronger and your weaknesses stronger also.

Bidding Strategy of Construction Companies

Bidding Strategy of Construction Companies Introduction This report aims to assess the value to construction companies of having a defined bidding strategy that is complied with when tendering for new work. The majority of construction companies have a bidding strategy of some form whether it is specified or not, in the instance that a company does not engage in a process of selection when approaching new work then they will offer little value as they would be pricing every job available regardless of the contract value, location, programme or their previous experience of that type of work. At the time of writing the UK economy (in particular the construction industry) remains gripped by the instability and uncertainty created by the financial market turmoil that occurred throughout 2007 2008 leading to the greatest economic crisis and subsequent recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s (Brunnermeier, Markus K., 2009). As such construction companies are faced with a market place as competitive as any in living memory, for most turnover and profits have dropped significantly and this subsequently applies extra emphasis to the importance of the tendering process. The report will firstly review the literature available on bidding strategies in the construction industry with a brief review of the effects of the recession on contractors bidding prices. The literature review will then be advanced upon by conducting an assessment of the bidding strategy utilised by Dawn Construction Ltd, a main contractor operating in the central belt of Scotland. 2.0 Bidding Strategy 2.1 Definition A bidding strategy can be described as a wide range of applied techniques and timing in order to achieve predetermined objectives. Brook (2008) offers the following analogy It is interesting to note that in military terms, the word strategy means the skilful management of an army in such a way as to deceive the enemy and win a campaign. In business the stated objectives can sometimes be achieved by deceiving the opposition but principally the specified objective is to be successful in winning contracts at prices which would allow the organisation to carry out the work profitably In effect a bidding strategy is the decision by a company on which work to price for and the level of profit to incorporate in order to successfully secure the project and maintain the businesses financial security. 2.2 The Tender Process Under traditional circumstances the tender process for a contractor commences with the clients invitation to tender. Upon receipt the contractors response will be shaped by several factors, ultimately though the volume of available work will determine the eagerness of the contractor to price the tender. Very few contractors will actually outright decline the opportunity to price work for a reputable client, in the instance where the contractor does not want to price a tender for whatever reason it is more likely that he will price the work using uncompetitive rates in order to ensure they do not win the contract.(Smith, 1995) This practice is commonly referred to as cover pricing and the primary objective of it is for the contractor to avoid work that he does not want to undertake without insulting the client and being removed from his future tender lists. Although cover pricing was made illegal in 2000, it is still regularly employed by contractors who differentiate between submitti ng a price that is non-competitive and the act of colluding with others in a bid-rigging process. (Bingham, 2009) 2.3 Decision to Tender Prior to committing to pricing a project a contractor must carefully consider his decision to tender as every job he prices costs the company money and reduces the resources available to price other work. Some contractors engage in a grading system when they receive a tender (i.e. a grading range of 1-4), this is in order to prioritise enquiries and put emphasis on winning the types of projects best suited to the company. Others prefer to approach each tender with the aspiration of winning the contract, allowing their price to be influenced only by perceived risk and relevant market factors. Where circumstances change during the bidding process perhaps the contractor wins another contract unexpectedly this can be taken into account at adjudication stage. (Cook Williams, 2004) Cooke Williams (2004) cite the following as key factors in influencing a contractors decision to tender: General Is it our kind of work? What is the current workload? Working Capital Is there sufficient working capital to fund the project? What will be the effect on company financial resources? Availability of Resources Do we have the resources available to price? Do we have the site labour available to undertake? Are suitable subcontractors available? Location Is the project located within our trading area? What management and control problems will there be with a contract located some miles from head office? Size Type of Work What is the monetary value of the project? Is the contract too big for the company to undertake? How did the company perform on similar types of work in the past? Subcontract element What is the extent and value of the contractors work in the project compared with the subcontract element? Is the main contractor simply being asked to manage a number of subcontractors? Is a reasonable mark-up on subcontractors likely? General Is it our kind of work does it fit into strategic plan? What is the current workload in both the contracts division and the estimating section? Do we have the financial and management resources to undertake the work? Working Capital Is sufficient working capital available to fund the project? What will be the effect on company financial resources? The working capital required to fund a  £500,000.00 project will be approximately 15-20% of the monetary value at the peak funding month (say  £100,000- £150,000) Availability of Resources General management personnel (e.g. contracts managers, planning engineers, quantity surveyors) Site management (e.g. site agents, foremen/gangers, site engineers) Labour and plant Subcontractors are suitable subcontractors available and what is their resource situation? Location Is the project located within our trading area? What management and control problems will there be with a contract located some miles from head office? Size Type of Work What is the monetary value of the project? Is the contract too big for the company to undertake? Taking on a project which is too big could be damaging to future planning and growth What impact will there be on the viability of the business if the contract fails to make an adequate margin? If a contractor with an annual turnover of  £10 million wins a  £4 million contract and this project makes a loss, the whole business could be put at risk. A major project could give the company severe liquidity problems How did the company perform on similar types of work in the past? Bibliography Construction planning programming Control Brian Cooke Peter Williams Finance Control for Construction Chris March

The wide use of CCTV and effects on the Public

The wide use of CCTV and effects on the Public In the year 2000, Philips reviewed the studies that evaluated the effectiveness of closed circuit television (CCTV) in reducing crime, disorder and the fear of crime in a variety of places by using a guiding procedure from Tilleys model (1993a), which focused on the operational mechanisms used in closed circuit television. After his review, he then concluded that CCTV can be very efficient in deterring property crime, but his findings were more restricted to personal crime, public offences and the fear of crime. He also examined the public attitudes towards the use of CCTV in public places. Armitage (2002), in his own review of recent researches into the effectiveness of CCTV on community safety and the practitioners, he observed that CCTV was not always as successful at reducing crime as it was claimed to be. Although he confirmed that CCTV coverage and the governments funding of new systems have increased dramatically over the previous decade, in his findings, he strongly believed that CCTV has been more effective in deterring crime rather than being crime preventive. On the whole, he strongly believed that very little substantial evidence would suggest that CCTV worked. Short and Ditton (1998) noted that researchers in Scotland had concluded that CCTV cameras work to prevent criminality most of the time, unless the offenders were under the influence of alcohol. Obviously, alcohol would hinder proper reasoning and correct decision options. Some CCTV evaluation workers e.g. Gill et al (2005) have interviewed offenders regarding their attitudes towards the installation of CCTV cameras and the possible effects on crime. Although in those studies Gill et al (2005), many offenders felt that CCTV installation has been beneficial to the society, a few people still believe that it was a waste, failing to acknowledge its effectiveness at reducing crime. It was then speculated that offenders would normally wait for the CCTV cameras to move away from their direction before committing the intended crime. It was concluded therefore, that CCTV might have little or no effect in preventing the offenders from committing a crime but rather it would make them aware tha t they were being watched, thereby rendering them to be more careful when committing crimes. 2.2 CCTV and the CCTV Operator. But from the operators perspective according to Smith (2004), limited empirical research has been carried out on the dynamics and social interactions that make up a typical CCTV control rooms operational routine. He believed that the human element has been completely ignored and neglected. His study questioned the accuracy of a central assumption made in most of the written literatures on CCTV (Gill et al 2005). He believed that surveillance cameras were not only controlled and monitored constantly, but are also handled effectively and efficiently by the operators. In order to reduce the effects of tiredness and boredom, the operators often result into extra-curricular activities such as game playing while on duty. Indeed, the findings from the research of Smith (2004) suggested that the operators often felt imprisoned by their job within the confines of the CCTV control room. Based on these findings, he concluded that the human factor has undermined the effectiveness of CCTV surveil lance system. 2.3 CCTV and transport Regarding traffic accidents, Conche and Tight (2006) in their recent research, assessed the potential use for images collected through the increasingly use of CCTV cameras in urban areas as a means of understanding the causes of road traffic accidents and ensuring public safety of all road users. However, they thought that apart from CCTV being used to ensure public safety, it also provided records of accidents which could be used by safety researchers to increase both the quality of life and safety of road users. An area in central Leeds, which was studied showed that an existing CCTV camera network, used for monitoring urban traffic and managing surveillance, has the potential of recording about a quarter of the accidents which occured in the area. This was based on the pattern of past occurrences. Furthermore, majority of the High Streets in the United Kingdom will possibly have more camera set-ups placed in strategic places in order to reduce traffic accidents. The study also con sidered how resourceful the camera and video records could be as a means of collecting contributory factor information on a camera-captured accident. It was expressed as a general belief that the effectiveness of CCTV can only be assessed in terms of how visible each of the factors was likely to appear on video and its relative frequency of occurrence as well as how many crime issues it could resolve. The report concluded that CCTV has a high potential in providing adequate evidences about many of the most commonly occurring factors that contribute to traffic accidents, and in throwing further light on the causes of traffic accidents ( ). 2.4 CCTV and Crime. In the field of environmental criminology, we can not but mention Paul and Patricia Brantingham (2003) who studied extensively the models of crime with theories of the spatial and temporal patterns of human activities to predict the patterns and likelihood of criminal events. By modelling the movement patterns of offenders and the victims, in relation to the distribution and concentration of other people, criminal targets can make it possible to anticipate patterns in the potential displacement of crime from one location to another. The analysis of the movement patterns of criminals utilizing particular crime attractors can provide information on likely crime locations. The behavioural pattern of criminals can be used to predict their activities and the environments of crime, as well as their next-line of actions. Their opinion was that crime prevention and intervention, undertaken in displacement areas, bearing in mind the times and situations that stimulate the occurrence of crime, could have the potential of increasing any crime preventive measure. That article explained how the development of a conceptual model can be used to quantify and predict crime displacement within the concept of time and space. 2.5 Crime Indicators and Attractors The threat of crime to the community is threat to the safety of the society and the sense of security of the residents; and it is also believed to have major impacts on neighbourhood stability, urban and economic development, education, social integration and the perceived quality of life. Today, crime and disorder are often viewed as the main cause of the declining effect of many inner city neighbourhoods. The Fear of crime is sometimes regarded as being detrimental to the society as crime itself. Most crimes can be prevented if the signs are clearly understood and read, and indeed all crimes show crime indicators and signs before they occur. Some of the known crime indicators include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Level of crime. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fear of crime. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Crime victims as per cent of population. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The safety of pedestrians walking alone at night. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Crime rate. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Property crimes. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Percentage that decreased park use due to fear. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Number of Neighbourhood Watch groups. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Domestic assault reported per 100,000 populations. (http://www.sustainablemeasures.com/Database/PublicSafety.html) The above are just a few crime indicators; crime indicators are also influenced by location, economic activities, weather conditions and the level of security, etc. According to Spellman (1993), in an economically distressed neighbourhood, the abandoned houses and apartments can become hangouts for thieves, drug dealers, and prostitutes. Inquisitively, does CCTV surveillance recognise these indicators? 2.6 CCTV and the fear of crime. Gafarole (1981), in a paper presented more than twenty years ago supporting Furstenberg (1972), made an observation that has proven to be the understatement of the decade for researchers studying the fear of crime. It was observed thatthe relationship between a crime and its consequences is neither obvious nor simple. His observation was more correct than it was twenty years earlier, despite the fact that the knowledge about the causes and consequences of fear of crime has increased steadily over the years. Every advance that was made, whether by refining concepts, specifying and testing relationships, obtaining more comprehensive data or by some other means, seemed to generate more questions than it answered. After a preliminary discussion of concepts and indicators, a model of the causes and consequences of fear of crime was presented while the components of the model were described in the light of what was already known about the fear of crime. Although the question about the fear of crime has been a major issue with the policy makers and the public (Farrall et al. 2000). The concept of safety can be influenced by a range of different factors so is it with the fear of crime .e.g. Sarno et al., (1999) stated that the presence of CCTV does instil an atmosphere of safety while Ditton (2000) found that one of the positive impact of CCTV is linked to the positive views about CCTV (e.g. Spriggs et al., 2005) Surette (2004) reviewed and discussed the shift to computer enhanced self-monitoring CCTV surveillance systems of public spaces and the social implications. His findings showed the main differences between the first and second generation surveillance i.e. the change from a dumb camera (requiring the human eye for evaluating its images) to a computer-linked camera system which evaluates its own video images. Second generation systems therefore would reduce the human factor in surveillance and address some of the basic concerns associated with the first generation surveillance systems such as data swamping, boredom, voyeurism and profiling. Although additional research is needed to assess CCTV surveillance, the adoption of computer-enhanced CCTV surveillance systems should not be an automatic response to a public space security problem neither should their deployment be decided simply on the availability or cost. In summary, the report has provided a concise overview of the concerns associated with the first generation CCTV surveillance and how the evolution of computer-enhanced CCTV surveillance systems will alter and add to these concerns before a system adoption or installation. 2.7 CCTV Evaluations. Welsh and Farrington (2009) gave a recent review and analysis on the effectiveness of CCTV on crime in public spaces. He evaluated forty-four cases which met the inclusion criteria and the results showed that CCTV caused 16% decrease in crime within the experimental areas when compared with the control areas. The research was motivated by the quest to measure the effectiveness of CCTV schemes in car parks, which caused a 51% decrease in car park crime. CCTV schemes in most other public areas had a small but non-significant impact on crime with a 7% decrease in the city centres and in public houses. Public transport schemes had greater effects with a 23% decrease in total, but these were relatively insignificant. Conclusively, the evaluation showed that CCTV Schemes in the United Kingdom were more effective than other countries such as the USA, based largely on the studies in the car parks. Although Tilley et al (2004) suggested that the use of CCTV increased the risks of being identified and captured as a criminal, Wright and Gibson (1995) added that having the local police and CCTV operators working hand in hand would further help in tracking down suspects and offenders. In the Early years, Ekblom (1986) emphasized that CCTV should be targeted on craved items and pocket-able goods in retail stores to supplement the effort of store detectives. Using the HMV store in Oxford Street as a case study, he discovered that store detectives can cub store theft with the joint effort of CCTV operators. Several studies noted that crime often declined in the months prior to the installation of cameras. After cameras were fully operational, crime might continue to drop for a period as long as two years ( ). Crime would then begin to increase again. As suggested in the literature, this phenomenon is due to publicity or a lack of publicity. The greatest amount of publicity often occurred prior to the installation of the cameras. This was the time when crime levels begin to drop. If CCTV programs were continuously publicized, their effect on crime would remain steady otherwise crime and criminal behaviors would begin to increase as the effect of CCTVs disappeared. According to a brief on the effect of CCTV in 2002 at the Parliament Office of Science and Technology, there was a debate on the changes in recorded crime before and after CCTV camera installation. It was concluded that CCTV was unlikely to reflect crime accurately since not all offences are reported to or recorded by the polic e. Local surveys of crime may provide more accurate measures. 2.8 CCTV and crime displacements. Repetto (1976) speculated that one or more displacements can occur together at the same time while he identified six types of displacements (tactical, situational, spatial, temporal and perpetrator). He defined spatial displacement as the movement of the same crime from one location to another. This is quite different from his definition of tactical displacement when an offender uses a different strategy to commit the same crime. He also defined temporal displacement as when the same offence is committed in the same area but at a different time. This type of displacement is time-oriented. Target displacement was explained when an offender becomes selective in choosing different victims within the same area. Finally, functional displacement operates when the offender changes from a particular crime to another within the same area. Reppetto (1976) then concluded that Displacement refers to the shift of crime either in terms of space, time, or type of offence from the original targets o f crime prevention or interventions. Weisburd et al (2006) argued that crime has the potential to occur when three factors suitable for a crime are present within the available time and space (Cohen and Felson, 1979). However to further expatiate; neglecting the causes of crime such as unemployment and illegal drug would render any intervention ineffective. On the contrary, if the issues of unemployment and drug misuse are addressed, offenders may look elsewhere for a different target area in most cases areas without interventions and thereby leading to crime displacement. Alternatively however, diffusion of benefits to surrounding areas may occur as a result of the intervention. This would depend on the success of the intervention in apprehending offenders. Young et al (2006) researched into crime displacements in Kings cross where views from the streets were used to highlight the impacts of CCTV and policing activities on visible street behaviours. The presence of CCTV surveillance cameras created the fear of being caught on camera thereby contributing to a change in street behaviours by the pedestrians. The data used in this research reflected the cessation of criminal behaviours on the streets. However, the presence of blind spots (areas not accessible to CCTV) are often the areas with high rates of anti-social behaviours. It was concluded that CCTV surveillance cameras do not actually deter crime but rather they are more effective in providing visual evidences in the prosecution of criminals. Such information is handled by law enforcement agencies. Gill and Turbin (1999) studied the effect of CCTV and its effectiveness in a retail store, concluding that this may lower the attitude and vigilance of shop staff where CCTV is seen as th e all- perfect panacea against shop theft or crime, as further buttressed by Beck (2006) on reduction in the degree of vigilance within the store. Nevertheless, the absence of CCTV in local areas was a pre-requisite for crimes such as stealing (Beck, 2006). Gill and Spriggs (2005) wrote a review on the significant crime movements that could be observed clearly from the report on the evaluation of 13 out of the numerous CCTV projects that were put in place by the Crime Reduction Programme (CRP) initiative. The focus was to identify any form of spatial displacement in the schemes that were evaluated. Two techniques, which involved an experimental approach and GIS in assessing any changes in crime trends. The primary aim was to identify any form of displacement and if any could it be as a result of CCTV intervention?. The results showed little proof of displacement. Getis et al (2000) however reviewed the modern techniques of crime analysis with regard to the research and educational challenges outlined by the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science. More attention was devoted to the role that crime analysis currently and potentially played in reducing crime and improving the efficiency of police activities. The main aim w as to stimulate an interest in promoting crime analysis in the advancement of crime mapping and visualization. 2.9 CCTV and Geographical Information System (GIS) Williamson et al. (2000) took an experimental approach and regression analysis as a statistical procedure for analysing temporal crime trends over different periods. Few years later, Ratcliffe (2005) used the nearest neighbour test to identify crime pattern movements between two periods. Both scholars, Williamson et al (2000) and Ratcliffe (2005) used GIS and statistics in their research to provide a powerful tool for understanding the spatial characteristics and the impact of crime reduction measures. Levine (2008) added some other techniques based upon the analysis that could be valuable in hotspot detection. Generally therefore, it appeared that some crime types were predicted more successfully by using the Kernel density which was used for predicting crime hot spots (Chainey et al.,2008a). General comments Note that et al is always written in italics 2. Note that any significant result statement must have the appropriate reference(s) quoted against it Note that person pronouns (I or We) are rarely used in dissertation reports, this is often avoided by employing indirect tenses, e.g. the CCTV coverage zones were studied on two consecutive days should be written instead of I studied the CCTV coverage zones on two consecutive days See under your Introduction: consider whether it was wise to have introduced cctv at all. Has it removed th anxiety of 1980s that originally necessitated cctv era? You can discus your personal opinion from your findings Gather from your literature review the main findings of previous workers that closely resemble your work and identify and relate their own achievements to clearly bring out what you have contributed to the literature of this field. Discuss the appropriateness of the methodology you adopted in comparison with similar others (if any) from your literature review and why you chose it and not the others. You may talk about what you would have better achieved if all the camera spots data were released to you by the Sheffield Information Dept. What else can you discuss from your own intelligence and as a UK licensed driver on cctv traffic offences. Find relevant references that you can use within your results and discussion section to support your findings e.g. on the crime displacements from central /darnall wards 7/9 to wards 6, 13, 2, etc., or deprivation-linked crime environments, etc. Well-done and good luck, my dear; dont look at the work but focus at the Glory-to-God praises on that day and the peace-covenant future awaiting you and your family. 1.3 Closed Circuit Television in Sheffield. The first cameras were installed in 1996 prior to the Euro 96 football competition for which Sheffield was a host city; the cameras were primarily installed to monitor transport links within the city centre rather than to monitor crime scenes. It was not until four years later that more cameras were installed to help prevent and detect crime, in consultation with other services such as the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport (SPT). They were installed in areas that were potential crime hotspots. It is also clear that the major camera network is extensively installed in the city centre and along the major transport links into the city. Presently, Sheffield City Council has 133 Cameras as at the 1st of July 2010 compared with only 60 cameras in July 2000 indicating an increase of 73 cameras installed in 10 years. In 2001and 2003, 11 Cameras each were installed while in 2002, 26 Cameras were installed at each tram stop; in 2004, only 1 Camera was ins talled in Burn greave while in 2005, 5 Cameras at Eyre Street were installed and in 2006, none was installed. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, a total of 17 cameras (10, 4 and 3 Cameras, respectively) were installed at Millennium Square/ Bus Lane/ Exchange Gateway, Ring Road Urban Traffic Control (UTC), and Granville Square/Bus Lane respectively. Currently in 2010, a few more cameras were installed using funds from the Governments Street Crime Initiative (Devonshire Green/The Wicker), the New Deal for Communities Board (Burn greave), Manor/Castle Development Trust (Park Hill) and Charter Row in the city centre (Single Regeneration Budget, Round 6). And cameras were also installed at Super tram stops from the city centre to Meadowhall terminus, parts of Tinsley and parts of Darnall and the city centre (Sheffield City Council, 2010). More developments are expected in Eyre Street and Sheaf Square. The cost of maintaining and monitoring these cameras are ridiculously high, a summary is detailed below; The total Monitoring Costs =  £474,600.00 The total Maintenance Costs =  £198,037.00 Therefore the maintenance Costs per Camera is  £1,489 per year i.e. each camera costs  £3,568.42 to monitor per year. Despite the high cost of maintenance of CCTV, one of the most sophisticated and digital closed circuit television system in Sheffield is known as Sheffield Wide Image Switching System (SWISS), shown in Fig 2 which is still being used at an advantage in crime reduction. Fig. 2: SWISS IN ACTION IN SHEFFIELD. (Courtesy Sheffield Town Hall). Although the objective of creating SWISS , some of which include the prevention of crime and the provision of evidences against offenders to support crime tracking and prevention and then to help the traffic management or assist in the Automatic Number Plate Recognition initiatives to track vehicles used in criminal activities. However, in view of the cost of maintaining and monitoring these CCTV cameras, incorporated into a system known as SWISS, it would be useful to know if the Big Brother is actually watching the streets. 1.4 Crimes in Sheffield. It was recorded that there was approximately 90% reduction in the number of steel workers employed between 1971 (45,100 workers) and 1993 (4,700 workers). According to Taylor et al (1996), about 10, 000 jobs were lost into the mining industry between 1994 and 1996. With this rapid increase in unemployment, crime rate has increased in certain areas in and around Sheffield , already identified by the SYP force as High Intensity Crime Areas, largely more to the part of the northeast of the city. It is estimated that about 60 000 people live in this area which includes the wards of Manor, Darnall, Brightside, a large area of Burngreave, and parts of Castle, Firth Park, Intake, and Nether Shire. These are, in fact, some of the most deprived wards in England. These wards are known to lack good health, educational awareness, and lack good housing facilities. Notwithstanding the presence of High Intensity Areas, according to Simmons et al. (2003), Sheffield is still believed to be one of the safest areas in the United Kingdom. (National Statistics, 2003). 1.5 Crime Indicators and Attractors. The threat of crime to the community is threat to the safety of the society and the sense of security of the residents; and it is also believed to have major impacts on neighbourhood stability, urban and economic development, education, social integration and the perceived quality of life. Today, crime and disorder are often viewed as the main cause of the declining effect of many inner city neighbourhoods. The Fear of crime is sometimes regarded as being detrimental to the society as crime itself. Most crimes can be prevented if the signs are clearly understood and read and indeed all crimes show crime indicators and signs before they occur. Some of the known crime indicators include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Level of crime. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fear of crime. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Crime victims as per cent of population. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The safety of pedestrians walking alone at night. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Crime rate. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Property crimes. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Percentage that decreased park use due to fear. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Number of Neighbourhood Watch groups. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Domestic assault reported per 100,000 populations. (http://www.sustainablemeasures.com/Database/PublicSafety.html) These are just a few crime indicators mentioned above; crime indicators are also influenced by location, economic activities, weather conditions and the level of security, etc. According to Spellman (1993), in an economically distressed neighbourhood, the abandoned houses and apartments can become hangouts for thieves, drug dealers, and prostitutes. Inquisitively, does CCTV surveillance recognise these indicators? 1.6 CCTV Surveillance and the Human Error. However, to start with, does CCTV identify crimes? The long hours spent monitoring CCTV surveillance cameras and reviewing the tapes allow the human error factor to set in. No one seems to be an exception to the vulnerability of the unconscious influences and causes of a tired eye. Fig.3 shows a CCTV operator gazing consciously on a camera at close range. For how long can he gaze without missing the most vital indicator to show a crime as just occurred? Fig. 3: CCTV OPERATOR IN CCTV CONTROL ROOM. (Courtesy, Google Images, 2010). Heather (2005) has explained that the police rarely use the Public CCTV to immediately react to crime but only use it as hard evidence for prosecution and prediction. At the Urban eye expert conference few years ago, it was clear that the UK police officers had other priorities than reacting to CCTV nuisance calls for antisocial behaviours. The huge number of cameras in the UK and the broadcasting of these images on television have made petty crime and antisocial behaviours visible to the public. However because most criminal behaviours were recorded and made live, they became impossible to ignore. However Virilio (1998) explained that visual image is easily forgotten due to the speed of the visual image and the excitement of visual information and acquisition. The use of CCTV by the Police is for evidence collection and to search relevant clues for other crimes committed in the area e.g. suspects arriving and parking their cars or other movements linked to another neighbouring crime. As the police employ CCTV image for prosecution, others are exploring how CCTV can be linked into a predictive or preventive system, which is beyond the established practice of making a video camera visible for deterrence. It is correct to say that mobile CCTV has been very useful in acquiring hot spots images. Though it has been assumed that CCTV displaces crime, it is quite subjective if we could base our facts on mere assumptions (Surveillance-and-society,2010).