Education. Business degree Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Education. Business degree - Research Paper Example Furthermore, the primary goal of education is to enable one make wise decisions through facilitating and boosting the reasoning of an individual. Moreover, in the current dynamic world education has been used as a tool of earning a living. On a similar theme, education has enabled individuals to specialise in the various diverse fields available in the market for example individuals who specialise in medicine are able to treat people and in turn have been able to earn revenue that serves to improve the living standards. On the other hand, another essential goal that education is purposed to serve is to improve the lives of individuals. Apparently, education has been able to facilitate further research in various fields for instance agriculture which has consequently, led to increase in food production while simultaneously observing quality standards of the yields. On that note, in the field of business education has served to improve the quality of service delivery through the innova tion of machines which improve the efficiency of the work. Furthermore, through education we are able to acknowledge the various business strategies and evaluate on the most appropriate one to employ in the various diverse businesses having different requirements. Moreover, education has also provided a means in which business structures can be comprehensively studied in a bid to expand the various business activities that exist in this dynamic world that is characterised with rapidly changing environment. However, in this paper we focus mainly on the higher education in the field of business. In addition to that, we are going to highlight some of the ways one can acquire a business degree, its advantages and its application to the current business endeavours. First and foremost, a business degree can acquire in a number of ways depending on the specific user needs. On a similar theme, the choice of the manner of study may vary with a number of factors, for instance the issue of geo graphical location of the individual with respect to the institution of learning. On that note, individuals who live far from the educational institution may consider studying online as way of acquiring a business degree. In addition to that, individuals who use this form of studying employ the use of computers; internet to acquire the required educational material for example books and other relevant literature and study online. On the contrary, another important factor that influences the manner in which one can acquire a business degree is the occupation of an individual. Apparently, individuals who have hectic schedules during the day may consider part time schooling as opposed full time since it may not interfere with the daily activities of an individual. In addition to that, this mode of studying entails evening classes and may take a longer period to acquire a business degree as compared to the full time mode of studying since in full time studying, an individual is subjecte d to longer studying hours as compared to the part time mode who may at time study during the weekends only. On the contrary, the duration of acquiring a business degree may vary depending on a number of factors for instance the mode of study of an individual. On the same note, individuals who use the full time mode of study may take a minimum of three years to attain a business degree. In addition to that, individuals who use the part time mode of studying may require a minimum of four to five years in order to achieve this important business degree. However, individuals using this form of studying may in other cases take longer to acquire this degree since some may decide to defer their studies in a bid to

Economics USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economics USA - Essay Example If markets are doing well in some part of the world it reflects in other parts of the world. Precisely if the market goes down it results in a ripple effect that brings down most of the markets in the world. It was believed that when a commodity was produced there would be demand for the product. But the whole scenario of the market changed upside down, markets crashing; unemployment was increasing, rise in inflation, prices were falling and eventually factories being closed. It was believed that markets correct themselves but it was proven wrong by the great depression. Maynard Keynes's theory hold good, according to his theory fall in investment spending might result in fall in consumption spending. US economy is the world's largest and powerful economy, a slight change in its markets would result in a ripple effect throughout the world markets. The US has proven itself as the land of opportunities for many people around the globe. Like many of the economies the US has seen the Booms and Busts of the markets that brought happiness in good times and sorrow in bad times. In 1920's the US went through the great depression and slowly and steadily markets stabilized and experts called this as the Business Cycle. In late 1990's due to the Bubble Burst the markets crashed and in consequent years it bounced back.

Faisal- Organisational Innovation And Change(OIC) Essay

Faisal- Organisational Innovation And Change(OIC) - Essay Example As a Supply Chain provider across many producers and countries, FSL provides the convenience of a one-stop shop for customers through a Total Value-Added Package: from product design and development, through raw material and factory sourcing, production planning and management, quality assurance and export documentation to shipping consolidation. With an annual turnover of around ? 25 Million, FSL employs about 30 people worldwide. Over the course of 3 years, FSL has developed from a Malaysian export trader into a multinational trading company (Annual Report, 2009). 1.2 FSL MISSION The company has a vision to be one of the world leaders in global trading. Its vision is: " To be the leader in the local and global markets by providing the best quality of products and services through strong emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, customer service, total commitment, trust, and mutual benefits" (FSL Company Profile, 2007) . The company’s business objectives are the following, with cu stomer focus as its priority: As a one-stop-shop service The company is comprised of small, dedicated teams of product specialists who focus on the needs of particular customers and organize for them. It provides the convenience of a one-stop shop from product development, through production management, to customs clearance and delivery when required. A coordinated global network FSL maintains a network of sourcing offices in 40 countries that work together to find the best sources for different components, fueling a constant process of adaptation. It has a policy of not owning any production facilities that keeps it flexible to search for quality-conscious, cost-effective producers who can consistently deliver against deadlines. Quick response FSL has been a pioneer in quick response manufacturing out of Asia since 2002. In order to move even closer to their customers, FSL is currently concentrating on the extension of its sourcing network in markets like the China ,Mediterranean, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. Social Responsibility FSL understands that its customers today face an increasingly discerning group of consumers who are not only looking for quality and value, but are also concerned about how the goods are made. Compliance is a key element for all the steps of the company’s supply chain. Through systematic inspection, audit and vendor education we help customers enforce their high standards throughout the factory base. 1.3 Business Operation FSL’s core business operation is trading. It has been trading ever since it has started its business. It trades its business by importing goods ordered by its customers especially Malaysians, who want the products that are manufactured in China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Most of FSL customers are importing their products from China and FSL has a very good network of contacts and connections among China’s best manufacturers and wholesalers. The company caters to both local and

Social System and The Laws of the Fifth Discipline Research Paper

Social System and The Laws of the Fifth Discipline - Research Paper Example Computers formulate the basis of changes in the education system and the process actually began after their invention, especially in schools. Currently, many students including those in K-12 use sophisticated machines, in their studies. These technological advancements have introduced more sophisticated technology like the I-pad. However, it is important to note that serious implications have been evident. For instance, the learning environment keeps struggling to embrace the social implications created by speed and globalization (Brown & Diguid, 2000). Deliberate change of culture is deeply required for any learning organization. It needs to be adjusted to fit into the perceptions held by students. This would ensure that compatibility and relevance is achieved for the student’s benefits. Apparently, culture and technology collide because students only change their mode of communicating other than their mode of thinking. Computers promote this kind of change in any learning in stitution and, thus, cultural considerations need to be supported. This would be helpful in the process of abandoning old skills and instincts in favor of new ones. The technological change, thus, has been influential in creating a conflict that needs to be addressed adequately. Flattening previous formal issues requires that matters should be addressed on a wider scope, as observed by Senge (1990). Technology through computers in schools supported the application of emails and other methods that completely eliminated the round-table form of learning. This forced students to only learn in twos as opposed to group learning. In other words, the social sphere was neglected; thus, difficulties were evident (Brown & Diguid, 2000). Learning institutions that fail to embrace the spirit of the community in terms of cultivated thoughts are set to be left behind (Seely, 2003). B. Examine how the social system pushed back in the situation described above. The social system pushed back, and the process is still evident in contemporary settings. There is every need to develop software that addresses the entire social system in the issue. Simply put, the social system has been fighting back in terms of forcing the education system to embrace social software. It is, however, evident that the most appropriate social software has not been discovered over the years. Conference calls and blogs have been a huge step in the entire issue, but they have not fully addressed the social demands. The collision between social systems and the technological advancements is fostered by some form of ignorance by the responsible organizations (Brown & Diguid, 2000). Presence awareness technologies and other tools needed in tracing, analyzing, and cruising through the social systems are greatly required. This will ensure that the roundtable option of learning that was used in the past also applies today through technology. The adoption of speed and globalization has certainly surpassed the imp ortance of past systems and something must be done for the process to remain relevant. A. Of all the topics covered in chapter 4 (see the two Attachments) discuss which one(s) are the most prevalent in today's educational community. Provide a rationale for your selection. Contemporary educational atmosphere portray several laws discussed by Senge in the Fifth Discipline. Apparently, some

The Sociological Imagination SOC 131 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Sociological Imagination SOC 131 - Assignment Example In the Jakarta Post, Achmad Munjid talks about how religion can be used as a social critique. He commented that the social critique of religion is lessened when religion is controlled too much by those in power. This causes religion to not provide sociological imagination because those in authority tend to make religion as strict as possible, with those unable to keep up being punished for their sins. Munjid gives the example of Christianity under the rule of Constantine. He also makes reference to Islam after the great prophet Muhammad had passed away. Despite these examples, Munjid also mentions such individuals as Martin Luther, the Buddha, and Confucius, all of whom came to bring about social reform through their actions and words. More people today need to come from the point of view of one of these role models and not look to take advantage of

Fires Role in the Ecosystem Essay Example for Free

Fires Role in the Ecosystem Essay Scientists have studied forests and fires to determine the secret of Natures success in attaining this necessary balance. They have learned that a natural fire results from a certain fuel condition. Some forest types produce and accumulate fuels faster than others; some decompose fuels more readily than others. However, at some point in time, every forest type has fuel of the right quantity and quality for that forest to be ready to burn. In the past, forest fires would benefit the whole forest ecosystem because their frequency and intensity was determined by the systems natural readiness to burn. When there is a departure from the natural fire point, the ultimate, inevitable fire will be more severe. Fed by extraordinary amounts of fuel, a fires intensity may increase beyond the beneficial point for some parts of the ecosystem. Soils can be overheated and root systems damaged. Living tree crowns, as well as dead needles and branches, may be reduced to ashes. The Dilemma Scientists are studying things other than forests and fires things like population increases, wildlife needs, recreation needs and demands, increased hunting pressures, and a diminishing natural resource base. Obviously, all forest fires cannot be permitted to burn uncontrolled according to the whimsical dictates of lightning strikes or the carelessness of humans. Yet, in attempting to protect these forest values, the powerful role of fire has almost disappeared from the ecosystem it once shaped and created. The inevitable release of natural energy is only postponed-the probability of a devastating wildfire is increased. How, then, can the powerful force of fire be used in a way that cooperates, not conflicts, with nature? No Simple Solution Periodic natural fires prevent the heavy buildup of fuel which, when ignited, can harm our forests and ecosystems. Controlling fires in accordance with Natures scheme must be based on fuel management. There is no general prescription or formula for controlling fuels. Forested sites differ, and objectives range from essentially unmanaged wilderness to intensively managed recreation areas. However, in areas where the forest management  objectives require maintaining or reproducing forest or other natural communities natures method fire is a valuable and effective fuel management tool. Fires natural role in reducing fuels is partly replaced in timber-producing areas by the harvest and removal of wood products. However, slash, resulting from these activities, creates another fuel problem. Better use of harvested wood is one answer fire is another. Controlled burning of non useable slash further reduces the fuel load and provides nutrients for the plants and animals that inhabit the area. The technical and scientific refinement of ways to use fire as a management tool has been a major subject of forest research. Scientists are focusing on forest fuel chemistry, fire behavior, meteorology, and other fields to best determine when, where, and how excess fuels are to be burned. Only in the last century has fire in the forest been viewed as a monster. We are now beginning to realize that fire is a natural agent essential for maintaining the natural ecosystems of Florida. Fire is neither all good nor all bad. It is natural. It is powerful. In the proper places, in the right hands, at the right times, fire can be an asset and an ally. To employ fire as a useful friend is much more logical than confronting it as an enemy. Fire is a significant force in the forest environment. Depending upon specific land management objective, plus a host of environmental variables, fire will sometimes be an enemy, at times a friend, and frequently its effects will be mixed between the two extremes. To extend knowledge of fires role in Florida forests, this publication has been developed from scientific literature review and observations by experienced personnel. To be most useful, the general principles that follow must be localized to specific environments or management units in that way, in-depth knowledge of fire can be used to enhance productivity of the earths ecosystems in all their infinite variety. One great truth of this environmental age is that it is far better to complement natural systems than to manipulate them for single-purpose gain. It is through recognition of ecological interrelationships that we can best manage natural resources for the public good. Ignorance of ecological interrelationships is no excuse for land management errors. To meet future  environmental demands, land managers must build uncommon strength in all three fire activities: prevention, protection, and fire prescribed for ecological benefits. Fire management, in full partnership with other environmental factors, is necessary for quality land management. The Two Faces of Fire The Monster Uncontrolled wildfire raging through a forest can have disastrous effects. Healthy trees are reduced to blackened snags; shrubs that provided food and cover for wildfire become ashes; under the intense heat some soil nutrients are vaporized and become airborne in clouds of choking smoke. Ash falls on rooftops, window sills, and darkens clothes drying outdoors in nearby towns. Where people once enjoyed a green, scenic landscape, they see a stark, gray landscape. A forest has been grossly changed; the web of life it encompassed and nurtured has been broken. Here, fire has shown its mastery over the land and has behaved as a monster. The Friend Think about fire for a moment. If you have warmed your hands in its welcomed heat and enjoyed its friendly light, you know that all fire is not the raging holocaust. Fire, along with air, water, and earth, is a basic environmental factor. We do not judge air as bad because of periodic, destructive hurricanes. We are drawn to water rather than avoiding it despite its potential to cause devastating floods. We do not fear the earth though we know that forces beyond our control can cause it to quake and slide. Fire, no less than air and water, has been a natural directing force in human evolution and the earth we inhabit. History indicates that humans learned to use and control fire. Fire was, perhaps, our first tool. Yet today the acceptance of fire in the forest seems basically contrary to our beliefs in modern times. Perhaps we feel we have progressed beyond the need for direct dependence on this natural force. Or maybe we simply do not know and understand it any longer. Lightning In the Making Continued sunny and warm except for isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Thirty percent chance of rain. This is a familiar midsummer  weather forecast in Florida. From over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, air   masses directly affect Floridas weather. Warm air is lifted high into cool, upper air layers. The cooling of this rising air causes its moisture to condense and clouds to form. Moisture droplets form in the upper; cold parts of the clouds. When they reach a certain size, the droplets begin to fall earthward, away from the influence of the cold air back into warm, uplifting currents. The droplets may again vaporize and be lifted even higher into the upper air layers. A repeated cycle of warming, lifting, and cooling causes the buildup of tall columns of billowy clouds. The bases of the clouds may be 3,000 feet above sea level the tops of the cloud columns develop upward to levels of 60,000 feet. The Ignition Source Inside the clouds electrical charges build up and separate into positive and negative centers. The upper portion of the cloud becomes positively charged and the lower portion becomes negatively charged. The negative charge near the cloud base induces a positive charge on the ground a reversal of the fair weather pattern when the ground charge is negative. Potential gradients between positive and negative centers, with some assistance from friction caused by falling water droplets, lead to those large sparks known as lightning discharges. Cloud-to-ground lightning is usually a discharge between the negative lower portion of the cloud and the positive charge on the ground. Most thunderstorms in Florida are accompanied by rain. Lightning fires occur when the lightning bolt strikes outside the area of rainfall or it ignites dry fuels that smolder through the rain shower and begin to burn as the area dries out following the shower. Energy to Use or Burn From a distance, pines and other vegetation look fresh and green. Close inspection reveals that the greenness is a shell enveloping a core of dry needles, twigs, and branches. In the needled or leafy part of the tree, known as the crown, growth occurs at the branch tips, so the youngest, greenest parts are always around the outside edges. Here, photosynthesis occurs. Photosynthesis is the major function of every green plant. It is the process by which light energy from the sun is converted to a form of energy that can be stored and used by the plant. Generally, the conversion is to  chemical energy and involves the formation of a series of complex organic compounds. Some of the compounds impart the piney odors we enjoy in forests. What we cannot tell from their pleasant aroma is that these compounds are very flammable. Once stored, the energy can be used in different ways. For example, it can be used by the plant to produce wood or grow more needles in which more energy conversion will take place. It can be used as a source of food by animals that browse the leaves and twigs where the compounds are stored. The energy can also be used to produce seed to germinate and produce another plant. This energy storing process takes place with shrubs and grasses as well as trees; photosynthesis and the energy conversions and transfers that occur are complex, but the result is clear enough: during one growing season in one acre of forest, enough sun energy is converted and stored in plant material to equal the energy reservoir in 300 gallons of gasoline. Fire and the Forest We often regard fire as an agent of destruction, but to Nature, it is an agent of necessary change. Fire changes one form of energy to another. Green plants change light energy to chemical energy, fire changes chemical energy to heat energy. Fire breaks down complex organic molecules to smaller ones the same thing that occurs when we digest food. The protein in a piece of meat cannot be used directly by the human body to build cells and tissues. We must eat the meat before large protein molecules can be broken down to smaller amino acid molecules, recycled through our bodies, and rebuilt into human tissue. When a fire changes a log to ash, nutrients bound in chemical compounds are released and changed to a form that is more water soluble. In this soluble form, nutrients percolating into the soil are again usable in the growth of other plants. Fire also effects a more visible change. Ash and nutrients occupy less space than trees and shrubs. By creating openings in forests, fire changes space relationships. Species that remain in these openings may be fire tolerant. Other species that cannot withstand fire are eliminated. Thus, fire changes both the composition and the density of the forest. This change will remain for several years and affect the fuels available during the next burning cycle. Scientists who study plant and  animal relationships tell us that forests in this part of the country owe their existence and continued presence to a long history of periodic fires. This association of some tree and shrub species with fire is an example of adaptation. Forests in Florida have existed here for at least 12,000 years. During that time, thousands of fires occurred annually. Plant species that survived these fires did so because of special features or characteristics they possessed. Plant species lacking these features were eliminated from frequently burned areas; their distribution has been confined to areas where fires are less likely to occur, moist areas such as bays, swamps, and creek bottoms. Fires, like many natural events, are somewhat cyclic. The cycle is governed by conditions such as general climate, topography, soil type, existing vegetation, and other factors. Accordingly, the repeatability of the cycle varies. Before 1900, fire-susceptible areas probably had fires every 3 to 10 years. In areas less likely to burn, the cycle may repeat every 10 to 100 years. Cyclic, recurrent fires of the past 12,000 years were important agents of selection in determining plant species and distribution in Florida. Trees Born of Fire Special adaptive features have allowed some plants to survive naturally occurring fire. Adult southern pines have a thick bark that insulates the inner, living tissues from fires heat. Longleaf pine is so fire resistant that some trees almost always escape fires injurious effects. These trees become seed trees for the reforestation of a burned area. Sand pine exhibits yet another adaptation for coping with fire. Sand pine cones remain closed until a fires intense heat opens the cone and allows the seeds to fall out. Seeds of cone-bearing trees that persist in fire-susceptible areas sprout and grow best under conditions created by fire: soil free from litter, an increased nutrient reserve, plus open areas with plenty of sunlight. In contrast, species less adapted to fire, such as oaks, gums, cypress, and cedar do not usually reseed a burned area directly. Seedlings of these species prefer partial shade and plenty of moisture. Generally, they will reestablish only after some other type vegetation is present. The Changing Natural fires keep Floridas forests dynamic, diverse, and beautiful. Florida was named by the early explorers because of the abundance of wildflowers in  areas kept open by frequent fires. Historically, timber stands were replaced by young trees; sometimes one type of forest was replaced by another. Changes in tree cover occur together with even more encompassing changes because a forest is more than just trees. A forest displays interdependence, interrelationships, and competition among trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, big and little animals, soils, microbes, minerals and nutrients in soils, and the air pervading and surrounding all of these. A forest is a complex life system. Each part has a place and a function in its organization an organization called the forest ecosystem. Because all parts of the system are interrelated, no one part can change without a widespread effect throughout the entire system. Forest fires affect more than trees. Fire-caused changes in ecosystems result in both stress and relief to plant and animal life both to individuals and to whole plant and animal communities. Thousands of years of natural fires achieved a dynamic balance between the stresses and relief. The fire-adapted pine forests thrived over vast areas. They provided habitat for hundreds of species of grasses and wildflowers, as well as dozens of animal species. All these species would quickly begin to decline in number and health and eventually disappear completely if fire is excluded. Fires Role in the Ecosystem A Balancing Act Scientists have studied forests and fires to determine the secret of Natures success in attaining this necessary balance. They have learned that a natural fire results from a certain fuel condition. Some forest types produce and accumulate fuels faster than others; some decompose fuels more readily than others. However, at some point in time, every forest type has fuel of the right quantity and quality for that forest to be ready to burn. In the past, forest fires would benefit the whole forest ecosystem because their frequency and intensity was determined by the systems natural readiness to burn. When there is a departure from the natural fire point, the ultimate, inevitable fire will be more severe. Fed by extraordinary amounts of fuel, a fires intensity may increase beyond the beneficial point for some parts of the ecosystem. Soils can be overheated and root systems damaged. Living tree crowns, as well as dead needles and branches, may be reduced to ashes. The Dilemma Scientists are studying things other than forests and fires things like population increases, wildlife needs, recreation needs and demands, increased hunting pressures, and a diminishing natural resource base. Obviously, all forest fires cannot be permitted to burn uncontrolled according to the whimsical dictates of lightning strikes or the carelessness of humans. Yet, in attempting to protect these forest values, the powerful role of fire has almost disappeared from the ecosystem it once shaped and created. The inevitable release of natural energy is only postponed-the probability of a devastating wildfire is increased. How, then, can the powerful force of fire be used in a way that cooperates, not conflicts, with nature? No Simple Solution Periodic natural fires prevent the heavy buildup of fuel which, when ignited, can harm our forests and ecosystems. Controlling fires in accordance with Natures scheme must be based on fuel management. There is no general prescription or formula for controlling fuels. Forested sites differ, and objectives range from essentially unmanaged wilderness to intensively managed recreation areas. However, in areas where the forest management objectives require maintaining or reproducing forest or other natural communities natures method fire is a valuable and effective fuel management tool. Fires natural role in reducing fuels is partly replaced in timber-producing areas by the harvest and removal of wood products. However, slash, resulting from these activities, creates another fuel problem. Better use of harvested wood is one answer fire is another. Controlled burning of non useable slash further reduces the fuel load and provides nutrients for the plants and animals that inhabit the area. The technical and scientific refinement of ways to use fire as a management tool has been a major subject of forest research. Scientists are focusing on forest fuel chemistry, fire behavior, meteorology, and other fields to best determine when, where, and how excess fuels are to be burned. Only in the last century has fire in the forest been viewed as a monster. We are now beginning to realize that fire is a natural agent essential for maintaining the natural ecosystems of Florida. Fire is  neither all good nor all bad. It is natural. It is powerful. In the proper places, in the right hands, at the right times, fire can be an asset and an ally. To employ fire as a useful friend is much more logical than confronting it as an enemy.

Human Resource management and Personnel management

Human Resource management and Personnel management Human resource management is one of the modern methods, which is improved from personnel management with the inclusion of modern strategic techniques. HRM is a traditional system for management and it can be widely used in many organizations, HRM treats human resource as an intellectual capital or human capital for an organization and it is mainly focused and give to the human resource whereas personnel management treats human resources as same as the other resources of organization such as machine, money and material, etc. personnel management is mainly task oriented. Some of the characteristics difference lies among the personnel management and HRM is given in below tabular format. Personnel management is inflexible and it follows the top down approach whereas HRM is flexible and use bottom up approach. In HRM, the organization structure should be organic and it has long term perspectives whereas, in PM the organization should be mechanic and concentrated on short term perspective. HRM provide greater flexibility with employees, whereas PM are very strict and inflexible with the human resource and they follows the strict rules and regulation of an organization. HRM is reactive but personnel management was proactive in nature. Therefore for any Successful organization, HRM is very essential strategic method than the PM to manage and utilize the manpower in an optimum level (Bratton and Gold, 1999). HRM is one of the parts in an organization task, which describes how much manpower is needed and how should they be engaged with the activities, how they effectively used and managed. Human resource management is mainly integrated with all other company management process.HRM process can be illustrated below: As a Vodafone company manager, I will suggest the Head of the Department to recruit Human resource manager/specialist to manage the valuable human manpower in an effective and efficient way, which wills helps to improve our organization performance and productivity. 1 (b) HR Manager Roles Activities Vodafone HR Manager Role Vodafone main goal is to add the more value to the company compare to their competitors and to improve employee performance. The HR manager role is a function of four variables: motivation, ability, situational contingencies and role perception (McShane, 1995). The responsibilities of HR Manager are to manage the human capital/manpower and assess their performance and rewarding their workers. As a Manager, I suggest some of the roles of HR manager and it can be illustrated in below figure. Strategic Role Administrative Role Operational and employee advocate Administrative Role: This role mainly concentrates on employee data processing and record keeping, maintaining employee database and retrieving process. With the help of modern technology and outsourcing method, Vodafone human resource process has been computerized. This is reduce the cost, workforce and improve the efficiency, time and number of employees. (Robert John, 2008). Operational and employee advocate role: Human Resource manager can also be called as Morale Officer as they mainly concern with crisis management, even though HR main role is to solve the human resource problems. Human resource manger should be assisting with operating manager in order to perform his/her operating role in tactical nature. This role is mainly to identify the business policies and program to be implemented (Robert John, 2008, P10-14). Strategic Role: HR mangers are mainly concentrating on the organization realities and dealing with the future needs which include performance, rewarding and workforce planning strategic. This role can also known as contributing at the table (Robert John, 2008, P10-14), because HR are contributing to the strategic decision that is very much useful for organization success. Some of the characteristic difference between Strategic role and Operating role are given in the below tabular format. HR Activities: The main HR activities is to gain best contribution from the manpower of the company, this can be attained by the way of treating the human resource or manpower. Their activities can be affected by the external environment factor (i.e. PESTEL Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal) and HR managers should have capability to handle these environmental changes. As I manager, I have consider that the below mentioned activities are the major activities of HR Manager. Recruitment Selection: It is one of the HR managers main activities to analyze and identify the human resource requirement for an organization, this analyze will helps to fulfill the job vacancy by placing the right person at the right time and at the right place. HR Development: One of the activities of HR manager is mainly helps to improve the employee performance, productivity and ability by providing effective training. Performance Management: This will gather the detailed information of the employees behaviour while working with superior/coworkers, his/her performance, punctuality, and contribution to organization goals. This monitoring process will helps the managers in order to motivate or improve the employees by giving effective training and awareness. Rewarding: It is mainly based on the employees performance and they are compensated by announcing their promotion, rising the incentives and pay, etc. Employee relationship: The main objective of these activities is to ensure and maintain the strong and effective relationship among the high level and low level employees. This is very essential in order to update, communicate and develop the organization HR policies, rules, procedures. As a manger, they mentioned roles and activities are very important and should be carried out effectively in order to improve the organization as well as employee productivity to achieve the overall organization goal. 1 (c) HR Models There are different types of HR model available for Human resource management and are listed below: Harvard Framework Matching Model Linear Strategy Model Ten C Model Triarchic Model Competitive advantage Model Narrow Broad Perspective Business Process Model Guest Model The above mentioned Model are basically categorized into two HARD and SOFT Model. As a Vodafone Manager, I preferred two models namely Harvard Framework Model and Guest Model. This can evaluated below: Harvard Framework Model: This model is developed by Beer et al (1984) and this model can also be referred as Soft HRM Model. Te traditional framework of Harvard model mainly consists of six major components and it can be illustrated in below figure: (Michael, 2006, p4-7) Harvard framework model details description is given in below tabular format (Michael, 2006, p4-7) In this Harvard Framework model, HRM policies, rules, practices and procedures are mainly based on the organization vision, mission, objectives, strategic and goals (Srinivas, 2005, P2-6). Human resource policies and practices are affected by business internal and external factors. This mainly rely on employer-employee relationship and it mainly considers the interest of their stakeholders and analyzing how the stakeholders interest is associated with the Vodafones Objectives and this can mainly inclined by two important factors like stakeholders interest and situational factors. Harvard model helps Vodafone HR manager in plan their business strategy and propose two important approaches which are given below: HRM policies are defined by considering the stake holders interest and environmental factors (i.e. good fit between HR Policies and organization environment). Objectives of HRM policies are to achieve 4Cs: Competence, Commitment, Congruence and Cost effectiveness technique. Guests model: Guest Model is developed by David Guest for Human Resource Management, which includes some articles and exercise that can be used by the organization context. This consists of six components and it can be listed below: HRM strategy Set of HRM policies Set of HRM outcomes Organization Behavioural outcomes Performance outcomes Financial outcomes This model has granted close links between business strategies (such as Differentiation, Focus and Cost) and HRM strategy. The main objectives of this HRM practices should be planned to lead to Human Resource Management Outcomes of High manpower commitment, high quality, highly flexible employees. Employees commitment is mainly considered as a very important HRM Outcomes. This model helps to improve the behavioural outcomes such as increased effort, involvement, and cooperation and organization citizenship. According to this HRM Model, Superior performance and behavioural outcomes can be achieved only after the achievement of three major HRM Outcomes Quality, Flexibility and Commitment. Guest Models Suggests that: Only when a coherent strategy, directed towards these four policy goals, fully integrated into business strategy and fully sponsored by line management at all levels is applied, will the high productivity and related outcomes sought by industry be achieved (Guest, 1990, p.3 78). And also he added that, HRM policies are not only concentrating with selection and providing training, it can also anticipated achieving HRM policy goals. This model is mainly concentrating on individual needs than the collective workforce. Some of the HRM practices of this Guest HRM model are selection rewards, job design, involvement and appraisals. Task2 (a) Human resource planning is the main process of reviewing requirement of the human resources in the organization. The need of employees in the organization are the important factors of human resource planning , in which areas we need them ,what are the skills do we need from them, how long and when does the employees are needed. Recruiting right number of people in the right time and at the right place is the very important factor of human resource planning. A framework that helps to develop organizational skills as well as employees personal, knowledge and the abilities are said to be the Human Resource Development. Vodafone Recruitment in Vodafone takes place in two ways external recruitment and internal recruitment. Internal recruitment is nothing but promoting the skilled people to the important posts in the Company or assigning project those are on bench. External recruiting is recruiting people from outside externally by giving advertisements. In this stage initially they will identify the necessity of the people and what are the positions that are to be filled. While giving the adverts along with the job title they describe the position of the job, responsibilities and its role in the company, details of benefits and salary given to them, whether job is on a contract or permanent. The advertisement has to be given in a very attractive way to attract the applicants to apply for the job that should also contain the application receiving final date. Vodafone Company after receiving the applications conducts a written exam for them. Written exam may have reasoning, verbal, aptitude and also technical questions. These are the questions to check the basic skills and knowledge of the applicant. This exam time is around one hour. This is one of the best way to select the skilled people among the numerous numbers of people. After the completion of written exam the candidates will be short listed and called for an interview. In Vodafone Company sometimes there may be two kinds of interviews conducted i.e., personal interview and technical interview. Technical interview will be conducted to know the technical skills of the candidate. This is one of the important round if the candidate applied for a post belongs to technical background. He will be posed the questions which are related to the job and asked if they have any relevent experience. Personal interview is the last stage. Apart from this sometimes telephonic interview is also conducted. This interview is held to know why he is applying for this particular position, why he has chosen particularly this company, what all the things he knows about the Vodafone Company. Also to test whether he suits for that particular position he have applied for and he will be able to fulfil all the responsibilities of that postion. (b) The same recruitment process the Vodafone is still following but with some changes. Now the company is going to recruit the people from university campuses. It is one of the best procedures for them to recruit the freshers and they can shape them into areas they are looking for or required. Earlier in the written test there were no negative marks for the wrong answers because applicant sometimes may just try the luck and selects one of the options to answer the question so it will become difficult to understand the skills of them. So, if there are negative marks for wrong answers then they only try to answer the questions if they know the answers exactly. Now the Vodafone company conducting group discussions as well. This will take around 30minutes. A particular topic is given to the members and they will be asked to discuss about the topic for certain specific time period. To test the candidate leadership qualities group discussions are conducted . Also once they come into into the company they will have to work in a team. So, to examine how good they are performing in a team the group discussions are very important. In todays world the job is not constant and the members around us may change. Candidate has to work and get along with different types of the people and in the different kind of environment. So Group discussions are most important in this way. There are not many changes in the process of recruitment but only a little change gives very good results. (c) Vodafone Company follows some of the selection practices and procedures. In these panel members, Hr managers, Company managers have some responsibilities in the selection and the recruitment process. In selecting a member , the company manager is responsible. He should make sure that all the members are involved in the process of recruitment. He should be up to date with the selection framework and the policies of council. He has to inform to the Hr managers that there is a vacancy to be filled. The legal frame work which means while selecting a member into the company there should not be any discrimination. Discrimination in grounds of caste, religion, gender, disability, or race is unlawful. There is direct discrimination as well as indirect discrimination. Direct discrimination which means when a particular person is favoured less than all the others. Indirect discrimination which means it occurs when the particular group may cause disadvantage to the position. There is a positive discrimination as well such as guarantee jobs only for disabled employees, taking interviews only for the people those who are not short listed etc. (d) Selection is a very important process in any organization because if the process of selection is not good and the proper skilled people are not recruited which will affect the profits of the company. Hiring process of Vodafone is very good because of which it is one of the leading mobile company in the world. The selection procedure has to be in such a way that the member selected should be suitable for the position. They spend lot of money by the company during selection process. So, there must not be any kind of delays while conducting them and they must be organized in a well planned manner. Hr department is the responsible for filling a job in any organization. They will inform to their supervisors and the line managers to fill the position stating the rules and regulations for that particular position. Task3 (a) Reward Management and Performance appraisals are very important for Vodafone employees to improve their performance, which is the key for company performance. It will help them to identify their faults and area for improvement, and to take necessary action to achieve them. As the company performance is depends on the employee performance, it is very important to monitor the employees performance and reward to motivate them to perform better. 360 degree feedback is the method, which provides an opportunity for every employee to receive their performance feedback, which collected from co-workers, supervisors, customers, manager and also from other discipline staffs. It is very famous now a day, as it is one of the accurate assessment method than others. Because the feedback received from one person is less effective than feedback received from many people and areas. Ratings are much more accurate as it taken from various people and it is purely depends on the employee performance. This 360 degree feedback helps the employees to measure themselves and helps to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and also areas for improvement. Normally employee gives feedback by filling the questionnaire model. It is a motivational element and which has been accepted by many organization and its participants. This feedback also helps both the employees as well the organization depending on the feedback received. Rewards are awarded to employees according to their performance rating and it was awarded on regular basis in Vodafone Company. This system also helps Vodafone to express their views in achieving companys success. Employment feedback and customer feedback both are the very important things in any organization. Employee performance can be assessed from co-employees, supervisors, managers, customers feedback that, how the candidate performed during the period of time. These may include his/her achievements, career plan, skills, problems, areas for improvement, etc. Some employees are directly talk and interact with the clients, so the clients feedback are also sometime important to reward the employee. Not only them, all other employees are also important to discuss with their future plans and the strategies. The organization must provide solutions for negative feedback, which raised from employees. This strategy also helps the organization to provide best service for their customers. Well performed employees are rewarded annual appraisal with next level promotion, pay rise or instant prizes, etc., which will encourage the employee as well as motivate others to perform enthusiastically. Also appraisal system enables the employee to see in which area he/she needs to improve in order to step u p his/her career which also simultaneously improve organization performance. Therefore, the organization is also able to identify and provide necessary training for their employees for their career development. (b) Exit procedure will take place when an employee is resigned or layoff his job. Once the employee decides to leave the organization, he/she must provide written resignation letter his/her department manager for approval and also it facilitates department manager to plan for the future workload or new recruitment well in advance. Then it is department managers responsibility to forward that resignation letter to HR department. HR looks every option to avoid resignation as the new recruitment is not cost effective. If no way, then HR confirms and sends a letter to candidate with last employment date according to accepted notice period. During the notice period the candidate must work or handover the remaining task to someone as directed by his/her supervisor. When an employee leaves the organization, he/she must be treated equally. Different exit methods are followed my different companies, but these are mainly to know the reason why he/she wants to leave the company whether is it a personal reason or due to non-satisfaction such as company rules, salary or any other reasons. The main important reason for exit interview is to update or correct the internal management errors within the organization. HR is responsible for arranging exit interview for that employee. HR department is got some responsibilities as well in exit procedure. To gather the information of the employee they will send a questionnaire to employee that includes what is the reason the employee is leaving the organization and get feedback from him/her. Exit interview will be conducted to collect the information from the candidate who may be useful to improve the organization growth by rectifying management problems, if any. While recruiting, majority of the organization has the contract with its employees. The employee needs to sign on bond paper mentioning that he/she will work for that organization for certain duration without taking any other job outside the organization. In this case, the exit procedure may be totally differs, as the employee breaching his conditions he/she may be liable to pay for notice period or compensation if he/she decides to leave the organization during contract tenure. (c) Redundancy takes place when the taskforce is reduced or reorganized due to the changes in business environment such as recession, relocation, downturn workload etc. The selection criteria for redundancy are mainly helpful for an organization, when it needs to dismiss number of employees from the pool of employees. In this case, the criteria of selection had been clearly set and defined in the organization policy, which applicable to every employee of the organization. The representatives of the employees also must have to agree with these criteria. Redundancy must be approved by the employer and HR must inform to their all group of employees with reason for redundancy. Management must look every option to avoid redundancy, as the recruitment is very expensive now days. If any group of the employees were performing the same work then, there will a chance for inter changeability of the work. The selection criteria for redundancy must follow the combinations of individual Performance, Q ualifications, skills, time records and attendance, flexibility, capability, special skills, disciplinary record, length of service, etc and every employee of the organization must be treated equally. Selection of employee must be as fair selection. Some of the criterias might raise some problems like disability grounds, sex, religion, maternity grounds, race, trade unions and other legal issues. Therefore the organization must have the clear policies and making procedures for fair redundancy selection.