To what extent did domestic political considerations shape the Johnson Essay

To what extent did domestic political considerations shape the Johnson administrations conduct of the war in Vietnam, 196568 - Essay Example This rapid change of attitudes to the war raises a number of questions. The most important of them is, perhaps, how the USA domestic affairs affected the inclination of the war in Vietnam. Apparently, President's Lyndon Johnson decision to take the United States into a large-scale in Vietnam could not be completely understood without the assessment of domestic political issues and considerations in 1960s. In this project, I will examine all domestic sources of forces as well as forces themselves that shaped to one or either way, Johnson's administration conduct of the Vietnam War. Respectively, I will focus on the 1965-1968 period of the War known as "Escalation and Americanization of Vietnam"4. While analyzing this period of War, I will evaluate the influence of Johnson's administration that determined Presidents' decisions of deployment of combat troops in July 1965, escalation of troops' involvement in 1967, and Johnson's decision to limit the bombing of Vietnam as well as his later decision not to seek reelection. Historically, there are two dominant approaches in analysis of Johnson's administration decision making regarding Vietnam War5. ... Historically, there are two dominant approaches in analysis of Johnson's administration decision making regarding Vietnam War5. One approach emphasizes Johnsons and his administration's irrationality and isolation from critique that consequently resulted in disastrous decisions about Vietnam. This approach describes Johnson as a single-minded "hawk" and extremely ambitious President reluctant to listen to the experts' views6. The second approach implies that Johnson had an access to the full range of information about Vietnam from diverse points of view, particularly from his foreign policy advisers: McGeorge Bundy, Dean Rusk, Walter Rostow and Robert McNamara, as well as from more informal ones78. This view provides a more rational view of Johnson, though makes him a hostage of his informants9. Another question under concern is the extent, to which domestic issues determined Johnson's decisions about Vietnam. In the other words, how domestic economy ("economic crisis" of 1968), growing Congressional opposition, shaping of public opinion and public riots (pacifists' movements), rapid loss of Johnson popularity, etc. determined the way of Vietnam War conduct. As Barrett (1993) believes, this "Vietnam dilemma" has significantly influenced generations of historians and political scientists10. Gulf of Tonkin incident and beginning of Johnson's Vietnam War era Until the August of 2004 Vietnam War was rather a local conflict than an issue, which further preoccupied the minds of average Americans in late 1960s. However, the attacks of Northern Vietnamese on American navies on August 2-4, 1964 prompted the large-scale involvement of American troops in the country. It is still debatable, whether Vietnamese indeed attacked US

Teaching Strategies to Improve NCLEX Passing Rate

Teaching Strategies to Improve NCLEX Passing Rate Yamilka Pichardo Abstract The 5 articles reports different teaching and learning strategies used in nursing students  and their evaluation. The strategies described here are based on Humanistic theory, and the author of the five of them uses Abraham Maslow humanist theorist as a reference. Key Words Nclex, Teaching Strategies, Success. Introduction Humanistic Theory as applied to learning is largely constructivist and emphasizes cognitive and affective process. It address people‘s capabilities and potentialities as they make certain choice and seek control over their lives. (schunk et al.,2008) Maslow’s theory emphasizes motivation to develop one‘s full potential, he also believe that human actions are unified by being directed toward goal attainment. His Hierarchy of needs can help teachers understand students and create an environment to enhance learning. It’s unrealistic to expect students to show interest in classroom activities if they have physiological or safety deficiencies. (Maslow 1968, 1970) Literature Review Title: Teaching around the cycle: strategies for teaching theory to undergraduate nursing students. Author: Nancy A. Flanagan and Linda McCausland The Idea of this article is to incorporate a variety of teaching techniques, with this pedagogy students are encourage to recognize and cope with numerous ways of acquiring information. A teaching technique applied to teaching nursing theory in an undergraduate nursing program is presented. This technique acknowledges a variety of learning styles to facilitate student learning. Activities highlight the importance of acquiring a variety of knowledge acquisition and information-processing skills required in a profession. Students use critical thinking, communication, group process, and research analysis skills to learn and apply information about theory. Method: The methods and activities have been developed over four years and implemented in small classes of eight students and in classes as large as 140 students with equal success. Understanding nursing theory requires critical and complex thought process, the more advanced theory knowledge and cognitive skills of application analysis, synthesis and evaluation are facilitated through active collaborative strategies featuring faculty and student interaction. A nurse theorist outline developed by the instructor serves as study guide and assist student with subsequent class activities. THE THEORY GAME 🙠 Board game/ Case studies) Gaming is a technique that requires active learning and collaborative cooperative learning strategies with a group. The game is design to increase student familiarity with new abstract theoretical content and reinforces student knowledge. Evaluation: The journal article evaluation and case study / care plan activities were added to the curriculum, since then summative evaluation, measured by quiz grades has improve, these finding are consistent with educational theory on active learning strategies that incorporate group collaboration through gaming analysis and case study. (Nancy A. Flanagan and Linda McCausland, Nov/ Dec 2007) Title: Learning Nursing Concepts through Television Programs Author: Raines, Deborah A The Idea: These activities are designed to engage students and to facilitate their developing understanding of nursing concepts and behaviors. The following are just a few examples of how television programs can be used to teach nursing concept and behavior in an Introduction to nursing course early in the curriculum. Engaging students while developing an understanding of nursing concept is a challenge to nurse educators. In nursing education, one of the primary pedagogical goals is to ensure students develop a set of analytical and critical thinking skills to be safe and efficient nurses in the practice setting. Instructors and textbooks try to structure case studies for teaching, but these activities can be sterile and lack the richness and the uniqueness of getting to know others in a nursing situation. Audiovisual images, such as television programs, compress complex stories into rich, visually intense images and bring situations to life in a more powerful way than the traditional lecture approach does. Method: Students are asked to find clips of the four main characters from Seinfeld (Seinfeld, Mehlmanard, Gross, Greenburg, 1989) to demonstrate the principles of Maslows hierarchy of needs. Students assess and analyze each characters behavior in relationship to Maslows levels. Through the years, programs have been based on the concept of family. Segments can be shown as a montage of programs clips to reveal the changing meaning of family, differing family types and structures over time, or to compare and contrast the variety of ways families cope with a particular situation. Soap operas such as General Hospital (Hursley Hursley, 1963) and All My Children (Nixon, 1970) have many scenes involving nurses in hospitals Segments from these programs showing nurses in action can illustrate teachable moments on a variety of topics including professional appearance and comportment, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, the role of the nurse, and nurse-patient interaction, as well as the concept of professional boundaries. Evaluation: Student response has been overwhelmingly positive. The activity generates significant discussion, and even a little laughter, among class members. The use of familiar television programs situations and characters to introduce beginning nursing students to new concept associated with the study of nursing provides a way for them to begin to build a knowledge base and to see the dynamic nature of nursing concept as applied to a variety of situations (Raines, Deborah A Mar 2010): 173-4. Title: How Can I Fail the NCLEX-RN ® With a 3.5 GPA? Approaches to Help This Unexpected High-Risk Group. Author: Rollant, Paulette Desmaske Idea: This article describes two self-report inventories useful for tracking and predicting risk for failure or success on tests and the NCLEX-RN Most of these studies focus on objective data, such as preadmissions standards, progression examinations, overall grade point average, course grades, and comprehensive examinations. Significant correlations were found between success on the NCLEX-RN and five factors: cumulative nursing program grade point average, English as the primary language spoken at home, lack of family responsibilities or demands, lack of emotional distress, and sense of competency in critical thinking. The journal provides information on predictors and tools to identify students who are at risk for failure on the NCLEX-RN. It also indicates the importance of other factors such as fatigue and anxiety on passing the NCLEX-RN. Method: The Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) a self-report scale, measures individual differences in test anxiety as a situation-specific trait. This one-page test contains 20 items that asks respondents to indicate how frequently they experience specific symptoms of anxiety before, during, and after examinations. The subscales also assess worry and emotionality as major components of test anxiety (Spielberger et al., 1990). The Learning Assessment Study Skills Inventory (LASSI) is an 80item assessment of students awareness about and their use of learning and study strategies. The results are related to the skill, will, and self-regulation components of strategic learning. This valid and reliable assessment inventory contains 10 scales: stress, attitude, motivation, concentration, self testing, time management, test-taking skills, anxiety, information processing, and study aids. Evaluation: All of these methods are taken from the 5 Cs for Test Success model (Rollant, 2006). The final action is to help students identify tools to use when they do not know. Using these strategies, educators can open the pathway to success for students at potential risk for test failure. (Rollant, Paulette Desmaske) Title: Teaching Critical Thinking in an introductory leadership course utilizing active learning strategies: A confirmatory Author: Burbach, Mark E, Matkin, Gina, Susan M Idea: Critical Thinking is often seen as a universal goal of higher education but is seldom confirmed as an outcome. This study was conducted to determine whether an introductory level college leadership course encouraged active learning increased critical thinking skills. (Journal writing, service learning, small groups, scenarios, case study, and questioning). Method: A pre- and post-assessment of critical thinking skills was conducted using the Watson-Glaser Appraisal. An integrative studies course is intended to engage students in actively developing their ability and desire to analyze, evaluate, and communicate complex material and positions. One objective of the studies is to enhance critical thinking through a variety of approaches in which students investigate arguments, engage in research, gather data, perform qualitative and quantitative analysis, and assess conclusions. The underlying philosophy of this article is that improvements in interpersonal skills for leadership are an interactive function of increased self awareness, increased understanding of others, and learning from life experiences. To engage students in critical thinking, active learning methods (e.g. Meyers Jones, 1993) are emphasized in this class. For example, a service-learning project is required. Students are encouraged to work in an area that is outside of their previous range of experiences. An attempt is made to expose them to new perspectives and/or different cultural experiences. The project comprises a large portion of the each students final grade. Instructor-mediated reaction journals to complement classroom activities and the service-learning project are also required. Classroom activities include small group projects involving contextual scenarios, case studies, role-plays, and student presentations. Socratic questioning between instructors and students is strongly encouraged. Reflective journal writing can improve critical thinking as well as growth in self-awareness and self-actualization (Maslow, 1979) and the development of new knowledge (Boyd Fales, 1983), also can increase student learning and promote meaningful personal insights more than lecture and reading assignments (ConnorGreene, 2000; Mayo, 2003a, 2003b; Seshachari, 1994). Journal writing helps students to document observations, question, speculate, develop self-awareness, synthesize ideas, and gain insights for problem-solving (de Acosta, 1995). Evidence derived from case studies suggests that the development of critical thinking is likely to be linked to an emphasis on writing and rewriting (Tsui, 2002). Evaluation: As a result significant increases were found in the Deduction and Interpretation subtests, and total critical thinking. Student engagement in active learning techniques within the context of studying interpersonal skills for leadership appeared to increase critical thinking. Although it was not possible to determine which of the active learning strategies had the greatest impact on improving students critical think skills (journal writing, service learning, small groups, scenarios, case study, and questioning). (Burbach, Mark E; Matkin, Gina S; Fritz, Susan M) Title: Rx for NCLEX-RN Success: Reflections on Development of an Effective Preparation Process for Senior Baccalaureate Students Author: March, Karen S; Ambrose, Janice M Idea: This article highlights the process employed to support and facilitate student preparation for NCLEX-RN success strategies to augment student self-confidence, enhancement of critical thinking skills, self-assessment of test-taking abilities, and development of a feasible study plan utilizing learned effective study techniques and the acknowledgment of barriers and identification of specific methods to overcome them. Method ASSESSMENT: Early assessment of the situation involved a review of the senior-year curriculum, including preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. For many years, students had been required to take a paper and- pencil end-of-program examination; students reported experiencing unexpected challenges when confronted with the computerized format of the actual examination. PLANNING/ IMPLEMENTATION: Early in 2004, faculty began to investigate options for computerized exit examinations. During the process, consideration of both Maslows Hierarchy of Needs and Hertzbergs Motivational Theory (Benson Dundis, 2003; Jones, 2007) meant that faculty sought an examination that would challenge students intellectually and offer useful feedback, yet could be administered in the nursing computer lab, an environment that provided assurance for students safety and security needs. Helping students manage their levels of anxiety was considered essential to helping them strive toward self-actualization passing the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. COURSE MODIFICATION: The Nursing Leadership course was adapted to meet the changing needs of senior students. The course had always covered a range of topics, Including ethics, legal issues in nursing, conflict resolution, and change. The new goal was to strengthen the existing topics and include leadership and management theories, Evaluation of Outcomes: The proactive approach described in this article has already yielded measurable outcomes in the form of improved first-time pass rates on the licensure examination. 91% of graduates passed the exam on the first attempt between October 2005 and September 2006; 94 % passed between October 2006 and September 2007; 91 % passed between October 2007 and September 2008; and 94.9 % passed between October 2008 and September 2009. (March, Karen S; Ambrose, Janice M(Jul/Aug 2010 230-2) Conclusions In general all the articles describe different strategies and evaluation to improve learning skills and test passing scores. Research supports the incorporation of evidence-based educational strategies to promote success on the NCLEX-RN Nurse educators are presented with the complex challenge of adapting educational strategies to the needs of the health care industry while preparing graduates to be successful on the licensure exam. For nurse educators, this means that among the many challenges they face, they must begin to use evidence-based teaching strategies and incorporate evidence-based practices into classroom and clinical settings. The health care system must graduate nurses capable of safe practice within the scope of appropriate, evidence-based clinical decision making; this should be the number one reason of implementing teaching strategies in nursing programs to prepare their graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN. (Internet) References How Can I Fail the NCLEX-RN ® With a 3.5 GPA?: Approaches to Help This Unexpected High-Risk Group, Rollant, Paulette Desmaske Annual Review of Nursing Education5 (2007): 259-XIV. Learning Nursing Concepts through Television Programs Raines, Deborah A, PhD, RN,ANEF. Journal of Nursing Education49.3 (Mar 2010): 173-4. Rx for NCLEX-RN Success: Reflections on Development of an Effective Preparation Process for Senior Baccalaureate Students(March, Karen S; Ambrose, Janice M(Jul/Aug 2010 230-2) Strategies to promote success on the NCLEX-RN[R]: an evidence-based approach using The ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation Teaching around the cycle: strategies for teaching theory to undergraduate nursing students, Nancy A. Flanagan and Linda McCausland( Nov/Dec 2007):310-4. Teaching Critical Thinking in an introductory leadership course utilizing active learning strategies: A confirmatory Mark E Matkin, Gina S; Fritz, Susan M College Student Journal38.3 (Sep 2004): 482-493 .

Management Accounting :: essays research papers

Management Accounting II FCB Bakery Shop Executive Summary FCB Bakery is a specialty food retailer. FCB uses a system that is similar to RotiBoy Bakery to provide Mexican buns in a fast and time-efficient way. FCB provides its customers the ability to order and buy the bun without waiting in long queue. FCB is offering cheaper offers to the RotiBoy. FCB offers its patrons the finest Mexican buns, specializing in specialty coffees flavors. In addition, FCB will ensure the patrons grab their freshly made buns straight on the spot without delay. Seasonally, TDP will add other flavors such as chocolate, cheese and more flavors. FCB will focus on two markets: The Daily Commuter- someone traveling to/from work, out shopping, delivering goods or services, or just out for a drive. The Captive Consumer- someone who is in a restricted environment that does not allow convenient departure and return while searching for finger food, or where finger food are an integral part of the environment. FCB will penetrate the commuter and captive consumer markets by locating their premises in the most logical and accessible locations. The location are carefully selected in a two-sided traffic and selling the buns in less time than required for a visit to the locally confectionary shop. In addition to providing a quality product and an extensive delicious buns, to ensure customer awareness, as well as good publicity coverage and media support, we will be using word of mouths strategy based upon customer positive feedback. The FCB's financial picture is quite promising. Since FCB is operating a cash business, the initial cost is significantly less than many start-ups these days. The process is labor intensive and FCB recognizes that a higher level of talent is required. The financial investment in its employees will be one of the greatest differentiators between it and FCB's competition. For the purpose of this cash budgeting, the capital expenditures of facilities and equipment are financed. There will be minimum inventory on hand so as to keep the product fresh and to take advantage of price drops, when and if they should occur. The danger in having direct competitors would rise up and establish a foothold on a community before--or in the midst of--the arrival of FCB, causing a potential for a drain on revenues and a dramatic increase in advertising expenditures to maintain market share. Knowing these risks--and planning for them--gives FCB the edge needed to make this scenario work. The projected profits estimates a profit of $166,004 for the first year, $157,309 for second year and earnings of $147,754 on the third year. Management Accounting :: essays research papers Management Accounting II FCB Bakery Shop Executive Summary FCB Bakery is a specialty food retailer. FCB uses a system that is similar to RotiBoy Bakery to provide Mexican buns in a fast and time-efficient way. FCB provides its customers the ability to order and buy the bun without waiting in long queue. FCB is offering cheaper offers to the RotiBoy. FCB offers its patrons the finest Mexican buns, specializing in specialty coffees flavors. In addition, FCB will ensure the patrons grab their freshly made buns straight on the spot without delay. Seasonally, TDP will add other flavors such as chocolate, cheese and more flavors. FCB will focus on two markets: The Daily Commuter- someone traveling to/from work, out shopping, delivering goods or services, or just out for a drive. The Captive Consumer- someone who is in a restricted environment that does not allow convenient departure and return while searching for finger food, or where finger food are an integral part of the environment. FCB will penetrate the commuter and captive consumer markets by locating their premises in the most logical and accessible locations. The location are carefully selected in a two-sided traffic and selling the buns in less time than required for a visit to the locally confectionary shop. In addition to providing a quality product and an extensive delicious buns, to ensure customer awareness, as well as good publicity coverage and media support, we will be using word of mouths strategy based upon customer positive feedback. The FCB's financial picture is quite promising. Since FCB is operating a cash business, the initial cost is significantly less than many start-ups these days. The process is labor intensive and FCB recognizes that a higher level of talent is required. The financial investment in its employees will be one of the greatest differentiators between it and FCB's competition. For the purpose of this cash budgeting, the capital expenditures of facilities and equipment are financed. There will be minimum inventory on hand so as to keep the product fresh and to take advantage of price drops, when and if they should occur. The danger in having direct competitors would rise up and establish a foothold on a community before--or in the midst of--the arrival of FCB, causing a potential for a drain on revenues and a dramatic increase in advertising expenditures to maintain market share. Knowing these risks--and planning for them--gives FCB the edge needed to make this scenario work. The projected profits estimates a profit of $166,004 for the first year, $157,309 for second year and earnings of $147,754 on the third year.

Pros and Cons of the Scholastic Aptitude Test

Why I chose this topic: Should the SAT be used for college admissions? The SAT has been a huge controversy for a long time, however, it wasn’t until several months after getting into college that I began to really question why it’s used for admission. The only answers I really got from the college board was that it is â€Å"designed to assess your academic readiness for college and provides a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. It also keeps pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century. I still was not convinced because not all those answers seemed right to me. What is the SAT: So what is the SAT? The Scholastic Aptitude Test is a standardized test used by college admissions. It is a timed test featuring a Critical Reading, mathematics, and writing section. Pros vs Cons of the SAT: Proponents of the SAT claim that it is a great indicator to colle ges as to how students will do in college since it assesses the critical thinking skills needed. Opponents of the SAT claim that it is a poor indicator of the intelligence of the student. Why it should not be used: Why should the SAT not be used?Before even getting to the components of the test, first lets take into account the fact that a lot of people out there do not have enough money for tutors or books who really need them for preparation. A lot of other people hire tutors or get a lot of books to prepare them well and therefore the preparation itself just went through an unfair process. Secondly, the test is timed and we all work at different paces. There are those of us who can read really fast and get all the information down fast but there are those of us who cant read as fast but can still get down all the information very well.There are those of us who can quickly think about how to format an essay but there are those of us who need more time are can still write a great e ssay. Therefore, the fact that it is timed definitely factors in to not being able to truly indicate how smart the student really is. The SAT is also very culturally biased in the way that there are many people out there who come to the United States late in their school career and barely know any English and are all of a sudden expected to have a great English vocabulary and great English reading skills just to have a chance to go to college.Once again, another reason the SAT does not truly determine the intelligence of the student. Conclusion: The SAT shows how the student did on ONE test as opposed to grades, which show the student did overtime. There are many people out there who are not very good test takers and there were probably many who just did not feel themselves the day of their SAT and ended up doing worse than they were capable of. The SAT is a very biased test in a lot of aspects and should absolutely be abolished because it poorly indicates how smart the student real ly is and, in several cases, how the student can perform in college.

Evolution of Management Essay

EARLY MANAGEMENT Organizations and managers have existed for thousands of years. The Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China were projects of tremendous scope and magnitude, and required good management. Regardless of the titles given to managers throughout history, someone has always had to plan what needs to be accomplished, organize people and materials, lead and direct workers, and impose controls to ensure that goals were attained as planned. Another example of early management can be found in the city of Venice, which was a major economic and trade center in 1400s. the venetians developed an early form of business enterprise and engaged in many activities common to today’s organizations. The venetians used warehouse and inventory systems to keep track of materials, human resource management functions to manage the labor force and an accounting system to keep track of revenues and costs. Two historical events significant to the study of management are work of Adam Smith, in his book,’ The Wealth of Nations’, in which he argued brilliantly for the economic advantages of division of labor (the breakdown of jobs into narrow, repetitive tasks). The Industrial Revolution is second important pre-twentieth-century influence on management. The introduction of machine powers combined with the division of labor made large, efficient factories possible. Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling became necessary activities. There are six major approaches to management. They are explained as follows; 1) SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT Scientific management is defined as the use of the scientific method to determine the â€Å"one best way† for a job to be done. The most important contributor in this field was Frederick W. Taylor who is known as the â€Å"father† of scientific management. Using his principles of scientific management; (1) scientifically study each part of a task and develop the best method of performing the task, (2) scientifically select and then  train, teach and develop the worker, (3) cooperate fully with workers to ensure that they use the proper method, (4) divide work and responsibility almost equally between management and workers. Management takes over all work for which it is better fitted than the workers. Taylor was able to define the â€Å"one best way† for doing each job. Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were inspired by Taylor’s work and proceeded to study and develop their own methods of scientific management. They devised a classification scheme to label 17 basic hand motions called therbligs in order to eliminate wasteful motions Guidelines devised by Taylor and others to improve production efficiency are still used in today’s organizations. However, current management practice is not restricted to scientific management practices alone. Elements of scientific management still used include: 1. Using time and motion studies 2. Hiring best qualified workers 3. Designing incentive systems based on output 2) GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE THEORISTS This group of writers, who focused on the entire organization, developed more general theories of what managers do and what constitutes good management practice. Henri Fayol and Max Weber were the two most prominent proponents of the general administrative approach. Fayol focused on activities common to all managers. He described the practice of management as distinct from other typical business functions. He stated 14 principles of management which are as follows: 1. Division of Work. Specialization increases output by making employees more efficient. 2. Authority. Managers must be able to give orders, and authority give them this right. 3. Discipline. Employees must obey and respect the  rules that govern the organization. 4. Unity of Command. Every employee should receive orders from only one superior. 5. Unity of Direction. The organization should have a single plan of action to guide managers and workers. 6. Subordination of individual interest to group interest. The interest of any one employee or group of employees should not take precedence over the interests of the organization as a whole. 7. Remuneration. Workers must be paid a fair wage for their services. 8. Centralization. This term refers to the degree to which subordinates are involved in decision making. 9. Scalar Chain. The line of authority from top management to the lowest ranks is the scalar chain. 10. Order. People and materials should be in the right place at the right time. 11. Equity. Managers should be kind and fair to their subordinates. 12. Stability of tenure of personnel. Management should provide orderly personnel planning and ensure that replacements are available to fill vacancies. 13. Initiative. Employees who are allowed to originate and carry out plans will exert high levels of effort. 14. Espirit de corps. Promoting team spirit will build harmony and unity within the organization. Max Weber was a German sociologist who developed a theory of authority structures and described organizational activity based on authority relations. He described the ideal form of organization as a bureaucracy marked by division of labor, a clearly defined hierarchy, detailed rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships. Some current management concepts and theories can be traced to the work of the general administrative theorists. The functional view of a manager’s job relates to Henri Fayol’s concept of management. Weber’s bureaucratic characteristics are evident in many of today’s large organizations—even in highly flexible organizations that employ talented professionals. Some bureaucratic mechanisms are necessary in highly innovative organizations to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy 3) QUANTITATIVE APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT The quantitative approach to management, sometimes known as operations research or management science, uses quantitative techniques to improve decision making. This approach includes applications of statistics, optimization models, information models, and computer simulations. The quantitative approach originated during World War II as mathematical and statistical solutions to military problems were developed for wartime use. The relevance of quantitative approach today is that it has contributed most directly to managerial decision making, particularly in planning and controlling. The availability of sophisticated computer software programs has made the use of quantitative techniques more feasible for managers. 4) ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR The field of study concerned with the actions (behaviors) of people at work is organizational behavior. Organizational behavior (OB) research has contributed much of what we know about human resources management and contemporary views of motivation, leadership, trust, teamwork, and conflict management. The early advocates of OB approach were Robert Owen, Hugo Munsterberg, Mary Parker Follett, and Chester Barnard. Their ideas served as the foundation for employee selection procedures, motivation programs, work teams, and organization-environment management techniques. The Hawthorne Studies were the most important contribution to the development of organizational behavior. This series of experiments conducted from 1924 to the early 1930s at Western Electric Company’s Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois, were initially devised as a scientific management experiment to assess the impact of changes in various physical environment variables on employee productivity. After Harvard professor Elton Mayo and his associates joined the study as  consultants, other experiments were included to look at redesigning jobs, make changes in workday and workweek length, introduce rest periods, and introduce individual versus group wage plans. The researchers concluded that social norms or group standards were key determinants of individual work behavior. Although not without criticism (concerning procedures, analyses of findings, and the conclusions), the Hawthorne Studies stimulated interest in human behavior in organizational settings. In the present day context behavioral approach assists managers in designing jobs that motivate workers, in working with employee teams, and in facilitating the flow of communication within organizations. The behavioral approach provides the foundation for current theories of motivation, leadership, and group behavior and development. 5) THE SYSTEMS APPROACH During the 1960s researchers began to analyze organizations from a systems perspective based on the physical sciences. A system is a set of interrelated and interdependent parts arranged in a manner that produces a unified whole. The two basic types of systems are open and closed. A closed system is not influenced by and does not interact with its environment. An open system interacts with its environment. The Organization as an Open System Using the systems approach, managers envision an organization as a body with many interdependent parts, each of which is important to the well-being of the organization as a whole. Managers coordinate the work activities of the various parts of the organization, realizing that decisions and actions taken in one organizational area will affect other areas. The systems approach recognizes that organizations are not self-contained;  they rely on and are affected by factors in their external environment. 6) THE CONTINGENCY APPROACH The contingency approach recognizes that different organizations require different ways of managing. The contingency approach to management is a view that the organization recognizes and responds to situational variables as they arise. Popular Contingency Variables Organization size As size increases, so do the problems of coordination. Routineness of task technology Routine technologies require organizational structure, leadership styles, and control systems that differ from those required by customized or non-routine technologies. Environmental uncertainty What works best in a stable and predictable environment may be totally inappropriate in a rapidly changing and unpredictable environment. Individual differences Individuals differ in terms of their desire for growth, autonomy, tolerance or ambiguity, and expectations. CURRENT TRENDS AND ISSUES The following are the current concepts and practices are changing the way managers do their jobs today. Globalization: Organizational operations are no longer limited by national borders. Managers throughout the world must deal with new opportunities and challenges inherent in the globalization of business. Ethics: Cases of corporate lying, misrepresentations, and financial manipulations have been widespread in recent years. Managers of firms such as Enron, ImClone, Global Crossing, and Tyco International have placed their own self-interest ahead of other stakeholders’ welfare. While most managers continue to behave in a highly ethical manner, abuses suggest a need to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"upgrade† ethical standards. Ethics education is increasingly emphasized in college curricula today. Organizations are taking a more active role in creating and using codes of ethics, ethics training programs, and ethical hiring procedures. Workforce diversity: It refers to a workforce that is heterogeneous in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and other characteristics that reflect differences. Accommodating diverse groups of people by addressing different lifestyles, family needs, and work styles is a major challenge for today’s managers. Entrepreneurship: It is the process whereby an individual or group of individuals use organized efforts to pursue opportunities to create value and grow by fulfilling wants and needs through innovation and uniqueness, no matter what resources the entrepreneur currently has. Three important themes stand out in this definition: a. The pursuit of opportunities b. Innovation c. Growth Entrepreneurship will continue to be important to societies around the world. Managing in an E-Business World: E-business (electronic business) is a comprehensive term describing the way an organization does its work by using electronic (Internet-based) linkages with its key constituencies in order to efficiently and effectively achieve its goals. Knowledge Management and Learning Organizations: Change is occurring at an unprecedented rate. To be successful, today’s organization must become a learning organization—one that has developed the capacity to continuously learn, adapts, and change. Knowledge management involves cultivating a learning culture where organizational members systematically gather knowledge and share it with others in the organization so as to achieve better performance. Quality Management: Quality management is a philosophy of management that is driven by continual improvement and response to customer needs and expectations. The objective of quality management is to create an organization committed to continuous improvement in work.

Anthrax essays

Anthrax essays As our country stands in the aftermath of the September 11 terriostist attacks the fear of biological warfare worsens as each day passes. During these trying times the word "Anthrax" strikes fear to the heart of many people. All americans need to learn some knowdglegde of Anthrax, what it is, uses of it, how it spreads, and what are the symptoms, and treatment for them. Most americans have heard very little about Anthrax before the events of Sept 11. Virulence of Cacillus Anthracis, Anthrax, is dependent on a 3-component exotoxin and an antiphagocytic poly-d-glutamic acid capsule.() It is formed in plant eating animals such as pigs, cows, and sheep. It occurs naturally in nature, and is caused by the bacteria Bacillus Anthracis. Anthrax is a very old i''ness. It is greatly common were livestock is raised. The occurence has been decreased in both animals and humans since the implement of immense immunization.() Although Anthrax is mostly found in plant eating animals and occurs naturally it can be use many ways for different reasons. On April 2, 1979 in the small Soviet city of Sverdlousk there was an unusal outbreak of Anthras whick affected 94 people and killed at least 64. Livestock in the area also died. The goverment claimed the deaths on intestial Anthrax from tainted meat. It was not until years later that american scientist found that the outbreak was caused by an accidental release of Anthrax spores from an aerosol of Anthras pathogen at a Societ biological weapons base in the city. All the victims and livestock were infected in a straight line downwind from the base when the release happened. If the wind had blown towards Sverdlousk that day the death rate could had have been hundreds or thousands() As shown in the deadly outbreak of 1979 Anthrax can be a very effective Biological warfare agent. Anthra ...

Free Essays on Black Rice

â€Å" Grains of Knowledge † Judith Carney, a historical geographer at UCLA, builds on and extends the work of Peter Wood (Black Majority: Negroes in Colonial South Carolina from 1670 through the Stono Rebellion, New York, Knopf, 1974) and Daniel Littlefield (Rice and Slaves: Ethnicity and the Slave Trade in Colonial South Carolina, Baton Rouge, LSU Press, 1981)and other folklorist and anthropologist to demonstrate that the rice industry of the colonial low country was built by slaves using technologies developed in West Africa. Carney is persuasive, and her book should put to rest forever the notion that the only thing Africans contributed to the early American economy was unskilled labor. The big question is why would a slave want to help his master. Slaves were treated bad and received just what was needed to survive. Carney states that slaves used it as a bargaining chip, by trading knowledge for less work. While others received more time to do things for the family. The Africans still ended up with the worst end of the deal because they still ended up doing the work anyway. Economic historians who turn to Carney for a comprehensive account of the origins of the South Carolina rice industry will be disappointed, for in her enthusiasm to demonstrate her main point, that without the knowledge provided by their slaves, the planters and merchants of South Carolina would have been unable to supply European consumers with so much rice. She focuses almost exclusively on issues of supply and ignores the demand side of the industry. Thus, we are told nothing about the prices rice commanded, or about the marketing process. She is particularly concerned to demonstrate the contribution of slave women to the colonial rice industry. So concerned that she asserts that planter demand for slave women led to shipments in which women outnumbered men. Although the bulk of the evidence indi... Free Essays on Black Rice Free Essays on Black Rice â€Å" Grains of Knowledge † Judith Carney, a historical geographer at UCLA, builds on and extends the work of Peter Wood (Black Majority: Negroes in Colonial South Carolina from 1670 through the Stono Rebellion, New York, Knopf, 1974) and Daniel Littlefield (Rice and Slaves: Ethnicity and the Slave Trade in Colonial South Carolina, Baton Rouge, LSU Press, 1981)and other folklorist and anthropologist to demonstrate that the rice industry of the colonial low country was built by slaves using technologies developed in West Africa. Carney is persuasive, and her book should put to rest forever the notion that the only thing Africans contributed to the early American economy was unskilled labor. The big question is why would a slave want to help his master. Slaves were treated bad and received just what was needed to survive. Carney states that slaves used it as a bargaining chip, by trading knowledge for less work. While others received more time to do things for the family. The Africans still ended up with the worst end of the deal because they still ended up doing the work anyway. Economic historians who turn to Carney for a comprehensive account of the origins of the South Carolina rice industry will be disappointed, for in her enthusiasm to demonstrate her main point, that without the knowledge provided by their slaves, the planters and merchants of South Carolina would have been unable to supply European consumers with so much rice. She focuses almost exclusively on issues of supply and ignores the demand side of the industry. Thus, we are told nothing about the prices rice commanded, or about the marketing process. She is particularly concerned to demonstrate the contribution of slave women to the colonial rice industry. So concerned that she asserts that planter demand for slave women led to shipments in which women outnumbered men. Although the bulk of the evidence indi...