Ethical Leadership and Moral Development - MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Ethical Leadership and Moral Development. Answer: Introduction In the world today, businesses form part of entrepreneurial activities. These activities involve the relationship between leadership and people. The question is who is a good leader and what good leadership means? This template will try to answer the questions. Diagnostic Tools in Moral Development For me to do and make right decisions, the following tools will help me diagnose myself and build on moral development: MCI score Value score Self-assessment questionnaire decision-making score reflection observation This technique involves measuring and alignment of the total score. A high score means consistency with goals and moral values. A low score shows how inconsistent you are with your behavior, actions, and goals. This technique helped us to arrange our ethic values in order of importance (Shull, 1958). From the course on management, I learned that leadership is the act of being effective, technically good and morally upright. To achieve this, I discovered that ethics form the basis of effective leadership. This has helped me to be an ethical leader in making rightful decisions. In this essay, as a leader, I have learned requirements of the ethical leader as one who admits failures and mistakes, responsible for personnel decisions, act in consistency with values, principles and beliefs, honesty and role model. Having Personal ethics translates to successful leadership that leads to a more ethical business and more social responsibility (Bennis, Jagdish, Lessem, 2000). Pace Self-Reflection (SLPS) Tool This tool measures skills, personal strengths, and professional development. Before serving a customer, we need to reflect rate skills as strengths and develop a need for action. The outcome aims at building morale and leadership development (Conger Riggio, 2007). To have a good ethics, values consistently develop from each another and are arranged based on reliance and complexity management. To understand more, the lecturer compared ethics with climbing a four-story house where one begins from the ground floor to the fourth floor. The most important value begins on the first floor and good values end on the last floor. After knowing this it will help me on developing each value in order to be a good ethical leader (Ciulla, 2004). This technique shows our preferences this shows the importance of one value in relation to another. The results show a comparative score between persons. They include: Theoretical value score aims at discovering the truth. It involves facts and discovery of why and how something is important. This will help know why we should put moral development is more important than the rest of the values Social value measures the relationships we have with This promotes culture sharing for the benefit of the organization (Price, 2008). Spiritual value measures religious beliefs in relation to self-awareness. This will help us do things according to norms of the society. Values and beliefs guide ones life and impacts on ones goals and conduct to develop ethically. On the other hand, admitting failures and mistakes, taking responsibility for personal decisions, honesty and role model are the outcomes one wants to achieve. I learned that one must develop a list value in relation to importance depending on the uniqueness of each person (Sergiovanni, 2007). This will help me analyze important needs in my organization develop them in order of importance to achieve my goal and organizations success. Principles guide values and allow them to act. Once you assign a principle to a value then you develop into the next level of development e.g. if your value is honesty, the principle is that you must tell the truth alway (Hamilton, Madison, Jay, 2008)s. Transparency Self-awareness Balanced processing Moral perceptive By analyzing scores self-awareness and Transparency are strong leadership with a score of 20 compared to Balanced processing which scored 18 then lastly a weak leadership of Moral perceptive with 15. From my understanding, the next step in ethics is moral development, which involves choosing among right and wrong. Moral development is due to growth life and experiences we get (Knapp Carter, 2007). They develop through socialization to make decisions in relation to knowledge of what is wrong and right e.g. being a good role model. Morals must be incorporated by comparing with values, principles, and beliefs. This helped me to establish the required traits that will assist me to achieve my goals as well as the business e.g. developing virtues that will help me to know the right thing and doing the right thing. Virtues require a commitment to ethical conduct (Guy, 2002). I learned that Ethics is a process that incorporates values, principles and beliefs, virtues and morals. This will h elp me to understand that being a good leader I need to complete the ethical process. I can do this by developing an ethical theory to enable analyze a problem and understand morals, virtues, values, and principles that guide their beliefs and actions. I need to revisit the process of moral development in order to understand and relate each value to a successful ethical leader. These virtues include integrity, gratitude, courage, passion, and intelligence and are affected by pride, self-interest, and vanity (Lozano, 2007). Reflection and Evaluation Decision-making involves description, reflection, and prescription. Decision -making a template is important to leaders because of the complexity and challenges faced. A leader should collect information on the problem this forms a basis for accurate analysis. Secondly, define the problem. Thirdly, way the alternative solutions and lastly, find an appropriate decision for action. One needs to analyze the consequences before making a decision (Holland Skinner, 2002). A good outcome involves evaluation and reflection of certain decisions. Doing the right thing is not complete minus reflection. One has to know and understand the reason for making the right decision before and if he needs to make the right decision in future. It is clear that without reflection, ethics becomes a habit and with reflection, ethics forms the basis for the choice of a decision. When I develop strong self-ethics, am likely to make better ethical decisions by respecting norms of the society. Present ethical standards are due to past events. The challenge is that we have no time for reflection and this impact the speed with which we make decisions (Holland Skinner, 2002). From Skinner theory, I learned that a person could accept or reject ethics through observation and imitation. This is because people develop and learn through observation and imitation. We learn the culture, fashion, and language and thereafter we automatically act these behaviors (Knapp Carter, 2007). The way we bring up children influences how they will act in future as future leaders. This shows how observation is a key technique. What we see today we will act in future. The challenge is our leaders act unethically because they act differently from what they say. Therefore, for us to be ethical leaders and improve the society we must act ethically (Hamilton, Madison, Jay, 2008). Conclusion To conclude, we need to understand the importance of ethics, moral development, motivation and role modeling for decision-making makes as a good leadership. Leadership is the act of being effective, technically good and morally upright. A good decision-making involves description, reflection and prescription due to complexity and challenges faced. A leader should collect information on the problem to form a basis for accurate analysis. Therefore we need to reflect rate skills as strengths and develop a need for action Secondly, define the problem. Moral development is due to growth life and experiences we get. They develop through socialization to make decisions in relation to knowledge of what is wrong and right. Thirdly, way the alternative solutions and lastly, find an appropriate decision for action. One needs to analyze the consequences before making a decision. I suggest that as leaders we should embrace ethical values for moral development as well as organization success. References Bennis, W., Jagdish, P., Lessem, R. (2000). Beyond Leadership: Balancing Economics, Ethics, and Ecology. Cambridge: Massachusetts. Ciulla, J. (2004). Ethics, the Heart of Leadership . Westport: Connecticut: Praeger. Conger, J., Riggio, R. (2007). The Practice of Leadership: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass Inc. Guy, M. (2002). Ethical Decision Making in Everyday Work Situations. New York: Quorum. Hamilton, A., Madison, J., Jay, J. (2008). The Federalist Papers. Redford Virginia:: Wilder Publications. Holland, J., Skinner, B. (2002). The Analysis of Behavior: a Program for Self-Instruction. New York: McGraw-Hill. Knapp, J., Carter, J. (2007). For the Common Good: The Ethics of Leadership in the 21st Century. Westport: Connecticut: Praeger. Lozano, J. (2007). Ethics and Organizations: Understanding Business Ethics as a Learning Process. The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic. Price, T. (2008). Leadership Ethics: an Introduction. Cambridge: Massachusetts:Cambridge UP. Sergiovanni, T. (2007). Rethinking Leadership: a Collection of Articles. Thousand Oaks, California:: Corwin. Shull, F. (1958). Selected Readings in Management. Homewood: Illinois: R.D. Irwin.

IT Innovation and Its Impact on Business

Introduction With the coming of technology, people have discovered that IT applications can be customized to meet their needs. This has led to a high level of innovation that was not there before. With such innovations and making everything accessible through a click of a button, Google Apps is one such application that has made it easier to access any information on handheld computer notebooks.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on IT Innovation and Its Impact on Business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This report will elaborate on how IT has been essential for business management and the impact it has brought to the society. The approach will be majorly an evaluation of the history of Google Apps and how since innovation it has proved to be essential in the business environment. IT innovation is one of the key features that have seen business become more workable around the globe. With developing different IT prod ucts, it does not only portraying product innovation but also business innovation. Google Apps is one such innovation where business people are able to get business emails, calendars and documents without necessarily sitting in an office. With Google Apps Innovation, communication among team members has been enhanced hence making business environment more interactive than it was before. A higher level of efficiency has been enhanced since the response to queries in the business environment is quick. With Google Apps data management, expensive and time consuming data storage devices have been avoided since all information is online and accessed as wished by the user (Grove Group, 2011). Historical review of the topic Before IT innovation, business communication and collaboration was very manual. In search for a better environment, business owners and employees demanded for a better and faster way to communicate with customers and business partners (Laudon Laudon, 2011). This is beca use they needed an end to walking with address books and day planners written in notebooks. The needed, a break from untraceable business emails that after some time got lost since there was no safe custody of historical email data (Grove Group, 2011). Google Apps came in to answer the queries that business people had. With Google Apps, companies got a web application that could be customizable to their needs. Through Gmail, Google groups, Calendars, Talk, Docs, Marketplace and Sites, business has become more interactive. Communication to customers and business partners has become faster and better since it can be done across a group within a short time.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cases or stories related to the topic With innovation in IT, the business environment is challenged to focus on the services needed by their customers, suppliers, employees and business partners (Laudon Laud on, 2011). A good example of an innovation similar to Google Apps is in Apple Company. The company has been innovative in introducing successful new products like iPod, iTunes and iPhones to the world of IT (Lindgardt, Reeves, Stalk Deimler, 2009). All of those products did not only declare the company a success, but they also enhanced availability of notebooks that could be hand held as compared to the traditional address books and day planners. Music downloads, and information access has been made easier hence enhancing efficiency and convenience to the users. With this kind of innovation and convenient access of information, business has grown to a level higher than where it was before such ideas came to reality. Notebooks are another innovative communication gadget built for wireless communication and internet access (Laudon Laudon, 2011). Due to their small size, their portability is high making it easier to serve their purpose. They have been designed to have a higher connec tivity to the internet. Their highest computing power coupled with their cheap prices has made internet marketing easier hence impacting the business environment positively. Different arguments of the topic, e.g. ethical impact on society According to Cave, Oranje, Schindler, Shehabi, Robinson (2009), social and ethical changes are highly affected by IT connectivity. With increased IT innovation, the society has been greatly affected both positively and negatively. Some of the negative impacts that IT innovation has had on the society include: Decrease in privacy and internet confidentiality which is favored by the fact that information kept in history files. These files can be accessed by making a collection of databases that may reveal information about somebody’s browser, and the person involved. With such exposure, information ceased to be private. Insecurity and computer crimes have increases as many people get to learn how to use the applications. It has become relati vely easy for people to hack into other people’s accounts, access their information and use it to commit crimes. This is the key reason behind many bank robberies that are common nowadays. Addiction to the internet, lack of proper accountability for actions performed over the internet and freedom of action are among the many concerns that have come up with IT innovations (Cave, Oranje, Schindler, Shehabi, Robinson, 2009). So many illegal businesses are opened since one can work from anywhere and be able to access all they need through Google Apps business. This reduced accountability level which is a key ethical factor. The positive impact that IT innovation has had on the society include: Google Apps as a communication tool has managed to reduce the global society into a small village. Through Google Apps, the society has managed to develop from the traditional organizational boundaries to an extended society where customers and service providers are just a click away (La udon Laudon, 2011). This has made business environment more open since everything is communicated via the internet that has been made available to all. Through IT innovation, business society has become more competitive than it was before. Customers are able to access a wide range of information on a given service hence providing them with a choice of where to buy from. It has also opened to customers’ comments on a company’s products hence helping the company to provide specialized products as per the customer recommendations (Perner, 2008). This has helped to maintain customers who otherwise could go for better services elsewhere. Enduring relationships in the business world that were otherwise hard to maintain has been enhanced by IT. Across the board, constant and frequent communications have made it possible for customers and service providers to keep track of what the other side could be developing. This has enhanced delivery of services that are customer focuse d (Perner, 2008). Explain how this topic is related to the concepts learned from the textbook There is a very close relationship between this topic and concepts learned from the textbook. One of the points of relationship is the discussion on the ethical and social impact of information systems. In both cases, there has been a clear expression on the positive, and the negative effects that IT has had on the society. One of the greatest concerns comes in security, privacy and confidentiality of the system. Through IT, privacy has been highly affected since information can be accessed by anybody if the management system is not well maintained. This has increased cases of hacking into private data leading to high levels of crime.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on IT Innovation and Its Impact on Business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In both cases, IT innovation has brought a positive impact in business environme nt. There is a common observation that with IT innovation, business has become more interactive and open to all. Communication to customers, service providers and stakeholders around the globe has been enhanced. Conclusion IT innovation has had a remarkable impact in business around the globe due to customized communication that came in order to replace traditional notebooks with handheld computer note books. As discussed earlier, it is through different innovative ideas that business world has grown to where it is today. With Google Apps, communication among group members has grown to a level that has enhanced management. Everybody in the chain of business has been brought to one society where communication and access of information is established. Having mentioned the positive side of IT innovation, it has also come in with great exposure to lack of privacy and confidentiality. Such exposures have risked business and enhanced internet crimes like Bank robbery and hacking accounts to use in crimes. New technologies in the IT sector have revolutionized the society; it has become easy to handle so many tasks at once and effectively. References Cave, J., Oranje, C. V., Schindler, R., Brutscher, PH-B., Robinson, N. (2009). Trends in Connectivity technologies and their social-economic impacts. Final Report of the study: Policy Options for the Ubiquitous Internet Society, TR-776-EC. Web. Grove Group. (2011). Historic Message Journaling. Google Apps Marketplace. Web. Laudon, J Laudon, K. (2010). Management Information Systems, 11E. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Lindgardt, Z., Reeves, M., Stalk, G., Deimler, M. S. (2009). Business Model Innovation. The Boston Consulting Group. Web. Perner, L. (2008). Introduction to Marketing. USC Marshall. Web. This report on IT Innovation and Its Impact on Business was written and submitted by user Stature to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

J. K. Rowling - Biography of Harry Potter Author

J. K. Rowling - Biography of 'Harry Potter' Author Who Is J.K. Rowling? J. K. Rowling is the author of the hugely popular Harry Potter books. Dates: July 31, 1965 Also Known As Joanne Rowling, Jo Rowling J. K. Rowling's Childhood J.K. Rowling was born at Yate General Hospital as Joanne Rowling (with no middle name) on July 31, 1965, in Gloucestershire, England. (Although Chipping Sodbury is often mentioned as her birthplace, her birth certificate says Yate.) Rowlings parents, Peter James Rowling and Anne Volant, met on a train on their way to join the British navy (the navy for Peter and the Womens Royal Naval Service for Anne). They married a year later, at age 19. At age 20, the young couple became new parents when Joanne Rowling arrived, followed by Joannes sister, Diane Di, 23 months later. When Rowling was young, the family moved twice. At age four, Rowling and her family moved to Winterbourne. It was here that she met a brother and sister who lived in her neighborhood with the last name Potter. At age nine, Rowling moved to Tutshill. The timing of the second move was clouded by the death of Rowlings favorite grandmother, Kathleen. Later, when Rowling was asked to use initials as a pseudonym for the Harry Potter books to attract more boy readers, Rowling chose K for Kathleen as her second initial to honor her grandmother. At age eleven, Rowling began attending the Wyedean School, where she worked hard for her grades and was terrible at sports. Rowling says that the character Hermione Granger is loosely based on Rowling herself at this age. At age 15, Rowling was devastated when given the news that her mother had become seriously ill with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Instead of ever entering remission, Rowlings mother grew increasingly sick. Rowling Goes to College Pressured by her parents to become a secretary, Rowling attended the University of Exeter beginning at age 18 (1983) and studied French. As part of her French program, she lived in Paris for a year. After college, Rowling stayed in London and worked at several jobs, including at Amnesty International. The Idea for Harry Potter While on a train to London in 1990, having just spent the weekend apartment-hunting in Manchester, Rowling came up with the concept for Harry Potter. The idea, she says, simply fell into my head. Pen-less at the time, Rowling spent the remainder of her train-ride dreaming about the story and began to write it down as soon as she arrived home. Rowling continued to write snippets about Harry and Hogwarts but wasnt done with the book when her mother died on December 30, 1990. Her mothers death hit Rowling hard. In an attempt to escape the sorrow, Rowling accepted a job teaching English in Portugal. Her mothers death translated into more realistic and complex feelings for Harry Potter about his parents deaths. Rowling Becomes a Wife and Mother In Portugal, Rowling met Jorge Arantes and the two married on October 16, 1992. Although the marriage proved a bad one, the couple had one child together, Jessica (born July 1993). After getting divorced on November 30, 1993, Rowling and her daughter moved to Edinburgh to be near Rowlings sister, Di, at the end of 1994. The First Harry Potter Book Before starting another full-time job, Rowling was determined to finish her Harry Potter manuscript. Once she had completed it, she typed it up and sent it to several literary agents. After acquiring an agent, the agent shopped around for a publisher. After a year of searching and a number of publishers turning it down, the agent finally found a publisher willing to print the book. Bloomsbury made an offer for the book in August 1996. Rowlings first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone was the U.S. title) became hugely popular, attracting an audience of young boys and girls as well as adults. With the public demanding more, Rowling quickly got to work on the following six books, with the last one published in July 2007. Hugely Popular In 1998, Warner Bros. bought the film rights and since then, extremely popular movies have been made of the books. From the books, the films, and the merchandise bearing Harry Potter images, Rowling has become one of the richest people in the world. Rowling Marries Again Between all of this writing and publicity, Rowling remarried on December 26, 2001, to Dr. Neil Murray. In addition to her daughter Jessica from her first marriage, Rowling has two additional children: David Gordon (born March 2003) and Mackenzie Jean (born January 2005). The Harry Potter Books Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (June 26, 1997, in U.K.) (called Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in the U.S., September 1998)Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (July 2, 1998, in U.K.) (June 2, 1999, in the U.S.)Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (July 8, 2000, in both U.K. and U.S.)Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (June 21, 2003, in both U.K. and U.S.)Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (July 16, 2005, in both U.K. and U.S.)Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (July 21, 2007, in both U.K. and U.S.)

Operations Decisions for Krafts Foods Inc. and Manute Foods Company

Operations Decisions for Krafts Foods Inc. and Manute Foods Company Companies’ Background The two companies referred to in this study operate in the foods and beverages industry. In addition, the companies concentrate in the production of low calorie microwavable foods.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Operations Decisions for Krafts Foods Inc. and Manute Foods Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Krafts Foods Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of beverages and packaged foods (MarketResearch.com, 2011). It has its headquarters in Northfield, Illinois, but also operates in the other continents. Low calorie microwavable products from the company fall under the convenient meals sector. For instance, cheese and Kraft Macaroni come in ready-to-heat pouches. Manute Foods Company is also a multinational foods company. It specializes in the manufacture and distribution of low calorie microwavable foods. Its operations are not as widespread as those of Krafts Foods I nc. However, its presence in the industry is significant. The organization operates from the state of Texas. Low Calories Microwavable Foods Market Structure and Companies Effectiveness Determination Plan Mankiw (2011) regards market structure as the number and types of competing firms operating in a given industry. Consumers across the US and the rest of the world are exhibiting increased preference for healthy and fat-free food products (MarketResearch.com, 2011). According to IMAP (2010), the global demand for convenience foods and increasing health consciousness are expected to facilitate continued growth in the low calorie microwavable foods sector. In addition, majority of the processed foods consumed in the world are packaged. Competition in the low-calories microwavable foods industry is intense. Krafts Foods Inc. competes with other global foods and beverages brands, not only in the low calorie microwavable foods sector. Some of the competitors include Tyson Foods (US), Dan one (France), and JBS (Brazil). Others are Kellog Co. (US), ConAgra Foods (US), and HJ Heinz Co. (US) (IMAP, 2010; Rayburn, 2014; Jambrak, 2012). In spite of the stiff competition, profits in this sector are relatively high. For instance, Krafts Foods Inc. recorded $42.2 billion in revenues in 2008 from its global operations. Operating profits and net income stood at $4.9 billion and $2.9 billion respectively (IMAP, 2010).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Krafts Foods Inc. market analysis above reveals that the low calories microwavable foods industry has a monopolistic competition market structure. The market is highly competitive, characterized by numerous operators (Yorke, 1984). The companies in this industry usually compete through the distribution of slightly differentiated products, albeit in the same line. Manute Foods Company exhibits these characteristics in line with the reality in the industry. The two companies analyzed in this paper are operating at the product-market competition level. Analyzing market effectiveness should indicate the two organization’s firm and industry performance in terms of profits. The market effectiveness plan should be based on the entities’ operational strategies. Business strategies should exhibit the ‘forward-looking’ ability of the venture in relation to the choices and investments made. In addition, they should anticipate the future actions of the firm and those of the competitors. Both Manute Foods Company and Krafts Foods Inc. should invest in markets that are characterized by viability and stability, as far as anticipated outcomes are concerned. Viability means that companies can make profits from the markets they are venturing. On the other hand, stability implies that entry into a new market will not lead to losses in the near future. Two Factors Likely to Cause Chang e in the Low Calories Microwavable Foods Monopolistic Competition Market Structure There are various factors that may affect the operations of the two companies. One of them includes regulations in relation to licensing and product quality. Strict licensing terms with regards to these products might lock out some companies. Such a scenario may limit the freedom of entry into the market and exit from this industry. In addition, the terms may reduce the number of firms operating in the industry (Yorke, 1984). Reduced competition will translate to higher profits and market share for the existing companies (Arslan Klaus, 1994). The structure of the market may also be altered by the increasing health consciousness among consumers in the food industry. What this means is that demand for these foods may rise, leading to a rise in the number of new entrants. As a result of this condition, competition in the industry will increase. In light of this, the two companies may be eliminated from the market, in addition to experiencing an erosion of their market share. Short-Run and Long-Run Production and Cost Functions and their Applications the Operations of Manute Foods Company Production is characterized by a number of processes. It involves a series of activities aimed at increasing the value and altering the utility of raw materials or inputs (Mankiw, 2011). Production function determines the relationship between the inputs and the products per unit of time (Collier, Sherell, Babakus Horky, 2014). The inputs may lead to massive costs for organizations if not well managed.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Operations Decisions for Krafts Foods Inc. and Manute Foods Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The production and cost function for Manute Foods Company can be determined symbolically as follows: Q = f(Xa, Xb, Xc,†¦ Xn). Q represents total quantity of products per specified period. It takes into consideration specific combinations of inputs (Mankiw, 2011). Xn represents the quantity of the different types of inputs. Considering the market conditions, the production levels of Manute Foods Company can be determined or forecast using varying combinations of inputs within specified durations of time. Analysis of costs highlights the relationship between cost and production over a specified period. In essence, the cost function provides different results depending on the firm’s application of varying utilization or inputs percentages (Arslan Klaus, 1994). Businesses experience fluctuations in their long-run production costs. One of the main reasons behind these changes is sustained alterations in production levels over time. Whenever Manute Foods Company incurs losses or makes profits, long-run costs change. In the long term, fixed factors of production are non-existent (Mankiw, 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The short run costs of Manute Foods Company, on the other hand, should accumulate throughout the production process in relation to the production function (Mankiw, 2011). However, it is important to note that fixed costs do not affect short-run costs. The only factors that influence production in the short term include revenues and variable costs, a fact applicable to Manute Foods Company. Short-run and long-run costs and production functions are very essential to managers. As already indicated, the low calorie microwavable foods industry is characterized by monopolistic competition. In the short term, such segments lack efficiency. The inefficiencies result from profit maximization and specified production levels in the industry (Collier et al., 2014). Managers at Manute Foods Company should determine industry market trends in advance. By so doing, they can forecast demand and compute the levels of input necessary to ensure that production meets the demand. The developments highlig hted above have various effects on stakeholders. For example, they may lead to a net loss to both consumer and producer surpluses. The managers of Manute Foods Company can maximize short-term profits from the results of the short-run production and cost functions. When the marginal revenues equal marginal costs from the function, the costs incurred can generate profit for the companies (Mankiw, 2011). Long-term cost and production functions can provide the low calorie microwavable foods managers with information necessary to their operations. For example, they can use the information to plan and implement business strategies. In addition, they can effectively plan for the current and the projected market environments. The information will aid them in making the appropriate production decisions. Efficiency in the long-run costs would also be sustained following the production of the desired quantities of products at the lowest possible costs (Mankiw, 2011). Managers can make other de cisions that affect the status of their organizations from the production and cost functions. For example, they can decide to expand or decrease the size of the companies, change production quantities, and exit or penetrate other markets. Such decisions are based on the results obtained from the production and cost functions. Possible Situations for Discontinuing Operations by the Low Calorie Microwavable Foods Company The two foods company can cease their operations following a legal order faulting their criteria of production. The managers can contest the legal order if they believe their operations do not breach any regulations. Alternatively, the companies can opt to rectify their production systems to adhere to the regulations (Mankiw, 2011). The company can also terminate operations if they do not expect to generate profits or revenues from the industry in the near future. Such a scenario can arise from radical changes in consumption trends, rendering their products obsolete. Pricing Policy for Maximizing Profits in the Low Calorie Microwavable Foods Industry Mankiw (2011) defines psychological pricing as an effective marketing strategy. It involves basing the prices of products on such factors as quality, consumer’s value perceptions, and popular price points (Yorke, 1984). In the low calorie foods market, basing prices on consumer’s health value perception will maximize profits in the long term (Girz, Polivy, Herman Lee, 2012). As already indicated, consumer trends in the foods and beverage industry are changing. To this end, most consumers are adopting more health conscious consumption practices. In light of this, the proposed pricing policy will facilitate the development of positive perceptions among consumers as far as the products of the two companies are concerned. Evaluation of Financial Performance for the Low Calorie Microwavable Products Company A company’s financial performance indicates the financial health of the enti re firm. Evaluations of the performance are carried out from time to time (Mankiw, 2011). Organizations can use their financial performance to compare their position in relation to competitors in the industry. Return on equity would be appropriate in determining the performance of both Krafts Foods Inc. and Manute Foods Company (Girz et al., 2012). The measure would indicate both profits and losses made by the companies, as well as the overall efficiency of the production costs. The return on equity metric has significant impacts on both long-term and short-term managerial decisions. The measure would also incorporate returns for all stakeholders. As a result, the managers have to focus on more than just the profits made by the company. Increasing Profitability and Stakeholders Value in the Low Calorie Microwavable Foods Industry Manute Foods Company and Krafts Inc. should exploit the growing demand for healthy and convenient food products. Conducting research on consumer demands an d developing products to meet identified requirements will enhance return on investments. Effective management of production costs and investment in long-term market targets would improve performance in the monopolistic competitive market (Mankiw, 2011). Positive returns mean increased profits for the companies and value addition to stakeholders. Reference Arslan, G., Klaus, B. (1994). Market structure and profitability in the U.S. food manufacturing industries. Atlantic Economic Journal, 22(1), 103. Collier, J., Sherell, D., Babakus, E., Horky, A. (2014). Understanding the differences of public and private self-service technology. Journal of Services Marketing, 28(1), 2-3. Girz, L., Polivy, J., Herman, P., Lee, H. (2012). The effects of calorie information on food selection and intake. International Journal of Obesity, 36(10), 1340-1345. IMAP. (2010). An IMAP consumer staples report: Food and beverage industry global report2010. Web. Jambrak, A. (2012). Application of high power ultrasound and microwave in food processing: Extraction. Journal of Food Processing Technology, 4(113), 1. Mankiw, G. (2011). Principles of economics (6th ed.). New York: Cengage Learning. MarketResearch.com. (2011). Kraft Foods, Inc.: SWOT analysis. Web. Rayburn, W. (2014). Improving service employee affect: The transformative potential of work design. Journal of Services Marketing, 28(1), 4-5. Yorke, D. (1984). Marketing and non-profit-making organizations. European Journal of Marketing, 18(2), 17-22.

Is it possible for the architect of one culture to design for another Essay

Is it possible for the architect of one culture to design for another - Essay Example There are many architectural features which are inherent to different religions. But do the architect's faith and the style of the building designed always coincide The purpose of the paper is answering the following question: is it possible for the architect of one culture to design for another Are there such examples in the history of architecture 2. Interosculation of cultures, including religious, occurs rather often throughout history. "Initial attempts at training the Ottoman architects in contemporary building techniques and European styles were made in 1801, at the new Imperial College of Military Engineering. The first foreign instructor commissioned to teach young Muslim architects was probably the British architect, W.J. Smith" (1). So, in early 19th century (and even earlier) began the interaction of Ottoman and European architectural traditions that is very important for architectural development in the West (Christian culture) and in the East (Muslim culture basically). "The effects of Westernization upon the Ottoman Architecture commenced with the changes seen in applied decoration... Ottoman architects reinterpreted Western influences on the Ottoman manner" (1). As we see, interosculation of architectural styles leads to changes in architecture which can be very important. "More modern examples can be seen in th e works of Antonio Gaudi, the great Spanish architect who studied Islamic art and architecture and even incorporated its themes into Spanish church buildings, such as the school he built for a convent in Ejica, Spain" (2). So, Antonio Gaudi, transforming the main features of Islamic architecture for the European and Christian one, could use it designing church buildings. "Islamic architecture has influenced European culture even more than it has American culture, as is evident in Venice on Italy's Adriatic coast" (2). Interosculation of cultures gives the beginning of original architectural styles having features of both Christian and Islamic cultures, so it is not surprising that it can be possible for the architect of one culture to design for another. "In the mid-1920s, developer Glen Curtiss bought land north of Miami and built an entire city of Moorish buildings. Under Curtiss' plan, nearly every building in Opa-locka, Fla., had a dome and minaret. It became known as "the Baghd ad of the South" (2). This example also tells about interaction of two religious cultures in architecture. "The history of Islamic architecture will always be intertwined with the US, Europe and other continents Even during the Crusades Europeans who went to the Holy Land were changed by what they saw in Egypt, Syria and other countries" (2). Throughout the history of the Middle Ages Arabian influence on the European architecture was especially high. During the Crusades Europeans firstly touched to Islamic architecture and culture having apprehended its main features and canons. During the Arabian seizure of Spain Islamic architectural elements became widely spread in Europe in spite of differences between

Parable of the Talents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Parable of the Talents - Essay Example 25. so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' 26. But his master answered him: You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed 27. Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received my own with interest. 28. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.' 29. For to everyone who has it will be given and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.' " A similar parable, called "The Parable of the Minas" or "The Parable of the Pounds" is found in the Gospel of Luke (19:12-27). 12. He said therefore: "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. 13. Calling ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds, and said to them: 'Trade with these till I come.' 14. But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying: ' We do not want this man to reign over us.' 15. When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. 16. The first came before him, saying: 'Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.' 17. And he said to him: 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful over very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' 18. And the second came, saying: 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' 19. And he said to him: 'And you are to be over five cities.' 20. Then another came, saying: 'Lord,... Similarities and differences. There are examples of similarities, which are inevitable because of the common subject of the parables, these include, for example, such words as servants, say (said to him), came, man, money. But there are constructions which are too complex to repeat accidentally: from him and give it to him who has the ten, to everyone who has it will be given but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This raises the problem of relations between the two sources. Before turning our attention to this example, it is important to recall that there exists the Synoptic Problem, which is connected with the literary relationships between and among the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke). Numerous hypotheses try to explain similarities and differences, which occur in the Gospels; some scientists explore the idea of the so-called Q-source (a lost source on Jesus' teachings). It can be reconstructed from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, which are based on two earlier sources: the gospel of Mark and Q. Stated differently, Q is by definition the material that Luke and Matthew have in common but is not dependent on Mark. In our case, when only t

Erik Erikson Psychosocial Stages Essay Example for Free

Erik Erikson Psychosocial Stages Essay To summarize this article is basically showing the identity development from a lifespan perspective. This article discusses the different developmental stages from childhood stages until the adulthood stages. In order to better investigate or research these stages they make use of Erik Erikson’s psychological theory to do so. After researchers did the studies they found different patterns of psychosocial balance which were found for each identity style with largely consistent findings. Included in this article are the research findings from empirical studies. It seemed for many individuals identity development is a lifelong process that ranges well past the years of adolescence. Summary of the Theory The person identified with this theory is Erik Erikson. Erikson’s psychosocial theory is composed of eight developmental stages which span throughout the course of life. Each stage presents the individual with a natural task or conflict that they must successfully resolve to proceed with development. He placed a great emphasis on sociocultural factors because he believed these strongly influenced developments. Erikson believed that childhood identification is the foundation for identity formation in adolescence. One of the main elements of Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego identity, (ego identity develop through social interaction). The concept of this theory emphasizes that humans continue to change and develop throughout their lives and that personality is not exclusively formed during the early childhood years. This idea is helpful and optimistic and many believe it is too realistic. According to Erikson our ego identity is constantly changing due to new experiences and our daily interactions with others. This concept was very powerful for self-awareness and improvement, and for teaching and helping others. Erikson’s model of psychosocial development is a very significant, highly regarded and meaningful concept. Life is a series of lessons and challenges which helps us to grow. Erikson’s wonderful theory helps to tell us why. This theory is very helpful for child development and adults too. Erikson believed that his psychosocial principle is genetically inevitable in shaping (mind) and social (relationships). HE also referred to his theory as â€Å"epigenesist† and the â€Å"epigenetic principle,† which signified the concepts relevance to  evolution (past and future) and genetics. Erikson explained his use of the word â€Å"epigenesist† thus â€Å"epi† can mean above in space as before in time, and in connection with genesis can well represent the space- time nature of all development. Like other seminal concepts, Erikson’s model is simple yet very sophisticated. The theory is a basis for broad or complex discussion and the analysis of personality and behavior, and also for understanding and for facilitating personal development- of self and others. Although Erikson’s theory provides useful information, there is some limitations with his theory. For instance his theory does not suit when explaining different types of personality differences that exist among individuals. Such personality differences are listed in the 5 factor model of personality: extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness. Personality differences can affect the outcome solving psychosocial crisis. Critical Analysis of the Articles Use of the Theory The theory was used to explain the life span of human beings life over the course of childhood to adulthood. The theory was very suitable for this article because it helps to explain human behavior. Those eight stages of the psychosocial theory explain how identity is formed. The theory also clarify that the ego as well as internal and external motives determine individual’s behavior. The theory also helps to explain that role confusion can lead to a very different human experience and it causes the individual to question one’s personality. In the article the theory was used to help individuals understand that identity is a major part of one’s self. However, if an individual does not master in these psychosocial phases, then there is a conflict with one’s identity and interferes with the development of the person. Research shows that identity development continues to be an ongoing process throughout adulthood. The process of forming an identity involves creating a logical sense of self. The theory also helps to understand that childhood experiences are the most intellectual, articulate, and prominent times of a person’s life. I think there’s a relationship between our theory and article because the theory we were assigned focuses on Cycle social. This theory argues that events and stages of society and history are generally repeating themselves in cycles. In our article it discussed Erikson’s Developmental stages and how they were effective from childhood to  adulthood. After reading our article and better understanding Erikson’s theory it all makes sense. Each developmental stage is used in order to allow one to grow with each age. Erikson was keen on improving the way children and young people are taught and nurtured, and it would be appropriate for his ideas to be more widely known and used in day-to-day life, beyond the clinical and counseling professions. I evaluated that this theory ties into my article perfectly because the cycle social theory is basically about the cycle we go through in order to change and grow as humans. The article discussed each psychosocial stage that Erikson came up with while doing his research.