Organization and Management Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organization and Management Theory - Essay Example The theory puts more emphasis on the psychosocial well being of employees and how factors such as motivation can effectively shape an organization. However, the two theories relied on a rigid and inflexible framework and to help address the issue, the Contingency theory came into being. The Contingency theory gives the leadership flexibility of acting in the most appropriate manner in a given situation. Finally the modern system theory was formulated to encompass all other theories and put them into practice. In this paper, the four theories of organization management are reviewed and analyzed in a systematic way to allow the reader familiarize and appreciate the advantages each has to offer, its suitability and shortcomings. Organization management theory refers to the study of organizations, businesses and bureaucracies and how they are influenced and related with their environment. Such organizations’ operations are influenced by their leadership, environment, culture and many such aspects. Therefore, the organization management theory involved the studies conducted on the management, leadership, employees, organization culture and behavior, human resource studies and other related studies (Ajzen, 1991). To effectively understand organizations and the necessary steps and actions of core importance to their survival, it is important that studies and research be done independently on the various specific aspects that play a vital role on the existence of organizations and how that effectively affects its management (Ajzen, 1991). For these reasons, the organization management theory is further subdivided into more specific areas for better understanding. The aim of this paper is to analyze organi zation management theories proposed by researchers in areas that directly influence or determine the way in which organizations are run and the consequent results. It is important that one understands the meaning of an organization theory to properly

RFID Technology Essay Example for Free

RFID Technology Essay RFID is a general term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity data of an object wirelessly, using radio waves. This is sometimes referred to as contact-less technology and a typical RFID system is made up of three components: tags, readers and the host computer system. Tags An RFID tag is a tiny radio device, it’s also referred as a transponder. The tag comprises of a simple silicon microchip attached to a small flat aerial and mounted on a substrate. The whole device can then be encapsulated in different materials (such as plastic) dependent upon its intended usage. The finished tag can be attached to an object, typically an item, box or pallet and read remotely to ascertain its identity, position or state. Different types of RDIF Tags available are passive and active, used as per the RDIF data read / write requirement. Readers – The reader, sometimes called an interrogator or scanner, sends and receives RF data to and from the tag via antennas. A reader may have multiple antennas that are responsible for sending and receiving radio waves. Host Computer – The data acquired by the readers is then passed to a host computer, which may run specialist RFID software or middleware application to filter the data and route it to the correct IS application as processed useful information. RFID can help hospitals to locate equipment more quickly, logistics providers to improve the management of moveable assets, brings efficiencies in the supply chain by tracking goods from the point of manufacture through to the retail stores, used as EZ card for toll-collections, remote car door access. Use of RFID technology can increase business productivity and reduce associated costs. Because of such potential benefits of RFID, many of the world’s major retailers have adopted RFID tagging for pallets and cases shipped into their distribution centers. To ensure that companies benefit from the advantages RFID provides it is important to understand how to adopt this technology. RDIF technology is been accepted by many retail chains like Wal-Mart, Tesco, Metro etc. For the supply chain and operations it provides increased levels of product and asset visibility. Retailers are looking at using the RFID technology to automatically receive shipments, and have greater visibility into the merchandize in the warehouse and on the store shelves. Few of the current Issues Facing RFID Adoption * Globally interoperable standardization problem: RFID has been implemented in different ways by different manufacturers; global standards are still being worked on. Because no global standards defined for RFID adoption, interoperability between applications or devices are not possible, which can significantly accelerate the adoption of RFID technology. * Environment: Working environment is another issue of RFID Usage. The first one is water and liquids which can absorb the radio energy signals and thereby limit range or prevent tag read/write operations altogether. Metals are another material that generally reflect radio frequency signals and deflect the radio waves, thus altering their path. The temperature of the tagged products also affected the readings. Another issue in cased by dense reader or dense tag environment are collision which cause poor read rates. Dense reader environment consist of several readers places in one closed area resulting same tag been read by multiple readers resulting reader collision. A dense tag environment involves tags placed too closely to each other resulting in tag collision because of overlap in electromagnetic waves generated by the tags interferes when being interrogated by the reader. Right type of tag/reader has to be used depending on the product, tagging level, and operational environment. The right fit is in many cases obtained through tests, which will increase read rates and accuracy. * Data management: Many conversations about RFID inevitably end up by high volume of data and data management issues that are expected to arise from tagging individual products especially in retail store environment. Data management is a key issue for any organization deploying RFID technology, and the robust middleware is required to handle that much amount of data and route it to the right database is most concerned. The right architecture is required to filter and translate RFID into useful information. Also it’s important to identify what useful RFID data should be collected and stored, which will enable easier data management and processing.

Gender Stereotypes in Early Years

Gender Stereotypes in Early Years The purpose of this research project is to investigate whether gender stereotypes existing in todays society affects childrens choices in play. The research will focus mainly on children around the ages of 2 3 years as this is when gender identity and the adopting of gender specific behaviour begins to show (Hughes, 2010). For many years society has been full of gender stereotypes and children have regularly learnt to adopt to gender specific roles as a result of this (REF). The research will also explore whether bringing children up in their set genders will have any effects on their later development. Aims and objectives The aim of this research is to discover whether gender stereotyping has an effect on the choices children make in their play, particularly looking at toy selection and areas the children gather in, in an early years setting. A discussion of how gender identity is formed and as to how gender roles are learnt and adopted by children will be a main focus in this study. The research will also explore how children being steered towards playing and behaving gender specific can hinder their development and what practitioners can do to avoid this. Rationale Past research that I have done has widened my understandings of how many children in settings adopt gender specific behaviour, for example not to cry if youre a boy and to be innocent and pretty if youre a girl. After doing placement in an early years setting and experiencing children playing in traditional ways for example boys with cars and girls steered towards playing with dolls and dressing up, I am extremely interested in finding out why children play in this way and as to what kind of an effect playing to a specific gender can have on childrens later/overall development. Although many of us believe in giving children as many opportunities and policy is in place to make sure this happens we still subconsciously treat boys and girls differently (REF). Therefore gender stereotyping appears to create many barriers to children receiving all the opportunities to play equal and personally I believe that this will have significant effects on their later life choices. Research Questions I will centre my research around these four main research areas: How do children develop gender role behaviour? What is the policy context around equality for girls and boys? Does gender stereotyping hinder childrens overall development? How can practitioners support inclusive practice for both sexes in the early years setting? 2. Literature Review 1,500 There has been extensive research carried out on gender stereotyping in children and many ideas have been formed as to how children develop gender specific roles. However before we begin looking into this topic it is fundamental that we define what is meant by gender. How do children develop a gender role behaviour There are many ways in which it is said children learn and adopt gender specific roles such as, paretns, peers, media, literature and practitioner interaction.. there is much discussion on whether it is nature or nurture side. According to Yellend (1998), gender development is a systematic process beginning at birth and frequently reshaped thoughtout life depending on the sex of the child. There are many studies which have been carried out with the social learning perspective in mind which propose that parents contribute to sex-typed behaviours in children and are a great influence to shaping their childs sex role development (Golombok, 2004). This is done through the different types of toys they buy and the way in which they respond to their children for example a positive response would be given to a girl playing with domestic type toys and likewise a boy playing with cars (Bee, Boyd, 2010). Socialisation Parents are key to gender roles as imitation is a vital part of young childrens lives and they learn many things through imitation especially around the ages of 2 3 years( REF) it has been said that children learn their gender roles by coping their same sex parent e.g. girl watching her mum do the cooking will then maybe assume that that is a role to be carried out by the female. Family are key when it comes to toy selection as they are generally the first people who buy for their children/grandsonsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦adults selection of toys for their children/grandson are likely to be gender specific as society is so full of stereotypes we automatically separate boys and girls toys as it has become a subconscious motive? Many magazines will have toys under toys for girls and toys for boys having product such as dolls for girls and trucks, cars..for boys Peers can then continue the already existent believes children have about what should be played with if a girl or boy. Interaction with practitioners also contributes, use words such as pretty, boys discouraged from crying (touch gender). What is the policy context around equality for girls and boys? The equality act 2012 EYFS/ECM will have wrote something on opportunism Each setting will incorporate many policies within their setting The Early Years Foundation Stage, unique child states that children inclusive practice. Does gender stereotyping hinder childrens overall development? Does gender stereotyping have an effect on childrens academic achievents and later career choices? It is likely that traditional gender roles (stereotypes) will continue to limit both boys and girls academic opportunities little girls discouraged from leaderships tasks, and maths steered towards nurturing roles persistent adult beliefs about typical behaviour for boys or girls affect childrens experiences (Lindon, 2012, pg. 7). The ways in which children careers choices are relayed to children can be subtle but consistent, sending a clear message about the academic domains in which girls and boys are supposed to excel, for example giels are steered away from maths. Can be shown through the later academic achievements of children eg, girls do better in english? How can practitioners support inclusive practice for both sexes in the early years setting It is important that children receive as many opportunites as possible in the early years Hard cause we are so used to it we do it subconsciously Follow policy Gender neutral environment Challenging stereotypical thoughts within your setting. If a boy tells a girl she cant be a doctor, ask him why, and show him pictures of female doctors. If a girl tells a boy he cant be a ballet dancer have resources to hand that show a different story Role play is a great way to show gender equality Showing pictures of women firefighters, women builders etc. 3. Methodology 3.1 Sample The sample type I have chosen is a convenience sample, which refers to the collection of information from members of the population who are conveniently available to provide it (Sekaran Bougie, 2010, pg.276). Therefore I have chosen to interview practitioners in early years settings in the Northumberland area, I have chosen this area as firstly I know the area which means I will save on time as I wont have to find my way around a new place and secondly I have visited these settings before meaning they are easy accessible. 3.2 Research method Interviews I have chosen to use face to face interviews for my research. Interviews are a method whereby one person asks questions of an individual with the expectation of getting answers to a particular question (Mukherji Albon, 2010). Interviews are the best suited method for my research due to the in depth collection of data, allowing for exploration of issues (OLeary, 2010). I will be carrying out a semi structured interviews meaning I will be able to explore around the topic and not just collect responses to set questions. Interviews are a research method that provides us with qualitative data (REF). I have chosen a method that collects qualitative data rather than quantitative as the topic I have chosen to research requires in depth understandings and practitioners opinions and not just simple yes and no responses. 3.2(iii) Semi-structured approach There are many types of interviews however I have chosen to use semi structured interviews, often called a conversation with a purpose (REF). Semi structured interviews are where the interviewer has a checklist of topics and questions to explore however the way in which these are explored will vary dependant on the flow of conversation with each individual (Holmes, 2005). By using this type of interview I will be able to explore around the topic as there will be area for on the spot questions. The role of the interviewer is important to know to conduct an effective piece of research. The interviewer will probe the interviewee however will know when they need to be quiet (REF). The interviewer knows the areas he or she wants to cover with the interviewee, but allows the interviewee the options to take different paths and explore different thoughts and feelings. All interviews will be recorded and transcribed verbatim and this will contribute to the reliability of the research (Royse, 2008). After having transcribing the data I will analyse the data through content or discourse. 3.2(i) Advantages of method Interviews are an excellent qualitative research method meaning they allow for in depth rich data to be collected about key themes (REF). One to one interviews allow for a rapport to be developed between the interviewer and the interviewee (Matthews Ross, 2010). This could potentially lead to more information being expressed as the participant is likely to feel comfortable and therefore this gives reliable/valid data. Face to face interviews have traditionally been seen as the most effective method in regards to the response rate (Vaus, 2002 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) The response rate is always achieved as interviews are scheduled meaning answers are gurantueed Another advantage of using interviews is the way in which the interviewer is able to observe the interviewees facial expressions and body language which in turn will give the interviewer a clearer indication of the interviewees true feelings. This will add to the validity of the research. 3.2(ii) Disadvantages of method Although there are many advantages of using the research method interviews there are also many disadvantages. Firstly interviews are time consuming, scheduling the interview, conducting the interview, and transcribing recordings takes up a lot of time (May, 2011). Secondly the interviewers presence can have a great deal of an effect on the participant, factors such as tone of voice, the way a question may be rephrased, voicing an opinion, inadequate note taking, even the gender and appearance of the interviewer may lead to errors and bias (Fontana Frey, 2000). Thirdly achieving reliability is challenging because each interview is unique in some way (Conway,Jako Goodman, 1995). This can be because there are differences between the way each interview is conducted, difference in the way questions are asked due to there not being standardised responses, and the data collected. Fontana, A. Frey, J. H. (2000) The interview: from structured questions to negotiated text iin N.K. Denzin and Y.S. Lincoln (eds), Handbook of Qualitative Reasearch. 2nd ed. London: SAGE Conway, J. M., Jako, R. A., Goodman, D. (1995). A meta- analysis of interrater and internal consistency reliability of selection interviews. Journal of Applied Psychology, 80, 565-579. 4 Ethical considerations Before carrying out any research it is crucial that ethical considerations are taken into account (May, 2011). Informed consent is essential, and should ensure that the participants are fully informed prior to participation and are aware that their involvement is completely voluntary (McLaughlin, 2007). Therefore in advance to carrying out the research it is vital that I receive informed consent from all participants, this will be achieved by obtaining a signed consent form from each participant (See Appendix). It is fundamental that participants know who is doing the research, the aims and objectives, what is being asked of them, how the data will be used and what steps will be taken to ensure confidentiality (Walliman, 2011). Another ethical consideration to consider is confidentiality, thus meaning we are obliged to protect the participants identity (Silverman, 2011). Information will be treated with respect and the participants would remain anonymous; both of which are extremely important to the ethics base (Hobart, Frankel, 2004, GSCC, 2002) Therefore all participants names will be changed so as to protect them; participants will be informed of this. All participants have the right to withdraw themselves and their results fromthe research. Interviews will be recorded so that they can be transcribed, this means the data will be kept for some time (Matthews Ross, 2010) therefore it is important that this data is klept in a secure place. (data protection) Beneficence is another ethical issue that will be key in this study. Beneficence relates to the Non maleficence, the principle of not doing harmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦must be applied to all participants Although my research would have benefited from me carrying out observations of children in their early years environment unfortunately due to the University ethics statement I am prohibited from doing this and therefore unable to observe children in their environment as part of my research. Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach Uma Sekaran, Roger Bougie 5, illustrated John Wiley Sons, 2010 Surveys in Social Research Social Research Today Series Research methods/Sociology David A. De Vaus 5, illustrated, reprint Routledge, 2002

Renaissance and Reformation Essay -- Changes, Influence, Origin

The European Renaissance was characterized by advancements and new developments in literature, science, religion, politics, and most importantly artwork. It proved to be a reappearance of learning based on classical sources. The renaissance was not as widespread as one would think. Essentially it is described as a time of cultural movements rather than technological advancements. Its time period ranged roughly from the 14th century to the 17th century. There is debate as to how far the movement stretched and exactly how many areas were influenced by the renaissance era. The European Renaissance is thought to have originated in Florence, Italy in the 14th century, and occurred after the Black Death. The Black Death was a disease which affected all of Europe. It caused about a third of the population of Europe to die out. The survivors were devastated at the loss of their loved ones, but they found that they were better off financially and socially, making their way up the social ladder. Specifically in Italy, there was greater social mobility. The upward mobility of individuals around this time allowed them to patronize early artists and rebuild libraries. Some areas were seeing more competitively between workers and their bosses, but the 'new' wealth was spent to display items to reinforce prestige. This allowed citizens to patronise the Renaissance artists. Merchants in regions like Italy saw increases in their wealth from trading, using the same trade routes in which the Black Death was spread. The trade income was further developing by Renaissance developments in commerce, causing the merchants to have more wealth to patronise with. The Renaissance brought on new conceptions of life and ... ...such as Italy and Germany. Italy and Germany's economy went bankrupt, causing an increase of famine and disease to spread throughout the populace. The main effect the Reformation had on Europe was the religious thinkings. The Churches now taught the importance of the individual conscience and gained new purity and strength through counter Reformation. The counter Reformation was created by the Catholic Churches as an answer to the Protestant Reformation. Both the Renaissance and the Reformation helped shape all countries today. The Renaissance helped people focus more about the individual person rather than the social class in which they were born. The Reformation was a building block to more forms of Christianity that are still taught today, such as Protestantism. If we had not had either of them, our religion, politic, and even our writing would be different.

Cradle to Cradle Essay

In this book the authors and environmentalists William McDonough and Michael Braungart discuss how very un-eco friendly are the people that design our world, from our buildings to the products we use and consume. They talk about how our solutions for our environmental problems, such as recycling, are basically just a band-aid fix for broken bone. They discuss the negative effects that our daily lives have on our environment and offer some solutions of their own to help counteract the problem as much as possible, even the book Cradle to Cradle is printed on eco-friendly paper that does not use trees. In this book McDonough and Braungart urge its readers to take our environment into account and look for better solutions to our global environmental problems then the ones that we have been settling for for the last half-century. In this book McDonough and Braungart identify two major problems with the way that we live that negatively affects our environment. The first is the problem of t hrowing things away, because in fact when we throw things away, they do not just go away. The things that we throw out stay here on our Earth, soiling our precious and finite earth and affect its well-being. The second problem that they discuss the the harmful product that are used, which not only have negative impacts on our planet, but also on ourselves. In this book the authors urge us to learn from nature through bio-mimicry, an effort to design buildings like trees, cities like forests. They also challenge us to look at ants and the role they play in the world and their self-sustaining way of life and to learn from them. Ants are able to inhabit a diverse a range of environments, are able to hunt, scavenge, and grow their own food, build their homes, effectively handle their wastes, create powerful medicines, and produce biological and chemical weapons, all the while contributing to the health of the natural world. We live on this earth less-effectively than ants and should look to their way of living as a role model for how we as humans live on this earth. McDonough and Braungart offer some of their own suggestions for way that we can live effectively with the Earth in mind, such as rooftops covered with soil and plants that serve as natural insulation, non toxic dyes and fabrics, their current overhaul of Ford’s legendary River Rouge factory, and even the book itself, which is printed on a synthetic paper that does not use trees. While creating an ultimate solution to our environmental problem is a very involved and complicated ordeal, McDonough and Braungart do offer some simple solutions to help cut down on the harm we are causing our planet. One things that we can do is to cut out all chemicals and substances that are harmful and destructive both to humans as well as the environment. Also they discuss how we must abandon our current cradle to grave way of thinking and adopt a cradle to cradle way of thinking, meaning that we need to consider where the products and its packaging will end up after we are finished with it. When creating a product we need to begin to understand and think about where it will end up after the consumer is done with it. We must think about how our waste can be reused in order to cut back on unnecessary waste and contamination of our planet. McDonough and Braungart in this book urge us to start looking at our wasteful ways and see how it is harming our own selves as well as the environment and see that we must adopt a cradle to cradle way of thinking in order to save our planet and use the finite resources we have in a smart and truly eco friendly way. After reading this book I examined the wasteful way in which I live my own life, and when I think about how I live and times that by 6,973,738,433, it’s hard to fathom how much damage we must be doing to our planet. Our resource, clean air and precious earth are limited but humans are consumers and don’t consider much past our own immediate wants and needs. After reading this book I see how important it is to move away from cradle to grave thinking and truly take on a cradle to cradle way of thinking and see the long term effects of our consumerism. This book should be read by everyone because it gives a clear and simple way to see how we are living now, and then how we should be living in order to help save and protect the planet that we have been given.

Traits That Belong To a Good Paramedic essays

Traits That Belong To a Good Paramedic essays In a time of crisis, when the good has been overthrown by bad, and Mother Nature has thrown her worst at us, paramedics are here to treat and rescue the ill and injured. There are three major components that make paramedics the one that people would prefer to be treated by: quick thinking, patience, and a strong stomach. Quick thinking is a trait not everyone may have, but this is an important essence for a paramedic. When there is an emergency paramedics need to be right on their toes. Things can deteriorate very quickly hence the importance for quick thinking. There is little time to ponder a situation. Action must be taken immediately especially in life or death situations. When someones heart stops, paramedics must be on top of the situation before a person reaches cardiac arrest, for too long and they suffer long-term brain damage or death. Another aspect is patience. Everyone has this trait but it varies in size from person to person. It is important to stay calm and remain. For example, a hyperactive patient may be difficult to treat when unintelligent questions are asked. In this, situation paramedics need to stay cool and collective and take very careful precautions so they do not send them into a further panic thus making any kind of treatment impossible to administer. The final aspect is a strong stomach. When disaster strikes, things get horrific and paramedics cannot get sick when things turn ugly. Situations can become grotesque: car accidents, stabbings, gun shot wounds, or even sick people. Part of having a strong stomach is also being able to keep your emotions under control and not getting attached to your victims. Especially if they die or you are with a hysterical spouse whose partner died. The three aspects, quick thinking, patience, and a strong stomach are traits that make a great paramedic. When paramedics are on call, not thinking, and lack patience, it leaves room for error and personal ...