Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Essay Example for Free

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, EssayIn the books Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, and Fences by August Wil discussion, there be common themes that run throughout the book. Among these are two, hard working men that can be a procedure disillusioned by manner. The main character of each book, Willy Loman and troy Maxson are similar in many ways. They both try hard to be sizable men and fathers, but unfortunately, they are im sodding(a) in both aspects. troy distances his self from his youngest son, and many could say that he is too hard and cold towards him. Willy in a way believes that his gr make sons could not have done any wrong when they were younger and do no wrong now. But these two fathers are not totally bad. There are many good personal traits that they both display in these books. But as stated as before, they werent perfect at all.In many ways, both Willy and Troy were in occurrence good fathers. They worked hard to provide for their families and tried to set an example for their sons by their own actions. Willy was extremely supportive of clouts high school football success and went to all the games. Troy tries to instill certain values such as responsibility into his son Cory and explains to him that he shouldnt go through life worrying if people like him or not. He tells him he takes care of him not because he likes him, but because it is his duty.Troy seems to be a bad father more visibly. He does not encourage Corys high school football career in anyway, in fact he tells him to tell the scout he is not interested and thinks having a job is more important. His attitude toward Cory the majority of the time is cold and harsh, as if he regards his son as someone he must deal with and take care of.Willy had a few problems of his own. First he let himself get caught with his tart by his son, which devastated him. He as well as acted like his sons were perfect, which they werent. He should have made sure his son passed math so h e could have graduated, but he put that into the hands of their next-door neighbor, Bernard. Willy also sets a bad example telling his sons that being well-liked is very important and holds it as a measure of success. He also leads them to believe that he is doing well financially, when in fact he is not. He has to get $50 from his next-door neighbor and Bernards father Charley.Although Willy and Troy werent the best or worsened fathers they did raise their sons. The outcome of these men are different, however. Cory, who did not have a good father-son relationship or interaction with Troy moved out and linked the United States Marine Corps. Seven years later he returns for Troys funeral, no doubt successful and providing for himself. Biff and Happy, on the other hand, who both had a fair decent relationship with their father ended up with menial jobs living with their parents at the age of 34. Happy is a philanderer with horrible ethics that sleeps with his supervisors girlfriend. Biff is unable to hold a steady job and has a new money making idea every week.It is hard to judge both Willy and Troy as good or bad if we arent in their shoes. Whether others may agree or disagree, it can be said that both fathers raised their sons the best that the could to a lower place their circumstances and most likely the best they knew how. The outcome of a person does not wholly depend on his or her parent. Their outlook on life and how much they want to accomplish while on this earth are other factors

Supply and Demand Essay Example for Free

Supply and deal EssayVarious factors, including fluctuations such as increases or decreases in harms, can cause a change in allow and demand as well. This paper go forth attempt to discuss different economic principles and factors and how they are affected by change. In the current situation, GoodLife counselling manages seven term of a contract properties in the city of Atlantis, and over the course of 7 years has to be flexible with its pricing due to changes in demand. Economics is literally defined as the study of how human beings coordinate their wants and desires, given the decision-making mechanisms, social customs, and political realities of society (Colander, D. C., 2010). Simply put, economics focuses on three things 1) what, and how much, to spring up 2) how to produce it and 3) who to produce it for. Microeconomics is the study of individual choice, and how that choice is influenced by economic forces while macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole (Colander, D.C., 2010).When looking to microeconomic principles, scarcity is the first that comes to mind. The more scarce a service or product, the more the supplier will be able to charge for it. In the situation at advance, when the influx of employees began coming to Atlantis, GoodLife was able to raise the prices of their apartments. Consumers had the choice of whether to rent the apartment for the price given, or go to a neighboring town, where the price might not be as high. A rise in the population of Atlantis led to a greater demand for housing. This in turn contributed to the rise in rental prices. Next would be opportunity costs, which is the benefit that you might have gained from choosing the next-best alternative (Colander, D.C., 2010). Again, this comes down to consumer choices. If some one and only(a) could live in a neighboring town and present less rent, they would have a longer commute whereas if they lived in Atlantis in the GoodLife apartments, they would pay more for rent, but have more time to spend with family due to the lack of commute.On the other hand, macroeconomic principles include the invisible hand, and economic forces. Economic forces are a reaction to scarcity. The economic reaction of GoodLife could be one of two it could lower prices to entice consumers to rent its apartments instead of going to neighboring communities. If consumers were, indeed, paying the price for apartments and there were not many left, GoodLife could also raise the price of those apartments because there are not as many to choose from. Invisible hand is the principle that gives more power to the supplier of something that is in short supply (Colander, D.C., 2010). If there are not many apartments left to rent because the majority of them are all rented, and there are more interested consumers than apartments, the invisible hand says that GoodLife can raise the price and get a higher premium for those apartments because of the demand.A breaking in th e demand curve in this simulation is when GoodLife infallible to have a 15% vacancy rate. In order to do this, it lowered apartment rental prices, thereby increasing the demand for the apartments. A shift in the supply curve occurred when GoodLife raised the prices of their apartments to $1,550 per month in order to cover maintenance fees for all apartments. They were able to supply more apartments at this rate. hold prices in my area have continued to drop because there is a large supply, however there is not currently a demand. Until consumers begin buy houses again at a fairly consistent rate, the prices will continue to stay low.Once people begin consistently purchasing homes again, the prices will begin to rise back up. The price bouncyity of demand for goods and commodities determines a consumers behavior in the event of a price change. Products which are price elastic will experience dramatic movements in demand in response to price changes. If prices are lowered, consum ers will demand more of the product however, if prices increase, consumer demands for the product will be lower. Suppliers who supply goods that are price elastic will deliver fewer units to the market when prices fall, and more if prices rise.ReferencesColander, D. C. (2010). Economics (8th ed.). New York, NY McGraw-Hill. Investopedia (n.d.) Economics Basics Demand and Supply. Retrieved from Investopedia.com, http//www.investopedia.com/university/economics/economics3.aspaxzz1x3HdbLol

Owner vs. Steward Essay Example for Free

Owner vs. Steward EssayOwner vs. Steward BY vflnel 23 Owner vs. Stewart Owner vs. Steward in the Kingdom organism the owner means that it give ways to you. Its yours. You have all in all rights to it. There be no limitations on what you decide to do or not to do with it. You atomic number 18 in full control of your possessions, regardless of how much you have. You are faithful to what is yours. You rule over it. It is your Lord. And nothing or no-one can mesh it from you. A owner knows all commands all and administers all.A owner makes all the decision on your life, your finances, your well being, your past. Present and your future. Now being a steward you have to understand that you are Just a manager of the affairs of the master, with the best interest of the master in mind, the steward knows that the master will return and settle all accounts for which they are responsible. A steward doesnt own anything. For every beast of the field is mine. And the cattle on a thousand hills. ow all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beast of the fields are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. -Psalms 50 10-12. 1f you take away the servant/master relationship from the idea of stewardship then you take away obedience and put sovereignty in the hands of the steward. As a steward you dont have a say so over things that dont belong to you. Being good steward is impossible to do unless you have the proper perspective about the things in your life.Being a steward you have to be careful about your desires to be rich Even money doesnt belong to you. Therefore in order to be a good steward you must(prenominal) never view money as a end in itself, but merely as a resource used to accomplish oddment and obligation as outlined by God. A good steward has its rewards. God promises that if we are faithful stewards over what we have, God will reward us to be stewards over more things. (Matthew 2523). So understanding t he two we can go on to prosper in the Kingdom.

The Organisational Structure Of Fedex Commerce Essay

The Organisational Structure Of Fedex Commerce EssayLogistics is managing the f execrable of goods, information and other resources, including energy and people, between the point of origin and the point of goal to suffer the requirements of consumers. The main functions of logistics include purchasing, inventory management, get offation, and warehousing.The conveyance industry so-and-so be identified in three major sectors such as shipping, passenger transport and manufacturing of equipment. In this paper we discuss about shipping which is responsible for transportation of supplies.FedEx has acquired and realigned number of sm tot eithery companies and managed synergies in order to control much of the market. Acquisition outline of FedEx has given opportunity to capture different areas of logistics and transportation business with different client base and locations thereby integrating their operations to achieve better synergies and economies of scale. transmission line with out borders Having their own fleet enabled them to reconfigure their g overning bodys and reroute existing flights in order to take advantage of the markets. Same way feeding three high-priced nedeucerksair, ground, and information technology is profusely expensive.They operated in a Global scale in order to offer nodes limitless opportunities thereby expanding customer base and achieve global economies of scale.FedEx involves in many another(prenominal) Corporate Social Responsibility programs as a gulling strategy by carrying pandas, penguins and whales across the countries to provide them with proper living conditions. though this type of transportation is considered risky FedEx does this with affection in order to protect them.They maintain a strong brand name as a strategy and advantage of its brand image, the name that customers catch counted on for reliable service and cutting edge technology.Frederick W. SmithChairman, President andChief Executive OfficerFred Smith w as a charismatic-visionary leader. He pi iodineered the transportation bailiwick and founded FedEx when he was 27 years of age. He had a desire, a drive to lead the confederation. He was confident, intelligent and also had the job-relevant knowledge in the field.His military background helped him to believe that the FedExs people are more valuable than technology. Fred always started thinking outside the normal which made FedEx a great success.Though he was a risk taker and invested highly in IT he succeeded in the business because of his visionary thinking and determination to go ahead.Fred re-shaped the entire transportation industry. FedEx believes in leadership with accessibility which makes all forms of interaction with customers.(b) Transportation and logistics infrastructure within FedEx CorporationFedEx acquired its own fleet of transport while competitors were hiring space on commercial airlines and sub-contracting their shipments to 3rd parties. With this, the need for booking space in commercial vessels ceased and FedEx experienced cost advantage over other companies.Landing larger warhead planes were allowed after(prenominal) the de-regulation of the airline industry and using these reduced the operating cost. After de-regulation of the trucking industry, FedEx established regional trucking system further reduced the cost.FedExs left(p) air route authorities and infrastructure make it the worlds largest express transportation gild, providing speedy, reliable and prison term-definite transportation with easy access to the locations.To cut down cost and time, packages from all over the country were flown to a central point or hub at night where traffic lanes were comparatively empty. Packages were sorted, redistributed at the hub and again flown to their ultimate destination to reach them next day.Even with the limitations such as adherence to the skyline regulations, ground headroom and administrative issues, FedEx managed to make this a tur ning point towards their success. (Please touch annexure page for more details)Value added services such as multiple warehousing, scanners given to drivers to capture package information and overnight distribution system were extraneous factors contributed to the growth in FedEx business.Just-in-time inventory management created demand for speed and accuracy in transportation and shortened the lead time for companiesIntegration between FedEx and customers bar them from going to competitors.How it helped FedExMichael Porters Value ChainCUsersvirginiaDocumentsMBAMBA-Second yearGlobal Corporate strategyVIRGI FED EXvalue chain.pngHow FedEx reduced cost by applying value chain (refer document New FedEx and dragon)Primary activities outgoing LogisticsProcessing time at the local offices was reduced since they did not need to fill forms and attend to customers individually. In FedExs point of view reducing treat time means reducing labour cost. FedEx has achieved tremendous savings by strategic implementation of IT. Tools such as just-in-time manufacturing and total quality management are pick out for inventory control and enhancing of service quality.Marketing and SalesInformation on customers preferences, geographical information and traffic volumes of each web page collected automatically. These data could be used for strategic initiatives, planning and marketing. World Wide Web is a low cost media for advertising in the global market and discovers voltage markets. Packaging in a timely fashion was one of the marketing tools they used.Customer ServiceFedEx discovered that its advanced IT systems contain a mother encumbrance of information about the profit competency of each client. They knew which customers create how much profit, which actually end up costing FedEx.Secondary activitiesProcurementStrategic plans are actual with suppliers to support the process and development of new services. Transactions are managed through Web to achieve greater efficie ncy. Further they are streamlined through electronic Data Interchange. FedEx had agreed upon better dealings with the fuel with suppliers.Human ResourcesFedEx depart strive to develop mutually rewarding relationships with its employees, partners and suppliers. They recruited correct people and top positions were alter with competent managers. Further incentives, profit shares and internal promotions are given to keep the staff moral high in order to make their processes less costly and effective. They motivated the front liners conducted a fair treatment program to all staff.Information TechnologyWhen customers log onto the FedEx system they could place orders to pick up and devote using the credit cards which made greater convenience. Moving the process to the internet reshaped the transportation industry. In applying systems like Cosmos, PowerShip, EDI and Netscape integrated services supplied to customers are enormous.1 (c) Virtual Information infrastructure at FedEx Corporati onHow it helpedFedEx provides its customers supply chain solution from the point of raw materials to end of the product life cycle. Each set up of the supply chain has IT drills and systems that retain been implemented by FedEx in order to fulfill efficient customer solutions.Some of the systems were transportation management solutions, order processing and related distribution centre operations, fulfillment, just-in-time inventory control, purchasing and production which provide peace of mind throughout the entire distribution cycle.COSMOS is a customer oriented services and management operating system. This Centralized computer system kept track of all packages handled by the company. This was made possible by placing a bar-code on each point of pickup making greater reliability to its customers. Further data package movement, pickup, invoicing and delivering data to central data base.PowerShip Features such as Label printing, on-line packaging pickup request, package tracing and stored frequently used addresses of most active customers.EDI and Internet This allowed companies to build one-to-one relationship with customers was the completed scenario for manufactures. They could match supply and demand without wastage.Agreement with Nescape to adopt their software as the primary technology for accessing its corporate intranet points. Advantages of the Nescape are mentioned below.Customers would build integrated websites using FedEx applicationFree down load from fedex.com which incorporated a link enabling them to track packages directly from their own site.Enhancement to package-tracking service. Information with regard to 25 shipments can be checked simultaneously and forward similar to three e-mail recipients. Some countries are able to access information in their native language.FedEx claimed to have the largest on-line client server network in the world that operated in real timeWeb ground application 1994 (write)FedEx can reach customers in ot her countries more easily through internet. This will further expand operations at FedEx in the global market.A creative alliance with mart will allow FedEx to tap into the growing e-commerce market for consumers. Web surfers link different companies web sites, where they can order a variety of products and services.IT infrastructure will support supply chain operations. The FedEx website was launched in 1994 and included a package tracking application and allowed customers to generate their own unique bar-coded shipping labels. The web site provided speedy and customer focused features.OUTBOUND TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERYORDERMANAGEMENTMANUFACTURINGINBOUND(PURCHASING)SUPPLIERStages of the Supply ChainFedEx Systems ApplicationsGIVSIMIMultishipCustom Clearance systemTransportation Optimization systemGlobal Inventory visibility System (GIVS)Inventory Management Systems (IMI)GIVSIMIWarehouse management systems (WMS)Transport management systems (TMS)Customer clearance systemEnterprise resource planningERPIMI (including invoicing)The FedEx Integrated Logistics SolutionFEDEX SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAINStrategy Bob de wit Ron Meyer (Page 653)(Please refer annexure for detailed news report of the systems and application of supply chain at FedEx)EvaluationFedEx has developed many innovative services that would not be possible without its strong IT capability. IT expansion at FedEx effectively created a barrier to new entrants in this industry.Even though FedExs coverage to supply chain through integrated systems by tightening, improving and synchronisation the various parts of the supply chain, it was no longer a competitive advantage but a competitive imperative as the customers saw the benefits of squelch time and inventory out of the system.The virtual information infrastructure at FedEx immensely supported to maintain the market leadership in the past years. They have forecasted the future in a positive direction and implemented correct decision by funding on IT development. Throughout the years this has helped FedEx to reduce cost, slander process time and become customer focused and ultimately incrementd the profit margins which helped in a growth in global GDP and transnational trade.Even though FedEx has highly invested on IT for upgrading on a periodical basis, technical issues such backup systems, virus protection, handling issues with web hacking have been successfully addressed in order to remain in the market leader position.BRANDING AND BUSINESS STRUCTURE UP UNTIL 19 JANUARY 2000Mergers and acquisitions (MA)Introduction2.0.1. MergersJoining of two or more companies to form a single legal entity can be defined as a merger. The assets of the smaller company are merge in to the larger. Share holders of the smaller company (or the target company) will be bought over by the acquiring company.In general mergers take place in a friendly setting. Executives of the respective companies participate in a due diligence proce ss to ensure a successful combination of all areas of business.2.0.2. Acquisitions acquire of more than 50% of voting shares of a company by another company is an acquisition. Both companies can continue as distinguish legal entities. getting company will be the parent company (or holding company) and the target company will be the subsidiary.Acquisition may take place through a hostile takeover by purchasing the majority of shares of the company in the open market.(SourceA Simple M Model for all Seasons by Bu Sam Rovit, David Harding, and Catherine Lemire)2.0.3. Mergers and acquisitions strategiesMergers and Acquisitions are a prevalent strategy in Global Logistics and Transportation industry by which companies in the industry expand geographically and increase the reach and access.2.1 Benefits and limitations of MA strategies in the Global Transportation and Logistics industry2.1.1. BenefitsObtain maximum value and create sustainable competitive advantageIncrease createObtain new technologies, expertise and provide entire new productsImproved focus on core skills of the firmImprovements in use of the brand callIncreased consumer welfare and overall cost reduction from the joint consumption of complementary productsFastest method to achieve growthCreating a broad and duncish product portfolioStrength in storage sales and servicesIntegrate technologies and practices across entire product line such as strong capabilities in data archiving, manage products to better address the regulatory compliance and market opportunityCapability to integrate disparate business processes and information into one common frameworkQuicker and cheaper growth of the organization, synergies of market size and distribution channels, easier finance ( tax and cost synergies), economies of scale, gaining customers, cost efficiencies, improved infrastructure.Achieving maximum benefit of synergies by integration diminution in transaction cost and transportation costFulfilling incre asing / complex customers demandsRedesigning of the global supply chainObtain excess capacity in damage of production and warehousing facilitiesMergers and acquisitions improve market efficiency by capturing synergies between firms.May help in removing inefficient management or to respond to stinting shocks2.1.2. LimitationsMost of the studies have shown that mergers have bereavement rates of more than 50 percentAcquisitions are complex and difficult to execute and manage successfully.The companies should have the ability to integrate the technical know-how and the resources to bring that know-how to market products.In mergers and acquisitions there may be a significant impact on corporate culture. The purchasing company sets the quality bar high for the people in the company to be acquired. The companies cultural norms will be will be reinforced by the innovation, collaboration and integrity and customer focus of those employees. Generally there are clashes in such a situation.Tho ugh companies expect the synergies from take overs, it is found that acquiring companies retreat about 10% of their value during the first five years after mergers.2.2. How FedEx Corporation managed the acquisition of calibre Systems in 1998- whether it is a success or failureFedEx Acquisition History up to year 2000YEARACQUISITIONOVERVIEW1984Gelco Express InternationalFedEx dramatically expands its presence outside of the U.S. with the acquisition of Gelco Express, a worldwide messenger with service to 84 countries.1989Tiger International Inc.With the integration of the fast(a) Tiger Line, FedEx becomes the worlds largest full-service, all-cargo airline. The acquisition includes routes to 21 countries, a fleet of cargo aircraft including Boeing 747s, facilities throughout the world and Flying Tigers expertise in international airfreight.1998 aegir System Inc.FedEx creates FDX Corporation (later renamed FedEx Corporation) and grows its portfolio of services with the addition of ground small-package carrier RPS (now FedEx Ground), Western U.S. less-than-truckload carrier Viking Freight (now part of FedEx Freight), Caliber Logistics (now FedEx Supply Chain Services), Caliber Technology (now part of FedEx Services) and Roberts Express (now FedEx Custom Critical).2000Tower Group International Inc.World Tariff Ltd.FedEx Corp. creates FedEx Trade Networks. Today, FedEx Trade Networks is one of the largest-volume customs entry filers in North America and provides FedEx customers with end-to-end transportation and customs clearance solutions around the world.acquisitions history.cfm.htm2.2.1 Caliber SystemsFedEx acquired caliber systems in 1998 and five separate subsidiary companies were formed such as Federal Express, RPS (Roadway package Systems), Robert express, Viking freight and FDX Logistics.They focused mainly on the small package business. Each subsidiary was managed each and was responsible for its own accounts. Caliber had developed its expertise in mov ing raw materials, plates of steel bars and managed in work-in-progress. It manufactured cars and fork-lift trucks. After acquisition FedEx started oblation other services besides express shipping.2.2.1.1. Federal ExpressFederal Express was the world leader in global express distribution. They offered 24 to 48 hours rake. Also was the leader in overnight package delivery business. Goods shipped ranged from flowers to lobsters to computer components.2.2.1.2. RPSRPS was the second largest ground small package delivery of business-to-business. Also it was a low cost, non-union, technology-savvy company. Shipments were do in one to three days. RPS had the lowest cost sits in the transportation industry. With the take-over by FedEx, RPS moved on to business-to-consumer delivery service and took advantage of electronic commerce. They operated through independent truckers who are contractors and specialized in delivering small packages between businesses at rates lower than UPS.2.2.1.3 . Viking FreightThis was the first less-than-truck-load freight carrier in western USA. They shipped 13,000 packages per day.2.2.1.4. Robert ExpressThis was the worlds leading surface-expedited carrier for non-stop, time critical and special-handling shipments. This was the smallest company within the FedEx group. Robert Express Exclusively allowed customers greater control at a price. They had a limited number of aircrafts but they had to pay for use and crew time.2.2.1.5. Caliber LogisticsCaliber logistics was the pioneer in providing customized, integrated logistics and warehousing solutions worldwide. The acquisition of caliber brought over the-road transportation and warehousing capabilities. Caliber Logistics was renamed as FDX Logistics.2.3 Merging of Caliber Logistics and FLECNew company was FedEx Logistics brought together all splintered operations of logistics in all the subsidiaries, streamlined costs and presented one menu of logistic services offered to clients. They a ligned R D of systems upon common, agreed platform.2.4. HOW FEDEX MANAGED THE ACQUISITION OF CALIBER SYSTEMS?Acquisition contributed to reinforce FedEx commitment to become more than just a delivery company. With the acquisition, company image was transformed to a holding company. Accordingly company changed its name to FedEx Corporation.FedEx managed the subsidiaries by operating independently, each company focused exclusively on delivering the best service for its specific market. They competed collectively. Under the FedEx banner they offered entirely different services, different customer terms and different sales procedures. Usage of IT resources spread among the group. FedEx introduced a one-stop shopping as solution for all levels of supply chain. This was the ultimate goal of FedEx in order to bring the subsidiaries closer together to create synergy.FedEx brand name had been inculcated in the peoples minds throughout the years. This strong global brand name and the brand im age created among the entire world from the inception had equal market for FedEx to operate even after acquisition. Operating under the FedEx banner created customer confidence although the companies acquired were operating in their own names.Acquisition improved FedExs non-express delivery capabilities and brought in other new businesses to the company.When UPS had the advantage of promoting just one brand, UPS was to sell the entire company and the services it offered.Acquisition of Caliber Systems enabled FedEx to match UPS in crack a wide variety of delivery options. But, UPSs extensive network for making door-to-door deliveries was far ahead of FedEx. Business at UPS was slightly affected after the acquisition of Caliber Systems by FedEx.Further the strategies adopted by the FedEx management such as enhancing business capabilities though IT and building up strong relationships on a regular basis with clients and communication with the global market, created competitive advant age at the time of acquisition of the Caliber Systems.Hence acquisition of the Caliber Systems by FedEx was a success.3.1 DEVELOPMENT OF internet MARKET AND E-TAILINGhttp//media.techtarget.com/searchCIO/images/spacer.gifhttp//media.techtarget.com/searchCIO/images/spacer.gifInternet is the extensive, worldwide computer network available to the public. It is interconnected to computer networks that are connected by internetworking.E-tailing (electronic retailing) means the selling of retail goods via Internet. E-tailing done mostly with business-to-consumer (B-to-C) transactions.E-tailing began to work for some major corporations and smaller entrepreneurs were started around year 1997.(Source http//searchcio.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid182_gci212079,00.html)3.2. How internet/e-tailing had been applied to the transportation and logistics industry?At the time when the web based purchases were growing, UPS one of FedEx competitors were ahead of them in terms of ground transport. Fe dEx identified the booming opportunities arising with the growth in internet based purchases. FedEx bought over Caliber System in January 1999 and the aim was to enhance the reach of business to business coverage while catering to increasing demand from internet based buying.FedEx expect growth in ecommerce and planned to start FedEx Home Delivery to co-op specializing in business-to-consumer e-tailing. At that time, in 1997 FedEx was handling shipping for only 10% of all goods sold online, compared to the 55% handled by UPS. In 1999 FedEx signed up with CISCO with mission of critical one stop online source for sales tools and client information.Web portals such as Yahoo had been offering store-building services for some time, as did all other Internet service providers. By that time UPS, their main competitor was had been offering the same services since 1997 through vendors Harbinger Corp. and IBM Corp. FedEx started to offer its ecommerce Builder Internet platform free to clients later, with e-commerce services.3.3. Non-financial performance at FedEx in the context of Internet market and e- shadowingInternet was the basis for competition. It opened opportunities in logistics management as most businesses started integration with customer supply chains using the internet. FedEx had the right business model to take advantage of this opportunity.Growth in e-tailing needed assistance of express transportation to fulfill the customer expectations and FedEx already was a giant in the field achieved advantage over the situation.FedEx was the leader in the market and enjoyed a strong brand image in the transport and logistics industry. Even though they identified and anticipated enormous opportunities which came up with the development in e-tailing, UPS was the leader in ground transportation. FedEx made a smart move by buying over Caliber Logistics and later integrating all systems and a powerful technical architecture that enabled internet commerce usage.The comp etition became fierce with the as the major transportation companies were forebode big on technology. Even though FedEx were investing millions on IT and introduced internet in 1994, it became the industry norm rather than a competitive advantage.FedEx developed all its software in-house where competitors like UPS formed strategic alliances with Open Market Inc., and worked with IBM.One of main reasons for FedExs successful performance financially and non-financially was that they identify anticipate the changes and adopt themselves accordingly.3.4. pecuniary performance at FedEx in the context of Internet market and e-tailingOnline holiday shopping, which accounted for $650 million in 1997, grew to rapidly $4 billion over the holiday date of 1999.By the end of year 2000, more than 20,000 client Web sites were linked to the FedEx Marketplace, and the ecommerce Builder unit had secured around 2,000 customers. Despite the analysts concerns their earnings totaled $688 million on sal es of $18 billion.The expected growth associated with e-tailing was USD 7.0 billion in 2000 and USD 327 billion in business-to- business presented enormous opportunities for FedEx.(Source http//ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/444/Fedex-Corp-MOVE-INTERNET.html)Annual report of 1999 reflects that the growth in revenue as follows.YearGrowth in Revenue19995.67%199811.48%199711.91%19968.5%199513.76%FedExs average revenue growth is around 10%. In year 1999 this has reduced to 5.67% which they claim as a result of the high fuel price. FedEx has invsted in IT and wasMarket share growthREFER ANNUAL REPORTS DATA

Effects of Late Procurement for Specialist Subcontractors

Effects of deeply procurance for Specialist Sub covenantors1.1. Over postThis discourse sets tabu to look the discordant reasons why there argon hampers in the sub asseverator procurement butt in UK wind perseverance. The dissertation leave alone be pointing on purely the private empyrean of the indus experiment and ascertain what effects the previous(a) procurement ignore have on the undertaking, both in barriers of the commercial-grade and course implications.The procurement process in turn begins with the client tendering the view to the main contractors. This dissertation depart not focus on this element of the procurement process and will in turn focus purely on the procurement of the specialist subcontractor trades. A specialist subcontractor is defined as a contractor appointed to carry out activities in the phylogenesis of a built asset that involve specialist verbal expression knowledge and skills, (Specialist Sub-contractor, 2016)The reason for t his topic is due to the on the job(p) environment in which the germ modern works, the author is a project manager in the glazing facade industry working on major projects in the UK body structure industry. The go forths surrounding easy procurement has been disused both on sites and in the faculty member environment for many years and links have been made between the number of claims for delay and variations, and the pre-construction process (Mosey, 2009). Benefits of early procurement basis include the ability to value engineer solutions, correct design co-ordination, review more sustainable solutions and many more.1.2. HypothesisThe query will demonstrate that late procurement eject harm more than the programme on a project, it will show that late procurement kindle affect the design and quality of the project. The evidence will besides show the negative effects that late procurement can have on the bream status of a building/ project and sustainability.1.3. Null Hypo thesisLate procurement has no effect on the project in any way.1.4. AimsTo explore the non-homogeneous types of procurement in the private UK Construction painsTo determine what classes as late procurement and sympathise the main and most common reasons for late procurementsTo evaluate what ar the benefits to late and early procurement in terms of the key project requirementsTimeQualityCost.BREAM/SustainabilityAn additional aim to the dissertation, if qualified time and resources atomic number 18 available.What can be done to improve the procurement processes1.5. ObjectivesRead up on the various different procurement methods and strategies and understand which are pertinent to the UK construction industry.Interview 4 to 5 individuals from different sectors of the UK construction industry.Speak to various levels of the construction industry project delivery team to understand the effects they believe early and late procurement can have on the industry. Questionnaires will be sent out to the following parties.Main contractor Project Directors *Main contractor Senior Procurement managersMain Contractor Senior Quantity SurveyorsMain Contractor Project Managers / Package Managers *Main Contractor Site ManagersMain Contractor Design ManagersArchitects *Specialist Sub-Contract Directors*Specialist Sub-Contract Project Managers** Indicates the various project members which interviews will be entire with. 2.1. IntroductionThe initial belles-lettres review will explore the various documents which have been reviewed against apiece aim. This will highlight where there is a vast amount of literature available and where vicarious options have had to be used, as set out in the objectives previously.A literature review ( withal called literature research athletic field or literature survey) groups relevant ideas and evidence from secondary sources into a logical flow, addressing significance and understanding. (Laycock, Howarth, Watson, 2016)2.2. The various stages of the procurement processBefore the procurement process can be understood the term procurement needs to be understood. Dr Denise Bower stated that procurement is the term used to describe the overarching process of the identification, selection and acquisition of civil engineering serve and materials, their transport, the execution or implementation and subsequent project performance. (Bower, 2003).As in any project, there are various elements which need to be procured, in construction these different elements tend to be larger and require sub-contractors to be procured on various different contracts to manage the design, supply and installation of the various elements. The acquisition of the various trade will be linked to the programme, the type of procurement and contract which is being used. One of the first thing which must be created is the Project carry through with(predicate) Plan (PEP), the PEP sets out how the project which has been defined in the strategic bri ef will be procured (Morledge Smith, 2013). The PEP is directly linked to the procurement shape up which can be dictated by the constraints of the project or by the client.As mentioned, the procurement process is directly linked to the programme, for both on and strike site. The programme as a whole is linked to the construction process which is stipulated by British Standards BS 6079-12010, which is titled, Project management. Principles and bespeaklines for the management of projects. There are various different stages to the construction process and this is clearly depicted in Figure 1.Figure 1typical stages of a Construction Project (Harris McCaffer, 2013)The British Standard for procurement policies, strategies and procedures are under BS 85322011. This document provides the backbone for the procurement division in the UK construction industry. The document states that it gives recommendations and guidance on the development within a national or private sector organizatio n of policies, strategies and procedures for the procurement of construction in the built environment. (British Standards Institution, 2011). Figure 2 portrays a decision structure for which forms of procurement should be used, the structure highlights the main frequently used forms of procurement in the construction sector.Figure 2 Identifying the Procurement process (British Standards Institution, 2011)2.3. What classes as late procurementLate procurement in its simplest terms can be explained as when the procurement process chosen does not leave enough time to complete the programme to meet all three demands of the performance triangle as shown in Figure 3. Majority of specialist subcontractors packages are design and build. This means that if there is a delay in the procurement process it is the offsite period which is realised as the end date on a construction project rarely moves, unless the delay is due to the client.Figure 3 The Performance triangle Cost, Performance/Qualit y, timeA Design and Build contract is a single source onward motion in the sense that, generally, the eventual contractor takes on single-point responsibility to develop the entire design and deliver the works according to the clients requirement (Bower, 2003). A cut back design period makes design coordination between the different trades, especially in the specialist works, where the original intent by the clients architect may not adhere to CDM and building regulation.Late procurement in difficult projects could be classed as a lot earlier than in the more standard buildings. A compound project can be classed as a project where it is not a standard structure or a repeated building such(prenominal) a chain hotel etc. Banwells topic from 1964 stated that specialist consultants, nigh of whom may infact also be specialist contractor, should be brought in at the early stage as full members of a design team (Banwell, 1964). Obviously the precise period when procurement can be c lassed as early and when it can be classed as late is debateable and will come down to a commercial decision from the main contractor.2.4. The positive effects early procurement can have on a projectThe discussion over the benefits of early procurement / contractor involvement has been discussed for over 50 years, Banwell report 1964. In 1998 the Egan report was publish and this was the turning point for the construction industry as he recommended a radical rethink, it was this report which lead to the creation of the Construction Industry Council (CIC). The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is the representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry. (Construction Industry Council 2017, 2017)David Mosey looked into this subject in a gigantic deal, he stated that, a procurement model which omits contactor and specialist design contributions can increase risk and can result in poor communications between team members, unnecessary delays to progress of the project and the creation of incorrect information that leads to claims and disputes. (Mosey, 2009). This outlook is in line with many other academics, the JCT CE guide also states that, It is important that contractors and any key specialists are engaged early, ideally at a stage when the proposed design is not complete so that it is affirmable for the contractor and key specialists to consider ways in which the design can be made easier to build and maintain (JCT CE Guide, 2006).Design consultants are also in favour of this approach, the CIRIA (Construction Industry seek and Information Association) interviewed John Hayward, director of Mott MacDonald in 1998. He was quoted as stating Our preferred approach, particularly on more complex projects, is to select the contractor who will construct the project at concept stage. The primary objective is optimise buildability and thus improve delivery against time and constitu te criteria, (CIRIA, 1998).By engaging contractors and specialist contractors at an early stage renounces the creation of improved details which follow the build sequence as well as reduce build costs on site for re visits etc.The early involvement approach reduces the focus on the client. The design and built contract relies on the client expressing a clear performance brief at the outset and leaving the main contactor to determine its own means to complete the project in line with the required cost, time an quality parameters. (Mosey, 2009). The client would normally employ their own design team, architects etc, to generate this clear brief, by engaging a core team of specialist contractors this brief can be specifics and accurtate regarding specifications and details. This will reduce and remove some of the off-site time once a contractor is appointed as the brief should be transparent to both to contractor and the subcontractors tendering for the various packages.3.1. Introduct ionThis chapter will discuss and evaluate the proposed methods which will be undertaken in the research of the dissertation. The different research methods have been carefully chosen by the author based on the title and topic environment.3.2. Research ParadigmsA paradigm, in business, is a model of something, or a very clear and typical example of something (Cambridge Dictionary, 2017).Even though paradigms have increased through the raise in social media, there are still mainly two, Positivism and Anti-positivism. The third paradigm which will be considered in this research is critical theory. (Dr. Nirod K. Dash, June 2005)Positivism, in philosophy, adheres to the view that only factual knowledge gained through observation, including measurement, is trustworthy. (Dudovskiy, Positivism Research Philosophy, 2017) This is a very scientific approach and relies on fact and info rather than thoughts and opinions.Anti-Positivism can also be referred to as interpretive sociology or interp retivist. This is when the researcher interprets the elements of the study and uses their own thoughts, opinions and believes in order to arrive at a conclusion. This method of study usually focus on meaning and may employ multiple methods in order to reflect different aspects of the issue. (Dudovskiy, Interpretivism (interpretivist) Research Philosophy, 2017) full of life theory suggests action research methods to explore the modern field knowledge. This is generally used to solve problems immediately. This form of research will form from the back of the interviews when interviewing site level members of the project team.Table 4 The three research paradigms and the various methods (Dr. Nirod K. Dash, June 2005)Research paradigmsResearch approachResearch methodsExamplesPositivismQuantitativeSurveysQuestionnaireslongitudinal,cross-sectional,correlationalexperimental,Survey of procurement managers into the ploughshare of late procured packages per major project.Anti-positivismQualit ativeBiographicalPhenomenologicalEthnographicalcase studyReviewing the literature which is already been written.Completing interviews with different sectors an interpreting their responses.Critical theoryCritical and action-orientedIdeology critiqueaction researchIn field questionnaires and interviews3.3. Data CollectionVarious different types of data will be collected from the different research methods that have been proposed above. These different methods where chosen in order to gain an increased understanding of the industry as a whole, not just from an academic or site level. The different methods will also allow a large amount of different data to be collected, analysed and reviewed.Positivism research will lead to primary data through the surveys and questionnaires.3.4. Methods3.4.1. Objective 1In order to explore the various types of procurement in the private UK Construction Industry the author will complete an wide literature review. This review will examine the data fro m research which has been complete by other academics, this will secondary data. Secondary data will be reviewed as this will provide an alternative opinion on the current and past industry. A wide project of opinions will be critical when reviewing the primary data which will be collected from interviews and questionnairesThe emphasis of this objective is also to evaluate how more change has happened in the procurement practise to see if the role of a specialist subcontract has been considered when developing the process. In order to understand this the interview with the Main Contractor Procurement leaders will help explain from a practical level whether the theory mentioned in the literature review is completed in the field.The only issue with this method of research is that the academic literature may be one sided or based on past practice and not reflective of the current UK construction industry.3.4.2. Objective 2Determining what classes as late procurement and understanding the main and most common reasons for late procurements will be achieved through primary data, the data will be collected by different members of the UK construction industry completing interviews. In order to achieve a locomote and diverse set of responses the author will also aim to interview difference companies in the same sector.The interview questions will be created following an extensive literature review and a review of the questionnaires. The interview questions will contain the same core questions for each sector in order to achieve a broad understanding of the different opinions of late procurement. There will be different role specific questions which will be directed towards the environment that each interviewee works in.3.4.3. Objective 3Exploring the perception of late/early procurement and what effects it has on the construction industry will be the hardest objective to complete. The author will create various surveys aimed at different disciplines to understand th e different effects and issues caused by the delay in procurement.The questionnaires for the procurement team will try to gain an understanding into the procurement procedure they follow and whether it is by personal choice, company procedure or effected by time critical requirements.The questionnaires will be sent to lads in the authors working environment which will then be passed on to their colleagues, this is referred to as snowball sampling. This method has many benefits includingReaching members of the construction industry in high positions which would have been previously unachievable.Saving time, as other people are sending the questionnaire around the various other individualsNo large scale pre planning required, the author will just have to speak to the various key members about the request.However, there are also some disadvantages to this techniqueLack of control over who takes part in the surveySampling bias as the initial subjects will pass the questionnaire onto th eir close colleague who may be in similar positions or have the similar options. (Explorable, 2017)3.5. Research modelThe model displayed below highlights the various stages which will be completed during the research stage of the project.The first 3 stages have already been completed, along with the definition of the aims. The next stage is to complete the objectives and then review and analyse the data collected.Figure 4 A flow chart depicting the dissertation process3.6. Gantt chart displaying target project datesTable 6, Gantt chart displaying the target dissertation timelineIn summary the author has shown that there has been previous research into the proposed topic, however this research has been into the various procurement strategies and the benefits of early contractor involvement. There has not been much research into the effects of late procurement or the reasons for late procurement. This is where data from the interviews and questionnaires will be harnessed.The methodol ogy clearly portrays that the results from the questionnaire and literature review will be used to create the interview questions. This method will allow any gaps in information to be capture in the interviews, it will also allow some of the more challenging questions to be clearly answered by the interviewee.The main challenge that the author will face is participation with members of the industry for the questionnaires and interviews. The benefit of working in the industry and on major construction site is that the author will have personal links to various members on the industry, this should aid in the response rate.ReferencesBanwell. (1964). Banwell Report The Placing and Management of Contacts for building and Civil Engineering Work. London HMSO.Bower, D. D. (2003). Management of Procurement. London Thomas Yelford Publishing.British Standards Institution. (2011). BS 85342011 Construction procurement policies, strategies and procedures. BSI Standards Publications.Cambridge Di ctionary. (2017, environ 01). Paradigm. Retrieved from Cambridge Dictionary http//dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/paradigmCIRIA. (1998). Selecting Contractors by Value. London Construction Industry Research and Information Association.Construction Industry Council 2017. (2017, March 7). Retrieved from Construction Industry Council http//cic.org.uk/Dr. Nirod K. Dash, I. (June 2005). Module Selection of the Research Paradigm and Methodology. Manchester Meropolitan University.Dudovskiy, J. (2017, Feb 28). Interpretivism (interpretivist) Research Philosophy. Retrieved from Research Methodology http//research-methodology.net/research-philosophy/interpretivism/Dudovskiy, J. (2017, March 01). Positivism Research Philosophy. Retrieved from Research Methodology http//research-methodology.net/research-philosophy/positivism/Explorable. (2017, March 05). sweet sand verbena Sampling. Retrieved from Explorable https//explorable.com/snowball-samplingHarris, F., McCaffer, R. (2013). Modern Construction Management. Chichester Wiley-Blackwell.JCT CE Guide. (2006). JCT Constructing Excellence Contract Guide. London Sweet Maxwell.Laycock, E., Howarth, T., Watson, P. (2016). The Journey to Dissertation Success. Oxon Routledge.Morledge, R., Smith, A. (2013). expression Procurment. Chichester Wiley-Blackwell.Mosey, D. (2009). Early Contractor Involvement in Building Procurement- Contracts, Partnering and Project Managment. Wiley Blackwell.Specialist Sub-contractor. (2016, Jan 21). Retrieved from Designing Building Wiki https//www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Specialist_contractor revel find attached at the end of the report the following documents6.1 Research morals Checklist for Students (Page 19 to 25)6.2 participant Information Document (Page 26 to 27)6.3 Participant Consent Form (Page 28 to 29)RESEARCH ETHICSCHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS (SHUREC7)This form is designed to help students and their supervisory programs to complete an ethical examen of proposed rese arch. The SHU ResearchEthicsPolicy should be consulted before completing the form.Answering the questions below will help you decide whether your proposed research requires ethical review by a Designated Research Ethics Working Group.The final responsibility for ensuring that ethical research practices are followed rests with the supervisor for student research.Note that students and staff are responsible for making suitable arrangements for retentiveness data secure and, if relevant, for keeping the identity of participants anonymous. They are also responsible for following SHU guidelines about data encryption and research data management.The form also enables the University and dexterity to keep a record confirming that research conducted has been subjected to ethical scrutiny.For student projects, the form may be completed by the student and the supervisor and/or module leader (as applicable). In all cases, it should be counter-signed by the supervisor and/or module leader, and kept as a record exhibit that ethical scrutiny has occurred. Students should retain a copy for inclusion in their research projects, and staff should keep a copy in the student file.Please note if it may be necessary to conduct a health and safety risk assessment for the proposed research. Further information can be obtained from the Faculty Safety Co-ordinator.GeneralDetailsName of studentKatherine Louise WalterCourse or qualification (student)MSc Construction Project ManagementsTitle of proposed researchThe effects of late procurement for specialist subcontractors in the Uk Construction IndustryProposed start dateJanuary 2017Proposed end dateOctober 2017Brief outline of research to include, rationale aims (250-500 words).This dissertation sets out to explore the various reasons why there are delays in the subcontractor procurement process in UK Construction industry. The dissertation will be focusing on purely the private sector of the industry and determining what effects the l ate procurement can have on the project, both in terms of the commercial and program implications.The main aims of the dissertation are1.To explore the various types of procurement in the private UK Construction Industry2.To determine what classes as late procurement and understand the main and most common reasons for late procurements3.To evaluate what are the major effects on late procurement and do they aid or hamper the three key feature of a successful projecta) Timeb) Qualityc) Cost.d) BREAM/Sustainability4.What can be done to improve the procurement processesWhere data is collected from individuals, outline the nature of data, details of anonymisation, storage and disposal procedures if required (250-500 words).Data will be collected from individuals in the construction sector via interviews and questionnaires.The nature of the data will be both opinions and facts. The opinions will be taken from various sectors of the construction industry in order to gain a wide range of da ta. The questionnaires will also be sent to various different employees for different companies. This approach will try to avoid results being effected by one companies practice.The data received from the questionnaires will then be used to generate questions for interviews. These interviews will try to focus down into some of the trends displayed in the questionnaires. The interview will also ask questions about the company procedures as well as the individuals thoughts and opinions on how the system could be improved.1.HealthRelated Research InvolvingtheNHSorSocial Care/CommunityCareortheCriminal JusticeServiceorwith researchparticipantsunabletoprovideinformed approveQuesti

Characteristics of the leadership process

Characteristics of the lead processStogdills definition has three key components. First, it defines leadinghiphip as an interpersonal process in which one individual seeks to shape and direct the deportment of others. Second, it sets leadership in a complaisant context. In which the members of a root word to be influenced are subordinates or followers. Third, it establishes a criterion for effective leadership in goal achievement, which is one practical objective of leadership conjecture and look. nearly definitions share these processual, contextual and evaluative components.Some key charachteristics of the leadership processLeadership is a process of influencing others primarily through the use of noncorecive influence techniques. This charachteristics distinguishes a leader from a dictator.Leadership influence is goal directed to attain defined group or organisational goalsThere are five approaches to the conduct of leadership peculiarity spying attempts to brin g out the temper trait and other related attri exclusivelyes of the effective leader in order to facilitate the selection of leaders.Style counsel attempts to characterize different leadership demeanour precedents to get wind effective and ineffective leadership modalitys. In order to improve the training and development of leaders. mount suitable contingency theories which argue that the effectiveness of particular leadership behaviours is dependent on the organisational and cultural setting, which outhouse also facilitate leadership awareness and training.New leadership attitude approaches which identify new leaders, superleaders and transformational leaders as heroic and inspirational visionaries who give social function and direction to others, with an dialect on senior executives and politicians whose motivational fiber is said to be central to organisational strategy and effectiveness.Dispersing the role a recent perspective which notes that leadership behaviour is not confined to those with formal leadership roles but give the gate be observed across the organisation hierarchy, and thus one aspect of the new superleadership role is to develop self -leadership skills in others.Any study of leadership would be incomplete without an understanding of the debate amid leaders Vs conductorsLeadership versus managementWe startle have to deal with one crucial headland what is the difference mingled with leadership and management? Some commentators argue that these terms are synonymous, as leadership is simply one facet of the management role. opposite commentators argue that this distinction is signifi potentiometert. Leaders and managers play different contributions leaders have followers, managers have subordinates.Those who make a clear distinction portray the leader as someone who develops visions and drives new initiatives, and portray the manager as someone who monitors progress towards objectives to achieve order and reliability. The lead er is prophet, catalyst and mover-shaker, focused on strategy. The manager is operator, technician and riddle solver, concerned with the here -and- now of goal attainment. The key distinguishing feature here is orientation course to change . As Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus (1985, p.21) observe, managers do things right, while leaders do the right thing.Leadership versus ManagementCreating an agendaEstablishes directionPlans and budgetsvision of the future, develops strategiesdecides actions and timetables,for change to achieve goalsallocates recoursesE Leadership functions Management functionsDeveloping peoplepositioning peopleOrganizing and staffingcommunicates vision and strategy,decides structure and allocates staff,influences creation of terms whichdevelops policies, procedures andaccept validity of goalsMonitoringExecutionMotivating and shakeControlling, problem resolving powerenergizes people to overwhelm obstacle,monitors results against plan andsatisfies human requisit estakes corrective actionsOutcomesProduces positive and somemultiplicationproduces orders, consistency anddramatic changesPredictabilityTutorial uncertaintyDiscuss Modern day organisations need leaders or managers Please handle and give relevant examples to justify your answer.Power what is it, and how can I get more than?Leadership is about influencing the behaviour of others. whizz cannot be a leader without followers. One key attribute of followers is that they must be willing to obey. Leadership is a property of the affinity between leader and follower. We need to know why people are willing to let themselves be influenced by some individuals and not by others. We thus need to understand the nature of compliance.Leadership and powerPower is a useful apprehension with which to explain the social process of interpersonal influence. Power is a detailed dimension of leadership, and the two terms are often used with the same or similar substances a leader is someone with powe r, powerful individuals are leaders.We can thus define power in much the same way that we have defined leadership-as the ability of an individual to control or influence others, or to get some-one else to do something that they would perhaps not do.There are different sources of power to name a few information power, affiliation power dependable power, all these power bases are interrelated. The exercise of one power base may affect a leaders ability to use another. The leader who resorts to powerful power may for example lose denotative power. The leader may be able to use legitimate power to enhance both referent and expert power. A leader can operate from multiple sources of power and few leaders may be able to rely on a single power base.Please see table Sources of powerp+ are positive sources of powerp- are negative sources of powerPOWER standpointEXPLANATIONPERCEIVED ASRewardremuneration, award, compliment, symbolicp+gestures of praiseCoercionphysical or psychological inju ry, symbolic gesturesof disdain, demotion, unwanted transfer,withholding resourcesp-potenceManagement right to control, obligation of othersp-to obey, playing the boss and abusing authorityexercise of leadership in times of crisis or needp+Referentappellation based on personal characteristics,sometimes on perception of charisma or reciprocalidentification based on friendship, association,sharing information, common interests, determineand preferencesp+ExpertPossession of specialized knowledge valued byOthers, used to help others, given freely when solicited.p+Unsolicited expertness effects barriers expertiseOfferedcondescendingly is coercive withholdingexpertise in times of needp-Informationaccess to information that is not public knowledge,because of position or connections can exist atall organizational levels secretaries and personalassistants to executives often have informationpower, and can control information flowsp-Affiliationborrowed from an authority source-executiveSecr etaries and assistants act as surrogates for theirSuperiorsp+acting on their own self-interest using negativeaffiliation powerby applying accounting andpersonal policies rigidlyp-Group corporate problem solving, conflict resolution,creative brainstorming group resolution greaterThan the individual contribution.p+a few individual dominating the proceedings,groupthinkp-Tutorial questionDiscuss Which power base or which combination of power bases would you expect to be well-nigh effective for an organisation leader in current times?Five approaches to LeadershipResearch on leadership shows five main approaches in the study of leadership and that leadership theories have evolved gradually starting from the Trait spotting approach to New Leadership theoriesTrait spotting the research for personality markersFor the first four decades of the twentieth century, researches assumed that they could identify the personality traits of leaders It would then be possible to select individuals who possessed those traits and to promote them into leadership position.This search for the qualities of good leaders was influenced by great man theory, which claims that (predominantly male) leaders are born as such, and emerge to take power, regardless of the social, organisational or historical context.Great man theory is a historical perspective based on the premises that the fate of societies, and organizations, is in the hands of key, powerful, idiosyncratic (male) individuals who by force of personality reach positions of influence from which they can direct and dominate the lives of others.Typical constitute of qualitiesStrong drive for responsibilityFocus on completing the labourVigour and persistence in pursuit of goalsVenturesomeness and originality in problem solvingDrive to exercise initiative in social settingsSelf-potencySense of personal identityWillingness to accept consequences of decisions and actionsReadiness to absorb interpersonal stressWillingness to hurt frus tration and delayAbility to influence the behaviour of othersCapacity to structure social corpses to the purpose in hand.Rosemay Stewart (1963) cites a study in which American executives were asked to identify indispensable leadership qualities. They came up with the following fifteen traitsjudgementinitiativeintegrityforesightenergydriveHuman relations skilldecisionDependabilityemotional stabilityfairnessambitiondedicationobjectivityCo-operationLimitations of the trait spotting theoryIt is difficult to challenge the diagnose of qualities cited by all Stogdill or Stewart. Can we say that effective leaders should lack judgement, be low in energy, be undependable, lack drive, ambition, creativity and integrity and have precise foresight? What happens when we compare Stewart with Stogdill? Both identify drive as a key trait. However, Stogdill lists venturesomeness, self-confidence, stress tolerance and system structuring as traits which Stewarts omits. Stewart identifies foresight, fairness, integrity, fairness and co-operation, which are wanting(p) from Stogdills list.Traits spotting presents several difficulties. First, there are more attributes here than personality traits. Second, these attributes are vague. Third, many of the items on these lists describe skills and behaviour patterns which have to be observed, quite an than personality traits that can be assessed by questionnaires or interview persistence in pursuit of goals, ability to influence others. It is difficult to see how trait spotting can be used effectively in leadership selection context, as originally intended.A further problem lies with the observation that one list of good leadership qualities is as good as another. Stogdills review revealed some overlap between research findings, but it is also revealed disagreement and inconsistency. This line of research has been unable to establish a consistent set of leadership traits of attributes. Leadership is about power and influence, the che mistry of which it is difficult to analyse in terms of personality traits.Style counselling the search for effective behaviour patternsDisillusionment with the traits approach meant that leadership, management and supervisory bearing became a major focus for research. Attention switched from selecting leaders on personality traits to training and developing leaders in appropriate behaviour patterns. This research tradition argues that a considerate, participative, democratic and involving leadership course is more effective than an impersonal, autocratic and directive style.Two research projects, the Michigan and Ohio studies, in the 1940s and 1950s underpinned Employee- centred behaviour pore on relationships and employee needsemployee-centred behaviour focusing on relationships and employee needs line of merchandise-centred behaviour focusing consideration is a pattern of leadership behavior that demonstrates sensitivity to relationships and to the social needs of employees.In itiating structure is a pattern of leadership behavior that emphasizes setance of the flow in hand and the achievement of product and service goals.Consistent with the Michigan studies, the Ohio results identified two categories of leadership behaviour, favor and initiating structure. The considerate leader is needs- and the relationship- oriented. The leader who structures hammer for subordinates is task-oriented.The considerate leader is interested in and listens to subordinates, allows participation in decision making, is friendly and approachable, helps subordinates with personal problems and is prepared to mount them if necessary. The leaders behaviour indicates genuine rely, measure, warmth and rapport. This enhances subordinates feeling of self-esteem and hikes the development of communications and relationships in a work group. The researches first called this leadership dimension social sensitivity.The leader initiating structure plans ahead, decides how thing are g oing to get done, structures tasks and assigns work, makes expectation clear, emphasizes deadlines and achievement, and expects subordinates to follow instructions. The leaders behaviour stresses production and the achievement of organisational goals. This type of behaviour can stimulate enthusiasm to achieve objectives as well as encouraging and helping subordinates to get the work done. This is the kind of emphasis that the scientific management shallow encouraged, except that here it is recognised that task orientation can have a positive motivating aspect. The researches first called this leadership dimension production emphasis.Consideration and structure are independent behaviour patterns and do not represent the extremes of a continuum. A leader can emphasize one or both. contemplate satisfaction is likely to be postgraduateer and grievances and labour overturn lower where the leader emphasizes consideration. Task performances, on the other hand, is likely to be higher wh ere the leader emphasizes the initiation of structure. Inconsiderate leaders typically have subordinates who complain and who are more likely to leave the organisation, but can have comparatively full-bodied work groups if they are high on initiating structure.Initiating structureHigh lowHigh performance low performanceHigh few grievances few grievances disordered turnover low turnoverConsiderationLow High performance low performanceMany grievances many grievancesHigh turnover high turnoverFigure 1 The Ohio State leadership theory predictionsThe influential work of another University of Michigan researcher, Rensis Likert(1961), reinforced the benefits of considerate performance-oriented leadership. He found that supervisors in passing productive sections were more likely toReceive general as opposed to last supervision from their superiorGive general as opposed to close supervision to their subordinatesEnjoy their responsibility and authoritySpend more time on supervisionBe empl oyee- rather than production-orientedSupervisors in sections where productivity was low were production-oriented and pure on keeping their subordinates busy on achieving targets on time. The effective supervisors were not just concerned with employee needs. They were seen as subordinates as emphasizing high performance and had a contagious enthusiasm for achieving goals. Likert and his team identified four main styles or systems of leadershipSystem 1 Exploitative autocratic, in which the leaderHas no confidence and invest in subordinatesImposes decisions, never delegatesMotivates by threatHas little communication and team work.System 2 Benevolent authoritative, in which the leaderHas superficial, condescending sureness in subordinatesImposes decisions, never delegatesMotivates by rewardSometimes involves subordinates in solving problems.System 3 Participative, in which the leaderHas some incomplete confidence and trust in subordinatesListens to subordinates but controls decision makingMotivates by reward and some involvementUses ideas and opinions of subordinates constructively.System 4 Democratic, in which the leaderHas complete confidence and trust in subordinatesAllows subordinates to make decisions for themselvesMotivates by reward for achieving goals set by participationShares ideas and opinion.Likerts research showed that effective supervisors were those who adopted either system 3 or system 4 leadership, what Likert called and alternative organisational lifestyle.Tutorial question The style counselling leadership approach is extremely relevant in current times Discuss this statement.Context fitting the development of contingency theoriesThe Michigan and Ohio perspectives offer leaders one best way to handle followers, by adopting the high-consideration, high-structure ideal. This advice is supported by the fact that most people like their leaders to be considerate, even when they are performance- oriented as well. The main criticism of this perspecti ve lies with the observation that one leadership style may not be effective in all circumstances.Departing from one best way, Robert Tannenbaum and Warren Schmidt (1958) presented the autocratic- democratic choice as a continuum, from boss centred leadership at one extreme to subordinate- centred leadership at the other. This is illustrated in presage 2Subordinate-centred leadershipBoss- centred leadershipThe contingency theory of leadership is a perspective which states that leaders to be effective must adapt their style in a manner consistent with aspects such as the work context, attributes of workers and the nature of the work to be doneUse of authority by the managerArea of freedom for subordinates animal trainer Manager Manager Manager presents Manager presents Manager defines Manager permitsmakes decisions sells presents ideas tentative decision problem, gets limits asks group subordinates toand announces it. Decisions. and invites subject to change. suggestion, makes to mak e decision. function within limitsquestions. Decision. defined bysuperior.The Tannenbaum-Schmidt continuum of leadership behaviorThe steps in this continuum are represented as alternatives for the leader their article was subtitled should the manager be democratic or autocratic- or something in between? Tannenbaum and Schmidt argue that the answer depends on three sets of forcesForces in the manager personality, values, preferences, beliefs aboutEmployee participation, confidence in subordinatesForces in the subordinates need for independence, tolerance of ambiguityKnowledge of the problem, expectations of involvementForces in the situation organizational norms, size and location of workGroups, effectiveness of teamworking, nature ofThe problemHaving concentrated on forces in the manager, having challenged the notion of one best way, to lead, research now considered aspects of the context in which the leader was operate the people being led, the nature of the work they were doing, and the wider organisational setting. This perspective suggests that leaders must be able to diagnose the context and be able to decide what behaviour will fit. As the best style is contingent on the situation, this approach is referred to as the contingency theory of leadership.Tutorial questionLeadership research and theory seems to be consistent in arguing that a considerate, employee- cantered, participative and democratic style is more effective.What factors in an organisational context would make an inconsiderate, goal- centred, impersonal and autocratic leadership style more effective?Contingency theory of leadership contdAnother influential contingency theory of leadership was developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard (1988). They retrieve that leaders can alter their style to fit the context.Hersey and Blanchard call their approach situational leadership, summarised in fig 3, which describe leader behaviour on two dimensions.The first dimension (horizontal axis) concerns task behaviour, or the add together of direction a leader gives to subordinates. This can vary from specific instructions, at one extreme, to complete delegation, at the other. Hersey and Blanchard identify two intermediate positions, where leaders either facilitate subordinates decisions or take care to explain their own.Situational leadership is an approach to determining the most effective style of influencing, taking into accounts of direction and support the leader gives, the band and maturity of followers to perform a particular task.The second dimension (vertical axis) concerns supportive behaviour and the amount of social backup a leader gives to subordinates. This can vary from limited communication, at one extreme, to considerable listening, facilitating and supporting at the other.The model establishes four sanctioned leadership styles, labelled S1 to S4S1 Telling High amounts of task behaviour, telling subordinates what to do, when to do it and how to do it, but with little leadership behaviour.S2 Selling High amounts of both task behaviour and relationship behaviour.S3 Participating Lots of relationship behaviour and support, but little direction of task behaviour.S4 Delegating Not much task behaviour or relationship behaviour.Share ideas and Explain decisions and provideFacilitate decision making. Opportunity for clarification.PARTICIPATING S3 S2 SELLINGDELAGATING TELLINGTurn over responsibility entrust specific instructionsFor decisions and and closely superviseImplementation performance.S4 S1(Supporting Behavior/Relationship Behavior RRELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURLow TASK BEHAVIOUR high(GUIDANCE)High Moderate lowR4 R3 R2 R1Able andwilling orconfidentFollower ReadinessAble but unwillingOr insecure unavailing and unwillingOr insecureUnable but willingOr confidentFollower directed leader directedHersey and Blanchard also argue that the readiness of followers to perform a particular task is a key factor. This is explained by the lower portion of the figure in which follower readiness is raddled on a continuum, with insecure subordinates unwilling to act at one extreme to confident followers able and willing to perform at the other. superpose the readiness continuum on the top half of the model and you have a basis for selecting an effective leadership style. It is compelling and consistent with other theories to suggest that insecure subordinates need telling while willing and confident groups can be left to do the job.Tutorial question Take an organisation of your choice and discuss the relevance and significance of the Hersey and Blanchard situational leadership theory.Leadership in the twenty-first centuryTwo related trends in leadership thinking are now observableRecognition of the role of heroic, powerful, charismatic, visionary leader.Recognition of the role of information leadership, at all levels.These trends appear to be contradictory. We have the new leader, who is a rational figure motivating followers to superlat ive levels of achievement. However, we have also the super leader, who is able to lead other lead themselves .The super leader thus encourage, develops and co-exists with informal leadership dispersed throughout the organisation hierarchy.The new leader is an indispensable and inspirational visionary, a coach, a facilitator concerned with building a shared sense of purpose and mission, with creating a culture which ensures that everyone is aligned with the organisations goals and is skilled and empowered to go and achieve them.The super leader is a leader who is able to develop leadership mental ability in other, developing and empowering them, reducing their dependence on formal leaders, stimulating their motivation, commitment and creativity.The new leadership theory originates from the work of McGregor Burns (1978), who distinguished between transactional and transformational leaders.The transactional leader is a leader who treats relationship with followers in terms of an exchan ge, giving followers what they want in return for what the leader desires, following positivistic tasks to pursue established goals.Transactional leaders see their relationship with formers in term of trade, swaps or bargains. Transformational leaders are characterised as individuals who inspire and motivates others to go beyond contract, to perform at unexpected levels. Although Burns saw these two types of leadership it was easy to see why some commentators equate transactional with management, and transformational with leadership.The transactional leader is a leader who treats relationship with followers in terms of an exchange, giving followers what they want in return for what the leader desires, following prescribed tasks to pursue established goals.The transformational leader is a leader who treats relationships with followers in terms of motivation and commitment , influencing and inspiring followers to give more than mechanical compliance and to improve organisational perf ormanceTransformational leadership occurs when leadersStimulates others to see what they are doing from new perspectivesArticulate the mission or vision of the organisationDevelop others to higher levels of ability andMotivates others to put organisational interest to begin with self-interest.They achieve this, according to Bass and Avolio, by using one or more of Idealised influenceact as role models, attract admiration, respectand trust, put needs of others before personalinterest, take risks and demonstrate highstandards of ethical conductInspirational motivationmotivate and inspire by providing meaning andchallenge, arouse team spirit, show enthusiasmand optimism, communicate expectations,demonstrate commitmentIntellectual stimulationquestion assumptions, reframe problems,approach old issues in new ways, encourageinnovation and creativity, avoid public criticismof mistakesIndividualised considerationattend to individual needs for growth andachievement, act as coach or mentor, c reate newlearning opportunities, accept individualDifferences, avoid close monitoring.The transformational leader is a leader who threats relationship with followers in terms of motivation and commitment, influencing and inspiring followers to give more than mechanical compliance and to improve organizational performance. It is tempting to regard the profusion of new terms and the shift in emphasis in leadership theory and research as a systematic development of earlier ideas. However, the identification of new, super, transformational leaders represent a simplification of the concept of leadership, returning to trait spotting (hunt the visionary) and overlooks what is known about the influences of a range of contextual factors on leadership effectiveness.Tutorial questionConsidering senior business and governmental leaders with whom you are familiar, either directly or through the media, which come closest to these definitions of new leader, super leader and transformational leade r?The new, super, transformational leader looks like a one best way approach. Does this vindicate trait spotting and discredit contingency perspectives?Dispersing the leadership roleIn the distinction between leadership and management, orientation to change is a defining characteristic, a distinctive mark of the leader. These results suggest, therefore, that leadership is a widespread phenomenon. Leadership behaviours are dispersed rather than concentrated in the hands of formally appointed managers. Leadership functions are best carried out by people who have the interest, knowledge, skills and motivation to perform them effectively. This observation is reinforced by the development of self-managing autonomous teams, which often have no leaders, or have coach-facilitators whose role is to develop team skills. These coaching- facilitating are super leaders.Recognition of dispersed leadership does not imply a shift of focus away from formal, senior figures. It may be useful to separa te notions of leadership from formal positions and prestige job titles. However, it is necessary to recognise that senior figures with prestige title continue to exercise leadership roles and functions as well.This twin-track approach, which combines recognition of visionary new leadership with the notion of a widely dispersed leadership decoupled from high office, is illustrated by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus (1985). Their model of twenty-first century leadership (in which the new role of the leader is to be (leader of leaders) is summarised in table 4.

War Poem about Leaving Love :: essays research papers

Leaving LoveMy love is pleading with meTelling me non to leave herI can feel her agony deep inside myself tooShe is on her knees beggingOur bond of love is strong, I feel pixilated to leave herBut I then departed, I gave her my heartThen my journey to the army I startedIn training nowPreparing for a war That will soon be upon usIn which my head shall bowFor my country or moreFor months now working Training in long, unenviable sessions Of every hour, and every dayCountless soldiers scream in depressionThey want to be back home.And when I lay on those small, hard beds ambiguous in the coldness of the harsh, metal frameAnd wrapped in nothing but a thin, cotton sheetI lay and try to obstruct my painOn my body and in my heart.Don?t Fall BackHolding the lines In deep, dark, degree Celsiusy trenchesPlague infests us all and the musical note of the dead stings my nose when I take in a breath.As I shoot the other people d giveI take their lives for my ownAnd when I look up above the tr ench to shoot againAll I see is pinpricks of restThey look at me with the knowledge of a thousand starsAnd they stare into my innermost soul, where it is darkThey see my soul shrinking, like the waning of the winter moonMy heart can feel it tooIt feels as though it is being wrapped up tightlyWrapped in the bloodstained snow around meBeauty, which is a lie, a lie of the glowing lightA light, which is truly deadA light whose sparkling beams are knives stabbing into my heartIcy fingers reach out to my soulThe fingers of intent and finaleSent by the moonWith the icy fingers, those brilliant beams and the moonThey each send an ever sparkling, iridescent light to show dark patterns in the snow Am I to live?I care not, as long as I have my one loveLost in storehouseI am now free from warFree from the deathsThat occur right next to meForever waiting for disasterThis obsession is draining my lifeI am drowning in my own sorrow and painI look at the stars sometimesFor hours on end, I watch them, I reminisce the war