Human resources management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Human resources management - Assignment Example It mainly encompasses the domain of tasks which seeks to ensure the welfare of workers and taking care of their concerns. However, the modern HRM functions has emerged out of the concept of regarding employees and workers as resources in their organizations required for meeting organizational goals and objectives. HRM considers people as their first priority and tries to secure management objectives by maximization of the return of investment of those resources (Brumfitt, Barnes, Norris & Jones, p.4). 1.2 Contribution of HRM function to Virgin Atlantic There have been major changes in Virgin Atlantic since its ownership by the Virgin Group and Singapore Airlines. This necessarily implies a complete restructuring of its existing policies and strategies. The focus has been towards retaining a customer centric approach and deliver new and innovative services towards its customers. The main idea is to retain its market position by setting new standards of services towards customers. It i s imperative that this would require recreating HR strategies for meeting the new organizational needs. In this case particularly, restructuring would call for resistances and opposition from the workforce of the organization which needs to be handled. New HRM functions would mainly cater towards helping the organization towards meeting its purpose, motivating employees through the change process and handling change management issues at large. 1.3 Roles and Responsibilities of line Managers in Virgin Atlantic Line Managers are said to remain in close contact with the employees and as such they remain most aware of the present issues and concerns of the employees. This called for the involvement of line managers in managing the human resources in the organization. They are responsible for understanding the present and the future conditions of the organizations and the external environment in which it operates. They are also responsible for knowing the future requirements from the lea ders in the organization. That means they focus on the potential performance of the organization. This means developing the human resource in the organization so as to develop the potential performance. Line managers are also involved in various developmental activities which include group session, one to one activities, conducting company projects, conducting a feedback and system and a coaching system too. Line managers are associated with personal development programs catering to the needs of the organization too (Martindale, â€Å"Guide to leadership development in 11 steps†). 1.4 Legal and Regulatory framework on HRM in Virgin Atlantic Since the profitability of any airline links closely with the economic growth of the region, it remains subjected to various rules and regulations. Recently the UK Government has become particularly cautious about security checks at UK airports. The UK CAA is especially responsible for monitoring risk based performance of the airline. Apar t from that the SRG employs a team of specialists to monitor the activities of the airline in different areas (Civil Aviation Authority-a, â€Å"The Specialist Teams†). This includes testing pilot capacities, aircraft maintenance, flying, training and recreational activities etc. The airline industry is

Virtualization for Healthcare Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Virtualization for Healthcare - Research Paper Example 1.0 What is Virtual Healthcare? Virtual healthcare is, in a nutshell, any kind of health care that is accomplished through a means that is not face-to-face interaction. Harrop (2001) defines virtual healthcare as â€Å"asynchronicity, outsourcing and anonymity† (Harrop, 2001, p. 244). Demiris (2005) describes a number of different, broad, categories under which health care virtualization would fall. One is that of health care delivery systems, which is where a team of professionals and caregivers are assembled, for the benefit of the patient, and participate in therapy or health care by videophone. This enables a patient, such as one who is homebound, to participate in meetings regarding the patient’s care virtually, without having to leave his home. Another of the broad groups is that of virtual research teams. Virtual research teams concern health care researchers, and this is where the health care researchers communicate and exchange information with one another thro ugh the Internet or other advanced technology. Virtual disease management is another category cited by Demiris. This is where a patient, who has a chronic illness, interacts with health care professionals in an effort for the health care professionals to intervene and communicate with their health care professional. ... Virtual disease management also has, as one its top goals, education of the patient in self-care (Demiris, 2006, pp. 180-181). Virtual healthcare differs from traditional health care in that the patient does not necessarily meet with his or her health-care provider face to face. As indicated below, this has a number of advantages with regards to costs, yet also has a number of disadvantages when compared against traditional face-to-face healthcare. 2.0 Examples of Virtual Healthcare There are many different examples that may be used to illustrate some of the benefits and uses of virtual health care. One such is the concept of telehome care. This is where a patient accesses, from his or her home, audio and video data between the patient and the health care provider, such as a nurse. This visit is facilitated by such hands-on devices, such as stethoscopes, blood pressure readings, wounds dressing, and auscultation (Shea et al., 2008, p. 136). These different readings are performed by t he patient or the care-giver with the supervision of the nurse, who appears through the patient’s audio or video set, and is also on hand to answer any questions that the patient might have about his or her care (Shea et al., 2008, p. 136). The University of Cyprus, in the Eurasian country of Cyprus, has innovated a virtual health-care system called DITIS, which is a Network for Medical Collaboration (Pitsillides et al., 2008, p. 1). DITIS was originally developed so that the difficulties in communication and continuity of care between a home health multidisciplinary team, and the team and an oncologist, could be addressed (Jossif, 2005, pp. 6-7). DITIS is a team that consists of a variety of different providers and family members, such as a social worker,

External factors of environment affecting organisations

External factors of environment affecting organisations The word environment means the surrounding atmosphere and conditions for existence. It is very important for organisational leaders to know and understand the environment before they start doing business. The external factors of the environment are factors that are not under the control of an organisation. These factors include social environment, political conditions, technological environment, government regulations and policies, accounting agencies like accounting standard board, resources in economy and cultural environment and demographics of people (Finance Discussion Form 2010). The external environment comprises of all the outside factors that may have an impact on the workings of an organisation. The external environment is divided into 2 parts: directly interactive and indirectly interactive. A directly interactive type of environment has an immediate and firsthand impact upon an organisation. An indirectly interactive type of environment has a secondary and more distant impact on an organisation (Global Business Environment online Journal). The category of directly interactive environmental forces includes owners, customers, suppliers, competitors, employees and employee unions (The External Environment online Article). Conversely, the category of indirectly interactive environmental forces includes social-cultural, political and legal, technological, economic and global influences. Indirectly interactive forces may impact one organisation more than another simply because of the nature of a particular business (Global Strategy online Article). External factors that can affect a business are: social factors: how consumer, households and communities behave and their beliefs e.g. changes in attitude towards health or a greater number of pensioners in a population. Legal factors: the way in which legislation in society affects the business e.g. changes in employment laws on working hours. Economic factors: how the economy affects a business in terms of taxation, government spending, general demand, interest rates, exchange rates and European and global economic factors. Political factors: how changes in government policy might affect the business e.g. a decision to subsidise building new houses could be good for local brick works. Technological factors: how the rapid pace of change in production processes and product innovation affect a business. And ethical factors: what is regarded as morally right or wrong for a business to do e.g. trading with countries which have a poor record on human rights would be seen as unethical (External factors that affect retail industry online Article). Knowledge and understanding of the environment is vital for an organisation to know in order to be successful. Outline of the company I have chosen for the purposes of my essay: PRIMARK Primark Stores Limited is an Irish clothing retailer, operating over 200 stores in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Belgium. Within this area of responsibility, Primark stores outnumbered other clothing retailer business, with 161 stores overall distributed in three major regions: 125 in the United Kingdom, 34 in Ireland and 8 in Spain. Primark is known for selling clothes at the budget end of the market. The companys success is based on sourcing supply cheaply, making clothes with simple designs and fabrics, only making them in the most popular sizes, buying stock in huge bulks and varieties and not advertising. The company positions itself as marketing fashionable at cutthroat prices. The original clothing store was established by Arthur Ryan and his collaborator Micaela Mitchell in Dublin Ireland in 1969. After various success in clothing business, great profits and gross income led them to open stores in local and regional areas. It acquired various premises in different business centres within its local and regional areas which eventually generate more profits and income. Hence, these successes brought significant changes on Primarks retail business. The relevance of global trends and consumers demands on lifestyle made Primark Store Limited reinvent its business scheme and management structure (The analysis on the external and internal environment of Primark retailing industry). In the recent years Primark has received many awards for its products including the prestigious Retailer of the Year award for 2 years in a row now (Primark website 2010). Whilst the companys main headquarters are based in Ireland, the chain is a subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF), and is ultimately controlled by the Weston family through Wittington Investments (Primark Stores Ltd 2010). The analytical framework I have selected for the company The key environmental issue I have chosen for the basis of my analysis of Primark is PESTEL. The term PESTEL stands for Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Environmental Legal. This term has been used regularly in the past 10 years and its true history is difficult to establish. Various other similar acronyms that have also been used include ETPS, STEP, PEST and STEEPLE (PESTLE analysis 2010). I choose the PESTEL analysis tool as it is used by companies for business and strategic planning, marketing planning, business and product development and research reports. Hence, using this tool, companies can gain an understanding of the environment they operate in and take advantage of the opportunities and minimize the possible threats (Market Orientated Strategic Planning 2010). PESTEL analysis is in effect an audit of an organisations environmental influence with the purpose of using this information to guide strategic decision-making. The assumption is that if the organisation is able to audit its current environment and asses potential changes, it will be better placed than its competitors to respond to changes. The PESTEL analysis is said to be a useful tool for understanding the big picture of the environment in which an organisation is operating and for understanding risks associated with market growth or decline, potential and directing for an individual business or organisation. A PESTEL analysis is also used as a generic orientation tool, finding out where an organisation or product is in the context of what is happening outside that will at some point affect what is happening inside an organisation. The six elements form a framework for reviewing a situation, and can also be used to review a strategy or position, direction of a company, a marketing proposition or idea (PEST Analysis is concerned With the Environmental Influences on a Business). Description discussion of PESTEL Political Factors: These refer to government policies such as degree of intervention in the economy. Political decisions can impact on many vital areas for business such as the education of the workforce, the health of the nation and the quality of the infrastructure of the economy such as the road and rail system. This category also includes areas such as tax policy, employment laws, environmental regulations, trade restrictions and reform tariffs and political stability (Oxford University Press. (2007). Economic factors: These refer to what is happening within the economy e.g. economic growth/decline, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation rate, taxation changes, wage rates, working hours, unemployment level, and recently recovered recession and credit crunch. Sociological factors: These refer to the ever changing social trends in the markets, in which the company operates, culture norms, and expectations, health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, career attitudes, emphasis on safety and global warming. Change in social trends can also impact on the demand for a firms products and the availability and willingness of individuals to work (The Pest or Pestle Analysis). Technological factors: These refer to the fast developing and advancing world of technology. Change in technology can impact the work and dealings of an organisation. New technologies create new processes and procedures. Things that were not possible a couple of years back are now main stream. Online shopping, bar coding and computer aided design are all improvements to the way companies do business now as a result of better technology. Technology can also reduce costs in the long run, improve quality, and lead to innovation. These developments can benefit customers as well as organisations manufacturing the products. Environmental factors: These refer to what is happening with respect to ecological and environmental issues i.e. climate and weather. Changes in the weather can impact on many industries including farming, tourism and insurance. With major climate changes occurring due to global warming and with greater environmental awareness this external factor is becoming a significant issue for firms to consider (PESTEL analysis of the macro-environment). Legal Factors: These refer to the legal environment in which an organisation operates. Changes in legislation may have an impact on employment, access to materials, quotas, resources, imports/exports and taxation. In recent years in the UK there have been many significant legal changes that have affected companies behaviour. The introduction of age discrimination and disability discrimination legislation, an increase in the minimum wage and greater requirements for firms to recycle are example of relatively recent law that affect an organisations work and actions (PESTLE analysis 2010). Applying the PESTEL framework to PRIMARK In assessing the political, social, and economic factors external to the environment of Primark, we must consider different issues. Primarks business operations are subject to government policies and regulations. The business firm should conform to the set of policies and regulations stipulated and enforced by the government and policy making body while conforming to the set of regulations and policies, the firm should assume social responsibility as demanded by the global consciousness. Nowadays, business sectors no longer busied themselves to produce bonds of profits and income but deeply involved in social programs to promote social awareness and equality. Cultural and social behaviours of different consumers are important to consider when establishing or venturing business in the global landscape (The analysis on the external and internal environment of Primark retailing industry). Furthermore, economic, environment, laws, and technology are inseparable entities in which influence the business operations. The economic stability of certain region can contribute allot to the business condition of certain firm, like Primark. Technology on the other hand, brought a tremendous effect to the status and development of business operations and marketing programs. It generates new trends in a rapid movement, which if organizations are unaware will impede growth and development (Pest Analysis 2010). Political factors: Primarks business operations are the aid of government policies and regulation for example providing proper working environment for workers. For dealing with workers and for improving their working conditions, the company is part of the Ethical trading Initiative (ETI). Primarks energy consumption in the UK is sourced against the green power generated and sold into the grid by British sugar (Article on Primark PESTEL ANALYSIS online). However, as different political parties come into power they might change existing policies, laws and regulations so Primark would regularly have to assess its strategies with consideration to the political climate to comply with them e.g. if a law is passed raising the minimum wage rate for employees. The government can also pass a restriction law on import and export trade with other countries due to political circumstances and relations with the trading country. This might also have an impact in Primark if they are getting their merchandise manufactured in that country. Economic Factors: In 2008, Primark opened over 12 stores and has now moved its business to Europe. This shows signs of expansion and success Although Primark has mostly low priced merchandise, an increase in tax and VAT in an unstable economy can have a major affect on its sales making them go down. The only Primark can prepare itself for such a situation is by having update knowledge about the current economic state using the PESTEL analysis tool. The recent global recession and credit crunch left a lot of businesses helpless leading them to bankruptcy as the publics spending power was very low due to the circumstances with also led organisations to let people go increasing unemployment. All these factors could have a great impact on Primarks business. Hence, Primark must constantly assess its strategy with consideration to its PESTEL to ensure safety and protection against such events. Sociological factors: Primark has received several awards for being retailer of the year. It has also won awards for being the best retailer of the year in the United Kingdom. However, social trends nowadays change rapidly. A product that is in demand today might not be so popular tomorrow. Primark needs to keep up to date with all these changes and trends. It must try to accommodate and deliver in respect to the change. Ageing and population level are 2 other factors that can have an impact of Primarks sale as the company mainly targets the young consumers aged between 16 to 35 years of age. Hence, Primark must constantly assess its strategy with consideration to its PESTEL to ensure its social stability and quick ability to deliver. Technological factors: Due to the rapid advancement and development in the technology world things that were not possible a few years ago are now very easy and user. Technology has made a lot of complicated tasks very user friendly. The Internet is one perfect example of this. It is now possible to shop online in the comfort of their home. Primark has a lot of online shoppers on their website and benefits from this technological development. Also in Primarks bid for world class, cutting edge management of its ethical auditing programme, it has signed a deal with BSE management systems for the provision of Entropy Software. The investment in Entropy software is a key part of Primarks ethical trade strategy, allowing all suppliers audits, non-conformances and remedial actions to be managed through the Entropy software platform, with much greater global visibility and management control. Environmental factors: As a result of global warming and the adverse weather conditions in the recent times many companies and organisations are doing their part for the environment. Primark supports this campaign by using recycled paper bags instead of plastic bags. Even consumers are very conscience about these factors in saving the environment and support this. One of Primarks fears can be delayed shipment of goods from other countries due to bad weather conditions. Legal factors: The local laws of a country can have an impact on all the organisations that operate there. If new laws are passed in relation to employment, national minimum wage or health and safety in the workplace then Primark will have to comply will all of them. In order to be up to date with all legislation and accommodate all changes Primark has to have knowledge and understanding of these laws and plan in advance. Hence, Primark must constantly assess its strategy with consideration to its PESTEL to ensure that their employment is fair and safe for its employees. Conclusion Primark can without difficulty diversify, giving its competitors a competitive environment with substantial financial power. Primarks offer to its customer is one of high quality merchandise, value for money, back by Primarks service promise. A strong consumer proposition has been developed by Primark brand and embodied in the line Look Good, Pay Less. I conclude this discussion by mentioning that the UK clothing retail industry is facing high levels of competition between various players but the end result shows that the consumers are most benefitted from it (Article on Primark PESTEL ANALYSIS online). Given this analysis we can say that each organization has its own external and internal problems to handle. The process in which we enable to identify and analyze such problems is by using proper management method of analysis PESTEL or STEEPLE. The importance of these methods is squared to the importance of the business itself. Primark must constantly assess its strategy with consideration to its PESTEL analysis tool. External factors can also to some extent affect its internal and business operation. Hence, these methods are helpful for us to understand and underline the positive and negative factors affecting the external environment of an organization like Primark. Word Count: 2605 Words

Hospice :: essays research papers

Hospice General Purpose of the Department: As we have learned, the hospice idea is not new. Literally meaning "given to hospitality," hospices provided comfort, kindness, and nourishment to people in need hundreds of years ago. Today, hospices offer comfort to people as they near the end of life's journey. Hospice is a special way of caring for people with terminal illnesses and their families. It is a multidisciplinary health care program that is responsible for palliative and supportive care with consideration of the patient's and families wishes. Hospice focuses on care, not cure. Hospice care is important because it provides many benefits that aren't possible in a traditional acute or long-term health care setting. Within hospice, the family of the patient is directly involved in making decisions and helping their loved one. Hospice also gives the patient to have a great amount of control by deciding where they want to spend the rest of their lives. It can also help make choices about advanced directives which we will discuss shortly. Major Functions of the Department: Hospice is a very unique department because it truly looks at the "big picture" and treats a spectrum of patient needs equally. Special attention is given to: Physical needs - this is the first and foremost function. Within hospice you are dealing with a patient that has been given a diagnosis of having 6 months or less to live. For many patients, relieving pain through medication is an important part of hospice care. I have provided you with a list of ways that patients are made more comfortable. A goal of hospice it to help patients use their physical abilities as fully as possible. Social Needs - Sometimes little things make all the difference to people. Although these patients may not be as active as before their illness, you can see on your handout a list of things that they probably still enjoy. Hospice can help to make these things happen, as well as provide assistance with practical issues like putting finances in order. Emotional Needs: Hospice can help patients cope with loneliness, isolation, and the fear of being abandoned. This is outlined on your handout as to how the hospice staff accomplishes this. Hospice also helps friends and families of the patient express their emotions through group and bereavement counseling. Spiritual Needs - the realization that a person's spirituality is of a daily concern to the patient has led hospice care to this area. Hospice tries to organize the types of care outlined on your handout. Members of the clergy can also help family and friends who are in need of spiritual support.

How Did Ippy identify her market Essay

Ippy identified her market by realizing a personal need for herself and her family. Muslim women clothing was scarce, and there was limited competition in that particular market, especially where she lived. With a growing Muslim population, she knew this idea could work, especially with limited competition. What knowledge, skills, and abilities did Ippy have before starting her company? What startup costs did she have? Being a Muslim woman, Ippy knew that there was a limited market for the clothing. Also, having grown up sewing her own clothing for most of her life, she had the skill required to offer this as a for profit service to other Muslim women. As far as startup costs, she only had to cover material, as the labor was covered by her. With word of mouth marketing, she spend little on advertising and the market grew on its own accord. Why might Business Week have named Ippy as an America’s Best Young Entrepreneurs finalist? They named her this because there was a need for this market that was not being satisfied by anyone at the time. With organization and different styles, she offered a unique product for a niche market. Ippy participated in a program that helped her turn her sewing talent into a business. What type of assistance was it? Who provided it? Ippy used aschool program that was focused on young entrepreneurism. The Springfield Technical College offered this course to help further ideas and put things in play for Ippy.

Beautiful Disaster Essay

Beautiful Disaster Shakespearean scholar M. R. Ridley suggests that the theme of Othello centers on the conflict between â€Å"reason and instinct. † There is main reason of why did Iago go to Othello accusing his wife of cheating. And the instinct Othello had to kill his wife Desdemona due to these accusations. Shakespeare has many underlying and reoccurring themes throughout as well. One major theme is that of betrayal and loyalty. During the entire play, every character is either loyal to, or betrays another character. In the case of Othello, like all other tragedies, it is the passion of the hero hat is the root of all the action of the play that destroys the hero. Iago was the master of manipulation. lagds fearlessness and over-confidence while he manipulates people causes him to make mistakes that lead him to his death. As he carried traits of psychopaths with no remorse, he was obsessive towards other people’s lives, relentless on his actions, bold in his choices, and a genius in his efforts to manipulate and deceive the other characters†particularly Othello. His unclear motivations derived from the will to play on each team and play them like puppets. It ll began with poor Roderigo who Just wanted to win over the heart of sweet Desdemona and when he noticed his efforts weren’t working, he wanted to â€Å"go drown himself. † Iago disgusted at the thought because he would never â€Å"kill myself out of love for some woman I can’t have. † The indescribable feeling of wanting someone without the want in return will drive some crazy. In lagds eyes, if Roderigo was foolish enough to do that, than he would be even more susceptible to lagds manipulating ways to think he was actually helping him. IVe rubbed this young pimple until he’s ready to pop, and now he’s angry,† (5. 1 . ). Iago didn’t Just stab people in the back or sabotage anyone. He plots and wisely plants his seeds so he looks like the good guy in the end while using people’s weaknesses against their selves and each other. Iago spends most of his time plotting against Othello and Desdemona. His cleverness and ability to get closer to the other characters while simultaneously bringing them down is genius. Othello is tempted by the beauty, position, and compassion that Desdemona can give him in marriage. He’s an experienced man who should know that their differences may bring problems but he ignores the possibility of trouble. Their differences, particularly Othello’s race and age linger in his mind causing some uneasiness. He’s tempted to believe that Desdemona is unfaithful when Iago begins his torment. Othello is easily led by lagcfs games that not only caused problems but the death of four people. If Othello used his conscious he could have prevented the tragedy. The infamous white and red handkerchief repeatedly comes up throughout the play. It was essentially the final straw for Othello that pushed him over the edge with the rumor of his wife’s infidelity. It was a token of love from Othello to Desdemona that had a lot of entimental value. The handkerchief also seems to function as a symbol of Othello’s mysterious past and his exoticness. He tells Desdemona that an Egyptian charmer gave it to his mother and that it would keep his father faithful (3. 4. 9). Such a small jealous mind. A small misunderstanding can be magnified psychologically into grounds of love or betrayal. Desdemona and Othello’s relationship was a lot like most relationships that happen today. They were very much in love, almost too much in love, with no trust or respect to make it last a lifetime. In marriage, it should be your spouse’s word over anything. Well in Othello’s case it was the opposite. He took the most harmful information that would break any marriage up if it were true and he completely ran with it. It brings us back to the theme of betrayal and loyalty. From Othello’s point of view do you believe the possible betrayal of your beloved wife or do you go along with the loyalty of your lieutenant that would never do you wrong? Tough choice although in the time of the play it was to be seen that all women were whores and cheating on your husband was common. Desdemona was as faithful as they come. While Iago was busy digging his nose in other people’s love life, his wife Emilia was the one to say: Who wouldn’t cheat on her husband to make him king? I’d risk my soul for that (4. 3. 4). As Desdemona is preparing for bed the night she was killed, she starts singing a song about willow tree. The song was sung originally by one of Desdemona’s mother’s servants who loved a crazy guy which reflects Desdemona’s own situation. Othello is so wounded by the thought of Desdemona’s betrayal that he’s blinded to everything except his own pain. Once he decides to end his pain by ending her life, nothing Desdemona says or swears by can make him look beyond himself for the truth. In the beginning of the play, Shakespeare establishes the dignity, nobility, and heroism of Othello by making him out to be this fantastic, well rounded guy. He was a highly respected general of the armies of Venice respected by all those around him. Othello’s elevated status is easy prey for Iago with his insecurities due to his age, his life as a soldier, and being a racial and cultural outsider. According to Professor Stoll, it may be correct when he says that â€Å"In no case does Shakespeare represent men as overwhelmed by anything so vague and neutral as social forces,† but he is surely incorrect when he adds, â€Å"or as devoured by heir own passions alone. Othello thinks that using denial and disbelief will solve his problems regarding Desdemona. He refuses to believe anything she says in her defense. He won’t believe lagds wife Emilia when she swears Desdemona is faithful; and disbelieves Desdemona’s words of innocence when he first accuses her. He overlooks her devotion and innocence as if she didn’t give up her home, family, and entire life to be with him. In spite of all the evidence