Leadership and Management for Service Improvement Essay

Leadership and Management for Service Improvement - Essay Example This stage of our group formation had been lagging for a while before I emerged as a facilitative leader. When this stage passed, our relationships became more harmonious with agreed upon values and rules of operation. Each member began to take responsibility, as they understood their other team members, with the group leader taking a back seat to proceedings. As the group leader, I think I took up a democratic style of leadership. These types of leaders make decisions at the final stage but include the other team members in the process of decision-making (Gillam, 2011: p65). While I took care of coordinating the team and their work delivery, I allowed them to carry out their research without giving instructions. However, whatever went into the report was finally decided upon by me, with any additional material needed communicated to the team member responsible. The benefits of this sort of leadership are numerous. The team members got job satisfaction since they all participated in drafting the final assignment. This style also helped to develop their research skills. The members of the team felt that they controlled the destiny of their assignment marks thus felt more motivated to do their best (Hartley & John, 2010: p26). However, since participation by all members takes time, the decision-making process was slow. Coulin’s absence caused the assignment’s timeline to stretch. ... Overall, this leadership style made me feel in charge although giving everyone a chance to give their opinion brought on some conflict. During the initial stages of the holiday, my inability to access the University’s homepage on my computer proved to be a hindrance. It actually raised a storm with some of the members when I told them that I had not handed in the assignment because of this problem. In the future, it would be better if this sort of assignments were held face to face rather than online since team members are generally least interested in the assignment over the internet. It is possible that some had multiple pages on their computer screens and were multi-task during teamwork (Muller et al, 2006: p9). The team’s five-team members could be fitted into at least five Belbin’s team roles (Gold et al, 2010: p15). Ken could be considered a resource investigator, as he was enthusiastic, extroverted, and communicative. He explored the different sources of i nformation that we had and, through his contacts in the library, was able to get more information sources. Stacy was the implementer, as she was efficient, conservative, reliable, and disciplined. Danny was the shaper, given her dynamic and challenging nature. She never lacks the courage and drive to overcome obstacles. I acted as the leader and doubled up as the coordinator. My confidence and maturity cut me out of this, in addition with my clear goals, promotion of decision-making and proper job delegation. Finally, Coulin was supposed to be the plant, especially given her unorthodox, imaginative, and creative mind. However, she was rarely available and brought about a lot of frustration for the other team members. On the days when she showed up for meetings, though, she was very

Ba financial Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ba financial - Essay Example Liability products consist of checking and savings account, fixed deposits, certificate of deposits, etc. These products are by nature liabilities for banks as a result of which banks are obliged to pay interest to the customers for all these products. Except for checking accounts all other liability products provide interest to the customers. In short liability products are intended to raise fund for providing asset products. Asset products: Asset products are the revenue earning products for the banks because such products are by nature, assets for the banks. The most common asset products offered by banks are loans (personal and business), credit cards and mortgages. Among these, loans are the most revenue generating asset products of the banks. Banks use the funds raised through their liability products for providing liability products. Therefore, both asset and liability products are equally important for commercial banks. Two liability and asset products that will be discussed further in this essay are Savings account, Certificate of deposits, Mortgage loans and Credit cards. Savings account and Certificate of deposits: Savings account and Certificate of Deposits (CD) are the two main liability products of commercial banks. Savings account provides modest interest rates to the account holders of the bank. It is a very liquid form of asset to the customers as they provide withdrawal of amount at any point of time. Savings account is the primary source for commercial banks to raise money for lending. For the customers it provides a liquid asset with modest interest. A certificate of deposit provides higher interest rates than that of a savings account. CD is a promissory note issued by a bank that entitles the bearer to receive interest. Unlike savings account there is restriction on the withdrawal of funds from CD until the end of the term. For the customers, CD’s provide a safe and high interest bearing investment though it is less liquid. For the banks it provides a source of fund for longer period as early withdrawals by the customers are not entertained. Mortgage loans and credit cards: Mortgage loan is a secured loan provided by the banks to the customers. Such loans are secured by real assets of the customers. Therefore, for the banks the risk of loss is limited compared to usual unsecured loans. Mortgage loans usually bear less interest rate than unsecured loans. Such loans are mostly used by customer for acquiring properties, (residential and commercial). Credit card is growing to be one of the most revenue generating products for commercial banks. Credit card provides the customers with a line of credit which can be used by them to purchase goods or services. There is a credit limit attached to the card beyond which the customers are restricted to use. It provides the banks with revenue from annual card fee and interest on the purchases of not repaid within the billing period. Change in market interest rates and impac t on Asset products Change in the market interest rates will have a direct impact on the products of commercial banks. â€Å"A bank’s interest rate risk reflects the extend to which its financial condition is affected by changes in market interest rates.† (English, 2002) An increase in the market interest rates will have an adverse impact on the asset products of banks. Some of the main asset products of the banks are personal and business

Puplic Opinion and Political Communication - International Political Essay

Puplic Opinion and Political Communication - International Political Communication - Essay Example The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center prove the universality of the statement that nothing in this world is fireproof. Nothing, and absolutely nothing – is completely free from unprecedented terror. Today, the United States will vouch for that, as Washington has taken all possible damage-control measures to ensure that its people breathe easy. However, unforgettable times can never be erased completely – they can just remain hidden. While the attack on the WTC on September 11 woke America from its complacency, what followed the attack is nothing short of incredulous. The attack affected not just Americans, but also those â€Å"millions of people† all around the world who had depended on America for a better life. Consequently, Washington had to answer its citizens – all of them. The visible damage control measures involved a steady deal of deliberation, a great deal of communication, and a massive amount of persuasion. America’s communication arsenal was put to the finest test – as the country had to answer to visibly all related parties – from citizens to trade partners. The damage was done – when two architectural marvels were torn down – but the damage control required America to sharpen its most potent weapon, and unarguably, the most required weapon – communication. Indeed, intelligent and thoughtful political communication techniques were the only tools that could bail America out of distress. If communication techniques were not up to the mark, America would have lost millions in terms of investment, damage to property, and loss of life. If today, America is again on its feet, it is all thanks to the marvelous communication techniques employed in those times of distress. So, in this research paper, we will attempt to look at the communication angle with respect to 9/11 attack closely. The impact of 9/11 was felt all around the world, and America has so far done a fine job in

A Prominent Leader Essay Example for Free

A Prominent Leader Essay This paper will entirely focus on Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey has shone and demonstrated more strength, character, and changed the way America looks at and views racial issues in America. This paper will analyze her start in the film industry, her leadership, personal wealth, Business Leadership Oprah Winfrey is a reputable, prominent world leader, businesswoman, actress, philanthropist, and talk show-host. It is said by some that she has revolutionized television talk show. One has to admire her perseverance to overcome the hardships she faced as a child. Oprah’s mother had Oprah when she was only a teenager in a town in rural Mississippi. She was born into poverty and raped at a young age of nine years old. History repeats itself and a young teenage Oprah gives birth to a child that dies. Oprah started her career in radio. Today women turn to Oprah for self-help, self-improvement, compassion, religious questions, and even how to regulate your bowel movements. Against all odds in a male dominated field, Oprah rises to have the most-popular, longest running, and highest-ranking talk show. CNN, Time Magazine, and Life all list Oprah Winfrey as the most influential woman in the world. (Finz, 2011). Oprah Winfrey would be an example of a Transformational leader. Transformational leaders influence, inspire, move, and literally transform followers to achieve organizational goals beyond their self-interests (Burns, 1978), thus initiating and bringing about positive change. (Weiss, 2011). She was very much involved in Civil Rights, and changed the way African – Amrericans are treated. Her endorsement of President Obama brought about a post-racial era long before we would have seen. (Zak, 2011) Oprah demonstrates characteristics of a transformational leader by demonstrating the four I’s of a Transformational leader. The first I is Idealized Influence which is probably the most obvious trait. Oprah routinely fosters trust and you admire her strength and feel a sense of pride for some of the subjects she touches on. For example, I remember once seeing a show on gay/lesbians. It literally changed the entire way I view them. I used to think they wanted attention and they choose to go against what we as a society think is acceptable or not. After her show I realize they don’t want to be different they just want to be accepted. The second I is for Inspirational Motivation. Oprah rallies people everyday across America inspiring and motivating people. The third I is for Intellectual stimulation. In my opinion this is obvious through her belief and promoting President Obama during his presidency. Who really thought an African American would be president in our lifetime? Finally the last I is for Individualized consideration. She constantly is taking on sensitive subjects. I remember one show where she interviewed a boy who had been locked in a wire cage for several hours a day. She was able to tell his story and let him maintain his dignity even though horrific things were done to him. Oprah’s ratings prove she has the following and believers a Transformational leader has. Through the last twenty- five years we have seen an African American take over the media and change daytime talk shows.

What Is The Effect Of Mcdonalds On Society Cultural Studies Essay

What Is The Effect Of Mcdonalds On Society Cultural Studies Essay Most prominent changes came with the arrival of fast food  restaurants like  McDonalds into foreign countries, transformational have taken set which could be clearly as favorable or undignified to that culture. There are 1.5 million franchises in the US but there are about half of the total franchises are outside of the U.S. in over 120 countries. All the reputation and destiny of McDonalds, there are fear about how the broaden of standardization of the franchise is affecting culture, manner and the environment. In fact, the McDonalds has proved to the local culture to adopt their culture. The globalization of McDonalds creates many argues on equally both sides of the issue. The pro- globalization hopes are that it develops culture rather than ruin.   . McDonald does also modify its regional menus to proof to local taste. There has been a effect of traditional values with the arrival of nontraditional food items into the culture of foreign countries. The kinds of food items are representative to particular regions, religions and society. To give an example, Indian Hindus and Sri Lankan Buddhist people, believes that the cow is to be holy to their religion. Diversity can be originated in Indias food and its culture. McDonalds is viewed as American and the society away from conventional foods towards fast food is measured to be Americanization  of the diet. This perception has more far attainment effects than is seen on the surface. The Americanization of the food also shows that the culture and a way of thinking which in not acceptable to many states. Although they have done many changes in the eating habits of the nations influenced by the culture of McDonalds there has been many positive aspects. With the development of technology and communication the world it seems to be moving faster. The initiation of fast food into foreign cultures allows the opportunity to keep up with this fast development. Culture is ever changing and thus McDonalds moving to another step in the growth of culture with the changes. Now the menu has given people a new choice over the traditional foods eaten in the past. Strategies of McDonalds The companys ability to determine what consumers want and need and adapt to that is a major strategy they are using according to the culture differences of countries. Another great McDonalds strategy is, such as the delivery service offers even though in crowded cities such as Shanghai. Not only does the company make more sales by catering to the traffic-challenged, time-constrained, and lazy, it saves itself some money at the same time, because delivered meals require no table clean-up at the restaurant. Currently government around the world criticizing the fast food items because of the health issues, some countries are taken some actions to band TV advertisements of such fast food items due to the health conscious. Therefore McDonalds have done dramatic changes on their menu items with healthier salads, fruits and small portion size to encourage the balanced and healthy life style. Rather than implementing new technology to replace human labor, McDonalds is using a youthful workforce in an every country. it has beautiful appearance , brightly lit and climate control, seats ,tables , kids play materials, organized vehicle park, shiny counters creates open and cheerful environment in all country of McDonalds. Employees wear bright color and neat dress and smiles at customers while they working efficiently. Even employee has responsible for cleaning the toilets and floors work in a discipline manner. Outlet menu displays in the behind of the counter with soft backlighting and the photographic image of the food items. And open , clean, kitchen are shows to the customers how the hamburgers and fried chicken are prepared. It seems to be conveying gender equality and attracted the female consumers. And adjustment in behavior of McDonalds outlets in other country culture is a great strategy of McDonalds. Earlier McDonalds operated it services till the evening hours, bu t now days 40% of McDonalds are staying at night ours also because of the culture of night works. Culture Diversity of McDonalds McDonalds in Japan In 1971, first McDonalds was established by Den Fujita, president of Fujita Shoten in Japan in 1955. Perhaps the culture of Japan is almost like Asian culture the code of their food preparation is shows their culturally oriented society. The lunches are made by home and must be consumed quickly and entirely by sharing. Rice is so symbolically vital to Japanese culture that Japanese say they can never feel full until they have consumed their rice at a particular meal or at least once during the day. Here food preferences shows their culturally oriented. Earlier look and feel of both the products and stores of McDonalds were similar to those in the United States.   After some experimented they have done slight changes in their menu of food items according to the Japanese culture under one of McDonald guiding principles which is known as a commitment to exceeding customer expectations. And there is a wonderful culture they are having like Asian, eating together at one table, is innermost to the Japanese. It creates a sense of community. It is the essence of a food that bonds families and creates social relationships. But McDonalds hamburgers are meant to be eaten individually and cannot be shared therefore they introduced like Mc rice in Asian counties. And also their cultural physical arrangements of restaurants also changed to their expectation. Japan had neither tables nor seats; there were counters in which customers were expected to eat their meals on the  go. So they included tables in the layout, although the first floor of the restaurant is to ordering foods and others for seating areas. It is not only a place for great fast food in Japan but also a wonderful place to take a nap when they are coming from a late nights work. There are always people sleeping in McDonalds and also can see people studying over there, they most probably leave their stationery items and bags there. Often can see somebodys bag just left on a seat or a table its the owners way of saying this is my seat dont even think about it. They walk in, leave their bag where they want to sit and then go to order their food. It is look like a cafe, having comfortable seat. (Appendix-1.1). Mc Donalds of Japan is having different culture rather than other country McDonalds. Generally if you left your belongings on the tables like that, people would just leave them alone, However, I havent heard anyone sleep or study in McDonalds before. According to our culture if anybody did it will be made as a guilty thing for them, but it is happening in Japan published photographs in websites are proving that. It is showing their culture of Cinnamon melt anyone whos try them should agree they are the best, McDonalds adopting their culture and providing services according to their culture. Although McDonalds uses Australian beef unaffected by mad cow disease, the fatal brain-wasting ailment, Japanese consumption of beef and Big Macs dropped sharply at the time McDonalds in Hong Kong The first McDonalds of Hong Kong was established on 1975. Already they had the culture of fast food. They are giving more preferences to time, so other restaurants. Now eco-ethnic- pretentiousness is going out of the way. Generally Honk Kong wedding especially for the working class and the rich is a pressure and often financially crippling ordeal. Typically Hong Kong couple spends $29,000 on their wedding, and their average monthly income in Hong Kong is about $2,250. And they have the traditions, viewed as so troublesome by many young Chinese thus their wedding falls to a joyless, domestic and societal responsibility that leaves them with a heavy debt and little in the way of loving memories. Therefore they introduced Mc Wedding in Hong Kong to have a great wedding for young couples. It will be the first city in the world to roll out McDonalds wedding packages for couples introduced on January 1st, 2011.  Wedding package starts around $1,000. And the package is include with a ceremony, reception, decorations, personalized menu and catering, complete with an apple pie wedding cake, dress made out of party balloons, kiddies party favors for gu ests, and catering by McDonalds.   Now many people in Honk Kong celebrating their wedding at McDonalds, it shows they are adopting the culture of American whos celebration typically as joyful and independently. Although introduced joyful wedding celebration strictly Alcohol is banned, so newlyweds will have to toast their union with soft drinks instead to maintain McDonalds guiding principles.  McDonalds changed the young culture in Hong Kong, but it would be great impact to their culture might be create the unhealthy nature and environmental impact of fast food. It does issue for many cultures, would be effect their own culture value, rather supporting the community through improvement. McDonalds offered a rice burger a meat patty sandwiched by sticky rice molded into a bun in Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong who giving preference for heavy meals. Like the Japanese, the locals in Hong Kong viewed hamburgers as snack food. The corporate culture of McDonalds has traditionally been to offer value meals but, Identifying a way to collaborate McDonalds food with the Hong Kong culture and he has been successful. McDonalds has a research centre in North Point (Hong Kong) where it studies the quality of foods.   The areas that this office focuses include Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and 37 markets of Africa.   This centre has created many new products within the McDonalds market. Today, McDonalds in Hong Kong continues to offer plain hamburgers at breakfast, but the dietary preferences of the locals are now more compatible to Americans. . Eventually concludes that the Mc World theory is somewhat do changes to exceeding customer expectations under their guiding principles. It is difficult to convincing from

The African Trilogy - ‘writing back’ to Mister Johnson :: Essays Papers

The African Trilogy - ‘writing back’ to Mister Johnson The African Trilogy has been the subject of much critical discussion since the publication of Things Fall Apart forty years ago. Some of this critical work has focused on the trilogy as a postcolonial work, ‘writing back’ to the previous colonial works on Africa, such as those produced by Joseph Conrad and Joyce Cary. Achebe has himself alluded to these works as part of his motivation for becoming a writer, calling them â€Å"appalling novels† about Africa. More specifically he has said: â€Å"I know around ‘51, ‘52, I was quite certain that I was going to try my hand at writing, and one of the things that set me thinking was Joyce Cary’s novel, set in Nigeria, Mister Johnson, which was praised so much, and it was clear to me that it was a mostsuperficial picture of - not only of the country - but even of the Nigerian character, and so I thought if this was famous, then perhaps someone ought to look at this from the inside† ( Duerden Dennis, and Cosmo Pieterse, eds. African Writers Talking: A Collection of Radio Interviews. London: Heinemann, 1972.) Looking at this ‘from the inside’, involved drawing on the model of his own Igbo society and its oral traditions. By reconstructing a picture and narrative of Africa, and using Cary’s fiction as a point of departure, Achebe set out to challenge the colonialist depiction of Africans and their society. Although both Mister Johnson and The African Trilogy are concerned with similar issues, the ways in which these issues are confronted are strikingly different. In contrast to the simple, baby-like natives of Cary’s novel, Achebe’s characters are complex, multi-dimensional figures in their own right. While the African society of Mister Johnson is portrayed as uncivilized, simple, corrupt, the Igbo society of Things Fall Apart is shown as having grown from a long tradition of careful decision-making and a carefully system of religious, social and political beliefs. A rebuttal to the African world portrayed by Cary takes the form of an intelligent portrayal of the character of Okonkwo and the society of Umuofia. As opposed to Cary, Achebe explores, in depth, the relationship between the individual and the social context in which his emotional and psychological make-up has developed. In addition, he gives us in Okonkwo a protagonist we can identify with rather than laugh at : â€Å"Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man.

Formation of Corporations and Stocks Essay

* Why does a company choose to form as a corporation? What are the steps required to become a corporation? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the corporate form of doing business? Corporations are created in order to separate the businesses finances from the person’s individual finances so that they can protect themselves financially. The advantages of forming a corporation are that the business can obtain the credibility so that consumers are more comfortable. Since consumers normally prefers to do business with a corporation. Also by forming a corporation the person protects their assets and name by forming a corporation. The disadvantages are that the process is lengthy and pricey. Also corporations often end up paying more in taxes. Corporations are also monitored very closely and must be in compliance with several entities. * Why is preferred stock referred to as preferred? What are some of the features added to preferred stock that make it more attractive to investors? Would you select preferred stock or common stock as an investment? Why? Preferred stock is considered preferred because it has dividend preference over common stock. Preferred stockholders have the right to receive dividends before common stockholders. The per share dividend amount is stated as a percentage of the preferred stocks per value or as a specified amount. Preferred stockholders must ne paid their annual dividend plus any dividends in arrears before common stockholders receive any dividends. I would select referred stock over common stock because I want to get paid as quickly as possible. * What are the different types of dividends corporations may issue? When should a corporation pay dividends? Do you prefer a stock dividend or a cash dividend? Why There are four types of dividends: 1. cash dividends, 2. property dividends, 3. scrip (note), and 4. stock dividends. A corporation should pay dividends when it has retained earning, adequate cash, and a declaration of dividends. I would prefer a cash dividend. If the corporation issues stock, they are not having to spend actual cash. I want to be reassured that the business actually has my money. I have seen it too many times where huge corporations lie and cheat on paper. I also do not really like the stock market and never have been good at buying, selling, or owning stock.