Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Strategic Management Case Study Essay Example for Free

Strategic Management Case Study Essay Introduction.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Strategic management is one of the most challenging but important element that defines the success of both private and state owned organization. The fundamental issue of defining and clearly stipulating an organizations strategy is to enable the institution have a distinct sense of direction, vision and strategy that will enable the institution deliver efficient services and/or products to its clientele and add value to its customers, achieve sustained a market niche or market share, and thus position the company strategically in the market in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage over its rivals (Dobson, Starkey Richards, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In state owned enterprises or generally institution where the government is the major stakeholder, one of the biggest problems is balancing between social and commercial objectives in defining the mission statement and policies governing the general direction and brand name or the organization. TVNZ as an organization has had a relatively positive growth in the long run and is still one of the major broadcasting organizations in New Zealand. From the given case, analyzing TVNZ’s historical performance reveals several strength, opportunities weaknesses and threats that the organization is facing given its nature as a broadcaster, form of organization (I.e. public organization) and its line of operation market (Spicer, Powell Emanuel, 1997). This paper is an in depth evaluation into TVNZ a state owned New Zealand broadcasting institution using the strength weakness, opportunity and threat analysis, the paper will analyze the dilemma of managing the company as a revenue generating entity and a medium of furthering social objective for the government and further recommend policies that can be used in defining strategic management objective that can the company meet both objectives. Strength of the organization.   The company was able to invest in latest technology namely digital media making it more competitive and hence retaining its market share. A good example can be illustrated by the Alvan TV center which had the latest equipment that enabled the company to outsource its services to other production firms and diversify its operation to teleccomunications (Hanson et al, 2008). Another feature that made the organization grow is monopoly, the organization enjoyed a monopoly thus had ample time to set up a good base and acquire a large market share. Therefore, though the organization has not enjoyed monopoly from 1980, the company was able to retain and maintain 70% of the market share thus with good strategy it will be able to consistently work to improve and provide good services (Hanson et al, 2008). Weaknesses of the organization. Among the major weaknesses TVNZ has include the fact that it has to balance between social objective and commercial ones. Looking at the companies history, balancing between commercial oriented operation and pursuing social oriented objectives as stipulated by regulations (given the fact that it is a government owned institution) has led to different approaches that have even led to pursuance of different contradicting strategy which have proved to be counterproductive and detrimental to the organizations well being and growth. For example, in 2002 when the charter was introduced, some politician expected the company to adopt social objective but still remain profitable and self sustaining as a business entity. In most cases, social and commercial objectives normally contradict and hence it would be a very difficult and almost impossible for TVNZ to fully adopt social oriented programs and still remain at the same level or increase advertising revenue (Hanson et al, 2008). Reviewing the programs being aired to conform to values that are in tandem or will further the growth of social standards and the integrity of the country means that entertainment department will have to change its program line up to conform to acceptable cultural standards. This can consequently lead to a fall in ratings given that many viewers prefer to watch explicit entertaining channels rather than informative programs.   Therefore, the company will loose a lot of advertising revenue since ratings might significantly drop given the loss of market share to privately owned broadcasters who will continue airing what the majority of viewers want to watch (Hanson et al, 2008). Opportunities in the organization. The organization as a government institution has had various features that led to the organization growth and stability to become a giant internationally recognized broadcasting house. One of the opportunities that act as a driving force for the company is, being a state owned institution, it has abundant resources and relatively cheap source of funding that can be used to further its objectives and attain optimality. For example, the company has the capability of diversifying its market to capture the international market and this can help it strategically in that in the event of loosing a significant share of the local market, the company can still remain profitable from its international focus (Hanson et al, 2008). Threats.   The major threats facing TVNZ as an organization are political interference and government regulations that are imposed on the company given the fact that it is a chartered company. Over the past 35 years of its existence, there has been a major strategic shift of the company due to government regulation which brought about to be indecisiveness and lack a clear long term vision and hence compelled the institution to dilly dally between pursuing   social objectives and commercial objectives. According to Spicer, Powell Emanuel (1997), there has always been pressure from treasury to TVNZ a revenue generating entity while other politicians feel that commercial objectives are secondary to social objective. This has led to dilution of the company’s mission statement and vision which are core elements in charting the long term growth and sustainability of any organization whether private or public, profitable or not-for-profit. Entrance of other players in the market and fragmented clientele might lead to loss of revenue if the company keeps on changing its tactical strategy due to inconsistency which brings about unreliability. For example, according to Hanson et al (2008), each of the five CEO’s introduced a different strategy of management with diverse views for example Brent Harmont (1991 – 1995) in an attempt to make entry in the international market introduced a very complex organizational structure which was realigned by Chris Anderson (1995 – 1998) in attempt to reclaim the companies core business. Solutions. Strategic management involves analyzing the institution by looking at the nature of business with regards to the customers needs or defining the nature of your market and your competitive advantage, financial obligation and needs required to satisfy your clientele needs, other stake holder’s needs and external environment and the learning and growth of the company (Dobson, Starkey Richards, 2004). According to Beiman (2006), Establishing a clear, repeated, and ongoing strategy management process more than doubles the chances of becoming a winner†¦.. And helps companies establish clear strategies that, when used effectively, serve as a foundation for an effective strategy management process. Analyzing the threats and weaknesses facing TVNZ as an institution, it is obvious that the loss market share due to pursuance of social objective is imminent. Given that this is externally based and hence out of control of management in relation to strategic management and formulating of policies, management has to formulate strategies to mitigate and redefine their strategy in order to maintain or compensate the loss that can be instigated by the conditions stipulated by the charter (Sexty, 1983 Spicer, Powel Emanuel, 1997). Firstly, TVNZ has to redefine its objective and evaluate their strategies in terms of mission, vision and objectives spelled out by the charter. This entails looking at the customer needs and market niche as restricted by the set out conditions. The charter postulates that the broadcaster needs to promote New Zealand’s cultural value’s among other objectives, these introduces a new aspect thus TVNZ needs to focus on the clientele who fit this criteria. Therefore, instead of approaching it as a threat the company should focus on ways that will turn this into revenue generating by applying strength – opportunity techniques (QuickMBA, n.d. Beiman, 2006). After formulating the company’s policies, it is very important that management considers the change process. Given the volatility in the market, efficient change management entails formulating chronological implementation policies that will gradually introduce stakeholders to the changes that will take place, effective and consistent communication between the customers, management and other stakeholders and setting up a good feedback mechanism techniques that will ensure that both implementers (TVNZ), and the market understand and appreciate the change process (Schein, 2004). Thus management should continue to play the stewardship role by consistently briefing the employees, customers and other stakeholders to minimize resistance and possibly loss of revenue, effective communication vertically ensures that the employees understand the need for change and these leads to smooth and successful change in two ways. Firstly, employees will be motivated due to involvement and understanding of the change, secondly, they will act as agent in conveying the message to the external environment thus facilitate smooth and successful implementation (Schein, 2004). TVNZ as a charter company compared to other stations has the capability of acquiring funds hence one strategy would be to diverse the business and expand their market internationally. In addition, the business can capitalize on telecommunication given its resources hence increase revenue that will cushion potential loss of advertising revenue. The strength-opportunity approach can be illustrated by the examples below: Tourism sector can benefit from TVNZ if they adopt strategies to sell New Zealand’s heritage, rich culture and geographical wonders globally. Similarly, given the level of globalization in the business world, investors are always looking for new areas to invest their funds, therefore TVNZ can be used as a medium to sell the country as a good investment destination. This move will enable the company attract a new type of clientele worldwide in the business and tourism sector e.g. hotels, airlines, banks among others who can benefit from services offered by the station given its new approach and objectives.         REFERENCES: Beiman, I.   (2006). Chapter 6: Managing SOE’s for improved performance. Retrieved 24th June 2008 from http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Balanced-Scorecard/chap6.pdf Dobson, P., Starkey K Richards, J. (2004). Strategic management: Issues and cases. Blackwell Publishing Inc. Hanson, D. et al (2008). Strategic management: Competitiveness and Globalization. Asian pacific 3 Ed. South Melbourne. Thomson Publishing Inc. Spicer,B., Powell, M. Emanuel, D. (1997).   The remaking of television New Zealand 1984 – 1992. Auckland University Press. QuickMBA (n. d.). Strategic Management: SWOT analysis. Retrieved 24th June 2008 from http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/ Schein, E. (2004) Organizational Culture and leadership. Jossey-Bass A Whiley imprint. Inc. Sexty, R. (1983). â€Å" Accountability dilemma in Canadian public enterprises: Social versus commercial responsiveness.†Ã‚   Annals of Public and Cooperative economics. Vol. 45 (1). Pp 19

Monday, August 5, 2019

Analyzing 1920s Counterculture: Flappers

Analyzing 1920s Counterculture: Flappers Vittoria Rybak American culture has undergone great change throughout its history, specifically through challenges brought about by countercultures to the traditional values of the larger society. By definition, a counterculture is a group that rejects the major values, norms, and practices of the larger society, replacing them with a new set of cultural patterns (Thomas). During the 1920s, Americans saw the rise of one particular counterculture that would challenge the traditional values of women in a significantly modest society. Flappers, they were nicknamed, consisted of northern, urban, middle-class women who defied the traditional Victorian gender roles of the era wherein women were expected to act and behave in a modest, conservative way. The once feminine ideal of staying at home and out of the workforce would drastically change socially and politically as Flappers began a life of smoking, drinking, dancing, and voting. They defied traditionalist values by cutting their hair, wearing makeup , and taking risks (Rosenberg). In an attempt to liberate themselves and eliminate social double standards, the Flappers created a new role for women in society to play. With World War I underway, young men were being sent off to fight for the ideals and mistakes of the older generation, while young women took over their jobs and entered the workforce (Rosenberg). During the war, nearly an entire generation of young men had died, leaving nearly an entire generation of young women who became significantly independent and steered away from the conventional marriage norms of finding a sufficient suitor and starting a family (Rosenberg). The return home from the war proved that settling back into normalcy would be difficult for the young men AND women after each had already broken out of the structure of society (Rosenberg). These liberated young women had emerged from the aftermath of World War I and jumped right into the Jazz Age and an era of Prohibition. They adopted their carefree attitudes specifically in this era of alcohol, jazz music, dancing, and, of course, rebellion. The Jazz Age inspired a change in style and dress that ultimately became the scandalous Flapper look, diverging greatly from the traditional style and dress of early American women. A key contributor to the Flapper culture was Cara Bow, the single most famous Flapper of the era, starring in films and inspiring the younger generations to adopt the carefree manner and style of the new womens era. Perhaps the most significant historical event that encouraged Flappers to promote their cause of eliminating social double standards was the passing of the 19th Amendment, which ended womens suffrage and gave women the right to vote (Independence Hall Association in Philadelphia). In order to develop a better understanding of the mentality of the Flappers, it is important to view the behavior of the group in a systematic way, or through a sociological perspective (Thomas 4). Specifically through the interactionist perspective, Max Weber asserts that individuals act according to their interpretations of the meaning of their world through symbolic interaction (Thomas 17). And then, using sociological imaginations, those individuals have the ability to see the connection between the larger world and their personal lives (Thomas 5). During World War I, young women began interpreting the world slightly different from before. Flappers basically realized that life was too short to live a confined life and wait for a husband who might never come home; flappers felt rightfully entitled to make their own decisions regarding how to live their lives (Celania). Serving as a symbol of freedom, the invention of the automobile is an example of how Flappers were given the libe ration to go and do anything they pleased (Rosenberg). However, automobiles were not only used for travel and escape, and the flapper was less hesitant to experiment sexually than previous generations. Flappers began to realize that the larger world was holding them back, so they rebelled and brought attention to themselves which helped bring about major cultural change. America underwent major cultural changes because of the Flappers attitudes and completely redefined the role of women in society at large. In addition to their defiance of traditionalist values, Flappers also adopted a new sexual frankness that widened the eyes of the older generation. Many older generation traditionalists were the ones who developed ethnocentric views towards the shocking erotic and sexually alluring behavior of the Flappers (Kennedy and Cohen, Lizabeth). By definition, ethnocentrism is the tendency to view ones own culture and group as superior to all other cultures and groups (Thomas 35). The older generations considered themselves guardians of respectability and morality, thus they looked negatively on and were baffled by the dress and antics of the Flappers (Kennedy and Cohen, Lizabeth 710). In fact, traditional moralists were offended by their actions and attitudes. Their feelings of ethnocentrism came from the idea that a single kiss had once been the equivalent of a marriage proposal, and now Flappers were flaunting and exploiting their bodies like never before (Kennedy and Cohen, Lizabeth 709). Stuffy traditionalists continued to defend the modest and conventional way of life that they believed women were supposed to lead. For example, the Flappers began sporting the one piece bathing suit on beaches during the summers; however, they were disrupted in their leisure and measured from the knee up to ensure that not too much leg was showing (Kennedy and Cohen, Lizabeth 710). Out of pure rebellion against stuffy moralists, flappers adopted the short hair style, leaving the long, curly, traditional locks on the floors of barber shops everywhere (Celania). Just as women do today, women of the 1920s felt confined to act and behave a certain way. Their freedoms to express themselves had been diminished all of their lives by a traditional upbringing. Cultural relativism is the belief that cultures should be judged by their own standards, and not by the standards of others (Thomas 36). Through cultural relativism, the larger society can understand why flappers behaved in the manner in which they did. Sigmund Freud claims that the libido was one of the most natural of human needs that allowed Flappers to explore and experiment sexually (Independence Hall Association in Philadelphia). He believed that a variety of nervous and emotional ills came directly as a result of sexual repression, concluding that Flappers were not acting out of the norm for mere pleasure alone, but for health reasons as well. (Kennedy and Cohen, Lizabeth 708). By the Flappers standards, they had been denied sexual gratification and liberation all their lives. Once the y received that small taste of individualism and excitement that came with the aftermath of World War I, these women could not undo themselves and decided to completely defy gender norms, thus creating the undeniably flamboyant Flapper culture. Although I am not a hardcore feminist, I definitely agree with the Flapper philosophy of expressing individualism and putting an end to social double standards. Women deserve to express themselves, not only at home, but in the workforce as well. Flappers did not necessarily protest or actively participate in womens movements that gave rise to important milestones; however, the Flapper was a symbol of empowerment and liberation that changed the course of a womans role in America. In fact, I might not have the freedoms I do today if flappers had decided to remain silent and stick to the status quo. I greatly admire them taking the first steps to break out of the mold that women had been shaped into. As a person who buries herself in schoolwork, I especially admire the carefree and fun attitude of the Flapper and I like to think of their motto as living life to the fullest which definitely makes life more exciting if followed as the flappers had. I also agree that repression causes rebe llion, and, in this way, the Flapper had a right to experiment and find a life for herself, according to her own standards. Although women still have a long way to go, the Flapper culture most definitely inspired generations of women to come out of the wood work and express themselves as empowering individuals. References Celania, Miss. The Society Pages. 25 March 2013. The Rise of the Flapper. Web. 11 March 2017. Independence Hall Association in Philadelphia. U.S. History Precolumbian to the New Millenium. 2016. Web. 11 March 2017. Kennedy, David M. and Cohen, Lizabeth. The American Pageant. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2016. 708. Textbook. Rosenberg, Jennifer. thoughtco. 2 February 2017. Flappers in the Roaring Twenties. Web. 11 March 2017. Thomas, W. LaVerne. Sociology- The Study of Human Relationships. Austin: Holt, Rinehart, Winston, 2003. 39. Textbook.

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Ethics of Full Disclosure of Security Holes Essay -- Hackers Internet

Ethics of Full Disclosure of Security Holes Introduction Security breaches are making big headlines nowadays, and Microsoft is leading the charge. Its flagship operating systems and office suite are so bulky and complex, that it is impossible to be bug-free. The system administrators (the white hats) are up to their noses plugging all the holes from super hackers (the black hats). Yet they are also facing attack from another front – those that post vulnerabilities on the internet (the gray hats). The gray hats are hackers that find security vulnerabilities and post them on the internet, forcing system administrators to patch up the holes. Usually, they inform the vendor ahead of time. Then, if they deem the company is not taking them seriously, and malicious hackers will exploit the threat, they post it on a forum. Though acting in good faith, the ethics of full disclosure of security holes are in debate, including: how full disclosure can cause more harm then good, how long vendors should be allowed to fix the problem, and liabilities for posting on the internet. Issue 1: Full disclosure of security-related information can inflict more damage than good. You are showing people how to break into systems. The debate about vulnerability-disclosure policies involves two main parties. Researchers at security companies say they want to get their latest findings out quickly to hasten software makers' response to bugs. Software makers, on the other hand, say they aren't given enough time to deal with a problem, and that publicizing it simply alerts malicious hackers to an opportunity. There are super hackers out there who find security vulnerabilities, then write a script up on the internet, with one or two l... ...on't publish code, 17 Oct. 2001, CNet News.com, 11 Mar. 2004, 6. Lemos, Robert, Microsoft developers feel Windows pain, 7 Feb 2002, CNet News.com, 12 Mar. 2004, < http://news.com.com/2100-1001_3-832048.html> 7. Lemos, Robert, When is Hacking a Crime? 26 Sept 2002, ZDNetNews, 15 Mar. 2004, 8. Fried, Ina, Attack concerns slow Microsoft's pace, 16 Mar. 2004, CNet News.com, 16 March 2004, 9. Shankland, Stephen, Governements to See Windows Code, 14 Jan 2003, CNet News.com, 14 March 2004, 10. Lemos, Robert, New laws make hacking a black-and-white choice, 23 Sept 2002, CNet News.com, 14 March 2004,

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Themes of Language and Racial Identity in Native Speaker, By Chang-Rae

Chang-Rae Lee’s Native Speaker expresses prominent themes of language and racial identity. Chang-Rae Lee focuses on the struggles that Asian Americans have to face and endure in American society. He illustrates and shows readers throughout the novel of what it really means to be native of America; that true nativity of a person does not simply entail the fact that they are from a certain place, but rather, the fluency of a language verifies one’s defense of where they are native. What is meant by possessing nativity of America would be one’s citizenship and legality of the country. Native Speaker suggests that if one looks different or has the slightest indication that one should have an accent, they will be viewed not as a native of America, but instead as an alien, outsider, and the like. Therefore, Asian Americans and other immigrants feel the need to mask their true identity and imitate the native language as an attempt to fit into the mold that makes up what people would define how a native of America is like. Throughout the novel, Henry Park attempts to mask his Korean accent in hopes to blend in as an American native. Chang-Rae Lee suggests that a person who appears to have an accent is automatically marked as someone who is not native to America. Language directly reveals where a person is native of and people can immediately identify one as an alien, immigrant, or simply, one who is not American. Asian Americans as well as other immigrants feel the need to try and hide their cultural identity in order to be deemed as a native of America in the eyes of others. Since one’s language gives away the place where one is native to, immigrants feel the need to attempt to mask their accents in hopes that they sound fluent ... ...silenced in this country, in order to have voice and be visible in society, one must strive to be a white American. They feel the need to embody and assimilate to whiteness because the white race has a voice and is seen, rather than silenced and unseen, in society. They are privileged with the freedom of not having to cope with the notion of being marked, silent, and unseen in society. This creates pressures for Asian Americans and immigrants to suppress their own cultural identities and assimilate to whiteness in an attempt to potentially be able to prosper and make a life for them in America. Asian Americans feel as though being who they truly are and express their unique cultural identities will alienate themselves even more than they already are. Chang-Rae Lee Works Cited. Lee, Chang-Rae. Native Speaker. NewYork: Riverhead Trade, 1996. Print.

Media Censorship Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Censoring Essays

Media Censorship Today there is much controversy over whether there should or shouldn’t be censorship of the media. Censorship should not be imposed on citizens by the government or other agencies; adults have a right to view or listen to what they choose. Additionally, if children’s media is censored, parents are the ones who should monitor and regulate it. Parents should be the ones to monitor children’s viewing of television and also what they hear on the radio, CD’s, and tapes. Censorship includes the examination and blocking of books, periodicals, plays, films, television and radio programs, news reports, and other communication media that is shown to, or available to the public. Media censorship is sometimes put into place because content is immoral or obscene, heretical or blasphemous, seditious or treasonable, or injurious to the national security. It is supposedly used for the protection of the family, the church, and the state. Additionally some religious groups, opposed to the violence shown in different types of media, say censorship works. Still more that believe in civil rights think that it is an unnecessary violation of the right to freedom of speech for all humans. Censorship of the media for children is necessary, but should not be handled by government or other groups. Instead it should be directed and controlled by parents. Censorship for children is necessary because the average American view’s 100,000 acts of violence on TV before reaching t...

Friday, August 2, 2019

The behaviour of the workers

Part ( a )Read the short infusion from the authoritative survey of Donald Roy and discourse the undermentioned statements:The behavior of the workers was unethical.The behavior of the direction staff was unethical.The first statement set Forth to discourse is true to state in most facets of the article but there are some points made in the article which disproves the statement ‘The behavior of the workers was unethical‘ . The system of the work at the Chicago machine store was unjust to the workers and so it must hold been hard for the workers behave in an ethical mode with the managerial hierarchy at the workshop. I myself worked in a company where there was a welding workshop and the work forces completed the work for their ain benefit and non as aid to the company. The industrial relation issues were chiefly caused by the workers but it was because of old bad direction that let the workers The article foremost describes the workshop ‘s work forces opposition to the directors ‘ control over the workshop work forces. There was clearly a extremely unethical motive for work. Unlike in a good work force where workers are motivated by there directors and communicating is good, alternatively the work forces worked with and for each other to accumulate the most intelligent program against their directors and crush the system in topographic point, ‘relationships that supply support to the operator group in its opposition to and corruption of officially instituted managerial controls on production ‘ . Clearly managerial accomplishments were non decently used to command this conspiring and conniving. The workers were still moving extremely unethical to be doing such control at their degree. The workers, as stated, could work truly difficult but frequently laid back on certain occupations they were deemed impossible and unjust. The workers should hold been working to the best of their ability all the clip as portion of their trueness to the company and directors. Alternatively they played with the system until the reached their most moneymaking solution. ‘Machine operators non merely held back attempt ; sometimes they worked hard. ‘ Obviously the workers were good skilled and they were non being utilised to the best of their ability by their directors but this still does non suit their inducement for work ‘the fluctuation in work attempt ‘ . Another illustration from the infusion about their unjust and â€Å"hopeless prices† was the Gus Schmidt instance where he was â€Å"given a monetary value of $ 1.00 per 100 for reaming one hole, beveling both sides of three holes, and registering burrs on one terminal of one hole.† This is merel y one illustration from the infusion which helps us seek to accept the grounds for the workers unethical behavior. These sorts of rates for work are evidently really put offing for skilled craftsmen. The behavior of the workers in relation to the occupations they had to execute was extremely unethical. For the â€Å"stinkers† of occupations the workers would hold no regard or respect to the company belongings. They besides had no respect for the quality of merchandises they were bring forthing. As a consequence, the oblique actions of the workers could do long term harm the company ‘s repute and provide clients with defective insecure merchandises. ‘Many â€Å"stinkers† would non give before the whitest heat of intelligence or the most high-handed neglect for company property† The grounds for their actions were clear and the director as a leader to the work force should hold corrected this misconduct at that place and so. But any consideration for the company was disregarded by the workers. Communication with direction instead than each other in the planning of malicious actions at work would be a much more ethical solution and could salvage the co mpanies repute. Donald Roy ‘s usage of linguistic communication in the infusion and response to his clip as portion of the work force aid to underscore the workers arch and unethical behavior. Donald Roy describes the personalities and actions of the work forces in the workshop as ‘malicious ‘ , ‘vindictive ‘ , ‘cultivating ‘ , scoffers, ‘prestidigitation ‘ , ‘cavalier ‘ and that ‘s merely to call a position. All of these features of the workers can merely take to the finding of unethical work force. On my work arrangement one could besides depict some of the fitters in this manner. And by stating some, I mean some because all workers do n't act this manner unless enticed to act this manner by a few crooked leaders. This seems to be the same kind of work environment at the piece devising workshop. Although stating this, people have their ain head to do their ain picks in life. As an overall my decision of the workshop work forces in this article is that the behaved extremely unethical. In the 1940 ‘s occupation clime occupations were scarce and so one would believe they would be looking after their occupation instead than endangering it. I could see where the workers were coming from in some of their actions but alternatively of all the conniving and intriguing they should hold been more committed to their company as an employee duty. Simple communicating could hold perchance solved most of their troubles. In comparing to the workers the directors behaved moderately ethical mode. Although as a director it was their duty to be trained in how trade with this unethical behavior. The ethical criterions of the concern should hold been included in staff preparation. The directors at this workshop seemed to about turn a blind oculus to the departures on of the workers. It was unethical for them to believe that merely because the quotas were being reached that it was alright for the workers to command how they work themselves. Besides cognizing that the quota for the production of merchandises was realistically unachievable meant they themselves were criminals every bit good as the workshop work forces. Besides the directors ‘ willingness to turn a blind oculus to the quality of merchandise being manufactured for the populace is socially unethical. Communication is critical in any company and from reading this infusion there is no communicating between direction and workers apparent in this Chicago machine store. From Donald Roy ‘s position it seemed as though the direction did nil to better this faulty communicating ‘It will demo that the relevant components of debatable production state of affairss may include â€Å"lateral† lines of interaction between subgroups of he work force every bit good as â€Å"vertical† connexions between managerial and worker groups.† From my clip on my work arrangement, I can see how these perpendicular connexions can organize and how hard they are to rectify. The director of the oil terminus was continuously keeping meetings to repair the bad communicating and industrial relation issues. This kind of attempt does non look to be present at the work store. The direction are non doing the company as efficient and productive as they are able to. The workers are able to â€Å"make-out† which reflects severely on both directors and workers. Some of the workers are clearly intelligent people bearing in head they are able to â€Å"figure the angles† for optimal return for themselves. Although all the intelligence used by the workers is strictly revengeful to contend the systems set in topographic point by direction it could be utilised for a greater benefit to the company. Not merely were the workers damaging the company ‘s repute but the directors were besides. The directors should hold a sufficient system in topographic point to look into the quality of the pieces being green goodss for the clients. The system at the workshop encouraged unethical behavior by presenting fillips to measure over quality. There is no grounds from this infusion for publicity of quality in the workshop and such managerial behavior should be regarded as unethical in my sentiment. Having made my points for the directors unethical I besides believe they were seeking to get the better of the corrupt work store. They were merely looking at it from their ain positions and did non acquire the input of the workers. ‘The â€Å"syndicate† besides proved unequal in besieging each of a series of â€Å"new rules† and â€Å"new systems† introduced by direction to bowdlerize all alterations and improvisations and coerce a rigorous attachment to the regulations ‘ This illustration illustrates the directors ‘ willingness to implement alteration. The methods of amending the workers system did non offer an economic advantage to the worker and so would non do as a solution to the corrupt working system. Throughout the infusion the moral values and regulations of the direction vary. The directors do try to alter the current corrupt system but they are besides individual minded in believing they have the best solution which they obviously do non. They moreover do non look to follow up on the illegal actions of â€Å"making-out† performed by the operators. To reason on whether direction behaved unethical this infusion I will state, one can non hold unethical workers without some influence from unethical directors ‘ .Part ( B )Describe any alterations to the operation of the machine store that you would do if you were appointed director. I know that in the 1940 ‘s industrial dealingss were nil like they are now but the most of import things for the directors to alter is the degree of communicating between the director and the workers. Directors are the people specifically responsible for accomplishing the aims for the company. [ 2 ] The directors of the Chicago piece doing company make non with keep the indispensable direction activities ( planning, organizing and commanding ) or the direction accomplishments ( taking, pass oning and actuating ) . Managers ‘ must besides be capable of alteration and I would promote alter both with the workers and directors. Although perchance non allow for the 1940 ‘s, I would engage a human resource director to cover with the intensifying problem in industrial relation issues. The issue of unachievable fillips should be resolved by either extinguishing that method of productiveness or a just bound should be agreed upon. Communication as stated in the article is non present in the company and is an of import issue. Communication would greatly better the ethical behavior and the efficiency of the workshop. The extract provinces on many occasions that communicating is non present, one such illustration is ; ‘The procedure that is reputedly in demand of attending: communicating ‘ The directors need to be trained in communicating accomplishments. This involves verbal, written and ocular communicating. For effectual communicating the directors need to let provender back from the workers. As a director I would let the workers to voice their sentiments. Feedback would assist work out the issue with the fillips because as a consequence a just bound could be established by both parties. A 3rd party who is non-biased should be introduced ab initio until trust has developed between direction and workers. A 3rd party could do the fairest determination in this hostile environment. A quotation mark from Richard Branson, president of Virgin Group, on motive, which sums up the company in inquiry ; â€Å"If you have happy extremely motivated staff you can accomplish anything. If you have demoralised staff your company will shortly disappear.† I think a better method of motive for the workshop would be utilizing the Maslow ‘s theory of motive instead the fillip system in being used by the directors. This theory is aimed at bettering the morale and inducement of the workers. Self-actualisation is the most of import of human demands, as stated in Maslow ‘s theory, and is achieved by publicity. I think if the workers are motivated by occupation chances such as a managerial place of supervisor they will be more dedicated to the company. More dedication would ensue in better quality merchandises and more efficient productiveness. Bing a director of the workshop I would concentrate on this managerial accomplishment merely every bit much as communicating. Introducing a human resource director would assist to bit by bit mend the jobs of the workshop. The responsibilities of a human resource director include, pull offing industrial dealingss, rewarding, protecting, human resource planning, measuring, preparation and enlisting. [ 1 ] Pull offing the industrial dealingss at the workshop would decide the struggle between workers and the directors. The HR director could honor the workers suitably for work done in replacing of the fillip system or they could better the current system in the infusion. Workers who feel they are being treated unjustly could avail of protection from the HR director when pass oning with directors. Performance assessment in the workshop would assist supervisors supervise more specifically what workers are making and workers would hold ends and marks to work for. The HR director would guarantee all safety, communicating and any other relevant preparation was being carried out. All of these issues being addressed by a human resource director would acquire the company closer to an ethically witting work topographic point. I, as a director, would hold extremely developed planning, actuating and communicating accomplishments. I would be willing for alteration and insist that the workers were excessively. I conclude that I would extinguish the fillip system and alternatively implement the Maslow ‘s theory of motive. I eventually think using a human resource director would be of the extreme importance.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Deception Point Page 102

â€Å"Hello,† Sexton's outbound message crackled. â€Å"This is the office of Senator Sedgewick Sexton. If you are trying to send a fax, you may transmit at any time. If not, you may leave a message at the tone.† Before Sexton could pick up, the machine beeped. â€Å"Senator Sexton?† The man's voice had a lucid rawness to it. â€Å"This is William Pickering, director of the National Reconnaissance Office. You're probably not in the office at this hour, but I need to speak immediately.† He paused as if waiting for someone to pick up. Gabrielle reached to pick up the receiver. Sexton grabbed her hand and violently yanked it away. Gabrielle looked stunned. â€Å"But that's the director of-â€Å" â€Å"Senator,† Pickering continued, sounding almost relieved that no one had picked up. â€Å"I'm afraid I am calling with some very troubling news. I've just received word that your daughter Rachel is in extreme danger. I have a team trying to help her as we speak. I cannot talk in detail about the situation on the phone, but I was just informed she may have faxed you some data relating to the NASA meteorite. I have not seen the data, nor do I know what it is, but the people threatening your daughter have just warned me that if you or anyone goes public with the information, your daughter will die. I'm sorry to be so blunt, sir; I do it for clarity's sake. Your daughter's life is being threatened. If she has indeed faxed you something, do not share it with anyone. Not yet. Your daughter's life depends on it. Stay where you are. I will be there shortly.† He paused. â€Å"With luck, senator, all of this will be resolved by the time you wake up. If, by chance, you get t his message before I arrive at your office, stay where you are and call no one. I am doing everything in my power to get your daughter back safely.† Pickering hung up. Gabrielle was trembling. â€Å"Rachel is a hostage?† Sexton sensed that even in her disillusionment with him, Gabrielle felt a pained empathy to think of a bright young woman in danger. Oddly, Sexton was having trouble mustering the same emotions. Most of him felt like a child who had just been given his most wanted Christmas present, and he refused to let anyone yank it out of his hands. Pickering wants me to be quiet about this? He stood a moment, trying to decide what all of this meant. In a cold, calculating side of his mind, Sexton felt the machinery beginning to turn-a political computer, playing out every scenario and evaluating each outcome. He glanced at the stack of faxes in his hands and began to sense the raw power of the images. This NASA meteorite had shattered his dream of the presidency. But it was all a lie. A construct. Now, those who did this would pay. The meteorite that his enemies had created to destroy him would now make him powerful beyond anyone's wildest imagination. His daughter had seen to that. There is only one acceptable outcome, he knew. Only one course of action for a true leader to take. Feeling hypnotized by the shining images of his own resurrection, Sexton was drifting through a fog as he crossed the room. He went to his copy machine and turned it on, preparing to copy the papers Rachel had faxed him. â€Å"What are you doing?† Gabrielle demanded, sounding bewildered. â€Å"They won't kill Rachel,† Sexton declared. Even if something went wrong, Sexton knew losing his daughter to the enemy would only make him more powerful still. Either way he would win. Acceptable risk. â€Å"Who are those copies for?† Gabrielle demanded. â€Å"William Pickering said not to tell anyone!† Sexton turned from the machine and looked at Gabrielle, amazed by how unattractive he suddenly found her. In that instant, Senator Sexton was an island. Untouchable. Everything he needed to accomplish his dreams was now in his hands. Nothing could stop him now. Not claims of bribery. Not rumors of sex. Nothing. â€Å"Go home, Gabrielle. I have no more use for you.† 125 It's over, Rachel thought. She and Tolland sat side by side on the deck staring up into the barrel of the Delta soldier's machine gun. Unfortunately, Pickering now knew where Rachel had sent the fax. The office of Senator Sedgewick Sexton. Rachel doubted her father would ever receive the phone message Pickering had just left him. Pickering could probably get to Sexton's office well before anyone else this morning. If Pickering could get in, quietly remove the fax, and delete the phone message before Sexton arrived, there would be no need to harm the senator. William Pickering was probably one of the few people in Washington who could finagle entry to a U.S. senator's office with no fanfare. Rachel was always amazed at what could be accomplished â€Å"in the name of national security.† Of course if that fails, Rachel thought, Pickering could just fly by and send a Hellfire missile through the window and blow up the fax machine. Something told her this would not be necessary. Sitting close to Tolland now, Rachel was surprised to feel his hand gently slip into hers. His touch had a tender strength, and their fingers intertwined so naturally that Rachel felt like they'd done this for a lifetime. All she wanted right now was to lie in his arms, sheltered from the oppressive roar of the night sea spiraling around them. Never, she realized. It was not to be. Michael Tolland felt like a man who had found hope on the way to the gallows. Life is mocking me. For years since Celia's death, Tolland had endured nights when he'd wanted to die, hours of pain and loneliness that seemed only escapable by ending it all. And yet he had chosen life, telling himself he could make it alone. Today, for the first time, Tolland had begun to understand what his friends had been telling him all along. Mike, you don't have to make it alone. You'll find another love. Rachel's hand in his made this irony that much harder to swallow. Fate had cruel timing. He felt as if layers of armor were crumbling away from his heart. For an instant, on the tired decks of the Goya, Tolland sensed Celia's ghost looking over him as she often did. Her voice was in the rushing water†¦ speaking the last words she'd spoken to him in life. â€Å"You're a survivor,† her voice whispered. â€Å"Promise me you'll find another love.† â€Å"I'll never want another,† Tolland had told her. Celia's smile was filled with wisdom. â€Å"You'll have to learn.† Now, on the deck of the Goya, Tolland realized, he was learning. A deep emotion welled suddenly in his soul. He realized it was happiness. And with it came an overpowering will to live. Pickering felt oddly detached as he moved toward the two prisoners. He stopped in front of Rachel, vaguely surprised that this was not harder for him. â€Å"Sometimes,† he said, â€Å"circumstances raise impossible decisions.† Rachel's eyes were unyielding. â€Å"You created these circumstances.† â€Å"War involves casualties,† Pickering said, his voice firmer now. Ask Diana Pickering, or any of those who die every year defending this nation. â€Å"You of all people should understand that, Rachel.† His eyes focused in on her. â€Å"Iactura paucourm serva multos.† He could see she recognized the words-almost a cliche in national security circles. Sacrifice the few to save the many. Rachel eyed him with obvious disgust. â€Å"And now Michael and I have become part of your few?† Pickering considered it. There was no other way. He turned to Delta-One. â€Å"Release your partner and end this.† Delta-One nodded. Pickering took a long last look at Rachel and then strode to the ship's nearby portside railing, staring out at the sea racing by. This was something he preferred not to watch. Delta-One felt empowered as he gripped his weapon and glanced over at his partner dangling in the clamps. All that remained was to close the trapdoors beneath Delta-Two's feet, free him from the clamps, and eliminate Rachel Sexton and Michael Tolland.