Five key different functional activities Essay

Set out the main points of the contribution of five key different functional activities carried out in a selected business organisation towards its strategic aims and objectives. Human Resources Human Resources will be in charge of employing all new staff that the business need. However in order for this to work, Human Resources need to know what kind of staff they need how many. HR will also go through all the applications of the applicants; this will happen so they can narrow the amount of people to be interviewed down. They will narrow it down by seeing if the person can offer what the company requires. For Tesco’s this will be good communication skills, working with others and working alone, this is because Tesco want to know if the employee will be able to offer â€Å"customer service† at the standard of Tesco. If the employees do this then they will be able to achieve their aims and objectives of the business as they are â€Å"to treat all customers how they wanted to be treated† and to â€Å"try harder for customers then anyone else†. Marketing Marketing makes the audience aware that there is a specific product out there. However in order to market the product, the department have to know how much it is going to cost, how much it will roughly cost them, what size, colour and design will take form before marketing the product itself. Marketing will be via Radio, Television, Newspapers, Flyers, and Billboards etc. as these are the main forms of marketing a product. Tesco will Market via television and radio. They will put the adverts on television during times when many audiences would be watching, e.g. during the breaks of a Saturday night show. Tesco would put adverts on radio during rush hour time on the most listened to radio station to get more audiences. However the unique thing about the Tesco adverts is that they will give offers on products. By Tesco showing their products to the public via marketing by means of TV, radio etc. it will encourage people to come to Tesco’s to buy their products; this will consequently lead to more sales and more customer service – this means Tesco have used marketing to get to their overall aims and objectives, which is to â€Å"try harder for customer†. Customer Service For a business to get more customers they will need customer service at the highest quality; this means providing a quick and an effective service. Also customer service will include things such as having in depth knowledge about products and being able to sell them – describing the product(s) and its features well enough will help to get the customer interested. If you have sold the product to a certain customer and they come back saying it doesn’t work then you will have to give a customer service at the highest quality and give them a replacement while you fix theirs; this could mean resolving complaints quicker and effectively. For Tesco they would provide a quick, reliable and effective service to the customers as their mission statement is â€Å"to provide a life long loyalty to their customers†. If a customer brought a product from Tesco e.g. a DVD player and it didn’t work then Tesco will exchange / replace the customers’ product until theirs is fixed, or give them discount on another product that is similar. Tesco also have a 48 hour customer complaint line where by Tesco get back to the customer(s) within 48 hours of receiving the complaint. If they do this they are achieving their aims and objectives because their aims are to â€Å"try harder for customers† and â€Å"treat every customer how they want to be treated†. Finance The finance department has to spend its money wisely; and spend at the right time for the business, e.g. to make an investment. They must also manage the budget of the company to make sure they are not over spending, but spending the right amount all items. They must also make sure they prioritise which functional areas are the most in need of the money in order to move forward. In order for Tesco’s to achieve their aims and objectives finance wise, they must make sure they are keeping track of the money used and to see if they are able to give discounts to their loyal customers. This way they can offer customers discounts on certain items or send them vouchers for certain things – they can only do this by looking into their club card for what kind of items they buy on a regular basis and then give them discount on that. Also the Tesco finance team have been able to dig out some money to buy vans for home delivery. This way customers will be able to get products from the Tesco website and get it delivered to their doorstep, this way Tesco are achieving their aims and objectives because they are trying harder for the customer. Sales The sales team would sell the product(s) on sale. The more sales staff they employ the more chances of selling more products becomes more possible. However it is important to have the opening times longer during the day; (early start, late finish). The sales team may also have a website to sell their products and also give more information to the customers; in most cases internet sales are cheaper then buying them in the store. Tesco have an internet website; however you have to be a member, this way Tesco will get more customers. In Tesco stores that are all â€Å"Tesco Extra†, they will be open for 24 hours a day. They have people in certain areas of the supermarket that specialise in certain things, such as technology and mobile phones and they will have their own departments; where as someone else might be working with another person that specialise in the same thing which may be fruit and veg; and they would have their departments as well. Therefore if customers want something in particular they can go the department area; this way Tesco are able to sell their products to customers easily. Tesco also have many tills and self scanning services to achieve their aims and objectives; this is because customers will come in and be able to shop and take their products home quickly and easily, this way Tesco will be achieving their aims and objectives because they are â€Å"trying harder for customer† by making it easier for them to go certain areas of the supermarket and paying for the item e.g. electronics department / self scanning machines / tills.

Amusement park dangers Essay

How many people have to die, or sustain serious injury from amusement park rides before the federal government steps in and regulates the amusement park industry? Rosy Esparza’s family had every right to believe that she would return from the Texas Giant roller coaster without harm or injury. However, Esparza fell to her death on the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas. Incidents like this are sadly becoming a more common event in the United States at amusement and waterparks. In fact, the number of fatalities per passenger mile on roller coasters is greater than the amount of tragedies on passenger trains, passenger buses, or passenger planes. These tragedies often occur because the rides are not independently inspected, inspections are not done frequently enough, accidents are not made public and the accidents are investigated by the parks. The federal government needs to create national safety standards for all rides at amusement parks, so that every amusement park patron can enjoy the park as it is intended without fear of injury or death. Less than three months after the death of Esparza the Texas Giant has been re-opened , and back in full operation. The roller coaster underwent extensive testing, and received approval from the Texas Department of Insurance to resume operations, however the findings of the testing are not available to the public due to ongoing litigation. Even though Texas Six Flags has claimed no fault for the Esparza accident; the park has added incremental and overlapping safety features. These safety features include redesigned restraint-bar pads and new seat belts. So the question is, are the department of insurance officials, who inspected this ride in the past, sufficient enough to make sure these rides are safe for future riders? Amusement park rides should be inspected by an independent third party, which has no financial interest in the amusement park. Having the insurance company inspect the rides is not sufficient; all rides should be investigated by inspectors with the mechanical aptitude to know if the ride is in proper working condition. The United States has trained safety inspectors for baby strollers, bikes, and motorized ride-on toys; shouldn’t rides that travel up to heights of 456 feet and at 128 miles per hour have safety inspectors also? Currently there are no federal regulations on amusement park rides, so there are no reliable national statistics of injuries on amusement park rides. Each state has its own regulations for amusement parks; some states do not have any regulations of amusement park rides. Many states do not have an inspection force and rely on insurance investigators to inspect and or approve these rides. However, most states do require the rides be inspected annually, but these regulations are not enforced. According to state records more than half of Pennsylvania’s permanent amusement parks and water parks did not turn in all of their required inspections. In fact, the state agency had no reports at all for 12 of the 117 state amusement and water parks. Following the death of a child on a roller coaster ride at Disney’s MGM studios in Orlando, Florida, lawmakers began the process of trying to pass the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act. This act was introduced by Congressman Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, in 2005. The act calls for fixed-site park rides to fall under the regulation act of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The commission currently only oversees traveling carnival rides, because fixed-site theme park rides are exempt from federal oversight. Even though the fixed-site rides are rode more frequently than traveling carnival rides they are subject to less regulations. Many of these rides are operated hundreds of times a day, seven days per week but only inspected once during the year. There needs to be a regulation that all rides are to be inspected a minimum of quarterly to find any mechanical issues that may pose a danger to riders. Because some of these rides travel in excess of 100 miles per hour they should face similar safety standards as automobiles which do not travel at such a high rates of speed. Another issue with the absence of federal regulations among amusement park rides is that, when an accident or mechanical failure occurs, the parks are the ones conducting the investigation and the findings of the investigation are not made public. Also, if there is no media attention about the accident or mechanical failure, the accident is unknown to the public. The federal government should create a database for all amusement parks that includes all of the rides for each. The database should include all mechanical failures of all rides in the past 12 months, any accidents in the past 12 months and the last four quarterly inspections for the ride. That way, amusement park patrons can make informed decisions whether to go to certain amusement parks and ride particular rides. Amusement-park patrons should have the right to know the history of the park and all rides, prior to riding them. With all of the things that have federal regulations, it is hard to believe that amusement park rides do not have federal inspections and regulations. In an effort to ensure these rides are safe for the public to ride and enjoy, the federal government needs to establish national safety standards for all riders at amusement parks. If national safety standards and inspections can save the life of one person, aren’t they worth creating? Works Cited Moser, Jeff. â€Å"Family sues over Texas Giant death on the same day Six Flags says it will reopen ride. † The Dallas Morning News September 10, 2013: Newspaper Source. Web. 31 Oct. 2013 Pataro, Luca. â€Å"Scary rides, scary risks: more than 300 million people visit U. S. amusement facilities and safely enjoy 1. 8 billion rides each year. But for a small number of thrill-seekers, good times can become a matter of life and death. † Risk Management. Aug. 2007: 50+. Biography In Context. Web. 26 Oct. 2013. Watson, Stephen T. â€Å"Recent tragedies strap in safety as peak concern. † Buffalo News, The (NY) 23 Aug. 2011: Newspaper Source. Web. 26 Oct. 2013.

Sam 342 unit 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sam 342 unit 5 - Essay Example Its functions from division I to division III vary in nature although the core values of the organization remain the same. At a young age players can be exploited and their focus can shift from education to sports only, hence they might become successful sportspersons but in long run they might fail to become an educated and contributing citizen. To regulate and keep a check on practices prevailing in al three divisions, the role of NCAA has gathered much importance in the past few decades. The core values of other professional sports association or clubs are more oriented towards their own set of beliefs, history and achievements. The basic principals they operate through are more aligned towards profitability, success in results, commitment to sports and the courage that can bring victories to the club or the association. In comparison with NCAA the core values of professional clubs or associations are more centric towards commercialism while NCAA plays a more philanthropic role and strives for safeguarding the interests and ensuring betterment of young sports person from grass root level to university level moving towards a successful career in the selected professional

The History of Vietnam War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The History of Vietnam War - Research Paper Example V. The Tet Offensive a. Beginning of U.S. – North Vietnam peace talks VI. End of the War a. Vietnamization b. Signing of Paris Peace Agreement c. Total withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam d. Capture of Saigon and formation of Socialist Republic of Vietnam History of Vietnam War INTRODUCTION Vietnam War was one of the most expensive wars in the history of the world in terms of materials and loss of lives. In fact, Vietnam War was the fourth costliest war in terms of loss of lives that United States has ever been involved. The war registered 45,943 U.S. battle deaths, with 1333 men going missing and 10,298 dead of non-battle causes. In terms of money, United Stated government lost 138.9 billion dollars, which is only comparable to the amount of money spent in World War II. South Vietnam, an ally of United States in the war, lost 166,000 soldiers and an estimated 415, 000 civilians. On the other hand, it is estimated that Northern Vietnam and Viet Cong combined registered more than 937,000 deaths. Other than loss of lives and resources, the war also witnessed the loss of morals among soldiers at the war front. Citizens also lost faith in their governments. This was largely affected the Americans. During the war, American soldiers became undisciplined. They engaged in drugs and racial conflict. Generally, all the warring parties suffered from the war. This paper looks into the history of Vietnam War and the events that lead to the war in Vietnam. The paper discusses the origin of Vietnam War, the entry of United States into the War, the strategy of attrition, the Tet offensive, and the end of the War. ORIGIN OF THE WAR Vietnam had been colonized by the French since 19th century. During the Second World War, Japan attacked and established its authority of Vietnam. In the course of this struggle, Ho Chi Minh, a Vietnamese nationalist, formed Viet Minh Party to help him fight the Japanese and the French occupation of Vietnam. He was assisted by Soviet an d the Chinese communists. In August 1945, the Japanese were overpowered by the Viet Minh and they withdrew their forces from Vietnam leaving the French in control of Vietnam. During this time, Viet Minh’s superiority was on the rise. They captured the northern town Hanoi and declared independence of Democratic Republic of Vietnam in September 1945 with Ho Chi Minh as the president (Christian, 31). The French soldiers were pushed to the south. In July 1949, they formed the state of Southern Vietnam with its capital in Saigon under the leadership of Bao Dai. The war between the French and the Viet Minh called the First Indonesian War continued for the next eight years. The war ended in May 1954 when the French forces were defeated by the Viet Minh forces at Dien Bien Phu. The ensuing peace talks in Geneva led to the signing of the Geneva Peace Accord. The Accord divided Vietnam into North Vietnam under the leadership of Ho and South Vietnam under the leadership of Bao. The Gene va Accord also stipulated that nationwide elections were to be held in 1956. The elections were aimed at unifying North and South Vietnam into one nation. However, in 1955, Â  Ngo Dinh Diem, a strong anticommunist, ousted Bao as the leader of Southern Vietnam and formed the Government of the Republic of Vietnam with him as the president (Le Duan, 51). U.S INVOLVEMENT INTO THE WAR United States joined the struggle in 1950 when President Truman assisted the French forces in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. United States provided the French forc

PSYCHOLOGY Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PSYCHOLOGY - Research Paper Example In order to execute such paradigms, numerous psychological theories have been devised to classify humans under diverse patterns and syndromes. An understanding of the psychology enables one to eradicate various therapeutic problems. Thus, psychology is not confined to any core study but it encompasses a complete understanding about the nature and the conditions under which a person was nurtured. In the article "The effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of personality disorders: A meta-analysis", the authors have conducted a meta-analysis to highlight the impact of psychodynamic therapy, as well as cognitive behavior therapy to treat personality disorders. Although the article does not include heredity and environment, the authors have used psychoanalytical perspectives and rely on the scientific findings, but fail to explain several important issues which are discussed here. However, any activity that affects the performance or behavio r of an individual is designated as behavior or mental process. The article does not specify the aspects of mental processes which are associated with different cognitive operations essential in learning process and in procuring knowledge, reasoning, memory, learning skills, perception, outlook, concentration, skill to be alert and attentive, language skills, communication, thoughts, aptitude, emotions, decision making and problem solving skills ("What is cognitive psychology?"). Although the article addresses the psychologists and explains the intricacies associated with the understanding of mental and behavior processes, it fails in being considerate towards brain functioning, communication, interpersonal predispositions, motivation and social behavior together with the physiological and neurological predilections. The article does not consider developmental aspects which play an imperative role in the process of nurture and formation of nature/temperament ("A rational model of th e effects of distributional information on feature learning"). One of the key features in psychology is cognitive studies, an assessment of mental processes. The psychologist must understand the attitude as well as propensity of the patient to deal with the personality disorders. The article lacks in emphasizing upon the cognitive understanding and, hence, the mental process, alteration of which is responsible for personality disorders. Evidently, as an individual matures, perception and understanding about the circumstances and situations also expands. Some may have the intellect to understand others, learn about their nature and circumstances, and react to the event in more pleasing manner, while others tend to be short tempered and reactionary towards a situation and display rage and anguish. These psychological aspects are not well defined in the article to implement the cognitive behavior therapy for personality disorder ("What is Cognitive Psychology?"). In the present scenari o where the competition is hard-hitting and individuals are chip in a career race, an approach is desired where judgmental move toward attitude could be worked well. One has to be critical in displaying cognitive behavior, enhanced memory power, quick as well as appropriate decision making temperament, and organization of educational program to boost learning power in order to prove their worth. A

The Broadway Cafe Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Broadway Cafe - Research Paper Example As it is mentioned, presently, most of the operations are not recorded, and the ones recorded are done so manually. Though businesses normally rely on lots of different spreadsheets, notes and data, the coffee shop, fortunately, has very little information on record. So, the first step would be to develop a database of all the items of the coffee shop, ranging from different specialized coffees, teas, bakery items, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Though Broadway Cafe has years of tradition and accumulated knowledge, they all lie in the hands of my grandfather. So, a Knowledge Management system will be introduced to prevent the loss of that information for good. Furthermore, the recipes of all items will be stored on computer, and only selected staff of the coffee shop will have access to the recipes, though information on items and their prices can be accessed by everyone. The next step will be to make the payrolls of the employees computerized. Using grandfather’s memory and e mployees’ help, the work history and payment of each employee will be stored on computer. The next stage will be to place computer kiosks so that all sales and purchases are recorded. Thus, all the transactions of the bakery will get computerized in the beginning. Here, help will be sought from accounting staff and IT experts as to what kind of information is required to be stored and assessed for smooth functioning of the firm. At this stage, I intend to introduce a special IT-based collaboration system for Broadway Cafe. This will help the sharing of knowledge and information among employees, customers, suppliers, and all others who are interested in Broadway Cafe. The best collaboration system for the cafe, in my opinion, will be a groupware system. This Groupware software will allow group interaction events such as calendaring, scheduling, and video-conferencing. It is very evident that having this system will allow the cafe to communicate with our customers and suppliers . In addition, this will help complete various tasks in time by properly listing things on an e-calendar. However, database backup is very important for the cafe. So, care will be taken to ensure everyday backup of information. In addition, there will be weekly back of important information. In addition, to ensure computer safety, employees will be allowed access only to limited areas of information that are needed for the smooth functioning of the cafe. Now, customers will have many options to order a product from Broadway Cafe. They can directly order at our counters, they can utilize the kiosks placed inside and just outside the cafe, or they can order from home by visiting our site. For easiness of payment, we will be introducing PayPal. Now, it seems that there are certain necessary renovations to be introduced at the cafe. The first one will be introducing an attractive menu, attractive uniform for the staff, and television screens and music in the cafe. In addition, internet facility will be made available in the cafe so that even the busiest business executive gets a chance to have a coffee while doing his business. After introducing these basic changes, it is time for the cafe to move on to think about developing its business using Information Technology. Now, after having computerized the cafe, it is time to use latest technology for attracting customers.

Knowledge Workers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Knowledge Workers - Essay Example The Singapore example throws ample light on the situation arising with knowledge workers. Singapore was a manufacturing economy until changes in economy began taking shape in the last decades of the 20th century. Countries such as China, India and Korea emerged with better skills to manage the changes in economy (Judy, Richard W; 2002, p32). "In Singapore, most of its policies and practices are centred towards the incorporation of technology . This implies that majority of their employees receive very little attention. What this does is that employees are not motivated to improve. They do not tap all their potential and end up underperforming" (Smith, Carolyn; 2010). The Singaporean example highlights the need to maintain an open policy to changes so that changes could be incorporated when needed. The mindset even in the management was not conducive to change because of the working culture that prevailed at the critical time (Smith, Carolyn; 2010). Changes did take place, but rather slowly. The government changed the Ministry of Labor to Ministry of Manpower. Once the steps to reforms were introduced at the top level, the rest of the changes happened in due course. Changes in economy happened when the Singaporean government looked to emigrants from Canada, the United States, China, India, Malaysia and other growing economies to make up for the shortage in skilled knowledge workers. "In May 1997, the Committee on Singapore's Competitiveness (CSC) set out to critically assess Singapore's economic competitiveness in the early twenty-first century, taking into consideration global trends and development of existing and emerging competition. The CSC was tasked to identify the problem areas and propose appropriate strategies and policies with a view to maintaining and strengthening Singapore's competitive position" (Judy, Richard W; 2002, p32). The CSC decided to "develop in the next ten years into an advanced and globally competitive knowledge economy, with manufacturing and services as the twin engines of growth. In a knowledge economy, the basis for competitiveness will be the capabilities and intellectual capital to absorb, process and apply knowledge" (Judy, Richard W; 2002, p33). With aging economy and culture, it was not possible for Singapore to transform their economy without importing manpower skilled in intellectual applications. The importance of knowledge workers is currently felt because of the exponential growth of information technology. This growth has left a vacuum and this vacuum can be filled involving knowledge workers (Davenport, Thomas H; 2005). There cannot be any doubt that the knowledge worker occupies a privileged position as worker. Classified as a knowledge worker, he or she is supposed to be knowledgeable in his or her stream and capable of handling a project that come under his or her capabilities. Indeed, the situation is such that

The events that produced the modern Civil Rights Movement Essay

The events that produced the modern Civil Rights Movement - Essay Example The case has never been perfectly clear, but it seems that Till had told several of his African-American friends in Mississippi that back home in Chicago he had a white girlfriend - they did not believe him and so dared him to speak to a white woman while out in public. Whether Till actually spoke, or whether he whistled at a married white woman while in a grocery store in unclear, but the repercussions are unambiguous (Ownby 151). The boy was murdered because of his apparent audacity in addressing a white woman, and the death shocked people all over the country. Mere months later, Rosa Parks found lasting fame and reverence because of her refusal to give up her seat on a city bus to a white passenger. At this time, segregation existed on buses and an African-American was not allowed to take the front seat of a bus, particularly if there was a white passenger who needed to sit down. Parks' civil disobedience led to the formation of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for months and ultimately culminated in the 1956 decision of Alabama courts to rule that bus segregation is unconstitutional. Parks was always the first to downplay her role in the modern civil rights movement, but the truth is that her disregard for discriminatory practices influenced the entire African-American population to rethink their own attitudes towards segregation and low social standing (Burns 87-90). Following the murder of Emmitt Till, African-Americans were, on the whole, very angry, frightened and confused about what steps needed to be taken to ensure their f uture safety and success in the nation. Rosa Parks unwittingly gave all these disenfranchised people a look at how simple individual protest could be used to really make a difference where it mattered the most. The Montgomery Bus Boycott not only influenced a nation, but it specifically had a great effect on someone who would prove to be an invaluable member of the modern civil rights movement: Martin Luther King Jr. King Jr. took a leadership role in the Bus Boycott and from this starting point became an omnipresent figure in most aspects of the African-American civil rights movement in America. His most famed contribution to the movement was his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered in 1963 during the March on Washington. King envisioned a time when society would welcome its diverse people together as one, treat every person as both an individual and an equal, and put an end to discrimination and segregation laws in America and worldwide (Ralph Jr. 29-36). The ideals and actions of Martin Luther King Jr. were essentially fundamental to the modern civil rights movement and because of this, African-Americans were ultimately inspired to take up the causes he fought for after he was murdered in Tennessee in 1968. The death of this great leader of the civil rights movement was a great shock to the entire country, but it was in many ways the final catalyst that African-Americans needed to realize that enough was enough in terms of discrimination and

The Role of Human Resource in the Success of an Organization Essay

The Role of Human Resource in the Success of an Organization - Essay Example They were treated with less concern and still the focus of human resource were on improving the methodologies of production by focusing on skills of workers and how they will be able to accomplish their tasks in relation to their job. Other factors that affects effectiveness of worker i.e. interest and career growth, were of less consequence as measure of organizational effectiveness. As more studies were conducted to determine secrets of effective management, more theories and findings were identified and more books were written that give precedence to the significance of behavioral factors in the success of managing organizations or developing teams to accomplish organizational objectives. Total Quality Management, for one covers several aspects of management. It applies to the quality of the strategic thinking exhibited by executives, the quality of the firm’s ethics or company beliefs, the quality of training, the quality of technology management, and to the quality of communications2. It encompasses everything. If you’ll look at it, it significantly stresses higher concern on the human resource factor and it is way beyond the original concept of how industry looks at the role of HR to the effective management. Now, HR is an integral part of management and plays significant part in the success of the organization. They became a partner of the management team and perform more than personnel management or office records management. HR became not only as a mother figure in a commercial company, who talks and handles grievances of employees but also, they play a role in decision-making, policy development and implementation of the company’s aspirations and beliefs.

Should the federal government provide health care to all American Term Paper

Should the federal government provide health care to all American citizens - Term Paper Example Talking about the American healthcare system and the medical insurance in the US, it is necessary to mention that the poorest layers of the society have to stay behind the amenities of the democratic life. Even though people are American citizens, the norms of the Constitution do not refer to them, strange as it may seem. As one of the richest countries dedicated to the standpoints of democracy, the United States should never go without providing people with basic and advanced healthcare. Otherwise, it shows its underdevelopment in this field. The overall opinion on this matter is as follows: â€Å"A June 12-16, 2009 poll shows that 64% of Americans say health care should be a right† (ProCon 1). It makes everyone believe in the public urge for equality in terms of healthcare prospects. On the other hand, the opponents of the healthcare for all Americans might think that working hard should be the main basis for letting people get their medical coverage and proceed on healthcar e services. The thing is that the followers of the capitalistic way of living think that if the federal government assigns the universal right for healthcare, it will lead to the use of tax revenues for masses which is like in the socialist way of living (ProCon 1). However, the United States is still a huge and the main debtor to the world countries and to China (socialist country), in particular. Hence, it should be a reminder for the officials in their tries to get the life better for the electorate. The question is that it is really a disgrace to the United States when 46 million people are uncovered with medical insurance (Phillips and Bostian 136). In the world arena, America seems not so attractive when people from other countries see a low rate of social guarantees for all citizens. On the other side, all American talks on the democracy which should touch upon every country of the world render null in this case. In fact, Americans have encountered the perils of the bureaucra cy in the federal government letting all ordinary people cast adrift. Neither Clinton nor Obama was apt at introducing the healthcare reform in the short run. This is why Americans covered by the insurance feel anxiety about their future: â€Å"All Americans now expect Medicare to be there for them when they reach the age threshold, or if they become disabled, and use this knowledge in their financial planning† (Levine 31). Hence, when the officials talk about that not all Americans get insurance, it makes the public opinion right opposite to the idea of the appropriate Medicaid knowing that healthcare is the largest industry in the country employing 14 million people (ProCon 1). By and large, behind the healthcare, there might stand people with solely commercial interests going apart from the human ideals of democracy. To say more, the US healthcare system should be re-evaluated first. Needless to say, to make reforms come true, the officials are to think of their promises b efore the electorate. However, one of the main impediments to the universal healthcare system is â€Å"the unnecessary fragmentation of the US delivery system† (Shi and Singh 2). In this respect along with the overall desire of officials and ordinary people to make the universal healthcare delivery system possible, the US federal government

Hamburger and Materials Management Essay Example for Free

Hamburger and Materials Management Essay Resources: Ch. 12 of Introduction to Business. Read the Developing Good Business Sense activity on p. 394 of the text. Answer Questions 1–4 from the activity in a 700- to 1,050-word paper in APA format. Post your paper as an attachment. | The operations of a company consist of three stages. These stages are simple: the input, the operations, and the output stages. The process of the input stage includes raw materials, components, labor and customers. The operations process involves the skills, knowledge, machines, and experts needed to operate the company. As far as the output stage, this involves what we physically use or experience from the company, known as the goods and services (Jones, 2007). Every company, whether it be services such as hair and nails, serving, or patient care, or goods being sold such as jewelry, wholesale businesses, or a corporation like ShopRite or Wal-Mart, they all experience these stages uniquely. Each company runs experiencing input, operations, and output stages, but each stage is handled differently according to what kind of business, what is being offered, and who is running it. The activities that regulate the course of the resources between these particular stages is what we call materials management. Materials management helps operate these stages smoothly and effectively, providing necessities and organization (Jones, 2007). Let’s take a look at three different businesses and how each one handles materials management and the three operational stages. The first company that is going to be observed is Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is a company that has developed over the years into being a commonly recognized place to get everyday necessities for a great price. The process of operations for a business such as Wal-Mart is simple compared to others. The input stage focuses on what is needed for the company to run, such as, labor and employees, contact with a wholesaler, and more all while keeping the customers in mind. Wal-Mart strives to keep a friendly staff and low prices in order to keep the customer’s best interest and loyalty. The way Wal-Mart would go about doing this is hiring qualified staff and train them to best suit the company, and forming an alliance with suppliers that offer products at low prices. As far as the operations of Wal-Mart, they hire the best suited people with the skills and knowledge of this type of company’s operations. They are equipped with machinery and constantly updating in order to keep up with latest trends. With their input and operations, comes the output stage. This is where the goods and services that Wal-Mart offers is placed into the market for consumers to decide. Mentioned previously, Wal-Mart strives to meet the every need of customers providing a great shopping experience. So far, Wal-Mart is still one of the most successful companies of its kind and doesn’t look like anything is going to change that anytime soon. The second company that was observed is Burger King. Burger King is a fast food restaurant business that has a lot of competition. The slogan, â€Å"Have it Your Way,† has allowed Burger King to make way for success. The operations behind this slogan is a bit more complicated. The input of Burger King consists of associations with suppliers in order to have the best quality possible for a frozen, fast food restaurant. From the supplies of burgers, to fries, milkshakes and salads, Burger King is not going to have a supplier produce outdated food or else that would be horrible materials management. The operations stage of Burger King is figuring out new ways to produce faster and better food and service to its customers while living up to its slogan. Doing this, Burger King would have to make sure everything is up to date and employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge to come up with new innovations to suit the needs of the company. The output stage of Burger King is providing the service fast and efficiently. Making sure that all food is sanitary and delivered quickly. The third company that was observed is St. Joseph’s Hospital. This is a hospital that specializes in critical care and emergencies. The operations of this hospital is crucial because it is not only service, but it holds people’s lives at stake. The input of the hospital would be having ownership of the supplies and relationships with suppliers. This way when it comes to operations stage, the best and most updated equipment is ready for use and can provide the best service possible. Between these two stages, the best and most skilled doctors, nurses, and staff are hired in order to ensure safety and health. As far as the output stage of St. Joseph’s Hospital, the services provided are high-quality service and safety. As we look at these companies, we can see that a lot goes into operations behind the service and goods we receive as consumers. The way a company designs its operating system is crucial for success. The input, operations, and output are only a part of what is contributed. It is the materials management, the flow of how things are ran that really makes or breaks the backbone of a business. The way the systems are designed will give one company an advantage over another. Using materials management effectively and really going into detail about research will give a company more of an advantage than another. It will help a business increase its productivity, innovation, quality, and most importantly, its responsiveness to customers. Not only does the operations come into effect when running a successful business, but costs are a big part as well. Operations and materials management costs, also known as, OMM, consist of many costs pertaining to a company. The main costs of OMM are, raw materials and components, plant, labor, inventory, and distribution (Jones, 2007). These costs affect companies’ operations because each cost if part of the operating system. Without effectively running operations, costs will run a business†¦ out of business. Including costs during the operating process is a crucial way to success. This is all a part of materials management! References Jones, G. R. (2007). Introduction to business: How companies create value for people. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Perception of Money Laundering in Mauritian Population

Perception of Money Laundering in Mauritian Population Abstract Money laundering is the worlds third largest industry (Jeffrey Robinson (1995)) and may occur almost anywhere in the world. Given the nature of this phenomenon, money laundering has gained in significant proportion. Be they drug traffickers, terrorists, arm traffickers, blackmailers or credit card swindlers, all criminals demand for money laundering. This criminal activity erodes profits of all financial institutions, increases corruption and fuel social injustice. Money laundering has thus serious social and economic consequences that need to be fought against. Many international authorities have made considerable efforts to set up appropriate AML counter measures. Likewise, Mauritius in preserving its reputation has enacted the FIAMLA (2002) and has enforced the FIU to avoid the country being a vehicle of illegal fund. However, money launderers are always a step forward than any law enforcement agencies and organisations. This has been compounded with globalisation and sophisticated technologies. The aim of this dissertation is to assess the perception of money laundering among the Mauritian population. The result from the question-based data collection method used supported that the population do believe in a money laundering economy in the country. However, few of them do know all matters concerning this crime and therefore, more awareness must be drawn. There is still a long way to go for its elimination but things are being done to improve the effectiveness of its combat. Chapter 1: Introduction Background Money laundering exists for centuries but since the 11th September 2001 events, combating money laundering and terrorist financing has became more important. Countries realised it is urgent to combat this sophisticated criminal activity. Money laundering is the process of disguising illegal profits derived from illicit activities without compromising the criminals for them to enjoy from their proceeds without the authorities being able to detect the activities that produced them. Increasing awareness is being drawn for people realise that money laundering fuels crime. Money laundering erodes the economy of ones country and as mentioned by Quirk (1997) its impacts are more measurable than its figure. Money laundering affects individuals, businesses and countries, thus of global concern. 25 years ago, the international community has done much effort to combat this evil. In many countries, efforts made starts bearing its fruits and are now taking importance in many jurisdictions. In fact, if one country does not take action to combat money laundering, it may find itself lagging behind since it will be difficult for it to trade with the rest of the complying world. The latter may fear to trade with a non-complying country due to this element of non-combating money laundering. In effect, the non-complying countrys economic growth may be far behind as compared to complying countries. Low corruption affects growth positively (Mauros (1995)). However, despite the setting up of international instruments and laws to restrain this crime, its evil activities still exits and are even increasing in most cases. With new advanced technologies compounded with globalisation, it is easier for sophisticated launderers to continuously look for opportunities available worldwide in laundering their proceeds. Although, Briscoe (1999) said that Mauritius is not considered as having a significant money laundering problem, since the island has a developing local drug consumption problem and a vibrant growing offshore financial services sector, it is clear that opportunities exist. Thus, following other countries initiations, Mauritius has set up the necessary infrastructures to combat money laundering and prevent terrorist financing. Actually, to protect itself and to maintain a good reputation, it has promulgated, among others, the FIAMLA (2002) which criminalises money laundering and its offenders. Drug trafficking, terrorist activities and financial crime are examples of illicit activities. The main aim of this study is to assess the perception of money laundering among the Mauritian population. While reviewing the literature, it was noticed that for Mauritius the only local survey done was by the FIU in 2006. This was published in its annual report 2006 and was helpful for this study. Additionally, references from other studies, journals and literatures done on this topic were used. Benefits of the study provide a general idea on the perception of money laundering among the Mauritian population, provide an overview about any research done on this topic, provide an insight whether the population is aware about the laws and institutions combating money laundering in Mauritius. Chapters Outlines Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter provides a brief introduction of the study including a short definition and its benefits. Chapter 2 -Literature review The definition, the process and techniques used to launder ill-gotten money, the importance of combating money laundering, the international actions took and reports done internationally and locally are provided in this chapter. Chapter 3 Methodology This chapter explains the methodology used to collect the data necessary for this study. Chapter 4 Analysis It provides an analysis of the data collected, the interpretation of the results and the hypothesis testing done. Chapter 5 Conclusion This entails the concluding notes of this dissertation and suggests some recommendations. Chapter 2: Literature Review Money laundering has been with us for centuries (Graham (2003)). As Lloyd (1997) said, its origins can be traced since the 1930s, when notable gangsters like Meyer Lansky and Al Capone were prevailing. Their exploits founded money laundering methods still in practice today. Since then, it has gained in proportion and is almost impossible to measure its exact global amount. KPMG (2004) reported that internationally about US$500 billion to $1 trillion is being laundered and it is estimated that annually, in the U.S and in London, about US$100 billion and  £1.8- £2 billion is been laundered respectively. Moreover, IMF estimates that money laundering is about US$500 billion. Nevertheless, Quirk (1997) said that its impacts are more measurable than its figure. Thus, such illegal activities are increasing and have dangerous effects on a countrys financial services sector, thus, being an issue of both national and international security. Quirk (1997), Barrett (1997), Paradise (1998), Masciandaro, and Portolano (2003) mentioned that money laundering threatens the economic and financial systems of countries. 2.1 Definition Money laundering is the process by which criminals try to mask the true origin of ill-gotten money into the stream of lawful commerce and finance. If undertaken successfully, beneficiaries will enjoy and maintain control over their proceeds and ultimately be provided with legitimate cover for the source of their income authorities being unable to detect the activities that produced them. Illegal profits have to be laundered because the money trail is proof of crimes, thus, vulnerable to seizure. AllDridge (2003) said that clean money is worth more than dirty money. Hinterseer (2002) stated that money laundering is criminal finance as it corrupts markets, shifts an unfair economic burden in the legal economy, weakens the universal stability of the international financial markets and raises numerous civil liberty related issues. In Mauritius, the Government enacted the FIAMLA (2002) which gives explicit powers to gather, analyse and disseminate information to the FIU. Section 3: Money Laundering (1) Any person who (a) engages in a transaction that involves property which is, or in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents, the proceeds of any crime; or (b)receives, is in possession of, conceals, disguises, transfers, converts, disposes of, removes from or brings into Mauritius any property which is, or in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents, the proceeds of any crime, where he suspects or has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the property is derived or realized, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from any crime, shall commit an offence. 2.2 Process of Money Laundering Peltman (1997) has shown that money laundering has three stages. They may occur as separate and distinct stages or as an overlapping phase. Their usage will depend on the criminals accessible laundering mechanisms and requirements. Figure 1: A Typical Money Laundering Scheme Placement Placement is where most efforts are focused to combat money laundering. This involves the breaking up of large deposits into minute deposits for currency transaction reporting avoidance. This involves single or multiple transactions using one or more bank deposits or the purchasing of investments. Michael et al (2002) find that placement is the most risky stage for detection It is where the huge illegal cash profits are presented personally to a financial establishment. This can pose an enormous problem as dealing with cash in bulk and in regularity is difficult. Layering Steel (1998) found that layering stage is the most complex stage and the most international in nature. Graham (2003) said that layering relies on the negotiation of paper, electronic or digital records through a series of transactions which will make it difficult, if not impossible the reconstruction of paper trail detailing previous cash movements. 2.2.3 Integration Integration follows a successful layering process and is the final stage according to Schneider (1994). Moreover, for Graham (2003), transactions can no longer be linked to criminal cash and the secrecy of the source of funding is guaranteed. The criminal cash in the legitimate economy appears as money naturally originated from legal transactions. Araujo and Moreira (2005), Masciandaro (1999) stated that it is expected when cleaning has been done the money is ready to get back into the formal economy, thus, providing funds for investment or consumption. 2.3 Techniques of Money Laundering Briscoe (1999) stated that money laundering is not considered as a significant problem in Mauritius and that the country is not a major narcotics production or trans-shipment centre. Nevertheless, since the island has a developing domestic drug consumption problem and a vibrant growing offshore financial services sector, it is clear that opportunities exist. Results obtained by Mauro, (1995), (1997), Leite and Weidmann, (1999), Alesina and Weder, (2002), Damania, Fredriksson and Muthukumara, (2003) from the World Banks Governance Indicators and Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index (CPI) indicate that corruption indexes is now a very profitable source of research. Similar to money laundering has no frontier, money launderers have unlimited originality to launder their money. Hence, launderers will seek where the weakest link in the chain is, targeting the weakest point of defenses and where detection is less likely to arise. Masciandaro (2001) said that financial industries are the major concern of money laundering fighters since money actually needs to pass through them. Money laundering techniques are very long, sophisticated and difficult to determine precisely. Some of them are summarised below. 2.3.1 Banking Services Considering their activities, banks represent a natural and logical vehicle for launderers. Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) stated that cash deposits, basic banking services and wire transfer facilities are the core means of money laundering. The wealthier launderers will look for specialist private bank services and investment houses that offer wealth management services. Following the Basel Committee statement (1988), Johnson and Lim (2002) stated that financial institutions including banks may be willingly or unconsciously be used as intermediaries for money laundering since they remain an important mechanism for its disposal. Mascaindaro (1995) strengthen this theory by stating that money laundering occurs either by passively using bank agents or by actively using criminal banks. In contrast, Quirk (1997) empirically observed a shift in money laundering techniques and concluded that launderers are going away from the banking system. Bauer and Peter (2002) mentioned that banks are actively combating money laundering and these initiatives may well be a model for international cooperation. 2.3.2 Money Services Businesses Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) stated that criminals use ‘bureau de change to convert cash to other currencies or consolidated smaller amounts. Usage of remittance services or giro houses enables criminals to transfer cash between jurisdictions. Duynes empirical findings show that in both Bosphorus case and Mozart case, money launderers involved an extensive network of currency exchange offices. 2.3.3 Lawyers, Accountants and other Intermediaries Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) found that launderers usually use professionals to set up corporate and trustees to act as nominee shareholders or directors. These are of growing international concern. The clients account provides the launderer a hidden vehicle for depositing funds into the banking system. In selling their personal investment products, professionals provide useful means for money laundering. Johnson and Lim (2002) found that money launderers use more non-bank financial institutions and non-financial business like lawyers for money laundering. Their evidence supported that a weakening of the bank/illegal economy relationship, implies a lesser participation of the banking sector for laundering money. 2.3.4 Non-Financial Sector Services Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) also found that casinos, metal dealers and other high valuable goods sellers are money laundering techniques. These are done especially in cash purchase or substantial cash deposits. Distinguishing dirty money from legitimate gambling profits or losses will be quite difficult if the dirty money is changed into casino chips and then back into cash. Lloyd (1997) stated that whatever be the form of the jewelry, its value remains constant. Thus, a single piece of gold can be changed various times to disguise its origins without any significant change in its value. 2.3.5 Alternative Remitting Systems As per Graham, Bell Elliott (2003), popular within some ethnic groups, Hawala or hundi are alternative remittance systems used to transfer funds abroad. These systems function outside the regulated banking sector. Graham, Bell and Elliot (2003) added that it is believed that the Al-Quaeda terrorist organisation have used the hawala for the financing of 11 September 2001 event. 2.3.6 Exploitation of Internet Banking Services Exploitation of banking services and the use of developments in the internet are techniques used for laundering money. Actually, some banks dispense their clients of all contacts, thus no control over transactions exists. Example, the Fortis Bank in Luxembourg, offers complete e-banking services. 2.3.7 Use of Correspondent Banks Several international trustworthy banks have been involved in money laundering due to insufficient controls. Examples: Russian banking (Rawlinson,1996; Burlingame, 1997) Banco Ambrosiano (Cornwell, 1983) BCCI (Adams and Franz, 1992) Banque Crà ©dit Lyonnais: case of Parretti and Fiorini (dAubert, 1993) 2.4 Importance of Combating Money Laundering Over the last 25 years, the international community has made considerable efforts to combat money laundering. Countries realise that if they allow money laundering or fail in adapting correctly the AML procedures and the KYC principles, they run the risk of civil and criminal liability, reputation and regulatory risks. Moreover, Lasco (1997) mention that if governments are reluctant to accept the universal application of money laundering countermeasures, then its ills associated will damage the society. Bauer (2002) and Peter (2002) stated that in some countries like USA, the KYC principle has not been established firmly in legislation as it is under some European rules. Some intermediaries view money laundering regulations and laws as an annoying obstacle for trading. For example, it was feared that recent efforts in the Channel Islands for strict laws would decrease business volumes, but finally, the Channel Islands attracted more businesses. The Commonwealth Model of Best Practice for Combating Money Laundering in the Financial Sector suggests four principle reasons for money laundering (Graham, Bell Elliott (2003)). Failure to prevent money laundering allows criminals enjoying their proceeds, making crimes especially attractive. It also permits criminal organisations to finance other criminal activities, which eventually increase the level of crime. Unchecked use of the financial system has potential powers to weaken individual financial institutions, and finally the reliability of the whole financial sector. Moreover, it has adverse macro-economic effects affecting exchange rates during large capital flows and thus distorts resource allocation. Unchecked laundering may create contempt for the law hence, declining the confidence public has in the legal and financial system, resulting finally in a rise in economic crime. Money laundering eases corruption. Eventually, accumulation of economic and financial powers by immoral politicians or criminal organisations may undermine the country. Below are some summarised reasons why AML laws are required. 2.4.1 Unfair Competition Money launderers often use their proceeds to finance certain companies. This allows them to undercut innocent rivals and force them out of the market. Therefore, if left unchecked, money laundering may unfairly affect the pricing mechanism of the market system and create unnecessary distortion. Quirk (1997) studied that crime highly explains differences among the industrial countries; a 10% raise in crime leads to a 10% reduction in currency demand and a 6% reduction in overall money demand. 2.4.2 One crime generates further crimes Money laundering allows criminals to take full advantage of their crimes if not properly tracked down. This makes such criminal activities more attractive, resulting in its rise. Thus, one crime generates other crimes. Masciandaro (1998) stated that banks in regions of higher criminality have greater association with money laundering than banks in region of low criminality. From his hypothesis, Masciandaro (1998) proved that ‘the positive association observed between the banking sector and the illegal economy allows an assumption of an increase in laundered funds when illegal activities increase. Moreover, Masciandaro (1998) results showed that money laundering is a multiplier of criminal activities by providing criminals with cleaned money for reinvestment in their illicit activities. Masciandaro (1999) results also showed that there is an inverse relationship between the degree of diffusion of money laundering activities and the effectiveness of AML regulation in a given econ omy. 2.4.3 Corruption and Growth With large amount of money involved, money laundering has direct effects on economic crimes. Once corruption infiltrates the system, the whole machinery is affected and functions improperly. Public confidence in some fundamental institutions may be at risk and this can only promote crimes. Obviously, a corrupt society has no great hope for prosperity. Empirical results confirmed Mauros (1995) findings that low corruption affects growth positively. Mauro (1995) himself followed Barro (1991), and Levine and Renelt (1992) specifications which assess investment and growth responses to corruption. Quirk (1996) empirical evidence showed for the period 1983-90, significant reductionsin annual GDP growth rates and increase in money laundering are related. 2.4.4 Social Cost Quirk (1996) found that money laundering has important social costs when it facilitates crimes and corruptions within both the developing and developed countries. The International Narcotics Control Strategy (1998) confirmed that money laundering has devastating social costs and threatens the national security and McDowell and Novis (1998) added that money laundering erodes the confidences in markets. Additionally, Alweendo Tom K (2005) stated that crime and criminal activities work towards eroding these very basic individual rights. 2.5 Criminalising Money Laundering The key to making an impact in money laundering is to get all of the countries of the world to enact and enforce the same laws dealing with money laundering so the criminals have nowhere to go, Interpol expert Brown (1998). With new technologies, it is easier for sophisticated launderers to continuously look for opportunities available worldwide. The loopholes in other jurisdictions can frustrate efforts made by one jurisdiction to combat money laundering. Therefore, it is of global concern since no countrys financial system is protected from it. Quirk (1997) stated that money laundering has a considerable negative impact on the macro-economy, therefore it is urgent to adopt AML measures. 2.5.1 International Actions The international community are more aware of the dangers of money laundering, and many governments and jurisdictions have committed themselves to take international actions to combat money laundering. These began in 1988. 2.5.1.1 Basel Committee This statement they adopted in December 1988 outlined the following initiatives and policies that suggest financial services to implement. need for compliance with legal laws and guidelines, cooperation with national law enforcement authorities, implementation of record-keeping and transaction recording, staff training, KYC approach. 2.5.2 Vienna Convention Ashe and Reid, (1998) stated that the Vienna Convention established in December 1988 was the first treaty of global reach criminalising money laundering which creates an obligation for signatory states to criminalise such evil. It also includes the production, management and financing of trafficking operations as well as facilitating the commission of drug trafficking offences including money laundering. 2.5.3 United Nation (UN) 2.5.3.1 Global Programme against Money Laundering Through the GPML, the UN helps its member states with legal advice and assisting them in drafting appropriate legislation and establishing the necessary administrative structure to combat money laundering. The strategies include: provision of technical assistance to developing countries, organisation of training workshops, provision of training materials, transferring of expertise between jurisdictions, conduction of research, analysis and gathering of data. For its first operating year, the Program aided 20 countries and introduced a global comprehensive database on national money laundering legislation and the International Money Laundering Information Network on the Internet. 2.5.4 Financial Action Task Force FATF with its 34 members is an inter-governmental body which develops and promotes national and international policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Established in 1989, FATF is a â€Å"policy-making body† that works to generate the necessary political willingness to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms. In 1990, it published 40 + 9 recommendations providing a comprehensive framework to fight money laundering. These were revised in 1996 and 2003 to ensure that they remain up-to-date and relevant to the money laundering growing menace. In 1995, the International Narcotic Control Board advised all governments to implement these 40 recommendations. 2.5.4.1 FATF Responsibilities: examination of money laundering techniques and trends, reviewing of action which had already been taken at a national or international level, setting out of measures that need to be taken to combat money laundering, evaluating countries in respect of their AML measures. Therefore, where weaknesses are found, countries are recommended to remedy the shortcomings the soonest. Failing, they are threatened of being blacklisted as non-cooperative jurisdictions. Naming and shaming them, FATF achieves its objectives of bringing countries to adopt appropriate AML measures. 2.5.4.2 The 40 Recommendations Recommendations 1-2: Scope of the criminal offence of money laundering Recommendation 3: Provisional measures and confiscation These are to be taken by financial and non-financial businesses and Professionals to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing Recommendations 4-12: Customer due diligence and record-keeping Recommendations 13-16: Reporting of suspicious transactions and compliance Recommendations 17-20: Other measure to deter money laundering and terrorist financing Recommendations 21-22: Measures to be taken with respect to countries that do not or insufficiently comply with FATF Recommendations Recommendations 23-25: Regulations and Supervision Institutional and other measures necessary in systems for combating money laundering and terrorist financing Recommendations 26-32: Competent authorities, their powers and resources Recommendations 33-34: Transparency of legal persons and arrangements Recommendation 35: International Co-operation Recommendations 36-39: Mutual legal assistance and extradition Recommendation 40: Other forms of co-operation FATF Annual Report 1996-97 added that earnings of offences like fraud and smuggling are also gaining importance. Moreover, commenting on the FATF Annual Reports from 1994, Johnson and Lim (2002) states that AML measures that some governments took, help in minimising money laundering and that with the imposition and enforcement of AML legislation, it will be harder for money launderers to clean their proceeds. Hence, preliminary evidence puts forwards that governments attitudes are important in either restricting or encouraging money laundering. However, Quirk (1997) mentioned that some governments could not implement the FATF â€Å"40 Recommendations† as this would go against the IMFs advice for liberalising financial markets. 2.5.5 International Monetary Fund The IMF has expertise in conducting financial sector assessments, providing technical assistance in the financial sector, and exercising surveillance over members economic systems, which is particularly helpful in evaluating country compliance with the international AML/CFT standards and in developing programs helping them address identified shortcomings. After the 11th September 2001 events, IMF continued to broaden and deepen its engagement in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. March 2004 viewed an important moment. The IMF Executive Board agreed to make AML/CFT assessments and technical assistance a regular part of its work and to expand this work to cover the full scope of FATF 40 recommendations. Other international actions combating money laundering are the Egmont Group, the OECD, the EAG, the Asia-Pacific Group on Anti-Money Laundering and the E.U Directive. 2.5.6 KPMG report on Global Anti-Money Laundering Survey (2004) Aim: Whether the increasing globalisation of banking groups and of international regulatory cooperation resulted in an increase in consistency in the AML approach Methodology: The field research was done from 1st March 2004 to 26th March 2004 and 209 banks based in 41 countries responded. Consensus Research was charged by KPMG to conduct a telephone survey of banks across the main sectors. These banks were the 1,000 best global banks and local banks from seven regions as shown in figure 2 below. Figure 2: Analysis of Respondents by Region The figures 3 4 below are a detailed analysis of the respondents by region and country and an analysis of the respondents by industry. Figure 3: Analysis of Respondents Region by country Figure 4: Analysis of Respondents by Industry Results: high degree of commitment from the banking sector in the AML cause and provide opportunity for banks worldwide to assess and benchmark their own practices with those of their regional and international peer group. most respondents believed that the current AML burden is acceptable they were keen to work with regulators and law enforcements for the system to work more successfully. 2.6 In Mauritius 2.6.1 Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2002) The FIAMLA (2002) criminalises money laundering and is the legislation of AML. It provides for the establishment and management of a FIU and a Board to supervise its activities and provides for money laundering offences, reporting of suspicious transactions, gateways for exchange of financial intelligence information and exchange of mutual assistance with overseas bodies, all in relation to money laundering. FIAMLA (2002) under section 8 imposes high criminal penalty for money laundering offences. Any person who commits any money laundering offence shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 2 millions rupees and to penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years. Moreover, any property belonging to or in the procession or under the control of any person who is convicted of an offence of money laundering shall be deemed, unless the contrary is proved, to be derived from a crime and the Court may, in addition to any penalty imposed, order that the property be forfeited. It is worth noting that FATF experts concluded that although Mauritius has a regulatory regime for the financial service sector both locally and internationally, certain troubling characteristics were found. These concern the identity of the administrators and the real beneficial owners of offshore companies. However, the law on economic crime and anti-money laundering adopted on 13th June 2000 which has been taken on board in the FIAMLA (2002) has reinforced the existing legislation with regards to prevention and fight money laundering. 2.6.2 Prevention of Corruption Act (2002) The corruption component of the Economic Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2000) was taken on board in the POCA (2002) which provides for the investigation of money laundering offences t

Music and Censorship

Music and Censorship Music and Censorship Music today is an important part of our lives. It is a way to express ourselves as individuals and it is a form of art that helps us define who and what we are. We use it to express our feelings, our views, and our ideas. Today, many artists are faced with censorship and is one of the controversial things that they have to deal with. Censorships purpose is to limit or restrict certain parts of a certain subject. In music words are either changed or bleeped out so that it would be considered appropriate. But, if music considered an art form, then why censor it? Musicians are artists and music is their way of expressing themselves. Censorship takes away everything that defines art and what makes artists ‘artists. In music, there are different types of styles or genres. There is classical, pop, rock, country, metal, and the list would go on. But theres a certain genre thats primarily targeted by censors†¦and that is rap. Rap is probably one of the most popular music genres today, but is also one of the most criticized one. The reason why it is criticized so much is because it has explicit content usually having references to sex, drugs, and violence. To some people they believe that it promotes sex, drug usage, and violence acts while others believe that its simply just self expression. So what if it does talk about all these bad things? What happened to freedom of expression? Freedom to create andfreedom of speechare vital to our society. Music is art and there is no question about that. Censors need to realize that art not only explores on happy and pleasant feelings, but also fear, anger, sadness, and truth in our everyday lives. It is essential to recognize that aside from lyrical qua lity, there are other things the makeup music. In Victor Lombardis Music and Censorship, he quotes Peter Michaelsons, author of The Aesthetics of Pornography in saying â€Å"The responsibility of society, if it accepts poetry as a mode of knowledge, is to remain open to what poets of all genres, including the pornographic, have to say. Otherwise all mirrors will soon reflect the same imbecilic smile.† Censorship isnt something new; in fact, its something thats been implemented dating back in the early 1940s. In Kathleen Anthonys article Censorship of Popular Music: An Analysis of Lyrical Content, she states â€Å"In the 1950s radio networks and stations commonly used this form of censorship, altering song lyrics or removing lyrics deemed offensive for broadcast†¦often the songs meaning was changed considerably and without consulting the songs original lyricist for the revition†(8). In 1985, albums began being labeled with ‘Parental Advisory for explicit content. In Steve Joness article Ban(ned)in the USA: Popular Music and Censorship, he states â€Å"the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) agreed to Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) Request for lables on sound recordings warning of explicit content†(6). However, The ‘Parental Advisory labels and tracks that were edited have only made rap artists even more inspired and creative, and th ats why listeners are even more drawned to it. Many listeners want to hear the original version of the music or track that is censored because it doesnt convey the truth. While some artists choose to write about love, nature, or happy thoughts, others choose to write about struggles in life. If the words in the lyrics are articulated in a manner that is offensive and makes the person uncomfortable, the solution is to simply not listen to it. One of the most controversial music artists today is Eminem. A lot of people absolutely love him and a lot of people hate him. Using his incredible skills in writing and rhyming, he is able to rap pretty much about anything and everything, from his hardships in his early life and his dislike for the mainstream media, he became one of the most well known iconic rapper today. To artists, their work is their pride, it is what defines them and their work is their reflection of themselves. To censor their work is to deny them their ability to express themselves. In Eminems song Till I Collapse, he talks about the importance of his music and how it affects him. â€Å"Music is like magic theres a certain feeling you get when youre real and you spit and people are feeling your shit. This is your moment and every single minute you spend trying to hold onto it cause you may never get it again. So while youre in it try to get as much shit as you can and when your run is over just admit when its at its end.† Eminem feels that it important to hold on that something that is dear you (which is the feeling he experiences when he raps) and not give it up because that is what you are and the feeling you get when you have that is something that you might experience again. â€Å"Cause sometimes you feel tired, feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up. But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.† In his song Stimulate he talks about how his songs are attacked by censors and people who dislike his music. â€Å"My lyrical content is constantly under fire No wonder why I constantly bomb back To combat attacks with constant concepts When lyrics are constantly took outta context Failure to communicate with congress has Been a problem for the longest, I guess† Eminem is telling the listeners that his lyrics constantly attacked because of the things he says in his music and how everything taken out of context. This only causes him to retaliate by creating more songs based on the reactions hes getting. What people need to realize is that some topics that the artists sing about are purely for entertainment and are not meant literally. â€Å"My music can be slightly amusing You shouldnt take lyrics so serious, it might be confusing Just trying to seperate the truth from entertainment Its stupid, aint it? I get sick of trying to explain it† According to one interview with Eminem, he was quoted as saying: â€Å"A lot of my rhymes are just to get chuckles out of people. Anybody with half a brain is going to be able to tell when Im joking and when Im serious.† However, according to Todd Brauers article Rap Uncensored, â€Å"This is actually quite uncommon. There are many rappers with lyrics like this and most dont bother to clarify what they say as being â€Å"just entertainment.† Rap does present the hard truth about many aspects of inner-city life and our nations hidden problems, but people, especially kids, need to learn that a large portion of the violence, drugs, sex, vulgar language, and images used in rap music are not something to admire.† Even though some many of the rap songs are offensive, it talks about inequality, poverty and politics which contain important messages that people can definitely relate to. This is why so many of the people who lash out against rap music are white people.In Robin Lakoffs book, The Language War, it was explained that the majority group has a tendency to overlook opposing views to keep their power. One can look at Eminem as part of a majority group; however, since he has such a strong relationship with the black culture it makes him an easy target to get bashed. In Bell Hooks interview with rapper Ice Cube she stated â€Å"The way that white people continue their power is, in part, through their control of our (the black races) images and representations.† If someone has control over who gets to say what, then those people have the power to define society. This pretty much says the war over rapcensorshipis not only a battle over whether or not the First Amendment is being crossed, but it is also an attempt by those in power of language to prevent change and suppress those threatening it. Efforts to ban songs by artists like Eminemand Ice Cube would balloon the â€Å"us versus them† mentality even more, leading to people who do not support the songs lyrics but do support free speech (Chideya). The basis of America is to let everyone be able to voice their own opinion so I dont see any good reason for that to be completely taken away. Warning labels, edited album versions, and age restrictions on buying labeled albums serve as a fair compromise without largely limiting peoples access to rap music. I dont think there is a way to completely stop people from obtaining this music without violating some of our constitutional rights. Again, education about the lyrics and topics that exist in rap music seems to be a better combatant.

American and Hong Kong Action Films Essay -- Movie Film Essays

American and Hong Kong Action Films When comparing the action films of Hong Kong to the typical action films of America, certain differences are clearly visible. The films from Hong Kong feature more melodrama, more fast-paced action scenes, and most noticeably, more graphic violence, than the action films released in the US. When looking at what these Hong Kong films were influenced by, especially the films of John Woo, it is surprising to see that many of these differences from American cinema are, in fact, inspired by American cinema. In John Woo's most critically acclaimed and popular films in both Asia and the US, he has drawn aspects from other works of fiction across the globe. He then takes these aspects and adds his own touches to them to make them something distinctly Hong Kong. John Woo first made his mark as a director on Hong Kong audiences in 1986, with the epic crime-drama A Better Tomorrow. The film tells the story of two brothers, one an ex-con, the other an undercover cop, and how they eventually team-up to fight a common enemy. The film is foremost a drama about the love of family (both of blood and crime), but there are two scenes involving gunplay that helped redefine not only John Woo's career, but also the action genre itself in Hong Kong. It is interesting though, that both of these scenes draw heavily from scenes found in other films from other countries (Logan 124). The first scene occurs early on in the film as mob enforcer Mark Gor (played by Chow Yun-Fat) kills a gang of criminals for revenge of a comrade's death. What made this scene so original and groundbreaking when compared to other action films in Hong Kong at the time was the way John Woo directed this gunfight, and the fact that it wa... ... drawing upon. Now the same phenomenon is happening in America. The Wachowski brothers appropriated Woo's stylized shoot-out and added martial arts to it to make something entirely new for The Matrix. And even Tarantino had something new to give the genre, with his inclusion of quickly-delivered pop-culture referencing pastiche dialogue, something that is continually used today. This combination of appropriation and originality ensures the action and crime genres will constantly be able to reinvent itself, on both sides of the Pacific. Works Cited Logan, Bey. Hong Kong Action Cinema. Woodstock: Overlook, 1995. Rodham Stokes, Lisa and Michael Hoover. City On Fire: Hong Kong Cinema. London: Verso, 1999. Dannen, Fredric, and Barry Long. Hong Kong Babylon. New York: Hyperion, 1997. Teo, Stephen. Hong Kong Cinema: The Extra Dimensions. Suffolk: BFI, 1997. Â  

Edgar Allan Poe1 Essay -- Essays Papers

Edgar Allan Poe1 In every story conceived from the mind of Edgar Allan Poe, a scent of his essence had been molded into each to leave the reader with a better understanding of Poe’s life. Poe displayed his greatest life’s achievements and his worst disappointments in a series of stories created throughout his whole life. It is the goal of this research paper to reveal symbolic facts about his life and define these hidden maxims in a way that is easy to understand and beneficial to the reader. Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts (â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica 540). Poe’s parents were David Poe, an actor based in Baltimore and Elizabeth Arnold Poe, an actress born in England, also based in Baltimore (540). Upon birth, Poe had been cursed. Shortly after his birth, Poe’s father abandoned the family and left Poe and his mother to fend for themselves. Not long after that, the cruel hands of fate had worked their horrid magic once again by claiming his mother. In 1811, when Poe was two, his mother passed away, leaving him with his second depressing loss (540). After his father’s cowardly retreat and mother’s sudden death, Poe was left in the capable hand of his godfather, John Allan. John Allan was a wealthy merchant based in Richmond, Virginia with the means, knowledge and affluence to provide a good life for Poe (â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica 540). In 1815, Poe and his new family moved to England to provide Poe a classical education (which was finished out in Richmond. Upon returning from England in 1826, Poe enrolled at the University of Virginia (â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica 540). This was a magnificent feat for him, because Poe was only seventeen at the time while the normal age for attendance was nineteen (Quinn 130). For the first time, life had hit a high note and provided for him what seemed to be a path paved with gold. Upon entering college, Poe realized his path of gold was really a mountain of grief and disappointment. In no more time than it took Poe to unpack his bags, he was already involved in immoral acts of gambling and drinking. He developed gambling debts from 2,000 to 2,500 dollars, which caused some fraction between his godfather and himself (Quinn 130). After eleven months at the university, Poe dropped out due to his debts, but mo... ...fe’s death to help the reader better understand what his life has been like. Poe is a genius in the fact that he can captivate a reader with his true-to-life stories and then explains himself through allusions and hidden maxims. When a person reads works of Edgar Allan Poe, he is actually reading his autobiography. Work Cited Bloom, Harold. The Tales of Poe. New York, New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987: 121-145. Buranelli, Vincent. Edgar Allan Poe. Boston: Twayne, 1977: 12-53. â€Å"Edgar Allan Poe, The Dark Genius of the Short Story.† Online Available Http://www.cais.com/webweave/poe/poebio.htm. Partridge, Toby. â€Å"Poetry by Edgar Allan Poe.† Online Available Http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/ 8953/poe.html. â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan.† Encarta Encyclopedia. 2000 ed. â€Å"Poe,Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica. 1995 ed., Vol. 9: 540-542. Poe, Edgar Allan. â€Å"Fall of the House of Usher.† Literature: The American Experience. Needham: Prentice Hall, 1996. 194-206. â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† World Book Encyclopedia. 1991 ed., Vol. 15: 591-592. Quinn, Patrick F. â€Å"Four Views of Edgar Poe.† Jahrbuch Fur Amerikastudien. 1960 ed., Vol. 5: 128-146. Edgar Allan Poe1 Essay -- Essays Papers Edgar Allan Poe1 In every story conceived from the mind of Edgar Allan Poe, a scent of his essence had been molded into each to leave the reader with a better understanding of Poe’s life. Poe displayed his greatest life’s achievements and his worst disappointments in a series of stories created throughout his whole life. It is the goal of this research paper to reveal symbolic facts about his life and define these hidden maxims in a way that is easy to understand and beneficial to the reader. Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts (â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica 540). Poe’s parents were David Poe, an actor based in Baltimore and Elizabeth Arnold Poe, an actress born in England, also based in Baltimore (540). Upon birth, Poe had been cursed. Shortly after his birth, Poe’s father abandoned the family and left Poe and his mother to fend for themselves. Not long after that, the cruel hands of fate had worked their horrid magic once again by claiming his mother. In 1811, when Poe was two, his mother passed away, leaving him with his second depressing loss (540). After his father’s cowardly retreat and mother’s sudden death, Poe was left in the capable hand of his godfather, John Allan. John Allan was a wealthy merchant based in Richmond, Virginia with the means, knowledge and affluence to provide a good life for Poe (â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica 540). In 1815, Poe and his new family moved to England to provide Poe a classical education (which was finished out in Richmond. Upon returning from England in 1826, Poe enrolled at the University of Virginia (â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica 540). This was a magnificent feat for him, because Poe was only seventeen at the time while the normal age for attendance was nineteen (Quinn 130). For the first time, life had hit a high note and provided for him what seemed to be a path paved with gold. Upon entering college, Poe realized his path of gold was really a mountain of grief and disappointment. In no more time than it took Poe to unpack his bags, he was already involved in immoral acts of gambling and drinking. He developed gambling debts from 2,000 to 2,500 dollars, which caused some fraction between his godfather and himself (Quinn 130). After eleven months at the university, Poe dropped out due to his debts, but mo... ...fe’s death to help the reader better understand what his life has been like. Poe is a genius in the fact that he can captivate a reader with his true-to-life stories and then explains himself through allusions and hidden maxims. When a person reads works of Edgar Allan Poe, he is actually reading his autobiography. Work Cited Bloom, Harold. The Tales of Poe. New York, New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987: 121-145. Buranelli, Vincent. Edgar Allan Poe. Boston: Twayne, 1977: 12-53. â€Å"Edgar Allan Poe, The Dark Genius of the Short Story.† Online Available Http://www.cais.com/webweave/poe/poebio.htm. Partridge, Toby. â€Å"Poetry by Edgar Allan Poe.† Online Available Http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/ 8953/poe.html. â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan.† Encarta Encyclopedia. 2000 ed. â€Å"Poe,Edgar Allan,† Encyclopedia Britannica. 1995 ed., Vol. 9: 540-542. Poe, Edgar Allan. â€Å"Fall of the House of Usher.† Literature: The American Experience. Needham: Prentice Hall, 1996. 194-206. â€Å"Poe, Edgar Allan,† World Book Encyclopedia. 1991 ed., Vol. 15: 591-592. Quinn, Patrick F. â€Å"Four Views of Edgar Poe.† Jahrbuch Fur Amerikastudien. 1960 ed., Vol. 5: 128-146.

What is Cancer :: essays research papers

What is Cancer The article entitled â€Å"What Is Cancer?† from the American Cancer Society’s web site discussed how cancer forms and effects people in different ways depending on what type of cancer they have. It also mentioned how cancers are treated and ways to prevent cancer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cancer forms from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. When we are born we all have normal cells that continually grow until adulthood. We also have abnormal cells that are in our body. As we reach adulthood our normal body cells stop dividing for growth purposes and only divide to replace dead or damaged cells. The abnormal cells in our body continue to divide even into adulthood and form cancerous cells. Most cancers develop into tumors while others flow throughout the body via the body’s bloodstream. An example of this is leukemia.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Not all tumors that are created in the body by the abnormal cells become cancerous however. Some tumors called benign tumors are not cancerous and will not affect the body in as harmful ways as cancerous tumors would. Benign tumors are still dangerous however there size can be harmful to the body by growing in places that they are not needed and putting pressure on other parts of the body.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All types of cancer are different and respond to different types of treatment. Different cancers also have different rates of growth. These different rates of growth are what cause different cancers to be more harmful than others. Cancer is the second leading killer in the United States. Over half of men and one third of women will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Millions of people are now living with cancer because of new treatments that have become available through extensive research.

Article Review of Organizational Culture Essay

It was not expected that the hierarchical model would be dominant given the previous attempt to change the culture. The altruistic values of those surveyed indicated they are committed to social development and public interests and are most comfortable with a hierarchical dominate culture. The sample size of 530 participants obtained from the Public Sector Directory was an adequate size. All of the executives in the directory were included in the survey, which suggests a less than random selection process for the final candidates. However, the six varied departments selected represented central coordination, infrastructure provision and social services. Although an almost two to one ratio of male to female employee responses were utilized, none of the demographic variables collected in section C of the three part survey affected the perceptions of the current culture. Sections A and B of the survey gathered information on character, managers, cohesion, emphases and rewards. Results indicated that Departments A – D preferred the internal process or group culture. Department E preferred the internal process model, but it was equally comfortable with rational goal model indicating goal fulfillment was a requirement. Department F results indicated a comfort level with the rational goal model most likely due to their interactive responsibilities with other departments. Forcing change from a formalized, rules and rewards based culture to a more flexible, decentralized culture could create individual-organization value conflict resulting in stress. Of the population surveyed only 191, 36%, was usable and the male respondents outnumbered the female respondents nearly 3 to 1. The survey, divided into three sections dealing with perceptions of the current culture, respondent ideal culture, and demographic information. The survey reviled 4 out of 6 public sector departments in the study held to the traditional model. The findings also suggest organizational culture is driven at the non-managerial employee level and the deeply embedded cultural values can’t be forced any form of management. The article mentions the constant state of transition is the Queensland government over a twenty year period; employees may value the stability and predictability of the traditional bureaucratic model. Base on the research and finding in the article, culture change must target the organization at the non-managerial level in order for the culture change to be effective. In order for Queensland traditionally bureaucratic organizations to embrace high performing teams, the change must address the needs of the driving force of the traditional model culture; the non-managerial employees. In forming high performing teams for the Queensland public sector, it is important to investigate the factors/components of those teams. Also, because most teams are unique in their goals and focus, there is no â€Å"off the shelf† solution for all teams (Davenport, 2001) and that â€Å"there is no singular, uniform measure of performance effectiveness for groups† (Guzzo and Dickson, 1996. p. 309). By creating a customized plan for transitioning, Queensland public sector can move from a control hierarchical organizational culture to a culture of change, flexibility, and productivity. The Queensland public sector was managed for so many decades using the top down management that the culture of the organizations productivity depended on it. The results of the study can be supported by the need for stability which can only be changed by small adjustment to small changes (Bhide 2010). The culture of the organization is controlled by political authority, so it was not surprising that a hierarchical process model was so deeply rooted in to the essence of the government employees who understood the leadership values (Goodwin and Neck, 1998). Organizations lack of understanding of their members caused employees to be less adaptable to change, and with that less productive. Employees will move to do only their specific functions and only respond to the tasks directed by their manager, which is contradicting to the desired results of flexibility, and supports the article results (Miller S 2009). â€Å"Beyond top-down and bottom-up work redesign†, explains â€Å"Authority is traditionally conceptualized as hierarchical†, but the informal authority operates day to day work of organizations. This proved to be true for the Queensland public sector with few exceptions such as a high commitment to the rules and the attention to details. These changes have also been achieved on a federal level with similar setbacks who still managed to overcome the existing dominant culture (189). Just because the organization is not dominated by the â€Å"new managerialist thinking† as stated in â€Å"Organisational culture in the public sector† article, Sting and Loch explain that this does not mean that there is not a need for a â€Å"bottom-up participation† which was part of the work environment before the values of the employees were, in a way, forced to be changed for unexplained reasons to them. As a result of such, this did cause setbacks in the cultural change that was attempted. Changing the value of a large group of people within the company is next to impossible when it’s so closely tied to their private beliefs such as the members of the Queensland public sector. In order to move from a hierarchical process model of an organization to a more flexible and change oriented one, organizations must first understand their employees preferred organizational structure, and then create a corporate culture which employees can slowly get accustom to. In the case of six organizations in the Queensland public sector, the transformation required a culture change from the â€Å"Mechanistic† to ‘Organic† organizational structure and this should have been done very slowly only after understanding the values of those involved. One easy way to get this information is to have employees perform a self-assessment. Because â€Å"a corporate culture is influenced by the industry in which the organization operates†, outside factors such as political control have to be considered in a path taken to change employees assumptions, values, and artifacts (McGraw-Hill Companies, 2002-2009). Before an organization can move from a hierarchical process to a more flexible one employees must understand the benefits of shifting their culture from â€Å"control† to â€Å"performance†, where their input is valued. Through our research and critical analysis of the six organizations in the Queensland public sector, it is evident to us that the paradigm public organizations are functioning in will not change easily. Though the employees have to be able to accept change and shift, employers must understand that the need to create an environment that fosters a corporate cultural environment is vital. Change is inevitable but a positive response to the change is not. Without the strategic planning of organizational leaders, we will continue to see results like we saw with the six organizations in Queensland; the entire organization has to be a part of the implementation, intimately, in order for it to be effective. Unfortunately, when employees of any organization settle for the â€Å"norm,† they will not only resist change but they will fear it.