Quines pueden ajustar su estatus y sacar green card

El  ajuste de estatus  es un trà ¡mite migratorio muy ventajoso que permite a una persona que se encuentra ya en Estados Unidos sacar la tarjeta de residencia permanente (green card) sin necesidad de salir del paà ­s. Lamentablemente no todos los migrantes pueden solicitarlo. Por la importancia del ajuste migratorio, tambià ©n conocido por sus siglas en inglà ©s de AOS, en este artà ­culo se explican cuà ¡les son sus ventajas, quià ©nes pueden solicitarlo, cà ³mo se tramita la solicitud y cuà ¡l es la alternativa para los casos en los que no es posible. Ventajas de sacar la green card por ajuste de estatus El AOS brinda dos grandes beneficios: Evita los costes de viajar fuera de Estados Unidos para completar la tramitacià ³n de una solicitud de green card.Y, sobre todo, evita que aplique el castigo de los 3 y de los 10 aà ±os. Es importante tener en consideracià ³n que esta penalidad sà ³lo aplica a las personas que se encuentran fuera de Estados Unidos y desean regresar con una visa de inmigrante o una de no inmigrante. Migrantes que pueden pedir ajuste de estatus por familia o trabajo Pueden hacerlo los migrantes que se encuentran en alguna de las siguientes categorà ­as: Los familiares inmediatos de un ciudadano americano: esposo, mujer, padres, madres e hijos menores solteros de 21 aà ±os si està ¡n legalmente en USA o si, estando ilegalmente, su ingreso fue legal y ahora està ¡n ilegales porque se quedaron en el paà ­s mà ¡s allà ¡ del plazo autorizado de estadà ­a. Sin embargo, no se puede solicitar  si han ingresado al paà ­s ilegalmente sin pasar por un control de inmigracià ³n en una aduana.  Esto es muy importante porque impide sacar la green card sin salir de Estados Unidos a cà ³nyuges, hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os y padres de ciudadanos americanos que llegaron al paà ­s cruzando ilegalmente la frontera. En este caso hay excepciones limitadas, como el caso de familiares de militares por aplicacià ³n del programa Parole in Place (PIP). Por otra parte, los hijos casados, los hijos solteros mayores de 21 aà ±os y los hermanos de ciudadanos americanos y los cà ³nyuges e hijos de cualquier edad de residentes permanentes sà ³lo pueden ajustar su estatus en USA si està ¡n legalmente en el paà ­s, y debido a los tiempos de demora sà ³lo en casos excepcionales serà ¡ posible. Finalmente, los  prometidos de  ciudadanos americanos y los hijos de aquellos que hayan entrado a Estados Unidos con visas K-1 y K-2 respectivamente. Se requiere que el matrimonio se contraiga en los 90 dà ­as siguientes a haber ingresado al paà ­s. Es muy importante tener en cuenta que la boda se tiene que celebrar entre la persona pedida y el que la pide. No se puede cambiar de novio/a. Otro ejemplo de posibilidad de sacar la green card por ajuste de estatus tiene lugar cuando empresas y otras instituciones americanas como por ejemplo ONGs o universidades solicitar tarjetas de residencia para trabajadores y profesionales extranjeros. Si la peticià ³n es aprobada se procederà ¡ a solicitar su ajuste de estatus, siempre y cuando està ©n en el paà ­s legalmente. En otras palabras, ninguna empresa puede patrocinar una green card por razones de trabajo a un migrante que està ¡ en Estados Unidos con estatus de indocumentado, tanto si esa situacià ³n es porque entrà ³ ilegalmente o porque no salià ³ a tiempo del paà ­s. Ajuste de estatus con carà ¡cter derivado En ciertos casos se permite que cuando se tramita un ajuste de estatus para una persona que se pueda extender la peticià ³n a su cà ³nyuge e hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os.   Asilo polà ­tico, refugiados y ajuste de estatus Las personas a las que se le ha aprobado la condicià ³n de asilado  podrà ¡n al cumplir el aà ±o a contar desde esa fecha solicitar por sà ­ mismas el ajuste de estatus. Es necesario que se cumplan los siguientes requisitos: Presencia fà ­sica en Estados Unidos por al menos 365 dà ­as tras la concesià ³n de la condicià ³n de asilado.Y que las circunstancias por las que se le concedià ³ la solicitud de asilo no hayan cambiado.Podrà ¡n, asimismo, solicitar el ajuste sus cà ³nyuges e hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os. Asimismo, podrà ¡n solicitar este beneficio migratorio tras residir en Estados Unidos por un aà ±o tras haber ingresado al paà ­s como refugiados. Cubanos y su rà ©gimen migratorio especial Para las personas con pasaporte cubano aplica la ley conocida de Ajuste Cubano. Pero tener en cuenta que ya no està ¡ en aplicacià ³n la polà ­tica de  pies secos, pies mojados. Con Ajuste Cubano se puede solicitar el ajuste de estatus tras pasar un aà ±o y un dà ­a viviendo en Estados Unidos pero se tiene que haber ingresado legalmente. Los cà ³nyuges y los hijos solteros de cualquier edad de un cubano pero que tengan otra nacionalidad podrà ¡n tambià ©n pedir el ajuste de estatus tras pasar 365 dà ­as en Estados Unidos si ingresaron legalmente. Ajuste de estatus por residencia continuada en Estados Unidos Los extranjeros que han  vivido en Estados Unidos de manera continua desde el 1 de enero de 1972 y pueden demostrarlo podrà ¡n solicitar un ajuste de estatus. Es lo que se conoce como residencia por el registry. Casos humanitarios y ajuste de estatus Tambià ©n pueden solicitar el ajuste de estatus los migrantes que han recibido una visa U por và ­ctima de violencia o una visa T por trà ¡fico humano si han vivido en los Estados Unidos por al menos por 3 aà ±os desde que recibieron esa visa. En el caso de và ­ctimas de violencia domà ©stica que se han regularizado mediante el programa VAWA y tienen una peticià ³n I-360 aprobada, pueden pedir el ajuste de estatus inmediatamente si son cà ³nyuges de ciudadanos. Por el contrario, si son cà ³nyuges de residentes deben esperar que llegue su fecha de prioridad. Esta puede ser la del I-360 o, si su cà ³nyuge les habà ­a pedido previamente, la del I-130. Decisià ³n judicial En casos de deportacià ³n un juez de inmigracià ³n puede decidir conceder un ajuste de estatus a un inmigrante extranjero. Esta es una de las formas de alivio con las que se puede luchar frente a la deportacià ³n. Casos especiales de menores migrantes En ocasiones, una corte americana puede decidir que un menor extranjero no puede vivir con sus padres por razones de abuso, negligencia o abandono y establece que es en interà ©s del muchacho permanecer en Estados Unidos. Estos casos se conocen como inmigrantes juveniles especiales (SIJ, siglas en inglà ©s) y se permite que estos menores soliciten un ajuste de estatus para sà ­ mismos. Casos especiales de inmigrantes militares Siempre en los tà ©rminos que disponga la ley, los extranjeros que colaboren con los Ejà ©rcitos americanos podrà ¡n, en ciertas circunstancias, solicitar un ajuste de estatus. En estos momentos se concede este beneficio a traductores e intà ©rpretes afganos e iraquà ­es. Beneficios sociales para las personas tramitando un ajuste de estatus En algunos estados las personas en trà ¡mites para ajustar su estatus son consideradas PRUCOL y se les reconoce algunos beneficios sociales. Los requisitos varà ­an segà ºn el estado y segà ºn el tipo de beneficio. Cà ³mo se pide el ajuste de estatus La planilla a llenar es la I-485. Hay que enviarla debidamente cumplimentada, con el pago de la tarifa y documentacià ³n adicional necesaria. En cuanto al momento, depende del caso. Por ejemplo, si se trata de familiares inmediatos (cà ³nyuges, hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os y padres) de ciudadanos americanos se puede enviar junto con la peticià ³n cuando se llena el I-130. Pero en los casos en los que existe un tope anual por categorà ­a hay que esperar a lo que se conoce como fecha al corriente. Para eso hay que consultar todos los meses el boletà ­n de visas. Viajar con peticià ³n pendiente y quà © hacer con retrasos y negaciones Es posible que el USCIS no apruebe la solicitud de ajuste de estatus. En estos casos, chequea si puedes apelar su decisià ³n. Asimismo, si se retrasa en dar una respuesta mà ¡s allà ¡ de lo que es habitual para este tipo de trà ¡mite, consultar con un abogado si procede demandar mediante un writ of mandamus. Tambià ©n es muy importante tener en cuenta que si se inicia un proceso de ajuste de estatus no se debe salir de Estados Unidos sin pedir previamente una autorizacià ³n conocida como advance parole. El procedimiento consular como opcià ³n al ajuste de estatus Cuando  no se pueda ajustar el estatus  la opcià ³n es salir de Estados Unidos e ir a travà ©s de lo que se conoce procedimiento consular. El gran problema con esto surge cuando se ha estado ilegalmente en los Estados Unidos por mà ¡s de 180 dà ­as porque aplica el castigo de los 3 y de los 10 aà ±os, si bien hay casos de excepciones. Es cierto que en algunos casos es posible solicitar un perdà ³n, tambià ©n conocido como waiver o permiso. Pero las estadà ­sticas muestran que no es fà ¡cil obtenerlo. Por esta razà ³n es muy importante conocer cuà ¡les son las opciones para el caso de cada uno y si hay un riesgo real de quedarse fuera de Estados Unidos por muchos aà ±os.

The Contribution of the Discoveries and Theories of...

The Contribution of the Discoveries and Theories of Charles Darwin in the Nineteenth Century to the Decline of Religious Belief in the Twentieth Century In Victorian England, people wanted answers. Explanations for unusual natural events were becoming unbelievable in an increasingly educated time, and these religious and supernatural explanations were doubted by many. People needed a sensible explanation for life and mans existence. Charles Darwin provided a possible answer, and man was no longer an Adam created in Gods image, but descended from a simple single celled organism. But was Darwin responsible for the transition into a more atheistic society? Many would argue he was the main player in†¦show more content†¦These two birds became known as Darwins Finches. Darwin observed many other examples of evolution and change within species later in his career. Origin of the Species caused a huge rift in religious thinking. At first Darwin was ridiculed, but as people became more aware of his ideas they slowly began to accept them. This was partly because Darwins theory of evolution was very carefully thought out and had a great deal of research backing up the claims. It could not just be thought of as heretic ramblings due to the amount of data giving the theory weight. However, Victorian England was a very religious time, and there were many religious people who disagreed with his theories as it contradicted the creation theory. Bishop of Oxford, Wilberforce, was a man who was intent on the creation theory being the only possibility. There was a confrontation between a supporter of the Darwinian theories, Thomas Huxley, and the Bishop. The Bishop publicly announced that he was glad he knew he wasnt related to a monkey, to which Huxley replied, If I had to choose, I would prefer to be a descendant of a humble monkey rather than of a man who employs his knowledge and eloquence in misrepresenting those who are wearing out their lives in the search for

Problem in the United States Free Essays

Smuggling has been a problem in the United States for many years. The continuous breaching of our borders may one day allow the smuggling of something that could cause massive destruction and death to our country. It is easy to see how the smuggling of something as innocuous as a specific flower or bush can be a problem when it infiltrates the native environment and kills off many different species. We will write a custom essay sample on Problem in the United States or any similar topic only for you Order Now But smuggling is not limited to this. There is also the continuous smuggling of drugs and people into this country that causes many problems. Although many people who are smuggled into the United States do so to work or to be with their family, there is a large percentage of them that are forced into prostitution or some other form of slavery. This paper will look at these specific cases of smuggling and determine what, if anything can be done about it. Smuggling is done for many reasons. Generally when something is smuggled, it is smuggled over an international border and it is smuggled for many reasons; either to avoid paying taxes, because the item is illegal, or, in the case of people, because they are not supposed to be there. As an example of this, it is estimated that millions of dollars worth of cigarettes are smuggled every year. These cigarettes are not necessarily smuggled into the United States from another country, but from other states, in which the taxes are low. A carton of cigarettes may be as cheap as $20 in a state like Virginia, and in states like New York, where the cigarette taxes are very high, making the total cost of a carton $75 can lead to a profit for the smuggler of about $40 per carton. The smuggling of cigarettes from one state to another is fairly simple. There are not any customs officials to pass through, and if the smuggler gets pulled over, it is very unlikely that the police officer would search his or her trunk, where the cartons may be. But getting over international borders is usually more difficult, and the smugglers have evolved certain strategies for not getting caught. One way smugglers pass over the border is with the use of small, private planes. The smuggler can fly into the country undetected, allowing whatever he is smuggling into the country. They are also small boats smugglers can use to get themselves from a specific country to the United States. These boats are known as â€Å"go-fast† boats and can be used to smuggle anything from drugs to people. And one way to smuggle that we are seeing more and more are the use of tunnels. A smuggler may hire someone to dig tunnels underground, allowing nearly anything to be passed from one country to the next without having to go through customs. More daring smugglers, however, will hide whatever it is that they are smuggling and attempt to get through customs this way. They may hide it on their bodies or under their clothes, inside themselves, in their cars, or in the bodies of animals that may be traveling with them. Like the more clandestine ways, this way of smuggling is rampant, as evidenced by the massive amount of smugglers caught each year while trying to go through customs. Smuggling has consequences for everyone. Of course, the smugglers, assuming they do not get caught, make out better than anyone. Usually the practice of smuggling is very lucrative. The profits from illegal drugs and cigarettes and the trafficking of humans provide smugglers with billions of dollars every year. As long as the profit margin is high, there will always be people illegally smuggling. The â€Å"war on drugs† must be concerned with the smuggling problem. But the question of how to win the war on drugs is an interesting one. If by winning the drug war it is meant the eradication of all drugs, then the United States has surely lost. There are still people, usually those directly involved with the drug war, that still think we should keep fighting the war as we always have been. But there has been now over a trillion dollars spent on the war on drugs and drugs today are more potent and making larger profits than ever. The people benefiting most from the war on drugs are the smugglers and the drug dealers themselves. The fact remains that all throughout human history, intoxicants have been used in one degree or another, so why would we think people today are any different? By this definition of the war on drugs the United States, on all counts, has lost. There is another way to win the war on drugs and that is to turn it into a war on smugglers and drug dealers. People are going to always be looking for ways to alter their consciousness. Everyone does it; whether you work out, or take heroin, the point is to feel better. Drugs are not going away. Drugs like marijuana and meth, which can be produced by anyone, will always be with us. By regulating drugs, and making the tax on them universal, the drug dealers and the smugglers would be put out of business. We cannot change how people feel, or what they want to do. All we can do is deter them from doing it. So the question becomes, what is the best way to deter them? We could threaten them with jail, but this obviously does not work, as nearly 80 percent of people in jail are there in some way for drugs. So we could decriminalize and regulate the drugs, putting gangs, dealers and smugglers out of business and using the profits from the sale of the drugs to educate people about their effects. This form of deterrence would be more much more humane and effective than how the war has been fought thus far. How to cite Problem in the United States, Papers

Twin Group And Its Values To Make Diversity In UK

Question: Understanding the key requirements in the design and development of a range of LD. Understanding how organisational LD needs can be met, the application and use of a range of methods. Answer: Introduction In this research, the researcher has taken Twin Group and its values to make diversity in UK and other countries. Twin Group involves developing relationships with the major people. Twin Group makes various policies that provide opportunity to major individuals through integrity, legislation frameworks, responsibilities and monitoring the structure on personnel data. The researcher has also taken various aspects that will lead to policies and procedures on recruitment and selection. This would be helpful in coordinating with the management through HR activities on sex race, age, disability, etc. Sustainable organisation performance can be termed as the maintenance of the of the high performance level of an organisation. The financial indicators, societal contributions, people management and environmental contributions over a long period, measure these particular levels. It would also drive the effectiveness of organisation through models and frameworks by creating a self-assessment workshop and giving a good approval among the customers (Yuan and Kim 2014). Hence, Twin personal appraisal would be developed with numerous opportunities, business reviews, meetings and an effective induction process on the management structure. Understanding the key requirements in the design and development of a range of LD activities. Twin Group is a major provider of English courses and international summer school programs organised by the British Council, offering residential and home stay accommodation for students. The British Council accredits the English courses and this provides a comprehensive study to the students seeking help in English. They provide enhanced skills while teaching English and this helps the students to gain more knowledge. On the other hand, the Twin Group also provides internal summer school programs as well as tennis and football coaching to the students of the United Kingdom. This further helps the students to develop their extracurricular skills along with their knowledge of English. As an award winning provider of education, travel, work experience, volunteering and employment services, both in the UK and internationally, Twin is committed to helping people realise their full potential through life enhancing experiences (Twinuk.com, 2015). With over 400 employees, the company believes that people are their greatest asset and work hard to create a dynamic working environment with plenty of opportunities for personal development. Hence, LD should be an integrated part of the companys strategic planning, to ensure employees perform well and the organisation achieves its objectives and targets. The company aims to provide a continuous LD opportunities and support to their employees and students, to enable them to meet the rapidly changing demands and priorities of the company. The Management believes that LD is crucial because: the organisation can only grow, expand and develop through its employees. Hence development and retention of highly skilled workforce is essential. needs employees with the appropriate levels of skills to perform their jobs. Employees will feel valued whilst having the knowledge and skills to perform adequately in their roles. Needs the most effective and efficient employees to be able to survive, due to high competition and tight budget. Hence, improving employees performance will increase sales and customer satisfaction ratings. In order to achieve this aim, Twin Group believes that LD needs should be reviewed on a regular basis and employees should be engaged in identifying their own learning needs, selecting suitable learning interventions and assessing the learning outcomes. According to CIPD, Learning and Development (LD) needs can be described as a gap between current and desired capability of an individual, team/department, occupation group or the organisation (CIPD, 2015). Twin Group has identified that the LD needs have arisen within their organisation due to: new market opening, new products and services offered new staff members budget changes high competition drive for greater efficiency and HPW- High Performance Working Target Group Twin Group operates in a niche market, where both internal and external training and development opportunities are geared towards training of: Sales Representatives and Work Placement Officers who have direct contact with potential, existing and past students and customers. Their performance and sales skills have a direct impact on the companys financial situation. Tutors and employees who have direct face to face contact with customers and provide study materials to students enrolled onto various courses. Their knowledge and customer service skills directly influence the customer satisfaction rates. Their immediate learning skills can have either a positive or a negative effect on the business. Therefore, it is very important for this organisation to analyse the current situation and design suitable ways for the people seeking knowledge. Proper evaluation can be done by developing solutions and implementing them to satisfy the needs of its potential customers (Engel 2013). Figure 1: Self-assessment process of learning needs (Source: Twin Group, HR , Department: (SAR) 2009/2010). The sales representatives and the workplace officers need proper training to deliver best services to the customers of Twin group. They should be designed and trained properly to provide support to the learners (customers) of the Twin group. The learning needs of the tutors are to understand the needs and demands of the students or the customers of the Twin group. The tutors should be aware the difficulties of their students and help them to overcome the problems. This will improve the performances of the students and help the company to gain reputation in the competitive market. How learning interventions link to organisational performance. CIPD describes Organisational development interventions as a set of structured activities in which selected organisational units engage or set of tasks directly or indirectly leading to organisational improvement(CIPD, 2015). Successful organisations have the capability to sustain their performance with the changing time and take shorter decisions by relating to the long-term strategies and goals to maintain a long-term focus. It is very important to maintain coordination and integration between the long-term values of the organisation and the behavior of the employees. According to Beevers Rea, LD initiatives should address the needs of the organisation but also take account of the needs of individual learners (Beevers Rea, 2013). Every employee needs to be given the opportunity to develop throughout his/her career and live. Hence, fair and equal access to learning and development must be ensured. It is believed that employee engagement leads to long-term performance of the organisations. However, it is important to understand the reasons that engage the employees. Therefore, the learning needs of the employees must be adhered to expect positive results and fruitful returns on investment. It is further believed that effective strategies and HR policies implemented in the process of high individual performances help in motivating the individuals and provide them with the opportunity to perform better. This helps in increasing the performance of the organisation. It is very important for any organisation to create a healthy working environment. Hence, it should adopt certain measures to implement policies of maintaining healthy and fair working conditions. This would bring together the employees of the organisation to work collectively and increase the profitability of the organisation (Arts 2013). The employees should be provided with Health Safety and security and this would further help the organisation to increase their productivity and provide excellent services to the customers. This will be effective to make learning interventions that would operate on organisational performance (Balapure 2013). Learning methods and techniques. There are many learning needs analysis (LNA) methods Twin Group could use and some of them are listed below: Learning Needs Analysis Methods Advantages Disadvantages Where most useful Suitability (or Not) considering organisational factors, Equal Opportunities, HS, target audience and cost effectiveness Direct observation Doesnt interrupt work, can be more reliable than other sources, provides data relevant to work environment. Time consuming, observer needs time to collate and needs to know what he is looking for, employees behaviour may be affected by being observed, difficult to capture entire job cycle When the training in about simple skills, when observer is familiar with the topic Suitable for Tutors and Employees who have direct contact with customers, Ideal method to observe tutors and customer service employees. Relatively cheap as can use existing resources Interviews of existing post holder Provides information about attitude, Provides greater understanding of issues, uncovers details of training needs as well as causes and solutions of problems. Time consuming for everyone involved, Interviewee may be shy to respond, interviewees only provide information they think you want to hear, needs skilled interviewer, may be difficult to schedule, possible lack of communication When you are not familiar with the topic or area, when the training is about complex issue Suitable for Tutors, Employees who have direct contact with customers, Sales Reps,, Work Placement Officers, Students Inexpensive Questionnaires and surveys Quick, relatively easy and simple, can collate a lot of information and data from a large number of people, data can be easily summarized. May not get important information, may luck details, possible inappropriate responses, may be difficult to understand and may not be send back, Require time, become less useful where the employees luck verbal skills When you know a lot about your topic and can combine them with other methods to encourage response Suitable for Students and customers, employees and Managers. Economical to use Group discussions Relatively Quick and easy, provide clear responses, useful with complex or controversial issues that one person may not be able or willing to explore Participants may be shy and not honest in a group, others may dominate discussion, time consuming to organise, When Team work is essential, when there is not enough time to use other more time consuming methods Suitable for Tutors, employees, Sales Reps, Work Placement Officers, Managers, Students, Inexpensive Review of references Objective, allows to collect a lot of factual information May be inaccurate and out of date, need resources to obtain relevant information When you need factual previous work related information Suitable for every member of staff Review of performance data Provide an in-depth review of an employees performance, identify problem areas and areas on which to focus on further development Time consuming, length and content may vary depending on evaluators writing abilities, narrative evaluations are difficult to compare When you need factual previous performance related information Suitable for Sales Reps, Work Placement officers, Management. Job analysis including job description and job specification Present immediate information, help in screening and hiring an appropriate person for an appropriate position, help in designing training development programs, help in evaluation and appraisal process Requires a lot of time and human effort, involves collecting detailed information hence information will likely be biased and not 100% accurate, When you need to explore duties and responsibilities of a job, when you need to explore skills, education and experience needed for an individual to perform a specific job Suitable for every member of staff Very time consuming, hence more expensive than other methods Skills Matrices Simple visual tool, highly effective, help in assessing training needs, review skills and competences required for roles within teams Time consuming, needs reviewing and updating as teams are not permanent When you need to explore learning needs/skill gaps in a team Suitable for Tutors, Sales Reps and other members of staff. Inexpensive E-training like computer-based coaching is best suitable because it is much cheaper than the standard classroom-based teaching. It is quite cost-effective and produces high returns on investments. It is a long-term strategy. The students have easy access to learning and it is suitable for the target groups like the tutors, sales representatives and the customer service representatives. On the other hand, internal coaching costs much less than hiring new staffs or employees. It is very cost-effective, as there are no direct costs involved in the process of internal coaching. Recommendations The management should consider using a number of different methods, because it is unlikely that any one method will provide all the necessary information. Identification of training needs should however start with the determination of skills and knowledge essential for maximum effectiveness in an organisation. Hence, Twin Group should use the: Job analysis method- as it will allow the company to link the training needs with their short and long-term organisational objectives. Information gathered through a job analysis can be used for the purpose of HR planning, recruitment and selection, employee orientation, performance appraisals, training development and Health Safety. This method will enable Twin to summaries duties and responsibilities of a job and determine the minimum skills, education and experience that employees need to perform a job, then match them accordingly to ensure a maximum benefit. Employees will also benefit from a job clarity and possible training opportunities which will increase their morale, commitment and job satisfaction. Furthermore, it will allow the employer to identify, assess and control potential hazards of a job and protect employees from illness and injury. Despite the considerable amount of work required, it does ensure the return on investment. Reviewing of performance data- as it is essential to the financial success and safety of the organisation. Performance documents are a great source of actual performance related information, show strengths and weaknesses of employees and thus can be used to establish skill development and learning activities. Data should be reviewed regularly to look for trends and changes in performance, as it will allow the management to make better decisions related to promotions, pay rises, adding additional responsibilities or terminating an employee. Moreover data should be reviewed for legal purposes, to support decisions and reduce disputes. As it is an ideal method to note the physical activities of Tutors and Customer Service Officer. It provides first hand data and reduces distortion of information. The analysis proves that the company was in need of a proper and suitable learning method to provide a fair and equal access to the methods of learning and development. The learning methods of the company affected both the target groups and the customers. Hence, the company adopted the learning methods or the strategies to distribute access to learning and development fairly. Understanding how organisational LD needs can be met, the application and use of a range of relevant methods. Learning needs can be met through the following methods: On off the job training Qualification based training Internal and external interventions Sector/organisational culture e.g. values, attitudes and management support Decisions about LD methods however, will always be influenced by contextual factors such as costs, operational issues, time pressure and preferences of target group. All learning methods/interventions should be applied with an aim of improving performance and some of them have been described below: Learning methods/ interventions Advantages Disadvantages Suitability (or Not) considering organisational factors, Equal Opportunities, HS, target audience and cost effectiveness Job shadowing Observer is exposed to job related tasks, training alongside real colleague Limits the involvement of the observer/trainee, Effectiveness of job shadowing depends on the person selected to be shadowed, if wrong person observed it may give false picture of the job, takes place for a limited period Suitable for new starters , students or employees moving roles. Suitable for both small and larger organisations, Generally cost effective, Role play Develops and improves positive bahaviour, communication and interpersonal skills, improves future performance levels, effectively resolves conflict situations, enables right decision making, helps to handle difficult situations, Time constrain and resource allocation problems, affect the learning time for the employees, training objectives may at times remain unfulfilled, may be dominated by a few participants Increases counter productivity, Immediate outcome and feedback will save time and cost. Suitable for Customer Service and Sales Reps E-training e.g. computer based sales training The fastest growing training delivery method, reduces employee learning time and allows privacy of learning, flexible access to learning, allows learning at an individual pace High initial costs due to program development costs, requires access to computers and internet Cheaper than standard classroom based training, Very cost effective in a long run, Easy access to learning, suitable for the identified target group: Customer Service and Sales Reps, Tutors etc Internal Coaching Used for inadequate performance, one-to-one interaction, provides direct personal guidance, can be provided over the phone, mails, chats or face to face, Allows continuous evaluation and correction of mistakes, provides quick feedback, builds trust and respect, Requires a lot of time and effort from the managers/coaches, involves training line managers in coaching and teaching skills, it may be difficult to create an internal coaching culture, manager/coach may not be able to alter his communication style, Coaching costs less than hiring new employees, There are no direct costs involved in internal coaching Job rotation Increases multitasking skills, Increases performance, include task rotation, position rotation, function and responsibility rotation, reduces employee boredom, increase skills and competency levels, More suitable for bigger organisations e.g. supermarkets, employees can be stressed in the new role, employees will need time to learn and perform new tasks which may affect the workflow, It is one of the most effective tools for big companies that are forced to cut down the number of employees, a great process of preparing an employee to replace another employee at a different or higher level, provides optimum cost and resource utilisation Twin Group has selected the e-training and internal coaching as their learning methods. It is because both the methods have proved beneficial for the company. The e-training or the computer-based training is the fastest growing delivery method. It has reduced time for the employees and allowed flexibility and privacy in the process of learning. On the other hand, the internal coaching method allows one-to-one interaction with the students or the parents and allows them to identify or rectify the mistakes on the spot. The Twin group has rejected the other methods because the above-mentioned learning methods proved quite efficient for the company and therefore, they did not find the need to adapt any other method. Coaching would be the preferred methods for the tutors. This would help the students to benefit and score high marks. On the other hand, the sales representatives should prefer the e-learning methods. This will develop their training skills and help them to increase their efficiency. They will gain more students in the long-run. To meet the learning needs, the researcher has made an approach for evaluating models through a literary framework. This will have a contrast to assess ideas from the Twin Group (McCracken 2012). ADDIE model- The ADDIE model helps in training the developers and instructing the designers. It is a guideline for building tools for performance support and effective training in five phases namely the Analysis phase, the Implementation phase, the Design phase, the Evaluation phase and the Development phase. The model is very helpful in identifying the learning needs of the company. It helped the Twin group to analyze the current situation and design plans and methods for amending the necessary changes. It helped the Twin group to choose the e training and he internal coaching methods that helped the company to identify the process of learning intervention. The company benefitted by adopting the above-mentioned learning methods and it helped the customers of the company to benefit too. The ADDIE model is best suited for the Twin group. As earlier discussed, it helps in training the developers and instructing the designers. This helps in identifying the learning needs of the tutors as well as the sales representatives and the workers. Therefore, this model is beneficial to Twin group. This further helps the company to increase the efficiency of the workers and helps in improving the performance of the company. The company adopts specific policies with the help of the ADDIE model, which adds to the reputation of the company. The principles of workplace learning can be effective by implementing the ADDIE model on the organisational affairs. The ADDIE model provides a step-by-step guideline to plan and create training programs with a framework, to maximise effectiveness and efficiency. This model attempts to save time and money by identifying and catching problems while they are still easy to rectify. It consists of five phases: Analysis-This includes clarifying objectives in the learning environment in identifying needs of the individual. It identifies a major problem on knowledge and skills of the individual. Thus, the question includes how the desired behavior may be, what may be the timeline and what are the other learning limitations (Moody, 2012). Design-This includes learning objectives that would plan to create a subject matter. It would be specific in developing a matter that attains major goals of the organisation. It also identifies the planning strategies that executed well in underpinning the learning interventions. Development-This includes instructional designers that assemble in making the project prolific. It sets up in developing programs that integrate technological firms in learning (Park 2014). This would be periodic if learning interventions would develop the firms strategically. Implementation-This would develop procedures on training facilities and learning events. The training facilities include learning through software and hardware development process. This phase includes the base of project managers that assesses tools, CD-ROMS, and software in learning. Evaluation-This consists of two aspects mainly (Watson 2012). The formative evaluation presents each stage of ADDIE model whereas the summative evaluation is conducted through instructional programs. Figure 2: ADDIE model (Source: Manners, 2013) Evaluation of Learning and Development (LD). Organisations are investing a lot of money in LD in order to gain a competitive advantage. Thus, it is extremely vital to assess the effectiveness of the training programme and determine if the money, time and effort devoted to the LD made a difference. Evaluation should answer: What and Why should be evaluated, Who and How should evaluate it, When to evaluate it The main and most widely used evaluation models include: Kirkpatricks Four Levels of Evaluation This model also has an importance on organisational development in enhancing individuals. It describes four levels of training evaluation. This would facilitate through reaction of the student on how they feel with the training programs. It may also increase opportunities for an individual. There may be the lack of behavior that could improve the environment on training and motivation (Yuan and Kim 2014). It would be meaningful to see how this change has made a complexity among individuals. Hence, the researcher has made a grid that is depicted below: Evaluation type and level (what is measured) Evaluation description and characteristics Examples of evaluation tools and methods Relevance and practicability 1. Reaction Reaction evaluation is how the delegates felt about the training or learning Happy Sheets, feedback forms. Verbal reaction, post-training surveys or questionnaires, Quick and very easy to obtain. Not expensive to gather or to analyse. 2. Learning Learning evaluation is the measurement of the increase in knowledge-before and after. Typically assessments or tests before and after the training. Interview or observation can also be used. Relatively simple to set up; clear-cut quantifiable skills. Less easy for complex learning. 3. Behaviour Behaviour evaluation is the extent of applied learning back on the job-implementation. Observation and interview over time are required to assess change, relevance of change and sustainability of change. Measurement of behaviour change typically requires cooperation and skill of line managers. 4. Result Result evaluation is the effect on the business or environment by the trainee. Measures are already in place via normal management systems and reporting-the challenge is to relate to the trainee. Individually not difficult, unlike whole organisation. Process must attribute clear accountabilities. Kirkpatricks Four Levels of Evaluation Source: Google.com RAM Approach What is measured Evaluation description and characteristics Examples of evaluation tools and methods Relevance Relevance evaluation allows to envisage how learning interventions are developed Statements of expectations, costing Alignment Alignment evaluation ensures that learning interventions have a real business impact and that the stakeholders needs have been met. Records of meetings, assessments Measurement Measurement evaluation means embedding evaluation into the process and ensuring that correct data have been collected., evidence of change 360 degree feedback, questionnaires, appraisals, surveys, KPIs, ROI= ( benefit- cost) / cost The RAM model Source: CIPD Guide (2010) Real World Coaching Evaluation page 9 CIRO Framework What is measured Evaluation description and characteristics Context Describes the contextual factors in which the learning has taken place, involves collecting information about organisational deficiency, identifying needs and setting objectives Inputs Describes the inputs and costs to the learning intervention, involves obtaining and using information about training resources and allows to choose between alternative training methods Reaction Describes the overall reaction to the learning intervention, involves obtaining and using information about participants reaction Outcomes Describes the results and effectiveness of the learning intervention, involves obtaining and using information about results CIRO evaluation model Source: ccp.co.il Compare and contrast evaluation models Evaluation Model Advantages Disadvantages Focuses on KIRKPATRICK Well established and widely used approach, has been used as a basis for other evaluation models, Simple, flexible, easy to understand within and outside the field Very weak relationship between the levels, too simplistic in some cases, many companies implement only level 12 ignoring learning transfer Most attention is focused on evaluation of training at the reaction level, as it is difficult and costly to measure the other levels. This model emphasises on customer satisfaction. RAM It keeps record of statements and assignments of expectations for inputs of coaching. It also keeps record of the surveys and appraisals and helps the company with appropriate probabilities and sensitivities. The method has high level of coaching audit, which incurs higher costs. This becomes a disadvantage of the model. This model focuses on the outcome of the LD programme, rather than the process itself CIRO Evaluation of context involves data collection methods about the deficiency of performance and assessing the information to establish the needs of training. Input evaluation is concerned about the planning, managing and designing of the learning event with an analysis of the available resources. Reaction evaluation uses the obtained information and resources and Outcome evaluation assess the performance of the learners at the learner level, the workplace level, the team level and the organizational level. Not accurate because of several factors such as people not responding accurately or honestly. The questions or the instructions are misunderstood most of the times. This model focuses on the costs, cost benefit analysis must be done before each training intervention, to make sure the expenses dont exceed available budget The Twin group uses the CIRO model of evaluation because it is an efficient method to identify the learning needs of the organization and helps in evaluating the impact of training on the learners. The unique four-level approach of the model helps in classifying the process of evaluation. The model is quite cost-effective and that is why it would be easy for the company to implement the model. It has swift delivery methods and helps the learners to optimize the process of learning. It helps in meeting the ultimate, intermediate and the immediate objectives of the organization. It manages designs and of course plans the delivery methods to achieve maximum possibility of the desired objectives. The learners react to the methods of learning, which further helps the company to use the collected data in an objective and a systematic matter. Outcomes are observed at all levels and this is why it becomes easier to community practices as a whole. The resources are collected from the learner level as well as the organizational level and therefore, it becomes easier to develop activities (at all levels) and improve their quality. It can prove beneficial for the adult learners as well because the model is suitable for all levels of learners. Validate learning methods for efficiency and effectiveness taking account of opportunity and differing contexts The learning methods prove beneficial for the organisations, as they are very effective. The methods help in increasing the performance of the organisations and provide various opportunities to the employees. They feel motivated and crave for working more. The Twin Group has been successful in implementing the learning methods on the employees of the organisation. As a result, the employees have improved their performances, which proved beneficial for the organisation as well as the employees. The organisation has gained competitive advantage in the potential market and increased their profitability factor (Watson 2012). The organisation has considered various approaches to make the process of learning an effective one. This would be varied by taking Twin Group on learning identities. Thus, the major ideas for making an effective approach would be considered through: Improving memory basics There are key elements to boost the brain of individuals. It helps the employees to learn something new every day. They become familiar with unknown activities to bring out the employees from their comfort zone. This further helps in learning new things and developing new skills for the employees. The elements are very challenging as well as rewarding. When the employees accept the challenges and win them, they receive awarding benefits. This particular process helps in improving and developing the basic knowledge of the employees (Arts 2013). Once they are aware of the fundamental functioning process of the company, they can provide effective learning skills to their fellow employees. Keeping learning needs practical The learning methods should be implemented practically, as they can help the employees to have a better knowledge of their work and their appreciation. When they visualise the activities, they perform better. Promoting new learning areas The employees of the organisation have varied levels of experience and qualifications. Supervisors should find their skills of knowledge and this could help the organisation to assess the knowledge of the employees (Engel 2013). This can be achieved by following the ADDIE model, which would help the organisation to analyse the problems and develop solutions to the problems by proper implementation and evaluation. Conclusion Various methods have been pointed out by the research in the context of Twin Group. This would balance the credentials of Health Safety activities of the Twin Group on the learning needs. It can be concluded ADDIE and evaluation model that would contribute learning and development needs. These models help in assessing the fair and proper treatment of the employees at the organisational level. The sustainable strategies that are adopted by the organisation help it to gain competitive advantage in the target market and gain fruitful returns on investment. Hence, the comparison makes an effective area to establish LD interventions on successful areas of development. Therefore, all the models can be considered as justified for the firm Twin Group. They keep on adding to the fact that the organisation can improve their process of functioning with the creative strategies. If the strategies are implemented properly, the organisation has a bright future in the competitive sphere. RReference List Arts, E. 2013. Learning Development: Physical Development - Body doodles. Nursery World, 2013(11). Balapure, A. 2013. Learning Metasploit exploitation and development. Birmingham, UK: Packt Publishing Ltd. Cco.co.il, (2012). Review of existing approaches for evaluating programs for call centre representatives. [online] Available at: https://www.ccp.co.il/portfolio-view/review/ [Accessed 25 Feb.2016]. Cipd.co.uk, (2015). Factsheet. Identifying learning anddevelopment needs. [online] Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/identifying-learning-talent-development-needs.aspx [Accessed 6 Jan. 2016]. Cipd.co.uk, (2010). Real world coaching evaluations. [online] Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/binaries/real-world-coaching-evaluation_2010-practitioners-guide.pdf [Accessed 23 Feb.2016]. Dangar, H. 2013. Learning Laravel 4 Application Development. Birmingham, UK: Packt Publishing Ltd. Engel, L. 2013. Learning Development: Development Matters - Next steps. Nursery World, 2013(11). Finnegan, F. 2012. Community Education, Learning and Development. Community Development Journal, 47(2), pp.303-306. Manners, L. 2013. Learning Development: Physical Development - Different movements. Nursery World, 2013(1). McCracken, M. 2012. Book review: Organisation Development: Accelerating Learning and Transformation. Management Learning, 43(4), pp.464-467. Park, J. 2014. Course evaluation: reconfigurations for learning with learning management systems. Higher Education Research Development, 33(5), pp.992-1006. Twin Group, 2015. Self-Assessment Report (SAR) Development Plan 2009-2010 . London, Twin Group, Originator: HR , Department: Self-Assessment Report, (SAR) 2009/2010. Watson, A. 2012. Learning Modernizr. Birmingham, UK: Packt Publishing Ltd. Yuan, J. and Kim, C. 2014. Guidelines for facilitating the development of learning communities in online courses. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 30(3), pp.220-232. Bibliography Cipd.co.uk, (2015). Factsheet. Sustainable organisation performance. [online] Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/sustainable-organisation-performance.aspx [Accessed 16 Feb. 2016]. Cipd.co.uk, (2015).Factsheet. Evaluating learning and development. [online] Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/evaluating-learning-talent-development.aspx [Accessed 21 Feb. 2016]. Home Learning College, 2014. Meeting Organisational Needs. London: Home Learning College. HRmagazine.co.uk, (2015). Coaching and Mentoring: doing more with less budget. [online] Available at: https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/article-details/coaching-and-mentoring-doing-more-with-less-training-budget [Accessed 24 Feb. 2016]. Moody, R. 2012. Experiential learning creating learning experiences with business impact. Development and Learning in Organisations, 26(3), pp.16-18. Twinuk.com, (2015). Twin Group - Education, Training and Career Development. [online] Available at: https://www.twinuk.com/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2016]. Xperthr.com, (2015). How to conduct a training needs analysis. [online] Available at: https://www.xperthr.com/how-to/how-to-conduct-a-training-needs-analysis/6716/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2016].

Suppy Chain Management at Rahimafrooz Superstore Limited free essay sample

Afrooz is one of the leading business groups in Bangladesh. It is doing business in the country for more than 50 years with fame and reputation. The main strength of the group is its reputation of doing ethical business practice. Throughout its business during last 50 years, it has mainly operated in the automotive industry. Recently it has extended its business in energy and retailing business. It operates in an SBU model. The SBUs of RahimAfrooz are: 1. RahimAfrooz Batteries Limited 2. RahimAfrooz Distributions Limited 3. RahimAfrooz Superstore Limited 4. RahimAfrooz Energy Services Limited . Excel Retreads Limited 6. Super Abrasives Limited 7. Greyfab Limited 8. Arzed Limited 9. RahimAfrooz CNG limited 10. Metronet limited This report is made for RahimAfrooz Superstore Limited. The brand name for this SBU is Agora. It is the leading superstore in the Dhaka city. It has revolutionized the retailing industry of Bangladesh. It is established to provide quality shopping experience for its customers. With four large outlets in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Maghbazar and Sobhanbagh, it is also the largest retailer in the country. We will write a custom essay sample on Suppy Chain Management at Rahimafrooz Superstore Limited or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is offering more than 20,000 items under one roof. These items are divided into 11 categories. The categories are: Household, Grocery, Meat, Fish, Vegetable, Fruits, Fast food, Dairy, Bakery, Pharmacy, and Cosmetics. Since the inception of Agora, the modern retailing industry is developing in the country. Now quite a number of modern retailing shops are operating in the country. All of them are mostly Dhaka based. But many of the big players of the industry are thinking going outside of the capital city. Although there are number of modern retailer operating in the country, every does not have the strength and potential to challenge superstore like Agora. But some of them are really competing. The main competition Agora is facing from the following companies: 1. Nandan Mega Shop 2. Meena Bazaar 3. Price, Quality Services (PQS) 4. Shop Save 5. Ko Mart 6. Almas Super Shop Agora has formulated an ambitious plan to be realized by the year 2010. They named it vision 2010. By the year 2010 Agora dreams to be 1000 crore taka company. Presently their yearly turnover is only 70 crore taka. And they are operating with four outlets in Dhaka city. They wish to have about 43 outlets by 2010. They not only want to be in Dhaka city but also expand their business through out the country. Agora operates with six departments. These are: 1. Operations Department 2. Purchase Department 3. Marketing Department 4. Finance and Accounts Department 5. IT department 6. Human Resources Department The operation is divided in to parts. -Head Office based -Outlet based The operation of outlet is under operations department. The operation is centered on the superstore management software agora use. The total procedure is controlled by the database in that software. The software has four modules: 1. Flexsim Back Office 2. Flexsim CPU 3. Flexsim Point of Sales 4. Flexsim Accounts The supply chain is the key business activity of Agora. To move ahead Agora needs to improve its supply chain. This report is mainly originated to search ways of improving supply chain. The two main objectives of the report are: -Find the solution for overstock problem Agora is experiencing -Find the areas in supply chain where special focus is required Due to overstock situation, Agora has experiencing several problems. Some of these problems were: Managing the items are getting difficult -Higher amount of working capital is required for supplier payment -Payment to the suppliers are getting irregular, which resulting dissatisfied suppliers -Wastage is increasing -In an effort to decrease SIH, they are ordering lower amount. As a result some fast moving items are getting out of stock soon. And sales are getting lost. -Managing the self space is getting tougher, resulting lowering of impulse purchase To find out the reasons of overstock problem we have got involved in the very process and found out several loopholes in the procedure. These loopholes are shown below: -GRN is not done in a timely manner -Seasonality is not taken care of properly -Regular monitoring of physical stock is not taken place -Code mismatching takes place while selling the items -Gondola stock is not managed properly -The merchandiser’s activities are not controlled properly -Storage space is not well managed -PR is given to the suppliers before getting approval from the purchase department -Software is slow to encourage checking of stock -Software does not allow purchase department to change the PR generated by back office As the reasons are identified, the task remaining is only to remove the reasons. At least apparently it seems like so. But in reality all the reasons are not removable directly. Like up gradation of software is a very costly and time consuming affair. So some indirect solutions are required. Following are the proposed alternative solutions: -Imposition of order limit -Imposition of order cycle -Removing slow moving items -Removing some category wise suppliers At the same time the importance of continuous monitoring is emphasized. Some of the areas are identified in which continuous monitoring is required. These are: -Checking orders regularly for their authenticity -Regular checking of physical stock -Regular revising of order limit amount -Considering irregular demand pattern during events like Eid, Ramadan, New Year etc. -Considering seasonality while regular revising of order limit amount -Order process specified above is followed strictly Taking the proposed measures and continuous monitoring in the areas identified will add to the betterment of inventory management.

Hard Times by Charles Dickens essays

Hard Times by Charles Dickens essays Explain how the values and attitudes of Bounderby are indicative of the era of the industrial revolution. The novel Hard Times by Charles Dickens offers a glimpse into the life and times during the industrial revolution in England during the nineteenth century. Dickens offers a wide range of characters from the upper class factory owner to the lowest class factory workers. He creates characters in this range of social classes and crafts this story that intertwines each person and their transformations throughout the novel. Almost every character in this story is complex and has characteristics that run deeper than their place in society, and this is what makes the novel so very important and intense. While there are many complexities linked to these characters, some do not appear to be as complex but in actuality they are. A strong example would be Josiah Bounderby, the wealthiest character in the novel. Mr. Bounderby is a factory and bank owner in Coketown, the industrial town in which the novel is set. He claims that he came from nothing to riches and has no problem exclaiming the trials and hard times that he went through to get to where he is now. While the people who hear these stories have no reason to doubt Mr. Bounderby, they later learn that he was actually making up all of these stories of his grueling childhood and upbringing. This is very significant because if the comparison is made between Bounderby and the industrial revolution, there are many aspects that are in fact very comparable. It seems that Bounderby almost wants to be symbolic of the industrial revolution and attempts to model his life after how the industrial revolution came to be. For example, Bounderby seems to want others to think that he came from nothing, as did the industrial revolution. The revolution came after a time when technological ways of life were not considered to ever dominate society the way they eventually did. Bounderby see...

Job Sharing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Job Sharing - Essay Example In this cutthroat competition, job sharing is playing an important role in almost all sorts of businesses. In job sharing, each partner receives the full time benefits. In contrary, there are people who say that job sharing reduces the efficiency of the company as well of its employees. In this paper, we will examine why job sharing is good and what type of benefits the employees can get from it Job sharing permits business to recruit skilled, experienced workers who may not be available for or eager to do full-time work. Job sharing is a good field for both males and females but more precisely for women having kids. They can work as well as look for their family. Job sharing tolerates one position to be filled by two people different but harmonizing knowledge. Without the knowledge it is not possible to go further with the work. There should be the knowledge of related work and the company's objectives. Where job sharers have administrative responsibilities staff may find it demanding or confusing to work for two people. There is a problem that the manager can experience is that there are two people to look for. In addition, some job sharers may feel that they are attaining proportional more than a full-time employee and that they are being insufficiently paid. TheDefinition "Deal in which the responsibilities and hours of one job position are accepted out by two people." The deal contains the agreement about working with the other employee and sharing the benefits and pays. The company must organize workshops in order to provide total knowledge about the job for both the sharers and must provide the total tools required to cover the job. If one of employee wants to leave the job the company must look for another person to follow the job with the one who is working. The work should be done on time with effectiveness and efficiency by both the workers and must take company's objectives as their own. The women can get more benefits in job sharing and can get the required benefits. Even males can get good results with job sharing they can work at two places at a time for better allowance. There must be better allowance for the workers and they should be given more benefits like transport facilities, hospital facilities etc. Chapter No. 2 - Literature Review Introduction Job Sharing is an adaptable work arrangement in which two employees share the responsibility and benefits of one permanent position with another employee. Some employees work few hours in

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Evolution in Health and Disease - Essay Example However, another form of evolution exists with relation to disease and patient health. In fact, an entire field of study is termed as â€Å"evolutionary medicine†. As such, this particular field is interested in determining the ways in which health and disease closely mirror evolutionary biology. As a function of understanding this fact, medical health professionals and researchers of ever variety are able to formulate treatments and care plans that will more effectively speak to the needs of the patient within the framework of understanding disease from the evolutionary standpoint. As a function of seeking to understanding this particular field of study in a more full and complete manner, this analysis will define, categorize, and explore some of the key realms within which evolutionary medicine has and continues to make valuable contributions to the medical community and treatment of disease. In such a way, the study of evolutionary biology as related to the human body and t he field of medicine and health is ultimately the study of change and how it is exhibited on the body as well as the pathogen, organ, or feature of the body that is targeted for treatment. When one considers evolutionary biology, one of the first items that comes to mind is of course the way that living organisms have the innate ability to shift, change, and adapt in order to survive and thrive within their environment (Trotter et al 2011, pg. 41). Ideally, this is a good thing; however, with the case of a variety of pathogens, the ability to morph, change, and alter the way in which they react to certain substances and environments means that pathogens that had been able to be treated using a variety of different means can eventually become somewhat immune to such efforts and require the medical community to actively engage and seek out new ways in which to stop the spread of disease; oftentimes utilizing entirely different means than the pathogen itself has become immune to. One o f the ways that pathogens can exhibit a type of evolutionary biology with reference to a type of â€Å"learned† immunity is with respect to the way that certain pathogens survive the administration of a given antibiotic (Valles 2012, p. 256). As with the model of the natural selection and survival of the fittest, this means that those pathogens that survive the administration of the antibiotic are generally less affected by its subsequent administration than the original culture of pathogens which were first exposed. This is very much the same principle whereby humans themselves develop a type of immunity to certain diseases based upon the fact that their body’s immune system has â€Å"seen† the pathogens at an earlier date and becomes, at least in some way, resistant to them. Figure 1.0 below shows the ways in which bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics over time. Figure 1.0 Although a natural process and merely part of evolution itself, this particular asp ect of evolutionary medicine is both worrisome and troublesome for pharmacologists, researchers, and medical healthcare professionals alike as they seek to develop and utilize new strains of drugs to treat increasingly resistant pathogens. However, the fact of the matter is that not only do some pathogens become immune themselves to the drugs that doctors might administer to help the body fight them off, the most dangerous pathogens have â€Å"

SM Prime Holdings (SMPH): Internal and External Analysis

SM Prime Holdings (SMPH): Internal and External Analysis Introduction Organizations are dynamic nowadays. One reason for this is the complexity of the environment they belong to and the need to constantly respond to this intricacy. Environment consists of various factors that affect how organization operates. These components include both internal and external factors that can either make or break the companys success. In addition to this, they have to react to various trends in which they are subject, for example the emerging environmental awareness of the public. To put all of these into perspective, one company will be used to illustrate how these factors influence the operations of the company. SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) is the mall operations arm of SM Investments Corporation which is todays one of the Philippines biggest conglomerates, occupying a dominant position in most of its lines of business, namely shopping malls; retail merchandising; banking and finance; and property. It all started with a simple vision of its founder and chairman, Mr. Henry Sy, to sell shoes to every Filipino (SMIC, 2009). Today, SMPH is the Philippines largest mall operator that owns and runs world-class malls over the country, providing millions of square meters of floor area for a fully integrated shopping, dining, and entertainment experience (SMIC, 2009). Moreover, it manages the parking area and the amusement facilities of the mall such as SM Cinemas, SM Ice Skating and SM Science Discovery Center. As of December 2008, there are 36 SMPH malls 33 here in the Philippines and 3 in China and this year it is expected that three new SM malls are opening. By the end of 2009 the total gross floor area (GFA) of all SM malls would total to 4.5 million square meters, a 5% increase from 2008s GFA. Above all, SMPH recorded a good financial performance year last year as it delivered a seven percent increase in net profit to Php6.4 billion, from a 12% growth in revenues worth Php17.8 billion (SMPH, 2008). Overview of the Internal Environment Every organization differs from one another. Each has its own unique characteristics that contribute to the over-all success of the company. These unique characteristics are often called the internal environment, which is composed of elements within the organization. These elements include employees, management, and corporate culture (Cliffs Notes, 2009). Out of all of these elements, there are two distinctive attributes that are vital to a company and these are its structure and culture. These two provides background on how the company operates. SMPHs Internal Environment For SMPH, understanding how their internal structure and culture operates allows them to organize, to take advantage of their strengths, to improve their weaknesses, and to develop an environment that breeds and encourages success among its employees (Organizational Culture 101, 2007). Moreover the success of the whole SM Group is attributed to its founder, Mr. Sy, whose determination and passion is considered exceptional. His influence has remained strong and visible both in its organizational structure and culture. Organizational Structure According to Drucker it is the correct design of structure which is of the most significant in determining organizational performance (Mullins, 2005. p. 597). In SMPH, they made sure that the structure is well-defined so that it will lessen confusion for their employees as it limits and controls what they do, for the organization is structured around high levels of formalization and specialization. Also the company has a strict adherence to chain of command that helps employees to identify their position in the company. Lastly, it is highly centralized wherein all decisions have to be made by higher ranking officials (Robbins, 2003, p. 575). In other words, the organizational structure of SMPH describes the management philosophy of Mr. Sy which is conservative yet with fine tuned instincts. Organizational Culture Like every individual, organizations also have their own personality that set them apart from others. In case of SMPH, their work ethics is prominent. For them everything is a serious business. Furthermore, they are guided by traditional Confucian values which are highly influenced by Mr. Sy who is an immigrant from mainland China. Hard work, frugality, discipline, love of study, self-sacrifice for the family welfare and harmonious social relationships are the Confucian values integrated to the company. These are the anchor values of SM Group which are the building blocks of their success (Flores, W. L., 2007). Overview of the External Environment Aside from managing its resources, organizations operate in a larger scale called the external environment. But unlike their internal resources wherein they have a full control of, the external environment suggests otherwise and in some cases may be considered as a threat. The number of the external environment factors is virtually unlimited for there are many macro factors that could impact organizations productivity. The only distinction between these factors is the degree of its impact to the company (NetMBA, 2007). SMPHs External Environment: PESTLE Analysis of SMPH SMPH, being the number one mall operator in the Philippines, regularly reviews its external environment. In their perspective, understanding the environment they belong is vital to the planning function of management for it influences the companys success rate. They identify and analyze the key trends, forces, and phenomena having a potential impact on the formulation and implementation of their strategies. In effect, the environmental assessment attempts to prepare the organization to acclimatize to environmental changes to take advantage of opportunities and to minimize the adverse effects of threats (Appelbaum, 1991). (P)olitics The Philippines is a democratic republic with an elected bicameral legislature, and a multiparty system. Filipinos exercised their right to vote every three years and despite the rumors to the contrary that the current President, Ms. Arroyo would not step down from office; there would be an election next year (US Department of State, 2007). This issue is important for the business sector as the next countrys leader may affect the operations of their organizations. This can influence them due to the reforms the new public officials would take. For SMPH, the results of the upcoming election would greatly affect them because it may affect the stability of the country and may undermine their confidence in their expansion plans. (E)conomics The countrys economic system is mixed economy wherein most of the companies are owned privately; however, government can control when the need for it arises. One of the features of the Philippine economy, it is consumer driven and the sales at the countrys biggest malls have been a gauge of trends in consumer spending. Almost 70% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by consumer spending. Moreover the 30% of this total consumer spending happens inside malls, and two-thirds of this slice of the pie is accounted to SM alone (Balea, 2009). But according to the Fitch Ratings Inc. the countrys GDP is predicted to be at its lowest at 2.5%, which is lower than the 1998 Asian Crisis (Burgonio, 2009). Given this forecast, this can predict how SMPH would perform this year. This economic downturn will most probably affect the company and would be visible in its financial statements. (S)ocial-Cultural One social-cultural factor that affects organizations is the consumer buying behavior. Consumers are the source of profit of the company and that is why they are researching in great detail to learn the buying behavior of their consumers in order to track consumer trends and respond to it. Understanding the purchasing patterns answers what consumers buy, where they buy, how much they buy, when they buy and why they buy (Kotler Armstrong 2007. p. 129). In a recent survey conducted by the global market research firm Synovate, it revealed that during the six month stretch of December 2008 to April 2009, 92% of residents in Metro Manila, which is comprised of all social brackets and where malls are concentrated, have cut their spending, while 61% did less impulsive buying. Moreover 55% said theyve focused on food and other necessities and spent less on recreation as well as luxury items. In short, Filipinos are still spending but they are spending for the cheaper and basic things (Balea, 2009). Although SMPH may not be directly affected by this buyer behavior, this may affect its tenants total sales. Since tenants rental fees are determined through a percentage of their income or through a fixed monthly rent basis, SMPHs total revenue may squeeze (Narciso, 2009). (T)echnology The continuous improvement of technology has dramatically changed every organizations process; for example new marketing channels were introduced like the internet. Here in the country, internet penetration is still low. As of 2008, only 14.6% of the Philippine population is internet users; however it is forecasted to record a 23% growth annually. If this trend continues it will revolutionize the way Filipinos live. A good example of this is e-commerce, wherein markets, which were once unreachable because of distance and costs, are now open through cyberspace (Internet World Stats, 2009). Although e-commerce is still an unfamiliar territory here in the country wherein only 3% in National Urban Philippines made online purchase, it has a strong promise especially in the coming years due to the increasing accessibility of the internet, greater PC penetration and enactment by the government of appropriately strong e-commerce legislation (Internet World Stats, 2009). With this implication SMPH may find a new competitor by means of the so-called e-malls. This can be a serious threat for the company since this brings many advantages to consumers such as convenience, accessibility, interactivity and immediate response. (L)egal The current legal system of the Philippines is based on the 1987 Constitution but there is an on-going movement that is aimed to revise the current system. According to several lawmakers the business sector would be the number one beneficiary of the constitutional change as the proposed amendments include creation of a more efficient and competitive business environment among others (Rubio, 2009). SMPH is highly subjected to this change. If this would push through, all corporate laws may be altered which would affect how the SMPH operates taxes may rise, new labor codes may be enacted, ownership act may be amended. (E)co-Environment The Philippines is a developing company and as a result of this is the degradation of the natural environment. That is why theres environmental legislation and provision that protects welfare of the environment. Hence these should be followed strictly by both the private and public business sectors. For SMPH, this is very much applicable since they are mall developers. They have to be in compliance with the rules and standards or else they would be penalized (Kirk, 1998, p. 83). A particular example of an environmental legislation that should be followed by SMPH is to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) during the conceptualization stage of their expansion plans. Getting an ECC certifies that the project under consideration will not bring about an unacceptable environmental impact and the proponent has complied with all of the environmental legislation preventing and controlling water, air and land pollution. Securing an ECC is important for SMPH because if they fail to do so all their expansion plans will be put on a halt (Kirk, 1998, p. 83). Competition Here in the Philippines, malls have become a huge phenomenon in the country. Most often than not, whether for recreational, dining or shopping purposes, Filipinos go to mall. With this high demand for shopping malls, this translates competition for SMPH and as of now there are three primary players in the shopping mall industry and these are Ayala Land, Robinsons Land and of course SMPH. Although the industry seems attractive with only 2 competitors for SMPH, the rivalry is still high since both Ayala Land and Robinsons Land are also expanding and has its own loyal customers. But an advantage being in the mall operations business is that it has high barriers to entry due to the huge capital needed to start up a mall, to find strategic locations and to attract reputable anchor tenants. With regards to SMPHs stand against its competitors, SMPH, with a 51 year experience under its belt, is still the mall of choice for tenants since they can enjoy heavy consumer traffic with almost 2.5 million foot traffic. This enormous number of SMPHs customers is due to their malls convenience, affordability and diversity, and these translate to high customer power. But theres also threat for substitutes like no-fuss shopping complexes (e.g. Tutuban Centermall, Greenhills) that is becoming a serious peril due to its cheaper prices. Knowledge Management In our daily lives, knowledge is considered as power. Same goes in businesses. But knowledge management is not merely gathering all the data, for it is more involved in processing all these information into a cohesive knowledge. Being efficient with the sourcing, analyzing, dissemination and storage of knowledge can be a source of competitive advantage for a company. With the case of SMPH, knowledge management is essential especially during times of expansion wherein they gather all information demographics of the area, spending capacity, competitive environment level of commercial and retail activities in the surrounding area and distance from other SM malls that will aid them in decision-making (SMPH, 2008). Financial Management The entire worlds economic system depends upon the exchange rate. The currency exchange rates effect global businesses like a thermometer, it measures the health of global economics (JD Files, 2009). Last year the Philippine Peso (php) was one of the worst performing currencies in Asia, closing at 47.52 php to a dollar. This is a 15% decline from the 2007s 41.29 php. (James, 2008) This can affect SMPH, since most of the Overseas Filipino Workers remittances are spent by their beneficiaries in shopping malls, tourism and entertainment. If the peso weakens, it increases the value of dollar remittances and this translates to more OFW beneficiaries spending in their malls. International Market Entry Many companies successfully operate in a niche market without ever expanding into new markets. However, some businesses could achieve increased sales, brand awareness and business stability by entering a new market (My Business, 2009). For instance, the company could review new geographical market to serve and at this time of globalization, many companies try to penetrate the international market as a source of their growth. Relating this to SMPH, the company expanded internationally through an acquisition of three SM shopping malls in China through a share swap agreement. This move allowed SMPH to gain a foothold in Chinas fast-growing economy and use this as a platform for long-term growth outside the Philippines where it is clearly the dominant player in the mall business (SMPH, 2007). Ecology According to Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, ecology means the scientific study of the processes influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions among organisms, and the interactions between organisms and the transformation and flux of energy and matter. (n.d) In other words, ecology is about environmentalism. Today, one of the biggest issues in ecology is the increasing effect of global warming. Global warming as its name suggest is the gradual increase in the temperature here in earth. This is caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollution that is collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the suns heat and causing the planet to warm up (NRDC, 2009). Major sources of CO2 emissions are deforestation and burning of fossil fuels. This global concern is alarming for it may bring about natural disasters that may affect peoples health, bring ecological imbalance, rise in sea levels and change in crop and food supply. Here in the country, the effects of global warming are now being felt. According to World Wide Foundation (WWF), â€Å"The Philippines is extremely vulnerable to the ravages of climate change. Food and freshwater shortages, receding coastlines and an increase in political and economic turmoil are the bleak picture that climate change paints for the country.† (Burgonio, 2007) With these consequences organizations have taken additional measures to respond to these impending catastrophes since they have the leverage to start the change and besides they are also the biggest offenders. In addition to this, various pressure groups, like WWF, are negotiating the companies to adopt energy-efficient saving measures in their operations to help in the global effort to cut CO2 emissions, the leading cause of global warming. (Burgonio, 2007) Ecology and SMPH SM CARES aims to unify and integrate all SMPHs CSR initiatives that are geared towards caring their shoppers and nurturing Mother Earth. Under SM CARES, the company has therefore taken an aggressive stance in protecting the environment through four major initiatives: Solid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Air Quality Efficiency. Below are some of SM CARES programs (SMPH, 2008). SM Cares Activities Solid Waste Management SM Supermalls holds Trash to Cash, a recycling market every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Prime malls in the country. Here, the public can convert their recyclable trash into cash. To date, Trash to Cash has generated over Php10 million in recyclable items and is estimated to have saved nearly 11,000 seven-year-old trees. Mall tenants are also educated on the benefits of waste segregation. As a result, solid waste in the malls garbage depots has been reduced by as much as 20% a month and two tons of garbage per mall is diverted away from landfills every week. Water Conservation Since its inception a few years back, SM Supermalls now saves about 2.4 billion liters of precious water every year through tertiary treatment plants that recycle water for use in the cooling towers of the malls air-conditioning systems, toilet flushing, and landscape irrigation. Add to that, the use of waterless urinals in mens toilets save another 315 million liters of water annually. Energy Efficiency SM malls control their air-conditioning systems through the Focus Enterprise Building Management System. This computerized process closely monitors the building temperature to optimally balance supply versus demand for cool air. As such, mall areas that are full of people are made cooler while those less congested are left a bit warmer. The system saves almost 50 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. All tertiary treatment plants mentioned earlier utilize a device known as a sequential batch reactor that saves up to 500,000 kilowatt hours annually. To reduce the use of light bulbs during the day, the new SM malls are designed to have glass walls and ceilings to light up the mall with sunlight. Lighting has also been replaced from fluorescent to energy efficient bulbs and has saved the malls a considerable amount of kwh annually. SM CARES also avidly supports Earth Hour, an annual global movement that encourages households and establishments to shut down a ll power sources for an hour, thereby heightening awareness for energy conservation. Air Quality Efficiency SM strictly enforces the no-smoking policy inside the malls, and requires all public utility vehicles entering and parking in its mall terminals and depots to present certificates of having passed smoke emission testing. They also encourage the use of bicycles by providing safe parking spaces for them. Green Bags Pioneering efforts to promote eco-shopping in the Philippine retail industry, SM Supermalls recently unveiled the new SM Supermalls Greenbag. The SM Supermalls Greenbag enables shoppers to participate in the global cause to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags. The SM Supermalls Greenbag which is available in all SM malls is made from 100-percent polypropylene (PP) material. It is recyclable, non-toxic, allergy free and nonreactive to human skin. The Greenbags size is equivalent to two regular SM Supermarket shopping bags and has an estimated life span of two years. It is very light, handy and can be folded into a small pack. The SM Supermalls Greenbag comes in four exclusive designs by world-renowned artist Manuel Baldemor, turning this utility item into a prized art piece. Another contribution of SMPH to ecology is through green architecture. Early this year SMPH unveiled their first mall to turn â€Å"green†, the SM North EDSA via the Sky Garden. It uses roof gardens that help in neutralizing global warming for roof gardens are known to reduce the effects of ‘urban heat islands and are energy efficient that cut down up to 20% air-conditioning costs. It also catches rainwater, which will be released into a storm water infrastructure that is subsequently recycled for landscaping and car park maintenance. Lastly roof gardens also lessen the plumbing design and systems expenditure. With all of these green features, the Sky Garden is an example of how a large-scale property developer can contribute to the improvement of the environment (The Philippine Star, 2009). Policies and Decision Making Since SMPH is a mall developer, ecological factors like global warming are always part of their discussion. As a matter fact preserving the environment is part of SMPHs objectives and that is to ensure environmental sustainability through various programs on energy, water and air conservation. For them more than just complying with the legal standards (e.g. environment legislation), they also have the responsibility to the community since their company is in the position to make a difference (SMPH, 2008). The management regularly holds meetings to discuss their effect to the environment as well as to discuss the effectiveness of their programs and their up-and-coming activities. One situation wherein SMPH considers the environment in their decision-making is every time they expand and open new malls. During the conceptualization stage, SMPH constantly explores breakthrough architectural models for its malls that are environment-friendly. The Sky Garden at SM City North EDSA, which is a first in the Philippines, is a noteworthy showcase of the companys innovative thinking. Utilizing the latest in green architecture, the Sky Garden brings their customers closer to nature and at the same time contributes to environmental conservation (The Philippine Star, 2009). To stress even more SMPHs integration of ecology in its company, they held a conference on Sustainability, Energy, and Green Design Initiatives. The conference was aimed at providing a fresh view on how green design initiatives can influence sustainability and promote environmental preservation. Some of the countrys seasoned architects and engineers shared their views on the subject with SMs executives to bring more awareness on how these timely subjects can impact their mall operations (Manila Bulletin, 2008). Through this conference, the management reassessed its policies concerning the environment and recognized the link between a healthy economy and a healthy ecology. Evaluation and Recommendation With all these initiatives on responding to the ecological issues, it seems that SMPH is reacting well but actually they are kind of late already. Their competitor, Ayala Malls, has been the pioneer to this trend and is successful in incorporating ecology programs in their system. Ayala Malls was the first to retrofit the existing structure of their malls to a more eco-friendly one. Furthermore all of their malls show a close-to-nature effect; in contrast to SMPH wherein most of their malls look like a concrete jungle. As a recommendation, SMPH may restructure all of their malls. But this could be done little by little so it will not interrupt the malls activities. Another precaution is that this can be very costly but if SMPH is really determined to be environment-friendly in all their malls this is the best means to show it. An alternative method is to put more in-door plants and garden to make their malls at least appear as eco-friendly. Another first by Ayala Malls is their integration with its mall tenants by means of â€Å"Greenology† that bolsters the malls environment awareness campaign. Through Greenology, Ayala Malls mark the trend of being an eco-friendly and eco-chic establishment by showcasing remarkable events that aims to capture the hearts of concerned mall patrons and environmentalists (Ayala Land, 2008). Although SMPH also has their own mall-wide activities such as Trash to Cash and their Green bag, they do not have monthly activities like the Ayala Malls. In addition to this their tenants do not actively participate as much as those in the Ayala Malls. A likely proposal for SMPH is to create an earth-friendly philosophy encompassing all mall activities that are related to conservation of the environment. Then make an apt title to it so that it will create awareness to the people, like the Ayala Malls Greenology. SMPH should also communicate to its tenants to support and participate in the activities. Together they can brainstorm and come up with ideas that are appropriate with the objective. For example, every month all the mall tenants would feature a product that would help in preserving the environment or are made with environment-friendly materials. But the good news for SMPH is that even though they are not proactive in responding to ecological factors, what matters most is that they are trying to keep up and do all their best to preserve the environment. All of their programs are actually well-thought of and practical. Their advocacies for Solid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Air Quality Efficiency are properly executed. As a matter of fact, SMPH has received some accolades for these activities including an Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency and Conservation from Don Emilio Abello Awards for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices for Buildings (SMI, 2008). However with all of these good strategies what is lacking to SMPH is publicity. They do not create so much buzz about their environmental concern and activities that makes the public think that they are not doing anything for the sake of the environment. That is why Ayala Malls remains to be the top of mind of the customers when it comes to being eco-friendly mall. To counter this SMPH should make use of public relations to show their plans in connection to greener lifestyle. They should utilize the different kinds of media to create awareness that they are good corporate citizen. Also they can sponsor events such as the yearly celebration of Earth Day to show their support for nature as well as to use this event to promote the earth-friendly facilities of their mall. All in all, SMPH has been sound with all its action plans towards the emerging environmental awareness and it would probably have a 65% marking since theres still a room for improvement. Conclusion Through the years, SM malls has become synonymous to the phrase one-stop shopping. You can ask any Filipino about what mall comes first into their minds and without batting an eyelash, they will respond and say SM. This is how great the impact SM has to the Filipinos. It is more than just the shopping, dining or entertainment experience it is part of the culture already. But before SM became an icon in the country, it started like any other rags to riches story. Its success can be traced back to its founder, Mr. Henry Sy. Even at his age, Mr. Sy is still very hands-on with the business. The countrys shopping mall magnate is a contrarian who not only survived but prospered after every political and economic crisis in the last five decades. This is because he studies the environment very well and handles every downturn as a challenge to seek new opportunities. These work ethics of Mr. Sy is visible in the company and are the main drivers for the continuous achievement of SM. (Tan-Co, 2001) Also contributing to the accomplishment of SM Group is its response to ecology. Although it is still lagging behind its competitors, SMPH is doing its share to conserve Mother Nature. They have opened their first green mall and have conducted various activities to counter their enormous carbon footprint. All these efforts towards being environment-friendly, shows the commitment of SMPH to be the mall of choice that cares to preserve the nature.