Human Nature in the Destructors Essay

Graham Greene had summarized the conflicts in a society through a representation of teenage children during the post-war era, in his famous short story, â€Å"The Destructors†. The setting of the story happened in blitzkrieg London after World War II ended. The characters are mainly teenage boys who had established a gang known as Wormsley Common gang. Their group religiously meets everyday beside the house of Mr. Thomas or Old Misery. The decision of the gang was made through voting. T or Trevor, the main character in the story, suggested that the gang should demolish Mr. Thomas’ house on the upcoming holiday. Mr. Thomas was an old man, who lived in a house that solely stand on an area that was bombed during the war. The group agreed and commenced their plan under the leadership of T. the story ended with the destruction of the house. The story reflects action and adventure, since the gang would do things that can be considered as daring, especially for their age. The story also has a mix of suspense, especially on the last part wherein Mr. Thomas had gone back home earlier than expected. Nevertheless, the short story is not merely a fiction made to entertain its readers rather, it reflects the factual realities observable during the period it pertains such as delinquency, war and human nature. This essay would analyze the story in connection to the delinquency and war which reveals human nature. Human nature would be discussed as something that is subjective and relative to the perspective and position of the individual in the society where he belongs. The story revolves around the actions of the Wormsley Common gang. As mentioned above, the group was predominantly young teenage boys. Every day they will engage themselves with folly, childish acts. As children going through the transition to adulthood, they are trying to find their own identity through joining groups. They express their authority or control over their decision through delinquent acts; such as sneaking free bus rides. One of the things that separate man from the rest of the living organisms in the planet was his capacity to control things. It is a part of being a human to seek dominance. The several instances of delinquency in the short story prove this point. The most prominent was the destruction of Mr. Thomas’ house. However, if all humans would try to dominate each other, chaos would result. Therefore laws are created in societies that seek to control human actions. In the story, Mike –the most childish character, was usually noisy or has a childlike attitude of opening his mouth when he heard something interesting or unbelievable. This behavior was controlled in the gang through the unwritten rule that a frog would be put down inside the mouth of noisy or open-mouthed members. The story also shows that humans have the capacity to choose or decide. Blackie could leave the group but he did not. He can express his disagreement but he chose to remain silent. Humans are naturally born with the ability to weigh circumstances with respect to situations. Man can choose whether to be good or evil. Most of Greene’s writings reflect the good and the evil side of man. The ethical weight of the action depends on the perspective used to judge the action. Breaking into someone else’s house is impolite and evil as rendered by the society, or at least by the society of London. However, in the perspective of the group, it is an expression of pride, dignity and courage. Mr. Thomas served as the representation of the adults during the period; he does not care what the children would do as long as their actions would not bother him. When he gave the boys some chocolates, the gang discussed and argued about why Mr. Thomas would give them something. The gang decided that it was a bribe. Mr. Thomas had accommodated T when he visited him. He even let him tour the house and explained the things he can’t understand. Nonetheless, it was T who had suggested the plan to destroy the house. Mr. Thomas had trusted T, at the end T locked him up. This illustrates the younger generation’s distrust to the adults. Why? Because it was the adults’ decisions, neglect and actions that led to their destitution. When they took everything away from Mr. Thomas, they left him as vulnerable and helpless as a child. They gave him some foods and a blanket to keep him comfortable as he waited for someone to open the door. When the door finally opened, he was amazed to find that the house he cherished was now only a pile of bricks and rubbles. The concepts of delinquency and war revealed that human nature is also subjective to individuals and relative to societies. As illustrated above, humans tend to judge an action from their own perspective. The living conditions and previous events shaped these perspectives. The distant atmosphere that surrounds T was caused by the events that led to their poverty. The childish acts of Mike were due to his young age. The just attitude displayed by Blackie when he opposed taking away things from Mr. Thomas’ house reflects that he was against theft. The humans’ ability to reason gave him the ability to judge. The fact that Blackie stole or got the hacksaw without permission showed a changed in perspective regarding right and wrong. The things that the society or the organization accepts were the right things while those that the society blames were wrong. Human nature was normally branded as either good or bad, depending on the human actions which were either right or wrong. Human nature, as can be reflected on the story was neither good nor evil. Someone perceived as evil by one person might be considered as good by another. People can be persuaded that humans are naturally good. If the society was not perverted, humans would not result to perverted actions. Humans can also be seen as naturally evil and the existence of laws can be justified as a means to prevent them from explicitly doing evil and promote harmony and security in the society. Like every human being, the characters in the story longs for a recognition. Humans would naturally form groups to be able to defend themselves and justify their actions through rules and laws. The gang would decide according to votes which gave everyone a chance to express himself. The conclusion of the votes determines the gang’s action. Whether it was mischief or simply a childish act, if the majority of gang agreed that it should be done, then it would be done. Everyone would do their best to achieve the set-goal. The story also highlights the fact that it is a human nature not to try the things that pains causes pain. For example, Mr. Thomas went home earlier than expected because of his rheumatism. Likewise, when Summers (one of the gang members) complained that they already done â€Å"enough†, T told him that he should not complain because he along with the others had voted in favor of the plan. It was natural for humans to do things that they like and stop doings things that they hate. Humans would naturally move away from something painful or uncomfortable while humans would naturally move towards the things that give them fun and comfort. The sense of belongingness and the various activities that the members of the gang experienced whenever they do an offending act reflect their adherence to the things that do not cause them pain. Humans would logically want the things that please or made them comfortable. Each member of the gang needs one another to get a sense of belongingness and create an identity. When Blackie asked T whether he hated Mr. Thomas, he perceived that T’s actions and decisions were out of personal interest. Mr. Thomas gave them chocolate to get rid of it. The driver looked help Mr. Thomas out of curiosity. Mike went to the house instead of the church, not simply to help but to be accepted and regarded as important. Blackie did not leave the gang because he wanted to take part on its success and glory. Common to all humans was their capacity to decide, contemplate and judge depending on their personal interest. Humans see things depending on how they perceived them. Every individual portrayed in the story would act according to their selfish interest. Humans were judge according to convention and thus, they act with respect to those conventions. The destruction of the house represents the power to destroy. Since the beginning of time, humans aspire for power and authority. Both of these gave humans the capacity to control things with respect to how he wanted things to be. The idea of destroying the house made T a leader. The actual destruction confirmed his authority. On the other hand, the destruction of the house undermines the power of Mr. Thomas. The greater society also works the same way. It was a power struggle to stay on the top. The destructors were the winners while the destructed was the loser. Good and evil depends on the position and situation of the person in between this spectrum. Good makes the person happy while evil gives him pain. Good benefits while evil takes away or weaken a person.

The Host Chapter 35: Tried

I groaned. My head felt all swirly and disconnected. My stomach rolled nauseatingly. â€Å"Finally,† someone murmured in relief. Ian. Of course. â€Å"Hungry?† I thought about that and then made an involuntary gagging sound. â€Å"Oh. Never mind. Sorry. Again. We had to do it. People got all†¦ paranoid when we took you outside.† â€Å"‘S okay,† I sighed. â€Å"Want some water?† â€Å"No.† I opened my eyes, trying to focus in the darkness. I could see two stars through the cracks overhead. Still night. Or night again, who knew? â€Å"Where am I?† I asked. The shapes of the cracks were unfamiliar. I would swear I'd never stared at this ceiling before. â€Å"Your room,† Ian said. I searched for his face in the darkness but could only make out the black shape that was his head. With my fingers, I examined the surface I lay on; it was a real mattress. There was a pillow under my head. My searching hand touched his, and he caught my fingers before I could withdraw them. â€Å"Whose room is it really?† â€Å"Yours.† â€Å"Ian†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It used to be ours-Kyle's and mine. Kyle's being†¦ held in the hospital wing until things can be decided. I can move in with Wes.† â€Å"I'm not taking your room. And what do you mean, until things can be decided?† â€Å"I told you there would be a tribunal.† â€Å"When?† â€Å"Why do you want to know?† â€Å"Because if you're going through with that, then I have to be there. To explain.† â€Å"To lie.† â€Å"When?† I asked again. â€Å"First light. I won't take you.† â€Å"Then I'll take myself. I know I'll be able to walk as soon as my head stops spinning.† â€Å"You would, wouldn't you?† â€Å"Yes. It's not fair if you don't let me speak.† Ian sighed. He dropped my hand and straightened slowly to his feet. I could hear his joints pop as he stood. How long had he been sitting in the dark, waiting for me to wake? â€Å"I'll be back soon. You might not be hungry, but I'm starving.† â€Å"You had a long night.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"If it gets light, I won't sit here waiting for you.† He chuckled without humor. â€Å"I'm sure that's true. So I'll be back before that, and I will help you get where you're going.† He leaned one of the doors away from the entrance to his cave, stepped around it, and then let it fall back into place. I frowned. That might be hard to do on one leg. I hoped Ian truly was coming back. While I waited for him, I stared up at the two stars I could see and let my head slowly become stationary. I really didn't like human drugs. Ugh. My body hurt, but the lurching in my head was worse. Time passed slowly, but I didn't fall asleep. I'd been sleeping most of the last twenty-four hours. I probably was hungry, too. I would have to wait for my stomach to calm before I was sure. Ian came back before the light, just as he'd promised. â€Å"Feeling any better?† he asked as he stepped around the door. â€Å"I think so. I haven't moved my head yet.† â€Å"Do you think it's you reacting to the morphine, or Melanie's body?† â€Å"It's Mel. She reacts badly to most painkillers. She found that out when she broke her wrist ten years ago.† He thought about that for a moment. â€Å"It's†¦ odd. Dealing with two people at once.† â€Å"Odd,† I agreed. â€Å"Are you hungry yet?† I smiled. â€Å"I thought I smelled bread. Yes, I think my stomach is past the worst.† â€Å"I was hoping you'd say that.† His shadow sprawled out beside me. He felt for my hand, then pulled my fingers open and placed a familiar round shape in it. â€Å"Help me up?† I asked. He put his arm carefully around my shoulders and folded me up in one stiff piece, minimizing the ache in my side. I could feel something foreign on the skin there, tight and rigid. â€Å"Thanks,† I said, a little breathless. My head spun slowly. I touched my side with my free hand. Something adhered to my skin, under my shirt. â€Å"Are my ribs broken, then?† â€Å"Doc's not sure. He's doing as much as he can.† â€Å"He tries so hard.† â€Å"He does.† â€Å"I feel bad†¦ that I used to not like him,† I admitted. Ian laughed. â€Å"Of course you didn't. I'm amazed you can like any of us.† â€Å"You've got that turned around,† I mumbled, and dug my teeth into the hard roll. I chewed mechanically and then swallowed, setting the bread down as I waited to see how it hit my stomach. â€Å"Not very appetizing, I know,† Ian said. I shrugged. â€Å"Just testing-to see if the nausea's really passed.† â€Å"Maybe something more appealing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked at him, curious, but I couldn't see his face. I listened to a sharp crackle and a ripping sound†¦ and then I could smell, and I understood. â€Å"Cheetos!† I cried. â€Å"Really? For me?† Something touched my lip, and I crunched into the delicacy he offered. â€Å"I've been dreaming about this.† I sighed as I chewed. That made him laugh. He put the bag in my hands. I downed the contents of the small bag quickly, and then finished my roll, seasoned by the cheese flavor still in my mouth. He handed me a bottle of water before I could ask. â€Å"Thank you. For more than the Cheetos, you know. For so much.† â€Å"You're more than welcome, Wanda.† I stared into his dark blue eyes, trying to decipher everything he was saying with that sentence-there seemed to be something more than just courtesy in the words. And then I realized that I could see the color of Ian's eyes; I glanced quickly up at the cracks above. The stars were gone, and the sky was turning pale gray. Dawn was coming. First light. â€Å"Are you sure you have to do this?† Ian asked, his hands already half-extended as if to pick me up. I nodded. â€Å"You don't have to carry me. My leg feels better.† â€Å"We'll see.† He helped me to my feet, leaving his arm around my waist and pulling my arm around his neck. â€Å"Careful, now. How's that?† I hobbled forward a step. It hurt, but I could do it. â€Å"Great. Let's go.† I think Ian likes you too much. Too much? I was surprised to hear from Melanie, and so distinctly. Lately, she only spoke up like this when Jared was around. I'm here, too. Does he even care about that? Of course he does. He believes us more than anyone besides Jamie and Jeb. I don't mean that. What do you mean? But she was gone. It took us a long time. I was surprised by how far we had to go. I'd been thinking we were going to the big plaza or the kitchen-the usual places for congregating. But we went through the eastern field and kept going until we finally reached the big, deep black cave that Jeb had called the game room. I hadn't been here since my first tour. The biting scent of the sulfurous spring greeted me. Unlike most of the caverns here, the game room was much wider than it was tall. I could see that now because the dim blue lights hung from the ceiling rather than resting on the floor. The ceiling was only a few feet over my head, the height of a normal ceiling in a house. But I couldn't even see the walls, they were so distant from the lights. I couldn't see the smelly spring, tucked away in some far corner, but I could hear it dribble and gush. Kyle sat in the brightest spot of light. He had his long arms wrapped around his legs. His face was set in a stiff mask. He didn't look up when Ian helped me limp in. On either side of him were Jared and Doc, on their feet, both with their arms hanging loose and ready at their sides. As though they were†¦ guards. Jeb stood beside Jared, his gun slung over one shoulder. He appeared relaxed, but I knew how quickly that could change. Jamie held his free hand†¦ no, Jeb had his hand around Jamie's wrist, and Jamie didn't seem happy about it. When he saw me come in, though, he smiled and waved. He took a deep breath and looked pointedly at Jeb. Jeb dropped Jamie's wrist. Sharon stood beside Doc, with Aunt Maggie at her other side. Ian pulled me toward the edge of the darkness surrounding the tableau. We weren't alone there. I could see the shapes of many others, but not their faces. It was strange; through the caves, Ian had supported most of my weight with ease. Now, though, he seemed to have tired. His arm around my waist was slack. I lurched and hopped forward as best I could until he picked the spot he wanted. He settled me to the floor, and then sat beside me. â€Å"Ouch,† I heard someone whisper. I turned and could just make out Trudy. She scooted closer to us, Geoffrey and then Heath copying her. â€Å"You look rotten,† she told me. â€Å"How bad are you hurt?† I shrugged. â€Å"I'm fine.† I started to wonder if Ian had let me struggle just to make a show of my injuries-to make me testify against Kyle without words. I frowned at his innocent expression. Wes and Lily arrived then and came to sit with my little group of allies. Brandt entered a few seconds later, and then Heidi, and then Andy and Paige. Aaron was last. â€Å"That's everybody,† he said. â€Å"Lucina's staying with her kids. She doesn't want them here-she said to go on without her.† Aaron sat beside Andy, and there was a short moment of silence. â€Å"Okay, then,† Jeb said in a loud voice meant to be heard by all. â€Å"Here's how it's gonna work. Straight-up majority vote. As usual, I'll make my own decision if I have a problem with the majority, 'cause this -â€Å" â€Å"Is my house,† several voices interjected in chorus. Someone chuckled but stopped quickly. This wasn't funny. A human was on trial for trying to kill an alien. This had to be a horrible day for all of them. â€Å"Who's speaking against Kyle?† Jeb asked. Ian started to stand beside me. â€Å"No!† I whispered, tugging on his elbow. He shrugged me off and rose to his feet. â€Å"This is simple enough,† Ian said. I wanted to jump up and clap my hand over his mouth, but I didn't think I could get to my feet without help. â€Å"My brother was warned. He was not in any doubt about Jeb's ruling on this. Wanda is one of our community-the same rules and protections apply to her as to any of us. Jeb told Kyle point-blank that if he couldn't live with her here, he should move on. Kyle decided to stay. He knew then and he knows now the penalty for murder in this place.† â€Å"It's still alive,† Kyle grunted. â€Å"Which is why I'm not asking for your death,† Ian snapped back. â€Å"But you can't live here anymore. Not if you're a murderer at heart.† Ian stared at his brother for a moment, then sat on the ground beside me again. â€Å"But he could get caught, and we'd have no idea,† Brandt protested, rising to his feet. â€Å"He'll lead them back here, and we'd have no warning.† There was a murmur through the room. Kyle glared at Brandt. â€Å"They'll never get me alive.† â€Å"Then it's a death sentence after all,† someone muttered at the same time that Andy said, â€Å"You can't guarantee that.† â€Å"One at a time,† Jeb warned. â€Å"I've survived on the outside before,† Kyle said angrily. Another voice came from the darkness. â€Å"It's a risk.† I couldn't make out the owners of the voices-they were just hissing whispers. And another. â€Å"What did Kyle do wrong? Nothing.† Jeb took a step toward the voice, glowering. â€Å"My rules.† â€Å"She's not one of us,† someone else protested. Ian started to rise again. â€Å"Hey!† Jared exploded. His voice was so loud that everyone jumped. â€Å"Wanda's not on trial here! Does someone have a concrete complaint against her-against Wanda herself? Then ask for another tribunal. But we all know she hasn't harmed anyone here. In fact, she saved his life.† He stabbed one finger toward Kyle's back. Kyle's shoulders hunched, like he'd felt the jab. â€Å"Just seconds after he tried to throw her into the river, she risked her life to keep him from the same painful death. She had to know that if she let him fall she would be safer here. She saved him anyway. Would any of you have done the same-rescue your enemy? He tried to kill her, and yet will she even speak against him?† I felt all the eyes in the dark room on my face as Jared now held his hand out, palm up, toward me. â€Å"Will you speak against him, Wanda?† I stared at him wide-eyed, stunned that he was speaking for me, that he was speaking to me, that he was using my name. Melanie was in shock, too, torn in half. She was overjoyed at the kindness in his face as he looked at us, the softness in his eyes that had been absent so long. But it was my name he'd said†¦ It was a few seconds before I could find my voice. â€Å"This is all a misunderstanding,† I whispered. â€Å"We both fell when the floor caved in. Nothing else happened.† I hoped the whisper would make it harder to hear the lie in my voice, but as soon as I was done, Ian chuckled. I nudged him with my elbow, but that didn't stop him. Jared actually smiled at me. â€Å"You see. She even tries to lie in his defense.† â€Å"Tries being the operative word,† Ian added. â€Å"Who says it's lying? Who can prove that?† Maggie asked harshly, stepping forward into the empty space beside Kyle. â€Å"Who can prove that it's not the truth that sounds so false on its lips?† â€Å"Mag -† Jeb started. â€Å"Shut up, Jebediah-I'm speaking. There is no reason for us to be here. No human was attacked. The insidious trespasser offers no complaint. This is a waste of all our time.† â€Å"I second that,† Sharon added in a clear, loud voice. Doc shot her a pained look. Trudy jumped to her feet. â€Å"We can't house a murderer-and just wait around for him to be successful!† â€Å"Murder is a subjective term,† Maggie hissed. â€Å"I only consider it murder when something human is killed.† I felt Ian's arm wrap around my shoulder. I didn't realize that I was trembling until his motionless body was against mine. â€Å"Human is a subjective term as well, Magnolia,† Jared said, glowering at her. â€Å"I thought the definition embraced some compassion, some little bit of mercy.† â€Å"Let's vote,† Sharon said before her mother could answer him. â€Å"Raise your hand if you think Kyle should be allowed to stay here, with no penalty for the†¦ misunderstanding.† She shot a glance not at me, but at Ian beside me when she used the word I'd used. Hands began to rise. I watched Jared's face as his features settled into a scowl. I struggled to raise my hand, but Ian tightened his hold around my arms and made an irritated noise through his nose. I held my palm as high as I could get it. In the end, though, my vote wasn't necessary. Jeb counted out loud. â€Å"Ten†¦ fifteen†¦ twenty†¦ twenty-three. Okay, that's a clear majority.† I didn't look around to see who had voted how. It was enough that in my little corner all arms were crossed tightly over chests and all eyes stared at Jeb with expectant expressions. Jamie walked away from Jeb to come squeeze in between Trudy and me. He put his arm around me, under Ian's. â€Å"Maybe your souls were right about us,† he said, loud enough for most to hear his high, hard voice. â€Å"The majority are no better than -â€Å" â€Å"Hush!† I hissed at him. â€Å"Okay,† Jeb said. Everyone went silent. Jeb looked down at Kyle, then at me, and then at Jared. â€Å"Okay, I'm inclined to go with the majority on this.† â€Å"Jeb -† Jared and Ian said simultaneously. â€Å"My house, my rules,† Jeb reminded them. â€Å"Never forget that. So you listen to me, Kyle. And you'd better listen, too, I think, Magnolia. Anyone who tries to hurt Wanda again will not get a tribunal, they will get a burial.† He slapped the butt of his gun for emphasis. I flinched. Magnolia glared hatefully at her brother. Kyle nodded, as if accepting the terms. Jeb looked around the unevenly spaced audience, locking eyes with each member except the little group beside me. â€Å"Tribunal's over,† Jeb announced. â€Å"Who's up for a game?†

Skills Required to Work as a Deputy Events Manager Essay

Skills Required to Work as a Deputy Events Manager - Essay Example Thus, while the academic qualifications serves to indicate that the individual has sufficient knowledge on the field they are to work, the industrial perspective seeks the expertise that the individual has gained while working in that industry. Thus, to work as a Deputy Events Manager, there are some qualifications and skills deemed necessary. These skills include: The possession of excellent communication skills is one of the relevant qualifications for this post. Without communication, nothing can progress, since it is out of communication that the customer, organization and employee needs can be identified and effectively addressed (Armstrong, 1989 p188). A well developed and all round individual is desired for this position, where writing as well as verbal communication is useful. Verbal communication is more of how you pass the relevant information to others, than it is what you say. Considering that one of the roles that the individual has to play after being hired is to develo p audience growth through marketing and promotional activities, then, excellent communication becomes inevitable. ... This will enhance the ability of the manager to oversee the writing and design of the promotional materials (Hall, 2003 p167). The inability of such a potential employee to connect well with the organization members or his inability to coordinate the development of relevant promotional material due to lack of relevant communication skills would mean the downfall of the organization. Even though technology has played a greater role in assisting individuals to communicate through the provisions of various communication platforms, it does not erode the fact that an individual’s communication skills is a key to enhancing teamwork and cooperation within an organization (Bill, 2011 p28). Lack of such skills is detrimental to the organization in that, the manager may fail to offer suitable leadership to his subordinates, by failing to communicate effectively, on the roles they are supposed to undertake. This further undermines the execution of duties by the subordinate employees, res ulting to chaos and underperformances. Without sufficient communication skills, the individual may not be able to resolve conflicts, both between the subordinates or the organization members, which is a very vital aspect of leadership (Jonathan, 2010 p13). Thus, the possession of these skills is not an option for the prospective event manager. Employee focus and customer service skills are relevant for the prospective occupier of this office. The ability of the individual to connect and entertain the customers of this organization is a skill that the individual suitable for this position cannot do without, anyway. Customers are the most important focus for any business or organization, in that, without customers, then, an organization has no business being in existence (Budd, 2004 p33). The

Argumentative Writing about Apocalypse Now and the Vietnam Conflict Essay

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NGO Strategy - Case Study Example The paper also looks into the characteristics of the organisation strategies with respect to the different stakeholders including the public sector. Finally, the paper discusses the weaknesses of the strategy. 1.1 Overview of Company in Question -Dell Computers At the dawn of the 21st century CSR began to gain world wide rapid importance and Dell Computers was amongst the first companies to add CSR into its business philosophy. Dell company was the second largest PC company in 2007 (Dell Company Review 2007). This was thanks to its inbuilt advantage of lower cost and highly efficient supply chain management technology (Dell Company Review 2007). Dell Company is the premier computer system provider worldwide with it highly customized products. However, today competitors are emulating Dell strategy through mass production and just in time production methods. According to the company 2007 annual report, the company currently employs more than 88000 people worldwide. As a multinational technological company, it activities are diverse. It currently sells personal computers, computers related products, servers. Data storage devices, network switches, soft wares and computers (Dell 2007 Company Review). No wonder, the Fortune 500 magazine ranked Dell Computers Corporation 8th on its annual list of most admired companies in the United States. The table below extracted from the company webpage provides a brief summary of its market structure. Items Value in Billion of $ Market Capitalisation 45.09 Revenue 61.133 Total Assets 27.561 Total equity 3735 Employees 82700 The next section discusses Dell strategy with respect to the public sector. 1.2 Company Strategy to the Public Sector Porter (1980) contends... The paper talks about the history and strategy of the Company. According to the report Dell Computers business strategy and philosophy is characterized with the Corporate Social Responsibility philosophy (CSR). In recent years, CSR has been subjected to much debate and criticism. Proponents of CSR argue that there is a strong business case for CSR, â€Å"in that corporations benefit in multiple ways by operating with a perspective broader and longer than their own immediate, short-term profits†. Dell Computers corporate strategy is characterized with CSR requirements, an organisation must assess its organisational strengths and weaknesses, as well as its environmental threats and opportunities, which will enable it choose among alternative courses of action. In the paper we can find strength and weaknesses of these strategies. From the foregoing discussion, one can conclude that major stakeholders of an organisation have increased their concern on how the activities of the organisation affect the social and environmental setting in which they operate. Organizational strategies in order to be successful must be coined and defined within the expectations of different stakeholders. As a result there has been an increase in the requirements from companies. Such an approach will go a long way to improve the competitive position and long-term performance of the company. No wonder, companies like Dell has incorporated this in their mission and vision statements.

Organizations and group behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organizations and group behavior - Essay Example In accordance with the issues discussed in the paper the increase of competition in all industries has led organizations to search for strategies, which can help them to develop a competitive advantage towards their rivals. In order to identify the key elements of group behavior it should be necessary to understand primarily the characteristics of a group, as part of the organizational life. In accordance with Martin within organizations, different forms of group can be identified: a) individuals working on similar organizational activities may not constitute a group; for example, the lecture staff in the same department of a particular university may not meet or cooperate; these individuals cannot be characterized as a group, b) the sub-sections of certain organizational departments are often parts of formal organizational units and they are likely to help towards the completion of organizational tasks of low importance, c) informal groups within organizations are common for promoti ng specific organizational tasks or ideas; for instance, the case of ‘friendship groupings and task-depended networks’, d) groups related to a particular organizational project can be developed within an organization; these groups, formal or informal, are not permanent, as for example ‘a project group working on the building of a new oil refinery’, e) formal and informal groups can be developed within organizations for completed a particular organizational task; these groups are ‘transient’, as for example a formal group working on the reduction of the organization’s travel expenses by 10%.... within an organization; these groups, formal or informal, are not permanent (Martin 232), as for example ‘a project group working on the building of a new oil refinery’ (Martin 232), e) formal and informal groups can be developed within organizations for completed a particular organizational task; these groups are ‘transient’ (Martin 232), as for example a formal group working on the reduction of the organization’s travel expenses by 10% (Martin 232). The development of group activities within modern organizations has been often related to the trend of firms to imitate the strategies of their rivals (Griffin and Moorhead 2011). In the study of Griffin and Moorhead (2011) reference is made to the risks that such strategy can hide mostly because of the following fact: the use of teams for promoting organizational plans can be beneficial for organizations but the costs involved can be also significant. The case of Ampex is mentioned as an example of the benefits of team development within modern organization: in Ampex, the involvement of teams in organizational activities led to the increase of ‘online customer delivery by 98%) (Griffin and Moorhead 272). In Texas Instruments, the use of teams for developing the daily organizational tasks resulted to the reduction of organizational costs for about 50% (Griffin and Moorhead 272). Also, in Eastman, the development of teams across the organization supported the increase of organizational performance at significant levels; the productivity of the organization was increased for about 70%, a result which was directly related to the involvement of teams in all organizational projects (Griffin and Moorhead 272). In accordance with the above findings, the role of group in the development of organizational performance,

DP-2 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

DP-2 - Coursework Example During the next few days I would reiterate my opinion that according to the video I saw and my view the police definitely used excessive force and fired unnecessarily when the suspect was attempting to flee. It did not appear he had a weapon and at no time faced the Officers as if to threaten them. 3. I observed the police cars stop at which time the suspect was shown running away from the Officers with what appeared to be his pants in a low position, the Officer then began firing on the suspect as his back was turned and he was attempting to flee. 1. After a short chase by the police Officers the suspect appears to stop in front of a store front at which time Officer’s attempt to manually subdue him without weapons and he is resistant and continues to struggle to escape. Two officers were unable to bring him down and it looked as though he may have pointed a weapon with the position of his arms. When he continued to not stop for the Officers shots were fired at him. The suspect at one point faced his arms and hands towards the Officers as if he may have had a weapon that he intended to use, this was the look of the stance he assumed in the video, at this time shots were fired. 2. To allegations of police conduct I would have to say that it could not be immediately determined because it looked from this view that it is possible the suspect had a weapon and actually pointed towards the officers with the position and stance he took during the altercation. He also turned to face them once more with arms as though in a position that may have been going to use a weapon before he was fired upon. 3. In testifying before a grand jury my statement would be similar, from my view it was impossible to tell for certain if the suspect had a weapon and that from my view point it looked as though this was possible as he also turned towards the Officers with arms out towards them as though he may be a threat and assuming the stance of using a weapon. Officer’s initially

Judith Thomsons Responsibility Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Judith Thomsons Responsibility Argument - Essay Example That is why in the course of the years, both sides of the discussion tried to come up with convincing argument. This paper ill describe and then critically analyze one of the ideas that was developed by Judith Thomson who supports abortion. In the course of the defense, the author comes up with several analogies which are supposed to be projected on the issue of abortion and convince the people that the latter is permissible. One of such analogues deals with the imaginary people-seeds. According to the author, there is world where the latter are floating in the air freely and are able to root in one’s furniture. One is able to take special precautions not to let them happen by installing special screens that would keep this pollen away. However, just like any material object, the screens might be defective and people-seeds might eventually end up in the house and root in the furniture. There is no doubt that the parallel between this thought experiment and conception is straightforward. The author goes further, claiming that there are certain rights that can be identified in this situation. First of all, the people-seeds do not have a legitimate right to dwell in the apartment of the person. The latter does not want to have children and the fact that the seeds were able to get it is nothing, but a coincidence. In addition to that, this person has an absolute right to get rid of the people-seeds since the latter are not welcome in the house. As one can clearly see this is a clear allusion to abortion. What is more important is that one can also name several duties that people have with regard to the question above. First of all, it is their duty to use means of protection that are available, primarily the above mentioned screens. The author suggests that there might be more extreme ways to make sure that people-seeds would not take a root as getting rid of all the furniture in the house (perform hysterectomy) or seal all doors and windows (never

Introduction to Personality Paper Essay Example for Free

Introduction to Personality Paper Essay This paper will discuss and explain the influences that contribute to personality development. The following paragraphs will include information that examines theoretical approach that is used to study personality development. This paper will also analyze the many different types of environmental and biological factors that play a role in personality development. But first we must know what personality is. As many theorist have tried so hard to define over the years there still is no one answer that everyone can agree on. So what exactly is personality? Although no single definition is acceptable to all personality theorists, we can say that personality is a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency and individuality to a person’s behavior. Traits contribute to individual differences in behavior, consistency of behavior over time, and stability of behavior across situations. Traits may be unique, common to some group, or shared by the entire species, but their pattern is different for each individual. Thus each person, though like others in some ways, has a unique personality. Characteristics are unique qualities of an individual that include such attributes as temperament, physique, and intelligence (Feist, J., Feist, G. J.2009). So basically personality consists of set of characteristics that manifest into certain behaviors that a person may ordinarily display. Factors that Influence Personality The following paragraphs will include information on the wide variety of environmental and biological influences that contribute to the development of a person’s unique personality. Some argue that heredity plays a significant role in how personality types are developed. Some say that perception is the main influence on personality development. The role of perception and cognitive development plays a significant role in how a young child views themselves in the world. Some children that come from broken homes see the world in a different light because their home life is unstable in some way making them feel insecure about themselves and the people around them. For example, If an impressionable child is constantly told they are stupid or bad then it may become a self fulfilling prophecy if they take on that type of negative thinking thus shaping their pessimistic characteristics. That is why parenting is such an important and critical role to play and in order to raise healthy and well rounded children a parent must needs to be strict yet supportive and loving. Socializing is another important part of child rearing as well. Even though parenting practices all over the world vary in so many ways, the ways in which girls and boys are socialized are always different to some extent. For example, boys are quickly introduced to their responsibilities and roles that they will play as a young man and these learned behaviors will carry on into adulthood. However, regardless of what a child is taught by their parents, in some cases it does not matter what they were taught certain events, experiences, and environmental factors can shape and alter personality development. The Theoretical Approach In order to understand the theoretical approach we must first recognize what makes a good theory. When analyzing personality there are many factors to take into consideration. One of the main two theories circle around personality development theories is the well known debate of nature versus nurture. Some theorists argue that nurturing plays a more significant role in personality development than the nature of a person based on heredity and other biological predispositions. Sigmund Freud is a popular name in psychoanalytic theories because he believed that sex and aggression were the basic motivational forces for human behavior. Freudian theories emphasized how our subconscious desires are contributors to our personality through our egos. All theorist can agree on one thing personality development is a very complex process that is influence by many external and internal factors. Alfred Adler had a significant influence on many theorists that came after him with his theories that mad e a great deal of sense. One of the tenants for the first theory is that the main source of motivation stems from the need to achieve success and even superiority (Adler, 1964). Many people can agree with this because that is what gets them out of bed in the morning even though they are still tired. The second theory was that people perceptions shaped how they viewed the world and themselves. I find this one very interesting as people are defined as normal or acceptable based societal norms or standards. Often teenagers change the way they act when they are around their peers and sometimes these changes are permanent. One perspectives and perceptions of people, places and things contribute to how they feel about the world and how they should conduct themselves in it. Social motives of acceptance also feed this theory as well. Organ dialect is another one of Alders terminologies used when describing body language. For example the elderly man with shaking hands struggling to open a jar may express to someone watching to step in and help him faster than words can say. Adler recognized how the individual personality operates in ways that are consistent with their motives. Observational learning is a critical aspect to learning and teaching and that does contribute to personal growth and understanding. Adler made it clear that as soon as we recognize that the conscious mind is closely linked to the unconscious mind. Adler states that the conscious life becomes unconscious as soon as we fail to understand it. Environmental influences provided by a child’s parents helps to contribute to their social interests which directly influence a child’s early socialization skills. Infancy is an intricate process of social development mainly developed through the relationship between the relationships with the mother or another mother like caretaker who possessed some level of social interest in the infants well being. The seeds of social desires are planted during infancy (Adler, 1964). Conclusion There is no single definition of personality however, all theorist agree that early childhood development contributes to the type of personality that a person develops. Many factors like heredity and environment contribute to ones individual growth and shape their perception as they mature. Overall personality can be identified through behavior patterns and characteristics that are linked to those behaviors. Individual perceptions of what is right and wrong contribute to the development of morale and values that affect personality. Many factors make up the full picture of what is a person’s true personality but overall it depends on perceptions and motives those two factors produce behaviors that become more and more consistent as desires are fulfilled in the lifelong pursuit of happiness. References Theories of personality (Adler, 1964). Retrieved from https://portal.phoenix.edu/classroom/coursematerials/psy_405/20130108/OSIRIS:43747563 Feist, J., Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Retrieved from https://portal.phoenix.edu/classroom/coursematerials/psy_405/20130108/OSIRIS:43747563

The Relationship between Reason and Experience Essay Example for Free

The Relationship between Reason and Experience Essay The various man-made creations, the formation of different school of thoughts and literature that reflects the varieties of human experiences and the different ideas that govern man’s way of living attest man’s love of wisdom. Man as the highest form of animal is an authentic specie that never stops learning, innovating, creating, and seeking ways to gain more choices in giving his life more meaning. As he continually desire to seek answers in his questions towards his existence, there is a continuous enhancement of man’s intellect. Reviewing the history and looking around the contemporary world itself will ascertain man’s development towards intellect. But how do knowledge and rationality develop that resulted to man’s creation of many things? People establish knowledge and rationality in different ways. Human beings basically hate uncertainty or skepticism. But skepticism as it resulted to ambiguity and doubt motivates man to seek for answers in fulfilling his wonder. The use of observation from experiences or senses is one of the most important resources in acquiring knowledge. People can easily believe the idea that mind apprehends truths through the medium of the senses for the reason that people really learned from experience. However, is there something as absolute knowledge by which human beings accumulate truths without having to experience it? This paper will attest that human beings’ innate reasoning and experience are inextricably linked in the acquisition and manipulation of knowledge. Experience that is associated with empiricism and innate reasoning associated with rationalism are interrelated. Over the years, the source and extent of knowledge has been strongly debated in the world of philosophy. Rationalism and empiricism are the two rival schools of thoughts that gave accounts on the theories of knowledge. Basically the debate between empiricists and rationalists was whether or not knowledge is acquired from the senses or experiences. Empiricism holds the â€Å"attitude that beliefs are to be accepted and acted upon only if they first have been confirmed by actual experience† (â€Å"Empiricism†). Empiricism emphasizes the role of experience as it gives evidences in the formation of ideas. Just like in science, hypothesis and theories must be tested through observation and experiments to be sure of its factuality. However some reality or knowledge on empiricism in the context of experimental reasoning is not always credible. All can be subject to revision. â€Å"As far as possible, empiricism also try to avoid any reference to abstract entities and to restrict themselves to what is sometimes called a nominalistic language, i. e. , one not containing such references† (Carnap 1997). Empiricism apparently believes that â€Å"innate knowledge is unobservable and inefficacious; that is, it does not do anything†. A particular knowledge only works and becomes more meaningful if one experiences it. For example, how would you know or imagine the richness of color present in a rainbow if you were born blind? Or how can we possibly get the idea of a perfect circle and a perfect square without seeing it? We can possibly describe it in words and description but its full meaning will never be realized without experience. The only way to have a complete idea of a rainbow or on any object is to experience it with the use of senses. â€Å"Aristotle was one of the scientists who believe in the concept of empiricism; he felt that it is imperative that we trust our senses, for what else have we to trust? † (Purvis) Rationalism on the other hand holds the idea that â€Å"reason is the chief source and test of knowledge and that reality itself has an inherently logical structure† (â€Å"Rationalism†). Moreover, rationalists believe that there are truths in this world that are beyond the reach of sense perception that can only be explained by reason and logic. Mathematical truths for example (e. g. 0+1=1) are said to be absolutely true or a statement â€Å"A nun is a female† or â€Å"A priest is a male†. These truths according to rationalists were acquired prior to experience. They will remain true whether an individual experience it or not. But in creating these mathematical truths are they not already acquired through experience? In favor of empiricism, â€Å"mathematics is a good way of showing how both rationalism and empiricism are both important components of knowledge† (Purvis 2008). The creation of numbers is not innate or they are not things on themselves. They are manmade creations that we use â€Å"to more conveniently operate and organize our empirical perceptions† (Purvis 2008) Rationalists also hold the concept that humans’ sense of morality with the presence of conscience and guilt and man’s logic are innate. But we can not rationally prove the rightness and wrongness of morality or logic without empirical evidence. The idea that there is indeed a morality will never be realized without understanding its consequences from experiences. Man was encouraged to create morality for the purpose of making his existence more meaningful. With no raw data from experience then there should be no participation in full metaphysics. Given that there is an innate sense of reasoning, but that will only be fully revealed and realized through experience. Reason and experience for me, are both reliable source of knowledge. The senses and the mind are both necessary in acquiring knowledge and truth. So the argument should arise in proving the relationship of reason and experience. Experience can sometimes be a less reliable source of knowledge or reality since at any moment new experience may disapprove the old. However we can not be completely dependent upon reasoning to gain knowledge since people naturally need experience to test the truths of logical arguments. We can not imagine a life without experience. The fact the people react or reason means people respond in their environment and their present experience or situation. Our ability to perceive is an experience in itself. The innate existence of logic and rationality I believed will come into a complete understanding and will transform into life with the use of experience. However there are also things that can never be understood or considered an absolute truth without experiencing it. Some people in order to accept truth backed up it with concrete proofs from past or future experience. Work Cited Page: Empiricism. Encyclop? dia Britannica. 2009. Encyclop? dia Britannica Online. 15 Feb. 2009 http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/186146/Empiricism. Rationalism. Encyclop? dia Britannica. 2009. Encyclop? dia Britannica Online. 15 Feb. 2009 http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/492034/rationalism. Carnap, Rudolf. â€Å"Empiricism, Semantics and Onthology†. Revue Internationale de Philosophie. Retrived 15 February, 2009. from http://www. ditext. com/carnap/carnap. html Yount, David J. Empiricism V. Rationalism online. Retrieved 15 February 2009 from http://www. mc. maricopa. edu/~yount/text/empm-v-ratm. html Purvis, Dustin. Rationalism Vs. Empiricism. SocyBerty online. 2008, April 17. Retrieved 15 February, 2009 From http://www. socyberty. com/Philosophy/Rationalism-Vs-Empiricism. 110492/1

Therapeutic and Nutritional Values of Fruits From Nanded

Therapeutic and Nutritional Values of Fruits From Nanded THERAPEUTIC AND NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF WIDELY GROWN UNCOMMON FRUITS FROM NANDED REGION-A REVIEW Sonwane PP, Gond NY ABSTRACT: The use of immunostimulants as an alternative to the drugs, chemicals and antibiotics currently being used to control diseases man many have focused on the use of widely grown uncommon fruits and medicinal plant as potential therapeutic measures for modulating the immune response to prevent and control diseases. The possible use of naturally available fruits such as Ziziphus Jujuba, Ramnaceae (Ber), Buchania Lanzan, Anacardeaceae (Charr,/Chironji), Coccinia Grandis, Cucurbitaceae (Tindori,Tindora), Phoenix Sylvestris, Arecaceae (Shinole,Shindi), Grewiatiliifolia vahlvar, Tiliaceae (Dhaman.), Madhuca longifolia, Sapotaceae. (Moha.), Cordia dichotoma foret Boraginaceae. (Bhokar), Aegle marmelos Corr. Rutaceae. (Beal), Diospyros melanoxylon roxb,Diospyros decandra ,Ebenaceae. (Tendu,tembhurni), Rumex vasicarius . Polygonaceae. ( Hummayd and hammad ,sour-wort), etc. has been discussed in this article. The aim of this paper is to review research currently being carried out on the widely g rown uncommon fruits that have been nutritional and therapeutic value. Key words – Nutritional value, therapeutic value, widely grown, uncommon fruits INTRODUCTION: In most developing countries the food situation is worsening owing to increasing population, shortage of fertile land, high prices of available staples restrictions on import of the food, this has resulted in a high incidence of hunger malnutrition, a situation in which children women especially pregnant lactating women are most vulnerable. The present day need is to have information about the new food sources exploiting the vast number of less familiar plant resources existing in the nature. There are several foods that are consumed by the people in different region on a very limited scale especially among the tribal population. The wild fruits of many species have served as dietary staples medicines for thousands of years, particularly in the tribal rural areas of Nanded region of Marathwada. Certain fruits are the good sources of various nutrients especially anthocyonins, carotene, ascorbic acid minerals. Considering their no cost production, easy availability, abundant production, they need to be popularized recommended for commercial exploitation .If the people begin to derive an economic benefit from these wild plants, the natural environment of the area would be conserved managed the integrity of the food chains relationship within the ecosystem can be maintained. Good nutrition can help to prevent disease and promote health. There are six categories of nutrients that the body needs to acquire from food protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibers,Vitaminsand minerals and water. Food nutritional security are key issues for human wellbeing. Researches, governments organizations working with food nutrition are concerned with the nutritional status of the general population especially children, pregnant women lactating mothers in the developing countries. In the developing countries, starch based foods are major sources which supply both energy proteins requirements. Thus, protein deficiency prevails among the problems recognized by food and agricultural organizations. To alleviate the situation, efforts should be focused on sustainable use of underutilized and lesser wild plant fruits as a source of nutrient supplements in enhancing food and nutrition security. FRUITS ORIGINATED IMMUNOSTIMULANTS Natural widely grown fruits have various activities such as antistress, growth promotion, appetite stimulation, immune-stimulation, aphrodisiac and antimicrobial properties due to the active principles such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibers, alkaloids, flavanoids pigments, phenol, terpenoids, steroids and essential oils. 1) Ziziphus jujuba, belonging to family Ramnaceae, commonly named as Ber: It was distributed all over the Nanded district. Root were used to cure cough, headache. Leaves were used as antipyretic used in the treatment of obesity. Fruits were cooling, digestible, tonic, laxative, and a rich source of Vit–C, along with that having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory antioxidant. 2) Buchania lanzan, family Anacardeaceae, commonly named as Charr,Chironji: It was found throughout India, Burma and Nepal (1) and in India Hingoli, Parbhani, Latur and Nanded regions of Maharashtra. The plant grows on yellow sandy loam soil used in eprosy, diuretics, haemorrhage, cardiac disease, asthama, fever. Its roots are used as antiulcer (Scholars research library) 3) Coccinia grandis L.Voigt, belonging to family Cucurbitaceae, commonly named as Tindori,Tindora: It is distributed in tropical regions of Asia, Africa and is commonly found in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Srilanka. Different parts of Coccinia grandis such as roots, leaves and fruits were used for various medicinal purposes such as wound healing, ulcer, jaundice, diabetic and antipyretic. The roots have antioxidant activity [Tamilselvan N1,] [Indo Global Journal]. Fruit of Coccinia grandis is used as vegetable when green and eaten fresh when ripened into bright scarlet colour2. Every part of this plant is used as medicine and various preparations have been mentioned in indigenous system of medicine for various skin diseases, bronchial catarrh, bronchitis and Unani systems of medicine for ring worm, psoriasis, small pox, and scabies and other itchy skin eruptions and ulcers 3. Oil of this plant is used as an injection into chronic sinuses. The plant is used in decoction for gonnorhoeae, diabetes and also useful in dropsical condition, pyelitis, cystitis, strangury, snake bite, urinary gravel and calculi 4, 5. It is also useful to induce perspiration in fever and cures sores in the tongue 6. It has antilithic5, hypolipidemicb 7, antimutagenic 8 and hypoglycemic activities9, 10, anti-inflamatory activity [S.V Deshpande1], antioxidant activity of leaf extract of Coccinia grandis. [ Journal of Ethnopharmacology], antibacterial activity of leaf extract of Coccinia grandis. [ Journal of applied pharmaceutical science] 4) Phoenix sylvestris, belonging to family Arecaceae, commonly named as shinole, shindi It is locally called as shindi or shindole. It was found in Nanded, Parbhani, Latur regions of Marathawada state of Maharashtra, India. Fruits are edible, juice used to relieves toothache, pain, fever and respiratory disorder, and used as nerve tonic. 5) Grewiatiliifolia vahlvar, of family Grewiatiliaceae, commonly known as Dhaman : It Is found in all districts of maharashtra state of India . Fruits are edible. It is having Antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity. 6) Madhuca longifolia, belong to family Sapotaceae commonly known as Moha : This plants was found in all districts of Maharashtra except Osmanabad. Fruits and flowers are edible. They are used in treatment of diseases to skin. Syrup was used for medicinal purposes; It is also used in urine diseases and diabetes. 7) Cordia dichotoma foret f. Boraginaceae (Bhokar): It is commonly called as Bhokar .It is found in Aurangabad, Nanded, Parbhani and Osmanabad district of Mharashtra,India, Fruits are edible. The fruits are commonly used as Antiulcer, antimicrobial, anti-inflamatory, hepatoprotective antidiabetic activity. Antiulcer,antimicrobial, in acutetoxity,antiinflamatory,hepatoprotective.anti-diabetic activity . 8) Aegle marmelos Corr. Rutaceae (Beal) : It is commonly called as Beal .It is found In all district of Maharashtra. Fruit pulp is edible. It is Aromatic cooling, antioxidant and antimicrobial property. it is pleasantly laxative and simple cure for Dyspepsia. 9) Diospyros melanoxylon roxb. Ebenaceae.(Tendu, tembhurni,tember):It is locally called as tendu,tembhurni or tembe.It is found in Nanded,Latur, Jalna district of Marathwada. Fruits are edible.It is having Antimicrobial property,and bark shows the antihyperglycemic activity,some species shows the significant antispasmodial effect against p.falciparum, and anti-ulcer activity. 10) Rumex vasicarius l. Polygonaceae (Hummayd and hammad ,sour-wort ) : It is found in Nanded,Hingoli,Parbhani districts of Maharashtra. Fruits are edible. It is used as cooling,laxative ,analgesic,stomachic.leaf juice is used as astringent.it is also used in the heart trouble,constipation,asthmaBronchitis and piles. Tamilselvan N, Thirumalai T, Elumalai EK, Balaji R, David E, Pharmacognosy of Coccinia grandis: a review, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2011)S299-S302. Indo Global Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2012; 2(3): 230-238 -S.V Deshpande1*, M. J. Patil2, S.C. Daswadkar1, U. Suralkar3, A. Agarwal3  Ã‚  -Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 71, Issue 1, Pages 89-92 Anju Puri, R Sahai, Kiran L Singh, R.P Saxena, J.S Tandon, K.C Saxena -Journal of applied pharmaceutical science NOD2 and NALP3 in interleukin-1beta generation. Clin. Exp. Immunol. 2007;147 (2): 227–235. 2. Sastri BN, The Wealth of India A Dictionary of Raw Material and Industrial Products, vol 2 and  8,Publication and Information Directorate CSIR New Delhi, , 1950: 257 and 285-293. 3. Behl PN, Arora RB, Srivastava G and Malhotia, Herbs useful in Dermatological therapy, CBS  Publishers and Distributor, Delhi, 1993. 4. Nadkarni, KM, Indian Materia Medica with Ayurvedic, Unani Products and Home Remedies.  vol. 1, Popular Prakasham, Bombay, 1976:845-846. 5. Jayaweera, DM, Medicinal Plants (Indigenous and Exotic) used in Ceylon, Part 2, A Publication  of the Natural Sciences Council of Srilanka, Colombo, 1980. 6. Anonymous, Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic  Plants, India, 1992. 7. Kumar PG., Sudheeshi S and Vijayalakshmi NR: Hypoglycemic effect of Coccinia indica.  Mechanism of Action, Planta Medica.1997; 59(4):330-332. 8. Kusamran WR, Tepsuwan A and Kupradinum P: Antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic Potential  of some Thai vegetables. Mutat. Res., 1998; 402(1, 2):247-258. 9. Gupta SS., Pituitary diabetes. III. Effect of indigenous antidiabetic drugs against the acute  hyperglycemic response of anterior pituitary extract in glucose-fed albino rats, Indian J. Med.  Res., 1963;51(4):716-724. 10. Mukherjee K, Ghosh NC and Datta T, Coccinia indica as a potential hypoglycemic agent, Indian  J. Exp. Bio. 1972;5(10): 347-349. Ferrero-Miliani L, Nielsen OH, Andersen PS, Girardin SE : Chronic inflammation: importance of  Florra of Marathwada. Vol-I, Vol-II,

Islamic Financing vs the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) Essay

The research article discusses two approaches, one method is Islamic financing and other is the conventional capital asset pricing model (CAPM). Using the direct Musharakah, Islamic financing method is applied against the conventional financing method by comparing each other. Comparing the two approaches has drawn several findings; it is found that the beta-risk is lower on investments, which are based on the partnership of Islamic financing as compared to the conventional market. The risk is on the share of the lenders and others but not on the risk-return. Equilibrium exists between the relative risk and the share of lender, furthermore, it is also discussed in the article that Islamic financing is not based on the fixed and predetermined rate of interest, prediction of inflation in future and the partnerships, which are based on the minimum risk with maximum return. Islamic financing is spreading with the growth rate of 23% annually and many Islamic financing banks and institutio ns are working all over the world. The primary objective of this article is to lay down the hypothetical framework, which discusses the Profit and loss sharing based on Islamic principles with the investment of interest free partnership. According to the author, Islamic financing is based on the risk that is beard by the both parties. On the time of investment, whether agents have shortage or surplus of resources, they have to share the returns and risk on the investment they are making. General concepts of Islamic financing instruments like Mudarabah, Musharakah, Murabahah, Al-Salam and Al-Ijara are based on the mechanism of profit and loss sharing (PLS). All of these above mentioned partnerships are based on the agreed upon the subsequent loss or th... ...anagement of the stock portfolios, implementing an Islamic CAPM would ultimately result in more satisfying results that can potentially produce generous income for the investor. Works Cited Hanif, M. and U. Bhatti, 2010. Validity of CAPM: Evidence from KSE. European Journal of Economics, Finance & Administrative Sciences, Issue 20, pages 148-161. Selim, T. H. (2008). An Islamic capital asset pricing model. Humanomics, 24(2), 122-129. Hanif, Muhammad and Dar, Abubakar Javaid, Comparative Testing of Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Shari’a Compliant Asset Pricing Model (SCAPM): Evidence from Karachi Stock Exchange - Pakistan (November 18, 2011). 4th South Asian International conference (SAICON-2012), Pearl Contenental Hotel, Bhurban, Pakistan, 05-07 December, 2012. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1961660 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1961660

Biography Of Genghis Khan :: Biography Genghis Khan Bio Bios Essays

Biography of Genghis Khan The old world had many great leaders. Alexander the Great, Hannibal and even Julius Caesar met with struggle on their rise to power. Perhaps Genghis Khan was the most significant of all these rulers. To prove that Genghis Khan was the greatest ruler, we must go back to the very beginning of his existence. We must examine such issues as; Genghis ¹s struggle for power/how his life as a child would affect his rule, his personal and military achievements and his conquests. Genghis Khan was originally born as Temujin in 1167. He showed early promise as a leader and a fighter. By 1206, an assembly of Mongolian chieftains proclaimed him Genghis Khan. Which meant Universal or invincible prince. This was a bold move for the assembly. They obviously saw some leadership qualities in Genghis that others didn ¹t. When Genghis Khan was little, his chieftain father poisoned. With no leader left, the tribe abandoned Genghis and his mother. They were left alone for many years to care for themselves. Throughout these years, his family met many hardships such as shortage of food and shortage of money. Though unable to read, Genghis was a very wise man. His mother told him at a very early age the importance of trust and independence. "Remember, you have no companions but your shadow" Grolier Encyclopedia. (1995) CD ROM This quote was to mean to Genghis, don ¹t put to much trust in anyone, trust no one but yourself and if you must go your own way then do so. In 1206, Genghis Khan proclaimed the ruler of Mongolia. Genghis was a very respected leader. Like other leaders he knew what his people wanted. They want everything that is good and nothing that is bad. Genghis knew he could not promise this so instead he pledged to share both the sweet and the bitter of life. Genghis did not want to end up being poisoned like his father so instead he made alliances, and attacked anyone who posed a serious threat. Through this method of leadership, Genghis ¹s army grew to the point where they were unbeatable. Genghis contributed alot of items to the chinese and even western civilizations. Perhaps his greatest contribution was a code of laws that he declared. Since Genghis couldn ¹t read or write, these law were documented by one of his followers. His laws were carried on by people though the many generations to the point of still being in use

Chilis History Essay

Chili’s first location, a converted postal station on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas, opened in 1975. Lavine’s concept was to create an informal, full-service dining restaurant with a menu featuring different types of hamburgers offered at an affordable price. The brand proved successful, and by the early 1980s there were 28 Chili’s locations in the region, all featuring similar Southwest decor. In 1983, Lavine sold the company to restaurant executive Norman E. Brinker, formerly of the Pillsbury restaurant group. Chili’s now has locations in all 50 U. S. states, 30 international locations and two territories. It’s easy to see why Chili’s has become such a firm favourite among Dubai’s families. First, there’s the wall-to-wall decor of exposed brick, vintage Americana (think mid-’80s posters promoting provincial chilli ‘cook-offs’) and fake greenery. The result is too thick, too clumsy, to persuade the wayward Texan that he has found his way home, but does make for a riot of colour and interest to help keep little ones amused. Secondly, the veritable army of Chili’s serving staff will happily create an astonishing spectacle of noise and cheer when you opt to hold a birthday here. And finally, there’s the indulgent menu of massive portions. Even the starters are almost impossible to finish: nachos are smeared liberally with hot and cheesy chilli; the signature Old Timer burger boasts enough dollops of relish on the thick meaty patty that the bun is likely to disintegrate; and sizzling platters of fajitas produce thick clouds of salty smoke guaranteed to get hungry mouths slavering, provided you don’t choke on the heady vapours first. Assuming you don’t try to finish each portion, you might even have room to tackle the oozing mass of molten chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. Of course, there are two sides to every story, and for many diners the blatant Americana will prove claustrophobic, the menu (aside from a few surprisingly tasty Guiltless Grill options) just too calorific, and the average of five greetings per visit unnecessary, bordering on the intrusive. Nonetheless, Chili’s is consistently heaving, and dotted among those families are many workers who have come direct from a long day at the office. It’s not just little kids in Dubai who appreciate piles of greasy comfort food – Chili’s lacks refinement, but serves this up in great quantities.

Local Motor

Local Motor Input from potential customers and car enthusiasts Community-help-> select the model to produce Create ideation contest Existing customer to bring new customer Involve customers to cars production->Customer assembles parts-> 60 hours of assembling- incriminatory(local) Good ? Yes. Big players are bankrupt American market Is moving to full-design and attentive No mass production->Seek (experimental) Are the designer customers? Are car enthusiasts customers?Do-it -yourself who might be customers Ideal business model: Design online enthusiasts (critique/ votes, design willingness) – customer (get money here and pose sales If possible For design: perfect competition Perfect Information Best designs For online enthusiasts: Best design/constraints Best design-> Customers want For customer Best design is exactly what the customers want Sold and make money True model: Transaction cost: Designers are cars enthusiasts so that is may not entirely fair It is hard to recruit de signers Increase Price Money for competition Explicit Incentive Designers IP (intellectual patent) Final decision may not what the customer wants What design Is actually manufacture Ensure suppliers? And service? 1. The designers are mostly the car enthusiasts while the customer may not, and we 2. The factor of the manufacture availability should be taken into consideration when deciding which design should be manufactured. 3. The intellectual patent of the designer. How we should protect their P? 4. It is hard to recruit car designers 5. The service supplied to the customer Make sure the vote is fair. If it matches what the customers want Designers may not afford to buy a car A way to make designer a customer?

Telstra

Background Telstra is a descendant of the Post Master General's (PMG) Department of the Australian Commonwealth Public Service. In 1975 telecommunications and postal functions were divided into two statutory commissions: Telecom Australia and Australia Post. Telecom Australia, the government-owned communications carrier, later merged with a much smaller government body, OTC, then responsible for international calls. Telecom rebranded itself as Telstra in the early 1990s. Telstra has faced competition since the late 1980s from competing providers.It retains ownership of the fixed-line telephone network, as well as one of two competing pay-tv and data cable networks. Other companies offering fixed-line services must therefore deal with Telstra. Competing telecommunication companies have constantly accused Telstra of overcharging for wholesale access to their networks the ACCC has often agreed but decisions by the regulator are slow. [1] Current Situation Australia’s leading tele communications and information Services Company, Telstra Corporation Ltd is well poised to deliver a high level of service in the highly competitive communications market in Australia and abroad.Telstra’s service offerings include: – Local, long-distance and international telephony services – Mobile telecommunications services – Data, Internet and online services – Wholesale services to other carriers – Telephone directories – Pay television services Telstra employs approximately 40,000 staff and generates revenues of some US$18 billion in its most recent fiscal year. [2] SWOT Analysis After careful deliberation, a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities & threats) analysis was developed that was reflected in a selection of OB (Organisational Behaviour) Theories that demonstrate the general abilities and framework of Telstra.All of these theories will be explored further with regard to how they shape policies, provide direction or lim it growth in relation to the SWOT analysis (Ref. to Appendix A). Issue Analysis Competition â€Å"Competitors use tactics like price reductions, new product introductions, and advertising campaigns to gain advantage over their rivals. Competition is most intense when there are many direct competitors, when industry growth is slow, or when the product or service cannot be differentiated in some way. † [3]Competition is only a recent challenge for Telstra as it had government protection and maintained an effective monopoly of telecommunications in Australia for many years. However, with the recent deregulation of the market and the increase in players, Telstra has increasingly been threatened with higher competition from competitors. The increase of players in this market will surely cause customers to go ‘shopping’ for the best deals, hence Telstra is being and will be forced further in the future to improve its’ image and offers so as to retain an effectiv e market share.Thus said, the telecommunications industry has changed as global sentiment towards telecommunications has turned negative in recent years, and has come to the stage where the market currently rewards commercial discipline and conservatism within the industry. [4] In the corrections that has followed these events, plus the collapse of the dotcoms and tier 2 Telcos, and the investment rebalancing post the millennium bug era, an estimated 3 trillion US dollars has been wiped off the value of Telco stocks worldwide in the last two years.The Australian industry has not escaped this market reaction, or the pressure that accompanies a sudden slowdown in revenue growth from the exciting ride of the nineties. But in this reporting period so far, the Australian telecommunications industry sees a number of carriers earning reasonable revenues and showing some signs of profit improvement, and many are experiencing growth in customers and market share. Most significantly, the firs t five years of open competition in Australia have delivered considerable benefits for consumers: lower prices, better service, more investment and innovation, and more choice. 5] According to Telstra staff, five years of open competition has also made Telstra a better company, a better competitor and a better servant of their customers. Telstra had to change and adapt, which they have – and they’re now seeing the benefits. Still, Telstra must retain some level of strength and influence over the telecommunications market as several of Telstra’s competitors complain that Telstra as a company is too large. Supposedly, they cannot compete against Telstra due to its size, range of services, and nationwide coverage.Telstra is too powerful, and its’ competitors are calling for ‘structural separation’, and dismantling Telstra into smaller companies that would run the wholesale network and serve retail customers. [6] Cost Competitiveness Cost competi tiveness is best described as keeping costs low in order to achieve profits and prices that are attractive to customers, in which Telstra can offer low prices by managing their costs and keeping them down. This means being efficient, accomplishing their goals by using their resources wisely, and minimizing waste. 7] With regard to cost competitiveness, Telstra is able to compete with the best in the market, although deregulation and the increase in telecommunications companies such as Optus and Vodafone are proving themselves as potential threats to Telstra’s dominance of the telecommunications market in Australia. Telstra continues to deliver on cost control. The cost performance of the company has been disciplined and underpins revenue performance. It is a prerequisite for success in providing value for their customers.Telstra also needs to take into consideration the challenge that sustained technological change creates for Australia’s telecommunications system. In additions, as a geographically vast country with a highly dispersed population, located at a great distance from its trading partners, Australia depends more heavily than other countries do on the quality, efficiency and innovativeness of its telecommunications system. As new technologies expand the benefits telecommunications can bring, Australians in particular, stand to gain from an environment that promotes prompt adoption and widespread use.Within three to five years, it is estimated the process of convergence will offer the greatest opportunities in this respect. â€Å"Convergence†, viewed from a technological perspective, refers to the process by which services that were previously supported over distinct communications infrastructures are integrated around a common, high capacity, digital platform. This brings with it the blurring of boundaries between once-distinct services and the entry of suppliers from previously separate markets into a now combining and necessari ly wider market place. [8]From the consumer perspective, convergence brings clear gains. Reliance on a common infrastructure allows efficiencies to be obtained, reducing costs and charges. That infrastructure’s high capacity allows new services to be offered, extending the range of content and applications that consumers can access. At the same time, the merging of markets brings previously separated suppliers into head-on competition – with all the benefits that competition yields. Although potentially a threat for Telstra as it may lose market share in particular areas, it is also an opportunity if it can take dvantage of lowering prices to attract more customers. This will depend on the strength of Telstra’s innovations in drawing customer’s attention, but also on way Telstra can uphold profits while lowering prices without staff cutbacks or branch closures. [9] It is against this backdrop that the impact of regulation needs to be assessed. By adding u ncertainty to what is already a highly uncertain environment, the current regulation of access discourages investment both by Telstra and by Telstra’s competitors.At the same time, the bias – in the direction of trying to set ever lower charges for access seekers, regardless of costs – that has emerged in ACCC decision-making distorts price signals and expectations in ways inimical to efficient investment and to technological change. This lack of any internally consistent, rigorous approach by the ACCC to decisions such as these is, in Telstra’s view, unjustifiable. It is no defence to say, as the ACCC does in its most recent submission to the Commission, that overall Telstra’s PSTN is profitable.Even putting aside the absurdities evident in the manner in which the ACCC has reached this assessment, the ACCC’s argument seems to imply that so long as Telstra is not â€Å"going under†, access pricing decisions can be taken without proper regard to their consequences for Telstra’s ability to recover costs and finance investments. No doubt, this decision comes as a huge threat to Telstra’s competitiveness in the communications industry and Telstra is set to potential lose a large slice of the market share or shareholder confidence, depending on how the company responds to the announcement.The reality is that at the margin, Telstra must allocate its funds among competing uses in the light not of the short term or immediate profitability of the grouping of services they support, but of their return over the lifetime of the assets being acquired. Even if it were the case that Telstra’s PSTN was â€Å"profitable† in some economically relevant sense today, it is the future profitability of the service that counts; and the ever strengthening competition in this area, combined with continued heavy-handed regulatory intervention, hardly makes investment in the CAN attractive when ompared to altern atives. No less importantly, the fact remains that the ACCC’s decisions, by setting access charges below cost, cannot but distort and depress investment in regulated assets, as the return on that investment to Telstra is reduced below the return it yields to consumers and service suppliers as a whole. It is these impacts at the margin, rather than aggregate comparisons of costs and revenues, that are economically relevant. Quality Quality can be measured in terms of performance, additional features, reliability (failure or breakdowns), and conformance to standards, durability, serviceability, and aesthetics. † In addition,† the excellence of a product, including such things as attractiveness, lack of defects, reliability, and long-term dependability. † defines the expectations that many people these days have of companies and consequently, the kind of service that Telstra endeavours to deliver. [10] The importance of quality, and standards for acceptable qua lity, has increased dramatically in recent years.Firms cannot get by offering poor quality products as they could a few years ago. Customers now demand high quality and value, and generally will accept nothing less. [11] Telstra’s performance in regional and rural Australia is constantly under scrutiny. Telstra welcomes this scrutiny because the level of improvement in service levels and performance in regional, rural and remote Australia over the past two years has been dramatic. [12] In recognition of the special needs of regional customers, Telstra Country Wide â„ ¢ was established in June 2000.According to Telstra, it was one of the best business decisions they ever took. Telstra Country Wide today services three million customers who account for more than $3 billion in revenue to Telstra, no doubt a strength in revenue for Telstra, although raises questions as to whether service is being reduced to make way for increased revenue. [13] Even so, remote customers can now make untimed local calls to community service towns hundreds of kilometres away, which better reflects the reality of life in rural Australia. Mobile coverage now reaches 97% of the population.To achieve this, Telstra has been working with the Federal Government to establish mobile services to smaller towns and to improve the quality of mobile connections nationwide. [14] Speed In the Information Age, speed is everything to nearly everyone, which makes it a priority for Telstra to deliver the kind of services that people expect. While Telstra’s services in rural Australia are often reported to be lacking in terms of connection times for phone and internet, as well as the ability of Telstra staff to respond to customer requests or complaints, new technologies are being sought that can reduce these problems.Hence, how fast can Telstra develop and get a new product to market? How quickly can they respond to customer’s requests? Telstra is far better off if they are faste r than the competition and if they can respond quickly to their competitors’ actions. [15] Therefore, Telstra has seen an opportunity in this to respond to people’s needs and increasingly has promoted ‘broadband’ as a viable, effective and efficient way of ensuring speed in communications.Broadband is growing across Australia because people are attracted to faster download times and having a permanent online connection. [16] Broadband enables a high-speed permanent Internet connection. It’s about faster Internet speeds, increased capacity and capabilities and more compelling content. A modem is needed, but there are no dial in access numbers to connect to. [17] Innovations Whether it is a change in technology; a departure from previous ways of doing things or introduction of new products, innovation is something that most uccessful companies possess and use to further either market share or consumer satisfaction. Depending on Telstra’s compet itiveness and creativity, innovation can be a huge opportunity in grasping larger market shares and customers, or it can be a threat if other companies are more innovative. Telstra has managed to use innovative ideas to shape its’ success and satisfy consumer demands, some of the latest innovations being the Homeline Plans, Telstra Rewards Options, Homelink ® 1800 and Telstra Mobile CDMA. 18] Homeline plans allows the customer to select options that best suit them, whether they have friends and family close by, in another state or another country and whether they make lots of calls every day or just a few each week, in order to bring about maximum savings. [19] Telstra Rewards Options gives the customer the chance to save 5% or 10% on their phone bill by combining their Telstra home phone, Telstra Mobile and Telstra BigPondâ„ ¢, as well as having the added convenience of only one bill.Homelink ® 1800 makes it easy for a family member to call home – and they don' t need cash or special cards. [20] Telstra Mobile CDMA is used particularly in rural regions of Australia and offers: call clarity and security; network security lock; background noise suppression; and call clarity and security. Because CDMA uses a more sophisticated system of transmitting voice signals, the phone is not dissimilar to talking on a normal phone. What's more, CDMA signals are almost impossible to decipher if they are intercepted by eavesdroppers, which means conversations are more secure.Increasingly, more of Telstra’s revenues will come from their operations overseas. They will continue to see popular innovations, both overseas and in Australia, that will change the way people work, learn, communicate and receive information and entertainment. [21] In international growth, Telstra’s focus is on business mobiles, data and Internet, particularly in the Asia and Pacific Region, which is where it is felt that a good commercial history and experience there w ill help in realising opportunities for shareholders.Telstra’s investments in Asia have provided them with a platform for regional growth. [22] Downsizing Put simply, downsizing is the planned elimination of positions or jobs, and has caused its fair share of controversy surrounding companies in recent times that are laying off large numbers of workers and sacrificing customer service at the expense of large profits and boosting investor confidence. [23]Although historically, layoffs tend to affect manufacturing firms and operative level workers in particular, the most recent cycle of downsizing has focused on delivering and eliminating bureaucratic structures, and hence, â€Å"white collar† middle managers have been those chiefly affected. [24] Hence, firms such as Telstra should avoid excessive (cyclical) hiring to help reduce the need to engage in major or multiple downsizings.Beyond that, firms must avoid common mistakes such as making slow, small, frequent layoffs ; implementing voluntary early retirement programs that entice the best people to leave; or laying off so many people that company’s work can no longer be performed. [25] Therefore, caution must be sought when laying off any amount of workers, as the company must maintain job satisfaction as a strength as well as be focused on customer service in order to avoid customer dissatisfaction and hence customers going to competitors. 26] Recommendations After reviewing Telstra and comparing what they do with other business similar to theirs, I have put together a new and innovative way for Telstra to revitalise and recreate their business, this will not only improve customer service but also improve productively as this will allow many processes to be completed much faster by not needing to deal with the usual misunderstandings and confusion associated with some of their services.At present Telstra could be said to be in two worlds that of the typical bureaucratic society, which oft en is seen in public sectors, and that of new technology where by Telstra is highly involved with the introduce of new technology, yet in many ways these changes have results in more issues relating to people not understanding how to use the new technology correctly, this not includes both employees as well as their clients. Such issues as these are common when new technology is introduced, yet with a business such as Telstra which already has a variety of customer service problems, this new technology has added to their worries.The only way that Telstra can overcome these issues is by combining them, to create new innovated ideas that not only still allow human to human interaction but also makes better use of technology to not only improve customer service but also to speed it up. After considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to Telstra with regard to it, it is fair to comment Telstra is well poised to continue to play a large part in the Australasian tele communications market. While Telstra is by many standards a very successful company, much of that success lay behind government protection.However, with the deregulation of the telecommunications market, the future is less certain for Telstra and more competition may threaten its market share and cause the company to improve its services. However, this should be viewed positively as an opportunity for Telstra to move forward, in particular expanding into Asia, and be seen as a company that can support itself. This increased competition will in time show Telstra’s true strengths and weaknesses in the field of telecommunications and if the company can hold its place in the Australian telecommunications industry. Reference List Interview Five Telstra Employees (They want to remain anonymous) Books – Bateman & Snell, Management: Competing in the New Era, McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York, 2002 – Kelly, J. (1969). Organizational Behaviour, USA: Irwin – McShane, S an d Travaglione, T. (2003). Organisational Behaviour On The Pacific Rim, Sydney, McGraw-Hill – Robbins, Bergman, Stagg & Coulter (2003). Management, 3rd Edition, Pearson Education Australia – Robbins, S. P. , Waters-Marsh, T. , Cacioppe, R. , and Millet, B. (1994). Organisational Behaviour. Leading and Managing in Australia and New Zealand. Sydney: Prentice Hall – Organisational Behaviour.Leading and Managing in Australia and New Zealand. Sydney: Prentice Hall – Sayles, L and Strauss, G. (1966). Human Behaviour In Organizations, USA: Prentice Hall Websites – Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. – Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23/ 9/05]. – Glossary Terms, Available: http://www. ots. treas. gov/glossary/gloss-m. html [24/09/05] – Marketing Strategy, Available: http://www. tutor2u. net/business/gcse/marketing_strategy_introduction. htm [24/09/05] à ¢â‚¬â€œ Telstra Facts – http://www. absoluteastronomy. om/encyclopedia/t/te/telstra. htm [24/09/05]. – Telstra Just Too Good. Available: http://www. telstra. com. au/regulatory/docs/lr-104969Ziggy_ope_ed_struct_sep. doc [25/09/05] – Telstra Options. Available: http://www. telstra. com. au/telstraoptions/ [26/09/05] – Telstra Corporation Ltd, History – http://www. telstra. com. au/corporate/index. cfm? tR=1 [23/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are driving growth to build shareholders. Available: http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – 4 Key Strategic Areas 2001.Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_3. html [ 29/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – Chairman and CEO’s Message – 2001. Available:http://www. conect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_5. htm [24/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporaton Ltd – Domestic Reta il – 2001. Available: http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_8. htm [24/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are Driving Growth to Build Shareholders. Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23/09/05] – Wikipedia Encyclopaedia, Available: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Marketing_research [24/09/05]E – Journals – Brenner, O. C. , Singer, Marc G. Management Quarterly. Washington (1984). Vol. 25, Iss. 2, pg. 14 , 7 pgs (ProQuest database, ANU) – Cooper, R. C. C. C. L. (2002) Does privatization affect corporate culture and employee wellbeing? Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17, 21 – 49 (ProQuest database, ANU) – Dotson, L. (2004) 10 Ways To Improve Your Customer Service – E. C. Pasour, J. (1983) Privatization: Is it the Answer? The Freeman – Lovata, Linda M. MIS Quarterly. Minneapolis. Jun (1987). Vol 11. Iss. 2, pg. 147, 3 pgs (ProQuest database, ANU) – Wettenhall, R. Privatization in Australia: How Much and What Impacts? Canberra, Uni of Canberra. – Simintiras, Antonis C. , Lancaster, Geoffrey A. Management Decision. London (1991). Vol. 29, Iss. 4, pg. 22, 6 pgs (ProQuest database, ANU) Note: Assortments of lectures and tutorial notes have been used from Organisational Behaviour G. Appendixes SWOT Analysis of Telstra |Strengths |Weaknesses | | | |Competitive Pricing |Rural Services | |Global Nature of Competition: competing overseas eg. South-East Asia |Mobile Phone Coverage / Quality | |Internet Access – BigPondâ„ ¢ Home available across Australia for the cost|Broadband Access / Quality | |of a local call. Broadband ADSL | | |CDMA Network Coverage 97. 1% of Australian pop. Largest cellular | | |mobile coverage in Australia | | |Options to suit everyone: Combining Phone/Mobile/ Internet Bills | | |Phone Range (Landline / Mobile) | | |Directories – White & Yellow Pages (standard / electronic) | | |Opportunities |Threat s | | | | |New / Innovative Products |Increase in Competition (Optus, Vodafone, Transact etc) | |Extend services & the market share of Telstra into other counties |Lose of employment due to technology or cut cost measures | |Improving and Expanding product and service offerings in Australia |The government selling the rest of Telstra (privatisation) | ———————– [1] Telstra Facts – http://www. absoluteastronomy. com/encyclopedia/t/te/telstra. htm [24/09/05]. [2] History, Telstra Corporation Ltd – http://www. telstra. com. au/corporate/index. cfm? tR=1 [23/09/05]. [3] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, p. 53 [4] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [5] ibid [6] Telstra Just Too Good.Available: http://www. telstra. com. au/regulatory/docs/lr-104969Ziggy_ope_ed_struct_sep. doc [25 September 2 005]. [7] Bateman & Snell, Management: Competing in the New Era, McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York, 2002, Glossary (G-2) [8] ibid [9] ibid [10] ibid p. 12 [11] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, Glossary (G-7) [12] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [13] ibid [14] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – Domestic Retail – 2001. Available: http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_8. htm [24 September 2005]. [15] Bateman & Snell, op. cit p. 12 16] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [17] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are Driving Growth to Build Shareholders. Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23 September 2005]. [18] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, Glossary (G-4) [19] Telstra Options. Availa ble: http://www. telstra. com. au/telstraoptions/ [26 September 2005]. [20] ibid [21] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available: ,- !† ? ?  µ  ¶  · E  § ? I I c ) * + – L M N ocUcUcUcEUcEc · iPiPiPiPiPiPi1hchttp://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [22] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are Driving Growth to Build Shareholders. Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23 September 2005]. [23] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, Glossary (G-3) [24] ibid p. 283 [25] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – Chairman and CEO’s Message – 2001. Available:http://www. conect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_5. htm [24 September 2005]. [26] Cooper, R. C. C. C. L. (2002) Does privatization affect corporate culture and employee wellbeing? Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17, 21 – 49 (ProQuest database, ANU) Telstra Background Telstra is a descendant of the Post Master General's (PMG) Department of the Australian Commonwealth Public Service. In 1975 telecommunications and postal functions were divided into two statutory commissions: Telecom Australia and Australia Post. Telecom Australia, the government-owned communications carrier, later merged with a much smaller government body, OTC, then responsible for international calls. Telecom rebranded itself as Telstra in the early 1990s. Telstra has faced competition since the late 1980s from competing providers.It retains ownership of the fixed-line telephone network, as well as one of two competing pay-tv and data cable networks. Other companies offering fixed-line services must therefore deal with Telstra. Competing telecommunication companies have constantly accused Telstra of overcharging for wholesale access to their networks the ACCC has often agreed but decisions by the regulator are slow. [1] Current Situation Australia’s leading tele communications and information Services Company, Telstra Corporation Ltd is well poised to deliver a high level of service in the highly competitive communications market in Australia and abroad.Telstra’s service offerings include: – Local, long-distance and international telephony services – Mobile telecommunications services – Data, Internet and online services – Wholesale services to other carriers – Telephone directories – Pay television services Telstra employs approximately 40,000 staff and generates revenues of some US$18 billion in its most recent fiscal year. [2] SWOT Analysis After careful deliberation, a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities & threats) analysis was developed that was reflected in a selection of OB (Organisational Behaviour) Theories that demonstrate the general abilities and framework of Telstra.All of these theories will be explored further with regard to how they shape policies, provide direction or lim it growth in relation to the SWOT analysis (Ref. to Appendix A). Issue Analysis Competition â€Å"Competitors use tactics like price reductions, new product introductions, and advertising campaigns to gain advantage over their rivals. Competition is most intense when there are many direct competitors, when industry growth is slow, or when the product or service cannot be differentiated in some way. † [3]Competition is only a recent challenge for Telstra as it had government protection and maintained an effective monopoly of telecommunications in Australia for many years. However, with the recent deregulation of the market and the increase in players, Telstra has increasingly been threatened with higher competition from competitors. The increase of players in this market will surely cause customers to go ‘shopping’ for the best deals, hence Telstra is being and will be forced further in the future to improve its’ image and offers so as to retain an effectiv e market share.Thus said, the telecommunications industry has changed as global sentiment towards telecommunications has turned negative in recent years, and has come to the stage where the market currently rewards commercial discipline and conservatism within the industry. [4] In the corrections that has followed these events, plus the collapse of the dotcoms and tier 2 Telcos, and the investment rebalancing post the millennium bug era, an estimated 3 trillion US dollars has been wiped off the value of Telco stocks worldwide in the last two years.The Australian industry has not escaped this market reaction, or the pressure that accompanies a sudden slowdown in revenue growth from the exciting ride of the nineties. But in this reporting period so far, the Australian telecommunications industry sees a number of carriers earning reasonable revenues and showing some signs of profit improvement, and many are experiencing growth in customers and market share. Most significantly, the firs t five years of open competition in Australia have delivered considerable benefits for consumers: lower prices, better service, more investment and innovation, and more choice. 5] According to Telstra staff, five years of open competition has also made Telstra a better company, a better competitor and a better servant of their customers. Telstra had to change and adapt, which they have – and they’re now seeing the benefits. Still, Telstra must retain some level of strength and influence over the telecommunications market as several of Telstra’s competitors complain that Telstra as a company is too large. Supposedly, they cannot compete against Telstra due to its size, range of services, and nationwide coverage.Telstra is too powerful, and its’ competitors are calling for ‘structural separation’, and dismantling Telstra into smaller companies that would run the wholesale network and serve retail customers. [6] Cost Competitiveness Cost competi tiveness is best described as keeping costs low in order to achieve profits and prices that are attractive to customers, in which Telstra can offer low prices by managing their costs and keeping them down. This means being efficient, accomplishing their goals by using their resources wisely, and minimizing waste. 7] With regard to cost competitiveness, Telstra is able to compete with the best in the market, although deregulation and the increase in telecommunications companies such as Optus and Vodafone are proving themselves as potential threats to Telstra’s dominance of the telecommunications market in Australia. Telstra continues to deliver on cost control. The cost performance of the company has been disciplined and underpins revenue performance. It is a prerequisite for success in providing value for their customers.Telstra also needs to take into consideration the challenge that sustained technological change creates for Australia’s telecommunications system. In additions, as a geographically vast country with a highly dispersed population, located at a great distance from its trading partners, Australia depends more heavily than other countries do on the quality, efficiency and innovativeness of its telecommunications system. As new technologies expand the benefits telecommunications can bring, Australians in particular, stand to gain from an environment that promotes prompt adoption and widespread use.Within three to five years, it is estimated the process of convergence will offer the greatest opportunities in this respect. â€Å"Convergence†, viewed from a technological perspective, refers to the process by which services that were previously supported over distinct communications infrastructures are integrated around a common, high capacity, digital platform. This brings with it the blurring of boundaries between once-distinct services and the entry of suppliers from previously separate markets into a now combining and necessari ly wider market place. [8]From the consumer perspective, convergence brings clear gains. Reliance on a common infrastructure allows efficiencies to be obtained, reducing costs and charges. That infrastructure’s high capacity allows new services to be offered, extending the range of content and applications that consumers can access. At the same time, the merging of markets brings previously separated suppliers into head-on competition – with all the benefits that competition yields. Although potentially a threat for Telstra as it may lose market share in particular areas, it is also an opportunity if it can take dvantage of lowering prices to attract more customers. This will depend on the strength of Telstra’s innovations in drawing customer’s attention, but also on way Telstra can uphold profits while lowering prices without staff cutbacks or branch closures. [9] It is against this backdrop that the impact of regulation needs to be assessed. By adding u ncertainty to what is already a highly uncertain environment, the current regulation of access discourages investment both by Telstra and by Telstra’s competitors.At the same time, the bias – in the direction of trying to set ever lower charges for access seekers, regardless of costs – that has emerged in ACCC decision-making distorts price signals and expectations in ways inimical to efficient investment and to technological change. This lack of any internally consistent, rigorous approach by the ACCC to decisions such as these is, in Telstra’s view, unjustifiable. It is no defence to say, as the ACCC does in its most recent submission to the Commission, that overall Telstra’s PSTN is profitable.Even putting aside the absurdities evident in the manner in which the ACCC has reached this assessment, the ACCC’s argument seems to imply that so long as Telstra is not â€Å"going under†, access pricing decisions can be taken without proper regard to their consequences for Telstra’s ability to recover costs and finance investments. No doubt, this decision comes as a huge threat to Telstra’s competitiveness in the communications industry and Telstra is set to potential lose a large slice of the market share or shareholder confidence, depending on how the company responds to the announcement.The reality is that at the margin, Telstra must allocate its funds among competing uses in the light not of the short term or immediate profitability of the grouping of services they support, but of their return over the lifetime of the assets being acquired. Even if it were the case that Telstra’s PSTN was â€Å"profitable† in some economically relevant sense today, it is the future profitability of the service that counts; and the ever strengthening competition in this area, combined with continued heavy-handed regulatory intervention, hardly makes investment in the CAN attractive when ompared to altern atives. No less importantly, the fact remains that the ACCC’s decisions, by setting access charges below cost, cannot but distort and depress investment in regulated assets, as the return on that investment to Telstra is reduced below the return it yields to consumers and service suppliers as a whole. It is these impacts at the margin, rather than aggregate comparisons of costs and revenues, that are economically relevant. Quality Quality can be measured in terms of performance, additional features, reliability (failure or breakdowns), and conformance to standards, durability, serviceability, and aesthetics. † In addition,† the excellence of a product, including such things as attractiveness, lack of defects, reliability, and long-term dependability. † defines the expectations that many people these days have of companies and consequently, the kind of service that Telstra endeavours to deliver. [10] The importance of quality, and standards for acceptable qua lity, has increased dramatically in recent years.Firms cannot get by offering poor quality products as they could a few years ago. Customers now demand high quality and value, and generally will accept nothing less. [11] Telstra’s performance in regional and rural Australia is constantly under scrutiny. Telstra welcomes this scrutiny because the level of improvement in service levels and performance in regional, rural and remote Australia over the past two years has been dramatic. [12] In recognition of the special needs of regional customers, Telstra Country Wide â„ ¢ was established in June 2000.According to Telstra, it was one of the best business decisions they ever took. Telstra Country Wide today services three million customers who account for more than $3 billion in revenue to Telstra, no doubt a strength in revenue for Telstra, although raises questions as to whether service is being reduced to make way for increased revenue. [13] Even so, remote customers can now make untimed local calls to community service towns hundreds of kilometres away, which better reflects the reality of life in rural Australia. Mobile coverage now reaches 97% of the population.To achieve this, Telstra has been working with the Federal Government to establish mobile services to smaller towns and to improve the quality of mobile connections nationwide. [14] Speed In the Information Age, speed is everything to nearly everyone, which makes it a priority for Telstra to deliver the kind of services that people expect. While Telstra’s services in rural Australia are often reported to be lacking in terms of connection times for phone and internet, as well as the ability of Telstra staff to respond to customer requests or complaints, new technologies are being sought that can reduce these problems.Hence, how fast can Telstra develop and get a new product to market? How quickly can they respond to customer’s requests? Telstra is far better off if they are faste r than the competition and if they can respond quickly to their competitors’ actions. [15] Therefore, Telstra has seen an opportunity in this to respond to people’s needs and increasingly has promoted ‘broadband’ as a viable, effective and efficient way of ensuring speed in communications.Broadband is growing across Australia because people are attracted to faster download times and having a permanent online connection. [16] Broadband enables a high-speed permanent Internet connection. It’s about faster Internet speeds, increased capacity and capabilities and more compelling content. A modem is needed, but there are no dial in access numbers to connect to. [17] Innovations Whether it is a change in technology; a departure from previous ways of doing things or introduction of new products, innovation is something that most uccessful companies possess and use to further either market share or consumer satisfaction. Depending on Telstra’s compet itiveness and creativity, innovation can be a huge opportunity in grasping larger market shares and customers, or it can be a threat if other companies are more innovative. Telstra has managed to use innovative ideas to shape its’ success and satisfy consumer demands, some of the latest innovations being the Homeline Plans, Telstra Rewards Options, Homelink ® 1800 and Telstra Mobile CDMA. 18] Homeline plans allows the customer to select options that best suit them, whether they have friends and family close by, in another state or another country and whether they make lots of calls every day or just a few each week, in order to bring about maximum savings. [19] Telstra Rewards Options gives the customer the chance to save 5% or 10% on their phone bill by combining their Telstra home phone, Telstra Mobile and Telstra BigPondâ„ ¢, as well as having the added convenience of only one bill.Homelink ® 1800 makes it easy for a family member to call home – and they don' t need cash or special cards. [20] Telstra Mobile CDMA is used particularly in rural regions of Australia and offers: call clarity and security; network security lock; background noise suppression; and call clarity and security. Because CDMA uses a more sophisticated system of transmitting voice signals, the phone is not dissimilar to talking on a normal phone. What's more, CDMA signals are almost impossible to decipher if they are intercepted by eavesdroppers, which means conversations are more secure.Increasingly, more of Telstra’s revenues will come from their operations overseas. They will continue to see popular innovations, both overseas and in Australia, that will change the way people work, learn, communicate and receive information and entertainment. [21] In international growth, Telstra’s focus is on business mobiles, data and Internet, particularly in the Asia and Pacific Region, which is where it is felt that a good commercial history and experience there w ill help in realising opportunities for shareholders.Telstra’s investments in Asia have provided them with a platform for regional growth. [22] Downsizing Put simply, downsizing is the planned elimination of positions or jobs, and has caused its fair share of controversy surrounding companies in recent times that are laying off large numbers of workers and sacrificing customer service at the expense of large profits and boosting investor confidence. [23]Although historically, layoffs tend to affect manufacturing firms and operative level workers in particular, the most recent cycle of downsizing has focused on delivering and eliminating bureaucratic structures, and hence, â€Å"white collar† middle managers have been those chiefly affected. [24] Hence, firms such as Telstra should avoid excessive (cyclical) hiring to help reduce the need to engage in major or multiple downsizings.Beyond that, firms must avoid common mistakes such as making slow, small, frequent layoffs ; implementing voluntary early retirement programs that entice the best people to leave; or laying off so many people that company’s work can no longer be performed. [25] Therefore, caution must be sought when laying off any amount of workers, as the company must maintain job satisfaction as a strength as well as be focused on customer service in order to avoid customer dissatisfaction and hence customers going to competitors. 26] Recommendations After reviewing Telstra and comparing what they do with other business similar to theirs, I have put together a new and innovative way for Telstra to revitalise and recreate their business, this will not only improve customer service but also improve productively as this will allow many processes to be completed much faster by not needing to deal with the usual misunderstandings and confusion associated with some of their services.At present Telstra could be said to be in two worlds that of the typical bureaucratic society, which oft en is seen in public sectors, and that of new technology where by Telstra is highly involved with the introduce of new technology, yet in many ways these changes have results in more issues relating to people not understanding how to use the new technology correctly, this not includes both employees as well as their clients. Such issues as these are common when new technology is introduced, yet with a business such as Telstra which already has a variety of customer service problems, this new technology has added to their worries.The only way that Telstra can overcome these issues is by combining them, to create new innovated ideas that not only still allow human to human interaction but also makes better use of technology to not only improve customer service but also to speed it up. After considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to Telstra with regard to it, it is fair to comment Telstra is well poised to continue to play a large part in the Australasian tele communications market. While Telstra is by many standards a very successful company, much of that success lay behind government protection.However, with the deregulation of the telecommunications market, the future is less certain for Telstra and more competition may threaten its market share and cause the company to improve its services. However, this should be viewed positively as an opportunity for Telstra to move forward, in particular expanding into Asia, and be seen as a company that can support itself. This increased competition will in time show Telstra’s true strengths and weaknesses in the field of telecommunications and if the company can hold its place in the Australian telecommunications industry. Reference List Interview Five Telstra Employees (They want to remain anonymous) Books – Bateman & Snell, Management: Competing in the New Era, McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York, 2002 – Kelly, J. (1969). Organizational Behaviour, USA: Irwin – McShane, S an d Travaglione, T. (2003). Organisational Behaviour On The Pacific Rim, Sydney, McGraw-Hill – Robbins, Bergman, Stagg & Coulter (2003). Management, 3rd Edition, Pearson Education Australia – Robbins, S. P. , Waters-Marsh, T. , Cacioppe, R. , and Millet, B. (1994). Organisational Behaviour. Leading and Managing in Australia and New Zealand. Sydney: Prentice Hall – Organisational Behaviour.Leading and Managing in Australia and New Zealand. Sydney: Prentice Hall – Sayles, L and Strauss, G. (1966). Human Behaviour In Organizations, USA: Prentice Hall Websites – Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. – Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23/ 9/05]. – Glossary Terms, Available: http://www. ots. treas. gov/glossary/gloss-m. html [24/09/05] – Marketing Strategy, Available: http://www. tutor2u. net/business/gcse/marketing_strategy_introduction. htm [24/09/05] à ¢â‚¬â€œ Telstra Facts – http://www. absoluteastronomy. om/encyclopedia/t/te/telstra. htm [24/09/05]. – Telstra Just Too Good. Available: http://www. telstra. com. au/regulatory/docs/lr-104969Ziggy_ope_ed_struct_sep. doc [25/09/05] – Telstra Options. Available: http://www. telstra. com. au/telstraoptions/ [26/09/05] – Telstra Corporation Ltd, History – http://www. telstra. com. au/corporate/index. cfm? tR=1 [23/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are driving growth to build shareholders. Available: http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – 4 Key Strategic Areas 2001.Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_3. html [ 29/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – Chairman and CEO’s Message – 2001. Available:http://www. conect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_5. htm [24/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporaton Ltd – Domestic Reta il – 2001. Available: http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_8. htm [24/09/05]. – TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are Driving Growth to Build Shareholders. Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23/09/05] – Wikipedia Encyclopaedia, Available: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Marketing_research [24/09/05]E – Journals – Brenner, O. C. , Singer, Marc G. Management Quarterly. Washington (1984). Vol. 25, Iss. 2, pg. 14 , 7 pgs (ProQuest database, ANU) – Cooper, R. C. C. C. L. (2002) Does privatization affect corporate culture and employee wellbeing? Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17, 21 – 49 (ProQuest database, ANU) – Dotson, L. (2004) 10 Ways To Improve Your Customer Service – E. C. Pasour, J. (1983) Privatization: Is it the Answer? The Freeman – Lovata, Linda M. MIS Quarterly. Minneapolis. Jun (1987). Vol 11. Iss. 2, pg. 147, 3 pgs (ProQuest database, ANU) – Wettenhall, R. Privatization in Australia: How Much and What Impacts? Canberra, Uni of Canberra. – Simintiras, Antonis C. , Lancaster, Geoffrey A. Management Decision. London (1991). Vol. 29, Iss. 4, pg. 22, 6 pgs (ProQuest database, ANU) Note: Assortments of lectures and tutorial notes have been used from Organisational Behaviour G. Appendixes SWOT Analysis of Telstra |Strengths |Weaknesses | | | |Competitive Pricing |Rural Services | |Global Nature of Competition: competing overseas eg. South-East Asia |Mobile Phone Coverage / Quality | |Internet Access – BigPondâ„ ¢ Home available across Australia for the cost|Broadband Access / Quality | |of a local call. Broadband ADSL | | |CDMA Network Coverage 97. 1% of Australian pop. Largest cellular | | |mobile coverage in Australia | | |Options to suit everyone: Combining Phone/Mobile/ Internet Bills | | |Phone Range (Landline / Mobile) | | |Directories – White & Yellow Pages (standard / electronic) | | |Opportunities |Threat s | | | | |New / Innovative Products |Increase in Competition (Optus, Vodafone, Transact etc) | |Extend services & the market share of Telstra into other counties |Lose of employment due to technology or cut cost measures | |Improving and Expanding product and service offerings in Australia |The government selling the rest of Telstra (privatisation) | ———————– [1] Telstra Facts – http://www. absoluteastronomy. com/encyclopedia/t/te/telstra. htm [24/09/05]. [2] History, Telstra Corporation Ltd – http://www. telstra. com. au/corporate/index. cfm? tR=1 [23/09/05]. [3] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, p. 53 [4] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [5] ibid [6] Telstra Just Too Good.Available: http://www. telstra. com. au/regulatory/docs/lr-104969Ziggy_ope_ed_struct_sep. doc [25 September 2 005]. [7] Bateman & Snell, Management: Competing in the New Era, McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York, 2002, Glossary (G-2) [8] ibid [9] ibid [10] ibid p. 12 [11] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, Glossary (G-7) [12] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [13] ibid [14] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – Domestic Retail – 2001. Available: http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_8. htm [24 September 2005]. [15] Bateman & Snell, op. cit p. 12 16] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available:http://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [17] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are Driving Growth to Build Shareholders. Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23 September 2005]. [18] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, Glossary (G-4) [19] Telstra Options. Availa ble: http://www. telstra. com. au/telstraoptions/ [26 September 2005]. [20] ibid [21] Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Ex Chief Executive Officer, Telstra Corporation Limited. Available: ,- !† ? ?  µ  ¶  · E  § ? I I c ) * + – L M N ocUcUcUcEUcEc · iPiPiPiPiPiPi1hchttp://www. telstra. com. au/newsroom/speech. cfm? Speech=22001 [23 September 2005]. [22] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – How we are Driving Growth to Build Shareholders. Available:http://www. connect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_6. htm [23 September 2005]. [23] Bateman & Snell, op. cit, Glossary (G-3) [24] ibid p. 283 [25] TLS, Telstra Corporation Ltd – Chairman and CEO’s Message – 2001. Available:http://www. conect4. com. au/ar/01/tls01_5. htm [24 September 2005]. [26] Cooper, R. C. C. C. L. (2002) Does privatization affect corporate culture and employee wellbeing? Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17, 21 – 49 (ProQuest database, ANU)