The Best Laid Plan By Terry Fallis - 1351 Words

Achieving success in your life with many obstacles to overcome, is a way which one can only describe as a sense of gratification and enlightenment. The Best Laid Plan is a satirical novel based around Canadian politics that shows us the unravelling events that occur between the main characters Angus McLintock and Daniel Addison. Having many different problems being apparent, they overcome it in the end and achieve success which is the theme that’s most prevalent. One word to describe this is â€Å"determination† as Daniel Addison, and Angus McLintock seem to always try and despite of all that, success happens to fall upon them in the end. In The Best Laid Plans, by Terry Fallis, Daniel Addison’s and Angus McLintock’s discoveries of their own inner resources allow them to overcome difficult challenges. The novel focuses more on determination and perseverance as the main theme which leads them to succeed in the end. This in turn gives them each a distinct ch aracteristic, which can be described as a constant strive to be the best of themselves. To begin, Daniel Addison, the narrator of the novel is a speech writer for the Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal opposition. It starts off with Daniel leaving Ottawa to settle in Cumberland-Prescott where he will attend a riding for a future election being held. However, It’s unclear as to why he left Ottawa, but he explains it very briefly in Parliamentary language. He broke up with his girlfriend which was the reason why he left Ottawa. In the

An Attachment Between A Child And An Adult - 1609 Words

An attachment between a child and an adult who is unique to them is essential to a child’s health and well-being, this is called the attachment theory. A key person is a member of staff or adult with responsibilities for a child/children, to make them feel safe and always cared for. The key person needs to respond sympathetically to children’s feelings and their actual behaviour, also meeting a child s emotional needs by reassuring they can try to can get problems sorted out. By being attached to an adult, it helps the child feel that they are secure that the person they are now depending on, is there for them whenever they need them. If a child is delayed in any way of learning, the key person can support them by getting to know and†¦show more content†¦He also believed that if the children bond earlier in their life with their chosen caregivers, it has a massive impact which will continue throughout their life. Bowlby s ethological theory of attachment shows the infant s emotional connection to the caregiver as a response which is promoting their survival, he then said that it was an idea of the infant-caregiver bond. He knew that the infant knew that the caregiver is dependable, which creates that security needed for the child to then start exploring the world. He stated that the first three years of a child are a very sensitive period of attachment. The four phases of attachment he discovered were: †¢ Pre attachment Phase= (birth-6 weeks) which is when a baby initiates signals to attract a caregiver, eg- grasping, crying. †¢ Attachment in Making Phase= (6 weeks-6/8 months) when an infant responds differently to a familiar caregiver than to strangers, eg- the baby would babble, smiling a lot more to the mother. †¢ Clear cut Attachment Phase= (6/8 months-18 months/2 years) the attachment to a familiar caregiver become evident, eg- they start to develop Separation Anxiety where they are upset when an adult they rely on leaves. †¢ The formation Of Reciprocal Relationship= (18 months-2 years and on) As at this age the toddlers have a massive growth in representation and language, they are able to understand if their parents are coming or going, eg- the child can negotiate with

Communications in Bussiness Social Responsibility Policy

Question: Discuss about the Communications in Bussiness for Social Responsibility Policy. Answer: Introduction Audit is an independent examination of the documents and operations of the business carried out to ascertain that the non-financial disclosures made by the company presents the true and fair value of the concern (Huniche Pedersen, 2006). BHP Billiton was founded in the year 1996and deals with exploration, development and production of natural resources such as oil, gas, silver, lead, uranium, copper, iron ore, gold and zinc (BHP Billiton, 2016). This report aims at providing corporate social responsibility audit of the BHP Billiton. The various aspects of corporate social responsibility which are investigated in this report include health, environment, human rights, safety and community (Mullerat Brennan, 2011). Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business approach that results in the sustainable economic development by providing social, environmental and economic benefits to all its stakeholders. It includes various areas that contribute towards the economic and social development of the country such as health and safety, environment, human rights, and working conditions (Servaes Tamayo, 2013). Companies develop different policies which are embedded in different business operations in order to create positive environmental and social impact by the business. In many countries, it is not mandatory for the companies to undertake corporate social responsibility efforts to improve the society but, companies are engaged into corporate social responsibility activities for the purpose of improving the local and global communities (Korschun, Bhattacharya Swain, 2014). Implementation of different CSR activities facilitates in improving the brand image of the companies. Nowadays, companies support non- profit organizations by the way of providing monetary donations, building strong partnerships and in kind donations of products and services. This results in building and maintain strong profitable relationships with customers and other stakeholders. Besides this, companies which are engaged in CSR activities likely to attract skilled and loyal employees. Besides this, employees are also engaged in such activities and become a part of the company for a longer term (Australian Government, n.d.). In addition to this, investors are also attracted to towards those companies which are engaged in different CSR activities as the part of the money invested by the investors are also spend in social welfare activities. This has a positive economic and social impact on the overall development of the country. Companies associated with mining industry in Australia contribute towards sustainable development by fulfilling different economic and social opportunities by adopting activities that helps in protecting the environment (Mousavi, et. al., 2013). There are several challenges faced by the mineral sector such as impact on the environment caused due to extraction of ores. Ores are the non renewable resource and does not last forever due to which mineral companies focuses on converting such exhaustible mineral resources into economic and social endowments that lasts forever for the communities (Aguinis Glavas, 2012). Corporate Social Responsibility Audit of BHP Billiton The vision of BHP Billiton is to create long term shareholder value by the way of development, acquisition, marketing and discovery of natural resources. This can be achieved by embedding four values i.e. simplicity, performance, integrity, sustainability, respect and accountability. The company ensures integration of health, safety social, economic and environmental factors in decision making for the purpose of maintain sustainable development of the business. The sustainability framework of the company is supported by group level documents, public sustainability performance targets and health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) teams. HSEC teams emphasizes on fatal and catastrophic hazards management, identification and monitoring of HSEC trends and performance in order to align it with requirements of the company (BHP Billiton, 2015). The company uses benchmarking within the industry for the purpose of measuring the performance. In addition to this, the performance of HSEC teams is measured with the help of balanced scorecard as it assesses the performance in a comprehensive and objective manner. Along with this, the company has also formed a forum on corporate responsibility for the purpose of gathering information related to material issues, external shareholder views and emerging trends in the form of opinions, views and thoughts from its key stakeholders. The company has made targets related to different categories that are associated with CSR activities such as safety, human rights, environment, health and community (Bice, 2016). The company has not achieved a target of zero work related fatalities as total 5 fatalities have occurred during on-site and off-site work activities (BHP Billiton, 2015). Besides this, there is an improvement in the total recordable injury frequency as it is 4.1% in the year 2015 a 2% improvement in comparison to 2014. The company has also achieved a target related to human rights as annual reviews and improvement plans are implemented related to the alignment with voluntary principles on security and human rights. Along with this, there is a reduction of 40% in the potential occupational exposures to airborne and carcinogens contaminants in comparison to 2012. Besides this, the company has implemented land and biodiversity management plans for the purpose of offsetting the negative impact towards biodiversity and ecosystem services. Besides this, in the year 2015, there is an achievement of formal conservation status by Valdivian Coastal Reserve for the purpose of conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services (BHP Billiton, 2015). In order to improve the management of water resources for the purpose of mitigating the water related material risks, at least one project is implemented by the company. Along with this, the company has also achieved its targets associated with community by making investment of US$225 million in community programs in the year 2015 in the form of in-kind administration and support and cash. Along with this, there is an occurrence of two community incidents due to collisions on public roads in 2015. Besides this, the company has implemented local procurement plans to all assets. The company has investigated 1677 cases related to business conduct in 2015 out of which 1189 cases are confirmed, 294 are terminated and 643 are provided written warning. The company has also created its independent compliance function complied with anti corruption compliance by making policies exhibited in anti-corruption group level documents (BHP Billiton, 2015). It includes policies related to restrictions on bribery and corruption activities in different business dealings. In addition to this, training is provided to different employees and members of the organization related to anti corruption activities (Buhmann, Roseberry Morsing, 2010). Along with this, the compliance function regularly monitors the financial data and anticorruption audits are carried out in order to examine the implementation of controls related to anti-corruption for the purpose of identification of the transactions which are not consistent with the policies, programs and standards of the company. In order to reduce the carbon emissions at low cost, BHP Billiton has signed the World Banks putting a price on carbon statement presented in a United Nations Climate Summit in New York in the year 2014 and subsequently become a member of the carbon pricing leadership coalition (BHP Billiton, 2015). Along with this, the company has also made climate change policy submission as a response to discussion papers of Australia Government in 2015. The company has also took initiatives to bring people from cross sectoral business groups for the purpose of discussing different ways in which the government and business can work together to address the issue of climate change. There is also an improvement in the CDP score of the company which measures the actions executed by it for the management of carbon in the climate. It has also implemented the carbon price protocol which tracks the progress of reduction in the carbon emissions at the national level for the purpose of improving the climate change throughout the world. In the year 2015, there is a reduction of 6% in the CHG emissions to 38.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (BHP Billiton, 2015). BHP Billiton has also integrated REDD+ strategy in its various projects as it facilitates in access of carbon credits and reduction in CHG emissions for the purpose of providing multiple benefits to the communities and environment. From the year 2007, the company has made investments of approximately US $ 400 million on low-emissions technologies for the purpose of meeting the challenge of climate change. The West VAMP project of the company has utilized 20% of the mine ventilation air for the production of the electricity in the year 2001 which results in the reduction in the CHG emissions due to removal of methane from the mine ventilation air. BHP Billiton has also made a partnership of A$7 million with Great Barrier Reef Foundation for the rehabilitation of Raine Island (BHP Billiton, 2015). The company has implemented safety risk controls in designing and construction of equipments, facilities and operations. The company has also build and implemented desalination plant for the purpose of reducing its dependency on ground level water. This has resulted in preserving the ground water resources (Tsutsui Lim, 2015). Approximately 8500 employees have participated in the matched giving program. In the year 2014, Creo Antofagasta initiative has developed by Escondida Copper Asset for the purpose of improving the quality of life in the city by developing different public spaces by making an investment of US$1.2 billion in the period of 20 years. The company has also entered into partnership with Reconciliation Australia for the purpose of providing different resources and tools to different schools for the purpose of creating understanding about different cultures. This also helps in providing professional learning to teachers and educators (BHP Billiton, 2015). Along with this, there is a positive impact of the corporate social responsibility policy of BHP Billiton on the society as well as on its overall performance. The company has created various foundations for uplifting various local communities such as Minera Escondida Foundation in Chile, Montelibano Educational Foundation in Colombia and BHP Billiton SEWA Society (Idowu, Filho, 2009). In addition to this, there is also a reduction in the green house gas emissions in the environment which has a positive impact on the environment and proper response to climate change (BHP Billiton, 2015). There is also a presence of discrepancies between the communicated intention and corporate practice. The company is unable to achieve zero work related fatalities in the year 2015. Along with this, the company also failed to eliminate occurrence of community incidents in the year 2015. Along with this, the company also required to take steps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions below the level existed in the year 2006. In addition to this, there is also a requirement of taking several steps in the conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystem that are important at national and international level. Besides this, there is also a requirement of reduction in the air borne diseases caused to employees (BHP Billiton, 2010). Recommendations It is suggested that the company should adopt and implement proper exhaust ventilation system at the workplace in order to eliminate airborne contaminants. It is requisite that there is a sufficient airflow in the appropriate direction which helps in reduction in the presence of air borne contaminants (Horrigan, 2010). This helps in elimination of the occurrence of the air borne occupational diseases. Besides this, proper training should be provided to the workers regarding the skills used for operating the equipments in a proper manner so as to prevent the occurrence of the accidents and work related injuries to workers. This results in increasing the productivity and efficiency of the workers (Idowu Filho, 2008). There is a need of use of personal protective equipments which results in reduction in the occurrence of work related fatalities and occupational exposure to airborne contaminants. In addition to this, water is used for various mining operations which might result in reducing the ground water level due to which it is recommended that the company should adopt different procedures to recycle the water in order to preserve the ground water sources (Idowu, 2015). The mining activities results in the production of the green house gases in the environment. This can be prevented by reducing the consumption of the energy in the companies which results in the extension of the life of fossil fuels and reducing the operating cost of the company. This can be achieved by generating electricity by use of solar energy, wind turbines and transportation of different ores (Mullerat, 2010). Conclusion It can be concluded that it is essential for the companies to carry out CSR audit as it facilitates in gaining information regarding the efficiency of the companies to carry out its CSR activities in order to have a positive impact on the society as well as business operations. It can also be summarized that the CSR activities of BHP Billiton is aligned with its vision and mission. Along with this, the company has entered into different partnerships for the purpose of increasing the standard of living of local communities. Besides this, the company has also reduced the CHG emissions in the air in order to respond towards climate change. It has also made investments in LET technologies to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. In this manner, the CSR policy has a positive impact on the company as well as the society. Besides this, there is also a presence of discrepancy in the corporate practice and standards set for CSR policy. The company failed to achieve zero work related fatalities and reduction in the occurrence of air borne occupational diseases to a specified level. References BHP Billiton. (2010). BHP Billiton petroleum supply corporate social responsibility policy. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/suppliers/hsec-information/petroleum/bhpbpetsupplycorporatesocialresponsibiltypolicyrequirements.pdf?la=en BHP Billiton. (2015). Taking the long view: Sustainability Report 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/~/media/bhp/documents/investors/annual-reports/2015/bhpbillitonsustainabilityreport2015_interactive.pdf Australian Government. (n.d.). Social Responsibility in the mining and metals sector in developing countries. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from https://www.industry.gov.au/resource/Documents/LPSDP/DEPRES.pdf Korschun, D., Bhattacharya, C. B. Swain, S. D. (2014). Corporate Social Responsibility, Customer Orientation, and the Job Performance of Frontline Employees. Journal of Marketing 78, 20-37. Aguinis, H. Glavas, A. (2012). What We Know and Don't Know About Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review and Research Agenda. Journal of Management 38 (4), 932-968. Servaes, H. Tamayo, A. 2013. The impact of corporate social responsibility on firm value: The role of customer awareness. Management Science 59 (5), 1045-1061. Mousavi, Z. et. al. (2013). Corporate Social Responsibility. Life Science Journal 10(6s), 8-10. Mullerat, R. (2010). International Corporate Social Responsibility: The Role of Corporations in the Economic Order of the 21st Century. Kluwer Law International. Idowu, S. O. (2015). Key Initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility: Global Dimension of CSR in Corporate Entities. Springer. Idowu, S. O. Filho, W. L. (2008). Global Practices of Corporate Social Responsibility. Springer Science Business Media. Idowu, S. O. Filho,W. L. (2009). Professionals   Perspectives of Corporate Social Responsibility. Springer Science Business Media. Horrigan, B. (2010). Corporate Social Responsibility in the 21st Century: Debates, Models and Practices Across Government, Law and Business. Edward Elgar Publishing. Mullerat, R. Brennan, D. (2011). Corporate Social Responsibility: The Corporate Governance of the 21st Century. Kluwer Law International. Bice, S. (2016). Responsible Mining: Key Principles for Industry Integrity. Routledge. Tsutsui, K. Lim, A. (2015). Corporate Social Responsibility in a Globalizing World. Cambridge University Press. Buhmann, K., Roseberry, L. Morsing, M. (2010). Corporate Social and Human Rights Responsibilities: Global, Legal and Management Perspectives. Springer. Huniche, M. Pedersen, E. R. (2006). Corporate Citizenship in Developing Countries: New Partnership Perspectives. Copenhagen Business School Press. BHP Billiton. (2016). About us. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/aboutus/ourcompany

Assessing and Changing Organizational Culture

Question: Discuss about the Assessing and Changing Organizational Culture. Answer: Introduction. This report aims at critically analyzing the purpose of NAB, its mission for 2016 and the corporate social responsibilities it carries out. The report further examines the organization culture enshrined in this bank and a further evaluation of the suitability of the organization culture adopted. NABs main purpose is to provide banking services to the Australian businesses. It provides banking services in the whole of Australia in different sectors including health, government, agribusiness and community banking. This purpose is aimed at making NAB the best banking institution in Australia and New Zealand. The institution maintains its reputation in the banking sector through the formation of the NAB group of companies. Functions and Purpose of the NAB group of companies. The NAB group of companies are found in Australia New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the USA. Their main functions are geared towards ensuring efficiency in the provision of banking and other financial services. Some of their functions are as follows. First, the NAB group of companies work to connect daily with millions of customers across Asia Australia New Zealand and the USA. They offer credit facilities and financial services to both retailers and whole sellers in these countries. Secondly, NAB group of companies, offer private banking to individuals. Individuals can open personal accounts in its branches and enjoy the financial services, (NAB, 2016). In addition to this, Nab group of companies also provide institutional financials services to both public and private institutions. Third, provide wholesale banking services. This is majorly practiced by NAB situated in the US. They also provide treasury activities and institutional banking services. The NAB group of companies provides consistent financial advice to its customers. They offer financial consultancy services to the customers whenever they visit their offices. The mission of NAB for 2016. NABs mission for 2016 is to become the best financial services provider in Australia-US, New Zealand, and Asia. A mission statement should be clear and understandable, (Salem, 2008, p. 25). This mission make a difference by its core values of honesty, teamwork and integrity in providing financial services, (NAB, 2016). It plans to achieve this mission by maintaining a strong balance sheet, improving the customer satisfaction and experience and maintaining good performance in its New Zealand and Australian businesses. The profit orientation of NAB NAB has developed profit-oriented goals that have enabled it to win the trust of many customers. These goals have also made NAB to be preferred by many organizations both private and public. Many organizations now create accounts with NAB. Some of the ways used by NAB to achieve these goals are as follows. First, Creation of NAB Flik. NAB Flik is a mobile application that has been developed by this bank to enable its customers to request and send money easily. It makes the whole process of requesting for money and sending money simple, (NAB, 2016). This application can be used to send money to any inhabitant of Australia. Secondly, sending money to a Facebook friend. People can now send money to Facebook friends. This is social media banking, (Senadheera, 2011).By using the NAB Flik, a customer can send money to anothers Facebook account. Someone does not need to know an account number to send money. This makes it more convenient. Third, Internet banking. In the global market, intern et banking is a major trend. NAB has widely ventured in internet banking making it easier to send and receive funds. It is also easier, quicker and cost-effective to operate. Location of NAB and its Branches. NAB consists of NAB group of companies which are located in Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA and New Zealand. The Nab group in austral connects several customers across the wholesale and retail business, (NAB, 2016). They also conduct both private banking and institutional banking services. The Group of companies is geographically spread to tap more customers. They also make it easy to access the branches for any financial assistance needed by customers. NABs General Environment. According to (Tallon, 2007, p. 225), the general environment refers to a range of external factors that influence the performance of an organization. The organization does not always have direct control over these external factors. Some of these factors include technology, economic conditions, demography political forces and legal factors. The main general environment element attributable to National Australia Bank is technology. Technology is the application of science in the business sector. It mainly involves using scientific equipments in executing transactions and customer service, in the financial sector, (Tallon, 2007, p. 227). There has been a rapid advancement in technology in the field of business and banks should make attempts to keep up with this advancement. Some of the issues associated with technology include internet marketing, internet banking, increased cybercrimes, mobile banking and increased awareness. Technological advancements have resulted in increased competition both in the banking sector and the business world as a whole. NAB has tried to embrace technology through the development of technologically sensitive financial services, (NAB, 2016). Some of these services have been enabled by NAB Flik and internet marketing. NAB Flik has encouraged mobile banking improving the efficiency of customer delivery. Internet banking has also simplified the banking process by making it easy to create accounts and conduct transactions through the internet, (AbuShanab, 2007, p. 95). However, some major technological trends have currently emerged. These trends must be taken into consideration by this bank for it to remain competitive. Some of these trends are as follows. Entry of Technological giants into the Financial Sector Competition is a major factor associated with technology. A company must, therefore, embrace technology to remain competitive. Going by the improvement in technology the technological giants like Google, Facebook Amazon and Apple could invest into the banking sector and outdo most of the banks since they have a good customer base. Most of the consumers use Google apple and amazon, (Au, 2008, p. 160). This improvement has been executed by Apple which has launched the Apple pay. According to Kracheel, 2014, p. 18)), Apple pay is a mobile payment developed by Apple Company, in its attempt to get into the financial sector. Other companies such as Samsung have also promised to follow suit. Soon Facebook Twitter and Amazon will also get into the financial sector. It is only Barclays bank which has invested into this internet banking service by developing its wallet called Pingit. Emergence of Digital Banks According to, Bhatti (2015), digital banks are banks whose services are mainly offered through the internet. The emergence of digital banks may challenge most existing banks like NAB since they may have the ability to mobilize more customers to have an account with them.In the UK, the likes of Mondo, Atom Sterling, and Tandem, offer alternative financial services that may exert a lot of pressure on the existing banks. NAB is also not an exception as it has to compete effectively to maintain its profits and expand globally. In 2015, blockchains made tremendous profits through the offering of its bitcoin crypto currencies. This can continue to grow to make it make more profits in subsequent years. This makes it a major competitor of banks. Many banks have also launched investigations on how they can make use of these Block chain applications in their business, (Bornholdt, 2014, p. 1403). NAB is also not an exception to this it needs to venture into these applications to continue operating profitably. Emergence of Wearable Applications Wearable applications are applications installed on wearable items. Some wearable items include digital watches and bangles. Many banks have tested wearable applications on smart watches. Apple Company has also launched the Apple Watch which is a smart watch that can support most banking apps, (Kracheel, 2014, p. 19). These are new digital channels that would make banks evolve more in their operations and increase their profitability. If most banks install these apps, then NAB may have a difficult time keeping up with other banks. NAB should, therefore, take these technological improvements into account and adjust to them accordingly. Going digital is a major step in improving profitability in business. The world has technologically advanced in business, (Martins, 2014, p. 3). Therefore, this bank should stay informed about the current developments in the financial sector. It should also make use of the Bit chain applications such as unit coins to increase its profits. Globalization is a major trend associated with technology. Since most technology giants like Apple are investing in the financial sector, there is a great possibility that they may out-compete most of the banks. NAB should, therefore, expand its services to other continents apart from Australia and Asia. It should also develop operations in Africa and China. Staying informed is a major determinant of success. This can be done through consistent environmental evaluation. Environmental scanning is a systematic evaluation of the environment to obtain a better understanding of the major stakeholders in the environment. Nab should constantly practice environmental analysis to identify major technological changes and adapt to them timely. There are smart watches that support banking apps. One of these watches was developed by Apple Company. The bank should adopt these wearable apps to increase the efficiency of its services. Specific environment entails suppliers, customers, competitors and industry regulations that are specific and unique to an entity, and directly impacts on how the entity conducts its business. These factors always affect the organization directly. An organization should, therefore, formulate proper ways of dealing with these factors. Competition is the major critical factor affecting National Australia Bank. Competitors can be potential or current. Current competitors are individuals and organizations which offer the same products or services like those offered by a specific organization, (Drake, 2006, p. 1448). On the other hand, potential competitors are people or organizations that have the capability of offering the same products or services being offered by a certain organization. An organization should, therefore, be aware of its current and potential competitors to operate efficiently, Drake, 2006, p. 1448). In the banking sector, especially in Australia, competition is a major determinant of profitability. NAB should, therefore, be aware of its key competitors and make proper adjustments to be more competitive. Some impacts competition may have on this bank are discussed below; Banks are developing more complicated competition strategies. Some major on internet banking while others venture in developing more branches and increasing global operations as a major weapon for competition. Most banks are growing global, by expanding their branches worldwide. However, NAB has been slow in executing branch expansions. It has not expanded into some continents like Africa. Shortly, there may be more competition that may make this bank unable to enter into new markets and expand its operations. Increase the Number of New Entrants Expansion of services is a major tool used by most organizations to gain competition. Some organizations such as Apple are now expanding into the financial sector, (Rodriguez, 2015, p. 311). Samsung has also made attempts to enter the financial market to provide financial services. New entries into the market may deprive this bank of some potential customers. Some customers may also migrate from NAB to new financial service providers entering the market. Foreign Banks are entering into Foreign Deposit Markets. NAB has not properly expanded its operations globally. Globalization is a key factor in determining competition. Since many foreign banks are now investing in online deposit services, they may out compete for this bank as this bank has not developed a good background in foreign online deposits market. Competitive Forces may cause Decline in Net Interest Margin. Development of several banks operating in Australia Asia and Europe makes it difficult for this bank to obtain a competitive advantage. Some banks have also lowered their interests on loans and mortgages. This has made some customers migrate from NAB to other banks to enjoy the low-interest rates. In the near feature, NAB may also be forced to decrease its interest margins to maintain its customers. This may lead the bank into financial crisis. Entry of non-banking Companies into Financial Sector. Some non-banking companies such as Apple have now started offering financial services. Apple is a well-established company with a good customer based, (Kim, 2015, p. 527). NAB may, therefore, experience stiff competition from such companies that may lead to a decrease in its profitability. How NAB can deal with Competition To develop customer preference, a company should use more customer friendly procedures. Customer friendly procedures are processes which maximize customers interests, (Moroko, 2008, p. 170). NAB should incorporate procedures that would simplify transactions and make transacting with the bank cheaper as compared to other banks. This may enable it to develop customer loyalty. When customers feel satisfied with the services of a company, they will try to stick to the company. Customer satisfaction is achieved by the company through offering proper services to the customers, practicing integrity and being honest with the customers, (Rauben, 2008, p. 91). NAB can use this strategy to gain a competitive advantage over other banks. NAB should do a continuous environmental evaluation to identify its competitors and make proper adjustments. Environmental scanning enables an organization to understand better the environmental variables influencing its operations, Khan, 2009, p. 346). This activity is, therefore, more appropriate to the bank in its attempt to identify its competitors. Conduct its SWOT analysis and act on its threats and opportunities. The bank should carry out a SWOT analysis. This would enable it identify the threats to its proper operation and act on them. SWOT analysis enables organizations to identify the opportunities in the environment and act on them, (Mangel, 2007, p. 22221). The bank will, therefore, be able to determine its major opportunities and act on them through this analysis. Practice corporate social responsibility Caring for the community is a major determinant of success of an organization. A company that conducts this activity develops trust from the community in the long run, (Dhawliwal, 2011, p. 61). NAB should, therefore, practice corporate social responsibility to develop trust among the community members and obtain more customers. Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics There are two major approaches to ethics and social responsibility. Some companies adopt egoism, whereby they only practice corporate social responsibility if it maximizes the profits of the entity, (Ryan, 2016, p. 25). However, NAB has always adopted utilitarianism approach to ethics and social responsibility. It has always ensured the welfare of its customers and the community as a whole is taken care of. This approach advocates for maximization of moral good of the community. It states that a decision or activity should result in maximum good to the society. (Ping, 2007, p. 14). NAB has always adopted this approach to ethics by carrying out the following corporate social responsibility activities; Volunteer Activities. The company encourages its staff members to conduct volunteer activities. It promotes this by offering its employees with two days volunteer to leave, NAB, 2016). In their volunteer activities, the staff members extend assistance to the poor and elderly in Australia. Donations and Support. The bank supports the ovarian research foundation in its work of detecting and control of ovarian cancer. It does this by giving cash donations and resources for conducting anti-cancer campaigns. Community Involvement. NAB conducts several activities that aim at improving the lives of the community members in Australia. It provides cash donations to groups and offers financial literacy training to members of the community, (NAB, 2016). This has helped to promote a positive relationship between this bank and the members of the community. Environment The NAB staff are key volunteers in environmental conservation and prevention of pollution. They volunteer to clean the environment and stop any signs of environmental pollution, (NAB, 2016). For example, the staff members are allowed to self-nominate as environment ambassadors and work to make difference in their working environment as a whole. It conducts Charity Partner Programs The most current example of this program is based in Ireland. The program brings together staff members investors and other financiers to contribute towards charity. Some of the charity contributions are aimed at supporting cancer treatment and prevention of child abuse and cruelty. Organization Culture that work for NAB Organization culture refers to the values and beliefs that drive the operations of an organization. These values determine the way the organization operates. (Gregory, 2009, p. 674). The best organization for me to work in should have the following principals. First, openness and honesty. A good organization culture for me to work in should embrace openness and honesty. Issues should be discussed openly to promote confidence in the organization. (Glisson, 2007, p. 740). Honesty is also a vital aspect of an organization culture since it promotes trust in the organization. Secondly, teamwork and collaboration. I would like to work in an organization that embraces teamwork and collaboration. The staff members should help each other in times of problems. This promotes efficiency in executing tasks in the organization. Third, Respect and fairness. I would like to work in an organization where I am respected. My rights and values should be taken into consideration. Human rights should be given priority when designing organization culture. (Ardchvili, 2009, p. 450). The organization should also be able to embrace my personality and treatment with respect. Fourth, Simplicity, speed and efficient fulfillment of promises. This is a major value I would consider before joining an organization. Promised rewards should be given in time, my salaries or wages should not be delayed without proper reasons. This is because compensation is a major determinant of motivation. Culture Suitable to National Australia Bank NAB has a clearly outlined organization culture, based on honesty and openness, fairness, simplicity, speed teamwork and efficient execution of promises. These values are exactly what I would look for before joining any organization. Honesty and inclusive are major requirements of a good culture, (Christensen, 2007). Going by these values, I believe that I can fit in this organization. According to Atiku (2016, p. 26), a proper organization culture is one that encourages inclusive, honesty and teamwork. These characteristics are all embraced by NAB. Nab is, therefore, a good organization, which respects the rights of its employees in the workplace and ensures that each employee is treated unique according to personalities held. Conclusion National Australia Bank is a bank with a clear purpose and mission. It also conducts socially responsible activities as embraced by its culture of support and respect to the community. NAB is, therefore, a good bank for me to work with since it is aligned with my career objectives and specifications of my organization culture of interest. However, the company is still faced with competition as the critical factor. The NAB profit margins have reduced due to loss of customers to its major competitors. Therefore, this report recommends that the bank should adopt the competition strategies being used by the rival companies. Reference Abushanab, E. Pearson, J.M., (2007). Internet Banking In Jordan: The Unified Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology (Utaut) Perspective. Journal of Systems Information Technology, 9(1), Pp.78-97. Ardichvili, A., Mitchell, J.A. Jondle, D., (2009). Characteristics of Ethical Business Cultures. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(4), Pp.445-451. Atiku, S.O. Fields, Z., 2016. The Relationship between Entrepreneurial Culture Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Banking Sector. Journal of Economics Behavioral Studies, 8(2), Pp.26-39. Au, Y.A. Kauffman, R.J., (2008). The Economics of Mobile Payments: Understanding Stakeholder Issues For an Emerging Financial Technology Application. Electronic Commerce Research Applications, 7(2), Pp.141-164. Bhatti, T., (2015). Exploring Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Commerce. The Journal of Internet Banking Commerce, 2007. Bornholdt, S. Sneppen, K., (2014). Do Bitcoins Make The World Go Round? On The Dynamics Of Competing Crypto-Currencies. Arxiv Preprint Arxiv: 1403.6378. Christensen, T., Lgreid, P., Roness, P.G. And Rvik, K.A., (2007). Organization Theory the Public Sector: Instrument, Culture Myth. Routledge. Dhaliwal, D.S., Li, O.Z., Tsang, A. Yang, Y.G., (2011). Voluntary Nonfinancial Disclosure the Cost of Equity Capital: The Initiation of Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting. The Accounting Review, 86(1), Pp.59-100. Drake, L., Hall, M.J. Simper, R., (2006). The Impact Of Macroeconomic Regulatory Factors On Bank Efficiency: A Non-Parametric Analysis of Hong Kongs Banking System. Journal of Banking Finance, 30(5), Pp.1443-1466. Glisson, C., (2007). Assessing Changing Organizational Culture Climate for Effective Services. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(6), Pp.736-747. Gregory, B.T., Harris, S.G., Armenakis, A.A. Shook, C.L., (2009). Organizational Culture Effectiveness: A Study of Values, Attitudes, Organizational Outcomes. Journal of Business Research, 62(7), Pp.673-679. Khan, H.U.Z., Halabi, A.K. Samy, M., (2009). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting: A Study of Selected Banking Companies in Bangladesh. Social Responsibility Journal, 5(3), Pp.344-357. Kim, K.J. Shin, D.H., (2015). An Acceptance Model for Smart Watches: Implications for the Adoption of Future Wearable Technology. Internet Research, 25(4), Pp.527-541. Kracheel, M., Bronzi, W. Kazemi, H., (2014). A Wearable Revolution: Is the Smartwatch The Next Small Big Thing? It One Magazine 2014, 7(December), Pp.18-19. Martins, C., Oliveira, T. Popovi?, A., (2014). Understanding the Internet Banking Adoption: A Unified Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology Perceived Risk Application. International Journal of Information Management, 34(1), Pp.1-13. Mengel, M., Sis, B. Halloran, P.F., (2007). SWOT Analysis of Banff: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Threats of the International Banff Consensus Process Classification System for Renal Allograft Pathology. American Journal of Transplantation, 7(10), Pp.2221-2226. Moroko, L. Uncles, M.D., (2008). Characteristics of Successful Employer Brands. Journal of Brand Management, 16(3), Pp.160-175. NAB. (2016). National Australia Bank at a Glance. Web Retrieved From Https://Www.Nationalaustraliabank.Com/Content/Dam/Nabglobal/Images/Blog/En/Nabnews/Nab%20at%20a%20glance_2016_En.Pdf NAB. (2016) Mission Statement of National Australia Bank. Web Retrieved From Http://Www.Examplesof.Com/Mission-Statements/National-Australia-Bank.Html Ping, L., (2007). Utilitarianism Orientation in Contemporary College Students [J]. Higher Education (Research Evaluation), 4, P.014. Raubenheimer, K., (2008). A Research Note: Employee-Focused Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting In the Banking Industry. New Zealand Journal of Employment Relations (Online), 33(3), P.91. Reinig, C.J. Tilt, C.A., (2008). Corporate Social Responsibility Issues in Media Releases: a Stakeholder Analysis of Australian Banks. Issues in Social Environmental Accounting, 2(2), Pp.176-197. Rodrguez, M.., (2015). The Future of Digital Banking: A Conversation with Miguel-ngel Rodrguez, Group Director for Digital, Marketing Customer Development, Lloyds Banking Group. Journal of Digital Social Media Marketing, 2(4), Pp.311-316. Ryan, M. Ryan, S., 2016. A Pedagogy for Ethical Decision Making. Portuguese Journal of Management Studies, 21(1), Pp.25-48. Salem Khalifa, A., (2011). Three Fs For The Mission Statement: What's Next? Journal of Strategy Management, 4(1), Pp.25-43. Senadheera, V., Warren, M. Leitch, S., (2011), January. A Study into How Australian Banks Use Social Media. In Pacis (2011): Proceedings of The 15th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (Pp. 1-12). The University Of Queensland. Tallon, P.P., (2007). A Process-Oriented Perspective on the Alignment of Information Technology Business Strategy. Journal of Management Information Systems, 24(3), Pp.227-268. Yiu, C.S., Grant, K. Edgar, D., (2007). Factors Affecting The Adoption of Internet Banking in Hong KongImplications for The Banking Sector. International Journal of Information

The Development of the Atomic Theory free essay sample

The Development of the Atomic Theory Have you ever wondered how the atomic theory came to be? Or have you have wondered who it was that helped in its development? There was not just one man who came up with the atomic theory, but there were many scientists that contributed to its development. One of these scientists was Democritus, a Greek philosopher. Democritus was the son of Hegesistratus, and he was a student of Magians and Chaldaeans. By some authorities he was thought of as the greatest of the Greek physical philosophers. He was born in Abdera in Thrace sometime between 470 and 460 BC. Democritus studied under the Greek philosopher Leucippus, whose system he later on developed further. Democritus visualized atoms; atom is a Greek word for indivisible, which means as moving through space, then colliding to form the universe and the natural objects in it. Democritus was said to have excelled in all the branches of knowledge. We will write a custom essay sample on The Development of the Atomic Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page â€Å"His name was associated with the first exposition of the atomic theory of matter, according to which all matter is composed of single, indivisible atoms exactly alike qualitatively.† (Greek: pg 1) His theory was different from the theory of early philosophers, who believed that matter was composed of particles that differed qualitatively from each other, and that disagreed only concerning their differences. Democritus believed that the first principles of the universe were atoms and empty space, and that everything else was only thought to exist. He also believed that the space which the atoms moved in and their motion within that space was without end. Democritus’ theory also included that atoms were unlimited in size and number, and that they generate all composite things. He wrote extensively on the nature of matter, but only fragments of his original work still remain today. Democritus also contributed to ethics, theology, and psychology. The second scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was John Dalton, who was an English chemist. The idea of the atom was first suggested by Democritus, but his assumption was said to not be useful in explaining chemical phenomena, because he did not have experimental evidence to support those assumptions. It was the late 1700’s when early chemists began to explain chemical behavior in terms of the atom. â€Å"Joseph Priestly,  Antoine Lavoiser, and others were the ones that set the stage for the foundation of chemistry.†(Early pg.1) They did this by demonstrating that substances can combine to form new materials. It was John Dalton, though, who put the pieces together and helped in the development of the atomic theory in 1803. In Dalton’s theory he had five basic assumptions the first one stated that all matter consisted of tiny particles called atoms. Dalton along with others anticipated the atoms that composed all matter as tiny, solid spheres in different stages of motion. The second assumption was that atoms are indestructible and unchangeable. Atoms of an element cannot be created, destroyed, divided into smaller pieces, or transformed into atoms of another element. Dalton based this hypothesis on the law of conservation of mass which was stated by Antoine Lavoisier and others around 1785. The third assumption was that elements are characterized by the weight of their atoms. Dalton suggested that all atoms of the same element have equal weights. Therefore, every single atom of an element, such as oxygen, is alike to every other atom. On the other hand atoms of different elements, like oxygen and mercury, differ from each other. The fourth assumption was that in chemical reactions, atoms combine in small, whole-number ratios. The experiments that Dalton and others performed indicated that chemical reactions happen according to atom to atom ratios which were accurate and well-defined. The fifth assumption was that when elements react, it is possible that their atoms may join in more than one whole-number ratio. Dalton used this hypothesis to describe the reason it was that the ratios of two elements in various compounds, such as oxygen and nitrogen in nitrogen oxides, differed by multiples of each other. John Dalton’s theory was accepted because of its explanation of the law of conservation of mass, definite proportions, multiple proportions, and other observations. The third scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was Robert Millikan, who was a Nobel Prize winning physicist and one of the best known scientists in America. He was born in Morrison, Illinois. His father and mother were Silas Franklin and Mary Jane Millikan. Robert Millikan went to college at Oberlin in 1887 where he then began to have an interest in problem solving and experimentation. In 1893, after receiving his master’s degree, he was given a fellowship by Columbia University. Later, Millikan became a teacher and wrote several  physics textbooks. Robert Millikan realized that he was going to have to do important research if he wanted to make a name for himself, so he began to search for a research project that could produce fundamental results. Scientists in the past had estimated that the electron was a subdivision of the atom with a unit charge of constant value. Then in 1907 Robert Millikan began to explore ways to measure that charge. He then refined the method that was developed by the Scottish physicist C. T. R. Wilson, and Millikan developed the â€Å"oil drop experiment.† Then over the next few years he refined it, and then finally in 1913, Millikan published the value of the electronic charge. â€Å"He showed that the mass of an electron was truly 1/2000 of the simplest type of hydrogen atom. His experiment also showed that the charge to mass ratio was very high. This meant that although the mass of an electron is much smaller than that of a hydrogen atom it has about the same size charge as a negative ion of hydrogen.†(Robert 1909 pg 1) The fourth scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was James Chadwick, who discovered the neutron in 1932. He was born in 1891 in Manchester, England, and he graduated from Manchester University in 1911. He then stayed to work with Ernest Rutherford. Chadwick created an experiment that would help to answer the question of an unknown nucleus mass source. He smashed alpha particles into beryllium, a rare metallic element. He then allowed the radiation that was released from it to hit another target which was paraffin wax. After the beryllium radiation hit the hydrogen atoms in the wax, the atoms were sent into a detecting chamber. In physics it was recognized to be the only particle to have approximately the same mass as a hydrogen atom. The results of the experiment showed that an impact with beryllium atoms would release enormous neutral particles, which Chadwick called neutrons. This provided the answer for the hidden mass in atoms. His discovery helped to develop experimental work for all scientists. Because neutrons do not have any electrical charge, neutrons fired from a source have the capability to go through deep layers of materials and go to the nuclei of the target atoms. After Chadwick’s work, scientists all over began to attack all types of materials with neutrons. The fifth scientist who helped develop the atomic theory was J.J Thomson, who discovered the electron in 1897. He put his work towards a new theory that stated the atom was made up of small particles. Thomson discovered the  electrons, and he proved his theory with the use of the cathode ray tube. Scientists did many experiments, trying to find the structure of the atom. They passed an electric current through a vacuum tube, and saw light glowing inside the tube. It traveled in a straight line and they were not able to explain it. J.J. Thomson began doing more experiments on the cathode tube. He put two electric plates in its path, one of which was positively charged and another which was negatively charged. The glowing light bent towards the positively charged plate, and he found that the glowing light was smaller particles that were even smaller than the atom. In conclusion to this experiment, J.J. Thomson found the particle called the electron, and so his atomic theory was found. He stated that electrons came out of the trace gas that was inside of the cathode tube. Then because of what he stated, a new theory which said that atoms were made of tiny particles came to the attention of people. Thomson discovered the electrons, and it was then proved that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and he also proved that the atom was divisible. Because the atom was neutral, he suggested that the negatively charged electron was equal to the positively charged proton, and that neutrons did not have charges. He also suggested considering the atom as a sphere, with positively charged particles. These positively charged particles were surrounded by the negatively charged electrons which were placed there because of electrostatic forces. Mattheis 6 The sixth scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was Ernest Rutherford who was born in New Zealand. Rutherford worked with and studied under James Chadwick in England. He performed many experiments with radioactive alpha particles. At the time it was unclear what that alpha particle was, they just knew that it was very tiny. Rutherford fired tiny alpha particles at solid objects such as gold foil. He found that most of the alpha particles would pass through the gold foil, but there was a small amount that passed through at an angle and bounced straight back. These experiments that he did suggested that gold foil, and mater had holes in it, and that these holes allowed most of the alpha particles to pass directly through. There was still a small amount though that bounced straight back because they hit a solid object. In 1911 Rutherford  anticipated a ground-breaking view of the atom. He suggested that the atom was made up of a small, and dense core of positiv ely charged particles in the center or nucleus of the atom, and that they were enclosed in a swirling ring of electrons. The alpha particles bounced off because the nucleus was so dense. The electrons were very small, and they spread out to great distances so then the alpha particles were able to pass through the area of the atom. Rutherford’s atom represented a tiny solar system with the positively charged nucleus always at the center and the electrons that revolved around the nucleus. In the development of the atomic theory there were many scientists that contributed to it by experiments, research, and hard work. Because of what all these scientists researched and learned we have all this information on the atomic theory today. If it had not of been for their research and dedication, we would not know the things we know about the atomic theory.

Financial statements Patton

Financial statements Patton Introduction This paper is based on the Patton Fuller Community Hospital’s Annual Report for the year 2009. Physicians work at the hospital and own it too. They also govern the hospital together with the CEO and CFO. Despite sitting on the board, the CEO and CFO have no voting rights. This hospital aims at making a profit from its operations. The hospital obtains most of its revenue from in-patients rather than outpatients.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Financial statements: Patton-Fuller Community Hospital Virtual Organization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the current year, the hospital took on additional debt. This debt was issued at an adjustable interest rate. Thus, the CFO has had to create a contingent liability in the financial statements in case the debt interest increases. PFCH has some investments that performed poorly this year. The loss has been recognized in the financial statements. On th e up side, the hospital will receive some funds from a deceased benefactor’s estate. The auditor’s report was unqualified. Audited vs. Unaudited Financial Statements Patton Fuller’s audited and unaudited financial statements are similar except for one line item. The expense ‘Provision for Doubtful Accounts’ had been understated in the unaudited accounts. This was adjusted in the annual report. Prior to the adjustment, the Statement of Revenue and Expenses indicated that the hospital had met its goal of profit-making and made $689,000. Unfortunately, after the adjustment, the hospital’s profit was reduced to a loss of $373,000. Net profit was overstated by double the amount. Clearly, the hospital is doing quite badly financially (Atrill, 2011). This increase in provision for doubtful debts also affected the Balance Sheet. The amount under receivables was adjusted downwards. To complete the double entry, retained earnings were also adjusted dow nwards. This difference is material as it can affect a decision made based on the financial statements. Supposing the financial statements were not audited, they would have misled readers to believe that the hospital was profitable. Revenue and Expenses Patton Fuller obtains its revenue from patients who use its services. Most of the revenue is from inpatients. However, in the current year, some third parties have been introduced. They will cover the patients’ hospital fees, but at a different rate than the normal. They are likely to pay less than the patients owe. This is the reason for the $1,000,000 adjustment. The Balance Sheet shows the amount of receivables owed to the hospital by patients. PFCH’s receivables are approximately 20% of revenue. The hospital needs to improve is debt collection. The fact that the revenue will now be received from a third party has affected Financial Reporting.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It has resulted in the increase of the allowance for doubtful debts (Barrow, 2011). The major expenses are Salaries, Benefits, Physician, and Professional Fees. It is possible that the physicians are paying themselves at a rate higher than the market rate. However, Professional fees are fixed and unavoidable. PFCH has organized its revenue into three different categories. Net Patient Revenue is obtained from the hospitals core business, while investment revenue is obtained from its stocks and other assets. Expenses are organizes by function. Conclusion Financial reporting provides useful information for investors and management to use in decision-making. The integrity of Financials can be increased by subjecting them to an audit. In the case of PFCH, audit adjustments reduced the supposed profit to a significant loss. The hospital should consider allowing management professionals to sit in the board and ha ve voting rights. This might improve its financial management and lead to profit making. References Atrill, P. (2011). Financial Management for Decision Makers. Chicago: Prentice Hall. Barrow, C. (2011). Practical Financial Management: Key Financial Statements Tools of Financial Analysis Business Planning and Budgeting. New York: Kogan Page.

Bullying in Early Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bullying in Early Education - Essay Example ave equal strength or power to the bully† (Berthold & Hoover, 2000; Olweus, 1996; Solberg, Olweus & Enderson, 2007; Sourander, Holstela, Helenius & Piha, 2000). Aggression was clearly defined in Lee’s research on the relationship of aggression and bullying to social preference as a â€Å"behavior that is intended to harm someone either physically or psychologically (Berkowitz, 1993), manifests itself in a wide variety of acts† (Lee, 2009, 323). Despite differences in definitions, bullying still manifests an aggressively vicious behavior expressed either indirectly or directly by a repeated tormenting towards a victim with obviously less strength and power to defend oneself from his aggressor aimed to harm him or her physically or psychologically. III. The role of gender in bullying Diverse research literatures examined the role of gender in increased susceptibility in bullying. There are actually two sides to be examined: (1) does gender play a significant part in assuming the role of the aggressor? In this issue, one would like to assess and evaluate if indeed boys are the instigator of bullying. If so, what forms of bullying do they usually perform? On the other hand, does it necessarily follow that girls are always the victims of bullying? What other perspectives in bullying give credence to gender differences as relevant correlates of bullying? The study conducted by Carbone-Lopez, et.al. (2010) reveal that gender differences have significant impact on bullying and victimization. However, it was necessary to qualify the direct form of bullying versus the indirect form. The direct form involves behavior that aims to physically harm the victim through any of the following means: hitting, kicking, pushing (Carbone-Lopez, et.al, 2010, 333) and fighting, flicking,... Bullying in Early Education Parents of bullies were observed to resort to unjustifiable physical punishment instigated by mood swings and flares. Due to the fact that bullies have never learned the value of sharing or cooperation, getting along with others is not an ultimate priority. In this regard, the objective of the research is to determine if gender affects the way children respond to bullying in terms of the response or action taken against bullying and how young children, in general, deal with it. II. Differences in Definition of Bullying Bullying has been described by Marees & Petermann (2010) as â€Å"a specific for or aggressive behavior, namely the systematic humiliation, harassment and/or torment of certain children by their peers: (178). Taylor (2003), on the other hand, who studied primary school bullying and the issue of gender differences, defined bullying as â€Å"a subcategory of aggressive behavior; but a particularly vicious kind of aggressive behavior since it is directed, often repeated ly, towards a particular victim who is unable to defend himself or herself effectively†. The impact of gender on the response of children to bullying can still be further investigated to ensure that possible findings would shed light on the diversity of gender and the way they perceive bullying as either a threat to be directly addressed or ignored. There could be other reactions or responses that were not evidently investigated, or reported especially for the age group targeted for the project.

Decisions in USA Super Cars Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Decisions in USA Super Cars - Assignment Example Exchange rate is a rate of a foreign currency determined on the basis of home currency. In this regard, companies and banks operations on a global context are concerned about exchange rate owing to the fact that business sustainability, loss and profit on business transactions are based on it. Uncertainty in exchange rate between nations lays immense impact on the overall revenue attainment scope of all global business processes. The intensity of such impact can be witnessed within the automobile manufacturing organizations (Reserve Bank of Australia, 2014; The New York Times Company, 2013). The report will specifically focus on analyzing the patterns through which uncertainty within exchange rates lays a direct / indirect impact on revenue generation rates of the global business organizations. It will identify and elaborate the emergence of multiple other risk factors as a result of the unpredictable exchange rates. An instance in this context includes the risk that will be incurred by the global and nationalized banks because of uncertain exchange rates. Additionally, the efforts made by the governments of multiple nations towards minimizing the fluctuation within the exchange rates will also be considered as a part of this report. The primary scope associated with this report will be regarding the identification of maximum and minimum values of the exchange rates that is prevalent within the US. Furthermore, analysis of the provided data by using standard deviation technique can help in identifying the possibilities through which the uncertainties within the US exchange can be brought down to the minimum possible levels. In addition, scope in alignment with this topic includes the possible options through which the revenue generation procedures of the global business transaction of companies can be improvised (Biz/ed, 2014). In

Search, Taxonomy & Collaboration Tools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Search, Taxonomy & Collaboration Tools - Essay Example As the discussion highlights  the knowledge workers are regarded as the people who focus on applying different approaches to analyze the knowledge they have gained and develop the same towards attaining new and progressive views. In this regard, it can be asserted that with the effective development of technical advancements, a large number of tools were incorporated for enhancing a process that is associated with synthesis of knowledge and initiating effective learning.  From this paper it is clear that  knowledge management has emerged to be the most important tools that has been initiating progressive development and affecting progression within the system. With the continuous change in the business environment, managing the diverse and complex business changes could only be mitigated with the effective management of knowledge. This management of knowledge, on the other hand, can be supported and progressed with the diverse use of collaborative tools, initiating succession w ithin the society and supporting knowledge workers to develop their proficiency.  With the progression of the diverse tools and technology, there have been successful advancements in the process of knowledge gathering and synthesis, opening new avenues towards knowledge advancement. Commendably, with the integrated use of the collaborative tools, there have been substantial advancements within the level of knowledge available to the society or community players.

Motivation Theory Literature Review

Motivation Theory Literature Review INTRODUCTION: Motivation is naturally conceptualized either as an desire arising from within the human being or as an impulse arising from within the organism or as an attraction arising from an object external to the individual. According to Baron (1991) defines motivation as the internal processes that activate, guide, and maintain behaviour especially goal-directed behaviour. Also (Kanfer, 1998) defines as free will element of behaviour and the psychological mechanism governing the direction, intensity, and persistence of action not due solely to individual differences in ability or overwhelming environmental demands that force action. Motivation has been defined as essential to adaptive functioning and quality of life (Marin Chakravorty, 2005), and as the content of the positive thinking one wishes to maintain towards the attainment of an objective (Schweingruber, 2006). According to (kanfer, 1990) states that challenges facing researchers into motivation is that it cannot be seen and most in dividual see is a multidimensional stream of behaviour and the products of those behaviours. Also states motivational processes can be inferred only from analysis of this continuing stream of behaviour that is determined both by environment and heredity and is observed through their effects on personality, belief, knowledge, abilities and skills. Besides that,(Herzberg,1987)describes movement as a function of fear of punishment or failure to get extrinsic rewards and motivation as a function of growth from getting intrinsic rewards out of interesting and challenging work. Motivation is to be intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is internal. Intrinsic motivation is obvious as the performance of an activity for its inborn satisfaction rather than for some detachable outcome. As soon as, intrinsically motivated, a person is stimulated to take action for the pleasurable or challenge entailed relatively than because of external products, pressures (Ryan et al 2000). It occurs wh en people are compelled to do something out of pleasure, importance, or desire. Extrinsic motivation occurs when external factors compel the person to do something. Extrinsic motivation is a pull together that pertains whenever an action is done in order to reach some detachable result. (Rayan et al. 2000).Motivation is the driving force within individuals that compels them physiologically and psychologically to pursue one or more goals to fulfil their needs or expectations. (Lam Tang, 2003, p. 61) From my understanding whatever the behaviour, the drive pushing or polling person to act in particular way is motivation and most researchers believe motivation as the drive behind human behaviour. Furthermore, people cannot be motivated to do something if there is nothing in it for them. Obviously, reward may be the avoidance of a negative outcome as much as it may be the achievement of a positive outcome. Motivation theory has to do with why do individual make the choices they make? or what makes someone persist at one activity and yet quickly give up another. Motivation is to give reason, incentive, enthusiasm, or interest that causes a specific action or certain behaviour. Motivation is present in every life function. Simple acts such as eating are motivated by hunger. Education is motivated by desire for knowledge. Motivation is a vital quality that pervades all aspects of teaching and learning. Motivated students display interest in activities, motivated teachers feel that they can help students learn and motivated administrators make possible teaching and learning in their buildings. Self-motivation is what most people use to define motivation at its highest mountain of accomplishments. If you are able to motivate yourself and reach your goals, you would have conquered the ability to be disciplined and will accomplish anything you put your mind to. Motivation is very important to all decisions that you have to make. In the workplace, motivation is defined by the actions that employees take to improve the company goals as well as their aspirations for career advancement. The effective performance of employees is what makes or breaks a company. So to keep employees motivated, employers must invest in the overall morale by implementing workshops and seminars to help them. Managers are the key personnel in what makes an employee follow directions. Using rewards like promotions and incentives as well as compliments can greatly improve an employees view of the company and its managers. Employees like to be recognized for their efforts regardless of the salary bracket. Such recognition keeps them motivated in getting their job done. Recognition in this case is the motivation technique that managers can tap into and gain the structure over the workplace environment of how they want things done. What organisation and managers can do is provide the environment, support and resources that will influence and effect motivation. Nowadays, managers are trying to find useful motivation theories to motivate their employees. While there are a wide variety of motivation theories on human motivation discussed in this literature review, which means that managers can use any or all those motivation theories to motivate their employees. Managers can use these motivation theories in ways that complement each other. MOTIVATION THEORY-MAJOR CONCEPTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS This is all about the main researchers of motivation theories and to illustrate how these theories can be apply to practical situation. Also reviewed how the major concepts and contributions can apply in work related situations and applying them in groups, teams at organisational level and individual level. Motivation is a complex concept and there are many different theories which look at the subject from different perspectives. The different theories of motivation and criticisms of the theories have been discussed as follows: 1: Hierarchy of needs theory by Maslow A.H. 2: Hygiene theory by Herzberg F. 3: X and Y theory by McGregor D.M. 4: Existence- Relatedness-Growth theory by Alderfer C. P. 5: Expectancy theory by Vroom V. 6: Goal-Setting Theory by Locke E.A. 7: Internal and External control theory by Rotter J.B. 8: Achievement theory by McClelland and Atkinson J.W. 9: Job characteristics theory by Hackman J.R. and Oldham G.R. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS THEORY: According to Maslow (1954) projected that motivation is based on a number of human need. It has to do with the hierarchy that requires the lower more basic needs to be satisfied before the increasingly less basic ones above. Maslow believed that there are five basic needs of the theory. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most famous motivation theories, and it has been the centre of much interest by management researchers (Katz, 2004). This (Fig.1) is Maslows hierarchy of needs in pyramid with physiological needs at the base, self-actualisation at the top. 5: Self- actualisation needs: Refer to personal growth and development. 4: Esteem or Ego needs: Refer to need for status and self respect. 3: Social needs: Refer to need to part of a social group and belongingness/love 2: Safety needs: Refer to security, need for shelter or physical danger. 1: Physiological needs: Refer to basic life needs, like food, drink, shelter, etc THE SELF ACTUALISATION NEED: Maslow defined self-actualization as the complete use and utilization of talents, capacities, potentialities. (Maslow,1954). Self-actualization is not a static state. It is an ongoing procedure in which ones capacities are fully, imaginatively, and cheerfully utilized. Self-actualizing people perceive life without a doubt and they are less emotional and more objective. ESTEEM OR EGO NEEDS: According to Maslow, esteem needs were made of two types of desire. I: Desire for strength, adequacy achievement, competence and confidence in the face of organisation. 2: Desire for reputation, glory dominance, recognition, appreciation and dignity Furthermore, people need to be respected, to have self-esteem, self- respect and respect. Self-Esteem expresses the normal human desire to be acknowledged and valued by others. This has to with ones internal needs for self-respect, autonomy and external needs for status and recognition. SOCIAL NEEDS: Are the third level of human needs from the (Fig 1) above. This has to do with ones needs for affection and a sense of belonging and acceptance. Human being need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. They need to love and be loved. According to (Maslow, 1954) include the giving and receiving of affection. SAFETY NEEDS: As soon as peoples physical needs have satisfied, they will chase higher level needs, such as safety needs. Safety needs are determined by the need for security and protection from physical and emotion harm. Safety needs include: personal security, financial security, health and well-being, and a safety net or insurance for accidents/illness and the adverse impacts. PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS: Are the lowest level of needs, from the (Fig 1) above which are the most basic needs for people. Physiological needs are also measured the needs for human survival. If these needs are not met, people cannot continue to function. Physiological needs include: breathing, homeostasis, water, sleep, food, excretion, and sex. According to (Sarah Steve 2002, p175)the theory engrossed criticism regarding its principle that individuals work on satisfying needs at a higher level only once all lower- level needs have been met. Also major problem facing the theory is how to measure needs, both in terms of how powerfully they are felt and of how someone knows they have been met. Furthermore, the theory is not easy to apply directly to work because need are not met through one source. HYGIENE THEORY: According to (Herzberg et al 1959) proposed his Two-Factor Theory of Human Motivation, known as Motivation-Hygiene theory. Hygiene theory is based on the principle that things people come across satisfying in their jobs are not always the opposite of things they find dissatisfying. Herzbergs Two-Factor Theory is based on the results of research into the factors in a workplace that lead to employee satisfaction. Herzberg made use of a survey, titled, What do people want from their jobs? to achieve insights into what workplace factors people perceived as satisfying and dissatisfying. He asked people to describe in detail which workplace factors led to satisfaction and which factors led to dissatisfaction, and then he separated the results and classified them.Fig.2and Fig.3 show the factors that led to extreme satisfaction and dissatisfaction, respectively. Fig.2 Shows Factors that led to extreme satisfaction according to Herzberg Fig.3 shows Factors that led to extreme dissatisfaction according to Herzberg According to(Robins 2001) The criticisms facing the theory, is methodology used by Herzberg does not take into account that often, when things are going well, people take the credit themselves, and when things are not , they blame others and their situation. There is on job satisfaction against which the people could rate their job. Also situational factors were not identified. Despite the criticisms the theory is a vital theory of motivation and used by managers to consider hygiene factors with regards to motivation. X and Y THEORY: Based on( McGregor, 1960)reviewed that the relationship between managers and employee could be immensely improved if the assumptions that had develop about how people behaved at work were changed from Theory X view to a Theory Y view. Basically one is positive and the other is negative. THEORY X: was based on scientific management school of thought and projected that enlarged productivity could result from breaking jobs down into small unit of work and giving workers a small range of obviously defined tasks to do. According to (Gray Stark, 1984) Employees do not like to work and want to evade work as much as possible. Employees do not want to take responsibility for the work; managers should take some actions, like convincing and supervising strategies, to help them finishing their mission. Theory X assumed that human actions are dictated by low-level needs, THEORY Y: Was based the predominant theory of management there could be no trust between management and employee. Also Small opportunity for relationship between management and employees in theory .According to (Gray Stark, 1984) employees treat work as entertainment and rest, it is natural. Employees have the ability to make creative decisions, not just managers. Theory Y assumed that human actions are determined by high-level needs. The theory X and Y can influence how motivating factors are regarded within an organisation. Theory X has to do with extrinsic rewards such as pay in order to motivate people to execute good in their job while theory Y has to do with working environment in which employees may discern intrinsic rewards in their job. EXISTENCE RELATEDNESS GROWTH THEORY: This has the similarities to Maslows needs hierarchy. Alderfer C.P. extended and simplified Maslows hierarchy into a shorter set of three needs: Existence, Relatedness and Growth (ERG) Theory. (Alderfer, 1969) EXISTENCE NEEDS: According to (Hollyforde Whiddett 2002) Refers Existence needs as our concern with basic material subsistence motivators and size of how satisfied this need is therefore mostly stated in conditions of what one person has in relation to others. Existence needs, is based on various forms of material and physiological needs. RELATEDNESS NEEDS: Refers to the  motivation we have in support of maintaining interpersonal relationships GROWTH NEEDS: Refers to an intrinsic desire for personal development. Relate to personal creativity and productivity. According to (Sarah Steve 2002), the theory does not suggests how a person may meet his or needs .So managers cannot presume that everyones relationship needs will be met in the same way. Also the theory ERG theory with its three broad categories is maybe easier to deal with than the five levels of need in hierarchy of needs theory. EXPECTANCY THEORY: Vroom suggests that this theory is Based on the principle that people expect particular actions to achieve a desired result and that the desired result is something worth striving for or avoiding. Vroom does not give attention to on needs, but rather focuses on outcomes. According to (Vroom, 1964) identifies two terms the theory. 1. Expectancy: means the stronger the assurance that an act will be followed by particular outcome, the stronger the expectancy is considered to be 2. Valence: Means affective orientations toward particular outcome either positive or negative. Theory expectancy and valence of Vroom concentrated on extrinsic outcomes rather than intrinsic ones. Based on research expectancy and valence are not as distinct from each other as Vroom recommended .And one the key criticisms is that the theory was tested as if it was based on behavioural and attitudinal predictions across rather than within persons. Furthermore, expectancy theory accommodates multiple work outcomes in forecasting motivation and predicts motivation to work hard to earn the merit pay will be low if expectancy low (Schermerhorn J. et al 1997) GOAL-SETTING THEORY: The theory is based on the principle that individuals are motivated to achieve the successful accomplishment of challenging goal. According to (Locke, 1968) based his result on three main conclusions. 1: The more hard goals result in higher level of performance than easy goal 2: The specific goals produce higher levels of performance than general goals. 3: The behavioural intentions influence the choices people make. The Goal -Setting theory is helpful to many managers because much of people management is particularly about performance against goals. Theory has great relevance for managers. According to (Robins, 2001) Implies that Goal Setting theory is restricted to those cultures that match the ones in which the research was carried out. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL THEORY: The theory is based on locus of control. Locus of Control refers to an individuals perception about the underlying main causes of events in his/her life. According to (Rotter, 1966) invented the internal -external dimension to determine locus of control. Based on the extent to which people feel they are in control of the situations that engulfed them and also the extent to which they are convinced of directing events 1. External control: when individual feels that result of his or her actions is as the result of chance, luck as under the powerful others. 2. Internal control: When individual perceives that the occurrence is contingent upon his own behaviour. The Internal and External theory has been criticised for its centre of attention on the Internal-external dimension only as on personality variable .Besides that the theory is useful when considering motivation issues at individual level. ACHIEVEMENT THEORY: The theory is based the needs that can be classed as either Achievement(nAch), Affiliation(nAff) or Power(nPow) .Also theory is based on three factors research into behaviour in achievement-oriented activities. 1: when individual expects to receive unmistakable feedback on the marks of his or her action. 2: When individual feels liable for the outcome success or failure. 3: When individual feels a little level of uncertainty or risk in the activity Achievement theory does not explore why some people enjoyment a challenge and others fear failure. Achievement theory was not specifically about work. The theory is useful when considering why individuals react different to achieving tough goals and why they react to failure in individual ways (Sarah Steve 2002).McClelland recommends that top managers should have a high need for power coupled with a low need for affiliation. Sunil R. Cited (Kreitner kinicki 1998) JOB CHARACTERISTICS THEORY This theory is based on how to design a job so that it is motivating to individual. Also the theory deals with how individual responds to complex and challenging tasks. According to (Hackman Oldham 1976) job characteristics theory proposed that individuals intrinsic motivation is affected by psychological states: 1: Experienced meaningfulness of the work: The extent individuals perceive the job as meaningful and valuable. 2: Experienced responsibility for the outcomes of the work:-the extent individual feels personally accountable and responsible for the outcome of work done. 3: Knowledge of the result of the activities:-the extent individual knows, and understands on continuous basis how successfully he or she is performing the work Also theory has five job dimensions 1: Skill variety-this has to with number of type of skill and talents of individual. 2: Task identity-this has to with work at hand and job completion 3: task significance- this has to with job considerable impact on lives or work of other people. 4: Autonomy -All about individual in setting up the work and determining the procedures to be used in carrying it out. (Freedom and independence at work environment). 5: Feedback-All about individual getting direct and clear result about the effectiveness of his or her performance The theory is one of the few motivation theories specific to an organisational environment and has plenty of practical application. Theory centre of attention is on facilitating0 high internal work motivation. Hackman and Oldman based their theory on motivating individual through job design. CONTRIBUTIONS: According to (Whittington Evans 2005) The Hierarchy of Needs theory proposed by Maslow has been identified as a major influencing factor in the growth of other motivation and management work, such as that of McGregor (Theory X and Theory Y) and Herzberg Motivation-Hygiene theory. It has been generally applied as a basis for much research into, among other things, workforce commitment, job satisfaction and management theory (Stum, 2001). Goal-Setting Theory by Locke has been acknowledged the best goals and dispute facing management environment and Achievement theory by McClelland has identified problems facing motive to achieve success in management work. (Sarah Steve 2002).Expectancy theory has been used to identify job satisfaction, occupational choice, the likelihood of staying in a job, and the effort that one might expand at management work. Internal and External control theory by Rotter has enhanced the concept of persistence (locus of control) in management work. The job char acteristics theory relies on workers insight of the job dimensions for the accomplishment of the psychological states that lead to increased motivation. APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT OF MOTIVATION TO FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Facilities management regularly deals with identifying relations that humans have with their environment. According to (Smith et al., 1997) the rates of pay had very little influence on participants job satisfaction and subsequent work motivation. Some affiliation can be made at this point to Maslows lowest levels of his hierarchy of needs physiological and safety needs. Maslow argued that individuals can only move up the hierarchy of needs to the higher levels of belongingness/love, esteem and finally self-actualisation, once the lower levels had been achieved; however, the results demonstrated in this study suggest that ancillary staff can be motivated and achieve higher levels of Maslows hierarchy without having their physiological and safety needs completely fulfilled. Individuals can only move up the hierarchy of needs to the higher levels of belongingness/love, esteem and finally self-actualisation, once the lower levels had been achieved; on the other hand, the results demons trated in this study suggest that facilities managers can motivate their staff and achieve higher levels of Maslows hierarchy without having their physiological and safety needs completely fulfilled. McGregors Theory X and y focused on managements assumptions about employees. Theory X and Y describe the average worker from management perspective and suggest methods by which facilities manager can get the best out of worker. Herzberg studies concentrated on satisfaction at work. Herzberg came to a conclusion that certain factors tended to lead to job satisfaction.(motivators),while others led to frequently to dissatisfaction(Hygiene factors).these factor are related to job context they are concerned with job environment as an extrinsic to the job itself. Shane, S., 2001. Technology opportunities and new firm creation. Management Science 47 9, pp. 1173-1181. LATEST IDEAS ON MOTIVATION THEORY First of all, fields of management background study like leadership, decision making and organization plan persist to develop conceptually speculative developments focusing on work motivation have not held in reserve speed. These changes can have a philosophical manipulate on how companies challenge to attract, retain and motivate their employees in labour market. JOB DESIGN: This is about changing the content or process of job to increase job satisfaction and performance. This is usually easier for new organisational or new business unit. Furthermore, most organisations find themselves designing as the result of organisational change and to motivate their Staff. Job design is relating to job characteristics theory, suggests job should be design in such a way as to maximise intrinsic motivation. (Sarah Steve 2002) EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: This gives managers strategies, to promotes positive improvement in organizations particularly motivation and performance improvement o f employees. For organization to improve well, messages should be designed in such a way as to maximise motivation. Effective communication strategies have strong effect to motivation of employees. (Sarah Steve 2002) OBJECTIVCE- SETTING: This is important to managers to focus individuals work efforts. It is important to commit employee with goals to motivate them. Most organisations applied Management by Objective (MBO) to motivate their employee. This is relating to Goal-setting, suggests individuals tend to produce higher levels of performance when they have specific goal. (Sarah Steve 2002) MANAGING VIRTUAL TEAMS: Is made of group people who regularly work mutually dependent for joint purpose across time, distance and organization. So motivating people to apply for jobs in virtual teams is one of the latest ideas. CONCULSIONS Motivational techniques, therefore, are useful to teachers, leaders, parents, employers, and almost anyone. The key is in understanding that you are not motivating someone else. Instead, you are simply providing a circumstance that triggers that person to be motivated. However, The developments in motivation and management theory. (Whittington Evans 2005) conclude that the road to building high commitment organisations requires the solid foundation laid by Maslow, McGregor and Herzberg. Motivation theories can therefore offer guidance to anyone interest in motivational issues. Motivation theories discussed above can help mangers consider how and why people are motivated. For example, Hierarchy of need theory may help manager figures out where someone is in term of the satisfaction his or her short and long term needs -which may in turn influence how they seek to create the situation that may be the most motivating. Motivation theories discussed were based on work related environment s. However the can be applied to help individuals understand human behaviour at work. This literature review also emphasized the important of motivation theories to facilities manager with regards to working environments. Also provide frameworks enable facilities manager to manage their working environment. Finally, one of the challenge facing researchers into motivation, it cannot be seen.

The Merger of Womens and Mens Sports will Benefit Women :: Argumentative Persuasive Argument Essays

The Merger of Women's and Men's Sports will Benefit Women Every sports fan hates to admit the fact that sports are simply business, but it is undeniable that sports are one of the most lucrative businesses in the U.S. Right now the market for women's professional sports is growing rapidly. The best way for women's sporting organizations to promote and sell this market is to align with previously established organizations such as the NBA, NCAA and the USOIC. Although joining with men's organizations is a difficult process that involves compromise, merging with these organizations helps to land big television contracts, gives greater publicity, and brings in endorsements, advertisers and investors. The lack of these benefits was among the key factors in the failure of the ABL. Inversely, these are the reasons for the successes of the WNBA and women's sports in the Olympics. Throughout the history of female athletics merging with male sports organizations has not always been a pleasant experience. In 1982 the AIAW merged with the NCAA, despite the NCAA fighting tooth and nail to try and find ways out of Title IX, an act of Congress that required Universities to provide equal funding for women's athletics. The NCAA did everything they could to stop the equal funding but finally gave in during the 1990's. Right now the NCAA embraces its women's sports programs and has had many women represented on the executive committee roster and even has a committee on women's athletics. Also, the NCAA has worked out television contracts with ESPN, FOX sports and CBS. This has lead to not only coverage of women's sports but publicity. Women's games are talked about on Sports Center and College Hoops Tonight everyday during the season. The addition of the women's to the Olympics did a lot more to promote commercial secures and the advancement of women's The Women's Olympic Games went out of business shortly after the Olympics allowed women to participate. Women lost a lot with this merger at first due to the fact that women were prohibited from many Olympic events that they could have participated in as part of the Women's Olympics. These restrictions weren't lifted until 1984. However in the long run co-ed Olympics are beneficial for women's sports. At the 2002 Olympics at Salt Lake City there was only two sports that USA women did not compete in, ski jumping and the Nordic combined.

Fate in Oedipus the King Essay

Tragedy of Oedipus is about pre-destination vs free-will. Fate does play a part in the tragic down fall of Oedipus but it does not mean that his character and disposition has no liability for that. Excessive arrogance and self-confidence of Oedipus is the main cause of his tragedy. He harbors unjustified suspicions against Tiresias and Creon; in one place he goes so far as to express some uncertainty about the prophetic natures of oracles and truth of their prophecies. It is hardly likely that even a combination of all these would be equal to what Aristotle considered to be a serious hamartia, and it would not be very relevant to the point at issue even if he did, for Oedipus has committed incest and parricide years before the action of the play began, and before he exhibited any of the failing mentioned above. It would hardly be logical to say that the gods punished Oedipus for a crime which he was to commit many days later. Another view is that the present failings of Oedipus may be taken to means that he was he was always like that, and his tragedy comes due some inherent or innate unsoundness in his character. So he is not a puppet in the hands of fate. But Sophocles also illustrates that it was fate that brought him to Thebes and it was gain fate that he came across someone at where three highways came together. It was his fate that he married his mother. Above all, fate has played a pivotal role in his life from the very start and has not dealt with him even-handedly. The divine will as predicted and proclaimed by the oracle was absolute and it has nothing good about Oedipus. Although certain measures were taken by the King and Queen) to escape from that proclaimed destiny but it became the cause for the tragic downfall of Oedipus. That is the reason that Oedipus says after blinding himself. God. God. / Is there a sorrow greater? /Where shall I find harbor in this world? / My voice is hurled far on a dark wind. / What has God done to me? (Sophocles 831) Dodds writes about the nature of fate as demonstrated by Oedipus that fate is â€Å"inevitably and inexorably bound to happen no matter what Oedipus may have done to avoid it (Dodds 21).