Rational models and self evaluation Essay -- essays research papers

My supervisor requested a self-evaluation in connection with an upcoming annual performance review, the self evaluation was meant to answer questions regarding A certain customer service decision and accommodations made by me that went beyond company standard operating procedure and protocols. Conio-caca Graphics Imaging Corporation ordered my team to perform a systems installation for a small publishing company in North Miami. The installation was to be performed according to company standards; first the hardware which included an image setter and then a â€Å"Mac Server† running OS 10 (Operating system version 10) followed by installing specialized software to interface with a desktop publishing application. Upon completing the installation of the software and hardware, the team and the customer found the software was not functioning which effectively meant the customer at that point was, â€Å"Out of Business†. PROBLEM DEFINITION The on-site Team defined the problem (Bazerman, Max H. Judgment in Managerial Decision Making, 5th edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons. 2002), resolving; Apple Computer Corp. had shipped a machine to the customer with the very latest operating system on it which did not work with a standard desktop publishing application; it required a missing upgrade patch having a zipped (compressed) volume of about 80MB’s. Alternative1: After careful communication with my supervisor, I was ordered to tell the customer to order the upgrade patch on a CD direct fr...

Comparison and Contrast on Theory XY and Z Essay

Douglas McGregor suggested that there are two different ways in which we can look at workers attitudes toward work. Each of these views, which McGregor called Theory X and Theory Y, has implications for management. Theory X (‘authoritarian management’ style) -People do not really like to work and will avoid it if at all possible so they must be coerced, controlled, directed, threatened with punishment to get them to work. -The average worker avoids responsibility, is unambitious and wants security more than anything else. -Management based on Theory X is paternalistic at best and, at very least, authoritarian. -Rewards and punishment are assumed in this theory to be the key to employee productivity. Theory X managers believe that workers are only motivated by one thing – money. They are selfish, lazy and hate work. They need to be closely controlled and directed. Theory Y (‘participative management’ style) The theory Y is to some extent the opposite image of X -Effort in work is as natural as rest and play. -People will apply self-control and self-direction in the pursuit of organizational objectives, and the external control or the threat of punishment is not the only means of getting them to work. -Commitment to objectives is a function of rewards associated with their achievement. The most important reward: satisfaction of their own ego needs. -People usually accept and often seek responsibility. -Creativity, ingenuity, and imagination are widely distributed among the population. People are capable of using these abilities to solve an organizational problem. -In modern industry the intellectual potential of the average person is only partly utilized. Theory Y managers believe that Workers are motivated by many different factors apart from money. They enjoy their work and they will happily take on responsibility and make decisions for the business. Theory z – William Ouchi Theory Z makes certain assumptions about workers: People tend to want to build cooperative and intimate working relationships with those that they work for and with, as well as the people that work for them. They have a high need to be supported by the company, and highly value a working environment in which such things as family, cultures and traditions, and social institutions are regarded as equally important as the work itself. They have a very well developed sense of order, discipline, moral obligation to work hard, and a sense of cohesion with their fellow workers. Finally, Theory Z workers can be trusted to do their jobs to their utmost ability, so long as management can be trusted to support them and look out for their well being. One of the best aspects of theory Z is the long-term employment which would appeal to Americans because they want job security. The collective decision making will create a good work environment and increase productivity. Something that Americans won’t like is the slow evaluation and promotion. Americans don’t like to wait years before they can get a promotion and they  would rather get a new job instead. Another great benefit is that the company will have holistic concern for you and your family. Theory Z also places more reliance on the attitude and responsibilities of the workers, whereas McGregor’s XY theory is mainly focused on management and motivation from the manager’s and organization’s perspective. Comparison & Contrast Douglas McGregor tends to categorize people as one type or another: either being unwilling or unmotivated to work, or being self-motivated towards work. Threats and disciplinary action are thought to be used more effectively in this situation, although monetary rewards can also be a prime motivator to make Theory X workers produce more. William Ouchi believes that people are innately self-motivated to not only do their work, but are loyal towards the company, and want to make the company succeed. Theory X leaders would be more authoritarian, while Theory Y leaders would be more participative. But in both cases it seems that the managers would still retain a great deal of control. Theory Z managers would have to have a great deal of trust that their workers could make sound decisions. Therefore, this type of leader is more likely to act as â€Å"coach†, and let the workers make most of the decisions. As mentioned above, McGregor’s managers, in both cases, would seem to keep most of the power and authority. In the case of Theory Y, the manager would take suggestions from workers, but would keep the power to implement the decision. Theory Z suggests that the manager’s ability to exercise power and authority comes from the worker’s trusting management to take care of them, and allow them to do their jobs. The workers have a great deal of input and weight in the decision making process. Conflict in the Theory Z arena would involve a great deal of discussion, collaboration, and negotiation. The workers would be the ones solving the  conflicts, while the managers would play more of a â€Å"third party arbitrator† role. This type of manager might be more likely to exercise a great deal of â€Å"Power† based conflict resolution style, especially with the Theory X workers. Theory Y workers might be given the opportunity to exert â€Å"Negotiating† strategies to solve their own differences. Theory Z emphasizes more frequent performance appraisals, but slower promotions, while according to Theory X, appraisals occur on a regular basis. Promotions also occur on a regular basis.

The Commercialization of the Funeral Industry essays

The Commercialization of the Funeral Industry essays In Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain, Jessica Mitford presents a compelling, if unnerving, argument for the commercialization of death and the funerary industry in North America and specifically in the United States. She explains that the role of the funeral director has evolved to the point that he (or she) has put on a well-oiled performance in which the concept of death played no part whatsoever (Mitford). Embalming plays a central role in this show because it is the means through which the funeral industry can present the deceased in a manner that will make them appear as lifelike as is possible, given their limitations. Embalming and presenting the dead has spawned a vast supporting market into which, Mitford notes, Americans willingly shovel hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Mitford argues that the funerary industry in America has become a commercial venture, in which the dead are paraded about for the satisfaction of the living. In such a situation, the role of the embalmer takes on a special purpose. In that case, the purpose of embalming is to make the corpse presentable for viewing in a suitably costly container (Mitford). At one time, we can gather from this statement alone, embalming may have had religious significance or even the simple purpose of protecting health and preventing decay. However, the additional comment regarding the cost of the casket adds a commercial element to the entire venture. The implication, of course, is that embalming has developed as a way to sell more expensive caskets. No one, after all, would purchase an expensive casket that could not be shown off to the people who pay their respects. But if the casket is going to be part of a presentation, then it would be unreasonable not to include the body as well. Emba lming has developed into a modern industry precisely because it permit the funeral industry to make more sales. ...

Free Essays on Goethes Faust

Faust’s Trials Goethe’s Faust probes the belief that God knows man will err because he has reason, and free will. God does not damn man for sins he commits, because it is in his nature to err as long as they strive, but rather condemns those who ceases to strive towards any goal, and in doing so forsake God‘s will for peopling the earth. Giving proof to the statement â€Å"Idle hands do the Devil’s work.† Faust journey throughout the reading can be broken into three parts. He makes a pact with the Devil, (Removing himself from God’s path). He flounders along on that dark path for a number of years, (Following his desires, though they may not be what God had intended, yet still striving for something). Lastly Faust is saved and taken to paradise to be with God,( Thus ending up at the Destination that God has intended for him from the time of Faust‘s creation.) Let us first see why Faust should be, by traditional examples of sin, damned instead of saved. Faust’s first damnable act, (act 6 Faust‘s study 1), is his calling upon the devil, using pentagrams, and other rites forbidden by Christian tradition. Being a learned man, Faust would have known that these rituals alone would have been a sin, because they call for him to denounce God to gain the favor of the devil. Even if theses warnings did not fall on Faust’s ears, he is counseled by Mephistopheles in lines 1655-1660 of the price, and moreover the consequences of his partnership with the devil. â€Å"In this world I will cater For all your whims, to serve and wait on you; When we meet in the next world, some time later, Wages in the same kind will then fall due.† Interpreting this to mean Faust will be bound to Mephistopheles, we see he has broken one of the Ten commandments and gone against God’s way. Thus committing a sin, and departing from the path to Heaven. Throughout the book, most noticeably in the Witches kitchen, and Walpurgis night, Faust engages in ... Free Essays on Goethes Faust Free Essays on Goethes Faust Faust’s Trials Goethe’s Faust probes the belief that God knows man will err because he has reason, and free will. God does not damn man for sins he commits, because it is in his nature to err as long as they strive, but rather condemns those who ceases to strive towards any goal, and in doing so forsake God‘s will for peopling the earth. Giving proof to the statement â€Å"Idle hands do the Devil’s work.† Faust journey throughout the reading can be broken into three parts. He makes a pact with the Devil, (Removing himself from God’s path). He flounders along on that dark path for a number of years, (Following his desires, though they may not be what God had intended, yet still striving for something). Lastly Faust is saved and taken to paradise to be with God,( Thus ending up at the Destination that God has intended for him from the time of Faust‘s creation.) Let us first see why Faust should be, by traditional examples of sin, damned instead of saved. Faust’s first damnable act, (act 6 Faust‘s study 1), is his calling upon the devil, using pentagrams, and other rites forbidden by Christian tradition. Being a learned man, Faust would have known that these rituals alone would have been a sin, because they call for him to denounce God to gain the favor of the devil. Even if theses warnings did not fall on Faust’s ears, he is counseled by Mephistopheles in lines 1655-1660 of the price, and moreover the consequences of his partnership with the devil. â€Å"In this world I will cater For all your whims, to serve and wait on you; When we meet in the next world, some time later, Wages in the same kind will then fall due.† Interpreting this to mean Faust will be bound to Mephistopheles, we see he has broken one of the Ten commandments and gone against God’s way. Thus committing a sin, and departing from the path to Heaven. Throughout the book, most noticeably in the Witches kitchen, and Walpurgis night, Faust engages in ...

Partnership and limited liability partnership in the United States Essay

Partnership and limited liability partnership in the United States - Essay Example Humans have since time immemorial been considered social beings making partnership between individuals a common concept. Partnerships can as well exist between businesses, interest based organizations, schools, governments allowing for their nature and structure to be varied. Under this type of arrangement, partners agree to share their profits and losses and this mutual understanding is what allows them to operate efficiently (Wood 21). People engaging in partnerships often have varied reasons for their union. Some partner with others in order to increase their likelihood of achieving their goals when the situation calls for1. Others may partner simply to pool resources together in order to be able to participate effectively in the business world. While profits may be the driving force for some, strategic positioning is a major underlying reason for the formation of partnerships especially amongst those who are actively engaged in the business world. And because each member brings a long their own set of reasons for forming the alliance, partnerships have been marred with special challenges and issues. It is because of the dynamic nature of partnerships that the concept of civil law was introduced in their formation (Smith 16). An agreement is a symbolic tool of understanding between partners in any engagement. These agreements define each individual's goals, the company's overall goal, roles and responsibilities of each partner, lines of authority and succession, how achievements and shortcomings are to be classified, and most important, how resources are to be shared within the company. And because of the detailed nature of these agreements, they are required to be written down on paper and appropriately signed by all members in the partnership. This is done for future reference and each party often advised to keep a copy of the agreement. Articles of partnership are often drawn by the partners who are members of the partnership in order to make the document legally enforceable by law. (Smith 17). The roles of partners are often quite defining as to the nature with which they interact with the organization. In a general partnership, all partners manage the business and are personally liable for any expenses that are incurred during the management of the business. In the United States, there have been established limited liability partnerships which have got different features as compared to other forms of partnership2. A limited liability partnership accords its owners limited personal liability which is suitable for use in professional groups like accountants and lawyers3. The nature of Limited Liability Partnership These partnerships are often preferred because one partner does not wish to be liable for the problems or mistakes made by other partners within the organization. This is often the case is malpractice claims that may prove detrimental to the company even if they are fully enforceable by law4. In the case of malpractice clai ms, LLP protects each partner from any costs or expenses arising from any malpractice lawsuits that may be leveled against one partner5. Overall, LLP's have similar advantages as those realized in limited partnerships. One can still take part in the management of the business in an active manner, without exposing themselves to personal liability for the decisions and actions undertaken by the other partners beyond the value of their investment in the arrangement.

How Roman Empire lived on , even though it died 476ad Essay

How Roman Empire lived on , even though it died 476ad - Essay Example pire, deposed the Emperor Romulus, who lived in Italy’s Ravenna in a bloodless coup in 476ad; but Emperor Zeno continued to live and rule in Constantinople, whose authority was acknowledged by Odoacer himself. Roman power continued in the East, under rulers of Constantinople and a ‘fall’ was not particularly noticed. East Roman Emperors considered themselves as the real Roman Emperors, right heirs to Augustus. Byzantine was part of Roman history and 476ad was more of a Western point of view it was the continuation of Roman empire and the fall of Western empire was simply ignored and the division of the two was not particularly glorified because there was no such formal division and they remain. Even the promulgated rules applied to the entire territory, because in spite of two empires, the empire remained one for a very long time. Hence, there was a change in the region and the empire no doubt lost some of its glitz; but there was no fall. The Byzantine flourished diplomatically with many countries. It became the centre of literature, culture, religion and architecture. Roman Catholic Church continued to exist and it represented the lost empire with very little change while Byzantine survived for another thousand years. In a way it was a glorious period under Justinian like rulers. Religion was becoming more and more prominent; but the emperors retained their authority fully. In latter fifth century, the emperor estranged himself from Roman Pope by declaring himself Monophysite, which was discarded by Justin, an action that gained Pope’s support. Byzantine Christianity was slightly different from the Latin Christianity and culture. They thought ecclesiastical and theological authority vested in the Emperor and not with Pope and his minions. But adoption of strict traditional ways made it an absolutely static religion. The Empire pursued classical and intellectual traditions of education, philosophy, composition , literature, history. Women were well

Publi Pension Replacement Rates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Publi Pension Replacement Rates - Essay Example Even the marital status is a point of concern for some countries. The earnings level of the worker is also taken into account. This level dictates the amount of their contribution. The duration of membership of a worker in the pension plan is factored in in the replacement rate computation. Another cause of the variance is the type of employment, whether it is full-time or part-time. The public pension replacement rate was a major contributing factor in the debt burden of Greece. The average earner with a full career in an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country, of which Greece belongs, has a pension replacement rate of 58.7% of earnings (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2007). However, in Greece, the replacement rate was at a high of 96% of earnings (OECD, 2007). This rate is considered to be very high. In 2010, Greece’s pension system had approximately 400 billion euros or $509 billion in unfunded liabilities (Oxford Analytica, 2010). The excessively high replacement rate forced the Greek government to make emergency grants to meet the pension outlays (Oxford Analytica, 2010). Nektarios describes the Greek public pension system as one which is â€Å"highly segmented and complex, containing over 300 funds, with many different regulations for pension rights† (n.d.). Because of these chara cteristic of the public pension plan, it was difficult for the government to manage. One proof that the public pension replacement rate contributed largely on the debt problem of Greece are the reforms in the pension plan that were instituted by the EU and the IMF. Some of these reforms that were dictated upon on Greece include introduction of a unified statutory retirement age of 65 by December 2013; the gradual increase in the minimum contribution period for retirement; and the reduction of pension benefits to be based on the pensioners average pay over their working lives