Beowulf Christian vs Pagan Influence Term Paper - 1665 Words

The European epic, Beowulf, was written sometime in the eighth century in England. This time period provides us with an idea for the mixture of Christian and pagan elements because of an English society that was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Examples of Pagan and Christian traditions are presented all throughout literature. Many of the influences deal with what it going on in the world, when the piece is written. When Beowulf was written, St. Augustine had just come over to try and convert the Anglo-Saxon people to Christianity; although the conversion succeeded it was a shallow conversion, and there were still people following the Pagan ways. The fact that Christianity and Paganism are so closely combined in†¦show more content†¦In their battle, Beowulf’s sword is useless against the tough skin of Grendel’s mother. He seizes a sword hanging on the wall that was forged by giants too heavy for any normal human to hold and slashes th rough the monster’s tough body (61-2). Beowulf’s superhuman strength is even more undeniable when he tells of his swimming match at sea with Breca. They each swam in icy waters for five days and five nights carrying swords to fight off the sea monsters. When Beowulf found himself pulled underwater by a monster, he killed it and eight other sea beasts that came to attack him (42-4). These pagan influences of amazing superhuman strength are not only apparent in Beowulf, but in many of the monsters he confronts on his journey. Another pagan influence is instilled. The hilt of the sword found in the deeps is described as twisted and ornamented with snakes and made by giants and supernatural beings. In many pagan religions and believes, animals were worshiped as gods. Beowulf seems afraid of defeat and failure. His boastful remarks are reminders to himself of his invincibility. In this poem, the poet is both critical and praising of the Anglo-Saxons’ beliefs and cust oms. Grendel, as well as his mother, has no knowledge of weapons so he depends on his extraordinary strength to destroy his enemies. He devours men whole leaving almost no trace of blood or destruction except for the door he

Dubai Islamic Bank Report Free Essays

Table of Contents Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION HISTORY2 1. 1) Introduction2 1. 2) Products and Services4 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Dubai Islamic Bank Report or any similar topic only for you Order Now 2. 1) Products4 1. 2. 2) Services6 1. 3) Departments:14 Chapter 2 COMPANY ANALYSIS18 2. 1) SWOT Analysis:18 2. 2) Competitor Analysis21 2. 3) Financial Analysis23 Chapter 3 MARKETING ANALYSIS24 3. 1) Target Market:24 3. 2) Marketing Mix:24 3. 3) Positioning:26 Chapter 4 EXPERIENNCE CONTRIBUTION27 4. 1) Account Opening:28 4. 2) CRO:28 4. 3) Relationship Department:29 Chapter 5 SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS30 References32 Appendices†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 33 Chapter 1 Introduction and History 1. 1) Introduction Thirty years ago, Dubai Islamic Bank (‘DIB’) created history by becoming the world’s first Islamic Bank. Today, Islamic banking has become one of the fastest growing economic sectors with over 300 financial institutions, with assets estimated at over US $300 billion providing Islamic financial services. Despite huge growth in the sector DIB continues to be the industry pioneer and undisputed market leader to date. Since its inception, DIB has evolved from a retail bank to a fully fledged bank catering to almost all the requirements of its customers in providing Sharia-compliant solutions to major local and international companies. It has constantly upgraded its services to private individuals, who remain a highly valuable element of DIB’s customer base. By combining the best traditional Islamic values with high-standard technology and innovation, DIB is committed to not only fully comply with the principles of Shari’a in all its financial dealings but to also facilitate its customers who venture into the world of Islamic banking in such a befitting way that they would feel reaping the best rewards of both the worlds. For its outstanding performance and contribution to Islamic financing, DIB received the Best Islamic Bank in the Middle East Award (2006) by both Euromoney’s Islamic Finance Weekly and Gulf Wealth Forum. DIB has also been awarded the Bank of the year (UAE) at the 2006 Banker Awards. DIB has not only been at the forefront of innovation but has excelled every step of he way. With the launch of Al Islami Internet Banking, DIB has re-affirmed its commitment to promote and develop Islamic banking in line with the requirements of the modern age. For these efforts, DIB received the Golden Trophy at the UAE Web Awards in 2006. DIB is also the first to offer a mobile SMS messaging service in both Arabic and English. Moreover, DIB became the first bank in the Middle East to introduce Internet Protocol (IP) for its Visa card operations. With path-breaking vision and bold strategies, DIB aims to enhance its status as a world leader committed to the goal of providing â€Å"World Class Banking. † Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited (DIBPL), commenced operations in 2006. Since then, DIBPL has undertaken major initiatives to expand its branch network across the country. Under its consumer banking division, the bank is offering state-of-the-art Sharia compliant products that effectively compete with those being offered in the market by conventional banks. It also has expertise in providing Retail, Private, Small and Medium Enterprises, Corporate, Investment Banking and Advisory services. The Bank launched Pakistan’s first Islamic Visa Debit Card and introduced financial products covering Home Financing, Auto Financing, and Depository products. DIBPL has also introduced Priority Banking and Internet Banking, both of which are being recognized as benchmark products in their respective categories. Besides regular banking services, the Bank is committed to bringing foreign investment to the country. DIBPL’s corporate wing has actively pursued foreign investors and convinced world renowned giants from the GCC to be part of Pakistan’s economy. DIBPL is 100% owned by Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company) and its nominated shareholders. The parent company is a listed company in Dubai. 1. 2) Products and Services 1. 2. 1) Products All the products offered by DIBPL are purely Islamic in nature. Dubai Islamic Bank offers following products. 1- Current Account: Dubai Islamic Current Account is a non-remunerative checking account designed for account holders who need to transact frequently. It specifically appeals to businessmen and salaried individuals who need to make frequent payments and deposits in their account. The Dubai Islamic Current Account is an ideal low cost option for such customers. Based on the Wadi’a contract, the Dubai Islamic Current Account offers users safe keeping of their cash deposits against DIBPL’s guarantee to provide the depositor his funds on demand. However, the depositor permits DIBPL to use or invest his money in its Sharia compliant investments and is neither entitled to investment profit nor does the account holder bear any risk of loss. The Current Account is offered in currencies like Pak Rupees, US Dollar, UK Pound, EURO, Japanese Yen and UAE Dirham’s (only for cash deposits, cash withdrawals are not allowed) All entities including individuals, corporations, firms, societies, clubs, government organizations, statutory bodies, public and private institutions can open a Dubai Islamic Current Account with as low as PKR 1000. 2- Saving Account: Dubai Islamic Savings Account is a great investment option for depositors who wish to earn Halal returns on their savings. That’s not all, it allows you the flexibility to withdrawn your funds when ever required. By investing in the Dubai Islamic Savings Account, the depositor (fund provider or Rabbul-Maal) authorizes DIBPL (fund manager or Mudarib) to invest his/her funds on the basis of unrestricted Mudaraba contract according to the principles of Sharia. DIBPL invests these funds in its Common Mudaraba Pool with other deposits and the shareholders’ equity. The profit on the Common Mudaraba Pool is distributed amongst the shareholders’ and depositors on the basis of agreed upon weightages which take into consideration the tenor, amount of deposit and profit payment frequency of the account. The Dubai Islamic Savings Account is offered in Pak Rupees and US Dollar All entities including individuals, corporations, firms, societies, clubs, government organizations, statutory bodies, public and private institutions can open a Dubai Islamic Savings Account with a balance as low as PKR 1000. For US Dollar Savings Account, daily balance throughout the month must remain above US $500 to be eligible for profit payment. 3- Fixed Deposit: Dubai Islamic Fixed Deposit Account offers the ideal mix of long and short term benefits to depositors seeking attractive and Halal returns on their savings. With a history of high profit payouts Dubai Islamic Fixed Deposit Account is an excellent investment vehicle for depositor. By investing in the Dubai Islamic Fixed Deposit Account, the depositor (fund provider or Rabbul-Maal) authorizes DIBPL (fund manager or Mudarib) to invest his/her funds on the basis of unrestricted Mudaraba contract according to the principles of Sharia. DIBPL invests these funds in its Common Mudaraba Pool with other deposits and the shareholders’ equity. The profit on the Common Mudaraba Pool is distributed amongst the shareholders’ and depositors on the basis of agreed upon weightages which take into consideration the tenor, amount of deposit and profit payment frequency of the account. 4- VISA Debit Card: VISA Debit Card of Dubai Islamic Bank provides the following benefits to the customers. †¢ Global Acceptance †¢ Convenience †¢ Unlimited number of Supplementary Cards †¢ ATM Cash Withdrawal †¢ Funds Transfer across Accounts †¢ Balance Inquiry †¢ Global Customer Assistance Services †¢ Zero Loss Liability Free renewal 1. 2. 2) Services DIBPL offers following services to its customers: 1- Internet Banking DIBPL Branch Banking customers can easily make their monthly rental payments by using Dubai Islamic Internet Banking facility to internally transfer the rental amount from their personal account to the dedicated account. 2- SMS Banking: Now, Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited brings ba nking services at your fingertips! Free yourself from the hassle of visiting the branch and enjoy the convenience of Dubai Islamic SMS Banking. SMS Banking Features †¢ You can select your desired services from a variety of options available †¢ You can block your account, in case of stolen or lost cell phone †¢ 24/7 customer service helpline †¢ Automated help messages on your cell phone 3- Locker DIBPL is pleased to offer locker services to its customers. Our customers can lease a locker for the safekeeping of their valuables for complete peace of mind. Customers are required to pay a security deposit at the time of locker issuance. This security deposit is refundable once the customer discontinues the service. In addition to the security deposit, an annual rental is payable in advance depending upon the size of the locker. 4- Phone Banking: Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Ltd. offers a state-of-the art 24/7 Phone Banking service which provides quality services and financial solutions to esteemed customers. Our highly trained Phone Banking Officers are available round the clock to assist and provide you the services. 5- Problem Resolution Unit: DIBPL is fully committed to providing a World Class experience to its Customers. However, it needs support to further improve its services. If you come across any problem or query, have a complaint or a suggestion; you can contact Dubai Islamic Phone Banking 6- Corporate Banking The world of finance belongs to those who shape it. DIB has taken a leading role in shaping the dramatic transformation that UAE has experienced in the last two decades. Now, with the same vigor, the Bank comes to assist businesses in Pakistan. DIBPL provides a wide range of services specifically designed to assist Pakistani businesses. You can benefit from our: †¢ Cash Management Services †¢ Trade Related Services †¢ Investment Banking Services A) Cash Management DIBPL Cash Management offers comprehensive end-to-end Sharia compliant solutions to meet your cash flow requirements. With our help, you can reduce turn around times for your accounts receivables, better manage your payables, and benefit from our value-adding MIS reports. GL reconciliation would have never been easier for you. Collections DIBPL is an expert at facilitating the collection of sales proceeds and converting your Receivables into Funds Available. You are provided the facility of maintaining a single concentration account. Collections from all over Pakistan (cash/ cheque/ pay order/ demand draft) will be credited to this main account via DIBPL’s real time online branch network. Bulk Data Processing DIBPL has formed project-to-project alliance with National Institutional Facilitation Technologies on processing and collection. DIBPL will perform the role of the financial institution while National Institutional Facilitation Technologies will provide the expertise in the area of bulk processing. National Institutional Facilitation Technologies has 10 years of experience in this area and has previously done such projects for Sui Southern Gas Corporation and Lahore Electric Supply Company successfully. Payment Product The product facilitates clients in managing their outflow of funds. The outflows can be through Pay Order/Demand Draft or by way of electronic cheques issued at the clients office. Depository Services / Liquidity / Funds Management In DIBPL’s suite of Shari’a approved Investment Depository Products, your organization will certainly find just the right combination of attractive returns and enhanced liquidity that it requires. Enhance your funds management like never before. Foreign Exchange Remittances The Cash Management Group at DIBPL is adept at handling outward/inward remittances through State Bank of Pakistan. Be it money transfers within Pakistan or outside, DIBPL will have a product to meet your needs safely and efficiently. The Bank’s extensive network of correspondent banks in all major countries of the world is all that your business will require. Cash-In-Transit Services DIBPL can arrange for its clients a secure pick up of cash from the customer’s door step for deposit   at DIBPL’s nearest branch. B) Trade Related DIBPL offers a range of solutions to help customers in their trade transactions. The Banks rapidly expanding local network befittingly complements the extensive experience it has acquired in managing correspondent relationships across the globe. DIBPL’s Sales and Service Outlets have the infrastructure in place to ensure that customers’ documents are processed accurately and in the fastest possible time. DIBPL trade professionals look forward to sharing with you their trade related knowledge. Import Murabaha Import Murabaha is a product, used to finance a commercial transaction which consists of purchase by the Bank (generally through an undisclosed agent) the goods from the foreign supplier and selling them to the customer after getting the title to and possession of the goods. Murabaha financing is extended to all types of trade transactions i. . , under Documentary Credits (LCs), Documentary Collections and Open Account. Wakala Istithmar Facility (Exports) A unique structure tailor-made for the exporters of the country, the Wakala Istithmar facility which has been developed under the direct guidance of Sharia to meet the working capital requirements of exporters and local manufacturers speaks volumes about o ur Shari’a expertise and edge in bringing new Shari’a compliant products to the market for promotion of Islamic banking and ridding those who desire Halal income from interest-based financing. Wakala Cum Istisna’a Facility (Local Supplies): Istisna’a is a contract for manufacturing or construction whereby the manufacturer sells to the buyer, goods of specific description, at a fixed price, which the manufacturer shall make from raw material of its own and deliver to the buyer at a future date. Istisna cum Wakala is a two-leg short-term trade finance solution which enables a manufacturer to fulfill his payment obligation under a documentary credit presentation and allows time for the goods to be cleared, manufactured and stocked. Once the goods are delivered to the buyer, the customer then sells the goods, in its capacity as the agent of the bank to creditworthy and trusted buyers and realizes the sale proceeds on behalf of the Bank. Such finances are offered in conjunction with L/Cs to corporate customers under Wakala Istisna facility. Guarantee: A guarantee is issued by DIBPL (the guarantor) on behalf of its customer (the applicant) in favor of a third party (the beneficiary), for fulfillment of specifically defined contractual and/or financial obligations of the applicant. If the obligations are not fulfilled by the applicant, the guarantor will pay up to a certain amount to the beneficiary on non-performance of the obligations by the applicant. Exchange Regulations for Guarantees in Pakistan are governed under Chapter XIX of Foreign Exchange Manual (FEM) of the State Bank of Pakistan. Internationally, (ISP-98) International Standby Practices 1998 of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Publication No. 590 also apply. C) Investment Banking With its team of seasoned professionals, DIBPL has become the Investment Bank of choice for local and regional clients in a short span of time. DIBPL leverages the regional expertise and local knowledge to create an efficient blend of solutions for our customers. DIBPL’s Investment Banking provide its clients with a unique combination of expertise, broad range of investment banking/financial services and access to top regional decision makers. DIBPL derive strength from our team that has unrivalled experience in dealing with the largest M, Advisory and Fundraising transactions in the country. 7- Consumer Financing A) Home Finance Dubai Islamic Home Finance is the key to your dream home and we are eager to put this key in your hands. Using the Musharaka cum Ijara model, the Bank enters into a partnership with you and helps you in fulfilling your dream of owning a home quickly, conveniently and in a fully Shariah compliant manner. Whether you want to buy, renovate or simply wish to switch from your present home finance with any other bank, DIBPL’s would be the best Shariah compliant alternative. Currently Dubai Islamic Home Finance is offering three product variants: †¢Home Purchase. †¢Purchase of undivided share (Home Renovation). †¢Purchase of undivided share of property from other bank (Balance Transfer) B) Auto Finance Dubai Islamic Auto Finance offers a world class auto finance facility that enables you to get a car quickly, conveniently and in a fully Sharia compliant manner. Using Musharaka cum Ijara model to finance your car, steer yourself towards peace of mind and fulfillment of your desire. C) Business Finance Dubai Islamic Business Finance is a shariah compliant term finance facility which provides a complete solution for fulfilling the financial needs of your business. Using the Shirkatul Melk cum Ijara model, Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Ltd. DIBPL) enters into a shirkatul melk relationship with you by purchasing an undivided share of your residential property and subsequently leases to you this undivided share in the property against monthly rentals thus helping you in fulfilling your business needs conveniently and in a fully Shariah compliant manner. This product is available for new as well as those who already have a business finance facility from another bank and wish to bank the Islamic Way. Features There are so many reasons that make Dubai Islamic Business Finance the right choice. It is 100% Shariah Compliant an customer can select from Financing amount of Rs. 500,000 and financing up to Rs. 20 million. DIBPL offers  Fastest processing time and affordable monthly payment plan. Customer can finance up to 70% of your property value. 8- Al-Islami Saving Takaful Plan Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited (DIBPL) is proud to introduce Al-Islami Saving Takaful Plan in collaboration with Pak Qatar Family Takaful Ltd. (PQFTL) Al-Islami Saving Takaful Plan is a Shariah compliant alternative to conventional insurance, offering a unique combination of saving , investment and protection. The Al-Islami Saving Takaful Plan offers you peace of mind and takes care of the future of your loved ones by offering a saving plan and providing Takaful coverage in event of death to your beneficiaries. So rest assured, with Al-Islami Saving and Takaful Plan, your future plans are in safe hands. As an individual you have many dreams: †¢ A college education for your child from a prestigious university †¢ A dream wedding for your beloved daughter †¢ Your spiritual journey to perform Hajj †¢ A comfortable retired life with enough savings to take care of you and your loved ones Any other financial objectives you may want to achieve The Islamic concept of Takaful The word Takaful is derived from Arabic verb Kafala, which means to guarantee, to help, to take careof one’s needs. Takaful is a system based on the principle of Ta’awun (mutual assistance) and Tabarru (voluntary contribution where risk is shared collectively against loss or damage to any one of them as defined in the pact. Takaful is operated on the basis of shared responsibility, brotherhood, solidarity and mutual cooperation. 1. 3) Departments: DIBPL has following departments 1- Cash department: Cash department performs following functions Receipt: The money which either comes or goes out from the bank, its record should be kept. Cash department performs this function. The deposits of all customers of the bank are controlled by means of ledger accounts. Every customer has its own ledger account and has separate ledger cards. Payment: It is a banker’s primary contract to repay money received for this customer’s account usually by honoring his cheque. 2- Clearance Department: A clearing house is an association of commercial banks set up given below for the purpose of interchange and settlement of credit claims. The function of clearing house is performed by the central bank of the country by tradition or by law. In Pakistan, the clearing system is operated by the SBP. If SBP has no office at a place, then NBP, as a representative of SBP act as a clearing house. The easy, safe and most efficient way is to offset the reciprocal claims against the other and receive only the net amount owned by them. This facility of net interbank payment is provided by the clearing house. The representatives of the local commercial banks meet at a fix time on all the business days of the week. This meeting is held in the office of bank that officially performs the duties of clearing house. The representatives of commercial banks deliver the cheques payable at other local banks and receive the cheques drawn on their banks. The cheques are then sorted according to the bank on which they are drawn. A summary sheet is prepared which shows the names of banks, the total number of cheques delivered and received by them. 3- Advances Department: DIBPL gives loans to the borrowers for different purposes. These loans are given for various sectors for different periods. Small Finance, Cash Finance, Personal Loans, Demand Finance, Running Finance, Corporate Finance, Export Import Financing, House Building Finance. 4- Remittance Department: Another important department in the bank is remittance. People send their money to other persons and organizations through various ways i. e. bank draft, telegraphic transfer, mail transfer, coupons, Govt. Draft and Western Union Money Transfer etc. It works both inward and outward. DIBPL offers the following forms the remittance. †¢ Demand Draft †¢ Telegraphic Transfer †¢ Pay Order Mail Transfer †¢ Safe custody of specimen signature book †¢ Preparation of periodical statements †¢ Any other work/duty assigned by manager 5- Deposits Department: Customers keep their savings in PLS saving accounts and businessmen save their money in bank current accounts. DIBPL gives profit on saving and special saving accounts. 6- Foreign Exchange Department: This department mainly deals with the foreign business. The main functions of this department are: †¢ L/C dealing †¢ Foreign currency account dealing †¢ Foreign Remittance dealing 7- Compliance Department: Role of branch compliance department is to reconcile the prescribed frequencies, investigate long pending reconciliation item, and ensure correct treatment every half year and clearing system service branch-in major cities. Internal control is the integration of activities, plans, attitudes, policies and efforts of the people of the bank working together to provide reasonable assurance that the organization will achieve its objectives and mission. 8- Human Resource Management Department: Human Resource Management Department works for the betterment of the employees. Enhances skills, training management, service benefit, wages, medical facilities, staff loans are basic function of this department. 9- Information Technology Department: Bank’s data collection and information system run by Regional Data Collection Center. This department manages staff training programs regarding computer. Chapter 2 Company Analysis DIBPL being a quality organization strives to provide quality to all its stakeholders, customers, employees and environment. In Pakistan, it is operating in a very volatile economic and political environment. The detail of its analysis is given in following sections. . 1) SWOT Analysis: SWOT analysis is an effective technique to evaluate various aspects of an organization. Strengths: 1) DIBPL has this privilege to be the first in the Islamic Banking sector which give DIBPL a competitive edge over all other banks and being the pioneer of this industry. DIBPL is enjoying major share of it. 2) The first international Islamic Bank in P akistan with a network of over 80 branches. 3) The members of Shariah Supervisory Board of DIBPL are internationally renowned scholars, serving on the boards of many Islamic Banks operating in different countries. ) Being an Islamic Bank, DIBPL has a wide national network. As an emerging markets bank, it has branches in all major cities of Pakistan with the facility of online banking, it is very easy for its customers to transact all over the country. 5) DIBPL provides online banking service. Online banking service means that a customer can withdraw and deposit his money at any branch in the country. Where this service is not present, cheque has to be presented only in that branch on which they are drawn. But with this facility, a person has access to its funds at any branch of the bank. ) There are many value added features in the products offered by the bank. ATM cards are provided with every account. Other features are present in various products. The priority customers enjoy a m uch pampered status at the bank. 7) The employees at the bank provide impeccable customer service to their customers. 8) Customers are treated with great respect and honored to the utmost degree. 9) The working environment of bank is very friendly and cooperative. There is no bossiness in the higher management. The upper management consults its staff in making decisions and provides them independence in their job areas. Weakness: 1) Till the last year, DIBPL had a totally different perspective. The management was of the view that the customer should come to them and they don’t need to go to customer. But in this era of mass marketing and advertising, it is not possible to stay in competition without these tools. The bank has now changed its perception arid has started an effective marketing and advertising strategy. But the previous gaps are still there and there is lack of awareness in the people about the bank and its products. The bank needs to improve in marketing and advertising areas. ) It was observed in the bank that the degree of satisfaction of employees was quite low. First of all, the pays are lower those offered in other banks. Secondly, the employees are given targets that are too difficult to achieve. For example, the targets given to the sales personnel and service department are higher than any other bank in the country, be it a local bank or a foreign bank. This makes a job too stressful and tensed. It is good to keep people under a continuous move, but to overstress them can be harmful to them as well as to the organization. ) Due to the dissatisfaction of staff and recession, there is high turnover among them. People who find other alternatives do not stay with the bank. Therefore, the bank incurs loss in their training and development. Opportunities: 1) Home financing sector can be targeted to maximize profits. 2) Growing demand of Islamic products and services 3) Venturing into Islamic groups outside the countries as opportunity to expand business in UAE and Gulf states. 4) Coming up with the products for the SME to target the medium level customers 5) Doing business with the companies having Islamic mindset i. e. Islamic Financial Institutions 6) Increase branch network within the country 7) The innovative service of Islamic Insurance called Takaful Threats: 1) Right now there are a few banks that are providing Islamic banking services in addition to DIBPL. These banks include Bank Islami, Al-Barkah Bank, Meezan Bank and some branches of Bank Alfalah which are dedicated for Islamic Banking services. That’s why there is no intense threat for the DIBPL in the near future but it is not difficult to say that more banks may enter in this field as the awareness of Islamic banking is increasing among the public. Therefore the DIBPL should not be contented to its present market share but should strive for providing better and better and modern services. 2) Due to the increase in the conventional commercial banks, there is an increase in competition. Also there is a lot of aggressive marketing by the competitor banks. This is also threat for DIBPL. Reviewing this SWOT analysis from time to time would help evaluate bank’s position. It would help the management in comparing their strengths of the past with those of the present and to what extent the management has been able to overcome the weaknesses. . 2) Competitor Analysis In Islamic Banking sector, the competitors of DIBPL are Bank Al-Barkah, Bank Islami, Meezan Bank and some branches of Bank Alfalah which are dedicated for Islamic Banking services. Two major competitors of DIBPL are: Meezan Bank Meezan Bank  is an Islamic bank based in  Karachi,  Pakistan. The Bank commenced operations in 2002, on being issued the first-ever Is lamic commercial banking license by the  State Bank of Pakistan; in 2012 Meezan Bank completed a milestone of 10 years of Islamic Banking in Pakistan. Meezan Bank Ltd. s a publicly listed company with a paid-up capital of Rs. 9 billion (March, 2012). The Bank is sponsored by leading financial institutions from Pakistan and the Middle East that include  Noor Financial Investment Co. , Kuwait,  Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (Pvt. ) Limited  and  Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah. The  JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited, has rated Meezan Bank’s short term rating at A-1+ (A-One Plus), the highest standard in short term rating, and rated the long-term entity rating at AA- (Double A Minus) with stable outlook. The Bank offers a range of personal and corporate Islamic banking products and services through a retail banking network of over 280 branches in 88 cities. Backed by a state-of-the art T-24 core banking system, the branch network is supported by 24/7 banking services that include over 200 ATMs, Meezan VISA Debit Cards, Internet Banking, SMS alerts and a 24-hour Call Center. Meezan Bank has an in-house  Shariah  Advisor and a Shariah Supervisory Board composed of Shariah scholars; the Bank operates strictly under the principles of Islamic Shariah and is well recognized for its product development and Islamic Banking research and advisory. Meezan Bank has been consistently recognized as the best Islamic Bank in Pakistan by various local and international institutions over the past several years including ‘Best Islamic Financial Institution in Pakistan’ by  Global Finance magazine  and ‘Best Islamic Bank in Pakistan’ by  Islamic Finance News of RED money Group, Malaysia. (Appendix I) BankIslami Pakistan Limited BankIslami Pakistan Limited is located in  Karachi,  Sindh,  Pakistan. BankIslami Pakistan Limited was the first Islamic Commercial Bank to receive the Islamic banking license under the Islamic banking policy of 2003 from  State Bank of Pakistan on March 31, 2005. The Bank started its operations from April 7, 2006 and offers shariah compliant retail banking, investment banking, consumer banking and trade finance products. The Bank intends to focus on Wealth Management as the core area of business and plans to soon launch Proprietary products, and integrated financial planning services. The Bank has a nationwide presence, its branch network consists of 102 branches sub branches spread over 49 cities of Pakistan. BankIslami is the Joint venture project of three groups namely Jahangir Siddiqui Co. Pakistan, Randeree family, Bank. The Bank is also publicly traded on the Karachi Stock Exchange. The Bank is assigned a long term entity of ‘A’ and short term rating of ‘A-1’ by Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA), reflecting BankIslami’s well conceived business strategy and establishment of effective operating platform by the Bank to execute the business strategy. BankIslami has been able to build a strong image by using smart marketing ideas that resonate well with the public mind. For example, the calligraphy of the Bank’s name in  Urdu has been done by the same  calligrapher  Shafiq uz Zaman who has been working in the Holy Mosque of  Medina  in  Saudi Arabia. (Appendix II) 2. ) Financial Analysis The analysis of balance sheet of bank shows that current liabilities increased over the time (Appendix III). The increase in liabilities and increase in loan shows that company wants to have more cash in hand rather than lending it to others and losing the return on investment. As for as the fixed liabilities of the comp any are concerned they are showing increasing trend and same is the case with the current and long term liabilities but the increasing trend in assets is lower than the increasing trend in liabilities which is not a good position for the bank as shown in the balance sheet. In generation of funds of DIBPL, the most important source is mark-up income. The three earning revenues are the mark-up income, non mark-up income and other income (Appendix IV). In balance sheet the most important item is earning assets. The bank has strong earning assets like advances, investments, and lending to financial institutions has major percentage of assets of the bank. In liability and equity analysis the borrowing from financial institutions and deposits have major portion and reserves and share capital has major portion in equity. Analysis of balance sheet shows increase or decrease in each item as a percentage of asset, means that assets are chosen as key figure. Chapter 3 Marketing Analysis Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited is growing rapidly in Pakistan. This shows the success of its various strategies. Various factors of marketing for DIBPL are: †¢ Target Market †¢ Marketing Mix †¢ Positioning 3. 1) Target Market: The DIBPL is mainly focusing on corporate sector. Small and medium sized companies are its main customers. The reason behind focusing on corporate sector is that a single company can deposit a large sum of money that is difficult to achieve by focusing on individual customers. It does not mean that DIBPL is lacking the other side of the picture. It has also got individual customers. Corporate sector constitute 80% of all the deposits of the bank. This is the reason DIBPL is focusing on corporate sector. Due to this reason we see no advertisement of DIBPL in print and electronic media. Target marketing is the basic step for rest of the strategies being developed. 3. 2) Marketing Mix: Marketing Mix includes four P’s of marketing. These are: †¢ Product †¢ Price †¢ Place †¢ Promotion Products and services provided by DIBPL have been discussed in first chapter of this report. All the products and services offered by DIBPL are purely Islamic. No other bank offers such services to the customers. Price means that service charges of the bank. Charges are determined by the Schedule of Charges every year. Bank provides quality services at very competitive charges. For example there are charges for the renewal of ATM card, renewal of cheque books and cash withdrawals. The main factor to discuss is the promotion. Promotion strategies consist of promotion mix. The promotion mix includes: †¢ Advertising †¢ Publicity †¢ Sales Promotion †¢ Personal Selling Advertising is paid and non personal communication of companies’ message to target customers. DIBPL has no focus of advertising. This is also a weakness of DIBPL, because its customers are spending a lot of funds on advertising. Competitors are taking full advantage of it. As DIBPL is offering products and services to individual customers, so they need to communicate their products and services with people through print and electronic media. DIBPL has very effective personal selling teams. Their Financial consultants and Relationship managers convince corporate customers to an account in the bank. This is competitive advantage of DIBPL. This is the reason due to which DIBPL stands good in the market. Even without advertising and other communication methods DIBPL manages to gain a good market share. 3. 3) Positioning: Positioning is the customers’ perception about the company’s products and services. DIBPL is positioning itself as a prestigious and quality services provider in the country. DIBPL believes that customer is the key to success of business. Customer Relationship department and Relationship managers are responsible for giving customer a sense of prestige at the bank. Chapter 4 My Experience and Contribution I have done six week internship in DIBPL Bank satellite town branch, Murree road, Rawalpindi. During my internship I have worked in various departments of bank. The reason for selecting DIBPL was that it is among those few banks which performed remarkably well in less time and grabbed the market share with their products, services and different banking experience. The bank encouraged young minds to come and work with them. The working environment of the bank is good and appreciating as compared to other banks in the industry. It is one of the very few organizations that give a safe working environment for female and provide them equal opportunities for growth in comparison to male employees. The employees of the bank are really cooperative and help a lot in providing knowledge and expertise to new entrants and internees. I have worked in various departments and gained knowledge not only about DIBPL but also about rules and prudential’s of State Bank of Pakistan and competitor banks. Another reason for selecting DIBPL was that they keep a complete record of the performance of the internees and offer job to those who perform well after the completion of their degrees. I have completed my internship in a total duration of six weeks and department that I worked during this time are as follows: 1- Account Opening 2- CRO 3- Relationship Department 4. 1) Account Opening: Account Opening department is one of the departments that come under the retail/general banking facilities provided by DIBPL. If a customer loses his cheque book, then the customer will have to come to the bank and firstly report the loss and then stop the payment, by telling the series of cheques he has lost. By stopping payment, the customer is guaranteed that no payment is made from their account. The process for stopping payment, after the customer tells that he has lost his cheque book is that he fills a â€Å"Form B†, which is same as a cheque book requisition form and an indemnity form, stating no responsibility on behalf of the bank if any illegal payment is made before the time of announcing a cheque book lost. When a customer comes to open his account, he has to fill a form with the bank. As a part of my internship I had to fill these forms by customers and then use the appropriate bank stamps to complete these forms. Also as a part of the relationship form, I also had to do a â€Å" Verisys† a verification system started by NADRA on the CNIC of the new account opener. A â€Å"Verisys† tells, that whether the candidate is a Pakistani citizen or not and all the information written in account opening form are true or not by matching the information to the database of NADRA. Working in this department helped me a lot in learning new things like personal verification, dealing with clients and database management system. 4. 2) CRO: Under CRO department I had to deal with customers on front end and handle their queries regarding the account opening, services and meetings with bank relationship managers. A bank statement tells the whole activity of a bank account over a period of a time. Customers often come and want their bank statements and have to fill a form, relating to the time period for which the bank statement is needed. As a part of my internship, I had to facilitate the customer to fill the ‘Bank Statement Forms’ and produce the statement through the bank software and print it as well. Often customer wants to know their accounts balance over phone and thus I had to tell them their account balances using the bank’s information system. Other work done by CRO is the general client dealing and furnishes their queries in bank and on the phone. The after account opening process is completed by this department as well as the reactivating of accounts and guiding the clients during applying for different services of bank. In all above mentioned activities I was acting as an assistant to CRO and carrying the activities. 4. 3) Relationship Department: The Relationship Department is present in every branch which is assigned to bring the business for the bank i. e. the accounts of corporate sector as well as the business people. The branch set the target for them and they have to achieve it. The targets are set for six months. In this I had to assist the relationship managers in targeting the clients and then accordingly take the appointment time for meeting and working for preparing understanding the benefits by affiliation with DIBPL. Working in DIBPL was a unique experience, many skills were used there and many skills were developed. As I worked in CRO department, it enhanced my communication and negotiation skills. Chapter 5 Summary and Recommendations I spent six weeks of my internship in DIBPL satellite Town, Rawalpindi. During these six weeks, I felt myself to be a part of bank. Even, this was my first experience of working in a bank but I learnt a lot from this experience. In first chapter of this report, the history of DIBPL and its introduction is provided. The products and services provided by bank are also discussed in the first chapter. Various departments of the bank were also discussed in detail. In the second chapter of this report, the complete analysis of the bank has been provided. SWOT analysis highlighted the bank’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Competitors’ analysis has provided the overall picture of competitive environment. The financial analysis has described the financial position of the bank. In the third chapter of this report, various marketing strategies opted by the bank has been analyzed in detail. This chapter highlights the advertising and positioning strategies of the bank. Chapter four is about my personal experience and contribution. Personal experience is an exact of what I have learnt during my internship. At the end the report has been concluded with summary and recommendations in the final chapter. Recommendations Based on my observation regarding the operations and policies of DIBPL, I have tried to give recommendations for further improvement. 1) First of all, I would like to suggest that the bank must pursue a very aggressive marketing and advertising strategy so that it can create awareness in the general public about its Islamic products and services. ) Secondly there is a need for creating satisfaction among employees. They do not feel any attachment to the organization. There is a requirement for building up their loyalties so that the bank can curtail the dissatisfaction and turnover among employees. 3) The personnel in the bank should not be overstressed with workload. The workload is of a destructive level. At that level of load the empl oyees loose all the comfort in their work and remain tense and frustrated. 4) Job training is very important aspect that DIBPL is lacking in. New employees are recruited directly without any prior training or orientation. The result is that they do not understand the organizational structure and culture and become frustrated in their start. This reduces their productivity and efficiency. If such a training program is started, then new employees would feel more comfortable and adapt easily to the environment. 5) DIBPL should continue to expand its business, by increasing its deposits portfolio through aggressive market penetration strategies. 6) DIBPL needs to improve its website. More information relating to financial performance of the bank should be available on the website. 7) Management should distribute work equally among the different employees. ) Related jobs should be assigned to the employees so that they can work more efficiently. References Van Horne, J. C. , Wachowicz, J. M. (2008). Fundamentals of Financial Management. (13th ed. ). Griffin, R. W. , Ebert, R. J. (1998). Business. (5th ed. ). Upper Saddle River: New Jersey Kotler, P. , Armstrong, G. (2007). Principles of Marketing. (12th ed. ). Cravens, D. W. , Piercy, N. F. (2008). Strategic Marketing. (9th ed. ). Lynch, R. (2006). Corporate Strategy. (4th ed. ). Shim, J. K. Siegel, J. G. (2003). Managerial Finance. http://www. dibpak. com http://www. dibpak. com/products How to cite Dubai Islamic Bank Report, Essay examples

Society Essay Example For Students

Society Essay Would God categorize his children? That is a question that I believe most would give a simple and direct answer: No. Would the United States categorize her children? Although the Amendment suggests that all men and women are created equal, the fact is that the citizens of the United States are constantly being classified by race, gender, and/or ethnicity. So, if indeed the United States is one nation under God, why do we continue to sort ourselves though unreasonable and unethical factors. The misinterpretation of race has shattered the American society and for all that it stands for. We should correct Americas immoral actions and assumptions that separate Gods children in hope of reforming the United States toward equality. Race has always been an American issue. When the Europeans landed on the New World and saw an indigenous person he immediately him or her a savage. In time, the original savages or inhabitants of the land were made an inferiority to the white men and later wiped out. But later on, a more deeper insatisfaction of race took place. The African-Americans were brought into the free America as slaves. They too were considered an inferiority race. The idea of race is a human creation. People of the world have given themselves names like Caucasian, Anglo, Hispanic, Asian, and African-American. The names Black and White are quite exaggerated. It is obvious that no skin color even comes close to Black or to White. Now character is a distinction between people. Lack of smart character is what led us to a history too ugly to ever repeat itself. I would say racism started when Christopher Columbus called the indian a savage. Later on, it evolved when the African-Americans came to America. They were treated with much inferiority and humiliation. They were bought and sold like old furniture. It would take years before a man with the right power and courage would stand up for these e people. This man was Abraham Lincoln. Little did he know this would divide our nation. Soon after the election of Abraham Lincoln in November, 1860, the state of South Carolina passed an ordinance of secession. The Civil War began shortly. The Union, of course, was victorious. This as the first step for the African-America towards equal treatment. Surprisingly, throughout the years, after the Civil War, blacks were still an inferiority. Segregation took place on more serious platform. Segregation can occur in almost any area of life. It is particularly evident in housing, education, an employment. Almost all systems of segregation discourage marriage between person of different racial, religious,or social groups. Segregation has not been limited to the United States, nor has discrimination against minorities. It has been practiced in various forms in many countries throughout history. The United States has ben sometimes described as a Huge Melting Pot. This means that races and cultures intermingle and live in peace. Segregation, as defined by man, is usually the result of a long period of group conflict, with one group having more influence than another. Segregation comes to be seen as rightparticularly by the dominant groupand as the only way society should be organized. Racial segregation in the modern American form started in the late 1800s. Eventhough slavery existed in the United States for more than 200 years before the Civil War. After the war, the freed N egroes suffered widespread discrimination, especially in the South. Jim Crow laws were adopted by many Southern states in the late 1800s. Jim Crow is the system of laws and customs that enforced racial segregation and discrimination throughout the United States, especially the South from the late nineteenth century to the 1960s. These segregation laws required that Whites and Negroes use separate public facilities. Even water fountain were separated for Blacks and Whites (World Book, 673). Many courts provided separate Bibles for swearing in witnesses. Imagine, a black God and a white God. The rapid spread of segregation laws through the South was supported by a series of decision by the Supreme Court of the United States. Other Jim Crow laws did not specifically mention race but were written and applied in way that discriminated against African Americans. Literacy tests and poll taxes, administered with informal

Racism and Prejudice free essay sample

Racism is an ongoing force that negatively impacts the lives of Americans every day. The racist mindset in America stems from the times of slavery, where blacks were thought to be inferior to whites. Throughout history, the ideas of race and racism has evolved and developed several different meanings. Today, we can still see the devastating effects of racism on people of color, as well as whites. â€Å"Racism, like other forms of oppression, is not only a personal ideology based on racial prejudice, but a system involving cultural messages and institutional policies and practices as well as beliefs and actions of individual† (Tatum, pg.9). As a result of this system, it leaves the oppressed at a great disadvantage in society. This includes access to social, cultural, and economic resources and decision-making. In order for change to come about and for the American society to reach racial inequality, we first have to acknowledge the problem openly, which our society has yet to do. We will write a custom essay sample on Racism and Prejudice or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Su (2006) mentions that it is unethical to practice without the knowledge, expertise, and skills needed to provide culturally relevant services to an increasingly diverse population. This semester has given me some time to think about the different concerns that are impacting our community, placements, and the community of our clients. I work at a homeless shelter in an urban community in Boston. More than half of this shelter’s population is made up of women of color. These women deal with so many different systems, such as; The Department of Transitional Assistance, The Judicial System, Welfare System, Education System, Department of Children and Family, and so many more. More than half of these women do not understand these systems and the effects they have in there everyday life. As a case manager at the homeless shelter for women and children, I would like to implement a group that can educate the women in the shelter on some of the issues that come up for women of color especially issues of race and oppression that are seen in some of the systems that they deal with on a daily level. The group will teach the women why these system are around, how they effect people of color, how to navigate these systems on there own, and how to get the best result from these systems. This group will also analyze the meaning of racism and how it affects both people of color and whites. In doing so, the team facilitating the group will explore how racism impacts one’s racial identity, using life experiences as examples. They will also demonstrate how racism leads to prejudice and discrimination and provide examples of these. The plan is to end with some form of solutions and ideas to improve our communities and this agency as a whole. We want to start of by defining racism as a system of advantage based on race (Su 2006). In America whites have control over resources such as jobs and education. This gives them the power to be racists toward others. Because people of color do not have this power, they are not able to be racist towards whites. Many whites would not consider themselves as racist, but there are different forms of racism. Active racism is what most would consider racist behavior. Active racism is blatant, intentional acts of racial bigotry and discrimination. Today, a more common form of racial unfair hiring practices to go unchallenged, and avoiding difficult race-related issues. Another form of racism is called cultural racism. This is when the cultural images and messages that verify the superiority of whites and the assumed inferiority disadvantage people of color. Because racism is so ingrained in the structure of American institutions. Racism exists because of prejudice. Prejudice is defined as a â€Å"preconceived opinion or judgment, usually based on limited information,† (Tatum, p. 5). If a person’s has prejudice attitudes and opinions, they allow it to effect their decisions and actions, creating the racism. Stereotypes, omissions, and distortions all contribute to the development of prejudice, and most of these are found in the media. Prejudice is one of the inescapable consequences of living in a racist society. It is like smog in the air. Sometimes it is so thick it is visible, other times it is less apparent, but always, day in and day out, we are breathing the air in. None of us would introduce ourselves as â€Å"smog-breathers† (and most of us don’t want to be described as prejudice), but if we live in a smoggy place, how can we avoid the air? (Tatum 1997) It is the responsibility of all those who are aware of the pollution to clean it up, even if we weren’t the ones who polluted the air. It is important that we do not pass prejudice views to our family, friends, or anyone else around us. When you combine â€Å"prejudice plus power†, you form a strong e system of oppression. Su (2006) explains this: â€Å"Racial prejudice when combined with social power, (access to social, cultural, economic resources and decision-making), it leads to the institutionalization of racist policies and practices,† (Tatum p. 6). As a result this cycle of prejudice and racism continues. In the past 3 months of working at this agency I’ve notice the residents carry negative thoughts about themselves because of their upbringing and lack of education. This cycle of oppression has negative effects, especially on people of color. If a person continuously hears negative messages about his or her racial group, over time they actually start to believe these stereotypes. When people start to internalize these messages, it turns into internalized racism. Bivens (2002) shared that Internalized racism may have people of color feeling inferior or different because they have come to believe, have internalized, the dominant society’s message that they are different and do not belong. The way that this type of group would be most affective would be to have a mandatory training for the staff as well as a group for the residents at the program. The staff’s upper management is mostly white women although the program is very diverse. It would be beneficial to both employees and resident to understand what internalized racism means and how it affects people of color. Bivens (2002) discusses the main effects of internalized racism. Internalized racism can generate questions and doubts in the minds of people of color placed in a predominately white setting. It can also lead people of color to question their own thinking and judgment about racism. Internalized racism can be a divisive force, creating a desire in people of color to be white. Imagine being a person of color who is living and depending on an agency of mostly white staff. This type of information would improve they quality of work in the agency if there were a mandatory training that involved all staff. After speaking to a few of the women at the agency about some of there stories about race and racism they shared details that stayed with them until now. It is clear that most Americans claims to be colorblind, where people do not see skin color, but they just see people as human beings. Some of my clients shared things that people would say to them that I know now are racist. â€Å"One of my best friends is black,† or â€Å"it’s not race, it depends on a person’s background †¦Ã¢â‚¬  and they have also said things like, â€Å"Blacks hold themselves back, not racism† and â€Å"Blacks live in the past. They need to get over it and move on,†. This colorblind thought makes it seem like discrimination has disappeared, but it actually has just become institutionalized and harder to identify (Su,2006). After my experiences in the social work field, I do think that the most program is positive in some ways, but the programs doesn’t really solve the root of the problem. The fact that our clients don’t receive a quality education in urban public schools, aren’t able to get employmen t due to lack of education, and have so many different systemic barriers keeping them from succeeding is terrible and we need to start by educating ourselves and informing them of what racism really is. The best solution would be to fix the urban schools so that all students can receive an equal education, rather then only a limited number of motivated students being forced to travel to predominately white suburban areas just to receive a good education. From the time of slavery, to the present, racism has had many destructive and negative effects on the people in our society. Prejudice leads to racism and then when you combine prejudice with power, it leads to systemic discrimination. All of these systems of oppression are keeping us from moving forward and progressing as a whole. In order to break this cycle, we need to educate ourselves and others, and discuss these difficult race-related issues that have been avoided for so long. Education is the key. The more we educate ourselves and the people in our communities, the more we will see a change. When a person is educated, they are able to recognize cultural and institutional racism and other forms inequality and how to address these issues. We have the responsibility, and the resources available to educate ourselves so that we will not repeat this cycle of oppression with our children. (Tatum, p. 51)

12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men The issues of injustice and possibilities to follow the wrong conclusions during the jurors’ analyzing the case in the court can be considered as the most controversial aspects of the process which results can be irreversible. All these problems are revealed in the movie 12 Angry Men directed by William Friedkin which was released in 1997.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on 12 Angry Men specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, in spite of the main theme of legitimacy discussed in the movie, some important aspects of the social psychology can be discussed using the examples of relations and interactions between the characters of the movie. The main two aspects which should be effectively analyzed are the problem of stereotypes and the question of the successful leadership. The plot of the movie is based on the story of a young Spanish-American boy who is accused in killing his father, and the main task of the jur ors is to decide whether he is guilty or innocent. The jurors have their own personal vision of the case and are inclined to accuse the boy without paying much attention to the discussion of the case’s details. However, there is Juror # 8 who does not want to follow the viewpoint of the majority of the group and insists on the further detailed analysis of the case (12 angry men, 1997). The peculiarities of the manner to persuade the public and lead the persons’ to making their own right conclusions which is demonstrated by Juror # 8 can be discussed in the field of the social psychology with references to its main aspects along with the group’s inclination to follow the stereotypes and bias. The main difficulty which complicated the jurors’ clear vision of the problem can be discussed as the progress of stereotypes in their attitudes to the people. While discussing the peculiar features of the case, the jurors focus on their beliefs about definite groups of people and the possible characteristics which can be used to describe their behavior. Thus, accusing the boy in murdering his father, the jurors reveal their stereotypes about those people who grow in poverty in slums (12 angry men, 1997). Following these stereotypes, the jurors are inclined to wrongly interpret the boy’s possible actions with references to their vision of the case according to their stereotypes.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, the situation is also complicated by the combination of stereotypes and discriminative views against the representatives of the minority groups (Franzoi, 2002). Nevertheless, Juror # 8 is not so categorical in his discussion of the issue as the other jurors influenced by their own stereotyped visions. According to the aspects of the social psychology, it is possible to speak about the juror’s revealing the effective leader’s behavior. The leader is a person who can motivate the others to reach the goals and achieve high results (Franzoi, 2002). The behavior of Juror # 8 can be considered as the behavior of the task-oriented leader. In spite of the fact his leadership is not open and not formal, Juror # 8 is successful in controlling the situation of the discussion with the help of different conversation tactics and a series of thought-provoking questions. Juror # 8 realizes the principles of the coaching leadership with focusing on creating the supportive atmosphere during the discussion. The principles of social psychology are regularly realized by people in their everyday interactions. That is why different aspects of the social psychology can be involved in the analysis of the characters’ behavior and actions in movies, novels, and shows. References 12 angry men. (1997). [Video] Web. Franzoi, S. (2002). Social Psychology. USA: Mcgraw-Hill College.Advertising W e will write a custom essay sample on 12 Angry Men specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Drafting an Academic Plan of Study for Student Growth

Drafting an Academic Plan of Study for Student Growth An academic plan of study is a way to provide more accountability to students who are struggling academically. This plan provides students with a set of academic goals tailored to their needs and provides them with assistance in reaching those goals. An academic plan of study is best suited for students who may lack the motivation necessary to succeed academically and needs some direct accountability to keep them in check. The motivation lies in the fact that if they do not meet their goals, then the student will be required to repeat that grade the following year. Developing an academic plan of study gives the student an opportunity to prove themselves rather than retaining them in their current grade which could have an overall negative effect. The following is a sample academic plan of study that can be modified to fit your specific needs. Sample Academic Plan of Study The following plan of study takes effect on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, which is the first day of the 2016-2017 school year. It is effective through Friday, May 19, 2017. The principal/counselor will review John Student’s progress at a minimum of a bi-weekly basis. If John Student fails to meet his objectives at any given check, then a meeting will be required with John Student, his parents, his teachers, and the principal or counselor. If John Student has met all of the objectives, then he will be promoted to the 8th grade at the end of the year. However, if he fails to meet all of the listed objectives, then he will be placed back into the 7th grade for the 2017-2018 school year. OBJECTIVES John Student must maintain a 70% C- average in each class including English, reading, math, science, and social studies.John Student must complete and turn in 95% of their classroom assignments per class.John Student must attend school at least 95% of the required time, meaning they can only miss 9 days of the total 175 school days.John Student must show improvement in his reading grade level.John Student must show improvement in his math grade level.John Student must set a reasonable Accelerated Reading goal for each quarter (with principal/counselors assistance) and meet that A.R. goal every nine weeks. Assistance/Action   John Student’s teachers will immediately let the principal/counselor know if he fails to complete and/or turn in an assignment on time. The principal/counselor will be responsible for keeping track of this information.The principal/counselor will conduct bi-weekly grade checks in the areas of English, reading, math, science, and social studies. The principal/counselor will be required to inform both John Student and his parents of their progress on a bi-weekly basis via conference, letter, or telephone call.John Student will be required to spend a minimum of forty-five minutes for three days a week with an intervention specialist specifically focused on improving his overall reading level.If any of John Student’s grades drop below 70%, he will be required to attend after-school tutoring at a minimum of three times per week.If John Student is failing to meet two or more of his grade requirements and/or two or more of his objectives by December 16. 2016, then he will be d emoted to the 6th grade at that time for the remainder of the school year. If John Student is demoted or retained, he will be required to attend a Summer School session. By signing this document, I agree to each of the conditions above. I understand that if John Student does not meet each objective that he may be placed back into 7th grade for the 2017-2018 school year or demoted to the 6th grade for the 2nd semester of the 2016-2017 school year. However, if he meets each expectation then he will be promoted to the 8th grade for the 2017–2018 school year.    __________________________________ John Student, Student __________________________________ Fanny Student, Parent __________________________________ Ann Teacher, Teacher __________________________________ Bill Principal, Principal

Shopping trends and how we spend money assignment

Shopping trends and how we spend money - Assignment Example Rather than buy separate ingredients (as in the case of the macaroni salad) and put them together ourselves, we simply go to the store and pay one price for a pre-packaged macaroni salad that someone has already put together for us. The trouble comes in the fact that this person has not done so out of the goodness of their heart – they have been paid to do this, and the cost that we pay for the salad reflects that. Another reason that the price is higher is the packaging. While the material of the packaging itself is probably no different than that of other foods, the bottom line is competition in this instance. The store is competing with other brands and ingredients to have you buy their prepackaged items, regardless of price. Do they want you to buy them? Of course! Therefore they must spend time and money on attractive packaging to make the consumer that is tired and hungry walking through the store say, â€Å"Oh. I’ll just grab this and we’ll have it with dinner.† On the whole, it came as no surprise to me that the average cost per pound of packaged food was higher than that of fresh fruit or vegetables. When packaged goods are offered to consumers, the price must reflect handling, shipping, packaging, and work needed to put together the

Hypothesis Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hypothesis - Coursework Example se: Providing financial security for teachers is the underlying problem and the goal of the research is to identify the best approach to achieve such an objective (Brace, 2008). Therefore, the goal is to improve compensation for teachers in order to order to improve their service in teaching students. Riverdale high School aims at achieving at least 75 percent mastery among its students. This can only be achieved through an effective pay for performance system. Students Response: Data collection will involve the use of surveys and questionnaires. The data relates to the effects of the economy to the financial security of teachers. Teachers will respond to questions and field assistants will assess the living standards of teachers. Findings will be analyzed and results presented (Brace, 2008). Problem: Riverdale High School is currently overcrowded in terms of high numbers of student enrollment. There is an urgent need for a reduction in the number of students in order to reduce overcrowding. The school is also facing the problem of low pay for their teacher which has negatively affected their working morale. However, low pay for teachers has become the main problem facing the institution and this can only be addressed by devising a systematic plan. Students Response: Selection and interpretation of data will involve identifying relevant data from the survey and questionnaire. Such information will have to be related to the research problem and propose a solution. The information will also be identified as relevant based on its relation to the research hypotheses (Brace, 2008). 8) Describe how your research proves or disproves your hypothesis. In addition, list any additional research avenues created by researching the original problem. Hint: Based on an analysis of the data, the hypothesis is either supported or not supported. The question may be answered or not answered. Research can create more research while the process remains never-ending. Students

Motifs in Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray Essay Example for Free

Motifs in Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray Essay â€Å"If this girl can give soul to those who have lived without one, if she can create the sense of beauty in people whose lives have been sordid and ugly, if she can strip them of their selfishness and lend them tears for sorrows that are not their own, she is worthy of all your adoration, worthy of the adoration of the world† (59). Sibyl has inner beauty and Basil realizes that, but Lord Henry and Dorian only see the physical or symbolic beauty of her form. This is contrary to the reoccurring idea that beauty is only skin deep like Dorian for example he is beautiful on the outside but horrible on the inside. For the wonderful beauty that had so fascinated Basil Hallward, and many other besides him, seemed never to leave him. Even those who had heard the most evil thing against him, and from time to time strange rumours about his mode of life crept through London and became the chatter of the clubs, could not believe anything to his dishonour when they saw him† (93). Shows how society judges people by their looks. They project the desirable traits that they believe they should have, but in reality theyre the same as other people. Even though his reputation is being questioned when people see him all they see is his beauty. â€Å"He grew more and more enamored of his own beauty, more and more interested in the corruption of his own soul† (93). Morbid fascination with the portrait. Its so horrifying but he can not look away. â€Å"I have got through all that,† said Dorian, shaking his head, and smiling. â€Å"I am perfectly happy now. I know what conscience is, to begin with. It is not what you told me it was. It is the divinest thing in us. Don’t sneer at it, Harry, any more — at least, not before me. I want to be good. I can’t bear the idea of my soul being hideous. † (142). Dorian is still completely obsessed with his looks so in an attempt to purge himself he â€Å"spared an innocent thing† but because he did it because he did not want to look old and horrible it was still a selfish act. He was trying to convince himself that the death of Alan Campbell was not his fault. Conscience/Soul: â€Å"Conscience makes egotists of us all† (75). Dorians conscience was his portrait it showed him all the sins he committed throughout is life. It made him obsessed about his looks. The more you think of all the things you do the more you forget about the people around you. His unreal and selfish love would yield to some higher influence, would be transformed into some nobler passion, and the portrait that Basil Hallward had painted of him would be a guide to him through life, would be to him what holiness is to some, and conscience to others, and the fear of God to us all. There were opiates for remorse, drugs that could lull the moral sense to sleep. But here was a visible symbol of the degradation of sin. Here was an ever-present sign of the ruin men brought upon their souls. Portrait was like a mirror of his soul, his true self. The portrait would always be the one thing that would constantly remind him of all his sins in life, while opium could help him forget the things that were haunting his mind the portrait was a constant reminder of everything he did wrong. â€Å"Choice is taken from them, and conscience is either killed, or, if it lives at all lives but to give rebellion its fascination, and disobedience its charm† (139). The pursuit for pleasure is encoded in our DNA its a natural thing that we must cope with, but most times people cant control their impulses and give in, and instead of their conscience helping them to fight the urge it is the one that pushes you to succumb to it. â€Å"The soul is a terrible reality. It can be bought, and sold, and bartered away. It can be poisoned, or made perfect. There is a soul in each one of us. I know it† (158). Dorians soul was corrupted after the influence of Lord Henry, and he sold it to stay young forever. A soul means nothing to Dorian he does not even believe in it anymore. â€Å"He looked round, and saw the knife that had stabbed Basil Hallward. As it killed the painter, so it would kill the painters work, and all that that meant† (164). When Dorian stabbed the painting it was similar to when he stabbed Basil. In the beginning Basil said he put his soul into the painting, then after that it became Dorians soul. They were linked, he could not destroy the painting without destroying himself. Influence: He was conscious and the thought brought a gleam of pleasure into his brown agate eyes that it was through certain words of his, musical words said with musical utterance, that Dorian Grays soul had turned to this white girl and bowed in worship before her. To a large extent the lad was his own creation† (42). This is where Dorian starts his descent into a sinful life. Lord Henry influenced him into falling in love with â€Å"poetry† or art. The only reason he fell â€Å"in love† with Sibyl was because he saw her as living art, her passion for acting fueled his passion for her. â€Å"If one doesnt talk about a thing, it has never happened† (79). A saying by Lord Henry, denying that something happened helps you get over it faster so you have no sorrowful feelings, you just push it out of your mind or seek pleasure to distract yourself. â€Å"A strange sense of loss came over him. He felt that Dorian Gray would never again be to him all that he had been in the past. Life had come between them.. † (58). Lord Henrys influence ruined the pureness of Dorian. He now embraced hedonism which corrupted him and made him vain and hateful. â€Å"A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure. I dont want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them† (79). Lord Henry said something similar when Sibyl died. Its goes against the ideology of Hedonism to be sad or regretful because you are supposed to be in pursuit of happiness. â€Å"The mere fact of having publish a book of second-rate sonnets makes a man quite irresistible. He lives the poetry that he cannot write. The others write the poetry that they dare not realize† (41). This shows the relationship between Lord Henry and Dorian. Lord Henry influenced someone with the idea of Hedonism, while he himself did not completely indulge himself in that lifestyle. While Dorian is pursuing every pleasure that he can find. In a way Lord Henry is living through Dorian. Hedonism: â€Å"There was an exquisite poison in the air. I had the passion for sensations Well, one evening about seven oclock, I determined to go out in search of some adventure. I felt that this grey, monstrous London of ours, with its myriads of people, it sordid sinners, and its splendid sins, as you once phrased it, must have something in store for me† (35). Dorian now feels the need to satisfy his hedonistic craving. He realizes the world is not pure or innocent anymore and that there is many ways to sin and indulge himself. Pleasure is the only thing worth having a theory about But I am afraid I cannot claim my theory as my own. It belongs to Nature, not me. Pleasure is Natures test, her sign of approval. When we are happy we are always good, but when we are good we are not always happy† (56-57). Lord Henry believes that morality does not promote happiness, and we must experience pleasure because that is a huge part of life. If everyone pursued pleasure the world would be happier and more ideal. â€Å"Believe me, no civilized man ever regrets pleasure, and no uncivilized man ever knows what pleasure is† (57). Same idea, the world is better off with pleasure, it will make the world happier, although upper class receive the most pleasure because they can afford all the luxuries of life. While lower class people can only imagine what true pleasure is because they are to busy worrying about other things they dont the time nor fund to indulge in the finer things. â€Å"Beautiful sins, like beautiful things, are the privilege of the rich† (57). Dorian lives this saying. He lavishes himself with the most luxurious items because he has the money to do so. Having fancy objects in life is purely for the aesthetic pleasure that we receive from them, and repeating the word beautiful emphasizes and glorifies the idea of pleasure. Difference of object does not alter singleness of passion. It merely intensifies it. We can have in life but one great experience at best, and the secret of life is to reproduce that experience as often as possible† (145). Pleasure and passion are universal emotions that can be felt anywhere. Repeating that emotion can help you feel younger, it will take you back to all the other times you felt that way, its another way of reminiscing.

How Lomax and Fellow Prisoners are Treated Essay -- Prison Alan Lomax

How Lomax and Fellow Prisoners are Treated In this essay I will be looking at ways in which Lomax conveys how he and his fellow prisoners are treated here in this passage from the book. To show evidence of this I will select quotes which show choices of form, style, vocabulary and narrative viewpoint. Overall I aim to highlight the ways in which the attitudes and values are conveyed to the reader. Lomax Perfectly describes his transition from a P.O.W camp to Outram Gail. 'What our captors were in fact doing was consigning us to a lower circle of hell'. This extremely poignant statement shows use of imagery in a way that stands out to the reader. He uses 'lower circle of hell', which is a simile to emphasize the absurdity of prisoners being sent to Gail. Lomax goes on to describe the horrible neglect that prisoners of Outram road were experiencing. 'This was a place in which the living were turned into ghosts, starved, diseased creatures wasted down to their skeletal outlines'. Like the first quote this is Lomax being very graphic, morbid about what he has witn...

Best Snacks Problem Solution

Running head: PROBLEM SOLUTION: BEST SNACKS INC. Problem Solution: Best Snacks Inc. Taleish M. Daniels University of Phoenix Problem Solution: Best Snacks Inc. â€Å"Best Snacks, Inc. , a 150-year-old company which has been held publicly for more than 100 years, has traditionally held the number one or two positions in the snack market, providing an excellent and stable investment for stockholders. But in the past several years, Best Snacks sales have been slipping, market share has decreased and, particularly in the past two years, stock prices have taken a dive. This year, the company will finish a very weak second, and with several smaller competitors emerging as major players in the snack industry, Best Snacks is in danger of losing its long-held premier standing in the snack market,† (University of Phoenix, 2010,  ¶ 2). In addition to these issues, the employees at Best Snacks are unsettled and feeling as if management does not value their opinions and has not done a good job of promoting innovation. In order to succeed, Best Snacks must tackle the challenges of its failing product line as well as find a way to bring the internal climate with employees back to a state of resolution. Describe the Situation Issue and Opportunity Identification Best Snacks is facing a number of issues. Declining sales, complacency, and a lack of motivation within the employees due to the absence of manager support have all contributed to the current state. By taking a close look at its competitors and studying other successful organizations the leadership at Best Snacks can retain some of its previous success. Capitalizing on the new changes in leadership, Best Snacks has the opportunity to restructure their organization in a way that will foster an environment of creativity and innovation. As stated, both sales and market share at Best Snacks has seen a decline. The opportunity presented is for the leadership at Best Snacks to evaluate the organization’s current process to determine how they can keep up with the competition. A radical innovation is a significant change that simultaneously affects both the business model and the technology of a company. Radical innovations usually bring fundamental changes to the competitive environment in an industry, (Davila, Epstien, & Shelton, 2006, p. 51). Contributing to the declining sales is the fact that there have been no product or service innovations in the past five years; instead, previously successful marketing methods have been improved or extended. Successful organizations tend to become complacent and conservative in order to preserve their core competencies—those things that lead to their success. This is logical and largely advantageous in the short-term. Paradoxically, the things that led to their success could be the very things in the long-term that pull them into failure, (Davila, Epstien, & Shelton, 2006, p. 239). By designing new marketing methods that are completely different from anything that has been done before, Best snacks can return to their customer base with a fresh approach that will draw people to their products. A learning organization is an organization that purposefully designs and constructs its structure, culture, and strategy so as to enhance and maximize the potential for organizational learning (explorative and exploitative) to take place, (Jones, 2004, p. 377). Currently many employees at Best Snacks do not understand the importance of innovation and have forgotten how to develop and implement creative ideas. Most of this stems from the fact that managers do not support creativity and innovation, another issues facing Best Snacks. Employees believe that they are not supported in their ideas and independent thinking. One of the key roles of the CEO is to make innovation part of the culture of the company. The CEO needs to make certain that collaboration occurs and becomes part of the culture. Steve Jobs works this critical cultural angle at Apple by being the clear leader of innovation and pushing hard to ensure that there is effective collaboration between the technology and business folks, (Davila, Epstien, & Shelton, 2006, p. 58 & 259). The leadership at Best Snacks should use this opportunity to support and encourage organization learning, developing culture that is ripe for innovation through leading by example and pushing for employees to come up with new ideas. Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas Though Best Snacks is facing a number of issues, three main stakeholder perspecti ves and ethical dilemmas have been identified. The first is between Best Snacks and the competition. Both Best Snacks and its competing businesses have a vested interest in their individual corporations. Each would like to be the number one holder of sales and market share in their industry. In their quest to be number one, it is the responsibility of each organization to utilize fair business practices, and conduct themselves with honesty and integrity. Another stakeholder perspective is the leadership of Best Snacks versus their employees. The employees at Best Snacks feel that leadership does not value their opinions and has not created an environment open for innovation and creativity. Though management sees the need for employees to develop a creative mindset, they are unsure about the best ways to utilize those skills. Both management and the employees need to be honest about what they’re needs and expectations are. Opening the door to communication will allow them to work together as a unit. Management has the responsibility to treat employees with fairness and respect, understanding that although their titles may be lower in rank, their opinions and desire to grow the organization is what will ultimately lead Best Snacks into their next phase of success. The last ethical dilemma that was identified is Best Snacks versus itself. As a corporation, Best Snacks is rightfully concerned that they are seeing a significant decrease in sales. In their quest to retain success, Best Snacks must be careful to not violate any copyright infringement laws while studying their competition and creating their own new products. Frame the â€Å"Right† Problem Best Snacks will become a leader in the snack industry once again by promoting creative and innovative learning within the organization that will inspire a new product lines and allow them to compete with the competition. Describe the â€Å"End-State† Vision Best Snacks held on to its top position in the snack industry by promoting innovation within their organization. Though the industries may vary, the characteristics of innovative organizations are often similar. Studies have shown that innovative workplaces share six cultural characteristics: context rich, customer close, confidence building, curious, challenging, and collaborative, (Daniels, 2010). Innovative organizations have leaders that cultivate creativity by allowing employees to be themselves and encouraging the development of new ideas. Brainstorming and team building activities play a large part in how these companies create, (Daniels, Watts-Holley, Mobley, & Rauschenbach, 2010). Capitalizing on these traits, Best Snacks was able to energize their employees and push for organizational learning, and team building that enabled them to create new product lines, modernize the previous products therefore maintaining their previous customer bases as well as capturing a new audience. Identify the Alternatives and Benchmarking Validatio Based on the opportunities given, three main alternatives have been identified. First, instead of promoting organizational learning, management can select a few employees for individual learning. Managers would select employees to serve on special teams. There’s team members would then go through a series of individual and group learning to implement programs within the organization. Another alternative is for previous marketing methods to be revisited in an effort to appeal to the standard customer base. Leadership at Best Snacks can attempt to capture their previous success by reconnecting with their audience through an analysis of what has worked in the past. The third alternative identified is to make no radical changes, choosing to stick with incremental or semi-radical innovation. By utilizing incremental innovation, Best Snacks can wring out as much value as possible from existing products or services without making significant changes or major investments. Semi-Radical Innovation on the other hand involves substantial change to either the business model or technology of an organization—but not to both, (Davila, Epstien, & Shelton, 2006). Evaluate the Alternatives In Table three there were two goals that were ranked at a number five. The first goal, design new marketing methods that are completely different from those of the past was chosen to stimulate creativity within the organization. Best Snacks has already spent and ample amount of time redeveloping ideas of the past and needs a fresh approach to capturing their audience. The second goal that was ranked at a number five is for the management to promote organizational wide learning. One of the reasons Best Snacks is in the position they’re in is because at some point the organization stopped learning. Management began to discourage the innovation and creativity that once the key to the company’s success. As a result, the entire team at Best Snacks; employees as well as management need to go back to square one in learning the organization, its customers and products. Narrowed List of Alternatives The best alternative chosen are to revisit the previous marketing methods to capture some of the past product success, and to implement semi-radical change. Although it is clear based on the goals that it would be best for Best Snacks to make a complete 360 degree turn around with their business structure and approach to marketing, the cost of doing so could defeat take a toll on the company’s finances due to its declining sales. As a result, it may be better for the organization to take things slow implementing only a semi-radical change program and revamping some of the previous marketing methods. Due to the fact that the organization was highly successful not too long ago, it may be worth taking a look at some of the processes that were in place during that time, examining whether or not success can be generated by reinventing the wheel as opposed to starting over completely. Identify and Assess Risks The remaining alternatives; select a few employees for individual learning and implement incremental change have been identified as having too many risks to utilize in the future plans of Best Snacks. In selecting just a few employees, the leadership does not tackle the real issue of ensuring that innovation is stimulated on an organizational wide scale. It seems that an incremental change approach is what put Best Snacks in the position that they are in now. In only considering the bottom line while ignoring the significant changes that needed to be made in the product lines and processes has cost the organization in sales. With both alternative, Best Snacks runs the likely chance that no changes will be made, leaving the organization to continue its decline. Make the Decision Best Snacks will utilize radical innovation to develop customized, strategic marketing plans for their current product lines and formulate teams within the organization to design new products. Management and employees will work together to energize not only each other but the customer with anticipation of what’s to come. Creative advertising campaigns, team building exercises, and consistent attention to employee needs by management will position Best Snacks in the upper echelon of the snack industry. Founded in 1998, Google has obtained success by being one of the most innovative internet search engines in the world. The company name, Google is in fact a play on the word â€Å"googol,† the mathematical term for a 1 followed by 100 zeros. The name reflects the immense volume of information that exists, and the scope of Google's mission: to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, (Google, 2010). With over 150 domains in different names and languages, advertising applications, and a phone, and its own internet browser, Google Chrome, the leadership and employees at Google are constantly coming up with new ideas on how to make their existing products better and challenging themselves to create new products that will speak to their consumer needs. Google’s philosophy is embedded with a number of approaches to the principles of their organization and how they will conduct business. Specifically when it comes to design the company believes: 1. Focus on people – their lives, their work, and their dreams. . Every millisecond counts. 3. Simplicity is powerful. 4. Engage beginners and attract experts. 5. Dare to innovate. 6. Design for the world. 7. Plan for today's and tomorrow's business. 8. Delight the eye without distracting the mind. 9. Be worthy of people's trust. 10. Add a human touch, (Daniels, Watts-Holley, Mobley, & Rauschenbach, 2010). In capitalizing on the success of organizations such as Google and the competing snack corporations, as well as returning their focus back to the people, Best Snack will move into the future retaining their top slot as an industry leader. Develop and Implement the Solution In order to develop and implement the solution, Best Snacks must be strategic in their next steps. To take place immediately, Elizabeth Fairchild must devise a conflict management plan for employees and managers to have better communication. In order for innovation to thrive employees must first iron out the issues they have amongst each other as well as management. Getting the problems out on the table will be the first step to opening the door to communication needed for innovation and creativity. Within the next ninety days, Sabrina McKay will develop a plan for team brainstorming. Working with Elizabeth Fairchild, a plan for organizational learning will be put into place to stimulate the employees and get them thinking about what’s next for the organization. Within six months, new product lines should be developed. These lines will be a culmination of the ideas of each person from the management team as well as the employees. Evaluate the Results External success for Best Snacks will be measure by evaluation of the next quarter sales and earnings. Because the ultimate goal of the organization is to increase sales and market share in an effort to remain competitive in the industry, short term review goals are deemed best for a clear understanding of whether newly implemented marketing ideas and approaches are working. There are certain marketing elements every (startup) entrepreneur should track to grow and become more profitable. The key indicators are leads generated, leads converted, average dollar per transaction and average number of transactions per customer. Though the notion of tracking may feel like overkill, focus and improvement spring from the habit of constant measurement. In creating a baseline, it will be much easier to focus the strategies and actions on the right areas of the business, (Jantsch,  2009). Internal measurements for determining success will be to administer another company-wide survey and small focus groups. Leadership must remain in constant communication with the Best Snack employees to ensure that most, if not all needs are being met and that satisfactions with encouraging innovation and creativity amongst employees is felt. Conclusion Best Snacks has the potential to maintain its position in the snack industry. Though the situation looks bleak, it is not as bad as it seems. The main issue for Best Snacks is that they’ve never been in this space before. As long as management uses this opportunity to grow and learn the ills of complacency the organization should be able to avoid being placed in this position again. References Daniels, T. , Watts-Holley, J. , Mobley, A. , Rauschenbach, L.. (2010). Best Snacks Benchmarking Worksheet. Retrieved from MMPBL550 – Creativity, Innovation, and Organizational Design website. Davila, T. , Estien, T. J. , & Shelton, R. (2006). Making Innovation Work: How To Manage It, Measure It, and Profit From It. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Publishing. Jantsch, J. (2009). 4 Metrics For Measuring Success: 4 key metrics can help you determine if your brand-building is working. Retrieved from http://www. entrepreneur. com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/february/199732. html Jones , G. (2004). Organizational Theory, Design, and Change (4th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. University of Phoenix. (2010). Best Snacks Scenario. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, MMPBL550 – CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN website. Table 1 Issues and Opportunities Identification | | | |Issues |Opportunities |Reference to Specific | | | |Course Concept | |Best Snacks sales have been slipping, market|Evaluate the organization’s current |A radical innovation is a significant change that | |share has decreased |process to determine how they can keep up |simultaneously affects both the business model and the | | |with the competition. |technology of a company. Rad ical innovations usually | | | |bring fundamental changes to the competitive | | | |environment in an industry, (Davila, Epstien, & | | | |Shelton, 2006, p. 51). |There have been no product or service |Design new marketing methods that are |Successful organizations tend to become complacent and | |innovations in the past five years; instead,|completely different from anything that |conservative in order to preserve their core | |previously successful marketing methods have|has been done before. |competencies—those things that lead to their success. | |been improved or extended | |This is logical and largely advantageous in the | | | |short-term. Paradoxically, the things that led to their| | | |success could be the very things in the long-term that | | | |pull them into failure, (Davila, Epstien, & Shelton, | | | |2006, p. 239). | |Not many people seem to understand the |Management can promote learning within the|A learning organization is an organization that | |importance of innovation. Worse, they seem |organization. |purposefully designs and constructs its structure, | |to have forgotten how to develop and | |culture, and strategy so as to enhance and maximize the| |implement creative ideas. |potential for organizational learning (explorative and | | | |exploitative) to take place, (Jones, 2004, p. 377). | |Employees feel that creativity/innovation is|Management can develop a culture that is |One of the key roles of the CEO is to make innovation | |not encouraged and that their ideas are not |ripe for innovation through leading by |part of the culture of the company. The CEO needs to | |supported by management. |example and pushing for employees to come |make certain that collaboration occurs and becomes part| | |up with new ideas. |of the culture. Steve Jobs works this critical cultural| | | |angle at Apple by being the clear leader of innovation | | | |and pushing hard to ensure that there is effective | | | |collaboration between the technology and business | | | |folks, (Davila, Epstien, & Shelton, 2006, p. 258 & | | | |259). | Table 2 Stakeholder Perspectives and Ethical Dilemmas | |Stakeholder Perspectives and Ethical Dilemmas | | | | | |Stakeholder Groups with Competing | | | |Values |The Interests, Rights, and |The Ethical Dilemma Based on the Competing | | |Values of Each Group |Values | |List: Group X | | | |versus Group Y | | | |Best Snacks vs. the competition |Both Best Snacks and the competition have a vested |It is the responsibility of each organization | | |interest in their individual corporations. Each would |in their quest to be number one to do utilize | | |like to be the number one holder of sales and market |fair business practices, and conduct themselves| | |share in their industry. |with honesty and i ntegrity. | |Best Snacks Leadership vs. he |The employees at Best Snacks feel that leadership does |Both management and the employees need to be | |employees |not value their opinions and has not created an |honest about what they’re needs and | | |environment for open innovation and integrity. Though |expectations are. Opening the door to | | |management sees the need for employees to develop a |communication will allow them to work together | | |creative mindset, they are unsure about the best ways |as a unit. Management has the responsibility to| | |to utilize those skills. treat employees with fairness and respect, | | | |understanding that although their titles may be| | | |lower in rank, their opinions and desire to | | | |grow the organization is what will ultimately | | | |lead Best Snacks into their next phase of | | | |success. | |Best Snacks vs. tself |As a corporation, Best Snacks is rightfully concerned |In their quest to retain success, Best Snacks | | |that the y are seeing a significant decrease in sales. |must be careful to not violate any copyright | | | |infringement laws while studying their | | | |competition and creating their own new | | | |products. | Table 3 Analysis of Alternative Solutions [pic] Table 4 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Risk Assessment and Mitigation | |Alternative |Risks and Probability |Consequence and Severity |Mitigation Techniques and Strategies | |Select a few employees for |By selecting only a few employees |The organization may find itself | Instead of managers randomly selecting| |individual learning |for individual learning, Best Snacks|in the same position as right now,|employees, they could ask for | | |leadership will have only barely |it is clear that not enough |volunteers, or use a mixture of | | |touched the issue of many not |employees understand the process |experience and tenure to make the | | |understanding creativity and |of innovation to a point where |selection | | |innovation. |they can move the company forward. | | | |Also, in selecting only a few | | | | |employees issues of favoritism and| | | | |feeling left out could occur | | | | |amongst workers. | | |Implement Incremental change |Though incremental innovation would |Utilizing incremental change could|Instead of incremental innovation, Best| | |save the company money it would not |put Best Snacks back in the same |Snacks should utilize another approach | | |address the most important issue of |position. that would allow them to tackle the | | |stimulating creativity and | |core of the issues. | | |innovation within the employees. | | | | |This would cost the company in the | | | | |long run as they run the risk of | | | | |continuing the sales decline. | | | Table 5 Pros and Cons of Alternative Solutions Alternative |Pros |Cons | |Revisit previous marketing methods to capture |Methods used during the company’s most |These methods are old and no longer appeal to | |past success |successful times have a lready been tested |the target audience – the reason Best Snacks is| | | |in their current state | |Implement semi-radical change |Extreme change will be made to certain portions|Best Snacks is no longer in a position where | | |of the organization. |small changes are acceptable. They need fast, | | | |extreme change to catch up to the competition | Table 6 Optimal Solution Implementation Plan |Action Item Deliverable |Timeline |Who is Responsible | |Develop a plan for team brainstorming and innovation|90 days Sabrina McKay | |Create new product lines |6 months |Sabrina McKay, Bill Santoro, Jennifer | | | |Heartwell, Martin Hernandez, Dale Chin | |Devise conflict management plan for employees and |Immediately |Elizabeth Fairchild | |managers to have better communication | | | Table 7 Evaluation of Results |End-State Goals |Metrics |Target | |Management and employees will develop and |Employee survey |85-90% satisfaction | |maintain open communication. | | |Best Snacks increa se sale and market share. |Industry reports |70% increase | | | | | | | | | | | | |