Category: Uncategorized

Flexible work places

Table of Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454772” Executive summary 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454773” Introduction2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454774” Barriers to flexible work Places 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454775” Benefits of Flexible Work Places4-5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454776” Strategies of Enhancing Flexible Work Places5-6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454777” Reccomendations 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc268454779” Bibliographies 8

Executive Summary

Flexible workplaces are getting more difficult to describe due to their more noticeable nature. Present surplus labor force, along with globalization, technological expansions, ageing labor force, new workplaces values and workplace diversity has transformed employers’ mindset on the issue of flexibility at the workplaces. Various barriers affect the existence of flexible work places such as Attitudinal Behaviors on Employees, fear of leadership and problems of organizational systems. However the establishment of flexible work places has benefits both for the employees and the organization if suitable strategies such as motivation, promotion of team building are adopted at the work place.

Introduction

Followers of flexible workplaces regard them as a more significant recognition of the many problems that many employees have in harmonizing between their respective families and work duties. Critics on the other hand tend to challenge this citing that their intentions are only meant to restore some past inequities within the work as well as the family life balance (Thomas-Jones, 2006, 67).

This report is intended to give an overview on the benefits and barriers of flexible workplaces as well as giving out appropriate recommendations.

Flexible workplace barriers

Attitudinal Behaviors on Employees

Ashforth (2002, 103) outlines that Issues of attitude of employees on various work approaches can be a hindrance. These are often based on mistaken beliefs such as whether the work approaches adopted might hinder their future careers for instance. The problem lying here is that organizations only transform if the employees too accept changes and this has to begin from the top level. Attitudinal behavior is therefore really hard to attain if there is no consensus within an organization particularly on issues related to the adoption of new work methods.

Fear on Leadership and Managerial Blocks

This is due to many organizations opting to remain as they were other than experiencing the challenges that they may face on adoption. Such organizations therefore do not accrue benefits of such methods of working in the long run (Ashley 2009, 122).

Organizational System Problems

This can be observed in cases where there are splits within the organization particularly in times where new working approaches are to be implemented. Resentments may come out mostly from the workers and this can act as a barrier to adoption. No amount of policy development, values declaration and systems implementation can transform an organization to one that solves issues between the management and employees (Ashley, 2009, 123).

Flexible workplace benefits

Improved Balance between Work and Home Life

Flexibility at the workplace offers many benefits to members of the organizations in terms of work and home life balance. This is brought out as a result of the increased control over when their various duties are completed. Employees are therefore free to choose to work at their own timings in the evening as well as spending enough time with their children during the afternoon hours (Christine & Diane, 2000, 210-212).

They are also able to avoid disruptions related to the office environment. The main objective in the flexible work arrangements favors this a lot since it is often tailored to making sure that the work is conducted or done in the most efficient way in addition to being done at the most effective location. Flexible work places could be homes as well as satellite offices (Christine & Diane, 2000, 210-212).

Increased Productivity

Flexibility approach within the organization allows for transformations that restructures as well as giving out well-built analysis of the various organizational issues. This means the organization gets a three-dimensional look of its future or having a vision; a vision that encourages creativity as well as the drive to act as an employee and therefore assists developing a road map to get achievable steps towards the goals.

Productivity level of the organization therefore rises since everyone within the organization is his or her own driver working to attain the similar goals. It also cuts across diversity other than being three-dimensional. Their is diversity since flexible work places disregard language as well as cultural barriers in its operations. This allows a varied labor force to be involved in the culture transformation process more easily. Leaders who undertake this approach also provide the essential resources adding up to the motivation; this in itself is an innovation that makes it possible for transformations hence a prolonged flexible workplace (Maitland, 2009, 45).

Promote Team Building

Flexible work places employ a structured type of both part-time works together with other work models. They always have an equal split though it is not always the available option. Some employers also ensure that their employees have not more than one day in common. This enable employees share out vital and concise information about the current issues and tasks. Team work is built through these interactions.

Flexible workplace strategies

Motivation

Management duties should mainly be centered on motivation, team work as well as creating a good working environment for all the employees. Employees work well when they are well motivated in addition to when they are most productive. Motivation therefore acts as a strategy that revolves around flexible work places. It has a role of encouraging employees in addition to promoting productivity. Motivations not only care for the employees’ but also bond the relations between the workers and employers. Better jobs are not easy to find and therefore such workplaces make and maintain loyal employees who working with an objective towards a shared obligation (Ashforth, 2002, 104).

Promote Team Building

Team work should be emphasized by the employers as a strategy within the flexible work places. This should be promoted between all the employees whether on-site or off-site. This can be made possible through involving them in shared activities such as training or special meals while providing unusual office coverage to make them aware of the realities of the workplace. This eventually acts as a forum for team building and productivity increment (Maitland, 2009, 45).

Appropriate and Occasional Orientation

The employer should make certain that the employees despite of their locations of work are equally directed so that they are all pulling together towards the same organizational goal. This should involve, for instance, keeping in mind the off-site employees making sure that they access training as well as promotion opportunities. Such opportunities are of great significance to every employee irrespective of their working localities (Thomas-Jones, 2006, 45).

Recommendation

Organizational success comes from an incorporation of focused dedications by all the members of an organization. Motivation in this case acts as the backbone that forms a road map towards the success.

Motivation develops various organizational workplaces coming up with environments that encourage employees for this reason fostering their productivity levels. Other than improving the morale of the employees, motivation also makes stronger the relationship between the respective employers and the employees.

In general, motivation provides a well balanced picture between the work, employees and their employers and as a result plays a significant role towards any organizational success.

Bibliographies

Ashley, A, 2009, Five Barriers to Workplace Flexibility, Ezine Articles. 122-125

Ashforth, B.E, 2002, The Flexible Workplace: A Sourcebook of Information and Research, Personnel publications, Arizona State University, 102-105.

Christine, A and Diane, Z, 2000, The Flexible Workplace: A Sourcebook of Information and Research, Westport.200-212

Maitland, A, 2009, The Advantages of Having a Flexible Workplace, Article from The Times and the Sunday Times Archives, Times Newspaper Limited, London. P.45.

Thomas-Jones, A, 2006, Flexible Workplaces, Oxford Press, London p 67.

RUNNING HEAD: FISCAL POLICY

BC’s Action Plan

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31st March, 2011

Introduction

Fiscal policy refers to the use of taxes, transfers by the government or the purchases of goods as well as services in order to get a shift in the aggregate demand curve. They include expansionary fiscal policy which increases the aggregate demand and closes the gap caused by recession and the contractionary fiscal policy which decreases the aggregate demand and eliminates gaps caused by inflation.

Fiscal Policy, Taxes, Transfers and Economy

After the identification of the recessionary or inflationary gaps a government is required to develop and implement an action plan; processes that take time. The fiscal policy in a particular country economy has a multiplier effect where the expansionary fiscal policy increases the GDP while the contractionary has a converse effect on GDP. There is a larger multiplier on changes resulting from purchases by the government than those in taxes or transfers since part of the latter is absorbed by savings. Therefore a more powerful effect on the economy is created by changes in purchases by the government than similar changes in taxes and transfers. The size of the multiplier and the size of business cycle fluctuations can be reduced by some rules that govern taxes and transfers which act as automatic stabilizers. With relation to budget balance, discretionary expansionary fiscal policies cause a decrease by making budget surplus smaller or a bigger budget deficit while on the converse contractionary fiscal policies result in an increase that is a bigger budget surplus or a smaller budget deficit. For example, an increase in government purchases of goods and services, higher government transfers or lowered taxes for the former and vice versa for the latter (Krugman, Wells and Myatt, 2006).

Due to the effects of that the business cycle has on budget balance fluctuations, there is need for the government to make an estimate on the budget balance that is cyclically adjusted so as to separate them from those caused by the discretionary fiscal policy. The budget balance rises and moves towards deficit during recessions while it falls and moves towards its surplus throughout expansions.

Since the accounting of government budget is calculated based on fiscal years deficits have long term effects as they increase public debt. Rising government debt may cause a big problem since they crowd out investment spending which cause a reduction in the long term economic growth. It also may lead to government default causing turmoil in both the economy and finance.

Fiscal health can be measured by the ratio of debt to GDP. Although implicit liabilities may not be part of the normal debt statistics, they are a debt effectively because they are the government made spending promises.

Action Plan in BC

In British Columbia for example the government is aiming at reducing tax, supporting those who earn low income and protecting the people’s savings as a result of slowdown in the economy. This will be done through deferment of property tax payments for home owners with at least 15 % equity with another plan coming up for families that have children under the age of 18. This will include applied simple interest with non repayment of the deferred taxes till the homes are sold (British Columbia, 2010).

There are also low income taxes with low income earners not paying any income taxes at all. Some of them pay less with a decrease between 37 percent and 70 percent. In addition, tax credit of $105 and $31.50 are given to adults and children of low income earners respectively as support. For individuals earning of less than $20,000 credit of $ 230 will be offered. Other services will include new pension, additional options for seniors, savings security by insurance companies, rental help provided for seniors, small business and corporate income tax relief and rebate on industry tax (British Columbia, 2010).

References

British Columbia. (2010). B.C.’s Economic Plan to Support Families, Workers and Boost Productivity. Retrieved March 31, 2011, from British Columbia: http://www.gov.bc.ca/economic_plan/index.html

Krugman, P., Wells, R., & Myatt, A. (2006). Macroeconomics. New York: Worth.

Flexible Working Hours

Author

Institution

Introduction

Ahmad, A.R., Talha, M., Idris, M & Hashim, M.H (2013). A Study of Flexible Working Hours and Motivation. Journal of Asian Social Science. Vol 9, No 3

This paper aimed at investigating the relationship between the incorporation of flexible working hours and motivation of employees. The study outlined in the paper showed that flexible working hours have a direct relationship to employee motivation as it allows them to concentrate on varied roles in the competitive work environment today.

Peper, B., Doorne-Huiskes, J. ., & Dulk, L. (2005). Flexible working and organizational change: The integration of work and personal life. North Hampton, MA: Edward Elgar.

This book aims at examining the extent by which changes in nature of work and organizations fit in the necessity for integration between family life and work. It examines the dilemmas that future employees will face in advancing their careers and enhancing organization in their homes.

Zeytinoglu, I. U. (2003). Flexible work arrangements: Conceptualizations and international experiences. The Hague: Kluwer Law International.

This book acknowledges the elimination of the old standards pertaining to fixed locations and hours with employers preferring flexible work arrangements that come with more control over the task assignment, economic circumstances and rate of production. It presents the impact of flexible work arrangements on employee wellbeing, family, health, career, workplace and the society at large.

Stredwick, J., Ellis, S., & Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. (2005). Flexible working. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

This book questions the obsession of employers with regular working hours while most talented and capable potential employees are unable to work for fixed time durations. It acknowledges that flexible working hours allows entities to respond troughs and peaks in demands cost effectively, not to mention attracting and retaining productive staff.

Avery, C., & Zabel, D. (2001). The flexible workplace: A sourcebook of information and research. Westport, Conn: Quorum Books.

This book examines the flexible work concept and traces the growth and origin of the concept while reviewing research pertaining to varied flexible work arrangements. It presents examples on companies in varied parts of the world that have adopted the concept and identifies sectors that need to incorporate the concept.

Reilly, P. A. (2001). Flexibility at work: Balancing the interests of employer and employee. Aldershotd: Gower.

This book underlines the benefits pertaining to flexible working arrangements while examining the needs of employees and employers. It shows how mutual flexibility can be developed, as well as the preconditions for the success of such arrangement. He acknowledges that flexible working arrangements would improve service and quality, lower cost, increase productivity, and meet supply needs and hedge against change.

References

Ahmad, A.R., Talha, M., Idris, M & Hashim, M.H (2013). A Study of Flexible Working Hours and Motivation. Journal of Asian Social Science. Vol 9, No 3

Peper, B., Doorne-Huiskes, J. ., & Dulk, L. (2005). Flexible working and organisational change: The integration of work and personal life. North Hampton, MA: Edward Elgar.

Zeytinoglu, I. U. (2003). Flexible work arrangements: Conceptualizations and international experiences. The Hague: Kluwer Law International.

Stredwick, J., Ellis, S., & Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. (2005). Flexible working. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Avery, C., & Zabel, D. (2001). The flexible workplace: A sourcebook of information and research. Westport, Conn: Quorum Books.

Reilly, P. A. (2001). Flexibility at work: Balancing the interests of employer and employee. Aldershotd: Gower.

NameProfessorCourseDateNature of GovernmentsWeek 6-6Fisher Ames, the Mire of Democracy (1805), in CAPCT, Vol.I, pp. 755-756whydoes Ames thinkdemocraciesfail?Whatconditions are necessary, according to Ames, forpeople to be free?Why is itthathebelievesdemocracywill, veryrapidly, result in a loss of freedomforthepeople?According to fisher ames, democracy is a failand a letdown to thefreedom of thepeople in a number of ways. Heusesthecase of flattery to defineandexplain his reasons behind thisstand on democracy. Heusesthescenario of a manwhobelievesthat his intelligence, knowledge, andskillentertainandpleases his peopleonlybecausetheyfolloworpretend to agree with his policies. Fisher believesthatpeople will followorfallsfor an ideaorplaniftheythinkthey will benefit from suchadventures. By doingthis, theyflatterthepersonorleaderwhobelievesthattheyfollow him because; his ideas are fortheinterest of allpeople. Democracy is therule of themajoritywherethose with numbershave an advantage over those with fewernumbers. Fisher usesthisbasis of democracy to disputethatdemocracy is a form of freedom. Hebelievesthatthose with highnumbers may not havethegood will of everyone in society. Heconcludesthat is not onlydangerous to thefreedom of allbut can also be used as a tool of revenge against people with divergentopinions. Hearguesthatthemajority may takeadvantage of their numbers to settle a score with their enemiesorrivalsevenwhentheyknowthat their decision is not in thebestinterest of thepublic.Wrongleaders may land in powerjustbecausetheyenjoy a largefollowing. This may lead to embezzlement of publicfundsandotherpublicresources. Those in theseleadershippositions may alsousetheopportunity to sidelinethosewhodid not voteorselect them to thisleadershippositions. Thomas Jefferson, Letter to John Adams, October 28, 1813, in CAPCT, Vol. 1, pp. 742-743.This is Jefferson’s reply to Adams’ letter of September 2, 1813 (see above). Howdoesherespond to Adams’ criticism?In Thomas Jefferson’s responseletter, hecriticizes john Adams in a well-calculated manner without offendingorabusingthelater. Hedoes not criticizethepersonbut his opinionsorviews about aristocracy among men. Heagreesthataristocracyis practiced in thesociety, however, with theintroduction of gunpowder, thepoorandtheweakalso has a waydefending themselves from anyarm, which be inflicted on the them by therichandhigh in thesociety. Despite therichandthehighhavingaccess to othersophisticatedweapons, theintroduction of gunpowdergivestheweakandpoorsomesense of security in their lives. Forinstance, eventhepower can ownlicensedgunsorfirearmsforself-defensewhenfaced with anydanger in their lives. Hedisagrees with Adams on his view of aristocracy since hebelievesthatthenaturalaristocracy is themostpreciousgift of natureforinstructions, thegovernments, andthetrust of thesociety. Thisview on naturalaristocracy is divergent from that of Adams whodoes not believe in naturalaristocracy, butratherthemanmade from of aristocracywheretherichruleandthepoorserve. Theacknowledgesthefactthat their differencesare not based on personaldifferencesbutratherwellcalculatedopinionsandviews on thesamesubject. This is a professionalandethicalform of disagreementorcritic since at despite thedisagreementthese two are stillfriendsanddo not holdpersonalgrudges. In conclusion, Adams assuresthereadersthattheyjustexchanged their views on areaswheretheydiffer, andhehadnointention to causecontroversy whatsoever. He jokes thatboth of them are tooold to be willing to disruptthepeacefulcoexistence among thepeople. Week 5-7James Madison, A Candid State of Parties, in CAPCT, Vol.I, pp. 633-634Howdoes Madison characterizethedifference between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties? According to James Madison’s explanation, the three mainparties in America are based on differentideologies depending on differentfactors. Thesedifferences as discussed in thissection of theresearchwork. Italso highlights thefactors, which determinethenatureandthestructure of thesepoliticalparties. Thepoliticalpartiesincludethe federalist, democraticandtherepublicanparties. Thehistory of politicalparties in theunitedstates of America indicatesthatpoliticalparties in America wereformed based on two factors; ideologies of the British andthedesirefordemocracy by thepeople of theunitedstates of America. Those in support of theideologies of theunitedkingdomformedorare affiliated to a certainpartywhilethose with thedesire to realizethefullbenefits of thedemocracy of the American peoplealsobelongs to a rivalparty. Over a longtime, these two groupshavebeenlocked in thebattleforsupremacy, butthedemocratshavethenumbers unlike therepublicansonlyenjoysthefollowing of a fewpersons. The Republican Party is affiliated with thewealthyandtheelite in the United States of America whilethedemocratsare affiliated with themiddleclassandthepoor in the US. Thisexplainsthereason behind thelargepartyfollowers affiliated with thedemocratsandthefewfollowers affiliated with therepublicans. Theordinarypeople of the US believesthatthedemocratsshare in their grievanceshencethemassivesupportandfollowingtheyoffer to thepartywhiletherichbelievesthatthepolicies of therepublicans are for their benefitshence their support to theparty.Thisimpliesthattherepublicans’ party consists of thehighandpowerful in thesocietymakingiteasyfor them to manipulateorinfluencethesystem. Thomas Jefferson Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18-19, in CAPCT, Vol. I, pp. 354-355According to Jefferson, why is agriculturebetter than manufacturing? Why is slaverybad, in Jefferson’s judgment? Isslaveryworsefortheslave, orforthe slave-owner?In thisreading, Jefferson talks about three mainissues;agriculture, manufacturing, andslavery. Hebelievesthatagriculture is better than manufacturing; healsogives out his reasons against slaveryandpoints out thedangers of slaveryandtheparties negatively affected by thispractice. Jefferson’s arguesthatforeign European policiesare imposed on the American people without muchthought of consideration on thereasonsfor their practice in the European countries. Heusesthecase of manufacturingindustries in America; according to European countriesdo not havefertilelandforcultivationthisleaves them with theoption of manufacturing. This is not thesamecase in America, which possessesplenty of fertilelandforagriculturalpurposes; however, thisdoes not happendue to theinfluence of foreignpolicies in America. Jefferson believesthatthe European practicesmanufacturing as a necessityrather than an option since theydo not havefertileland to supportagriculturalactivities. On slavery, heuses biblical point of view to stand against its practice. Hearguesthatslavery is against libertyandequality as stipulated in the Christian doctrine. Hearguesthatit is unfairagreement, which ought to abolish in the United States. Jefferson aloarguesthatslavery is dangerous to masters since theslaves may revolt against their masterskilling them orphysicallyharming them in theprocess. This may not onlyaffectthepeacefulcoexistence of thesocietybut may sabotagetheeconomy of theunitedstates of America since themastersonly rely on thelaborprovided by slavesforproductionpurposes.It is from thispoint of viewthat Jefferson disagrees with thisinhumanpractice. Week 4Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 7, in CAPCT, Vol. I, pp. 456-458What is Hamilton afraid might happen to the United States in thefutureiftheproposedfederalconstitutionis not ratified? Thisessay is an implicitcriticism of the Articles of Confederation. Whatdoes Hamilton imply is wrong with the Articles? Isthiscriticismfair?According to Hamilton, thepeaceandeconomicdevelopment of thefuture of the United States of America greatly depends on theratification of theproposedfederallaws. Hamilton bases his critics on thearticles of confederation, which he terms as dangerous to theconstitution of the United States of America andthepeacefulcoexistence among thestates in the US.Thisarticletalk about amendments, which to be made in order to maintainpeace in the United States. However, despite thesechangesorappointments, chaos is likely to break out in the United States of America. itresult from thepossibilitythatthechangesortheappointments may favorsomestates at theexpense of others. Since thechangesrevolve around fundingthegovernment, states, which feelthattheyare burdened by the allocation orcontributionrequirements, may withhold their contributions from thetreasury. This may result in bitterness among thestates since theoncewhocontribute may decide not to dothesame in futurerequirements. It may alsolead to economic lockdown andcollapse of the American economy. Anyevent that negatively affectstheeconomy of America alsoaffectstheservicesthatthegovernmentoffers to its people. Forinstance, hospitals, policestations, civilservicesectors, andpublicoffices among otherorganizationsowned by thegovernmentwill be closed down blockingpeople from accessingsuchservices. Closure of thehospital may lead to unnecessaryloss of liveandthespreadandoutbreak of contagiousdiseases.

Differences among states in the US may alsolead to civilunrestorcivilwars, anddestruction of properties among othernegativeconsequences. America may also be vulnerable to terrorattacks during suchstates of lawlessnessandcivilunrest. Thisimpliesthatthepeaceandeconomicdevelopment of thefuture of the United States of America greatly depends on theratification of theproposedfederallaws.James Wilson, Speech on Ratification (1787), in CAPCT, Vol. 1, pp. 521-522Why, according to Wilson, is a Bill of Rights unnecessaryfortheproposedfederalconstitution?In his speech after beingelected to representthepeople, James Wilson, thankedthepeopleandassured them thathe will at alltimesrepresent their needs in thehouse of congress. Healsoexpresses his stand on theomission of thebill of rights in theproposedconstitution of the United States of America. Manypeople, leadersandthecitizens of the US feltthattheomission of thebill of rights in theproposed US constitutionwas catastrophic to thefreedomanddemocracy of thepeople of America. Theythoughtthatomittingthebill of right in theproposedconstitution would meanthatthegovernment would abuserights of thepeople. James Wilson did not sharethesameopinionconcerningthismatter since hebelievedthatthebill of rightsis stated in theconstitutions of thestates of the US. He supports his arguments by statingthattheconstitution of thestates, which makes up the US, outlinesthebill of rightswhiletheproposedconstitutionpreservesthesamebill of rights. Thisimpliesthateven with theomission of thebill of rights in theproposedconstitution, theconstitution of thestatesstillcontainsthebills of rights. Thismakesit redundant fortheproposedconstitution to havethesamebill of rights since itis charged with preservingtherights of thepeople of America.Week 3Samuel Adams, “Circular Letter” in CAPCT, Vol.I, pp. 197-199According to Adams, what is theproperrelationship between Parliament andthelegislatures of thevariouscolonies?Why is itinappropriatefor Parliament to taxthepeople of thecolonies?In manygovernmentstructures, thelegislatureandparliament is thesamebranch of thegovernmentcharged with themandate of makingthelawsandtherules of theland. In thesetting of the United Kingdom and its colonies, this is not thecase since parliament is thesupremelegislativebranch of thegovernmentrepresentingallthecolonieswhilethelegislatures are branches of thecolonykingdomoperating within thecolonies. Thisimpliesthatparliamentpossessmorepower than thelegislatures since itrepresentsthewholekingdom unlike thelegislatures, which onlyrepresentthecolonies. Parliamentdrawsitlegislativepowers from theconstitution. Thisimpliesthatgoing against theconstitution by theparliament may lead to its downfall. Theconstitution is thestrongestdocumentanykingdom, country, states, ororganizationallthepowers of anygovernmentare drawn from theconstitution.People from thecoloniespaytax to theparliament, according to Adams; this is inappropriatedue to thereasonsdiscussed in thissection of theresearchpaper. People from thecoloniesare not represented in theparliamentthismakesitinappropriatefortheparliament to taxpeople from thecolonies. By taxingthesepeople, parliamentviolates their sovereignty as thepeople of thecolonies.Theissuesaffectingpeople from thecoloniescannot be solved by the England’s parliament since theyneedlocalsolutionthismakesitunconstitutionalfortheparliament to tax them.Theparliament of England does not haveanyinterest in helpingthelocalpeople from her colonies; theyonlywant to solicitrevenue from them for its selfishambitions. Thisalsomakesitunconstitutionalfor them to collecttaxes from thelocalpeople from their colonies. John Adams, Clarendon, No. 3 (January 27, 1766), in CAPCT, Vol. 1, pp. 182-185Howdoes Adams describethe British Constitution? Doeshethinkthe British Constitution extends to thecolonies? Whydoeshethinkthe British Constitution is soadmirable?According to Adam’s description, the British constitution is thebestconstitutionanyleadership can offer to its people. Hecomparestheconstitution of British to thestate of nature. Thisimpliesthathebelievesthat with the British constitution, one is compelled to dogood from his or her innerspiritrather than theoutsidefactors.Hedefinesthe British constitution as a limitedmonarchyor a combination of three forms of governments. Thesebranches of thegovernmentare divided into legislation, the king/queen, the commons, andthecitizens. Thepowers of theconstitutionare divided into legislativepowerandtheexecutivepower. Thelegislativepowerslie with theparliamentwhosemainfunction is to amendandcreatethelaws. Parliamentdraws its powers from theconstitution of the United Kingdom. Anyattempt to act above thepowersgiven to it by theparliament may leaddissolution of theparliament. Theexecutive is thesecondmostpowerfulbranch of thegovernment; italsodraws its powers from theconstitution. Since thiskingdomis not ruled by thepresidentialsystem, theexecutivepowerslie with thepremier. The premier is alsothehead of theadministrationwhilethequeen of England is thehead of state. Adams admires thisconstitution since thebiggestportion of powerlies with thecitizenswhoelect their preferredleaders. Theyalsohavethepower to pass a vote of noconfidence against anyleaderwhodoes not represent their interest in their respectiveleadershippositions. It is thepowerbestowed on thepeople, which makethisconstitutionadmirable. Noorganorbranch of thegovernment has morepower than theotherdoes in thesettings of thisconstitution. Thisensuresthatallthebranches of thegovernmentkeeps a check of one another at alltimes. Forinstance, thelegislativekeepstheexecutive on thecheckandvice versa.

Flight Attendants and Dealing with Customer Service Issues In-flight

Flight attendants are basically trained personnel in the field of dealing with clients who are boarding planes to various destinations. Their major role is to ensure that the passengers, who in this case are the customers to specific airlines, are in comfortable hands and receive the best services and comfort possible. As opposed to other modes of transport, travelling by plane is confined to a smaller space with very short distance. This calls for maximum attention to the clients by the attendants to reduce any tension that may arise. We realize that when people are travelling, it is very likely that they are all from different areas, backgrounds and of varying characters. Similarly, they may need different kinds of attention and make varying demands to the attendants. Thus, to successfully ensure all the clients are satisfied by the end of the journey, (U. S Department of Labor, 2008) argues that they need to be sufficiently trained both academically and professionally to handle all sorts of people. This paper is aimed at exploring the customer needs when boarding a flight that begins from the ground to the end of the journey, thus efficiency of the ground attendants as well.

As discussed above, there are several issues that flight attendants need to be familiar with and well equipped to deal with in case they arise in the during the flight or before. This is because they are deliberately trained to facilitate the comfort of the passengers. Where solutions are not readily available, they are required to use due care and apply professional skill to provide a way out that will be satisfactory to the clients. Some of the customer services and situations that require their involvement include:

Ensuring Comfort for Anxious Customers

In an analysis of the requirements of flight attendants and the perceptions of customers regarding the same, Kossmann, (2006) stated that, “most customers perceive the onboard service provided as satisfactory and flight attendants as friendly, helpful and competent” (Pg 55). This is basically from the ground to the point where they get to their specific destinations. Due to the positive perception attached to the attendants, some passengers are quick to pass their anxiety over to them. They may have extraordinary demands and probably fear of the transportation mode especially for the first timers. Thus, it is the attendants’ obligation to ensure they are calmed down regardless of their response. They should maintain the friendly tone all along until they can ensure the passengers are comfortable.

Preparedness for the Clients

Waller, and Debbie, (2007) stated/argued that, “… the flight attendants need to tidy the cabin and prepare for landing” (Pg 23). Most customers, especially first timers may not be very familiar with the rules regarding landing. Thus, they may have many questions to avoid confusion at the time. However, the flight attendants are professionally trained to ensure they trust them and are comfortable enough to follow their lead. They similarly have to deal with distrusting and unsure clients who will be quite unsure of the process they are instructed to follow. Thus, they are required to appropriately prepare them and the designated path or route during landing so that it will not inconvenience the clients. It is therefore clear as argued by (Waller, and Debbie, 2007) that in their relationship with the clients and the course of service provision, preparedness is vital to ensure comfort.

Emergencies Such as Illnesses

It is clear that emergencies can occur at anytime regardless of the place and time. (U.S Department of Labor, 2008) is therefore very elaborate in stating that qualifications of the flight attendants both in and ground should entail good skills in handling emergencies. Though they should have a naturally friendly nature, they should be trained to handle situations that require diligence for professionalism.

For instance, where a client falls ill and needs immediate medical attention, it may be quite challenging since no doctor can be immediately availed when on air. Thus, basic medical training that includes first aid and curbing asthma should be known by the staff. Besides the requirements and obligations to serve them of edible staff, they should also treat this as a customer service. This adds to their major role which as previously discussed, is to ensure the comfort of the clients and knowledge on any necessary matters.

Conclusion

It has been undoubtedly proven that the flight attendants, whether flying or on the ground should be well equipped to deliver to the customers. Generally, the employees should be friendly, social and accommodating in nature before any training begins. This is because these aspects cannot be instilled but are considered inborn. With these in a person, the professional and academic training is offered so that they can be evaluated on their capability to handle different characters in people. Besides this, the flight attendants are the only employees who deal directly with the clients in matters regarding travelling. They therefore form an impression of the company/specific airline and their efficiency in offering services to the customers. Airlines can therefore not compromise in this field since it brands the firms. The most important fact however is for both the clients and attendants to know their place, rights and obligations for peaceful and professional relations.

Works Cited:

Kossmann, Mario. Delivering Excellent Service Quality in Aviation: A Practical Guide for Internal and External Service Providers. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2006. Print.

U. S Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009. New York: Skyhorse hey Publishing, 2008. Print.

Waller, Trevor, & Debbie Nafte. Flight Attendant. Choosing a career. Gallo Manor, South Africa: Awareness Pub, 2007. Print.

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The American dream

Fitzgerald’s view of the American exhibits the death of the American Dream. The novel endeavors to give a glimpse of the affluent life of the high class people in the twenties as observable from the life of a moralistic young man called Nick Carraway. Out of the narrator’s dealings with the high placed society, the audience can note the alteration in the modern values and their consequential changing of the eventual American Dream. The American Dream is highly notable in terms of the materialism, power, and additionally the absence of the morality in the high society. In back.ing of his view, Fitzgerald avails his initial picture of the American dream and also presents its modern version. The Great Gatsby indication of the American dream notes the perseverance and hope as the main qualities others include the idea of success contrary to all odds (Fitzgerald, 100-111).

Life of the James Gatz fully outlines this literal picture as endure all odds to become a real American hero. Through his youthfulness Gatz sticks to his ambition of becoming a great man but intense hard work and industriousness. Furthermore, traits of James are observable from his interaction through romantic life with Hopalong Cassidy. Mr. Gatz confesses to Nick “Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or something. Do you notice what he’s got about improving his mind? He was always great for that” as he was showing him the journal (Fitzgerald, 175). James Gatz interaction with the American dream further is witnessed from a perception that his program especially for self-improvement emanated from Ben Franklin’s Autobiography, stringently from the tiny details.

Notably, from the illustrations the audience notes the hardworking trait and the urge for adventure. James Gatz’s headwork wins his admiration with other characters in the novel for instance, Jay Gatsby, who creates the true picture of the American dream which is the eternal hope. F. Scott Fitzgerald notes that wealth, lack of humanity and privilege are the main cause of the fall of the American dream and money is constantly used as the medium of undertaking the dealings that prompts the death of the American dream. Money effortlessly combines hope and success to eradicate the apparent position of American dream and even replace with materialism. Gatsby successful applies illegal dealings to acquire money which he spends in affluent life: large mansion, lavish parties, conspicuous collection of clothing which ultimately exhibits extends of corruption in his dealings (Fitzgerald, 144-5).

He does his business virtually above the law as from the novel, the traffic police fails to undertake consequential repercussions on him due to his established authority. Deplorable qualities of the American dream is notable from the life of Tom and Daisy Buchanan, whose lives are characterized by the absence of the any hope and full of regrets as the cornerstone of the character is majorly money and wealth. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made…” (Fitzgerald, 180-181) are the Nick’s descriptions of Buchanan. Buchanan is careless; for instance, he exhibits lack of regret when he learns of Gatsby’s death he only responds, “I told him the truth…What If I did tell him? That fellow had it coming to him” (Fitzgerald, 187) and even confesses that he is responsible for the death of Gatsby and the suicide by Wilson but he perpetually continues to feel innocent because he has never felt shame as he is a member an established social elite. The upper class category consists of the heartless citizenry who have amassed wealth through dehumanization or trading their souls.

Works cited

Fitzgerald, F S. The Great Gatsby. , 2012. Print.

 Five Approaches to Transnational Financial Reporting

Abstract

This paper seeks to give an analysis of financial reporting, which is transnational based. There are five approaches, which need to be known. Their disadvantages and advantages of the approaches should be known. It should be known that focus should be financial standards of reporting, as well as its consequences. The issues involved with the process needs to be known as well. The challenges and benefits of using this system provide the answers needed in financial accounting (Siciliano, 2003).

Analysis of transnational financial reporting

In financial reporting, which uses transnational means, the report is for the purpose of regulatory decisions, investment and lending. This report is valid, even if it is found in the home jurisdiction which is outside and has disadvantages, as well as advantages. The various jurisdictions have certain requirements, which have to be met, in order to become valid. This includes restatements, reconciliations and adjustments (Siciliano, 2003). There is a need to ensure that international convergence and consistency exists in the many standards of accounting. The information obtained is necessary for providing management with information, which is useful in making effective and efficient decisions. There are various parties, which benefit from financial reports including; creditors, lenders and investors.

According to the framework by FASB there are five major financial concepts, which are useful in financial reporting. They are known as statements and they include;

1.SFAC No. 1-These are concerned with issues of business enterprises and their financial reporting objectives. In coming up with a balance sheet, the format normally used is the one, which is liquid. They have advantages which need to be known. Most times, it represents retained earnings and income, which is comprehensive. They may appear as separate entities in a combined form. It is useful in certain areas such as leases, pensions and payments, which are share-based. The disclosures are usually simple and they make use of instruments, which are financial. The disadvantage is that it might be represented in different forms making it difficult to understand. (Revsine Et al, 2008).

2.SFAC No. 2- These are concerned with accounting information characteristics, which are qualitative. The advantage of this approach is that it is verifiable as well as reliable. This means that in order to obtain an amount, which is standard, many measures have to be used. The framework provided by the IASB is not concerned with issues related to verifiability. This is because discovery of financial statement elements occurs (Revsine Et al, 2008). Business enterprises have financial statements, which have ten elements each, according to the conceptual framework of FASB. This approach provides a framework that involves income in a comprehensive manner.

3.SFAC No. 5- These are concerned with business enterprises whereby, financial statements are measured and recognized. It is easy to find out how liabilities and financial assets are used for purposes of cost, thus an advantage. There is a criteria based on de-recognition and classification of a simple nature (Revsine Et al, 2008). Most users of financial statements have to ensure that they are aware of requirements for disclosure. This is because it involves the process of measurement which might times become difficult and this is a disadvantage.

4.SFAC No. 6- These are concerned with financial statements and the elements, which are associated with them. When equity changes, income are thus defined, and this is in terms of net assets. The advantages are that, it encompasses sources, which are non-power, events and transactions, which occur in any business enterprise. It can be amended to serve its intended purpose when financial statements are being presented. In any given period, the net assets are affected by either a decrease or an increase. This is thus reflected upon in the equity entity as well as the existing balance sheets. Equity holders are exempted as they are not affected by transaction changes. It also includes loses, gains, expenses and income, which is calculated in terms of the total amount (Revsine Et al, 2008). Equity changes are observed in all the periods where activities take place. Income should be reported in a comprehensive manner as it is an element of every financial statement. The disadvantage is that this is not acknowledged by IASB.

5.SFAC No. 7- These are concerned with measurements of accounting through the use of present value as well as cash flows. The advantage is that, it involves the process known as asset impairment. During every date of reporting, there has to be indicators of impairment. This means that there is an amount, which must be recovered, and this is in respects to fair value. A criterion exists and should be met since it is extremely reversal (Revsine Et al, 2008). On the other hand, cash flows have to be known as they occur after tax has been paid. This means that the business enterprise must ensure that capital is deployed effectively. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is time consuming as well as being costly.

The most favorable approach according to me is the SFAC No. 6, as it combines all the essential elements of a financial statement. It is easy to establish, which net assets have been affected by changes in equity. One is able to know and confirm all the activities, which take place in the financial statement. The balance sheets provide the total amounts, which were reported in the income (Barney, 2009).

Conclusion

In conclusion, standards of financial reporting are meant to provide reliable and transparent information to stakeholders. This is necessary for purposes of decision making. The information is useful for coming up with strategies for growth. In turn, the various firms benefit in many ways.

References

Revsine, Lawrence. Et al. (2008). Financial Reporting and Analysis. New York: Mc Graw Hill.

Siciliano, Gene. (2003). Finance for Non-Financial Managers. New York: Mc Graw Hill.

Barney Jacob. (2009). Beyond economics: the U.S. recognition of international financial reporting standards as an international sub delegation of the SEC’s rulemaking authority Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law Vanderbilt University, School of Law.

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Five Forces That Shape Strategy; I.B.M

The International Business Machines (I.B.M) Company is a multinational corporation in America that has been in operation since 1911. It is known to market and manufacture computer software and hardware. The management has in the recent past adopted a strategy that has seen the company’s profit margin swell and stock prices surge.

After Samuel J. Palmisano took over from Louis V. Gerstner Jr, in 2002, he focused on taking the company to a unique strategic position. The move to sell the company’s personal computer business was driven by the need to venture into unique business that yielded high profits. The personal computer business was viewed to be a fading low-margin business. The business also has a lot of substitutes and the power of buyers and suppliers is also quite high (Porter, 82). IBM shifted its innovation focus to software and other related services which aimed to curb these strategic issues.

Despite being approached by Dell and other private equity firms, the company decided to sell the personal computer business to China’s Lenovo. The strategy behind this move was to take advantage of the Chinese government support when it came to investment in businesses. The company also targeted the large Chinese market which was also controlled by the Chinese government. This was a barrier in itself and it is meant to keep in check the number of new entrants into the industry (Porter, 85). The rivalry that existed amongst the company’s competitors operating in the United States of America was also eliminated because the company now focused majorly on the Chinese and the general global market. The approach to sell the personal computer business turned out to be a very good idea in the long run. This is because by the time of his retirement, Mr. Palmisano’s strategy had helped raise the I.B.M’s stock value to $217 billion, which was almost four times that of its rival, Hp.

Works Cited

Porter Michael E. The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review (2008): 78-93. Print

Five Guys is a fast food restaurant chain selling burgers, hot dogs and French fries located in Unites States. Five Guys have very different philosophy compared to its peers. Company philosophy is to be simple and quality focused and believes that if the product is good customers will automatically be generated. The company is more quality focused and believes in word of mouth publicity. The philosophy of Five Guys is very apt for other start-up companies as the key focus should be product and customer satisfaction. If quality product is offered then only company will be able to establish its brand and survive competition. Thus for nay start-up company the first criteria should be quality product. Cost is the important criteria and most startup company who have good idea or product sometimes fail because of cost aspect. Like Five Guys, Start-up Company should start in a simple store format in order to avoid unnecessary cost and thus will be able to break even much faster. Employees or staffs are its main asset and adequate focus should be put upon for their development and learning so that they become an asset for the company. Thus for start-up company, Five Guys core values in terms of quality conscious, customer satisfaction, staff retention and avoid unnecessary expenses is very apt business values in order to become successful and survive in the industry.

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Five Keys to Enhancing Your Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence in its strict terms is the ability of an individual to identify, make use of, comprehend and manage emotions positively so as to reduce stress, communicate in an effective manner and empathize with others to overcome their challenges. Emotional intelligence (EQ) has a profound impact in our lives and greatly influences our other human characteristics such as our behavior, our interaction with others and the way in, which we react to different situations. Different people have different EQ levels. Those with a higher EQ generally posses the ability to comprehend their own emotional state, that of others and engage in a manner that draw people to them. Therefore, EQ can be a good tool in influencing and improving the behavior of other people, form healthier relationships, achieve greater heights of success at the work place and engage in a more rewarding life. According to the five listed attributes of emotional intelligence, I am good at the following;

One aspect of EQ that I am good at is my ability to stay composed and stable when under pressure. The article puts forth a good way of managing pressure by keeping it cool so as to avoid being either too assertive or reactive to a situation. This is an art of EQ that I have a good mastery in, especially when under stressful environment. Being composed gives me time to analyze the situation before coming up with a conclusion on the way forward this attribute guards me against stereotyping others, being more open to their perspectives as well as obtaining sufficient facts before reaching any meaningful judgment. Maintaining calmness while under pressure assist me in preventing a snap up as a result of pressure. When calm, the objectives and goals are approached in a sober manner without any prejudice from the emotional effect of pressure.

Being able to deal with my own negative emotions is an attribute that I have learned and used frequently to avert failure. The article propagates that to be able to change our feelings and emotions; we first have to change our thinking. It further denotes a therapy developed by Dr. Amen which emphasizes that, in order to manage our negative thoughts we have to kill our automatic negative thoughts. I have embraced technique by being positive and having a positive perspective at the world. This helps to a great part in significantly reducing the chances of harboring negative thoughts, feelings and emotions. For example, I tend to view the enormous potential in an individual and what one can become in life as opposed to how they are now.

Another aspect of EQ that I have developed mastery over is the art of reading social cues that are communicated by people around me either by word or through body language. The article propagates that it is prudent to seek more information from parties with ideological differences in an attempt to reduce any misinterpretation. This is an aspect of EQ that I am good at and use to amicably find a common ground in a dispute. It entails obtaining clear information from each party through means such as open ended questions so as to remain objective in settling the issue. A good example is when I solved two parties that differed ideologically. I made inquiries from each party separately as to the reason behind their behaviors which, I let them know, I was not comfortable with. Finally, I was able to understand the feelings and emotions of each one of them and reached an agreeable conclusion for both. It is as a result of disseminating the cues from their behavior that I managed to establish a problem.

On the other hand, there are some facets to emotional intelligence that I need to improve on. These are;

Having the knack to be assertive and articulate intricate emotion where necessary. The article spells out that it is prudent to have stands or rather boundaries on certain matters, which includes ‘’no’’ as an answer. Although I have some degree of assertiveness on matters that I am sure and have facts about, there are instances that I am left on the balance as to which stand to assume. I fail to establish a clear boundary on matters that are rather theoretical. It is an area of EQ that I seek to improve as it goes a great length to determine how I relate with others under different social set ups. From the article, I have gathered that I need to use subtle language that does not put the recipient on the defensive but rather receptive side. This makes the recipient to open up and freely give whatever that is being sought from them.

Developing an ability to convey cherished emotions in close personal relations. This article suggests developing a ‘bidding’ personality which is a way of sparking a positive connection between people who desire close relationship ties. This is an aspect of EQ that I have to work on to improve and develop my social ties. This is an art that can be done severally to bring forth a positive connection of intimacy for close relationships. For example, getting to know how a person is doing is a way of verbal bidding and this a positive means of expressing intimacy to close relations. Therefore in a bid to develop on this front, I undertake to do more practice on my relations and internalize it.