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Tuesday, November 5, 2019
New SAT Essay Prompts How Are They Changing
New SAT Essay Prompts How Are They Changing SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The CollegeBoard has once again completely revamped the SAT - the changes debuted in March 2016 (tests can have debuts right? Right). We have an overview about all of the changes that have been made, but how do the changes apply to the SAT essay questions in particular? Read on to find out more about the new SAT Writing prompts.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
I don't have a topic but want something in the line of Essay
I don't have a topic but want something in the line of IT,telecommunication or netorking - Essay Example takes place regularly and firms that are able to keep pace, have experienced enhanced performance, reduced costs, shorter lead times and better service delivery. It also revealed that along with technology, people have to be trained to use the technology. Integration of technology has to be aligned with the business objectives and information flow is paramount to the success of IT implementation. Uncertainties and risk cannot be avoided in technology but can be minimized with the right application and training of personnel. This study would have managerial impact on the use of IT in supply chain management. The study has limitations as some technology could have been overlooked. This study has added to the existing knowledge because under one umbrella the latest technology and its impact have been reviewed across different industries which employ supply chain management for their operations. Information Technology (IT) is changing the world; it has become infused in life and it brings many challenges with it. Every aspect of management today requires information on which to build the organization. Nothing moves without information but mere information is not power. Information is no doubt the most vital asset that an organization possesses but the sheer volume of information that flows in an organization makes it essential for the managers to understand its importance. Strategic decisions are taken on the information and information changes by the minute. The right dissemination and application of information is power. The conversion of data from internal and external sources into information requires the use of information technology. It helps in enhancing the decision making process, enhances the operations, helps in overall growth of the company. It includes hardware, software, people, communication system, and the data itself. Information Technology can be used in a ny type of company be it manufacturing, retailing, or the service industry. While IT can be
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Describe the major components of a rsum and cover letter Assignment
Describe the major components of a rsum and cover letter - Assignment Example The most important highlight would be emphasizing skills that enhance oneââ¬â¢s strengths and core competencies above the rest of the applicants vying for the same position (Ferrett, 2002). The skills set should perfectly match the professional skill requirements stipulated for the position. For me, dedication and the mental strength to never give up on education after several years of inactivity is a characteristic that employers want to see. Likewise, I am also partially blind; but this would not preclude me from pursuing desired positions that exhibit my competitive advantage. One or two accomplishments that can be added to oneââ¬â¢s cover letter could include: (1) proficiency in foreign languages; and (2) cultural awareness through travels abroad. These accomplishments would be most useful in positions requiring cultural awareness needed for diverse clientele and for specified international assignments. Likewise, these accomplishments would be considered plus factors for positions that require competencies in other languages due to the need to communicate effectively to diverse clients from other racial or ethnic
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Question 2. Standardized Testing of Students Essay
Question 2. Standardized Testing of Students - Essay Example Without a doubt, this uniform and consistent system of assessment has now become an indispensable and requisite part of most of the schools, colleges and universities all over the globe. These educational institutions therefore, spend millions of dollars every twelve months on this system wide testing of their students to judge them in all possible aspects and assist them in overcoming their faults and flaws (Sacks, 12). Initially there were only a few educational institutions that were adopting the special standardized system of assessments (Heller, 152). However with the rapid pace of time and the excessive competitiveness in the world a number of agencies have been developed that are conducting these tests. Some of the most prominent evaluation agencies of the world are named as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Educational Testing Service (ETC), National Council on Educational Standards and Testing (NCEST) and many more widespread all over the world. These a gencies have great expertise in their tasks and are highly professional in conducting the testing methods and practices. This standardized system of evaluating the students was basically introduced for the purpose of shaping the learners so that they get pretty much suitable for the remediation. In addition, this system has therefore gained so much in popularity that renowned educational institutions have started adopting this system. The reason behind this excessive adaptation is the fact that people have widely developed so much trust factor on these testing service agencies. The trust factor is developed because these agencies are well reputed, rated and most importantly known for their unbiased attitude. They treat all students with complete justice and make sure that no unbiased practice exists within their system. Thus all this results in a positive outcome that all the students are objectively judged and evaluated that ultimately lend them a hand to improve on their mistakes. No matter these testing systems are really authentic and bonafide but the question arises that, why do the school, colleges and universities pay so much to get these external services rather than conducting the tests within their management. The reason behind this statement is that these agencies not simply conduct the evaluative assessments but also provide countless benefits to the institutes that hire these agencies. Some major pros of these standardized tests can be highlighted as they are greatly efficient and effective to provide two most important sources of information. These information sources that include the standardized system can bring into play as to weigh up the studentââ¬â¢s potential, capability, competence and aptitude towards his or her studies. In turn all these evaluations will lend a hand to the student and institute in order to endow with enhanced or improved teaching, responsibility, and the control (Hamilton et al, 3). Moreover, it also encompasses the piece of evidence that this information can even be used in order to make a number of important and imperative decisions. In addition, the overall focus of these harmonized and uniform tests revolve around her universal and collective nature. It is devised or proposed to the students in a common mode for the reason that the management and admin do not become erratic or capricious in reflecting the complete performance of the students. Thus, all these controlled and calculative variables escort to an
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Innocent Ltd Integrated Marketing Plan
Innocent Ltd Integrated Marketing Plan Currently Innocent can be considered as the colossus of natural fruit drinks in the smoothie manufacturing industry. Innocent is headquartered in London with a workforce about 273 people and a global network of more than 10, 000 traders over 13 European countries (Datamonitor, 2009). Innocents product portfolio has been recently expanded to almost 40 different product selections and thus companys success over the competition is the natural ingredients that used in its products and also the aspiration to conserve the nature in its products until the end user (Innocent, 2010). Potential Market Analysis and Resultant Marketing Objectives Regarding Pickton and Broderick (2005), PRESTCOM analysis can help the business in building up the best possible knowledge of the internal and external environment in which the company is preparing to enter. Consequently, an analysis has been carried out and can be viewed below: Considering the Political and Regulatory factors, the UK Department of Health has launched 5-a-day campaign, as a way to influence peoples life in order to be healthier (NHS, 2009). Therefore, the governments goal is to increase peoples knowledge of the benefits of healthy consumption as well as to buy more fruit and vegetables. Additionally, legislations that occasionally come from various governmental health and food departments can also affect the market. A good example is that of the Food Standards Agency which has altered a new labelling legislation where people can be aware of the level of trans-fats used in the product they consume (BBC, 2007). Recession can be characterised as one of the most influential factors of UKs Economic environment. The high amount of unemployment and the low peoples income are significant factors for the market. Such economic conditions, people are more aware of their expenses that mainly spend money on necessary daily items (LaForey, 2010). Finally, the recent rise of ice cream taxes, oil and milk prices can also affect the market at a great extent (Jofre, 2010; BBC, 2010). Lifestyle, value, trends and ethics are some elements that characterise the Social window of the externals environment. In instance, Mintel (2010) states that ice cream consumption is not seasonable anymore but for the whole year. In addition, most adult consumers buy ice cream for pleasure where a high number of people are aware and care of healthy consumption. The Technological concept has recently taken another dimension as social networks and brand communities have gave the ability for consumers to give-and-take opinions for products and services (Mitchell, 2001). In order to understand the Competitive environment of an industry Johnson et.al (2008) suggest that the five forces framework can assists the process. Taking a brief Porters 5 forces analysis of the company, the bargaining power of the suppliers have been assessed to be moderate to high since the company hires a small yet diversified supply chain as the fruits are being provided by suppliers across the world (Annual report, 2008). Thus a possible concentration of suppliers makes this power stronger. The bargaining power of the buyers has been assessed to be high for three reasons: a) buyer concentration due to premium priced products, b) small target market, and c) product standardization. Threats of substitutes has also been assessed to be moderate to high due to current pricing strategy of the products that provides opportunities for cheaper substitutes products. Barriers to entry in the UK market has been assessed to be low due to external threats to the country such as terrorism, recession etc. all discouraging foreign investors entering into the UK market. Lastly, rivalry amongst the competitors has also been assessed to be high due to leading competitors Haagen-Dazs and Ben Jerrys (Mintel, 2010). The evolving changes in the external environment of the businesses today are evidently observed since businesses have been under strict scrutiny for ethical business practices. Additionally the adapted ethical business practices have also been assessed to be competitive advantage of the company along with its strong product portfolio, continue to provide the company with critical success factors in the competitive market (Annual Report, 2008). The strategic advantage of the company capitalizes on savvy and busy customers with little time for taking a meal during the mid-day (Innocent, 2010). Hence, the food products offered by Innocent Ltd. promises healthy and balanced diet options using healthy ingredients such as oats, yoghurt, fresh fruits etc. Finally, the corporate social responsibility policy practiced by Innocent Ltd. as reported in the annual report (2008), continuously indicates towards the importance of the implied approach of the business ensuring that business initiative s shouldnt mess up with the planet (Annual report, 2008). Such elements reflect the current environment of the Organisation. Aaker and McLoughlin (2010) recommend that an examination of the Market can benefit to determine Innocents current and future attractiveness. Even the recent negative period of recession, is expected a positive growth for the market in the next few years. According to Mintel (2009) is expected that the market will have a growth from annual sales of à £0.2 billion until the end of the year 2014. In addition, the weather instability of the ice creams seasonal nature (summer) has made manufactures to seek on developing take-home ice cream (Mintel, 2009). With Unilever controlling up to 43% of the markets share, ice cream has struggled to be as a special treat. Marketing Objectives Brassington and Pettit (2006) define marketing objectives as the goals that companys marketing strategy must be able to achieve. In order to come up with the best possible strategy, Fill (2009) argues that objectives must be SMART such as the company can ensure that its goals are clearly and well defined. Regarding the SMART concept, marketing objectives have been carried out and can be view to the table 1 below. Table 1: Marketing objectives based on SMART mode Specific Innocents main business objective is to promote and launch Innocent Ice Sorbets in the established UK market Measurable Aim for an overall increase of 15 per cent in the market share of Innocent Ltd. in the UK market Achievable The company has to continue with relationship building initiatives with stakeholders of the company so that 20 per cent of existing customers that is accountable for 80 per cent of business revenues, can be retained Realistic The firm has to develop marketing campaign creating awareness and desire of the Ice Sorbets through advertising and relationship marketing and also to develop the brand image, loyalty and awareness Time-able The companys objectives have duration of one year; this means that Innocent is expected to complete its objectives until the end of the year 2011 Integrated Marketing Communications Objectives Integrated marketing communications objectives are usually related with the sales or aims that the company required in order to attract the attention of consumers. They can be also characterised as part of the overall marketing plan development (Moss and Warnaby, 1998). Such objectives can be generated base on AIDAs model (Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action) which involves the buyers process before the decision of purchase is made (Pickton and Broderick, 2005). Therefore, integrated marketing communications objectives have been produced and can be viewed below: To create an awareness and increase the demand of the product with in the defined target market. To persuade the target market to purchase and re- purchase the product. To be clear and concise with the marketing communication message so that the marketing objectives can be achieved. Target Audience Description and Justification Target segments can be chosen on the basis of their psychographic, behaviouristic, and demographic characteristics. Nevertheless, consumers in such segments may have different needs, attitudes and preferences (Kotler, 2003). Once the marketing plan has been executed, further information concerning the target market can also be extracted by means of organizing marketing initiatives such as marketing surveys, focus group, customer etc. so that the process of re-defining the target market can take place, if needed. Identifying the current target audience for Innocents product are those people who are health conscious and seek taste and health benefits at the same time. In addition, the target audience are 20 per cent of the current customers of the company, who have been assessed to be generating 80 per cent of the business revenues (Annual report, 2008). Therefore, it is important to tightly define the scope of the marketing plan so that the allocated marketing budget can be justified. In order to reach the target market, the marketing communication plan proposes to stabilise and establish communication channels mainly through advertising and marketing initiatives in a valuable approach (Pickton and Broderick, 2005). Conclusively, the target market of this IMC plan comprises of people ranging within age bracket of five years to 45 + years, coming from mostly educated backgrounds male and female both (working men / women, students, housewives, retired people etc.) who are well aware of the disadvantages of processed ingredients, preservatives, added sugar and salt etc. Table 2: Target Market Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy After defining businesss objectives and audiences it is essential to create a communication strategy. For instance, Innocent can use a combination of push and pull strategies as Pickton and Broderick (2005) suggest that a combination of those can reduce any potential dangers. Considering pull strategy, the company can focus its promotion activities to increase demand for the product at the end consumer while push strategy seeks to boost the trade channel to drive and promote the product until the end user (Fill, 2009). In order to create awareness and desire to purchase the product in the target market, the audience should be approached with a persuasive marketing communication message that emphasizes on the importance of the pure ingredients laden with health benefits that are used in the Ice Sorbets (Palmer et.al, 2007). In addition, the target market should also be informed about the product and its ingredients and how the product can be a no-added sugar and sweeteners, concentrates and preservative. The marketing communication messages should embrace 100per cent fruit quality of the product. Develop a unique selling proposition (USP) for the Ice Sorbets and promote the USP throughout the marketing campaign (Pickton and Broderick, 2005). The identified USP of product has been identified as 100 per cent fruits that are being used in making of the product, unlike other similar or substitute products that use artificial ingredients. The USP of the product makes the product safe to be consumed by children as young as five years old so that parents dont have to worry about any unnatural ingredient used in the product. It is very important that the marketing communication message should be persuasive and compelling so that the audience can easily memorize the message since Ice Sorbets may be highly consumed during the summer months (June- August) only. Hence a strong marketing communication message is crucial to the success of the product and the marketing communication plan. The marketing communication plan should be developed while making considerations of relationship marketing as suggested by Peelen (2005). These are: obtaining knowledge of the customers; establish strong relationship with the customers, and lastly persuasive communication along with value proposition of the customers. The marketing communication plan should also embrace a combination of exciting and validating plead, persuasive enough for the target audience. An exciting or emotional plead can be formed through connecting the product with peoples hearts such as care for the family by giving them 100 per cent healthy product made only with fruits. This can even extend to family members who are diabetic. Similarly, it is imperative that any element of mass marketing should be avoided. For that reason, the advertisements designed for the marketing plan should be able to connect to the customers (Dashlen, 2010). Apparently, extensive marketing research initiatives should be undertaken prior to the development of the marketing campaign. While identifying the validating plead, the communication message should converse the functional advantages of the product such as healthy and full of fruits nutritional value (Peelen, 2005). In addition to above, it is equally significant to note that the marketing cam paign is build from the consumers viewpoint rather than from the standpoint of the company. Subsequently, the target audience should be able to connect the rationale and emotional side of their personality with the product. Out of the defined target market, 70 per cent should be reached with in the first four months of launching of the marketing campaign whereas the remaining 30 per cent should be reached in the following months of the marketing campaign. However, repeat messages should be broadcasted and any tweaking of the communication message should also be carried out if necessary. The marketing communication campaign should be reviewed and monitored periodically (Schultz and Schultz, 2004). Additionally, in order to select an effective communication mix of IMC, the AIDAs model (illustrated in Table 3 and Table 4) has to be assessed. Table 3: AIDA model and IMC mix Low Awareness Integrated Marketing Communications Tactic In order to implement that above proposed strategies, following tactical approach has been projected (Blythe, 2006). The tactics take the shape of the marketing communication plan that is categorized as the 4 Ps of the marketing: place, product, price and promotion. Place: Even though the existing distribution channel of the enterprise seems to be adequate to assist this particular element of the marketing mix, however some additional retailers need to be employed while distributing the product. Such retailers have been identified as food retailers like Waitrose and Sainsbury, due to the comparatively high priced products sold by these retailers, suitable to sell premium priced products sold by Innocent Ltd (Mintel, 2010). Additionally, some coffee retailers such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee etc. will also be approached. The coffee shops have been chosen because they are eager to sell low fat / healthy food options unlike their high- calorie bakery items (Mintel, 2010). Similarly, the existing services of the company such as inventory management; logistics, transportation and warehousing will be used to store and manage the availability and transportation of the product. Product: The product is called Innocent Ice Sorbets and is fully concentrated with fruits i.e. no air whipping technique is used to make the product dense as compare to its competing products. This product promises 100 per cent flavour and nutritional content of the fruits. The product initially comes in three flavours: Mango Passion Fruit; Banana Raspberry; and Strawberry. The product will be sold in eco friendly packages whereas the copy on the packages will carry on the marketing communication message that emphasizes upon the natural ingredient laden with health benefits. Price: The pricing strategy of the product should be competitive against the luxury ice cream brands. Hence, the pricing strategy will enable the company to continue with its market leading position (Brassington and Pettitt, 2005). The competitive pricing strategy will also aim to take over the market share of its competitors in this regard such as Ben Jerrys, Haagen-Dazs, Solero and Carte DOr Moreover. The product has high potential in doing so because of its USP i.e. no added sugar, sweetener, preservatives and 100 per cent fruit content. However, it is very important that the pricing strategy must deliver product value to its consumers so that objectives of the marketing communication plan i.e. relationship building relationship with its customers can be attained (Blyth, 2006). Promotion: This element of marketing mix has been categorized into different elements of the communications mix which is basically a tool for the achievement of companys IMC objectives (illustrated in Table 4) (Smith and Taylor, 2004). Table 4: The Communication Mix Advertising: The product will mainly be advertised through different media as explained below: magazines; Vogue, OK, Grazia, Hello! etc, newspapers; The Times, Evening Standard, Metro etc., television channels; Channel 4, ITV etc, internet and, outdoor; billboard, tubes, buses, bus stands shopping malls, etc. Collateral advertising: The product promotion will also be done through designing product literature such as pamphlets, posters, mail shots etc. Direct mail: The product literature will be directly distributed to the target market to ensure the reach of the message to its target audience. Trade shows: To provide a further boost to the product promotion, trade shows will be arranged specifically targeted to business- to- business customers. The objective of trade shows will be a) to educate the supply chain partners / stakeholders about the product and its associated health benefits so that their confidence and trust can be instil in to the product and b) to build relationship with stakeholders so as to internally strengthen the enterprise. Sales promotion: The product will be offered to its business-to- business customers on sales promotion offers such as 15 per cent price reduction in the total bill with the purchase of X amount of volume etc. Branding: Along with branding the product Ice Sorbets, the brand development of the product portfolio will run side by side. Some of the proposed brand development initiatives are developing online networks and communities so that the company / products can stay closer to the target audiences through listening and valuing their opinions, advertising, customer relationship building and so on. Costed Media Plan The costed media plan and budget allocation has been carried out based upon the following tables (Table 4 and 5). The budget allocation amongst the choice of the media has been carried on the designated priority level i.e. TV adverts and print adverts gain 64% of priority whereas out door adverts get 36% of the priority. Table 4: Media plan budget Calculation Total budget is 8 per cent of anticipated sales i.e. à £ 5,000,000 calculated as: 6 per cent of anticipated sales for marketing à £ 4,00,000 + Total budget
Friday, October 25, 2019
History of the Computer :: Technology
History of the Computer The Analytical and Difference Engines (1835-1869): The English mathematician Charles Babbage (1792-1871) never got to build his invention, but his design had an uncanny resemblance to the modern computer. Ada Lovelace, Lord Byron's daughter, wrote eloquently about the device and was history's first programmer. The ABC (Atanasoff Berry Computer) (1938): John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry designed the first electronic digital computer at Iowa State, and urged the university to patent their design. Nothing was ever done and millions in potential royalties were lost. The project was abandoned in 1942 without building the computer. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) (1946): was built at the University of Pennsylvania by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. Recognized as the first operational electronic computer, it could perform 5,000 additions per second, weighed 30 tons, and required 1,500 square feet of floor space. UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer) (1951): The world's first commercial computer (a total of 15 were sold) gained public recognition when it was used by CBS to predict Eisenhower's 1952 presidential election. The original UNIVAC was officially retired on October 3, 1963, after 73,000 hours of operation, and is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. The IBM 360 (1964): The 360 series pioneered the concept of upward compatibility whereby a user could upgrade from one computer to the next without having to reprogram existing applications. The machine was viewed as an enormous financial gamble, but paid off handsomely as it gave IBM a dominance in mainframes which it has never relinquished. Altair 8800 (1975): The January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics featured the Altair 8800 on its cover: the first personal computer and a machine that the hobbyist could build from a kit. 2000 adventurous readers sent in their orders (sight unseen) for a kit that cost $439. The Altair had no keyboard or monitor and no available software and was programmed by switches on the front panel. Apple II (1977): The Apple Il was a fully assembled home computer in an attractive case, complete with keyboard, connection to a TV screen, color, memory to 64Kb, and BASIC interpreter. The machine was to launch the personal computer revolution and vault its founders, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, from garage to glory. IBM PC (1981): IBM was neither first nor technologically innovative, but their announcement put the personal computer on the desks of America's business people, just as Apple had put the computer in the home. History of the Computer :: Technology History of the Computer The Analytical and Difference Engines (1835-1869): The English mathematician Charles Babbage (1792-1871) never got to build his invention, but his design had an uncanny resemblance to the modern computer. Ada Lovelace, Lord Byron's daughter, wrote eloquently about the device and was history's first programmer. The ABC (Atanasoff Berry Computer) (1938): John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry designed the first electronic digital computer at Iowa State, and urged the university to patent their design. Nothing was ever done and millions in potential royalties were lost. The project was abandoned in 1942 without building the computer. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) (1946): was built at the University of Pennsylvania by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. Recognized as the first operational electronic computer, it could perform 5,000 additions per second, weighed 30 tons, and required 1,500 square feet of floor space. UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer) (1951): The world's first commercial computer (a total of 15 were sold) gained public recognition when it was used by CBS to predict Eisenhower's 1952 presidential election. The original UNIVAC was officially retired on October 3, 1963, after 73,000 hours of operation, and is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. The IBM 360 (1964): The 360 series pioneered the concept of upward compatibility whereby a user could upgrade from one computer to the next without having to reprogram existing applications. The machine was viewed as an enormous financial gamble, but paid off handsomely as it gave IBM a dominance in mainframes which it has never relinquished. Altair 8800 (1975): The January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics featured the Altair 8800 on its cover: the first personal computer and a machine that the hobbyist could build from a kit. 2000 adventurous readers sent in their orders (sight unseen) for a kit that cost $439. The Altair had no keyboard or monitor and no available software and was programmed by switches on the front panel. Apple II (1977): The Apple Il was a fully assembled home computer in an attractive case, complete with keyboard, connection to a TV screen, color, memory to 64Kb, and BASIC interpreter. The machine was to launch the personal computer revolution and vault its founders, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, from garage to glory. IBM PC (1981): IBM was neither first nor technologically innovative, but their announcement put the personal computer on the desks of America's business people, just as Apple had put the computer in the home.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
HR Strategic aspects of the labour market and Managing organisational performance Essay
The economic events occurring during the last two decades provide indications and evidences that the area of human resourcing has significantly changed in response to the emerging complexities of the discipline. Perhaps, among the primary components of corporate organization, the dynamics of human resourcing appear to be the most challenging as well as complex. Experts in the area of Human Resource Management (HRM) invariably agree that the surging demand for a new organizational role for the human capital. Even the usually common terminologies used to describe the HRM processes, such as labor contracting, training and development, performance evaluation, have been recycled to outsourcing, learning and growth or performance management systems. Many even replaced, such as personnel to human resource to human capital, to describe in more sophisticated way, the new character of human resourcing. Still, HRM practitioners are of the opinion that changes will continue to pervade the HR area and may soon take or evolve into new competencies again. Torringtonââ¬â¢s Views: The HRM discipline and the Labour market Torrington presents the burgeoning labour issues confronting many organizations as propounded by theorists and practitioners. Indeed, the complexities of human resourcing are invariably revealed in the documented HR practices compiled by the author, who has been keenly observing that the area of human resource management is beginning to undergo a form of transformative process where the task s, positions and the organization virtually mutates into its more sophisticated form. Based on data provided by the author and taken from a report, there is a general shortage of workers especially the young sector. In the area of healthcare, the National Health Service (NHS) is spending ? 1bn annually on temporary, agency and locum staff. According to Laing and Buisson, well known heathcare analysts, the demand for agency staff is expected to increase across public and private healthcare sector in response to the long-standing manpower shortages in practically every healthcare occupation. The author adds that the size of the market for manpower has risen by more than four times during the two decades commencing from 1992. Even the NHS had to triple their budget expenditures during the same period. Torrington estimates this sector is worth ? 2. 4bn in the market. However, the core of the problem has shifted to the quality of care that many temporary staff provide, thus the decision to reduce manpower outsourcing, Here, the need to get better deals from agencies is becoming paramount as new alternatives of human resourcing in this sector is being addressed. The author concludes by proposing an appropriate response system through flexible staffing solutions. Torrington highlights the strategic aspects of resourcing to respond effectively to the critical messages demanded and manifested by the labor market trends. Here, he analyzes the need to adopt certain flexible resourcing choices that will focus attention either to the ready-made or home grown human capital. The labor market trends bespeak of the dilemma faced by the human resourcing industry in general. A number of recommendations are provided to address this set of HR issues ââ¬â the retention strategy. The retention indicators point to a disturbing trend at the charts. The issue of retention and its corresponding techniques and strategies has been brought into the open as a result of the need to assuage the cost of transfers, job and even career shifts. The author brings the issue of turnover rates and trends as indicative of HR instability in many sectors while exacting some forms of costs on the organization as a result of new rounds of resourcing and the need to adopt staff retention strategies. Torrington insists that organization strategies versus HR strategy issues not only should be HR-driven but primarily must mutually provide a perfect fit. The author discloses the strategic aspects of performance how these are driven by HR policies and processes as practiced. This is implied to mean that a change in perspective be made in the human resourcing function: from taking control of the employment processes to a more significant HR function of managing performance. True enough, this shift in focus may have been long wanted to smoothen human capital transitions to work excellence. This further suggests that efforts are better spent on ensuring that performance management becomes the primary driver of the HR function. A number of firms have found better insights into this form of HR shift considering that the new HR performance processes adds relevance and more meaningful roles for HR theorists and practitioners rather than just the documentary and aspect legalese of human resourcing. The author proposes the adoption of a performance management system that translates into organizational performance anchored on the knowledge and learning processes as HR initiatives. Here, the proactive roles expected of the HR practitioners are deemed directed towards gradually converting the company into a learning organization where the human capital competencies are planned, managed and nurtured. Performance management system indeed is a critical need as with the 360 degree feedback system. Conclusion Torrington proposes a two-dimensional performance appraisal system based on individual and team perspectives. He emphasizes management of employee performance guided towards organizational and personal goals and objectives and an objective appraisal system to measure extent of accomplishment based on target setting. A sequential and step-by-step approach is propounded with a component critique system based on an overarching 260 degree feedback system. A comparison and contrasting view of performance management system (PMS) and its environment of procedures indicate that the PMS has and is being widely used in organizations out to harness the potentials of its people. The degree of effectiveness indicates the variability of conceptualization and implementation, but nonetheless removes the major irritants in people management that ultimately affect the relationship as well as the performance dimensions of each of the component of the human capital sponsored primarily by senior management. Thus, the proactive nature of the PMS approach entitles it to wider adoption and desirability among organizations aiming to address many of its human resourcing issues. Subject 2 Performance Management System: Linking Organizational Goals Torrington outlines the essential factors in managing organisational performance showing how a Performance Management System (PMS)links to organisational goals. Concrete and abstract benefits and disincentives are identified and benchmarked with industry practices guided by the universal principles and theories of performance management. As practiced, performance management systems commence from the goal and target setting based on the requirements of the job. Here, employees and workers are clarified in the objectives of their positions, the requisite competence, and the learning and growth perspectives if the job as well as the compensation based on how the organization assesses the relative important of the task. The use of the PMS has been tested widely and has proven to be more effective than the traditional evaluation system. This is because of the inclusion of a compendium of measures that ensures that organizational goals are aligned with the specific tasks assigned to the employee. From the targets, agreements on the degree and how these targets are achieved under quality processes are laid down and the PMS target setting contract is accomplished. Thus, the use of the PMS allows the following benefits to accrued to both the worker and the organization: among others, expectations are clear and scope and limitations of the jobs are understood by both sectors; employees can clearly predict and manage their own levels of performance based on targets as well as the needed support to accomplish the tasks; there is an objective system of evaluation and appraisal that removes subjectivity and abstract judgments; when provided with an incentive and reward systems, PMS becomes effective as a tool and basis of rewards and incentives; and, there is a better working relationship between the worker and his superior based on earlier agreements and covenants. Likewise, PMS considers possible constraints and limitations on both sides, thus alternative measures are agreed for the degree of performance resulting from the occurrences of such constraints and impediments. For the organization, the benefits are clear in terms of stronger motivation on the worker; budgeting can be integrated into the system through measurable and appropriate inventive and rewards system; the subsequent appraisal and evaluation system allows for an ideal atmosphere for the discussion of the evaluation and appraisal results to encourage future performance based on areas that additionally needed reinforcement and support. In addition, PMS encourages both individuals and teams to be evaluated based on targets that are aligned with the organizational goals. On the other hand, the disadvantages of adopting a Performance Management System (PMS) includes the requirement for a more detailed procedures and measurement system that may prove to be too elaborate and complex for the worker to understand and appreciate. Likewise, the process of documentation in support of the performance is considered difficult and tedious. Further there is no assurance that performance can indeed by achieved as there may be unforeseen circumstances not considered during the target setting completed before the start of the performance period. (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright, 2008) Nonetheless, there is a need to study the organizational culture on whether the latter would help the system or otherwise. Conclusion Taking into account the benefits and disadvantages of Performance Management Systems (PMS), the absence of a more measurable, objective and comprehensive system of measuring and evaluating performance is non-existence despite the presence and utilization of good measuring tools and instruments. This is the complexity of the new HResourcing strategy that allows greater flexibility and uniqueness in the approach to managing performance. On the overall, the rationale for adopting PMS far outweighs the need to ignore the benefits provided by this new system. Often, the major constraint in adopting PMS is whether the organizational culture would allow such a change in the system. Thus, the efforts may indeed be tedious, but nonetheless, there is strong desirability in the system that will be more advantageous to every stakeholder in the PMS environment system.
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