PRACTICUM REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES, FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURES OF THE KADUNA Essay

PRACTICUM REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES, FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURES OF THE KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION A practicum is a practical field of study which students studying Educational Administration and Planning must carry out as a partial requirement for the fulfillment of the award of Bachelor Degree in Educational Administration and Planning. The students who offer Educational Administration and Planning as their course of study are expected to within the period of their programme to be attached to any of the educational organizations so as to provide the students an opportunity to acquire practical knowledge on the administration of an educational organization, observing the functions of the educational administrators and planners, the structures and functions of the educational organization and the overall responsibility of its administration. 1.1 THE ROLES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY The roles of the local government education authority are concerned with the overall aspects of the primary education. This is further prescribed in the federal republic of Nigeria official Gazette (1988) establishing the then National Primary Education Commission which some provisions were upheld by the present Universal Basic Education Commission as follows; i. The day-to-day administration of primary schools within the Local Government Area; ii. Making recommendation on promotion and discipline of both teaching and non-teaching staff on GL. 07 and above to the state universal basic education board, iii. The appointment, posting, transfer, promotion and discipline of both teaching and non-teaching staff within the range of grade level 01-06; iv. Payment of salaries, allowances and other benefits to both teaching and non-teaching staff; v. Submission of detailed annual estimates, accounts, and monthly returns to the state Universal Basic Education Board; vi. Acquisition and distribution of materials and equipment to primary schools; vii. Understanding capital projects and general maintenance of primary school buildings and its infrastructure; viii. Arousing, promoting and encouraging communal participation in the running of primary schools in the Local Government Area; ix. Taking all reasonable and polite steps to ensure full enrollment and attendance in all primary schools within the  area; x. Payment for any land acquired for the purpose of educational development; xi. Supervising the district education committees within the local government area; xii. Intimating on regular basis feedback to the state universal basic education board on public reaction to government education measures within the area; and xiii. Rendering a detailed annual report to the State Universal Basic Education Board on the activities of the Local Government Education Authority during the preceding year, especially on instructional activities. Read more:  Human Resource Roles and Responsibilities 1.2 THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY This practicum report is restricted to the administrative roles, functions and structures of various departments in operational in the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority. This study will attempt to seek the method of decision making, communication channel and how discipline is maintained in the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority. 1.3 THE LOCATION AND BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY The Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority is located along Abubakar Kigo and Nassarawa Roads respectively. At the Northern and Southern parts it bounded by Igabi and Kaduna south local government areas respectively. It is being housed on a storey building that contains twenty-four (24) offices. The Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority originated from the ancient educational tradition. The emirs and chiefs assisted by another community leaders at their respective domains were the sole authority responsible for appointing within the community credible personalities to give or train the children of the community and to report back to the emirs and chiefs. This system of administration was restructured to Native Authority at the advent of the colonial administration where Kaduna Metropolis was placed under the administrative jurisdiction of the Zaria Native Authority with the component unit responsible for grassroots education existing alongside as being one of the social services which the Native Authority was responsible for providing to the community. The Native Authority System of administration was in operational when the need to reform it was conceived. It was subsequently declared and reformed as the third tier of Government known as Local  Government Council with the unit responsible for primary education proclaimed a department. The history of the Local Government Education Department, Kaduna North will not be complete without being related to the mother Local Government Council as it serves as the sole source of funding and administrative discipline for the education department though, some of these functions were removed at the promulgation of Decree No. 31 establishing the National Primary Education Commission by the Federal Military Government as supported by the Federal Republic of Nigeria official Gazette of 17th August 1988 respectively. In spite of the overhauling and the reformation in the education sector that brought the Universal Basic Education Authority was still maintained. The Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority was created in 1991 by the Federal Military Government with the Administrative mandate to occupy the Headquarters of the then Local Government Education Authority, Kaduna. This was necessary as the Headquarters was located within the administrative of the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority. CHAPTER TWO 2.0 STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OFKADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY The Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority is consisting of six (6) departmental head with the educational secretary coordinating the activities of these departments which are mentioned below; i. Department of Human Resource Management ii. Department of Finance and Accounts iii. Department of Planning, Research and Statistics iv. Department of school services v. Department of social mobilization and knowledge management vi. Department of quality assurance The administrative structure of the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority is shown below; i. The Education secretary ii. The Departmental heads of the various departments iii. The Units head iv. The Other subordinates staff 2.1 THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY The hierarchy of the Local Government Education Authority, Kaduna North provides that the education secretary is the chief administrative and accounting officer who is responsible for coordinating the functions of the various departments of the local government education authority. THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT This department performs such duties as; i. Recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff on grade level 01-06; ii. Deployment and transfer of both teaching and non-teaching staff on grade level 01-06; iii. Preparation of pensions list of retirees and intended retirees iv. Administering promotion advancement confirmations and discipline of staff within the range of grade level 01-06; v. Developing the personnel emolument budget for inclusion in the main budget of the Local Government Education Authority; vi. Developing and maintaining establishment workforce plan; vii. Developing job descriptions and schedule for the local Government Education Authority; viii. Reviewing responsibilities, duties and staffing needs including departmental functions; ix. Reviewing staffing levels and submit recommendations of such review to the state universal basic education board; x. Deployment of teachers to schools based on needs; xi. Preparing departmental reports to the state universal basic education board; xii. Preparing unit work plans and budget xiii. Developing and maintaining human resources policies. xiv. Establishing training needs or requirements and developing training plan for both teaching and non-teaching staff including induction programmes. xv. Recommending teaching and non-teaching staff for training and retraining. xvi. Identifying liaising with training service providers xvii. Maintaining training records xviii. Maintaining both confidential and open records. THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS This department performs related functions such as:- i. Preparing payrolls and making payment of salaries, allowances and other benefits to both teaching and non-teaching staff; ii. Maintaining account and other financial records; iii. Making all payments from the LGEA accounts; iv. Collaborate to prepare annual budgets and estimates; v. Coordinating and controlling loans and advances; vi. Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports; vii. Preparing annual financial statements and ensuring they are ready for auditing; viii. Providing financial advice to the LGEA ix. Collaborating with the social mobilization and knowledge management to provide the LGEA stakeholder with financial update; x. Liaising with the local government council on financial matters; xi. Endorsing computed retirement benefits; xii. Maintaining records of all contributory pension issues; xiii. Collecting from SUBEB and distributing pay slip; xiv. Receiving funds from SUBEB and disbursing same on behalf of the LGEA; xv. Rendering financial returns to the state Universal Basic Education Board; xvi. Maintaining bank accounts; xvii. Maintaining store; xviii. Maintaining assets register; xix. Preparing bank reconciliation. THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING RESEARCH AND STATISTICS This department undertakes such related functions as:- i. Propose frameworks for the departmental work plan and implementation plans by departments; ii. Coordinating the development harmonizing the LGEA plans medium term strategic sector, department annual work plan and performance targets etc; iii. Coordinating the development and harmonizing the LGEA budgeting process; iv. Identifying schools to be constructed and renovated after due consolation with the department of school services; v. Rendering annual reports to the state universal Basic Education Board and local Government Council; vi. Preparing unit work plans and budgets; vii. Ensuring that individual work plans are developed, implemented and  monitored regularly; viii. Ensuring the availability and functioning of education management information system; ix. Supporting the ministry and the state universal basic education board in the designing of annual school census and other survey questionnaires for both primary and junior secondary schools levels; x. Supporting the administration and conduct of surveys. THE DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL SERVICES This department performs the following functions:- i. Establishment of early childhood care and development centers and overseeing the implementation of the curriculum meant for it; ii. Identifying and sharing staff needs with the human resources; iii. Identifying instructional materials need including textbooks and communicate to the education secretary and the universal basic education board; iv. Recommending to state universal basic education board the mode of instructional materials distribution based on school needs; v. compiling and forwarding school development needs to the department of planning research and statistics and other relevant units; vi. Recommending materials to be purchased such as textbooks and other instructional materials ; vii. Distributing both textbooks and other instructional materials to the schools and monitoring the usage of same viii. Overseeing library services in both primary junior secondary schools; ix. Coordinating the administration of exams for both primary and junior secondary schools x. Overseeing continuous assessment and ensure up to date class assessment records; xi. Coordinating curricular activities such as sports, health, clubs etc; xii. Providing counseling and guidance services to both primary and junior secondary schools; xiii. Maintaining records of pupils transiting to junior secondary school; xiv. Overseeing the provision of education for disabled children through facilitating integration of disabled pupils into regular schools; xv. Liaising with the state Universal Basic Education Board to provide education for children in nomadic communities; xvi. Coordinating school improvement initiatives; THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL MOBILIZATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT This department is responsible for the under listed duties/functions i. Developing strategies for community participation and mobilization; ii. Constructing alliance within the community, civil society non-governmental organizations etc to support educational development; iii. Ensuring the establishment and support of the ongoing school Based Management Committees within the schools; iv. Developing and implementing strategies for community mobilization, advocacy and integration at local Government Area, wards and community; v. Ensuring that community participates in the implementation of the Universal Basic Education Programs in local Government Areas; vi. Promoting enrolment, attendance , retention and completion of girls education and out of school children; vii. Monitoring and advising on the implementation of self-help projects; viii. Working with communities to promote access and equity; ix. Through advocacy, sensitization, mobilization create platform for community enlightenments or awareness and participation in local Government Education Authority activities x. Facilitating community supports for schools xi. Strengthening communication between the State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Education Authority, Ward, Community and schools; xii. Producing materials for the LGA such as bulletin board etc; xiii. Ensuring adequate implementation of self-help project at the beneficiary schools. THE QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT The functions of this department are highlighted underneath i. Coordinating all quality assurance activities at the LGEA; ii. Establishing the LGEA works plans and schedules for the evaluation of primary schools and feed back to zonal offices; iii. Coordinating training and re-training of primary evaluation officers; iv. Creating conducive systems for monitoring the quality of the whole school evaluation and the evaluators and ensure implementation of follow up activities; v. Establishing a system for dealing with poor performing schools; vi. Setting an annual target based on the priorities of the LGEA; vii. Preparing an annual detailed report covering the activities of the LGEA; viii. Evaluating and re-accrediting primary schools within the LGEA at least once in three (3) years; ix. Ensuring that the LGEA Evaluators follow standards and bench marks for evaluation of schools; x. Providing feedback to schools on  evaluation reports; xi. Producing instruments for school evaluation; xii. Preparing work plans and budget for the unit; xiii. Creating and maintaining database of all evaluation documents. 2.2 THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY Figure 1: Present the organizational structure of the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority CHAPTER THREE 3.0 THE METHODOLOGY OF DECISION MAKING According to Fred C. Lunenburg and Allan C. Ornstien (2008) sees decision making as â€Å"the process of choosing from among alternatives†. Therefore, decision making is generally the thinking that follows alternative solutions aimed at arriving at the eventual remedy that is called decision making. The ability of an organization to function effectively depending solely on the type of leader it has. This is also the same with the functioning of organizations which depend on the kind of decisions made concerning it. This assertion is true because whatever plans of action an organization takes is the product of a decision. Whether such a decision proves effective for the organization or ineffective depends on how reasonable and relevant such a decision was. Consequently, decision making in an organization as it affects the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority will be briefly examined with a view to ascertaining how sound decisions can be arrived at and who should be involved in the decision making. 3.1 THE MODE OF MAKING DECISION The Local Government Education Authority, Kaduna North takes decisions on issues that affect it collectively involving the principal officers drawn from various departments and sections. 3.2 DECISION MAKING MODEL The universally acceptable decision making adopted by the LGEA involves variety of steps through which it is hoped that individual will be enabled  to arrive at more reasonable decisions. i. Determining the problem and its scope: This is concern with identifying of the problem for which a decision is sought. It is critically thought over in order to fully understand and then defined and the actual limit of the problem known; ii. Analysis and Evaluation: The individual perceives the problem wholistically and decides whether or not a decision will be made to solve the problem. If it is irrelevant then the idea of a decision is therefore dropped; iii. Formulating alternative solutions: This explains that when individual has agreed to make a decision on the problem. He then develops alternative solution to the problem he intends to solve; iv. Determining workability of proposed alternatives: this assists in determining the possible effects after having compared the formulated alternatives with a view to helping the individual to have an idea of the best alternative to take; v. Selecting one alternative: this is the selecting of alternative which presents more favorable related consequences to unfavorable ones as the probable decision; vi. Test-out: This is the putting into practical action the alternative solution chosen on the basis of trial; vii. Evaluation of alternatives: This is the assessment of consequences arising during the trial period of the selected alternative. If the consequences are found to be positive and sound, the alternative then becomes the decision. CHAPTER FOUR 4.0 COMMUNICATION According to A. Owan Enoh, Becky B. Bamanja and Roy O. J. Onuwuka (1987) define communication as a process of ‘disseminating information from and to every member of such an organization’. It is generally, viewed and as a system of linking the individual, the group and the organization. 4.1 CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION The most common used channels of communication in the Kaduna north local government education authority involves the following i. Ideating: The development of an idea, message, or information to transit/disseminate to the subordinates to the members of the community; ii. Encoding: This is the idea that the sender intends to convey or transmit to the individual and  even the public. Symbols such as words. Non-verbal cues or picture and even diagrams are designed to disseminate messages; iii. Transmitting: This segment of communication channels takes place as soon as the message is developed. This includes several methods such as memoranda, circular, telephone, board policy or management policy statement and face-face communication. iv. Receiving: This channel requires that the receiver should be a good listener to the oral message. In other words, if the message is written, the receiver must be attentive to its specified and implied meaning. v. Decoding: This is referring to the translation of an already received message into a perceived or interpreted meaning. The ability of the receiver is to take transmitted messages and give meaning to them. vi. Acting: this is the last communication channels. it involves putting into action or practice the information so far conveyed or disseminated for the positive improvement of an organization. 4.2 COMMUNICATION PROCESS Direction of communication There are basically two (2) ways of communication flow or direction viz; downward and upward systems but the one that is commonly in used in the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority which is the downward communication will be briefly discussed below; Downward communication is referred to the communication pattern in an organization where directives are issued from a higher point of administrative function to a lower one. This could further be illustrated as when the education secretary gives directives to the departmental heads of the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority who are as well accountable to the central administrative function. CHAPTER FIVE 5.0 METHOD OF MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE IN KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY The term discipline is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2005) as ‘the practice of training people to obey rules and orders and punishing them if they do not; the controlled behavior or situation that results from this training’. From the above definition  therefore, discipline is the ability to obey rules and others which are formulated and regulated by the constituted authority. The methods of maintaining discipline in the Kaduna North Local Government Education Authority among its employees is categorized into two(2) viz. staff within the range of grade level 01-06 and staff from grade level 07 above The discipline of staff on grade level 01-06 is purely the responsibility of the Local Government education authority and this occur when an employee is alerted of the implications of his/her action and as well informed of the decision of the management ag ainst him or her. Though these disciplinary measures varies from the magnitude of the offence committed. Some offences attracted instant dismissal considering their seriousness. The discipline of staff on grade level 07 and above rests solely on the state universal basic education board. Though the process of administering such discipline starts from the local government education authority by bringing to the attention of the board the type of offence an employee committed and the detailed recommended disciplinary measures due to imposed on the offender. 5.1 THE AIMS OF DISCIPLINE IN KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY Discipline is significant in any human or organization like the Local Government Education Authority. It is through enforcement of discipline that peaceful and harmonious conduct of organizational activities are successfully carried out by the personnel that further result in the attainment of the desired goals of the organization. Discipline regulates the conduct of daily activities of the personnel to conform to the laid-down rules and regulations. 5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS i. Releasing the need and importance of offering admission to the youth to undergo this programme, those who are within the range of participating in the National Youth Service Corps assignment, necessary arrangements be put in place to enable them take part in the National Programme at the completion of their educational programmes; ii. In recognition the functions and importance of planning in an organization, the management of the university will dialogue with the government with a view to considering graduates of educational and ministration and planning to serve as education  administrators and planners. iii. Considering the fact that, this programme is purely of education administrators and planners, effort be made to remove teaching practice from the course content and be replaced with industrial attachment. iv. As examinations are uniformly conducted across the nation’s institution the adoption of uniform implementation of educational polices by the Local Government Education Authorities is paramount. BIBLIOGRAPHY The Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.53 (17 Aug.1988) Vol.75. A. Owan Enoh, Becky B.Bamaja and Roy O. J Onwuka (1987); a Handbook of Educational Foundations: Challenge Press, Jos, Nigeria. Fred C. Lunenburg and Allan C. Orstein [2008]; Educational Administration, Concepts and Practices: fifth Edition: Printed in the United States of America.

Faith Diversity Essay

This paper will look and examine four diverse faiths: Christianity, Buddhism, Rastafarianism and Islam spiritual perspective on healing. In Christianity, prayer is a way that a person can stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Health is viewed by having a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord and living one’s life by the word of God. Buddhist need a balance of health both mentally and physically in order to achieve optimal health. They way that they are able to restore health would be by practicing healthy dietary habits or meditation. Rastafarianism view on health as a balance of the mind, the body and the soul achieved with a more holistic approach like prayer and herbal treatments. Lastly, Islam reaches ultimate purity by having a clean body and soul. They must cleanse often and pray often. Religions differ in many ways; they could have a different sacred books, have different deities, or have different views on how to live a full life, ultimately they want the same thing, to have their faiths respected and incorporated into the care they are receiving. Introduction Throughout the world, there are thousands of distinctly different religious affiliations. In the United States alone, there are â€Å"approximately 313 religions and denominations† (All Religions and Denominations in the US, 2008). This paper will examine four diverse faiths Christianity, Buddhism, Rastafarianism and Islam. It will look at the philosophy of these four faiths when having care provided to them. It will specifically look at the spiritual perspective on healing. It will examine the critical components of healing for these faiths. Along with looking at these diverse faiths, this paper will look at what is important for people who are receiving care from health care providers whose views differ from their own. Christianity The Christians were the first people to start â€Å"the world’s first voluntary charitable institutions† which were hospitals (Trangelder, 2007). The reason that they started these hospitals is because they wanted to help the poor and those that were sick and dying (Trangelder, 2007). Health care and Christian belief go hand in hand. One of the most crucial components in healing is prayer. The Christians hold prayer in very high regard. They feel that prayer has the ability to make them better. In the book James 5:14-15(English Standard Version) it states, â€Å"Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up†(Biblegateway, 2001). Along with prayer, the bible mentions many ways that a person can stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Ultimately, the way to stay healthy is by having a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord and living one’s life by the word of God. Buddhism The Buddhist has a different holy book then the Christian faith. There sacred book is called Tripitaka. This holy book mentions that the only way to be truly healed is to be healthy in mind and body. Western medicine focuses on curing symptoms to treat medical problems, but the Buddhist see this only as a short term fix. In order for one to be healed one must also treat â€Å"the spiritual aspect of the disease and its mind-based causes and remedies must be the primary considerations†(Buddhism, Medicine, and Health, n. d. ). Buddhist feel that possible reasons for illness or disease would be † 1) an imbalance of the four elements (earth, water, fire, and wind), 2) irregular dietary habits, 3) incorrect meditation methods, 4) disturbances by spirits, 5) demon possession, and 6) the force of bad karma† (Buddhism, Medicine, and Health, n. d. ). They way that they are able to restore health would be by practicing healthy dietary habits, meditation, paying respect to the Buddha, repentance, reciting mantras, reciting the Buddha’s name and using the dharma as medicine† (Buddhism, Medicine, and Health, n. d. ). By doing this they would be able to find a balance physical and mentally and find long-term health. Rastafarianism Like the Christians, the Rastafarians sacred text that they pray to is the Bible, but the difference is how it is interpreted. The Rastafarians also feel that the head or God incarnate is Haile Selassie. He was a former Emperor of Ethiopia (Griffith, 2009). In Rastafarianism health care â€Å"takes a holistic approach to healing; they believe that the concept of health extends to three spheres: the mind, the body and the soul (though sometimes the psychological and spiritual can sometimes be categorized together)†(Rastafari and the Environment, 2012). They cure illnesses by use of home remedies or tonics rather than visiting a doctor. Rastafarians† disown western influences of ideology, diet, lifestyle and religion in favor of belief systems and practices of African origin, which emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and tools†(Rastafari and the Environment, 2012). Islam For the Islam, their sacred text is the Quran. In the Quran, unlike the Christians, Muhammad is the prophet sent to Earth to pass the word of the Lord, Allah. The Muslims feel that good health is one of the ways to get to â€Å"heaven†. In the Quran, it has teachings that show people how to protect his or her health and live life in a state of purity (Muslim Health Network (n. d). The single most important thing for this faith is prayer. Muslims perform it five times a day. â€Å"The obligatory prayers provide a good means for the circulation of blood, breathing and general suppleness of joints† (Muslim Health Network (n. d). Along with prayer they must cleanse after prayer, have a healthy diet, fast and refrain from intoxicates. Despite these religious differences in the United States, people’s only wish is to have their religious views respected and honored if possible. No matter if healthcare providers spiritual beliefs differ from those in their care, patients want their faith to be incorporated into the care that they are receiving. The Christian philosophy as written in the book of Luke 6:31 (English Standard Version) † And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them†(Biblegateway, n. d. ). This goes in line as all people would like to be treated, no matter how different spiritual views might be. In conclusion, the author learned that although many religions differ ultimately they want the same thing, to have their faith incorporated into the care they are receiving. Religions differ in many ways, they could have a different scared book, have different deities, or have different views on how to live a full life. Medication, chanting or prayer can help achieve inner peace to ultimately reach health inside and out. ? References Biblegateway (2001). James 5:14-15 ESV – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call – Bible Gateway. Retrieved from http://www. biblegateway. com/passage/? search=James+5%3A14-15&version=ESV Biblegateway (n. d. ). Luke 6:31 ESV – And as you wish that others would do to – Bible Gateway. Retrieved from http://www. biblegateway. com/passage/? search=Luke%206:31&version=ESV Buddhism, Medicine, and Health. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. blia. org/english/publications/booklet/pages/37. htm Griffith, J. K. (2009). THE RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF NURSING CARE (4th ed. ). Vancouver, B. C Muslim Health Network (n. d. ). Islam & Health. Retrieved from http://www. muslimhealthnetwork. org/islamandhealth. shtml Tangelder, J. D. (2007). A Christian Perspective on Healthcare. Retrieved from http://www. reformedreflections. ca/faith-and-life/chr-perspective-healthcare. html Rastafari and the Environment (2012). Natural Healing and Medicine. Retrieved from http://caribbeanreligionuvm. wordpress. com/category/natural-healing-and-medicine/

Global Food Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Global Food Crisis - Essay Example ems from an inability to feed the global poor as well as the financial burdens that shortages of food place on international governments and general citizens. There is no simplistic fix to this problem and therefore knowledge is power to assist innovators in aiding toward finding a quality solution to diminishing food supply. The purpose of this secondary, desk-based research study is to inform the general reader about the multitudes of problems associated with meeting supply versus demand volumes to feed the hungry and also sustain new product development efforts using food products. This information is worthy of consideration as the future of food production and distribution, currently, looks considerably bleak and it ultimately impacts the quality of life for virtually every international citizen. The information gleaned from this secondary research study provides new information and factual statistics about the current state of the global food situation as well as future projections that continue to paint a dismal picture of success in meeting food demand internationally. There is no specific target audience that would best gain from the knowledge provided in this study as the impact of the global food crisis has influence on scientists, government, general global citizens, and even stock market inve stors interested in commodity prices and value of their investment dollars. Russia, over the last two years, has experienced significant volume reduction on agricultural output of grain due to heatwaves and drought conditions that eroded more than one-third of the country’s entire crop output (Gorst, 2011). To ensure that the Russian people had enough stored grain to sustain its population’s needs, export bans were imposed on all wheat products until the country was able to improve total grain output. This export ban created a situation where wheat prices soared in European markets, leading to ongoing internationally-driven disapproval (Gorst). A similar

Globalization and Internationalism After the Cold War Assignment

Globalization and Internationalism After the Cold War - Assignment Example Globalization has brought the world nation together since there is understanding of their differences. There is free open trade that ensures export and import of goods and services in all parts of the world (Lehmann, 45) After the end of the cold war there were many activities that were to foster international relations amongst the warring nations. The world super powers were the main protagonists in the internationalism agenda spearheaded by the United States. According to Lehmann78,The ideal of most internationalists after the cold war was to establish a world government through democratic globalization. There was formation of international organizations, such as European Union and United Nations, which were to oversee superior international relations governed by same rules. There was a lot of resistance from the nations that were not included in the organizations since they felt that they were discriminated. The leaders of these organizations were drawn from the super power nations, which made them have a lot of control over the entire globe (Lehmann,

Critically discuss the Suitability, Feasibility and Acceptability of Assignment

Critically discuss the Suitability, Feasibility and Acceptability of the International Strategy of an Organisation - Assignment Example This in turn has resulted in increasing internationalisation of the businesses. More and more multinational organisations are operating in different countries because of the increasing globalisation. There are different reasons and motives behind the decision of internalisation. According to Johnson and Turner (2003), the reasons and motives of the organisations behind pursuing internationalisation strategy can be divided into following broad categories: 1. Resource Seeking 2. Market Seeking 3. Efficiency Seeking 4. Strategic Asset Seeking Apart from this different approaches to enter into international market are being used by the organisations. Different market entry modes available to the organisations are presented in the figure below: (Adapted from Johnson and Turner, 2003) According to Wrigley (2000), Coe (2003), and Sanghavi (2000), the international expansion by the retail organisations started relatively later as compared to that of the manufacturing organisations but there have been considerable growth and development in the international expansion by the retail organisations in the last fifteen years. It is relatively difficult for the retail organisations to pursue the strategy of international expansion. The retail organisations do not have a single product which they can export to different markets. These retail organisations offer different products which are supplied by different manufacturers and along with this provide the shoppers with a complete experience. Hence it can be said that the business of retailing also has intangible service element. Along with this the products provided by the retail organisations have different consumer preferences and tastes in different regions. For this reason, it is not easy for the retail organisations to expand in different geographical markets and regions. The retail organisations are provided with two different strategic options in order to expand their business operations internationally i.e. global and multinational strategies. The retail organisations which implement the global strategy follow the same format and strategies all over the world. On the other hand the retail organisations which implement the multinational strategy adapt and change the practices according to local preferences. (Alexander and Myers, 2000) In this report an attempt has been made in order to analyse and discuss the suitability, feasibility, and acceptability of the internationalisation strategy of United Kingdom largest retail organisation, Tesco. COMPANY BACKGROUND: Tesco is the one of the biggest and largest retail organisation in United Kingdom. The company is not only operating in the retail industry but has also expanded in several other industries and markets. Apart from this the company is known for its rapid and successful international expansion in different regions (Palmer, 2005). The company has been successfully operating in 13 different countries of the world. Tesco is a successful multina tional retail organisation and is the third largest retail organisation in the whole world on the basis of revenues. The company is still looking to further expand its international operations (Wood, 2011) INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY OF TESCO: The management of Tesco is making all possible efforts in order to make sure to achieve the strategic of ongoing expansion in the international market. Currently, the retail organization is operating in 13 different countries all over the globe including Europe, North America, and Asia.

Crime-Prevention Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Crime-Prevention Strategies - Essay Example Crime prevention techniques are being introduced by the criminologists so that the people avoid doing any crimes. These crime prevention techniques are basically designed to lessen the prospects of committing specific crimes by people. And these techniques are further known as the Situational Crime Prevention Techniques. In the world today the crime rate is increasing day by day as the punishments granted by the government have not proved enough for the culprit to avoid the offense the next time. Seeing this situation in the world the criminologists have adopted the way of preventing crime rather than bringing the criminals to justice. And thus the process of 'Situational Crime Prevention' came into use. This word derived by the criminologists meant to make the offenders avoid the crimes they are about to commit through different ways. The opportunities which the offenders get due to lack of security and other factors are analyzed by the criminologists. By the process of Situational Crime Prevention the criminologists aim to lessen the opportunities which the offenders are getting to commit the crime. i.e. if a person who is rich and does not get protection from guards may have the chance to get robbed. And here the role of the Crime Prevention comes when they make the rich person have proper securi ty. The problem of crime was arising in the housing sector when the burglars were entering the houses and robbing the people of their possessions. This situation was closely analyzed by the criminologists and a solution was sorted out with the help of Situational Crime Prevention. This solution made the houses have a good architectural design which would make the offenders avoid entering the premises of the house. For e.g. if the house is well lit in the night and secured, the offenders would avoid taking the risk of entering it. Similarly other Situational Crime Prevention techniques make use of such tools and designs. The techniques included the better structuring of buildings and the possible targets being secured more properly. The possible targets were analyzed by their market demand. Situational Crime Prevention is based on some principles so as to the crime can be fully avoided. The set-up of a certain possible target is made such that the effort required to rob or commit a c rime on that target is made much higher. This discourages the offender from committing the crime. For e.g. to enter a certain building one may have to cross the walls but the walls of the building would be made so tall that no person would be able to enter it without support. Similarly the risk involved in committing a crime would be made such that the offender would not dare to commit it. For e.g. the security alarms would be so enhanced that any person who may enter the premises may be caught or the person may be shot dead at the very moment. In particular the security of a certain place or person would be increased. The rewards or the loot of the possible target would be made as lower as possible so it wouldn't attract the offenders. The governments are taking such measures that the stolen material is not easily sold in the market. And anyone caught selling it may be brought to justice by the court of law. Car stereos are being made removable so that it is not easy to steal these stereos. And lastly the feeling

Electronic communication versus face toface Dissertation

Electronic communication versus face toface - Dissertation Example Face-to-face meetings and interactions are declining as technological and communication tools advance. My first hypothesis is that the increased use of electronic media will diminish face-to-face communication and the effectiveness of communication will be compromised until new communication cultures emerge. My second hypothesis is that the issues of gender, race and culture will tend to be minimised as the message becomes paramount, and also that prejudices are no longer trigged by personal interactions. My third hypothesis is that the effectiveness of Computer Managed Communication (CMC) in many aspects is an age-related issue, and that a generational transformation to new communication methods is underway. In my final chapter, I will consider whether the literature and other parts of the study support these hypotheses. The conclusion will examine the implications of this for professional relationships in the field of international business and sales in particular. This will lead t o recommendations as to what action companies, organisations and individuals need to take to maximise the advantages conferred by CMC, while overcoming the problems identified. Also, I will discuss about how different cultures can effectively communicate with each other and understand each other better. Lastly, my methodology will look specifically at the hotel industry and how modern technology is starting to play a key role in the industry’s growth. I will do this through a questionnaire that will be distributed to a wide variety of hotels in the local area. TABLE OF CONTENTS Title page Page Abstract 1 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Literature Review 4 Methodology 5 Appendices and Reference List 6 CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION a) Addressing the problem There can be no doubt that e-mail, teleconferencing and instant messaging have brought about a revolution in communication (Corbett, 2004). The benefits of these things are that they are immediate, cost-free and limitless. As i t is so easy and efficient, it is no surprise to find it becoming the norm in both business and social interactions. However, there are problems with these forms of communication. In particular, these difficulties are linked to the loss of interpersonal aspects in communication, and no technology has managed to overcome this problem yet. There is plenty of research to back up the assumption that talking with people, in other words face-to-face communication, is infinitely more effective than posting a message into the air and hoping that it will be read with the same level of commitment as the writer put into composing it. It is well-known that actual spoken words make up less than ten percent of a message (Evans, 2010, p.8). Spoken speech is far outweighed by non-linguistic cues such as tone and body language in particular. Because CMC is here to stay, it is important to address this question in order to avoid misunderstanding and ambiguity, maintain meaningful relationships (busin ess and personal), ensure that sales pitches are effective and pick up the nuances of interaction. b) Nature and purpose of this study The purpose of this study is to explore the issues that arise from this difficulty, to examine what steps we need to take to address them and avoid becoming trapped in a virtual world where all communication is done through impersonal media. The study will consist partly of a synthesis of some of the literature and findings of

COURSEWORK 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

2 - Coursework Example Change is pervasive not only in peoples individual lives but also in business organisations – for profit or not. Change is inevitable; it is also one of the constants in this world. It doesnt matter if an organisation is doing something about the impact of change – technological, societal and market – on how they do business. These changes will still impact on them and those who react fastest and most constructively will survive. Management theories emerged as a result of change. From the scientific management to centralized organisation; from a decentralized management to empowered workforce; and from a knowledge management to learning organisation. In order to protect its current status, Toyota Motors Corporation, as they say, must run faster to stay in place. First and foremost, it must embrace change whole heartedly – this means the entire organisation as a whole rather than its parts individually. The above changes unfortunately results to a more cutthroat competition not only in the automobile industry but in all industries affected by these changes. Sustaining status quo or surviving in a highly competitive environment is expensive. Companies, to maintain their standing in the market, have to spend more and more in advertising and other activities to sustain the market’s interest in their products and services. This practice is fatal in the long run. Certainly a company can not indefinitely spend its scarce financial resources in activities which can only sustain what is. To survive the company must not only please existing customers, but make new ones too. In this dynamic environment, an organisation finds change and performance improvement more as matters of business survival rather than as matters of competitiveness. Product differentiation and cost leadership are two strategies a company can adopt to stay ahead of competition. Continuous process improvement

The Service Encounter Diaries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

The Service Encounter Diaries - Essay Example This struck me as very poor customer service for a would-be customer. 7: The store and the quality of customer service could have been improved in two ways. The first would be for the employees to offer their direct assistance regardless of the task they might have been on. The second would be for the employee to apologize that he/she cannot help and offer to find someone else. 3: While in line, I noticed that of the three employees at the front desk waiting on customers, only 2 of them were working. The other was quite obviously logged into her work station but she was not taking customers. Although the other employees that were serving customers were polite and somewhat cheerful, the dour expression on the face of the non-working employee made one suspect that she was either just wasting time or taking a break in an inappropriate area. 4: My reaction was rather unsurprising. I left the post office with the realization that the main reason people have a bad expectation of service does not have to do with the fact that there are not cheerful and hard working people there, but the fact that one or two lazy, inefficient, or angry employees spoils the entire experience. 7: The front line manager should ensure that those individuals who are tasked with greeting or interacting with customers must maintain a very high level of professionalism and a good work ethic. If they cannot meet these then they should be placed in another area, reassigned or terminated. 3: Upon approaching the desk and explaining the situation, the customer service representative looked frustrated and told me that they do not handle any billing issues at their office and only can accept payments or set up new plans. 7: The individuals at the store could benefit by offering the customer alternatives since they do not handle billing issues; simply excusing themselves

Against Banning Full-Face Veils Essay Example for Free

Against Banning Full-Face Veils Essay Mirayda Martinez Against Banning Full-Face Veils Banning Full-Face Veils would not only make Muslim women feel vulnerable to men as a sexual desire, it would also make them feel betrayed by the country or state they live in. Being told what to wear is like being told what to eat or who to hang out with, it is unjust. Muslim women should be able to dress how they would like without being Judged or assaulted by anyone. The veil helps assure the women that they are not being looked at as a desire and in a way, wearing the veil helps make them feel closer to God. Enforcing laws against Full-Face Veils would be amiss because it would e stripping them of freedom of expression and religion. First, Muslim women should not be Judged by what they wear Just because it is different from the culture and beliefs of everyone else. It is not a crime to be different, but then why do some women get assaulted and harassed for wearing a veil? Just because they do not believe in the same religion as other people does not mean they should get treated any differently than others. Muslim women should be entitled to wear whatever they want to, even if it is a Full-Face Veil that covers them from top to bottom. For some omen, veiling is an expression of their religious beliefs, and is no less or more a part of their religious observance than praying five times a day or fasting during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer in Islam. Veiling is a way women express their religious belief and should not get treated any less important than fasting or praying to wards Mecca; it should get treated with the same respect. Second, the veil is very important.

Sales Promotions In Mobile Phone Industry In Pakistan Marketing Essay

Sales Promotions In Mobile Phone Industry In Pakistan Marketing Essay Sales promotions are typically viewed as an easily executed means of boosting short-term sales. Sales promotions can be divided into trade promotions, such as those directed at retailers (e.g. margin allowances, slotting and case allowances) and consumer promotions, which include activities such as premiums, coupons, and price offs. I will be using practical examples of retail promotions but I will also cover consumer promotions in detail as well. There are two sales promotional tools namely price-oriented and non-price-oriented promotions. Price oriented promotions include discounts, coupons and rebates. Whereas, non-price-oriented promotions include free samples, sweepstakes, contests, premiums and frequent user programs. Price-oriented promotions are praised for their ability to achieve short-term results such as increasing market share, encouraging brand switching and including product trial usage. Non-price promotions are primarily adopted for their ability to meet such longer-term objectives as enhancing brand image, strengthening brand associations, or increasing brand loyalty. Every brand tries to draw the attention of the consumer by advertisements and price-promotions. As a result, the market is characterised by strong sales peaks that are caused by promotional actions. There has been much interest and discussion concerning the increasing proportion of a brands promotional budget that is being allocated to sales promotion, often at the expense of advertising expenditure. There are a number of reasons for the increase in sales promotion expenditure, such as escalating media costs and media clutter, managerial short-term focus, the increasing demand for managerial accountability, and changes in consumer decision making. Another significant reason for increasing sales promotion expenditure is the change in the balance of power from manufacturer/ service provider to retailer which puts considerable pressure on manufacturers/service providers to offer trade promotions. The basic reason of choosing this area of investigation is its originality and possibility of practical application in the industry. Also, the consumers are demanding something extra and in the future only those companies will survive who delights their customers rather than just satisfying them and sales promotion has the potential to do that. Reason for choosing this area is that there is lack of research on efficiency of sales promotions in this market and I believe it would help the professionals in this regard. 3: Research question/objective The problem that have been identified is that sales promotions are big adds to cost specially in mobile(cellular) service industry, and do not achieve desired benefits if not properly planned, organised and forecasted particularly when market is already saturated and there is a strong competition culture. It does help you move out excessive charges, to try new plans and to increase sales whenever your company needs but it has certain limitations as well, for example it may decrease brand value and is often unpredictable. Additionally, it may create gap. Also, it may be attractable to new customers but they may switch after enjoying the benefits. I have planned to find out how companies operating in mobile phone industry can better utilise the sales promotion tool for the benefit of organization and in turn increase overall profits and brand image. The main objectives of the research are: To justify the benefits of allocated budget to sales promotions. To identify the timing and duration of a perfect sales promotion. Advantages and disadvantages of sales promotions for Telecommunication Industry. 4: Research method Researcher have planned to design a questionnaire based on consumer point of view regarding sales promotions, also intend to conduct survey using questionnaire from Mobilink managers (via e-mail). The sales promotion planning, patterns and feasibility at Mobilink will also be studied in order to support research with practical implications. Combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods will be used and will try to make it more practical rather than theoretical but it will be a combination of literature review and practical applications in industry. The qualitative research will be supported by using a questionnaire filling with managers and customers and utilising observation techniques by getting the customer point of view. For quantitative research, the survey research using questionnaires and will ask the consumers about the consumption patterns in order to compare the before and after effect of sales promotions on buying behaviour. 5: Data Collection and Analysis I have planned to analyse the data by utilising Multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) and will try to find out the association between sales promotional tools and its particular effect on consumer buying behaviour. PEST, SWOT analysis as well as the financial and sales analysis of mobile companies under observation will be conducted. 6: Literature Review Researcher will explore some of the journals written in this regard . The sales promotion typology can be broadly divided into consumer promotions, retailer promotions and trade promotions (Teunter, 2002, Pp. 5). Consumer promotions are offered by manufacturers for consumers in collaboration with retailers and retail promotions are offered by retailers for consumers. Trade promotions are somewhat different because they are offered by manufacturers to influence retailers or other trade entities so that they can be persuaded to sell goods to other parties. All sales promotions are attempts to influence customer behaviour and these marketing efforts try to persuade customers to purchase more of the merchandise that has been included in the promotion effort. Not only do sales promotions offer highlight the merchandise that has been selected for promotion, but they also offer temporary price discounts or other inducements, such as coupons or rebates, that have been designed to enhance con sumer interest and to persuade them to purchase more of selected products. However, non price promotions that offer premiums, membership to users clubs or entry to sweepstakes that can provide a decent prize to a few are useful in enhancing excitement and consumer interest. Price cuts, attractive display, feature highlighting and a combination of all of the previously mentioned attractions are often a part of promotions. Consumers like promotions because these events offer hedonistic pleasures including entertainment, exploration and self expression along with monitory savings and an ability to purchase brand items that may have been unaffordable because of their high regular prices. 5Although published literature related to promotions has indicated that increased promotional spending in the relatively recent past is being questioned as being efficient in terms of its ability to deliver returns, it has to be appreciated that the cost of advertising has also soared above the rate of inflation and it is difficult to reach a wide diversity of consumers effectively with a single advertising message that has to be presented on a constantly increasing plethora of mediums that includes print, television, radio and website etc which attract different segments of the total market population (Teunter, 2002, Pp. 6). A number of theoretical models that attempt to explain customer behaviour in regard to promotions have been presented and these include the economic model, the stimulus response model, the stimulus organism response model and trait theory (Teunter, 2002, Chapter 2). The economic model applied to promotions attempts to explain customer response in terms of a relaxation of their budgets due to reduced prices which makes it possible for them to purchase more of a retail item which may have been appealing, but somewhat out of reach. The stimulus response model applied to sales promotions attempts to explain the impact of promotions on customers in terms of a management of the behavioural learning of customers that attempts to present appropriate cues about purchase behaviour and attitudes towards retail items that are being promoted and which are likely to be copied by consumers. Vicarious learning which takes place by customers as a result of a promotion is expected to encourage new product adoption. Classical conditioning is expected to motivate consumers to act and purchase a retail item that is being promoted, operant conditioning is expected to reinforce the message that a customer needs an item and this also encourages emotional attachment for an item, while the stimulus response organism model attempts to create and translate a customers perceptions of the environment, (attribution, price perception, perceived risk and prospect theory), into actual consumer choice for a retail item. However, it has to be appreciated that efforts to condition consumers in favor of a product costs money and a retailer has to be able to justify the funds that are spent in terms of increased sales, customer loyalty and customer appreciation. Also, promotions are undertaken because if a retailer ceases to indulge in promotions, then some other retailer will do better by offering promotions to customers and this way they are likely to gain an edge on those retailers that are not offering promotions. After all, customers want value for their money and will spend where they are likely to get the most in terms of products, convenience, quality and excitement. Thus, retailers have to somehow determine what they can possibly offer to customers based on their earnings in a manner that is likely to please customers most and hope that their efforts will increase sales and improve customer loyalty. . 7: Practical and ethical issues I think confidentiality of customer data and company specific information will be a big challenge. Gathering accurate data from consumers will be a question mark as well. I will make sure that each and every information I analyse is up-to-date and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Also, I will cross check and confirm each set of data before drawing conclusions based on that. Managing and questionnaire filling with managers will be a big task but I am confident and dedicated to my goal. 8: Plan or timetable I will study and do all the literature review and research first of all followed by survey using questionnaire and managers interviews in the end. I intend to complete each of these major tasks on the following planned dates: TASK TIME Literature Review and Essential reading†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 weeks Online Survey and questionnaire†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 2 weeks Compiling and Analysis of data†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 weeks. Conclusion and finalizing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.2 weeks.