Is Brent dealing adequately with its environmental problems Essay Example

Is Brent dealing adequately with its environmental problems Essay In this coursework I am going to find out how Brent is dealing with its environmental problems. Brent is a borough in London it is also a council which deals with problems towards the community, I am going to research about 1 environmental problem and I will find out if Brent is dealing adequately with the environmental problem.Brent is located in north-west of London it borders It borders Harrow to the northwest, Barnet to the northeast, Camden to the east and Ealing, Hammersmith Fulham, Kensington Chelsea and Westminster to the south.. Brent has many tourist attractions including the newly built Wembley stadium and the Neasden Hindu temple which is the biggest temple outside of India The London Borough of Brent is a London Borough in North West London and forms part of outer London..In 1964 local government were re-organised, Wembley and Willesden boroughs were joined together by the local government act of 1963, which also created the greater London council. Brent was formed in 1965 from the area of the former municipal borough of Wembley and municipal borough if Willesden of Middlesex. Its name derives from the river Brent which runs throughout the borough. In 1965 Brent started to deal with its environmental problems; housing, education , social services, refuse collection, road maintenance parks all became part of 66 counsellors. There are contrasts in Brent between inner city urban areas and the wealthier suburban areas.Areas in the south of Brent like Harlesden, south Kilburn and Stonebridge experience high levels of deprivation including high unemployment rates. Parts of the north have tree lined streets and pleasant clean space Wembley is located at the centre of Brent. Industrial development has taken place in specific zones of the borough for example Park Royal and Wembley Park. These make use of an excellent transport network commercial development since the 1960s led to new style of retail outlet, replacing the traditional high street. Brent Cro ss at the junction M1 and the North Circular was one of the first in the country Brent is a good business location and contributes to Londons economic well being.This map shows the Brent boroughThe diversity of population can be seen in the variety of cultures and religious found in Brent. This is also clearly seen in the number of different places of worship scattered across Brent the numerous ethnic groups provide the base for a number of different religious communities living in Brent. Christians form the major community and the second is Hindu community followed by Muslims, Jewish and Sikh communities. Many people throughout the borough of Brent are becoming increasingly aware of the need to look after the environment and to improve the standard of service related to the environment .For centuries the followers of the major religions in Brent- Christians, Jews. Hindus and Muslims have thought that is their religious duty to take care of nature world.According to Jewish and Chris tian teachings, life is humanitys most treasured possession, and to destroy it is a crime against god. Hindu beliefs and worship include respect and concern for mountains and rivers as well as animals, birds, plants and trees. By considering all these, Hindu worship and beliefs create environmental awareness. Muslims believe they have a moral duty towards god to look after the worlds and the environment where ever they live. Human beings are not the sole occupants of the world; they do not own it. It is undoubtedly true that humans need the many resources the earthy provides, e.g. food, water, energy, minerals etc., but these things will only last if they are used sensibly. If this is not done, the human race will not last, this is why it is everybodys moral duty to look after their environment.Brent has many environmental problems including waste/litter, noise pollution, air pollution and traffic, the main causes are mostly found in housing, transportation and industry. Air polluti on in transportation are mostly found in places like Wembley and Willesden this is because Wembley has the Wembley stadium which is a tourist attraction and that means there are more cars and coaches emitting co2 gases which pollute the air. Noise pollution is also found in transportation in places like Wembley, Willesden and the M1 this is caused by loud music and noise given off by cars. Traffic is another problem in transportation this is found in places like Wembley, Willesden and park royal places like these are heavily congested because of congestion and road works.Industry has many problems like waste/litter which is mostly found in places like park royal this is caused because of waste material or resources that may be wasted while the production of an item. It also may cause pollution from gases given of while making a product. Air pollution is also caused in industry because of the harmful gases that are let out during the processes of making a item. Industry may also caus e noise pollution because of the manufacturing taking place while making a product. Industry also causes traffic, this is because they need to deliver their goods to people which are carried in vans and cause more traffic.Housing may also cause some environmental problems these problems mostly occur in places like church road. Housing causes problems like traffic because the building of the houses may cause diversions which may cause slow traffic. Air pollution may also be caused by the knocking down of houses and the rebuilding of new ones. Waste may also be produced from the materials left from making the houses.Traffic congestion, poor air quality and road casualties resulting from increasing use of the motor vehicle are serious problems in London. Traffic congestion is estimated by the CBI to cost London businesses 3.8 billion p.a and mounting evidence strongly links the growing incidence of asthma and repertory illness with motor vehicle emissions as traffic volumes increase of 30% of the total greenhouse gases emissions, leading to global warming and climate change.To combat the social, economic and environmental impacts of traffic growth the government has introduced the road traffic reduction act and the national air quality strategy. Organisations and businesses must share their responsibility in tackling the negative aspects of traffic growth by adopting travel plans which can help them to find ways to travel less, use alternatives modes of transport and encourage sensible car use.A travel plan is a package of measures that allow organisations to understand and manage their travel needs in an environmentally sustainable manner. Travel plans are not designed to deny the freedom of car use. They aim to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly modes of transport for commuting and business journeys by encouraging a range of alternatives to single occupancy car journeys.Under the town and country planning act 1990, every London borough was requi red to prepare a unitary development plan. This plan was to be the development plan for the whole local area. The plan was required to address strategic London wide issues and to contain detailed local policies. The term sustainable development is used within the UDP. This provides us with a direct link between the UDP and local agenda 21.Brents UDP was adopted on February 15th 1996. It was legal document and its policies and proposals are intended to last for 10 years. Brent council is responsible for ensuring the plan is updated. The UDP for Brent has been produced within the context of national and regional planning policies as well for London.The council will discourage traffic from using routes other then the main road network.The council will develop a cycle route network which will contribute to a strategic cycle route network for London as a whole.In order to provide safe and convenient routes to cyclists, the council has identified a network of projected cycle routes within the borough. The council will ensure the implementation of such a network during the lifetime of the plan. Where cycle routes cross main roads safe crossing facilities will be provided.In response to growing concerns about the environment, the United Nations conference on environment and development in Rio De Janeiro was held in 1992. This landmark meeting, nicknames the earth summit resulted in over 150 nations agreeing to an international plan of action to protect the environment and maintain a level of sustainable development into the 21st century.Sustainable development is about our ability to meet our present needs whilst making sure future generations will also be able to meet theirs. This is the key understanding the overall aims of Agenda 21.One of the countries agreeing to implement this plan was Britain. Local councils were among those identified as key players in tackling global problems and it was decided that each local council should help by implementing their own LA2 1.This policy must be implemented by Brent council, working in partnership with the local community.All groups and individuals within the borough will have a potentially important role to play. Action to improve the environment is likely to be most effective where it is taken on an informed basis, that is, where it is based on a knowledge and understanding of the local governmentQuestionnaire1. Are you a Male or Female? Male Female2. In what age criteria are you in? Under 18 19-3031-40 40+3. Do you own a car? Yes No4. How do you make your way to work/school? Bicycle Walk OtherCar BusOtherIf other please state here.5. Do you often share a car or drive alone? Share Alone6. Do you see improvements in Brent on traffic? Yes No7. If yes in what ways do you think Brent has improved on in traffic?..If no what do you think Brent can do to improve traffic problems?8. What areas of Brent do you think has the worst traffic problems?Neasden Wembley Harlesden OtherIf other please state 9. Do you own a bicycle? Yes No10. Do you think Brent has done enough to encourage environmentally friendly transport like biking? Yes NoI have chosen traffic because I think Brent is dealing dealing most adequately with its traffic problems. The 2 policies I will be researching are to reduce the use of private cars and increase thus use of public transport, walking and cycling, and to increase car sharing. I will use 2 methods of research these are a questionnaire and a survey.The reason I used a questionnaire is to find out different peoples views of traffic problems.The questions I asked where;1. Are you male or female?The reason I asked this question is to find out equal views from both genders.2. What age criteria are you in?I asked this question because I needed to find out different views from different people with different ages.4. How do you make your way to school/work?I asked this question to see if people are using environmentally friendly ways to get to school/work.6. Do you ofte n share a car or drive alone?This question was asked to see if people share cars while travelling instead of travelling alone.7. Do you see any improvements in traffic?The reason I asked this question is too see if people saw any improvements in traffic in Brent.8. If yes in what ways do you think Brent has improved on in traffic?This question was asked because I wanted to see what aspects of improvement people had seen in Brent.9. Do you own a bike?I asked this question to see if people use other ways to travel to places.10.Do you think Brent has done enough to encourage environmentally friendly transport like biking?This question was asked to see if people think brent has done enough to encourage people to use environmentally friendly ways to travel.SurveyIn my survey I am trying to find out to things: to see if there is a reduction in private cars, to see if people are using environmentally ways to travel and to see if people are car sharingMy survey was 15 minutes long from 4:15 pm to 4:30pm on the 1st of October 2007 and was taken place onWembley High road, here are my total results:Questionnaire resultsQuestion 1maleFemale55Question 2Under 1819-3031-4040+4222Question 3yesNo55Question 4bicycleCarwalkbus1423Question 5shareAlone73Question 6yesNo73Question 8NeasdenWembleyHarlesden483Question 9yesNo73Question 10Yesno19To conclude, in my coursework I am trying to find out if Brent is dealing adequately with its environmental problems, I have explained the historical context of Brents background;(Brent is located in north-west of London it borders It borders Harrow to the northwest, Barnet to the northeast, Camden to the east and Ealing, Hammersmith Fulham, Kensington Chelsea and Westminster to the south.. Brent has many tourist attractions including the newly built Wembley stadium and the Neasden Hindu temple which is the biggest temple outside of India The London Borough of Brent is a London Borough in North West London and forms part of outer London).What m ain environmental problems Brent has (waste/recycling, traffic, air, noise and visual pollution).And I have done some primary data which was a questionnaire given to 10 people during the rush hour 4-4:30.I also did a survey researching my 2 policies on Wembley high road. The policies I am researching are encourage car sharing and to reduce the use of private cars and increase the use of public transport, walking and cycling.From my primary research I was able to pick out some strengths and weaknesses,The strengths I found in Brents traffic problems are that:* Most people in Brent car share often which helps me to answer that Brents policy (to encourage car sharing) is true* Environmentally ways of travelling are slowly increasing this shows us that the policy to increase the amount of public transport, biking and walking is only slightly efficetive* Use of public transport has increased.The weaknesses I found in Brents traffic problems are that:* Majority of people dont see any imp rovements in traffic problems* People think that Wembley has the worst traffic problems* Most people I asked in my questionnaire think Brent has not done enough to encourage environmentally friendly transport like biking.I was limited to choose one environmental problem which was traffic I chose this because I think that Brent is dealing most adequately with this problem.In this piece of coursework I have learnt that a lot of people think that there are no improvements in Brents traffic but really my research showed that a lot of people are using public transport, more people are walking and taking bikes to school/work and more people are car sharing.In my coursework, I enjoyed giving out the questionnaire because I had a variety of responses of which I did not expect.My survey was only done in one place (Wembley high road) if I had done my survey in a different place my results may have been different but the time I did it between insured me I got accurate results for the place I d id my survey.I also found out its not only Brents responsibility it is also peoples moral responsibility to take care of Brent. As well as people having a moral responsibility they also have a religious responsibility to take care of the environment around them, therefore there should be no environmental problems but some people refuse to have a moral or religious duty that is why there are still environmental problems taking place.

30 Famous Bilingual French Quotes

30 Famous Bilingual French Quotes French quotes are a fun and interesting way to learn some French vocabulary. The quotes below are short, famous, and easy to memorize. The quotations are grouped in sections according to their content so that you can find just the right saying to impress your family, friends, and colleagues- French or American- with your command of this Romance language. Each Fench quote is followed by its English translation as well as the person who made the statement. Right and Wrong Truth, like beauty, may be in the eye of the beholder, but in French, there are many ways to say that you think- actually know- that you are right and others are wrong. Prouver que jai raison serait accorder que je puis avoir tort.Proving that I am right would be admitting that I could be wrong.- Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais Il ny a pas de verità ©s moyennes.​There are no half-truths.- Georges Bernanos On nest point toujours une bà ªte pour lavoir à ©tà © quelquefois.Being a fool sometimes does not make one a fool all the time.- Denis Diderot Thought and Existence Widely regarded as the father of modern philosophy, Renà © Descartes uttered four famous words- I think, therefore I am.- which are even briefer in Latin, the language he used to create the dictum: Cogito, ergo sum. Descartes motivated humans to begin thinking about the meaning of thought and existence, but other French notables also had interesting things to say on the subject. Je pense, donc, je suis.I think, therefore, I am.-  Renà © Descartes Imaginer cest choisir.To imagine is to choose.- Jean Giono Le monde a commencà © sans lhomme et il sachà ¨vera sans lui.The world began without man and it will end without him.- Claude Là ©vi-Strauss La Raison cest la folie du plus fort. La raison du moins fort cest de la folie.​Reason is the madness of the strongest. The reason of those less strong is madness.- Eugà ¨ne Ionesco Dans une grande à ¢me tout est grand.In a great mind everything is great.- Blaise Pascal Books and Art As one of the countries that helped usher in the  Renaissance  centuries ago, France has also produced many thinkers who have commented on great books and great art. Le livre est lopium de lOccident.Books are the opium of the West.- Anatole France LÅ“uvre dart, cest une idà ©e quon exagà ¨re.A work of art is an idea that someone exaggerates.- Andrà © Gide Les livres sont des amis froids et sà »rs.Books are cold and certain friends.-​  Victor Hugo Le monde est un livre dont chaque pas nous ouvre une page.The world is a book- with each step we open a page.  - Alphonse de Lamartine Un peuple malheureux fait les grands artistes.An unhappy nation makes great artists.- Alfred de Musset Les chefs-dÅ“uvre ne sont jamais que des tentatives heureuses.Masterpieces are never anything else but happy attempts.- George Sand Écrire, cest une faà §on de parler sans à ªtre interrompu.​Writing is a way to talk without being interrupted.- Jules Renard Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Liberty, equality, fraternity is the national French motto. The words marked the  end of absolute monarchy  and  the birth of the sovereign nation  in 1792, after the French Revolution. Not surprisingly, many French thinkers have had plenty to say on the subject. Les Franà §ais sont des veaux.French people are calves.- Charles de Gaulle On nous apprend vivre quand la vie est passà ©e.They teach us to live when life is past.- Michel de Montaigne La libertà © est pour la Science ce que lair est pour lanimal.Liberty is to science what air is to animals.- Henri Poincarà © Tous pour un, un pour tous.All for one, one for all.  -  Alexandre Dumas Un homme seul est toujours en mauvaise compagnie.A lone man is always in poor company.- Paul Valà ©ry Miscellaneous Thoughts Many French sayings dont fit neatly into any single category, but they are thought-provoking, nevertheless. Je me sers danimaux pour instruire les hommes.I use animals to teach men.-  Jean de La Fontaine La science na pas de patrie.Science has no homeland.- Louis Pasteur Tout commence en mystique et finit en politique.Everything begins mystically and ends politically.- Charles Pà ©guy Plus loffenseur mest cher, plus je ressens linjure.The more dearly I hold the offender, the more strongly I feel the insult.- Jean Racine Être adulte, cest à ªtre seul.To be an adult is to be alone.- Jean Rostand On ne voit bien quavec le coeur.We see well only with the heart.- Antoine de Saint-Exupà ©ry Lenfer, cest les autres.Hell is other people.- Jean-Paul Sartre vaillant coeur rien dimpossible.For a valiant heart nothing is impossible.- Jacques Coeur Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que  tu es.Tell me what you eat and Ill tell you what you are.- Anthelme Brillat-Savarin Va, je ne te hais point.Go, I dont hate you.- Pierre Corneille​

Freedom in Human Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 8

Freedom in Human Life - Essay Example Human life is characterized by the pursuit of freedom. Children want to have freedom from school so that they can play all day. Teenagers want to be free from their parents. Adults want financial freedom so that they can be free from want so that they can pursue their passions.  In order to have freedom, people must respect others rights to have freedom. As people pursue freedom, it is necessary to take the rights of other people into consideration. In addition, changes in our lives have significant effects on our ability to enjoy our freedom. For example, adults find themselves with new restrictions that they did not have in their youth. They have to work to pay their bills and have to consider their children making decisions.  Different cultures have their own unique approaches to freedom. The West believes that the individual should have the freedom to think, express their thoughts and do what they want as long as it does not undermine the rights of others. Most Muslim countri es place significant limitations on the freedoms of their citizens. Furthermore, the culture of a society affects the ability to exercise freedom. For example, although people are free to love whoever they want in most cultures the relationship between members of the same gender is frowned upon. As a result, some societies are more preferable than others. The beauty of the American Dream is borne out of the belief that people are free to pursue their desires.  Marketers have redefined the concept of freedom. They have made people believe that freedom means the power to buy things or to have a certain lifestyle. This has led to the rise of consumerism, a culture that values the acquisition of things. This culture has led to the loss of freedom because people are held captive by what the advertisers and corporations want the society to value. People presently focus on the pursuit of financial freedom. This is the ability to do what someone wants without having to worry about money. However, this state is difficult to attain and most people do not ach ieve the state.

Discussion questions - International marketing Essay

Discussion questions - International marketing - Essay Example Factor analysis can be suitably used in a situation when the data to be analyzed is quiet large (Lehmann, Gupta & Steckel, 1997). Cluster analysis fits for analyzing inherently grouped data (Lehmann, Gupta & Steckel, 1997) and helpful in dealing raw data into clusters. This type of analysis helps determine similarities and variations between local and regional markets. Another type of analysis is Multidimensional scaling. It uses statistical technique in for graphic or 3D visualizing information and data. It also allows sifting of similar and dissimilar patterns in a data (Grover & Vriens, 2006). This technique is utilized when a marketer is required to select between varied alternatives. Conjoint analysis on the other hand, helps the international market researchers understand how consumers’ value varied attributes or features associated with a product or a service (Grover & Vriens, 2006). This helps marketers come out with combined optimized information technology (IT) attri butes preferred or acceptable by customers (Lehmann, Gupta & Steckel, 1997). Comparative Analysis help marketer solve problems associated with two markets, products, services or processes that are almost same or comparable to a great extent (Lehmann, Gupta & Steckel, 1997). ... e methods (regression, correlation, cross tabulations), and multivariate methods (including multiple regression, cluster analysis, multiple factor indices and multidimensional scaling) (Moyer, 1968). Other marketers also use analytical techniques of industrial growth pattern; income elasticity measurements; regional lead-lag analysis; and analogy (Moyer, 1968). Industrial growth patterns help gather information relating to market demands using statistical computation which can be sourced from in-country sources. Income elasticity measurement, on the other hand, describes the relations between demand for goods and changes in income (Moyer, 1968). To cite an example, the demand for basic agricultural products decline if income rises. Regional lead-lag analysis on the other hand predicts the pattern of demand in a considered country is similar to leading country. For instance, if Philippines will have new method of drying abaca; it is likely the other abacca producing neighboring countr ies will follow this system(Moyer, 1968). Analogy, a process of analyzing information, could also be used in estimating market demand. This can be done either by cross sectional comparison or by time series analysis(Moyer, 1968). Cross sectional analysis assumes that a factor which correlates with demand in country A could be translated to country B. Time analysis use time dimension to estimate the international life cycle (Moyer, 1968).. While analysis is relevant, it has also its inherent limitations. 2- What is meant by the phrase global strategic partnership? In what ways does this form of market entry strategy differ from more traditional forms such as joint ventures?   Global Strategic Partnership (GSP) refers to broad-based cooperation and linkages between varied companies aimed at

Group Work Reflection Example

Group Work Reflection Example In today’s work culture and dynamic environment educational institutions and organizations require students and employees to work together in groups at certain tolerant and coordinative levels, thus proving â€Å"experience of working in group or teams† (Blease, 2006 cited Kelly, and P.2007). The students are asked to work in groups as it allows students to learn interactively. Moreover the researchers report that, regardless of the subject matter; students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats (Barbara Gross Davis, Tools for teaching). There are number of possible reasons why students are asked to work in small groups. Some of them are as follows: Generating a broad array of possible alternative points of view or solution to a problem Giving students a chance to work on a project that is too large or complex for an individual Allowing students with different background to bring their special knowledge, experience , or skills to a project , and to explain their orientation to others Giving students a chance to teach others Giving students a structured experience so they can practice kills applicable to professional situations There are numbers of benefits for students working in groups for short period of time or large projects such as: Students who have difficulty talking in class may speak in a small group. More students, overall, have a chance to participate in class. Talking in groups can help overcome the anonymity and passivity of a large class or a class meeting in a properly designed room. Students who expect to participate actively prepare for class. Students get prepared for their professional future. Our group was formed to complete an assignment on a case study â€Å"Merged School Business†. The assignment was to critically analyse the case study and to find out the problems in the merger and then provide recommendations on strategies and practices to management. The purpose of this report is to reflect my experience on our group assignment. In this report I will discuss my experience in relation to formation of our group, organization of work and how did we manage our group work. Group Formation This is the initial stage. This is the time when the group members and the tasks of the group will be decided. Students can form their own groups or either they can be assigned. Our case falls in first category teacher gave us some time to form our group so we selected our group members and formed a group of five. We were familiar to each other faces as we all were class mates; but at that time everyone introduce himself/herself to others. We decided to select a leader to make communication smooth and clear, than we took contact numbers from each other. We also discuss a bit about our group assignment that what needs to be done. Everyone shared their ideas on the project. Organization of Work The first challenge faced after group formation was how to organise the work to complete the task on time. At first stage we divided the task in to smaller pieces and assign these parts to each team member. Developing a time line is the best way to complete the task on time, so we decided for each task when it should be completed. Now all team members know who will do what, in what format and by when. We made our Gantt chart like this: *Denotes task for meeting Understanding and Managing Group Processes In order to perform effectively in a group it is important to understand and manage group processes properly. Some suggestions in this regard are as under: Group work best if everyone has a chance to make strong contributions to the group project and to the discussion at meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, decide what you except to have accomplished by the end of meeting. Select someone from group to write ideas to record all meetings and group’s decisions. Allocate responsibility for group process; in order to do that a group leader can be selected. Save some time towards the end of the first meeting and periodically as the group continues; to check in with each other on how the process is working. By following the mentioned group process we proceeded with our group assignment as follows: Including Everyone and Their Ideas: We gave a chance to everyone to contribute their ideas about assignment. Our goal was to produce as many ideas as possible. We listened all the ideas carefully and then we mentioned all the ideas sheet so we don’t forget them or they don’t get lost. By using this approach we improved our group work a lot and did some creative modifications as well. Group Leadership Group leadership helps to work group more effectively, so we chosen a group leader. The group leadership helped us in number of ways such as: Group leader was responsible to monitor that the work is organized to get it done. He was also responsible for understanding and managing group interactions to keep the positive atmosphere. The leader also encouraged every one’s contributions with an eye to accomplish the work. In order to do this, he observed our group work process to check is the group moving quickly, leaving some people behind? Is it time to shift focus to another aspects of the task? He also encouraged group interactions and maintained a positive atmosphere. He also anticipated what information, material or other resources the group needs as it works. He was also responsible for beginning and ending on time. So he planed work accordingly. Focusing on Direction After we gathered a large numbers of ideas we categorize and examine them. Then we choose some ideas among all of them. Then we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. We also ask group members to vote for ideas that helped us to eliminate some of them. Moreover based on this voting we rank the ideas in priority order and then finalized them. Making a Decision After everyone’s views are heard and all the points of agreement and disagreement are identified, the group tried to arrive at an agreement that makes sense to everyone. Decisions are an important for group. So we were quiet careful in deciding. Our group made all the decisions based on all members’s input. Problems Here are some problems which we encountered during our group project: Floundering: While we were figuring out the work and were trying to decide everyone’s role in the group, the group work got a bit delayed and some work got postponed. Dominating or Reluctant Participants: Some of the group members were taking more share of the discussion by talking too often by telling lengthy stories and by not letting others finish. While others were speaking rarely as they were having difficulty to get in the conversation. Digressions and Tangents: As some group members were telling many interesting side stories it was acting as an obstacle in group progress and we were lagging behind out timeline. Getting Stuck: After giving the case background and highlighting some issues we got stuck at solutions or possible strategic solutions. This problem was moving our group progress down than expected. Recommendations/Solutions In order to improve the group project and get better results we can give some recommendations to mentioned problems such as: To avoid delays in work at initial level some sentences can really help such as: Here’s my understanding of what we are trying to accomplish. Do you all agree? What would help us move forward: data? Resource? Let’s take a few minutes to hear everyone’s suggestions about how this process might work better and what we should do next. In order to discourage dominating people humour can be used. For the people who do not speak non verbal actions such as looking at them can be used to include them in discussion. Moreover asking quiet participant about their thoughts outside the group may lead their participation within group. In order to stick with main theme of discussion, try to summarize where discussion was before digression. When a group feels that it is not making a progress they should look on the things which are preventing them from progression. Conclusion At the end of the project, what matters the most is what we have learned from our group work experiences. During the tenure of working together, situations cropped up and tested us on the scales of making the decisions and handling the pressures and exceptions. As per Belbin (1993), Team performance is influenced by the kinds of people making up a group, and testing indicates that certain combinations of personality-types perform more successfully than others but the key to its implementation is how the team analyzes its performance and then adapts the situation so as the result can be achieved. Team work was definitely one of the most important aspects of our project. We would have been unable to accomplish anything if we had not worked together. Even though the design process was broken up into individual pieces, we often consulted with one another when we ran into difficulties with our work. Team work was definitely one of the most important aspects of this project. We would have been unable to accomplish anything if we had not worked together. Even though the design process was broken up into individual pieces, we often consulted with one another when we ran into difficulties with our work. As a result we managed to achieve a strong out come thus enhancing our knowledge, competencies and empowering group as a whole. References Ellen Sarkisian, Derek Bok Center., 2007. â€Å"Working in Groups† Derek Bok Center for teaching and Learning,Harvard University J. Sketchley, A. Mejia, I. Aitken et al., Work Improvement in Health Services. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1986 Moon J.(2004), A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning, London, Routledge Falmer Experience of working in groups or teams, Human Resource management,UkEssay.com

Ramrod Case Questions and Answers Essay

1.What kinds of products and technologies does Benson Metals use? How have these been changing recently? Benson Metals, a medium-sized maker of specialty steel products, has traditionally used a craftsliketechnology to produce a variety of metals. In terms of Perrow’s model of technology, task variety andtask analyzability are low, as there is still guesswork, skill, and even some â€Å"black magic† inmanufacturing products. Benson also produces metals in very small quantities—pounds not tons—so thatin terms of Woodward’s model it is small batch, and the skills and knowledge of production people aremore important than machines in getting the job done—task complexity is low. Recently, the company has moved into making sophisticated and technically difficult steels for theaerospace industry. Not only are they difficult to produce, these steels require more research skills,metallurgical analysis, and delicate handling in all stages of production. They are produced to verystringent specifications. In terms of Perrow’s model, task variety has increased and task analyzability hasfallen—production is more nonroutine and research oriented and depends more on the skills, experience,knowledge, and judgment of production personnel. Companies cannot imitate these skills, so they form acompetitive advantage. The environment surrounding the company has changed to more uncertainty because a new range of products is manufactured. Both technology and environment have changed,affecting the contingencies facing the company, and increasing potential risks and returns. 2.What problems is Benson Metals encountering as it changes products and technologies? An increased level of conflict between sales and production poses a problem. Production is responding tothe new pressures facing the organization, yet it is continually fighting with sales. Sales wants a rapidresponse to unexpected customer requests or tries to discover production’s plans or when the finished product will be ready.Morale is falling as the effects of these conflicts spread. Managers in different functions are taking sides,usually siding with sales against Ramrod and production. Communication and decision-making haveslowed as a result of uncooperative attitudes. Integration between functions is falling. This is dangerousfor nonroutine  technology that requires a high level of differentiation and integration to be effective. 3.What is causing these problems in Benson Metals? The sources of the conflict can be isolated. Keep the discussion focused on the people, principallyRamrod, and examine what he is doing wrong; this approach makes the later analysis of power moredramatic.The attitudes and behavior of Ramrod Stockwell cause the problem. Although he is competent, he causesconflict within his own function and other functions. In his own function he fails to delegate authorityand keeps the reins of power in his own hands. He has a centralized management style and does not shareinformation, which makes it impossible for subordinates to provide salespeople with the information theyneed. He does not follow the chain of command; he goes to people only when he needs them. Violatinglines of authority reduces the authority of his managers and also leaves them uninformed.His attitudes affect relationships with other functions, especially sales, because he also does not allowsubordinates to share any but routine information. Because of the centralization of autho rity in production, subordinates do not possess information. Only Rob Bronson, the vice president of sales, canget information from Ramrod, and he is too busy to do so (and too proud since he would have to admit 232 dependency on Ramrod). Stockwell says something can be done but fails to provide an accurate timeframe, making planning difficult for sales and other departments—making them dependent on Ramrod.Ramrod is a â€Å"rough diamond† and has little social contact with other top managers at Benson Metals,which further isolates him. Managers have suggested sensitivity training to help him better communicateand delegate.The conclusion is that Ramrod is the problem—his attitudes and values. What is the solution? FireRamrod? After the pros and cons have been considered (the firm would lose his valuable skills andexpertise), the instructor can turn the discussion to the issue of the company power structure; studentsrarely raise this issue. 4.In the past, which function has had the most power in Benson Metals? How has the power relationship between production and sales been changing recently? Traditionally, sales has enjoyed most of the power: †¢Ã‚  President Tom Hollis worked with Fred Benson and was the sales director. †¢Ã‚  Most of the â€Å"assistant to† managers groomed for promotion come from sales. †¢Ã‚  Sales gets the credit for good work while production is blamed in the bad years. †¢Ã‚  Sales can slip orders into the production process, although, as in the Continental Can case,this causes significant problems that will increase as the sophistication of the metalsincreases. †¢Ã‚  Production managers play second fiddle to salespeople: They have inferior facilities andlimited access to resources and to top managers.The traditional power of sales reflects the fact that in the past, the main contingency facing Benson wasto sell its products in a competitive market against four or five other companies who compete for thesame customers. In this environment, developing customer relationships and servicing customers is veryimportant. Recently the environment has changed and production has become more important—only production can produce the kinds of steels customers want. In the new competitive environment: †¢Ã‚  Production controls the main contingencies. †¢Ã‚  Production has become central and nonsubstitutable. †¢Ã‚  Production reduces the uncertainty facing sales, not vice versa. Even though the power of production is increasing, Benson’s internal power structure does not reflectthis change. Rob Bronson, the sales manager realizes the change but deliberately avoids a change in thestatus of sales, and the result is conflict.The message is that maybe Ramrod is not the problem; it is Benson’s unchanged internal power structurein a changed environment. Ramrod’s attitudes and behaviors seem logical once it is understood that hewants to increase his function’s power and status in the organization: †¢Ã‚  He doesn’t delegate authority and share information to increase his power over sales. †¢Ã‚  Information is a power resource, and by hoarding information he can increase the uncertaintyof other departments and their dependence on him. †¢Ã‚  He agrees to all requests but gives no feedback. This increases his power and makes himnonsubstitutable.Ramrod, consciously or unconsciously, is withholding information to increase the dependence of otherson him and to change the balance of power in his favor. A strong CEO would understand this and might 233 publicly recognize the importance of production and correct the imbalance. The chairman and his son areweak and the president is from sales, so nothing is being done. The level of conflict is escalating as salesfights back. 5.Suggest some ways to try to solve the problems the company is experiencing. What would be a good strategy for change? There are several ways of increasing the power of production vis-à  -vis sales. †¢Ã‚  Like Continental Can, Benson should create a production control department to buffer salesand production and reduce or eliminate sales’ ability to slip new customer orders into the production process. All requests should flow through production control, which transmitsthem to production. This reduces sales’ traditional power over production and helps promotea power balance. †¢Ã‚  The support of top management is vital for a change in attitudes, and top management needsto recognize the increased status of production publicly. †¢Ã‚  To increase the status of production, top management can improve manufacturing facilitiesand give Ramrod a bigger office and staff, a more central location, and greater access to topmanagement. †¢Ã‚  Create a task force to examine how environmental changes affect working relationships andto increase perceptions of the importance and status of production. †¢Ã‚  Send Stockwell to a management training course to improve his skills at delegation.

Discuss the Claim Made by Some Sociologists That in Modern Societies Religion Is Losing Its Social Significance Essay

Secularisation is the process of the decline of religious beliefs. Secularization can be measured in two ways. Firstly, there is the institutional approach that deals with church attendance and the societal approach which deals with the decline of people’s beliefs. Of course which method one chooses depends on how you define religion. Some sociologists such as Comte, Durkheim and Weber as well as others all believe that religion is indeed losing its social significance in modern societies. They believe that with industrialization, people would turn to rationalization. However, there are others that don’t agree that religion is losing its significance. Firstly Comte believes that society would go through three (3) stages. The first stage is the metaphysical stage where everything is controlled by abstract forces, the second stage is known as the theological stage in which philosophy would explain society and the final stage, the positive stage is where science dominates the society. As such, he didn’t see the existence of religion at all in society. In addition, Durkheim believes that with industrialization and the introduction of science and technology, religion would lose its social significance. People would be more concerned with the material aspects of the world such as ‘partying’ and going to ‘fetes’. In addition, with the demands of a hectic life, people would not see the need to. On the other hand, Weber believed that with industrialization, people would turn to rationalization. That is, they would turn to science and as such religious beliefs and practices would decline. An example of this is where people opt to go to the doctor rather than have a ‘bush bath’. Shiner also believed that there would be a decline in religious thought and action in the society. Also people would start to question the scriptures and religious techniques. In addition, Wilson used statistics to prove that religion is indeed losing its social significance. Finally, Marx foresaw the decline of religion when the economic structure of the society had changed. On the other hand, there are sociologists that believe that religion will not lose its significance. Martin criticized Wilson’s view on religion by using statistics. He believed that this was not an appropriate way to measure secularization since it says nothing about people’s beliefs. In addition, Marti n believed that secularization is a myth and does not exist. Glasner also believed it is a myth and that it cannot be measured. Jose Casanova, although he believed in the concept of secularization does not fully believe that religion will lose its social significance in society but that people would turn to rationalization. Steve Bruce also noted that secularization is an illusion and it cannot be measured accurately. However, in today’s society religion does play a significant role in the lives of the people. Many persons try to go to church and take part in their religion. However, there are others who do not go to church. May people are caught up with their hectic life and do not have time to go to church. There has also been a decline in religious thought and action due to science. Despite this, a number of measures could be put in place to help people see how important religion is. Parents, community leaders as well as the religious leaders must play their part and set better examples. In addition, youths should be given more respo nsibilities in the church and as such they won’t feel alienated. Hence we must do whatever we could to ensure that religion continues to play a vital role in our society.