Friday, January 31, 2020

Evolution of Management Thinking Essay Example for Free

Evolution of Management Thinking Essay It was an era where so many alterations in the world Economy took place. In the closing decades of the 19th century there was a quest of seeking innovative ways to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The Scientific Management Theory initiated on the basis of that. In this period of time crafts production was substituted by large factories in which a lot of technical revolutions have been taking place. The owners and managers were not capable of coping to these challenges therefore they hunted for advanced techniques to overcome this situation. As a solution the concepts of Job Specialization and division of labour came about. In this scenario workers who specialized in their respective tasks became more skilled. The Scientific Management Theory Fredrick W. Taylor was the architecture of the concept Scientific Management, â€Å"The systematic study of relationships between people and tasks for the purpose of redesigning the work process to increase efficiency†. It was believed that the most effective and efficient division of labour could best be determined by the concept of Scientific Management. There were four core principles in this concept. * Investigation and experimentation on organization performance * Codification of new methods/standards * Selection of employees according to codified standards * Establishing a level of performance and a pay system with rewards In 1910 most of the organizations were using this concept but selectively. Even though there was an increase in performance some disputes about this concept lead to an increase in trade union involvement. There were some major issues in this concept. * Availability of fewer jobs * Job dissatisfaction * Distrust among employees and employers. Some organizations redesigned the principles according to their vision. For example introduction of moving conveyer belts in Henry Ford’s factory can be taken in to consideration. However these approaches were not able to solve the emerged issues. Nevertheless Taylor’s work had a lasting effect on management production systems. Frank Gilbreth and Lillian Gilbreth who were the successors of Taylor studied how the working environment influences the performance of the employees. They made a heavy contribution in time-and-motion study. They demonstrated that by following arrangements organizations can solve their issues effectively. * Breaking up each job action into its components. * Finding better ways to perform the action. * Reorganizing each job action to be more efficient Administrative Management Theory Researchers attempted to discover how to create an organizational structure that leads to high efficiency and effectiveness. Theory of Bureaucracy was developed by Max Weber as a succession of these researches. Bureaucracy is basically a formal system of organization and administration designed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. There were several principles in this theory. Weber identified several factors there should be in a bureaucracy system. Simultaneously Henry Fayol identified 14 principles that should be vital to increasing the efficiency of the management process according to his perspective. These studies of Fayol and Weber laid the foundation of modern management theory. Behavioural Management Theory This is the study of how managers should behave in order to motivate employees and encourage them to strive towards high levels of performance as an organization. In the previous theory there wasn’t a major concern about the employee viewpoint. Thus Mary Farker Follett explained why it is important to think about the human side of management. According to the studies of Follett managers should behave as coaches and facilitators –not as monitors and supervisors and the importance of direct inter communication between managers of different departments to make speedy decisions. She also promoted the concept of â€Å"cross functioning† which has been used in a great scale at present. Hawthorne effect is the discovery that a manager’s behaviour and leadership approach can affect the level of performance of employees. From this study emerged the concept of human relations movement. It is basically how the supervisors should be behaviourally trained to spice up worker’s motivation, cooperation and increase their productivity. Informal organization is one of the implications of Hawthorne effect. This is the system of behavioural rules and norms that come out in a group. The study of factors that have an impact on how individuals and groups react to in organizations has been identified as the organizational behaviour. Apart from these mentioned here the most significant approach was developed by Douglas McGregor. He supposed two different sets of assumptions which were named as Theory X and Theory Y. Management Science Theory This is a modern extension of Scientific Management Theory in this approach describes how precise quantitative techniques can be used in order to make the best use of organizational resources. Quantitative management emphasises on how arithmetic can be manipulated to achieve best practises in inventory and financial capital control. Operations management presents a set of techniques that can be utilized to improve production efficiency Total quality management focuses on the art of how the whole can be managed to achieve excellence. Management information systems provide the managers with adequate information about internal and external events of an organization to effective decision making. Organizational Environment Theory This is the set of conditions and forces that functions externally to the organization but affect a manger’s capability to acquire and utilize resources. This clearly stresses on how important it is to study the environment. The open systems theory and contingency theory developed in 1960 ascertains the importance of the importance of studying the environment. The Open –Systems View This is a system where external resources are acquired and converted into goods and services then sent back to customers for purchasing. And the cycle carries on. This system is considered as an open system. Organizations which use a closed system are likely to experience entropy, the tendency of a system to lose its ability to control itself and thus to dissolve and collapse. Contigency Theory It discloses that there is no best way to organize therefore characteristics of the environment affect an organization’s ability to obtain resources. Types of structures Above describes the differences between the structures. In conclusion managers in a Mechanistic structure can obtain inputs at a lower cost preferably in a stable environment and managers in an organic environment can react more quickly in a rapidly changing environment. These contributions constructed the foundation of modern management theories. References: New Era of Management Concepts and Applications 2nd Edition Richard L. Daft, Vanderbilt University Contemporary Management fifth edition Gareth R. Jones, Texas A M University Jennifer M. George, Rice University

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Caribbean Integration Essay -- essays research papers

CARIBBEAN POLITICS and SOCIETY Caribbean Integration Rationale for Integration. The Caribbean remains fragmented both economically and politically as a result of competition and conflict among the European powers. Fragmentation is in part the product of a long history as separate colonies of a metropolitan power or powers. It is also in part the psychological effects on people of separation by sea. The case for regional integration is both simple and irrefutable. First we are small and we need to achieve economies of scale. We need to achieve such economies in markets, production, the mobilisation of regional capital for regional use, university education, science and technology, sea and air transport to mention some areas. We therefore need to pool as far as is feasible our markets and our financial human and natural resources. We need a single unified and truly common market for goods and services, capital, and trained manpower. In addition we need to coordinate not only the development of our productive sectors but also our economic policies. And we need both a common external tariff and a common set of external trade, economic and other policies. Very basically put, we must come closer together because even the more economically advanced and biggest of us are mere specks of dusts in international terms. To admit that we are specks of dust does not however mean that we should sink ourselves in passive apathy in economic and international matters; rather we should get together to forma an object with more mass and more weight so that our presence could be more easily seen and more effectively used in the promotion of our own interests. We are small states by world and even Hemispheric standards, we are economically and politically weak individual units. We must avoid the temptation if at any given time our individual national economy is more prosperous than those of our other partner states, to be so arrogant as to forget that our economic situation may be suddenly reversed and that therefore we will soon need close links with our partner states in matters concerning both the intra-regional and extra-regional spheres. West Indian history abounds with instances of countries suffering sudden reversals of their economic fortunes. Advantages of Integration.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a stronger voice internationally (a)  Ã‚  &nbs... ...ess and Hurdles: A European View, Kingston: Kingston Publishers. West Indian Commission (1992) An Overview of the Report of the West Indian Commission: Time for Action, Barbados: West Indian Commission. Issues to Think about: What are your reasons for Caribbean Integration. Is the integration process within CARICOM marred by cynicism, lack of political will and self-aggrandisement of the political directorate? Comment with regard to the issues confronting the realisation of the CSME. What role can the OECS play in strengthening the Caribbean Community? Can the goal of integration be realised without the building of trust? What is the role of the ACS (Association of Caribbean States). Do you think the ACS will enhance or undermine CARICOM? Questions to Consider: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What God have divided no man can put together†. Discuss in relation to Caribbean integration. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Assess the approaches to integration in the region and consider what have been the main failures and benefits of the movement. What else needs to be done and why? 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Should Commonwealth Caribbean countries politically integrate?

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Joe, a Filipino Rockssical: Play Review Essay

We were assigned to watch a stage play entitled Joe, a Filipino Rockssical last July 22, 2012 at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. Actually, I have no interest in watching stage plays but after witnessing the presentation, my point of view changed. The play was about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, but who is Rizal? For me, Rizal in this modern period is an instrument for us to love our country more despite of the dilemmas or struggles experiencing by it. Even our country had some flaws or imperfections, even the views and beliefs of others to our country were unlovely, we should still be proud and fight for it like what Rizal who’s brave as a lion did. He was also an inspiration to all youths because of his distinct attributes and his perseverance when it comes to studies. The stage play, Joe, a Filipino Rockssical is a kind of presentation wherein it was accompanied by songs and dances which is for me, an effective strategy because it can avoid boredom among the viewers. It has three chapters and used Filipino language for us to understand the play. It also used a little English and Espaà ±ol. This play was not a drama at all, it was also blended with comedy that can crack someone up and will make your jaws fall from laughter. But the most important thing is that it has a moral lesson that the viewers will realize after watching. The stage play was started through a lively song and dance. Six students of Rizal Integrated School were assigned to research and perform a stage play about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, for the celebration of the 50th Foundation Day of the school. Joecas that symbolizes a man who values his craft more than anyone or anything else, is the writer and director, Joanne that symbolizes the character of having a principle and always with the truth, is the researcher, Hunter that symbolizes a character of having a principle and belief but can sacrifice it for the love of his life, is the composer of music, Bimbo that symbolizes a character that is persistent and diligent in reaching his dreams, is the choreographer, Ambo that symbolizes the character that is gleeful despite of his struggles especially when it comes to love, is the set designer, and Julia that symbolizes a character that has determination in reaching her dreams, is the fashion designer. They finished the play successfu lly although they have a little background or idea about the national hero. Ten years after, Joecas became a prominent writer. He was commissioned by the government to make and direct a stage play about the life of Rizal to be presented as a tribute for his 150th Anniversary of being a hero. Joecas together with his wife Joanne searched for his friends way back in high school to help him in the making of a stage play entitled Joe, the name that Josephine used to call Jose Rizal. Joanne became a successful researcher, Hunter became a rebel who climbed up in the mountains of Banawe, Bimbo became a DJ, Julia became a famous fashion designer, and Ambo owned a parlor. They have decided to stay at the condo of Joecas while finishing the play. During the researching and writing of the play, they learned many things about Rizal’s life. All the significant parts of the history about his live were presented. Some of these were about his love life including Josephine Bracken and Leonora, the writing of the novels that woke the consciousness of the Filipinos, the studying of Rizal abroad and here in Philippines, the exile of Rizal to Dapitan, the retraction of his ideologies to embrace again the Catholicism and to marry Josephine, and the shooting of him at Bagumbayan. The six main characters in the play also faced the different issues in their lives which are similar and compared to the life of Rizal. These consisted of the love of Joecas for Joanne and not sacrificing his love for art which is his true love, the love of Hunter for Joanne and the sacrifice of his ideologies, facing the true sexual preference of Ambo, consciousness of Bimbo about the problems of society, and Julia’s will of studying again. The conflict which is about the retraction was ended through a song and dance wherein the viewers were given the chance to decide whether Rizal signed the retraction or not. At the same time, they presented that even though Rizal signed it or not, what is important is that he had a stand about the ideologies and principles he’s fighting for and he kicked the bucket for the country. After all what happened, years passed, Joecas was given an award and honor for the stage play entitled Joe and he met his friends again during the event. The stage play was ended through a beautiful and magnificent music. In this play, many social illnesses are mentioned and shown and some of these are still occurring nowadays. In the dialogue stated by Ambo, â€Å"Palibhasa kabit ang nanay mo!†, is one of the social illnesses. It symbolizes a character of being a gossiper or spreading a speculation about a certain thing or person. It can cause a dispute or quarrel between the involved people. It can also cause disharmony or disunity. â€Å"I’m so fed up with the so called professionals, sobra na nga maningil wala pang work ethics. At sa sobrang dami ng raket, hindi marunong magcommit†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This was said by Joecas. It is one of the social illneses nowadays. Many people have too much confidence or belief in them, the belief that they are superb in terms of doing their work. Not only that, they are also asking for too much payment that is not appropriate, that’s why Philippines is not progressing. â€Å"Isipin na ang mabuting ina ay iba sa inang linalang ng prayle. Dapat palakihin ang anak na malapit baga sa larawan ng tunay na Diyos. Diyos na di nasusuhulan, Diyos na di masakim sa salapi, Diyos na ama ng lahat, na walang kinikilingan, Diyos na hindi tumataba sa dugo ng mahihirap, na hindi nagsasaya sa daing ng naruruhagi at nangbubulag ng matalinong isip.† These are the words mentioned at the back or the window of condo while Hunter and Joanne were fighting. The characteristics of God mentioned was contradictory to our government wherein it can be defined as another social illness. The scene where Ambo said that, â€Å"Hindi naman nasusukat sa sexual preference ang pagkatao at karakter. What is important is the heart and soul.† Judging a person is also one of the social illnesses acted in the play. The reason why most of the people do not believe in their talent is because they were primed by their anxiousness or shyness. The ability of a person is not measured by either physical appearance or sexual preference. In the scene where George Tauffer raped Josephine Bracken can be included as one of the social illnesses nowadays. Rape and other crimes are very rampant during these days. Sometimes, even their own fathers or stepfathers were the ones involved in this kind of situation. There are many barbarians in our country nowadays due to the lack of education or else because of drug addiction. The social illness like spreading information that is not proven or seen is very widespread nowadays. One example of this is occurring in the world of showbiz or show business. Many rumors are spreading in this industry that’s why it’s complicated. Those professionals that were taking too much charges or fees are also rampant nowadays that’s why the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. Similar to our government officials who live high on the hog, they were corrupting the taxes and other cash received from citizens for their personal use instead of giving it back in the form of basic services like education, health cares, and others. Criminals were also very rampant now and then but because police authorities like the friars before accept bribes, those culprits were not afraid to do crimes. These are some social illnesses mentioned in the play and at the same time I witnessed while watching. This stage play is not presented just to entertain but also to educate the audience. For me, having a stand in everything we do and say is the moral lesson that I have realized after watching. If we said and did something, continue it until the end as long as we know that we’re on the side of truth, although it can hurt those people that we loved the most. Another lesson derived from this play is the true love for the country. If our heroes can defend our country from opportunists and at the same time proud of it, we, the citizens of the Philippines, that have the capability to change the undesirable system of our government, can also do what they have done. It is the time for us to move and act especially the young generation that according to Dr. Jose Rizal is the hope of the nation.

Monday, January 6, 2020

What Is a Testable Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a scientific question. A testable hypothesis is a  hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of testing, data collection, or experience. Only testable hypotheses can be used to conceive and perform an experiment using the scientific method. Requirements for a Testable Hypothesis In order to be considered testable, two criteria must be met: It must be possible to prove that the hypothesis is true.It must be possible to prove that the hypothesis is false.It must be possible to reproduce the results of the hypothesis. Examples of a Testable Hypothesis All the following hypotheses are testable. Its important, however, to note that while its possible to say that the hypothesis is correct, much more research would be required to answer the question why is this hypothesis correct?   Students who attend class have higher grades than students who skip class.  This is testable because it is possible to compare the grades of students who do and do not skip class and then analyze the resulting data. Another person could conduct the same research and come up with the same results.People exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light have a higher incidence of cancer than the norm.  This is testable because it is possible to find a group of people who have been exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light and compare their cancer rates to the average.If you put people  in a dark room, then they will be unable to tell when an infrared light turns on.  This hypothesis is testable because it is possible to put a group of people into a dark room, turn on an infrared light, and ask the people in the room whether or not an infrared light has been turned on. Examples of a Hypothesis Not Written in a Testable Form It doesnt matter whether or not you skip class.  This hypothesis cant be tested because it doesnt make any actual claim regarding the outcome of skipping class. It doesnt matter doesnt have any specific meaning, so it cant be tested.Ultraviolet light could cause  cancer.  The word could makes a hypothesis extremely difficult to test because it is very vague. There could, for example, be UFOs watching us at every moment, even though its impossible to prove that they are there!Goldfish make better pets than guinea pigs.  This is not a hypothesis; its a matter of opinion. There is no agreed-upon definition of what a better pet is, so while it is possible to argue the point, there is no way to prove it. How to Propose a Testable Hypothesis Now that you know what a testable hypothesis is, here are tips for proposing one. Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement. If you take an action, then a certain outcome is expected.Identify the independent and dependent variable in the hypothesis. The independent variable is what you are controlling or changing. You measure the effect this has on the dependent variable.Write the hypothesis in such a way that you can prove or disprove it. For example, a person has skin cancer, you cant prove they got it from being out in the sun. However, you can demonstrate a relationship between exposure to ultraviolet light and increased risk of skin cancer.Make sure you are proposing a hypothesis you can test with reproducible results.  If your face breaks out, you cant prove the breakout was caused by the french fries you had for dinner last night. However, you can measure whether or not eating french fries is associated with breaking out. Its a matter of gathering enough data to be able to reproduce results and draw a conclusion.