No Child Left Behind Act

            The No Child Left Behind Act 2001 (NCLB) is the most significant and far-reaching policy in education. The hallmark aspect of this legislation encourages states to conduct student assessments linked to specific standards.  President Bush has had a superb reputation of signing this act into law. Since its establishment, Dee, Jacob, Hoxby & Ladd (2010) argue that, the act has expanded and improved education system in the United States. The legislation has set in place principles and requirements for every public school in the United States.  Although the policy is well intentioned, most critics believe that it is difficult to implement. In response to this, the application and principles of change management theories may explain this pessimistic response. Most findings suggest that the policy has had a significant effect on students’ performance in sciences and mathematics. Considering that the policy was enacted throughout America, students’ performances have improved. Cognitive scientists believe that school activities should match children’s intellectual or abilities. The main idea is that, children learn through stages, and each stage is characterized with new experiences and understanding of the world. With this knowledge in mind, the act established the need to create a new grant program known as Reading first to assist districts and states set up reading programs for young children in grades k-3. This research elaborates the paradigm shift and emerging politics in the (NCLB) from the perceptive of learning theories.

            The NCLB was first established in 1965 and signed into law in 2002. In brief, the act necessitates annual academic testing of public-school students. NCLB requires states to conduct an annual evaluation to all students and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. It also encourages states to introduce rewards and sanction based on academic performance. Teachers are required to abide to a specific curriculum plan that guides them on how and what to teach. The act encourages teachers to advance their career and have adequate skills that foster effective teaching practice. NCLB has increased resources to areas with high concentration of poor children. Given its scope, the policy has created a strong ground for schools and states to be more accountable and concern about students’ progress. As previously mentioned, the act has had a significant effect on elementary students’ performance in science and mathematics since students can relate with their prior knowledge.

The NCLB has had a significant impact in improving students’ performance. The policy encourages students to work hard and achieve well in their academics. Usually, students who fail to make an adequate progress are offered supplemental services to boost their learning. The policy requires schools to reward students who perform well in their academics and punish those who do not. Based on this argument, NCLB recognizes that a school must address the external environmental pressures that hinder effective learning.   Paul Chance, a great contributor in the area of cognitive psychology evaluated the effects of rewards in the learning process (Abernathy, 2008). The theorist believed that rewards are important in helping students learn effectively. External forces are important since they reinforce effective learning process to students. In this context, reinforcements may be in form of punishments and rewards (Berliner, 2006).

To Abernathy (2008), NCLB has played a crucial role in the education system in that it recognizes that rewards such as punishments can cause students to do what the school or government wants. Arguing from Paul Chance’s point of view, students should only be rewarded for their course of action. With this, NCLB has been on the right track since it recognizes that a school can only improve on its performance if it monitors students’ academic progress. Since its establishment, NCLB has created a learning environment that encourages rewards. Through this policy, teachers have evaluated whether their teaching is worth learning. As a result, this has allowed teachers to reinforce techniques that create a favorable environment for the learning process.

NCLB has enhanced a strong impact in the education practice. Given the encouraging effect of documenting the students’ progress, the NCLB has created a strong ground for teachers to reinforce behaviors that improve good performance. This positive impact may be described by Skinner B.F. (1904-1990) who was a prominent figure in the field of psychology. Typically, the theorist championed for understanding the cause of behaviors in the environment. In his research, Skinner believed that the education world places too much attention to the internal states of motives and mind, but fails to recognize the environmental factors that can be changed. He understood that human beings learn best in an approachable or responsive environment. Teachers or schools that reward or praise students for their good performance tend to create such an environment. Paul chance supported Skinner’s work about behavioral theory. Reinforcement occurs when the consequence of the behavior increases the probability or likelihood of the behavior to be repeated.  To Skinner, behaviors that are reinforced can be repeated, but those that are not are extinguished.  Also, the theorist believed that effective learning process can only occur when those in the authority rewards good behavior and punish bad ones (Cohn, 2010).

NCLB has positively influenced classroom practices. In particular, the policy has created a strong incentive where educators focus on increasing students’ performance. The policy requires all states to prepare annual reports cards highlighting all information about the student’s progress in learning. The policy offers supplemental education services for students who fail their exams. The act has also embraced retention and transfer aspect in the learning process.  According to Schema theory, students’ prior knowledge can enhance transfer of learning process (Hayes, 2008). Transfer of learning cannot be underestimated in improving performance or learning process. The notion of transfer of learning was enacted by Thorndike Edward and Woodworth Robert (Piasek, 2003). The two theorists provided their facts on how transfer learning could influence future learning. Their concept described the process through, which past experiences improves learning in the new situation. By definition, retention is the aspect of remembering information in future while transfer is the aspect of utilizing previous knowledge to answer current problems or questions. With this, retention creates a strong ground for student to recall what they have learned while transfer requires one to have adequate facts of the prior learning experiences. Evaluation is a crucial aspect that teachers should use to access the progress made in the learning process.  The Act has impacted the school organization culture. For instance, it has created a strong ground for teachers to utilize diagnostic assessment to determine students’ areas of weaknesses and strengths. The act has increased professional opportunities offered in schools.  It has also ensured that all teachers are certified and demonstrate expertise and proficient in their professionalism.

The act has garnered mixed perceptions from the educators, school administrators, and education experts. The NCLB has been criticized as difficult to implement. The application of Daweyian theory explains this negative effect. John Dawey (1859-1952) was an American Giant who obtained a great legacy in formulating a learning theory. The theorist evaluated what impacts children to learn more effectively. In brief, Dawey believed that a school should not follow a specific curriculum to teach students. In other words, the theorist criticized the rote learning and practices approaches. His theory advocated for the development of thinking but not attainment of knowledge. According to Daweyian theory, knowledge was a powerful tool, but lacking an end. The theory has gained a superb reputation in the field of education in that, it allow school, states, and government to allow students to learn because it is their personal needs. Dewey believed that instead of creating a curriculum plan to dictate how children learn, schools should create a favorable environment for effective learning. The theorist believed that, a school must understand the students’ internal processes. In simpler terms, schools or teachers must understand the impulses, habits, and urgent needs that each child or student possess, and work hard to free any behavior that hinders effective learning process. Dawey supported the idiosyncratic curriculum for each student. Arguing from this perceptive, NCLB may hinder effective learning considering teachers are suppose to follow a specific curriculum plan. Most critics have believed that school programs may hinder teachers from exercising their skills since they may be limited to implement different strategies in the learning process. The most compelling with regard to school curriculum is the allocation of time in every subject. As Dawey puts it, schools should create a favorable environment that facilitates effective learning (Galloway, 2007).  He also recognized the importance of rewarding teachers for their influence in the education process.

Conclusion

The NCLB has significantly improved the federal role of public schooling. As mentioned, the act has enhanced positive effects on students’ performance in mathematics and sciences through the use retention and transfer. Disadvantaged populations such as Hispanic students have benefited from the funding offered. Arguing from a cognitive learning point of view, NCLB has increased transformation of knowledge and information. The act has increased retention and transfer of knowledge especially in mathematics and science subjects.  Schema theory has also explained how NCLB has enhanced development in the learning process. The act has created a strong ground for teachers to impact students with knowledge and new experiences. Specifically, it has created a solid ground for teachers to evaluate students’ weaknesses and strengths.  The act has encouraged teachers to be more effective in their teaching and link new information with familiar information to learners. Although many people have supported the act for its importance in improving the education system, some experts have expressed their doubt for the act not achieving its goals. For instance, Dewey believed that instead of creating a curriculum plan to dictate how learning should take place, schools should work hard to promote a favorable environment for effective learning. This research is worth consideration as it portrays the emerging politics in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) from the perceptive of learning theories.

 

 

 

References

Abernathy, S. (2008). No Child Left Behind and the Public Schools. New York: University of Michigan Press.

Berliner, D. C. (2006). The Origins of Educational Psychology. The 100-Year Journey Of Educational psychology, 14 – 22.

Cohn, A.M. (2010). Positive Behavioral Supports: Information for Educators. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/factsheets/pbs_fs.aspx

Dee, T. S., Jacob, B. A., Hoxby, C. M., & Ladd, H. F. (2010). The impact of no child left behind on students, teachers, and Schools/Comments and discussion. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, , 149-207. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/859360413?accountid=45049

Galloway, D. L. (2007). A Change Management, Systems Thinking, Or Organizational Development Approach To The No Child Left Behind Act. Performance Improvement, 46(5), 10-16. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/237242240?accountid=45049

Hayes, W. (2008). No Child Left Behind: Past, present, and future. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Education.

Piasek, J. R. (2003). The development of a learning organization, nickelodeon: Educating children through commercial television.(Order No. 3106555, Walden University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 380-380 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305271513?accountid=45049. (305271513).

 

 

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Marketing, Product Safety, and Intellectual Property

PharmaCARE: Legal and Ethical Considerations

This paper will assess and analyse ethical as well as legal limits on marketing and advertising, touching on both the organization and its stakeholder. In addition, the paper will evaluate and explore the requisite regulations and laws concerning liability and safety of products emanating from the activities of PharmaCARE (Halbert & Ingulli, 2012). Further, there will be an extrapolation of the laws that pertain to intellectual property rights .These laws will be assessed to determine how they are used as tools for balancing the competing interests in the commercial world as evidenced in the case of PharmaCARE. As a result, the investigation undertaken in this study will be critical in understanding the ethical issues affecting advertising and marketing of products, product safety regulation, and intellectual property rights. Additionally, argument against Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) by drug companies will be raised, while comparing and explaining any possible suggestions and regulations for improving operations affecting compounding pharmacies using the case scenario of PharmaCARE/CompCARE as discussed in the previous assignment.

Ethical issues in PharmaCARE

Ethical marketing efforts and decisions should meet the expectations of the various players in the marketing effort (Halbert & Ingulli, 2012). Suppliers, business partners, and customers must be satisfied by the conduct of any company in undertaking its responsibilities. Some actions that are executed by companies can be considered unethical. For instance, selective advertising, deceptive marketing, and price wars are some of the activities that can have a negative effect on the firm’s relationship with various stakeholders. PharmaCARE has several ethical issues. These fall in various categories including marketing, advertising, safety, and intellectual property right. The challenge of intellectual property rights is rife in the marketing world (Jain & Bird, 2008). The problem of property rights touches on passing of another person’s idea as one’s work without the permission of the owner. Therefore, it is a serious ethical concern in business. For example, ‘fair use’ policy on copyrighted materials in the field of education has led to debates on the issue for the last ten years (Jain & Bird, 2008). Indeed, the dilemma of ethics concerning the fair use cannot be resolved by making appeals to principles that are well known on property rights. In the case of PharmaCARE, it is clear that the company was unethical by not compensating the Colberians for sharing their medical cure with the company.

In addition, the company did not treat the workers in a fair manner. The workers are underpaid, which is against labour laws. PharmaCARE earns millions of money, but only treats its executives well, but not Colberians who are more resourceful to the company. If the company paid the traditional healers for sharing their intellectual property, this would in turn help them improve their living conditions. However, the company takes advantage of their ignorance and lack of education. Another ethically wrong undertaking by the company can be seen from its treatment of employees such as Allen, Tom, and Ayesha as was discussed in assignment 2. For instance, Ayesha feels she is being mistreated because of her religious inclinations (Halbert & Ingulli, 2012). It is unfair for the company to discriminate against one of their employees because of her religious orientation. Therefore, labour laws are not followed, and there was no proper documentation of their issues. For instance, if Ayesha could not be promoted because of lack of certain competencies, this would help in dealing with any labour dispute that might arise in the future.

In terms of regulation of product safety, PharmaCARE operated in error by going round regulation requirements. The company used it reputation of a caring and ethical company to cheat people and government authorities. PharmaCARE should have sought approval from FDA for its reformulated diabetes drug before distributing it in mass quantities. However, the company created a subsidiary to act as a compounding pharmacy to distribute the drug directly to consumers on a prescription basis. PharmaCARE went on to sell the drug in bulk to hospitals, clinics, and doctors, which is not permitted by pharmacies. The role of FDA is to ensure regulation of prescription drugs for the sake of the public. For almost 50 years, there are certain drugs that continue to be availed to the patients only through prescription. Nurses, doctors, as well as other professionals in the field of health have the right experience and training to determine whether a drug is indicated in a certain case. This is the reason, why prescription decisions are left to them rather than to the patients (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2013). Advertisements on prescription drugs put health professions under pressure to prescribe certain medications, and in most cases, the drugs are ineffective, dangerous and expensive, which affects the relationship between patients and health professionals and therapeutic process are in turn disrupted. It takes more time to explain to patients that they were misled by ads on certain drugs. The most vital factors contiguous to the product safety regulation are restrictions on the environment, quality, as well as safety of a product and marketing affecting children. Imports have been growing steadily and it is expected that the growth will continue in the same pace within the next one decade. Today import numbers are expected to expand by a big margin. The (U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2013) argued that America relies on other countries to produce drugs, foods, devices, and cosmetics. For instance, around 10-15% of the total amount of food that is consumed in the households in the U.S is imported from other countries. Almost two-thirds of vegetables and fruits as well as 80% of seafood are imported from other countries. About half of devices used in the medical field are imported from different countries, and around 80% of pharmaceutical ingredients that are active in medications sold in the country are manufactured in other parts of the world. FDA is actively in the centre of this trend given that almost 25% of funds spend by all Americans are on goods that the agency does regulate (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2013). FDA regulates 10% of imports in the country, as they arrive from 300,000 facilities located in 150 various countries in the globe (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2013). However, PharmaCARE took the compounding route to avoid coming under the scrutiny of FDA.

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing

Prohibition of DTC marketing by companies for prescription drugs is right. Direct-to-Consumer marketing is advertising promotion that tends to target the patient instead of reaching to the healthcare professionals. The promotions of this nature are usually run through the social media, print media, TV, radio, and other types of media that tends to create awareness to the patients and regulations are controlled by the FDA. PCCA argues that advertising related to pharmaceutical products does not lead to promotion of health of the public. It tends to raise the drug costs and number of prescriptions that are unnecessary, which ends up being costly to the taxpayer and can be deadly or cause harm to patients.

Advertisement on prescription drugs is not an educational endeavour. It is misleading as its elements are emotive and do not reveal critical information to the customers. Pharmaceutical firms have unalterable and inherent financial conflict of interest. This conflict of interest leads them to overstate the positive qualities of a drug, which downplaying the drugs side effects. Therefore, Direct-to-Customer marketing of prescription drugs should not be in existence unless a label that is fully approved by FDA accompanies the product (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2013). The same adverts should not be allowed to make use of imagery displays that are basically emotive rather than educational. Adverts on drugs on radio and TV should be made illegal, as they cannot be able to meet this crucial standard on truthfulness.

Regulation of Compounding Pharmacies

As PharmaCARE and its subsidiary continued to enjoy super profits, reports started to filter that patients who had received AD23 showed signs of suffering from heart attacks at a very high rate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2013) argue that state pharmacies boards, according to the current framework of regulation, currently regulate all pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies are also included in this arrangement. Nonetheless, drugs that are produced through compounding pharmacies do not undergo premarket reviews from FDA or other regulatory agencies, unless it is a requirement of a state law. Therefore, although FDA has clear mandate in terms of regulation of drug manufacturing under the FDCA, the body jurisdiction of compounding pharmacies and compounding drugs is not explicit (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2013).

PharmaCARE did not take cognizance of the information that was shared relating to the rising cases of heart attacks. Indeed, the company continued to process large drug orders as well as paying huge bonuses to its managers and executives. This case shows that there is an urgent need for a better regulatory program to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future. All purchases of pharmaceutical drugs such as hospital pharmacies would be better off if regulation is put in place (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2013). Regrettably, there is little that FDA could have done under the current regulatory framework. There is a need to give the FDA more powers when it comes to control of compounding pharmacies. This will seal the existing loopholes currently being exploited by companies such as PharmaCARE.

PharmaCARE Actions in accordance with;

Utilitarianism

According to the utilitarianism theory, the use of intellectual property of Colberian by PharmaCARE was not in line with its tenet. Utilitarianism is widely-held theory of ethics (Mizzoni, 2009). In a context of a firm, utilitarianism theory is of the view that a decision affecting a business processes can be said to be proper when it results in the greater good of all. ‘Good’ in this case is attributed as the net benefits that are available to the parties that are directly impacted by the decision (Mizzoni, 2009). Therefore, majority of utilitarian are of the view that moral choices can be examined by making calculations on the net benefits that are available for individual courses of actions.

As argued by Mizzoni (2009), it would be proper for pharmaceutical company to distribute drugs that are officially approved with negative effects as long as the number of individuals that benefit from its use are more than those who experience side effects.

Deontology

The deontology theory, also known as ‘duty-based ethics’ tends to be action-based and does not pay attention to the consequences of the actions in question. This theory means that an individual will simply follows ethical principles because the law requires one to do so or the employers’ policy demands compliance (Mizzoni, 2009). Using this argument, PharmaCARE ethically would be in agreement with this theory. It can be argued that the stakeholders were striving for success in spite of the side effects that their actions had on the Colberian workers. Therefore, the deontology theory is basically concerned with an individual performing ‘his duty’ regardless of whether his or her actions have a negative effect on others (Mizzoni, 2009).

Virtue Ethics

On the other hand, virtue ethics are qualities of a human that show fairness and honesty in the pursuit of economic excellence. This theory is also applicable in the case of PharmaCARE’s activities in Colberia. Mizzoni (2009) argues that virtue ethics is generally concerned with pursuit of a particular form of excellence that is morally inclusive. Aristotle referred to this theory as ‘eudemonia’, which stands for human flourishing or happiness. In relation to today’s society, the theory can be said to be exhibiting four primary attributes. The main characteristic of the approach is its emphasis on certain virtues that are generally accepted in society (Mizzoni, 2009). A person can hone and perfect the virtues that one can be truly ethical. Secondly, the theory puts emphasis on the need to have a vibrant society that can nurture such virtues.

The third attribute focuses on the ability of an individual to make judgements that are morally right rather than relying on rules and guidelines to make such decisions. Finally, the theory argues that in order for virtues to be emulated in society, there must be good role models for morality to be maintained from one generation to another.

Ethics of Care

This theory holds that both parties should benefits from a given action (Mizzoni, 2009). Feminists were instrumental in the development of ethics of care. The theory is not in line with PharmaCARE usage of intellectual property of the Colberian people. Virginia Held, a renowned feminist philosopher is of the view that the ethics of care will be a good replacement of traditional theories of ethics such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. She shows the theory as the one that stresses on the need for moral force of sense of responsibility for purposes of responding to the needs of people who depend on it. Care is considered as both practice and value. It tends to value moral emotions for instance, empathy, and sympathy and argues that anger should be felt when individuals feel they have been treated in an inhumane way. Ethics of care would see the action of the company as unethical because the Colberians did not benefit from PharmaCARE (Mizzoni, 2009).

My Moral/Ethical Compass

My moral as well as ethical point of view in relation to this critical issue is that many times leaders of businesses behave in ways that are inhumane due to lack of belief that people are hurt. In addition, they ignore the suffering of people in pursuit of corporate profits. In both cases, their actions end up being unethical.

How PharmaCARE uses U.S. Law and Co-opts Intellectual Rights in Colberia

The company uses deceptive methods to earn record profits. It tries to show how good it is in protecting the environment, while underpaying and stealing intellectual property rights from the poor Colberians (Jain & Bird, 2008). Given that their operations of developing products did not fully meet the conditions set by FDA, the company tried to cover their activities by incorporating CompCARE as a fully independent subsidiary to operate as a compounding pharmacy with the aim of selling drugs on basis of prescription. Therefore, the company uses a positive appearance of following U.S laws in order to conceal its actions.

How the Company can Compensate Colberians

Because of its actions, the company can compensate the people as well as the nation of Colberia by providing programs that meet the expectations of the various stakeholders. Secondly, a sustainability program should be in place to aid in the restoration of the resources being used. Finally, the company can compensate Colberians people by funding projects aimed at enhancing their overall well-being. For instance, the company should provide running water and electricity for the people.

Star Scientific is a pharmaceutical company whose actions are similar to those of PharmaCARE. A suit filed against the company alleges that the company was engaged in deceptive activities (Cuthbertson, 2013). These were unravelled, thus tarnishing the name of the company. Eventually, the company’s stock plummeted, just like that of CompCARE.

Success of Law Suits against the Company

Shareholders will be held to account since workers informed them of the situation before their conditions became worse before filling the suit. If Colberians bring a suit against the company, they will lose because the healers freely provided the company with information.

Living up to its Brand

The company is not close to living to its brand. To the people, it was said it enhanced lives and provided several sponsorship initiatives. The company was seen as well run and ethical. However, its actions are contrary because of the deaths it caused and mistreatment of workers. Consumers and workers suffered. The Colberian government lost its property rights to the company. Therefore, the company is not close being an ethical brand as argued by the management.

Recommendations Going Forward

PharmaCARE should avoid its unethical approach going forward. The company should behave well by honouring the Colberian people and paying the employees better. Secondly, the company should give customer well being the priority it deserves. Customers expect value for their money. Finally, the company should develop a workforce that is passionate about their actions and work. The rush to make money should not be the motivating factor for workers, but the need to do what is right should be paramount.

References

Cuthbertson, D. I. (2013). Lieff Cabraser Announces Class Action Litigation Against Star Scientific, Inc, Retrieved from http://www.lieffcabraser.com/Media-Center/Lieff-Cabraser-Announces-Class-Action-Litigation-Against-Star-Scientific-Inc.shtml

Halbert, T., & Ingulli, E. (2012). Law and Ethics in the Business Environment (7th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage.

Jain, S. C., & Bird, R. (2008). The Global Challenge of Intellectual Property Rights. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.

Mizzoni, J. (2009). Ethics: the basics. New York: John Wiley and Sons

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2013). Compounding, Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/PharmacyCompounding/

 

 

ENTREPRENEUR REPORT

 

Background Information

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is an American and at the age of 29 he is acknowledged as one of the youngest successful entrepreneurs in the world. He is the founder and the CEO of Facebook.  Facebook is a social networking website that enables its users to interact while using the website as the platform. The company falls within the social networking industry. Facebook was formed on the 4^th of February 2004 (Mark’s, 2013). It was created out of the initiative of Mark and his fellow students when they were still students at Harvard University. The main objective was to create an interaction platform for students within Harvard University. However, due to increased demand for this platform in America and other countries made them to make it a universal social networking platform (Mark’s, 2013).

The contribution of Mark Zuckerberg towards social networking

Mark Zuckerberg’s invention of facebook was a major boost to the social networking industry. Social networking websites had existed earlier before the inception of facebook into the industry. This included websites such as Theglobe.com that eventually ran out of business because of the inability to attract a huge user base (Mark’s, 2013). The existence of other social websites such google and MySpace did not lead to more investments towards social networking industry.  The inception of facebook triggered more investments including the 1.6% share that Microsoft purchased in Facebook Company (Mark’s, 2013). This has triggered the rise of more social networking sites such as Twitter and Instangram.

Outstanding entrepreneurial quality of Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook has faced a lot of competition within the social networking industry from emerging sites such as twitter. This has led to decrease in the value of the facebook share in the New York Stock exchange Market. As an entrepreneur, he has not been in a haste to make major changes towards site. He has however allowed it maintain its brand and hence sustaining customer loyalty that has seen stability in his business.

Reference

Mark’s, C. V. (2013). MARK ZUCKERBERG-AN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ICON?. Indira

Management Review, 45.

 

 

 

Clay County Community

Community Assessment

Clay Country, Mo, is located in the northern part of the metro area. In 2010, the county had a population of 221,939. Between 2000 and 2010, the country experienced a 21% increase in population. The land area of Clay County is 396 sq. mi (city-data, 2012). The area covered by water is 12.5 sq. mi (city-data, 2012). The county is not a densely populated county. The county’s average mean temperature is 53.58°F. Annual rainfall estimates vary from 40 inches to 27 inches (usa.com, 2014). The precipitation takes place mostly in the months between the months of April and September (usa.com, 2014). Tornados are commonplace in this county. Average annual snowfall is about 15.21 inches (usa.com, 2014). In addition, the County has good drinking water and the air quality is moderate. Summers are warmer and there is lower humidity where temperatures are high. The nights are usually cooler and the winters are dry with minimal snowfall (usa.com, 2014). The water companies like Langford provide water that is of high quality to the residents. This alienates and lessens the occurrence of waterborne diseases and hence maintains a healthy population. The county has a lower cost of living index of 88.0, as opposed to the US average, which is 100 (city-data, 2012).

Clay County is named after Henry Clay who was once a Secretary of State and a Senator in the U.S (Profile of Clay County, 2011). The percentage of females is 59.7% while males make 40.3%. The median age is 37 years. White population makes up 84.1% of Clay County. African American constitute 5.1%, Native American 0.5%, Asian, 2.0%, Hispanic and Latino comprise 5.9% (city-data, 2012)

The rate of unemployment in Clay County declined from about 8.2% in 2011 to about 7% in 2012, closely matching that of the metropolitan area. Of the 89,000 jobs in Clay County, Mo, the County residents hold about 38,000, while non-residents who commute in to work hold the rest.

The county has numerous employment opportunities, leading to low unemployment rate. The private sector has greatly contributed to employment in the country. Professionals and trained workforce, which include skilled labor of the county, have higher opportunities of getting employment in this country. The industries in Clay County are not only national but also global. Therefore, the County benefits from revenues that the big companies generate. Some industries in Clay County that are found internationally include Ward Craft Homes and Hutchison Mayrath among others. In addition, there are many healthcare centers. The employment opportunities are in fishing, mining, and agriculture (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). The private sector has most of the employees at 62%, followed by the government at 25% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). Self employed citizens in the county make up for 13% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). 10.1 % of the people in this county live below the poverty line. The citizens have myriad opportunities in the employment sector especially the industries and are thus able to maintain a good income from the salaries and wages. The average household income is 33000$ (Brown & Christell, 2011). With such an income, the residents can afford better services, and they can live comfortably without much stress and pressure (Kansas county website, 2014).

The county has many resources that help in providing income for the community. Obesity has been a problem that needs to be dealt with by the authorities. This means that the county government should institute measures to enhance health for the community. For instance, the greatest health challenges include diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and accidents (Clay County Public Health Canter, 2012). This calls for empowering people to live healthier lives.

The Clay County, MO, has low rates of crime (Brown and Christell, 2011). The figures of various crimes in 2005 have reduced significantly from the previous year, which was 2004 (city data website, 2013). According to political affiliations, the county is 22.6% democratic and 75.8 republican. The rest belong to the other parties, which include liberals among others.

Data Interpretation

A review of the above data helps us to come up with conclusions on Clay County, Mo. This is a healthy county. It is a place that one can enjoy living. The standards of living are quite good as the poverty level is at a minimum. The social amenities and infrastructure are in good condition, and the most important commodity, which is water, is in good condition. With the air quality being moderately good, the County has a good health standard. The crime rates have reduced to a minimal low and most of the population is learned. Recommendations to improve the welfare of the community would include building more institutions and take up youth who mostly engage in crime. This will reduce the crime rate significantly. The Country Government should institute activities that involve youth to reduce idleness, drug, and substance abuse. Seminars regarding obesity need to be held to help the population deal with it. Activities for decreasing obesity in children and adults will go a long way in maintaining a healthy population devoid of the various diseases associated with the heart. Recommendations for such activities will through undertaking exercises such as running competitions, walking to reduce obesity. Awareness campaigns to reduce fatty products will go a long way in helping the community to live healthier lives.

The local authorities need to prioritize disaster management of the County because of the prevalence of tornadoes, which is a health risk to the Clay County community. This can be prevented if the authorities take steps to alleviate the effects of the disasters (Hooper, 2004). It is important that people have relevant information on how to react in case of a tornado.

Genogram: Clay County

Economic status of population The county is located in the northern part of the metro area Population, 221,939 Median income is 33K Un-employment rate at 7% 10.1% below the poverty line Moderate need for food stamps Majority  are homeowners

Cultural Assessment The ratio of men to women is slightly equal 53% subscribes to a religion Advanced education citizens are at a minimum The army and college students are many Outdoor activities are many

Neighborhood/ Community Safety Police and fire department are effective Potential for tornados Crime rates have decreased significantly Air quality is moderate Water quality standards are high

Disaster Assessment and Planning Emergence teams are equipped for any disasters Information regarding disasters is available for example tornados Many health facilities Adequate fire and police stations

 

Community Diagnosis

From the County profile, it can be deduced that the county is well placed and has numerous potentials for its citizen. There are adequate facilities that enable the people to lead better lives. The weather is not that harsh although the prevalence of tornadoes is high, which pose a health risk because of flying debris. The climate of Clay County is tolerable and one can live comfortably without having to worry about harsh climatic conditions. The many health facilities ensure that the population is healthy. The drinking water plants provide water that is clean and healthy to the population. This is important because it leads to a general decrease in water-borne ailments. The community is active as many commute to work, which enhances their well-being.

Genogram Interpretation

Clay County is a better place to stay in and work because of the many facilities that facilitate and provide good conditions and exercises for the residents. However, measures should be taken to reduce the population growth, which might lead to constraint on resources in the healthcare sector. Controlled population growth will enable release of more resources to the health and educational sectors as well as the development of infrastructure. Resource availability and community engagements in activities that enhance their well-being are critical for the County. In addition, about 10% of the population is live below the poverty line, which poses significant challenges to the County since they will require food stamps.

Conclusion

From this discussion, it is clear that Clay County is an ideal place to live and work. the population is greatly varied with the white population being the largest. The county encompasses many cultures and peoples. The acceptance of the various cultures over the years has enabled peaceful coexistence. The economic activities are many and provide employment to the locals. Most of the economic activities involve agriculture, mining, fishing, and industrial activities, which are involved in manufacturing of goods. The poverty level is at 10.1 %. There are many health centers, which cater for the communities in Clay County. Therefore, the County is in a good state, and one can live there comfortably.

References

Brown, B., & Christell, C. (2011). Clay County. Rockford, Ill.: Arcana Studio ;.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013). Local Area Unemployment Statistics Map. Retrieved from http://data.bls.gov/map/MapToolServlet?survey=la&map=county&seasonal=uv

City Data website. (2013). City Data Clay, Kansas. Retrieved from http://www.city data.com/city/Clay-Kansas.html

city-data.com. Clay County, Missouri,(MO), Retrieved from http://www.city-data.com/county/Clay_County-MO.html

Kansas Counties. (n.d.). Clay County, Kansas. Retrieved, from https://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_counties/view/county:CY

usa.com (2014).Clay County Weather. Retrieved from http://www.usa.com/clay-county-mo-weather.htm

 

 

Normative Ethics: Case 1

Normative ethics offers an explanation on how to make a moral decision. Moral decisions are made after assessing of either the consequences or the inherent rights and duties of an action. A decision can be made by considering and applying utilitarian ethics. This type of ethics is concerned with the consequences of the act to guide us in making a decision on whether the act is right or wrong. Basically, utility means a good stuff while disutility refers to a bad stuff (Timmons, 2013). Therefore, when making a moral decision based on the utilitarian ethics, you should maximize the good stuff and minimize the bad stuff. In this case, the decision-making processes for Brian and Lily will be assessed using the normative ethics and the utilitarian and deontological approaches. Recommendation to Brian will then be given depending on the results of analyzing these ethical approaches.

Ideally, the utilitarian ethical approach to moral decision making is based on the consequences of the action. This implies that a moral decision is concluded to be right or wrong based on the consequences of the action. To be more objective, we should refrain from focusing on our self-interests, but instead focus on the consequences that an action has to the larger community. Considering Aristotle’s input about happiness, John Stuart Mill suggest that an action is right if it impacts happiness to the maximum number of people (Mizzoni, 2009).  Looking at the case study Brian’s action of increasing the rent can be considered to be morally wrong because it was causing more harm or unhappiness than happiness to the Hurricane Katrina victims. The reason why Lily was ready to leave work if Brian increased the rent from $55 to $120 was because she was remorseful to the victims. She was not ready to be part of the process of making the victim unhappy. According to the utilitarian ethical approach, Lily’s had good intention and meant to cause happiness to the Hurricane Katrina victims. However, she was not in a position to convince Brian to not to increase and instead opted to leave her job. Brian had a duty to provide fair services to his clients without any form of exploitation. As it is, he decided to take advantage of their desperation to increase the rent to more than double. Although unknown to them, the clients’ rights of affordable housing or accommodation were being violated by Brian.

Closely analyzing the case using the utilitarian ethical approach, Brian’s act of increasing the rates for his motel was ill-driven since he wanted to exploit the Katrina victims. He was taking advantage of the fact that prices of other commodities had also gone up after the Hurricane (Timmons, 2013). Indeed, when persuaded by Lily not to increase the accommodation rates because those people needed help, he categorically responded that it was his chance to make money from bad situations. This implies that he meant to cause harm or unhappiness to the victims by charging them exorbitant rates.

Using the deontological approach, Lily had a right to be treated fairly by her employer, Brian. Conversely, Brian had an obligation to give Lily a fair working environment where she can exercise the right of expressing her opinions. Moreover, Lily’s decision to leave work was morally right because she had good intentions of being involved in a process where the Hurricane Katrina victims were being exploited (Tännsjö, 2013).  Since Brian action of increasing accommodation rates was morally wrong, he should also see things from Lily’s perspective in relation to why she left work. All these points taken into consideration, Brian should give Lily her job back since she is willing to work again.

 

References

Mizzoni, J. (2009). Ethics: The Basics. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Tännsjö, T. (2013). Understanding Ethics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Timmons, M. (2013). Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics, Volume 3. London: Oxford University Press.

Choosing a Payroll Administration System for Genesis Foods

Executive Summary

When it comes to payroll development, it is necessary to process the business in-house. In-house payroll administration is less costly when aided by a comprehensive software. In this case, it is impractical to automate several systems affecting different departments. This is based on the knowledge that this organization has various levels of employment categorically aligned to piece rate or time rate. Therefore, payroll administration will seek to minimize the risk associated with redundancy or ghost-workers. That is why it is imperative to determine a pragmatic software one that is cost effective to procure, install and administrate. This discussion will attempt to access why this organization should install Ultimate Pro-Inc Software over its closest rival Workday HCM. The paper will evaluate on cost versus usability factors as the central considerations in installing the system. The paper will commence on a distinctive description of the software. Secondly, the paper will attempt to compare the functions leading to merits, and determination of the viability. In encapsulation, the paper will discuss the hardware expectations required to administrate the software. Also, this section will examine the organization structure and how the ERP will meet their demands.

Background of Software One (Workday HCM)

Workday HCM is a Human Resource software technically structured to combine piloting, recruitment, talent management and administration. The software was founded by Duffield David (former CEO of PeopleSoft ERP solutions). This software meets the industry’s best standards both in quality and services. The software is considered a top management software because of its ability to integrate cloud computing in its ERP dispensation. This is enabled by its ability to operate both in online and offline situations. Workday HCM adopted significant components of its operations from traditional software; for example, CornerStone on Demand. Critical components in its software are the MS Outlook integration with the ability to automate departments. Core modules include compensation management. This module entirely focuses on planning design. The second module, absence management focuses in building solutions to fill absenteeism. The third module, employee benefits, is still considered a lucrative technique to automate benefits events, enrollments, active/ passive events and terminations (Smith, 2007).

Background of Ultimate Pro Inc Software

Ultimate HR software and Payroll was founded by Scott Scherr in 1990. The software is headquartered in Weston and has a strong labor force of over 1,900 professionals and has managed to vend the software to over 2,000 customers with 14 million users. The software inherently focuses benefits, talent management and payroll. Although the software has the power in Enterprise crowd computing, the software has traditionally prevailed over its rivals by its ability to singular end-to-end solutions. The software employs command approach in its management system. Essentially, the software recognizes that Human Resource is the ideal notion behind and enterprise management. The software’s central modules include; Business/employee portal. Secondly, the software powers timing, attendance and scheduling (planning). The third module of the software is its ability to enroll a payroll administration and tax management solution. Other considerate modules include, benefit administration and compensation management (HRLab, 2012).

Comparison

In analysis, one will notice that both Workday HCM and Ultimate Pro have similar services in vending. In any case, both systems enroll Society of Human Resource managers. This research recommends this organization to procure Ultimate Pro against Workday. Essentially, the central focus of this organization is ensuring that salary/ wage and benefits are promptly managed. Workday HCM has sophisticated modules compared to Ultipro. However, the payroll system that it possesses is not that compatible to this organization’s requirements. Again, considering that this organization needs to integrate an ERP as soon as possible. It is imperative to procure Ultimate Pro against Workday HCM. This is based on the knowledge that Ultipro is easier to understand and implement. On the other hand, Workday is advanced but based on the level of this organization, integrating such as a sophisticated software is not advisable. Secondly, Workday HCM requires substantial investment both in software acquisition and hardware support as well as, maintenance. This consideration explains why Ultipro is relatively cheaper compared to Workday HCM. Thirdly, Ultipro is considered a viable option because of its flexibility and scalability. In any case, the Ultipro system can suit to any organization regardless of the size (HRLab, 2012). This is supportive to apprehend to the various levels of the organization development without permitting redundancy. Fourthly, the reports acknowledge the use of Ultipro against Workday HCM for its ability to integrate end to end HCM. This enables the close communication between different departments of the organization.

Hardware of expectations and brief organizational structure

In order to run the Ultimate Pro Enterprise (client and server editions, the superior version), it is coherent to ensure that appropriate hardware is right in place. Myerson (2001, p. 479) argues that ERP implementation is a strategic and expensive investment that require various automation of computer hardware logistics. In any case, the investment will make computer hardware and software compatible to each other. Strategic hardware includes; One Server with satellite specifications as follows (3.2 GHz Quad Core, At least ten terabytes of hard drive, and 32 GB RAM). The server is going to be accessed through Wi-Fi hotspot centers by supporting 200 docked computers at any given time and a series of other devices. A series of routers, switches, and wireless dispensers will also be required to support the network. Also, the budget formation will take into regard the aggregate cost of cabling. The Wi-Fi will also support tablets and Smart phones. This hardware seeks to support the activities of 6 executives, 25 managers and 125 middle level staff. The entire organization has an extra one thousand and two hundred subordinate staff. This organization deals in foods processing, primarily, flavored chocolate; and so to it, it has 15 six main departments. The six central departments include; Research and Development (RD), Production, Accounting, Marketing, Information Technology and Human Resource. The six departments will be expected to work harmoniously. The leading departments in software provision include; Information technology and human resource. Ultimate Pro will require coherent administration of the Information Technology department (Musaji 2003, p. 231). On the other hand, the human resource department will be expected to administrate the software several levels.

Conclusion

In analysis, this report has attempted to outline the merits behind using Ultimate Pro over its closest rival Workday as Payroll administration system. The paper has examined incompatibility issues as the primary disadvantage of Workday over Ultimate Pro. The paper has also argued on the advantage of using a complete ERP over a customized Payroll administration system. The underlying advantages are based on the logistics that an ERP is more practical based on the nature of this organization. Also, the paper has outlined the required hardware support compatible with the software requirements. The hardware support has been derived from the hierarchy of this organization.

 

References

HRLab. (2012). Ultimate Software HR and Payroll Software Review. Retrieved February 13^th,

From http://www.hrlab.com/ultimate-ultipro-review.php

Musaji, Y. (2003). Integrated Auditing of ERP Systems. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Myrson, J. (2001). Enterprise Systems Integration, Second Edition. New York: CRC Press.

Smth, M. (October 27^th, 2011). Workday Rising while Oracle Sleeps in the Clouds. Retrieved

February 13^th, 2014 from http://marksmith.ventanaresearch.com/2011/10/28/workday-rising-while-oracle-sleeps-in-the-clouds/

 

 

 

 

 

Military History – The Great War

 

Overall, the US’s participating in the Great War also known as the First World War in 1917 is considered an historical move in 20^th century. This is because the United States violated its policy of isolation. This paper explores the factors that motivated the United States to enter the Great War and the allies’ reaction to her entry into the War.

Nonetheless, the entry of US in the war had no strategic war plans because it was a response to the enemy’s provocations. That is, the US was reacting to Germany’s provocation that threatened her interests in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean regions. President Woodrow Wilson went before the Congress on 2 April 1917 to request permission to enter the Great War. According to President Wilson, the American interests were at stake due to Germany’s persistent violation of its promise to shelve its submarine warfare in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic that was a threat to the US security (The U.S. Department of the State’, 2014). At the same time, President Wilson cited that Germany was attempting to seek Mexico’s support in her attempts to fight the US. As a result, the Congress granted the US permission to enter the war on Germany on 4 April 1917. Nonetheless, there was no plan on how the U.S. would fight the Germans. This is because the US had no strategic militia or arsenal to engage the Germans because of the American isolationist policy.

The Allies reacted positively to the American entry into the Great War. The leaking of the Zimmerman Telegram to the United States was a British strategy to woo the Americans to supplement the allied efforts to fight the Germans (Doenecke, 2011). This was because Germany was becoming a threat to Britain France’s trade in the Mediterranean and Atlantic region. In fact, the sinking of the unarmed French’s boat, the Sussex, was evident that the Germans were not ready to surrender. In addition, the Battle of Passchendaele was particularly expensive to Britain because it lost over 360, 000 men in ten days and managed to capture 11 kilometers only. As such, the inclusion of 2 million U.S. soldiers was welcome by the France, Britain, Montenegro, Italy, Serbia, Belgium and Japan’s military brigades (Doenecke, 2011). The withdrawal of the Russians in 1917 December also meant that the Allied Forces were weak.

In conclusion, the U.S. involvement in the Great War was revolutionary because she violated her isolationist policy. Nonetheless, her involvement in the Great War was welcome by the allies who were suffering major losses in the hands of the Germans.

 

References

Doenecke, J. D. (2011). Nothing less than war: A new history of America’s entry into World War I. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky.

The U.S. Department of State: Office of the Historian. (2014). American entry into World War I, 1917. Retrieved 13 February, 2014, from, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/wwi

 

      Military History – World War Two:

Approaching immediately two decades after the last great worldwide conflict, it is said that the Second World War was mainly the most widespread and deadliest combat in history. It involved more than 30 nations and automatically resulted in the deaths of more than 50 million civilian and military deaths. Analysts estimates that over 85 million died in this war (Sherwood, 1948). Ignited by Adolf Hitler’s incursion of Poland within the year 1939, the combat would hence drag on for a continued good six lethal years in anticipation of the final joined trounce of both Japan and Nazi Germany in the year 1945.

In September 1940, the United States placed a restriction on the nation of Japan by barring the exports of aviation fuel, scrap iron and steel to Japan. This restriction was mainly imposed due to the takeover of the French Indochina by the nation of Japan which was against the wish of other allied nations of the world. It is for this reason that any combat anywhere will always make little or no sense, though the attack of the Pearl Harbor has duly eliminated this imagination at all angles. It is during this war that 3,500 Americans were extremely wounded or killed during the attack in December 7, 1941 (Sherwood, 1948).

Hence for the United States to uphold their integrity in the war, the President was optimistic that the nation would join and succeed in the war within a span of one year. It was thus in July 9, 1941 that the victory program was initiated through the Roosevelt’s memorandum. The main aim of this top secret document was to accomplish three vital elements. The first task was to prepare significant and essential recommendations on how to immediately assemble the American industries for combat. The second aim of the task was to make clear recommendations on how the armed forces would be structured to the level that would enable them fight their potential enemies who were mainly the Japan and Germany. The last and very important aim was to offer very tactical and strategic procedures for the defeat of the said potential threats (Sherwood, 1948).

The task was hence considered monumental, and the finished document would otherwise be of very great importance. Analysts suggest that it is wise for America to temporarily review the global situation that led to Wedemeyer’s assignment, in order to understand critically the significance of the Victory Program (Forest, 1965). In was in January 1941 when the United States was noted to be indomitable to oblige with other nations specifically the Great Britain which was at the time in total combat with Germany, mainly with an intention of implementing a joint significant way to defeating the Germans. Sadly enough it is during this event that the US was drawn into the combat.  It should be also noted that planning for a possible combat was not something new for the United States as it had always remained a vital function for the US combat plans division since the World War I. Moreover covert eventuality tactics were constantly restructured to replicate novel information and modifications in conditions (Forest, 1965).

Conclusion

The Victory Program was a very important step structured not only to correct the tribulations of distribution which inundated the Lend Lease Act, but also to get the United States ready for combat. Thus it is always regarded as a very top and secretive project.

 

 

References

Forest C. (1965). Ordeal and Hope. New York: The Viking Press.

Sherwood B. (1948). Roosevelt and Hopkins. New York: Harper & Brothers.

 

Research on Upscale Dining Restaurants

Part 7

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Industry

Upscale dining restaurant have become considerably common in the industry. Upscale dining restaurants offer their clients both social and dining satisfaction. This is an element that distinguishes these types of restaurants from other categories such as take-out, delivery and drive through restaurants (Barrows, 2009). In the past, fine dining restaurants were very common though they have become less popular than upscale dining restaurants. Clients’ experience in an upscale dining restaurant involves not only biological satisfaction but also social gratification. The social aspect in these hotels provides a good environment for bonding, business and holding meetings. Investing in an upscale dining restaurant can be remarkably rewarding as the demand and preference for social-dining places is on high demand in the market. Moreover, the elegance and high quality services offered in these premises attracts the right clientele. In most cases, only the financially well up individuals dine in upscale restaurants (Kotler, 2009). In addition, practices such as business meetings require a conducive environment that is non-congested and can accommodate a group.

Weaknesses

The upscale dining market has become highly competitive more so because of new entrants. High competition has, consequently, forced some businesses to shift, close down or change their line of products and culture of business. A rise in the number of upscale restaurants in the market has a negative impact on the profitability margin of all providers in the market. Moreover, investors in this industry are forced by market forces to, constantly, upgrade their services as they lower costs so as to remain competitive and relevant. A major issue that affects the viability of investing in upscale dining is the nature of the market in which they can thrive (Barrows, 2009). An upscale dining business is more favorable in high-end markets than in low-end and middle class markets.  This condition limits new entrants to certain markets leading to stiff competition in favorable markets.

Opportunities in the Industry

The upscale dining restaurant industry offers multiple opportunities to investors interested in investing in the market. The number of new entrants in the industry is high however, societal and economic changes and dynamics avail unlimited opportunities (Kumar, 2010). Increased globalization of economic and social activities has increased foreign trade which in turn has increased tourism, inter-state and inter-continental activities. Heightened connectivity and movement across the globe boosts the in-flux of tourists across the nation. Tourists, in most cases, purpose to spend and experience the best a country has to offer more so when it comes to dining (Kotler, 2009). Kumar (2010) emphasizes that remarkable growth in tourism provides a significant business opportunity for upscale dining businesses.

The increased growth of high-end markets and the number of high income earners provide the upscale dining industry with a lucrative market for its services. Statistics on the category of individuals who dine in upscale restaurants indicate that a majority of the customers are business people, high-income singles, tourists, families and compulsive spenders/heavy spenders. Highly developed states and cities attract these groups thus making these areas the best markets for upscale dining restaurants (Barrows, 2009). A majority of states, particularly, in the US market have significantly developed over the past decade consequently creating a lucrative and expansive market the upscale dining industry. Moreover, improved economic status and dynamic changes in lifestyle have positively impacted the industry’s productivity.

Future for the Industry

Investing in the upscale dining restaurant business has its advantages and shortcomings. Availability of good markets in many different locations is a good measure of likely long-term market availability for entrepreneurs. On the other hand, increased competition resulting from a high in-flux of new entrants demands exceptional marketing strategies for all players (Kumar, 2010). The competition for a stake in the industry is intense and can pose a great risk for investors because of expected high costs of promotion and marketing. The future of the industry is relatively promising on both short-run and long-run basis. For instance, the change in prices for services and food in these restaurants has a positive impact on the capacity of potential customers. High competition is accompanied by reduced prices which in turn has raises the number of potential customers (Moruzzi, 2012). A higher percentage of people are able to afford dining in these restaurants thus increasing their customer base or capacity in the market.

Changes in demand in the restaurant industry have a significant impact on projected market demand. Increased globalization, in-flux of foreign residential in a state and a change in food and nutrition preferences provide an opportunity for service diversification (Moruzzi, 2012). The diversity created by a change in the population is accompanied by diverse changes in products and services demanded. This change, in turn, increases the variety of foods demanded thus creating new fields of operations for restaurants. In addition, diversity lessens the baggage of intense competition particularly where all upscale dining restaurants offer the same line of products and services.

Advice to a New Entrant

Investing in the upscale dining industry can be rewarding and also challenging. Success in the industry for new entrants is dependent on many factors that affect sales, revenues and profitability. A new entrant in the industry should perform a detailed well structured market analysis before entering into any market (Kumar, 2010). A good analysis would enable the entrepreneur to understand the expectations of the customers and the nature and pricing of products in that particular market. Consequently, data and statistics collected would aid in recognizing the most appropriate target market for the business. Identification of the right target market is influenced by factors such as the goals of the company/business, the nature of services and products the business offers and also the short-term and long-term objectives of the business.

A good strategy for new entrants in the industry would be to identify a niche market with minimum competition and a dense population with the right customer base/clientele (Brookes, 2004). This would aid in reducing significant costs such as the cost of mass advertising, extensive market research and expenses associated with preparation of diverse products. Focus on a niche market is also advantageous as it makes management of the business easy and efficient since most occurrences can be predicted. Moreover, changes in demographics are hardly drastic since it is easy to keep up with changing trends in the market.

Part 4

The Four Seasons is an upscale dining restaurant brand that is found locally and internationally.  The marketing mix of the restaurant encompass the 7P’s of a marketing mix which are pricing, product, promotion, people, physical evidence, process, and place (Brookes, 2004). The company has localized its operations in different states especially in high end markets. Promotion of its services is also well structured consequently enhancing the competitive advantage of the company. Four seasons also targets the right consumer base and offers its products at competitive and reasonable prices. The company also offers its clients exceptional consideration, customer service and high quality products/foods. Moreover, the company offers consistent good service, which in turn, boosts productivity and customer loyalty.

According to Brookes (2004) the price of food and services in upscale dining restaurants is considerably high. However, current demand changes have led to a reduction of these prices. Lower prices have not necessarily led to compromise on the quality and process in the company. However, some subsidiaries are congested, which in turn leads to reduced efficiency. Moreover, service delivery is considerably slow because of high demand and limited supply. Upscale dining restaurants usually focus on the high end market thus leaving a large percentage of the population unattended to (Moruzzi, 2012). Exorbitant prices in these restaurants also discourage potential customers within the middle class as well as other individuals. The marketing initiative of businesses in this industry should not only focus on what is expected in the market but also on clients’ demands and expectations. Foods and services offered in upscale restaurants should be determined by conducting regular surveys so as to identify a change in customers’ tastes and preferences.

 

References

Barrows, C. W., Powers, T. F., & Powers, T. F. (2009). Introduction to management in the hospitality industry. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.

Brookes, R., Palmer, R., & Palgrave Connect (Online service). (2004). The new global marketing reality. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

Kotler, P., & Kotler, P. (2009). Marketing management. Harlow, England: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Kumar, P. (2010). Marketing of hospitality and tourism services. New Delhi, NY: Tata McGraw Hill Education.

Moruzzi, P. (2012). Classic dining: Discovering America’s finest mid-century restaurants. Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith.

 

 

 

 

Business

How the Creation of an Environment of High Mutual Regard Aides in Managing an Organization

            Organizational managers need to be careful of the decisions they make because they can impact their organizations in a good or bad way. In addition, managers should always be on the lookout for management practices that makes their work easy and ensure that their organizations are a comfortable place to harbor for all employees, the management, stakeholders and the community that an organization operates in. Mutual regard is a reciprocal relationship whereby all parties in the relationship are willing and able to understand each other’s perception and to share what they have between them (Murray, 2006). Thus, the creation of an environment with high mutual regard will proof vital in aiding managerial roles and duties.

An environment of high mutual regard is one of the ways in which an organization can promote ethics and high ethical standards of its organization and employees (Sage, 2003). Ethical standards will provide a uniform platform of ethical expectations that all the employees will expect to meet and managers will expect of their employees (Sage, 2003). This will reduce organizational conflicts between managers and their employees thus improve on managerial efficiency. An environment with high mutual regard will also be operating on standards of professional conduct that contains behavioral guidelines mutually agreed between the management and employees (Connell, 2007). In this case, employees will be aware and content of what is expected of them and thus, managerial supervision will be minimal.

Mutual regard is also responsible for creating and enhancing solidarity in an organization which practices it highly (Murray, 2006). Solidarity is an agreement or unity in taking a certain course of action (Murray, 2006). In organizational environments with high mutual regard, managers usually have an easy task in endorsing tasks and courses of action to their employees. This is because all the organizational employees are aware of the organization’s solidarity and have a pre-arrangement to hold it together during their time in a certain organization (Murray, 2006). High mutual regard also promotes understanding and mutual respect between and amongst organizational employees and the management (Murray, 2007). Once there is mutual respect in the organization, the employees and the management will have a smooth relationship that will foster organizational growth and development thus easing managerial roles (Connell, 2007).

Mutual regard will enhance trust between an organization’s management and employees (Sage, 2007). Once this is possible, the management is assured of employee satisfaction because they will always report what is not going well with them and applaud what is recommendable (Sage, 2003). This will aid an organization’s management to make informed decisions and also to improve on the areas where they are not delivering according to the requirements of its employees. In addition, equality, reciprocity, freedom and authenticity will also be upheld in such an organization. These factors will greatly boost the efficiency of management and in turn reduce on the burden of bridging management-employee relationships thus avoid misuse of time (Connell, 2007).

Mutual regard is known to be operating under the principle of appreciation (Murray, 2006). In this scenario, the relationship between a manager and his or her team members is poised for success because task accomplishment will be easy. The integrity of an organization will be boosted through creating an environment that has high mutual regard (Murray, 2007). This is because information sharing will make the organization be an information depository where all the employees new and old will be access it easily. Thus, orientation of new employees becomes an easy task for the management because they will get much of the information from other employees and tips about the organization’s behavioral and job requirements.

When an organization is holding together, the meeting of target objectives and organizational goals becomes very easy (Sage, 2003). Thus, creating an environment which observes high mutual regard will be beneficial to the management as goals and objectives will appear as a reality to them. The management will also be having an understanding of its employees and thus, will be aware of their ability and potential (Sage, 2003). This will make the organization set targets and goals that they are sure will be met by their employees without overstretching or overworking them. It will also give the employees a sense of belonging and they will feel like they are not being used but working towards a mutual interest which is the betterment of the company and themselves (Connell, 2007).

Acts of radical openness, reflective self disclosure and critical rigor are sure to be promoted by an organization which upholds mutual regard (Murray, 2006). Once this is possible, getting information from employees concerning any aspect that the management is interested in is very easy. Thus, the management will be able to deal with employee issues in a more professional manner and using a humanistic approach as it will be having all the information that is required for a certain course of action (Connell, 2007). This will also see the development of interpersonal communication between the management and their employees (Sage, 2003). Interpersonal communication is a very influential factor in communication processes and its acquisition and frequent use is vital in successful communication processes between management and employees (Sage, 2003).

The way employees and the management behave in a given organization can be impacted by many factors. Such factors can include mutual respect, trust, mutual understanding and mutual regard. Mutual regard encompasses the aspects of trust, mutual understanding and mutual respect to determine the behavior of employees in a given organization (Murray, 2006). For example, if an organizational environment is devoid of mutual regard, employees will be dissatisfied and unsettled (Murray, 2006). This will in turn affect their overall job performance, attitudes and overall productivity of an organization that they are working for. If this happens, the management will be blamed for ineffectiveness and inefficiency thus will tarnish its image. However, mutual regard in an organization will allow the management to adopt guidelines and set rules that are in accordance with the expectations of the employees (Sage, 2003). This will ease the pressure on the management about anticipating for the worst while hoping for the best.

All these factors need to be utilized or practiced by the management of an organization for it to be seen as practicing high mutual regard. However, creation of an environment of high mutual regard is not an easy task and will also depend on the style of leadership that the management of a certain organization has adopted (Murray, 2006). In addition, an environment of high mutual regard can be created but not to the desired level as the management or the employees will wish (Murray, 2006). Mutual regard is difficult to create but easy to maintain and managers who are on the lookout for managerial aides can put this aspect into use and hope that all will turn out well for them in their roles and duties.

References

Connell, R. (2007). Southern theory: The global dynamics of knowledge in social science.

Cambridge: Polity.

Murray, T. (2006). Collaborative knowledge building and integral theory: On perspectives,

uncertainty, and mutual regard. Integral Review, 2(1), 210-268.

Murray, T. (2007, July). Toward collaborative technologies supporting cognitive skills for

mutual regard. In Proceedings of the 8th iternational conference on Computer supported collaborative learning (pp. 542-544). International Society of the Learning Sciences.

Sage, C. (2003). Social embeddedness and relations of regard:: alternative ‘good food’networks

in south-west Ireland. Journal of Rural Studies, 19(1), 47-60.