Author: chris

Business Strategy: Shell Refinery Company

Introduction

This Paper seeks to evaluate the strategies that can be used by Shell Refinery Company in increasing its market share and revenues. In answering the questions provided, the paper shall evaluate the internal and external environment for the company. An evaluation of these factors will enable the author to present recommended strategies that can be used to counter various market forces that may derail its operations.

Environmental Scan

Conducting an environmental scan enables company managers to focus on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat. SWOT analysis is thus a tool that managers use in auditing their organization and the environment in which it operates (De Geus, 2002). The company will thus use the strengths it has to overcome its weaknesses and take advantage of opportunities in the external environment to increase its operations and counter the industry threats.

Question 1: Environmental Threats and how shell can respond to them

Within the oil refinery and distribution industry, Shell is exposed to a myriad of threats that minimizes the chances of increasing profits and growth. The most significant threat to the growth and survival of Shell Refinery Company is the existence of intense competition from industry bigwigs such as Exxon Mobil and Total among other. In as much as competition is healthy for the growth of a company, a company can have difficulty in continuing is operations and even exit the market if managers do not implement effective strategies. However, the management can implement innovative strategies that will enable Shell produce highly innovative products using improved methods of production that minimizes costs (De Geus, 2002). Shell Refinery Company management can also diversify their operations horizontally in order to enter new markets that are not yet dominated by its competitors.

Another threat in Shell’s operating environment is the increase in government taxation on oil refinery companies. Government policies affect all companies within the same operating industry (Elyasiani, Mansur & Odusami, 2011). This implies that Shell is not the only company affected whenever there is a hike in taxation and other government revenues. Therefore, the management can use cost cutting measure and tax strategies to reduce the impact of increased taxation.

Question 2: Company Strengths and how shell can use it to leverage itself to create competitive advantage

Strengths are internally generated characteristics that makes a business competitive against its rivals in the industry (Teece, 2010). One of the greatest strengths that Shell has is its retail brand. Shell is well known in the oil industry and has a rich network almost in all continents on the globe. This places the company at a strategic position to market its products on a wide scope of consumers. A strong brand is a competitive strength that can leverage a company in its operating industry. The management can thus take advantage of the brand strength to market its products and explore new markets to increase profitability and sustainability.

Another strength that Shell Refinery Company has is its credibility in producing and maintaining standard quality process and procedure. The high quality products that the company paces in the market are of value both to Shell and its consumers (McGrath, 2010). This ensures that brand loyalty is maintained and so is sustainable revenues. The company can use the standard procedures and quality products to intensify its marketing strategies and even appeal to new and emerging markets. Lastly, Shell launches new and innovative product or services in every month. This strength can be used as a competitive wedge through which the company can increase its market share and drive sales. The oil industry is highly volatile and thus coming up with an innovative product is quite hard (Teece, 2010). Therefore, the management can use the innovation to reduce production and distribution costs. This is one way of gaining a competitive advantage.

Question 3: Competitor Analysis – Exxon Mobil Corporation

Shell Refinery Company is a well-known company that explores for, produces and markets its oil and natural gas. Exxon Mobil is the fiercest competitor of Shell Refinery Company. Exxon Mobil is arguably the world’s largest integrated oil company followed by Shell. The company leads a volatile industry in which the oil prices are often influenced by economic cycles, political instabilities and competition from other alternative energy sources such as green energy solutions. During the year 2010, Exxon Mobil reported production in excess of 25.2 barrels of oil. This was against shocks in the industry including effects of BP oil spill (Elyasiani, Mansur & Odusami, 2011). In addition, Exxon Mobil has a total of 32 oil refineries in 17 countries globally with a production capacity of 5.4 billion barrels a day. The company also supplies refined products to more than 19,400 gas stations in its global operations and similar to Shell, Exxon Mobil is also a petrochemical producer.

The knowledge on the market presence and production capacity of Exxon Mobil can help Shell management to formulate strategies to counter the cut-throat competition offered by the competitor (Elyasiani, Mansur & Odusami, 2011). For instance, Shell Company management can determine the markets that have been exploited by Exxon and those that the competitor has low penetration. The management can thus engage in comprehensive expansion strategy in which it will increase its market presence in unexploited markets (McGrath, 2010). also, Shell company management can also analyze the types and scope of products that its competitor provides for the market and seeks ways of either improving on their alternatives or producing more innovative products to act as substitutes form the competitor’s. This is possible because Innovation and new product Deployment is part of Shell company’s strengths. Therefore, the company can utilize its strengths in leveraging against the threat of competition from Exxon Mobil.

Question 4: Declining Economy

A decline in the US economy has adverse impacts on the oil industry. This is because consumers (especially motorists) reduce their expenditure on petroleum products during the harsh economic situations. The decline in consumption of fuel implies that the demand for Shell products will reduce and thus driving the sales revenue down. This means that the company should modify its strategies during these times in a manner that will trigger an increase in demands for petroleum products (Teece, 2010). For instance, the strategy to increase the market share for the company in order to increase sales revenues is unfeasible during a periods of economic decline. As such, the company shall engage in measures that seek to increase the demand for oil products. Shell Company shall thus, through its innovative capabilities, improve its products and make them more affordable to the market. The company already has a powerful brand name and thus marketing the new products will not be hectic. Through effective innovation, the company can produce at lower costs and thus reducing the overall product prices (Teece, 2010). However, this strategy will attract mixed reactions due to negative price perception among a section of consumers. Nonetheless, this strategy will enable the company to maintain its market share through the hard economic period.

 

Question 5: Global Competition

Competition on a global scale has adverse effects on the operations of the company. For instance, the emergence of high volumes of oil from the East affects the profitability and sustainability of American Oil Companies (Elyasiani, Mansur & Odusami, 2011). Oil companies from the Arabian countries produce at significantly lower process and thus low production costs. This enables the companies to sell their products at lower prices and thus influencing the market prices and margins for Shell Refinery Company. In order to cap on the effects of global oil price surges, Shell management should consider entering into a merger with one of the companies from the Arabian Oil belt (Elyasiani, Mansur & Odusami, 2011). This will enable the company to have a stake in the low-cost oil and thus enable it capitalize on the spread between lowest price and highest in the industry.

References

De Geus, A. (2002). The living company. Harvard Business Press.

Elyasiani, E., Mansur, I., & Odusami, B. (2011). Oil price shocks and industry stock returns. Energy Economics, 33(5), 966-974.

McGrath, R. G. (2010). Business models: A discovery driven approach. Long range planning, 43(2), 247-261.

Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long range planning, 43(2), 172-194.

 

Characteristics of Living True Spiritual Lives

Over the years, people who appear to be living true spiritual lives can be identified and singled out from Christian congregants in terms of their behavior and actions. In other words, it is more likely for an individual who is living factual devout life to be an active member in matters of spiritual restraints and bible doctrines. This essay will limit itself to how these devout restraints and the strict observance of bible doctrines can portray characteristics of true spiritual living.

The carrying out of religious disciplines has been observed to cause the much needed spiritual growth among believers and is considered as a sign of spiritual maturity for believers who have taken it upon themselves to adhere to them. What are religious disciplines? These, in author’s perspective, are the things that a person who is living true spiritual life must observe so as to grow from one level of faith to another. It has been observed that these regulations can be alienated into three broad categories, namely, the interior, the apparent and the communal disciplines. Interior disciplines are the disciplines that true spiritual living will practice without necessarily allowing others to know that the said person is practicing them. For instance, when a believer is meditating, others may not recognize this practice.

Another perfect example of interior discipline is prayer, simply and commonly referred to as communication between a believer and his God. The same way that any close relationship is characterized by consistent communication, so is any believer who would want to live true spiritual life would communicate with his Master. When a believer deny the biological needs of the body like eating and drinking, this is referred to as fasting and is also a variety of prayer. Such denials do not come automatically and hence are recognized as characteristics of individuals who are devout believers of their spiritual inclination. In addition, constant study of the word of God is a strong characteristic of a person who is living true to spiritual needs. This practice has been considered by many spiritual leaders as a firm foundation for the many who profess the faith in God.

The apparent disciplines include unfussiness, privacy, acquiescence, and service. These are disciplines that are aimed at portraying the true cost of following Christ. For instance, the public life and ministry of Jesus Christ paint vivid pictures of what it means to practice outward disciplines. In addition, Paul the Apostle rubber stamped the practice of apparent disciplines by showing us how Jesus’ humility must be emulated by all his followers (Philippians 2: 5-11). Finally, the corporate disciplines are those disciplines that are done corporately like celebration, worship and guidance. They are a mechanism in which true spiritual living is demonstrated by believers coming together to share out their spiritual life experiences together.

Bible doctrines, on the other hand, contribute to large extent the growth of a believer. The two main bible doctrines include the observance of the Lord’s Table and baptism. Many believers partake of the Lord’s Table as a reminder of what Jesus did several years ago and thus help them to hold on their faith. Baptism is a means of identifying with Christ in his death and resurrection. And these, in my opinion, would be true characteristics of those who live in true spiritual lives

 

Crisis in North Dakota

The Dakota community has two primary sections; North and South Dakota. Cultural differences are common in this land considering the many ideologies and experiences for many people over a long time. Like any other community, North Dakota also have unique features. It has its own opinion regarding the nature and wilderness, defined language, views on spirituality and terms and concepts. Volunteering as a mental health worker in this community requires an individual to understand all these unique features. For a hotline worker, it is essential to understand that during crisis/emergencies, victims contend with devastation, lack of organization and deplorable conditions (Bartley 5).

Volunteering as a hotline worker also requires personal commitment and a heart willing to give all it has. Moreover, it is imperative to know that working conditions in the camp are not too comforting. Volunteers work the whole day with minimized sleeping time. Bartley states that, “We finally returned at 2130 hours and I went to bed without dinner” (9). This is an indication of how cumbersome this work could be and the level of sacrifice required.

Preparation is another essential part in carrying out voluntary activities during crisis. First, volunteers can be taken to the actual sites and see the situations in which victims live. In this case, they are given time to handle their emotions with no interference. Most conditions are pathetic and needs a strong heart to withstand. Moreover, communication skills are also significant in carrying out such duties. Volunteers will be handling different people, and should have appropriate communication skills so as to involve someone in a healthy conversation. Additionally, preparation requires adequate supplies of all kinds to handle crisis situations. Demonstrating to volunteers how to use supplies such as work gloves and duct tape. Bartley states that she had the greatest difficulty in obtaining a duct tape (12). Also, other commodities like water, blankets, and light foods should be availed. With such strategies, voluntary work in a crisis becomes a success.

 

Works cited

Bartley, Alise, G. Confronting the Realities of Volunteering for a National Disaster. Journal of     Mental Health Counseling 29 (2007): 4-16.

Autism

Autism is a disorder that affects the development of the brain. Symptoms of the disorder appear when a child is young. Most type of autism affects boys much more than girls. People with autism have problems talking and understanding, and they usually have poor social skills. They frequently have difficulty learning to speak, and they don’t use language the way what would be expected at a given age. Autism may be defined as a pervasive development disorder, characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotypic patterns of behavior, interest and activities.

Scientists have determined that there is a genetic aspect to autism. There is strong evidence that autism can be hereditary, meaning it is linked to genes that are passed from parents to their children. However, other factors may also contribute to autism. These include immune system problems and exposure to toxic substances. In most cases, it is not known what cause autism although it is now recognized as a biological/neurological problem affecting certain parts of the brain. It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. It seems clear that autism is caused by something that either damages the brain before, during or after birth, or prevents the brain from developing normally.

If autism spectrum disorder is in fact, more common today than they were in earlier decades, what is causing this increase? The answer presented most frequently is vaccines. Why vaccines?. What many parents began to notice was a close connection in time between administration of a triple live-virus for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) when their children were twelve to fifteen months old and deterioration in their babies’ functioning.

The medical community explained this association as a no causal coincidence in time but Andrew Wakefield, an English doctor, hypothesized that the MMR vaccine might be triggering regressive autism in genetically vulnerable children. If it is proved that MMR causes autism, then the current child vaccination method should be reviewed.

 

Incredible Technology: How to Bring Extinct Animals Back to Life

Cloning is proposed as the only solution to de-extinction and therefore frozen tissues are harvested for experimentation. Pros for the research include the use of the technique to help in improving the long-term survival of endangered species. Thus the research can be used to revive or conserve extinct animals. Additionally, the experiment will produce identical species. However, the cons for the research include conversation of the animals can bring conflict between the animals and the environment. Additionally, the research is expensive thus the conservation goal would not be achieved. Also, the cloned animal is likely to suffer from physical deformities as portrayed by Pyrenean ibex which died of lung deformities. Finally, the original habitats to the animals has been tampered with as there has been destruction of forests thus this would be more destructive to the revived animals and the environment instead of conserving them.

I do not think it is the duty of humans to bring back extinct animals because human beings have contributed to the extinction of such animals through controllable actions like deforestation. However, if humans are responsible for the extinction like in the case of dodo and the passenger pigeon, humans can revive the species. This is because humans are aware of causes of their extinction, which is over population thus reviving just a few and controlling their reproduction can be helpful in conserving them. Additionally, the current generation would be able to learn more about those species and the importance of conserving the environment for the sake of animals that are likely to become extinct.

Finally, if successful, the animals would be identical to the extinct species. Though the DNA will be the same, the changes in the natural habitat due to human factors like deforestation or global warming will affect the mothering techniques of the revived species. Thus the animal’s behavior will be different from that of the original offspring.

 

Recent Changes in the Concept of National Security

The world as we know it has continued to face challenges that were unheard of in the past. The people of old had relatively fewer security threats as compared to the present generation. Weapons of mass destruction have been developed by countries that threaten world peace. Small illegal arms have found their way into the country through porous borders. Militia and terrorists together with other fundamentalists have gained access to weapons that threaten national security. It is against this backdrop that the essay that follows seeks to explain how the concepts of national security have changed over the recent years.

Simply put, National security can be defined as the security of a nation. The concept of national security is not analogous to military security. In fact, military security is only but a component of national security[1]. In essence, national security entails energy, military, economic, and environmental security. The totality of these types of security constitutes the bigger picture that is national security.

Security has been considered both a contested and forgotten concept. A new lease of life has been granted to this concept as modern security scholars attempt to redefine the whole concept of national security[2]. This definition looks at security in two aspects, i.e. the referent object and the value promoted or safeguarded by national security.

Nation-state, individuals, and international systems are covered in the referent object(s) section while well being, physical safety, autonomy, economic welfare, autonomy of these referent objects is addressed in the new paradigm. The cost, nature, and extent of measure taken to afford security to the referent objects have also changed[3]. Today, nations go to any extent to ensure that their national interest and that of its inhabitants are secured and assured. Nations invest heavily to ensure that they are shielded for both external and internal security threats.

 

 

References

Bolton, M K. U.s. National Security and Foreign Policymaking After 9/11: Present at the Re-Creation. Lanham [u.a.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2008. Print.

David, A. B, The Concept of Security, Review of International Security, vol. 23  ,1997, p.15

Romm, Joseph J. Defining National Security: The Nonmilitary Aspects. New York: Council on Foreign Relations Press, 1993.

 

 

[1]  J. Joseph Romm, Defining National Security: The Nonmilitary Aspects, New York: Council on Foreign Relations Press, 1993, p. 1

[2]  B. A. David, The Concept of Security, Review of International Security, vol. 23  ,1997, p.15

[3]  K. M. Bolton, U.s. National Security and Foreign Policymaking After 9/11: Present at the Re-Creation, Lanham [u.a.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2008, p. 5

 

 

Liability and the Use of Force

#1

Crime solicitation refers to the criminal offense, which is conducted when an individual informs, encourages or triggers the other individual to commit a crime or join this person in committing a crime (Pinnizzotto, 2012). In relation to the common law, solicitation is considered a misdemeanor. This assumption is applied to whether the crime committed is a felony or not.  Examples of solicitation crimes are drug dealing and prostitution. Corroboration requirement may be used in two forms in the solicitation statues. Firstly, it may take a single witness to provide testimony and a corroborating proof. Moreover, this process may require two witnesses alongside corroborating testimonies. These processes ensure that all aspects of a criminal offense are granted considerable views prior to conviction of suspects.

#2

Conspiracy is often an agreement between two groups or many to commit an offence. Several provisions must always be met for a defendant to commit a conspiracy crime. On these provisions include the men’s rea, which comprise two prongs. In the first prong, the defendant is usually believed to have intentions to commit a crime (Aureliusz, 2011). On the other hand, the second prong takes it that the defendant must have had the interest of accomplishing the goal of the conspiracy crime at the moment the defendant joined the agreement. Thus, these two illustrations provide a justification for the requirement of the over Act. In addition, Over Act ensures that accused persons obtain a fair judgment in the court of law.

 

 

#3

The fourth amendment permits the police officer to apply force when seizing persons when these individuals do not express the will to corporate. Police officers, therefore, may use force to restrain suspects when they do not want to abandon situations of conditions of crime. Substantive due process focuses on protecting individuals from majoritarian policy endorsement that exceeds the governmental limits. This implies that it helps when the court establishes that the majority’s endorsement is not law, and cannot be implemented despite the fairness of the process. On the other side, reasonable standard aims at guarding persons from the coercive power of governments through fair and impartial adjudication process (Pinnizzotto, 2012). Thus, there is often a need to ensure that the valid laws create a suitable environment for justice to be achieved.  Some of the methods that can be used to accomplish this include offering right to adequate notification, liberty to impartial arbitrators and liberty to issue testimonies. In addition, this freedom should be extended to the admissibility of relevant proofs during hearing.

#4

Currently, defendants who are tried due to battery or assault may claim that their actions were attempted to prevent the victims from stealing or to damage their property. However, recent policies limit the use of force in the protection of property. The law demands that individuals should not use excessive force when they are defending their properties from intruders or other strangers (Aureliusz, 2011). This law is applied even when the act of interference is considered unlawful. Furthermore, people are not permitted to apply excessive force even in the absence of alternatives means of property protection. Make my day rules speak to the opinion that persons are justified to employ deadly force such as the use of fire arm when they threatened on their property. This term may also be used to mean castle doctrine.

References

Aureliusz, W. (2011). Preclusion of the Wrongfulness of the Use of Force. International Community Law, 13(1): 125-146

Pinizzotto, J; Shannon, B. (2012) Law Enforcement Restraint in the Use of Deadly Force Within the Context of the Deadly Mix. International Journal of Police, Science & Management, 14(4) 14-20

Review of Accounting Ethics

Organizations have been in the limelight over accounting ethical breaches, an example is the accounting ethical breaches that happened at Enron in 2001. It is worth noting that Enron scandal was not the first case and not the last case; there have been similar accounting scandals in diverse organizations. Accounting scandals have affected employees, customers and the general public (Pakaluk & Cheffers, 2011). The government of the United States has responded by placing regulations in protecting the shareholders. An example of the regulations is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that protects and offers corporate oversight to the rights of shareholders. The board of directors is expected to take full responsibility of any accounting scandals within organizations. Sarbanes-Oxley has been influential in uncovering Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) ethical violations (Duska et al, 2011). A number of CEOs have ended up in the jails due to accounting scandals.

Kenneth Lay of Enron is one of the most recognized CEO’s failures in the accounting practice in the United States. Enron scandal was one of the highly publicized, basing on its magnitude in the violations of the accounting ethics. Failure of Enron led to the failure of Arthur Anderson firm that was also recognized for auditing in the United States (Duska et al, 2011). Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was the body responsible in investigating Enron scandal, before the scandal came into the public eye, the shareholders and analysts had noted the abnormal behavior of the organization. Bankruptcy of Enron resulted after the investors in the organization lost confidence; the credit rating also significantly dropped which led to the write down of the organization (Sterling, 2002).

SEC went ahead in prosecuting Lay and Jeffery Skilling who was the former CEO and Andrew Fastow who was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and also prosecuted high profile employees. Charges against the former leaders at Enron included manipulating accounting rules knowingly and also masking huge liabilities and losses in Enron. Skilling and Lay faced forty six counts among them being; bank fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and insider trading among others. Skilling got convicted and sentenced for more than twenty four years in the United States prison; he was guilty of nineteen counts.

Lay on the other hand got convicted of fraud and faced six counts; he was jailed for forty five years in the United States jail (McLean & Elkind, 2004). The death of Lay came in 2006, which was three months just before the set sentencing hearing. Sarbanes-Oxley Act was a product of Enron scandal. The congress took the active measures in averting a similar scandal, with the intention of enhancing accountability among the corporate; little did the United States government realize that WorldCom was next; with an accounting scandal, headed by Bernard Ebbers as the Chief Executive Officer in the organization. WorldCom’s scandal was larger than the scandal that happened in Enron. Ebbers was sentenced for twenty five years in 2006 and sent to the federal prison (Pakaluk & Cheffers, 2011).

Basing on the new regulations in the regulatory and business environment, like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act among others has made it real in protecting the shareholders in corporations, the fact that leaders involved in corporate ethical frauds faced legal responsibilities, corporate leaders in the recent times have become more responsible in addressing accounting issues.

The financial statements were confusing and at the same time complex such that the auditors could not detect the anomalies with ease. Analysts and the shareholders could not figure out the financial statements, this was done intentionally in making sure that the leaders carried out the illegal practice undetected (Pakaluk & Cheffers, 2011). The business model was also complex, a feature that facilitated the unethical practices. Enron used minimal accounting resources, misrepresented earnings, balance sheet was modified and the business model was disfigured to look favorable (Duska et al, 2011).

Accountants at Enron exploited the week points at Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) for their personal gain; the accountants were smart to an extent that the auditors could not detect the system and the anomalies. The unethical practices in Enron resulted to bankruptcy of the organization (McLean & Elkind, 2004). The leaders at Enron were just concerned on profits in the organization irrespective of any unethical practices. The leaders heavily focused at Wall Street expectations in a way it compromised safety of Enron. The organization engaged mark to market accounting which focused at elevated market values. The debts were hidden by the creation of balance sheet vehicles and financial structures that were complex (Pakaluk & Cheffers, 2011).

As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Enron, I could have advocated for the adoptions of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and engaging different auditors to work on the financial statements (Sterling, 2002). Avoiding ethical scandals is always good to engage a code of conduct, model the behavior in the organizational culture, disclose any arising issues of conflicting interests, recuse the leaders, getting consent, devising alternative models, avoiding unclear deals or issues, focusing at the issue and not focusing at the persons, enhancing ethical approach, documenting important matters and blowing the whistle (McLean & Elkind, 2004). Leaders in organizations have to protect the interests of the shareholders and in making sure that the reputation and suitability of the organization is enhanced.

References

Duska, R. et al. (2011). Accounting Ethics. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell.

McLean, B. & Elkind, P. (2004). The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron. New York: Portfolio Trade.

Pakaluk, M. & Cheffers, M. (2011). Accounting Ethics. New York: Allen David Press.

Sterling, T. F. (2002). Enron Scandal. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Reflection Paper

Recommendation four: increase in the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate to 80% by 2020

Fitting in this recommendation is not a big challenge although some nursing professionals think that it is going to cause tension in the profession. How well the people in this profession fit into this recommendation depends on the accrediting bodies, public and private funders, and how the progress into attaining this target is monitored (Finkelman, & Kenner, 2009).  This recommendation is necessary in order to be able to meet the many demands of the diverse populations in the world. As a young person, it is easy to adapt to change and therefore if the requirements are that nurses should atleast have an education level of baccalaureate, it is easier for those who are at the lower level to go back to school and advance their education.

This nursing recommendation will encourage me as a nurse to adapt a reading culture and act as an indication that in the coming years there will be great competition in the job market because almost everyone will be having high educational qualifications. This recommendation to me means that I will be required to improve my qualifications to a much higher level than even a baccalaureate so that I can be able to remain in a much higher position and stand a better chance in the job market in the near future (Finkelman, & Kenner, 2009).

Recommendation five: double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020

This recommendation turns out to be a little more challenging because it requires more attention and funds. The doctorate studies are more demanding and also faced with some educational barriers such as lack of adequate resources to accommodate large numbers of doctorate students. This may cause a person’s applications to be turned away. As a result, it may take longer to get a chance to pursue a doctorate degree (Ehnfors, & Grobe, 2004).

Even though pursuing a doctorate maybe difficult, at the end of it I would be required to partake it before the number of people applying for the studies is high (Ehnfors, & Grobe, 2004).  In this way, I will be able to stand the competition in the job market and in the nursing profession.

Recommendation 6: ensuring nurses engage in life-long learning

It is possible as a nurse to develop a learning culture. The desire to acquire more knowledge makes it possible for someone to continue studying from time to time.

Job options

Having a high education level such as a doctorate enables one to stand a chance of working with different departments in the nursing profession. The chances of promotion are also higher when one has a high education level. One is able to compete favorably with others in the job market. A higher education level indicated that one is more qualified and experienced and therefore they are able to acquire high ranking jobs easily (Grossman, & Valiga, 2009).

The education level of a nurse helps in developing the nursing field by promoting a learning culture to the nursing students and those already into the practice. The education level that practicing nurses have tends to set the standards for nursing students and those who would like to pursue this career (Grossman, & Valiga, 2009). Therefore, high educational levels promote readership in the nursing profession.

Conclusion

If these recommendations are facilitated and encouraged, they can bring a big revolution in the nursing profession. This requires provision of resources and additional facilities in order to make these recommendations become a reality.

 

References

Ehnfors, M., & Grobe, S. J. (2004). Nursing curriculum and continuing education: future directions. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 73(7), 591-598.

Finkelman, A. W., & Kenner, C. (2009). Teaching IOM: Implications of the Institute of Medicine reports for nursing education. Nursesbooks. org.

Grossman, S., & Valiga, T. M. (2009). The new leadership challenge: Creating the future of nursing.

Labour Relations

Part A

1. How does Godard define labour?

Godard’s definition of labour is akin to that of the Marxists and it states that labour is the conversion of human effort into some measurable input in exchange for money. He argues that labour is given by the employed to established economic and social relationships with the employer (Godard, 1993).

2. What is the fundamental role of labour unions?

The fundamental role of trade unions is to defend the rights of workers that subscribe to them. This they accomplish by negotiating for wage concessions, and better working conditions.

3. What distinctions divide workers into different groups or categories? In what way have these classifications changed over time? What are the reasons for this change?

Class and union status are some of the distinguishing characteristics of workers. Class distinction has given rise to different types of employees or workers e.g. executives, managers, supervisors, general workers, and support staff. Another categorization looks categorizes workers as either unionized or non-unionized (Godard, 1993). These categories continue to exist albeit some changes. For instance, more and more workers have since become unionized while some have gone back to school and acquired skills to rise to management positions. The desire for better living and working conditions is the primary reason behind the change.

4. What is the role of managers?

Managers are tasked with the responsibility of supervising the work done by employees under them. Some are engaged in policy formulation while most are engaged in the implementation of the formulated policies.

5. How is employment both an economic and a social relationship?

Employment is an economic relationship because the worker gives his skills to benefit the employer while the employer rewards the worker for the skills. As a social relationship, employment affords the workers better working and living conditions (Godard, 1993).

6. Why is employment characterized by both cooperation and conflict between workers and employers?

This is so because the workplace is highly dynamic and conditions do change. Workers co-operate with their employers when their concerns are addressed. They conflict to agitate for change.

 

Part B

Question 1: Key Challenges for Canadian Unions

The labour unions in Canada face some formidable challenges. Since the 1980s, the Canadian government abandoned full-employment as their primary economic objective. This in effect reduced the number of unionized workers. This reduction in the number of unionized workers impedes on the functions of the labour unions as the progressive voice of the workers, and the advocate and promoter of social justice (Jackson, 2010). Another challenge faced by the unions emanates from the government and the private sector who perpetuate anti-union sentiments, blaming the unions for the economic woes bedevilling the country, with some arguing that the labour unions are outdated and that their operations are not in the best interest of the country

Question 2: .In what economic sectors are unions strong, what accounts for the strength?

In Canada, the public sector is highly unionized. This sector of the economy has workers that include teachers, social workers, nurses, cultural workers, and professors. The strength of unionization in this sector of the economy can be attributed to the fact that workers pushed for better working condition and the unions offered them a platform for collective bargaining (Jackson, 2010).

Question 3:      In what economic sectors are unions weak? What accounts for this weakness?

Unionization is weak in the private sector. Some employers in the private sector prohibited their workers from joining unions. Others within the sector promoted anti-union sentiments branding unions as out-dated and out of line with the development agenda of the modern economic times (Jackson, 2010).

Question 4:      What barriers exist to organizing small workplaces?

Pre-existing unions have taken on the task of organizing the un-organized workforce, some of which are found in small work groups. The major barriers to this endeavour include negative sentiments peddled by the employers of the non-unionized workers. Another barrier rests in the fact that the un-organized workers e.g. female workers require a shift in the manner of unionization (Jackson, 2010).

Question 5:      What is the major risk of declining union density?

The major risk of declining union density lies in the fact that workers will miss the crucial advocacy services they receive from unions, which act as the defender of their rights for better pay and conducive working environment. The decline of unions will hand the employers the power of treating their employees as they deem fit (Jackson, 2010).

 

Part C

1. What did Hargrove learn from Gino the sweeper?

Hargrove learnt that it is the worker who has the power of determining what he can or cannot do within the time assigned for his work. Gino had an eight-hour shift and an allocated floor space that he had to clean (Hargrove, & Skene, 1998). Gino’s refusal to clean a larger space within his eight hour shift is justified because there was no increase in pay for the increased work load.

2. Do you agree with Hargrove’s assertion that non-unionized workers benefit from unions? Why, or why not?

I disagree with Hargrove’s assertion that non-unionized workers benefit from unions. This is so because unions only benefit workers that belong or subscribe to the unions only.

3. Do you agree with Hargrove’s analysis of the claim that “unions have too much power”? Why, or why not?

Again, I happen to disagree with Hargrove on this matter. This position is informed by the fact that unions are defenders of the workers. They protect workers from employee maltreatment. Take the sweeper’s case for an ensample. The presence of the union official ensured that he was not forced to do more work for no extra pay (Hargrove, & Skene, 1998).

4. Do you agree with Hargrove’s contention that “even when we have the law on our side, it seldom means anything”? Why, or why not?

For once, I agree with Hargrove’s contention. The dictates of the law have no effect if the people it is meant to protect are either unaware of its provisions or are powerless to demand that it be enforced as prescribed.

5. Why does Hargrove believe that wage concessions are unwise? Do you agree? Why, or why not?

Hargrove believes that wage concessions are unwise because they delayed corporate from making the decision on the necessary corporate restructuring (Hargrove, & Skene, 1998). I tend to feel that wage concessions are necessary especially with the ever-rising cost of living.

6. Do you agree with the Canadian Auto Workers’ (CAW’s) decision not to provide financial support to the Ontario NDP in the wake of the Social Contract? In your answer, be sure to consider the long-term effect of the election of the Harris government.

I agree with CAW’s decision of not funding the ONDP. The party that ha d come to power in 1990 quickly shifted its policies and it became anti-workers. The union cannot risk being associated with a government that fights the workers it represents. The long-term effect of this move is likely to twist the outcome of elections in Ontario. Without the financial support and backing of the union, the Harris government is likely to lose the polls.

 

Part D

Personal Response

As a worker, I must admit that labour unions play an important role in my day-to-day operations. Firstly, it is important to point out that I just joined the union a few years back. Prior to my joining the union, all my work related affairs were a preserve of the management that set my work hours, workload, overtime rates and all working conditions. I chose to join the union of Allied Workers because I believe in better working conditions. I was also persuaded to join the union because all the non-unionized workers in my firm were joining the union. There were promises released by union officials, most of which were enticing and these also contributed to my enrolment into the union.

Upon joining the union, all my troubles seized; I discovered that my employer had been denying me some basic rights as a worker. After joining the union, the union got into fresh negotiations with our employer and the result was better pay consummate with our skills, health insurance, accident insurance, and hardship allowance. The union also negotiated for safe working hours and better work environment. Additionally, the union takes care of all matters ensuring that I go about my job without any fear of maltreatment. Having the union’s support means that workers cannot be bullied into working in deplorable conditions.

Another important function of the unions rests in the fact that they receive and manage funds and contributions from the workers ensuring that the funds are profitably invested. Corporate executives and managers have been known to either mismanage their workers’ contributions. Some corporations convert their worker’s retirement funds into stocks and bonds controlled by the company and its board members. Corporate executives and managers cannot be trusted to manage the funds meant for workers because as owners of the stocks where the funds are invested, they too have stake that might lead to a conflict of interest.

The union has also played an important role in negotiating higher pay. There was that time that the employer refused to pay our dues as agreed. The union threatened that it would call for a countrywide strike. The employer thought that the union was joking. The set date for the commencement of the industrial action came and the union made real their threat. The government held its ground for two weeks and then called the union to a round table discussion. Hardly had the discussions begin when they came to a standstill. The government pulled a fast one and filed for an injunction on the industrial court. The Court ruled in favour of the government and held that the strike was illegal. What followed next is unfortunate; we were all ordered to report to our workstations within the next 24 hours failure to which we would all face disciplinary actions. In response to these threats, the union ordered its workers to stay off their work places. When the government discovered that our resolve was unshakable, they ceded ground and call for fresh negotiations. Our push for increased wages was agreed to. The new wage rates took effect three months later and it was backdated to the date agreed on in the very first negotiations.

In the dispute recounted above, the union flexed its muscles to ensure that the rights of the workers were addressed. The union also held the government accountable and ensured that they fulfilled the promises and commitments they made in the first negotiations. Additionally, the union also ensured that it strengthened the worker while on strike. The union went to court on behalf of the worker and helped them withstand intimidation by asking the workers not to go back to work contrary to government orders. All these effects of trade unions are of benefit to me as a worker.

 

 

References

Godard, J. (1993). Industrial relations, the economy, and society. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

Hargrove, B., & Skene, W. (1998). Labour of love: The fight to create a more humane Canada. Toronto: Macfarlane Walter & Ross.

Jackson, A. (2010). Work and labour in Canada: Critical issues. Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press.