Studying and analyzing how General Electric applied Quality Management Research Paper

Studying and analyzing how General Electric applied Quality Management (QM) - Research Paper Example Quality improvement embraces the notion that there should be a relentless, continual pursuit of excellence so as to eliminate sources of waste, inefficiencies, rework, or errors (Kuballa 2006, p.6). The core values of quality improvement encompass customer focus, systems review, data driven focus, involvement of all stakeholders, continual improvement, and process optimization (Cheng 2008, p.182). Quality management subscribes to principles such as customer focus, leadership, process approach, involvement of the people, continual improvement, fact based approach to decision making, and mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships (Hill and Jones 2010, p.5). The paper explores the influence of quality improvement and performance in organizations and to investigate the link between quality improvement practices and organizational performance. Quality Gurus Edwards Deming Deming is renowned for developing a system of statistical quality control. Deming asserted that most of the problem s that confront management are systematic. His philosophy centers on advocating that quality must be incorporated into the product at all stages so as to attain a high level of excellence. Deming argued that enhanced quality results to increased productivity, which in turn, enhances lasting competitive strength. Deming incorporated what he called as the â€Å"Deming Chain reaction† and outlined fourteen points of the system at diverse levels. As quality is enhanced, costs reduce, while productivity increases resulting to enhanced market share and long term corporate survival. Deming’s theories include theory of optimization, theory of variation, theory of knowledge, and theory of Psychology. Joseph Juran Juran defines quality as fitness for use encompassing aspects such as design, conformance, availability, safety, and field use. Juran incorporated managerial dimensions of planning, organizing, and controlling directed at attaining quality. Juran advocated ten steps di rected at quality improvement. Philip Crosby Crosby stresses motivation and planning as key components in improving the quality. However, he shied away from endorsing statistical process control and problem techniques that Deming and Juran advocated. Crosby proposed fourteen points critical to effective, quality practices that companies can adopt. Crosby asserted that quality is free since the minimal cost of prevention is comparatively lower compared to cost of detection, correction and failure. Armand Feigenbaum Armand Feigenbaum incorporated a Total Quality Control approach in which he defined as an effective system essential to integrating the quality development, maintenance, and improvement efforts of diverse groups in organizations geared towards enabling the production and service within economical levels. This facilitates customer satisfaction. Kaoru Ishikawa Japanese companies structured their own approach to TQM by Ishikawa, which was based on the literature of Deming and Juran. The new approach to quality was fashioned to suit their culture and operating environment together with

Nuclear Technology and Countries of the Persian Gulf Essay Example for Free

Nuclear Technology and Countries of the Persian Gulf Essay Nuclear energy has been used widely only for thirty years . In sixtieth it was an exotic source of power, researched by scientists, and widely discussed in press. Nowadays, as Ilan Lipper Jon Stone state in their article about nuclear powers and society, it is the second largest energy source in the U. S. There are more than 110 nuclear plants throughout the U. S, and they produce more energy than hydropower, oil or gas, researchers write. For the U. S nuclear energy became a cheap and relatively safe source of energy, and many countries decided to adopt American experience in this field. Today most European and Asian countries have nuclear plants that provide them with energy. Nevertheless, a question emerges which is whether it is safe to grant access to nuclear powers to countries of the Persian Gulf, like Iran, who are known for being aggressive and searching for the means to get weapons. Politicians and usual people all over the world are discussing this question. Their main fears are that nuclear power in wrong hands may be transformed into weapon, and thus harm the ecology severely. Discussions take place all over the world about the influence of nuclear power plants on the ecology. Some say that they are not safe, even when nuclear powers are used only as a source of energy, and not as a weapon. The thing is that nuclear power plants use radioactive materials like uranium and plutonium to produce energy, and there are toxic wastes left, the authors of encyclopedia entry on renewable energy source on NationMaster, a large statistical data source claim. They add that the results of one significant radiation leakage accident on Yucca Mountain were disastrous; so people should be really very careful when using nuclear energy as the source of electricity. In the same time, Ilan Lipper Jon Stone prove that the dangers of using nuclear power are overestimated. They state that unlike the wastes that stay after burning of coal, which stay toxic forever, nuclear wastes toxicity reduces with each passing day, as its elements are not stable. They prove that the amount of toxic wastes thrown into the air each year is less in the countries where nuclear plants are the main source of electricity, than in the countries where there are few or no nuclear plants. It is clearly seen that nuclear power is a very effective source of energy, and the damage it does to ecology in normal conditions is less than that of burning coal, or other means of getting electricity. Nevertheless human factor should not be forgotten. One serious human mistake is enough to let the effective and relatively safe nuclear power lead to disastrous consequences. In case an uncontrollable chain reaction emerges on the nuclear power plant, thousands of acres of lands and thousands of tons of water would be polluted, and the health of thousands of people would be damaged. The problem with nuclear power is that it is too powerful. When used correctly it can let governments save billions of dollars, as the energy produced by nuclear power plants is relatively cheap, and protect the environment from negative influence of toxic wastes other methods of getting electricity produce, but one mistake with nuclear power can lead to unpredictable and very serious consequences. Another serious problem with using nuclear power for producing energy is that the elements used for it can also be used for creating nuclear weapon. Human beings have always been at war with each other, and since prehistoric times they have been inventing more and more accomplished methods of murdering each other. On the present moment nuclear weapon is one of the most effective ones, along with bacteriological weapon. Nuclear weapon was used only two times in history, on Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It slaughtered all the dwellers of these cities, and polluted the area so that people could not live there. More than sixty years passed, and still no one lives in these places. The consequences of using nuclear weapon were so disastrous and cruel that humans finally understood they had to stop. Most countries signed various agreements stating that they would not use and produce nuclear weapons. Still many countries have nuclear powers, either officially on non-officially, but no one comes to the scratch to use them. Everyone understands that the first bomb dropped will became the end of the world we all live in. Nuclear weapon is so powerful that dozen bombs dropped can slaughter several millions of people, depending on bombs’ sizes. The country which became the target of the nuclear attack will fight back with nuclear weapon murdering people and making land unfit to live on. That is why the issue of giving nuclear power to aggressive countries like those of the Persian Gulf is so debatable. The leaders of these countries state they need nuclear power in order to make the life of their people better, enhance their economy and protect ecology. For example, Iranian scientists prove that the oil and gas resources Iran has are not enough for satisfying the countries need of electricity, as the plants that recycle them to get electricity are out dated, with tons of equipment broken. The article published in Herald Tribune states that the demand on electricity is getting bigger with each passing year, and using non-renewable resources like oil for satisfying it is not rational, and, moreover, dangerous for the country’s ecology. They add that 57 of 60 oil fields need major repairs and modernization in order to produce enough oil to satisfy the demand in electricity. In general their viewpoint is easy to understand, as they want to use the cheap and relatively safe method of getting electricity most European and American countries use. In the same time Iranian aggressive politics towards other countries makes everyone suspect that they can use nuclear powers in purposes other than producing electricity. Giacomo Luciani, the Director of Gulf Research Center, states in his article â€Å"The Gulf Countries and Nuclear Energy† that the resources of oil are scarce in Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. He proves that soon there will not be enough of oil there to satisfy the existing demand in electricity. He adds that the restrictions USA and its allies impose on Persian Gulf countries in the issue of nuclear energy put their industries from adequate development. Luciani reminds that there are some industries within these countries, like aluminium smelting and water desalination that are of crucial importance to this region, and to other countries. His viewpoint is that given that Persian Gulf countries are gradually becoming industrial ones it is not rational to deprive them of the means to get cheap electricity, which is essential for all industrial fields. â€Å"The key to success is exactly in viewing nuclear technology as an economic, not a political or security choice. † – says Luciani. Nevertheless, given the political situation in this region the question of granting access to nuclear power cannot be viewed as an economic issue only. Some of the leaders of these countries are too ambitious to be satisfied with current situation. Of course most people who vote for creating nuclear power plants in Iran, Dahrain and other countries of this region in fact want to provide electricity. Their goal is to help develop industry in this region, in order to provide well-being to its dwellers. Meanwhile one person in power who desires control would be enough to create nuclear power plants to security threat. There are no warranties that the leaders of these countries will not be able to access nuclear power plants, as their powers in their countries are almost unlimited. In addition, terroristic groups functioning in Persian Gulf region should not be forgotten. Terrorists are people who are ready for anything to reach their goals; murdering thousands of people is not an ethical problem for them; again, there is no warranty they will not be able to access elements used for nuclear reactions on plants producing electricity. Nuclear energy is a relatively safe and cheap source of electricity nowadays. Most American and European countries use it. Some economists see nuclear plants as a universal solution for satisfying the demand in electricity. Meanwhile there are aspects about nuclear energy that have to be considered when using it. Using nuclear power may be dangerous, as an uncontrollable chain reaction may occur, and lead to nuclear explosion. In the same time the danger exists that nuclear powers may be used to create nuclear weapons. This fear is one of the main obstacles for giving Iran and other countries of the Persian Gulf access to nuclear powers. Researchers prove it would be beneficial for their economy, but, given the current political situation in that region, the decision cannot be the purely economical one. At the moment giving nuclear powers to Persian Gulf countries is too dangerous for the well-being of all the people in the world. References 1. Lipper, I. , Stone, J. (1998). Nuclear Energy Society. Earth and Society Interaction Project. Retrieved January 3, 2008 from http://www. umich. edu/~gs265/society/nuclear. htm 2. Luciani, G. (2007). The Gulf Countries and Nuclear Energy. Gulf Monitor, 6(20-23). Retrieved January 3, 2008 from http://www. grc. ae/data/contents/uploads/Gulf_Monitor_no_6_3450. pdf 3. Renewable Energy Source. (2005). Nation Master Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 3, 2008 from http://www. nationmaster. com/encyclopedia/Renewable-energy-source#Is_nuclear_energy_renewable. 3F 4. Sahimi, M. , Mojtahed-Zadeh, P. , Afrasiabi, K. L. (2003, October 14). Energy : Iran needs nuclear power. International Herald Tribune. Retrieved January 3, 2008 from http://www. iht. com/articles/2003/10/14/edsahimi_ed3_. php

The Skills Of An Executive Assistant

The Skills Of An Executive Assistant Many years over, executive assistants roles, responsibilities and skills may have varied with changing time and the rapid upgrades of technology. According to Wise geek, defines executive assistants as professionals who functions as aides to corporate executives while the responsibilities associated with work as an assistant of this type will vary depending on the corporate culture that prevails within a given company. Executive assistants work for a company officer and possess the authority to make crucial decisions affecting such organizations, and are therefore a resource in decision making and policy setting. The executive assistant performs the usual roles of managing correspondence, preparing research, and communication while also acting as the gate keeper, understanding in varying degrees, the requirements of the executive and with an ability to decide upon the most important scheduled meetings and events. They may also represent executive at meetings. Executive assistants sho uld be able to motivate and influence people and mange projects. IAM study guide 2011 by Kathleen Stalker In some cases, the executive assistant delegates work to the administrative assistant based on competence, experience, and knowledge of the context, confidentiality, priority, urgency and availability according to www.trisatatedomestic.net. There may also be drawbacks or problems that will associate themselves with executive assistances. Examples for this assessment will be drawn from the Ministry of Finance of Trinidad and Tobago. It is an organization that prepares annual budgets and carries out the governments financial transactions. I have been employed under this Ministry for the past two years. The skills of an Executive Assistant: Executive assistants in todays world demands are huge. They must possess outstanding skills that every executive wants for the success of their business. As an executive assistant at the Ministry of Finance, the skills that I pose make me unique. These skills are: planning, directing, coordinating, organizing, budgeting, having a wide range of technical, analytical and assertiveness skills, conflict management skills, leadership skills, being an outstanding problem solver, efficient and effective decision maker, excellent communication skills, interpersonal and negotiation skills whilst at the same time knowing the culture of the organization and the business strategy. At the Ministry of Finance, I use all these skills on a day to day basis when bombarded with the challenges faced. For example, being able to analyze a given situation and make the right decision that will ensure it is contributing to the overall success of the Ministry. With this type of situation your communication skills are in use in transmitting information to stakeholders, leadership skills are pivotal so that the staff does not see fear, this way you can motivate them to move forward. Problem solving skills are imperative for situations that pose serious threat to the organization. I also possess skills such as being able to coach e.g. training, allowing for development of staff, and having a skill to discipline when necessary. One major skill that I have is the ability cope with different personalities in the work place. This was shown through the handling of three executives work amongst other employees at the same time. This in turn brought with it different styles of management that I had to adopt myself to. Another skill that stood out for me as an executive assistant is my ability to undergo continuous professional development. This in turn assists me in managing the challenges faced. As an executive assistant there are many responsibilities that are associated with its portfolio. These include: Roles and Responsibilities of Executive Assistant There are many roles and responsibilities that are associated with the executive assistant. At the Ministry of Finance, as the Executive Assistant, I must be able to assist the Chief Executive Officer efficiently and effectively. The major responsibilities that apply for most executive assistants and myself are, scheduling, which will be fully, discussed later down in diary management, travel arrangements, an integral responsibility that executive assistant must keep up to date with. At the Finance Ministry, our Chief Executive Officer always on board meetings in and around the Caribbean, therefore, his travel plans is always updated. Administration, that is, keeping an excellent track record of all documents at the ministry, liaisoning and communicating with other executives in the building. There are also the need for taking dictation and managing his day to day correspondence. I also prepare Management Information Systems- answering mails both electronically and via postal, prepare, edit and distribute itineraries, letters, memos and meeting minutes and keep track of for events and meetings making sure that things are not overlooked. (See Appendix for full job description of Executive Assistants- inclusive of roles and responsibilities) Executive Assistant in Supporting Systems and Processes A system is a group of related functions, elements and procedure which work together to ensure that tasks are accomplished and objectives met. Processes are procedures that convert resources into results which have a valuable for the organization, customer and stakeholders IAM study guide 2011 There are many skills that are engineered for me, the executive assistant in supporting systems and processes, these include; being able to adapt to changing technology example, computer literate, Information Communication Technology, excellent communication skills, being able to lead and motivate staff, handling huge amounts of files at a single time with its processes, good filing techniques, control, planning, organizing, coordinating, motivating etc. It is my duty to ensure that everything is secure because of the vast valuable information that is prevalent. At the Ministry of Finance, as an executive assistant, I still use the paper base or hard copy filing system. Filing in every organization is important and it serves as a track record for the organization. At the Finance Ministry, the filing system is functional and easy to use. The files are simple and quick to retrieve. It is done in an alphabetical order and executive assistants has a more efficient and effective use of this system. However, there is a variable drawback to this Ministry with regards to its security. Its safe but if a natural disaster to have strike, for example, a fire, then the problem may arise of loss of all hard copy information. There is also room for improvements within our system, for example the introduction of technology-computerized systems. This way paper would be saved. The executive assistants have many roles and responsibilities. When support ing a process, my job is dependent upon the structure of the organization. If the organization has a specific department for example Human Resources, then the executive assistant task would be limited. However, in an instant where the organization needs to employ Managers, Chief Executive Officers for the strategic level, then it will be assisted by the executive assistant for the executive manager. In this case I will be recruiting and advertising of the vacant post, short listing and acknowledging of the selected candidates of the date and time of their interviews and keeping of the personnel records of the staff. Executive Assistants and the Office Environment The environment is the physical layout of an office or its space, building structure and its contents within its structure. There are many skills that are needed for the executive assistant such as; should be aware of the Health and Safety Legislation, be able to budget and costing, there Human Resource and there comfort, risk assessment, reporting etc. I have a responsibility on advising my line managers on how appropriately they should develop an office environment to ensure that staff is satisfied and comfortable for work. Before any recommendations can be made, I must be able to distinguish the type of building that is present and then assess my work force. Employees want a safe and healthy work environment, so I need to take those factors into consideration when choosing an office environment. Normally, at a new age building, I would recommend with the new technology steel columns and trusses and reinforced concrete frames have liberated space which can be , if necessary be partitioned but lend themselves to open plan office layouts. However, at my office at the Ministry of Finance, our department is one of an open plan, where everyone work in one huge open space regardless of status and grouped together in logical work groups. At the Ministry of Finance, being an open plan, it brings everyone together, communication and decision making is improved. Teams absorbs knowledge across the area, music is played making work comfortable and enjoyable. It is very cost effective for the Ministry and all noisy equipment are placed at one corner of the department, example photocopiers, faxes etc. However, the disadvantages to this type of work environment is the traffic flow, people like their own space to personalize, there is the thought of no privacy and the lighting or heating they have no control over. An executive assistant needs to look at this to ensure that they create the right environment for their employees. Executive Assistant Managing Meetings and Events An executive assistant has one of their many duties, the role of organizing meetings of all kinds for their executive manager(s).A meeting is an event involving a group of people getting together to discuss and or decide, an event is a planned happening that occurs in a certain place, at a certain time and date IAM study guide 2011. The meeting will vary in size, but for its success or not, it will depend upon the efficiency and effectiveness of the executive assistant. A significant amount of skills I would need when comes to managing meetings and events are my strong planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating with leadership skills. There are many different meetings that can occur within the organization. It is the executive assistant role to identify which one is most important with regards to the situation at hand, For example, there are board meetings, annual general meeting, inaugural meetings etc. The executive assistant at the Ministry of Finance ensures that the following qualities or attributes are present at all events or meetings. A budget Who will be attending the eventmeeting An agenda What documents will be needed The venue How many attendees What equipment will be needed This type is done internally and externally within the organization. This way the executive assistant job role has been expanded, leaving no room for errors. Executive Assistant Project Management In order for me to support my line manger in the planning and conduction of projects independently, they must first understand what a project is? It is a temporary undertaking to produce a unique product, service or result IAM study guide 201l. There are many skills that are associated with executive assistant that will be required to perform their jobs. These skills include; clear objectives, able to cope with risk, excellent planning, good training and an astonishing team, clear scope and objectives, good communication skills, and good control of time and budgeting. All projects have four stages for its lifespan which include; starting the project, organizing and preparing, carrying out the work and closing the project. Projects have four controls that I know when designing, implementing and coordinating projects. These include, time, cost, scope and equipment. The time is when the project will deliver, the scope is what the project is expected to deliver with a description, and the cost is the amount of money needed to complete the project. For example at the Ministry of Finance, I have projects such as coordinating sports days, conventions, creating accounts for the yearly fiscal budgets with teams, and doing small external projects such as fixing the pavements in front of and around the building. Its my duty to develop and allocate its time; cost and what will be delivered in its respected amounts. Few projects may have failed due to the lack of clear objectives, the lack of risk management and senior management, no team building, understated scope, unrealistic resources, no change control, poor planning, no training and most of the times because of poor communication. This is prevalent within organizations and most times with the executive assistants. The executive assistant must keep those aforementioned risks in consideration always for the prevention of project failure. Executive Assistants Managing Diaries and Events According to Sue France 2009 Executive assistants support their executive manager by not only managing and organizing their own time but that of their bosses. Maintaining diaries is very useful for an executive manager and it is essential that the executive assistant does this. Diaries can be hard copy or the normal old fashioned style or more modern day style of electronic diaries. Electronic diaries have many advantages that are associated with it that will allow executive managers and there assistants work more efficient and effective. I can access electronic diaries with Microsoft Outlook which makes the handling of multiple entries easier and shared with executive managers and other staff. Advantages associated with electronic diaries include; the accessibility from any computer or mobile device, sends reminders of meetings, be easily edited, once involved in any project can track the project status, entries can be shared, information can be integrated with other data proportion. However, at the office that I am presently employed, the Ministry of Finance, I currently use the hard copy diaries that are on their desks. It is my responsibility to ensure that my line manager attend all his meetings on time as scheduled. Throughout projects, for example, scheduling dates for manager to attend budgets planning, to ensure that the executive gets there with all the necessary paper work up to date and on the specified date and time. Executive Assistants and Communication Although there are all the aforementioned roles, responsibilities one of the major skills of an executive assistant is their ability to communicate effectively. I communicate via telephone, internet or even face to face. According to Sue France, she says that an essential criterion of executive assistant with regards to communication is their ability to network. She describes networking as about listening and strong knowledge and helping each other achieve their respective goals. Executive assistants should be able to evaluate the most appropriate communication channel or tool to ensure the effective passing on of information. At the Ministry of Finance I am able to communicate effectively and efficiently in order to get the job done. If communication is not done properly, then the work will not be up to standard for the achievement of the organizational goals. In order for this to happen, I am able to identify qualities such as, body language, how people interpret information, writing correct style of emails, use of Information Communication Technology and adapting to different cultures. Skills will also be needed from the executive assistant for the use of telephone etiquette, being able to listen, and being able to communicate throughout the organization form strategic level through to the operational level both horizontally, vertically and diagonally. Poor communication can shatter or bring down a business to a loss, for example, with the case from the IAM study guide entitled Communicating with stakeholders Bernard Mathews did not speak up to defend his turkey producing industry against the bird flu disease. Thus, resulting him and his company to lose sales by 35% and went into a loss position. Since then in 2008 the company went into a turnaround communication perspective that gives the consumer more attention. Conclusion In conclusion, Executive Assistants roles and responsibilities go a long way in nurturing the success of the business. It is not only supporting systems and processes, maintaining an appropriate office environment, organizing meeting and events, project planning or managing diaries and communication. It is all of the above and many more associated with this portfolio of the executive assistant that the selected incumbent must possess. Now that the role, responsibilities and skills of an executive assistant have been examined, it shows what attributes are required for an efficient and effective executive assistant. For the individual to be able to cope with all challenges faced within the organization he or she must adapt to change and allow room for continuous professional development. In this way the executive assistant would learn new and improve techniques to cope with situations. Bibliography IAM Level 4 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management Qualification Handbook (2011 Edition) Administration for Executive Assistants Written By- Kathleen Stalker France S (2009) The definitive Personal assistant and Secretarial Handbook Published by- Kogan Page Ltd Mullins, L.J. (2007) Management and Organizational Behaviour 8th Edition Harlow, Financial Times Prentice Hall www.wikipedia.com Internet Service Definitions and other sources of materials that were needed www.wisegeek.com Definitions and other sources of materials that were needed www.hewlett.org For the copy of the Executive Assistants Job Description and Specification

Emily Dickinson: Transcendentalist Experience Through Imagination :: essays research papers

Emily Dickinson: Transcendentalist Experience Through Imagination   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The early 19th century ideas of transcendentalism, which were introduced by Ralph Emerson and David Thoreau, where man as an individual becomes spiritually consumed with nature and himself through experience are contrasted by Emily Dickinson, who chose to branch off this path by showing that a transcendentalist experience could be achieved through imagination alone. These three monumental writers set the boundaries for this new realm of thought. Although these writers ideas were not similar, they all followed the simple idea that â€Å"the universe is composed of Nature and the Soul† . The male perspective seen through the works of Thoreau and Emerson, where nature â€Å"refers to essences unchanged by man; the air, the river, the leaf† , is revised and satirized by Dickinson's statement that â€Å"Of all the Souls that stand create-, I have elected- One† . Dickinson's works were meant to taunt society by showing how a woman, ironically trapped in her â€Å"natural† surroundings of the home, could obtain as much power, if not more than any male writer. This ironic revisions of ideas is directed at all male transcendentalists and figures in society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both Ralph Emerson and David Thoreau used societies stereotype of the true male environment, â€Å"nature†, to draw their power and write from their experiences. Experience was the most important factor to these writers. The ability â€Å"to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account in my next excursion† was the basis of all their writings. â€Å"To get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the whole world† was their goal behind all their writings. They did not use their power of writing in order to gain a transcendentalist experience, but rather to record them. Both Emerson and Thoreau chose to contact their true natural surroundings, and experience time alone in the â€Å"woods†. By being â€Å"in solitude†, it brought forth a conciseness that â€Å"all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence† .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mans views of nature being rightfully his, to do with what he wants, is harshly contrasted by Emerson, who feels that â€Å"Nature sais,-He is my creature† . Emerson felt that man, corrupted by society, can over power the fate of over looking his true meaning. Escaping from the wheel of society into â€Å"the woods, is perpetual youth†. By living in the woods, he found that fusing nature with soul, one can accomplish anything.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emerson felt that nature was an extension of five of his senses, where he could feel the tree moving in the wind as if it was his own body.

Augustine’s Confession Today Essay

In my opinion I feel as if Augustine’s Confessions is still very much relevant and timeless in today’s world in the aspect of religion and spirituality, morality, and love. In Confessions Augustine undergoes a transition from his original view on religion to a different view. He begins to be cautious of sin in his life and in the lives of those around him. Most of all, Confessions helps in understanding the Journey of man in his search for a more spiritual connection, the struggles they may be faced with, and he right path to be chosen, which is a struggle that many can relate to today. When looking at this in Confessions you see in Book VIII, Augustine tells us of his transition to Christianity. He describes how he was able to overcome his struggle with his internal battles and become a follower of Christ. Augustine describes his struggle as having â€Å"two wills, one carnal, one spiritual, were in conflict with one and other†. Augustine’s is having an internal battle between his pleasure seeking side and his spiritual side. The quote â€Å"This was the controversy raging in my heart, a controversy about myself, against myself† is where Augustine recognizes this internal conflict between his good and bad side. This is when he embraces Christianity. This statement is relevant today in many ways. The statement does not Just apply to religion. In life in general, there will always be internal battles that you will have to face. Whatever it may be, you will have to decide what the right path to take it is and this will be what defines you as a person. During Augustine’s Journey you notice in ook VI of Confessions that Augustine is struggling with his feelings on sex, women, and love. He begins his spiritual Journey and has to change his perspective from being a young man that has an overwhelming desire for sex and women to a lifestyle that is in compliance with the church. This means that he can only have sexual relations within the confines of marriage. Augustine comments on his struggle with this as he describes himself as a â€Å"slave for lust†. After he sends his mistress away he says: â€Å"And so, since I was not a lover of wedlock so much as a slave of lust, I procured nother mistress–not a wife, of course. Thus in bondage to a lasting habit, the disease of my soul might be nursed up and kept in its vigor or even increased until it reached the realm of matrimony. Nor indeed was the wound healed that had been caused by cutting away my former mistress; only it ceased to burn and throb, and began to fester, and was more dangerous because it was less painful. † Augustine uses words such as â€Å"wound†, â€Å"bondage†, and â€Å"disease of my soul† suggesting that Augustine sees this as a bad habit that needs to be fixed. In book VI you can see that is thoughts on women and love are pushing towards the church’s thoughts on it. Yet, his body is still struggling with this his lustful desires. After reading Confessions you can see what the Augustine goes through in order to achieve his goals of spirituality. As well as through his first-person narratives you gain an understanding as to what may lead to conversion and the path towards spirituality. Through reason and the strength to overcome the struggles with internal battles, such as morality and lust, the Journey can be completed. Augustine’s Confession Today By savannahr87

HSBC Culture Essay

It is necessary to underline that organizational culture plays crucial role for employees’ motivation, job commitment, productivity, and overall working atmosphere. Therefore, HSBC culture promotes believes of honesty, teamwork, and integrity. HSBC culture is based on the following principles and values: highest personal standards of integrity, truth and fair dealing, quality and competence, minimum bureaucracy, quick decision-making, group interest ahead the personal ones, sustainable development and many others. For example, from the very start of the recruitment process HSBC leadership claims that right values are the most important criterion along with excellent leadership skills and good grades. Moreover, HSBC is open to provide changes and innovations. HSBC tends to seek new approach to dealing with routines and problems, and constructive feedback is highly appreciated and encouraged. (Hargett 2007) Moreover, HSBC provides flexible working patterns, disability care and care for elderly, as well as in-house employee assistance. Therefore, employees have an opportunity to solve health and divorce problems. HSBC culture is rewarding, vibrant, stimulating, and tends to prevent arrogance and coldness in banking sphere. HSBC culture promotes professional development and training. For example, professional trainers will provides staff with necessary interpersonal skills, problem-solving and decision-making techniques, personal grooming, time and planning management, etc. From the beginning of working process all employees have free access to on-line course and professional literature. HSBC offers variety. In other words, there are many things to discover and many people to learn from. HSBC has diverse personnel. (Wig 2007) HSBC culture strongly emphasizes the role of collective management and teamwork stating that these principles are the core of future success. Nevertheless, each team member is responsible for particular tasks. The working atmosphere is friendly – people are ready to help each other. Moreover, many employees are real critical and creative thinkers – they are open to new ideas. For example, HSBC consider critical thinking the vital component of decision-making process and business as a whole. Critical thinking gives experts and employees an opportunity to develop new fresh solutions to problems. It gives the possibility to enjoy analyzing data and information and then to develop opinions and conclusions. One more positive moment is that HSBC encourages striking the right balance meaning that people have enough time for social life. The Head of HSBC Human Resources states: â€Å"The day I stop smiling coming to and going from work is the day I know I have to stop working†. (Where to Work 2002) HSBC culture is driven by understanding traditions, needs of individuals, job commitments, etc. Furthermore, the company tries to be committed to all individual needs. It is necessary to outline that women comprise large component of company’s market and the company is trying to make service available and affordable for every community. Company’s success and achievements are seen worldwide. HSBC tends to understand better local people and to provide employees with right information to offer necessary services and to reinforce brand. HSBC developed unique way f tailoring services – it can â€Å"offer an enhanced level of service than other local practitioners operating in multicultural countries and this facet, therefore, offers significant competitor advantage†, as one of the HSBC leaders says. (Wig 2007) HSBC culture is also based on the principles of gender diversity and no discriminated I observed in this filed. HSBC finds it impossible to leave women out of the equation. HSBC tries to achieve gender split 50/50, and it is a good sign of pleasant culture. According to corporate culture, women are encouraged actively to be promoted from the first managerial rung of the ladder to the next steps. HSBC developed â€Å"Women’s Development Program† to attract women to enhanced roles. Bank organization is more balanced and more adaptable to new situations. For example, HSBC proclaims cultural diversity stating that respect for every individual will promote loyalty and tolerance in employees. (Where to Work 2002) The next moment to admit is that HSBC culture is defined as confident rather than brash. Bank organization isn’t organization which tends to shout from the rooftops. The main principles of corporate culture are modesty, honesty, openness, kindness, and knowledge. The next principle is multicultural staff. For example, in London, the board managers and managers of all layers are representatives of different races and ethnical backgrounds. HSBC positions itself as the world’s local bank. HSBC tend to find the best practices and make personnel acquainted with them. HSBC culture is described by collective management and teamwork rather than individual work. Collective management is presented at all levels of bank organization. It is possible to say that thousands of bank offices are, actually, one office. No other organization can say that their workers in London are chatting with partners in New York discussing ways of handling procedures. (Wig 2007) Finally, HSBC culture represents a strong set of values and believes. It promotes the overall sense of responsibility, provides recommendations how to act in everyday life and how make everyday decision. HSBC tends to assist employees both at work and in personal life. Further, HSBC supports straightforwardness and honesty in relations with customers. HSBC fulfills all responsibilities to customers, colleagues, shareholders, wider operational communities, and shareholders. Moreover, HSBC has a long-standing commitment to education that goes back well over a hundred years. It is known that organization supports educational projects and has deep commitment to the environment. (Hargett 2007) References A Better Environment For Business. Available from [Accessed 13 November 2007] Hargett, J. (2007). HSBC Holdings to Join in Financial Write-Down Parade. Available from [Accessed 13 November 2007] HSBC Bank. (2002). Available from [Accessed 13 November 2007] Where to Work. (2002). Available from [Accessed 13 November 2007] Wig, S. (2007). HSBC Careers. Available from http://hsbc.com.sg/sg/career/mdp/testim_swati.htm