Essay on Managing Across Culture

Essay on Managing Across Culture Essay on Managing Across Culture Individual Reflection on Cultural Issues (Observed and Experienced During Team Working) Written by: YANNAN LIU Student number: 2121803 Course: Managing Across Cultures & Comparative Management Directed by: Professor Neil Rollings Dr Alfredo D’Angelo Class: International Management & Leadership Student Number: 2121803 Name: Yannan Liu Individual Reflection on Cultural Issues (Observed and Experienced During Team Working) Determining an explicit definition of culture is challenging, however, it is broadly accepted as a shared array of criteria and convictions, influencing individual feelings and decisions on actions. Culture is not inherited from birth, but obtained from social experiences and affected by surroundings. (Rollings, 2014) Accordingly, people from distinct communities may have diverse culture concepts reflected by daily behaviors and ways of thinking. As noted by Steers, Nardon and Sanchez-Runde (2014), the ancient Chinese Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu once used water as a metaphor for culture in his observation - â€Å"Water is the last thing a fish notices†. Videlicet, culture permeates our life so extensively that we usually neglect its affecting our behaviors and thoughts. We will not be conscious of our cultural preconceptions until we â€Å"get out of the water†. It incisively illustrates what I perceived during the multicultural team working. Although it is generally acc epted that diversities exist among various cultures, differences can hardly be sensed unless we directly encounter another culture differentiated from our home one. In this reflection, personal interactions with the across-cultural team of Leading and Managing People in Organizations (LPO) course are narrated in chronological sequence, and relating cultural theories are used to analyze the practical instances. Firstly, ideological variation and cultural divergence emerged at the preliminary stage are described. Secondly, based on Hofstede Model, penetrative perception of diverse cultures is presented to enhance mutual comprehension. Finally, efforts made to build up sound relationship are described, together with the delightful results of successfully forming an efficient working team. Most people tend to be involved in culture shock when confront a foreign culture for the first time. (Mumford, 2000) In addition, culture not merely affects the modeling of -1- Student Number: 2121803 Name: Yannan Liu personality (Triandis & Suh, 2002), but also exerts impacts on group perceptions and activities, including cooperation, communication and cognition (Brewer & Yuki, 2013). In that case, it is probable that one will meet mental distresses when just entering into a multicultural team. So did I in the LPO team and the main problems I experienced are as the followings. There were five people in our team - Viktor from Germany, Spyra from Greece, Vanessa, Leo and me from China. At the outset of establishing the team, the confusion "are we a team" had perplexed me due to three issues. Firstly, in the majority situation, Viktor and Spyra invariably insisted on their viewpoints without trying to seek group consensuses which Chinese members constantly attempted to reach. Secondly, Viktor was once sick, so I sent my respects to him on the Facebook and thought that others would extend their greetings as well. Nevertheless, Spyra did not. Thus, I considered that the team was not emotionally related and was not a fraternal community corresponding to Chinese criteria. Finally, at one time, when I suggested to have a group discussion on Sunday, Viktor refused and emphasized that it is weekend. But in China, people usually conduct team working on weekends as it is when most people will be free. Apart from not acquiring intense consciousness of being a team, I also doubted whether "am I the leader" although I was nominated as the team leader. For people affected by traditional Chinese customs, it is normalcy that the leader starts discussion and leads the direction

Was the British Empire a force for good Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Was the British Empire a force for good - Essay Example A number of industries were also built in these countries which provided the needed stimuli for the economic growth and advancement. (Rodden, 2007). However, the British empire rule inflicted much more pain to their subject than the good they brought with them as the Indians were subjected to inhuman treatment and abuses by the British. It is therefore imperative to say that the British empire an empire for the good of the colonies they controlled but a way for them to amass wealth at the expense of the locals (Hyam, 2010). This essay will seek to provide the evidence to demonstrate the extent to which the British empire rule was for no good, while using counter arguments to rebuff the different sides of the arguments. Though a number of citizens died from the atrocities committed by the British empire especially in India, their rule can be attributed to the introduction of a the rule of law in the country. Though sounding ironical, the empire pioneered the formation of the judicial system to enable the Indian offenders to be punished for their mistakes. This established the foundation for the country’s legal system in the face of the atrocities committed. The British form of rule in their colonies was heavily characterised by torture, ritual slaughter, hangings, rape and slavery to make it worse draining of natural resources. This affected millions of people by way of interfering with their cultures, dignity, livelihoods, religion and languages. All this disregard of rule of law and respect to other people’s way of living unfortunately was spread all over the British Empire (Cohn, 1996). This was largely exercised in those nations where they encountered rejection due to conflicting interest. The process of tapping on the natural in the country was characterised by the introduction of a number of industries in the country that

Critically analyse the fall of mankind in Genesis 3 and God's response Essay

Critically analyse the fall of mankind in Genesis 3 and God's response to it - Essay Example Exegesis of Genesis 3: 1-24 This book begins with the temptation of mankind via Satan slandering God to Eve through angelic disguise. The snake was a creature created by God, but it was a sneaker creature as compared to the other animals created. Satan chooses to use the serpent as it had a crafty character (genesis 3:1). The Devil in dwelt the snake and it is his tone of voice that was heard by Eve. The serpent began a conversation with Eve in relation to God’s prohibition to the tree in the center of the Garden of Eden (Westbow Press 2013: 127). The expression used by the serpent to Eve was very meticulous; it was a rhetorical question. The woman replied by saying that they were allowed all other fruits except the one in the middle of the garden. The serpent brushes this aside to concentrate in on God’s ruling out of the tree of understanding of good and wickedness (Kvam 1999 et al: 431). This term, â€Å"or you will die† is used three times in verses 3 and 4. It is unclear what Eve comprehended concerning the demise for none of the animals created had passed away. This term may have been communicated by God to the man and woman (Williams 2010: 17). According to the Bible, there are three types of demise: the spiritual death which transpires in Genesis 3, the physical death which outcomes (Genesis 5), and the eternal death as an outcome of man’s bolshie, defiant heart (Revelation 2:11). Genesis 3: 4-5 reveals how Satan assaulted God’s authenticity as well as the genuineness of God’s word; this was evident from Satan’s denial of God’s statement. There was limited truth in the words uttered by Satan, consumption of the fruit could not make man reason or â€Å"be like God†. The offer given to Eve was too intoxicating. Eve was tempted in three stages: first: she saw that the tree was good for food, second: that it was pleasant to the eyes, and thirdly: that it was desirable to make one wise. This reve als the threefold development of temptation to the actual act of sin. Eve later on acted towards Adam in the same manner that the serpent acted towards her. According to the book written by Milton, Paradise Lost, Adam ate the fruit so that he would not be separated from Eve (Milton & Stallard 2011: 38). Immediately after the consumption, they knew they were naked and sewed leaves together to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). The opening of their eyes was not a substantial opening of the eyes but the realization of their nakedness and loss of the glory they had enjoyed. In the conversation that proceeds, God does not come to Adam to rebuke him or exile him from Paradise, but to bring him to his senses. God asked a rhetorical question â€Å"Where are you† so that Adam and Eve could realize what they had done. According to Clark Pennock, (2002) The Most Moved Mover, this rhetorical question is used to develop an aspect in God’s character known as â€Å"Open Theismâ₠¬ . Adam did not answer with remorse, but with self-justification, thereby bringing punishment upon himself. Adam blamed the woman, and even God Himself forgetting that he was responsible for his own actions. This is in line with Flip Wilson’s theology; â€Å"The Devil made me do it!† is no more of a justification than â€Å"Cultural atmosphere forced me to do it† or â€Å"Genetic factors prompted me to do it,†

Summary of the six main charcters in the poisonwood bible Essay

Summary of the six main charcters in the poisonwood bible - Essay Example He refused to let his family migrate from Kilanga at a time when whites were facing persecutions, putting the family through fear of persecution and psychological torture. She is wife to Nathan. She is protective. Her detailed actions include ensuring that the family is safe from harm, both from illnesses or hostilities. By being protective, she appears to put the interests of her family before her own. She is also realistic. Despite not having accomplished their mission in the Congo, she assessed the situation rightly and recognized the danger that their being there posed. She responded by requesting her husband to return with the family to Mississippi, a request that he severally denied. She is also cognizant of the misgivings of her husband’s mission and the missions of other whites in the Congo. She is the eldest daughter of Nathan and Orleanna. She is truculent by character. She confronted the request to marry Tata Ndu the chief by throwing a fit. She is also depicted as being selfish. She is involved in a relationship with a mercenary whose intentions are clear to her – overthrow the government to gain access to resources. She continued her relationship with Axelroot despite knowing his evil role, so her family could move from the Congo. She is also daughter to Nathan. She is shown as a tolerant individual. Despite her racial background and interactions with white suitors, she chose to marry Anatole, the black teacher. She is realistic. Leah is able to recognize the fact that political, economic and racial injustices are occurring in the Congo, and remains sensitive to them. She is twins with Leah, and unwilling to speak. She is intelligent. She participated in high-level research on deadly diseases, including ebola and AIDS. She initially suffers an inferiority complex. In the beginning, before she could recover from her handicap, she feels

Fraudulent Financial Reporting and Ethics at WorldCom Case Study

Fraudulent Financial Reporting and Ethics at WorldCom - Case Study Example As a result, the company incurred very substantial losses. These enormous losses meant that the business could not attain standards set by stock exchange analysts (Kaplan, Robert, and Kiron, 2004). WorldCom decided to hide these losses and buy time so that they could pay their expenses later. WorldCom’s senior management resorted to fraudulent practices to conceal these losses. The company agreed to have intentionally misappropriated over $3.8 billion. This amount was a line cost liability, but it was reported as a long-term capital investment. Line costs are funds that WorldCom paid to other telecommunication companies to lease their communication networks. Line costs were supposed to be as current liabilities in WorldCom’s profit and loss account. In 2001, $ 3.055 billion was said to have been wrongly assigned by the company. A sum of $797 million is supposed to have been allocated in 2002. WorldCom claimed that $14.7 billion was reported as line cost during the year of 2001 (Kaplan, Robert, and Kiron, 2004). Having allocated the expense as a capital investment, WorldCom increased its net annual income. This is because the line cost, a current liability, was inaccurately reduced. Following this, there were increments in the company assets since capital costs are considered investments. On 8th August 2012, WorldCom to have used its financial reserves wrongfully. Reports revealed that WorldCom used funds in reserve accounts to pay line expenses. Reserve accounts hold precautionary money for companies to use in case of an unforeseen event. The United States Stock Exchange Commission requested WorldCom to avail financial reports suspected to be.  

Comparison of CAPM Model and APM

Comparison of CAPM Model and APM Title: Is the CAPM model a better asset-pricing model than the APM (arbitrage pricing model)? The following is a brief literature overview and literature review of the economics books and journal articles used in the writing of this dissertation. The dissertation’s objective was to evaluate the relative strengths of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) as a pricing model, when it is compared to the most viable alternative, the Arbitrage Pricing Theory model. Various factors and influences that impact upon the pricing of certain goods and products, specifically oil -based products, as will be demonstrated in the dissertation is actually or potentially able to affect both these models and their relative effectiveness. The literature mentioned here was used to research and understand the concepts that underpin the CAPM and APT models, such as minimising the risk of loses and maximising the prospects of handsome profits from financial investments. The objective of these models is to be the most effective predictors of risks, changes, success, or failure. This literature review is a summary of the merits and the usefulness of the sources used during the research and completion of my dissertation; all views expressed below are my own. Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey in their book ‘Investment’ provide useful background information with regard to the economic theories relating to the comparative merits of the CAPM and APT pricing models. The main points that Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey make that is of relevance to the dissertation was about the origins of the CAPM which economists developed as a variant of the APT price modelling theories. They point out that the main difference between the two models is that the CAPM pricing model considers a single factor (the market portfolio), whilst the APT model considers a few factors such as financial risks, future prospects, and the causes of inflation. The usefulness of each model can depend upon the depth of research needed and the scope of the analysis that is required. If a limited study is all that is needed then CAPM is probably the best option, if a more extensive study is needed then APT is more likely to be a better option. The basic assumption of Shar pe, Alexander, and Bailey is that each model has it own strengths and weaknesses, which means that the effectiveness of each model can vary greatly due to variations within the market portfolio. Fluctuations and market trends are probably the best means of demonstrating that the two models work properly or if they do not (Sharpe et al, 1995). Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey was a helpful source to use for this dissertation as they put forward the influences that affect pricing decisions, and the perspective profits of any company. Amongst these influences are the industrial growth rate, the rate of price inflation, variations in the short or long time interest rates, and the performance of financial bonds. Pricing models are needed to predict risks due to the variation in all those factors or influences which can make all the difference between a sound financial investment and, a disastrous financial investment. Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey help to explain how a company’s rate of growth just like that of its competitors can be highly dependent upon price fluctuations in commodities such as crude oil and natural gas, as well as whether those increased costs can be recuperated from the company’s customers. Any worthwhile pricing model such as CAPM and APT needs to take inflation and its causes into account. Thi s book is a highly convenient source of information on many different aspects concerning portfolio investments and the theoretical and practical considerations that students and praticioners of financial investments and bond markets would find very useful (Sharpe et al, 1995). Bower, Bower, and Logue’s journal article from the September 1984 issue of the Journal of Finance provided invaluable background information concerning the APT system, and how its linked up with the measurement of the utility stock returns. The article was entitled ‘Arbitrage Pricing Theory and utility stock returns.’ The journal article by Bower, Bower, and Logue contains the formulas that the APT system utilises to analysis the relevant data relating to issues of pricing theories and, allows economists to check upon their accuracy or relevance. The formula that was cited in this journal article was used to analysis the data from the oil companies that was the main research focus for the dissertation, and its results were invaluable for the formulation of conclusions and arguments. Knowing how the formulas of the modelling theories are formed and how effective those formulas are in predicting events, variants, and success or failure cannot be realistically achiev ed without knowing the exact formula that the respective pricing models are based upon. This article not unsurprisingly concentrates upon the strong points that the APT system has to offer in comparison to the CAPM system. Bower, Bower, and Logue are arguably advocates of investors using the APT system ahead of the CAPM pricing theory due to providing more accurate forecasts. Their article is certainly a useful means to further understand how the APT allows a highly accurate prediction of pricing trends, as well as a sound understanding of the variants that can ruin the accuracy of any pricing model if not predicted or evaluated correctly. This article was available online which made it easier to access and is indeed where it was obtained from (Bower et al, 1984). Brennan and Schwartz’s article from the October 1989 issue of the Journal of Businesses, ‘Portfolio and Financial Equilibrium’ was another useful source of information for carrying out the data analysis using both pricing models to allow an accurate and realistic comparison between the CAPM and APT models. This article gave an improved understanding of how the balance of potential profits, investment risks, and loses that can influence the decisions that potential investors make can be formed, changed, and also how they can operate within any given market portfolio, such as leading oil companies like Royal Dutch Shell. As far as Brennan and Schwartz are concerned the key for any pricing theory to be a successful and effective model is being able to point towards the factors, influences, and behaviours that establish or maintain portfolio and financial equilibrium. There may be variants within any given market portfolio yet the most effective pricing theories are t hose models that take into account the actual or potential variants that will alter the market portfolio from time to time. The article discussed the strong points and the weak points of both the CAPM and APT pricing models that helped develop a personal understanding of the differing criteria for assessing which, of the two pricing models was the most cost effective, or reliable. It also assists developing an understanding how accurate predictions of pricing changes or variations in profitability are going to be (Brennan and Schwartz, 1989). Goetzman’s ‘An Introduction to Investment Theory’, is a sound source of information that was used in the dissertation to assist the comparison between the CAPM and APT pricing models. It is a more recent source of information about pricing models than some of the other sources mentioned in this literature review that were used for researching and writing the dissertation. Therefore it was a means of obtaining more up to date academic opinions, arguments, and practical examples of real life changes of market portfolios, investment variants, and the ability to detect, predict, or even avert risks to investments and profitability. Goetzman provides an invaluable insight into the way that investment theory has developed and its comparative strengths and weakness, or whether the best one to use depends on circumstances (Goetzman, 2007). The main use of Terregrossa’s ‘Accounting for Estimation Risk in CAPM-generated forecasts’ for the dissertation was to assist in the formation of the arguments in favour or against the idea that the CAPM pricing model is more or less useful and accurate than the APT model. Terregrossa’s article provides a relevant and easily understandable guide to the estimating of the financial risks that are a component element of the risk profiles and forecasts that are generated by the CAPM pricing theory. Besides describing the way in which the CAPM pricing model estimates investment and business risks the article discusses the theoretical and practical strengths or weaknesses of the risks that are estimated, and whether those risks are realistically forecast. Terregrossa’s article was a highly relevant one for gaining a stronger grasp of how the CAPM pricing theory can be used to forecast changes to the market portfolio. A model that adapts to those predicted changes to enhance profitability and prevent unnecessary risks being taken that damage company performance and investments (Terregrossa, 2004). Cagnetti’s ‘Capital Asset Pricing Model and Arbitrage Pricing Theory in the Italian Stock Market: An Empirical Study’, was a relevant source of information as it is also a comparison of the two pricing models in operation. Whilst the dissertation is primarily aimed towards using oil companies as the basis for the comparison between the CAPM and the APT pricing models. Whilst Cagnetti’s article was based upon a study of the Italian stock market it still provided a useful guide as to the time period of the data to be analysed. It is guide of how to evaluate and analyse the ways in which the two pricing models succeed or fail in predicting market trends and prices as well as noticing when variants can be detrimental or advantageous to the over all market portfolio, or any company’s profitability (Cagnetti, 2002).

Precision Guided Munitions :: Weapons Guns Gun Essays Reseach Papers

Precision Guided Munitions During the Persian Gulf War of 1991 a new class of weapons made its debut and presaged a revolution in military affairs. Although precision-guided munitions (PGMs), ranging from laser-guided bombs to Tomahawk cruise missiles, represented only a fraction of the total ordinance used in Iraq, the effect they had was electric. The television footage of a bomb dropped from more than 6 miles above descending onto its target and hitting with absolute precision was at once fascinating and jarring. The Gulf War demonstrated the power that precision aerial attacks possessed. The accuracy and lethality of air launched munitions during the Gulf war was in sharp contrast to the relative crudity of aerial bombing during World War II. In Iraq and later in Kosovo, precision-guided munitions (PGM) demonstrated their capabilities. The US waged a type of warfare in these campaigns that was markedly different from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The US is still coming to grips with the implications of the new type of warfare it has released. The development of accurate precision-guided munitions was not revolutionary, but an evolutionary process that took the course of half a century. Today most precision-guided munitions can be classified by their guidance or propulsion systems. Precision-guided munitions affect the military in three areas. First precision-guided munitions have challenged time-honored traditions of mass. Second, precision-guided munitions have unique information needs. Finally, the capabilities of precision-guided munitions have significant implications on acquisitions policy. Regardless of whether or not precision-guided munitions are part of a larger revolution in military, the implic ations of precision-guided munitions for the US military are significant. Historical Evolution of Accuracy Ever since man first threw stones at their fellow men, the elusive goal of killing one’s opponent from a distance, with absolute precision has been a holy grail of warfare. Weapons such as bows and arrows, rifles, and artillery, were all designed for increased lethality at longer distances, with less risk to the operator. PGMs provide just that capability; that is the capability to put ordinance on target with precision at long ranges. Precision has always played a role in warfare. Whether it was marksmanship with bow or rifle, the ability to place a projectile on target contributed greatly to victory. PGMs were designed with just that function in mind.