Investigating Psychology Classic Studies Research Essay

Examine and assess the ways in which the classic studies discussed in Chapters 2, 4 and 8 of Investigating Psychology influenced subsequent psychological research. Certain psychological studies are termed ‘classics’ as they’ve become renowned for the influence or contribution that they’ve made to particular areas of psychology. This essay looks in detail at such studies, carried out by Milgram, Skinner and Broadbent, with a view to assessing the value of their influences on subsequent psychological research. This essay aims to demonstrate how these studies have largely been influential and valuable as a result of their strengths, but will also demonstrate that a weakness within the structure of a study can also be influential. B.F. Skinner is considered to be one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century (Brace and Byford, 2012). His work on behaviour shaping and theory of operant conditioning is still influential today. Skinner believed that behaviour could be influenced through manipulation such as reinforcement, and controversially believed that thought processes and free will play no part in d etermining behaviour. To test his theories he experimented with rats and pigeons. He created the ‘Skinner box’ which meant that the animals’ behaviour could scientifically and objectively be measured. This was an influential and important development that enabled future studies to be carried out under tight controls. Skinner argued that learning through reinforcement could be successfully extended to humans (Toates, 2012). Subsequent research studies have been carried out testing the sustained influence of Skinners theory of reinforcement, and supporting its validity and value. Studies by Swinson and Harrop, 2005 (cited in Toates, 2012) support that challenging behaviour in the classroom can be reduced using positive reinforcement. E.g. a child receives praise for desired behaviours, rather than receiving attention for undesirable behaviour. Therefore Skinner’s classical study has had a positive influence in relation to behaviour in education. Furthermore there is evidence from therapeutic settings (Flora 2004), (cited in Toates, 2012) including mental hospitals, showing that children and adults have been successfully modified for psychological issues such as self-harming, using therapies derived from Skinner’s studies. These techniques of reinforcement are being used today in many hospitals, schools and prisons. (Toates, 2012). However, aspects of Skinner’s theory of behaviourism, displayed weaknesses  and as such is not favoured in psychology today. Most psychologists retain the view that free will is instrumental to behaviour and how we learn, believing that our ability to make choices is influenced by factors other than operant conditioning alone. This was a view rejected by Skinner (Toates, 2012). This aspect of behaviourism has had little influence on subsequent research other than to refute it. Nevertheless Skinners work on operant conditioning remains influential, and is used by many professionals (Cherry, 2013). Furthermore, the work of David Broadbent has been greatly influential and valuable, the evidence of which continues to be seen in research today. Broadbent’s work has contributed to our understanding of attention. He invented the modern study of attention, introducing and making popular the ‘information-processing’ approach which launched the cognitive revolution. This approach was the first testable model of attention and Broadbent was keen that others carried out experiments to test it (Edgar and Edgar 2012). He believed that psychological theory should come from considering practical problems, and with this approach he bridged the gap between the laboratory and the real-world (Berry, 2002, p.403). Broadbent’s model displayed that we have limited capacity to how much information we can process at one time, and as such this affects our abilities to multi-task etc. (Edgar and Edgar, 2012). This has implications on everyday tasks such as driving. This proved extremely valuable information with regards to researching cognitive abilities in humans, and is still used in cognitive psychology today. Colin Cherry was a contemporary of Broadbent’s, whose research extended that of Broadbent’s to explore the role of ‘meaning’ in attention. Cherry’s (1953) findings showed that meaning does play a role in information-processing and as a consequence Broadbent’s original model needed to be modified in a way that recognised memory, experience and expectations can influence attention. These findings generated refinements to the model, raised further specific questions and generated hypothesis which have been, and continue to be tested by carefully designed experiments. This process is known as the â€Å"Cycle of Enquiry†. Broadbent’s research regarding attention and multi-tasking influenced Ivan Brown et al. (1960), (cited in Edgar and Edgar, 2012) to conduct studies into the effects on driving whilst using a mobile ‘phone. This study is an excellent example and evidence of hypothesis testing. There were certain  elements applied to the experiment to ensure a valid test of the hypothesis: Performance or ‘dependent variables’ were measured by speed/accuracy; the two ‘conditions’ were driving without using a ‘phone, and driving the same route whilst answering questions using a ‘phone. The ‘conditions’ arose from manipulating the ‘independent’ variable’ – the use of a ‘phone or not. Other variables were controlled to ensure that the only influence on the result of the study was the variable being measured. The finding of the experiment supported Broadbent’s views regarding attention and multi-tasking. The value that the ‘cycle of enquiry’ adds to subsequent psychological research is immeasurable, as it ensures research is constantly open to re-evaluation. Over time and with the advent of technology, re search performed by Broadbent has influenced studies using fMRI which have been able to ‘see’ how attention is depicted in brain activity. Findings were consistent with Broadbent’s theory of limited capacity (Sabine Kastner et. al. (1998) cited in Edgar and Edgar 2012). Broadbent’s methodical approach to experimental research and theory development were the origins of subsequent psychological research. As such he was instrumental in the development of cognitive psychology. (Edgar and Edgar 2012). Equally influential on psychological research is Milgram’s studies into obedience from authorities’ (1961), which was provoked by the atrocities of the Second World War. The studies investigated whether volunteers would administer potential lethal electrical shocks to another human because they were told to by an ‘authoritative figure’. The findings were alarming in that most people were willing to administer the shocks on the instruction of ‘someone in authority.’ It was these findings that provoked much debate and influenced attempts at replications of the original study. Weaknesses of the study included it being conducted in a single geographical area, using same gender participants, and not being carried out in a real-world environment. In order to address the issue of gender, Milgram himself replicated his study using only females, with the resu lts showing that women were just as likely as men to give the shocks (Banyard, 2012). With regards to culture and geography, Milgram’s study was replicated in many countries and the results were analysed by Peter Smith and Michael Bond (1993), (cited in Banyard, 2012). The findings were that varying degrees of obedience were displayed by different cultures. To test the theory in a real-world  environment, a replication was carried out in a work environment by Charles Hofling et.al. (1996), (cited in Banyard, 2012) to see if nurses would give patients an overdose of a drug on the instruction of a telephone call from a Doctor. The drugs were ‘dummies’ and the Doctor a fake. The request broke hospital protocol but alarmingly a very high percentage of nurses followed the Doctors instruction. However, it’s not just the findings regarding human behaviour that have been greatly influential, but a significant weakness of the study has been equally so. The first code of ethics, The Nuremberg Code, was devised in 1946 as a response to the atrocities carried out during the Second World War. Many people disapproved of Milgram’s obedience studies as they felt that it was ethically wrong. One such psychologist was Diana Baumrind who felt Milgram had broken certain aspects of the code of ethics (Banyard, 2012). She believe d that the participants hadn’t been treated properly as their welfare had been compromised due to the extreme stress they had encountered; they weren’t able to give informed consent; the emotional cost to the participants wasn’t worth the benefit of the study, and participants weren’t able to exercise their right to withdraw. Furthermore, she argued that Milgram had harmed the public image of psychology. The value of this to subsequent research is that the obedience study demonstrated why ethics is so important in psychology, and highlighted the need for strict guidelines in research (Banyard, 2012). These very concerns regarding ethics would make it difficult to replicate the original study today. However, the development of technology has enabled replications of the study to be carried out in a virtual environment (Mel Slater et.al 2006, cited in Banyard 2012). The findings were similar to that of the original study. However you measure Milgram’s impact, whether it’s in terms of obedience, ethics or human behaviour, he remains one of the most influential Social Psychologists of our time. (Banyard, 2012). To conclude, having looked in detail at the classic studies, the evidence supplied clearly demonstrates that they’ve had a significant and valuable influence on subsequent psychological research. The influence that they’ve had and the high value to research are evident throughout history. However, it is also important to note that these studies do also display weaknesses; there are elements which have been challenged, offer no value, and have had no significant influence on subsequent research. This is however, over  shadowed by the body of evidence presented that outline the many ways in which the classical studies have influenced subsequent psychological research and continue to do so. (1553 words). References: Banyard, P. (2012) ‘Just Following Orders?’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Berry, D. (2012) The Psychologist, vol.15, no.8 22 August [Online]. Available at www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm/volumeID_15-edition_83-ArticleID_437-getfile-getPDF/thepsychologist/aug02berry.pdf) (Accessed 14 August 2013) Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Cherry, K. (2013) http://psychology.about.com/od/profileofmajorthinkers/p/bio_skinner.htm (Accessed 14 August 2013) Edgar, H. and Edgar, G. (2012) ‘Paying Attention’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Toates, F. (2012. ‘Changing Behaviour’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Investigating Psychology, Oxford, Oxford University press/Milton Keynes, The Open University.

The Mexican & American Economy

Growth has slowed considerably in early 2001 in response to the hard downturn in the US economy. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2001 is forecast to slow to 2%, from 6.9% in 2000. A rebound of growth in 2002 will depend on an upturn in the U.S. economy and continued conventional economic management. A tightening of monetary policy should enable inflation to fall to under 7% by the end of 2001. With hopes in 2002 of a further reduction in inflation, provided the peso depreciates gradually. The first year of the Fox administration, combined both the fiscal and monetary tightening that will characterize the administration, this will limit GDP growth to only 2% in 2001. A pick-up in growth to 4.5% can be forecast for 2002 as private consumption and export-oriented industrial output rebound with the beginning of a turnaround in the US economy. A sharper slowdown than currently forecast is possible if the US economy goes into recession. A slowing domestic economy, combined with tight monetary and fiscal policy, will ensure that inflation continues to fall in 2001-02, although not as quickly as officials have targeted. With inflation already at single-digit levels and the peso likely to depreciate during the next year, further large reductions in inflation will be difficult to achieve. To reach its inflation target of 6.5% for 2001, Banxico will have to tighten monetary policy again following several tightening moves over the past 12 months. Even considering a relatively tight fiscal deficit target ceiling of 0.6% of GDP, year-end inflation will probably be around 7.5% in 2001 and about 5% in 2002. Positive investor sentiment towards Mexico, fuelled by expectations of an investment upgrade, has resulted in a strengthening of the peso in 2001. However, with the trade deficit widening on the back of the US slowdown and a possible cooling of sentiment towards Mexico, the peso seems bound for depreciation against the US dollar of more than 10% in total during 2001-02. The depreciation would be more severe except for rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (the US central bank), which began in January and are likely to continue during the year in reaction to a slowing US economy. Both exports and imports will grow at a much slower rate in 2001-02 than in the previous two years, reflecting a slowdown in the US economy as well as in domestic demand. Mexican exporters are facing an unfavorable environment for their products for the first time since the beginning of NAFTA in 1994. In 2000 growth in the import bill outstripped export earnings growth, a trend that will continue into the next year. Were the peso to depreciate more suddenly than currently forecast, export earnings growth could trend higher than import growth, resulting in a downward revision of the forecast for the current-account deficit. If the peso depreciates as expected, the current-account deficit will widen in 2001 and will further expand in 2002.

Case Study Assignment

1. What is the key HR issue(s) of this case?The key HR issue of this case is not having the policy written or clear. It is important make clear to everyone what the policies are and that they are applied consistently and fairly across the organization. Bruce was not clear on the proper rules of not being able to sell the company product outside. He thought what he was doing wasn’t any different than selling to family and friends, which the other co-worker were doing. HR needs to clearly state to all employees that company products are not for resale, but for employee use only.2. What action should you take with Bruce? Are there grounds to discipline Bruce? Why/why not?I think suspending Bruce from the staff purchase program for a limited time is a good action. There are grounds to discipline Bruce by verbally warning him that selling at the flea market or anywhere else in the future is prohibited. That is the first and only step allowed to take in the current situation. Write down in his file that he was warned about this for future reference. Advise him that if it happens again he will get a one-to-three day suspension from work. Counselling Bruce about his problems at home as well should be taken into consideration as it could affect his work in the future.3. Develop a detailed, comprehensive plan, outlining the HR policies/practices that should be implemented, in order to minimize the company’s risk of another occurrence. Explain the reasons for your recommendations.First, HR must have a written policy in place. The company should create a new written policy confirming that company product is for the direct use of employees only. Referring this in the new employee orientation presentation is not enough. The policy should be included in an employee handbook and  there should be proof in the personnel files that everyone has received a copy with signatures. It should also state that if employees are found reselling company products for personal profits will either be suspended or cut off from the staff purchase program or lead to suspension/termination from work. The company should also state that if the purchase program is found being abused is can be decided that the program will no longer become available for everyone else as well.HR should state and bring awareness that one person’s bad actions could cost everyone else’s benefits with the purchase program and that suspicious activity should be reported immediately. Furthermore, a brief company policy poster should be posted within the work place as a reminder. It should be placed in the back room where it can be easily seen. The employee handbook can be simply forgotten about and posters can help remind and encourage employees to keep following the rules on a daily basis. New and different poster designs should be changed annually so they don’t become out-of-date and stale. This will show that the company takes thoughtful measures to encourage a t rustworthy and responsible staff.Secondly, the company should enforce these new and current policies with a mandatory training seminar annually. The training seminar should help explain the reasons behind these standards and to build a positive spirit of self-discipline. With proper monitoring and guidance, this will show that management is on top of operational standards. Without this, employees will realize management has fallen behind on company values and it creates an increased exposure risk of someone not properly following company rules.These policies, when organized and disseminated in an easily used form, can serve to prevent many misunderstandings between employees and employers about their rights and obligations. Instituting internal controls with the help of the training seminar should help identify wrongdoings within the workplace. This will also follow up with employees to ensure that they are living up to his or her commitments and to reduce the likelihood of having t o take more severe action. The seminar should also gain agreement with the employees that they are continuously responsible for managing his or her actions with company guidelines.The meeting should also acknowledge employees for their good efforts and loyal relationship. Recognizing staff  will inspire them to become long-lasting honest employees. Additionally, the seminar should include fun quick games or quizzes for knowing important company protocols. This will encourage employees to speak up and become involved in the meeting so that it is not a one-way lecture type of discussion. Awarding with prizes such as a free company product package will lighten and not bore the staff. The seminar should be used to refresh employees on company guidelines and to involve them with any questions or concerns.

A Pattern in The Least Successful Startup

A year ago I noticed a pattern in the least successful startups we'd funded: they all seemed hard to talk to. It felt as if there was some kind of wall between us. I could never quite tell if they understood what I was saying. This caught my attention because earlier we'd noticed a pattern among the most successful startups, and it seemed to hinge on a different quality. We found the startups that did best were the ones with the sort of founders about whom we'd say â€Å"they can take care of themselves.†The startups that do best are fire-and-forget in the sense that all you have to do is give them a lead, and they'll close it, whatever type of lead it is. When they're raising money, for example, you can do the initial intros knowing that if you wanted to you could stop thinking about it at that point. You won't have to babysit the round to make sure it happens. That type of founder is going to come back with the money; the only question is how much on what terms. It seemed od d that the outliers at the two ends of the spectrum could be detected by what appeared to be unrelated tests.You'd expect that if the founders at one end were distinguished by the presence of quality x, at the other end they'd be distinguished by lack of x. Was there some kind of inverse relation between resourcefulness and being hard to talk to? It turns out there is, and the key to the mystery is the old adage â€Å"a word to the wise is sufficient. † Because this phrase is not only overused, but overused in an indirect way (by prepending the subject to some advice), most people who've heard it don't know what it means.What it means is that if someone is wise, all you have to do is say one word to them, and they'll understand immediately. You don't have to explain in detail; they'll chase down all the implications. In much the same way that all you have to do is give the right sort of founder a one line intro to a VC, and he'll chase down the money. That's the connection. U nderstanding all the implications—even the inconvenient implications—of what someone tells you is a subset of resourcefulness. It's conversational resourcefulness.Like real world resourcefulness, conversational resourcefulness often means doing things you don't want to. Chasing down all the implications of what's said to you can sometimes lead to uncomfortable conclusions. The best word to describe the failure to do so is probably â€Å"denial,† though that seems a bit too narrow. A better way to describe the situation would be to say that the unsuccessful founders had the sort of conservatism that comes from weakness. They traversed idea space as gingerly as a very old person traverses the physical world. The unsuccessful founders weren't stupid.Intellectually they were as capable as the successful founders of following all the implications of what one said to them. They just weren't eager to. So being hard to talk to was not what was killing the unsuccessful s tartups. It was a sign of an underlying lack of resourcefulness. That's what was killing them. As well as failing to chase down the implications of what was said to them, the unsuccessful founders would also fail to chase down funding, and users, and sources of new ideas. But the most immediate evidence I had that something was amiss was that I couldn't talk to them.

Applied Principles for Responsible Business Practice

Human resource management is used to describe the management of the people within an organization. There are various responsibilities that fall under the human resource management , which creates an efficient workforce environment for the organization. Human resource management is a â€Å"resource† centred phenomenon that deals in monitoring, planning and control of the people associate with the organization (Punch,   2013). In this report, we analyse the Australia and New Zealand banking group (ANZ), which is the fourth largest banking in Australia and the largest bank in New Zealand. The human resource management program of the ANZ bank would be conducted in the report, with more stress on the labour practices and the approaches towards the social responsibility of the company. The report analyses various steps that are taken by the organization, and thereby helps the organization in achieving the goals of the organization of achieving an ethical framework. ANZ bank believes in the natural strengths of a vivacious, diverse and comprehensive team   where the background, aim and experiences of a particular person helps the organization to form a stable relationship with the customers of the company. it helps in making better decisions for the business. the labour practices of the ANZ organization can be divided s follows : Values – ANZ values ensures â€Å"doing the right things well† (Chien, 2012). Their values describe the position of the organization which implements the ideas of not willing to compromise in any situation with the customers, shareholders, community and with each other. Along with the code of conduct and ethics, the company helps in organizing the value guide that helps in taking efficient decisions. Their values are to do what is right, to connect and work in unity in order to fulfil the wants of the customers, to make their actions useful enough , value every choice and respect the customers and each other and to give their best at work . Approach to human rights – ANZ performs various approaches that guides the methods of treating its employees, promote culture and respect to the customers and suppliers ,and contributing the communities in which is persists (Executive Strategies | ANZ. (2016). They sign a mandatory un global compact that initiates the guidelines for the ethical conduct towards its employees. They have generated their standards available for the employees in five different languages. Diversity and inclusion – ANZ has maintained a diverse environment at workplace by following various approaches towards the employees. Numerous policies and plans are initiated in order to uplift the welfare of its employees such as   employment opportunity, plans against harassment and bullying, flexible working, accommodation for the staffs, parenting ,eldercare and childcare facilities. Various approaches have also been initiated dealing with discouraging gender bias at workforce, promoting cultural diversity , increasing accessibility and flexibility towards the workers (David & David 2016). It aims at providing all the facilities to its employees that would raise the productivity of each labour. Health and safety policies – ANZ provides its labour with various health, safety, security and wellbeing policies   that would help the labours of the organization. They have implemented a health and safety management system (HSMS) to identify and formulate the wellbeing of the employees, customers, contractors and visitors ad members of the organization. A special employee assistance problem has been initiated by ANZ bank which deals with a confidential counselling service providing professional guidance and support to the labours. A risk accreditation framework has been formed as a part of ANZ essentials that helps the labours to identify their specific roles and requirements for training. Training and development – ANZ has   a team of highly respecting banking professionals that aims at fostering the labour for longer term and a culture of continuous and self directed learning. They offer their labours with various formal and informal ways to learn ,develop and grow. They are in collaboration with some leading training institutes that help the organization in training their labour for producing quality efficient work. ANZ provides their labour with high opportunities to develop in their career (Oke ,2016). Employee relations – ANZ bank provides its employees with the work environment that encourage the employees to express their ideas, opinions and concerns towards the organization. They motivate their employees to participate in the policies and proposals of the bank which initiates a long term success of the company. The company conduct an annual employment engagement survey that is reported to the management board of the bank. They provide their employees with the freedom   to get associated with the decisions to be taken by the company (Jones,   McEvoy   & Barrett 2016). These commitments of the company are formulated by the freedom of association policy. ANZ aims at treating its employees with dignity and respect. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) have dedicated themselves in supervising the environmental impacts of their activities   Ã‚  and social responsibilities that would reduce both environmental impacts and costs incurred by the organization (Brammer, Jackson & Matten 2012).   In order to pertain an ideal situation towards its approach to social responsibility, ANZ has attempted to undertake various measures that would help the bank to achieve their target. The approaches could be listed as follows : Responsible business lending – the bank finances many social and environmental sensitive companies . The organization help their customers by providing them with aid in order to overcome their difficulties , minimise and manage their impacts. As stated by Mondy, & Martocchio (2016), the organization focuses on making balanced decisions that are fully informed, in order to help their customers to improve the management of environment, society, and governance risks. They have developed a number of processes such as social and environmental screening tool, reputation risk radar, early alert review committee and reputation risk committee. Climate change – ANZ is implementing   various plans n meeting the social, environmental and economic challenges posted by climate change. The organization has stated that they aim in   fulfilling the international agreement to limit the average global temperature , to not more than 2 °c  .   They have submitted a recent statement to the Australian parliamentary inquiry, which states the framework dealing with consistent information regarding the matters of carbon risk reporting. They have formed a carbon working group in acquisition with three other Australian banks (Murray, Davis,   Hewson   & McNamee, 2014). Managing footprints – the organization aims at reducing the environmental impact of the operations carried out by the bank, by formulating innovation and efficiency. There are some major environmental impacts that are as a result of the growth of digital banking services, which uses an expanded technological infrastructure (Mathis, et al., 2016).   The bank develops solutions in order to reduce these environmental impacts along with the view of reducing the costs. They have implemented various plans that designs sustainable branches and thereby reduces the need of natural resources (Hendry 2012). Supply chain -    ANZ bank is currently operating in 34 markets that utilises an extensive supply chain. As the bank knows, that their activities are directed towards having a social and environmental impact, and that their stakeholders expects to be managed accurately, the bank has formulated some approaches accordingly. They have a group sourcing policy to undermine the behaviour of everyone thereby ensuring a fairer and safe   conduct. A sustainability guidelines list is maintained for the bank in specific categories of the it sector, motor vehicle ease , legal services, print services and corporate wardrobe. ANZ has an extensive supplier code of practise (SCOP), which sets out various expectations of the suppliers (Stockport , et al., 2012). Energy and carbon emission – ANZ keeps a check on the performance of their 34 markets by operating through an online environmental reporting system.   They conduct video conferencing   other techniques in order to educate its employees regarding the   efficient consumption   of energy consumption. They meet the requirements of national greenhouse and energy reporting act 2007 and thereby helps to sustain the environment.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The code of conduct and ethics, helps in organizing the value guide that helps in taking efficient decisions for the company  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The company sign a mandatory un global compact that initiates the guidelines for the ethical conduct towards its employees  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Numerous policies and plans are initiated such as   employment opportunity, plans against harassment and bullying, flexible working, accommodation for the staffs, parenting ,eldercare and childcare facilities.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have implemented a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) to identify and formulate the wellbeing of the employees, customers, contractors and visitors ad members of the organization.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They are in collaboration with some leading training institutes that help the organization in training their labour for producing quality efficient work  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have implemented a health and safety management system (HSMS) to identify and formulate the wellbeing of the employees, customers, contractors and visitors ad members of the organization.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They provide their employees with the freedom   to get associated with the decisions to be taken by the company.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The organization help their customers by providing them with aid in order to overcome their difficulties , minimise and manage their impacts.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The organization has stated that they aim in   fulfilling the international agreement to limit the average global temperature , to not more than 2 °C  .  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The bank develops solutions in order to reduce these environmental impacts along with the view of reducing the costs.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They have a group sourcing policy to undermine the behaviour of everyone thereby ensuring a fairer and safe   conduct. A sustainability guidelines list is maintained for the bank in specific categories of the IT sector, motor vehicle ease , legal services, print services and corporate wardrobe.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ANZ keeps a check on the performance of their 34 markets by operating through an online environmental reporting system.    ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Company practices off shoring, that involves shifting of the business from one country to another.Weaknesses  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The bank has no job security schemes for its employees, hence it results in firing its workers without any notice.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Less funding for the training program.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   More optimization for   social benefits and include development strategies.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Supplier need to see that the public image of ANZ has not   been tarnished.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Delay in formulating the plan of carbon emission.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Environmental effects are more than the remedies installed. Human resource management provides the company with the scope of analysing a responsible environment   around the workplace. With the detail analyses conducted over the labour practices and approaches towards the social responsibility of Australia and New Zealand banking group . Information regarding the various approaches proposed and perceived by the company has been discussed, that provides a clear view of what are the strengths and weaknesses of the organization with regard to the two elements of the human resource management. Brammer, S., Jackson, G., & Matten, D. (2012). Corporate social responsibility and institutional theory: New perspectives on private governance.  Socio-Economic Review,  10(1), 3-28. Chien, I. L. C. (2012). A Study of Foreign Bank Acquisition Strategy-The Case of ANZ Bank. David, F., & David, F. R. (2016). Strategic Management: A Competitive Advantage Approach, Concepts and Cases. Executive Strategies | ANZ. (2016). Anz.com. Retrieved 22 September 2016, from https://www.anz.com/corporate/markets/structured-investments/executive-strategies/ Hendry, C. (2012).  Human resource management. Routledge. Jones, T., McEvoy, D., & Barrett, G. (2016). 5 Labour intensive practices in the.  Employment, the Small Firm and the Labour Market, 172. Mathis, R. L., Jackson, J. H., Valentine, S. R., & Meglich, P. (2016).  Human resource management. Nelson Education. Mondy, R., & Martocchio, J. J. (2016). Human resource management.  Human Resource Management, Global Edition. Murray, D., Davis, K., Hewson, C., & McNamee, B. (2014). Financial System Inquiry.  Final Report. Canberra, The Treasury of the Commonwealth of Australia. Oke, L. (2016). Human Resources Management.  International Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies (IJHCS)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹ ISSN 2356-5926,  1(4), 376-387. Punch, K. F. (2013).  Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Sage. Stockport, G. J., Godley, M., Guagliado, D., Leung, O., Mercer, B., Varma, G., & Wong, S. (2012). ANZ Bank: Building a strategy for Asia.  South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases,  1(1), 31-41.

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in the Prince William Sound Essay

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in the Prince William Sound - Essay Example These investigations proved beyond doubt that the damages caused by this mishap have been more than what one would anticipate and therefore huge remedial measures are necessary to regain the damaged eco system back to its normal state. Even though some relief works were carried out at the site for few months and some compensation were dispersed by Exxon; these measures were not sufficient enough to bring back the affected region to its normal state. Exxon slowly started to withdraw its relief operations in this area even though they accepted the responsibility of this mishap. This paper discusses the things happened after this mishap to the key players, the appropriateness of their actions and the recommendations for avoiding such mishaps in future. â€Å"Exxon Mobil has paid about $900 million under the 1991 settlement† (Yardley, 2011) to rebuild the environment back to its normal state. â€Å"Exxon says it doesnt have any obligation to pay more. But the settlement also had a "reopener" clause allowing the state and federal governments to later claim up to $100 million more from Exxon if there were unforeseen damages† (Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Exxon Mobil Scores Key Victory In Alaska Case, 2011). But Exxon is note ready to obey the "reopener" clause of $100 million more aid to the affected people. Oil that penetrates deeply into beaches can remain relatively fresh for years and can later come back to the surface and affect nearby animals. In addition, oil degrades at varying rates depending on environment, with subsurface sediments physically protected from disturbance, oxygenation, and photolysis retaining contamination by only partially weathered oil for years. Long-term exposure of fish embryos to weathered oil at parts per billion (ppb) concentrations has population consequences through indirect effects on growth,

Comparing Media Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Comparing Media Systems - Essay Example With objective strategies aimed at making Facebook one of the most competitive social media, the management led by Mark Zuckerberg (founder), has been able to reduce the cost of operation. Currently, it is estimated that this media system has been spending about $536 million to meet its cost of operation. This amount is too low compared to the revenue generated explaining why Facebook continue to dominate the social media industry. Facebook has played a significant role in connecting people from different parts of the world. It is one of the cheapest means of communication that allows friends, and family members to connect and express their emotions. Currently, groups with common interests can are allowed to create a ‘group page’ which they can use to communicate without necessarily having to meet physically. With tight schedules that many people have, meeting physically continues to become a big challenge. Keeping people in touch has some psychological impact. Unlike ot her transitional media systems such as CNN, Facebook allows individuals to express their emotions through communication. This according to psychologists is imperative in stress alleviation. Facebook is also a source of information that has made it possible for people to know what is happening in different parts of the world. Just like other electronic and print media systems, Facebook can allow individuals know, and even contribute to difference social phenomena happening in different parts of the world. Politicians, businessmen, artists, and other influential forces have taken advantage of the Facebook to target their clients. In 2008 presidential debate in the United States, Facebook was one of the main communication tool that was used to allow target voters to follow events live and make their contributions. With the help of ABC in collaboration with Alselm College, a Facebook App that would make it possible for communication in this kind of setting was developed. This therefore makes facebook one of the unprecedented transnational media systems, which allow people to have a say in political and other social issues. Businesspersons have also taken advantage facebook to market their products, target and retain customers. They keep target customers informed about what they produce, where they can find them, and the price. Facebook has therefore made a positive impact in e-commerce, a phenomenon that has taken shape in the business world. Through this process, many companies have been able to increase their customer base, which consequently leads to more sales and profits. 2. Social impact of facebook While facebook has made a lot of impact on the society, this paper shall focus on the social impact. The latter will seek to analyze how facebook has transformed the lives of the people globally. In dealing with the issue of social impact of Facebook, the following questions shall be addressed: How has facebook enhanced social bonds, and communication? How does f acebook enhance information dissemination? How has facebook fostered relationship between clients and businesspersons? What are some of the criticisms of social impact of facebook? 1. Facebook and social bonds The media system theory of dependency is imperative inn explaining the kind of media that people choose. It also explains why people prefer certain