Continuous Professional development Essay Example for Free

Continuous Professional development Essay Continuous professional development (CPD) is a framework of learning and development that ensures a professional’s competency, effectiveness, knowledge, skills and practice are continually kept up to date through ‘lifelong learning’ strategies and activities. There is not a fixed CPD standard or structure and a ‘one size fits all’ process would not work for all professions and individuals who work for companies with diverse objectives and working practices. The various approaches may have common themes and goals such as setting objectives for development and charting progress towards them, or asking questions such as where I want to be, and how I plan to get there. Reflection is also a key element of the process. Just as important is the motivation and responsibility of professionals for keeping their own skills and knowledge up to date. An early definition of CPD was developed in 1986 by the Construction Industry Council (UK). However, Friedman et al. (2000) found that it was still the most commonly cited definition of CPD among UK professional bodies in 1999. ‘The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills, and the development of personal qualities necessary for execution of professional and technical duties throughout the individual’s working life’. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggest the following elements of a good and broad CPD structure. be a documented process be self-directed: driven by you, not your employer focus on learning from experience, reflective learning and review help you set development goals and objectives include both formal and informal learning. CIPD further suggest the benefits to CPD practitioners provides an overview of your professional development to date reminds you of your achievements and how far youve progressed directs your career and helps you keep your eye on your goals uncovers gaps in your skills and capabilities Opens up further development needs provides examples and scenarios for a CV or interview demonstrates your professional standing to clients and employers helps you with your career development or a possible career change. CPD can involve any relevant learning activity, whether formal and structured or informal and self-directed. Good CPD practice will include a variety of learning models that help professionals remain competent and up to date. Whatever the model or structure the process should highlight the needs of the job, strengths and weaknesses of learners and their future goals so learning gaps can be addressed. Listed below are examples and a short explanation of types of CPD learning and practice. The training model – often delivered by an expert in a classroom type environment. The award-bearing model – validation achieved via a standard or qualification. The deficit model – weak performance highlighted and measures taken to improve it. The cascade model – one learner cascading their learning down to other colleagues. The standards-based model meeting standards, often highlighted in observations. The coaching/mentoring model – on the job training that includes shadowing. The community of practice model – secondment or interagency training initiatives. The transformative model – flexible approach involving many of the above models. My own development is based very much on the transformative model of CPD that involves a range of both formal and informal learning, this provides me with the up to date knowledge and skills I need to do my job competently. Schunk describes learning as, ‘Learning is an enduring change in behaviour or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion which results from practice or other forms of experience’. Schunk, Learning theories, 5th ed, 2008 Formal learning through training or qualification is often related to something specific, like a skill or competence. Formal training may include on-line and CD-ROM based courses or full or part time study leading to qualifications. Development on the other hand can be more informal and has a broader outlook on learning and may include private study such as reading, observing and reflection. Structured continual learning is important in any profession because new research and practices may require new knowledge and skills. For example the QCF Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development is one example of formal learning that I have considered and want to undertake. This is for both professional and financial reasons. Professionally it proves a level of academic ability, knowledge and credibility. It is the standard that many career companies now expect from professionals delivering career guidance in schools. Gaining the qualification should also help me remain competitive when applying for a job and hopefully keep me within a reasonable pay scale. Conferences, workshops and seminars also help keep professionals up to date with changes to practice and can be a vehicle for networks to be built up and experiences shared. On the job training such staff training, shadowing, secondment, coaching and mentoring all provide excellent provision for professionals to learn new skills and build up work based knowledge. Professionals may also learn by taking part in working groups or involvement in research projects. Babcock recognises the benefit of CPD and is committed to broadening and developing all employees’ knowledge and skills in the pursuit of excellence. They understand the process helps promote career development and ensure legislation and contractual agreements are met. The company handbook CPD at Babcock Education and Training – Guidance for Staff’, describes the process of CPD as, ‘’any activity which increases the knowledge, skills and understanding of staff, improves job satisfaction and raises company performance’’. The policy strongly advocates that practitioners should be accountable for their own personal growth and not solely rely on the company for training and development. It also requires professionals to maintain competent levels of learning as directed by their own professional bodies. If professionals are to be committed to their own CPD practice then there needs to be a certain level of self-motivation. Career Advisers as with all professionals need to remain competent to practice, regardless of whether they qualified yesterday, last year or twenty-five years ago. (Golding ; Gray, 2006) agree and suggest that the last day of professional training signals the beginning of lifelong learning. According to Maslow (1943) hierarchy of needs that suggests people are motivated by a range of wants such as basic needs from food and shelter right up to the final stage of self-actualization and fulfillment. Herzberg (1959) showed that to motivate an employee a business needs to create conditions that make them feel fulfilled in the workplace. He suggested motivators such as achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility and advancement will motivate the worker to want to succeed and do well. Both models recognise that when conditions are right workers want to do a good job and find satisfaction in their work. I would argue that professionals such as career advisers go further by recognising their duty of care to clients and desire to serve them well by providing the best service possible. This is only achieved by having up to date skills and a positive outlook on personal learning and development. CPD clearly benefits professionals, employers, customers and users. For it to be best utilised practitioners may need some form of CPD training. Learning how to learn is a skill in itself, Joyce and Showers (2001) suggest that a positive impact on performance is more likely if training is provided on it. Cunningham (2001) agrees and says ‘’It cannot be ‘caught; people must be trained in the process’’ A full understanding of the CPD process gives the practitioner a methodical and structured approach to their learning that can be flexible and involve a number of learning styles that best suits the learner’s needs. My own CPD practice and planning is assisted through various policies and templates implemented by Babcock. Supervision meetings with line-managers take place every 6-8 weeks where performance against SMART targets (objectives broken down to specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely goals) are discussed and feedback given. Before annual reviews take place a pre-review template is filled in by the member of staff. This process alone demands employees to take time to reflect on their past performance and draw attention to skill gaps and future training needs. Another template used during the annual review guides both practitioner and line-manager through the process. This tool asks questions that demands a certain level of thought and reflection. Questions are asked around time spent on an activity, why it was done, what was learned and can it be shared with others. The pre-review template and review process agree much with guided reflective theory developed by Johns (1995) where he suggests a series of questions can challenge the motivation and rationale for actions. These questions from a third party can help guide learners through the reflective process. Johns suggested reflective diaries and sharing experience with others can lead to a greater understanding than reflections done alone. Though I do not keep a written diary of reflection I do reflect constantly and can relate to Schon’s ‘reflection in action’ and ‘reflection on’ practice. I also incorporate much of Rolfe (2000) Driscoll’s (2000) thinking by asking what, so what and now what into my practice. Another simple strategy I endorse and find useful is SWOT analysis, a technique accredited to Albert Humphrey in the 1950’s that asks practitioners to scrutinize their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Practitioners can also be unaware of issues in their own practice, this is suggested by the Jo Harari window, developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955; it proposes that others see things about us to which we may be blind. New objectives and action plans can then be agreed and formalised. Feedback from supervision and annual review meetings help to evaluate work and clarify agreed targets and future development tasks. The meetings also offer a platform to formally raise concerns or requests for training. A training request was made after I became aware of a number of young people in school who seemed to be unmotivated, withdrawn or depressed. I had no knowledge of mental health issues and felt out of my depth to offer solutions and wanted to be able to offer better front-line support. I approached my line-manager and it was suggested I investigate possible training options. I later attended three one day courses on adolescent mental health that were free of charge and run by Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH). The training was around spotting mental health disorders, early intervention and ideas for support in school. Networking is also a valuable source of gathering information and developing support channels. It was through a network that I learned of the free training delivered by CAMHS. Another effective learning tool is observation. Feedback from formal interview observations and those from colleagues, teachers, pupils, parents and others has benefited my overall reflections and development by highlighting levels of performance. Critical thinking allows me to analyse different qualities, talents, views and opinions of others. I often ask myself whether I would have handled a situation differently to a colleague and would my actions have made the situation better or worse? Writing regular case studies has been useful when reflecting on my work. They help me focus on what went well and what hasn’t gone so well. The discipline of writing down events and analysing them requires much deeper thought processes. Attending regular training events and seminars ensures I remain up to date with new practice, law and policy changes. Training has broadened my knowledge around specialist areas such as homelessness and sex education. Some training programmes are also compulsory requirements of Babcock and include child protection training or online courses like equality and diversity. Attendance at staff meetings keep me up to date with events in the careers industry and practice at a local level. Often meetings include training workshops, group discussions and presentations from guest speakers. As a group member of the Career Development Institute I receive regular updates, advice and information on topical subjects through journals and annual conferences. In summary CPD is an investment that gives professionals a methodical structure to directly link learning with practice. It records learning undertaken and helps plot any future training. Confidence and professional credibility can be boosted and it may accelerate career advancement. Through creative thinking and tackling new challenges personal interest and job satisfaction can also be increased.

Project Risk Management Process

Project Risk Management Process Introuction To Project Risk Management A recent investigation into the recent rise in failed projects, financial meltdown and the deadly environmental hazards occurring globally have proved that non-inclusion of risk management in the planning and entire stage of the project, poor and total neglect of project risk management practices and overlooking minor risks account for majority of them. While experts have stated that a proper and strong project risk management process can reduce project problems by as much as 75 90%, combining it with concrete project management plans, defining a proper scope, managing change and communication, a good project risk management helps in reducing and eliminating surprises and unexpected project risks. A good project risk management process can also help with resolving problems when they occur. To have a better understanding, ability to structure, implement and execute a good project risk management practice; we need to understand the processes involved in â€Å"PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT† properly. What Is Project Risk Management? Project risk management according to the project management body of knowledge book, chapter 11, Pg. 111, it is a term that encompasses and involves all processes concerned with identification, analyzing and response to project risk. It also consists of maximizing the results of likely positive events and minimization of the impacts of negative events. Also according to Vicki Wrona, a project management professional, before we begin a project risk management process, we must have a justified knowledge of major key definitions. Project risks according to the Project management institute perspective are â€Å"at their core, unknown events†. These events are often positive or negative. This makes â€Å"RISK†, neutral though most time is spent on tackling negative project risks (threats) rather than the positive (opportunities). Processes Involved In Project Risk Management A proper project risk management includes the following four processes: Risk identification Risk quantification Risk response development Risk response control These processes are often implemented with different names though they all arrive and achieve the same goal. Also they are often renamed and combined as stated below: Risk identification and quantification are often treated as a single process and the resultant process is called â€Å"risk analysis† or risk assessment. Risk response development is also often referred to as â€Å"† risk response planning and risk response development often referred to as â€Å"risk management†. Whether they are referred to individually or collectively, they usually maintain their requirements, tools and output. A proper analysis of these processes is stated below. Risk Identification involves the identification and determination of the possible risks that are more likely to affect the project and properly documenting the properties and effect of each one. This process is not a â€Å"once in a project† affair. It is meant to be carried out regularly as long as the project is being carried out. It should also include both internal (activities that can be controlled or influenced by the project team such as cost estimation) and external (risks beyond the project teams control such as business laws or government action) risk. Risk identification could be achieved by either identifying â€Å"causes and effects† (events likely to occur and what will be the result) or â€Å"effects and causes† (outcomes to be avoided or appreciated and method of occurrence). Risk Quantification This step involves evaluation of the risks identified in the first step and risk interactions to assess the range of possible project outcomes. Its primary aim is to determine which risks need response. It is complicated and affected by a number of factors but is not limited to them. They include: Threats and opportunities can interact in unforeseen ways such as regular delays could cause consideration of a new strategy thereby reducing total project duration. A single risk could trigger multiple effects such as: a late delivery of a vital part of the project could result in penalty (fines and payments), over run cost, delay in schedule and often a poor quality product. Reduced cost may favor a stakeholder at the expense of the other. (opportunity for one, loss for the other). Mathematical principles used may create a false impression and negatively affect reliability and precision. Risk Response Development This step in the project risk management activities involves clearly defining enhanced steps to utilize opportunities and respond to threats. Threat response usually fall into one of three categories:- Avoidance which has to do with eliminating a threat by eliminating the cause. All risks cannot be eliminated but certain ones can often be eliminated. Mitigation which deals with reducing the expected cost of a risk event by reducing the occurrence probability, buying insurance and using proven technology. Acceptance which deals with acknowledging the occurrence of a risk and developing a plan to tackle the risk in cases when it occurs. Risk Response Control This step involves execution of the developed risk management plan in response to the risk events during the course of the project. Whenever there are changes made to the project, the first three risk management processes (identification, quantification and response) are repeated. It is a good practice to bear in mind that even the most comprehensive and thoughtfully structured analysis cannot point out all risks and likelihood of occurrence correctly. This makes the project risk management processes an activity to be repeated often. After a clear definition of all the activities project risk management entails, it is best to have a â€Å"step-by-step† approach for proper execution of all involved activities as a (PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT). Project Risk Management Process Vicky Wrona again outlined a possible â€Å"7 step† outline as a project risk management process. They are: Step 1: this step states that everyone involved in the project planning process should list at least 10 possible risk items. This also helps tackle assumption because some risks that are believed to be known are often neglected and they end up occurring. Scope creep is a perfect example because even with a perfect management process, it could still arise and cause problems. It is best to tackle it rather than ignore it. Step 2:- involves collection of all the listed risks and compiling them into a single list (master list) with duplicates removed. Step 3: assessment of the probability and impact of the risks outlined in the master list is the third step. This can be achieved by giving each risk a rating (numerically) or otherwise in order of vulnerability (low, medium, high). Detectability is also important because risks that are not detected or hard to detect e.g. scope creep are even more risky. Step 4: involves dividing the planning team into smaller groups and dividing the master list into portions and giving it to them. They are then to find out the warning signs for the risks. These warning signs (triggers) should be documented and none should be overlooked. Step 5: involves the small groups that identified the risks to also structure out preventive measures. Step 6: here, the small groups created from the planning team develop a â€Å"contingency plan† for majority of the risks. This plan should include response to be taken if a risk occurs. This is usually done for risks with high vulnerability so as to give room for proper management of the risk management process because if the risk management process takes a lot of time and couldnt be executed, then it is a futile effort. Step 7: this is the final step in the risk management planning process. It involves giving each risk â€Å"an owner†. This owner is usually responsible for tackling the risk should it occur and utilizing the approved contingency plan. Though other members are advised to also be vigilant for all risks. At the end of the above steps, a risk register is created. It is advisable to have this register in tabular format so that it could carry enough information on one page. Golden Rules For A Successful Project Risk Management. According to Bart Jutte, managing director of Concilio, a consultancy specialized in project risk management; these 10 steps usually result in proper project risk management implementation. They include: Make risk management part of your project. Identify risks early in your project. Communicate about risks. Consider both threats and opportunities. Clarify ownership issues. Prioritize risks. Analyze risks. Plan and implement risk response. Register project risks. Track risks and associated tasks. Benefits Of Project Risk Management It contributes to the overall success of the project because it points out threats and opportunities which are either eliminated or utilized. It results in better business outcomes through more informed decision making activities achieved from corrections made after the risk management activities. Uncertainties are recognized and a forecast of possible occurrences is provided. Gives room for better control, tackles time wasting and has greater focus on benefits. It influences innovation and positive thinking. Effects Of Negligence And Poor Project Risk Management (Using Real Life Scenarios) Catastrophic Example  · The â€Å"hurricane Katrina† is an example of negligence of project risk management by the government. During the construction and development of the country, the then government didnt focus on the risks this project (development) would cause. Even after this, the current government ignored weather reports and warnings of failing levies and the damage that floods could bring. This led to the death of 1300 people and loss of over 250,000 homes with property worth billions being destroyed. If project risk management had been implemented at the development period, the effect of weak levies and flood would have been identified and tackled and this would have prevented this risk (hurricane Katrina). Loss Of Market, Customers And Brand Trust  · Chrysler Corporation introduced the â€Å"PT CRUISER† in 2000, with hopes of delivery via dealer showroom in 2001. At the supposed â€Å"available date†, it wasnt available. Chrysler and its dealers encouraged its customers to deposit for â€Å"a guaranteed delivery†. Eager customers did this but only few cars were produced due to manufacturing constraints and poor production efforts and conditions. This resulted in a refund of all deposits to the prospective customers and a further loss of faith in Chrysler by its customers. They decided that instead of waiting for the PT Cruiser, they decide to patronize other vehicles from other manufacturers. If Chrysler had included project risk management in their project (PT Cruiser), the production and delivery constraints would have been discovered and tackled and the goals of the project (delivery of the PT cruiser by 2001) would have been met. Conclusion Project risk management as simple as it may seem and less regarded by many is a key component for a better project plan, time management, cost estimation and project scheduling. An effective project execution is also achieved through inclusion of risk management at all stages of the project starting from the planning, to implementation and finally execution. Finally if project risk management is properly understood and a stepped approach included in this book is followed with application and adherence to the 10 golden rules for a successful project risk management, there is possibility or a very successful project because the risk management points out and gives you room to tackle, correct and utilize problems that could have risen at the execution / completion of the project. References 10 Golden rules of project risk management. Bart Jute Founder and consultant at Concilio. http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/10-golden-rules-of-project-risk-management.html Your risk management process: A practical and effective approach Vicki Wrona Project Management Professional (PMP) President of Forward Momentum, LLC, instructor with Westlake Training and development. http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/your-risk-management-process-a-practical-and-effective-approach.html Project management Risk Management CJ Williams Tutor Mgt. Consultant Brighton School of Business Mgt. in the UK. http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/project-management-risk-management.html A Guide to the Project Mgt. Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK) PMI Standards Committee William R. Duncan Director Of Standards. Risk Analysis Risk Management Evaluating and Managing the Risks You Face Mind tools website http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_07.htm Basics of Managing Risks Neville Turbit IT consultant / Principal of Project Perfect. http://www.projectperfect.com.au/downloads/Info/info_risk_mgmt.pdf Bibliography Project Risk Management chapters 1, 3, 8, 9, 10 By Bruce T. Barkley Copyright 2004 Project risk management: a proactive approach Chapters 1, 3, 5 By Paul S. Royer Copyright -2001 Practical Project Risk Management: The Atom Methodology Chapter 1, 2, 3 6 David Hillson Peter Simon Copyright-2007

The operations of the PepsiCo Company

The operations of the PepsiCo Company The report based on the operations of PepsiCo was done in the satisfaction of a Dynamics of Strategy Assignment. The company original location is in the United States of America but the company also operates in countries globally ranging from large emerging countries, the BRIC countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China to the small Caribbean Islands. PepsiCo, initiated as Pepsi: a carbonated cola drink in the beverage industry initiated in 1968 and has continued to expand since. The company has expanded through diversification and acquisitions into both the food and beverage industry. The company has been analyzed in terms of its internal and external environment and strategic opportunities for improvement has been proposed. PepsiCos mission Our mission is to be the worlds premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness and integrity. PepsiCos vision, PepsiCos responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate   environment, social, economic   creating a better tomorrow than today. Introduction PepsiCo, one of the most diverse and leading companies in the food and beverage industry initiated as Pepsi Cola in 1898 producing only cola beverages. In 1965, the company took the step to merge with another company, Frito Lay, in the food industry to form the company as the name is today, PepsiCo. PepsiCo controls 103 billion litres in market volume in the US beverage industry and concurrently a UDS $321billion in market value. PepsiCo with competitors in both the food and beverage industry, focused on international growth and further diversification. PepsiCo is the second largest beverage producer in the world and the worlds leader in its Frito Lay division in the food (salty snacks) industry. PepsiCo has numerous competitors in both the food and beverage industry: CoCa Cola, Kraft Foods, Unilever, and Nestle. PepsiCo expanded its production initially from Pepsi, a cola beverage to diversifying to water (Aquafina), Quaker Oats in the cereal and snack industry to juices and energy drinks such as Gatorade. The company further acquired and formed joint ventures increasing its product line to teas and root beers. The company acquired and formed joint ventures, along with the purchase of famous restaurant chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken. PepsiCo currently focuses on growth through Performance with a Purpose: to improve the performance of the company, human and talent sustainability as they move towards being more environment friendly. The assignment seeks to review and analyze the external and internal environment, evaluating whether the company is in strategic fit or drift. When this is determined, the researcher would assess the feasibility, acceptability and suitability of the proposed strategic option of growth in emerging markets. The researcher would then go on to recommend a detailed implementation plan of the chosen strategic option in terms of new product development. Task 1 Evaluation of the External Environment The evaluation of the external environment was undertaken through the use of various tools which analyses conditions, entities, events and factors of the environment in which PepsiCo operates. The tools used by the researcher were the PESTLE analysis, Porters Five Forces, the 3 Cs and the Industry Life Cycle. This analysis of each tool was embarked on to determine how the activities of PepsiCo are influenced by the macro environment and whether the company is in strategic fit. PESTLE Analysis is a tool that could aid organizations making strategies by helping them understand the external environment in which they operate now and how they will operate in the future. In all markets PepsiCo has entered, the government has intervened to some extent, where they were confronted with several political barriers to entry, adhering to laws and regulations. These issues increased, as the company expanded its operations and portfolio. PepsiCo was further affected when the economic downturn negatively impacted on their financial statement as costs fluctuated. Despite this, PepsiCo was granted approval for investment into the company. Cultural and demographic aspects, social factors also affected the operations of PepsiCo which include a shift towards healthier lifestyles. PepsiCo has kept up-to-date with technological advancements by introducing the most recent improvements to machinery in the industry. They have implemented modern media methods to increase brand awareness, allowing them to being innovative, reduce costs and improve quality. PepsiCo faces legal challenges where there were bans placed on advertising in some countries. In some countries the governments have reduced the awarded contract previously set at a term of five years to one year. PepsiCo has decided to go green and be environment friendly, focusing on water, climate changes, agricultural and packaging change. They have initiated to reduce their utility consumption. Michael Porter provided a framework that models an industry as being influenced by five forces. Porters five forces is a framework used by the researcher to determine the competitive intensity of the macro environment in which PepsiCo operate. Considering PepsiCo is one of the dominants in the food and beverage industry there is little room for new entrants to create competitive pressure. Due to capital, market knowledge and experience, PepsiCo has the absolute advantage in terms of cost which would deter new competitors. PepsiCo with the advantage of high bargaining power of suppliers are able to identify, differentiate and substitute inputs. If the suppliers have greater influence on the industry, then PepsiCo would have to pay high prices for the raw materials. PepsiCo allows the buyers a strong bargaining power so that they could maintain the number of buyers they have and attract new ones. Buyers may have greater influence on PepsiCo since there are numerous substitutes for its products. The threat of substitutes which exists within the beverage and food industry is a major issue for PepsiCo, where a price change can prove futile for the company. PepsiCo is fortunate since although there are substitutes for the products there are no close rival, with a diversified portfolio that links directly to PepsiCo at all product levels. This, a strength to the company gives them the competitive advantage of operating in the industry. The 3Cs Model is a business model which offers a strategic look at the factors needed for success The researcher would use the 3Cs model to measure the differences between the actual and the perceived quality of the companys product portfolio, helping to assess the importance of the brand name PepsiCo. Market dominance of certain products such as Frito Lay and Gatorade has been a success since PepsiCo would have increased market share. PepsiCo can maintain this dominance by obtaining control of their brand through patenting. The company can further seek other measures to maintain this success, through innovation by improving existing products. PepsiCo segments its market and goals are directed towards consumers since it is the consumers who the company depends on for revenues and profits. PepsiCo portrayed them as the New Generation or the Pepsi Generation. PepsiCo has even adjusted its portfolio by improving existing products and developing new ones to meet current trends in the market: a healthier lifestyle. Although PepsiCo is dominant in some products in the market they still need to focus on its competitors strategies and techniques. Coca Cola, leader in the beverage industry enjoys the largest market share for carbonated soft drinks. Smaller competitors use strategies to allow them to remain in the market and their size, although smaller than PepsiCo to gain competitive advantage. PepsiCo is in the mature stage of the Industry Life Cycle in the food and beverage industry. This tool with knowledge of past and current market trends are used to predict future trends and potential entrants or threats that may arise in the market. PepsiCo maintains its position by using techniques such as diversification strategies and developing products towards current trends and market development. Critical Assessment of Strategic Resource Capabilities The researcher undertook an analysis of PepsiCos internal environment, comprised of the organizations resources, capabilities and competencies. This assessment helped to determine whether the company is in a strategic fit or drift. Several tools such as the SWOT analysis, the VRIO framework and the Key Success Factors were used. PepsiCo has the second highest market share in the beverage industry but have always had and continues to maintain a strong brand image. The company had the advantage since with their diversified portfolio; they were able to create an image for not only for their cola beverage but for all their products. Due to this PepsiCo encountered additional revenue for growth and was able to invest in technology with helped them to benefit from economies of scale. Despite PepsiCos many strengths they had their fair share of weaknesses. The company has limited themselves with their diversified portfolio since they have concentrated mostly in North America. This could prove that they are not fully utilizing their resources available to them globally especially in emerging countries. This weakness can be converted to an opportunity where it can be used as a strategy towards growth. Further opportunities may emerge where PepsiCo can further diversify through new product development, improvements to old products and acquisitions, towards changing demand, a healthier lifestyle. PepsiCo faces challenges from competitors and the declining economy could also prove as a threat where there is sluggish growth of the economy. PepsiCo with a strong internal work culture, an intangible resource, is structured toward the companys Performance with a Purpose to encourage professionalism and personal development while subsequently having fun. Ideas and comments are most welcomed by the management team. Young employees are given the chance to embrace early responsibility, to accept risks and make some decisions allowing them to develop and become prospective leaders. PepsiCo also focuses external culture where they give back to communities. Geographic location has impacted on the internal culture of PepsiCo where culture is altered towards employees in different regions. The strategic location of the company also helps to improve the distribution of products. At some locations, PepsiCo use to their benefit government incentives to decentralize their operations. This helps to reduce operating costs. Brand imagery, reputation and high employee morale plays a huge role in increasing goodwill of PepsiCo. This intangible asset could lead to a positive impact on the financial statements. Despite the negative outlook from the financial statements due to the economic storm and currency fluctuations, the company was able to achieve growth in 2008. Although numerous government bodies planned to increase taxes for snacks and cola beverages and PepsiCo had a high short term debt, they continued to invest for long term prospects. VRIO framework is an internal tool of analysis in the context of businesses. VRIO is an acronym for the four question framework you ask about a resource or capability to determine its competitive potential: the question of Value, the question of Rarity, the question of Imitability (Ease/Difficulty to Imitate), and the question of Organization (ability to exploit the resource or capability). PepsiCo was able to add value to their manufacturing process through innovation and efficiency in all resources: Culture/HR, Location, Brand Image, Goodwill and Financially. All these resources are aligned, organized and exploited by PepsiCo. Culture/HR is the only resource of PepsiCo which can be identified as rare and not possessed by competitors. Although Goodwill is not rare, it is not easily duplicated by customers, hence is imitable and has a sustained competitive advantage. Despite this, if given sufficient time, money and resources all of PepsiCos other resources such as location, brand image and financial prosperity can be emulated, referred to as having a competitive parity. Key Success factors necessary for the success of PepsiCo in the market is that they should continue their use of celebrities in their advertising campaign. This would help to lure customers toward the product. The company can focus on widening their distribution channels as they expand their portfolio. This would help inject additional revenue into the company. Strategic Fit PepsiCo is in a strategic drift to the extent where there is minimal innovation to develop new products. The company prefers to obtain products through mergers and acquisitions, since these products would have been established already and it reduces PepsiCos risk of a failing product. The disadvantage of this is that the brand names of the acquired products are standardized. When PepsiCo acquire these products, they continue to trade under their original name and not the name of the company, such as Gatorade. Another drift of the company is where they fail to have optimal utilization of all their resources. Their advertising campaigns do not include a wide target market. Although the company serves approximately 86% of the worlds population, their advertising is mostly positioned towards the North American markets. Despite the strategic drift of PepsiCo, the company is in a strategic fit due to their strong Culture and Human Resources. This is clearly practiced within the goals of the company Performance with a Purpose. This is advantageous to them since the management team ensures they are practice of good work culture, factors that are rare and cannot be imitated easily. The culture of this organization contributes to standardized operations which lead to high quality of the products, giving them the competitive advantage. Another factor which contributes to PepsiCos being in a fit is that the company has a diversified portfolio with no other single company in the food and beverage industry directly competing with PepsiCos range of products allowing them to sustain their competitive advantage. PepsiCos most recent objectives in their sustainability report is being accomplished and puts the company in strategic fit where they are moving towards meeting the needs of the changing demand towards healthier products. This not only increase revenue but creates a strong brand image and gives the company the competitive advantage. Another object from PepsiCos sustainability report which puts them in a fit is their drive towards going green by reducing utility consumption, the labels in their packaging and usage of plastics. The company currently takes into consideration Green Initiatives, such as building codes when entering new markets. Despite of having few strategic drift issues which cannot be ignored, PepsiCo continues to maintain their competitive advantage in the changing markets and is in a strategic fit. Task 2 Discussion of Strategic Option PepsiCo, since established in 1898 has grown into a vast well established organization with a diversified portfolio. The company has achieved this through all factors in the Ansoff Matrix, allowing them to be the worlds largest food and beverage company. The company has achieved and continues to achieve growth through improvement, diversification of their product portfolio, entering new markets and through new product the development. Through extensive research into PepsiCo, the researcher found PepsiCo has experienced a drastic fall in sales in recent times as a result of the global economic recession and due to changing consumer demands. CEO of the company, together with management has proposed to introduce new products to combat this predicament so that the company can maintain their market status and continue to achieve growth. Through profound investment and innovation, PepsiCo is targeting emerging markets: BRIC countries. In keeping with PepsiCos mission grounded on Performance with a Purpose, their goals of Human Sustainability, and their current proposal, the researcher has chosen new product development as a growth strategy towards the improvement of the future strategic direction of the organization. By this route the company would Suitability Feasibility Acceptability Implementation Plan Conclusion Appendix 1 PESTLE Appendix 2 Porters Five Forces Model Appendix 3 3Cs Model Appendix 4 SWOT Analysis Appendix 5 VRIO Framework Resources Valuable Rare Imitable Organized Competitive Implication Hierarchy of Resources Culture/HR YES YES YES YES SCA Core Financial YES NO NO YES CP Base Location YES NO NO YES CP Base Brand Image YES NO NO YES CP Base Goodwill YES NO YES YES SCA Core Appendix 6 Ansoff Matrix SOURCE: http://tutor2u.net/business/strategy/ansoff_matrix.htm

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

As readers, we saw Scout mature and grow as our narrator and as a person. She learned many things, but also lost many things. As she grew up and changed, she began to see how things really were, and gained the knowledge of the pure hate that one man can show another. Scout lost her innocence when she found this out. She began to see how cruel the world could be to someone who is a little different or strange. She saw this in the prejudice that was shown to Tom Robinson, Walter Cunningham, Miss Maudie and even herself. She gained the wisdom of the world outside her back door and began to see how society works, (it is very cruel and cynical). Although this may not have been a good thing, she could now see how unimportant it was. Atticus taught Jem and Scout to be polite, caring kids. He instilled in them a great sense of love for their neighbor and told them things that would help them get on in life. Scout was very lucky to have someone to guide her along the way. Although she was faced with â€Å"the real world†, she had lots of people who would willingly explain to her and guide her. Scout really matured during the course of this book. She went from a six-year-old child with no knowledge of the real world to a ten year old who had a lot of life’s most important lessons shown to her at a very young age. She had to learn, very quickly, that life would not always be easy and fun. She learned of the horrible ways men can treat other men and of the ugliness of station, poverty and hate. The author, Harper Lee, picked an interesting person to narrate the story. This had some advantages and disadvantages as the story progressed. This writing technique is a very versatile one. When the author uses Scout as the first person, she opens the reader’s eyes to the way children think and act. She also offers a fair opinion of the affairs of Maycomb, and doesn’t dwell on adult matters and make it boring. Some disadvantages of picking Scout for the first person viewpoint were that even though she was smart, she didn’t really understand what all the fuss was about. She was too innocent and young to really grasp the point sometimes and tell the reader, about it.

ecosystems :: essays research papers

Factors of Community: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Interactions between the climate and topography a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Rainfall, soil, temperature† 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The food and resources that grow 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Other specific resources necessary for a species to survive and adapt to. (Ecological niche) 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Species interaction 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Physical disturbances, addition/removal of certain species -These factors determine population sizes of an ecosystem. -Conditions of arctic regions don’t allow many animals to live there due to the low temperature. Niches: (all relationships in which species engage in order to survive and reproduce)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Fundamental Niche is a theoretical niche, where there are no constraints or limited resources)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Realized Niche is the actual niche, where there are constraints on resources) Symbiosis: (â€Å"living together† Species interacting in +, -, and = ways) Mutualism (++)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Both species in interaction benefit   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Obligatory Mutualism -One species cannot grow/reproduce without another species   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  EX. Yucca plants are only pollinated by Yucca moths.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Yucca moths only grow in the yucca plant and only eat Yucca seeds. Co-evolution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -The prey and predator build better defenses and counters to the other’s abilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Since the best of the prey/predator survive more often, they have more chance to reproduce.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Soon only the strong survive, thus, the best ways of countering reach the entire population.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -EX. Camouflage, Mimicry (faking a characteristic), Spewing toxins, showing teeth, etc Carrying Capacity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Maximum number of individuals that resources of environment can maintain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Predator-Prey populations can fluctuate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Predators may not adjust quickly enough to the abundance of prey.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Additional predators could also influence the rate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -As more predators reproduce and eat more prey, the prey population decreases.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -As more prey dies, predators have less to eat and begin to die off.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -With fewer predators, the prey once again starts to reproduce at a faster pace. Predator- Animals that feed on living organisms, but do not live on them Prey- targets of predators that are killed Parasites- Feeds on tissues of living organisms and live on them Host- the organism a parasite feeds on Effects of Parasites   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Feeds off the host’s tissue’s nutrition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Alters how much energy enters the organism, and weakens it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Can alter birth rates, can sterilize, or make organisms less attractive to mates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Can open prey to diseases and infections.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Usually does not want to cause death, so that it can reproduce for a longer period of time Microparasites   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Rapid reproducers and personally infect the body.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  EX. Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoan Macroparasites   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Directly lay their eggs on the host.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  EX. Fleas, ticks, mites, lice Social Parasites   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Manipulate the social behavior of another species.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  EX. Cuckoos lay their eggs in nests of other species, which push the rightful eggs out.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -The mother of the original eggs ends up feeding the cuckoos. Parasitoids   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  -Insect larvae that always kill what they eat (larvae and pupae of other insects)

Teen Britain: The shocking Truth(TM) article

Bullying, drugs, alcohol and sex were a few of the issues raised in this article, published on the 27th November 2005 as facing teenagers in today's society. As one of these young adults in our civilisation, I feel that it is my duty to defend myself and others like me in the face of such criticism. Firstly some of the points mentioned in your article I fully understand and agree with. For example, I agree that there are too many teenagers in society who are taking drugs or drinking alcohol whilst roaming our streets. You state that, â€Å"72% of 14 year olds have consumed alcohol†. This growing incidence of alcohol and drug use could also be a factor in the rise of the crime rate. However, I don't think that the press or general public can put all of the blame for this on today's teenagers, their families or the area in which they live. I think that the media has had a part to play in this and so should accept some of the blame. One of the reasons I think this, is that it wasn't so long ago that many newspapers and television documentaries claimed that cannabis didn't have any side effects or create long term damage; however, we are now being told by the media that there are serious side effects to cannabis, such as, that it the effects the quickness of the brain and how well you learn in class. Cannabis is proven to affect concentration spans so therefore pupils will not be able to take as much in during lessons. This may be one of the reasons for teenagers becoming addicted to drugs as they have been given mixed messages about the use and effects of them. In my opinion, the media is to blame for some of the negative behaviour that we are seeing from the teenagers of today. The main reason for my belief is that the media publicise a lot of the bad behaviour of teenagers; for example, young teenagers getting pregnant or drunk. However, I feel that the media very rarely praise teenagers for good behaviour and the achievement of some amazing goals. For example, good exam results, helping charities or helping out at home in difficult situations. Furthermore, some negative teenage behaviour, like smoking and drinking are activities shown on many popular television programmes, such as ‘Footballers Wives' and ‘Bad Girls'. After watching such programmes, some teenagers see these activities as cool and copy what they have watched. The media may also be influencing some teenagers to behave badly, as some of them crave to be famous and they feel that the only way to achieve this ambition is to do something delinquent, as they see these sorts of things getting attention every day. However, the media plays its part in the negative behaviour of teenagers in Britain today, so do a lot of people living in our country and indeed the laws we follow. It isn't the teenagers' fault that they believe that drinking alcohol will not harm them, as this is what they have been led to believe by our new licensing laws; These allow pubs and clubs to open for much longer and therefore make alcohol more readily available. Also the companies that are selling alcohol are partly to blame as they create new drinks which appeal to a younger market by making them taste more like soft drinks. Instead of marketing alcohol to teenagers people should be making young people aware of the dangers of alcohol and binge drinking. Adolescents should be advised to drink in small amounts and not go out binge drinking like these laws may encourage. Your article is extremely negative with its facts. You suggest that a percentage of teenagers have done something disapproving rather than celebrating the percentage of teenagers who have not. For example, instead of saying that â€Å"32% of 14 year olds have had sexual intercourse†, you could have said that 68% of 14 year olds have not had sexual intercourse. By being so negative you make teenagers sound as bad as you can, rather than praising the ones who aren't like this. This makes it far easier for the people reading your article to stereotype teenagers and jump to conclusions; however we are not all like you suggest. Finally, I would like to question the facts and statistics presented in this article as I don't always fully agree. I don't think that you have taken a big enough sample of teenagers in Britain, also I don't think that you have asked teenagers to complete your surveys in enough areas of Britain. Therefore, I question how you can support some of your statements as you seem to are stereotype all teenagers in Britain to be like the few you have spoken to. Would you like someone to go and speak to one or two people in your street and say you were the same as them? No, I didn't think you would. Well, is it fair that you have done this to the teenagers of Britain?

Happiness Emotion Essay

Happiness is an emotion and feeling of contentment, gladness and pleasure. In some instances it may be in our power or in some other cases it may not be. Feeling of happiness is a transitory stage; however, it can turn into a long-term state when we and our surroundings constantly adopt those practices that cause happiness and pleasure. Maslow talked about long-term happiness. It can be subjective happiness or objective happiness. Maslow belief was on objective happiness. In the state of happiness our own self-deception plays a vital role. One can think of being happy when he’s not or one can be happy and content but not aware of this state. Some philosophers view that the state of being happy is completely under our control. We can choose to be happy or not. The power of being happy or unhappy is a state of mind. Because some people are happy over one thing, while others feel just the opposite of the same thing. It depends on our daily habits and practices. But Maslow believed that happiness is to have a good pleasurable life that one can achieve with his full potential. He thinks one can be happy when one is living a high-quality good life. According to Csikszentmihalyi, the philosophy of happiness in human society has always been under great controversies and discussions. Human brutality, war and conflict have caused great deal of violence, aggression and miseries in the society. Prevailing happiness in the society is not an easy task. It would require improving our relations with others. This includes all kinds of relations, relations between the nations, between different ethnic groups, between different cultures and societies. Developing relationship with others need changing our attitudes. A conflict starts when our attitude and behavior is not good with others. Keeping good attitude and behaving with others gently will only cause happiness to prevail. Harshness, brutality, rudeness, and aggressive attitude give rise to conflict, hatred and eventually war. For maintaining happiness in the society, it is not only important to improve our attitudes but to protect them and promote them to guard happiness. Happiness exists when all rights of people are protected and they get justice when harm is done to them. Philosophers define happiness as not just the ‘end of conflict’ but it’s a continuous process of developing relationships and promoting good behavior. Csikszentmihalyi gives broader view of happiness with respect to its existence and outcomes in history. He analyses how the aggression has existed in society and how happiness had evolved and been affective in prevailing tranquility in the society. Happiness exists in our feelings when our behavior inspires courteousness, love of neighborhood, sympathy, charity, if combined, defeat poverty, discrimination, abuse and other hatred attitudes. Trust in religion can overcome hatred & disgust, while it ends discrimination and does not foster inequity but love. Hurting, destroying and harming others spread pain. However, love halts this devastation and ends pain.   The demands of nurturing and sustaining such love are very high. Respect for religion inspires. According to Csikszentmihalyi, a happy meaningful life might be different in views of different people depending upon the achievements in different areas, which cover happiness, wealth, richness, health, love, marriage, family & relations. However, apart from these, there are spiritual and existential needs that give meaning to life. The desire to attain this meaning is not fulfilled or overcome by relative meanings, but this comes by ultimate gift. The former is limited to specific realm of meaning, while later is permanent, whatever we attain meaninglessness continues. Our moral responsibility is the necessity and our actions take root from our determination and our own choice. For this we are going to answer in the hereafter about our deeds. If our deeds are according to God’s law and His doctrine then we may be rewarded by Him but if our deeds are in rejection to what God created as ‘norms’ of life then we can be punished by Him. A voluntary act differs from a non-voluntary one in that first one has self-conscious advertence (to turn one’s attention to) to that particular action and self-choice for own causality. It has a choice that the act has been chosen by one’s own awareness. Thoughtful ideas and volition consciously started, but later continued merely spontaneously, without reflective advertence remains free because there was a free choice for bringing it about by elective adoption. Lyubomirsky states that everything, which is going on in the world, is the result of some previous event, or events. Therefore, everything that exists is already in pre-determined or pre-existent state and, hence, nothing new can come into existence. This holds the view that every event is simply the result of past events. This, in turn, has deep and radical effects on morality, science, and religion. According to the view of Lyubomirsky anything which is going to happen in the future is unalterable and is caused by prior events. It concludes that human freedom is an illusion. Free will is opposite to what determinism is, it is non-determination and freedom. The conscious of man are free to make genuine undetermined choices. Free will comes in a variety of types and strengths. Lyubomirsky states determination contradict free will and doctrine that it does not exist, because all events, are causally determined. Hence, our will can determine our happiness. This view shows that we’re in a system of parts, and strengthens the view compositional happiness, as commonly view by Christian complementariness in agreement with naturalist. According to Maslow, to build a system with happiness we must construct a physical or biological structure, and to successfully build such system, a mental life would emerge in that system. In support of this view, another philosopher suggests that to have a happy life means to have any peculiar kind of physical and emotional system. Philosophers assert that a person is system of material made up of different parts ordered in appropriate pattern. Thus, happiness may or may not be under our control. It some situations we can do things to make ourselves happy or at other times it may come without alarming. If existence is not taken into the meanings of a prosperous-being then, a society can exist without security, education and rules. But a society can never stand without any health. These three basic things are regarded as the very fundamental human rights namely security, education and health. The absence of the first two destroys the society as a whole but do not interfere with the individuals in a very direct way, but the absence of the third one destroys the entities of that society-the human beings itself. So health is the fundamental issue that a society has to care for. A society is said to exist on three main beams, Security of individuals, Education and health. Poor health conditions could affect the society in a way that even the other two collectively can not do. Nothing is more concerning to a person more than his health. Health is no doubt a basic human right. This basic right of an individual is the duty of a government. Only healthier persons can contribute effectively towards a productive society. Religion inspires courteousness, love of neighborhood, sympathy, charity, if combined, defeat poverty, discrimination, abuse and other hatred attitudes. Trust in religion can overcome hatred & disgust, while it ends discrimination and does not foster inequity but love. Hurting, destroying and harming others spread pain. However, love halts this devastation and ends pain.   The demands of nurturing and sustaining such love are very high. Respect for religion inspires â€Å"civility of love† for humanity, inspires people to trust, pray, and work diligently for a world where all people are respected. According to Lyubomirsky & Sheldon religion, especially monotheism, where God is the sole point of worship creates a direct relationship of man with God. Lyubomirsky & Sheldon’s writing has greatly been influenced by cosmological religiosity from in a sense though he is unable to do so as it largely relates to emotions, behavior and psychological health. He relates cosmological religiosity with human powers of love, emotions, feelings, and value as it is associated with the matter of soul. He stresses that cosmological religiosity is not a religious connotation but a science to deal with mental functioning in health and illness. For him, conscious and unconscious thought is not the matter of belief in God or not to believe in Him but about humanistic view of religion, his attitude, behavior and relationship with people and a positive attitude towards the society. But this humanistic definition of religion doesn’t actually encompass religious connotations. Though, in defining authoritarian view of religion, he is correct to some extent, where monotheism is regarded the only true form of religion while all other are deviation from this truth, he hasn’t yet been able to grasp the actual meaning of religion, its important role in man’s life and in his study of mind. In monotheism only one power, God, dominates, who has to be followed and respected with submission. However, he regards this type of submission as self-destruction. Here Lyubomirsky & Sheldon is proposing an incorrect view of â€Å"submission to God† as self-destruction, because history and facts show that this is the only way of developing a true and loving behavior with the Creator and the His creatures. The form of religion he states right i.e. humanistic, is actually not humanistic but self-indulgence and it hardly leads one to love his society and people but person’s life keeps revolving around himself without realization of duty-bound to his responsibilities and right of God and His people. Hence the three articles conclude about different views of happiness. Happiness lies in one’s inner-self and how we view outside world. Our personality and psychology plays vital role that how we perceive certain things as good for us and some as bad. References A Theory of Human Motivation` by Maslow If We Are So Rich, Why Arent We Happy? by Csikszentmihalyi – Pursuing Happiness by Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, and Schakade.