Use of Information Technology in Human Resource Planning Essay

Use of Information Technology in Human Resource Planning - Essay Example LITERATURE REVIEW Jacoby, Nason and Saguchi (77) argued that Information Technology is widely used in various departments of an organization in the United States and Japan. They insisted that IT plays a major role in the departments of human resources, aiding in the managerial processes of recruitment of workers and making of job schedules. Another group of researchers; SchoI?nberger and Lazer (221) proposed that the introduction of IT related operations in an organization, especially in the HR planning promotes efficient management and allocation of duties to employees and identification of nonperforming employees as every employee’s tasks are known. The major department of an organization is the HR department argued Haines and Lafleur (525) and incorporation of IT or digitizing the department will increase productivity of the organization by a significant margin. In the Journal of Knowledge Management, Klaila (138) claims that transformation of the information system from manual to digital in the HR department can reduce the bulk of the paper work involved in carrying out different tasks in the department. IT makes it easier to store employee information as it provides secure databases that are only accessible to the authorized parties. As IT has progressed from the old and slow mainframes to much quicker LANs (local area networks), WANs (wide area networks) and the World Wide Web, the business world follows suit in moving from the manual operations to computerized platforms (Ashbaugh and Miranda 144). Planning involves laying down strategies of an organization that are to be followed regarding performing various tasks. The HR department can work in conjunction with other departments in carrying these tasks, for instance, staff training and recruitment and job allocation among others. In order to plan adequately for a foreseeable progress of an organization, good strategies have to be laid down to avoid the failure of an organization. First is finding literature about HR tasks and functions, HR without IT and its implications. Investigate on the transformation process from HR without IT to HR with IT, and finally, how the computerized HR department will affect the planning process of human resources. Research Philos ophy, Approach and Strategy The research is based on phenomenological philosophy describing a number of individual experiences about a phenomenon. In this research, positivism philosophy has been adopted as it provides the researchers with a clear view of the current system in comparison to the old system. It focuses around the actual facts that exist in the IT introduction from the researcher’s point of view, coming up with related conclusions on what should and should not be done to ensure a successful IT incorporation in the planning process of the human resources. This philosophy allows the researcher to provide their own views about how IT is beneficial to human resource planning, while directly correlating their views to the current deliverables of the system. The research also takes a deductive approach since it works from a proven theory that IT helps in human resource planning, sampling different rules and already proven facts about our theory through collection of d ata on these facts, then use these data to back up

Psychology - Mental Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology - Mental Health - Essay Example g lack of evidence that Taylor and Brown supply for their analysis, including data that correlates, but does not necessitate causation from research study on college students, incorrect assumptions about the meaning of the overly positive illusions that depressed individuals have, the overwhelming belief of depressed individuals to believe they have more control over their situation then they do, and the idea that a positive belief about the future will necessitate a positive future (Colvin and Block 1994). While all of these concepts may be see as correlated to increased positive self image, Colvin and Block suggest that while this behavior may also be typical of normal subjects, it does not compel the reader to recognize these behaviors as healthy, when current psychological practise prefers that people have a realistic self image, as apposed to a highly illusionary self image (Colvin and Block 1994). One of the primary criticisms Colvin and Block suggest is the use of the terms â€Å"balanced† and â€Å"evenhanded.† They criticise these terms, in that Taylor and Brown do not give a definition of either term, and their meaning can be ambiguous. While Taylor and Brown’s article suggests the terms to mean â€Å"a subject ascribes to self a relatively equal number of positive and negative characteristics† (Colvin and Block 1994). Colvin and Block argue that a more realistic assumption of self would be an unequal characteristic organisation, which is a more accurate portrayal of the self (Colvin and Block 1994). Looking at research, Colvin and Block make a strong argument for the need for realism, not illusion in mental health. While most people rate themselves as happier or better of then others, this is the result of overly broad questioning, which makes answers incomparable. When questions are focused on specific traits, the better than others effect is severely diminished (Dunning, Meyerowitz, & Holzberg, 1989). Also, while mentally healthy individuals

Small Non-profit Budgeting Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Small Non-profit Budgeting - Coursework Example The goals and priorities are outlined in the strategic plan. The organization then determines the amount of money that will be needed fulfill the set goals and priorities, and this data is replicated in the annual operating budget. A budget that is well planned focuses mainly on the primary goals as it provides financial adaptability that is a key ingredient for maximizing sustainability. This paper explores the ways of creating a budget for a small non-profit organization and the expenditures that the money is needed for. Budgeting is a process. You have to use the facts that you know to be true, make sensible assumptions concerning the future and project ahead on what will be coming in the form of revenues and what will be rolling out of the organization in the form of expenses. These financial estimates are just projections. They are well defined using historical data and the events that may take place in the future. For instance, salary expenses of $100,000 for three workers in a given organization will be different from the one that will be set following year considering the fact that more additional staff will be hired. When the budgeting process is carried out, similar items are taken whereby their expenses are estimated over a given period of time. For example, an organization may need to know the exact expenditure on the office supplies in a given time. The budget will outline the summary of the total amount of costs that will be spent on office supplies. Prepare the final budget.

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay Example for Free

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay Problem Identification Established in the early 70s Nike, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA faced a severe stream of criticism and experienced growing problems concerning their plants and employee treatment, mainly in Indonesia and Vietnam in 1988. Rising demand for Nike products, which almost doubled within a short period of time, led the company and its 350+ subcontractors to raise the production level. Series of labor problems and abuse such as cheap labor wages, poor working conditions, health and safety issues and underage workers exploitation, were the main issues Nike had to deal with. Furthermore, Nike, Inc. had to deal with managing the diversity of cultures and language barriers had to be overcome, while still be able to produce the high-quality product Nike is famous for. Throughout the 1990s Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc. and the company itself lost their superb corporate image in the eye of the world and it became an international incident. Causes of Problem After establishing a name in the world, Phil Knight, decided to manufacture Nikes apparel in South Korea and Taiwan, and by 1982 already 86% of Nikes sneakers came from these two countries. Realizing that Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and China provide cheaper labor cost, better government support and higher profit, Nike moved their production lines there, with Indonesia becoming an important location. In 1991, the daily minimum wage was barely $1 in Indonesia, compared to a typical daily wage of $24.40 in South Korea and a US hourly wage of about $8 in athletic shoe manufacturing. Even that the Indonesian government raised the minimum wage from 2,100 Rupiah ($1.00/day) to 2,500 Rupiah ($1.25/day), the new wage was still underneath the workers living expenses. In 1992, these issues went outside of Indonesia and even hit Washington D.C., when President Clinton introduced the task force Apparel Industry Partnership (AIP) to develop and control labor standards for foreign fact ories. Although Nike was the first one to join, they had trouble convincing people that everything went right in their plants in Asia. Ernst Young was being hired to control and audit the factories, but soon voices became loud, that there was not a really  objective view at the problems, since Nike was paying them. It hit the peak in 1997/ 1998, when TV shows, newspapers and even a movie (The Big One) were talking about the bad conditions within Nikes factories in Asia and publicly challenged Phil Knight to change the way workers were treated, compensated and how underage workers were employed. Adidas, Reebok and New Balance took advantage of Nikes down slope and gained in competitive advantage. This led to diminishing sales number, earnings fell 69%, and for the first time in 13 years Nike, Inc. had a loss at the end of the year 1998. Alternatives 1.Government regulation of Nike Advantages: a)Local Government would have a closer look onto what is happening in its own country and with their people b)US Government could also have a closer look onto what Nike is doing abroad and would be able to intervene any illegal activity from the motherland c)Both governments would work closer together and it would open doors for other US companies to invest in the foreign country Disadvantages: a)As indicated in the case, some governments just see the money that is brought into the country, regardless what is happening within the company, or better said to its people. b)Ties between the US government and the foreign country might not be the best, due to political tensions, and makes it therefore tougher to work together. 2.Improve employees working and living standards Advantages: a)A happy employee is a better worker improve the employees living standard by raising his wage, giving him more benefits (health insurance, vacation time), lessen his working hours, etc. b)Equal Opportunity give chances to workers to move up the company ladder, and not only bring outside people in. Furthermore, adjust workers compensation, working hours and labor conditions to human standards. c)Extensive training and development for managers All managers should learn foreign countrys language, living habits and adapt to culture. Training the workers on the job will also help to overcome workforce diversity and make the workplace a better place to be. Disadvantages: a)The changes will take time and will be cost effective. b)Adapt to western working habits, might be a huge change for Asian workforce and might not be adapted well 3.Documentation and Inspection Advantages: a)Factories will be supervised, by either the local government or organizations b)Inspections will lead to better working conditions c)Workers will have someone to talk to and will not be left alone Disadvantages: a)Again, organizations might be paid by Nike and not report the whole truth b)Reports from workers might be left alone and not brought up to people in charge Best Alternative The best alternative for Nike, Inc. is to undertake all three alternatives simultaneously. In order to gain back the market share and competitive advantage, their global view has to strengthen. They started off very well by implementing some of the above-mentioned ideas. These alternatives will just help them to become a stronger player in this fast growing and very competitive business world. Implementation Steps The actions, that Nike, Inc. should take are as followed: First they should work on getting their name back into the right spotlight, by implementing the alternatives. The governments will be more than willing to help them and since Nike is recognized all over the world, even the local governments/ countries are keen on keeping them in their country and employ their citizens. This might even bring countries like the USA and Indonesia closer together and more companies from the US will be ready to go to Indonesia and produce there. Secondly, the workers benefits, life standard and work habits are the most important of all of the alternatives. Nike, Inc. should invest most of their research and development in this field, since the wages are still not as they should be. An idea would be to start raising the wages to at least the countrys standard, so that people can live off their earnings a normal life. Nike started successfully the implementation of programs that involved increasing the workers living standard in the developing world, but still the compensation of the worker is the main problem that needs to be taken on right away. Secure working places, no lay-offs and safe working environments should be steps that must be taken immediately, only then we can see the difference and make a worker a happy  and productive employee. Last but not least, Nike should be watched, inspected and documented upon. It will not only help the factories in Vietnam or Indonesia, but also the company itself. Once outside organizations tell Nike where they need to improve on and do it after being told, then the company will also get into the positive spotlight, which will resume in higher sales and more profit. Nike will then be again the strongest contender in supporting and sponsoring universities, pro athletes and teams and most important a company that everybody wants to work for, regardless where.

Professional And Scientific Roles Of The Biomedical Scientist Nursing Essay

Professional And Scientific Roles Of The Biomedical Scientist Nursing Essay Biomedical science is a fast paced and constantly developing field of biological analysis in the healthcare sector with long term career prospects, biomedical science involves carrying out investigations on samples of human tissue and body fluid in order to diagnose disease and correctly monitor the treatment of patients that have been affected by disease. With over 55,000 registered healthcare scientists in 51 different disciplines work in areas such as biomedical science makes up for 5% of the National Health Services workforce budget (Evered, 2010) Without biomedical scientists, operating theatres would simply be unable to function, it is biomedical scientists that provide the results of tests required for clinicians to accurately diagnose and treat such diseases as diabetes, cancer and aids (Institute of Biomedical science, 2010). It is essential that biomedical scientists have adequate communication skills that allow them to clearly communicate with colleagues. Biomedical scientists in the healthcare sector; particularly in disciplines such as diagnostic pathology, work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for the purpose of maximum efficiency in such prioritised tasks as the diagnosing and treating of patients. In a diagnostic pathology laboratory a biomedical scientist will share information with pathologists (doctors that have specialised in the in depth workings of cells and human tissue), clinical scientists (scientists that support clinicians with laboratory workings), other biomedical scientists and medical laboratory assistants (assistants in the laboratory responsible for labelling samples and organisation of the laboratory). As a team the diagnostic pathology laboratory will be able to identify the exact cause of a problem in a particular patient and then discuss an appropriate route of treatment for that specific patient. In order to practice biomedical science within the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom a biomedical scientist must first become registered with the regulatory body of biomedical scientists (and the majority of other healthcare professions); known as the Health professions council. The Health Professions Council is the board responsible for ensuring that trainee biomedical scientists are fit and safe enough to gain professional registration, the Health Professions Council also ensure that current biomedical scientists remain fit enough to practice within the healthcare sector and keep up to date with their techniques and analysis procedures, this is done through a process of continual professional development and audit, which will be explained later on in this essay. Registration usually consists of completing an accredited (BSc) Biomedical science degree programme followed by a period (at least one year) of training in an institute approved laboratory, upon completion of training, trainees must present the Health Professions Council with a registration portfolio, a trainees portfolio must meet the Health Professions Councils criteria listed in its Standards of proficiency documentations, at which point the Health Professions Council will appoint the trainee the title of being a Biomedical scientist; in order to protect service users from poor diagnosis/treatment or misconduct Biomedical scientist is a legally protected title meaning it is a criminal offence to fraudulently or prematurely practice biomedical science within the healthcare sector without being appointed this title, this is in order to ensure that only registered and qualified biomedical scientists that meet the regulatory boards standards can practice in the health sector in the UK (Health Professions Council, 2010). The Health Professions Councils standards of proficiency were first published in July of 2003 however are constantly being updated as the board acquires more in depth knowledge into both the practical and safe workings of the healthcare sector, and the patient experience when dealing with healthcare professionals. The Health Professions Council has also published a legal document concerning the standards of conduct, performance and ethics, this document is important in the smooth running of the entire healthcare system in general, it is in place to ensure that suitable procedures are related to specific patients and that no discriminatory or unfair behaviour takes place between either; managerial staff in the healthcare sector and staff of lower prestige, or staff in the healthcare sector and patients (or in fact anyone else that may be using a biomedical scientists services in order to determine a health related issue). The professional roles of a biomedical scientist can be portrayed by looking at the Health Professions Councils standards of conduct, performance and ethics literature, this provides strict guidelines on the expectations of Biomedical Scientists, both in and out of their natural working environment, the document lists 14 points with a detailed summary of each one describing how registered professional of the Health Professions Council must act towards patients following such rules as act(ing) in the best interest of service users [and] respect(ing) the confidentiality of service users (Health Professions Council Standards of Conduct Performance and Ethics, 2008). The (Health Professions Council Standards of conduct, performance and ethics, 2008) also describes how registrants must professionally enhance their skills in order to benefit patients, protecting them from the dangers of incorrect diagnosis/treatment, stating that you must keep your professional knowledge and skills up to d ate [and] you must act within the limits of your knowledge, skills and experience, and, if necessary, refer the matter to another practitioner. The international regulating body that the United Kingdom is based within is known as the world health organisation; this is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. (World Health Organisation, 2010) The major areas of investigation that biomedical scientists are concerned with include the following; Cancer Screening Treating food poisoning Blood donation services Infection control Drug testing AIDS and HIV diagnosis and treatment Rapid response labs for accidents and emergencies Drug therapies The above regions in biomedical science can be divided in to groups that recognise different aspects of practice in the healthcare sector; these include contemporary diagnostic practice, research, and development. Cancer screening, treating food poisoning, infection control and AIDS and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (A virus that results in the bodys immune system attacking itself) development are all determined by contemporary diagnosis practice, growing cell cultures allows a biomedical scientist to isolate and reproduce a specific strain of cells or bacteria; this can then be viewed under a microscope to identify any mutations or pathogens that may be causing a problem to the patient at subject (Institute of Biomedical Science, 2010). There are of course much more complex steps to this procedure, and many other tests that are used to identify different types of disease. Biomedical scientists dedicated to the research side of the profession are continually looking for new and innovative treatment methods that would improve our knowledge of the relevant subject area and ultimately allow us to find new ways of treating or curing disease. Biomedical scientists working in the development side of the profession are involved in searching for the most cutting edge techniques that can hopefully aid the healthcare sector in obtaining faster and more accurate results for patients whilst also aiding in the enhancement of drugs used for treatment, allowing a faster and more concise experience for service users whilst improving quality of life. The scientific roles of biomedical scientists requires them to possess critical skills in knowledge and data with the basic ability to assess and determine problems, it is often the case that a biomedical scientist will specialise in a specific area of the subject that interests them the most, this is known as a discipline, upon graduation there are four main disciplines that biomedical scientists specialise in, these are; microbiology, histopathology, biochemistry and haematology (Institute of Biomedical Science, 2010). Medical microbiologists are specialised biomedical scientists that are committed to diagnosing disease and illness through two main methods of analysis, traditionally biomedical scientists culture the patients specimen onto plates or into broths, in order to isolate and identify bacteria (Gullon, Institute of Biomedical Science, 2010), however using modern molecular techniques biomedical scientists are able to identify specific DNA, within the specimen or bacteria (Gullon, Institute of Biomedical Science, 2010). Cytologists also study human tissue and fluid at a cellular level, using a microscope to determine the cause and correct treatment of disease. Histopathology is a branch of medicine that is concerned with the causes and processes of disease, a pathology department contains a variety of healthcare professionals working as a team to diagnose disease, a typical pathology department will contain the following staff; pathologists, clinical scientists, biomedical scientists and medical laboratory assistants. Histopathology is the examination of tissues and organs that have been removed from patients to provide information on further treatment and diagnosis. The biochemistry discipline of biomedical science relates to clinical chemistry, this is the analysis of body fluids such as blood and urine to study the chemical and biochemical mechanisms of the body in relation to disease. Haematology, often referred to as transfusion science is another discipline that biomedical scientists are able to specialise in, people that have suffered from severe blood loss require a replacement of blood, and biomedical scientists that are involved in the transfusion science service are concerned with identification of individual blood groups and compatibility tests of donors blood with that of the patient. (Barry Hill, Institute of Biomedical Science, 2006) The people providing this service work in a blood transfusion laboratory where their duties include preparing and providing blood for service users that have experienced road traffic accidents, acute blood loss, anaemia, clotting problems and also leukaemia (during chemo- and radiotherapy) (Barry Hill, Institute of Biomedical Science, 2006), An important aspect of a career in this area is the constant screening of blood for diseases and viruses such as HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. In order to ensure that diagnosis and treatment is as accurate as it can possibly be, diagnostic laboratories have a standard quality assurance/quality control procedure in place, this involves looking over samples at least twice, and checking that the patients sample and information is correct before giving feedback on the issue to the patients doctor or whomever is acting up on the results of the patient (Health Professions Council, 2010). As previously mentioned it is important for biomedical scientists to keep up to date on the latest techniques and analysis procedures when working in the health sector, this comes under the title of continuing professional development (CPD), every time a registrant renews their registration they must confirm that they have met the criteria of CPD, if a registrant is selected for audit by the Health Professions Council they must provide evidence of CPD. The Health professions council define continual professional development as being; A range of learning activities through which health professionals maintain and develop throughout their career to ensure that they retain their capacity to practice safely, effectively and legally within their evolving scope of practice (Health Professions Council, 2010, www.hpc-uk.org) Biomedical scientist in the health sector should have a detailed knowledge of the normal physiology of the body as well as the pathology of disease (The Biomedical Scientist, 2010), this is a typical example of where continual professional development may require a biomedical scientist to continue reading up on information, as with the constant discoveries and new analytical procedures that are being brought to light on a daily basis it is important that only the most precise understanding of the physiological workings and reactions of the body should be taken into account. Upon beginning this essay I was sceptical of what I could achieve by looking into the type of work a biomedical scientist undergoes in the healthcare sector, however I now have a realistic insight into what becoming a biomedical scientist entails, attaining a degree in biomedical science does not lead to one particular career, or even one particular field, the subject is broad and opens a horizon for graduates to focus on many different types of work in the healthcare sector that suit them best, from the research I have done into the different aspects of biomedical science I feel a career in a national blood bank haematology department would suit me very well however my opinion could easily diverge as the course progresses and I learn more about the roles related to such a career. Word Count: 2,151

Jules Vernes A Journey to the Center of the Earth :: essays research papers

In the novel, A Journey to the Center of the Earth, author Jules Verne tells the fictitious story of three men and their adventures as they descend into the depths of the earth. The leading character in this expedition is a fifty-year-old German professor named Hardwigg. He is an uncle to the narrator, Henry (Harry), a simple Englishman. The other man is Hans, a serene Icelandic guide. Professor Hardwigg finds a piece of parchment that written in Runic in a book. Harry finds out before his uncle that it says there is a way to get into the center of the earth through a mountain (Mt. Sneffels) in Iceland. Harry is reluctant to tell his uncle the message because he is afraid his uncle will actually want to visit the center of the earth. He was right because the professor wanted to explore as soon as possible. They head off to Iceland, and, along the way, receive Hans as their guide. The journey to the mountain itself takes a while. They reach the entrance to the center, and from there, they head inside. Once in the dark labyrinths, they descend (this goes on for days). The three men then face difficulties: thirst, light, getting lost, injuries, and fatigue, were among them. They make many discoveries. They find that there’s a sea, with fish and sea monsters. They find forests, giant mushrooms, animals that look like dinosaurs, and even what seems to be giant human beings. The idea of writing this story came from a scientist who explored the crater of a certain mountain. Verne got the idea that maybe it would be possible to descend even further into the earth. Many of Verne’s â€Å"fantasy† stories have come true in the years following his death in the year 1905. A Journey to the Center of the Earth is farthest from reality. Even with the technology we have today, it would be impossible for one to descend into the earth. For one thing, we know now that the earth can’t be hollow because of extreme pressures and temperatures. People became interested in Verne’s stories during his time because though they were unrealistic, they were too interesting and entertaining to pass up. Some people even believed he had traveled to the many places that he wrote of. While checking into a hotel once, the woman told him to rest well in the room because he must be tired from his many adventures.

Religion and Love in Mexico :: essays research papers

Marriage in Colonial Mexico: Patriarchy and Economy In To Love, Honor, and Obey in Colonial Mexico, Patricia Seed argues that the Bourbon Century drastically changed the view of marriage in New Spain. She suggests that the emphasis on virtue and free will in marriage gave way to a new quasi-bourgeois family unit based upon status and patriarchal control. While this is true for the elite of eighteenth century New Spain, this could not have spread to the urban or rural poor. They did not have an overwhelming emphasis on economic prosperity or status and did not have a necessity for strict patriarchal order. The Bourbon order prompted changes in family structure. From the outset, there was a stringent focus on patriarchy and male dominance. Marriage was a decision not left for the to-be-married to decide out of love and desire, but an issue with which the entire family, especially the father, was involved. Instead of marriage being simply an expression of the mutual feelings of man and woman, it was a system of social and economic status in which the honor of patriarchal lineage was at stake. Children and parents alike had distinct visions of social moralities, but those of the father prevailed. This was the change, as described in Seed’s text, of the Bourbon century in New Spain. However, this change was not fully encompassing. The urban and rural poor would not be affected nearly as much by patriarchal domination or the evolving status of honor. As social hierarchy began basing itself more upon economic ideas, New Spain’s poor population became increasingly disenfranchised. Members of the upper class were responsible for the elevated value of status. It was the fathers of well-off families in New Spain that were encouraged to marry â€Å"honorable† spouses as to not bring â€Å"dishonor† to the family name. The daughter of an elite family would be prodded to marry and an elite man simply because of his honorable status, not his honorable sense of rectitude or moral consciousness. The church was once a sanctuary to marry those who felt bonded by an unworldly devotion, but now the church served as administrator for the will of elite patriarchs. The lower class, being void of elites, the high status of honor, and overbearing patriarchy was exempt from this defiling of sanctity. For the urban and rural poor there was no vested interest in retaining status. They were at the bottom of what had become the class system of eighteenth century colonial