Recruitment, selection and training in the service sector Essay

1. Introduction Organisations have changed and are changing as a result of a focus on the customers. It is now recognized that meeting customer needs is the base of any successful organisation. There may be a pressure to improve shareholders value, increase profit but it has recognized that the key is to achieve these objectives is to satisfy the customers. As W R Scott (1987) pointed out ‘However, organisations are not closed systems, sealed off from their environments but are open to and dependent on flows of personnel and resources from outside.’ Managers need to understand their customers in order to meet those customers’ needs better. To meet customer needs as well as possible a company needs to provide goods and services: †¢At lower cost †¢At maximum customer satisfaction †¢With competitive advantages. The guest satisfaction starts at recruitment with: †¢Recruit the right staff †¢Train and motivate them †¢Empower them to deliver guest satisfaction †¢Appraise, develop and incentive them. 2. Service industry characteristics The service industry is special because: †¢The service is delivered by people to people †¢The service is produced and consumed at the same time †¢Customer’s perception of service quality linked to morale of front-line staff. Characteristics of services: †¢Perishability †¢Contact dependency †¢Inseparability †¢Variability †¢Lack of ownership †¢Intangibility †¢Simultaneity As Macken (1997) suggests: ‘Recruiting people who are wrong for the organisation can lead to increased labour turnover, increased costs for the organisation, and lowering of morale in the existing workforce.’ 3. The Recruitment and Selection process The process of recruitment and selection are closely linked. Both activities are directed towards obtaining employees with the requisite competencies and attitudes, and recruitment activities lay the groundwork for the selection process by providing the pool of applicants from whom the selectors may choose. According to Foot and Hook (2008, p.142-143) Recruitment can be defined as: †¢All activities directed towards locating potential employees †¢Attracting applications from suitable candidates Aims of the recruitment process: †¢To obtain a pool of candidates for vacant posts †¢To use a fair process and be able to demonstrate that the process was fair †¢To ensure that all recruitment activities contribute to organisational goals and a desirable organisational image †¢To conduct recruitment activities in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Most human resource management issue can be analysed in terms of legal, moral and business consideration: †¢Legal – to comply with anti-discrimination legislation ?Sex and race ?The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (amended 1986) ?The Race Relation Act 1976 (amended2003) ?The Employment Equality Regulation 2003 ?Disability ?The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 ?Age Diversity ?The Employment (Age) Regulations 2006 †¢Moral – to avoid unfair discrimination for moral reasons as well as legal reasons †¢Business – to ensure that all effort is directed towards achieving corporate goals. A planned and systematic approach To be able to select the best available staff in the first place and to retain them we need a planned and systematic approach. By Mullins (2002, p.739) such an approach involves at least five main stages: †¢The need to know about the job to be filled †¢The need to know about the type of person to do the job †¢The need to know the likely means of best attracting a range of suitable applications †¢The need to know how best to assess the candidates’ likely suitable for the job †¢The need for induction and follow-up. The first step in the recruitment procedure is the job analysis, which is a process of gathering together all data about an existing job, which activities are performed and what skills are needed. There are some basic data to include by Foot and Hook (2008, p.147): †¢A description of the duties performed †¢The most important or responsible duties †¢Time spent on each duty †¢How often each duty is performed (daily/weekly/monthly/annually) †¢Levels of supervision/independence †¢The skills and skill levels needed to perform each task †¢Any special conditions related to the performance of these tasks. The collected data are then structured to create job descriptions and person specifications. These documents are essential as a basic framework for recruitment and later selection; as the basis of employment contract; as the evidence of a fair process. The job description explains the total requirements of the job; sets out the purpose of a job, where the job fits into the organisation structure, the main accountabilities and responsibilities of the job and the key tasks to be performed. Commonly used elements are: †¢Job title †¢Reporting structure: ?Responsible for ?Reports to †¢Nature and scope †¢Purpose of the job †¢Principal accountabilities †¢Major duties and responsibilities †¢Employment conditions Each organisation can decide what factors should be included depend on the nature of the business. The person specification is a document that outlines the knowledge, skills, personal attributes or qualities a person need to be able to perform well. Requirements can be categorised as ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’. Several models of person specifications are available. Most widely known are Alec Rodger (1952) and Munro Fraser (1978). Rodger’s seven point plan which describe people in terms of: †¢Physical make-up (physical requirement) †¢Attainments (education and training) †¢General intelligence †¢Special aptitudes ( verbal, numerical and diagrammatical abilities related to the job) †¢Interest †¢Disposition (job related behaviours such as persuasiveness) †¢Circumstances (only job related such us availability for shift work) The criteria suggested by Fraser’s five-fold framework: †¢Impact on others †¢Qualifications and experience ( education, training and skills developed through work experience) †¢Innate abilities (Similar to intelligence in Rodger’s plan) †¢Motivation †¢Flexibility and emotional adjustment. It is very important to know where suitable applicants are likely to be found and how to make contact with them. The attracting of suitable applicants will depend on the nature of the business, the position to be filled and the urgency of need. Potential sources: †¢Employment service job centres †¢Career advisory offices †¢Private employment agencies/ recruitment agencies †¢Professional and executive appointments registers †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Headhunting† or executive search †¢Internet recruitment/ recruitment websites †¢Advertising The form of applications will vary from organisation to organisation and with the nature of the position to be filled. Examples: †¢Letters of application †¢Handwritten submission †¢Curriculum Vitae (CV) †¢Specially design application †¢Standard application form †¢Personal call †¢Preliminary interview. Selection is the assessment of candidates for vacant jobs and the choice of the most suitable people. The methods of selection involve the short-listing of applicants and it should include an interview. The face-to-face interviews still the most popular method of selection, even though research studies have found interviews to be poor predictors of future performance in a job (Makin and Robertson, 1986).

Beer Game Analysis Essay

* Introduction: The beer game is a simulation first developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management in the 1960s. This game was made in other to experiment how real organisations functions, where the consequences of every decisions play out as clearly as possible in the game as they would in a real organisation (Senge, 1990). Narayanan Arunachalam (2006) described the game as a popular classroom exercise for business schools conceived at MIT with the primary purpose of demonstrating industrial dynamics. The beer game is a â€Å"laboratory replica† of a real organisational setting, helps to highlight the possible disabilities and their causes of an organisation. The beer game however in this case was created to fail and highlight possible problems which an organisation may face in its supply chain which is the bullwhip effect. The game includes four players which include the retailer, the wholesaler, the distributor and the factory which is in an upli nk setting. After playing the game, below we will be giving a detailed report of the events that took place at the course of the game. * Data analysis: The objective of the beer game is to minimize the total cost for everyone in the supply chain by maintaining low stocks and managing to deliver all orders (http://supplychain.mit.edu/games/beer-game, 2011). However, the game was created to fail and below is a summary of events that took place during the game. Figure 1: Inventory/Backorder of the supply chain During the course of playing the game, we followed the zero strategy which stated that â€Å"place zero orders upstream when your individual inventory is higher than demand†. This rule was largely what shaped the game and influenced the results in terms of inventory and backorders. The retailer had a considerable good start in the game with a good record in inventories of 12 units till week 5 when demand rose from customers and this caused the inventory rate to fall. In week 6, due to no shipments and the bullwhip effect, the retailer started having back orders from the customers. Although the demand stayed the same from week 6, the retailer continued to experience  backorders till week 21 when the wholesaler sent a lot of supplies at once; this made the inventories to rise to a peak of 113 units in week 24. The wholesaler started with an inventory of 12 units which remained the same in week 2. However, due to incoming shipments from the distributor and a lack of demand from the retailer, the inventory rose to 16 units in week three and 20 units in week 4 and remained the same till week 6. Due to an increase in demand from the retailer and a lack of shipments from the distributor, the inventories fell to 6 units and in week 7 and at week 8, the wholesaler was having back orders. Backorders keep reoccurring and fluctuating until week 21 when it rose to 16 units of inventory and reached a peak of 136 units in week 25. The distributor during the game had the same inventory rate for the first two weeks. The distributor maintained similar inventory rates till week 9 when the distributor started recording backorders this was due to the inability of the distributor to meet the orders of the wholesaler. The distributor continued to experience fluctuations in backorders until week 25 when it got a lot of supplies from the factory the inventories at the end of this week was at 40. The factory had started the game with an inventory of 12 units which remained the same till week 10. This was largely due to a lack of huge demands from the distributor. The factory however started experiencing backorders at week11. Backorder rates kept fluctuating during the weeks due to the inability of the factory to meet the needs of the factory on time. At week 25, the factory got a huge sum of supplies from the brewery which made its inventory to reach a peak of units. The high rate of back orders was caused by long lead times, the bullwhip effect and the effects of the zero strategy. This made backorders to be on the rise for all the supply chain operators. Increase in demand also played a great role in causing the high number of backorders which in turn made the total cost to rise at a higher pace th an it should. Figure 2: Order chart Above is a chart showing the order levels of the Retailer, wholesaler, distributor, factory and customer. At the course of the game, due to the zero strategy, all supply chain operators had to make zero orders from week one to week 4, because demand was less than the inventory. The customer  demand remained the same at 4 units until week 5. In week 5, demand from the retailer’s order rate had increased from zero to 16 while demand rose to 8 units compared to previous weeks. The orders of the wholesaler, distributor and factory remained zero in this week because they had high inventories. The decrease in inventories of the retailer resulted in the increase in order rates which was caused by a decrease in shipment which is a bullwhip effect. By week 11, all the supply chain operators had increased their order rate because their inventory levels were down. And back orders followed alongside changes in order changes which are all caused by the bullwhip effect. In week 21, the bullwhip effect were decreased which resulted to increased inventories and the zero rule coming in. * Issues that you encountered using the zero strategy: * Increase in Backorders: The biggest challenge we faced during the beer game was the challenge of constantly increasing backorders which can be seen in figure1. The retailer had a peak backorder rate of 49, the wholesaler 90, the distributor 85 and the factory 72 backorders. Backorder means a distribution term that refers to the status of items on a purchase order in the event that some or the entire inventory required to fulfill the order is insufficient to satisfy demand leading to a waiting period for the organisation to meet this demand (Donovan, 2010). After using the zero strategy for a few weeks, we found the backorder like a chain reaction star from retailer up to the factory. * Zero inventory and Safety stock: We know that in the real business, zero inventories and stock means that the company’s ability of resisting the risk of backorders and shortage of supply is reduced. But this is the case in the beer game where we went on with zero inventory and safety stock for weeks. This showed that the company was incompetent in meeting its own standards. * High rise of cost: Cost control is very important for a company, high cost operation is unacceptable. During the beer game, due to the high cost of back orders, we were running on an outrageous cost per week. This was either due to enormous  inventory or massive backorders. The cost of the backorders $1.00 and inventory cost $0.60. After we finish this game, we found that the cost of each supply chain operator was high and a total cost of $2, 862. At the initial stage, the increase in cost was little and similar when back orders rose, the cost became tremendous. * Delay in shipment (Long lead time): During the game, it took two weeks for the retailer to get supplies from the wholesaler and twice as long if the wholesaler has not enough resources for the retailer. That means that it took two weeks to receive from the wholesaler, when the wholesaler is out of stock, it takes four weeks, and when the distributor is out of stock it takes six weeks for the distributor to get stock from the factory and finally, when the factory is out of stock, it takes seven weeks for the retailer to receive supplies. This shipment delay makes it difficult to meet customer demands and causes high cost due to backorders. * Lack of communication: During the beer game there was no communication of any sort between the supply chain operators and this led to so many misjudgements. The lack of communication led to the bullwhip effect which cost us a lot by resulting in back orders, and high costs. * Challenges encountered in beer game: * Bullwhip Effect: The â€Å"bullwhip† effect was coined in by Proctor and Gamble (P&G) when the company experienced extensive demand amplification for their diaper products (Lee et .al, 1997). The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon in the supply chain whereby unpredictable elements introduced by human behaviour in the lower part of the chain becomes more pronounced the higher up the chain they move (Baugher, 2012). By synchronizing the supply chain the bullwhip effect can be eliminated. The bullwhip effect describes how inaccurate information, and a disconnection between production and real-time supply chain information result in loss of revenue bad customer service, high inventory levels and unrealised profits (Agarwal, 2009). With reference to figure 1 above, we can observe that the bullwhip effect did occur during the beer game  simulation. An example of such a situation is in week 5 when the consumer demand increased from 4 units to 8 units. The retailer then made an order of 16 units upstream in week 5, when the wholesaler got the figures the wholesaler then made an order of 20 units in week 7. This continued with the distributor, who ordered 25 units upstream in week 9, the reaction of the factory was similar with an order of 26 units in week 11. This shows a spike in demand upstream as illustrated in figure 3. The major cause of the bullwhip effect was the increase in consumer demand in week 5 and 6. Which later came to a normal state in week 7 at 8 units as illustrated in figure 2? The individual demand forecasts from the supply chain operators also caused the bullwhip effect. Lack of communication is also very common when the supply chain operators may not provide sufficient or accurate information up the supply chain on the subject of current market conditions causing improper levels of inventory (Coyle et.al, 2003). This was the case during the beer game which can be seen that with time, the demand was interpreted differently as it went upstream. This the entire supply chain faced backorders due to the bullwhip effect from week 6 onwards even though the demand remained the same from week 8 onwards. The implications of the bullwhip effect includes excess inventories which was the case at the closing weeks of the game, problems with quality, increased raw materials costs, overtime expenses, increased inventory costs, increased backorder costs and increased shipping costs (Bowersox, D.J, 2007). * Long lead time: Lead time delay occurs when the time it takes to obtain, make and deliver the finished goods to a customer takes longer than the time the customer is prepared to wait for it to reach them (Fawcett et.al, 1992). During the beer game, it takes 2weeks for the wholesaler to get information from the retailer and vice versa. It takes the distributor two weeks to get information from the wholesaler and it takes two weeks for the wholesaler to get information from the distributor. It also takes two weeks for the factory to get information from the distributor and two weeks for the distributor to get supplies from the factory. It takes the brewery one week to get information from the factory and one week for the factory to get information from the brewery. So like it was experienced in the beer game,  when all the supply chain operators are dried out, doing the math, it takes seven weeks for supplies to go from the brewery down to the consumer, and six weeks for information to go from the retailer to the factory. The longer the lead time, it creates negative impact on the firm as it reduces the customer’s responsiveness and reactions (Stock, J.R and Lambert, D.S, 2001). * Zero strategy: The zero strategy which is a rule for playing the game clearly states that we as the operators place zero orders uplink if demand is less than inventory. This went along way to cause a lot of delays in shipments because of long lead times. This is because when the inventory of the retailer as seen in figure 1 becomes less than demand, it took 5 weeks for the factory to have such an effect. This made the lead time even longer and caused the bullwhip effect as well as enormous back orders. * Neglect orders to reduce inventory: During the course of the game, we had to neglect backorders in order to reduce inventory and save costs. This can be seen in figure 3 below where the retailer did not dramatically increase demand to meet back orders but did this on a gradual basis in order to reduce inventory and holding cost. However when the supplies finally came, the effects were just as bad with inventory rates skyrocketing overnight. Figure 3: Inventory and Demand of retailer * Ways to improve the zero strategy: * Improve communication: By improving communication levels among the supply chain operators will help to solve the problem of assumptions, inappropriate decisions and reduce the bullwhip effect. In both actual supply chains and supply chain simulation, we can cut supply chain fluctuations by 80% by cutting order-to-delivery time by half (Simchi et.al, 2003). Improvement in communication will help to improve the efficiency of the system by eliminating assumptions and stimulating a synchronized supply chain which will help in getting all the partners to operate in a way that is mutually supportive, corporative and transparent (Gà ©rard P. Cacho et al.) * Point of Sale (POS) system: Point of Sale system is a means or can be referred to as a system which is meant to deal with the sales of goods. Point of sale system is software that works with hardware in order to inspect and monitor sales in order to give accurate demand and sales information (http://www.gofrugal.com/pos/ point-of-sale.html?gclid=CPyHobrW-q4CFQ8b6wodkDXwwg,2004). By implementing this system, the company can be able to get accurate demand which will help the company in eliminating sudden demand spikes like seen in the beer game. An example of a company which uses such a system is Wal-Mart and the system works well for the company helping to monitor all sales and demand, reduce the risk of inventory shrinkage, manage special demands, maintain control, improve efficiency and help the company make timely and accurate reports (http://www.carolinabarcode. com/run-my-store-a-36.html, 2012). * Just in time inventory system: Just in time (JIT) also known as just in time inventory system manages the inventory and lessens the costs of inventory control and the cost of maintaining the inventory of a business. This helps the company to reduce a substantial amount of its inventories, reduce ordering and save warehousing costs (Bowersox, D.J, 2007). A real life example of a company using the Just in time inventory system is Dell computer corporation which uses the just –in –time system so that an order for a customized personal computer that comes in over the internet at 9am can be delivered by truck to the customer by 9pm. This system allows dell to save costs and with this, the company under prices its products compared to its rivals by about 10% to 15% (McWilliams, 1997)(Source: Gray McWilliams, â€Å"Whirlwind on the web, â€Å"Business Week, April 7, 1997.). This system would lead to more efficiency of the bear game eliminating backorders and keeping just enough stock for the company to produce when needed. This strategy will by many supply chain operators such as the distributor and the wholesaler leaving just the factory and the retailer making products available quickly and almost eliminating the bullwhip effect. * Push and Pull Boundary: The push boundary process is a forecast and execution driven in anticipation for demand, while the pull process is demand driven and is initiated in response to real demand (Chopra and Meindl, 2001). The present trend around the world is a swing from a push system to a pull system this is because the pull system helps in reducing inventory levels. Push and pull boundary occurs when the demand intersects expectation of future demand. Pull systems are based on real demands and production and manufacturing of goods done in relationship with the demands of the consumers (Bowersox, D.J, 2007). Figure 3: Push/pull boundary in Dell’s supply chain The above diagram shows the push and pull boundary of Dell’s supply chain. The company combines both push and pulls boundary systems in running its operations. The company by-passes a lot of areas in the supply chain by manufacturing and selling directly to its customers. The process starts with consumer ordering and then the manufacturing cycle which are known as pull boundary systems. The inventory of the company will be stocked up following the demand of customers in order for the product to be made. All the processes included in the procurement of a product is implemented by Dell and this is regarded as a push approach primarily because it reacts to future demands effectively making products available in time and keeping low inventories. This system will be of great help to the beer game helping in making raw materials readily available for production and keeping inventories and costs low. * Eliminate gaming in shortage situations: During the beer game, the gaming shortage situation was experienced when there was a shortage in raw materials and inventories for the manufacturing of these products. When shortages occur, instead of allocating products based on orders, it is allocated in a proportion to past sales record. This will make customers have no need to exaggerate their demands because it will cause them negative results. General motors’ has used this method for a long time in the allocation of its supply. This will help to make the beer game have more reliable demand data. * Continuous system (fixed –order-quantity): In the beer game, order time is the same which is once a week. This makes it easier for the retailers to make quick orders for products required. However, the quantity of the product differs and it would be easier if the demand rate was fixed with adjustments made to make the order rate cater for inventory, buffer stock and demand. This will go a long way in making things easier and decreasing the bullwhip effect which can be seen to be predominant in the game. * Adopt the Vendor Managed Inventory Strategy: The vendor managed inventory strategy is a strategy which manages the quantity of goods produced by a manufacturer allowing the manufacturer to decide the quantity to keep and how much to ship to the retailer. This is a strategic move for manufacturers in order for them to be able to increase profitability by eliminating stock while improving on sales and overall performance. * Avoid multiple demand forecast updates: As can be noted in the beer game, the bullwhip effect causes the demand forecast to be multiplied as it goes uplink. Instead, making same orders from downstream been the retailer to the supplier to be the same will make things much easier eliminating high inventories and the bullwhip effect. * Reasons for Changes made to the Zero Strategy: The zero strategy is considered as a bad strategy due to its failure during the simulation test. While we obeyed the zero rule of the zero strategy while playing the game, we noticed that the game started to fail with a dramatic fall in inventory rate, lack of buffer stock, increase in backorders and a rise in the total operations cost. This led to the total failure of the game because the zero strategy did not allow us to meet the needs of consumers because of too many uplinks in the supply chain and long lead time. The bullwhip effect also posed a great disadvantage to the strategy because it contributed greatly to the failure of the game. * Impact on the outcome of the game: * Decrease in cost as a result of little inventories and no backorders. * Elimination of some supply chain operators which will reduce lead time and results in quick flow of information and supplies. * Decrease or eliminate the bullwhip effect. * Decrease lead times and make delivery quicker. * Have safety stock for risky situations. * Conclusion: Having conducted the above analysis on the zero strategy, it is important that I stress that the bullwhip effect can take a high toll on a company with reference to the game. The game however was a tremendous failure with poor results which includes increase in backorder rates, lack of inventories, rise in cost and long lead time. These issues can however be overcome by using the POS system, just in time inventory system (JIT), improve communication among supply chain operators and the push and pull boundary system. With example of success from companies that have tried these systems and its success in the beer game, I think these changes will go a long way in making the beer game simulation a success.

Billing System Essay

1.1 Introduction As the world progresses on in this never ending chase for a time and wealth, it is undeniable that science has made astounding developments. Technology and computers are everywhere. Today, they are becoming the foundation of any development of society. The computer system is not a simple machine. It is like a very modern and highly complex calculator. It can do all the functions at a speedy rate and also helps us to search and progress in our homes and businesses. This is apparently complicated, but the vibrant outcome will make our work effective and efficient. Computer technology is very important especially in the business field. It can help to make work easier. Computer is a powerful tool, allowing you easily extract data in order to prepare reports and analyze the information. Computers can help a business stay in contact with its customers as well. Computers can help managers keep track of the financial status of the company on a yearly, monthly or even day-to-day basis. Companies can use their computers to print checks for payroll and expenditures, and can form a direct link to the company’s bank account. Computers through internet connection made business transactions easier and more convenient. As compared to hard copied data which is more prone to damage data saved in the computer is more secured. Thus, computer plays a big role and importance in the business field. Already computers have become such an important part of our lives—in airports, banks, railway stations and every well-equi ­pped modern office. As computer continues to proliferate in ever increasing numbers across large segments of Government, business and industry, the common man is beginning to believe hesitantly that computers can actually deliver a good part of the promise that they had offered. Society is  gradually accepting the fact that computers will indeed change the manner in which the things are done. For a water billing, which is complex, repetitive and has voluminous data computerization is recommended. Computerization overcomes many of the defects in the manual system, is fast and gives a control on the system. In our study entitled â€Å"Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks†, the researchers will give an extent or the effectiveness on keeping the consumers’ consumption information, and the establishment’s collection in more advance and effective ways. The proponent think that with strong desire and hope that advance development of this study would be more significantly help on the way to a good and efficient billing system which should lead to at least minimizing if not eradicating the negative and undesirable aspects of this proposed system. 1.1.2 Background of the Study On May 23,1981, the residents of Barangay Pansol voluntarily associated themselves to form an association whose primary purpose is to provide its members with adequate supply of potable water for domestic use at reasonable cost. A year later, Pansol BWP- RWSA Inc. was constructed jointly by the USAID/BWP – MILG and the provincial government of Batangas under the administration of Governor Jose C. Laurel. A contract was made and entered into by and between the provincial government of Batangas and the Association. It was represented by then President Mr. Juan E. Manalo, the duly authorized representative. The province lent to the Association 44.67% of the total project cost amounting to P 141,602. 30 to finance the construction of the Level II water system or communal faucet in Barangay Pansol. The loan is  payable within 20 years with interest rate 4% per annum. As the population grew, the necessity for household connections increased and it gave rise to the Level III project or the individual household connection. The Association consists of 948 active members as of January 25, 2015. Thru the dedication of its Board of Directors, they put up a separate fund to provide scholarship grants to poor but deserving students, of which the fund came from 100% of their per diem. But many have applied for the grants and the  Directors asked for the Waterworks Association’s counterpart for the continuance of its project. Now on its 12th year, the scholarship is still on- going. The other project was the summer Art Workshop which had 33 graduates and concluded in May 22, 2009. The Association also did its part in the constructionof the multi- purpose building which house the Barangay Waterworks Office, the Barangay Health Center and the Barangay Hall. Pansol Rural Waterworks has newly opened its Refilling Station to ensure the availability of clean and safe water at lower costs. As of today, there are 11 employees at Pansol Rural Waterworks who are truly dedicated in serving Pansolians, headed by a Board of Directors whom are all residents of Pansol, Padre Garcia, Batangas. 1.2 Statement of the Problem 1. 2. 1 General Problem This study seeks to find out the solutions to the problems encountered by Pansol Rural Waterworks and their consumers. It deals with the problem with their manual billing system which results to slow processing of transactions. 1. 2. 2 Specific Problems Slow processing of transactions on billing Inefficiency of calculations and recorded transactions Time wasting is the result of slow billing process 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. 2. 1 General Objectives This study aims to develop an organized and an effective billing system in terms of working capabilities. It will help to build an efficient system to minimize the processing period of transactions between the administration and the consumers. 1. 2. 2 Specific Objectives To avoid the slow processing of transactions due to manual transaction system. To provide an efficient and effective calculations and transactions between consumers and administration. To lessen the time and effort in processing billing transactions. 1.4 Significance of the Study The researchers are proposing the â€Å"Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks†. This will assure the institution’s development initiatives and faster billing transaction processing among administration and their consumers. If the proposed system will be implemented, this will be the conversion of the current manual system to a computerized one. The study would be beneficial to both administration and consumer. In view of the fact that this institution is currently encountering problems in their manual billing system, the proposed computerized system would be needed to eliminate or at least lessen such problem. The transaction can be done faster, easier and accurate which will result to less time and most burden of work load will be reduced. In addition to this, the proponents will also benefit from the study, because they will be able to meet the requirements and will also learn from their research. For future researchers, this study will serve as a reference material related to their own studies. 1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study The focus of the study deals mainly on the billing system of the institution. These include all necessary statement specifying the payment transactions including the receipt which will serve as the generated report of the billing transaction. This study clearly implies that the other aspects of the institution’s operation such as payroll and other unrelated system are not included in our study. The research is absolutely focused on the billing transactions of the company and it has nothing to do with any other unrelated transactions. 1.6 Methodology A series of interview was administered to obtain the needed and accurate information for this study. The researchers have had a board interview regarding the system’s requirement and the information to be encoded in the system. Internet is a great help in the fulfilment and completion of the documents for this study. Through internet browsing, the researchers found out several related  literatures and studies including foreign and local researches which was compared to the proposed system which is the â€Å"Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks.† Another means of research is library research in which the proponents found additional literatures and related studies. 1 .7 Conceptual Framework The design will seek and provide solution for the problems that are being encountered by the institution and it’s consumer. Through the use of this design, the billing system with all the necessary data would be successfully done and recorded during the billing process. This shows the fundamental basis of the proposed system. The inputs which are Meter Number, Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Address, Contact Number, Month, Due Date, Present Reading, Previous Reading, Consumption, Bill Amount and Penalty were presented here. Fig. 1: Conceptual Framework The figure shows the fundamental basis of the proposed system. The inputs which are Meter Number, Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Address, Contact Number, Month, Due Date, Present Reading, Previous Reading, Consumption,  Bill Amount and Penalty were presented here. This also shows that the process is the Computerized Billing System for Pansol Rural Waterworks, and the generated output of the process is the receipt. 1.8 Definition of Terms System- is a set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integratedwhole Billing system- is a combination of software and hardware that receives call detail and service usage information, groups this information for specific accounts or customers, produces invoices, creates reports for management, and records (posts) payments made to customer accounts. Computerization- involves the process of taking activities or tasks not previously done on the computer and shifting them to being done on the computer. Hardware – is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and so on, all of which are physical objects that can be touched (that is, they are tangible) Software- is any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer’s processor to perform specific operations. Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Technical feasibility- is one of the first studies that must be conducted after the project has been identified. Economic feasibility- is the cost and logistical outlook for a business project or endeavor. Operational feasibility- is a measure of how well a proposed system solves the problems, and takes advantage of the opportunities identified during scope definition and how it satisfies the requirements identified in requirements analysis phase of system development. Visual Basic 6.0- is a high level programming language which evolved from the earlier DOS version called BASIC. Windows- is a metafamily of graphical operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. It consists of several families of operating systems, each of which cater to a certain sector of the computing industry Microsoft Access- is a database management system from Microsoft that combines therelational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools. It is a member of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, included in the Professional and higher editions or sold separately. Database- is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter tends to discuss the related literature and study. This will show the distinction between the related studies of the other research to the proposed system. These write- ups were of great help to the proponent’ s  task of accomplishing their objective. 2.1 Related Literature As the researchers conducted their research, they gathered all this related literature. According to James A. Seen, author of the book entitled â€Å"Analysis Design of Information System† states that system development can generally thought of using as having two major components, system analysis and generally system design is the process of planning a new business system to replace or component the old. But before this can be done, we must thoroughly understand the old or present system and determine how computer can be used to make the operation effective. Just as the same with how the proponents started the system analysis for this study. The analysis started from analysing the existing or the old system of the company. From the author of the book entitled â€Å"Modern System’s Analysis and Design† that was written by Jeffrey A. Hatfer, Joey F. George and Joseph A. Valacich, the goal of 6000 design is to provide a system that is easy to read, easy to code, and easy to maintain. They define information system analysis and design of information system is based on the understanding of the organization , objective, structure and process. Information system can be developed through various methodologies and comprehensive multiple step approaches to develop a system. Techniques are particular processes that follow to ensure the study is well – through- out complete and comprehensive. The goal of information system for the organization is to respond and anticipate problems and opportunities through innovates uses of information. Like this proposed study, the proponents goal is to design a system that will help the company improve and innovate. According from an internet article by Pradeep Gokhale entitlted â€Å"Computerised Water Billing System†, Amaravati water supply scheme is the  only urban water supply scheme in Maharashtra which has been getting the facility of computerized water billing system continuously since 1991. The operating of the system has been outsourced. The software development has not been in a year or two, but it has been in process years together and proudly contributed by generously from meter readers, counter clerks, fitters, plumbers, clerical staff in the office, and auditors and accountants, to the higher officers, engineers at all levels, and most of consumers of the scheme. It has become most intelligent software in the country and now it is not only utility software but it is management software. It is in use in number of cities in Vidarbha and has to share the experience of managing more than 800, 000 consumers in the Delhi, the Capital city of the Country, since 1995. Following script has been included in the Maintenance Manual for urban areas. Water Billing and Revenue Management System is the most important aspect of any Water Supply Scheme as it governs the financial aspect, which is the most important factor. Irrespective of the basis of the Billing Metered/Unmetered, the Computerized Billing System needs three major databases: First is the master data, this is the data, which needs to be entered only one time when the Consumer/Connection is added into the database. This data is relatively static in nature and does not change time to time. Various data required   to be store dare: Consumer Number, Name of Consumer, Address, Type of Use, Type of Consumer, Tap Size, Date of Connection, Details of Feeder Line, Locality, House No., Ward No., No. of taps, No. of Families, Meter Make, Meter Number, First Reading, Ownership of Meter, Deposit Amount etc. Second is the data for each billing period, this data will be entered for every consumer for every round and will be used for calculating the demand of that billing round. Various data items required to be stored are ; Consumer Number, Date of Meter Reading/Period for which Billed, Status of the Connection and any changes in Master Data etc. And the third is the receipt data, this data will be the data related to the payments made by the consumers against the bill issued. This data will be entered on daily basis irrespective of the billing frequency. Various data required to be stored  are; Consumer Number, Date of Receipt, Receipt Number, Details of the collection Centre, Cash/Cheque (If Cheque- Cheque No., Bank, Branch) Part Payment/Adhoc Payment/Deposit, Account Head for posting etc. The article points out a step- by- step procedure of the system implementation. Like the proposed study, upon impklementation, there will be procedures to ensure the systems data efficiency. According to an anonymous author of an internet article entitled  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Principle of Water Rates, Fees and Charges†, if the utility billing system is computerized, the time required for the preparation of the bill tabulation may be relatively short, perhaps only one or two weeks. The computer staff may however be required to develop specific programs to extract and summarize data in the form required, and delays are often encountered because computer time is not readily available when needed. By the beginning the bill tabulation early in the cost of service study, the results should be available to avoid delay both in the design of rates and in the evaluation of the adequacy of proposed rates to recover allocated costs of service from customer classes. A bill tabulation shows the number of customer bills rendered at various levels of water usage during a specific period of time for each customer class served by the utility. The tabulation of bills for a historical period provides the basis for identifying typical customer- class usage patterns and aides in the development of rates recognizing such usage patterns. Rate schedules that are intended to be applicable throughout an entire year generally require a bill tabulation for a historical record. Slow processing is one of the problems that occur in the existing manual system, and like what was mentioned in the article, it is the researcher’s target to increase the speed of process and to lessen the delays of transactions. As said in an internet article entitled â€Å"Developing Effective Waterworks  and Collection Practices†, written by an anonymous author, improving billing and collection activities has an immediate impact on the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, encourage commercial and operational efficiencies for aiding the expansion and delivery of improved, reliable, and sustainable services. This note draws on national and international cases to explore what it takes to implement an effective billing and collection system. Effective billing and collection systems are a critical component for ensuring the viability of a service provider. Improving these has an immediate impact on the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, help in improving services. Effective billing and collection systems are a critical component for ensuring the viability of a service provider. Improving billing and collection activities has an immediate impact on the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, help the service provider in improving services. However, while effective billing and collection practices depend on many internal factors (including customer databases, the extent of metered and unmetered service provision, tariff and billing structures, delivery of bills, and facilities for customer payments), the institutional arrangements under which service providers operate and provide services determine whether such practices will remain sustainable in the long term. Efficient billing and collection practices can set incentives for the provider to effectively charge, and collect water bills while also fulfilling a commercial  orientation to services the revenue streams of a service provider that can, in turn, help in improving services. This note draws on national and international cases to explore what it takes to implement an effective billing and collection system that encourages commercial and operational efficiencies for aiding the expansion and delivery of improved, reliable, and sustainable services. The note starts with an explanation of how poor billing and collection hurt the service provider, followed by the key principles of an effective billing and collection strategy, illustrated through national and international billing practices. The basic aim of the performance improvement series is to help water utilities and service  providers understand and adopt mechanisms that promote cost recovery and sustainable revenue strategies, as well as help achieve financially viable and sustainable improved services. The objective is to be able to focus not only on specific performance improvement areas by advancing technical, commercial, and operational efficiency—such as leak reduction, billing and collection, customer service, and tariff setting, among others—but also ensure that such improvements remain sustainable and viable in the long term through arrangements such as performance agreements, monitoring, and evaluation. The article focuses on the importance of effective billing and collection, the common pitfalls that their poor implementation have, and what some service providers have done to improve upon current billing and collection practices—through measures including robust recordkeeping and billing procedures, updating customer databases, outsourcing billing activities and using improved technology, and encouraging and incentivizing staff to undertake billing and collection functions more diligently. Like the study, the goal of desingning a computerized system is to generate an effective billing process in the company. According to http://www.cusi.com/water-billing-system.html, Just like with any business, having the right tools is critical to a company’s failure or success. One of the most critical tools for a successful utility company is having an efficient, yet effective water billing system. Having the right billing in system is place is important for a number of reasons. New water billing software helps utility companies to be more efficient in their overall billing processes, while helping them to boost productivity. New water billing technologies help utilities automate internal billing processes into a simple, effective, and easy to use system. If you’re looking to boost efficiency and productivity, while decreasing customer response times and increasing customer satisfaction, there is no one more trusted in the utility billing services industry than CUSI Utility Billing Solutions. CUSI provides complete personalized billing solutions for  companies with customer bases from 500 to over 500,000. Currently, CUSI has over 1000 companies using their billing solutions to manage their water, sewer, gas, electric, and waste  management operations. Also, CUSI currently offers CIS/Utility Billing solutions to help address challenges of utility companies both large and small. CUSI’s water billing system will offer a number of benefits to your utility company almost immediately. Just the same with the proposed study, the researchers aim to develop a system that will be beneficial to both management and consumer. According to an article entitled â€Å"Water Billing Software Runs the Business† from http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/ , for large commercial water customers with multiple units, like apartment complexes, the water billing software is capable of allocating a single meter reading into multiple bills according to square footage and occupancy. When your utility company outgrows the capability of your current water billing system, invest in the most advanced system to track every aspect of your utility business. Be prepared to update business processes to include the software inputs that will keep the office and field apprised of work activity and customer requests. Train the employees and monitor the ongoing effort to use the software effectively throughout the day. The initial investment in high-quality water billing software will improve your margins and reduce the monetary loss from unpaid accounts. Your customers and employees will be better informed, and the costs will be reco vered within an acceptable  period of time. The same with the proponents target in designing the system, the program will be effective and improve the company’s billing and collection. An article from http://www.waterefficiency.net/ entitled â€Å"The  Benefits of Automated Billing†, says that, by employing water billing software, utilities can reduce the size of their labor force, providing immediate savings. They won’t need as many utility employees to tackle billing issues if software is doing this job for them. And reducing the number of employees in the billing department doesn’t necessarily mean laying off talented workers. Utilities can train billing department staffers to take on other jobs, whether with the municipal utility or elsewhere in the utility. Water billing software also allows utility employees to focus their efforts on other tasks. They can spend more time in the utility’s customer service department answering resident questions. They can analyze the reports created by billing software to hunt for potentially costly leaks. And they can study these same reports to determine new ways to conserve water use and reduce the water utility’s overall costs of providing this water to its customers. Today’s water billing programs provide a host of reports and functions that stretch far beyond simply sending payment notices to consumers. Savvy water utility officials recognize this and use these reports to operate their utilities in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. The proponents study targets to lessen  the work load of employees and the fast processing of billing transactions in the company. According to an article with a title â€Å" Impact of Municipal Billing Systems on Revenue Collection†. The Manila Water Utility undertook a series of reforms between 2000 and 2003. The utility now employs 100 per cent metering on all service connections, which are read monthly. There has been an increase in new service connections, identification of illegal users, billing of unbilled services, and replacement of faulty meters. As a result, revenue has increased by 83 per cent while the average collection period has fallen from 86 days to 50 days . Like the research study, once implemented, the proponents look forward to effective billing and collection of payments in the company. Another article entitled â€Å"Baltimore Approved New Water Billing System† mentioned that, Baltimore officials approved on Wednesday a new water billing system that will bring the current 35-year-old system up to date. In the next couple of years, the city is updating more than 500,000 meters and launching a new billing system. The new system will be the brains behind the city’s new water meters and will allow customers to read bills online and get more information  about water usage. When UMAX launches, it will bill customers on actual usage, meaning no more minimum bills. â€Å"The new system known as UMAX will enable the city to move away from the existing minimum billing model toward a system that charges based on actual consumption,† Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said. Just like the research, it is needed to improve the company’s performance in terms of billing transactions. 2.2 Related Studies 2.2.1 Local Studies In the study conducted by Benipayo (1994), entitled â€Å"Study on the RM/GS Billing System of the Manila Electronic Hotline Telephone Company†, stated that billing system is an essential component of the revenue generating function of the company. Thus, failure to generate bill on the proper time would effect the retaliation in the collection of revenues. The billing update is actually the revision of the entry of the new accounts in the customer file. Failure to update customer state in the billing records shall in a â€Å"no billing† of the consumption and will ultimately cause a non-generation bill. Like the study, the researcher aims to be a  good innovation in the company’s billing process. Effective billing system means good revenue. According to the Casimiro Development Corporation Water Billing System, in March 2001, Bartolome, Alonde, Yanuaria and Atendido made a study about the development of Casimiro’s Water Billing System. Based on their study, the problem was that Casimiro Development Corporation water billing system operates 13 projects and approximately 450 units per project that run in a manual-based environment. To develop more accurate files, they created a well-structured database that lessened and speed up the works in computations in voluminous files with accurate and error-free files. According to the Trece Martires Water District Billing and Collection System. In March 2002, Cruto, Legaspi and Rosero made a study on Trece Martires Water District Billing and Collection System. Based on their study, the problem is that the Trece Martires Water District Billing and Collection System apply the manual processing of its billing and collection clerks and other office personnel. The records of the customers were record in paper works that are less reliable to keep those files. When a customer asks for his/her records, it will add up the workloads of the employees. To accurately keep those records, they developed an automated Transaction Processing System that speed  up the customer’s daily transaction, utilized efficient and safe storage of customer’s records and a more reliable and accurate computation of customer’s water bills. Accurate files is to be provided when this proposed study is implemented. In the study of Bartolome (2000), entitled â€Å"A Computer Water Billing System for Teresa Water Supply†, stated that in making a water billing computerized, numerous benefits can be acquired. One of the benefits is that it speeds up the current computation of the bills wherein the operators will not waste their time in computing the bills of every concessionaire because the system computers it automatically. Like the study, there are also several benefits that can be acquired like the fast processing of billing transactions. A study entitled â€Å"LAN-Based Assessment and Billing System for Camiling† by Angelica Pagaduan said that, the manual method of assessing and issuance of receipt during enrollment period at Camiling Colleges is prone to errors, tedious and most often misplaces records or documents. The people concerned could not accommodate more students because of the slow assessment and computation of fees to be paid, thus, causing inconvenience to both teachers  who are assisting in the enrollment and the students during enrollment. The proposed system will be designed to improve the current Assessment and Billing System of Camiling Colleges. In the study of Purification (1995), entitled â€Å"Billing System of Plaza Hotel†, states that due to probably of manual computation error, computerizing the system will be able to step this probability even it is very rarely experienced in the manual billing system. Like the study of Purification, the study also aims to eliminate or at least lessen the computation error in the billing system. A study with a title â€Å"The Case study of Manila Water Company† states that to maintain a sustainable structure for a world-class standard for water and wastewater services for Metro Manila, there is a need to ensure a balance between the interests of the consumers and the operators. Experience in the Philippines, however, indicated otherwise. The balance of interests was not easy to come by with regulatory regimes suffering from weak regulatory capacity. In order to avoid the same tendencies to repeat in the new contracts, the concession agreement adopted a â€Å"regulation by contract†26 framework. This framework laid down in a clear and detailed manner within the contracts the activities that would be regulated by an independent agency. The same with the study, the proponents aims  to design a system that will be beneficial to both management and consumer. The study entitled †Remote Automatic Water Meter Reading System using Global System for Mobile Communications† by Rainer N. Dita, Paolo Pedro C. Martinez, Chrish Adrian S. Miranda focuses on implementing a GSM based system for the automatic water meter reading in the Philippines. This will determine if there is a significant difference between analog water meter and the proposed system in data collection. Weather conditions and security issues regarding the GSM module will not be taken into account. Also, the network problem due to its provider is not included on the study. This study aims to develop an automatic water meter reading system that will enhance the Analog water meter data collection by utilizing wireless technology using GSM module system for data transmission to increase the range of data transmission. 2.2.2 Foreign Studies A Foreign study entitled â€Å"Irish Water Charges Plan† says that, this document represents Irish Water’s scheme of charges which are reflective of a number of Government and CER directions (some of which are being finalised currently) which in totality comprise the water charges plan. The scheme of  charges in this document are designed to ensure that Irish Water only recovers the allowed revenue approved by the CER over the period 1st October 2014 until 31st December 2016. Irish Water has been guided by principles12 associated with equity and non-discrimination; efficiency in use of Water Services; cost reflectivity; cost recovery; stability and simplicity in developing our scheme of changes. Simplicity of the system, this is what the researchers aim. Our study needs to be simple in order to let the user understand the system easy. The aim of this paper with a title â€Å"Water Label to Improve  Water Billing in Spanish Households† is to propose a new way to improve the contents in water bills by adding a new water label that allows for checking the efficiency of water use. The water tag provides information to tenants about their efficiency of water consumption. In case of houses with a special meter to obtain the domestic hot water consumption, an extra water label can be shown with the evaluation of this kind of consumption. Furthermore, this information is compared to the average consumption value of citizens from the same province. To go further in citizens’ awareness about this subject, some recommendations should also be included, which will help to reduce water consumption. This research takes a new step forward in terms of billing, since it evaluates, compares and gives recommendations with the purpose of improving the actual water billing system,  thus increasing the awareness of citizens and decreasing water consumption in Spanish housing. Although bills are only a means of transmission, considering that it is a receipt of a service, they are subject to certain legal restrictions that, in the case of Spain, are established by Royal Decree 87/2005 [42]. This document indicates the minimum data that bills should contain, such as the invoice number, name and surname, and so on. In addition, there is a part that is considered appropriated to give better customer service. Like the study, it also aims to provide a system that will bring improvement and innovation in the sompany. A study entitled â€Å"Smart Water Systems† present a new approach to promote water security with uncertain but significant future risks from population growth, hydrological variability and extreme events, and intensifying water allocation demands across water supply, agriculture, industry and ecosystems. Strategic and transparent water resource decision making is central for water security to be achieved. This is in turn contingent upon the accurate, timely and reliable collection and communication of information relating to water abstractions and use, and the primary resource base. With mobile networks expanding globally across national territories, SWS offer a mechanism to capture and communicate data  on water resources through hydro-informatic systems on abstraction from surface water and groundwater, soil moisture content, storage  levels and network leaks or theft. By generating accurate and reliable data, SWS deployed at scale can drive a step change in water sector accountability and transparency, thereby improving governance, reducing risk and ultimately creating a new business case for water sector investment. Partnerships across mobile network operators, water service providers, regulators and investors will be needed to realize the full potential of SWS and catalyse further innovations. In a study in India, the Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board introduced a spot billing scheme for billing its water connections. This helped reduce the billing cycle from three weeks to one day, which in turn resulted in increased cash flow (Agarwal 2008). The Board initially outsourced the billing function to a private party that had relevant experience. Through handheld data logger machines, staff employed by the private party can generate bills on the spot and deliver them to customers. The scheme has been in operation for about 70 per cent of the Board’s service area. In the long run, the Board aimed to hand over the bill generation activity through spot billing to its own meter readers. The Board undertook some restructuring of its current staff, and redeployment and rationalisation of their work schedules. Like our study, the aim of this proposed system is to improve the company’s performance, to lessen the problems and to provide an effective billing sytem.

Legalization of Drugs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Legalization of Drugs - Essay Example E. Point One: American should never legalize such drugs as marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamines, heroin, and cocaine for two reasons because of this country’s deep rooted opposition to these drugs. In a democracy, public policy ought to be shaped by what the people want. However, the people do not want to voluntarily spread the disease of drug addiction and abuse, or increase the likelihood that their kids will irresponsibly consume these drugs recreationally (Peele). Point Two: It is a myth that legalized drugs will eliminate organized crime. Organized crime did not disappear after Prohibition’s repeal in the 1920s. The price of drugs, if legalized, would go down and the likelihood of a child’s access to these drugs would increase and put all children at risk (Costa). Point Three: The current administration of the United States correctly believes that â€Å"protecting the safety of our food and drug supply is one of the most fundamental responsibilities government has†. This inevitably includes protecting citizens from the effects of releasing very harmful substances into the marketplace. The government, to uphold its responsibility of protection, must prevent this market activity from happening (Daily Kos). D. The War on Drugs is one of the most catastrophically inefficient and unjust of governmental policies in the history of the United States. Ever since its launch, it has put countless harmless individuals in prisons for crimes that have almost no negative impact on society. Jailing is not a deterrent for drug sale or abuse; it only serves to pull families apart unjustly. It also prevents drug addicts from seeking and getting the help they need in breaking their habits. These drugs can also play a positive role in the lives of those suffering with incurable diseases like multiple sclerosis. E. Point One: Possession or

Strategic Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Strategic Human Resource Management - Essay Example The ever-changing environment reminds us that, for a business to survive, it has to concentrate on its core competencies to be ahead of the competitors. The concept of Strategic Human Resource Management has changed keeping in mind to be sustainable in this world of high cut throat competitions. Human resource management (HRM) involves all management activities and decisions that directly or indirectly keep marks on the human capital of the company. HRM is full of different strategies, in the other way HRM in strategic level is called SHRM. SHRM implies different aspects of an organization. First it gives importance on the human resources which is a differentiator among the competitors. Secondly it gives a clear idea about the process and goal of the company. Third it reflects different HR programs. The main aim of SHRM is to be successful through human capital. SHRM helps organization to get skilled, dedicated and motivated human capital. It also helps a company to retain its valuable workforce. There are lots of elements are related with SHRM. Those are discussed below. SHRM creates a transformation among the staffs. It brings certain changes among the staffs. Those are team building, global perspective, strategic planning. SHRM also brings transformations in organizational structures. The hr policy will maybe centralize or decentralized. It would be guided by SHRM. It is a discipline which enlightens different practises, ideas, concepts keeping in line with HRM tactical planning, philosophy, activities and long term goal of the company. SHRM gives great guidelines on how to lay the strong base for strategic advantages by the creation of effective organizational structure and design culture, value proposition of workforce. The appropriate communication strategy also can be prepared for a changing landscape. It gives Strategic human resource management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words Strategic human resource management - Essay Example Building Business Case for HR as a Strategic Asset Human resource professionals need to build strong case studies supporting the business objective communicated by the management to employees. The HR department can use previous research works, academic resource, survey reports and industry data in order to support order to build business case. Strategy Map Creation Performance measurement action needs to be integrated by HR department in order to trigger value creation process. The company needs to create graphical representation of performance drivers while mapping the value chain process. HR Deliverable within Strategy Map HR managers need to depict performance drivers and HR enablers separately in order to increase potentiality of strategic map. HR deliverables must support firm level performance drivers of strategy map. Aligning HR Architecture with HR deliverables HR managers need to architect existing HR system (work organization, competencies) in accordance with HR deliverable s (low turnover) to increase strategic value of the map. Aligning existing HR system with organization’s macro level strategy plays cordial role in this step (Becker, Ulrich and Huselid, 2001, p.p 36-47). Strategic Measurement System In this stage HR managers develop measurement tool for HR deliverables to fulfil business objective of the organization. Measurement Detailed process flow for executing and monitoring is drawn in this step. HR managers focus on implementation strategy of the HR Scorecard in context to objective of the organization. The seven step model can be defined in the following manner. (Source: Becker, Ulrich and Huselid, 2001, p.p 36-47) 2.0 Balance Scorecard Some of the major performance measurement tools that are being used in current business scenario include Balanced Scorecard, Economic Value Added (EVA), Activity Based Costing and Management, Performance Prism and Quality Management. However among the aforementioned tools, importance and usage of bala nced scorecard will be principally highlighted through the entire report. While the saying ‘balanced scorecard was coined in the early 1990s’, the origin of this approach however is believed to be deep, and also embrace radical work of General Electric (GE) during the early 1950s. The work was basically based on reporting of performance measurement. Apart from this French process engineers have also contributed immensely towards the development of performance management tools. There work was during the early 20th century. In this context the engineers literally developed a â€Å"dashboard† in order to monitor performance levels in a simplified and efficient way. Despite of its early conception, it was originally developed at Harvard business school by Dr. David Norton and Dr. Robert Kaplan in the year 1992 (Eckerson, 2010, P. 11). During the initial phases after the development of balanced scorecard, it was merely used as the performance measurement tool or a per formance measurement agenda. Nevertheless slowly with the passage of time balanced scorecard has been able to gain much more importance in the professional field. A number of companies incorporated balanced scorecard into their system of operation in order to facilitate effective and well-organized performance measu

Restorative justice, Inmate forgiveness, and the Right to Privacy Assignment

Restorative justice, Inmate forgiveness, and the Right to Privacy - Assignment Example To this end, the paper addresses the concerns of the family and restates the benefits of meeting the inmate. Introduction Restorative justice is a type of justice whereby the parties who have stake in crime, victims, offenders and their families together with the community, collectively agree on how to deal with the consequences of crime and its future implications (The Sage Dictionary of Criminology, 2005). It is based on the view that crime is not only a transgression against laws but also hurt human social interactions. Therefore, the main aim of this form of justice is to heal the damaged interpersonal relationship caused by the wrongdoer’s actions. To this end, restorative justice takes it that both the victim and offenders families are affected by the crime. Consequently, their participation is crucial in conflict resolution and justice administration. Q1. The restorative justice principles are in line with biblical teachings about justice which focuses on repentance, fo rgiveness and reconciliation (Miller, 2008). As so, the process gives the offenders an opportunity to understand and assess the impacts of their actions. Therefore, this form of justice does not address the injustice with harm or punishment. Consequently, it is not retaliatory in nature and therefore, yields great social benefits to the community. Instead of taking an eye for eye approach, which is a moral issue, it focuses on community members’ integration. In doing so, this form of justice recognizes that nobody is beyond the point of correction. Therefore, no matter the crimes committed, an individual must actively respond to crimes. The process of restorative justice may take many forms; restitution is one of them. Restitution refers to the process of compensating victims for the losses suffered as a result of the offender’s actions. It is founded on the view that when a crime is committed, the wrongdoer benefits at the expense of the victim. Therefore, for justice to prevail, the offenders should give back what they took from the victims as a whole or in part depending on the agreements reached. This is form of justice is also found in biblical teachings. There are texts in the scriptures that refer to the distribution of wealth in exchange for salvation for those who had unfairly accumulated riches. By practicing restitution, justice is given meaning through active involvement. For, there is no justice done when victims still feel that they have been denied their rightful entitlement. Q2. The application of restorative justice concept in criminal justice system has raised serious ethical issues. By its nature, the concept adopts reconciliation and compensation as possible methods of administering justice. Under, reconciliation a victim may accept to forgive the offender after face to face deliberations. However, the issue of whether or not the forgiveness is for greater social good is remains contentious. According to utilitarian theory, ac tions moral worthiness is gauged by the beneficial outcomes of such actions (Pollock, 2012). Consequently, based on this theory, some crime are not worth forgives because of their magnitude of harm. This includes crime against humanity such as genocide and terrorism which results into many deaths. Besides, besides, in as

Global Warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

Global Warming - Essay Example Various reasons have been given to justify their disbelief. The sceptics reason that contrary to allegations by advocates, the increase in carbon monoxide in the atmosphere has enhanced wheat production by 50 to 75 percent, vegetables by 51%, and increased vitamin and antioxidant concentration in the produce. According to these detractors, the present increase in global temperatures is due to natural causes such as solar activity, volcanic activity, and so on, and that car and industrial emissions are too insignificant to cause climate change. Other reasons are given mostly in terms of dollars and cents. For instance, one website entitled Global Warming Lies (2010), manned by a webmaster who chose to remain anonymous, cites the $400 billion yearly cause as the major reason for not joining the Kyoto Protocol (the worldwide agreement to significantly reduce carbon emissions). So far the United States is the only country in the world that has continually refused to affix its signature o n the agreement (UNFCCC, 2010). Recently, the spate of cold weather was also cited as proof that global warming did not exist, because the weather was so cold, not warm (Charisse, 2010). To this, advocates have responded soundly, According to Fitzpatrick (2010), the present extended period of cold and snowy weather over North America is actually confirmation that global warming is still happening. Global warming does not mean that the world is getting warmer, but that weather extremes are being experienced in different parts of the globe. Presently, there is an El Nino weather disturbance, the warmer than usual sea surface temperatures over the East Pacific. The phenomenon causes many more storm systems to develop over North America, and energizes the jet stream. Furthermore, the negative North Atlantic Oscillation has created a

The Importance and Challenges of European Ministries of Foreign Research Paper

The Importance and Challenges of European Ministries of Foreign Affairs - Research Paper Example This brings the aspect on which continents diplomacy is very important. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the countries in Europe are viewed as very important and this means that these ministries have an uphill task in their diplomacy towards other countries in the world. This has led to the fact that the European continent has faced many challenges and they are still increasing as the world is undergoing through various changes. There are many aspects under which the challenges are increasing and this calls for more efficient diplomacy tactics to be adopted by entire Europe. It is important to note that Europe is viewed as a motivator for developing countries and this means that it is in a very tricky position and the continent’s foreign policy will need to address some issues that have been rising in recent years around the world. This is the art and practice of accomplishing negotiations and it is done by representatives of an entity, most notably states or groups. It is used mainly in reference to international diplomacy which is concerned with international relations between different countries of the world. One of the key factors of diplomacy is the intercession of professionally trained diplomats who negotiate such aspects as trade, economics, peace-making, war, and culture. In regards to international treaties, diplomats are involved in the negotiations while the politicians of a nation will endorse the treaty. Diplomacy cannot be limited to formal sense and hence in an informal sense or a social sense, diplomacy is seen as the application of tact in order to have an advantage which is deemed advantageous to a group or to somebody. It can also be seen as a means by which different groups come to an agreeable solution to a common problem (Berringe, 2005). There is a notable difference between the real world diplomacy and the intellectual university debates since in a university debate, an argument is decided upon the merits  that the arguments have and the negotiators can split the difference to come to a deal.

National curriculum frameworks Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

National curriculum frameworks - Assignment Example The learning objectives of the literacy framework are â€Å"aligned to 12 strands to demonstrate progression in each strand† (p.171). One of the literacy framework learning objectives for pupils to speak and listen for a variety of purposes and in many contexts; and there are four strands under this objective that will demonstrate progression – (1) speaking, (2) listening and responding, (3) group discussion and interaction and (4) drama (p.171). The second learning objective of the primary national framework for literacy is to â€Å"read and write for a range of purposes on paper and on screen† (p. 171). The progression strands related to this objective are as follows: The learning objectives of the literacy framework are â€Å"aligned to 12 strands to demonstrate progression in each strand† (p.171). One of the literacy framework learning objectives for pupils to speak and listen for a variety of purposes and in many contexts; and there are four strands u nder this objective that will demonstrate progression – (1) speaking, (2) listening and responding, (3) group discussion and interaction and (4) drama (p.171). The second learning objective of the primary national framework for literacy is to â€Å"read and write for a range of purposes on paper and on screen† (p. 171). The progression strands related to this objective are as follows:†¢ â€Å"Word recognition: decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling)†Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ â€Å"Word structure and spelling†Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ â€Å"Understanding and interpreting texts†Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ â€Å"Engaging and responding to texts†Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ â€Å"Creating and shaping texts†Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ â€Å"Text structure and organization†Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ â€Å"Sentence structure and punctuation†The literacy framework demonstrates that literacy skills, particularly reading and writing, need to be applied in all subject areas; including numeracy. The Speaking and listening statutory requir ements are also present in the literacy framework.The numeracy framework was renewed as well in 2006 with improvements observable in simplified learning objectives and a broad overview of the primary phase mathematics curriculum. Unlike the literacy framework, the mathematics frameworks contain seven strands that demonstrate progression which is aligned to the learning objectives.  ... One of the literacy framework learning objectives for pupils to speak and listen for a variety of purposes and in many contexts; and there are four strands under this objective that will demonstrate progression – (1) speaking, (2) listening and responding, (3) group discussion and interaction and (4) drama (p.171). The second learning objective of the primary national framework for literacy is to â€Å"read and write for a range of purposes on paper and on screen† (p. 171). The progression strands related to this objective are as follows: â€Å"Word recognition : decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling)† â€Å"Word structure and spelling† â€Å"Understanding and interpreting texts† â€Å"Engaging and responding to texts† â€Å"Creating and shaping texts† â€Å"Text structure and organisation† â€Å"Sentence structure and punctuation† â€Å"Presentation† The literacy framework demonstrates that literacy skills, pa rticularly reading and writing, need to be applied in all subject areas; including numeracy. The Speaking and listening statutory requirements are also present in the literacy framework. The numeracy framework was renewed as well in 2006 with improvements observable in simplified learning objectives and a broad overview of the primary phase mathematics curriculum. Unlike the literacy framework, the mathematics frameworks contains seven strands that demonstrate progression which are aligned to the learning objectives. The seven strands of the mathematics framework is (1) using and applying mathematics, (2) counting and understanding number, (3) knowing and using number facts, (4) calculating, (5) understanding shape, (6) measuring, and (7) handling data (p. 172). Teaching programmes,

What evidence is there to suggest that Hamlet Essay Example for Free

What evidence is there to suggest that Hamlet Essay What evidence is there to suggest that Hamlet would have become a successful leader of Denmark had he survived? In the final scene Forthinbras declares that Hamlet, Was likely, had he been put on, To have proved most royal; By examining traits of Hamlets character and comparing his to the characters of others in positions of power I will discuss whether this statement is correct. In Act 1 Scene 2 Shakespeare shows Hamlet has many leadership qualities. He is kind to Horatio when he tries to make out he is a truant. I would not hear your enemy say so. He has created a strong friendship with Horatio and the guards, Marcellus and Barnardo, respect him even though he has not become King. He can discuss his grief over his fathers death frankly and openly with them. This show of trust for, and respect from, his piers is very important in a prospective leader. Hamlet is bitingly witty when talking of his fathers funeral and mothers wedding. Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats Did coldly furnish the marriage tables. This not only shows his bitterness but also his sharp intelligence. At other points in the play Hamlets intelligence and wit are shown in his feigned madness. An example of this is when he is ridiculing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw. The meaning of this riddle is clear but Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are clearly bewildered. This shows Hamlets intellectual superiority over his schoolfellows. In Act One Scene Two Hamlet goes on to exhibit his ability to question the men very shrewdly about the sightings of the Ghost. His questions are direct, penetrating and enable him to gain the information he needs. This is emphasised by the short, sharp sentences and the hard f sounds used. Then you saw not his face? What, looked he frowningly? This would be a valuable quality for a leader in a crisis when the details needed to be known. Hamlet is shown to have the positive resolution of a leader here as he determines to watch for the Ghost that night. However he never loses sight of reason by being caught up in the excitement and is still able to reflect on the need for caution. He tells the guards, If you have hitherto concealed this sight, Let it be tenable in your silence still Conversing with the devil goes against the laws of Christianity and so they need to keep the sightings a secret to protect themselves. It is a mark of Hamlets leadership that the men obey him in this. Hamlet is very astute and cannot be easily deceived. He sees through the spies, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, immediately despite their efforts at pleasantry. You were sent for and there is a kind of confession in your looks A lesser person may have trusted them and revealed the whole situation to them but Hamlet does not endanger himself by doing this. He compares them to a sponge that soaks up the kings countenance, his rewards, his authorities. When he needs you what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again. This is a very perceptive and truthful image of the way in which Claudius treats them. Shakespeare provides other examples of leadership within Hamlet to highlight Hamlets own qualities or flaws. An example is Claudius, the current King of Denmark. In contrast to Hamlet he lacks the discerning nature needed in a leader. His failure to grasp the full danger presented by Fortinbras and his advancing army prove fatal to Denmark. Claudius chooses to rely on politics and negotiation to win his wars and so is fooled by the report brought by his ambassadors. It is clear to the audience that Fortinbras has a strong motive for invading Denmark to revenge his fathers murder and the ground that he supposedly fights for in Poland hath in it no profit but the name. Claudius also fails to understand Polonius character and places too much trust on his judgement in state matters. Polonius influence is shown. Thou still hast been the father of good news This misjudgement proves fatal for Claudius because the news Polonius brings of Hamlets madness being that of a distracted lover in Act Two Scene Two is incorrect. Claudius is distracted from taking any steps to remove Hamlet because of this. Hamlets own perceptiveness is shown again in his understanding of Polonius as he aptly describes him as a foolish, prating knave. However Claudius has qualities such as ruthlessness, that make him a good leader, and which, Hamlet is lacking. When Claudius has realised the full threat Hamlet poses to him he has no quibbles about having him sent to his death in England immediately. Hamlet only possesses this strength when he seals the letter to have Rosencrantz and Guildenstern killed. He declares, They are not near my conscience. Claudius has the character of a leader who wants to drink and party in the style of royalty with his people. This may make him popular with some but Hamlet takes this view against Claudius custom, It is a custom More honoured in the breach than in the observance. Hamlet has uptight morals that are fitting for a leader who must set an example to his people. Hamlet understands politics and wants the people of Denmark to be respected by those in other countries and not cleped drunkards as they are under Claudius rule. Hamlet feels a greater responsibility for the reputation of his country than Claudius does and so is more kingly. A quality a political leader shown in both Claudius and Hamlet is their use of language to cover up their true meaning. Hamlet does so in his madness when he produces veiled threats against Claudius in his riddles. Claudius skill is more developed and successful in execution. His opening speech is full of rhetorical artifice; he is contradicting himself but the audience have to listen hard to pick this up. For example he says. With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage He is talking about the incest that has occurred in his marrying his dead brothers wife but his eloquent language and smooth, flowing speech hides the meaning well. Shakespeare uses young Fortinbras of Norway as an exact parallel to Hamlets character. His own father has been murdered and his uncle has taken his throne. However Fortinbras is opposite to the reflective, moralising Hamlet. He is a man of umimprovi d mettle hot and full. Fortinbras is uninhibited and can boldly take action to revenge Denmark for his fathers murder. His plan is simple but he easily tricks Claudius and achieves his aim as he takes control of Denmark in the final scene. Shakespeare shows in Act Four Scene Four that he considers Fortinbras direct active response is better then Hamlets reflective one as Fortinbras presence makes Hamlet conscious of his own failings. Now whether it be Beastial oblivion, or some craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on th event- Shakespeare shows how Hamlet moralises over the deed too much and ends up being cowardly. Hamlet cannot match the intrepid delicate and tender price that can lead twenty thousand men to war for the sake of a straw. The presence of Fortinbras causes Hamlet to take up his fight with resolution. My thoughts be bloody or nothing worth. Through the play we see this growth of Hamlets character a progression to what Fortinbras is able to be. Hamlet overcomes his reticence in allowing Claudius to take his throne by asserting his right to it as he declares in Act Five Scene One, . This is I, Hamlet the Dane At this point Hamlet may truly be called royal and worthy of being King. Despite all Hamlets kingly qualities the view of Ophelia in Act Three Scene One must be considered. She believes that through feigning madness Hamlet has destroyed all the virtues he was previously warrant to. Oh what a nobler mind is here oerthrown! This means that Hamlet has disqualified himself from the chance being elected to the throne as he has destroyed his own self. This may be a just argument but we must consider the true extent of Hamlets insanity and believe that Hamlet would be able to return to his intelligent and discerning self after Claudius death. In the final scene Shakespeare shows us that Hamlet couldnt be successful leader of Denmark. He still has not the tenacity to take his revenge. He only kills Claudius in retaliation to an attack upon himself and not because of any merit of his own. This procrastination would be a serious failing in a prospective leader because ruthless decisions and actions would need to be taken without the moralising that Hamlets character exemplifies. His other qualities, though still intact despite the feigned madness, would not compensate for his lack of resolution. Shakespeare highlights this flaw by including the characters of Claudius and Fortinbras who are both ruthless and decisive.

Factors That Affecting Elasticity Of Supply Economics Essay

Factors That Affecting Elasticity Of Supply Economics Essay According to (HASHIM ALI,1999, page 40),price elasticity of supply is basically means the responsiveness of the quantity supplied due to a change in price. The factors that affecting elasticity of supply are whether the product is perishable or not. In other words, if the product is perishable, therefore when there is change in price, it wont affect the quantity supplied. Hence, the supply is inelastic For example: fruits, it is because fruits are perishable. The second determinant is the time. There are two time of time which are the short run and the long run. In the short run, the supply will be inelastic. Its because, the supplier cant increase the supply of a product immediately due to a change in price. Where by in the long run, suppliers are able to increase their product, because they have more time to produce more. And therefore the supply is elastic. For example: in the short run, the price of the laptop increase in the market price. However, the supplier of laptop cant increase their supply immediately due to a short run. In the long run, the supplier have more time to produce more laptop due to more time to produce laptop. PART B Businesses can use price elasticity to decide on their pricing strategy. By using the price elasticity, they can know whether the goods that they are selling is elastic or inelastic. If the good that they are selling is inelastic, for example: necessities, therefore they can set a higher price. It is because if the good is inelastic, the change in price wont effect the change in demand. In other words, consumers are not that responsive due to a change in price. And if the good is elastic, such as luxuries goods or goods that have several substitutes, therefore the supplier cant set a high price. It is because the price is elastic, in other words the consumers are responsive due to a change in price of the good. Thats how the business use the elasticity concept to decide the pricing strategy. Question 3 PART A Supply of a product will increases caused by the technology are getting more advance. As technology has increases, therefore to produce a good will be easier and faster, hence to higher supply of that particular product. For example: a textile company used to produce their goods by manually (by human or workers) and they manage to produce 100pcs of the good per month. In the future, as the technology increases, the quantity of the good produced increases to 300pcs each month.. hence the supply of the good increases. Second reason that might affect the supply of a good will increase is the intervention from the government by giving subsidies to the suppliers. By giving subsidies to the suppliers, it tends to reduce their cost of production. Therefore, higher profit will earned and motivate the suppliers to supply more of the good. For example: a cost of production to produce a good is RM500, the company manage to sell at RM550 each good and earned RM50 for profit this is before any subsidies from government. After a while, the government decided to give subsidies to the business. Hence, the cost of production of the good decreases to RM450. the business still sell the product for RM550 but now, RM100 is earned for the profit. Therefore, the higher the profit, will motivate the supplier to supply more. Third reason that will increase a supply of a product is the price of the good it self. When the price of the good increases in the market, therefore the supplier motivated because no they can earn more revenues and get higher profit compared to before the price increased. For example: the price of a chair was RM100 in 2009 and the supplier of the chair supply at 100 quantities and earn RM10,000 revenues. In 2010, the price if the chair has increases to RM120. now while the price increased, the supplier will definitely increase their quantity supplied of chair maybe to 130(or more) and they can get RM15,600 revenues which is much more compared to the previous quantity.(HASHIM ALI,1999,PAGE 37) PART B Price floor is a price that set by the government above the equilibrium price and the price set b the suppliers are not legal if they set lower than the price the set by the government.. its actually to help those suppliers to get higher income. Because of the price of the good is higher now, and therefore the supplier will produce more. However, at the end, the demand for the good will decrease and therefore, surplus occur. This is how its effect the rationing function of prices and distort resource allocation. The graph below will shows the surplus caused by the price floor. Quantity Price D S Equilibrium price P0 Q0 Qd Pf surplus Qs 0 The graph above shows that when there is price floor set by the government, the demand will stop until Qd and there fore surplus occur. Hence this occur, supplier cant manage to sell all their product, and therefore, black market will occur(sell lower price illegally). Whereby price ceilings is also price that set by the government. Its the maximum price that seller can charge to consumers. Lower than the price ceiling is legal and otherwise is not. The objectives of government by doing this is to help those consumers that cant afford to buy their essential good. The graph below will shows the price ceiling. S D Equilibrium price Q0 P0 Quantity Price Qs Qd Pc shortage 0 The graph above shows that when there is a price ceiling(Pc) set by the government, the price is under the equilibrium price. in other words, the price is cheap at the moment. however, because of the price has reduced, the suppliers will feel that its not profitable and therefore they are not motivated to produce more. Therefore the quantity supply stops at Qs. Hence, lack of supply and high demand due to a shortage.(McConnell,2009,page 59-62) Question 6 PART A Consumer surplus is basically means its benefit for the consumers, as they are able to pay higher price for a particular good, but in fact the actual price is lower than what they willing to pay. In other words, the consumers are able to pay above the equilibrium price. For example: john willing to buy a sport shoes at RM200, whereby the actual price of the sport shoes is RM150, and there fore RM200-RM150= RM50 is johns surplus as consumer. The graph below will show where is the consumer surplus: D Equilibrium point Q0 P0 Consumers surplus Quantity demanded For good Z Price for good Z The graph above shows the consumer surplus at the triangle shape where The actual price is at P0, and even though the price is suppose to be at P0,the consumers are willing to pay above the P0 which is higher and therefore, consumers surplus occur. Producer surplus is actually a benefit to the producer of a particular good to earn more than what they plan to earn. For example: suppose to be good A is at RM5 in market price, but john only plan to sell good A for only RM3(has cover the cost of production). therefore RM5-RM3=RM2 is johns producer surplus as an producer. S Price for good Z Quantity supply for good Z Producer surplus Equilibrium price = P0 Q0 P0 The graph above shows that the producer surplus is actually under the equilibrium price which means the producers are willing to sell at lower price but in fact, the equilibrium price for good Z is at P0, and therefore, the producers surplus occur.(McConnell,2009,page 126-127). PART B According to(HASHIM ALI,1999, page 2-3) basically there are three economic concepts. Which are scarcity, choice and opportunity cost. Where as the PPF or production possibilities frontier is to shows a possible combination with in two goods. The PPF graph below will explain the 3 economic concepts. Laptop Sugar 0 10 7 5 3 2 1 1 2 3 5 6 7 A B C D E FBasically, scarcity means there are unlimited wants and limited resources. And to explain this concept by using this Production Possibilities Frontier(PPF), the graph shows that it is impossible to actually produce 7 sugar and 10 laptop. because when 7 sugar is produced there is only 1 laptop can be produced and its caused by the limited resources. Which at the end will bring to a choice. Choice means, the consumer will to chose to have more on sugar or laptop. if they want more sugar, lesser laptop they will get and otherwise. Due to this the third concept will occur where by opportunity cost means something has to be forgone in order to get the best alternative. For example, in this graph, if the consumers want to get 6 of sugar not 5, there fore he/she has to forgone 1 laptop in order to get 6 sugar. The forgone 1 laptop is the opportunity cost. Question 5 PART A A decrease in demand will SHIFT the demand curve to the left, there are several factors that will decrease the demand. Taste and fashion, a change in income, changes in population, changes in price of related goods(either complementary goods or substitutes goods), increase of advertisements, introduction of new product, social and economic conditions, festive seasons, speculation. Price of good A D0 D1Quantity demanded for good A The graph above shows the decrease in demand. The demand curve SHIFTED to the left from D0 to D1 and it is caused by the factors that mentioned earlier. Where as the decrease in quantity demanded will caused the MOVEMENT along the demand curve to move upward which means not a shift. The ONLY factor that will move the demand curve upward is the price of the good it self. Quantity demanded for good A Price for good A D0 B A Q0 Q1 0 P0 P1 The graph above shows that when there is a decrease in quantity demanded, this is ONLY caused by the PRICE of good A has increased from P0 to P1 therefore caused the quantity demanded to decreased from Q0 to Q1 as well as the movement upward from point A to point B. The ONLY factor that due to this movement along the demand curve is the PRICE of the good it self. (HASHIM ALI,1999, page 22-25) PART B According to (HASLIM ALI, 1999, page 32) Income elasticity of demand basically means the measure of the responsiveness of demand in a particular good due to a change in income of the consumers. the income elasticity of demand is measured by percentage. Here is the formula to calculate income elasticity of demand: income elasticity of demand: the change in quantity demanded over the change in income of the consumers. = Q1-Q0 x 100( change in quantity demanded) Q0 ______(over) Y1-Y0 - x 100(change in income of the consumers) Y0 Keys: Q1( new quantity demanded) Q2(original quantity demanded) Y1(new income of consumers) Y0(original income of consumers) There are 3 degrees or responses of income elasticity: 1.positive 2.negative 3.zero The positive degree of income elasticity of demand can be describe more or classified into 3 more parts: elastic (YED or income elastic of demand is > 1), unit(YED=1), and inelastic(YED