Analyzing Apples Project Management Techniques - 2083 Words

Analyzing Apple’s Project Management Techniques Successful organizations are always looking for ways to improve process and procedures, increase revenues and profits, while staying relevant in today’s business world. Strong leadership is the backbone of any organization and is the catalyst for driving a culture of innovation and change. Organizations looking to make small or large-scale changes typically do so through the implementation of work projects. Projects are collaborative efforts carefully planned and designed to achieve a specific goal. According to Young (2010), â€Å"projects take careful planning, and a successful project is one that is done on time and within budget† (p.344). Project management is the activity of planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling resources, while monitoring procedures and timelines, and usually has an assigned project manager (PM). Organizations such as Apple are known to have many projects in motion at any given tim e. This many projects happening simultaneously can be extremely complex, expensive, and taxing on resources, but somehow Apple has managed to implement project after project with huge success. In this paper, I will discuss the types of projects that Apple has released and provide insight into future projects. Additionally, I will discuss the management practices and strategic objectives Apple applies towards these projects. Finally, I will break down the structure of Apple’s projects and discuss the keyShow MoreRelatedApple s Supply Chain Management1261 Words   |  6 PagesApple supply chain management is based on its ability to quickly adapt to change. Apple strong supply chain leads the company to have a competitive advantage over its competitors. Apple is very fast to deliver products with high demand. Apple is considered one of the highest and best performing supply chain around the world. This report was written to learn best practices of Apple Supply Chain and apply t hem to Walmart 32nd St. I discovered that Apple’s supply chain is very simple and efficient.Read MoreCorporate Responsibilty and Marketing Strategies Essay1922 Words   |  8 Pagesamong Fortune magazine’s world’s most admired companies also many believe that Apple’s success stems from a combination of many factors; including a corporate culture enthusiasm and innovation and the remarkable leadership skills of CEO Steve Jobs (2011) and the high-tech products for which Apple is known, these combining qualities have allowed Apple to revolutionize the technology and retail industries. a) Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities and determinationRead MoreStrategic Management Apple4831 Words   |  20 PagesSummary: Apple Inc. is an American multinational electronic company. It designs, develops and sells mobile communication and media services, personal computing products, portable digital music players and wide range of software products worldwide. Apple’s iPhone, iPod, iPad, MacBook, Apple TV, IOS and OS X operating software are the major successful products and services of late. It also sells and delivers digital contents and application through iTunes store, App Store, iBook store and Mac App storeRead MoreApple Inc Management Information System Project7020 Words   |  29 Pagesfollowing order: 1. Understanding business and information system requirements. 2. Analyzing financial performance. 3. Achieve operational excellence: analyzing competitive strategy. 4. Improving decision making: developing a Website privacy policy. 5. Improving decision marking: Designing the customer database 6. Improving operational excellence: Identifying supply chain management solutions 7. Achieving operational excellence: Developing an E-Commerce strategy 8Read MoreApple Inc Management Information System Project7036 Words   |  29 Pages 2. Analyzing financial performance. 3. Achieve operational excellence: analyzing competitive strategy. 4. Improving decision making: developing a Website privacy policy. 5. Improving decision marking: Designing the customer database 6. Improving operational excellence: Identifying supply chain management solutions 7. Achieving operational excellence: Developing an E-Commerce strategy 8. Achieving operational excellence: Identifying opportunities for knowledge management. FinallyRead MoreManagerial Economics And Management Decisions By C. M. Birch1702 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction According to Managerial Economics and Management Decisions by C. M. Birch, Managerial Economics deals with understanding both internal and external factors within Micro- and Macro-economics. A company must be aware of not only their own sustainable capabilities, but also perform environmental scans to detect competitors and economic conditions. In the case of Samsung, many of these global factors played a substantial role in deciding the survivability rate of the company from succeedingRead MoreStarbucks Case Study1838 Words   |  8 PagesStarbucks case study 1- I think the most important management skills for Schultz to have are the conceptual skills. Since Schultz is the chairman of Starbucks, which means he is the top manager of the company, the conceptual skills are the most important for him to have. Mostly because conceptual skills help him see the organization as a whole. It helps the manager understand the relationship among the various subunits, and visualize how the organization fits into its broader environment. In factRead MoreStarbucks Case Study1822 Words   |  8 PagesStarbucks case study 1- I think the most important management skills for Schultz to have are the conceptual skills. Since Schultz is the chairman of Starbucks, which means he is the top manager of the company, the conceptual skills are the most important for him to have. Mostly because conceptual skills help him see the organization as a whole. It helps the manager understand the relationship among the various subunits, and visualize how the organization fits into its broader environment. In factRead MoreMarketing Management Group Project6793 Words   |  28 Pages Marketing Management Group Project iPad Air Liberty University BMAL 520 Strategic Marketing Management – Section B06 December 13, 2013 â€Æ' Abstract Marketing management is an evolving field and plays an important role in the success or failure of a business or product. Group 3 selected Apple, iPad Air for the research project. The paper will address important marketing considerations for the iPad Air. The topics researched includesRead MoreThe Life and Legacy of Steve Jobs Essay2786 Words   |  12 Pages Personality traits-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Leadership style-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Management style----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Limitations of Steve Jobs-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 Conclusion---------

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay - 565 Words

The Crucible The Crucible is a novel based on the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, written by Arthur Miller. The Crucible demonstrates forbidden temptation between John Proctor and Abigail Williams, honor and dishonor in the town of Salem, ruthless revenge, and the strive for high social status. The narrative style of this play is standard 1950s everyday language. The Crucible is set in a theocratic society of Puritanism in 1692. Miller uses imagery and figurative language when Abigail Williams attempts to get John Proctor to admit his lust for her even though he is trying to repair his marriage with Elizabeth Proctor. â€Å"I have a sense for heat, John, and yours has drawn me to my window, and I have seen you looking up, burning†¦show more content†¦Examples of cause and effect in this play include Abigail Williams faking a vision of Mary Warren’s spirit of a yellow bird coming down to attack her. When Williams’ does this in court, she convinces the cour t of the ‘legitimacy’ in witchcraft. Giles Corey declines to pleading innocent or guilty to being a witch. He does this to protect his land from being seized from his children. In doing so, Corey is sentenced to large stones pressed to his chest until he confesses. Corey mocks his torture and replies, â€Å"More weight.† Corey does not confess, saving his land, and consequently dies from the weight of the immense stones. Miller wrote the play during the 1950s in times of the anti-communist Americans battle with Senator Joseph McCarthy. Miller himself refused to plead guilty or innocent to being a communist. Led by McCarthy, committees conducted controversial investigations to trap communist sympathizers in the United States. This relates to the Salem Witch Trials in which like the townspeople were forced to confess to witchcraft, communists were also forced to confessShow MoreRelatedThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1269 Words   |  6 PagesAt first glance, the pla ywright Arthur Miller in The Crucible highlights the historical significance of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but in fact it is an allegorical expression of his perception of McCarthyism. If the reader has some background information on Arthur Miller’s victimization as a communist, it is evident that the play is a didactic vessel illustrating the flaws of the court system in the 1950’s. The communist allegations were launched at government employees, entertainers and writersRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1681 Words   |  7 Pagesof their way to the last dying breath to make sure they leave with a good or bad reputation. In one of the recent literature study in class â€Å"The Crucible† by Arthur Miller, Miller uses characterization to illustrate reputation throughout the play. â€Å"The Crucible† takes place in Salem, Massachusetts. It is based upon the Salem witch trails. In â€Å"The Crucible†, we journey through the life of three cha racters who reputations plays a major role in the play. The three characters are John Proctor, AbigailRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1333 Words   |  6 PagesAs the various characters in The Crucible by Arthur Miller interact, the dominant theme of the consequences of women’s nonconformity begins to slide out from behind the curtains of the play. Such a theme reveals the gripping fear that inundated the Puritans during the seventeenth century. This fear led to the famous witch-hunts that primarily terrorized women who deviated from the Puritan vision of absolute obedience and orthodoxy. Arthur Miller presents his interpretation of the suffering by subtlyRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller998 Words   |  4 Pagesmotivated by jealousy and spite. The Crucible is a four-act dramatic play production that was first performed on January 22, 1953. Arthur Miller used dialogue within the characters to cover the multiple themes; conflicts and resolutions, plus the few directions for the different actions of the play. The Salem Witch Trials were intended to be performed as the play however, when read, it can be more carefully examined and broken down to analyze the techniques. Miller, the playwright, uses literaryRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1145 Words   |  5 PagesUnbalance Through The Centuries In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, the author reflects the persecution of communists in America in the 1950’s through a recount of the Salem witch trials. It is often presumed that Miller based his drama directly off of events that were particularly prevalent in the years surrounding the publication of The Crucible- which was released in the year 1953, towards the conclusion of the Korean War. Although there was not a literal witch hunt occurring during this timeRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1063 Words   |  5 PagesIn the English dictionary, there are three definitions of the word crucible. One is a metal container in which metals are mixed and melted. Another is a severe test. But the third definition, and the one that I think fits the best for this book, is a place or situation in which different elements interact to create something new. In my mind, this fits because all of the characters had their little grudges and dirty secrets. But when all th ose seemingly little things interact, they formed somethingRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1285 Words   |  6 Pages Rationale, Morality, Stereotypes, Pressure, Self-Censorship, Unanimity, and Mindguards. Groupthink has also taken place in our history a a country. The play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller is about a the real-life Salem Witch Trials that happened in 1692 - 1693, in Salem, Massachusetts. Some symptoms of Groupthink found in the Crucible are Rationale, Pressure, and Self-Censorship. The Groupthink symptom, Rationale, is described as when victims of Groupthink ignore warnings: they also collectivelyRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller811 Words   |  4 Pages While The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is only a four act play, it still resembles the format of a five act play. The five-act structure evolved from a three-act structure, which was made famous by Roman Aelius Donatus. Donatus came up with three types of plays: Protasis, Epitasis, and Catastrophe. The five-act structure helped to expand the three act structure, mainly made famous by Shakespeare through his many tragedies. Even though The Crucible contains only four acts, it still has the commonRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1052 Words   |  5 PagesBuddy Al-Aydi Ms.Healy English 9 CP 14th October 2014 The Crucible Essay The Crucible was a novel written by Arthur Miller in the 1950’s. It was written in a format of the play, portraying an allegory of the Salem Witch-Hunts led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. The book is known to have a inexplicable plot. This plot is advanced by multiple characters in the book in order to ensure that the reader maintains interest with the material that is being read. The farmer, John Proctor, would be theRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller841 Words   |  4 PagesThe Crucible is a chaotic play, throughout this American classic Arthur Miller takes the reader through multiple events of terror and insanity. While creating a great on-stage play, Arthur Miller portrays his life through the events, the characters, and plot of The Crucible. Using vivid imagery and comprehensible symbolism, Miller manipulates the real personalities of the characters and events in 1600 Salem, Massachusetts to create a symbolic autobiography. Throughout this play, the reader experie nces

Case Study On New England Fisheries - 1326 Words

Abstract The 1800’s the George’s Banks off the coast of New England was very generous to the fisherman who fished the sea for a living. There was a balance between what the fisherman took and what the sea could provide. By the mid-1900 that balances began greatly to shift. Technology developed during the 1950s allowed fishermen to take in much more fish than previous years. Through continued over fishing and lack of controls in place at the time, the fish stock depleted to the point the George’s Banks could no longer support the fisherman. As early as 1914, the Government was receiving reports from the U.S. Commissioner of Fisheries on the potential impact to unregulated fishing. By 1931, serious questions were being asked about†¦show more content†¦Scientific Research Numerous research and scientific studies were performed on the impact of the extensive fishing along the U.S. coastline. In 1871, National Marine Fisheries Service was launched. Their mission as stated on their website, www.nefsc.noaa.gov/history/, â€Å"†¦devoted to the protection, study, management, and restoration of fish.† (www.nefc.noaa.gov, 2004) While the organization contributed significantly to the study of the fish and the region, the organization was completely ineffectual in any manner in protecting the fish from over fishing and unable to get passed any effective policies to control fishing. Their biocentric view allowed the organization to study fish in a manner that many groups at the time had no concern with due to the mindset of the endless capacity of the sea. The value of many of these studies while questionable at the seriousness at the time they were taken, when looking back through the history and learning from the impact that man has on our en vironment. In particular, this example there is good data that supports the early thoughts of a bountiful sea of fish. As the years, progress data that clearly shows the decline of various fish species as fishing continues onward. Newton, Dillingham and Choly reported (2006), â€Å"The take of Atlantic cod, crucial to the New England economy, had peaked in 1968 at 3.9 million tons; by 1992, it was down to 1.2 million tons— aShow MoreRelatedDiscussion Board 41230 Words   |  5 PagesThose Dammed Shad: Would the River Fisheries of New England Have Survived in the Absence of Industrialization?, Daniel Vickers (112.74 K) ... Those Dammed Shad: Would the River Fisheries of New England Have Survived ... ... Daniel Vickers ... ... WHEN ecologists do history—that is, when they reconstruct the history of ... ... 160; Situating that baseline in the ecological history of New ... ... 160; That industrialization devastated the river fisheries of New ... [search builder] The HistoryRead MoreResearch on Marine Vessels3248 Words   |  13 Pages CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of study There are four classes of vessels and four zones. The vessel for class A will sail in the area of zone A, vessel of class B at zone b and so on. Those vessels have their own fish catches. Trawling is a fishing method that very profit and this method have been used in the world and catch every marine organism through the open mouth of the trawl net. There are various type of gear sizes, from the small gear size to the bigger size that will sail inRead MoreA Change Of Heart About Animals950 Words   |  4 Pagesgrief by mourning for the dead and standing next to their dead kin for days (Rifkin). Also according to Victoria Braithwaite, a Professor of Fisheries and Biology interested in animal cognition, studies in her article Hooked on a Myth suggests nociceptors, specialized nerve endings that alert creatures to feel pain, are found in the mouths of fish. This study proves animals have the ability to experience pain. Rifkin’s article states the parallels between human and anim al brain chemistry and anatomyRead MoreEco Assessment1343 Words   |  6 PagesRelation between Market failure and Public goods For an example of public goods is the street lighting. It is a public good because the street lightings are used by everybody in a society but there are no markets for the street lightings. In this case, the government have to support which public goods for getting better market. 1.3 Merit goods Merit goods are those goods and services that the government experienced that people will over-consume, and which supposed to be subsidized or supportedRead More Fishing in the North Atlantic Essay example5849 Words   |  24 Pagesthis paper. However, in one 1997 journal article, C. J. Corkett criticized the commonly used Graham-Schaeder model of fish accounting. In general, he discredited the interpretation of the data because of the instrumentalist approach used by many fishery managements. Instrumentalism is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as a pragmatic theory that ideas are instruments that function as guides of action, their validity being determined by the success of the action. TheRead MoreTidal Power In The Bay of Fundy Essay example1590 Words   |  7 Pagestide must meet an obstacle. When the ocean meets the river going in the opposite direction, the sea hesitates, piles up behind the front line, and advances anew in a tidal bore. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Usually the ingredients occur during a new moon with 15 feet tides and the opposing force of the Shubenacadie river to display the true Bays magnificence. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;This part of St. John is divided into 3 main areas: the main Harbor, Courtenay Bay and the Outer HarborRead MoreThomas Malthus—Section Summary1487 Words   |  6 Pagesbe accurate. Though Malthus’ message caused the field of economics to be coined, â€Å"the dismal science† (Efficiency and Equity 211), he contributed much to the field of socio-economics and established that economic theory is a valid approach to the study of some of the greatest concerns mankind has regarding environmental allocation of resources, population control and governmental policies regulating issues relevant to these areas. Section Questions Question One One of Malthus’ basic premises wasRead MoreEffects of Over Population Essay1273 Words   |  6 Pages1900s. As our numbers continue to increase the amount of resources needed for survival are decreased because the resources get used faster than they can be replaced. Joseph R. Simonetta states, â€Å"We are depleting our natural resources: our forests, fisheries, range lands, croplands, and plant and animal species. We are destroying the biological diversity on which evolution thrives (this is being called the sixth great wave of extinction in the history of life on earth, different from the others in thatRead MoreEssay on Thomas Malthus Section Summary1436 Words   |  6 Pagesbe accurate. Though Malthus’ message caused the field of economics to be coined, â€Å"the dismal science† (Efficiency and Equity 211), he contributed much to the field of socio-economics and established that economic theory is a valid approach to the study of some of the greatest con cerns mankind has regarding environmental allocation of resources, population control and governmental policies regulating issues relevant to these areas. Section Questions Question One One of Malthus’ basic premisesRead MoreThe Conservation Assessment Of Common Trout And Colorado River Cutthroat Trout1778 Words   |  8 Pagesthe 20th century. Rainbow trout continue to be stocked intensively to maintain recreational fisheries. Brook trout and brown trout are stocked less frequently; the former due to ecological concerns related to their impacts on native Colorado River cutthroat trout and the latter due to their propensity to establish self-sustaining populations and exist in relatively low densities. Recreational fisheries based on one or more of these species are often significant components of local economies. .

Exchange Rate of Kenya

Question: Discuss about the misalignment of the Exchange Rate of Kenya. Answer: Introduction In recent times, an understanding of the real exchange rate (RER) is important because it helps to understand the reason for uneven development in the economy of the country. It can be seen that due to prolonged misalignment of exchange rate in Latin America and Africa the growth rate have been slow. On the other hand, in Asia due to judicious macroeconomics, exchange rate and trade it has been able to maintain growth. Area of study The misalignment in the stable exchange rates and adjustable systems indicates that the policies are fundamentally poor. This poor policy prevents the exchange rate fundamental adjustments though the fundamental of the economy has changed. In case of floating exchange rate the main reason for the misalignments are the speculations that moves the exchange rate more than in compared to change in the economic fundamentals (Alagidede Ibrahim, 2016). The growth of the economy is influenced by the Real Exchange rate through different ways. The exchange rate influences the foreign and domestic investment. This influences the capital accumulation of the economy as a result effecting the overall economic growth. The area of the study in the research is to assess the impact of currency misalignment in economic growth of Kenya. Background of the study In the period of 1966-1992 during the period of fixed exchange rate regime the developing country like Kenya has to frequently devalue the currency so that the negative effect that RER volatility has on the economy could be reduced. In 1993, the introduction of floating exchange rate was an important step to eliminate the RER volatility. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the liberalization of exchange rate markets have achieved its objectives (Ali, 2015). In the developing countries like Kenya, the policy decisions for exchange rates are very sensitive and controversial. The change in exchange rate policy requires structural transformation and domestic adjustment. The change in policy has short-term effect on price and demand and this is regarded as damaging the economy (Karanja, 2016). The role of the RER on the movement of the trade balance is much debated. However, the economists does not persuasively answers whether a country should allows its currencies to be floating. In the developing countries, the decision regarding the foreign exchange policy is regarded as one of the most important policy decision that affects the economic growth. Statement of the problem The exchange rate is referred to as the key macroeconomic variable. It plays an important role in the transaction between the open economies. The relationship between the theoretical concept and the empirical application of the exchange is not straight forward and simple. There are two theoretical views about the effect of the exchange rate fluctuations on the output. The first view is that if the exchange rate of the domestic currency appreciates then the cost of import will reduce as a result the output will increase (Cheung Fujii, 2014). The second view is that exchange rate appreciation reduces the price competitiveness of the domestic products internationally. This in effect reduces the accumulated demand of the product hence the output is reduced. This two conflicting views creates an empirical issues. Therefore, an empirical test for growing economies like Kenya is necessary. Many literatures highlight the effect of exchange rate fluctuation on the growth of the economy. Howe ver, studies that specifically focuses on the economy of Kenya and the impact that the exchange rate fluctuation have on the economic growth of Kenya is very rare (Nyamweya Ali, 2016). Objective of the study The main objective of the research is to study the misalignment of the exchange rate of Kenya and the effect it has on the economic growth of Kenya. The specific objective of the research are listed below: To review the exchange rate policies and the macro economic performance of the economy; The examination of the effect that the REM has on the economic growth of Kenya; To provide recommended policies based on the study; Therefor it can be seen that this research has a much wider objectives. This study will help the policymakers to develop appropriate policies so that the situation of economic growth can be improved. Hypothesis In this case, the research aims to prove the Hypothesis that the exchange rate misalignment affects the economic performance of Kenya that is measures in terms of Gross domestic product. The null hypothesis in this research is that the economic performance of Kenya is not affected by the fluctuation in the exchange rate. Literature review Kenya is a developing country in Africa. The real gross domestic product of Kenya has been $55.1 billion in 2013, $61.4 in 2015 and $63.4 billion in 2016. It can be seen that the economy is constantly and steadily growing. The economy of the country is mainly dependent on the agriculture and the tourism sector. The country has faced various drought post financial crisis but since the year 2012, the economy of Kenya has made tremendous recovery (Agbeja, 2016). In order to analyze the impact of exchange rate on GDP the three theoretical models have been applied. The first model is the absorption approach and monetary approach that focuses on the macroeconomics links, identities and not the microeconomic relationship as provided in the approach of elasticity. In this approach it is implied that if the domestic growth exceeds the domestic absorption then only can trade account improve. Therefore it can be seen that devaluation increases the trade balance (Iyke Odhiambo, 2015). The second approach is the monetary approach and it regards balance of payment as a monetary phenomenon. In this case, it can be seen that the devaluation in currency causes improvement in the balance of payment by increasing the domestic price and decreasing the supply of real money. The third approach is the elasticity approach. In this approach, it can be seen that the elasticity is mainly based on the variant of Bickerdike Robinson Metzler (BRM) condition and the simplified conditions provided in simplified Marshall-Lerner (ML). The BRM provides the necessary conditions related to demand of import, size of import, demand of export and supply elasticity of export that improves the balance of trade of the country. The devaluation of currency effects the relative price of export and import. This will helping promoting growth and reduce the volume of imports (Eregha et al., 2016). Theoretical framework The neoclassical growth theory is the basis on which the modelling of the research is conducted. In this model the variables that are used represents the structural policy that are in place. It is provided that the in order to maintain the price stability the rate of inflation is included in the growth model (Pundo, M., Ganesh, 2014). Research design, methodology and procedure In this section, the research methodology that is performed in this paper is discussed. The research design is a detailed plan that indicates the method that will be used for analyzing and collecting data. The research design are in line with the research question and objective of the study. The sample is selected for the study from defined population. The data collection should be done from reliable source and analysis should be done of that data (Gouidar Nouira, 2014). Conclusion The above discussion provides the details concept related to exchange rate and its effect on the economy of Kenya. It can be said that the above paper has provided sufficient information for providing the concept for further research. References Agbeja, O., Adelakun, O. J., Udi, E. E. (2016). Empirical Analysis of Counterparty Risk and Exchange Rate Risk Management on the Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria (2009-2013).Journal of Accounting and Finance,16(2), 106. Alagidede, P., Ibrahim, M. (2016). On the causes and effects of exchange rate volatility on economic growth: evidence from Ghana.Journal of African Business, 1-25. Ali, A. S. (2015). Effects of Foreign Exchange Rate on Foreign Trade In Financial Performance of the Agricultural Sector in Kenya: A Case Study of Vipingo Sisal Estate.International Journal of Finance and Accounting 4 (6) 1,19. Cheung, Y. W., Fujii, E. (2014). Exchange Rate Misalignment EstimatesSources Of Differences.International Journal of Finance Economics,19(2), 91-121. Eregha, P., Ndoricimpa, A., Olakojo, S., Nchake, M., Nyang'oro, O., Togba, E. (2016). Nigeria: Should the Government Float or Devalue the Naira?.African Development Review,28(3), 247-263. Gouidar, A., Nouira, R. (2014). The Impact of Misalignment on FDI in the Developing Countries.International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues,4(4), 784. Iyke, B. N., Odhiambo, N. M. (2015). REAL EXCHANGE MISALIGNMENTS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: PANEL DATA EVIDENCE. Karanja, A. W. (2016).Strategies to improve performance adopted by social enterprises in Kenya(Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi). Nyamweya, L. N., Ali, I. (2016). Determinants of Hedging Foreign Currency Risk in Kenya: A Survey of Tea Exporting Companies in Mombasa County.Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research,2(6). Pundo, M., Ganesh, P. P. (2014). The Impact of Real Exchange Rate Misalignment on Economic Growth; Kenyan Evidence.

Adam Smith’s Division of Labor Essay Example

Adam Smith’s Division of Labor Essay Smith was not the first to advance the theory that all wealth is derived from labor. A medieval church-man and a seventeenth-century philosopher had developed a labor theory of value. Smith, however, broke new ground in building a complete system of economic thought around the concept of productive labor. The opening lines of the Wealth of Nations illustrate the importance of his approach. He believes that the annual labor of every nation originally supplies it with all the necessaries and conveniences of life. 2 The earlier writers in analyzing the economic order had woefully underestimated the significance of the laboring man. They were too concerned with the activities of the manufacturer, the merchant, and the farmer to pay much attention to the simple artisan. In Smiths treatise the laboring poor occupy a position of primary importance.The labor expended upon the manufacture of a commodity establishes its value. The quantity and quality of the countrys total production is in lar ge measure determined by the ability and dexterity of the working population. All techniques and institutions which affect the skill of the laboring groups are therefore most important because they directly influence the wealth of a nation. (Fay, pp 75-81)Smiths emphasis upon the hitherto most neglected stratum of society was most radical, and it is not surprising that he ran into difficulties in developing his thesis. In the past, land had always been viewed as a productive force in the national economy; capital had likewise not been considered sterile. Smiths presentation of labors claim conflicted with the vested rights of land and capital. It soon became clear that some compromise would have to be established, because the intrenched position of the older claimants was very strong. Even as attorney for the plaintiff, Smith had great respect for the defendants. Their prestige rather overawed him. Although he at first contended that labor was the sole determinant of value, it was n ot long before he admitted that rent and profits might also influence value. This compromise contained many implicit contradictions, which Karl Marx almost a century later devoted some time to eradicate. He succeeded, but only to a limited extent, for though he strengthened the weak links in Smiths chain of reasoning, he added new ones which proved none too strong. (Brown, pp 123-131).Adam Smith, however, wrote a very interesting brief, despite its deficiencies in logic. The history of the world was in his opinion the history of the increasing efficiency of labor. The absence of specialization in antiquity accounts for the poverty of that period. The agriculturist could improve the yield of his crops only if he were able to make an intensive study of the land. He was, however, forced to spend a considerable part of his time in securing food, shelter, and clothing for himself and his family, and was therefore unable to devote his entire energies to the care of his plants. Some member s of the community showed great talents in the chase, while others proved to be expert house builders. After many centuries of development it became clear that the entire group would benefit if each member engaged in that activity for which he was best fitted. A hunter could kill within a very short time more deer than he could possibly use for his personal needs. A thatcher was able to put his own dwelling into condition by two weeks concentrated effort. A farmer, working on fertile land, could raise more than he could consume. The several specialists commenced to exchange their surplus commodities and labor power, and very soon the wealth of the community increased. An economic society could be most efficiently organized upon the basis of specialization and exchange.The first book of the Wealth of Nations is devoted almost entirely to an analysis of those forces which facilitated the division of labor among men. The treatment afforded the working population becomes highly signific ant in an approach which considers national progress to be largely determined by improvements in the specialization of labor. Merchants had maintained that English prosperity was due to their trading activities. The farming population had contended, although less frequently, that they formed the backbone of the national economy. Adam Smith, however, asserted that the welfare of all countries, at all periods in the worlds history, depended upon the status of labor and the development of the industrial arts. (Lloyd, pp 45-49)Adam Smith had not the least sympathy with the philosophers of this school. He deprecated the heavy taxation of necessities; future generations would suffer if the poor were unable to give their children a proper upbringing. If the laborers wages were lowered their offspring would probably suffer from malnutrition and exposure. Taxes which fall on a necessitous person are always cruel and oppressive; the worst taxes are those which bear more heavily on the poor th an on the rich. For instance the window levy was most unjust, for the poor could no longer afford to have either light or ventilation in their homes.The taxation of the poor cannot be supported even by mercantilistic arguments. A careful analysis proves that taxes upon labor or upon commodities used by labor are certain to be paid by their superiors. If the subsistence of wage earners were reduced their efficiency would be impaired and manufacturers would suffer. The latter, in order to protect themselves, would probably raise wages. In either case the middle and upper classes would be forced to bear the burden.The policy of England was to keep the laboring population servile and industrious. Merchants and manufacturers, fearful that they would have to foot the bill if the laborers improved their condition, attempted to stifle all social reform. No respectable member of English society would have advocated raising the standards of living of the laboring poor. Adam Smith, however, wa s Scottish and was therefore not oppressed by the taboos which prevailed south of the Midlands. He did not hesitate to emphasize the facts that rent and profits eat up wages, and that the two superior orders of people usually oppress the inferior one. Furthermore, he pointed out that unless circumstances force them, the wealthier classes never act generously or humanely in their dealings with their less fortunate brethren. Manufacturers loudly bemoan the high wages which they pay their workmen, but remain silent when profits are discussed. If the public complains about the dearness of commodities, the shrewd business men lose no time in placing the blame upon the high rewards of labor, forgetting to mention that their own rate of return might possibly influence prices. (Ross, pp 108-111).It was fantastic to fear high wages, for whatever improves the general welfare of the greater part of the community can never be considered an inconvenience to the whole. Poverty is a great social l iability. An able laboring population is possible only if workers receive ample remuneration for their efforts; hence to complain of the liberal rewards to labor is to lament the effect and the cause of the greatest public prosperity. As wealth increases, wages increase, and therefore population increases, all of which is for the good of the commonwealth.Thus to understand how the division of labor symbolizes a multiplication of the knowledge used in production, it is merely necessary to recognize that in a division-of-labor society, such as our own, there are as several distinct bodies of knowledge used in production as there are different specializations and subspecializations of employment. Steel producers, for instance, have a different body of knowledge from that of auto producers. Wheat farmers have a different body of knowledge from both of these and even from that of other farmers, for example vegetable growers or dairy farmers. The bodies of knowledge of all such specializa tions enter into the process of production in a division-of-labor society, and every individual is enabled to get products reflecting the total of such knowledge. Consequently, steel producers give the benefit of their knowledge to the whole rest of society; in return, they are capable to receive from the rest of society the benefit of the specialized knowledge held by all further categories of producers. Therefore it is with the members of every specialization. Â  (The Washington Times, pp 14-17)This is an outcome of huge importance, and its implication needs to be carefully measured. What a division-of-labor society symbolizes is the organization of thesame total sum of human brain power in a way that allows it to store and use greatly more knowledge than would otherwise be possible. To grab this point completely, we must consider the contrasting case of a non-division-of-labor society, for example exists in most of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In those areas, where the overw helming majority of people live as almost self-sufficient farmers, each family knows fundamentally what all the others know about production. To verify this fact, one might imagine an effort to compile all the knowledge entering into production in such places. One might imagine a corps of interviewers who get a grant from the U.S. government to go out and write down all that the rural farm families of these areas know regarding production. After interviewing the first such family in each area, very little further information would be gained from interviewing the hundreds of millions of other such families. What this means, essentially is that the sum total of the knowledge used in production in a non-division-of-labor society is restricted to what the brain of just one or two individuals can hold. Any one farmer, or farmer plus his wife, in those areas holds virtually all of the knowledge that is used in production in the entire society. Â  (Bourne, pp 209-215)To put it gently, suc h circumstances is a case of wasteful duplication. It is the wasteful duplication of the mental contents of the human brainthe wasteful use of mans capability to store and use knowledge. In this respect and in this sense, a division-of-labor society is indispensable to the proficient use of the human mind in production. To the degree that production is divided into separate specializations, with separate bodies of knowledge, the same total of human brain power is enabled to store and use more knowledge, to the benefit of each and every individual member of that society. This is the meaning of the proposition that the division of labor symbolizes the multiplication of the knowledge used in production. It multiplies such knowledge to the extent that specializations and specialized bodies of knowledge exist. Also it multiplies likewise the benefits that man is capable to derive from the use of his mind.The enlarged body of knowledge that a division-of labor society makes probable is th e precondition for producing products and adopting methods of production that need more knowledge than any one person, family, village, or tribe can own. (Chandra, 166-168).A division-of-labor society is obviously indispensable for the production of all the wonderful products introduced over the last two centuries, from steam engines to rocketships. By the same token, it is equally indispensable for the ability to use modern, efficient methods of production in making goods that can be produced in modest quantities with little or no division of laborfor example, being able to use tractors and chemical fertilizers to help produce wheat.Closely related to the multiplication of the knowledge used in production is the fact that the division of labor makes possible a radical and progressive increase in the benefit derived from the existence of geniuses. In the absence of a division-of-labor society, geniuses, along with everyone else, must pass their lives in producing their own food, clo thing, and shelterassuming they are fortunate enough to have survived in the first place. Perhaps their high intelligence enables them to produce these goods somewhat more efficiently than do other people. But their real potential is obviously lostboth to themselves and to the rest of society.In contrast, in a division-of-labor society geniuses are able to devote their time to science, invention, and the organization and direction of the productive activity of others. Instead of being lost in obscurity, they become the Newtons, the Edisons, and the Fords of the world, thereby incalculably raising the productivity of every member of the division-of-labor society.The effect of a division-of-labor society is thus not only to increase the total of the knowledge that the same amount of human brain power can store and use, but also to bring that knowledge up to a standard set by the most intelligent members of the society. The average and belowaverage member of a division-of-labor society is enabled to produce on the strength of the intelligence of the most intelligent. Thus, in a division-of-labor society, people even of minimal intelligence are enabled to produce and obtain such goods as automobiles and television sets-goods which on their own they would not even have been able to imagine.And in each succeeding generation, geniuses are able to begin with the knowledge acquired by all the preceding generations, and then make their own, fresh contributions to knowledge. In this way, the knowledge and productive power of a division-of-labor society are able progressively to increase, reaching greater and greater heights as time goes on.In a division-of-labor society, not only productive geniuses, but everyone is enabled to concentrate on the kind of work for which he is best suited by virtue of his intellectual and bodily endowment. This principle applies to artistic and musical geniuses, to individuals with the kind of rare talents required to perform surgical opera tions or to be a champion athlete, on down to people whose special advantage may consist merely of such attributes as the possession of relatively keen eyesight or relatively great physical strength.As with productive geniuses, those with the potential ability to be great artists or musicians, great surgeons or athletes, or outstanding creators or performers of any kind, would not be able to realize their potential in the absence of a division-of-labor society. Because even if they managed to be born and reach adulthood, their time would be taken up with growing their own food and making their own clothing and shelter. In a division-of labor society, on the other hand, such individuals can realize their potential. And all the rest of mankind gains from itfrom being able to enjoy the art and music they create, from being able to live because of the surgical operations they perform, and from being able to have the pleasure of observing the feats they accomplish. (Perelman, pp 77-82)In a division-of-labor society, every productive advantage that individuals possess is likely to be put to use and to increase the productivity of labor. In a society of millions, hundreds of millions, or however many people, every person tends to focus on the specific things for which he is rationally and physically best suited. And therefore the production of everything tends to be carried on in the most proficient way it can be carried on in the circumstances. The production of everything tends to be carried on by those who can do it relatively best.All of the preceding discussion of the division of labor can be summarized by saying that the division of labor increases the efficiency with which man is able to apply his mind, his body, and his nature-given environment to production. It expands his capacity to store and use knowledge, which knowledge it raises to a standard set by the most intelligent members of society. This standard in turn tends to rise higher and higher in each s ucceeding generation, as creative geniuses again and again enlarge the stock of technological knowledge. The division of labor also increases the degree to which knowledge of production is assimilated, the yield to the time spent in acquiring it, and the efficiency with which it is disseminated. It increases the efficiency with which man applies his body to production inasmuch as it enables everyone to concentrate on whatever he is relatively best suited for by virtue of his bodily endowment. It also eliminates unnecessary motion in production. (Dumville, Torano, pp 166-175)On the basis of all of the foregoing considerations, it should be obvious that from the perspective of the production of wealth and all that depends on the production of wealth, a division-of-labor society is the form of society that is appropriate to mans nature. While man always possesses the faculty of reason, a division-of labor society is necessary if he is to use his rationality efficiently in production. I t is necessary if he is to actualize the productive potential provided by his possession of reason.It should be equally obvious that the existence of a division-of-labor society is to the material self-interest of every individual. Whoever, in the words of von Mises, prefers wealth to poverty and life and health to sickness and death, is logically obliged to value the existence of a division-of-labor society and all that it depends on. For it is the essential foundation of all significant wealth and of the vital contribution made by wealth to mans life and health. Take away a division-of-labor society, and production shrivels to the level of medieval feudalism, with its consequently recurring famines and plagues and resulting average life expectancy of twenty-five years-years, it should never be forgotten, whose passage was marked with cold, hunger, exhaustion, and pain. Apart from the amelioration provided by Western aid in the form of food and medicines, such continues to be the m iserable condition of human life today in all that vast part of the world that is not integrated into the division of labor.Thus, the widely held notion that life in society requires the sacrifice of the individuals self-interest is totally mistaken in regard to a division-of-labor society. That notion applies only to societies characterized by force and plunder, not to a division-of-labor society. A division-of-labor society represents the mutual cooperation of individuals for the purpose of achieving their own individual ends. The radical and progressive increase in the productivity of labor it brings about makes it possible for everyone to achieve his ends incalculably better within its framework than outside of it. (Gereffi, Korzeniewicz, pp 30-48).

Definition of Idiographic and Nomothetic

Definition of Idiographic and Nomothetic Idiographic and nomothetic methods represent two different approaches to understanding social life. An idiographic method focuses on individual cases or events. Ethnographers, for example, observe the minute details of everyday life to construct an overall portrait of a specific group of people or community. A nomothetic method, on the other hand, seeks to produce general statements that account for larger social patterns, which form the context of single events, individual behaviors, and experience. Sociologists who practice nomothetic research are likely to work with large survey data sets or other forms of statistical data, and to conduct quantitative statistical analysis as their method of study. Key Takeaways: Idiographic and Nomothetic Research The nomothetic approach involves trying to make generalizations about the world and understand large-scale social patterns.The idiographic approach involves trying to uncover a great deal of detailed information about a narrower subject of study.Sociologists can combine both idiographic and nomothetic approaches in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of society. Historical Background Nineteenth century German philosopher Wilhelm Windelband, a neo-Kantian, introduced these terms and defined their distinctions.  Windelband used nomothetic to describe an approach to producing knowledge that seeks to make large-scale generalizations. This approach is common in the natural sciences, and is considered by many to be the true paradigm and goal of the scientific approach. With a nomothetic approach, one conducts careful and systemic observation and experimentation in order to derive results that can be applied more broadly outside the realm of study. We might think of them as scientific laws, or general truths that have come from social science research. In fact, we can see this approach present in the work of early German sociologist Max Weber, who wrote about the processes of creating ideal types and concepts meant to serve as general rules. On the other hand, an idiographic approach is one that is specifically focused on a particular case, place, or phenomenon. This approach is designed to derive meanings particular to the research target, and it is not necessarily designed for extrapolating generalizations. Application in Sociology Sociology is a discipline that bridges and combines these two approaches, which is akin to  the disciplines important micro/macro distinction. Sociologists study the relationships between people and society, both at the micro and macro level. People and their everyday interactions and experiences make up the micro. The macro consists of the larger patterns, trends, and social structures that make up society. In this sense, the idiographic approach often focuses on the micro, while the nomothetic approach is used to understand the macro. Methodologically speaking, this means that these two different approaches to conducting social science research also often fall along the qualitative/quantitative divide. One would typically use qualitative methods like ethnographic research, participant observation, interviews, and focus groups to conduct idiographic research. Quantitative methods such as large-scale surveys and statistical analysis of demographic or historical data would be used to conduct nomothetic research. However, many sociologists believe that the best research will combine both nomothetic and idiographic approaches, as well as both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Doing so is effective because it allows for a deep understanding of how large-scale social forces, trends, and problems influence the everyday lives of individual people. For example, if one wanted to develop a robust understanding of the many and varied effects of racism  on Black people, one would be wise to take a nomothetic approach to studying the prevalence of police killings and the health impacts of structural inequalities, among other things that can be quantified and measured in large number. But one would also be wise to conduct ethnography and interviews to understand the experiential realities and effects of living in a racist society, from the standpoint of those who experience it. Similarly, if one were conducting a sociological study of gender bias, one could combine both nomothetic and idiographic approaches. A nomothetic approach could include gathering statistics, such as the number of women in political office or data on the gender pay gap. However, researchers would be wise to also talk to women (for example, through interviews or focus groups) about their own experiences with sexism and discrimination. In other words, by combining statistics with information about the lived experiences of individuals, sociologists can develop a more comprehensive understanding of topics such as racism and sexism. Updated  by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Alcohol Anonomyous (St James Club) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Alcohol Anonomyous (St James Club) - Essay Example In these regards, confidentiality was observed. When the meeting opened the group leader and members had about four different sayings in the group session. There was a facilitator that guided the group from beginning to end. At the beginning the facilitator opened the floor for anyone to answer questions and to elucidate the general rules. Some of the rules were related to confidentiality and the others centered on how the group should respect each other. The group leader then opened the discussion to the other members and asked if anyone was having problems staying sober. One of the group members named Charles appeared to be the dominant group member but he also helped start the session. Each person had a supporter and Charles was having a problem with his supporter. The group dynamic was slightly off, as there were twenty men and only three women. Still, I believe in terms of numbers the size of the group was optimal for discussion. The group also had a strong diversity of age, wit h individuals there from age 18 to age 72. In all I can say this was a spiritually based meeting that was beneficial to the group members. Sitting in on this meeting I felt accepted and socially at ease; I appreciate the experience and have no difficulty understanding how this could help individuals in their troubles with alcohol.