The Impact of Total Quality Management on Employees Productivity Research Proposal

The Impact of Total Quality Management on Employees Productivity - Research Proposal Example This research paper will is based on the concept of total quality management but it will take a detour from the common studies that have been undertaken in regards to this concept, which have largely been centered on management issues. Moreover, studies conducted by Creech (1994) stated that total quality management (TQM) is aimed towards creating excellence and due to this fact; it focuses on promoting the right attitudes within organizations and even implementing control measures in order to avoid costly mistakes. The detour will lead to a research study that seeks to investigate the impact of TQM on the level of productivity amongst the employees. Productivity in this context will refer to the performance measure of both employee effectiveness and efficiency. It will be important to conduct this research study because in a majority of the widely available scholarly literature there is very little mention of how TQM directly affects the level of employee productivity. This research gap provides a justification for conducting this present research study, as it will seek to establish the relationship between the fundament concepts of excellence or TQM and their direct impact on the level of employees’ productivity. This means that a method of a measure will be established in order to gauge the extent to which the fundamental concepts of TQM influence the level of employee productivity. First, Evans and Lindsey (2008) defined total quality management as a combination of socio-technical processes that are aligned towards doing the right things (externally), everything right (internally), first time and all the time, with economic viability considered at each stage of each process. In the writings by Goetsch and Davis (2010), they argued that organizations, which have  implemented TQM have always been able to undertake strategic planning in order attain the mission as well as make significant strides towards their vision. Goetsch and Davis (2010) further argued that such organizations are always capable of achieving a balanced set of results, which enables them to attain long-term as well as short-term objectives.

The Effects of Poverty on Teaching and Learning Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Poverty on Teaching and Learning Essay Teachers need to understand how poverty can affect a student in the classroom. Some students who suffer from poverty may come from homes with very young, single or low educational level parents. Their parents may be unemployed, have substance abuse problems or generally may not be good role models. Students might live in dangerous neighbourhoods or suffer from homelessness. They might move areas often; their parents may have had bad experiences with schools themselves and see schools as threatening institutions and do not value education. Perhaps they come from households where the parents are family orientated and loving, their only problem being lack of money. Teachers need to understand the family background to understand how to best assist the student. Teachers must be aware of the problems and difficulties poorer students face and make allowances and adjustments to the curriculum to provide them with relevant learning without detracting from other students needs. Pellino (2007) writes of the lack of confidence many children of poor families have and how many see the curriculum as irrelevant to their lives. She suggests modifying the curriculum in interesting, simple ways that will have value to all students in the class. This may include doing work on the effect of poverty, getting involved in community projects such as soup kitchens or simply studying the question What is poverty? It is important that these activities be followed with both group discussion and individual reflection to help children think critically about their experiences (Chafel, 1997). A good education is often the only means of breaking the cycle of poverty for poor children therefore a teacher must provide a curriculum that is relevant and challenging to motivate students and increase their opportunity for higher education and greater opportunity in life. Many students from low socio-economic households feel they have no choice or control over their destiny. They may be depressed, have a fear of failure or low expectations of their academic ability. An important task for teachers is to help students develop conative attitudes (Pellino, 2007). These are a desire to improve their life and an understanding that it is indeed possible through the creation of goals, plans and perseverance. It may be beneficial  to develop conative attitude exercises designed to help students identify what is important to them personally. Incorporating personal reflection in the curriculum may be beneficial (Pellino, 2007). This could include encouragement to write journal entries imagining what they would do if time and money was no object (Waitley, 1996, cited by Huitt, 1999) and then reflecting back on a mission statement. Students from low income families often need help to develop self-efficacy and a desire to be proactive in their life (Baumeister, Bratslavsky, Muraven Tice, 1998; Emmons, 1986). These are traits that are often lacking in low achieving students, particularly those from poorer backgrounds (Huitt, 1999). It is important for teachers to develop lessons that result in success to show students that they are capable of altering outcomes and do not just accept what life throws at them (Pellino, 2007). I found Karen Pellinos paper to be extremely helpful. It is comprehensive and includes an extensive reference list that directs the reader to a vast array of articles for further study. Reference list Baumeister, R., Bratslavsky, E., Muraven, M., Tice, D. (1998). Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(5), 1252-1265. Retrieved from CSA Illumina 14 June 2008. Chafel, J. (1997) Childrens Views of Poverty: A Review of Research and Implications for Teaching, The Educational Forum, 61:4, 360 371. Accessed from Informaworld 15 June 2008 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131729709335282Emmons, R. (1986). Personal strivings: An approach to personality and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1058-1068. Retrieved from CSA Illumina 14 June 2008. Huitt, W. 1999. Conation as an important factor of mind. Website for Valdosta State University, GA. http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/regsys/conation.html. Accessed 14 June, 2008. Pellino, K. (2007). The Effects of Poverty on Teaching and Learning. Teachnology. Retrieved 14 June, 2008, from http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/teaching/poverty/print.htm.

Virgil’s Vision of the Underworld and Reincarnation in Book VI of the A

Virgil’s Vision of the Underworld and Reincarnation in Book VI of the Aeneid â€Å"Virgil paints his sad prophetic picture of the Underworld in shadowy halftones fraught with tears and pathos. His sources are eclectic, but his poetic vision is personal and unique† (Lenardon, 312). Despite countless writings regarding the region of the Underworld, such as Homer’s Odyssey and Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Virgil bases his book upon traditional elements accompanied with his own vision of the Underworld and reincarnation. In doing so, Virgil’s book VI of the Aeneid serves as an exploration of Virgil’s concept of the Underworld and religious beliefs, one in which the hybrid of the traditional and the personal, create a more poetic vision than standard retelling of past illustrations. Following his entrance into the Underworld, with his guide the Cumaean Sybil, Aeneas is thrust into the realm of Virgil’s Underworld, beginning first with primarily traditional elements. â€Å"Now from the Stygian water the boatman, seeing them in the silent wood and headed for the bank cried out to them (lines 516-518).† Upon reaching the River Styx, the traditional river shades must cross to enter the underworld; Charon the boatman serves as ferryman to transport the two across the river. Upon progressing further, the two come to a fork in the road leading to two separate traditional Underworld realms Tartarus and Elysium: â€Å"now of a sudden Aeneas looked and saw to the left, under a cliff, wide buildings girt by a triple wall round which a torrent rushed with scorching flames†¦they came to places of delight, to green park land, where souls take ease among the Blessed Groves (lines 548-678).† Tartarus, the realm of torment, was reserved for those to be eterna... ...rgil creates within these passages. Because of the parallels with Christianity within the Underworld passages, and the notion of Aeneas as an anti-hero with false dreams, Virgil’s work connects itself with future works, inspiring Dante and future authors. As illustrated, the Underworld images Virgil leaves the audience with greatly questions the overall integrity of the epic itself, while not completely alienating his audience through the combination of the new and traditional within the book. In the end, the afterlife is a matter of personal opinion, mixed with tradition, and a dash of doubt and ambiguity. Works Cited/Referenced Fitzgerald, Robert trans. The Aeneid. Vintage: New York. 1990. Lenardon, Robert J., Morford, Mark P.O. Classical Mythology. Fourth Edition. Longman: White Plains, NY. 1991. pp. 312-327. Press, Inc.: New York, NY. 1967.

Bio-cosmetics in the 20th Century: The Response to the Revolution

In this rapidly-changing environment, one has to keep phase with the developments in the patterns of consumer purchasing behavior, currently of varying degrees and categories, especially if one is in the field of marketing.The tastes and preferences of the consumers, which we also aptly call as the market demand, is what fuels marketing.   The capacity of a company or a firm to determine early-on the demand of the market of responsibility is of an advantage.   At the same time, meeting this specific demand will complete the formula to success; otherwise, the extensive marketing research will all be put to waste.Change is everything especially when the universe entered the stage of globalization, where markets across regions face issues of product customization or adaptations according to the needs of the target segments.   Exploring further unto this topic will be the main core of this paper which will particularly tackle the status and the progress made by the Bio-cosmetics in dustry in the 20th century, and how the market has reacted or is reacting to it.The subject of discussion will delve into the evolution of this trade or field of commerce and what has been the efforts conducted by the involved companies in strengthening their core competencies for survival and competitiveness.As previously mentioned, the behavior of the target market will be analyzed thoroughly in this paper by demonstrating the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the factors at play.   In so doing, it is aimed that the stability of the bio-cosmetics industry be determined and that the prospects for future possible ventures be identified.   This consumer behavior study will enable the marketers to garner feedback on this side of the cosmetics industry and leverage on the potential of the business, vis-à  -vis the key market segments with strong demand for the bio-cosmetics line of products and services.Theory and Practices of NegotiationDefinitionWhen you hear the word nego tiation, what comes first to mind?   Negotiation is almost always an everyday transaction being dealt with by each and every one of us.   Indeed, how often do you negotiate – often, seldom, or never?Everything in life is negotiated, under all conditions, at all times: from asking your parents to bring you to the shopping malls to take out the morning garbage to driving in the express lane in rush-hour traffic, from determining what time to schedule an appointment with a client to deciding which tv show to watch with your family—to some extent, every facet of life is linked with one’s using of negotiation.Negotiation occurs â€Å"whenever people exchange ideas with the intention of changing relationships or whenever they confer for agreement.†Ã‚   Another definition expanding slightly the above meaning of negotiation is to note that â€Å"negotiation is conducted neither to widen nor to breach the relationship, but to form a new or different configura tion.†Ã‚  Ã‚   In short, most of us are constantly involved in negotiations to one degree or another for a good part of any given day. Negotiation should be considered as a positive way of structuring the communication process.It is usually more than helpful in one’s work environment and in closing deals with new clients or prospects.   Win-win negotiation skills are assets to a company especially if you will be in-charge of marketing new and pioneer products to the market.Effective negotiation helps you to resolve situations where what you want conflicts with what someone else wants. The aim of win-win negotiation is to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties, and leaves both parties feeling that they've won, in some way, after the event.Preparing for a successful negotiation†¦Depending on the scale of the disagreement, some preparation may be appropriate for conducting a successful negotiation.   For small disagreements, excessive preparation can b e counter-productive because it takes time that is better used elsewhere. It can also be seen as manipulative because, just as it strengthens your position, it can weaken the other person’s.However, if you need to resolve a major disagreement, and then make sure you prepare thoroughly. Using our free worksheet, think through the following points before you start negotiating:Goals: what do you want to get out of the negotiation? What do you think the other person wants?Trades: What do you and the other person have that you can trade? What do you each have that the other wants? What are you each comfortable giving away?Alternatives: if you don’t reach agreement with the other person, what alternatives do you have? Are these good or bad? How much does it matter if you do not reach agreement? Does failure to reach an agreement cut you out of future opportunities? And what alternatives might the other person have?Relationships: what is the history of the relationship? Could or should this history impact the negotiation? Will there be any hidden issues that may influence the negotiation? How will you handle these?Expected outcomes: what outcome will people be expecting from this negotiation? What has the outcome been in the past, and what precedents have been set?The consequences: what are the consequences for you of winning or losing this negotiation? What are the consequences for the other person?Power: who has what power in the relationship? Who controls resources? Who stands to lose the most if agreement isn’t reached? What power does the other person have to deliver what you hope for?Possible solutions: based on all of the considerations, what possible compromises might there be?Negotiating successfully†¦The negotiation itself is a careful exploration of your position and the other person’s position, with the goal of finding a mutually acceptable compromise that gives you both as much of what you want as possible. People's posit ions are rarely as fundamentally opposed as they may initially appear – the other person may have very different goals from the ones you expect!In an ideal situation, you will find that the other person wants what you are prepared to trade, and that you are prepared to give what the other person wants. If this is not the case and one person must give way, then it is fair for this person to try to negotiate some form of compensation for doing so – the scale of this compensation will often depend on the many of the factors we discussed above. Ultimately, both sides should feel comfortable with the final solution if the agreement is to be considered win-win. Only consider win-lose negotiation if you don't need to have an ongoing relationship with the other party as, having lost, they are unlikely to want to work with you again. Equally, you should expect that if they need to fulfill some part of a deal in which you have â€Å"won,† they may be uncooperative and legalistic about the way they do this.Facets of NegotiationNegotiation is a peaceable procedure for reconciling, and/or compromising known differences. It is the antithesis of force and violence. A negotiation will be fruitful or completely meaningless, depending upon the existence of two essential elements. There are other less important elements, but two are absolutely essential – Good faith and flexibility.   Both must be present on both sides of the table—one without the other on either side is a fatal defect.Good faith and flexibility cover many facets. By good faith is meant an honest desire to reach agreement on the differences which exist through com promise and a realization that the agreement thus reached should be fair and reasonable for both sides, if the agreement is to endure.   A negotiation must not be viewed as an adversary proceeding, such as a case in court, where one party wins and the other loses. The existence or non-existence of good faith is sometimes difficult to determine with assurance, but there will come a time when a good negotiator will be able to tell if this essential element is missing.   The second essential element of flexibility is the heart of a negotiation. In every negotiation it must be assumed—unless you are dealing with juveniles—that your opposite numbers will always table maximum positions first. Equally important, it must be assumed—unless you are dealing with fools—that your opposite numbers have not disclosed their minimum positions in any manner. The challenge to the able negotiator, therefore, is to start with the tabled maximum positions and by skillfully using all of the tools in his kit, reach the essence or basic minimum positions upon which an agreement can and should be concluded.If a negotiator is unable to obtain any concessions whatsoever from the tabled positions, then either the element of flexibility is missing or the negotiator is inept, in which event you find yourself with no negotiation at all. As in the case of good faith, it may be difficult and time consuming to convince yourself that what you are facing is a set of non-negotiable demands, but here again a good negotiator will see the handwriting on the wall and eventually realize just the situation he is in.   The crucial and delicate decision to be made by the negotiator is—are his opponents still negotiating for advantage or is their position truly flexible, as it appears to be?Thus, it is somewhat naà ¯ve to take the position that you will not negotiate on known differences until the other side has given assurances, satisfactory to you, and prior to the negotiations, that the negotiable positions are such that an agreement can be reached. If the negotiator eventually concludes that these essential elements do not exist, he must proceed to make the record clear for all to see and suspend the so-called negotiations, in a manner which unmistakably places the onus on the non-negotiating party.Processes of NegotiationIn simplest terms, negotiation is a discussion between two or more disputants who are trying to work out a solution to their problem.   Negotiations typically take place because the parties wish to create something new that neither could do on his or her own, or to resolve a problem or dispute between them.   The parties acknowledge that there is some conflict of interest between them and think they can use some form of influence to get a better deal, rather than simply taking what the other side will voluntarily give them.

Responsible Parenthood Essay

As i was riding a jeepney from an appointment towards home I was surprised when three street children went inside the jeepney and announced â€Å"Ayaw mo og kahadlok mga ate og kuya, dili mi mangawat ani-a kami para manganta†¦one two three go maestro†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and as they performed a series of rap songs many passengers were in awe and were happy that they gave alms to the three street children. And as the jeepney reached to Guadalupe they left the jeepney with full of smiles saying thanks to the people. Yes, it was really fun to hear their giggles. It also made me think that indeed those children’s way of gaining money is better than stealing money or things. However, how long will those children do the same routine? How many more street children will be doing the same trend? Before 2012 gave her crown to 2013, she has made another record in History, and this is the implementation of â€Å"Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354)† informally known as Reproductive Health Law. This law not only gives voice and empowerment to women but also gives responsibilities to men and the rights of the children to be happy (granting them future). The R.H. law gives emphasis to women’s health through the use of family planning through the use of either the â€Å"Calendar method† or through the use of pills and condoms (the artificial method). It is a great help for couples in forming their family and their family’s future. It gives the couples some â€Å"adjustment-time† to how many kids they would like to have and how many kids they can support. It also teaches both the kids and the men on how to be responsible citizens. Such help would be possible through the integration of the subject to the different fields of studies in the school and orienting them to learn Sex Education itself and Proper Parenting. RH Law strictly discourages the act of abortion, but if one has committed the act already, the government will help that woman if there are complications making them realize their wrong decisions. Poor families will also be given help upon their delivery by the government. All in all for me RH law entails general welfare for the people. It does not stop or disobey any of God’s commandments regarding Creation. It only lets the other people realize how â€Å"love-making† and having a baby is sacred.† Through delaying its process it gives the the children the future that they both want and need and not the life like those street kids are experiencing  or worse†¦ Indeed we have given by God a new and the best gift we can hope for†¦