Marketing Plan For Whole Foods - 1390 Words

In a period of time when green is on everyone’s mind, it seems fitting that Whole Foods Markets are popping up with their distinctive green signs in neighborhoods across the country. Beginning with their first expansion in 1984, Whole Foods has consistently grown domestically. In 2007 Whole Foods began opening stores in the United Kingdom. While continually opening new stores, the company fueled its expansion by acquiring other food chains. For instance, it acquired one of its largest competitors, Wild Oats, in 2007. Whole Foods has consistently ranked as one of the World’s Most Ethical companies for its emphasis on organic food, healthy living, customer satisfaction, quality, and sustainability. The firm has also been elected as one of the top companies to work for. Although customers are considered to be the company’s highest valued stakeholder, Whole Foods has adopted a stakeholder orientation that focuses on the needs of its stakeholders, including its employ ees and the community (Peng, 2013). Whole Foods has spearheaded efforts in the grocery industry to source its food products responsibly and search for innovative solutions to improve its environmental footprint. The company emphasizes healthy living and seeks to contribute to the communities in which it does business. However, despite Whole Foods’ significant accomplishments in business ethics, it has not been free from criticism. In its pursuit of growth, it has been accused of placing local stores out of businessShow MoreRelatedMarketing Plan For Whole Foods1441 Words   |  6 PagesWhole Foods Name: Course: Tutor: Date: â€Æ' Whole Foods Introduction In United States, study shows that Whole Foods Market (WFM), Inc is one of the largest natural foods supermarkets chains that offer citizens various services. The firm enjoys strong brand name recognition in the natural foods niche market that is growing significantly. The company uses SIC Code 5411 in the grocery stores. According to Whole Foods Company, natural foods are those foods that are processed at a tiny extent or foods thatRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods1429 Words   |  6 Pages Grocery shopping has become more diversified than ever before. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s have become household names in the consumer arena. Markets such as Roots, and Common Market are also in the game even though they operate on a smaller scale. Despite comparable size in terms of locations, each store’s growth has operated using a very different model. As Whole Foods has increased the number of retail centers that it operates, it has suffered accompanying growing pains in the distributionRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Essay1319 Words   |  6 Pagesnatural foods. Based on a simple but effective business model, Whole Foods has grown to a position of market leadership that is now being challenged by low-cost organic sellers. According to Feldman (as cited in Giammona, 2015) â€Å"Whole Foods continues to face challenges from competitors going after organic and natural foods more aggressively†(para. 4). The company s differentiation edge against lower-cost competitors is fading as competitors have been successfully emulating the Whole Foods experienceRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods1817 Words   |  8 PagesWhole Foods, founded in 1980 by John Mackey, strives to provide the highest-quality natural and organic foods with a goal of creating healthier people living healthier lives. In order to achieve their goa ls they have implemented several important elements as part of their overall strategy for long-term growth. Some of those elements include: †¢ Growth and Store Location Strategy – Prior to 2007, part of Whole Foods strategy was to open new stores and to acquire small owner-managed chains. They focusedRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Essay2260 Words   |  10 PagesPerformance Whole Foods Market is the leading natural and organic foods supermarket. They are the first national â€Å"certified organic† grocery store. 2015 might have been the worst year in the history of Whole Foods Market. Comparable sales had declined for the first time since the recession. There was a humiliating scandal involving mislabeled weights and prices, and the attacks from rivals Kroger Inc., Costco Wholesale and Trader Joe’s only seemed to increase. This resulted in Whole Foods’ sharedRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Market1587 Words   |  7 PagesCompany/Product Background For this Global Marketing Foreign Market Entry and Marketing Plan, we will be expanding the Whole Foods Market into Italy. Whole Foods Market is considered to be a higher end, more organic store with higher priced products than other markets in the United States. The motto of the brand is â€Å"America’s Healthiest Grocery Store† (Whole Foods Market History, 2016). They are concerned with what their customers are eating and overall health, so they offer so many products thatRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Market1554 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction / History / Company Background Whole Foods Market first opened on September 20, 1980 in Austin, Texas, which is the company headquarters. The founders were John Mackey, Renee Lawson, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. These four business people decided that the natural food industry was ready for a supermarket format. The current CEO’s are John Mackey and Walter Robb IV (Whole Foods Market History, 2015). Whole Foods Market stock ticker symbol is WFM and their NACIS code is 445110 (WFM MorningstarRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Market1401 Words   |  6 Pages1.0 Overview of the company: Whole Foods Market is a chain of organic, natural supermarkets found in USA, Canada and the UK. Initially founded in Austin, Texas in 1980, at a time when there were less than half a dozen natural supermarkets, the company saw rapid growth domestically through expanding across Texas and then into the West Coast of America. This was achieved through growth from the ground up and acquiring smaller natural food companies. Whole Foods Market in the present day is the resultRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Market Essay731 Words   |  3 PagesTarget Customers: Whole foods Market targets people who are more interested in consuming high quality organic foods and living a healthy lifestyle. They want natural and organic foods and are willing to pay higher prices for that. They live in urban areas and are comparatively wealthy. Whole foods Market provides a lot of options for them and a memorable consumer experience when they shop for food. It makes sure to attract these people. In addition to this, to target average consumers it has introducedRead MoreMarketing Plan For Whole Foods Market1040 Words   |  5 Pagesorganizations run more efficiently and effectively (Gray, n.d.). Whole Foods Market (WF) is the largest natural-foods grocer in the United States. In addition, they have stores in Canada and the United Kingdom (Cuenllas, 2013). They have annual sales over $14 billion and net profits over $500 million in 2014 (Amigobulls, 2015). The company got its start in 1978 by John Mackey and Rene Lawson Hardy when opening the doors to a natural foods store called SaferWay, in Austin, Texas. Two years later, they

The Career of a Police Officer Essay - 739 Words

The Career of a Police Officer With many people going to school to become police officers it is important to know exactly what the job is about and the effects it has on a person. Many people think it is just sitting in your car and giving speeding tickets. In fact there are many life threatening things that occur while a person is on the job many of which can cause a severe amount of stress. Stress on the job can cause a person to become severely depressed and cause ones home life to fall to pieces. It is important for anyone interested to find out all the details of law enforcement before jumping into it and getting a career. This study is dealing with police stress will be a good source for anyone looking to get into the law†¦show more content†¦Also in this paper we will see what departments are doing to deal with this very common problem that effects many police officers today. According to Police Stress, Time on the Job, and Strain. Stress was defined as the feeling of being faced with demands that could not be met. Strain was defined as the negative mental, behavioral, and physical outcomes of stress. This paper will discuss a few of the stressors that police officers deal with every day. In this article police officers were paid to fill out a questionnaire and to have their blood pressure taken to see if long-term employment as a police officer reduced stress. The article concluded that it did. The only catch of this was that as time went on, and the officer was employed for a long period of time the duties changed. From being out on patrol and dealing with the community on a day to day basis to only dealing with the community once or twice a week. Every year, hundreds of officers experience intense, traumatic events that can have serious long term consequences for them, their families, and their departments. It is incumbent upon police administrators to ensure that their officers and their departments have the tools at hand to cope with such critical incidents.(Arthur W. Kureczka). This shows that not only does stress effect a singleShow MoreRelatedThe Career Of A Police Officer1919 Words   |  8 PagesThe police must obey the law while enforcing the law.† Which means that the police have a strict policy they need to follow to not get in trouble themselves. The career of a police officer is dangerously attractive, because of the adrenaline rush you get when you are faced with danger. Also the unknown challenges you can face that change from day to day. The research will describe the career of a police officer, what is required to become a successful police officer and the impact that police officersRead MoreThe Caree r Of A Police Officer1938 Words   |  8 PagesThe police must obey the law while enforcing the law. Which means that the police have a strict policy they need to follow to not get in trouble themselves. The career of a police officer is dangerously attractive, because of the adrenaline rush you get when you are faced with danger. Also the unknown challenges you can face that change from day to day. The research will describe the career of a police officer, what is required to become a successful police officer and the impact that police officersRead MoreEssay A Career as a Police Officer1106 Words   |  5 Pages It would be fulfilling to be a police officer because police officers help people in the community and keep it safe. They also enforce the law. They are the reason why people can live their lives in peace. If there is anyone in the community that citizens can trust it would be the police officers. Police officers have to accomplish many things in their workday. (Career Cruising.com) They have to write detailed reports and fill out forms.(Career Cruising.com) They are responsible for makingRead MoreMy Career Of Police Officer1062 Words   |  5 Pagesbecome a police officer. It is not easy to be being police officer because it may result in dangerous situation in police career. But, I don’t care about these things because if people want to become what they want to become in their career, they don’t have to give up in that career. There are no always good chances come in your way. I have mostly inspired by other police because in my family and relatives, nobody became an interest in police. When I walk through the road, I see police helping peopleRead MoreThe Career Profession Of A Police Officer Essay1515 Words   |  7 PagesThe career profession that I want to become is a Police Officer. Police Officers protect life and property, keep the peace, prevent crim e and maintain the public in order through the application of the law. I first knew that I wanted to become a Police Officer when I was 13 years old. My 8th grade teacher told us to research the career we wanted to do when we grow up and I didn’t know what I wanted to be. So I started by search online but nothing interested me then my aunt told me to interview herRead MoreThe Best Career Choice For A Police Officer1141 Words   |  5 Pagesof my police officers is in trouble. The career I have chosen is police officer. A police officer is someone who enforces laws to protect others. This career interests me because I like a good challenge and I like to help people. Whether it’s unlocking someone’s car for them or protecting people and their property, this sounds like the job for me. After looking at the education and the training needed, important qualities needed and the salary and job outlook, I decided this is the best career choiceRead MoreCareer Research P aper : Police Officers763 Words   |  4 PagesMr. Decker Government 7 October 2015 Period 4 Career Research Paper Police officers are responsible for protecting people and property. Related job titles include Sheriffs and sheriffs deputy, detectives, and state police officers. However all of these job titles have similar duties for example they are all responsible for the protection of people and property. These job titles might be very similar but they do differ in many ways. Police officers patrol the city issuing citations keeping theRead MoreChoosing A Career Path Of Becoming A Police Officer939 Words   |  4 PagesChoosing a career path in law enforcement can be exciting yet challenging. It takes incredible focus and intestinal fortitude for any man or woman to wake up daily knowing that their life is on the line the moment that they step out of their home. Police officers deal with drunk drivers, speed demons, and many unforeseen wildcard situations when they come across ordinary citizens that are just having a bad day. Many of these officers handle said situations with tremendous gumption. But there areRead MoreThe Career I Chose A Canine Police Officer2303 Words   |  10 Pages The career I chose was a Canine Police Officer. I chose to be a Canine Police Officer because I could help the community be a better and safer place. After some Canine Police Officers conducted a demonstration at a camp that I attended, I thought it would be a great job to have. They showed us some of the commands. The Canine Police Officers also showed how the dog would attack and hold onto the suspect. The Canine Police Officers also said that some of the commands are in a different languageRead MoreMy New Career Choice Becoming A Police Officer1242 Words   |  5 Pagesquickly realized how invasive and cruel politics can be to people, not just candidates but to voters. For this reason, my focus shifted to becoming a police officer. However, after finding out that I have fibromyalgia a couple years before that, I realized it was going to be extremely difficult for me to be at 100% as a police officer. My new career choice became business analytics. My goal is to get a degree in business analytics so that I can get help businesses like Microsoft impact lives of millions

Aurora Biosciences Corporation Free Essays

This is one of those picket and shovel companies in the Biotechnology sector. ABSC designs and develops drug discovery technologies and services. Aurora Biosciences is developing a system using fluorescent assay technologies and ultra-high-throughput screening systems (UHTSS) to allow researchers to overcome many limitations of traditional drug discovery processes. We will write a custom essay sample on Aurora Biosciences Corporation or any similar topic only for you Order Now Aurora’s functional genomics technology can successfully analyze over half a billion discrete cells derived from 20 million independent GenomeScreen(TM) clones in one day. It’s GenomeScreen(TM) technology acts as a search engine to rapidly scan the genome of living, human cells to find genes associated with specified diseases or physiological processes. ABSC has technology capable of searching through expansive libraries of compounds to identify those that might lead to new medicines. This enables Aurora to rapidly identify commercially relevant genes, and to directly develop screens for drug discovery, faster and more efficiently than existing methods. To date, Aurora has filed for patent protection on over 100 previously unknown gene sequences, including their use for compound screening, human diagnostics and drug discovery. ge ·nome – set of chromosomes: the full complement of genetic information that an individual organism inherits from its parents, especially the set of chromosomes and the genes they carry. A genome is the complete collection of an organism’s genetic material. The human genome is made of about 50,000 to 100,000 genes located on the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a human cell. A single human chromosome may contain more than 250 million DNA base pairs, and it is estimated that the entire human genome consists of about 3 billion base pairs. Genetic information is found in each cell of the body, encoded in the chemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The ultimate goal of genomic mapping and sequencing is to associate specific human traits and inherited diseases with genes at locations on the chromosomes. The successful completion of the genome project will provide a better understanding of the organization of human genes and chromosomes. It promises to revolutionize both therapeutic and preventive medicine by providing insights into the basic biochemical processes that cause many Human diseases. Celera (CRA) will soon reveal the sequence of the genome. When completed it will steer to a new great scientific challenge. The big commercial challenge after the completion of the genome will be to understand the function of the genes identified. (This market will be colossal) Aurora stands at the crossroads of this challenge by conducting the gene discovery while at the same time assigning function information to the genes. With their GenomeScreen technology, they’re in the business of discovering what genes actually do. So a challenge to sequence-based patents would likely heat up demand for Aurora’s technology. (Ok, it gets complicated here so just bare with me) Currently, about 20% of discovery programs are based on genomics. In fact, it has been predicted that virtually all new discovery programs will be genomics based in a few years. A major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry is to determine which of these â€Å"targets† is significant from the drug discovery perspective (meaning $$$). To do this, companies must assign functions to the targets (what it does). Once the target has been identified, you still have to build a screen to find drugs that affect the target, a process which takes up to a year. Aurora’s Genomics and Molecular Biology division has developed a technology to overcome these challenges. The value that Aurora brings to this process is added at all stages, from gene identification to target validation to screening compounds to the compounds themselves. In other words, it does important (cool) stuff that makes the company the good old American dollar bill. Revenue in 1999 was 90% higher than in 1998. Aurora has grown from $2 million in revenue in 1996 to $50 million in revenue in 1999, compared to revenue of $26.5 million and a net loss of $18.7 million, or $1.14 per share, for the year ended December 31, 1998. This year ABSC is expected to make $.19 and $.34 in 2001. Last year ABSC made $.01 per share, its EPS growth is expected to be 1750% this year and 82.43% in 2001. From three months ago its earnings have been raised 11.7% for 2000 and 21.4% for 2001. In the past four quarters is has beat expectations by between 18.75% and 54.55%. It is estimated that it†s growth for the next five years will be around 50%. ABSC has a proprietary enabling technology, agreements with almost every major pharma co., forecast profitability, high growth, strong management team, track record of exceeding earnings forecast, growth industry, small float leading to great price elasticity, and one positive press release after another and most importantly an explosive market. The future of this company is very bright. This sector is very volatile, this is a long term hold. The price hit a high of $140 a few months and has now dropped to $31 7/8. The reason for the drop was due to President Clinton†s comments concerning the Human Genome. Those comments do not affect ABSC, but because the shareholders did not know what Aurora Biosciences does they sold when Clinton said something negative about genomics. He said that when the Human Genome was decoded it would have to be shared. ABSC benefits from genome, it does not sell it. Current customers include American Home Products, Becton Dickinson, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cytovia, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Exelixis Pharmaceuticals, F. Hoffmann- LaRoche Ltd., Genentech, Inc., Glaxo Wellcome, Merck Co., Inc., National Cancer Institute, Pfizer, Inc., Pharmacia Upjohn, Inc. and Warner-Lambert Disclaimer: (its really good and it took me a lot of time to phrase it just right, so please read it) I know that the future growth might sound too good to be true and it might actually. And remember these are only ESTIMATES and no matter how conservative I make them sound the company might not fulfill them. This is not an investment advisory service, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The information herein should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities. The information is taken from sources thought to be accurate but there is no guarantee. All due diligence should be done by the reader or their financial advisor. How to cite Aurora Biosciences Corporation, Essay examples

Southwest Airlines Case Study Essay Sample free essay sample

Millions of people fly everyday. Southwest air hoses provide low-fare travel among 58 metropoliss in the United States. Although the air hose industry suffered greatly in the wake of September 11. Southwest was able to go on to keep strong. Southwest air hose continues to keep steady gross revenues as much of the industry was affected by alterations in laws/regulations and competition come ining the market. In the undermentioned study there is a brief debut to Southwest Airlines and their scheme and so what. if anything. they need to make or non make to stay at the top and competitory in the air hose industry. The Problem The major job of the company is whether they can go on turning and at the same clip maintain offering the same services to their clients. To go on turning. Southwest Airlines needs to analyse the external environment in order to guarantee their success. The Analysiss Six elements of external environment The OptionsThe solutions that will be presented for Southwest air hoses have to assail two chief issues: 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Southwest Airlines Case Study Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page How will they be able to maintain their â€Å"Southwest air hoses LUV† 2. How to maintain their enlargement and non impact the image of the air hose. Southwest Airlines has a list of infinite options. many will impede their image from the interior out ( employees to costumiers ) while supplying a set of services that will maintain their clients happy for a piece. others will do the one time homelike air hose seem like a cold and large baron and doing their image of LUV to fall. so in order to avoid this and assist the company maintain both ends these are the solutions that will be presented for their quandary. 1. â€Å"Freemium† : What’s free: Web package and services. some content. Free to whom: users of the basic version. † ( Chris Anderson. Why $ 0. 00 Is the Future of Business. 02. 25. 08 ) Finding things and thoughts that will hold no existent cost to the company for the service while being able to bear down an â€Å"extra† for the trade good of the clients will increase the net incomes of the company. 2. Cut costs: Disembark from the tarmac and allow the costumiers walk to the gateway. The company has to believe and be originative in the ways they can maintain a inexpensive rate for their flights while doing inventions to their planes. paying their employees and maintaining costumiers happy with their services. 3. Offset losingss with higher menus: Charge supernumerary for a extremely demanded twenty-four hours or for buying the ticket the same twenty-four hours. 4. In flight foreigners advertisement: Offer a infinite of advertisement inside of the aircraft to other companies. The Recommendations After taking into consideration both the analysis and the options that were presented. it has been decided that the best way the company could take would be to unify both the first and 4th recommendations. The Freemium thought and Advertising inside of the aircraft are things that can be completed in small sum of clip and devising net income out of both things. This will guarantee that the LUV that Southwest Airlines shows towards their employees and clients keeps being the first precedence inside of the endeavor while non holding to compromise their growing by presenting new ways to do gross out of things that won’t do them put more money that they could stop fring. These two recommendations will be assailing and deciding the chief issues of the job: foremost a manner to maintain their â€Å"LUV† flowing and the 2nd one a manner to guarantee that the growing that has taken topographic point will non drop the company but alternatively assist them be bigger and better. DecisionsThe recommendations were the 1s chosen because they are the 1s that have the less grade of failure. and if failure was to be met the impact in the company would be about or really near to nothing. Southwest is a great instance survey of how to acquire employee bargain in. to a growing developing concern. The key to the success of the southwest theoretical account has been plus use and low variable costs. married with strong company civilization to alining values. systems. constructions and scheme. By making this Southwest has been able to prolong competitory advantage by unleashing the potency in their work force. Mentions Dess. G. . Lumpkin. T. . Eisner. A. . McNamara. G. ( 2011 ) . Strategic Management: Text and Cases / Edition 6. Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc. Theot. T. ( 2010 ) . Southwest Airlines. Retrieved from: hypertext transfer protocol: //es. scribd. com/doc/35327373/Southwest-Airlines-Case-Study Bhutada. S. Ranadive. S. ( n. d. ) . Southwest Airlines. Just Plane Smart. Retrieved from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www. slideshare. net/sarangbhutada/southwest-airlines-case-study

Where I lived what I lived forThoreau Essay Example For Students

Where I lived what I lived forThoreau Essay In Where I Lived What I Lived For, Thoreaus response towards nature is of admiration and value. His respect for nature is almost religious. This is depicted in the way he describes his love and adoration for nature. Thoreau is surrounded by nature and feels relaxed and relieved when he comes across it. He seems to encounter a very peaceful and quiet world in Nature. becomes a lower heaven itself so much the more important(Thoreau 63). He expresses nature in a heaven-like way, which shows his love and respect for it. He situates his house in the forest so he could be the one caged and have birds around him, instead of having a bird caged in his house. This makes him feel closer to nature, which he enjoys because he feels more relaxed when he encounters it. Thoreau depicts his thoughts on Nature in a religious sense. His values and respect for nature is portrayed in an unusual way that reflects his personality. An adobe without birds is like a meal without seasoning(63). He portrays Nature as a seasoning, because he feels that nature makes life more exciting and without it, life would be boring, just like an unseasoned meal is boring. The reason he values Nature and the experience he has in the wo ods is because he feels more in control and happier when he is there. He feels that Nature is wonderful and that without it life would not be worth living. .near green hills..and higher ones in the horizon(64-5). Thoreau emphasizes the idea of the continuing mountains that go back until he is unable to see anymore. Damodara describes it as a vast horizon that is very enjoyable. Thoreau uses his imagination to see the rest of the wide mountain ranges that he is unable to see. There was pasture enough for my imagination(64-5). He is not only referring to his imagination, but how he can wander off in his own field of nature. He enjoys and values that. We will write a custom essay on Where I lived what I lived forThoreau specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Thoreau demonstrates his respect for nature throughout these passages. By referring to lakes, mountains, birds, and the forest, he shows his desire for being in a world of Nature. Religiously, he compares Nature to heaven, which shows how much he respects it. Bibliography:

RENT THE BROADWAY PLAY essays

RENT THE BROADWAY PLAY essays I recently went to see RENT done by On Tour LLC Inc on the 9th of Feb. in Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. This was at least the 3rd time that I have seen RENT as it is on of my favorite musicals and I try and make a point to see it each time it comes to Pittsburgh. The composition of the group was that it was an orchestra. The audience was not in the most formal attire but they were not in jeans and t-shits. I myself wore a pair a kaki dress pants and a collared polo shit, which most of the men at the show also were wearing. The women either had dress slacks on or a dress on. As for the audience response it was typical for a Broadway musical, after a song was sung the audience would clap until the next part of the musical went on. At the end of the performance when the cast took the bow the audience showed what I expected in that they gave the cast, the orchestra and also the conductor a standing ovation. The music played was that of rock and alternative type music, the type you would have heard in the time the musical is set which is in the 90s. I really enjoyed the show but because I grew up in a household that enjoys going to see musicals so I have seen many Broadway musicals and plays. Of course I would go to another type of music even like this just because I grew up with this type of musical event. In conclusion I found that I have only seen one other musical done so well and that was Starlight Express in Las Vegas when the show literally came out into the audience. After the show my mother and I were discussing if CALU would ever have a production of RENT at the college but we both agreed that we felt that the community would not allow the college to do it considering the controversial subject material. Although I would hope that the college would allow something with as my controversial matter involved to produced for nothing else but to make the students and community aware of these things. ...

Buddhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Buddhism - Essay Example People were attracted by his teachings and hence there developed a community of monks and nuns. All those who believed in him and in his teachings began to be called as the Buddhists. This paper tends to explore the major principles and teachings of Buddhism and its influence on other religions. Teachings of Buddhism One of the major aims of Buddhism was to give people insights on the true nature of reality regarding death and sufferings. For the spiritual development as foreseen by Buddha, a complete change, both mental and physical, was essential. Since life involves a process of constant changes, man has to change for a better state than the present. It is one’s mind that plays the crucial role in changing oneself. So, Buddhism developed many a number of methods for working on the mind. The major tool used by Buddhists to change people in order to develop the qualities such as awareness, kindness and wisdom was meditation (â€Å"What does Buddhism teach..†). Meditati on is the concentration of thoughts on single subject and completely being aware of oneself. The practice of meditation brought them a more positive state of mind backed by calmness, concentration, awareness, and emotions like friendliness. According to the doctrine, the Buddhist teachings and paths would finally bring enlightenment where one can witness the nature of reality clearly and live naturally in accordance with that vision. With the awareness attained from meditation, they could get a fuller understanding of themselves, their fellow beings, and in due course the life itself. During his public life, Buddha propagated the answers he found out for his questions. Enlightenment gave him answers for all the unanswered questions that bothered him during the term of his family life. The first idea that he spread was that ‘nothing is lost in the universe’. Whatever that loses its current state turns into another form. The dead man turns into soil and so he is never bei ng lost from this world. The second truth was ‘everything changes’. There is nothing in this world that can with stand change. The third universal truth of Buddha was the ‘law of cause and effect’ (Following the Buddha’s Footsteps..†). This law of cause and effect in other words is known as ‘Karma’. According to this principle, we eat the fruits of our own deeds. Nothing happens to us unless and until we deserve it. We receive exactly the result of what we do irrespective of the goodness or badness in it. The state of our present being is attributed to our accomplishments in the past. The relationship between our thoughts and actions decide the kind of life that we are to live. We can change our Karma by paying attention to what we do, what we think, and what we say. Once we clearly understand our actions and thoughts we no longer need to fear Karma; instead, Karma will be our best friend who will lead us to create a better future (Following the Buddha’s Footsteps..†). Another major teaching of Buddha was on dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word having a number of meanings. In Buddhism dharma means proper conduct or good behavior that is necessary to keep the natural order of things. As the main aim of dharma contemplated on keeping a natural order, it covered ideas like duty, profession, religion and other occupations which are considered to be correct and proper. Thus, Buddhist dharma was all about

Sumo Wresling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sumo Wresling - Essay Example But he easily could be an underdog in a sumo match. The heaviest sumo wrestlers weigh 450 to 550 pounds, sometimes more. Unlike a football player, a sumo wrestler has no helmet, pads or uniform. A belt that barely covers his midsection is all he wears into the ring. The ring itself is a clay base surrounded by a narrow circle f straw. It is only about 15 feet in diameter. The object f a sumo match is to knock an opponent off his feet or out f the ring. A match begins with the two wrestlers crouched much the same way a football lineman sets up for the snap. At the referee's signal, they uncoil and slam into each other. Bigger wrestlers use their bodies like bulldozers to drive an opponent out f the ring. The smaller ones must rely on quickness and leverage to overcome a larger opponent. A match may last only 20 to 30 seconds. Some last an even shorter time. (Hall 1-7) Sumo is a distinctly Japanese sport. Its modern history stretches back some 300 years. But for the first time, a foreigner holds the title f grand champion. He is an American from Hawaii named Chad Rowan. He wrestles under the name Akebono, which means "the dawn." At 6-foot-8 and 466 pounds, Akebono is one f the larger men in sumo. But he is trim compared to the largest wrestler, another Hawaiian named Konishiki. He stands about 6 feet tall and weighs 575 pounds. To maintain his size, Konishiki consumes about 19,000 calories a day. That could easily be a week's worth f calories for an average person. (Schilling 21-26) Eating plenty f food is important to a sumo wrestler, but being big is not the key to winning. Wrestlers must develop skills and techniques--and huge muscles. To do that, they train extremely hard. Before a match, wrestlers toss salt and stomp their feet. This ritual is intended to purify the mind and drive away demons. Sumo's rituals have evolved out f the Shinto religion. According to legend, the first sumo match occurred 2,000 years ago between two feuding gods. Growing in Popularity Several years ago sumo was considered a dull, old-fashioned sport. Today its popularity is growing faster than a wrestler's waistline. Millions in Japan watch the matches on television. "There aren't many people more exciting to the Japanese than a sumo champion," says Gordon Berger, a professor at the University f Southern California who teaches Japanese history. "The top wrestlers are on a par with sports and movie stars in the United States." (Kubota 1-10) Sumo fans do not lose their interest in the sport when they leave Japan. Motohiro Matsuda moved to the United States six years ago. He bought a satellite dish for his home in St. Louis, Mo., to pick up broadcasts f sumo tournaments 7,000 miles away. His 9-year-old son, Yu, a Cub Scout in Pack 492, is a fan too. "I like to pretend I'm one f them," Yu says. His favorite wrestler is Takahanada, a baby-faced bruiser swarmed by fans throughout Japan. Takahanada and his brother Wakahanada might be the most popular sumo stars. There is another difference between sumo and many American sports. These wrestlers remain a modest bunch even after a victory. They do not jump and shout with joy. "Don't expect high-fives in sumo," Berger says. "Don't even expect a smile." A sumo champion remains humble and reserved. That is the sumo tradition. Sumo wrestling - a history The sport, like its

Martin Luthers objective or purpose on writting on indulgence Essay

Martin Luthers objective or purpose on writting on indulgence - Essay Example lieve that if they have purchased letters of indulgence they are sure of their salvation; again, that so soon as they cast their contributions into the money-box, souls fly out of purgatory.† And then, â€Å"Thus souls committed to your care, good Father, are taught to their death.† In this statements Luther is advancing his rhetorical argument by implying that by the Church convincing people that they can buy their way into heaven they may actually be being their way into hell, as true salvation cannot be achieved through such means. In this regard, Luther’s intention is to make an injunction in papal policy that will save these people from eternal damnation. Luther also considers the practical aspects of allowing the sale of indulgences, indicating that he believes it will have a deleterious effect on an individual’s spirituality. Luther writes, â€Å"works of piety and love are infinitely better than indulgences, and yet these are not preached with such ceremony or such zeal; nay, for the sake of preaching the indulgences they are kept quiet.† Even as Luther understands that salvation can only be achieved by accepting God and asking him for forgiveness, he still indicates that pious behavior and love are great elements of spirituality. In promoting the sale of indulgences, preachers have disregarded these tenants of spirituality and have instead shifted focus to the promotion of these indulgences. Luther’s argument is that in order to effectively sell the indulgences, preachers have adopted an approach to spirituality that emphasizes redemption through money, rather than piety and belief in God. An even worse sin h owever is the willful disregard for the scripture. Luther writes, â€Å"Christ never taught that indulgences should be preached. How great then is the horror, how great the peril of a bishop, if he permits the Gospel to be kept quiet, and nothing but the noise of indulgences to be spread among his people!† Here it seems as if Luther is

The Biggest Challenges Facing Mncs Commerce Essay

The Biggest Challenges Facing Mncs Commerce Essay There are several challenges faced by MNCs while competing in the global dynamic business environment today. One of the biggest challenges today is being global while acting locally by understanding the culture of location in which they operate (Firoz, Maghrabi Kim, 2002). It is vital for firms to understand the local culture to negotiate with local suppliers, government and other stakeholders. Furthermore understanding the moral and ethical values of targeted consumers is also essential so that companies can market the right product to the right market in the right manners. Another challenge for MNCs is economic and political condition of the country in which they operate since political instability may lead to economic instability with changing inflation rates, taxes, regulations, exchange rates etc. Another challenge is integrating marketing strategies according to the cultural values of the region in which the MNC operates so that no blunders might be committed such as the case of Nestle in Africa. Competing with local vendor is also a grave challenge since MNCs need to differentiate their products in quality and price to compete with local competition that have greater knowledge of the country and people. Since MNCs employ people from a diverse cultural background therefore the managers need to create synergy through their workforce. Q2)  Why is it useful to have an 8-step negotiation model? What are the consequences if a step is skipped? Companies need to understand the negotiation model since they have to negotiate with several stakeholders inside and outside the organization such as suppliers, labor unions, government etc. Using the 8-step model can enforce an efficient negotiation process through which companies can avoid turning a conflict into crisis. The 8-step model provides the company with step by step solution to every kind of negotiation the company might have to consider. The characteristics of various steps in this model understand the scenario, listening to all parties, create alternative solutions, offer BATNA, reaching a final agreement, coming to a conclusion and making sure that the decision is implemented   (The Negotiation Experts, 2012). A company must go through each and every step when on a negotiation table for several reasons. First reason is that if companies miss any single step such as offering BATNA incase an agreement is decided upon then a minor conflict may turn into a crisis. Furthe r if organizations miss an important step like looking for alternative solutions then the companies might not know what possible solutions exist which can help the company negotiate with any party while keeping the companys interest intact. As companies follows the steps for negotiation managers can find solutions in an efficient manner. Q3)  Which of the cross-cultural theme do you feel is most vital to the success of an MNC and why? Cross-cultural management is essential for MNCs since multi-national corporations have to deal with people from a diverse cultural background. One cross-cultural theme which companies need to incorporate in their business strategy and with prove vital for the success of the firm is creation of synergy within the workforce. MNCs tend to work across geographical boundaries and employee people from various locations and cultures. All these people are different in demographical characteristics like caste, sex, religion, color and other values. Now as human-resource is the biggest asset of a firm therefore it is essential that the workers work in a harmonious manner. There are several ways of creating synergy such as sharing a common vision and goals aligned with the companys strategic objectives along with creation of trust, compassion and companionship in the company (Kusumowidagdo, 2011). Such methods can help firms to develop a well-integrated corporate culture so that all the departm ents work in unity towards achieving the strategic objectives of an organization. It is vital for an MNC to create such a corporate culture so that corporations can succeed in different countries. It is therefore vital for companies to follow this cross-cultural theme to gain the maximum advantage from a diverse workforce.   Q4)  How should an HR department evolve to match a companys expansion overseas? Which leadership roles are most important in this scenario? HR department needs to evolve in accordance with the companys expansion overseas and form strategies which assist in staffing and motivating the organizations human resource. It is important that while staffing HR department take into consideration the importance of aligning people to the corporate values of the organization. The company should make sure that HR department should conduct value-based interviewing techniques so that only those individuals whos attitude match with the values of the organization. HR department should also incorporate talent pools which integrate strategies of selection and succession through a continuous development process. Leadership roles are also important for MNCs since a good leadership in one country might not be considered good in other country as well. Every culture has its own cultural and social standard when leadership is considered. Therefore a leader should have knowledge regarding the beliefs, ethics, customs and beliefs so that they may b e able to successfully lead business in another country. There are several skills which a leader must have and which might make leaders globally successful. These skills include integrity, courage, standards, awareness, business knowledge, commitment and sensitivity towards cultural differences. A leader must be aware of good work ethics, professional and personal integrity and determination to lead. Q5)  Characterize the future of US-based companies desiring to expand overseas within the next 5 years. What political, economic, and technological challenges might those companies face and why? How can they be overcome? US-based firms thinking of expanding globally may have to face several social, political and economic practices in the coming years due to a change in perception of United States in the developing and developed countries. Furthermore exchange rates of developing countries are being unstable across the globe due to a dynamic change in the socio-political and economic factor. The world is going through a global recession and the next 5 years might see a global change towards business practices with a massive shift towards e-business plans. The war against terror has distorted US economy and made it politically unstable with a distorted image in the Muslim world where US products have a great potential target market. However this situation might change in the next 5 years with emerging markets like Brazil, India, Russia, China and Pakistan on the globe. These countries will have a suitable working environment for US-based business with high demand for US-based high quality products as l ocal vendors will not be able to provide such products due to lack of technology and financial resources. US-based organization can utilize this opportunity and gain maximum profit through expanding business in developing countries along with thinking of ways to reduce manufacturing cost. Q6)  Describe the relevant factors when considering localization of HR activities. HR department needs to consider several factors when operating globally so that their activities are developed in accordance with the local cultures. HR department must organize their activities according to the cultural values, habits and requirement of business operations in the country they operate. First factor to be considered is the cultural dimensions of Hofstedes which include factors like masculinity, long-term orientation and individualism are important when considering HR strategies. For example individualism approach should be considered when developing human resource development strategies since employees from American background and Asian culture are different in their approach towards career. Asian employees are more of collectivism nature and tend to prefer working in groups whereas American employees need to be of individualistic nature and prefer working alone or not sharing their success with anyone. Further motivational factors are also different among different c ultures since different cultures have different motivational drives which are to be considered when motivational strategies are developed. Q7)  Discuss the impact and implications of Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions on MNCs today. Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions have a grave impact on strategies of MNCs today since they have to deal with diverse cultures. Whenever a company works outside its local geographical boundary it comes across a different set of cultural values. Hofstede has regarded these cultural values into five cultural dimensions called power distance, individualism, uncertainty, masculinity and long-term orientation. A MNC needs to take all these cultural dimensions into consideration when making strategies to target consumers in different countries. For example when making the organizational hierarchy when establishing a foreign subsidiary the company must acknowledge the power distance cultural values in that country so that the managers can incorporate an organizational culture with accordance to the local values. Further there are certain scenarios in which a firm develops relationship with the suppliers or form a joint-venture agreement in which values like long-term approach and uncertainty m ust be taken into consideration. For example when forming collaboration with a local company the foreign firm must know what cultural norms such as risk taking or long-term approach embodies the local culture. All these dimensions identified by Hofstede also play a major role in the strategies for global branding and advertising strategy so that strategies are developed according to local habits and preferences (Mooij Hofstede, 2010).

The Character of Marco in A View from the Bridge Essay -- View from th

The Character of Marco in A View from the Bridge After reading Arthur Miller's play "A view from the bridge," I am convinced that the most striking character is Marco. He is an Italian immigrant that moved illegally to the United States with his brother Rodolpho to work as longshoremen, since at the time (the play was written in 1955) his country of origin, Italy, was going through a major economic depression because of the outcome of World War II. In the play, we are told that Marco's plan is to make enough money to survive and be able to send some of that money to his wife and his three kids back in Italy, who are starving. Marco physically resembles the Sicilian stereotype, with dark skin and dark hair. He is also very strong and he could easily "load the whole ship by himself."(pg.541) In this play, the author uses plot, dialog, actions and symbolism to emphasize Marco's honor which, in my opinion, is his prominent characteristic. Throughout the play, we can clearly see that the plot helps us develop Marco's character in our imagination. For example, he is an illegal alien, and this might give the reader a less honorable view of him, and it might justify Eddie's action. But the fact that Marco left his family to give them support and to save his oldest son who is "sick in the chest," (pg. 535) makes the reader forget about his illegal stay and makes his status rise to the one of a hero. In this play, Marco's actions lead us to the discovery of a violent side which he uses to defend his honor in a number of occasions. For example, when he challenges Eddie to lift... ...e for mocking Rodolpho. But only in the second act his character is fully exposed and we see his image transform into a round character. In this play, Marco is portrayed as the victim, since he hasn't done anything to Eddie but he still gets arrested. In addition, although his brother Rodolpho gets away with it by marrying Catherine, he has no other choice but to go back to his hungry wife and sick children in Italy. This thoughts, and knowing that Eddie has no regrets for what he has done makes him furious, and at the end of the play he seeks revenge. I belive this play would not be complete without this character. If Marco would have not existed, it would have left Eddie unpunished and alive, and this would be in conflict with the very conception of drama which drives this works.

Enhance Jobseekers Level Of Employability Education Essay

The intent of this survey is to find the extent to which the Employment and Training Corporations preparation programmes enhance jobseekers degree of employability. The thesis is divided into chapters to supply: a reappraisal of related academic literature, an overview of the methodological analysis, a presentation of the findings, and a decision drawn from the survey. The appendices contains paperss used during the research procedure such as the inquiries used for treatment, the questionnaire, the superior lists and rating sheet, the moralss blessing signifier, the engagement letters and consent signifiers and a list of ETC preparation programmes for mention. In this thesis, there were two cardinal countries which needed to be tackled ; the acquisition procedure and employability. Therefore each nucleus subdivision is structured to give consideration to these issues. The first chapter provides an overview of the Maltese labor market and of the services offered by Malta ‘s public employment and preparation corporation, the ETC. The purpose and intent for this survey will besides have in this chapter.1.1 The Maltese Labour ForceMalta is a little island with a little population. Though â€Å" aˆÂ ¦ the population of Malta has about doubled, from 211,564 in 1911 to 416,055 in 2011aˆÂ ¦ † ( NSO,2012a ) . Harmonizing to the ETC ( 2011: 12 ) , at the terminal of August 2011 there were 149,751 gainfully employed persons on full-time footing with an addition of 2,551 when compared to August 2010. Therefore despite the unfavorable economic alterations, Malta registered an addition in the figure of individuals in employment ( ETC, 2011:12 ) . Last July, the Times of Malta ( 2012 ) announced an addition of 180 in the figure of registered unemployed in Malta and a lessening by 26 in Gozo. Besides it is interesting to observe that every bit presented by the NSO ( 2012b ) , this twelvemonth in Malta the rate of employment among females increased by 3 per centum points whilst there was a little lessening of 1 per centum point among males. This activity rate indicates that there was a strong betterment in the labour market public presentation amongst females. Whereas the chief part of males was in the 55 and older age brackets bespeaking an ageing labour force and the consequence of the addition in the retirement the ETC ( 2011: 7 ) . In add-on there was a lessening in the employment rate for young persons ( ETC, 2011: 7 ) . The ETC claims that this may be attributed to occupation hunt and economic alterations which may be making some troubles for immature jobseekers ( 2011: 7 ) . Furthermore the ETC besides keeps records of the little and average sized endeavors that make up the Maltese industry. The private sector is the major sector in fact â€Å" The private sector represented 72.6 % of entire full-time employment, which increased by 1.8 % between August 2010 and August 2011 † ( ETC, 2011: 12 ) . Tourism and related services are considered as cardinal employers in Malta. Harmonizing to the Institute of Tourism Studies ( 2012: 7 ) ; â€Å" Tourism is inseparable from the Maltese economic model † and it is portion of the Maltese civilization.1.1.1 European TargetsThe undermentioned two sub-sections will exemplify the European and National marks with respects to instruction and employment. As stated by the European Commission ( EC ) ( 2012 ) , a figure of employment schemes were implemented by the EU such as the ‘Europe 2020 ‘ for economic growing and increasing employment across the Union. Harmonizing to the EC ( 2012 ) , by 2020 th e EU must make the undermentioned marks with respects to instruction and employment ; 75 % of the population between the ages 20 and 64 must be employed ; early school departers must be reduced to be under 10 % and ; at least 40 % of those between ages 30 and 34 must hold pursued higher instruction.1.1.2 National TargetsThe local authorities enterprises can be found in Malta ‘s first National Reform Programme which contains 27 different steps aimed at guaranting that Malta reaches the Europe 2020 marks ( MFIN, 2012 ) . The marks were developed on Malta ‘s demands to advance growing and occupations and as: â€Å" Government believes that a timely and effectual bringing of the proclaimed policy steps in the first NRP under the Europe 2020 Strategy is a requirement for driving frontward economic reclamation every bit good as beef uping Malta ‘s fight † ( MFIN, 2012: 19 ) . Furthermore the marks set for the European Union ( EU ) , related to employment and preparation in Malta are outlined below: Puting the employment mark rate at 62.9 % by 2020. Reducing the rate of early school departers to 29 % by 2020 and ; Escalating the figure of those that completed third instruction from 30 boulder clay 34 old ages old to 33 % by 2020 ( MFIN, 2012: 75 ) . Despite the addition in the rate of employment in Malta from 58.2 per cent in 2000 to 62.0 per cent, it is still below the EU-27 norm, 71.4 per cent ( MFIN, 2012: 4 ) .1.2 The Employment and Training CorporationIn Malta, the employment information is gathered by the ETC which maintains a national computerised database of employees and jobseekers to place and react to labor and skill deficits ( ETC, 2011 ) . In add-on the ETC ( 2010e ) offers general and specific preparation to registered unemployed jobseekers and to individuals in employment who wish to heighten their cognition, competences and accomplishments. More specifically, ETC aspires in: â€Å" Enhancing employability by urging policies and implementing enterprises aimed at authorising, helping and developing jobseekers to ease their entry or re-entry into the active employment market, advancing work force development through accomplishments and competence development, and by helping employers in their enlisting and preparation demands † ( ETC, 2010a ) .1.2.1 ETC Employability ProgrammesThe corporation is besides actively involved in the development of a figure of employment steps such as: The ‘Occupational Guidance ‘ where occupation searchers are assisted by ETC employment advisers to place their occupational penchants and are referred to allow preparation programmes organised by ETC or by other administrations ( ETC, 2010b: 6 ) . The ‘Personal Action Plan ‘ which takes topographic point when a individual goes to the ETC to register on portion 1[ 1 ]of the unemployment registry for the first clip and is allocated an employment adviser ( ETC, 2010b: 6 ) . The ‘Supported Service for Persons with Disability ‘ and ‘Bridging the Gap ‘ which mark registered handicapped individuals and individuals in deprived state of affairss by offering them all the support needed for them to happen employment ( ETC, 2010c ) . The ‘Community Work Scheme ‘ which aids the long-run unemployed[ 2 ]addition work experience and to heighten their accomplishments ( ETC, 2011: 17 ) . The ‘Work Trial Scheme ‘ ( WTS ) which was launched in 2009 and is good as it provides a 13 hebdomad on-the-job preparation for the disadva ntaged groups ( ETC, 2010b: 19 ) . The ‘Employment Aid Programme ‘ ( EAP ) which besides helps disadvantaged groups by aiming those with no work experience, or who have been unemployed for a long period ( ETC, 2011: 21 )[ 3 ]. The ‘Employment in the Social Economy ‘ which AIDSs disadvantaged and handicapped individuals in happening employment with non-commercial administrations ( ETC, 2010d ) .1.2.2 ETC Training ProgrammesIn add-on to its services, the Corporation operates a figure of developing programmes and strategies to ease the integrating of jobseekers in the labour market: The ‘Training Aid Framework ‘ ( TAF ) which offers direct subsidies of the cost of developing to heighten cognition and accomplishments of the employees in the private sector ( ETC, 2010b: 22 ) . The ‘Apprenticeship schemes ‘ to develop childs to get the accomplishments needed in the labor market and to fix them for employment ( ETC, 2010b: 19 ) . The ETC ( 2010 ) besides offers preparation classs which range from direction and development classs to basic accomplishments and trade classs ( Appendix I ) .1.2.3 Political and Legislative AspectsFurthermore the ETC is affected by a figure of political and legislative issues modulating employment in Malta and its authorization derives from the Employment and Training Services Act ( 1990 ) ( PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010: 1 ) . The Social Security Act besides affects ETC ‘s enrollment services, because a jobseeker must be seeking work to be entitled to societal benefits ( PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010: 20 ) . Whereas the ETC ‘s employment licenses subdivision is governed in portion by the Immigration Act ( PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010: 2 ) . The ETC is besides indirectly affected by the Employment and Industrial Relations Act and the Conditions of Employment ( Regulation Act ) which regulate employment ( PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010: 1 ) .1.3 Research PurposeAdditionally t his survey will concentrate on Malta ‘s public employment bureau, the ETC in order to pull up a series of recommendations towards its preparation methods. This job was chosen as a scheme towards the type of acquisition and preparation needed to turn to the development of jobseekers that are willing to get new accomplishments. Therefore this survey seeks to lend to academic thought by foregrounding the importance of larning and development and by advancing employability. The extent to which the ETC preparation programmes enhance employability will be examined through a post-positivist attack and a mixed-methodology. In fact through the usage of focal point groups and semi-structured interviews, the research worker will derive the positions of both jobseekers and employers towards the ETC preparation programmes. The supply side will besides be taken into consideration through a concluding semi-structured interview with the Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of ETC. Furthermore the research worker chose to research this cardinal research job after detecting jobseekers ‘ behavior during assorted developing programmes at ETC, which is the research worker ‘s workplace. Besides the ETC has presently conducted a telephone study among persons ( registrants and non-registrants ) to happen out the ground why many of the appliers did non turn up for the preparation programmes recommended to them in the last twelvemonth therefore the survey is seasonably with the current events. Subsequently the thesis will seek to reply the research job by trying three research inquiries: What are the features of jobseekers seeking clerical businesss? What are the employers ‘ outlooks when seeking prospective recruits for vacant clerical stations? What are perceptual experiences of registering jobseekers and employers towards ETC developing programmes? These research inquiries will help the research worker in placing the employability degree of jobseekers and if there is a spread between jobseekers ‘ accomplishments and capablenesss and employers ‘ demands and outlooks. Furthermore the survey ‘s purpose and aims will help the ETC better its preparation programmes. Chapter 22.0 Literature ReviewWhile carry oning the reappraisal, there was a important sum of literature which was relevant to the cardinal countries explored in this survey. The challenge was to place the writers that contributed in the most important manner to the survey. The organic structure of the literature is classified into two countries: acquisition and employability.2.1 Learning, Education, Training and DevelopmentHodkinson ( 2005: 110 ) argues that larning can be understood from different theoretical places such as acquisition by take parting in activities and acquisition by building one ‘s ain apprehension. Hodkinson ( 2005: 116 ) portrays larning as being loosely similar in different contexts and it can be general or specific. While Jarvis ( 2010: 17 ) explicates that as society is altering so is the context in which we learn. Fragroso et Al. ( 2011 ) contribute to this argument by exemplifying development and grownup acquisition in Europe. The writers claim that t he current economic alterations should be considered as an chance to larn at a local and planetary degree ( Fragroso et al. , 2011: 42 ) . While transporting out the literature reappraisal, the research worker noticed that many writers differentiate formal acquisition from informal larning. Indeed Van Dam ( 2012: 49 ) provinces that formal acquisition is curriculum based and can develop an person ‘s competencies. Whereas Engestrom ( 2004 ) considers informal direction ideal in a workplace to guarantee that ends and marks are met. The work of Engestrom is supported by Boud and Middleton as it describes informal acquisition as another acquisition option. Boud and Middleton ( 2003: 195 ) portray informal acquisition as â€Å" portion of the occupation † or a mechanism for â€Å" making the occupation decently † . â€Å" Although acquisition is by and large perceived as a manner to better employees ‘ current occupation public presentation, so far no research has been conducted to research the possible relationships between formal and informal acquisition, on the one manus, and employability, on the other † ( Van der Heijden et al. , 2009: 19 ) . Van der Heijden et Al. ( 2009: 19 ) chose to research the consequence of larning on employability by administering an e-questionnaire amongst 215 Dutch non-academic university pupils. The work of Van der Heijden et Al. ( 2009 ) , demonstrates the demand of supplying more formal preparation chances to employees as practical acquisition is non plenty to heighten their degree of employability. Additionally the relevancy of Van der Heijden ‘s work will be discussed in the findings of the survey. Education and preparation are besides important in the acquisition and development procedure. In fact â€Å" Education is the longer-term procedure that is to make with the rounded formation of the whole person † ( Harrison, 2002: 4 ) . Durkehim ( 2004 ) defines instruction as the cognition gained officially from experiences. While preparation has been defined by Armstrong ( 2006: 535 ) as â€Å" The systematic development of the cognition, accomplishments and attitudes required by an single to execute adequately a given undertaking or occupation † . Additionally a societal experiment was conducted by Rosholm and Skipper ( 2009 ) , to find whether schoolroom preparation is good to the unemployed. In this experiment, the findings indicate that preparation may increase the clip spent in unemployment for an person who has merely completed the preparation programme ( Rosholm and Skipper, 2009: 361 ) . However this hazard is for a short term as in the long tally, preparation does heighten an person ‘s employability ( Rosholm and Skipper 2009 ) . Rosholm and Skipper ( 2009 ) insist that farther research should be done to verify if higher rewards are so offered to the trained individual. Apart from analyzing developing demands, this survey will besides mensurate the effectivity of the ETC preparation programmes in developing jobseekers ‘ potencies. Harmonizing to Baum ( 1995 ) ‘development ‘ can take topographic point at any clip and there is non a definite manner of how it occurs. Additionally Garavan ( 2007: 27 ) argues that larning and development are cardinal to ease the development of a learning civilization. The work of Garavan ( 2007 ) is of import for this survey as it demonstrates that development focuses less on larning outcome as possibly preparation does and is more on heightening employability. Antonacopoulou ( 2000: 260 ) argue that in order to understand the relationships between acquisition, instruction, preparation and development there is a demand to understand these procedures at different degrees of the hierarchy ; at an person and organizational degree. Antonacopoulou ( 2000: 260 ) claim that the holographic position can assist heighten the apprehension of the nature of acquisition, instruction, preparation and development in society ( Illustration 2-1 ) . Illustration 2-1: The relationships between acquisition, instruction, preparation and development Beginning: Antonacopoulou ( 2000: 260 )2.1.1 The Learning ProcessIn this thesis, the acquisition procedure is considered cardinal for heightening persons ‘ potencies. The acquisition procedure and the different acquisition manners adopted by jobseekers will be observed through the research methods adopted. David Kolb claims that â€Å" acquisition is the procedure whereby cognition is created through the transmutation of experience † ( Kolb, 1984: 38 ) . Harmonizing to Kolb ( 1984 ) the learning rhythm starts from experience, the development phase and so the decision-making portion ( Illustration 2-2 ) . Illustration 2- 2: The Experiential Cycle of Learning ( based on Kolb, Rubin and McIntyre, 1974 )Concrete experience( Planned or accidental )Brooding observation( Actively believing about the experience, its basic issues, and their significance )Active experimentation( Trying out the acquisition in other similar state of affairss: creativeness, decision-making )Abstract Conceptualisation( Generalizing from contemplations, analyzing, in order to develop a organic structure of thoughts, a theory or principlesaˆÂ ¦ ) Beginning: Harrison, R. ( 2002: 8 ) In add-on Chan ( 2012: 406 ) tested Kolb ‘s theory by carry oning an experiential undertaking to detect pupils ‘ larning procedure. Through the findings, Chan ( 2012: 405 ) affirms that Kolb ‘s larning procedure produces a assortment of larning results. Chan ( 2012 ) supports Kolb ‘s theory as it allows the scholar to reflect, pattern and act in a cyclic procedure. â€Å" Experiential acquisition can be defined as the development of personal apprehension and accomplishments through the analysis of, and contemplation on, activity † ( Moody, 2012: 16 ) . In a survey conducted by Moody ( 2012 ) , even employers are confident that experiential larning delivers consequences. Furthermore Kolb ( 1976 ) identifies four acquisition manners which can be adopted by different sorts of scholars: The Activists- Learning through practise The Reflectors- Learning through observation and judgment The Theorists- Learning through enterprises affecting new thoughts, constructs and constructions Experimenters- Learning by proving theories. A learning manner is the ability of an single to obtain information in a peculiar manner or combination of ways ( Zapalska and Brozik, 2006 ) . Research on larning manner started in the late 19th century and it was documented that there were different manners adopted amongst scholars ( Zapalska and Brozik, 2006: 326 ) . Harmonizing to Rogers ( 2002: 111 ) we tend to utilize all acquisition manners but we prefer to utilize one or two more than the others. Illustration 2- 3: Learning manners based on larning rhythm Militants Reflectors Experimenters Theorists Beginning: ( Rogers, 2002:110 )2.1.2 Diversity of Ways of LearningFurthermore Rogers ( 2002: 88 ) explores four types of larning theories: those that focus on the scholar, on the context, on the undertaking undertaken and on the procedure involved. Learner-based theories include the behavioristic theories and the cognitive theories ( Rogers, 2002 ) . Harman and Brelade ( 2000: 14 ) , posit that the behaviorist theories enhance an person ‘s motive to larn by acknowledgment or honoring the person when marks and ends are met, by making activities to look frontward to and by offering all the support needed. Additionally Burns ( 2002: 114 ) describes behaviorism as the â€Å" comparatively lasting alteration in behavior † . Skinner ‘s work is besides of import within the context of this survey as it contributes to the apprehension of the acquisition procedure by external influences. Indeed Skinner illustrates the importance of positive and negative supports during acquisition ( 1978 ) . Skinner ( 1978 ) encourages uninterrupted support on behalf of the trainer as it increases the rate of larning whilst intermittent support retains what is being learned in an appropriate context. Furthermore in a survey conducted by Fuller and Unwin ( 2005 ) , the workers are seen keener to larn if the preparation concerned is relevant to their day-to-day undertakings and if it helps them better and work more efficaciously. Harmonizing to Fuller and Unwin ( 2005: 22 ) , there are two types of larning that new entrants experience when in a work environment ‘learning as attainment ‘ and ‘learning as engagement ‘ . ‘Learning as attainment ‘ involves all the preparation chances offered by the administration to heighten the new recruits ‘ accomplishments and cognition whereas ‘learning as engagement ‘ is the apprehension of larning to work in a societal environment ( Fuller and Unwin, 2005 ) . Harmonizing to Rogers ( 2002 ) other larning theories are built on the analysis of one ‘s personality and on the scholar ‘s actions. Besides Rogers ( 2002 ) argues that there is diverseness of ways of acquisition and there is no consensus about larning. In this thesis, acquisition is considered cardinal in heightening jobseekers ‘ potencies and employability.2.1.3 Analyzing preparation demandsIn add-on acquisition and public presentation happen during the transportation of preparation ( Vermeulen and Admiraal, 2009: 65 ) . Harmonizing to Vermeulen and Admiraal ( 2009: 52 ) , developing refers to the planned and organised learning while transportation is the application of what is learnt in different contexts. The analysis of developing transportation will assist place jobseekers ‘ specific larning manner. Zapalska and Brozik ( 2006: 237 ) argue that there are many techniques the trainer can utilize to place a learning manner and the first measure is to execute a preparation demand analysis. A preparation demand analysis provides a benchmark of the accomplishments trainees possess prior being submitted to a preparation programme and will increase the effectivity of preparation ( Blanchard and Thacker, 2003: 116 ) . Blanchard and Thacker ( 2003:116 ) imply that â€Å" A preparation demand analysis is of import because it helps to find whether a lack can be corrected through preparation † .2.1.4 Design, Development and Delivery of Training ProgrammesSubsequently in order to implement an effectual preparation programme, Vincent and Ross ( 2001: 37 ) suggest the undermentioned stairss: Planing including choice of trainers ; Planing and developing the preparation programme ; Implementing with the usage of presentations and interactions and ; Measuring and following-up productiveness and betterments. Similarly Ghosh et Al. ( 2012 ) imply that the choice of the trainer is the first and first of import component when be aftering a preparation programme. The trainer must possess cognition on the topic of the programme: â€Å" However, mere ownership of cognition is non sufficient ; the trainer must be articulate plenty to make out to the participants with the constructs being covered in a programme † ( Ghosh et al. , 2012: 198 ) . In order to implement an effectual preparation programme, the trainer should see the acquisition theories prior the design of the preparation programme ( Vincent and Ross, 2001: 37 ) . Additionally Werquin ( 2012 ) argues that cognition of larning results is cardinal during the class ‘s design and it is indispensable for the labor market and for employers. â€Å" The construct of larning results is at the bosom of many research programmes and policy responses † ( Werquin, 2012: 159 ) . Learning results focus non merely on the content of the preparation programme but besides on the aims and what the scholar is expected to accomplish at the terminal of the class ( Werquin, 2012: 159 ) . â€Å" Training research has typically found inconsistent relationships between trainees reactions to the existent preparation event ( besides normally referred to as developing satisfaction ) and larning results † ( Orvis et al. , 2009: 960 ) . A related issue is present in the findings of an experimental survey conducted by Orvis et Al. ( 2009 ) which investigates the acquisition procedure in an e-learning environment. The consequences suggest that farther research is needed on how to prosecute scholars for case by including learner control tools in the preparation programmes ( Orvis et al. , 2009: 969 ) . In fact Long et al. ( 2011 ) claim that games are an extra effectual method which trainers can utilize to excite acquisition and buttocks. Besides Dwyer ( 2004: 82 ) suggests that the ambiance and environment in which larning takes topographic point affects the sum of acquisition and the perceptual experience of scholar. This can be illustrated in a instance survey conducted by Hodkinson and Hodkinson ( 2004 ) , where the trainers ‘ temperaments and relationships with workers are seen holding an of import consequence on the acquisition procedure. Besides harmonizing to Arends ( 2009 ) trainers can change their lessons through formal or informal activities. It is interesting to observe that the development phase is the most clip consuming as â€Å" All elements of a peculiar preparation programme are determined during the development stage † ( Blanchard and Thacker, 2003: 23 ) . Harmonizing to Blanchard and Thacker ( 2003 ) once the preparation stuff is ready, pilot-testing can be performed during the execution stage and some minor alterations can be made in the developed content.2.1.5 Evaluation of Training ProgrammesFollowing execution there is the rating stage which involves informal and formal observation, and the usage of treatments or questionnaires to roll up feedback from the scholar ( Dwyer, 2004 ) . Likewise Scruggs and Mastropieri ( 2010: 222 ) argue that rating can take topographic point in a assortment of signifiers such as on a one-to-one footing, whole-class activity or written. The rating stage is critical to the success of a preparation programme ( Wang and Wilcox, 2006: 532 ) . In an article by Wang and Wilcox ( 2006: 529 ) , the rating procedure is classified into two classs: formative rating which provides information for the design of the preparation programme and ; summational rating which is more focussed on larning results and benefits. Tennant et Al. ( 2002: 234 ) claim that there are a figure of theoretical accounts for mensurating the effectivity of a preparation programme such as the Kirkpatrick theoretical account which measures the alteration in accomplishments as a consequence of preparation and the CIRO theoretical account which measures the alteration in accomplishments prior and after preparation. Furthermore when developing an evaluating methodological analysis, one must take into consideration the group concerned and in obtaining consensus from participants prior the rating procedure ( Dwyer, 2004 ) . Lee and Pershing ( 2002: 176 ) besides emphasise on the demand of analyzing the participants ‘ reactions to the preparation programme. In a survey conducted by Lee and Pershing ( 2002 ) , it was concluded that a well-designed preparation programmes occurs when there is a proper design standards.2.1.6 The ETC Training ProgrammesThe primary aim of this survey is to mensurate the effectivity of the ETC preparation programmes. Article 16 of the Employment and Training Services Act ( 1990 ) , states that the Corporation shall supply developing programmes to help persons in happening employment or to better or update their cognition and accomplishments to increase occupation chances and calling aspirations. Furthermore the ETC ( 2010b ) purposes to expect future labour market n eeds to prolong or construct persons ‘ employability. The ETC ( 2011: 14 ) declares that the current preparation programmes are funded by the Employability Programme which is a constituent of the European Social Fund 2.4 and are unfastened to both unemployed registrants and to use or inactive individuals ( Appendix I ) . Besides the ETC ( 2010g ) procures and provides the preparation equipment, the installations, and the clerical and administrative support to trainers. An of import constituent which was losing by the ETC is the Training Programmes Design and Quality Assurance Unit. This unit has been set to re-design and develop new ETC preparation programmes and is working for the acknowledgment of the preparation programmes sought from the Malta Qualification Council ( ETC, 2010f ) . It is interesting to observe that in 2011, â€Å" The entire figure of participants in ETC preparation classs was of 15,072 hence there was a 10 % addition on the old twelvemonth † ( ETC, 2011: 9 ) . In 2011 there was besides an addition of 27 % in female engagement in ETC preparation classs ( ETC, 2011:9 ) . However this twelvemonth a telephone study was conducted by the Research and Development Unit at the ETC, to analyze why about two tierces of persons using for Office Skills, IT, Trade, Technical and Care Worker developing programmes did non turn up on the day of the month scheduled ( R & A ; D, 2012: 2 ) . Consequently one inquires â€Å" Why do so many preparation Sessionss seem to blow everyone ‘s clip? † ( Dwyer, 2004: 79 ) . Harmonizing to the findings, the grounds why many of the respondents did non take part in the ETC class were the long waiting lists and others claimed that they were ne'er contacted to get down the class ( R & A ; D, 2012: 11 ) . A smaller per centum did non go to due to occupation committednesss whilst for the remaining, the clip indicated for the class was non suited ( R & A ; D, 2012: 11 ) . This survey will detect in more depth the jobseekers ‘ positive and negative positions towards the ETC preparation programmes.2.1.7 Developing a jobseeker ‘s possibleA similar research was carried out by Larson and Milana ( 2006 ) which establishes that the deficiency of engagement in grownup instruction and preparation is due to: deficiency of clip and/or energy deficiency of motive in re-entering instruction deficiency of courses/equipment deficiency of support and ; deficiency of assurance in ain competences. Harmonizing to Larson and Milana ( 2006 ) , deficiency of clip and/or energy is more likely to be a barrier to adult females than work forces, whereas deficiency of assurance can be more of a barrier to young person and seniors. Similarly when grownup instruction and developing engagement surveies were analysed in Canada, it was observed that the chief grounds for many non go toing classs were fiscal issues, developing conflicted with work agenda, deficiency of family-friendly steps and preparation offered at an inconvenient clip ( Peters, 2004 ) . This is farther supported by Cullen ( 2011 ) whose findings indicate that jobseekers express a negative attitude towards preparation and employment due to several societal barriers. Furthermore Martin and Grubb ( 2001: 32 ) argue that when labour market programmes are mandatory to jobseekers they are less effectual. Blanchard and Thacker ( 2003 ) widen this farther when saying that a individual ‘s public presentation depends on a figure of factors such as motive, cognition accomplishments and attitudes and the environment ( Illustration 2-4 ) . In this survey, the research worker will analyze the jobseekers ‘ motive to larn, their features and the environment in which larning takes topographic point. Illustration 2- 4 Factors Determining Human PerformancePerformanceMotivation ( M ) Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude ( KSA ) EnvironmentP= M x KSA x EBeginning: Blanchard and Thacker ( 2003: 75 ) Carr et Al. ( 2009: 16 ) imply that people must foremost recognize the ground they should use their accomplishments. Therefore in order to heighten 1s ‘ potencies, it is necessary that an person is made cognizant of possessing the cognition, accomplishments and competences needed for a peculiar occupation ( Carr, 2009 ) . â€Å" Most job-seekers wish they could unlock the secret expression to winning the Black Marias and heads of employers. What they wonder, is that alone combination of accomplishments and values that make employers salivate with exhilaration? † ( Hansen and Hansen, 2009 ) .2.2 Employability-Towards a DefinitionEmployability is another cardinal subject of the thesis. While transporting out the literature reappraisal, the research worker found many societal factors that can be of an employment barrier to jobseekers. In this thesis there will be a brief overview of these societal factors and an analysis of the employers ‘ demands and outlooks when enrolling. Furthermore the extent to which the ETC preparation programmes run into current labor market demands will besides be examined in this subdivision. The International Labour Organisation ( 2004: 9 ) provinces that ; â€Å" aˆÂ ¦the term employability relates to portable competences and makings that enhance an person ‘s capacity to do usage of instruction and preparation chances available in order to procure and retain nice work, advancement within the endeavor and between occupations and header with alterations in engineering and labour market conditions † . Brown et Al. ( 2002: 10 ) extend the definition of the term employability by imputing it on the supply and demand within the labour market, viz. on the employability degree of others. Furthermore Glastra et Al. ( 2004: 291 ) argue that in order to last in this competitory universe it is necessary for the work force to prosecute in womb-to-tomb acquisition. The current economic alterations altered the working life hence the demand of womb-to-tomb larning to heighten employability ( Glastra et al. , 2004: 305 ) .2.2.1 The Jobseeker ‘s PositionsThe jobseekers ‘ degree of employability is a affair of concern in this thesis. The chief factors which contribute to the passage from instruction to employment will be taken into consideration. These factors vary from unstable occupations, labour market conditions, population ‘s employability degrees and the instruction system ( CEDEFOP, 2010:30 ) . Indeed Mifsud et Al. ( 2006: 16 ) finds the passage from school to work, peculiarly disputing as without farther instruction and developing the jobseekers will miss the accomplishments and competencies needed in the labor market. Harmonizing to Muller and Gangl ( 2003 ) , the passage procedure is the period between the terminal of the primary instruction and the subsiding into the work environment. Likewise Braun et Al. ( 2001 ) distinguish between two phases in the passage period: the initial occupation hunt after go forthing instruction and ; the beginning of the employment experience. During this passage there are two types of hazards for new entrants, these being the inability to happen employment and instability of the first employment ( Braun et al. , 2001 ) . Besides harmonizing to ILO, due to this passage from instruction to working life, young persons need more encouragement towards happening a suited employment ( ILO, 2006: 20 ) . Additionally Yorke ( 2006: 2 ) provinces that many times â€Å" The transferability of accomplishments is frequently excessively easy assumed † . When look intoing the employability spread between the long-run and short-run unemployed, Thomsen ( 2009: 451 ) finds that there exist major differences for case in accomplishments and wellness position. These employment barriers make it harder for the long-run unemployed to happen work ( Thomsen, 2009: 451 ) . The deprived groups are besides happening it hard to acquire employed ; these groups include the aged, people with particular demands and former substance maltreaters who need farther support during occupation seeking ( ILO, 2006: 21 ) . Another factor that affects employability is the altering life style with more adult females take parting in the labor market ( NSO, 2012b ) . Despite the addition in employment rate, it still remains hard for adult females to keep a full-time occupation without shared duties ( Zerafa, 2007: 39 ) . Thus the demand of more family-friendly steps ( Zerafa, 2007 ) . Furthermore Ostrouch and Ollagnier ( 2008 ) show how hard it is for adult females to progress in professions considered untypical for adult females. Womans may besides be discouraged to analyze in their country of penchant due to gender stereotyping ( Ostrouch and Ollagnier, 2008 ) . â€Å" Previous surveies indicated that racial and cultural favoritism at work bound occupation chances and contribute to cut down calling aspirations and outlooks † ( Forstenlechner and Al-Waqfi, 2010: 768 ) . Forstenlechner and Al-Waqfi ( 2010 ) make up one's mind to analyze workplace favoritism in the context of immigrants and jobseekers. The findings of the survey indicate that prejudiced actions can take topographic point during the pre-employment phase ; or after the enlisting procedure ( Forstenlechner and Al-Waqfi, 2010 ) . Ultimately these prejudiced state of affairss influence jobseekers in their pursuit of happening a occupation.2.2.2 The Employer ‘s PositionThis survey will besides look into the employers ‘ positions towards larning and employability. The employers ‘ point of position is needed in this survey to analyze the extent to which the ETC preparation programmes are run intoing their demands and outlooks. Furthermore this survey will besides travel through the features employers seek in prospective employees and the troubles encountered during enlisting. Vera and Crossan ( 2004 ) indicate that a acquisition clime that adapts rapidly to alter will finally prolong an administration. Besides the survey conducted by Carrim and Basson ( 2012 ) revealed that a learning clime can be used in different types of administrations and should be aligned with the administrations ‘ profiles. On the other manus Warhurst ( 2012 ) implies that employers are more concerned with the current economic alterations so staff development. â€Å" In an age of asceticism with many administrations confronting cuts and imposed alterations, it might be assumed that larning within administrations would fall victim to force per unit area for the competitively efficient bringing of merchandises or service † ( Warhurst, 2012: 1 ) A related hypothesis investigated by Joyce ( 2008: 376 ) is that â€Å" Today many companies are engaging less and/or return longer to happen merely the right individual with the right accomplishments for the right occupation † . Employers, apart from using the general face-to-face interviews are returning to situational behavioral interviews and the usage of other trials including psychometric trials, written tests and a 2nd interview ( Joyce, 2008: 379 ) . This happens as â€Å" In today ‘s competitory universe, one can non disregard the fact that employers look for people who are good trained in the country of their employment † ( ETC, 2010e ) . Indeed the informations given by the NSO shows that frequently employers seek to enroll skilled persons instead than partly or non-skilled appliers to avoid the clip taken to develop ( 2001 ) . Consequently these long enlisting procedures are taking to more costs and are going stressful for employers ( Joyce, 2008: 379 ) .2.2.3 Labour DeficitsThe long enlisting procedures may besides be attributed to labor deficits though Cohen and Mahmood ( 2002 ) argue that occupation vacancies can be even at low employment rates. If one takes a expression from a local point of view, one finds that in recent old ages, a figure of low-skill fabrication companies in Malta have closed down like Denim and VF, ensuing in redundancies every bit good as decreased soaking up of lower-skilled school depa rters ( The Malta Independent, 2007 ) . This happens as â€Å" aˆÂ ¦Malta has non managed to pull adequate activity in growing sectors to replace worsening activities † ( MFIN, 2012: 10 ) . In order to change by reversal this, the ETC is join forcesing with assorted employers to avoid labour deficits and to implement its preparation programmes consequently ( ETC, 2010b ) . Additionally a survey by Fsadni illustrates the local labor and accomplishments deficits which employers predict for the period of July to December 2012. It is interesting to observe that harmonizing to the survey conducted by Fsadni: â€Å" In all sectors, the bulk of the employers are confident they will happen the right people for the occupations † ( 2012: 6 ) . Therefore Fsadni suggests employers are confident that supply will be run intoing labour market demands. The findings by Fsadni will be compared and contrasted with the concluding consequences of this survey.2.2.4 Skill ShortagesIn this subdivision, importance is given to skill deficits as frequently a low unemployment rate suggests a skill deficit. Although Cohen and Mahmood ( 2002:12 ) intimation that a high degree of employment does non needfully connote that there are no skill deficits. When analyzing the accomplishment shortages, one must take into consideration the economic activity as â€Å" The pupils population is going more diverse and instruction and preparation systems are holding to set to the demand of globalization and internationalization, increased in-migration, and quickly altering occupational profiles ensuing from technological and economic developments † ( Cedefop, 2010: 12 ) The ESF 3.75 Unlocking the Female Potential, considers accomplishments deficits in Malta and the chief mark group are females ( NCPE, 2012 ) . The employers, who besides had their say in this research, mentioned some of the preparation needed for inactive females which included computing machine accomplishments, specific proficient accomplishments, societal accomplishments like teamwork, and client attention ( NCPE, 2012 ) . The NCPE ( 2012 ) besides recommends that the ETC should supply more on-the-job preparation to adult females returning to employment. There is besides the demand to better the place of counsel particularly when it comes to young persons to do a smooth passage into work ( CEDEFOP, 2010: 16 )DecisionWhile carry oning the literature reappraisal, it was felt that the cardinal subjects of the thesis contribute in more important ways to academic thought, through the development and apprehension of the acquisition procedure and the employability construct. As seen from the literature reappraisal, the three chief factors to take into history when sing a successful preparation programme are: the jobseekers ‘ positions, the employers ‘ positions and the local economic system. Furthermore the attack chosen will help the research worker in measuring three hypotheses: The first hypothesis is that jobseekers do non admit their accomplishments and abilities in forepart of employers. The 2nd hypothesis is that the higher the degree of mismatch between the standards listed for clerical businesss by employers and those features possessed by clerical jobseekers, the lower are the employability chances of such jobseekers. The 3rd hypothesis is that during the enlisting procedure, employers seek for already trained campaigners. Finally these hypotheses will besides lend to the aim of the chief research inquiry in that to what extent do the ETC preparation programmes enhance jobseekers ‘ employability in Malta.

Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering The experience of women in engineering varies with those of men. This could be attributed to their physiology, biology, among other aspects.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Women in Engineering specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Engineering industry has experienced a dramatic growth while its future is still bright since women graduates in the field, continues to increase. The profession is attractive since it pays well as compared to others that women engage in. Besides, the nature of work in the field has modified to attract more women in the recent past in areas such as physical, social as well as environmental sciences since it has long been dominated by men. However, it is not an easy task to work in such a profession since women are constantly faced with issues of skepticism, scrutiny as well as sexism. This paper shall investigate women in engineering in the U.S. It will analyze their progress and the effects of legal system, societal norms, as well as professional practice. Besides, the paper shall discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities they encounter in the course of their career and elaborate on different recommendations, aimed to improve their prospects in the working environment to pave way for better opportunities in the future. Women Engineering in the U.S The males are still dominating engineering professions in the U.S as well as other parts of the world. However, the academic institutions as well as corporations have invested efforts in recruiting women in the profession. For instance, in the U.S this has helped the nation to remain globally competitive by not just by having many engineering students but also by enhancing diversity in their organizations (Stewart et al. 3). For many years, women have been underrepresented in the profession. Their recruitment is therefore, necessary to manage future shortages of engineers in the country. Engineering Academics Women in en gineering profession in in the U.S face various Impediments that includes inadequate feminine facilities essential in technical subjects as physics.Advertising Looking for essay on engineering? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Social pressure and lack of career guidance in education institutions are also other limitations. Some females admit that they are not exposed to the profession until they are unable to choose it as part of their career hence guidance on the same is essential (Burke Mattis 6). Besides, women should change their attitudes towards engineering profession. In the U.S, women disregard to pursue engineering majors with only 2.6% of the females pursuing it (Leventman 3). From statistical trends, women have however become interested in the recent past. Statistical Trends (Leventman 4) Year Total No. of Engineering Students No. of Women Percentage of Women 1990 346160 54772 16.5% 1994 328346 6093 1 18.6 1998 329657 66276 20.1 2000 353118 69506 19.7 2002 383109 71586 18.7 2004 384792 69490 17.8 2006 371720 64544 17.4 Additionally, the engineering degrees awarded to females in the year 2005 and 2006 comprised of 19.4%, 22.6% and 23.3% for Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates respectively. In 2009, the bachelor’s, Masters and Doctorates degrees in engineering were 17.8%, 23% and 21% respectively (Leventman 6). Engineering Workforce In the workforce, women in U.S have declined from 12.7% in 2005 to 12.1% in 2007(Leventman 7). This is summarized in the table below; Type of engineering Total # engineers in thousands 2005 2007 Percent female 2005 2007 Aerospace 90 123 13.3 0.5 Chemical 55 75 14.3 21.2 Civil 319 382 13.2 11.5 Comp hardware 81 79 10.8 9.6 Comp software 832 907 21.9 20.8 Electrical Electronic 352 347 7.1 8.6 Industrial 189 161 14.9 17.5 Mechanical 318 296 5.8 7.3 Retention Challenges In the U.S, women have twice the likelihood o f abandoning the profession after some years as compared to their male subjects i.e. 25% higher in females in comparison to 12% in males (Leventman 8).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Women in Engineering specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Even though, they claim that they are generally satisfied with the profession, they opt to abandon it based on a number of reasons that include; problems to strike a balance between the profession and family responsibilities, inadequate female mentors, limitations in the job requirements, perception of disparity in management’s assessment of their performance and exclusion from the â€Å"male dominated upwardly mobility colleague loop† (Leventman 8). As a result the profession experiences retention issues when it comes to women employees even when they are critically required. The Society of Women Engineers initiated a research study in 2007 consisting of 4500 males an d 1800 females awarded with bachelors and masters degrees. From the study, it was concluded that both genders have same education level as well as job satisfaction. Besides, both genders refer to better job opportunities to improve and enhancement of their salary as chief reasons to abandon the profession. However, women have a higher likelihood to refer to family-favoring working environment i.e. 12% as well as more interesting jobs i.e. 48% while men highlight on salary i.e. 17% as well as advancement i.e. 23%. Both genders alumni maintain that work/family is the greatest hindrance but women have two times higher likelihood i.e. 28% as compared to men i.e. 14%, to refer to this aspect. Women over 45 years of age have a 0.5 higher likelihood i.e. 29%, to become holders of senior engineering management directors as compared to men colleagues i.e. 55% (Leventman 15). Professional Practice Females abandon the private sector science, engineering and technology (SET) professions in mas sive numbers where 41% of the lower ranking SET are females and out of that, 52% abandons the positions particularly in their mid-late 30s. Additionally, machismo as well as sexual harassment prevails in the industry where 63% ascertains to encounter sexual harassment (Leventman 13). Others maintain that they feel isolated in the workplace, an experience referred to as the snowball effect present in SET working culture.Advertising Looking for essay on engineering? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Besides, they claim to experience varied work strategies where males receive rewards as a result of their masculine efforts such as firefighting while women are neglected. SET professions comprises of extensive long weeks as well as travelling, which impedes women since they are observed as homemakers where they find it hard to balance their career and family responsibilities. Moreover, women are taken as helpers in the profession hence they are not awarded with higher ranking positions. In IT sector, women neglect their jobs but this has declined from 36% to 25% in 1991 and 2008 respectively. This could be attributed to differences in salaries where women were paid an average salary of 70,370 USD in the year 2008 as compared to men that were paid an average salary of 80,357 USD. Following fifteen years in the IT profession, women would earn 11% less than men with similar experience (Leventman 12). Of importance therefore, IT organizations offers a good working environment for both genders where technical as well as communication skills are paramount. However, for gender parity to be achieved in such organizations there is a need for equal males and females to be awarded upper ranks in the organization structure. Moreover, equal numbers of males and females snood attain the topmost financial rewards. Societal Norms and Legal system The society has assumed that the engineering profession should be male dominated with regard to ability, role, aspiration as well as conduct. Besides, the corporate and educational organization has played a role to underrepresent women. The profession of science, technology and mathematics has also participated in this. These are some of the factors that are part and parcel of socio-political norms in a given community. It has been noted that men portrays superior spatial skills unlike women who depict superior verbal skills. However, advanced research ascertains that sex of an individual adds up to over 4% to the over-all variance in the sample (Badekale 14). As a result, there is a higher variation in spatial potentials within- sex as compared to between-sexes irrespective of such research studies. All the same, irrespective of the research findings, it is still commonly perceived that there exists some biological differences between the genders that are inherent, which enhance males to be successful in engineering as compared to women that eventually dictates the subject specialisms. Women are not only being impeded by lack of advocacy for equal opportunities in the engineering profession, but also are brought down by the denial of their rights in the workforce. From this research study, it is clear that women participation in engineering is still much lower than that of men in the US. Universities as well as corporations have however, drafted means to attract females in the profession although they depict lack of interest in the field, even when their potential is similar to that of men. Drastic recommenda tions are therefore, needed to manage women underrepresentation even if they are impeded by family responsibilities. Women depict lack of preferences in the field due to their upbringing, which is influenced by societal, legal, professional and cultural norms in the community. Recommendations Cultural change is so needed in corporate organizations as well as higher learning institutions. This could be attained through advocating for diversity, embracing attitudes and mentoring women to participate fully in engineering. To encourage females in the engineering profession, the institutions of higher learning should invest special efforts to recruit them in the industry by setting a special day to celebrate female engineers in an invent that is meant to expose female students in the field and commemorate the industry (Badekale 19). Female engineers have to become aware of the fact that they have to manage their biological differences to cope competitively with men. For instance, they ha ve to have timely pregnancies to balance their career and familial roles. Besides, they should work as teamwork to initiate their own unions and businesses to favor their needs. Women in the careers have to strike a balance between the family and work for them to be termed as efficient in the field (Burke Mattis xi). In the U.S, effective recruiting strategies in learning institutions are attributed to women engagement in engineering. These involves the choice of leaders who are committed responsibly in recruiting females, application of brochures, written publications to draw female students among other strategies (Badekale 13). These female engineers act as a role model to be looked upon by aspiring female students in junior levels to specialize in engineering. The general guidance and counseling should emphasize on relevance of engineering to female students where high ranking women engineers are invited as role models, which is a concept that is widely applied in the U.S leanin g institutions. Poor attitudes adopted by females towards engineering should be done away with (Badekale 14). A productive environment should be ensured for women to study and undertake engineering as a career by eliminating any hindrance to their participation. For instance, there should be enactment of a law to curb sexual harassment and female discrimination. Therefore, change of attitudes for female students as well as guidance and counseling that emphasizes on feminine needs in engineering should be initiated. Additionally, women engineers should lecture on related subjects for mentorship. Universities that concentrate primarily on women’s needs are necessary in a nation while the society should be made aware of the need for equality in the workforce through campaigns to eliminate the traditional mind of male domination in the field. Family support programs are essential for the state to enlighten family members on involving their daughters in engineering as well as elim inating sexism, for positive socialization. Authors of books should also eliminate masculinization of the profession while the legal system should draft policies to eliminate discrimination in hiring of female staff and encourage special provisions for them to cope in the field (Stewart et al. 79). Conclusion This research was aimed to generate the issues facing women in the engineering workforce. In conclusion, women should be more attracted in the profession and ensure their retention by motivation and other positive reinforcement strategies. The society should also participate by encouraging them to overcome any obstacle in the course of their career. Since they are faced with issues of declined tenure and promotion rates, extensive periods of promotion, declined rates of retention as well as minimal job satisfaction, these aspects should be dealt with, to ensure their efficiency, faculty productivity and higher retention for the ultimate job satisfaction that women engineers are in search of. Badekale, Adeke. â€Å"Woman and Engineering in Nigeria: Towards Improved Policy Initiatives and Increased Female Participation.† African Technology Policy Studies Network Working Paper Series, No. 37, 2003. Web. Burke, Ronald, and Mary Mattis. Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Upping the Numbers. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2007. Print. Leventman, Paula. â€Å"Women in Engineering in the United States: Overview 1990-2010.† Northeastern University, 2010. Web. https://projectccwe.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/paula-leventman.pdf Stewart, Abigail, Janet Malley, and Danielle LaVaque-Manty. Transforming Science and Engineering: Advancing Academic Women. Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 2007. Print.