Client care vrq assessment

As a mobile nail technician my procedures for encouraging the use of additional services and products are:- Via verbal communication to a new client upon discussion of booking an appointment. This may take place either in person or over the telephone. I will listen carefully to the client's request for a particular treatment and will ascertain what outcome they want from the treatment. I am then able to inform them of any additional treatment options I offer which would be of benefit to them.Via verbal communication to an new or existing client during the consultation process before he beginning of a treatment. For example if the client has booked a manicure treatment, having assessed their skin and nail type/condition, if their skin is dry I would take the opportunity to recommend a paraffin wax treatment to supplement the manicure and specifically target their dry skin. During the treatment, I would answer any questions the client may have and this may Include the recommendation of another service or a product that would be of benefit to them.As a rule I would not give advice during the treatment UNLESS the client asks I want them to feel relaxed and to enjoy the experience. Aftercare leaflets are given to each client which recommend products they are able to purchase from me, and each client is given a price list detailing all of the treatments I offer. When home based, my price list is on display under the glass top of the nail station. Promotional offers on seasonal treatments and/or products to encourage a client to try something new.When the treatment is completed I will ask the client if they would like to book another appointment and will take the opportunity to ask If they would like to try any of the additional treatments that they have shown an Interest In over the course of today's retirement. When explaining aftercare, and handing them an aftercare leaflet, I can advise them of any products they could purchase that will be beneficial to help maint ain the effect of the treatment they have had and improve on any condition they may have, such as dry skin.What promoting additional services means to the Therapist If self employed – an increase in income. If employed – an increase in income or commission. An increase in sales may lead to promotion. Positive appraisals and respect. Helps to keep therapist up-to-date with new treatments and products. May be given further training to broaden their knowledge. Helps to show to clients that you are experienced and knowledgeable, leading to an Increase In regular clients. Shows confidence What promoting additional services means to the client The client receives targeted advice for their particular needs.Makes the client aware of new treatments and/or treatments they have no prior knowledge of so they can make an informed decision as to what treatments they would like. Client will be able to maintain the benefit of their treatment for longer if they try new services recomme nded especially for them, and particularly if they purchase professional reduces to use at home in between salon visits. They will feel confident that they are getting the best care from their therapist. What promoting additional services means to the Salon – Increase in sales and therefore income.Gain new clients and an increase in loyal & regular clients. Keeps the salon up to date with new treatments and products. Keeps the salon competitive in an ever growing industry. Helps with stock control & rotation. If you have products not selling very well – a promotion on these may increase sales and help reduce stock. Why is it important to understand the features and benefits of your stock? Describe what is meant by the benefit of a product- The benefit of a product is what the product can do/achieve – for example the benefit of a hand cream is that is nourishes the skin.Products contain a variety of ingredients and different products will have certain features th at provide particular benefits, for example an exfoliated may contain alpha hydroxyl acids (Shahs) from fruit, the benefit of which is to exfoliate the skin and help the production of new skin cells. Understanding the features and benefits of the products that you stock enables you to use the most appropriate reduce for your particular client to ensure they are receiving the best treatment for them that will give them the best outcome.If you are knowledgeable about what your product features and benefits are you are best able to advise your client on products they could purchase that will benefit them, giving them the best service you can, along with helping you sell the product to increase your sales and therefore income. It is also important to understand the features of your stock, as particular products may be unsuitable for a particular client for example due to an allergy they may have.Explain the benefits of a service Manicure – A manicure improves the appearance of th e hands and nails, offering a beneficial treatment that can improve dry skin, weak or brittle nails and prevent damage to the nails and cuticles. Filing the free edge of the nail improves appearance and prevents splitting, peeling and breaking. Softening and removing excess cuticle keeps them tidy and healthy and prevents the formation of hang nails. Massage of the hand and lower arm increases circulation, aids the removal of excess fluid and toxins, relieves stress and promotes relaxation.Skin is exfoliated and rushed, feeling softer to the touch. For a client with weak, splitting or peeling nails a nail strengthener product could be used, and retailed to the client to continue using at home. A paraffin wax treatment complements a manicure, particularly for clients with dry skin. This warming treatment is also beneficial for someone with arthritis. Other treatments that could be offered are:- Hand Mask, this can also be used along with heated mittens. Warm oil treatment. Products y ou could retail to the client include:- Nail file, Cuticle Oil, Hand Cream, Nail Varnish color of their choiceHow would you recognize a client's interest and when would be the most appropriate time to talk about other services? I would recognize a client's interest by listening carefully to them, watching their body language and facial expressions (such as nodding in agreement, smiling) and by asking them questions to find out what they are looking for/wanting to achieve. A client may ask a lot of questions about a particular product or treatment and this would be a great time to advise them on other features & benefits of the product or services beneficial to them. They may moment on my skin or nails and I could inform them of treatments I use.If a client commented on the lovely smell and feel of a product during a treatment I could inform them that we sell that particular product so they could continue to use it at home. A client may spend some time reading through a particular se ction of the salon's brochure so I could ask if they had any questions about something they may like to try. A client may mention a holiday in the sun they have Just booked – a good opportunity to mention how lovely it is to have a pedicure to treat the feet before ongoing flip flops & sandals, along with a waxing treatment to be ‘beach ready'!The most appropriate times to talk about other services would be during the booking process when you are ascertaining what treatment the client would like – there is an opportunity here to give them a few different options. During the consultation before the start of the treatment, once you have established any particular problems the client may have, you could offer advice on other services that will be of benefit to them. During treatment there may be occasions where the client asks questions, which should be answered.They may also be keen to chat for example when their feet are soaking or when their hands or feet are in heated mittens or booties. (Although it would be inappropriate to discuss other services if the client is showing signs that they Just want to relax during times in the treatment such as during massage, soaking feet etc). Give a brief summary of what the following laws stand for: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the main legislation in the UK that provides the legal framework to ensure a safe working environment is provided for employers, employees and clients.Everyone has a duty to comply with the Act, including employers, employees and the self-employed. The Act places duties on the employer and the employee to promote high standards of health and safety in the workplace. Provide and maintain safe systems of work and safety equipment. Ensure the proper handling, storage, transportation and use of materials. Provide information, training and supervision. Provide a safe working environment. Have a written Health & Safety Policy and conduct written risk assessments. Look aft er the health and safety of there, for example clients.Some examples of employees duties under the Act are:- Take care of their own health and safety and that of others. Co-operate with their employers for example by complying with regulations to wear personal protective equipment (PEP) where necessary. To report any accidents, near misses and faulty equipment to the delegated Health and Safety Representative/Officer or Salon Manager The Consumer Protection Act 1987 protects the consumer by legislating that the products and services that consumers purchase must be safe and suitable for use I. E. Not defective.Products must be of merchantable quality and ‘fit for purpose'. There are strict measures for liability for damage caused by defective products. Government bodies are able to intervene to regulate the quality of products, and it makes giving misleading price information a criminal offence. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 legislates that information provided by the manufac turer and retailer about products and services, must be accurate and must not be misleading. You should not make false or exaggerated claims about the benefits of a product or service to a consumer/client – to do so is illegal.Products and services should be ‘as described', be of satisfactory quality, and fit for purpose. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 protect consumers when they buy, hire and return goods. These Acts legislate that goods must be:- Of good quality, as described, fit for purpose. The goods must also match any sample that a consumer is shown in-store. A consumer enters into a contract with a retailer when they purchase goods, and if those goods fail to meet the above standards then the consumer is entitled to a full refund or can make a claim under these Acts.The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 legislates to protect the consumer/client from the provision of a poor service or against bad workmanship. Under this A ct all services provided, for example a manicure, must be undertaken with reasonable care and skill and for a reasonable price and within a reasonable timescale. Treatment – Manicure. Possible links to suggest: Paraffin Wax Treatment Mask Treatment Hot Oil Treatment Exfoliation Hand Scrub Forearm waxing French Polish Finish Pedicure with matching or contrasting nail varnish color Natural Nail Overlay Nail Enhancements Purchase of cuticle oilPurchase of nail strengthener Purchase of nail varnish and/or backseat and/or topcoat Treatment – Pedicure. Possible links to suggest:- Leg and/or Toe Wax Manicure with matching or contrasting nail varnish color Nail Art Purchase of heel repair cream Treatment – Leg Wax. Possible links to suggest: Pedicure Waxing on other areas such as bikini, underarm Spray Tanning Purchase of exfoliating scrub Purchase of leg & foot cream Treatment – Facials. Possible links to suggest:- Eyebrow shape Eyebrow tint Eyebrow wax Lash tin t Lash extensions Make Up application or lesson Indian Head Massage Lip waxElectrolysis Purchase of eye cream Purchase of face creams/serums Purchase of make-up What is meant by the term ‘body language? Body language is non-verbal communication such as smiling, nodding, appropriate posture and personal space, eye contact. Treatments you would promote for each season:- Spring: Mother's Day Gift Vouchers . ‘Get ready for Summer' packages including Manicure & Pedicure, Facials, Waxing & Spray Tanning. Easter Nail Art with/without such as reflexology and Hopi ear candles. Exfoliation treatments such as micro determination, and body wrap treatments to ‘shed' your winter skin.Promotion of nail varnishes in spring colors – think of floral colors such as pink roses and yellow daffodils. Greens, lilacs and blues. Summer: Pre-holiday packages that include Leg, Bikini and Underarm Waxing along with eyebrow wax and tint and a pedicure. Bridal Package that includes brida l make up (trial and application on day), relaxing massage of choice and manicure with French polish. Spray Tanning Promotion such as 1/2 price matching file and polish on hands with every summer pedicure. Special offer on combinations of waxing.Promote pastel shades of nail varnish and make up and and/face creams that contain UP protection. Autumn: Target sun-damage repair with treatments such as facials, body wraps, exfoliation/micro determination. Spray tanning – ‘Keep your summer tan for longer' promotion. Halloween Nail Art. Bonfire Night Nail Art. Manicure treatments to promote nail growth ready for the Christmas party season. Promote autumn colors in nail varnish and make-up – oranges, reds, greens. Winter: Gift Vouchers for Christmas Presents. Christmas Party Packages – Manicures with Christmas nail art and Pedicures with Twinkle Toes.Body wraps and socials to keep skin hydrated during the cold winter months. Clients may not want wax treatments as regularly during winter due to covering up in warm clothes so a promotion of a buy one get one free/half price wax treatment e. G. Have a leg wax and get a bikini wax free or half price so you maintain your regular customers over the winter. Or a half price leg wax with a spray tan treatment. Promote the darker color nail varnishes such as black and blues and purples along with glitter finishes and anything that sparkles for the party season.How could you learn about new products or services for the salon? You can learn about new services or products for the salon in a variety of ways. It is good practice to continually refresh and update your skills by attending regular training courses and refresher courses which will keep you up to date with new techniques and products. Other ways are:- Subscribing to industry magazines and reading other literature for example from manufacturers, will keep you up-to-date on new products and services on the market.Researching new and other service s and products that via on-line research or via your wholesaler, other stores and manufacturers. Trialing the products yourself – use new products at home for a time to see the benefits for yourself. Receive other and new treatments to experience the treatment for yourself. Attend manufacturers sessions aimed at educating you on their products. Attend trade shows. Information sharing by all technicians within the salon. Ask questions/ shadow more experienced technicians. How will any new services benefit the salon?New services will benefit the salon by increasing the client base and therefore the salon's income. Existing clients will enjoy trying new treatments which they may then kook in regularly for. New clients wishing for these particular services will be attracted to the salon, and then may become a regular for that treatment and other treatments the salon offers. New services will mean the salon remains competitive in confident that the technicians in the salon are tra ined regularly to be able to provide the new services.The more services a salon can offer, the more the ability to adapt a treatment to suit a particular client. New services may bring a new range of products that that salon can promote for retail, increasing sales and income. Technicians will come multi-skilled and more knowledgeable, gaining client's confidence and helping to keep clients loyal to the salon. New services mean new training for the technicians which will keep them interested and enthused in their work, creating a positive working environment where the technicians feel valued.What are the main factors that might influence clients to use your products or services? Good Advertising and a good image. Positive word-of-mouth from existing clients. Convenient location. Technicians that are pleasant, professional, knowledgeable, with good presentation and personal hygiene. A clean and tidy salon. Competitive prices, loyalty schemes and promotions. A good range of services a nd products offered, that can be confidently tailored to the clients individual needs. Professional range of products.Client feels valued and looked after and has confidence in the technicians knowledge and abilities. How would you introduce a new service to a nervous client? The ‘hard sell' approach rarely works and could intimidate a nervous client. I would use clear verbal communication they can understand with no Jargon, together with encouraging body language and would be aware of the client's body language to indicate if they are interested or not, seem happy/comfortable or not, and I would ensure I am giving them enough personal space.Building a good rapport with a nervous client and demonstrating knowledge and confidence will help the client feel confident that they can trust my advice. Promotion of a new service should be timed appropriately. I would answer any questions the client has and let them sample the products that would be used, along with clearly explaining the features and benefits of the service, the length of time the service will take, the cost and the process involved. If they seem unsure – I would give them time to think it over and let them know they can call back anytime if they have any further queries.What factors must you take into account when selling a new service or product, especially if you cannot perform the treatment yourself? When selling a new service or product you must ensure you are complying with consumer legislation, for example the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. You need to be well informed about the service and product – in particular you need determine if it is suitable for the particular client. If it is a high maintenance retirement – does the client have enough commitment and time to keep on top of it?You would need to know how long the treatment takes, what products are used – their features and benefits – and how much the treatme nt or product costs. You need to be aware of your client's body language – are they really interested in the sale or not? If you cannot perform the treatment yourself you will not be the best person to give the client advice as you may not be well informed about the treatment and the products used. The client may end up disappointed with the results which could lead to them making a complaint or not coming back to the salon.You could put the client at risk if you promoted a service or product you did not know enough about as it may be an inappropriate treatment for the client for example due to an allergy they may have. The client may sue for compensation and the salon may be held liable. You should find out what you need to know to answer a client's questions by asking a therapist who can perform the treatment and/or has received the product training. Or you could ask this therapist to speak to the client.If a client had reservations about a product or service I would clearl y and simply explain the features and infinite, using terminology they will understand. I would explain why this service or product would be advantageous for them. I would let the client try a sample of the product and answer any questions they have, demonstrating its usage. There may be some literature such as a brochure about the product/service that the client could read. I would not put pressure on the client, but allow them to take their time to decide. They may want to go away and think about it.If it is a treatment they are unsure about I would talk them through it step by step so they would know what to expect. The client may want to talk to a more experience therapist, or someone who has had the treatment/used the product. I would ask the clients questions to determine what they are unsure about. If they are concerned about the price of a product I would let them know how long it will last, or show them different size options. Giving appropriate and balanced information to clients is possible if you have good knowledge and experience with the treatments and products you use & sell.Keep up to date with training on existing and new products and services. Doing a thorough linen consultation, and asking the client questions for further information will mean you are best able to advise them on what is best for them, or alternatively what would NOT be ideal for them. Asking plenty of open questions which allows the client to give you more detailed answers will help you ascertain more about the client and their expectations. Noting the skin and nail type a client has will help you adapt any treatments for any particular problems they may have.You need to consider any financial restraints the client may have that might make a more ‘high maintenance' treatment unsuitable for them. They may or may not have the time or commitment needed to properly maintain some treatments, for example nail enhancements. Be honest with the client about their expectations à ¢â‚¬â€œ if what they want cannot be achieved you must tell them, and offer alternatives. The ‘hard sell' approach rarely works and the client will not appreciated feeling they are being pushed into a sale. Encouraged, to ask questions as a client becomes educated about a product or service by asking questions that are answered confidently and with knowledge by the therapist. If a client is educated about their treatment and the products they arches they are more likely to be happy with the service and effects of the treatment, and will be more likely to return to the salon for regular treatments. They will get more out of their treatment by keeping up with good homemade advice and by using products correctly.They are less likely to use products incorrectly therefore will put themselves at less risk of contra-actions following a treatment or use of a product. If the therapist questions the client, they will be best able to determine what treatment or product would be most benef icial for them, and be able to adapt treatments specifically for their needs. Better homemade advice can be given and the client will find the benefits of the treatment last longer and will feel valued as a client, and will feel confident in the skills and knowledge of the therapist.A client who asks questions, and is questioned by the therapist , is less likely to have unachievable expectations, but instead will know what benefits to realistically expect. Questioning the client gives you the opportunity to find out whether they have understood what you have said. Giving them time to ask you questions means they will not feel pressured, and you are more likely to build a rapport with the client. One question can lead to another, and you may get the opportunity to promote new services and products.Question 24, page 17 Ensure you have given the client all the necessary information about the product or treatment. They can still change their mind so stay positive with encouraging body l anguage and verbal communication. Ask the client if they would like to book their appointment now for the treatment, but do allow them time to make the final decision so they don't feel pressured – make sure they have your contact details if they prefer to call back at a later date to make the booking. If they are purchasing a product you can move the sale along by asking encouraging questions such as â€Å"Which size would you like to take today? , or â€Å"Would you like a bag for that? â€Å". Take payment from the client using the methods accepted by the salon Question 25, page 18 Some treatments are quite ‘high maintenance', for example acrylic nail enhancements. A client having acrylic nail enhancements needs to be made aware of the maintenance needed and therefore time to be committed to regular appointments for infill's and rebalanced. Once the client understands this – they can aka an informed decision on whether the enhancements are the right treatme nt for them.If a client makes a booking for a new and/or luxury treatment they have not had before it is important they understand how long the treatment will take – if they don't, they may end up running late for another appointment they have made which will spoil the treatment for them if they are feeling stressed about time. Clients also need to be made aware that it is important that they are not late for their treatment – it is unfair for the client booked in after them to have to be made to wait, and it may prevent this. This will lead to disappointment for this client.If a product the client would like to purchase is currently out of stock this could lead to disappointment – but if they are clearly informed when it will be available, and that you will track the order for them and contact them as soon as it is back in stock – you are more likely to keep them happy and keep them returning to the salon. Clear and effective communication with a client will prevent any misunderstandings and disappointment for the client. They may want to try a new treatment but it is only offered by a small number of therapists in the salon, meaning there is a longer dating list.Client's who are well informed are more likely to remain loyal to the salon. Theory Evidence Sheet 2 Question 1, page 19 Personal space is the area around a person that they perceive to be private, and if that area is intruded upon it makes them feel uncomfortable. The size of that area will be different to each individual and can be different depending on whom they are communicating with/close to e. G. Whether it is a friend or a stranger. Some people can feel very stressed and anxious when their personal space is invaded. They can feel threatened, upset or angry.Question 2, page 19 Feedback from clients on client care can be gained via the following methods:- In person via verbal communication – you or your Manager can ask your clients how they would rate the care they have received and whether any improvements could be made. Just be aware that a client could feel ‘put on the spot' when asked such questions in person and they may feel uncomfortable in giving an honest answer. Over the telephone – this could be done by the client's own therapist, the Salon Manager or another employee given the task to survey client's opinions on care.They ay be more honest with their answers than if asked in person. You would need to ensure you have up to date telephone numbers for your clients and this could be a costly and time consuming way to do a survey. By post or e-mail – using written communication. A short survey could be posted or e-mailed to clients. If done via post the clients answers could by anonymous therefore you may be more likely to get honest opinions. E-mail would be the cheaper option. The benefits of a written survey is that the client is less likely to feel pressured into completing it and can do it in their own tim e. You may though get a low response.Up to date client records would be essential to ensure you have up to date addresses and e-mail addresses. Via the Salon's website – clients could be encouraged to view the website and complete a short survey (anonymously if they wish). Clients may be more likely to complete a survey if they have an incentive such as a half price treatment or product. Any survey should be kept short and ask the most important questions first in case they do not get time to finish it. Feedback should show where you are doing well with client care and where there are areas of improvement needed. Training needs can be

National Parks: a Double Edged Sword?

National Parks: A Double Edged Sword? Justin Pearly Environmental History Prof. Mark Bishop Newell Tuesday July 21, 2009 Pearly 1 Few places can match the sheer diversity of wildlife and culture that exists in the country’s national park system. Humans, with the future in mind, have â€Å"set aside† these beautiful sites of wonder and awe. But at what cost? Do national parks end up being good and bad at the same time? Our national parks are a supposed to be a natural treasure. Here the unspoiled grandeur and beauty of nature can be appreciated in its most pristine form. However, the amount of people that are visiting these parks has risen to levels that threaten the very beauty and well-being of these paradises. Its now seems apparent that there is a price to pay for allowing humans into an area that did not have many humans before. To understand the present state of the nation’s parks, and ultimately their entire future, it is crucial to first look back at the past. The first national park was Yellowstone National Park. This sprawling park contains such amazing geological and biological sites that it had been considered a national park long before it was ever officially named one. Its combination of diverse wildlife, and geologic features such as, waterfalls, canyons, geysers, and hot springs made it obvious to any who had experienced it, that this was a place that should be preserved just the way it was. That was why in 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant made it officially the world’s first national park. The only problem being, it was a completely unique creation, the first of its kind. This means that all ground that they covered would be new. Due to inconsistencies with the way national parks were being governed, and the fact that there were was no central governing body for national parks Congress created a Pearly 2 National Park Service that would operate within jurisdiction of the Secretary of the interior. Signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916, the National Park Service Organic Act created the National Park Service which put the country’s national parks in its jurisdiction. Wendy Hart Beckman in her book entitled â€Å"National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues,† states that, â€Å"The Organic Act said the National Park Service’s purpose was to ‘promote and regulate the use of the†¦ national parks†¦ which purpose is to conserve scenery and the natural historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. † When trying to unravel the ethics and issues concerning the parks one must keep referring back to this original mission statement. The purpose of national parks is to enjoy the scenery and to leave it unchanged for future generations. However, this statement seems somewhat contradictory, when considering the fact that most national parks are areas that did not have native humans for much of their history. One of the first things to consider about this complex issue is: Why do people want to go there in the first place? Why is it important to them? The first and most obvious reason to let people into our national parks is for their own personal enjoyment. People derive a great deal of pleasure out of leaving their boring, monotonous urban and suburban lives behind even if it is for just a weekend, or merely an evening. People in cites often lead sedentary lifestyles, and need to get outside in a natural setting even if it is just to walk. Some people might even think the air in these preserves tastes fresher! People get a taste of what the earth was like before humans were there. These Pearly 3 can be places of relaxing or exercising. Have a you ever scaled a thousand foot mountain? Hiking can be quite exhilarating. Parents can, in effect, introduce the next generation of conservationists to these areas. Children that have grown up with these sites in their hearts will never forget how incredibly important they are. People becoming informed and interested in nature is one of the most important functions of a national park besides the preservation of the actual land itself. Even without any previous interactions with nature, or any history or knowledge of the place that you are going to you may find and enjoyment to be effortless. When people witness something with their own eyes, it is very different from looking at a picture, or reading about something in a textbook. There is a definitive advantage to experiencing things in person. Subtleties stand out. All five senses can be invoked. People who are not familiar with this kind of beauty are usually particularly awestruck. A memory is formed which is nearly impossible to erase or change (although one’s perspective of the event can change). Every time one person gets hooked on nature, that person will usually try to their share its grandeur with other people. People who appreciate that wonderful wilderness will then go out of their way to help conserve it. There is also a secondary effect in addition to making the individual feel good. Whether or not a reverence for nature existed before their encounters with these sacred sanctuaries does not matter at the point that people start to care about these wonderlands. All that matters then is that people who have visited and enjoyed themselves now feel like they have a vested interest in the parks. Now that they have traveled through the park, they feel the weight of responsibility for their actions. They also realize that everything they do, can produce an effect which, were they not there, never would have occurred. The more Pearly 4 aware and informed people are, the better the decisions they tend to make. There is even an organization called â€Å"Leave No Trace, Inc. † which tries to inform visitors of ways they can reduce the amount of impact on the ecosystem during visits. The group has even compiled a list of seven â€Å"principles† that can help people lessen their impact on the land. 1. Travel and camp on durable surfaces 2. Leave what you find 3. Plan ahead and prepare 4. Dispose of waste properly 5. Minimize campfire impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be considerate of other visitors While all these principles sound nice on paper, the amount that people adhere to them, and how effective they can be in reducing our footprint remains to be seen. When discussing the concept of â€Å"leaving not trace† one must begin to wonder about the impact of human travel. Even a foot-trail through a park is altering the natural landscape. The question of how much altering of the landscape is acceptable is not an easy one. It has led to intense debate for over a century. Roads are one of the most obvious signs of human interference. While providing a route for visitors to come and enjoy the parks, they also obscure the natural landscape. I think most would agree that a road cutting through even the most pristine wilderness takes Pearly 5 something away from it. So, the parks need people, and people need roads. Or do they? A rather extreme solution might be to restrict road building all together. Access to areas could be achieved by a more â€Å"green† method such a bicycles, or walking. There is also a major issue of dam building. Many a heated debate has occurred when discussing dam building. There are few things that alter the natural landscape like a dam. One would think that national parks would be free from man made structures such as dams. However this is not the case. For example in the 1930’s the federal Bureau of Reclamation proposed putting a dam in Dinosaur National Monument’s Echo Canyon. The purpose of this would be create a clean source of electricity using the power of the water flowing over the dam that would be built. While many of the locals upstream from the dam liked the prospect of water in their dry canyon, they would be flooding one of the greatest fossil sites of the Jurassic. Let’s consider the interaction between people and animals. This has been a long and curious story. With the intention of making the park safer for visitors, park staff have, in the past, killed animals that were deemed a nuisance. This includes predatory animals such as wolf or bear, but also includes herbivores such as the elk. And while it is no longer legal for anyone to kill these animals, we have accepted a very shaky truce with them. Humans entering parks are told specifically not to feed the animals. It is a warning that is not heeded as much as it needs to be. When wild animals are fed by humans they get conditioned to expect food from them. Therefore, they are more likely to come around humans hoping for food. This can be very dangerous! While wild animals can seem cute Pearly 6 and harmless they rarely are (harmless of course). Even something seemingly docile like a white-tailed deer can become aggressive and do severe damage, especially to an unsuspecting human. People frequently fail to realize that wild animals are just that; wild. Wild translates into unpredictable. I’m sure I could get more than a few circus performers to agree with me. The irony of this whole situation is the greatest asset to national parks also happens to be their greatest downfall, Humans, while having the potential to create on a monumental level, also have a similar capacity for destruction. Even more confusing is that fact that the opinions of people on both sides of these issue have well founded, and very convincing arguments. National parks are an important part of American history and need to be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Debate is good in the sense that any publicity is good publicity. As long as people feel strongly on both sides we are more likely to reach some sort of compromise. Pearly 7 Bibliography De Voto, Bernard. â€Å"Shall we let them ruin our national parks? † Saturday Evening Post, July 22, 1950. Chittenden, Hiram Martin. The Yellowstone National Park Beckman, Wendy Hart. National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues (Berkley Heights: Enslow, 2004) Wendy Hart Beckman, National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues (Berkley Heights: Enslow, 2004) Beckman 18, 19 Beckman 65-68 Beckman 19, 20 Beckman 14, 15, 53

Division of labour

Today, even simplest form of labor like, our day-to-day domestic work, is divided between services like house maids, milkman, laundry revise, daycare, transport services, along with restaurants or food deliveries. Most of the times, we do not realism how the concept of division of labor is more central to our lives than we think. Right from the beginning of the human life, to this day of again super-computers, the division of labor has made all the difference. The division of labor brings in greater productivity of labor. If not for this productivity, today would have been only slightly different than the ice ages.This basic need for division of labor comes from the human desire to lead a better life. According to Smith, part of what makes us human, Is our propensity to truck, barter, and exchange Items. If everyone were to produce everything they need, there would be very less scope for any sort of Innovation and a lot of time In would be wasted In changing tools and materials. But, with the help of the division of labor, leading to efficiencies and surpluses, each member of the society could trade the fruits of his/her labor for other objects that are needed.This would result in the improvement of quality of life and a win-win situation. Division of labor creates specialized knowledge of a reticular task. It saves the laborer time as the time needed to adjust to new physical or mental frame works is eliminated. Doing the same thing over and over, leads to innovation in the methods and tools employed in the task. If not for the extensive form of division of labor, the world wouldn't have been what it is today. The effective Dillon of labor Is limited by the market size.A vendor, who supplies to the only geography he has access to, can delve the labor to only a certain extent because, as productively Increases with the Dillon of labor, a large market Is needed o consume the products that it gives rise to. Thus as Eng as he doesn't have access to larger market, the further division of labor is meaningless. Over the last few centuries, the advances in technology gas connected the geographies all over the world and so, the accessing the markets of these geographies has become easier.Thus, many businesses that were previously supplying to limited markets of villages and small cities are now spreading rapidly over parts of the nations and those supplying to parts for a nation are taking over the world. So, in order to increase earplugs and productivity also over tight competition from others of their kind, they need to go for greater extent of division of labor. The sustain in the world of tight competition, be It In the global or local scale, the division of labor has to make best use of available resources.This Dillon of labor, Is based on cheaper and faster access to resources, local human talent, cost of manufacturing and consumer base, thus increasing their productivity. For example, a lot of companies located in might have their producti on units in china or software development in US, taking advantage of natural or human resources available the locality. This has given rise to division of labor geographically. Today, majority of businesses, have various parts of the same product manufactured in various parts of the world.Also, we see many cities or various parts of world emerging as specialists in particular businesses. Now businesses are moving to Africa and India where they can find more consumers. The world has become a small village. Everyday, we see many huge companies shutdown after having failed sustain in the competition to cater to the changing need for services and products, and many new ones taking over the globe. Unlike the old times, today people don't limit themselves to one particular Job, they look out for more Jobs that can fetch them more money.So, the increase in productivity achieved by division of labor at one Job, helps them divert their resources elsewhere to earn additional revenue. Today th e information technology may be decreasing the kind of information asymmetry that existed before. Division of labor is omnipresent, be it in political organizations where the government is divided into legislative, Judiciary and executive branches or in latherer systems, where we have different doctors for different ailments. Today, there are enormous number of types and many more are getting added each day.Also, in today's world, Adam Smith's Division of Labor has got a new meaning with the division of labor between the humans and machines. The human intellectual skill combined with physical strength of the machines has changed our lives like never before. The computers, which are machines of one particular type have created wonders. They have created a major upheaval in the nature of human work. On one hand there is a division of labor between humans and Computer and on the other hand, there is a fast growing division of labor within humans who can and who cannot do valued work in the economy filled with computers. L] In the old times, the division of labor based on labor was widespread. The male population was supposed to earn the bread, and the female population was assigned to take care of domestic work. Unlike those days, today we see more and more women entering Jobs that were previously reserved for males. As the society is slowly coming out of self-imposed superstitions and restrictions regarding the granting equal rights and opportunities to females, the competition between male and female for the various Jobs is increasing.Only the best suited for the Job, irrespective of the gender, get the Job. Thus, the gender based division of labor is losing its impact. This reinforces the statement of Adam Smith saying ‘Competition is the best influence for increasing productivity'. Everybody wants to live a better life. This best of everything. Minored to attract buyers with good quality products and services in this barter, and sustain in the competiti on with others, there is a need for greater radioactivity. And again comes the role of division of labor to achieve more productivity.

Personnel Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Personnel Management - Assignment Example Personnel management requires a sound management since we need to evaluate the status of the personnel activities. This is because there are a number of functions carried out in the personnel department that include: recruitment, training, rewarding, appraising, dismissing etc. To run the personnel department, the concerned individuals need to know the entire organisation and all the employees qualifications needed for various positions. Hence, understanding of personnel management models and theories is very essential. Models and theories of personnel management assist our understanding of the role of personnel management in an organisation. Legge (1978) characterises four models of personnel management. The four models of personnel management includes: Normative, Descriptive-functional, Critical-evaluative and Descriptive-behavioural. In normative framework, the personnel manager speaks about employees in the context of teams, quality, empowerment and creativity. The underpinning of the manager's opinion, norms and values about the people who work for them are reflected in McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y. (Storey, 1995) In a cold or harsh organisation, the firm's manager may be distant, erratic, and negative or cod. Their value may be coercive or exploitive as far as their behaviours are concerned. In such circumstances the personnel department: Keep salaries, wages and terms and conditions of employment very low They hire casual labourers only They behave with insensitivity towards employees The employees are supervised thoroughly as they work The employees do not develop deep seated trust in management because of the management behaviours. These norms and behaviours fall outside the welfare, participation and empowerment norms of the neo-human relations school which include: the welfare, participation and empowerment norms of the neo-human relations school which might include the following: Encouraging people to be part of a team Responding to the aspirations of individual members of the organisation Having employment policies that reflect broad societal needs for fairness and equity By seeking secure optimum utilisation of the human resources of the organisation by fitting the right people into the right jobs with the right rewards Putting emphasise on getting results through people by securing their commitment not by coercive or demanding means. The mangers behaving consistently and with sensitivity to the needs of others by applying sound planning, organisation, communication, motivation and controlling activities to acquire, develop, maintain and use the workforce effectively and economically. Normative emphasis may be pluralistic rather than unitary. Management's role and functional human resource management policies are emphasised even more where are different vested interests and a potential for conflict between groups whose objectives are different. Managers must manage conflict in professional ways being primarily responsible for taking the initiative, developing institutional relationships and mechanisms to anticipate problems and minimise the potential for damaging conflicts of right and interest, consulting and negotiating,

Inflation Control by Government of UK Economy Essay

Inflation Control by Government of UK Economy - Essay Example The rate of overall fixed capital formation in the UK is depressed by the very low level of public investment. During the 1970s and much of the 1980s the UK endured persistently high inflation. Despite high levels of unemployment, wage increases in the 1980s exceeded productivity growth, provoking strong upward pressure on prices. The boom of the late 1980s created a new inflationary surge, painfully controlled only by high interest rates and the early 1990s recession. Since then, however, the UK's inflation performance has improved markedly. The government has preferred measure of inflation, the RPIX (which excludes mortgage interest payments), has fluctuated within a narrow range in recent years and even came in below the official central target of 2.5% in 1999-2001. Meanwhile, inflation as measured by the EU's harmonised index averaged just 1.2% over 2001, the lowest rate in the EU. Two aspects of the UK's recent inflation performance are worth recording, however. The first is that there has been a significant divergence since mid-1998 between goods and service sector inflation, with the latter accounting for most of the increase in the consumer price index. In fact, in many parts of the goods sector (notably clothing, footwear and audio-visual equipment); prices actually fell in 2000 and 2001. A second aspect worth noting is the sharp (and probably unsustainable) appreciation of sterling's trade-weighted exchange rate since 1996, which has exerted considerable downward pressure on import prices. This paper discusses the inflation control methodologies in United Kingdom from 1994 to 2004. It shall also discuss how UK has managed its inflation in the last few decades. The paper shall also provide recommendations for inflation control by effective governance. Historical Monetary and Fiscal policies of UK Monetary policy The UK has experimented with numerous frameworks for monetary policy over the past 15 years. In the 1980s, the Conservative government tried in vain to target various measures of the money supply, before deciding to target the exchange rate. After "tracking" the D-mark in the late 1980s, the UK joined the EU's exchange-rate mechanism (ERM) in October 1990, only to be ejected two years later, in September 1992, when speculative pressures forced sterling out of the ERM. Following its exit, the UK was one of the first OECD countries to adopt inflation control. An inflation target range of 1-4% was initially set, but responsibility for setting interest rates remained with the government. When the Labour government came to power in 1997, its first significant decision was to grant operational independence for setting interest rates to a newly constituted Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) within the Bank of England. The responsibility fo

Online Payments Assurance and Security Term Paper

Online Payments Assurance and Security - Term Paper Example The demand for quick, suitable and safe payment substitutes is increasing rapidly. Along with this, there is an alteration in the way commerce takes place in the recent times. One of the easiest ways to identify the significance of electronic payments is to imagine a world without them. In other words, if electronic payments come to a sudden pause then in such circumstances most of the facets of commerce such as trade, travel and internet might confront terrible consequences. Although cash and cheque still plays a vital role in making payments, there are many problems associated with these payment options such as lack of speed and convenience. These also face issues related to safety demanded by the consumers, governments as well as businesses in today’s fast-paced and ever-dwindling world. It can be mentioned that the extensive utilization of the electronic payments along with the sophisticated network that interconnects many consumers, financial institution and merchants in the world are at the center of commerce (OECD, 2012). The significance of the electronic payments is apparent not only in industrialized countries but in developing countries as well. One of such costs is related with interchange where a comparatively small fee is offered to the card issuers by card acquirers. It is worthy of stating that interchange comprises part of most of the expenses that issues are supposed to bear for the purpose of creating the advantage that merchants enjoy while accepting the payment cards. It has often been observed that the advantages of payment system and the significance of interchange go unnoticed. Most of the people are aware of the fact that electronic payments which are vast and complex permit the transaction to take place within no time. It is these systems that permit the cardholders to make use of their card at any part of the country and with the same ease and convenience that they experience at their area. The online payment system permits peo ple to travel with greater peace of mind because they are aware of the fact that they do not need to carry huge amount of money. The very same systems rationalize the checkout process for consumers as well as merchants (Master Card, 2012). Payment systems are considered to be a significant part of the electronic commerce. Even though in electronic markets, common media of interchange is generally utilized, it is observed that there is escalation of the spatial distance between the buyers as well as the sellers which in turn increases their worries after having successfully completed their dealings. There are numerous payment methods available in online auction markets. They are personal check, credit card, debit card and prepaid card among others. There are different risks, costs as well as convenience associated with each form of online payment method (Peffers & Ma, n.d.). The main objective of the study is to identify how the companies can enhance their security measures so that

Management Control System at a Publicly Listed Company Assignment

Management Control System at a Publicly Listed Company - Assignment Example So the objective of the study would be to assess the management control system of Vodafone. It is also important to assess the strategic management model to interpret the winning formula of Vodafone not only as a company but also as a brand name. A company is a place where a group of employees work together for common goals and to receive compensation in return for the service that they are providing to the company. The company is run by a group of top level managers and they divide the departments, units and groups under them to carry out the decisions and objectives that they plan for the company. The process of management control simply ensures that the strategies implemented and the goals set by the top management of the company is moving in the right direction and the human resource of the company are perfectly allocated for performing these activities are carefully carrying out their task (Anthony and Govindarajan 51-53).   The management control system involves communication of guidelines, decisions and the objectives of the company or the organization. Similarly strategic management planning also involves communicating similar functionalities as management control. But in a much similar way, strategic planning is a part of the management control process. Strategic planning is basically applied economics but management control is applied psychology. Both of these functions involve the top level management. It is a very important strategy that is often followed in companies practicing decentralized model. It is a well known fact that in order to survive in the global market, the company should possess competitive advantage over its competitors. Competitive advantage of the company involves two vital issues such as the cost structure and special features of the firm to differentiate with its competitors. Companies always try to increase their value chain in order to have an edge over

Labor Relations and Their Effects in an Organization Research Paper

Labor Relations and Their Effects in an Organization - Research Paper Example Labor relations also termed as labor management define business that takes place between the labor unions and employers. There is usually a liaison between the management and the labor union. Large organizations go to the extent of employing a relation specialist to link up the labor union and management. Smaller organizations will have a human resource manager to link up the two. He can then present the interest of the labor unions to the management of the organization at hand. Labor relation activities include negotiation of contracts, employee grievances and complain arbitration, mediation and other business matters. The labor relations ensure that the interests of employees are well presented before the management. Labor union and labor relations impact significantly on an organization. The impact that this labor union and relations have on an organization depend on the relationship that exists between the management in the organization and the union representatives. In an organization that has skilled workers and trades people, there are excellent relations as they readily accept the union. These mean that they have been conditioned to expect these unions. It is, however, not always the case in all organizations as there are those that do not want to make concessions. Concessions apply during contract negotiations. If unions and management are ready to work together, then labor unions will have a great impact on organizations. There are negative and positive effects that accrue from the labor relations and unions that are brought about in the organization. Benefits that accrue to employees are many. Unions have seen wages for employees increased. The high wages also go to the underperforming employees attracting the wrong pool of workers in the organization.

UK and US Financial Reporting Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UK and US Financial Reporting Ethics - Essay Example There are several reasons that strongly support this argument. For sometime now, the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and its international counterpart (IASB), have made progress in reducing these disparities between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. (IFRS) accounting rules are set to be followed by all public companies falling under the European Union but about 100 other countries are either already applying or weighing them up. In light of the changing nature of the international market, it is important that comparable transactions between competing companies in different regions be reported in the same way or the differences be understood by these companies so as to be able to understand the financial performance of a competitor. â€Å"Ethical values provide the foundation on which a civilized society exists.† (Smith K, 2003). Managers are faced almost on a daily basis a multitude of decisions that have to take into account variables such as profitability, personal advant age and overall benefits to the community, in the overall context of the correctness of these decisions. However, if integrity is allowed to become one of the possible variables, then it is most likely that it will be the first to be sacrificed at the altar of expediency. The purpose of ethics therefore, is to encourage, " [persons] to abide by a code of conduct that facilitatespublic services" (Smith, K 2003). To that end, there are many accounting organizations that have come to realize the need to establish a practical set of ethical guidelines. The Institute of Management Accountants for example, have established an ethics hotline'. As part of the services offered, "ethics counselors offer confidential advice, solace and comfort to management accountants who may have no other place to turn to for help"(Smith, K 2003). It is not known whether there is are any similar arrangements within the United Kingdom, but there have been attempts to address the issue. This is evident from th e response of the United Kingdom Share Holders Association's response to the ' Ethics Standards Board Consultation Paper' of May 2002. In this response, it clarifies the inter-se relationship between professional and corporate responsibilities. The report highlights that, "professional status is an implied contract: to serve society over and beyond all specific duty to client or employee in consideration of the privileges and protection society extends to that profession" (Setting the Agenda for Ethics, 2002). Moreover, many companies are now appointing ethics officers, charged with monitoring the ethical standards of their company as well as for uncovering fraudulent activities. This trend is also partly due to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act enacted in the United States in the wake of the Enron, WorldCom and other scandals. Scope for malpractice exists because accounting practices differ considerably from country to country and the nature of these practices can, and are, exploited through 'creative accounting'. The United States follows to concept of 'substance over form, while the European Union believes in giving a ' true and fair view' of a company's financial status. However, both concepts though in vogue, are subjective in nature and offer considerable scope for manipulation of figures. Depreciation in the United Kingdom for example, is determined according to custom, with "convention and pragmatism, rather than exact rules [determining methods of

Analyze a news paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analyze a news paper - Essay Example t consider the nature of the audience by asking who the articles are targeted for, what type of information are they offering based on the types of language being used. By examining an issue of a newspaper such as The Chronicle for evidence of the process, the motive and the audience, one can get a better idea of the newspaper’s quality. The process of a newspaper refers to the types of information the issue contains and what this reveals about the paper’s persuasion. A look through the titles of the articles suggests the paper carries a pro-institution persuasion as the main thrust of the issue explores the concept of for-profit college systems as the new wave for the future. Information offered in the most current issue of the newspaper includes titles such as â€Å"For-Profit Colleges Change Higher Education’s Landscape†, â€Å"Private Giving to Colleges Dropped Sharply in 2009†, â€Å"In a Booming California Suburb, Fertile Ground for For-Profit Colleges† and â€Å"In Cutting Programs, Universities Try to Swing the Ax Gently.† In these titles, there is enthusiasm for the for-profit concept and discouraging news for the non-profit sector. The Chronicle of Higher Education makes no attempt to disguise its affiliation with the institutions, however, so this persuasion is no t surprising. In the case of the article about cutting programs, for example, a great deal of information is provided regarding the extreme difficulties college boards are having in trying to tighten the budget while retaining as many programs as possible. This begins to introduce the question of the motive. Why would a newspaper have such a persuasion in their reporting? What are they hoping to achieve in reporting on these issues? Because the newspaper is strongly affiliated with the higher education institutions, it stands to reason that they would take a stance strongly supportive of the institutional viewpoint. Sympathetic to the difficulties being experienced by universities

Litigation, mediation, arbitration response Essay

Litigation, mediation, arbitration response - Essay Example major advantages of litigation is that it empowers people to come forward to take legal actions against abusers even after several years of the real incident. When the term ‘abuse’ is taken in broader sense, it involves physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, social abuse etc. In that context, many of these issues can be sensibly resolved through arbitration and mediation. Hoffman (2nd post) has logically pointed out the swiftness of arbitration in his post. Arbitration in many situations increases the scope of immediate conclusion and reasonable settlement as compared to other alternatives. Hoffman’s view on litigation seems right, for all that matter in litigation is ‘to win over the other’ rather than getting justice. Ferdinand (3rd post) has technical knowledge in all forms of dispute resolutions. Although people consider litigation as the final alternative of resolution, it does not mean that a party cannot later return to an arbitrator or mediator for settlement. 1. The major function of the agency in which I work is to help people resolve issues associated with rent arrears. Admittedly, the dispute resolution service is operational, and it often replaces the formal courts and tribunal hearings with mediation and arbitration. How efficiently and swiftly an issue is settled depends on numerous factors including but not limited to the complexity of the issue, its nature, time required for documentation, position of the parties concerned etc. However, the average time taken for arbitration is three or four months whereas cases that deemed to be more serious are often given priority. since ‘seeking possession’ (The legal way of getting a person evicted) involves several procedures like getting a court order, notice of possession, notice of eviction etc landlords tend to choose third party arbitration. Hence, with regard to rent arrears issues, arbitration has been found more effective way when compared

Study skill Essay Example for Free

Study skill Essay Study skill is defined as the different abilities that can be developed in order to improve a learners capacity to learn (MONDOFACTO, 2009). Based from the free dictionary (n. d. ), the term study skill is used for general approaches to learning, rather than skills for specific courses of study. There are many theoretical works on the subject, and a vast number of popular books and websites. In the 1950s and 1960s, college instructors in Zthe fields of psychology and the study of education used research, theory, and experience with their own students in writing manuals. Marvin Cohn based the advice for parents in his 1979 book Helping Your Teen-Age Student on his experience as a researcher and head of a university reading clinic that tutored teenagers and young adults. According to the National Commission on Excellence in Education (1984), many students are unsuccessful in school because they lack effective study skills (MutsotsoAbenga, 2010). College students face various sources of academic stress, including demonstration of an ability to engage in challenging materials under time limitation (AfsanehHassanbeigi, JafarAskari, Mina Nakhjavani, ShimaShirkhoda, KazemBarzegar, Mohammad R. MozayyanHossienFallahzadeh, 2011) especially examination (Helen, 2013). To counter this, the commission recommends that study skills be introduced to students very early in the schooling process and continue throughout a student’s educational career (MutsotsoAbenga, 2010). In a now classic study of study skills, Entwistle (1960) reported that students who voluntarily took a study skills course were more successful academically than similar students who did not voluntarily take the course(MutsotsoAbenga, 2010). Haynes (1993) reported that improving study skills techniques can enhance academic achievement for students with poor study skills habits (MutsotsoAbenga, 2010). One such initiative was launched by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)(MutsotsoAbenga, 2010). This initiative, â€Å"The Dynamics of Effective Study,† was intended to help students succeed in high school by providing them with essential study skills(cited in Louisiana Department of Education, 1987)(MutsotsoAbenga, 2010). According to documents produced by BESE, the â€Å"Dynamics of Effective Study† course was designed to help students â€Å"learn how to learn† so that they can become effective, well-organized, and self-directed learners (cited in Louisiana Department of Education, 1987)(MutsotsoAbenga, 2010).

The Characteristics Of Design And Build

The Characteristics Of Design And Build The construction projects involve many activities. A construction project can refer to any building activity that includes building, repair, erection, demolition, maintenance, land clearing, earth moving, excavating, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, blasting, concreting, installation etc. (Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act, 1996). All these activities require large number of goods and services. Large number of transactions is needed to be set up to support the project. The goods and services are procured. They should be procured at the best possible cost to meet the needs in terms of quality, quantity, time and location (Weeley 2010). The construction sector is very important to the economy. In most of the countries it accounts for approximately 8-10 percent of gross domestic product GDP. In India it accounts for 8 percent of GDP currently. The main sectors in construction industry in India are Infrastructure, housing and commercial developments. In 2014 the second phase of infrastructure development will be started. This will give additional boost to the construction industry. Due to large number of projects the significance of procurement will be very important. If a construction project is procured appropriately then only the project is completed in time with desirable quality and within estimated cost. There are numerous procurement methods around the world. The main procurement methods used in construction are Design and Build, Management Contracting, Construction Management, Build Operate Transfer, Public Private Partnerships, Strategic Partnership, Joint ventures etc. In developed economies procurement methods such as Design and Build, Construction Management and Management Contracting are used effectively. This is due to the maturity of the industry. In India mainly traditional procurement methods are used. This is due to the nature of the Industry. The construction industry in India is large and scattered. It consists large number of small firms. As there are large number of local firms, people are reluctant to change. The professionals also prefer to operate within their silos. Due to this they do not get out of the comfort zones and use traditional methods. Currently the trend is changing particularly in infrastructure projects and large projects due to the numbers of projec ts, the size of projects and the capital involved in the projects. Mainly the upcoming procurement methods are Build Operate and Transfer and Public Private Partnerships. But these are restricted to only a few numbers of projects. Still large numbers of Projects are carried out in a traditional manner. The main barriers to take up new procurement methods are, large population (1.2 billion approximately) large inclusive demand, large demand spread across the country, large number of small projects, traditional outlook of construction professionals, segregated industry, large number of small firms, large unskilled work force. The other barriers include large number of regional languages, excess availability of skilled professionals in one part of the country and scarcity in the other parts, no standard terms of contracts, different legislation in different states, local suppliers, monopoly of manufactures in a region. In order to find out why the new procurement methods cannot be implemented, main issues should be checked namely, economic issues, management issues, technical issues, legal issues and cultural issues, in India. These issues are inter-linked, interdependent up to a certain level. Careful observations will let us know what are the challenges in order to implement new pro curement methods and will also let us know why it is difficult to implement new procurement methods. The main question that needs to be answered is why it is difficult to implement new procurement methods because implementing new procurement methods other than traditional methods will benefit the industry and will make it easier to operate, deliver quality goods, enhance the standards, and complete the projects on time and within budgets. 1.2 Research Aim The aim of the research is to identify the barriers, difficulties and gaps that restrict the implementation of new procurement methods in India. 1.3 Research Objectives The research objectives will include the following 1) Identifying the barriers which act as hindrances for implementation of new procurement methods in the Indian construction industry. 2) To investigate the issues, namely economic issues, technical issues, management issues, legal issues and cultural issues, to find out the factors which affect the implementation of new procurement methods in India. 3) To investigate procurement methods such as Design and Build, Management Contracting and Construction Management and relate it to the traditional Indian procurement method to understand the challenges of the implementation of new procurement methods in India. 1.4 Scope of Study This study of identification of barriers and gaps that restrict the implementation of new procurement methods is confined to the Indian construction industry. The data is collected from secondary sources. The main sources were U.N views on India, U.K Trade and Investment and other secondary data. This study looks only into the gaps and barriers. It outlines various gaps and barriers which are already present in the Indian construction industry which in turn affects the implementation of new procurement methods. This study restricts itself to Identification of gaps and barriers and only derives the gaps and barriers from the nature and character of the Indian construction Industry. As moving more forward into detail of everything was not possible. It investigates mainly into economic issues, management issues, technical issues, legal issues and cultural issues and finds the gaps which prevent the implementation of new procurement methods. In the Indian construction industry more traditional methods of procurement are used, whereas in developed economies various new methods of procurement are used. This study will also mainly look into procurement methods such as Design and Build, Management Contracting and Construction Management and compare it with the traditional Indian procurement method to find the barriers and gaps. 1.5 Structure of Dissertation Chapter 1) This chapter gives an introduction to the topic and gives the idea about how the study will be carried out. It gives an idea of a fast developing Indian construction Industry and the need to adapt new procurement methods. It states the research aim, objectives and scope of study and also discusses the structure of the dissertation Chapter 2) This chapter reviews the literature associated with the study. It looks into new procurement methods, types of projects in India, Indian construction industry and important factors affecting the construction industry in India. Chapter 3) This chapter describes the research methodology adapted within the scope of the dissertation. Secondary data, unstructured talks with the experts and academicians were employed to address the objectives. Chapter 4) This chapter characterizes India. It describes the nature and the character of the Indian construction industry. It gives an insight into the Indian construction Industry and its approaches. Chapter 5) This chapter looks at the barriers and the gaps that restrict implementation of new procurement methods in India. It looks at the present construction Industry in India and its characterization and identifies the barriers and gaps that restrict implementation of new procurement methods in India. Chapter 6) This chapter presents the conclusions and direction for further research in this area. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Procurement Methods Introduction Around the world various procurement methods are used. These methods are developed through the years as per the various upcoming new projects. The selection of the most appropriate procurement method is critical for both the client and other project participants as it is an important factor that contributes to the overall clients satisfaction and project success. This selection will be dependent upon a number of factors such as cost, time and quality which are widely considered as being the most fundamental criteria for clients seeking to achieve their end product at the highest quality, at the lowest cost and in the shortest time (Hackett et al. 2007). The type of procurement method adopted mainly depends upon the type of project, type of ownership, nature of construction industry in that particular country and the maturity of the industry. The selection of the procurement path is much more than simply establishing a contractual relationship (Newcombe 1992), inspite of the continuing search for maximum value for money. In the developed economies such as USA, UK, Australia, Sweden etc. procurement methods such as Design and Build, Management Contracting and Construction Management are used from a long time. This is because the construction industry is developed, the projects are needed to be delivered that way and the clients demand the delivery of projects in that particular manner. In this dissertation the study is limited to procurement methods such as Design and Build, Management Contracting and Construction Management. 2.1 Design and Build Design-build is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design-builder or design-build contractor. Design-build relies on a single point of responsibility contract and is used to minimize risks for the project owner and to reduce the delivery schedule by overlapping the design phase and construction phase of a project. Design and Build with its single point responsibility carries the clearest contractual remedies for the clients because the DB contractor will be responsible for all of the work on the project, regardless of the nature of the fault (John Murdoch and Will Hughes 2007). The traditional approach for construction projects consists of the appointment of a designer and the appointment of a contractor differently. The design-build procurement route changes the traditional sequence of work. It answers the clients wishes for a single-point of responsibility in an attempt to reduce risks and overall costs. Today it is commonly used in many countries and forms of contracts are widely available. The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) takes the position that design-build can be led by a contractor, a designer, a developer or a joint venture, as long as a the design-build entity holds a single contract for both design and construction. The main contractor takes responsibility for both design and construction and will use either in-house designers or employ consultants to carry out the design. Most of the construction work will be carried out by specialist or sub-contractors. The contractor tenders against a client brief and will often follow an initial concept design prepared by consultants appointed to advise the client. The design will be developed by the contractor and the works will be completed, usually for a fixed price. Tendering is more expensive so it carries more risk for the contractor than the traditional approach. This is because the contractor has to develop an outline design and a detailed price. Tender lists will probably be shorter than for traditional contracts. The Design-Build approach gives the client a single point of contact. However, the client commits to the cost of construction, as well as the cost of design, much earlier than with the traditional approach. Changes made by the client during design can be expensive, because they affect the whole of the Design-Build contract, rather than just the design team costs. This strategy is a low-risk option for clients who wish to minimize their exposure to the risks of overspend delays or design failure. However, the exposure to risk will increase where the design phase is rushed, where unreasonable time targets are set or where the tender documents are not fully completed. Owner Client Architect Engineers Quantity Surveyors Design and Build Contractor Consultants Subcontractors Figure 1 Design and Build Process 2.1.1 Characteristics of Design and Build It provides single point of responsibility so that in event of a failure the contractor is solely responsible. There is no ambiguity between the designer and the contractor. The clients interests are safeguarded in this respect. When the client adopts Design and Build method he knows his total financial commitment early in a project. The client has direct contact with the contractor. This improves the lines of communication and enables the contractor to respond and adapt to the clients needs more promptly. In Design and Build contractor is responsible for design, planning and control. This gives him a better control over the activities and can concurrently carry out the activities which are not generally possible using traditional procurement methods. The contractor can purchase, obtain planning permission and arrange his finance simultaneously which helps him to give a better deal to the client. He can also benefit himself and the client by making use of proprietary modular designs which reduces design time and time required for approval. The contractor can start the work as soon as the approvals are obtained and sufficient information regarding the site operations is available. The design does not need to be finalized before some, at least, of the work may be commenced. The Design and Build proposals ensure economical tenders and alternate design concepts which can benefit the client. The nature of Design and Build procurement system promotes the creation of integrated design and construction team. In some countries using Design and Build system relaxes the architects code of practice, which encourages them to become full partners in design and build firms. The closer involvement of architects leads to more aesthetically pleasing buildings and leads to designs which have a greater appreciation. Design and Build promotes integration and improves communication between designer and contractor, which encourages prompt decisions. The prompt response in achieved even in the event of material and labor shortages. In the Design and Build system design costs are built into the package the costs involved are also less. In Design and Build the nature of the contract tends to reduce changes and variations from the original design and disruption of the works is less likely to occur. By using Design and Build method time and cost savings are achieved, which benefits the client. The total project completion period is also reduced. Design and Build reduces the employers financing charges, inflation has less effect and the building is operational sooner which commercially produces an early return on the capital invested. The Design and Build method facilitates novation of design with the consultants to the contractor which provides advantages to the client. If the design is novated the client has the advantage of knowing that his needs and intentions are met for tendering purposes by referring to the drawings and specifications. It is advantageous to the contractor as he is provided with more detailed information on which he can quote his tender. The contractor also has less design work to carry out before tendering so his tendering cost is also less. The contractor accepts responsibility for risk of building failure due to inadequate design and his increased responsibility is reflected in his tender which helps the client. The advantage of Design and Build is that the contractor has some control over the design and is able to introduce components, materials and systems which are beneficial and which he knows are more economical to construct. 2.1.2 Critique of Design and Build Design and Build is not suitable for complex projects. The traditional method of construction procurement dissociates the designers from the contractors interests, design-build does not. The contractor decides on the design issues as well as issues related to cost, profits and time exigencies, which may be the matter of concern in some situations. Difficulties can be experienced by clients in preparing an adequate and sufficiently comprehensive brief. The client is required to commit to a concept design at an early stage and often before the detailed designs is completed. There is no separate bid for design and construction, bids may be difficult to compare as each design will be different, this will vary the project programme between the bidders and prices for the project will be different for each different design. There is no design overview unless separate consultants are appointed. And there is no one appointed from clients side to manage the works or act as clients agent. Few firms offer the Design and Build service so there is less real competition. If client changes the scope of the project, this can be expensive. The design liability is limited by the standard contracts available. Design-build does not make use of competitive bidding where prospective builders bid on the same design. In Design and Build the criteria to select contractor is subjective and difficult to evaluate and to justify later. 2.2 Management Contracting In management contracting the clients appoints the designers and a management contractor separately and pays the contractor a fee for managing the construction works. Payment to the management contractor is done on the basis of cost of the works packages plus agreed fees. The main benefits of management contracting are the time required for design and construction is shorter. There is an early involvement of managing contractor during design phase, in which his expertise can be used. The management contractor has the responsibility to manage the project. The sub-contractors are appointed by the management contractor, thus reducing the day to day administrative responsibilities of the client. The management contractor has major role in directing the project. The lines of communications are improved. As there is a direct relation between the management contractor and the client changes and variations can be done in a project. The main advantage is that the project is completed in time as the management contractor manages the works. Because of this the client gets possession quickly and the return on investment starts. The client normally appoints the management contractor to take an active role in the project at an early stage and the client can benefit from the contractors expertise. The overall design is the responsibility of the clients consultants, but the management contractor is normally responsible for defining packages of work and then for managing the carrying out of those work packages through separate trades or works contracts. The management contractor can sometimes not be employed to undertake the work but is employed to manage the process. All the work is subcontracted to works contractors who are directly employed by the management contractor. The client usually needs to be given the opportunity to approve the terms and conditions of the trades or works contracts before the packages are subcontracted. The management contract will usually include both a pre-construction phase and the construction phase. The management contractor is responsible for the administration and operation of the works contractors. However, the management contractor is not liable for the consequences of any default by a works contractor so long as the management contractor has complied with the particular requirements of the management contract. Architect Owner Client Engineer Quantity Surveyor Subcontractors Works Contractors Management Contractor Figure 2 Management Contracting Process. 2.2.1 Characteristics of Management Contracting Clients and contractors adapt this system once they gain experience, which suggests that it has merits. It is generally recognized that its adoption requires mutual trust. The management contractor is appointed much earlier. He is able to become a member of design team and contribute his expertise and mainly his management expertise. Management Contracting is an effective method for the client retaining control of the design whilst drawing on the experience of a construction specialist as part of the Professional Team. The Management Contractor is paid a fee for its services as well as enters into contract with the client for work packages, generally separate works contractors are appointed to carry out work packages under the management contractor. This type of arrangement tends to be used on complex projects where early input from a construction specialist is required. The management contractor finds it easier to identify with clients need and interest and integration of team becomes possible and practical. Decisions regarding appointment of subcontractors are made jointly by designers and management contractor thus making use of wider experience. Specialists contractors and subcontractors compete at second stage ensuring economical tenders which benefits the client. Lines of communication are shorter between management contractor and client than with the traditional procurement method. The client has direct control over the management contractor, who is the main contractor, so that the project is completed in a better way and in shorter time. The total project completion period is reduced by parallel working. A reduced project completion period produces a corresponding reduction in financing charges and interm payments to the contractors. Inflation has less effect. The client takes the delivery of the building more quickly and obtains returns on his investment more quickly. The main functions of the management contractor may include acting as principal contractor, cost planning and cost control, consenting for works contracts, coordinating and managing works contracts, coordinating commissioning, collating pre construction information and construction phase plan, monitoring key performances and managing the site. 2.2.2 Critique of Management Contracting The client is usually given an approximate estimate of the final project cost by the management contractor early in the project life but the client does not know the final project cost until the last sub contract is entered into. On other projects he is given a guaranteed maximum cost. The architect may have less time to develop the design because he is under greater pressure from the client and contractor. The design may suffer as a result. Specialist contractors frequently prefer to be in contract with the client rather than with the management contractor because interim payments are usually made more promptly when paid direct. The client should provide a good design brief as the design will not be completed until the client has committed significant resources to the project. The strategy relies on quality committed team or it may just become a mere reporting system in some cases. It reduces resistance to works contractors claims where such demands are passed on to the client by the management contractor. Management contracting is not suitable for inexperienced clients. It is less suitable for clients wanting to pass the complete risk to the contractors. Specialist contractors frequently prefer to be in contract with client rather than the management contractor appointed by the client because interim payments are usually made promptly when paid directly. 2.3 Construction Management In construction management the client appoints a construction manager for a fee to manage, programme and coordinate the design and construction activities. The client does not allocate risk and responsibility to a single main contractor. Construction work is carried out by trade contractors through direct contracts with the client for various packages. The client takes the risk. The construction manager supervises the construction process and coordinates the design team. The construction manager has no contractual links with the design team and contractors. He only provides professional expertise without assuming financial risks. On appointment the construction manager takes over any preliminary scheduling and costing information and draw up detail programme accordingly. In this method the client should have administrative or project management staff with the ability to assess the recommendation of construction manager and take actions. Adapting construction management reduces the time required for the project. This occurs because the contract strategy, construction and design can overlap. A construction manager should have a good track record in cost forecasting and cost management, as the time can be reduced but the price certainty is not achieved unless the design and construction have advanced to the extent that all the work packages have been let. This method puts so much emphasis on the role of client, if the client is experienced, with the help of construction manager he can control the project effectively. The clients continue to use construction management to their advantage, for example, the cultivation of direct, long-term relationships with trade contractors helps to secure many of the benefits more often associated with partnering. Furthermore, by employing a construction manager who is able to focus on the interests of the project, rather than on its own risk management, the client can be confident that its project objectives will be shared by the rest of the team. Construction management is distinguished by the influence of the clients and construction managers management and leadership skills on the success of the project. By adapting construction management method the client can have greater influence over the project and can have more flexibility over the contractor selection and so on. Owner Client Architect Engineer Quantity Surveyor Construction Manager Contractors Subcontractors Figure 3 Construction Management Process. 2.3.1 Characteristics of Construction Management Construction management offers relative time saving potential for overall project duration due to overlapping of various activities. The roles, risks and relationships are clear for all the participants during most of the situations. In some situations changes in design can be accommodated later than some other strategies, without paying a premium. In construction management method the client has direct contracts with the contractors and pays them directly. This helps the contractors as they are paid promptly and there is evidence that this results in lower prices because of improved cash flow certainty. The client has direct involvement in the project as compared to most of the traditional methods. As the client is directly involved he is enabled to make prompt decisions which can be implemented without delay. This also makes possible a prompt response by the client to unforeseen site problems and also makes possible a prompt response by the contractor to changes required by the client. In this type the construction manager acts as an agent of the contractor. This benefits the contractor in managing the works. This also excludes the client for keeping his own staff for overlooking the issues which are looked by the construction manager. The central role of the construction manager is managing the project and providing administrative support to the employer. In this there is no single point of responsibility related to the delivery of the project. 2.3.2 Critique of Construction Management In construction management price certainty is not achieved until the last works packages have been let. Budgeting primarily depends heavily on design team estimates. The client should be pro-active and must provide a quality design brief to the design team in order to complete the design. The strategy relies upon the client selecting a good quality and committed team. In construction management the client has to manage and administer many contracts as there is no single contractor, all the works contracts are directly between the works contractors and the client. The client has to manage coordinate with the design team appropriately or else there increased likelihood of design change. There is a high degree of client ownership of risks associated with design including impacts of late or incomplete and uncoordinated design. In construction management the client has exposure to performance risk and exposure to consequential loss associated with trade contractor default. In construction management method there is increased administration role for the client. Construction manager owes duty of care liability only. The client is at the center of management and requires decision making capabilities. The client has to rely on management capability of construction manager. 2.4 Indian Construction Industry and Economy Indian economy has been growing from last two decades at an unprecedented rate. This is mainly because of industrialization and service sector growth. The main reason for Indias growth is its huge internal demand. In recent years particularly after the global recession in 2008 the Indian economy has shown signs of slowing down. In 2011-12 due to the current global economic scenario India found itself in the heart of managing growth and stabilizing prices. The Indian economy is grown by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12, after having grown at the rate of 8.4 per cent in each of the two preceding years. This indicates a slowdown compared not just to the previous two years but 2003 to 2011 (except 2008-09). At the same time, sight must not be lost of the fact that, by any cross country comparison, India remains among the front-runners. The Gross Domestic Product (nominal) of India is $ 1.848 trillion. The Gross Domestic Product (Purchasing power parity) of India is $ 4.457 trillion. The annual expenditure budget of India is Rs.1490925.29 Crores. Over the years, more than half of the expenditure budget is spent on civil engineering, construction and related activities. The construction industry sets in motion the process of economical growth in the country, investment in this sector contributes 6.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. The construction industry in India is large and scattered. Today in India there is a massive demand in housing and infrastructure. The construction industry is the second largest industry of the country after agriculture. It makes a significant contribution to the national economy and provides employment to large number of people. The use of various new technologies and deployment of project management strategies have started to gain importance. In its path of advancement, the industry has to overcome a number of challenges. However, the industry is still faced with some major challenges, including hous

Analysis of Theory Z of Management

Analysis of Theory Z of Management THEORY Z Definition It is a management theory developed by William Ouchi, describing the Japanese system of management characterized by the workers deep involvement in management, higher productivity than the U.S. Management model, and a highly developed system of organizational and sociological rewards. Ouchi contends that this management system can be used anywhere with equal success. Theory Z is an approach to management based upon a combination of American and Japanese management philosophies and characterized by, among other things, long-term job security, consensual decision making, slow evaluation and promotion procedures, and individual responsibility within a group context. Proponents of Theory Z suggest that it leads to improvements in organizational performance. The following sections highlight the development of Theory Z, Theory Z as an approach to management including each of the characteristics noted above, and an evaluation of Theory Z. Realizing the historical context in which Theory Z emerged is helpful in understanding its underlying principles. The following section provides this context. DEVELOPMENT OF THEORY Z Knowing the historical context in which Theory Z emerged is helpful in understanding its underlying principles. Theory Z has been called a sociological description of the humanistic organizations advocated by management pioneers such as Elton Mayo, Chris Argyris, Rensis Likert, and Douglas McGregor. In fact, the descriptive phrase, Theory Z. can be traced to the work of Douglas McGregor in the 1950s and 1960s. McGregor, a psychologist and college president, identified a negative set of assumptions about human nature, which he called Theory X, while those he categorised in Theory Y were more positive about human nature as it relates to employees. In McGregors view, managers who adopted Theory Y beliefs would exhibit different, more humanistic, and ultimately more effective management styles. McGregors work was read widely, and Theory Y became a well-known prescription for improving management practices. But in the 1970s and 1980s, many United States industries lost market share to international competitors, particularly Japanese companies. Concerns about the competitiveness of U. S. companies led some to examine Japanese management practices for clues to the success enjoyed by many of their industries. This led to many articles and books purporting to explain the success of Japanese companies. It was in this atmosphere that Theory Z was introduced into the management lexicon. This theory was presented by William Ouchi in his 1981 book, à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¹Ã…“Theory Z: How American Management can meet Japanese Challenge. Ouchi is Professor of Management at UCLA, Los Angeles, and a board member of several large US organisations. Theory Z was first identified as a unique management approach by William Ouchi. Ouchi contrasted American types of organizations (Type A) that were rooted in the United States tradition of individualism with Japanese organizations (Type J) that drew upon the Japanese heritage of collectivism. He argued that an emerging management philosophy, which came to be called Theory Z, would allow organizations to enjoy many of the advantages of both systems. Professor Ouchi advocated a modified American approach to management that would capitalize on the best characteristics of Japanese organizations while retaining aspects of management that are deeply rooted in U.S. traditions of individualism. Ouchi cited several companies as examples of Type Z organizations and proposed that a Theory Z management approach could lead to greater employee job satisfaction, lower rates of absenteeism and turnover, higher quality products, and better overall financial performance for U.S. firms adapting Theory Z management practices. THEORY Z AS AN APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT Theory Z represents a humanistic approach to management. Although it is based on Japanese management principles, it is not a pure form of Japanese management. Instead, Theory Z is a hybrid management approach combining Japanese management philosophies with U.S. culture. In addition, Theory Z breaks away from McGregors Theory Y. Theory Y is a largely psychological perspective focusing on individual dyads of employer-employee relationships while Theory Z changes the level of analysis to the entire organization. According to Professor Ouchi, Theory Z organizations exhibit a strong, homogeneous set of cultural values that are similar to clan cultures. The clan culture is characterized by homogeneity of values, beliefs, and objectives. Clan cultures emphasize complete socialization of members to achieve congruence of individual and group goals. Although Theory Z organizations exhibit characteristics of clan cultures, they retain some elements of bureaucratic hierarchies, such as formal authority relationships, performance evaluation, and some work specialization. Proponents of Theory Z suggest that the common cultural values should promote greater organizational commitment among employees. EVALUATION OF THEORY Z Research into whether Theory Z organizations outperform others has yielded mixed results. Some studies suggest that Type Z organizations achieve benefits both in terms of employee satisfaction, motivation, and commitment as well as in terms of financial performance. Other studies conclude that Type Z organizations do not outperform other organizations. Difficulties in the Japanese economy in the 1990s led some researchers to suggest that the widespread admiration of Japanese management practices in the 1970s and 1980s might have been misplaced. As a result, Theory Z has also received considerable criticism. It is unclear whether Theory Z will have a lasting impact on management practices in the U. S. and around the world into the twenty-first century, but by positioning target research at the organizational level rather then the individual level, Ouchi will surely leave his mark on management practice for years to come. Management Concepts Motivation: Believes that people are innately self motivated to not only do their work, but also are loyal towards the company, and want to make the company succeed. Leadership: Theory Z managers would have to have a great deal of trust that their workers could make sound decisions. Therefore, this type of leader is more likely to act as coach, and let the workers make most of the decisions. Power and Authority: The managers ability to exercise power and authority comes from the workers trusting management to take care of them, and allow them to do their jobs. The workers have a great deal of input and weight in the decision making process. Conflict: Conflict in the Theory Z arena would involve a great deal of discussion, collaboration, and negotiation. The workers would be the ones solving the conflicts, while the managers would play more of a third party arbitrator role. Performance Appraisals: Theory Z emphasises more frequent performance appraisals, but slower promotions. THE PRIMARY FEATURES OF THEORY Z 1. Long-Term Employment Traditional U.S. organizations are plagued with short-term commitments by employees, but employers using more traditional management perspective may inadvertently encourage this by treating employees simply as replaceable cogs in the profit-making machinery. In the United States, employment at will, which essentially means the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, has been among the dominant forms of employment relationships. Conversely, Type J organizations generally make life-long commitments to their employees and expect loyalty in return, but Type J organizations set the conditions to encourage this. This promotes stability in the organization and job security among employees. 2. Consensual Decision Making The Type Z organization emphasizes communication, collaboration, and consensus in decision making. This marks a contrast from the traditional Type A organization that emphasizes individual decision-making. 3. Individual Responsibility Type A organizations emphasize individual accountability and performance appraisal. Traditionally, performance measures in Type J companies have been oriented to the group. Thus, Type Z organizations retain the emphasis on individual contributions that are characteristic of most American firms by recognizing individual achievements, albeit within the context of the wider group. 4. Slow Evaluation And Promotion The Type A organization has generally been characterized by short-term evaluations of performance and rapid promotion of high achievers. The Type J organization, conversely, adopts the Japanese model of slow evaluation and promotion. 5. Informal Control With Formalized Measures The Type Z organization relies on informal methods of control, but does measure performance through formal mechanisms. This is an attempt to combine elements of both the Type A and Type J organizations. 6. Moderately Specialized Career Path Type A organizations have generally had quite specialized career paths, with employees avoiding jumps from functional area to another. Conversely, the Type J organization has generally had quite non-specialized career paths. The Type Z organization adopts a middle-of-the-road posture, with career paths that are less specialized than the traditional U.S. model but more specialized than the traditional Japanese model. 7. Holistic Concern The Type Z organization is characterized by concern for employees that goes beyond the workplace. This philosophy is more consistent with the Japanese model than the U.S. model. Overview Theory Z is basically the combination of best aspects of Japanese and American theories. The three theories bring forth three types of firms, which is Type J Firms, Type A firms and Type Z firms. To clearly understand the features of theory z an understanding of the theory J and Theory A is necessary. Features of theory J: Lifetime Employment Collective decision making Collective responsibility Slow promotion Implied control mechanisms Non specialised career Paths Holistic concern of employees. Features of Theory A: Short term employment Individual decision making Individual Responsibility Rapid promotion Explicit Control mechanism Specialized career paths Segmented concern for employees Theory Z picks the best feature from each and either incorporates it as it is, or slightly modifies the feature. The end result is the Theory Z which is referred to as Best choice for American firms. Features of Theory Z: Long-term employment Collective decision making Individual responsibility Slow promotion Informal Control Moderately specialized career paths Holistic concern for employees CONCLUSION According to Ouchi, Theory Z management tends to promote stable employment, high productivity, and high employee morale and satisfaction. Theory Z is focused on increasing employee loyalty to the company by providing a job for life with a strong focus on the well-being of the employee, both on and off the job.