Category: Samples

Name

Course

Course Instructor

Date

Psychology in Sales and Marketing

            In the past decades, companies employed psychologists as well as behavioural experts to help in the development of their company sales and marketing strategies and campaigns. These psychologists and behavioural experts developed various strategies to boost sales and marketing of a company, after studying the minds of most consumers. In 1957, Vance Packard in his book, ‘The Hidden Persuaders,’ revealed to the public the fact that advertisements of companies were highly influenced by psychologists and behavioural scientists, who took their time to study the minds of consumers of different products, as well as their behaviour. This book was widely read in America, as most consumers realized how advertisers were using hidden symbols in their adverts in order to convince consumers to buy products, even if these were not their priority. An example by Packard on how psychology is applied in advertising is when in a movie theatre, flashes of orders to buy popcorns are viewed on the screen at a fast interval, beyond which a conscious mind could perceive, making many people in the theatre to buy popcorns (American Psychological Association WEB). During Packard’s time, advertising agencies employed many psychologists to help in the development of ads that would guarantee high product sales. Today, due to economic constraints, psychologists are not highly employed in some advertising agencies, as was the case in the 1950’s. Nonetheless, the advertisements of today, just like those of the 1950’s still base on psychology in order to be effective, thus boosting company sales.

Advertisements are the main marketing procedures where psychologists ansd behavioural scientists are employed. Effective adverts reflect well on a company’s sales and marketing procedure, as these boost sales in the company. Advertisements today base on various psychological principles, in order to appeal to consumers. The main principle is that of persuasion (Buddha7575 WEB). Persuasion in adverts comes in different ways. Psychologists have researched and found out that if human beings are persuaded to do something, they will always comply, since this is human nature. Most adverts today employ emotional appeals to make consumers buy their products or change their behaviours. For instance, a popular advert about environmental pollution featured an American Indian boy, who was shown crying, while confronting the effects of environmental pollution. The appeal to Americans was that, everyone was dealing with environmental pollution, so should they. This kind of appeal is considered by psychologists to work better than the cognitive adverts. Persuasion in adverts has proved to bear positive effects on product sales (Buddha7575 WEB).

Psychologists believe that for an advert to increase product sales, it must first of all capture the attention of the consumer. Secondly, the advert should make the consumers’ attention be focused on its message. In addition, after focusing on the message, the advert should have the capability of making a consumer remember the message it bears. Finally, an advert should make the consumer to buy the product, as this is the main aim of the advert (Scott WEB). From these, psychologists in advertising have developed different strategies, or principles, to ensure that all the four steps are achieved in the process of advertising. Adverts today also base on the principle of vision and perception. Most of the adverts are designed in a way that they first attract the attention of viewers, before indulging in any explanations by voice. Attention from viewers is normally grabbed by mesmerizing visuals in the advert. For instance, while advertising sausages, a frozen sausage could be made to roll slowly, until it fills the whole television screen. Such an image will stick in the viewers’ minds, and they will be interested in listening to the verbal speech thereafter. By using visuals in advertisements, psychologists know that the human brain is capable of coding the images, therefore, making it easy for viewers to remember the advert or associate the image with a particular product. This makes the consumer buy the product advertised because of the familiarity concept, thus increasing sales of the product (American Psychological Association WEB).

The use of company logo at the end of the advert is an approach that is employed in most adverts today. Pepsi and Coke pioneered this in the 1960’s, where the images in their adverts ended with a showcase of company name and logo. The use of company logo in adverts makes the viewer to remember the company name, even if they have not grasped many details of the advert (Scott WEB). In the print media, advertisements are based on the aspect of brain lateralization, which is a psychological function. Most adverts in the print media place faces and other images on the left side of the page. This has been proven to capture the attention of readers more than those images placed on the right side of the page. While the image or face is placed on the left side, any words that accompany the image are placed on the right side of the image. Additionally, it is proven that if the brand name is located at the bottom right of the image, it is hard for most viewers to code it into their brains (Scott WEB).

The use of ‘role model’ stories in advertisements is also known to result in changes in consumer behaviour. For instance, an advertisement that seeks to increase condom use by people could feature a woman, who is afraid of asking her partner to use condoms. However, when her friends succumb to HIV/Aids, she takes courage to ask her partner for condom use, to avoid facing HIV death. Such an advert that bases on reality would make many viewers change their behaviours to avoid experiencing what other people have experienced before, because of their failure to use a certain product (American Psychological Association WEB).

Today there are different forms of media in society. Therefore, advertising varies across these media forms. In radio adverts, psychologists mainly focus on the sounds and words, as only these will determine the effectiveness of the advert. On the other hand, psychologists working on internet advertisements will focus on colours and visuals. Additionally, the television adverts mainly base on visuals, as well as emotions, depending on the context used.  Finally, the print media such as newspapers will focus on use of space, as well the theme of the advert. In internet and television, the aspects of motion, contrasting colours, and capitalized letters are employed in adverts. In the print media, capitalized letters can be used. All these aspects are meant to attract the attention of viewers to the product being advertised (Scott WEB).

Psychology in advertising is crucial, but should conduct its purpose without causing any form of harm to viewers. Just like in science, it is possible for psychologists in advertising to cross the boundaries of what is acceptable in society, as they search for answers. An example of this phenomenon was experienced in America, in the 1970’s, when most psychologists engaged in subliminal advertising. This kind of advertising was banned in the country, as it was believed to result in brainwashing of the consumers, which is unethical (American Psychological Association WEB). Although most companies that employed this kind of advertising had achieved high sales for their products, brainwashing of consumers is unacceptable in marketing, thus this method of advertising had to be banned.

In conclusion, the process of sales and marketing in a company is of essence, as it enables the company products to be known by consumers, as well as encouraging these to be bought by them. Advertising is also an important part of marketing, which is meant to increase sales in the company. In this marketing component, psychologists have been used to ensure that consumers get the right message about the products, and thereafter, buy the products, to increase company sales. Different psychological principles are developed and used by psychologists in the creation of adverts that will appeal to viewers and make them buy the product. Among these are visuals, brain lateralization, colour contrast, motion, and use of space, among other elements. Effective advertisement leads to increased sales. However, psychologists are encouraged not to pay too much attention on the sales from adverts, but also ensure that the psychological tactics used in adverts are not harmful to the viewers in any way whatsoever.

 

Works Cited

American Psychological Association (APA). ‘Advertising as Science.’ APA, 33(9): 38. Viewed

14 March 2013 <http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct02/advertising.aspx>

Buddha7575. Advertising – What Psychological Tricks do they Use? Youtube. 20 January 2007.

Viewed 14 March 2013 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtvHNfomZL8>

Scott, Walter. ‘The Psychology of Advertising.’ The Atlantic. 19 January 2004. Viewed 14

March 2013 <http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1904/01/the-psychology-of-advertising/303465/>

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The Burnout Syndrome in Nursing

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Course

Tutor’s Name

25^th, January 2013

 

The concept of burnout in nursing is of essence in different organizations, and needs close monitoring by the management. This has grave implications on the nursing practice, as well as the health organization. Burnout is costly to healthcare organizations, therefore, must be addressed within the appropriate timeframe (Elder, Evans & Lizette, 2012). Burnout is a type of stress, which is considered unique from other stress types. An individual experiencing burnout might feel exhausted emotionally and might experience low personal accomplishment. In addition, such an individual will experience depersonalization (Cordes & Dourherty, 1993).

In all occupations, including nursing, individuals experience stress mainly because of the work they do. When individuals experience stress at work, they become tired and their productivity level at work drops significantly. Therefore, burnout generally results in absenteeism, high employee turnover, decreased productivity of employees, as well as increase in physical conditions in employees, including headaches, insomnia, among others (Cordes & Dougherty, 1993). If employees experience stress in their work, the management, together with the employees themselves should look for appropriate ways of getting rid of any work-related stress they are experiencing. If this is not addressed and is left to continue for a long time, it results in burnout, which is more lethal. Burnout extends its effects from the individual to their families and jobs. Different studies show that burnouts are prevalent in helping professions such as social work and healthcare professions, including nursing (Elder, Evans & Lizette, 2012). This paper will review considerable literature on the concept of burnout, and compare and contrast studies conducted on this concept in different years. This will culminate in a reflection on the concept of burning as presented in the studies, in order to provide a framework for enhanced understanding of burnout in nursing.

According to Poncet et al (2006), the concept of burnout has existed since the 1970’s. Different studies have been conducted on this concept over the years, to understand it well for increased chances of dealing with the situation in affected organizations. In 1999, Jansenn, Jonge, and Bakker, conducted a study among different nurses in order to establish the various determinants of work motivation, burnout, and turnover among nurses. Poncet et al conducted another study in the year 2006, and this sought to establish the degree of burnout in the nursing staff that was concerned with critical care. Finally, most recently in 2012, Spooner-Lane and Patton conducted a study in which they aimed at debunking the determinants of burnout among the nurses that worked in public hospitals.

In their definition of the concept of burnout, Spooner-Lane and Patton (2012) argued that burnout is not a symptom of work stress, but is what unmanaged work stress culminates into. They have used various definitions from different scholars to clarify more on the nature of burnout. Overall, from their definition, it remains that burnout is a result of extreme work-related stress. On the other hand, Poncet et al (2006) have begun by highlighting a short history about the concept of burnout. They argue have defined the burnout syndrome a condition that results when employees fail to put up with the emotional stress they experience at their work place. They have alternatively defined burnout syndrome as the state in which an employee feels they have failed, and are exhausted after they have used most of their energy in their job. Poncet et al (2006) have emphasized the detrimental effects of burnout syndrome on both the employee and the organization. Both Poncet et al (2006) and Spooner-Lane and Patton (2012) have identified the epidemiological issues of burnout syndrome. Spooner-Lane and Patton (2012) have identified emotional exhaustion, while Poncet et al (2006) have identified headaches, exhaustion, insomnia, eating problems, among others as the physical implications of burnout syndrome.

On the other hand, Jansenn, Jonge & Bakker (1999), have not defined the concept of burnout as in the other studies. This is partly because their study did not wholly address the concept of burnout, but included other aspects such as intrinsic work motivation and employee turnover. Nonetheless, their study was based in the field of nursing and addressed how these three concepts affect nursing professionals and organizations. Most importantly, Jansenn, Jonge & Bakker (1999) have identified various stressors in the nursing profession, including workload, lack of social support, and death instances, among others, which they argue that if not addressed on time, might lead to inefficiency of the nursing professionals in the organization. This is same as the case of the burnout syndrome, which is addressed by the other two studies. Nonetheless, all the three studies have identified burnout syndrome as widely occurring in the nursing profession. In their definition of the concept, all the three studies have related burnout syndrome with work-related stress, which is left unattended to, and results into a lethal condition, which is harmful to both the employee and the organization they are working for.

All the tree studies identified are quantitative studies, and each adopted a different theory for their framework. In their study, Jansenn, Jonge & Bakker (1999) sought to find out the factors that result in employee motivation, as well as those work factors that are detrimental or beneficial to the health of health professionals, including mental and psychological health. In order to address these research questions, Jansenn, Jonge & Bakker (1999) developed a framework, which would help them approach the study. For the relationship between the variables of work stress and its outcomes to be established, the authors had to breakdown work into various components including conditions of employment, work content, social, and labour relations, and work organization. In addition, four main theoretical concepts were selected, and these include employee motivation, employee turnover, work-related health, and well-being. With these, the authors were able to measure the outcomes using both behavioral and psychological measures in order to arrive at valid conclusions in the study.

On the other hand, Poncet et al (2006) in their study sought to establish the determinants of burnout syndrome in critical care nursing staff. This was their area of interest, since little was known in the area, as most researchers did not focus on critical care nursing staff. Therefore, their study, which was based in France, questionnaires were administered to different ICU’s, and only 2,392 nursing staff members filled them successfully and handed them back. After statistical analysis of data in the filled questionnaires, results of the study indicated that a large number of ICU nursing staff experienced the burnout syndrome. The factors identified, which resulted in the burnout syndrome include increased workload in the ICU department, as well as the number of deaths of patients nurses in the ICU witnessed.

In the study of Spooner-Lane and Patton (2012), the determinants of burnout in public hospital nurses were sought after. Mainly, the authors wanted to establish the effect of work support on burnout syndrome in public hospital nurses. This study was conducted in Australia in three public hospitals, with 273 nurses. Results showed that these nurses experienced average burnout syndrome. However, work overload was identified as a major factor that increased burnout, while supervisor support considerably reduced burnout.

All the three studies were conducted in the field of health care, specifically nursing. This could be because of the fact that burnout syndrome is prevalent in the health care discipline, as most studies have shown. Nonetheless, all the three studies have identified burnout syndrome to be associated with increased workload of the nursing staff, and less work support. Although these studies were conducted in different departments of health care, the results about the concept of burnout remain similar across all the studies. In addition, in defining the concept of burnout, all the three studies employed quite related definitions of the concept. Again, this might be because of the studies were conducted in a similar discipline.

Despite the fact that the three studies were conducted in different time frames, the information about the concept of burnout has remained the same. This is probably because of the fact that burnout is not a concept that is specific to nursing only, and which does not apply to other disciplines. Every occupation experiences burnout in its employees, but the rates are higher in the discipline of nursing. Therefore, this is why the facts about burnout are consistent, as shown from the 1999 study to the 2012 study. From these studies, it is suggested that most scholars have conducted many researches on the aspect of burnout in the field of nursing. It therefore, seems that the concept of burnout had aroused a lot of interest in the field of nursing. I therefore, suppose that the nursing profession has been influenced detrimentally by the concept of burnout in nurses, leading to different studies conducted to look into this issue, for solutions to be strategized.

In conclusion, the burnout syndrome remains an important aspect in nursing and other professions, considering the effects it has on employees and the organization in general. Therefore, as the studies have shown that this aspect is detrimental to the nursing profession, the results can be used to encourage the management to address any sign of work-related stress in its employees, before it culminates into the burnout syndrome, which is lethal. The management should ensure that the determinants of the burnout syndrome in their organizations are controlled. It is better to control them, than to wait and compensate for the consequences of burnout syndrome in the organization. Nonetheless, it is the work of both the nursing professionals and their management to collectively address the burnout syndrome in the organization, as this also negatively affects the patients, who innocently come seeking health care.

 

 

References

Cordes, C. & Dourherty, T. (1993). A Review and an Integration on Research on Job Burnout.

Retrieved from ftp://ftp.dei.polimi.it/users/Marcello.Restelli/258593.pdf

Elder, R., Evans, K. & Lizette, D. (2012). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. New York:

Cengage Learning.

Jansenn, P., Jonge, J. & Bakker, A. (1999). Specific Determinants of Intrinsic Work Motivation,

Burnout, and Turnover Intensions: A Study Among Nurses. Journal of Advanced

Nursing. 29(6): 1360-1369. Retrieved from http://www.beanmanaged.eu/pdf/articles/arnoldbakker/article_arnold_bakker_42.pdf

Poncet et al (2006). Burnout Syndrome in Critical Care Nursing Staff. American Journal of

Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 175(7): 698-704. Retrieved from http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/content/175/7/698.long

Spooner-Lane, R. & Patton, W. (2012). Determinants of Burnout among Public Hospital Nurses.

Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing. 25(1): 8-16. Retrieved from http://www.ajan.com.au/Vol25/Vol25.1-1.pdf

 

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PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT VS STRATEGIC HRM AT GOOGLE

By Name

Course

Tutor’s Name

Institution

13^th, March, 2013

Google’s SHRM

Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRM) is key to successful performance of a company. Unlike HRM, SHRM attaches company goals to the HR practices. Google Inc. is known in the world today for the adoption of a successful SHRM, which has boosted its productivity. In 2008, people in Britain voted Google as the best company to work for. The company management emphasized that Google’s effectiveness depends on the commitment of the management to ensure continued employee motivation, as well as employee retention (Girad 2009). McGregor in his theory Y notes that people have potential; therefore, motivation by management is key in realizing employees’ potentials, which will work in favor of the company (McGregor 1960). Therefore, by motivating its employees, Google makes them realize their potential, which they use in the company.

Google Inc. values hiring and recruitment process, and considers this its cornerstone. The company takes time to recruit and select qualified and well performing candidates. Therefore, hiring the right people is of essence in Google. Google has a centralized team in charge of recruitment, which is made up of specialists. The ‘disruptive’ approach in recruitment is used to obtain the best employees. In addition, Google developed the ‘recruiting’ machine, which helps in job categorization. This has a breakdown of company requirements of employees, from the senior positions to lower positions. The ‘People Operation’ is how Google refers to its HRM team, who use the ‘Applicant Tracking System’ in recruitment. Therefore, Google has developed various best practice tools for its recruitment. The interviewing process at Google is intensive, with four rounds of interviews. This rigorous process is a strategy that ensures the best candidates are selected, for high company performance (Girad 2009).

Google is also known for its commendable compensation structure. Incentives for employees include both financial and non-financial, including sick leaves and death benefits. In addition, employee development through trainings is offered. Compensation in form of salaries is higher compared to other companies, including Yahoo, and Microsoft. Nonetheless, this strategy has been successful in motivating employees. Herzberg identified financial and non-financial incentives among his ‘hygiene’ factors, which lead to employees’ job satisfaction (Herzberg 1957). In addition, the performance-based compensation in Google encourages employees to work productively. In the expectancy theory of Vroom (1964), employees might choose to work effectively, if they will be looking forward to some form of reward.

Flexible working hours, where Google employees are allowed to work 70 percent of their time, and utilize remaining 30 percent on their creative projects. This strategy has enabled the development of new features and applications, such as Gmail (Duthel 2008). This also shows the importance of teamwork, since employees are required to spend this time in teams. Therefore, the SHRM adopted by Google has made the employees to be the competitive advantage of the company, and has increased company productivity.

Weaknesses of Google’s SHRM

The weakness of Google’s SHRM lies in its hiring process. Many have argued that this process is too long and tiring, thus consuming the time of both the candidates and company. This period lasts between 1-4 months, thus is inconvenient.

It is challenging for the company to monitor the progress of new employees because of its big number of employees. Additionally, Google is hesitant on having permanent employees. This bars the company from having experienced employees.

The work culture at Google is dynamic. This does not allow for the HR function of performance management and employee skill development, as employees change responsibilities from time to time. Additionally, Google hires candidates based on their academic grades, and not prior work experience.

Recommendations

            Google should reduce the time taken on the hiring process. It is important to borrow from other companies, which have shorter recruitment period but obtain qualified candidate. A long recruitment period could influence the company negatively, and drive away potential candidates.

Google should cut down its employee number. This will help in easier monitoring of employee performance, and fast decision-making in the company. Additionally, if Google would employ its employees permanently, this would save the company revenue used to train new employees.

Google should adopt a stable work culture. This will allow employees to develop skills in their areas of responsibility. Google should also consider hiring those candidates with prior work experience, as this cuts down on training costs.

 

 

Old Personnel HRM	New Strategic HRM
Google Inc. used the traditional approach in its recruitment and selection. This common ‘intuition’ approach presented pressure of lawsuits, trade unions, among others.	Google adopted a more scientific approach in its recruitment and selection process. Today, Google uses a data-based approach in selecting potential employees, which is much easier.
Employees focus was on work only, and no time was availed for talent development in the company.	Talent management is adopted to increase innovation and creativity of employees
Learning was restricted to the traditional classroom learning level only.	Increased innovation and learning, including hands-on learning, project rotations, learning from mistakes, and learning from guest speakers.
Employees focused on work only. Teamwork was limited, and fun for employees was not part of the HRM strategy. This kills innovation.	Increased collaboration among employees, as they work on projects in teams. This is in addition to fun management, as employees are allowed to have fun while working.

 

Table 1: Comparison between the old way of HR and the new way of strategic HRM at Google Inc

Works Cited

Duthel, H 2008, Google Inc. Services – Google Tools – What Is Google? Lulu.com, New York.

Girad, B 2009, The Google Way: How One Company Is Revolutionizing Management as We Know It, No Starch Press, New Jersey.

Herzberg, F., Mausner, B. and Snyderman, B 1959, The Motivation to Work (2nd ed.), John

Wiley, New York.

McGregor, D 1960, The human side of enterprise, McGraw-Hill, London.

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The Financial Effects of Yield Management on the Airline Industry

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Course

Tutor’s Name

25^th, January 2013

 

            Yield management, also referred to as revenue management, is a system that various companies employ in order to maximize their profit margins. This involves the company researching on the behavior of its consumers, and then works at ensuring that appropriate services are offered to consumers, in a way that is befitting to the consumer behavior. In order for a company to have an effective yield or revenue management, it must be able to predict its future financial status. This is through the use of the past financial status, as well as its present financial status. Therefore, the business transactions between consumers and the company are monitored in order to help in the company’s revenue management. The company in question also needs to base on other external information including information about prices of the company’s competitors in the market, the season in the market, as well as the consumers buying patterns. Basically, yield or revenue management involves decision-making, as the company attempts to figure out and make decisions regarding the kind of services to be sold, at what time to sell them, and at what price, which would ensure that the company rips maximum profits.

The decisions made in the process of revenue or yield management in a company are instrumental in making the company settle for prices for its services, which will be in alignment with the demand in the market, with regard to ensuring that consumer needs are met, while at the same time ensuring maximization of profits for the company. There are various aspects in the company and in the external environment, which help the company make viable decisions in the process of field management, especially with regard to the determination of prices for the services offered by the company. Such aspects include the type of services offered by the company. Depending on the nature and quality of the services a company offers, the management are in a position to make decisions, regarding the price they will fix for each type of service. In addition, the market type is also of essence in helping a company make decisions concerning service pricing. If the market is dominated by middle income-earners, it is more likely that a company will make service-pricing decisions based on the income or the economic status of the consumers in the market, as this calls for the consideration of the consumers’ affordability and purchasing power. However, in revenue management, a company aims at making the most profits, therefore, if the consumers have low purchasing power, the company might compromise on the quality of services it offers, so that this is in proportion to the amount of money consumers are willing to spend. These among other aspects are important in helping a company in decision-making, with regard to pricing in the process of revenue management.

There are specific companies that widely employ the process of yield management. These include hotel and hospitality companies, airline industry, and car hire, among others. The process of yield management is most effective when companies employ yield management systems that are computerized. Today, the internet presence has greatly contributed to making yield management successful. The airline industry effectively uses yield management, since most airlines can record and monitor interactions with their customers. These have special computerized systems or software, which help in the monitoring of seat reservations. When there are many vacant seats, the company might decide to lower the fare prices in order to entice more passengers into using the airline. This price reduction is advantageous to customers, but also advantageous to the airline. When an airline makes a decision to offer discounts to passengers at a period when travels are low, the airline company will benefit more. This is considering the fact that if discounts are not offered; passengers might opt for other airlines with discounts, thus making a specific airline lose out.

Generally, revenue management is most suitable if applied to companies, which sell goods and services, which are perishable. In the case of the airline industry, this financial managerial aspect is best fit in this industry. This is because the airline industry mainly uses tickets for passenger bookings. These tickets usually are expired after a specific period. The tickets are also not sellable, once a flight materializes. The airline industry has to forecast the demand of its services in future, and from there, they can set their preferred prices. Therefore, the airline industry highly employs price flexibility in its operations, as no price is fixed. Therefore, the consumers are able to exhibit their power of choice when using the airlines. For instance, some consumers might decide to travel during the off-peak period, because in this period, most airlines have always made the decision of price reduction, considering the low demand of consumers. However, during the high-peak season, most airlines reach a decision of raising the prices of their tickets. In doing this, the company has strategically arrived at that decision in order to compensate for the low returns during the off-peak period. Therefore, in trying to maximize profits, airline companies have to strategize, and make important decisions that will ensure high profits.

Since yield management is highly employed in the airline industry, there must be different ways in which it influences the operations in the different companies, as well as their profit margins. Overall, revenue or yield management in a company leads to a mix of services, which are differentiated in terms of pricing, depending on the period these are offered to consumers. Therefore, yield managers must have high analytical and decision-making skills, since the process of yield management is quite sophisticated and bases on various decisions made in the company. Nonetheless, for yield management to be considered effective in a company, this process must result in increased revenue for the company, as this is the main objective of the process. The management in charge of yield management are therefore, responsible for the outcomes of the process. If this process in a company leads to increased returns, the yield managers can be regarded as good decision-makers and skilled analysts. On the other hand, if this process fails the company, the involved yield managers will be considered not up to task, poor decision-makers, and lacking analytical skills to appropriately conduct yield management in the company.

For airline companies, yield management is a strategy, which gives the company their power in pricing. This is why some other companies resort to yield management in order to take control of their pricing. The aspect of flexible product pricing in yield management for airline industries, generally result in increased profits, if managers who are good decision-makers oversee the process.

According to Gupta (2011), airline companies should be more concerned with researching the choices of their customers, then incorporating these them in the price decision-making of their yield management process. Additionally, the professionals in revenue management working in airline companies ought to use their expertise in these companies beyond the basic management decisions involved with revenues. Instead, these should also develop ways through which the revenue management in airline can be extended to the customers. The revenue management professionals in the airline industry must also be the epitome of decision-making in their companies, as their area of specialization requires individuals with commendable decision-making. Nonetheless, most airlines hire qualified revenue management professionals, with proven decision-making skills. Today, these professionals working in the airline industry are able to integrate their customers’ behavior into the company revenue management process, after which important revenue management decisions are made.

The process of revenue management has been effective in the airline industry; however, there are considerable challenges that have been witnessed in this process. The major challenge for some airlines is the lack of sophisticated systems. For effective revenue management, airline companies need to have smart systems, which will make the process of decision-making in revenue management easier. This is with regard to the aspect of price optimization in the airline industry. Most systems in airline companies have been restricted to particular spheres and not all areas that affect the airline. If the systems could be extended to cover various areas in the airline industry, and integrate them in the current system, then the airline industry can experience operations that are more effective.

Some yield managers in the airline industry overlook the tenets of the process of revenue management. While this process includes price setting depending on the demand of the service and the season, some managers would go ahead and reduce their prices even in the high-peak periods, in order to attract more customers. This however, cannot work in their favor, since the company will experience losses. Price increase during the peak period in the airline industry in the process of revenue management is meant to compensate for the low profits made in the low-peak period. On the other hand, the discounted prices during the low peak period are meant to attract more customers. Therefore, yield managers are required to make their decisions on pricing, based on the facts of revenue management process, and not their own biased opinions of the process.

Despite the challenges faced by most airlines in the restrictive nature of their revenue management systems, these can still be upgraded if the companies look for more resources to invest in the diversification of their revenue management systems. It is important that revenue management in the airline industry involves other disciplines, and not be limited to specific areas only. This will ensure that the process is more successful. Currently, revenue management in the airline industry has been limited to the aspect of pricing. However, this process should be extended to involve other departments such as marketing, sales, and company operations in order to be effective. When this is done, the revenue management professionals in the airline industry will be able to make more informed decisions in the revenue management process, as the professional interaction with other professionals in different departments add to their knowledge about finance and decision-making. This will lead to better strategies and successful campaigns in the industry.

References

Atrill, P. & McLaney, E. (2007). Management Accounting for Decision Makers. New York:

Trans-Atlantic Publications, Inc.

Chen, Y. & Farias, V. (2012). What’s on the Table: Revenue Management and the Welfare Gap

in the US Airline Industry. Retrieved from http://web.mit.edu/~vivekf/www/papers/Welfare.pdf

Cho, M., Fan, M. & Zhou, Y. (2007). An Empirical Study of Revenue Management Practices in

the Airline Industry. Retrieved from http://faculty.washington.edu/yongpin/RM_Nov_15_07.pdf

Da Silva, K. (2012). The Impact of Yield Management in the Airline Industry on Customers’

Feelings of Price Fairness. E-zine 53: 1-6. Retrieved from http://aerlinesmagazine.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/53_correia_nunes_da_silva-the_impact_of_yield_management_in_the_airline_industry_on_customers_.pdf

Huefner, R. (2011). Revenue Management: A Path to Increased Profits. Retrieved from

http://www.businessexpertpress.com/books/revenue-management-path-increased-profits

Lanquepin-Chesnais, G. (2012). Revenue Management in the Airline Industry: Problems and

Solutions. Retrieved from http://brage.bibsys.no/hsm/bitstream/URN:NBN:no-bibsys_brage_36960/1/Trial_Lecture_Lanquepin.pdf

Lieberman, W. (1993). Debunking the Myths of Yield Management. Retrieved from

http://veritecsolutions.com/Documents/ym_myths.pdf

Maher, M., Clyde, S. & Weil, R. (2007). Managerial Accounting: Intro to Concepts Methods

Uses 10e. New York: Cengage Learning.

 

McAfee, P. & Velde, V. (n.d). Dynamic Pricing in the Airline Industry. Retrieved from

http://vita.mcafee.cc/PDF/DynamicPriceDiscrimination.pdf

Rouse, P., Maguire, WW. & Harrison, J. (2011). Revenue Management for Service

Organizations. Retrieved from http://www.businessexpertpress.com/books/revenue-management-service-organizations

Sani, A. (2011). Strategic Management Accounting: Implementation and Control. World

Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 59: 57-62.

Voneche, F. (2005). Yield Management in the Airline Industry. Retrieved from

http://www.ieor.berkeley.edu/~ieor166/Yield%20Management%20in%20airlines.pdf

 

 

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Online Learning

Name

Course

Tutor’s Name

11^th, March 2013

 

Online and classroom learning are core to education today. While learning institutions mainly employed classroom learning, today there is a shift to online learning, as classroom learning is being abandoned. Online learning has its advantages and disadvantages, just as classroom learning. Some students might find classroom learning more resourceful compared to online learning, while others might prefer online learning. Whichever the case, both classroom and online learning should promote effective learning for students in the same measure. It is therefore, the responsibility of the instructors to ensure that classroom learning is as exciting and resourceful as the online learning. Various features, which result in successful classroom learning can be applied to online learning for effective educational outcomes. It is possible for online and classroom learning to result in positive educational outcomes, despite their different modes of presentation, only if instructors in both learning modes identify the learning needs of the students, and address them, while creating the best learning environment for students.

According to Hirschy and Wilson (2002), online learning is not a new phenomenon today. However, this is infiltrating the educational system at a higher rate today compared to the past. Many policy makers in the education sector support online learning for a number of reasons. Most importantly, this mode of learning is quite cheap, compared to classroom learning. Since most learning institutions operate on strict budgets and look for ways of minimizing their expenditure, online learning would be more appropriate for them. Additionally, this is convenient for students, as they can learn from different regions without having to attend a class physically. Online learning started in the early 20^th Century. Since then, this has been advancing slowly taking root in society (Moore, Dickson-Deane, & Galyen, 2011). Today, approximately 1.5 million schools in the US have adopted online learning. Online learning utilizes the internet, instead of a physical environment, and this can be adopted partially or wholly (Bakia, et al 2012).

Instructor presence and interaction is paramount in classroom learning. If the instructor is present but does not interact with learners, it is impossible for learning to be successful (Mandernach, Gonzales & Garrett, 2006). Therefore, instructor interaction is a prerequisite for successful classroom learning. This also translates to the online learning, where both the presence of the instructor and instructor interaction need to be felt by the online learners for successful learning. These determine the nature of classroom setting in both online and classroom learning. The type of classroom setting is an important determinant of successful learning. In the online class however, it is more challenging to set a classroom environment (Mandernach, Gonzales & Garrett, 2006). This is because of the delivery mode involved, as it is based on technology, and not personal dynamics. Therefore, online instructors have the responsibility of ensuring that they meet this challenge, and develop a classroom setting in their online delivery. Instructors in online learning achieve this through engaging with the students more, either through online dialogs, discussions, and consultations. This inspires and motivates learners to work harder. Instructor presence and interaction has made online learning to be more successful in the recent past, compared to classroom learning. The US Department of Education acknowledges this in New York iSchool, where the approach has worked effectively (Bakia, et al 2012).

Instructors in both online and classroom learning should engage their students in active learning. This guarantees them successful educational outcomes. In the classroom, an instructor should spare considerable time for the students to engage in discussions, group work, and various assessments. This allows for deeper learning for the students. On the other hand, instructors in the online learning should encourage interactive learning through making individual work with group work to be motivating to students. The online strategies, which can ensure this, include online discussions between students and their instructors. Instructors should also present the online students with continuous assessments. For these assessments to be effective, immediate feedback should be guaranteed for the students. Additionally, instructors should extend the computer lab hours with students, to allow for online face-to-face interaction with the online students. During these online face-to-face interactions, the instructors should be able to give one-on-one support to the students, and address their various weaknesses. An example of how interactive learning has improved online is the case of Middlebury College in Vermont. Here interactive language programs are adopted including social networking and 3D games. The social networking helps different online students to interact with other online students from different states, including the non-native speakers, with the aid of the language programs. In this case, student motivation rises, and this leads to good academic performance (Bakia, et al 2012).

Personalized learning leads to successful classroom learning. Therefore, the same can be applied to online learning to produce similar learning outcomes. In personalized learning, an instructor pays close attention to the students’ interests and strongholds in academics, and capitalizes on these to realize the students’ potentials. This helps to arouse the curiosity of students and allow for a deeper learning. The National Education Technology Plan in the US realizes the importance of personalizing learning in online learning, and encourages more institutions to adopt this. This approach has been tested and proved effective in online learning. In the Ohio State University, the online Statistics class was redesigned to allow students to choose the type of lectures and labs they are comfortable with. Results showed that these performed much better than the students in classroom learning. The University therefore, basing on these results, changed the schedule for this course to include a reduction in classroom lectures to three times a week from five times a week (Bakia, et al 2012).

Conclusively, online learning can be as successful, or even more successful than classroom learning if the concerned instructors employ the right strategies in the teaching process. The same features that result in successful classroom learning can also be employed in online learning to produce even better results. Such include the maximization of instructor interaction, allowing for active learning, and personalized learning. These among others can be applied to improve the educational outcomes of online learning, which is taking root in society today.

 

References

Bakia, M., Shear, L., Toyama, Y. & Lasseter, A. (2012). Understanding the Implications of

Online Learning for Educational Productivity. U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology. Retrieved from http://ctl.sri.com/news/ImplicationsOnlineLearning2.pdf

Hirschy, A. & Wilson, M. (2002). The Sociology of the Classroom and Its Influence on Student

Learning. Peabody Journal of Education, 77(3): 85–100. Retrieved from http://library.sau.edu/committee/hirschy.pdf

Mandernach, J., Gonzales, R. & Garrett, A. (2006). An Examination of Online Instructor

Presence via Threaded Discussion Participation. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. 2(4). Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol2no4/mandernach.htm

Moore, J., Dickson-Deane, C. & Galyen, K. (2011). E-Learning, online learning and distance

learning environments: Are they the same? Internet and Higher Education 14(2011): 129-135. Retrieved from https://scholar.vt.edu/access/content/group/5deb92b5-10f3-49db-adeb-7294847f1ebc/e-Learning%20Scott%20Midkiff.pdf

 

 

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Workforce Diversity in Business

            Workforce diversity is important in a business. Today, most businesses use workforce diversity as a strategy to increase business productivity. Workforce diversity also increases creativity in a business, as well as employee loyalty. This too increases the capability of employees to serve customers in a more effective manner. Nonetheless, a business with a diversified workforce is likely to be more productive compared to one with a workforce that is not diversified.

The productivity of any business is dependent on the nature of its employees. Therefore, managers should invest in the hiring process of their business, and ensure to hire the best employees. When a manager hires employees from a diverse background, this means that the workforce comprises a pool of candidates, thus, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the best employees. The business world today is highly competitive, therefore, when a business hires employees regardless of their ethnic background, race, religion, gender, sexual preference, age, and physical disability, such a business has a great advantage compared to its competitors in the market (Konrad 83).

Additionally, it is important to hire a diverse workforce, since the market today is as well diverse. Therefore, some employees might mirror most customers, thereby increasing customer loyalty due to the common ground between some employees and customers. A diverse workforce promotes employee retention. This is advantageous to a business, since employee turnover affects a business negatively. When the workforce is diverse, employees feel represented, valued, and included, thus boosting their level of motivation, and in turn their commitment. Therefore, a business might use only limited resources in training such workforce. Nonetheless, workforce diversity is paramount in the contemporary business world, which is influenced by high levels of globalization. Business managers thus must use this as a strategy to boost the growth and productivity of their business.

 

Work Cited

Konrad, Alison. “Handbook of Workplace Diversity,” London: SAGE, 2006.

 

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Seminar Reflection Discussion

Name

Course

Tutor’s Name

23^rd, April 2013

 

The different experiences I have had in this class have given me an insight into the business world, through the academic knowledge I have gathered, as well as strengthened my relationship with my classmates and instructors at different levels, including the social and academic levels. After the past eight weeks, and all the different academic activities I indulged in, I have come out as a more knowledgeable person, compared to when I began. Being a student at the Walden University pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in International Business, I believe that all the knowledge on Supply Chain Management, which I was exposed to, is of great benefit to my area of study.

My area of specialization mainly concerns management of international business. This therefore, expects me to focus more on the development of a scientific attitude, which will be important in my application of the learnt knowledge. In addition, it is imperative that I apply research methods in my study area, as this is a core requirement. This is to prepare me for future tasks, including conducting research in my field, and contribute to both theory and application of management. On the other hand, Supply Chain management offers knowledge on how a company can develop, and deliver their products to different stakeholders in an efficient manner. For instance, most international companies such as Proctor and Gamble have highly invested in their supply chains in order to remain competitive in the international market. In addition, chain managers in international companies play an important role in planning, purchasing, production, and transport, among other logistics in the company. Therefore, the knowledge I have gained in Chain Supply Management has made me to relate supply chain management and international business. Therefore, I am more knowledgeable on how I can develop international business strategies, and use them in managing the international supply chains. This is in addition to knowledge about international business negotiation and negotiating purchase agreements at the international level, among others.

Learning various elements through the eight weeks has improved my individual approach to research. The researches conducted in various stages were in-depth and well presented. The references were also well selected, and highly relevant to each topic that was addressed. In addition, the references used were those published within the last ten years, therefore, still relevant and applicable to the business world today. Therefore, in my project, I will borrow a leaf from this and ensure that my research is in-depth and well presented, while remembering to use up-to-date reference sources. Therefore, the presentation aspect and level of research are the major things in my individual research approach, which the seminar has reinforced.

The main new source that I have been exposed to, and think that it might apply in my doctoral study is “Global Business Management: Current Trends and Practices.” This was written by Wisma, M. in the year 2008 and published in the Journal of Applied Business and Economics, issue 8, number 1. In this article, the author has analyzed the different trends and practices in the international supply chain management. This includes the aspect of communication and relations with suppliers. This is an important source of knowledge to my study, since supply chain management is crucial to international business, which is my area of specialization. In addition, effective communication addressed by the author is vital in international business. Therefore, I will be able to learn more about the integration of international supply chain management in an international company, while increasing the effectiveness of the company. Nonetheless, the eight weeks have been a source of diverse knowledge for me, and I believe that I have relatively increased my knowledge base. Therefore, although all this is theory, applying it to real life situations will not be challenging, since my exposure to this is high as well.

 

 

Reference

Wisma, M. (2008). Global Business Management: Current Trends and Practices. The Journal of

Applied Business and Economics, 8(1), 96-109. Retrieved from the ABI/INFORM Global database.

 

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BUSINESS REFLECTIVE OF FUTURE THINKING

(FUTURE OF CARS)

By Name

Course

Tutor’s Name

Institution

22^nd, April, 2013

 

I am a student, currently pursuing a master’s degree programme in Business Administration. Part of the Business Administration course entails knowledge about the management of either a business or a non-profit organization, and developing strategies to ensure maximum growth and development of the organization. This includes ensuring growth and stability of the organization for increased profitability. Nonetheless, for growth and development of an organization to take place, an administrator must ensure high product innovativeness. Therefore, by introducing new products, or improving on existing products to increase their efficiency and appeal, this attracts more customers. However, there are a myriad of factors to be considered before developing innovations in a company, including the sustainability aspect of new products and technology.

Overall, there are many changes in the world, as well as in the business world. These have mainly been realized because of the advanced changes in technology, which in turn influence the economy of a country and the global economy as well. Various industries today also exhibit great changes in their practice and products, compared to past decades. In this presentation, the main focus is on the car industry, which has not been left behind, with regard to technology. In the world of technology today, new inventions are developed to increase efficiency. Similarly, in the car industry, major new technologies are unveiled on a regular basis. These might be concerned with improving safety of cars, usefulness of cars, cars’ entertainment and luxury aspects, or for purely innovative reasons. Most of the new car innovations are exciting and have improved efficiency in various aspects of cars.

The first car was invented in the year 1769. Today, this first car cannot be compared to the present supercars, in terms of technology and efficiency. As a result of increased technological advances in cars, today’s cars are more safe and reliable than they were in past years. In the car industry, technological advancement is key, therefore, it is expected that this industry will produce more technologically advanced cars in the future (Christidis, Hildalgo & Soria 2003). However, different factors will influence the extent to which technology is adopted in the car industry in future. These include the availability of fuel and level of pollution by cars. With regard to fuel, the car industry, compared to the pat years, has increased the number of cars that it manufactures, and reduced the cost of cars, thus making cars to be affordable to many people. This therefore, has led to high consumption of fuel, and it is feared that in future, fuel might become scarce, since it is being exhausted today at a high rate. Additionally, the car industry is regarded as one of the top industries that highly contribute to global warming. Most cars today use petroleum, which emits Carbon dioxide gas on combustion. Therefore, in future, the car industry might consider fuel economy and reducing global warming, when it develops new car models, as these factors will promote sustainability (Macrel & Cooper 2011). In order to analyze the future of cars with regard to technological improvement, this paper will employ different tools and techniques of foresight.

The initial thinking about the future holds that there is so much unpredictability in the future. It is therefore, not possible for people to perfectly figure out what the future holds, since a myriad of factors, which are beyond human control, influence the events of the future. Human beings have different expectations about the future. Although no human being can peer into the future, these use their minds and imagination to create a picture of the future, which might be unrealistic. Overall, people expect positive things to happen in the future. However, these expectations might not be in line with what the future really holds. This therefore, might lead to disappointments, when the future brings events, which do not measure up to people’s expectations. Nonetheless, times change, and the future is different from the present. However, change is gradual, and therefore, it is important that human beings keep realistic expectations about the future. Similarly, in the car industry, there have been technological advances over the past years. People are optimistic about the future of the car industry. However, in order to ensure relevant and realistic prediction of the future of the car industry, we might consider using tools and techniques of analysis, including trend analysis, systems thinking, and scenario planning.

Trend Analysis

This is an important technique used to predict the future. Trend analysis predicts the future by basing on the past events or data. Therefore, the events that took place in the past might give business administrators a hint or an idea of what might happen in the future. In the car industry, the trend analysis might be used to predict the future of cars. The main elements that have shown and continue to show a trend in the car industry are related to fuel and global warming.

During the initial years of car manufacture, people worried about the safety of cars, as well as the space manufacturers created in cars. However, as years went by and as more people owned cars, the cost of fuel rose and became considerably high. Therefore, more people changed from prioritizing safety and space in cars, and instead, wanted car manufacturers to consider fuel economy. Therefore, cars had to be manufactured such that they could consume less fuel. In addition, global warming in the world has been on the increase, thus environmental bodies raised concerns about pollution. The car industry was considered to be a top contributor to global warming, due to the dangerous emissions from car fuel. Today, there are concerns that the high fuel consumption by cars and other industries threaten to lead to exhaustion of fuel in the world. This has led to the ever-increasing prices of fuel. Compared to the past, fuel today has soaring prices. In addition, the world today experiences the highest rate of global warming as compared to the past years (Mercedes-Benz Technology n.d).

Car manufacturers in the car industry have therefore, attempted to address the issue of fuel prices and global warming. This is through manufacturing fuel economy vehicles, which consume less fuel. In future therefore, it is expected that the car industry might eliminate petroleum as a fuel used in vehicles, and replace it with less costly fuel, which is also environmentally friendly. The most preferable fuel will be Hydrogen. This is environmentally friendly as it does lead to the emission of Carbon dioxide gas, which is harmful to the environment, as in the case of petroleum, which is used today (Green-Car-Guide.com n.d). In addition, Hydrogen is highly available, therefore, hard to be exhausted, compared to petroleum, whose sources are already dwindling. Therefore, using trend analysis, it is clear that the priorities of car buyers have been shifting every year. In early years, buyers were interested only in the external and physical appearance of vehicles. Later, this interest shifted to fuel economy, and today, people are interested in cars that are environmentally friendly and consume fuel in an economic manner (Tverberg 2012). Therefore, although trend analysis might not predict the future of cars perfectly, at least this offers an insight into the future adoption of Hydrogen and dropping of Petroleum, due to the various outcomes of Petroleum, which are not appealing to consumers of the car industry (Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, & Duncan 2012).

Systems Thinking

            In systems thinking, a system is considered as a whole with component parts, which make it. These component parts in a system influence each other from time to time. Therefore, these interrelate in a system. The various component making up the system, are important in predicting the future.

Unlike trend analysis, the efficiency and capability of systems thinking to predict the future is limited. Systems thinking technique is more capable of problem solving. In this case, this thinking will regard problems as affecting all the component parts of the overall system. Therefore, problems are not viewed as affecting specific components of the overall system. Therefore, this thinking tries to understand one component part of the overall system in the context of its relationships with other component parts, and in the context of other systems, and not in isolation.

With regard to the future of the car industry, systems thinking technique lacks great outcomes as in the case of trend analysis. This is because it does not base on scenarios, thus it is impossible to predict the future. Nonetheless, in this case, the car industry might be compared to a system. Component parts might include fuel efficiency, climate change, and technological advancements, among others. As mentioned systems thinking technique is appropriate for major decision-making and problem solving. Therefore, with regard to the identified component part of the car industry, these might be used in problem solving and major decision making in the car industry. These might be used to determine the future cars, since they will be incorporated in the planning process in the car industry.

Scenario Planning

Scenario planning involves visualizing about the future, and predicting what events are more likely to happen in future. In addition, this visualization includes the effects of the future events, as well as how to respond to them and what benefits they present. In this technique, in order to understand and predict the future, one has to understand the driving forces, which influence the world today. However, these driving forces must be specific to the business or company. These help in widening the knowledge about the business environment of the company, therefore, allowing for easy prediction of the future of the business. Unlike systems thinking, which is appropriate for decision-making and problem solving, scenario planning helps in strategic management, thus is incorporated in a company’s planning process.

In the car industry, using scenario planning, two major forces influencing the industry can be identified. These include the economy and climate change. Fuel prices and fuel used in the car industry is a major determinant of the economy. Overconsumption of fuel by cars today has led to the possibility of fuel exhaustion in the near future. On the other hand, the car industry is a major industry contributing to environmental pollution, due to the emission of dangerous gases through the combustion of fuel by cars. Therefore, from these factors in the car industry, new scenarios can be developed. Thus, the car industry might have the options of solar panel cars, electric cars, Hydrogen cell cars, and hybrid cars. These might come in handy to address the problems emerging in the industry, with regard to climate change and economy (Kanellos 2013). The main advantage of this technique is that it offers a wide range of options for a company to choose from, during its planning process.

Conclusion

            It is important to determine the future of cars and the car industry, since these play a major role in the world. The future foresight tools used in predicting this future might not be capable of giving a concise and perfect prediction. However, these help to give an idea into what the future holds for the car industry. The trend analysis technique could be the most effective prediction tool, as this bases on past events and trends to predict the future. However, systems thinking and scenario planning techniques are also important, as these help to determine the future, in their own capacities. While systems thinking is important in decision-making and problem solving, scenario planning is core in strategic management, therefore, applied to a company’s process of planning. Therefore, this brings out all these future prediction techniques as important and effective in their own capacities.

Nonetheless, all the tools of future thinking have pointed out to the fact that future cars will consider the factors of fuel consumption and the environment. This is agreeable, since concerns today are raised over environmental degradation by emissions from cars. On the other hand, since many people own car, the global fuel consumption has increased, and it is expected that in future, fuel might be exhausted. Therefore, consumers of the car industry are more interested in cars that will consider these factors. Thus, it is more likely that Hydrogen cell cars might be the cars of the future, since Hydrogen is the most appropriate replacement of petroleum. However, this is just a prediction, hence it might be real or not.

 

 

 

Works Cited

Christidis, P., Hildalgo, I. & Soria, A 2003, “Trends in Vehicle and Fuel Technologies;

Scenarios for Future Trends,” European Science and Technology Observatory, Viewed 22 April 2013 < ftp://ftp.jrc.es/pub/EURdoc/eur20748en.pdf>

Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, & Duncan C 2012, “What’s the ‘hydrogen

economy?” The Guardian, 11 October, Viewed 22 April 2013

< http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/11/hydrogen-economy-climate-change>

Green-Car-Guide.com n.d, “Future fuels: 69% of vehicles will still run on petrol in 2015,”

Viewed 22 April 2013 < http://www.green-car-guide.com/future-fuels-69-of-vehicles-will-still-run-on-petrol-in-2015.html>

Kanellos, M 2013, “Why Hydrogen Cars Could Still Be the Future,” Forbes, 30^th January,

Viewed 22 April 2013 < http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelkanellos/2013/01/30/why-hydrogen-cars-could-still-be-the-future/>

Macrel, F. & Cooper, R 2011, “British scientists ‘invent artificial petrol’ that could cost just 90p

per GALLON (and there’s no carbon),” Daily Mail, 29 January, Viewed 22 April 2013 < http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1351341/Relief-pumps-Revolutionary-hydrogen-fuel-cost-just-90p-GALLON-run-existing-cars.html>

Mercedes-Benz Technology (MBtech) n.d, “Trend Analysis: Connected Car 2015,” Viewed 22^nd

April 2013 <https://www.mbtechgroup.com/fileadmin/media/pdf/consulting/downloads/Trendanalyse_Vernetztes_Fahrzeug_2015_EN.pdf>

Tverberg, G 2012, “The Devastating Economic Impact of Constantly High Oil Prices,”

OilPrice.com, Viewed 22 April 2013 < http://oilprice.com/Energy/Oil-Prices/The-Devastating-Economic-Impact-of-Constantly-High-Oil-Prices.html>

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Peristeras, Mentzas, Abecker, & Tarabanis (2009) have defined e-participation and e-governance, as the use of ICT in the interface of society-governance. Therefore, e-participation involves interaction between the government and society through ICT. Ahmed (2006) has argued that e-participation is only possible and important, if the government implements it with the goal of ensuring social inclusion in society, also referred to as e-inclusion. Nonetheless, the major challenge in e-participation is ensuring that e-inclusion promotes the full participation of individuals in different arenas in society, including cultural, social, and political arenas (Ahmed 2006). However, it is possible for a community to achieve inclusion without ICT, as it is also possible for a community to fail to achieve inclusion with the use of ICT, if there is failure of committing to the objectives of e-participation (Ahmed 2006). Nonetheless, there are various models of e-participation, which might be adopted by different governments. All the models aim at inclusion and citizen engagement, which is core to e-participation.

According to Ahmed (2006), the different models of e-participation are grouped under three major categories, which include: (i) information; (ii) consultation; and (iii) active participation. However, involving the public, collaboration, and empowerment, are other categories that e-participation models might be grouped. Similarly, Reddick (2011) has identified managerial, consultation, and participatory models, as the major models of e-participation. In all the identified models, it is clear that, there must be flow of information from the government to the citizens, feedback from people to the government, and citizen engagement. Nonetheless, according to Axelsson, Melin, & Lindgren (2010), whichever way a country decides to implement e-participation, the main focus of this should be the citizens, and the main aim should be to ensure maximum citizen participation in the governance process.

 

Works Cited

Axelsson, K., Melin, U., & Lindgren, I 2010, “Exploring the Importance of Citizen Participation

and Involvement in E-government Projects,” Transforming E-government and

E-participation, 4(4): 299-321.

Ahmed, N 2006, “An Overview of E-participation Models,” London, United Nations,

Peristeras, V., Mentzas, G., Abecker, A. & Tarabanis, K 2009, “Transforming E-government and

E-participation through IT,” IEE Computer Society.

Reddick, C 2011, Citizen interaction and e-government: Evidence for the managerial,

consultative, and participatory models,” Transforming Government; People Process and Policy, 5 (2): 167-184.

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The Seventeenth Amendment

            The 17^th amendment is an amendment to the constitution of the United States. This was meant to change a previous article in the constitution, which allowed for the elections of the United States’ Senators only by individual state legislatures. This amendment changed this article in order to allow for US senators to be elected by popular vote. Therefore, the 17^th amendment to the constitution is mainly concerned with the election of senators in the United States. Nonetheless, the laws in the United States, which are primarily concerned with the US Senate, are found in Article one, section three of the constitution of the United States. Here, the law allows for two senators for each state in the United States. In addition, the minimum term allowed by law to all senates is six years, with each senate having one vote. This part of the US constitution also has a provision that the senators will be elected into office by the specific legislatures of the state in which they seek rulership.

Nonetheless, the 17 amendment has the same provisions like those in the article one, section three, except one difference with regard to the method of election for the senators. Therefore, while the number of senators, number of votes, and term of office is similar in both cases, the 17^th amendment considers popular vote or electors as the main method of election of senators. In addition, the 17^th amendment included that each senator seeking office must meet certain qualifications, including specific age and residency qualifications (Gailmard 324). Nonetheless, this amendment is responsible for various changes in the United States.

Before the 17^th amendment, the constitution of the United States had specified that only the legislatures of a senate would elect a senator. Therefore, the American citizens did not participate in the election of their senators. However, beginning the mid 1850’s this election system of senators by the government began to raise concerns among the American citizens, who felt they were being excluded from this important practice. Meanwhile, in 1866, in order to control this election approach, the US Congress passed a law, which was considered the main influence of the 17^th amendment. However, this law did not change the election method of senators, thus was less useful, as most people wanted to be involved in voting in their senators.

In the year 1893, the proposal for constitutional amendment in favour of direct elections of senators was first made. However, for a long time, this was not implemented, despite it being proposed every year. In 1903, this proposal was made in the US Congress, but the senate rejected it. However, in May 1912, the Congress passed direct elections of senators as the 17^th amendment, and had it ratified in April 1913. Apart from allowing for direct elections of senators, it also allowed for a way of replacing senators, when the senate seat became vacant before the end of a term (Gailmard 324).

As seen the government of the United States only allowed the legislatures in a state to elect the senator of their state. Various parties, including the founding fathers who wrote the constitution, as well as President James Madison, influenced this decision. In 1787, various delegates from different states were invited to Philadelphia to attend the Constitutional Convention meant to improve various confederation articles. James Madison attended and kept he took notes during the convention. From Madison’s notes, it is possible to understand the main reasons why the founding fathers, who created the US constitution, were opposed to a Congress made up of a single house, thus, supporting the senate. In addition, one might understand why the founding fathers were of the opinion that state legislatures, and not the majority, elect senators.

Nonetheless, deciding that state legislatures appoint senators was in a bid to prevent or avoid the election of unethical or incompetent individuals into the senate. The founding fathers did not trust the majority to elect qualified and competent senators. Probably, the government believed that the majority would elect their senators based on less important factors, instead of focusing on important factors.  Therefore, the framers believed that the elected officials were in a better position to elect the right senators.

In addition, it can be argued that the when state legislatures appointed senators, this would strengthen the relationship between the national government and the elected senators, thus, promoting the interests of the national government. Furthermore, this would provide the senators with ample time to conduct government business without pressure from the people. On the other hand, the founding fathers who wrote the US constitution probably wanted constitution to be ratified successfully without any opposition from the majority people. Therefore, this was to ensure consistency and stability in the running of government business, devoid of opposition or interference by the majority people. Therefore, this might point out that during this era, the founding fathers did not embrace democracy, since they were opposed to the involvement of people in the election of their senators. Additionally, there are elements of oppression in this era, as the authorities subjected people to their decisions, without involving them.

The 17^th amendment of the United States Constitution had different consequences, both negative and positive. On the positive side, this amendment boosted democracy of the people. The people were now free to vote in their preferred senators, a task that had been previously dedicated to state legislatures. Therefore, the majority people were given an opportunity to exercise freedom of choice, by choosing their desirable senators, instead of having one imposed on them by the state legislatures. Nonetheless, this was the major positive consequence of the 17^th amendment, increasing democracy level in the country. However, most people today show great concern and propose that the 17^th amendment be repealed in order for USA to regain orderliness in its political system (Holcombe WEB). The 17^th amendment was not consistent with what the founding fathers had intended with the constitution. When the founding fathers wrote the constitution, they wanted the senators to be independent from politics and maintain high quality. However, this intention was superceded by the 17^th amendment.  Senators today are involved in politics, thus increasing politicization in the senate and lowering the ability of the senate to remain competent in their performance and responsibilities (Gailmard 325).

The majority election of senators is one of the factors responsible for the culture of corruption in the country. Before the 17^th amendment, senators were answerable to the state legislatures who elected them. They therefore, had to adhere to the directions and instructions form the state legislatures. However, today, these are answerable to the people, whom they represent. The state legislatures had more authority and power than the other citizens, therefore, this determined the standards of performance of the senators (Gailmard 325). Today however, there are incidences of corruption involving senators, but it is challenging for every state to hold accountable their senator, since this would require sufficient media attention and offence to a large number of people. Overall, the 17^th amendment is considered to have more negative consequences than positive consequences. Nonetheless, the 17^th amendment has made people in the USA to be more vocal in important constitutional matters compared to previous years, when the people’s voice and opinion did not count much.

 

Works Cited

Gailmard, Sean. “Agency Problems, the 17th Amendment and Representation in the Senate.”

American Journal of Political Science. 53 (2): 324-342. 2009. Viewed 20 April 2013 < http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~gailmard/ajps.gail-jenk.pdf >

Holcombe, Randall. “Repeal the 17th Amendment.” The Independent Institute. 6 February 2013

Viewed 20 April 2013 < http://blog.independent.org/2013/02/06/repeal-the-17th-

amendment/ >

 

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