CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

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20^th, April, 2013

 

 

Criminal investigation is an important discipline in law enforcement. This is crucial for offering solutions to crime at different levels, including the local and state levels. Criminal investigation is thus, a practice, which involves a systematic observation or inquiry into a crime, and might involve recording of evidence. For an effective practice of criminal investigation, it is paramount that one possesses specific scientific knowledge through studying, as well as the necessary relevant experience in the field of criminal investigation. In criminal investigation, depending on the nature of the crime, investigators might take different durations investigating a crime. This therefore, might range between a few weeks to even years (Becker 2005).

The practice of criminal investigation begins with reporting or suspicion that a crime has occurred. This therefore, presents a problem to an investigator, who first has to determine the claim that a crime has occurred. In criminal investigation, an investigator might be a detective, a police officer, a special agent, or any other investigator in a government or private body, which is charged with jurisdictional task of conducting criminal investigation. In any country, the definition of and clarification of what a crime is, is the responsibility of government body, such as the state legislature (Becker 2005).

Today, the role of criminal investigators has changed considerably, compared to previous years. Change in the practice of criminal investigation is a result of various factors, which have emerged only in the contemporary times. One major issue that is a source of a myriad of changes in the practice of criminal investigation is the rapid advancement in technology (Harfield & Harfield 2008). This factor is responsible for many changes in the society today, including criminal investigation. With technology advancements, there have risen new types of crimes, which did not exist in the past. Some of the new crimes witnessed today because of new technology include child pornography, internet stalking, cyber-crime, terrorism, and theft of valuable cultural objects and art, among many others (Newburn, Williamson & Wright 2012).

Therefore, this calls for investigators to train on how to handle the new emerging crimes in society as a result of new technologies and innovation. This essay therefore, focuses on the contemporary issues in criminal investigation, and the ways in which these issues have changed different elements in the practice of criminal investigation, as well as the role of criminal investigators today.

The new types of crimes mentioned, which have emerged because of technological advances have also led to the improvements of law enforcement agencies in various countries in order to accommodate, and address them. These improvements in law enforcement agencies are mainly in the form of structural changes of the organizations in order to include the new crimes and pave way for their investigations. This therefore, has resulted in the specialization of criminal investigators (Newburn, Williamson & Wright 2012). Unlike in the past, where investigators were charged with general tasks, today, these have been forced to specialize in specific crimes, in order to address different crimes effectively. In the past, criminal investigators would be assigned by their units to perform investigations on crimes linked to property, such as robbery, and crimes considered of high degree, such as homicide and sexual crimes. However, today, investigators are required to address and focus on specific crimes, which they are duly trained and able to handle (Newburn, Williamson & Wright 2012).

In the contemporary criminal investigation, there has arisen the aspect of private investigation. Today, the private sector also has an important role to play in criminal investigation. In the past, criminal investigation was a discipline and field that was solely dominated by the government, and not the private sector (Palmiotto 2012). Today however, because of the rampant increase in the levels of crime in most countries, it has become crucial that the private sector also indulges in the field of criminal investigation, to help reduce and address crime in various countries (Ross 2011). For instance, today, instead of relying on the government agencies for criminal investigations, most private companies have developed their own distinct investigative arms, which mainly focus on the issue of crime in the organization. Such arms therefore, consider crime situations both inside and outside the company. Company employees or any individual who has a regular access into the inside of a company might perpetuate crimes within a company. On the other hand, individuals or groups, who have various ill motives on a company, might perpetuate crimes against the company in order to achieve their missions, which might cause harm to a company. Therefore, companies today have deemed it important to own their own branches of criminal investigation, as this will help lower the risk of crime in the company (Ross 2011).

Today, private policing has become an important issue in criminal investigation. There is an increased number of the for-hire security agencies, which is a vital element in policing and criminal investigation. For instance, in the Unites States of America, many municipal departments today involve the private security agencies in their activities, which center on criminal investigation and crime prevention (Ross 2011). In addition, there are various cases witnessed today, where criminal investigators or police resign from their work in the public sector, to join the private sector, as private investigators, and are thus, employed by the private security agencies. There is therefore, an interface between public and private policing and criminal investigation today. This therefore, has considerable influence on the operations and function of the police and criminal investigation today (Ross 2011).

In addition, the increased level of technology today, which has influenced various elements in the world also, has immense effect on criminal investigation. This is therefore, responsible for the different types of changes in the practice of criminal investigation today. These changes in criminal investigation due to advanced technology have changed various procedures and activities in criminal investigation. Most criminal investigation activities today are conducted in quite a different manner, compared to how they were practiced in the past. Therefore, because of the increased technology, the practice of criminal investigation has gained additional tools, which were absent in the past. These tools are both human and scientific in nature (Palmiotto 2012). Therefore, these have attached greater emphasis on the function and importance of forensic science or the crime laboratory and the general employment and reliance on technology as a major support of the criminal investigation practice. The most popular technological advance in criminal investigation is the use of the DNA analysis. This is an important aspect of forensic science, which is highly applicable and useful to the practice of criminal investigation today (Palmiotto 2012).

Forensic science has a positive influence on criminal investigation today. This enables the criminal investigators to investigate and solve crime case in the most effective ways (Stelfox 2009). Forensic science heavily relies on technology. Therefore, since technology continues to evolve, the field of forensic science too continues to grow. This way, forensic science continues to develop different new theories and techniques, thus increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the field, which is on a great demand today. This field of forensic science is of major importance to the process of criminal investigation, to various court processes, and different levels of security. Prior to the development of the field of forensic science, many cases in the criminal investigation process were dependent on witnesses, who either confessed or gave testimonies concerning different events related to the crime under investigation. However, the development of forensic science has changed all this, since today, police and other investigators are in a position to gather relevant evidence, which they will analyze and process in an efficient manner, without relying on the witnesses. This has therefore, resulted in great efficiency in the field of criminal investigation, and relative reduction in some types of crimes committed today (Stelfox 2009).

Today, when a criminal is hunted down by use of forensic science techniques, it is easier for him or her to be traced if they commit a similar crime in the future, since their important personal details, including DNA information, remain with the investigative unit (James 2012). However, because of the advanced technology today, criminals have also adopted major creativity in the way they execute crime. This therefore, poses a challenge to forensic science and criminal investigation, since these must develop new tools and techniques to respond to new strategies in crime (Stelfox 2009). In addition, criminal investigation and forensic science have to improve on their present investigative tools and techniques, which are employed in the investigative process. Other technological advances such as use of sophisticated software in crime analysis is important in criminal investigation, as this helps investigators today in pattern development, suspect identification, and linkage of similar criminal activity. Nonetheless, with the new technology, which is employed in criminal investigation today, and which has increased efficiency and accuracy, there are many doubts that are cast to the past practice and activities of criminal investigation. For instance, it might now appear that processes of evidence collection and analysis, and interviewing and interrogation conducted in the past might have been erroneous, since these cannot be compared to the present forensic science, with regard to accuracy. Therefore, it is highly probable that in the past, innocent people were erroneously considered guilty of offences and crime (Turvey 2011).

The role of criminal investigators has considerably changed today, compared to the past. In the contemporary world, there is the challenge of nontraditional crimes in the field of criminal investigation. Unlike the traditional crimes in the past, which involved personal and property crimes, the nontraditional crimes committed today are more concerned with technology and the use of computers to facilitate crime and criminal activities. Therefore, criminal investigators have to increase their expertise in order to handle the new and emerging nontraditional crimes. However, according to Hinduja (2007), most people today, including in the United States, are more concerned and worried about traditional crimes, compared to nontraditional crimes. Therefore, in the US, the investigative units pay more attention to the traditional crimes, compared to the nontraditional crimes. Hinduja (2007, p.6) defines computer crime as “Any illegal act fostered by a computer, whether the computer id an object of a crime, an instrument used to commit crime, or a repository of evidence related to a crime.” The most common computer crime includes child pornography trafficking, e-commerce fraud, software piracy, and breaches of network security, among others. This has therefore, introduced considerable difficulties in investigation, given the high levels of technology and expertise employed by criminals in computer crimes. In addition, sometimes it is problematic for investigators to detect and track computer crimes. What makes this more complicated is the ability of the criminals to assume anonymity, which is possible when using internet (Harfield & Harfield 2008).

In the past years, investigators solved traditional crimes by basing on the information, which the victims and witnesses presented to them. Therefore, most traditional crimes were solved solely using least amount of investigations. However, this is not the case with computer crime, which has emerged in the contemporary world. The role of a criminal investigator in computer crime is more advanced and important, compared to their role in the traditional crimes. More effort and expertise, including forensic analysis of computer hard discs, is needed by a criminal investigator to address computer crimes today (Hinduja 2007). Nonetheless, most evidence in computer crimes is digital in nature, thus extra care has to be taken to protect it from destruction, which is easy. In addition, collecting digital evidence is more technically complex, and highly involving, compared to evidence gathering in traditional crimes. Furthermore, economic factors do not allow some investigative agencies to own the required standards, expertise, and equipment necessary to address computer crime. Therefore, such investigative agencies rely on outsourcing from other agencies, which have the required forensic analysis personnel and equipment. According to Hinduja (2007), this case reflects negatively on the investigative agencies today. The number of computer crimes is on the increase, yet most law enforcement agencies lack the required expertise and skilled personnel, as well as the necessary forensic analysis equipment to deal with computer crimes (Welch n.d). The limited resources is a factor that has led to delay in investigations. Today, there are backlogs and many computers in investigative agencies, which are lined up for analysis by a technician (Hinduja 2007). This situation therefore, compromises the efficiency with which investigations are performed and criminals are acquitted, thus, putting the overall justice system in jeopardy.

The use of informants in criminal investigation is another contemporary issue, which continues to raise concern. Use of informants is a method, which police and other investigators use to gather evidence and information about a crime. Considerable controversy has emerged over the process due to different factors involved. Informants were highly used in past criminal investigations, but today, there remains controversy over the use of informants. In the past informants were used because these were cost-effective and excellent, thus preferred by the police for evidence gathering (Douglas et al 1986). However, today, there are changing trends in the way informants are used in criminal investigations. This is partly influenced by the high rise of terrorism and terrorist activities globally. With terrorism, there comes a need for more effective methods of evidence gathering. Therefore, the police unit has identified use of informants as a less efficient method of gathering evidence. Although using informants is cost-effective, it cannot guarantee effective delivery of accurate evidence in high degree crimes such as terrorism. It is argued today that, the reliance and use of informants might bear detrimental effects on various investigative agencies. These detrimental effects include comprising safety standards with regard to terrorism; therefore, putting citizens at risk, since the use of informants cannot produce reliable evidence. In addition, many people today disagree with the use of informants in criminal investigation, citing the fact that sometimes criminals disguise themselves as informants in order to protect themselves from punishment (Turvey 2011).

Ethics and ethical issues are an important factor in the contemporary criminal investigation. The techniques employed by investigators in criminal investigation, are expected by law to adhere to the ethical standards, including accountability (Walker 2007). In the United States, the police department values the aspect of accountability in its practice. Therefore, all agents and investigators in the policing unit are expected to be accountable for their actions during criminal investigation (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2006,). Nonetheless, all investigative agencies and investigators in other law enforcement units are also required to uphold ethics and the principle of accountability. Accountability is vital, as it ensures that an investigator achieves their goals regarding lawfulness and legitimacy during their practice of criminal investigation. In the policing unit, lawfulness implies compliance with the law, while legitimacy refers to the notion that the conduct of police is in line with the law, and adheres to the expectations of the public (Walker 2007).

The factors of lawfulness and legitimacy in criminal investigation have become more important today, compared to the past years. These factors help the police and other investigators to investigate crime appropriately, thus, boosting safety standards in communities, as well as responding to the security needs of communities (Hess, Orthmann & Orthmann-hess 2009).

Today, if an investigator lacks the aspect legitimacy, this might inhibit them from possible partnerships, which are aimed at improving criminal investigation at the local and state levels. In the past, there was the assumption that the adoption and respect of constitutional principles by the police and other investigators inhibited effective policing and criminal investigations, as well as effective crime control. On the contrary, today, all the professionals in the policing unit, and other investigators in different investigative agencies are expected to uphold ethics, including accountability, in their investigation practice. These aspects are considered today as essential in the fight against crime (Dempsey & Forst 2011).

In the United Kingdom, there is increased interest in accountability of individual investigators, as well as the investigative agencies, compared to the past years (Walker 2007). This has mainly been associated with the factor of the presence of external citizen oversight agencies in different parts of the country. These external citizen oversight agencies in the United Kingdom have been on the increase over the years, and have spread and influenced other countries, including the United States, where these currently exist. The external citizen oversight agencies comprise of activists, who are concerned with civil rights and civil liberties. These have argued that external procedures for reviewing citizen complaints should be reviewed, implemented, and replaced with the internal police complaint review procedures, which are considered ineffective today (Walker 2007). In the United States of America, the number of oversight agencies has risen over the years, since its adoption as a result of the influence from the United Kingdom. Presently, there are more than 100 oversight agencies in the United States, compared to less than 40 in the 1990’s. Therefore, this aspect proves that, in the contemporary times, there is a growing public interest about accountability in policing as well as in other investigative agencies. This has forced different investigative agencies to adhere to different accountability procedures, which are paramount for reduced misconduct during the process of criminal investigation (Walker 2007).

Another important area of ethics in criminal investigations is concerned with the DNA databases involved in criminal investigations. According to Guillen et al (2000), the increased advancements in DNA technology and discovery of polymorphisms have resulted in the possibility of developing DNA databases in different countries, which are essential in criminal investigation. Therefore, the use of DNA technology in criminal investigation today has led to increased cases of legal and ethical problems, which are crucial in the analysis of legal regulations on the subject (Guillen et al 2000). Today therefore, investigators are able to compare the DNA samples found at crime scenes with the DNA samples in their databases, and this has increased the chances of identifying and locating the perpetrators of the crime under investigation. Every year, the DNA databases keep growing, as more citizens’ DNA samples are analyzed. Although this is a great step in the process of criminal investigation, most European countries today are in the process of drafting different laws, which will regulate DNA databases (Guillen et al 2000). In the United Kingdom, such laws are more permissive, compared to other countries in Europe. In the United Kingdom, it is appropriate to record any type of offence and include the DNA samples in the DNA databases. In the year 2000, the UK DNA database had close to 265,000 entries. This was developed in the year 1995, therefore, today, it is expected that the number of these entries has grown further. However, in other countries, including Germany, Austria, France, and Holland, the DNA databases include only the entries of individuals who have committed serious crimes (Guillen et al 2000).

Different countries today have different legal regulations, which apply to DNA analysis and procedures. While in some countries these regulations might be strict, in others, these are less strict. For instance, most European countries have regulations on DNA analysis, some countries such as Portugal, Spain, and most Scandinavian countries lack such regulations, even though plans are underway to develop the laws (Guillen et al 2000). In addition, there are differences in various countries on the types of crimes included in the DNA databases. For instance, in the USA, these vary from state to state. Therefore, while the DNA databases of some countries might be highly restrictive, comprising only the serious crimes, in other countries these are less restrictive and include even many less serious crimes and offences. Crime suspects in the criminal investigation are expected to submit their DNA information, which can be extracted from their saliva or blood sample (Lawyers.com 2013). However, different countries have different approaches in the way these DNA samples are got from suspects. While some countries have made it compulsory for every crime suspect to submit their DNA sample, other countries allow the crime suspect to make a choice whether or not to submit their DNA data. For instance, most countries in Southern Europe do not force individuals to submit to DNA tests unlike most countries in Northern Europe expect individuals to submit to DNA testing (Guillen et al 2000). Therefore, the disparities in different countries with regard to DNA databases and regulations today influence the role of criminal investigators. These are thus charged with varying roles, as far as DNA analysis and ethics is concerned, depending on the country of their practice. Nonetheless, major ethical and legal issues in DNA testing are experienced during the process of preparation of DNA databases in various countries (Guillen et al 2000).

Overall, the practice of criminal investigation today has changed considerably compare to the past. This change is mainly attributed to the change in technology, which is experienced in the world today. With continued technological advancements, it is expected that the role of criminal investigators will change further in future. Technology has led to new crimes; therefore, investigators too have been forced to learn new investigative techniques to counter the new crimes. These changes are evident in the new technologies, such as DNA analysis and computer forensics, which are adopted in the field of criminal investigation today. Although DNA analysis has been existent since the 1980’s, today, this is technically more advanced and reliable compared to the past. In addition, use of informants today is highly controversial, as it is thought to compromise the quality of criminal investigation. Although this was cost-effective, most investigators do not rely on it when investigating high-profile crimes (Hess, Orthmann & Orthmann-hess 2009).

Although many changes are present today in the practice of criminal investigation, these changes have not resulted in the drifting of the criminal investigation practice from its intended purpose. Instead, these changes have strengthened the practice of criminal investigation, increasing its effectiveness and efficiency. For instance, technological advances in criminal investigation are in a better position to address different crime situations, compared to the past when evidence gathering primarily based on witnesses and informants. However, although the technology today has gotten better, this has not been of greater advantage to the field of criminal investigation alone, since this has also led to the development of more sophisticated crimes, which are to a larger extent, a challenge to the criminal investigation agencies. In addition, the effectiveness of criminal investigation has also proved to be influenced by ethics and moral responsibility. Various ethics and legal implications have surrounded the DNA databases and analysis process in various countries. Similarly, criminal investigation processes such as criminal profiling in the United States have faced considerable opposition from different people who believe that the practice is more of racial profiling than criminal profiling (Ballin 2012). Nonetheless, state laws and concerns from activist groups have all demanded ethics and accountability from criminal investigators, thus influencing the practice of criminal investigation.

In conclusion, various contemporary issues have influenced the practice of criminal investigation. As observed, most of these issues have emerged as a result of advanced technology. These issues have however, led to various developments in the field of criminal investigation in order to increase effectiveness in the investigation practice, and address emerging issues in the crime situation today. Nonetheless, crime is a major challenge to safety and security of people in the world today. This also indirectly influences on the economy in an adverse manner. Although most people today do not consider the field of criminal investigation as contributing to crime prevention in the community, but instead view it as a response to crime, it is worth noting that this field plays an equally important role in crime prevention and reduction. Similarly, the role of most criminal investigators is not credited or recognized today, even though it is important in the fight against crime. Although various issues have emerged today, which influence criminal investigation, the role of investigators remains important, and more effective, compared to past years. Therefore, the community must support criminal investigators in their practice. When various contemporary issues result in changes in their practice, and make them call for stricter measures, it is important for the public to be supportive, as these investigators work to ensure security and safety of the public. Today, technology continues to grow at a rapid speed, therefore, resulting in new issues of ethics in the field of criminal investigation. Nonetheless, it is appropriate that the public learns to give up part of their privacy in order to not restrict criminal investigation practice, with regard to ethical considerations. Many activists have raised concerns associated with ethics, which have narrowed the practice of criminal investigation, thus inhibiting effective investigation. Nonetheless, for effective investigation, the public must understand that technology will continue to advance, thus bringing new issues in criminal investigation. Therefore, freedom ought to be given to the field of criminal investigation to perform its role, which is crucial in society.

 

 

 

Works Cited

Ballin, M 2012, “Anticipative Criminal Investigation: Theory and Counterterrorism Practice in

the Netherlands and the United States,” Springer, London.

Becker, R 2005, “Criminal Investigation: A Contemporary Perspective,” Jones & Bartlett

Learning, London.

Dempsey, J. & Forst, L 2011, “An Introduction to Policing,” Cengage Learning, New York.

Douglas, J. et al 1986, “Criminal Profiling from Crime Scene Analysis,” Behavioral Science and

the Law, 4(4): 401-421, Viewed 22 April 2013

< http://www.ravenndragon.net/montgomery/crimprofiling.pdf >

Guillen, M et al 2000, “Ethical-legal Problems of DNA databases in Criminal Investigation,”

Journal of Medical Ethics, 26:266–271, Viewed 22 April 2013 <http://jme.bmj.com/content/26/4/266.full.pdf>

Harfield, C. & Harfield, K 2008, “Intelligence: Intelligence, Community and

Partnership,” Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Hess, K., Orthmann, C. & Orthmann-hess, C 2009, “Criminal Investigation,” Cengage Learning,

London.

Hinduja, S 2007, “Computer Crime Investigations in the United States: Leveraging Knowledge

from the Past to Address the Future,” International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 1(1): 1-26, Viewed 22 April 2013, < http://www.cybercrimejournal.com/sameer.pdf>

James, N 2012, “DNA Testing in Criminal Justice: Background, Current Law, Grants, and

Issues,” Congressional Research Service, Viewed 22 April 2013, <http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41800.pdf>

Lawyers.com 2013, “Use of DNA in Criminal Investigations,” Viewed 22 April 2013 <

http://criminal.lawyers.com/Criminal-Law-Basics/Use-of-DNA-in-Criminal-Investigations.html>

Newburn, T., Williamson, T. & Wright, A 2012, “Handbook of criminal investigation,”

Routledge, London.

Palmiotto, M 2012, “Criminal Investigation,” CRC, New Jersey.

Ross, J 2011, “Policing Issues: Challenges & Controversies,” Jones & Bartlett

Publishers, New York.

Stelfox, P 2009, “Criminal investigation: An Introduction to Principles and Practice,’

Cullompton, Willan.

Tong, P., Bryant, R., Horvath, M 2009, “Understanding criminal investigation,” Wiley

Blackwell, Chichester.

Turvey, B 2011, “Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis,”

Academic Press, New Jersey.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2006, “Policing: Crime Investigation,” Viewed 22

April 2013, < http://www.poa-iss.org/kit/3_Crime_Investigation.pdf>

Walker, S 2007, “Police Accountability: Current Issues and Research Needs,” Viewed 22 April

2013 < https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/218583.pdf>

Welch, T n.d, “Computer Crime Investigation and Computer Forensics,” Viewed 22 April 2013,

< https://www.cccure.org/Documents/HISM/549-553.html >

 

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Business Problem

A Real-Life Career Situation Is More Meaningful And Useful Than A Hypothetical One.

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Course

Tutor’s Name

19^th, April 2013

 

           

Internal Memorandum

Date: 19^th, April 2013

To: All Company Graduate Trainees

From: The Human Resources Manager

Subject: A real-life Career Situation is more Meaningful and Useful than a Hypothetical one

First, I would like to appreciate the effort you are all putting in your work. So far, I can only see how committed you all are to your work. Therefore, I urge you to continue with the same attitude. Each one of us must fulfill their responsibilities and play their role in the company in a diligent manner, as this will help us achieve the objectives and goals of our company. Nonetheless, the main reason for this memo is to rejuvenate your minds. This comes as an advice, as well as a reminder that, a real-life career situation is more meaningful and useful than a hypothetical one. For any of us to succeed in our professions, it is important that we all consider the real life situations, and be ready to face them under different circumstances in our careers.

Today, I therefore, want to motivate all us and remind us of the usefulness of using real life career situations, as opposed to hypothetical ones. As trainees, you are not fully exposed to major career situations, given your little experience in the professional life. Nonetheless, it is crucial for you all to think about using the real life career situations and draw on them to make important assumptions about various functions in the company, as well as developing your skills, and other capabilities, which the real life career situations will help to build.

As young professionals, you are yet to encounter major real life career situations, as you are still new in the professional world. However, it is imperative that you be prepared for more important future responsibilities in your career. In future, you will be forced to address different real-life career situations, including problems and challenges affecting the company. Therefore, it is better to learn from the various career situations in the company today. Instead of focusing on hypothetical career situations for practice, it is more beneficial to focus on some of the major situations the company faces today, and try to address or come up with possible solutions to these. This will benefit each one of you as an individual, as you will be able to develop critical thinking skills, analytical skills, and problem solving skills, among others.

I wish to take you through one major example of the way through which you might use a real life career situation in the course of your working in this company, to develop important skills. In this company, there has been a major challenge since the company was established in this country. Being a multinational company in a foreign country, the aspect of globalization remains the company’s major challenge. Therefore, if any of you needs to gain an insight into some of the problems facing multinationals in foreign countries, you may contextualize this company, and learn from it, instead of hypothesizing an imaginary multinational and trying to relate to it. As a graduate trainee in this company, each of you is offered an opportunity to learn and be knowledgeable and be better professionals in the future. You have the chance of a first-hand experience on various aspects in the company. Therefore, these are real situations, which you must learn from.

By virtue of being part of this company, you all have a privilege of experiencing how globalization can affect a multinational company. Different elements in this company today prove the effect of globalization. First, our employees are from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, these have different values, attitudes, morals, among other cultural perceptions. Therefore, it sometimes was hard to integrate these employees into the organizational culture. The company therefore, experienced vast hitches in its internal communication. How do you think the company finally addressed this issue of diversity? The company emphasized on cross-cultural communication, whereby each employee had to respect and understand each other, regardless of his or her cultural orientation. In addition, the company emphasized the adoption and adherence to the corporate culture. This way, employees would base their actions on the corporate culture, which is uniform for all of them. These are therefore, some of the strategies, which the company used to overcome communication challenges as a result of globalization.

Globalization is therefore, one of the major real life challenges in career, which a company and employees experience. Different scholars have shown great interest in this topic, and helped in researching on the different ways companies and employees might approach the issue successfully, without causing detrimental effects whatsoever. Adekola & Sergi (2007) note that multinationals might experience problems penetrating into a new market, due to cultural disparities. This case relates to this company too, as the total sales revenue dropped significantly during the first months of the company in this country.

However, Stringer & Cassidy (2009) argued that communication problems in companies due to differences in cultures could be addressed when companies understood the new cultures and aligned their goals and objectives, as well as other business functions to the cultures. This is what our company did, and it turned out quite successful. If all of you are keen enough, you might have realized that the company has internalized its senior management ranks. According to Stringer & Cassidy (2009), internalizing the senior ranks in a multinational is one of the strategies of ensuring that a multinational puts into perspective the culture of the country it is established in. Internalizing senior ranks of a multinational means that the senior most employees are chosen from the local community (Rugman & Collinson, 2008). These contribute to policy making in the company, thus will ensure the policies that the company adopts are aligned with the culture and attitudes of the local community (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009).

Therefore, as the human resources manager during those times, I was able to learn a great deal of issues about human resources management in a multinational company. This was my first experience managing a company in a foreign country. In future, therefore, I will use this real life career situation to solve such problems that I will encounter in future. This gave me the necessary skills and expertise to address issues regarding globalization and communication in a multinational. In case I would have never experienced this important career situation, I would be lacking experience in addressing issues that arise in a company as a result of globalization.

I finally, wish to recommend that you too remain observant today. Take note of what is going on in the company, with the employees, and with customers. We still witness communication challenges in this company, take note of them. These will be some of the small experiences in this company, which will account for or be part of your real life career situations. Therefore, identify various challenges at your workplace, and try to come up with possible solutions. This way, you will be practicing how to take on more challenging responsibilities in the near future. Unlike hypothetical career situations, real life career situations give you experience and impart various skills and expertise in a person, which are instrumental in handling more complex career situations. I hope this contributes to your professional development. Regards.

 

 

References

Adekola, A. & Sergi, B. (2007). Global Business Management: A Cross-cultural Perspective.

London: Ashgate Publishing.

Rugman, A.M. & Collinson, S. (2008). International Business. 5th Edition.

Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall.

Stringer, D. M., & Cassidy, P. A. (2009). 52 activities for improving cross-cultural

communication. Boston: Intercultural Press.

 

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Communication Improvement in the Oil and Gas Industry (ADNOC)

Name

Course

Tutor’s Name

18 April 2013

 

Table of Contents

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

The Problem Background. 5

Purpose of Study. 6

Importance of Study. 7

Nature of Study. 8

Research Question. 9

Objectives of the Study. 9

Literature Review.. 9

Study Hypothesis. 13

Research Methodology. 14

Population, Sample, and Sample Selection. 15

Data Collection. 15

Interviews. 15

Group Discussions. 15

Survey. 16

Data Analysis. 17

Presentation of Results. 17

Ethical Considerations. 18

Limitations of the Study. 18

Recommendations. 19

Conclusion. 19

References. 20

Abstract

Cross-cultural communication and internal communication is core to most multinational companies. The world today experiences a great level globalization, therefore, leading to an increased number of multinationals. Since communication is key to any transaction and interaction, it follows that the multinationals in the present world must as well embrace and value communication for effective business. However, multinationals in foreign and new business environments are faced with the challenge of a new culture, which is different from that of the company’s domestic country. Therefore, cultural differences within the company, including employees from varying cultural bases results in a breakdown in communication, if appropriate strategies are not taken to ensure effective communication in the company. In this research proposal, a mixed methods research, which uses group observations, scheduling, conducting interviews, and carrying out surveys, is proposed for identifying different ways through which ADNOC company might improve its cross-cultural communication and internal communication in its exploration and production. This therefore, will help the company adopt the identified strategies, which will boost its performance in the international market.

Introduction

There is consensus that globalisation has indeed influenced business in the global arena. Multinational companies are presently engaged in strategizing how to obtain market leadership. However, one thing that remains a challenge for many is the ability to have effective communication at the organizational level. Of great significance is the notion that even people who come from the same cultural backgrounds may still misunderstand one another. This is because they could be having ethnic and cultural differences. There has been extensive discussion about the significance of poor internal communication together with cross – cultural communication towards the inability of companies to realize positive performance. The comprehension of cross – cultural and internal communication is crucial to the realization of organizational competitiveness.

It has been observed that communication challenges within organizations have made it difficult to manage and screen threats the performance. As workplaces increasingly become global, there is the need to ensure effective cross – cultural communication as well as maintaining internal communication excellence. Companies must comprehend how to pass information to their workers and clients in order to meet the organizations goals and aspirations.

The Oil and Gas Industry is one such global workplaces where there is the need to have excellent communication both internally and across other cultural groups. It is notable that the gas and oil company (ADNOC) is experiencing challenges in its internal and cross-cultural communication, which has affected performance in the exploration and production section of the corporation.

In order to rectify this challenge, there is a need to commission research to help understand how internal and cross-cultural communication can be improved. Therefore, this paper is a research proposal that seeks to explore how the company can improve its cross-cultural communication and internal communication in the exploration and production section. The paper discusses literature and proposes research methodology that is applicable in the study. The research methodology shall entail both quantitative and qualitative exploration strategies such as group observations, scheduling and conducting interviews, and carrying out surveys to complete data gathering.

The Problem Background

ADNOC Company is an integrated energy company founded in 1973, which employees more than 5,000 employees, and makes approximately US $3 billion profits. This company deals with the international distribution and marketing of petroleum products and services.  This is located in the United Arab Emirates and owned by the state government (ADNOC Sustainability Report, 2009).  Additionally, this company is known to produce oil and gas products that are of high quality, compared to other companies. Although this is a large and successful company, it experiences various challenges, which limit its productivity. Like most oil and gas producing companies, ADNOC faces great challenges in its organizational communication process, including cross-cultural and internal communication, during its processes of exploration and production. This has resulted in poor co-ordination of company functions, and therefore, negative effects on company total shares, budgeting, and capital investments, among others. As Cassidian (2001) notes, the oil and gas companies in the world today are located in environments that are highly challenging, therefore, any disruption in organizational communication, or any other business function, might cost the company greatly, thus, in case of distractions, a company must use the available resources to address the challenges. Nonetheless, improvement in communication is considered the ultimate solution to these issues (Salacuse, 2005).

 

Purpose of Study

            Through this study, it will be possible to understand the process of communication in the oil and gas industry, with regard to oil and gas producing companies. By understanding the process of organizational communication in this industry, it will be possible to also establish and understand the usefulness of effective communication in the oil and gas producing companies. In addition, the different factors that shape and influence effective communication in this industry will be highlighted. Furthermore, this study will reveal the influence of communication, whether effective or ineffective communication on the oil and gas producing companies. However, for specificity of the study, ADNOC Company will be the focus of this study

According to Salacuse (1999) and Ayoko (2007), culture is an important factor in communication. Therefore, for multinationals in the oil and gas industry, the cultures of the foreign countries, in which the company is established, will highly influence how the company will conduct its operations. Therefore, communication in such multinationals will be affected by the national cultures of the foreign countries, since these help in the shaping of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of different members of the country, who might serve as employees of the multinational company. Therefore, the multinationals have to consider cross-cultural communication, as well as their internal communication, in order to perform well in the foreign countries (Ayoko 2007).

The level at which culture influences organizational communication, and the way business is conducted in various countries differs from country to country. Nonetheless, for oil and gas producing multinationals such as ADNOC, cross-cultural and internal communication is imperative for successful business operations. However, most of these multinationals, including ADNOC, have failed to achieve effective cross-cultural and internal communication, and this has derailed their profitability. This study focuses on ADNOC, and has the purpose of exploring various ways through which ADNOC could increase the effectiveness of its cross-cultural and internal communication in its section of exploration and production.

Importance of Study

The rate of globalization in the world today has increased at a rapid rate. Today, the number of people travelling to foreign countries has increased, as well as companies relocating or establishing their other branches in foreign countries. In addition, most companies today are going global, and conduct job outsourcing, therefore, the workforce in most multinational companies have to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds.

According to Ghauri (2003), cross-cultural and internal communication in companies is an important area of interest today, since this is the age of global economy. In order for companies to ensure effective cross-cultural and internal communication, these must adopt a new focus and new thinking to compete favorably in the present dynamic business environment. According to Wheeler (2006), cross-cultural communication involves understanding and respecting the position of people from different cultures during the process of business communication. Therefore, challenges in multinationals’ communication can be addressed by embracing effective cross-cultural communication (Wheeler, 2006). The process of interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds can be complicated, especially when the business parties involved fail to understand each other. People from different cultures have different perceptions of the world, thus different perceptions about various business processes.

Since this study addresses cross-cultural and internal communication, including communication challenges of a multinational company, it is crucial as it emphasizes the essence of embracing diversity in the business environment in different countries. Embracing diversity through effective cross-cultural and internal communication helps a company to avoid problems, which might result from cultural differences among company employees. According to Kerlinger & Lee (2000), cross-cultural communication is important for buyers and sellers, employees and employers, as well as between business associates, in which case these hail from different cultural backgrounds. This study offers an insight in the nature of international business communication, where a multinational has to embrace effective cross-cultural and internal communication for successful business process. Therefore, this study is significant, as its findings will reveal how ADNOC Company can improve its cross-cultural communication and internal communication in the exploration and production section. The recommendations in this study could be of benefit to other multinationals in the oil and gas industry, if the multinationals will use them to improve their cross-cultural and internal communication.

Nature of Study

This study is will apply both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. According to Kothari (2009), the choice of a research methodology a researcher makes is dependent on the nature of the study, as well as the type of data to be collected. In this study, therefore, both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected, thus, the use of mixed methods in the study. According to De Vaus (2001), this approach is capable of high-quality findings, since it allows an opportunity for a wider scope of results. Data in this study will be collected through group observations, scheduling and conducting interviews, and carrying out surveys (Berger, 2011). The qualitative methods of data collection in this study will help to reveal the behavioral aspects of respondents, which are embedded in their cultures and society (Myers, 2008). Therefore, these will help in the understanding of the subjectivity in the study (Sapsford and Jupp, 2006). On the other hand, quantitative methods of data collection in this study will help in understanding objectivity. In addition, unlike the qualitative methods, quantitative methods are fast in yielding data, thus saving time (Bryman and Bell, 2007).

Research Question

            This research study aims at answering the following question:

• How can ADNOC improve its cross-cultural communication and internal communication in the exploration and production section?

Objectives of the Study

            The objectives of the research will be to:

• Identify the challenges ADNOC faces in its cross-cultural communication and internal communication.
• Establish various strategies, which ADNOC could use to overcome challenges and improve its cross-cultural communication and internal communication.

Literature Review

Cross – cultural communication entails that which takes place between people who necessarily have differing cultural perspectives. These differences might include a range of issues from nationality, age difference, and gender difference among others in the same workplace (Guffey & Almonte, 2009). Cross-cultural communication also connotes the capability to effectively form, foster, and develop relationships with people of a background different from one’s own (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). This is founded on the knowledge of several issues including values in other cultures, perceptions, behaviours, social class, decision making strategies, and a comprehension of how people belonging to a certain group convey message orally, non verbally, through documentation, and in diverse business and common contexts (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009)..

Previously, authors and communication specialists have studied cross – cultural communication as well as internal communication under organizational contexts. The focus of such studies has been to attempt to develop a comprehension on how differences among people might affect the way they interact or fail to while with others (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). The notion that some individuals in the course of their life adapt to one cultural orientation may present massive challenges whenever they meet people from other differing cultures. Furthermore, exposure to many other cultures has a direct influence on an individual’s ability to interact with others and realize meaningful results (Guffey & Almonte, 2009).

There are critical components of cross – cultural communication among individuals such as co-orientation. This represents the ability of individuals to know all features of their own culture in relation to another person’s culture (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). This is the most important element of cross – cultural communication. It is notable that people who have interacted with other cultures find it easy to shift the way they communicate so that people from different cultural backgrounds can understand them. It is critical for global organizations such as those in the oil industry to provide their staff with training on cross – cultural communication (Guffey & Almonte, 2009). This is also crucial for ensuring effective internal communication.

It is noteworthy that cross – cultural communication and effective internal communication are the ingredients for escalating innovativeness. This is because they enhance peoples’ abilities to participate in the collective problem management and open sharing of ideas and thoughts (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). In the oil industry the exploration and production team are expected to function in a similar way. The company section can benefit massively from new ideas. Competence in cross – cultural communication enhances the ability of a department to generate useful new information as well as provide appropriate information to clients (Guffey & Almonte, 2009).

The global workplaces must strive to eliminate communication norms associated with stereotyping or generalizations. The application of generalizations about certain communication norms rigidly in reference to some groups constitutes stereotyping. The differences in communication styles may lead to negative perceptions about other people (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). Furthermore, negatively developing perceptions about other people in the workplace because of their cultural origin may be detrimental. This is because it leads to miscommunication among staff of the same department who needs to share information crucial to their success closely (Guffey & Almonte, 2009).

In order to eliminate these sources of miscommunication such as assumption of similarities, language differences, misinterpretations of non-verbal communication, preconceptions, stereotypes, and tendency to evaluate the way people from other cultures, companies must develop objective communication strategies (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). The communication strategies will also be very crucial to promoting internal communication.

Internal communication takes place within an organization and encompasses both the official and unofficial communication within an organization. The tools for official communication include memos, strategies, regulations, and procedures (Guffey & Almonte, 2009). Unofficial communication includes all the informal interactions between and among workers leading to exchanging ideas, thoughts, and creation of personal relations. Internal communication is comparable to the lifeblood of a company.

Effective internal communication is critical to ensuring excellent performance among workers. This is because people in a section of an organization easily get appropriate information that enables them to work (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). Internal communication also enables workers to know the things that concern them, offer people with clear information about performance standards, deliver feedback, offer assistance when undertaking difficult tasks, suggestions of fresh opinions about an on-going work, and proper comprehension of organizational goals (Guffey & Almonte, 2009).

Oil and gas producing companies should master effective cross-cultural communication during the processes of exploration and production. For instance, when these companies plan to conduct offshore oil and gas exploration, these must ensure to uphold important measures, with regard to consulting and communicating with the surrounding indigenous community where the company wants to explore the oil and gas. This is an example of cross-cultural communication, which the company will have to undertake, since there will be communication between two parties from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, the company should ensure effective communication, which will allow for an understanding with the local community in order for the oil and gas exploration process to be successful (Arctic offshore oil & gas guidelines, n.d).

In addition to consulting with the local community, a multinational must pay attention to the culture of the local community. It is important that the company embraces and adheres to the cultural values, practices, heritage, and rights of the indigenous communities. In addition, the company ought to ensure that it uses the resources of the local community in an appropriate way, following the guidelines of the local community. Furthermore, the company must respect and avoid intruding in the community’s archaeological sites, historic shipwrecks, sacred sites and other cultural sites, since most communities value these historic and pre-historic sites, and therefore, would detest intrusion by strangers (Arctic offshore oil & gas guidelines, n.d). By upholding all these, a multinational company will be involved in an appropriate cross-cultural communication with the local communities, during its exploration process. The cross-cultural communication process embraces respect and understanding between parties of different cultural backgrounds.

From the on-going discussions, which expose the challenges organizations face due to ineffective cross – cultural and internal communication, there is the need to improve them in order to enhance organizational performance. The application of technology in enhancing communication cannot be overemphasised. The members of a team such as the exploration and production department may sometimes work in globally distributed places (Stringer & Cassidy, 2009). Therefore, the use of effective digital technologies may motivate and influence them to approach communication and intercultural information exchange with superior sensitivity, comprehension, and moral awareness. This is crucial in bringing about positive international relations (Guffey & Almonte, 2009). People have the ability to enhance their diagnostic skills and influential abilities in diverse kinds of argumentation. Furthermore, this is critical to building cross – cultural communication competencies and compassion to global contexts (Guffey & Almonte, 2009).

Study Hypothesis

            According to Babbie & Mouton (2002), study hypothesis is the formal relationship between two or more different variables in the population under study. However, this specific study is not experimental in nature, therefore, this does not have a hypothesis.

 

 

 

Research Methodology

The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative exploration strategies to complete data gathering. This will include group observations, scheduling and conducting interviews, and carrying out surveys (Berger, 2011). It is notable that these approaches are highly appropriate since the process of researching on culture and cross-cultural communication presents massive challenges due to the intricacies involved (Berger, 2011). These research methods shall enable the researcher to ascertain the crucial issues, which are applicable in comprehending the effects of culture on communication. This will be possible by focussing on different groups of people interacting normally. Furthermore, the researcher will undertake surveys studies and interviews with the members of the section in order to establish the different ways workers are communicating with each other internally (Berger, 2011).

The study will rely on participants mainly members of the company. Although, the research is interested in studying how to improve cross-cultural communication and internal communication in the exploration and production department of the industry, participants will be drawn from other sections to boost the numbers and the sample (Berger, 2011). The participants in this study will include workers and senior managers at the company. The research will request members to participate voluntarily in the study. However, every person agreeing to participate shall sign a consent form.

Population, Sample, and Sample Selection

The company has 1,265 workers of which 41% are women while men constitute 59%. The research seeks to interview 300 people from the organization. Of the 300, the researcher will not give a lot of significance to the number of men and women. The research will use random sampling to identify research participants. This will be done until the target is reached. However, the research shall ensure that the studied population includes people from every cultural background represented in the institution (Berger, 2011). The notable issues that shall be studied will include the variations and similarities in communication approaches and their effect in nurturing relationships. A field-based approach will also enable the researcher to study the factors that escalate exchange of information among diverse cultures (Berger, 2011).

Data Collection

Interviews

The notable topics that shall be captured during interviews will include opinions about the communication atmosphere in the company, the experiences and interactions with employees from diverse cultural backgrounds, processes for international communication, challenges that individuals have faced in their interactions with others even before the research period, and how they think they could improve communication between and among them

Group Discussions

The research shall also put the same participants in groups to undertake discussions with them on the key research topics. During the group discussions, the researcher’s centre of attention will be the key words and expressions used by the participants. These shall be categorized accordingly into appropriate themes. Six cultural measurements of acceptance, disagreement, individualism, collectivism, risk, and distribution were used to predict participants’ nationality (Berger, 2011). Table 1 below defines these variables of the research. The nationality of participants shall be used as the dependent variable since it directly affects culture. The validity of the findings shall be obtained by continuous redefinition of key words and expressions made by the participants. The feedback obtained from the respondents shall be very critical in the formation and characterizing cross – cultural communication approaches (Berger, 2011).

Survey

The research shall develop a survey tool that shall consist of different items about the topic of study. These items shall be rated at five points according to the Likert Scale. This shall include from 1=strongly disagree through to 5 = strongly agree (Berger, 2011). These items shall evaluate diverse aspects of the six cultural measurements.

Table 1: Variables in Cross-Cultural Communication Study      

Variable	Description
Acceptance	This is a measure of the importance of liking  and acceptance of individuals with other
Disagreement	This is a measure of how individuals can manage to work together with colleagues who they do not agree with
Individualism	This is a measure of autonomy people employ in making decisions and how they behave
Risk	This assesses the level to which people can be open to trying out new aspects of their lives including forming relationships.
Collectivism	This is a measure of how people are willing to work in groups or teams
Distribution	This assesses the level to which individuals are ready to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Nationality	This represents where the participant comes from – has a direct influence on culture

 

Data Analysis

The findings of the study shall be analysed using the multiple regression approach to enable the researcher comprehend how the six multicultural variables would show the nationality of a participant (Berger, 2011).

Presentation of Results

The results shall be presented in the form of reports, graphs, and charts, since this study employed both qualitative and quantitative strategies of data gathering.

Ethical Considerations

            This study will be conducted within the important ethical codes, as required of researches. According to Bryman (2008), these include beneficence/non-maleficence, informed consent, and autonomy. In conducting this study, all participants will be provided with a sheet bearing important information about the research. They will also be given a consent form. The data of all the participants in this study will be kept anonymous. In addition, all the participants in this study will be informed of their right to withdraw from the study when they felt like doing so. Furthermore, upon the completion of the study, participants will be informed about the findings of the study, as these are entitled to the information. Most importantly, the participants will participate in this voluntarily in this study and will not be coerced into participation.

 

Limitations of the Study

            The major limitation of this study involves the researcher of the study, who does not have vast experience, and perfected research work. On the other hand, the number of respondents is limiting to the study. This research seeks to involve only three hundred participants from the company. Compared to 1,265, the study population seems quite small. Therefore, the data collected and participant response might be too little to act as a basis of a great analysis and capable of reliable findings. Furthermore, the focus of this study is mainly on one company in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, the applicability of this study might be limited to the studied company only, or to the multinationals in the gas and oil industry only.

Recommendations

            This study must be considered as a step in the efforts toward the strengthening of international business communication within ADNOC Company, as well as other multinational companies in different parts of the world, which have established themselves in foreign countries with foreign cultures. It is quite clear that failure for any multinational company to communicate appropriately in its new business environment might have adverse effects on the company. Therefore, in order for multinationals, and specifically ADNOC, to adopt and experience effective international business communication, it is essential that various challenges in the company, which hinder effective internal communication, as well as effective cross-cultural communication be identified and addressed. This way, a multinational, ADNOC, will experience effective communication, which will influence the entire company positively.

Conclusion

In summary, this paper has recognised that globalisation has added different pressures to the global business arena. Cross-cultural communication is an area that continues to attract massive debates. Business leaders around the world are every time involved in strategizing how they can enhance the competitive edge for their businesses. In the context of global organizations, cross-cultural communication has become a challenge since most workplaces that do not put strategies in place to achieve excellence may perform poorly. This paper has presented literature on cross-cultural communication as well as internal communication of an oil and gas producing multinational. The paper has also proposed a research methodology that will be applicable in conducting studies on how to improve cross-cultural communication and internal communication within the oil and gas industry.

References

——–. Arctic offshore oil & gas guidelines. London: DIANE Publishing.

ADNOC Sustainability Report. (2009). Retrieved from

http://www.adnoc.ae/publications%5Chse_reports%5CSustainability_report_ENG_singlepage.pdf

Ayoko, O.B (2007) Communication openness, conflict events and reactions to conflict

in culturally diverse workgroups. Cross Cultural Management: An International

Journal, 14(2), pp. 105-124.

Babbie, E., &Mouton, J. (2002). The practice of social research. Southern Africa: Cape Town:

Oxford University Press.

Berger, A. A. (2011). Media and communication research methods: An introduction to

qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.

Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods. 3^rd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2007). Business Research Methods. London: Oxford University Press.

Cassidian (2001). Custom-Built Communication Solutions for The Oil and Gas Industry

Retrieved from http://www.cassidian.com/documents/10157/86080/Custom-built+communication+solutions+for+the+oil+and+gaz+industry.pdf

De Vaus, D (2001). Research Design in Social Research. London: Sage Publications.

Ghauri, P.N and Usunier, J.C (2003) International Business Negotiations. 2nd ed.

Emerald Group Publishing

Guffey, M. E., & Almonte, R. (2009). Essentials of business communication. Toronto: Nelson

Education.

Kerlinger, F., N., & Lee, H., B. (2000). Foundation of behavioral research. 4^th ed., Harcourt: London.

Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Jersey: New Age

International.

Myers, M. D. (2008). Qualitative Research in Business & Management. London: SAGE.

Neelankavil, J. & Rai, Anoop. (2009). Basics of International Business. New Jersey: M.E.

Sharpe.

Salacuse, J.W (2005) Negotiation: The top ten ways that culture can affect your

negotiation. Ivey Business Journals, 69(4), 1-6.

Salacuse, J. W. (1999). Intercultural Negotiation in International Business. Group

decision and negotiation, 8(3): 217-236.

Sapsford, R. & Jupp, V. (2006). Data Collection and Analysis. London: SAGE.

Stringer, D. M., & Cassidy, P. A. (2009). 52 activities for improving cross-cultural

communication. Boston: Intercultural Press.

Wheeler, M (2006) Is teaching negotiation too easy, too hard, or both? Negotiation

journal, 22(2), pp. 87-198

 

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Themes in Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

There are different themes in this novel. However, two of the main themes put across by Stephen King, the author of this novel, include power of hope, and the burden and pain of isolation and imprisonment. Stephen King uses different scenes and characters in the book to bring out these themes, among many other themes. This essay therefore, focuses on the themes of hope, and the pain of isolation and imprisonment in this novel. This will also show how Stephen King uses different characters and scenes to develop these themes in his novel.

One major theme that unfolds in this book is about the pain and burden of imprisonment and isolation. In this novel, Stephen King has mainly centered the plot on prison life, and inmates at Shawshank Prison. The prisoners in this prison are locked up. This therefore, could be either literally or metaphorically. Stephen King shows the aspect of isolation through the way he has portrayed the prison setting. The prison is enclosed with walls, showing that the inmates were confined inside the prison, thus, were isolated, and denied freedom like that in the life outside the prison walls. The recreation yard in the prison is also enclosed, as well as the cells, where each prisoner lived (King Web). The prison environment in this novel, thus, represents a different world, where the inmates have been forced into after being removed from the free world. They therefore, are confined in the prison, with no opportunity of going back to the outside world, unless their term is over. The lack of freedom and alienation from the mainstream society is disheartening to most prisoners, and this has detrimental psychological effects on the prisoners.

The pain of imprisonment in this book is evident in the lives of the prisoners. These are faced with multiple challenges in the prison, and therefore, these leave them with endless pain, both physically and psychologically. The prisoners by virtue of being in prison, have to encounter violent and mean people and gangs among themselves, who torture them, both physically and psychologically. The “sisters,” which is a gang in the prison tortures other inmates by abusing them sexually. On the other hand, both the experience of isolation and imprisonment make most of the prisoners believe that they are incompetent in the outside world. Experiences in the prison have derailed the inmates psychologically, and taken away their confidence and self-esteem. Although some prisoners such as Elwood Blatch want to appear like strong and hardened, deep within, these fear if they will ever fit in life outside prison, and if they will adapt to that life after serving their jail term. Red is also shown as being afraid of coping with freedom in the outside world (King Web).

Additionally, Stephen King in this novel developed the theme of hope and its power. Through the different events in this book, one realizes that the author attempts to show the audience that hope is powerful. The inmates at Shawshank have every reason to give up hope, but these have not lost hope. Therefore, it is the hope that they uphold, which is responsible for their continued living and survival. Even though the inmates are faced with the burdens that come with imprisonment and isolation, these have not given up life, nor attempted to take away their life. For instance, Andy comes out as a determined person, who fights to maintain his sense of self-worth and therefore, this virtue is sufficient for him to keep at bay any extreme sense of anger and frustration, which would result from the isolation and confinement he faces in the prison. He serves as the model of an ideal man to other prisoners, and also a epitome of hope, as characterized by his spirit, which never loses hope. Hope is also portrayed when Andy progressively tunnels the concrete wall of his cell, and finally crawls out of his cell into freedom. While outside prison, Andy writes a letter to Red, and reminds him that, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies” (King Web). Therefore, since Red was still in prison, he felt the importance and power of hope, and therefore, had no other option, but to embrace hope, just as Andy did. The proof that hope is powerful is therefore, also evident in Red, who had lost hope for the future, and in life, but is inspired by Andy to embrace hope again, which finally changes his life to start living positively.

Most books in literature are meant to teach life lessons. Most of the acts and experiences in literature books are not new or out of this world, but are events that many people can relate to. In this novel, the themes discussed are relevant and can apply to my life as well. These two themes highlighted teach moral lessons to me, even though I can relate with one of them, the theme of hope. The first theme about the pain and burdens of isolation and imprisonment has made me more knowledgeable about what goes on behind bars, and how this affects the involved persons physically and psychologically. Since I have never experienced this, I am now in a better position to understand the situation of most inmates behind the bars. Imprisonment is disheartening and causes isolation, therefore, this will help me to avoid any circumstance that might lead to imprisonment. In addition, this theme has made me to appreciate the freedom I have now, and to never put it in jeopardy.

On the other hand, the theme of hope and power of hope is an important theme in this book, which I can relate to. In my life, I hold the view that hope is what drives life, and it is what makes me achieve my dreams. Therefore, giving up hope might make a person to lose important things in their life. For instance, throughout my education, I did not give up hope, which is the reason why I am at this level of my education. Since days back in my elementary school, I studied hard, and when I failed a test, I would work harder for better performance. Neither did I give up hope on education nor got tired of studying, even when my results were not perfect. If ever I had given up, I would lose my education. Andy and Red did not give up, which is why they regained their freedom. This therefore, teaches to value hope, as this is an important virtue in life.

 

 

 

Works Cited

King, Stephen. Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. n.d Pdf. Viewed 16 April 2013

<http://www.wuala.com/zippcoo/Fiction/King,%20Stephen%20-%20Rita%20Hayworth%20And%20The%20Shawshank%20Redemption.pdf?lang=en>

 

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RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS EVALUATION REPORT

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 The ‘risk assessment process’ assignment tackled in my group was well done, and satisfactory. Therefore, I was pleased with how the group handled the whole assignment to arrive at the final product. It was important for group members to co-ordinate at various stages, and be committed to the work through all the stages of the assignment. This involved immense researching, which could not be performed much better by a single individual. Although various challenges were experienced at the group level, effective organization and leadership among the group members helped to overcome the challenges.

Most organizations today are mainly concerned with the processes of risk management, assurance, control, and governance. With regard to risk management, a company must treasure its assets, whether they are a source of profit for the company or not, since these remain valuable to a company’s stakeholders. Therefore, risk management mainly protects the company and its valuable assets from destruction, which presents itself in different forms. The assets of a company also include employees; therefore, risk management also puts company employees into consideration, protecting them from potential harm, or outlining strategies to be used in case of risk (PriceWaterHouseCoopers n.d).

The risk assessment process for the group involved the construction industry in the United Kingdom. For the sake of specificity, the group settled on the ABC Builders & Maintenance Contractors Ltd in the UK, as the company of study. As a group, the main research, which was in-depth, was conducted through referring to a variety of textbooks and lecture notes. This was one of the good things about the work, since the group had access to a wide range of information about the case. Therefore, valuable information could be accessed, and this increased the reliability and authenticity of the submitted group work.

Using the COSO Enterprise Risk Management framework, the risk assessment process was able to address the aspect of value creation in the company addressed. This provided a highlight of the strategies the company could deal with future events that are a source of uncertainty in the company (COSO 2004). In addition, the strategies recommended could be instrumental in helping the company avoid future negative outcomes while increasing the probability of its future positive outcomes. COSO Enterprise Risk Management framework is useful, as it offers the description of important concepts, suggests a common language, and acts as a guide for enterprise risk management (COSO 2004).

Therefore, using the COSO Enterprise Risk Management framework, the assigned risk assessment process was conducted on all the various levels of the company, including the enterprise level, subsidiary, as well as the business unit processes. Through this, it was established that the management of a company has a role to play in the determining how different risks in a company might interact. Company management too should perform own risk assessment, monitoring, and response and control of risks in the company. This is because, it is more useful to invest in risk management than waiting for risks to happen, and then spend vast company resources in risk mitigation (Hiles, 2004).

With regard to internal environment, the risk assessment clarified that in this company, any risk was capable or not capable of occurring. In addition, this used past records to establish and develop the trends in the company’s risk. Therefore, from this, the company could be in a position to determine the kind of risk, which would be more likely to happen at a particular period. Furthermore, this assessment process put in consideration other different aspects in the business, which are more likely to affect the likelihood of a risk to happen in the company (Curtis & Carey 2012).

According to Rizal & Tahir (2011), objective setting is another important area of the Enterprise Risk Management framework, which the risk assessment process focused on, since this has the capability of influencing on the probability of risk occurrence. First, it was important to inspect the goals and objectives of the involved company. This was with the main aim of finding out if the issue of risk and risk management was part of the priorities, which the government had set. If a company includes aspects of risk management in its goals, this means that at least the company might be putting in more efforts in ensuring that the company is protected from risks, or in a better to handle any types of risks that might affect it without expecting. Therefore, this shows that the company has invested in preparedness, as a way of managing potential risks. It is thus, quite clear that the efforts of the management in prioritizing and encouraging risk management activities in the company contribute significantly to the nature of future risks to be experienced by the government, as well as the degree and influence of the risk (Borhesi & Gaudenzi 2012).

In addition, the COSO Enterprise Risk Management framework, with regard to objective setting, is crucial, as it determines the risk appetite of the company. Therefore, the risk appetite of the company will be high, if the management of the company does not put into consideration, major risk factors in the company, and does not plan or exhibit any strategies for risk management (Rittenberg & Martens 2012). Similarly, the company’s level of risk tolerance is a major aspect that was clear in the objective setting, which also determines whether a company will experience specific risks or not. Nonetheless, the involved company in the risk assessment was cautious of risks, and had adopted considerable amount of strategies, which would be vital and applied to a risk situation. In addition, the company budgeting was inclusive of risks, thus showing the company’s awareness of risk occurrence.

With regard to event identification, it is clear that certain events in a company might determine the occurrence of risks. These events can be divided into two major categories, including positive and negative events. Basing on the type of event, risks, and opportunities in the company might be established. While positive events present opportunities to the company, negative events result in risks. Therefore, by identifying and assessing the different events taking place in the company, including relevant business functions, it was possible to determine how each event influences the capability of the company to achieve its objectives and goals. Nonetheless, both internal and external events are vital, as these together develop the risk profile of a company (Cohrssen & Covello 1999).

Through the risk assessment of the company, various avenues were identified through which events in the company could influence company goals. Risk assessment was conducted in two major phases, including likelihood and impact. This involves both measuring the impact of risk in the company, and determining the possibility that risk would occur in the company. During risk assessment, there was use of different methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This would ensure that appropriate and reliable information is gathered about risk in the company, and which would be instrumental in helping the company to strategize for risk control (Hester 1998).

Nonetheless, risk response was also addressed, and this identified considerable possible responses by the company to the identified risk situation in the company. In addition, control activities were as well identified, which comprise policies and functions a company adopts to respond to risk. This must occur at all company levels, since as observed, different company levels can experience risks. Additionally, this might apply both use of knowledge and technology adopted by a company. Other aspects in a company, which were mentioned as important in risk response and control, include communication, risk monitoring by the risk officers, internal control system, among others (IMA 2007).

Nonetheless, the assignment was a source of important insight into the construction industry in the UK, including its safety levels and UK safety statistics. Through the assignment, major causes of injuries and fatalities in the UK construction industry were identified. In addition, through the group assignment, it is possible to make a comparison of the safety situation in the UK construction industry and the construction industry in other countries, thus rating the health and safety standards in the UK construction industry.

The risk assessment conducted depended on different case studies of the ABC Builders & Maintenance Contractors Ltd and other construction companies in the UK, to come up with final conclusions about the risk these were exposed to. Nonetheless, through the various case studies, it was eminent that construction sites should take seriously all the health and safety factors in construction, as these matter and contribute to risk. Risk assessment was conducted on the case study, thus increasing the ability of individual group members to look into an accident and device ways through which an accident could be prevented. Nonetheless, each individual was involved in the risk assessment process at different levels, and this boosted  a person’s knowledge about risk and risk management in companies. However, although this was an insightful project, one thing I would have wanted is that the course would have been introduced to us in previous levels of university education. This would have allowed for vast knowledge on risk and risk management, which most students would have applied in their professions. Nonetheless, this provides great knowledge, which is still applicable to most companies, thus, it is clear that this knowledge will be of use in my profession.

 

 

Works Cited

Borhesi, A. & Gaudenzi, B 2012, “Risk Management: How to Assess, Transfer, and

Communicate Critical Risks,” Springer, London.

Cohrssen, J. & Covello, V 1999, “Risk Analysis: A Guide to Principles and Methods for

Analyzing Health and Environmental Risks,” DIANE Publishing, London.

COSO 2004, “Enterprise Risk Management –Integrated Framework: Application Techniques,”

Viewed 19 April 2013 < http://www.ma.hw.ac.uk/~andrewc/erm2/reading/ERM%20-       %20COSO%20Application%20Techniques.pdf >

Curtis, P. & Carey, M 2012, “Risk Assessment in Practice,” COSO, Viewed 19 April 2013

<http://www.deloitte.com/assets/DcomUnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/IMOs/Governance%20and%20Risk%20Management/us_grc_coso_riskassessment_102312.pdf >

Hester, R 1998, “Risk assessment and risk management,” Royal Society of Chemistry, New

York.

Hiles, A 2004, “Enterprise Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis: Best Practices,”

Rothstein Associates Inc, New Jersey.

IMA 2007, “Enterprise Risk Management: Tools and Techniques For Effective Implementation,”

Viewed 19 April 2013 <http://poole.ncsu.edu/erm/documents/IMAToolsTechniquesMay07.pdf >

PriceWaterHouseCoopers n.d, A practical guide to risk assessment,” Viewed 19 April 2013 <

http://www.pwc.com/en_us/us/issues/enterprise-risk-

management/assets/risk_assessment_guide.pdf >

Rittenberg, L. & Martens, F 2012, “Enterprise Risk Management: Understanding and

Communicating Risk Appetite,” COSO, Viewed 19 April 2013 <

http://www.coso.org/documents/ERMUnderstanding%20%20Communicating%20Risk%20Appetite-WEB_FINAL_r9.pdf >

Rizal, A. & Tahir, M 2011, “Review of the Literature on Enterprise Risk Management,” Viewed

19 April 2013 < http://bmdynamics.com/issue_pdf/bmd110159_Malaysia_8_16.pdf >

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GLOBALIZATION AT GENERAL ELECTRICS (GE) 

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Institution

18^th, April, 2013

 

Part A

Question 1

General Electric (GE) is an international company, therefore, it is expected that apart from the United States, where this company is based, this has other branches in different countries of the world continents. Although this is the case, the rate at which GE is established its other branches in the international market was overwhelming. Nonetheless, the company has embarked on this rapid international expansion due to a number of reasons, which influence the company positively, promoting its growth, productivity, and profitability.

First, GE chose to invest aggressively in foreign expansion for the obvious reason of desire to grow the company. Foreign investment results in more branches of the company, and this is directly linked to increased revenues for the company due to the additional branches, which will generate additional profits for the company (Rugman & Collinson 2008). Therefore, GE bought other companies in various countries, which were in a financial jeopardy, and were on the verge of collapsing. GE bought the financially unstable companies at a faster rate, mainly because, this was the only opportunity it had to acquire those companies and expand, since these would be seized by other companies, if GE would not act fast. This is a strategy, which GE used to ensure that its expansion was rapid.

Aggressive expansion of GE might have been aimed at ensuring that the company moves closer to most of its customers, since this would be easier and cheaper for the company to address the various concerns and needs of its customers, while increasing its total sales revenue. In addition, international expansion by GE was intended for the company to increase its customer base, since this would acquire more and new customers in the new geographical locations that it established itself.

In addition, GE chose to expand because of the company’s wish to deal with their foreign markets on a higher level. By adopting globalization, GE wanted to prove that the relationship between the company and its foreign markets was strong enough to allow the country to directly invest in the foreign countries, while being assured of profits. Rugman & Collinson (2008) argued that it not enough for a company to be shipping its products to foreign countries. Instead, a company should consider getting closer to its customers in the foreign markets, and establish a close relationship with them, to boost revenue and address consumer needs appropriately.

Finally, GE might have chose to expand internationally in order to save on the costs it incurred in the form of wages for its employees. Employees in other countries outside the United States are paid lower salaries and wages, mainly because of the economic status of their country, which is usually lower, compared to the United States. Therefore, most American multinationals choose to expand outside the United States in order to explore these lower wages (Rugman & Collinson 2008).

Question 2

According to Birkinshaw, Braunerhjelm, Holm & Terjesen (2006), the corporate headquarters of a company plays a valuable role in influencing the relationships between the company and the financial markets, as well as its stakeholders. Stakeholders of a company include customers, as well as the competitors of the company, which are the most important stakeholders of a company. Therefore, by moving its headquarters to foreign markets, GE wanted to influence the relationship with its customers in the foreign countries. This would result in a stronger relationship than the one that existed previously.

Most companies claim that the decision to move their headquarters to foreign countries is influenced by their desire to be in close proximity with their international customers (Rugman & Collinson 2008). In the case of GE, like most companies, this company has moved most of its headquarters of its other businesses from the U.S.A. to other foreign countries. The reason for this could be the high taxes in the U.S.A., which would make the company to spend many resources on taxes, given it has many headquarters, and branches. Most companies realize the high taxes imposed on them in the United States, therefore, most of them seek avenues of exiting the USA market. Currently, top corporate tax for multinationals in the United States stand at approximately 35%, compared to Ireland, where corporate tax rate stands at 12.5% (Devinney, Pedersen & Tihanyi 2010).

            Moving a company’s corporate headquarters might benefit a company in various ways. According to Birkinshaw et al (2006), this move might increase the efficiency of a company in terms of financial profitability. However, this is the case, especially where the new headquarter will serve as a financial center, as the company will experience efficient communication with its financial shareholders and investment banks. Secondly, moving the headquarters to foreign countries helps a country to improve its presence in the foreign market. This therefore, makes investors to be more familiar with the company, thereby increasing the company’s stakeholder base (Birkinshaw et al 2006). Additionally, by moving the company headquarters to foreign countries, the company signifies that it is an international player, therefore, no longer confined to its domestic policies and laws (Rugman & Collinson 2008).

By moving its headquarters to foreign countries, GE achieved the element of cultural sensitivity in its interaction with customers in the foreign countries. This helped the country to boost its profits. China is known for its strong cultural base; therefore, for a foreign company to be successful in this country, it must embrace and uphold the cultural standards of the country (Alon 2003). Therefore, by establishing its headquarters in such a country, GE ensured that it conducts business while upholding the Chinese cultural standards, a strategy, which would reduce mistakes in marketing, among other business conduct. This therefore, ensures a harmonious relationship between the foreign market and the company (Hill 2010).

Moving headquarters to foreign market has helped GE to increase its sales revenue and market share. In addition, this has helped the company to cut down on costs previously incurred on shipping products to the foreign markets (Devinney, Pedersen & Tihanyi 2010). Additionally, this move helped GE to establish itself in countries where the demand for its products was higher compared to the U.S.A. For instance, compared to the U.S.A, China and India have a high demand for most of GE’s products, since these have greatly invested in infrastructure. Therefore, shifting the jet engine headquarters to Asia helped GE to take advantage of the highly dynamic Asian market, and high demand for products (Hill 2010).

            The decision by GE to move most of its headquarters from the USA to other foreign countries has various implications for the company and for the Unite States as a country. While this will help the company (GE) to realize more profits, the United States might be influenced negatively. Most importantly, this move reduces the level of employment in the United States. This is because; GE will employ the citizens in the countries it relocates to, therefore, reducing the employment opportunities of most Americans. Additionally, this reduces the tax revenue of the U.S.A, since U.S companies in foreign countries are not subjected to same tax rate as those in the U.S.A. Therefore, this influences the U.S economy negatively.

Question 3

GE focused on internalizing its senior management due to various reasons, which were meant to increase the productivity of the company. Nonetheless, the main reason for internalizing its senior management ranks was to respond to the cultural demands of specific markets. This way, the company ensured cultural sensitivity in its business, thus, addressing the needs of customers in each country in the most appropriate and specific manner, which conforms to their culture (Adekola & Sergi 2007). GE achieved internalization of its senior management ranks by hiring its managers basing on their virtues of strong work ethics and knowledge of the local language (Hill 2010). In most of the countries in the Midwest, where GE has formed new business bases, people value strong work ethics, thus internalizing of the senior management rank basing on the values of the local community allowed for an easy penetration of GE into the market of foreign countries.

Internalizing the senior management ranks mainly involves the hiring the senior management employees from within the foreign country, among the local citizens, and not outside the country. In the past, GE only hired Americans for the senior management positions. However, with globalization and rapid international expansion, GE was forced to leave out some senior management positions for the citizens of foreign countries, which GE planned to explore. For example, when GE expanded into China, internalization of senior management ranks occurred when the company hired only Chinese people to fill the top management positions in the company in China. Chinese people are in a better position to understand the local people and collaborate with their government, unlike foreign nationals. GE employed this strategy as a way of boosting its cultural sensitivity, which foreign managers would not achieve (Hill 2010).

The case of GE and globalization teaches various lessons and provides an insight into the global business. First, GE has shown that it is important for a company to move closer to its customers, in order to address their needs effectively. However, a company should only move and establish itself in a foreign country after assessing and evaluating its global market share and identifying the most promising foreign markets, which show an increasing market trend. Therefore, a company might then move its headquarters to the identified foreign countries, with a goal of providing quality services to its consumers, and satisfying their needs in the market. Additionally, GE has shown that, in order to win the trust and loyalty of consumers in the new market, a company should consider internalization of its senior management positions. This ensures cultural sensitivity on the side of the company, while dealing with local citizens.

Part B

Question 1     

Prior to the beginning of this module, I had great expectations, and looked forward to gathering vast knowledge in the area of international business and management. In addition, I looked forward to being knowledgeable in how to conduct business outside the comforts of one domestic country. Therefore, through this module, I knew I would get useful insights in how different multinational companies conduct their business outside their countries, and learn what it took these corporations to adapt to the new market environments. In addition, I expected to learn about challenges in international business, including the factors that might lead to the collapse of a multinational company in foreign markets.

Nonetheless, this module has been instrumental in helping me gather wide knowledge in the area of international business, thus, bringing to reality most of the expectations I had, Today, I am quite knowledgeable in the theoretical area of international business, which I have no problem translating into practice. Therefore, this module has been helpful and increased my knowledge.

Question 2

            During the module, I did not experience many challenges as I had expected. However, the main challenge I experienced, which became of great concern to me, was with the subject of Finance. I had problems focusing on this subject, owing to my perception that this was quite complex, compared to other subjects. This assumption had made me to have difficulties in grasping major concepts in this subject. This therefore, prompted me to respond appropriately, when I realized that this would affect my overall mark in a detrimental manner.

Nonetheless, self-determination helped me to address this challenge. Although I experienced challenges in this subject, I did not give up hope but instead, I was convinced that with appropriate measures, I would turn Finance into one of my best subjects. Therefore, I embarked on immense practice in this area. I devoted a part of my free time to studying this subject. In addition, I took class tutorials more seriously, and addressed any finance concept I did not understand, immediately after a tutorial. All these efforts, which I put in place later helped me to improve my understanding of the subject of Finance.

Question 3

            After this module, I believe I have all it takes to start my Master’s programme. So far, the module has been instrumental in preparing me for greater tasks, and more knowledge ahead. This is through building my knowledge base in international business and management. I am prepared to learn more complex concepts of international business at the Master’s level. This module has already exposed me to quite complex aspects, thus I would not experience any major difficulty at my Master’s level. In addition, this module has taught me vast theoretical concepts of international business and management, therefore, at the Master’s level, I would be more excited to put these into practice by applying them to real business cases in the real business environment. Nonetheless, this module has influenced positively on my knowledge of business, and I am thus looking forward for an opportunity to apply this knowledge in solving real-life business problems

Works Cited

Adekola, A. & Sergi, B 2007, “Global Business Management: A Cross-cultural Perspective,”

Ashgate Publishing, London.

Alon, I 2003, “Chinese culture, Organizational Behavior, and International Business

Management,” Greenwood Publishing Group, London.

Birkinshaw, J., Braunerhjelm, P., Holm, U. & Terjesen, S 2006, “Why do Some Multinationals

Corporations Relocate their Headquarters Oversees?” Strategic Management Journal, 27: 681–700, Viewed 17 April 2013 <http://faculty.london.edu/jbirkinshaw/assets/documents/37why_relocate_hq_abroad.strategic_management_journal.2006.pdf>

Devinney, T., Pedersen, T. & Tihanyi, L 2010, “The Past, Present and Future of International

Business & Management,” Emerald Group Publishing, New York.

Hill, C.W.L 2010, “International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace,” 8th Edition,

McGraw-Hill, New York.

Rugman, A.M. & Collinson, S 2008, “International Business,” 5th Edition, Financial

Times Prentice Hall, Harlow.

 

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Principle of Marketing

Apple Inc. is a multinational company based in the United States, which specializes in designing, development, and selling of electronics to consumers, including phones, music players, computers, and computer software. Apple ranks second after Samsung, which is the most profitable information technology company in the world. Nonetheless, the success of Apple Inc. is associated with its marketing strategy, which is considered effective. Apple employs a simple marketing strategy, which involves its consumers, thus giving the company an edge over other companies in the information technology industry (Nosal Web). However, if Apple could consider improving its marketing strategy, this would guarantee it more profits and continued competitiveness in the market. Therefore, this essay focuses on the marketing strategy of Apple, and how this could be improved using the marketing mix, to ensure more profits for the company.

The marketing strategy of Apple is based on three main important factors. These are trust, communication, and focus. The company believes that it is important to be clear on the information the company wants to pass to consumers through advertisements. This therefore, results in a focused communication with consumers. On trust, Apple aims at producing quality products, instead of competing with other companies. The high quality of Apple products ensures customer loyalty.  For this reason, Apple does not throw its products at consumers in its adverts; instead, the company only explains how the new product works, including the features that it possesses (Nosal Web).

Apart from the simplicity of the marketing strategy of Apple, this also exhibits a great level of differentiation. The company puts great efforts in ensuring that its products are highly differentiated from other products produced by its competitors. The design of Apple’s product is superior, compared to that of its competitors, thus ensuring its differentiation. In addition, Apple wants its consumers to have a good experience using its products. Therefore, the company develops both software and hardware to enable customers to enjoy using its products (Bui Web).

Since the quality of Apple products is high, the company also sells these products at a higher price. Apple is known as a “high-price” leader in the information technology industry. However, today, Apple attempts to lower the price of its products, as a strategy of increasing its customer base. Alternatively, Apple produces complex products at a high price, and then produces lower-price versions of such products, which have fewer features, thus suiting the needs of diverse customers (Bui Web).With regard to distribution; Apple has a total number of stores exceeding 300, with about 50 stores in California, where the company has its headquarters. The Apple staff in these distribution stores offer full service to customers. However, the staff is not trained on selling skills, but only on addressing customer problems and queries on how different products work (Bui Web).

This marketing strategy for Apple is appropriate for the company, since it has worked on increasing the company’s profits over the years. First, this marketing strategy does not base on beating or competing with competitors. However, Apple focuses solely on the design and nature of its products to have an edge over competitors. Apple does not compare itself with its competitors such as Microsoft, but instead focuses on its own self-improvement, to remain competitive in the industry. In addition, the fact that the company aims at developing a pleasant experience for its customers, shows that the company is focused on customer needs and not its desire for profits, like other companies in the industry. Nonetheless, customer-centeredness is a great value, which Apple has adopted in its marketing strategy, which therefore, makes the strategy effective and agreeable.

Although Apple has performed well in the market for the past decades, today there are concerns that the company revenues have dropped significantly since the exit of Steve Jobs, the former company C.E.O, who was considered a game changer in the company (Nosal Web). Therefore, it is essential that Apple considers revamping and improving on some of its marketing strategies, in order to increase the effectiveness of its marketing strategies. The current marketing strategies of Apple can therefore, be improved and developed basing on the concept of marketing mix.

Marketing mix is an important aspect for company marketing in the modern era. This mainly includes different elements, which a company can control, and which are aimed at realizing the right response from the target market. The elements in the marketing mix also help a company to increase the demand of its products among the target consumers (Kotler and Armstrong 66). In addition, Proctor (54) notes that marketing mix plays the role of strategic communication between a company and its customers. A new and improved marketing strategy of Apple can therefore, be achieved by basing on the elements of marketing mix. Marketing mix comprises of four major elements, also known as the “4Ps of Marketing.” These are the marketing strategies of product, price, place, and promotion.  All these elements aim at influencing the target market segment in a positive way, which will make them buy the products being marketed by the company. With regard to the element of product, Apple must ensure that it upholds the aspects of quality, variety, design, features, and brand name. Nonetheless, it is evident that Apple has put more efforts in developing its products, which are considered to be of high quality and with great features, which are in line with modern technology. However, Apple should address the aspect of variety in its products, producing a wide range of products, so that every consumer has many options to choose from.

Product pricing is core to a company and its marketing. This determines whether consumers will buy the product or not. However, the quality and features of the product influence this. Currently, Apple is known to attach high prices to its products, compared to its competitors. Therefore, this limits the consumers of Apple products to those people with a higher economic status, leaving out most average and low-income earners. Therefore, for Apple to ensure effective marketing, it must consider most of the average income-earners, by developing products, which have a pricing that these can afford. Apple could produce a variety of high quality products with different number of features, thus, enabling the price to be determined by the number of features of its products. Although a common assumption is that customers will buy products sold at a lower price, this is false, as the quality of products also matter to consumers (Kotler and Armstrong 69). Therefore, Apple could sell its products at a considerably lower price without compromising the quality of the products. The company could also include discounts, allowances, and payment periods as strategies applied to product pricing. Allowances and discounts for consumers on specific special days could increase the sales of the company. Similarly, granting payment periods to some customers could attract more customers to the company.

Promotion is another vital aspect of marketing mix. Here, Apple should invest more in its product promotional activities. This is through advertising, sales promotion, and public relations (Kotler and Armstrong 72).  Apple does not conduct sales promotion, as the company does not consider sales and profits as its main interest. The staff in Apple’s distribution stores are only trained in customer care, and not sales. On the other hand, adverts of Apple products are about the product, its feature, and how it works, and do not attempt to appeal to the consumers to purchase the product. Nonetheless, sales promotion is important in a company, as this boosts the sales. Therefore, Apple should reconsider investing in sales promotion as a way of reaching more of its target consumers.

Finally, placement is key to marketing of Apple products. The company has about 300 distribution stores globally, while it concentrates more in California, where it has its headquarters. Therefore, this shows that Apple has limited distribution channels, and thus, needs to open up more channels in different world regions where high sales are guaranteed. This is a marketing strategy, which will ensure that Apple products are available to a large number of people (Proctor 68).

In conclusion, Apple Inc. has registered great success in the information technology industry, because of the marketing strategy it adopts. However, there are few weaknesses in its marketing strategy, which could be corrected basing on the 4Ps of marketing. Therefore, the aspects of product, price, promotion, and placement must be considered by Apple, and aligned with its marketing strategy in order to ensure maximum sales revenue for the company.

 

Works Cited

Bui, Dave. “The Best of Apple’s Marketing Strategies,” 2012. Web. Viewed 16 Aril 2013,

<http://www.saleschase.com/blog/2012/03/13/the-best-of-apples-marketing-strategies/>

Kotler, Philip and Armstrong, Gary. “Principles of Marketing”, 10th Ed. New Jersey: Pearson

Education Inc., 2004.

Nosal, Chris. “Apple Marketing Strategies,” n.d. Web. Viewed 16 April 2013,

< http://chrisnosal.com/Apple-Marketing-Strategies.pdf>

Proctor, Tony. “Strategic Marketing: An Introduction.” London: Routledge, 2000.

 

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The Real-World Job (HRD)

(An Interview with a HR Manager)

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Course

Tutor’s Name

16^th, April 2013

 

Human Resources Management (HRM) is core to any organization. Every organization has its own HRM department, which is in charge of managing the greatest assets in the organization, which are the employees. Since employees are key determinants of the productivity of an organization, the HRM of an organization must manage them in an effective manner, which will ensure that they deliver optimum performance, while enjoying doing their tasks. Human resource managers head the HRM department of an organization, and therefore, control the human resources activities in an organization. In order to find out detailed information about HRM, and the position of human resources management in an organization, I interviewed a human resources manager of a local bank. This essay therefore, focuses on the details of the interview, and from this interview, one gains a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a human resources manager.

This interview was conducted face-to-face, after seeking an appointment with the human resources manager, who was kind enough to spare some time for the interview, despite her busy schedule. Before the start of the interview, I made some one observation. The interview was scheduled in the morning at eight O’clock. However, when I arrived at the manager’s office, I realized she was in the office earlier than that, and was just from a meeting with other managers from other departments in the bank. Therefore, this showed me how early she had to report to her work. Nonetheless, the interview was insightful, and knowledgeable. I acquired great knowledge and familiarity with the role of a human resources manager, and what entails to be in that position. Considering that this is my area of specialization, the knowledge from this interview will be of great importance to my practice in future.

After the initial greetings and introduction, the interview set off. I first asked her how she began her position in the Human Resources department. She explained that she began from a much lower position in the bank. After her Bachelor’s Degree in human resources management, she applied for the position of a management trainee with the bank, which she was successful to secure after the recruitment interviews with the bank. She was posted in the HRM department, where she worked in this position for about one year. Her roles included keeping and maintaining records of employees, assisting the human resources manager with orientating new employees in the company, and assisting in the process of selection and recruitment in the company, among other tasks. After one year as a management trainee, she was offered an entry-level position in the bank. After three years in this position, she was promoted to an assistant HR manager, then after three more years, she was further promoted to head the HR department of the bank.

Therefore, overall, this HR manager has served this bank for seven years. These are many years; therefore, I sought to know what attracted her to the company. She loves working for the bank, and since her passion was in the banking industry, this is what inspired her to apply for a job in the bank. Therefore, she holds the title of Human Resources Manager in the bank, and has the main function of managing the Human Resources department staff in the bank. In addition, she performs different HR activities, which her juniors cannot perform. These include developing policies for the department and negotiating with business partners.

Human resources manager is quite a senior position in an organization, which requires vast experience and skills. Therefore, I asked her to explain whether the company had trained her while, she was working there, considering she has worked with this company since after her university graduation. She explained that being a management trainee for a year was very important for her, considering she did this in the human resource manager’s office. Therefore, this period gave her vast experience. Additionally, the entry-level and position of assistant HR manager imparted in her great skills and knowledge, with regard to her present position. Overall, at every stage, from being a management trainee, the company offered on-the-job training, which further increased her capability and expertise in her work. Apart from the on-the-job training, she had a mentor who guided her. This was her supervisor during her management traineeship, with whom she developed a close relationship with. This mentorship changed her and developed her professionally, and today, she is a mentor to one of the entry-level employees in the company. Since she realized the importance of mentorship, she wanted to develop other young people too in their careers.

Seven years seems like a long journey in the company. Therefore, I asked her what motivated her to continue working for the company, whether she was offered promotions or other rewards, which motivated her to stick with the company. One thing she likes about the company is that it offers growth opportunities to its employees. Specifically, she has received various promotions, and these come with a pay increase. Therefore, this is part of her motivation to remain in the company. She was promoted from a management trainee to an entry-level job, then to an assistant human resource manager, and finally to her current position. However, she added that the pay increase is justified, since promotions come with added responsibilities. Those are quite a number of promotions within such a short time. Most people wait for many years before getting any promotion. However, for her case, she was considered an outstanding employee. In addition, she had enrolled for a master’s degree programme after her management traineeship, out of her personal decision. She also obtained voluntary certification of Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Therefore, with increased educational level, came promotions. She considers education as a continuous process in life; therefore, she has plans to advance her education beyond a master’s degree. However, she plans to remain in the world of business.

Since I am still a student with aspirations for a career in future, I requested her to advice on how I could get an entry-level job in a company, like a bank. She advised that there was no specific way of doing that, but it all depends on the company. While some companies recruit directly to entry-level jobs, others require one to begin as an intern or management trainee before being promoted to an entry-job level. However, for those recruiting directly for entry-level job, they require both professional experience and academic qualifications. On the other hand, those requiring one to be an intern first, will recruit fresh university graduates with no professional experience.  Nonetheless, one must portray the relevant skills in communication, among others, apart from academic prowess. Personally, she likes those young people who are self-driven, time conscious, fast learners, creative, and responsible. Therefore, when it comes to hiring, she would consider these qualities of a person, since these show that the person is promising. She would therefore, recruit a person with these skills but lacks experience, than those with experience, but are complacent, non-thinkers, poor communicators, and irresponsible.

Having worked with the same company for seven years, I wondered whether this human resources manager had realized any major changes in the company. To her, the company seems to be highly dynamic. Within those seven years, the company has expanded, and developed other branches in different cities. Additionally, the number of employees and clients in the company has increased. However, most employees she was recruited with are still working in the company. She associates this with the increase in benefits and rewards, which the company offers employees, including paid leaves, training opportunities, promotions, annual trips, bonuses, among others.

It is common for everyone to have challenges, therefore, besides all the great things that her company offered, I asked about her major challenge in the company. Her greatest challenge in the company roots from the aspect of globalization. The workforce in the company is highly diverse; therefore, employees have different moral, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds and perceptions. Therefore, sometimes it is challenging managing such a highly diverse workforce. However, she manages this by dealing with each employee in his or her own context, and at a personal level. This means she seeks to understand each employee as an individual, and this has worked for her. However, despite working for seven years in this company and all challenges faced, she has no plans of leaving the company soon.

In HR, the interviewee explained that there are various unwritten rules. First, one has to interact with employees at a personal level and at group level to understand and form a relationship with employees. Secondly, a senior HR professional must serve as an example to other employees by adhering to company rules and expectations. This way, employees will ape him or her, thus making it easier for the company to achieve its goals. Asked about actions her office takes when things go wrong or right in the company, she explained that when things go wrong in the company, there is a meeting by senior managers to decide on the most appropriate course of action. On the other hand, if an employee performs well or the company achieves a set target, all employees are rewarded either financially or non-financially, to motivate them.

Finally, as a future employee, I inquired her opinion about hanging out with one’s supervisor beyond working hours. She highly discouraged this, and suggested that it is better to have boundaries, and interact with other employees at the job level, since going overboard might strain the employee-employee relationship and affect one’s work detrimentally. However, this is open and depends on how one relates with their supervisor. About work-family balance, she considered it less straining since she was single, therefore, had no family and children to take care of. That marked the end of the interview, after which I thanked her for her time.

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HEALTH IMPROVEMENT IN NURSING

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16^th, April, 2012

 

 

 

Identify an individual or group of people who have a specific health improvement or health promotion need with rationale for your choice.

Nursing aims at improving and protecting health of people. Therefore, nurses in their practice mainly aim at contributing to health improvement. All nurses act as health-promoting professionals, thus they aim at maximizing the outcomes of health of the patients they deal with (Nursing Times.net 2012). In order to improve health in nursing, nurses require collaboration with other different bodies, such as governments, the local communities, as well as their patients. Nurses utilize various strategies, which will promote positive health and well-being of individuals. Therefore, nurses are core in health improvement, and these are committed to their patients and aim at improving the health status of their patients, including those who suffer from long-term conditions. Nurses also provide care to the marginalized in society, and participate in a variety of public health programmes. Nonetheless, different people today need health improvement, but sometimes might lack to access it. Therefore, this paper will focus on overweight people with a BMI of 25-30kg kg/m².These need health improvement, in order to come back to the normal and healthy weight, but have been misinformed or lack access to information.

Overweight people need health improvement and promotion, mainly because, today this is a worrying health issue, as a great number of people are overweight. The large number of overweight people is therefore, an indication that enough efforts have not been adopted to address this health issue. In order to improve health for this group of people, it is important to increase their awareness of sugar intake, as is an important aspect that is overlooked by most overweight people, while some lack reliable information about this. Sugar intake should be explained to them with regard to diabetes, which some overweight people are susceptible to. This should also be explained with regard to weight loss, since control of sugar intake might help one to control their weight.

Diabetes is experienced today at a higher rate compared to past decades. When one is overweight, they are at risk of being diabetic. Therefore, the increased prevalence of diabetes shows that one of the root causes, which is excessive weight in people, has not been given the attention it needs for improvement. Globally, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to hit a high of 552 million people by the year 2030. In 2011, prevalence of diabetes stood at 366 million people (Diabetes UK 2011). On the other hand, the UK is one of the countries, which is registering increased cases of diabetes every year. In the year 1996, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK was 1.4 million. However, this number has increased to 2.9 million, and it is expected to reach 5 million in 2055. This therefore, makes diabetes to be one of the health challenges in the UK today (Diabetes UK 2011). In order to improve this case and promote good health of the people in the UK, it is crucial that information about diabetes, its cause and effects, and prevention be disseminated to the whole population, to increase their awareness so that they can adopt the correct preventive and control strategies (Diabetes UK 2011).

The most prevalent diabetes type in the UK is Type 2 diabetes, which is highly associated with being overweight or obese. Initially, this affected people aged above 40 years, but today, this affects even young people and children (Public Health England 2013: London Health Improvement Board 2011). Nonetheless, the number of obese and overweight people in the UK keeps rising, thus the rise in the prevalence of diabetes (Diabetes UK 2011). Similarly, government records from the UK department of health show that in England, 61.3% of adults are overweight and obsess, in addition to 30% of children. Evidence also shows that overweight or obese people are more likely to end up diabetic, thus costing the government a large amount of expenses on their medication (GOV.UK 2013).

The recommended actions for this issue include increasing people’s awareness about healthy eating and drinking, and exercise. For instance, today the National Obesity Forum (NOF) is concerned with raising awareness of obesity, which is considered an epidemic today (National Obesity Forum 2011). In addition, companies should produce healthy food for human consumption. For instance, through cutting on sugar and salt ingredients, which are harmful, encouraging people to consume more fruits and including calorie count on menus, and ensuring low calories in food. In addition, it is proposed that local authorities must participate by providing weight loss services to the affected people (GOV.UK 2013).

Therefore, the key to improving health of the overweight people in the UK is through increasing their awareness of all important information about obesity, diabetes, and other risks involved, including control measures. The rationale behind this is that most people are misinformed today. There is too much information on the internet, in the media, and in other channels, which sometimes mislead the affected people. Therefore, information to increase people’s awareness should be disseminated through the right, trusted, and official channels, which will reach more people (GOV.UK 2013).

Critically evaluate deficits in practice when promoting health for this individual or group

            Most people, whether obese, overweight, or not, fail to understand and to master the art of healthy eating. Obesity and increased weight are all related with the kind of diet a person feeds on. Most importantly, the major deficit in people is failing to realize the negative side of sugar, as it is harmful, addictive, and capable of causing metabolic syndrome. In this case, sugar can be in the form of fructose or table sugar. Today, most people have concentrated on table sugar alone, since they regard this as the only source of diabetes and increased weight gain. However, Zoe Harrison, advices that sugar does not cause diabetes. He is a clinical advisor, thus, encourages people to consider sugar content in their whole diet and not table sugar alone, if they want to prevent diabetes (UK Diabetes 2010). Additionally, UK Diabetes (2010) recommends people to eat a diet that is low in fats, sugar, salt, and big proportion of vegetables and fruits. This should be accompanied by at least thirty minutes of physical exercise each day (Diabetes UK 2010).

On the other hand, although most people are misguided that only overweight people are susceptible to diabetes, research has shown otherwise. A study showed that increased sugar intake might lead to type 2 diabetes, even if a person is not overweight or obese (Diabetes.co.uk 2013). Therefore, this study disapproves of the common belief that sugar leads to diabetes indirectly by first causing obesity then obesity resulting in diabetes. In this study in 175 countries, researchers failed to explain a direct correlation between obesity or total calories and diabetes. On the contrast, a scientific study by the Stanford University showed that increased amount of sugar in the diet led to increased cases of diabetes in the country, and vice versa (Diabetes.co.uk 2013). Although this study shows that high sugar intake causes type 2 diabetes, this cannot prove this, since it employed data from whole populations. This study was dismissed as erroneous, since reliable studies showed that the sugar intake in UK had dropped by 6% yet the rate of obesity continues to increase (Diabetes.co.uk 2013). Therefore, this and other studies available to people are the source of misinformation of the people on the subject. According to Diabetes UK (2013), sugar use by diabetic people is not unhealthy, as long as it is taken in moderation. Naturally occurring fructose in fruits is recommended, while fructose used as a sweetener in foods is same as sucrose, therefore, should be taken in moderation, as this might cause diabetes if taken excessively (Bray et al 2004). This is contrary to the assumption propagated by various people that diabetic people should refrain from use of sugar (Diabetes UK 2013).

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concept of public health and current public health policy

According to Linsley, Kane & Owen (2011), public health avails different opportunities to nurses to apply their practice. However, today, various elements in the healthcare practice of most healthcare professionals have changed. There is a new agenda for public health agenda today, which advocates for nurses to participate in more activities, which promote health and well-being of patients.

According to WHO (1986) cited in Davies & Macdowall (2006, p.7-8), health promotion is ‘The process of enabling people to increase control over the determinants of health and thereby improve their health.’ According to the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (2013), apart from taking of the sick, the role of nurses extends to promoting the overall health of patients and disease prevention, helping them overcome obesity and eating disorders through teaching them how to eat healthy, and guiding smoking addicts through their cessation process. On the other hand, the Royal College of Nursing (2007) identifies other roles of nurses in public health as crisis prevention, offering medical help to the homeless and refugees, helping people in smoking cessation, among other helpful activities in the community. Therefore, this shows that nurses play a great role in health promotion.

Patient empowerment is another role, which nurses perform as part of their health promotion duty. This involves teaching patients about their health status, how to cope with it, and what to do in case of an emergency or complication. This form of empowerment makes patients to be self-reliant; therefore, they will not always need the nurses to be around them. This role played by nurses ensures that patients understand their medical condition, treatment, their risk factors, and aspects that might improve their outcomes (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario 2013).

Nonetheless, there are various theories of health promotion which are crucial in the nursing practice, as they offer guidance to nurses on the how to make important decisions in their role of health promotion (Davies & Macdowall 2006). Most health promotion theories in nursing are developed from the field of sociology and psychology. One of the most commonly used theories is the “social cognitive theory.” According to Davies & Macdowall (2006), this theory is popular, since unlike others, this focuses on factors determining health behavior, and the change promoting strategies. Mainly, this explains the interaction between people, their environment, and their behavior (Davies & Macdowall 2006). Therefore, this might explain the effect of social norms on peoples’ behavior, therefore, offering an insight on how behavior of people can be influenced positively through health promotion interventions (Davies & Macdowall 2006). For instance, if the laws regarding smoking are modified to become more strict, this might promote the cessation of smoking among the targeted population.

The direction of healthcare today is quite unpredictable, considering the vast challenges that the healthcare sector is faced with. These include advancements in information technology, access to healthcare by patients, retention of skilled healthcare staff, legislation and reforms affecting healthcare, the ever rising costs of healthcare, harsh economy, changing patterns of disease, and high expectations of the public (Linsley, Kane & Owen 2011: Kulbok, Thatcher, Park, Meszaros 2012). This might mean that nurses should be ready for different future roles in their nursing practice (Nursing Times.net 2012). Nonetheless, these factors call for increased participation of nurses in health promotion in order to strengthen their practice and improve quality of public health, while boosting the new agenda of public health today.

 

 

 

Works Cited

Bray et al 2004, “Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a

role in the epidemic of obesity,” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79:537–43,

Viewed 16 April 2013, < http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/4/537.full.pdf+html>

Davies, M. & Macdowall, W 2006, Health Promotion Theory,” Viewed 16 April 2013, < http://www.sanjeshp.ir/phd_91/Pages/Refrences/health%20education%20and%20promotion/[Maggie_Davies,_Wendy_Macdowall]_Health_Promotion_(BookFi.or.pdf>

Diabetes.co.uk 2013, “Sugar intake directly linked to type 2 diabetes,” Viewed 16 April 2013 < http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2013/Feb/sugar-intake-directly-linked-to-type-2-diabetes-97517647.html>

Diabetes UK 2013, “Sugar and sweeteners,” Viewed 16 April 2013 < http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Food_and_recipes/Sugar-and-sweeteners/>

Diabetes UK 2011, “Diabetes in the UK 2011/2012: Key statistics on diabetes,” Viewed 16 April

2013 < http://www.diabetes.org.uk/documents/reports/diabetes-in-the-uk-2011-12.pdf>

Diabetes UK 2010, “Sugary drinks increase risk of Type 2 diabetes?” <http://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/Media-centre/Sugary-drinks-increase-risk-of-T2/?print=1>

GOV.UK 2013, “Reducing obesity and improving diet,” Viewed 16 April 2013 <

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/reducing-obesity-and-improving-diet>

Kulbok, P.A., Thatcher, E., Park, E., Meszaros, P.S 2012, “Evolving Public Health Nursing

Roles: Focus on Community Participatory Health Promotion and Prevention” OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 17 (2).

Linsley, P., Kane, R. & Owen, S 2011, “Nursing for Public Health: Promotion, Principles and

Practice,” Oxford University Press, London.

London Health Improvement Board 2011, “Childhood Obesity,” Viewed 16 April 2013

< http://www.lhib.org.uk/obesity>

National Obesity Forum 2011, “About National Obesity Forum,” Viewed 16 April 2013

<http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/>

Nursing Times.net 2012, “Every nursing contact counts for improving public health,” Viewed 16

April 2013 < http://www.nursingtimes.net/every-nursing-contact-counts-for-improving-public-health/5039946.article>

Nursing Times.net 2010, “Nurses set for new public health roles,” Viewed 16 April 2013 < http://www.nursingtimes.net/confirmation?rtn=/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/public-health/nurses-set-for-new-public-health-roles/5022587.article>

Public Health England 2013, Health Survey for England (HSE), Viewed 16 April 2013,

<http://www.noo.org.uk/data_sources/child/health_survey_england>

Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) 2006, “Promoting Health,” Viewed 16 April 2013 <http://www.rnaoknowledgedepot.ca/promoting_health/>

Royal College of Nursing 2007, Nurses as Partners in delivering public health,” Viewed 16 April

2013 < http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/78734/003114.pdf>

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Video Games as an Art

                Over the years, controversy has continued to exist concerning the question of whether video games should be categorized as a form of art, or whether these do not qualify as an art. This remains controversial even in today’s entertainment industry. Nonetheless, despite the fact that the government in the United States of America approves of video games, and categorizes it together with other creative works, this controversial question has persisted even presently (Jewell WEB). In addition, despite the fact that video games sometimes comprise artistic forms of music and graphic design, there still remains doubt and controversy about their qualification as art. Different critics have argued that generally, games cannot be considered as forms of art. These include film critics such as Roger Ebert and art critics such as Jonathan Jones. The argument of these critics against qualification of video games as art mainly draws from a philosophical point of view (“The Guardian” WEB). However, the recent criticism of Robert Ebert about video games was countered by the US government, which emphasized that video games are a form of art (Tassi WEB).

Regardless of all the controversies surrounding video games and their authenticity as an art form, there are those individuals, who like to identify with video games, and are greatly involved in playing them. Such individuals support video games, and most think of it as a form of art, despite what the critics might say about video games. An example of such individuals is Blissel Tom, a popular author of the book Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter. He is a man that is obsessed with video games, and confesses publicly, how he can spend many hours playing video games. Blissel is convinced that video games is a form of art, and in his book, he refers to video games as an art form. According to him, video games are an important art form.

Recently, I met one of my childhood friends, who lives in a different state. I learnt that he has taken up video games seriously, and he loves playing them whenever he is free. I talked with him lengthily about video games, and realized that he is well informed about video games. When we separated back while still young children, my friend had not been exposed to video games, and had never played them. However, several years down the line, he presents himself as an ardent fan of video games, and comes out as being obsessed with video games and being knowledgeable about them. He too considers video games as an art form, since like other art forms; it requires skills and talent to play them.

Besides the Federal Government, which has categorized video games under the other traditional art forms, the Smithsonian American Art Museum also considers video games as an art form. Previously, this museum undertook seven consecutive months hosting an exhibition, which they called ‘The Art of Video Games.’ In this exhibition, the museum aimed at celebrating video games as an art form, which has existed in homes for an approximate 40 years (“Smithsonian American Art Museum” WEB). According to Jewell, video games today have revolutionized, and cannot compare to those of the past decades. She notes that these are an amalgamation of all the different types of the traditional art forms (WEB). These views coincide with Blissel’s views, as all these consider video games as art.

According to Blissel (350), video games are an important part of a person’s social life. In his book Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter, Blissel sharply argues against the critics of video games, including those who do not consider video games as an art form. In the cultural aspect, Blissel considers video games as important as other art forms in the society, and equal to them in capacity. In his book, Blissel compared video games to traditional art forms such as movies, and novels. In Blissel’s comparison of video games with other traditional art forms, he finds out that video games have both a positive and negative side. In as much as they are important to a person’s social life, they might as well have detrimental effects on the person. This is the same case as movies and novels. Although these video games and other art forms are important art forms in society, they might be used in the wrong context. In addition, these might bear negative content, which might be detrimental to their audience. Therefore, the interpretation of this is that, it is wrong to disregard video games as art forms on the grounds of its negative effects in society, since other art forms also do have their particular dark sides. All art forms have a degree of negative impacts in society, but the fact remains that the negative side of video games has been capitalized on, to propagate and continue its controversy in society.

            In order to prove video games an art, the players must approach video games, with the kind of approach that is given to other art forms. People create art, and it shows characteristics of the creators’ innovativeness and originality. Art requires skill; therefore, the players of video games must prove their skills in playing video games. They therefore, should play the video games with high technicality and interpret them creatively. In addition, art has an emotional effect on people. Therefore, video game players must as well relate to this. There are different makers of video games in the world today. However, the countries that produce the most video games are Japan and America. Although America tops all other countries in video game production, different countries produce different types of video games. Nonetheless, video games can be produced in any country, and their production is not tied to America alone.

            I learnt from my childhood friend that one might play video games at different times, whether day or night, depending on the player themselves. However, Blissel confessed to playing video games whenever he felt, and would take long hours playing them. Nonetheless, one should have self-control while playing video games, to avoid getting addicted to them, as this is inappropriate. Video games were created for different purposes. Nonetheless, since this belong to the entertainment industry, it is right to consider entertainment, as the main purpose of video games. Other purposes include the development of critical thinking in people, as well as the enhancement of intelligence level in children.

Players of video games play the video games in different ways, depending on the type of the video game. However, generally, the first step is to choose the video game system one is interested in. This depends on an individual’s choice and taste, cost, and the type of system available to an individual. Secondly, while on the system, one chooses the game they wish to play. These can be found online by browsing different sites, including Facebook. One might also read about types of video games on magazines. The next step is for one to set up the game system. Different video games are set up differently; therefore, one might use the manual or instructions to set up the video game system. If online, one might choose to play the game online. If it is a home console, one simply connects to the TV. After putting the disk in the right slot, one follows the instructions on the manual, in order to play the selected game. Manuals are important for the first-timers. Those who have mastered playing video games rarely use manuals (“Kotaku” WEB).

As Blissel argued in his book, video games are significant in a person’s social life. First, this can be taken up as a hobby. Blissel argued that video games lead the player into another world of their own, which makes them relax their minds, and forget about their little worries. This is the same effect novels have on people. When reading a novel, one goes into his or her own world, which the author has created in the novel. Video games also impart critical thinking skills and enhance intelligence levels of young players. This is a characteristic of most art forms, as they all influence positively on the development of a person.

If video games were accepted wholly as a form of art, different things would change in society. As of today, most parents restrict their children from playing video games, due to the negative perceptions they have toward them. However, if video games were to be accepted by everyone, including the critics, as an essential art form, this might see more people play video games, including those who previously had reservations toward them. Additionally, the negative side of video games might be more pronounced, since people will have more freedom to play video games. Some might therefore, take advantage of this opportunity, and engage in inappropriate manners of using video games. While some people would be addicted to them, others would choose to play video games with violent content or other inappropriate themes. Therefore, although the US government considers video games as an art form, most people are yet to embrace this reality.

 

 

Works Cited

 “Kotaku.” Video Game Instructional Manual. 2013. Web. Viewed 28 February 2013

< http://kotaku.com/5911869/how-to-play-video-games>

“Smithsonian American Art Museum.” The Art of Video Games. March 16, 2012 – September

30, 2012. Web. Viewed 28 February 2013 <http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/>

“The Guardian.” Are video games art: the debate that shouldn’t be. 28 February 2013. Web.

Viewed 28 February 2013 <http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2012/dec/06/video-games-as-art>

Blissel, Tom. Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter. New York: Vintage Books, 2011.Print.

Jewell, Catherine. “Video Games: 21^st Century Art.” Wipo Magazine. 2012. Web. Viewed 28

February 2013 <http://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2012/04/article_0003.html>

Tassi, Paul. “Video Games Now Legally Considered an Art Form in the US.” Forbes. 5 May

2011. Web. Viewed 28 February 2013

<http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2011/05/12/video-games-now-legally-considered-an-art-form-in-the-us/>

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