Human Resource Management of Sonoco Company Assignment

Human Resource Management of Sonoco Company - Assignment Example The paper tells that in around 1990, there was the problem of globalization which resulted to growth and competitive challenges. This globalization made heavy manufacturing to move from United States to countries where there was cheap labor. By that time, countries like China and India had cheap labor. Consolidation was another major problem. This was brought about by United States overcapacities which lead to increase of the market share of packaging companies from 40 % to 60 %. Consolidation also led to segmentation of domestic consumer markets which in turn led to products being tailored to the preferences of distinct groups of consumers. The beverages and food industries were highly affected by this. In addition, more attention was being given to packaging’s role in branding. To some extent, this led to standardization of seven to eight versions of products instead of one or two. As a matter of fact, in traditional retail, advertising was less influential as compared to pa ckaging. Packaging was considered to retain and woo more customers when compared to advertisement. A strategy was to be set in order to give the packaging companies the responsibilities of equipping themselves to changes in dime. This would ensure the packaging companies to compete towards use of new or emerging technologies and application of innovative tools as well as ability to speed development. This made many of the packaging companies to use sophisticated equipments in investment in order to handle abrupt changes in product design. By that time, many manufacturing companies started using one- stop- shop concept in order to consolidate their stables of suppliers. This led to a great improvement. Some companies like Hershey had spent many years on hundreds of packaging suppliers but after the concept, 80 % of their packaging needs were met by only 20 suppliers. This helped the company in the human resource management because of shortened production and delivery cycle (Case stud y task two). Impact of changes to Sonoco’s strategy These changes will help Sonoco follow sophisticated and coordinated marketing strategies. The approach will ensure a single point of contact within the firm to coordinate all the business needs of large customers. These will also result to satisfaction of the public and large customers e.g. Procter & Gamble, and Nestle. Sonoco has a great problem in supply management. Through the changes, they will manage to reduce the numbers of the suppliers and hence good management of human resource management in the company. If they adopt one- stop- shop concept, they will be able to consolidate their stables to suppliers. In addition, the company will compete with other companies in speeding development through the use of new or emerging technologies and application of innovative tools. Just like other company, Sonoco will be able to use sophisticated equipments in investment and hence handle abrupt changes in product design. Sonoco Co mpany will also increase its market share and hence a good chance of increasing its production. This will mark a good start for expansion making the company come up with strategies of improving the human resource management due to increased employees. Addition of employees calls for removal of manipulations in terms of performance ratings.

Health Informatics and Emerging Technologies Research Paper

Health Informatics and Emerging Technologies - Research Paper Example Electronic Health Record (HER) is a form of a longitudinal computerized health record that comprises of digitalized health information about a population or individual patients (Smaltz, 2007). Statement The health data in electronic form is generated and stored in medical institutions with the help of microchips, smart cards, etc. Then, such records can be accessed or be shared across within several healthcare settings through a network connection of information systems. The data contained in such records are in summary form and may include; laboratory test results, billing information, medical history and other essential medical data. This advancement in technology in medical field has enabled competent health record keeping, streamlined work flow, quality management, and safety and evidence based decision with supporting documents. Effective maintenance of electronic health records is a key component for the efficient functioning of healthcare organizations. As these records contai ns very sensitive information and personal details about the patients, leakage of which could adversely affect the patients’ personal as well as the professional life and also the organization’s standing. However, there are certain disadvantages with this Health informatics based system particularly related to high cost involved in installing and implementing the system, legal issues, etc. Although, there are demerits, there are many more merits for this system, and this paper will discuss how those merits can aid in the optimal functioning of Healthcare organizations. In addition, even the demerits can be managed, if correct steps are taken. Reduced Health Care Costs Imaging is a major contributor towards the increase in health care costs. Irrespective of the medical insurance safeguards, spending on imaging makes a lot of people avoid accessing medical services. However, this problem can become a thing of the past if the health care providers adopt the electronic hea lth records system, as it is an effective way of averting the normal at the same time expensive duplicating imaging procedures. Apart from the cost factor, by going for electronic storing and transfer of imaging outputs will also increase the efficiency of the doctors in correct diagnosis. This was validated by a study conducted by Garrido et al. (2005) in Colorado and Northwest regions of Kaiser Permanente, a US integrated healthcare delivery system, using the population of 367, 795 members in the Colorado region and 449, 728 members in the Northwest region as the sample size. The results showed that after â€Å"more recent increases in general use of imaging inside and outside Kaiser Permanente†¦The chief of radiology in the Colorado region believed strongly that availability of electronic records to all carers improved interpretation of films.† (Garrido et al. 2005). Storage of physical records requires large amount of space which translate to expensive storage, costs which can be easily cut down with the usage of EHRs. In addition, physical medical records may be stored in different areas and therefore induces the cost of transporting them where they are required. Bringing them to a single location for usage by health care providers is not only time consuming but also costly. Some times such records might be needed in multiple locations at the same time whereby there must be faxing or transporting costs incurred. All these can be taken care of by using the EHRs. Quality Health

Motivating Culturally Diverse Workforce in an Organization Essay Example for Free

Motivating Culturally Diverse Workforce in an Organization Essay Culturally Diverse Workforce in an Organization Muhammad Junaid Murshed Southern New Hampshire University Abstract In this research paper, I will be discussing some of the methods that may be used to effectively motivate a culturally diverse workforce in an organization. At first, I will present a brief introduction to motivation, some of the well-known motivational theories and cultural diversity. Then, I will look into a few reasons for demotivation among the workforce of an organization, followed by some of the distinguished and effective motivational techniques that may be utilized to ascertain and/or deal with the same, citing real-life examples. Finally, I will conclude the paper with a brief summary of the key points discussed in the paper together-with a personal opinion about the effectiveness of the motivational methods discussed above. â€Å"Motivation is defined as the desire to achieve a goal or a certain performance level, leading to goal-directed behavior† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 97). As can be seen from the above statement motivation may be directly linked to performance. Although the direct correlation, motivation alone may not be sufficient to elicit the desired result. This is so, as, it (motivation) usually is influenced by factors such as an individual’s ability (p. 97) to perform the task and the resources available (p. 97) to him/her to aid in achieving the objective(s). â€Å"Culture refers to values, beliefs, and customs that exist in a society† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 40). â€Å"Diversity refers to the ways in which people are similar or different from each other† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 9). The world consists of various different cultures (p. 40) entailing a diverse (p. 29) population base i. e. in terms of age, gender, race, religion, physical abilities etc. Therefore, motivating (p. 97) individuals require understanding their descent first, as, it is most likely to influence the dominant need in their personality. With the passing of time many scientists, philosophers and psychologists have developed various theories to explain and enhance an individual’s motivational level. For the purpose of my research paper, I will be focusing on some of it, namely, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (p. 00), the ERG theory (p. 101), the two-factor theory, the acquired-needs theory (p. 102) and the self-determination theory to base my comparisons and/or conclusions to cultural diversity. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs â€Å"The theory is based on a simple premise: Human beings have needs that are hierarchically ranked. There are some needs that are basic to all human beings, and in their absence nothing else matters. As we satisfy these basic needs, we start looking to satisfy higher order needs† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 99). Physiological needs: â€Å"The need for air, food, and water† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Safety needs: â€Å"The need to be free from danger and pain† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Social needs: â€Å"The needs of bonding with other human beings, being loved, and forming lasting attachments with them† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Esteem needs: â€Å"The desire to be respected by one’s peers, feel important, and be appreciated† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Self-actualization need: â€Å"The need to become all you are capable of becoming† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 00). ERG theory â€Å"ERG theory, developed by Clayton Alderfer, is a modification of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Instead of the five needs that are hierarchically organized, Alderfer proposed that basic human needs maybe grouped under three categories, namely, existence, relatedness, and growth† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Existence: â€Å"A need corresponding to Maslow’s physiological and safety needs† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Relatedness: â€Å"A need corresponding to Maslow’s social needs† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Growth: â€Å"A need referring to Maslow’s esteem and self-actualization† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Two-factor theory â€Å"By asking individuals what satisfies them on the job and what dissatisfies them, Herzberg came to the conclusion that aspects of the work environment that satisfy employees are very different from aspects that dissatisfy them† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Acquired-needs theory â€Å"According to this theory, individuals acquire three types of needs as a result of their life experiences. These needs are the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, and the need for power. All individuals possess a combination of these needs, and the dominant needs are thought to drive employee behavior† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 102). Self-determination theory â€Å"Self-Determination Theory (SDT) represents a broad framework for the study of human motivation and personality. SDT articulates a meta-theory for framing motivational studies, a formal theory that defines intrinsic and varied extrinsic sources of motivation, and a description of the respective roles of intrinsic and types of extrinsic motivation in cognitive and social development and in individual differences†. Bibliography: 1. Bauer T. Erdogan B. (2010) Demographic Diversity. Organizational Behavior, 29. 2. Bauer T. Erdogan B. (2010) Cultural Diversity. Organizational Behavior, 40. 3. Bauer T. Erdogan B. (2010) Theories of Motivation. Organizational Behavior, 97. 4. Bauer T. Erdogan B. (2010) Theories of Motivation: Need-Based Theories of Motivation. Organizational Behavior, 100-102. 5. Self-Determination Theory: An Approach to Human Motivation Personality. Retrieved from http://www. selfdeterminationtheory. org/theory

Genting Groups Corporate Social Responsibility Practices

Genting Groups Corporate Social Responsibility Practices Effective Implementation of CSR practices In order to remain financially viable and operationally sustainable, sustainable development policies on four basic pillars are centred by Genting Group – Environment, Marketplace, Workplace and Community.  (Sustainability report 2011) ENVIRONMENT Genting Group has long made the protection and preservation of the environment an integral part of their corporate philosophy and business policy. Maintaining a responsible approach to the environment and nature particularly in the conservation of natural resources, waste management and preservation of the flora and fauna are committed by them. Moreover, steps to prevent environmental pollution and conserve energy, water consumption and waste generation are taken from years to years.  (Sustainability report 2011, annual report 2010) (i) Energy Efficiency In year 2010, significant management time in identifying and testing the energy efficiency solutions that would deliver the biggest CO2 savings within an affordable capital programme was invested. In 2011, several conservation and efficiency improvements measures were implemented by Genting Group. These included replacing conventional lights with energy saving lights and the replacement of metal halide spotlights with induction lamps. Their diesel conservation projects are aimed at alleviating the depletion of their natural resources and air pollution. All their pump house diesel engines have been replaced with electrical motors which reduces the diesel consumption to approximately 2.4 million litters per year.  (Sustainability report 2011, annual report 2011) (ii) Waste Management 3R (Reduce, reuse, and recycle) programme and scheduled waste management are implemented. â€Å"Reduce† is achieved by using long-life energy saving lights, reusable cutleries and chemical tanks. â€Å"Reuse† is achieved by using re-using waste paper for printing and back office usage. â€Å"Recycle† is achieved by waste segregation at source and waste delivery according to types of waste. Vermin-composing to turn food waste into organic fertiliser is practised by the Group. Standard guidelines for the management of solid and scheduled wastes are also outlined by the Genting Group waste management. The procedures ensure that the wastes are properly identified, segregated, handled, transported and disposed off in line with the environmental policy, legal and other requirements. The EHS Committee ensures waste management processes are regularly audited in compliance with set standards.  (Sustainability report in year 2011) MARKETPLACE The Group adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance. It is done by operating with integrity, transparency and accountability with the aim of enhancing shareholder value and achieving sustainable business growth. We abide by the principles of honesty and professionalism in all our business dealings. Many of Genting Group’s environmental and social impacts are derived from activities in their supply chain. The strategy to minimise negative impact is basically done by controlling whom they buy the products from, their method of purchase and what their buy. The Group’s corporate website, www.genting.com is also a source of information on corporate and business activities. Annual reports, press releases, quarterly results, announcements and investor presentations are made publicly available on the website. The Group participates regularly in international and local investor forums.  (Sustainability report 2011) (i) ’Go Green’ Programme Lower transportation and packaging cost, lower emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and less fuel consumption food, locally-grown food is purchased by the Genting Group. Their cost-effective measures which make sure the freshness of their products also lend economic stability to the local buyers and farming community.  (Sustainability report 2011) (ii) Support Environment Friendly Proper disposal of the hazardous and environmentally unfriendly products are stipulated by The Environmental Quality Act 1974. To this effect, Genting Group has used the services of Green Seal certified companies to implement an environmental management system for their business.  (Sustainability report 2011) (iii) Self-Exclusion Programme Personal well-being of their guests was committed by Genting Group and they had implemented the Self-Exclusion Programme, whereby guests with a compulsion to gamble are free to have themselves prohibited from Casino. A Gaming Room has been introduced for this purpose. (Sustainability report 2011, Annual report 2009) WORKPLACE A global workforce of over 19,000 employees is owned by Genting Group. At GENM, they regard the commitment and creativity of their employees, a safe and good working atmosphere and efficient working practices as essential pre-requisites for achieving business success and maintaining a good reputation.  (Sustainability report 2011) (i) Employee Development An evolutionary progression and logical step for Genting Group’s talent management practice was marked in year 2011. As a key pre-requisite for sustainable international expansion, increasing the standards of assessing and developing employees and increasing the level of professionalism were embarked by them; a realm commonly plagued with subjective evaluations. Different talks and campaigns for the development of our senior management were organised in year 2011. Most of the talks are about engagement between the companies and their people into committing to a compelling cause behind the organisation’s mission and core values, and how it curbs behaviour and creates the return of shareholders.  (Sustainability report 2011, annual report 2009) (ii) Safe Workplace Protecting the health and safety of human resources and the public by giving them a good environment is also important for the Genting Group. In cooperation with health and safety experts, they organise monthly Occupational Safety Health (OSH) Talks to reduce the accidents in the respective workplace. One of the policies is ‘No-Smoking Policy’ has been introduced to reduce numbers of dangerous incidents. Besides that, it is also used to show the policy and emphasis how serious they view this matter, regular joint ‘No-Smoking Enforcement’ was organised by the OSH Section with the Management. It was done during the random checks in the area of the building.  (Sustainability report 2010) COMMUNITY A priority for Genting Group at GENM and philanthropic contribution is remained by community development and it is one of the ways they support the various community development activities, infrastructure support to local communities, the underprivileged, disability groups and NGOs. Contributions are made different ways throughout the year. For example, employee volunteerism, carried out through the GENM We CARE Team and the Awana We CARE Teams in order to encourage and provide an avenue for employees within the organisation to give whatever they have for the betterment of the society.  (Sustainability report 2011) (i) Services to Communities Genting Group’s contributions reach out to different sectors of the community. In the year 2011, different types of helps to various groups and sectors in the community were contributed. They included the Malaysian Liver Foundation, OrphanCare Baby Hatch Programme, and Malaysia Diabetes Association so on and so forth. They also undertook the Roti 1Malaysia Charity Project, a joint collaboration with 20 hotels in the Klang Valley, which involved the distribution of bread orphanages and homes.  (Sustainability report 2011, annual report 2009) (ii) Underprivileged and Disability Groups In their continuous effort to support the underprivileged community, 71 homes and charitable organisations were contributed during the various festivals 2011 celebrations. This is in addition to their year-long contributions to the various charitable homes and organisations as well as the underprivileged and marginalised communities. Over the year, they have donated more than 4,000 individuals at the Resort and Theme Park for a programme of activities, meals and merry-making.  (Sustainability report 2010) (iii) Education Genting Group sees education as an important part of making brighter future for everyone. Programmes, training sessions and educational endeavours that have been designed to ensure the younger generation gain more knowledge. For instances, the sponsorship of 1,000 helmets for school children for the Road Safety Campaign organised by the Bentong District Council. The campaign minimise road accidents among school children.  (Sustainability report 2010) (iv) Sports Genting Group too believes that sporting activities are needed to help groom an athletic nation. GENM contributes substantially to help organisations and ministries execute various sporting events. GENM is one of the main sponsors. They provided funds to the Football Association of Malaysia, Selangor Tennis Association in year 2011 and The Malaysia Netball Association for instances.  (Annual report 2010, Sustainability report 2011)

Julius Caesar Essay -- essays research papers

How Betrayal Led to Downfall in Julius Caesar   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare shows how friends often betray each other. Julius Caesar is about to be crowned king of Rome, when some well-known Romans decide that it is not a good idea for this to happen. They form a conspiracy and kill Caesar. Brutus, an honorable Roman and a very good friend of Caesar’s, betrays Caesar by killing him for the good of Rome. Antony, Caesar’s best friend and another honorable Roman, betrays Brutus by turning against the conspirators. Cassius, a respected Roman, and Brutus betray each other by arguing and destroying their friendship. All this betraying lead to many deaths in the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Brutus betrayed Caesar for the good of Rome by killing him, he had no idea that he would regret it later on in his life. Brutus wanted to kill Caesar because he thought that if Caesar became king, he would forget who his real friends are and he would not pay attention to them. He also thought that Caesar would become too powerful and therefore did not want him to be king. This is shown when Portia says, â€Å"†¦Brutus hath a suit / that Caesar will not grant†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (2.4.41-42). Although Brutus had a clear conscience, the people of Rome did not. This eventually led to Brutus being driven out of Rome by the citizens. Not being associated with Rome anymore made Brutus’ life worse and he eventually took his own life as the only way to...

The Partiality Of Wholeness :: essays research papers

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/vaksam/">Sam Vaknin's Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web Sites Religious people believe in the existence of a supreme being. It has many attributes but two of the most striking are that it seems to both encompass and to pervade everything. Judaic sources are in the habit of saying that we all have a "share of the upper divine soul". Put more formally, we can say that we are both part of a Whole and permeated by it. But what are the relationships between the parts and the Whole? They could be either formal (a word in a sentence, for instance) or physical (a neurone in our brain, for instance). A formal relationship entails an impairment of the truth value of a sentence / proposition / theorem / syllogism with the removal of one or more of its parts. As a result, a part could be reconstructed to fit into an impaired Whole once the formal relationships (and the derivative truth value) are known. Things are pretty much the same in the physical realm: the removal of the part renders the Whole - NOT Whole (in the functional sense, in the structural sense, or in both senses). A part is immediately discernible: it is always smaller (size, mass, weight) than the Whole and it always possesses the potential to contribute to the functioning / role of the Whole. The part need not be active to qualify as a part - yet, it requires the potential to be active to do so. In other words : the Whole is defined by its parts - their sum, their synergy, their structure, their functions. Even where epiphenomena occur - it is inconceivable to deal with them without resorting to some discussion of the parts in their relationships with the Whole. But the parts are also defined by their context, by the Whole. It is by observing their place in the hyperstructure, interactions with other parts and general function of the Whole that we can assign the title ("parts") to them. There are no parts without a Whole. In this sense, it seems that parts and Wholes are nothing but language conventions, a way that we chose to describe the world that was compatible with our evolutionary and survival goals and with our sensory input. If this is so, then, being defined by each other, parts and Wholes are inefficient, cyclical, recursive, in short: tautological modes of relating to the world.

Social Media Essay

Writing Assignment: Social Media Essay. 3-4page paper: This paper is in three parts: 1) Discuss the social media in general, what it is, who uses it, how does it affect business; Social networking sites are based on the internet using by the computer, smartphone, or tablet that you able to access through Wi-Fi from anywhere. Companies use for improve teamwork or close to customers. Friends and families able to share pictures or greeting messages even they far apart. Everyone able to receive and share their personal interest and updated news. The social media is based on the internet with virtual communities that allowed people to share information, picture, or video. Definitely, social media does have more positive affect for individuals and companies. Today, however, there are always two sides of a coin. The individual account with social media is highly risk for security with person information. Facebook, blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, and podcasts are some of the social media that companies use to inform and persuade the public, to generate goodwill, and to build a positive brand awareness. 2) How do you use social media? Like and what I don’t like to use The great thing on the social media is a real-time update news. Another my favorite from the social media is sharing pictures within specific groups or public. However, most social media sites are connected world-wide. So it is never stop updating the message. Without self-control, it could disrupting personal daily task and routine. Also, social media sites using mostly slangs with comments such as lol, sth, asap, or more. Moreover, people use bullying or bitter word to hurt someone with anonymously comments. And, it has possible to reveal personal private life to unknown person who could use  for voice phishing. For example, my friend’s sister had phishing scam last year when she travel with friends. She posted some pictures on social network site that she was not in home. By somehow, the swindler found out and called their parents to asked ransom. 3) What are the different interesting and out of the way conversations going on in social media– that the general public may not know so much about– Also, discuss various mediums and methods to get one’s message across. For example, YouTube – advertising longer than public advertisement on television. What are the advantages and challenges? Also, how would you proceed with your virtual company using social media? Through social media for our iContol, I like to have announce experiential marketing for free to use about three to six months our product and first 100 people. Furthermore, our company can keep in touch with those 100 people’s feedbacks about product and service. In the conclusion, discuss which medium is preferred and why, how would you maximize its effects? Due Week 8 (submit under Week 8 Assignments)