Littlest Tigers

With rapid increase of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), the economies of Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea have earned the reputation of being the â€Å"Four Little Tigers† of Asia. These four countries, primarily under the influence of Chinese culture had shown rapid industrialization in the decades of 1960s and the 1990s. Since the twenty-first century these four states have come under the category of ‘developed’ states. These countries, which are now developed, had adopted an export-oriented pattern of development. Production for domestic use was discouraged by way of high tariffs. This, accompanied by emphasis on public education, went a long way in ensuring sustained rate of double-digit growth for many decades. Education enabled these countries to produce cheap, but productive workforce, which became their strength. Egalitarianism was encouraged by way of land reforms, which ensured that peasants were never left dissatisfied. The above-mentioned measures brought a lot of economic benefit to these countries. They soon discovered that they had a favorable balance of trade. Though these countries had mostly non-democratic political systems in the initial years, yet they managed to ensure high rate of savings amongst their citizens. This was possible by focusing exports mainly to richer industrialized countries. ‘Tigers’ symbolize freedom, strength and bravery. These four nations, in spite of poor economic conditions, had been bold enough to allow a completely free economic system. Their openness and manpower produced great results. Ranked according to GDP; South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore are placed at 12th, 21st, 36th and 44th respectively. According to the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom published in 2007: Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea hold the 1st, 2nd, 26th and 36th ranks respectively. References Asia's Four Little Tigers: a comparison of the role of education in their development http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/cced/1996/00000032/00000001/art00006 Industrialization and Welfare: The Case of the Four Little Tigers by James Midgley http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9515.1986.tb00253.x `Four Tigers' offer varied opportunities for U.S. firms http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/1996/09/30/focus2.html   

The Tried and True Method for Overweight Essay Topics in Step by Step Detail

The Tried and True Method for Overweight Essay Topics in Step by Step Detail Overweight and obesity in kids and adults is an international epidemic. It is a major problem with it affecting children as well as adults. Volunteers Races wouldn't be possible without amazing volunteers. Standard exercise and change of diet can significantly enhance our wellness and well being and lessen the amount of health risks. Everything is dependent upon general state of well-being and reasons of overweight. If you're overweight or obese and want to get pregnant, speak to your medical care provider about slimming down first. In the past 20 decades, the obesity problems in the United States of america has come to be an extremely considerable problem. With regression to the mean several previously not obese folks will get obese merely since they live in an increasingly overweight society. Small changes in their everyday diets can have large help permitting you to reduce childhood obesity. Some folks continue to overeat as a normal routine within their everyday diet. Most people wouldn't look at that 5 pounds overweight is an important risk factor to their wellness. Becoming overweight can have an effect on penis health and may also create different challenges in bed. Becoming overweight doesn't necessarily imply extra fat. Becoming overweight also raises the risk of oligospermia and azoospermia in men. Becoming overweight or obese can make it more difficult to breathe and sleep. Only cats don't have the identical competition for food a multi-cat household might have. In addition, if your dog is severely overweight, your vet may have to help you design a custom made weight reduction program for your pet. Rather half an ho ur of physical activity helps not just to slim down but in addition give many additional benefits to the overweight individuals. If you improve your wellbeing and get rid of weight in the very long term then you may make sure you never secure erectile dysfunction. Though the main reason for obesity is underlying disorders, nevertheless, it's also closely linked to people lifestyles also. Well, there's a health definition of obesity, along with for the term overweight. If you're at risk for type two diabetes, losing weight can help stop or delay the start of diabetes. A few of the diseases that form as a consequence of being overweight include Blount's disease. Finding Overweight Essay Topics on the Web Surplus weight on your entire body causes unwanted metabolic results on your insulin levels and blood pressure. The reason for overweight conditions is whenever the energy intake from foods in greater than that which the body requirements. Becoming overweight is a significan t condition that could lead to many different maladies. Men and women that are overweight or obese often have health problems that might raise the risk for heart disease. Cancer happens when cells in 1 part of the human body, like the colon, grow abnormally or out of control. Without the appropriate sleep, the body can't adjust, making the individual's health system unstable, which may lead to hunger. On the flip side, drinking more water might be the pure result of a life-style shift. Possessing a sizable body size may boost blood pressure because your heart should pump more difficult to supply blood to all of your cells. To say that overweight is the consequence of overeating is similar to saying that a fire is the end result of a match. Often overweight men may realize that their penis appears to get shrunk in length a little. If you're overweight then it is probable your blood vessels aren't in optimum form. Heart disease is the major cause of death in the usa. You have to find the right set up for your house and get it installed. Thus, it's extremely important to look after the phone carefully. If you own a friend or relative who's over weight, don't forget to be kind. If you're overweight or obese you are most likely to have overweight or obese pals. Unfortunately neither statement is wholly correct. Then use the table below to figure out if you weigh too much. The Nuiances of Overweight Essay Topics Make it your weight-loss success story. Losing weight might help you reduce your blood pressure. Then you know you're gaining weight. Weight that is higher than that which is regarded as a wholesome weight for any given height is described as overweight or obese.

Bookstore Sample Business Plan - 4651 Words

Project in TLE IV BOOKKEEPING BUSINESS PLAN â€Å"TWICE SOLD TALES BOOKSTORE† by: IRENE F. RETITA 407 to: SIR MANNY LACHICA Bookkeeping Adviser Table of Contents Section 1 - Executive Summary 2 * Introduction 2 * Company 2 * Products/Services 2 * Market†¦show more content†¦Our facility is a former 8,000 square ft. furniture store which allows the company to stock a large amount of inventory. Products/Services Twice Sold Tales will offer a wide range of book, magazine, and music selections. This includes just about every conceivable category including fiction, non-fiction, business, science, children s, hobbies, collecting, and other types of books. Our music selection will concentrate on CD s as these are the most popular and take up the least amount of floor space. In addition, we will be offering a competitive buy and trade service to assist in lowering our inventory acquisition costs and making our store more attractive to our customers. In addition, we offer a search and order service for customer seeking to find hard to get items. Twice Sold Tales will have a relaxed reading room type atmosphere that we will encourage through the placement of chairs, couches, etc. Market Our market is facing a decline in growth over the past two years. This is attributed to the overall weak economy. Book store industry sales rose only 3.6% for last year whereas overall Philippines retail sales grew by 4.3%. However, management believes that this may be an advantage to the used bookstore industry. As customers cut back on purchasing, used bookstores will look more attractive to customers who still wish to purchase books. Therefore, management believes this may be a good time to get into the industryShow MoreRelatedInformation About The Housing Patterns, Libraries And Bookstores, Food Resources, Hospitals, And Healthcare Providers1194 Words   |  5 Pagesand bookstores, food resources, hospitals and healthcare providers, social and community agencies, recreational settings, and activities located in this community and its impact on equity. The method used to gather information about the community in the attendance zone for Richard J Wilson Elementary School was throu gh a community walk and other data resources. The equity audit was developed to gather knowledge of all the limitations and resources that communities have and to develop a plan of actionRead MoreFct Case Analysis1021 Words   |  5 PagesCompetitors The competitors that carry identical products to the ones that are included within the backpack are Bureau en Gros, Walmart, Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, big box discount stores, small and medium sized independent retailers, and in-school bookstores. S.No Functionalities Competitors Pros and Cons of services offered 1 Retails and Other big stores Bureau en Gros and Walmart Low and competitive prices Multiple stores Convenient Customized supplies may not be available Read MoreHr Map13642 Words   |  55 PagesLearning and development roles are rarely a ‘first career’. Often we spend a few years developing expertise in a technical area or operational role and then move gradually towards helping others to gain the same expertise. This creates a sort A free sample chapter from Introduction to Learning and Development Practice. by Kathy Beevers and Andrew Rea Published by the CIPD. Copyright  © CIPD 2010 All rights reserved; no part of this excerpt may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmittedRead MoreFake Business Plan-Used in Deca5091 Words   |  21 PagesWorms Anonymous is a bookstore in the Southwest Missouri area. It is the goal of the marketing team to acquire the local market share in the music and bookstore industry through low prices, variety of products, a comprehensive amount of services that include buyback and trade programs, and a relaxing, friendly environment that encourages reading. B.W.A will be an S corporation in the state of Missouri. The company will be jointly supported by Ms. Marta Mackey and her business associate Tim LouderbackRead MoreCase Analysis: Leadership Online: Barnes Noble vs. Amazon.Com3556 Words   |  15 PagesNoble vs. Amazon.com Answer all three questions. 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Thus, BrainJuice is most certainly the healthy alternative to all of the processed pills and drinks that students, athletes and employees use to maintain focus, making the future bright for BrainJuice moving forward. BrainJuice’s image and revenues will definitely transition majorly upon the release of the following marketing plan, as AlphaWave Lab looks to move into a totally new directionRead MoreA Letter For Student Affairs1538 Words   |  7 Pagesmoment I had never felt more betrayed by anyone at this school than I did right there at the salad bar. Next, I immediately consulted everyone in the rec center that night even the students who were not in my immediate group of friends. Although the sample size of the survey taken that evening was small compared to the entire student body between my group and all other patrons we are well represented and a carbon copy of the diverse student body of the school, ranging from black, white, Asian, IndianRead MoreCambridge Software Corporation2033 Words   |  9 PagesHarvard Business School 9-191-072 Rev. June 17, 1993 Cambridge Software Corporation â€Å"If we don’t decide soon, Paula, your people won’t have time to make changes in the software and to write the documentation for the student version, and my people won’t have time to publicize the software at colleges and with professors. It’s already Thanksgiving; any further delay, and we won’t be ready for the next academic year.† Tony Atkinson, the new product manager at Cambridge Software Corporation (CSC)

The Beginning of Our United States Essay examples

The Beginning of Our United States The British government had enormous problems after the enduring victory over France in the Seven Years War. The Seven Years War had virtually doubled the national public debt, and the attainment of half the territory in North America had vastly compounded the problems of controlling the empire. These circumstances required new revenues for the empire, and the ruling circles in Great Britain believed that the colonists were best able to provide the necessary funds to re-pay the national public debt (American History [Vol. 1] p.123). Accordingly, measures to secure enforcement of the Navigation Acts, which excluded all non-British ships from the colonial carrying trade, were adopted by the†¦show more content†¦1] pg. 132-33). Although Parliament refused to recognize the adoption by the Congress of a petition of rights, privileges, and grievances, the Stamp Act was repealed in 1766 (Encarta: Stamp Act, 1999). After a change in leadership in the British government, the polic y of imposing direct taxes on the American colonies was revised in 1767. Parliament approved a series of measures, that were known as the Townshend Acts, which among other things, levied modest customs duties on tea, paper, lead, paint, and glass (Encarta: Boston Massacre, 1999). Colonial resistance to the Townshend Acts included, boycotts of British goods, intercolonial expressions of disapproval, and in Massachusetts, open defiance of the British government by the town of Boston and the General Court (Encyclopedia.com: Boston Massacre, 1994). In 1768 Great Britain transferred two regiments of troops to Boston in response to the seditious sentiments prevalent in Massachusetts. However, this action merely served to intensify the anti-British feelings there (Encarta: Boston Massacre, 1999). Finally, on March 5, 1770, a group of British soldiers who were protecting the Kings tax collectors from being tarred and feathered, fired on a hostile crowd, producing the first bloodshed of the struggle (Encyclopedia.com: Boston Massacre, 1994). Primarily due to changed political circumstances in Great Britain, Parliament in 1770 repealed all the Townshend Act duties except theShow MoreRelatedEconomics Of The Gold Standard Debate963 Words   |  4 PagesGold Standard Debate Beginning in 1870, each nation converted their national currencies to their relative worth in gold. This was called the Gold Standard and it has brought up many arguments between politicians, businessmen, and organizations with prominent economists on whether or not to return to it. Although there are multiple reasons why America should not return, there are also many resurfaced ideas that would make it very profitable for us to do so. The United States abandoned the gold standardRead MoreThe World s Foreign Policy1593 Words   |  7 Pagesalliances, the arming of nations, and the deep seated hatred still present from past loses were all too present. In late July of 1914 the powder keg that was Europe would erupt and the countries would be pushed into the fires of war. However, the United States of America would stand on the sideline for some time before becoming involved in an affair they had no care to be in. Come 1917 the U.S. would enter the war though, aiding its Western Europe an allies in their fight against Germany and the TripleRead MoreThe Importance of Foreign Relationships to the United States of America1493 Words   |  6 Pagesto the United States of America With the world balancing on the edge of destruction, foreign relationships are extremely important to the United States of America. 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Kennedy968 Words   |  4 Pagesfamous inaugural addresses in our country’s history. In his inaugural address, Kennedy spoke of the United States making some sort change in the world. Kennedy not only called upon Americans, but also others from different nations asking for their support in joining in peace for mankind’s success. Kennedy encouraged citizens to defend their freedom and presented his ideals for presidency for a time of change. In his speech, Kennedy gives the citizens of the United States a se nse of safety which reassuredRead MoreAnalysis Of The Right Road To America By Amy Chua816 Words   |  4 Pageshow the United States could become unglued from its true meaning, and how citizens can fix this imminent problem. The information in this text is significant, especially in today’s society. With all of the issues about immigration coinciding with our current president, this text relates to current subjects American’s are facing. 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Kennedy’s speech was about how if America was to thrive, it needs to reform foreign policy. The speech provides a strong appeal to citizens of the United States of America and many people in other countries. I agree with Kennedy’s attitude and view that if America is to be the place of wonder that foreign countries make it out to be, then foreign policy changes need to take affect The inaugural addressRead MoreThe Articles Of Confederation And The Early Formation Of The United States933 Words   |  4 PagesNo matter what it is the beginning of a new business or anything there are going to be bumps in the road. Starting a new country will have the same problems. This was apparent in the early formation of this great country. Weather it be differences in the way the people thing the country should be run, and the mistakes on how it actually works. The political parties have the conflicts that show we are going to have to grow, and adapt to an ever-changing society. 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Kudler fine foods and the relevant market research Free Essays

Kovacic, et al (2003) wrote a paper about the research they made which details how the group relied on a market research study to see if the product that they would like to sell, kulen in particular, to their target market including European countries like Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Through the market research they were able to find sufficient reason to launch a market test and eventually a full scale export operation, largely because of the use of market research. Like Kovacic, Kudler Fine Food’s company is also engaged in the sale of organic food to a particular target market. We will write a custom essay sample on Kudler fine foods and the relevant market research or any similar topic only for you Order Now And while Kovacic has not started with the business and Kudler Fine Food already has, it does not make market research any less significant for any of the two. Kudler Fine Foods was able to put together a very sound marketing strategy and tactics that it uses to further improve its performance in the business front because of its effective implementation of market research.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Without the market research, Kudler Fine Food’s company is close to groping in the dark since the market research provided Kudler Fine Foods company several important information that it needs to know wherein marketing strategy and tactics greatly depend. Through the inclusion of the inputs of market research Kudler Fine Foods was able to detect not just the significant growth the company is experiencing, but as well as the capability and the viability of the company to finally expand the services. One of the many dilemmas faced by companies is the ability to know for sure when it is the right time to expand as well as to downsize just to ensure that sustainability as well as growth is possible and attainable. Through the input of the market research, the company was able to know that aside from starting on the correct marketing strategy that enabled the creation of a situation fit for starting company expansion, there are more and better marketing strategies that they can use to improve the performance of Kudler Fine Food in the business front. The market research also enabled the company to detect areas of development and improvement in operations. This is just as important because different aspects of the business drastically and quickly change. Sometimes, the reason and nature of such changes are reactionary and it is important for companies like Kudler Fine Foods to be able to detect facets of its operation which still needs a shot in the arm and still has a lot of room for improvement. Market research makes this data available through research and study methodologies that enables Kudler Fine Foods to get inside the minds of its customers, non-customers and even employees and using that opportunity to explore what one thinks is Kudler Fine Food’s weakest link so far that hinders them from operating in a level that is a notch higher. And finally, the market research also helped the company pinpoint exactly the frequency of the   improving consumer purchase which provided the necessary data to Kudler Fine Foods that the company’s current strategies are making it easier for increased loyalty of its consumers, which in turn results to improved profitability. Market research, after all, is geared in knowing, interpreting and digesting the pulse of the market and tactics and strategies in the future can be maximized if it is directed in the direction that market research points to. Additional market research is needed in the following areas that include the better profiling of competitors, internal marketing, knowing what both the patrons and non-patrons of Kudler Fine Foods expect from the company in the long and short term future including the introduction of new products or new services, the study of viable partnership or alliances with other companies the partnership of which can provide better revenue and sales performance for both parties involved, Market research should not always be focused on what a company wants to work on through self assessment; sometimes, it is also important that companies assess themselves by comparing itself as a company to other rival and competitor companies and see the differences as well as the advantages in favor of the rivals and the competitors and why such advantages exist in the first place. To be able to be consistent in the pursuit of staying ahead, a company must always understand the rival company’s next moves and thwart it or be a step ahead of it, and this can only be done by the integration of a more detailed profiling of rivals based on more market research. Know your enemy is the famous dogmas of every efficient fighter so that you have an improved judgment every time you decide and anticipates the rival’s next moves. While it may not always guarantee that the rival will become totally predictable, it will make your moves more calculated and not something which is loosely and randomly done like strategies done on impulse. Through the use of correct market research, the money a company spends for its marketing strategies and tactics (including promotions, advertisement, acquisitions, launching of new products, phasing out of old products, re-branding and brand re-positioning, etc) achieves expected goals. While most market research are generally capable of identifying whether or not a person likes a brand or not, or which particular brand he likes the most and the least; marketing strategy should never forget to cover its own base and make sure that it also knows what the employee wants and the extent of the company employees’ loyalty to the brand or the company’s products or services. Most market research efforts are focused too rigidly on knowing what customers want that what the employee wants are ignored, forgotten or removed from the equation, which should not be the case since employees, when outside the office, transforms not only into clients and customers but as well as first hand agents of product and service promotion that can ultimately translate into a highly probable long term client. Modern companies are already cognizant of the need for an effective internal marketing program and like external marketing; all a company needs is a market research. Knowing what both the patrons and non-patrons of Kudler Fine Foods expect from the company in the long and short term future including the introduction of new products or new services is an important (sub) topic of future market research because it can provide a glimpse of where Kudler Fine Foods should go in order for them to maintain the loyalty of its current patrons and to invite more individuals to become customers of the company as well. The study of viable partnership or alliances with other companies the partnership of which can provide better revenue and sales performance for both parties involved can be assessed better through the use of data from market research. This is a very tricky business and marketing move, but it is doable and can be a potential tool in improving sales, visibility and touching bases with the target market if the alliance is done with a viable partner in a set up that is as much as possible a win-win situation for both parties involved, or if not, with very minimal losses. Take for example the move of Starbucks and the bookstores and libraries. Starbucks’ willingness to explore the possibility of setting foot on new grounds enabled such a new phenomena that â€Å"a growing number of the nation’s 3,700 academic libraries — eager to lure students from wired coffee shops off campus — are following bookstores and public libraries in opening their doors to Starbucks† (Horovitz). The result was an improved brand recall and greater impact on its target market without the use of hard selling and traditional advertising, and its usual costs. It is important to mention that analyzing the significance of competitive intelligence possessed by Kudler Fine Foods in the development of the company’s marketing strategy and tactics was an important step towards the realization of the potency of such information and how it can help in the shaping and re-shaping of marketing policies so that it suits well with what the company wants to achieve regardless of the action and presence of its competitors. References: Horovitz, B. (2008). Something else to check out at library: Starbucks. USA Today. Retrieved January 12, 2008, from http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2007-09-27-starbucks_N.htm Council of American Survey Research Organizations (2001). Importance of Marketing Research. Retrieved January 12, 2008, from http://www.casro.org/media/Importance%20of%20Research.pdf Kovacic, D., Radman, M., Kolega, A., Markovina J, and Karolyi, D. (2003). Export Marketing of Slavonian Kulen: the Results of Market Research. Retrieved January 12, 2008, from www.agr.hr/smotra/pdf_68/acs68_33.pdf ; How to cite Kudler fine foods and the relevant market research, Essays

Phd Proposal free essay sample

A good proposal will show that you have a decent understanding of what you want to explore and how you might do that, that you have engaged with the relevant literatures, and that you can say why you think your study will be significant or interesting. You might also want to take a look at the Academic Profiles of CMOL faculty members and see the range of work they are engaged in, the sorts of methods they use, and try to identify how your study might relate to their interests. 1 PROPOSAL FOR Ph. D. THESIS Area of Study MANAGEMENT IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT Proposed Title: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN MALAYSIA: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THEADOPTION OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THELOCAL AUTHORITES IN MALAYSIA 2 1. INTRODUCTION Strategic management has been touted as one of the effective management tools in strengthening organization performance through effective decision making and systematic strategic formulation and implementation. We will write a custom essay sample on Phd Proposal or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Although strategic management was more prevalent in the private sector since the concept was first developed, the interest of using strategic management in the public sector has increased over the last decade (Smith, 1994). Since 1980? s there have been a series of reforms taking shape in the public sector, resulting from increased awareness on the importance of quality in the public sector. According to Osborne and Gaebler (1992), that strategic management appeared to be part of a package management innovations design to „reinvent? or „modernize? the public sector. Strategic management was found to be an effective management tool in transforming a bureaucratic public sector to a more responsive and innovative administration. Local Authority in Malaysia (LA) is a government at local level in the Malaysian Three-tier, Administrative System. It is responsible in providing urban services as well as implementing economic, social, physical and urban development within its gazetted administrative boundary. The role of LAs as the catalyst of economic development as well as political and social stability is undoubtedly critical given its status, as the government at the third level with certain autonomy power measured to enhance the increasing demands from the communities for a more customer-oriented and higher standard of urban services. It is this context that the study intends to investigate to what extent strategic management is being adopted and practiced by the LAs in Malaysia and to determine factors associated to LAs in adopting a strategic management framework as suggested by the western literature. 2. PROBLEM STATEMENTS 3 While strategic management is widely practiced by firms and other profit oriented organizations in this country, its adoption by public sector particularly in government agencies at operational level is less understood. Strategic planning in Malaysia is still insubstantial and unknown in the ense that there is an absence of documented proof of its practice (Mohamad , 1988). This study is undertaken to fill this knowledge gap. It is imperative to study on how strategic management is being adopted by government agencies as a tool of enhancing performance their performance. LAs are chosen as the setting because of their significant role as the third tier government in Malaysia. Not only LAs ar e important in the provision of urban services to the taxpayers, they are also critical as a catalyst in economic growth and well-being for the country. 3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS ) What is the extent of adoption of strategic management practices among the LAs in terms of: i) ii) iii) iv) v) Completeness of systems; Established direction and mission; Depth of analysis; Implementation task and skills; and Control and feedback mechanism b) What are the contributing and impeding factors in the LAs in successfully adopting the strategic management practices; c) How do factors such as leadership traits, organization culture and organization structure have impact in the degree of adoption strategic management by the LAs. 4. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 4 The main objective of the study is to examine the adoption of strategic management practices in the Local Authorities in Malaysia. In so doing, the study will seek: a) to investigate the extent to which strategic management is adopted by the LAs, in line with the strategic management framework that suite its environment; b) to ascertain factors that contribute and impede the smooth adoption of strategic management in the LAs; c) to see how factors such as leadership traits, organization culture and organization structure have impact in adopting strategic management in the LAs; and ) to highlight any other finding that are of interest and contribute towards the subject of strategic management in government agencies. 5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Finding of the research will add to the knowledge and understanding of the subject of strategic management and its application by the LAs. This study should be significant in the sense that it will: a) Allow the identification of the concept an d framework of strategic management that takes into account the nature of work and environment of the LAs; ) Support and enrich theory and model of strategic management in public organizations that have similarities in their nature of service with the LAs; c) Generate greater awareness among public organizations on the importance of having a proper and practical strategic management framework as a vehicle to organizational effectiveness; 5 d) Provide useful knowledge on factors that might have impact and contribute to the successful adoption of strategic management in public organizations. 6. SCOPE OF THE STUDY The study will take all the organization of LAs in Peninsular Malaysia as the setting. Organization of the LAs will confine only to the office of the LAs, being secretariat or the administrative arms of the LAs. 7. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY The objective of the study is basically two-pronged. Firstly s to examine the extent of adoption of strategic management practices in the LAs and secondly is to see how factors such as leadership traits, organization culture do and organization structure have impact in the adoption of strategic management that suite the environment of the LAs. Gathering of data on the extent of strategic management adoption in the LAs will be based on models of strategic planning by notable strategic management gurus such as Steiner (1979) and Glueck (1982). Amongst the dimension to be investigated are: vi) vii) viii) ix) x) Completeness of systems; Establish direction and mission; Depth of analysis; Implementation task and skills; and Control and feedback mechanism The theoretical framework of the study is depicted by the diagram below: 6 Factors Associated With the Extent of Strategic Management Adoption in the Local Authorities in Malaysia Leadership Traits Organization Culture Size Extent of Adoption of Strategic Management Framework Organization Structure Income INDEPENDENT VARIABLES MODERATING VARIABLES DEPENDENT VARIABLES 8. DEFINITION OF VARIABLES The dimensions of each independent variable are have been identified as follows: a. Leadership Traits Degree of ability It refers to ability to organize, supervise and dealing with issues. This variable is adopted from Jameson and Soule (1991); Degree of Visionary It refers to ability to redefine the purpose of organization and embody new purposes into structure and systems; ability to design long-term plan and ability to forecast incoming issues. This variable is adopted from Bryson J. M (1988); Locus of Control Locus of Control refers the extent to which individuals believe that they can control events affecting them. Individuals who have a high internal locus of control or referred to as „internals? , believe that the event in their lives are primarily the result of their own behaviour and actions. Individuals who have a high external locus of control or referred to as „external? , on the other hand believe that the events in their lives and organizations are 7 primarily determined by chance, fate or other people. This variable is adopted from Julian Rotter (1966) and Burger J. M. (1986). b. Organization Culture Level of Team work. Refers to desirability of the personnel to work in a group accomplishing a given task or assignment. Level of Commitment, Refers to willingness among the personnel to complete the task at their level best and having sense of pride for achieving organizational task. c. Organization Structure Degree of Authority. Refers to clarity of line authority from top management to the lowest level; clarity of duties, responsibilities and authorities of each role in the organization and degree to which authority is delegated. Degree of structural flexibility in terms of adopting changes. Adopted from Fayol? s fundamental management functions. Extent of Coordination. Refers to level of interdependence in work situations. How programs and tasks are coordinated and what are the tools or mechanisms used to coordinate. Adopted from Fayol? s fundamental management functions. Level of Communication Refers to the existence of a strictly upward, downward and multidimensional communication as oppose to a little two-way communication. Also refers to level of participation of personnel in organization communication. Adopted from Likerts? Model of Organization Design. d. Dimensions of Dependent Variable The dimensions the dependent variable i. e. the extent of adoption of strategic management by the Las will comprise of completeness of systems; established 8 direction and mission; depth of analysis; implementation task and skills; and Control and feedback mechanism. The determination of those dimensions were based on Certo and Peter (1990). These dimensions has been adopted with some modification from earlier working of Steiner (1979), Van Gigch (1978) and Glueck (1982). 9. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Population The population of this study is all Local Authorities (Las) in Malaysia. Currently there 143 LAs nationwide with the break down of 97 in Peninsular Malaysia and 46 in Sabah and Sarawak. Nevertheless, this study will only take all Las in Peninsular Malaysia as the setting. This is to ensure uniformity and homogeneity as all Las in Peninsular Malaysia are created and governed by the same law, i. e. Act 171 as opposed to LAs in Sabah and Sarawak which are established and administered by their own state? s ordinance. All the 97 LAs in Peninsular Malaysia come within three principal categories, namely City Councils, Municipal Councils and District Councils. Table II shows the distribution of local authorities according to various states in Peninsular Malaysia. Table II: Peninsular Malaysia: Local Authorities by States, 2004 No. of Local Authorities State Johore Kedah Kelantan Malacca N. Sembilan Pahang City Council 1 1 Municipal Council 4 2 1 District Council 9 8 11 1 5 9 Total 14 11 12 3 8 11 1 1 3 2 9 Perak Perlis Penang Selangor Terengganu Fed. Teritory Total 1 3 1 2 11 15 1 2 1 7 1 4 6 12 7 1 1* 6 27 64 97 * Kuala Lumpur City Hall Source: Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Unit of Analysis Unit of analysis is organization i. e. the Local Authorities in Malaysia. Data Gathering A perception survey will be conducted to measure variables using structured questionnaire. Questionnaire will be sent to all LAs via post. Measurement will use Likert Scale. In addition, interviews will also be conducted at selected LAs to solicit views from selected respondent? s especially top management in the LAs. Other data will be gathered from records at Public Complains Bureau (BPA), departments? files, records and other documents. Secondary data will be obtained from relevant Parliament Acts, relevant research and seminar papers, annual reports, statistical abstract, magazines, newspapers and journals. 0. LITERATURE REVIEW Strategic Management – An overview Strategic management is defined as a systematic process for managing the organization and its future direction in relation to its environment in a way that will assure continuous success as well as secure from surprises (Ansoff 1984, Berry 1995). Strategic management encompasses the process of determ ining organization? s mission and goals; managing strategy formulation; strategy implementation; and strategy control. 10 Strategic management can be viewed as a series of steps covering the tasks of analyzing the opportunities and threats that exist in the external environment; analyzing the organization? s strengths and weaknesses within the internal environment; identifying agency stakeholders; establishing organization? s mission and goals; formulating strategies by matching the organization? s strengths and weaknesses with the environment? s opportunities and threats; implementing the strategies; and finally engaging in strategy control activities to measure the implementation progress and ensure achievement of the stated goals. Ansoff (1984), clarifies that the first step in the evolution of strategic management is known as strategic formulation, it began in 1950? s when firms started to invent a systematic approach in deciding on how and where the firms will do its future business. The progress of which managers jointly formulate the strategy was known as strategic planning. The term strategic management was subsequently introduced to include environmental assessment and strategy implementation. Thus, strategic management is defined as being where strategic planning is coupled with strategy implementation. Steiner (1979) and Barry (1986), argue that strategic planning and management, regardless of why public and not profit organization engage in it, can help an organization achieve the clarify future direction; think strategically and develop effective strategies; establish priorities; deal effectively with rapid changingCircumstances; build teamwork and expertise; and solve major organizational problems; and improve organizational performance. Chart I: Generic Model of Strategic Management 11 ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS AND THREATS Macroenvironment Macroenvironment Industry Industry Environment Environment ORGANIZATIONAL DIRECTION ORGANIZATIONAL DIRECTION Mission and Goals Mission and Goals STRATEGY FORMULATION STRATEGY FORMULATION Corporate Strategy Corporate Strategy Formulation Formulation Business Strategy Business Strategy Formulation Formulation Functional Strategy Functional Strategy Formulation Formulation STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION Organization Structure Organization Structure Leadership Leadership Power Power Organizational Culture Organizational Culture STRATEGY CONTROL STRATEGY CONTROL Performance Performance Local Authority in Malaysia As the study will focus on strengthening the local Authorities, a general overview on the Local Authority in Malaysia is essential to form a context of the study. Beginning with the creation of Committee of Assessors in Penang in 1801, the administration of LA was subsequently governed by Sanitary Board Enactment in 1907, before it was grouped into two major classifications namely Town Board Enactment in 1945. The administration of LAs falls under the jurisdiction of the State Governments. In its capacity as a local government, LAs, perform a wide range of functions. LAs are the provider of various urban services; the authorized parties in the formulation of local and structural plan; catalyst for social and economic development; caretaker of urban environment rotection and cleanliness; and tax and revenue collectors. Apart from Act 171 mentioned above, there are two more prominent laws that form the power of LAs, namely the Town and Planning Act 1976 and the Street Drainage and Building Act 1974. In performing their multifaceted functions, the LAs derive their revenues from various sources, including taxes, rents and license fees, profit from trade, services and undertakings, income 12 from property assessment and revenue from federal and state governments (Ahmad Kamaruddin, 1999) The issue on weaknesses of the LAs have been discussed time and again by many interested and effected parties. The Chief Secretary to the Government, in his opening speech at the Annual Working Meeting or Senior Officials of Local Government Authorities in 1998, reiterated on the importance of LAs to improve their service to the people through a strong communication and feedback system; effective enforcement; high integrity and transparency; prudent financial management system; enhancing people participation in their programs; and continuous efforts in inculcating quality culture in their organizations. Further to that, Dr. Mohd. Zin Mohamed in his paper, called for a re-examination of the LAs in various areas including the organizational structure; the scheme of services; the competency building program; and the new dimension of managing LAs in the current changing environment. This study is undertaken to fulfil those expectations, in line with government? s policy to bring quality to the lower levels of the administration, under the spirit of â€Å"Excellent Work Culture Movement†. Creating strong and excellent LAs will benefit many parties including the taxpayers; stakeholders; and the country as a whole. The roles of LAs in the revitalization of the current economic slow down is highly critical. As the authority in approving various permits and licenses for many types of trades and business, as well as the authorized agency in issuing the Certificate of Fitness (CF) to all residential, commercial and industrial buildings before they can be occupied and operationalized, one could understand how an effective LAs could contribute to the well-being of the country. As a frontline organizations dealing with the public at grass-root level, the performance of LAs cannot but reflect the image and credibility of the entire government. Strategic Management in States and Local Governments 13 The importance of strategic planning and management practice as an effective tool in strengthening the performance in the states and local governments has become a subject of interest in many developed countries since the last fifteen years. In the US, concerted efforts have been undertaken to empower states and local governments aimed at enhancing the capacity of these authorities. Much of such efforts were sparked by the idea of strategic management and organizational transformation inspired by Osborne and Gaebler in their Reinventing Government (1992). Wechsler conducted a survey in 548 state agencies in the United States in 1995 to assess their experience in strategic planning and implementation. The survey discovered that a majority of the agencies (60%) currently use strategic planning and management in their organizations. It was also found that leadership in the individual agency is the main factor (88%) for state agencies to initiate strategic planning in their organization, while almost all respondents chose „desire to set program and policy direction? as the most important objective of strategic planning and management. It was also agreed almost unanimously that „clarification of direction and goals? is the most important outcome that strategic management help achieve in their agency. In the United Kingdom, a survey by Flynn, Talbot and Colin (1996) of over 600 UK public service senior managers in 1994 identified the element of competition as a main driving force for local governments to revisit their existing service delivery system. It was discovered that competition generates the need for a new strategic thinking, strategy formulation and implementation. However, it was also revealed that the undertaking of strategic planning in most local governments is normally by state governments. 14 Strategic Management Implementation Model The Harvard Policy Model and the Stakeholder Management Model are two common approaches to strategic management in the public sector (Bryson 1989). The Harvard Policy model was developed as part of the business policy courses taught at Harvard Business School since the 1920? s. In the Harvard policy, strategists assess organizational strengths and weaknesses, identify opportunities and threats, and seek to coalign the organization with its environment. Orgranization are rejoined to build on strengths, overcome weaknesses, exploit opportunities, and block threats (Nutt Backoff, 1992). Stakeholder approach to strategic planning are concerned with identifying individual and organization actors who have an interest or in the focal organization and it strategic program. This model placed important role on the leadership of an organization to maintain good relationship with the stakeholder who have influence in agency? s direction and its capacity for realizing its strategy. Factors that influence the successful implementation of strategic management from internal organization point of view relate quite closely with the generic organization development model suggested by management experts such as Mc Kinsey, de Bono, Ishikawa – to mention a few. Summary of factors contributing to organization? s excellence under generic organization development model is tabulated in the table below. 15 Variables Explanation Sources Leadership Leadership is the main driver of organization’s change. Leadership will lead the direction, influence and motivate the behavior of personnel to channel their efforts into the desired direction. Identification of the right attitudes and behavior of the people is essential towards achieving strategy and objectives. Ability to perform and operate effectively rely heavily on superior work systems and process Kroll (1992), Howe and Kaufman, (1979), Ansoff, (1965, 1984), Bryson (1989) Kroll, (1992), Hamel Prahalad (1994) Culture/ Behavior Systems/ Process Kroll (1992), Howe and Kaufman, (1979), Ansoff, (1965) Kroll, (1992) Ansoff (1965)Bryson (1989) Organization Structure An organization structure (OS) must be aligned to put the strategy into effect. OS will cover responsibility and authority; job definition and description; and line of command. Human resource is the ultimate resource. Thus a strong organization must be supported by an effective HR Management. Technology is key in coping with dynamic competitive situation Human Resource Architecture Technology Architecture Hamel Prahalad (1994) Bryson (1989) Ansoff (1984), Hamel Prahalad (1994) 16 11. ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY The organization of the study is planned as shown below: PART I: Chapter 1: RESEARCH BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY Introduction, Objective and Scope of the Study ? ? ? PART II: Chapter 2: Problem Statements Research Focus Objective, Scope and Significance of the Study LITERATURE REVIEW Local Government in Malaysia ? ? ? ? ? Chapter 3: History of the Local Authority (LA) in Malaysia LA in the Malaysian Three-tier System of Government Laws and Regulations Governing the LAs Roles and Functions of LAs Issues Confronting LAs A General Overview of Strategic Management ? ? ? ? Chapter 4: Concept and Definition of Strategic Management Historical and Evolution of Strategic Management Schools of Thought in Strategic Management Strategic Management Model and Dimensions Research Methodology ? ? ? ? Research Design The Population The Survey and Interview Techniques Data Analysis 17 PART III ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 12. CONCLUSION This proposal is the first step of an endeavour to embark on a comprehensive study on strategic management adoption in the LAs in Malaysia. It important to see the extent of adoption and organizational factors that influence the application of a practical strategic management practice in the LAs. It is hoped that the output of study will be beneficial to all parties concerned while at the same time contribute to the knowledge enhancement in the academic world. 13. BIBLIOGRAPHY Ansoff, H. Igor (1965), Corporate Strategy, Penguin Books. Ansoff, H. Igor (1984), Implanting Strategic Management, Prentice Hall. Barry B. W. (1986), Strategic Planning: Workbook for Non-Profit Organizations, St. Paul, Minnesota. Berry, FS and Wechsler, B (1995), â€Å"State Agencies? Experience with Strategic Planning: Finding From A National Survey†, Public Administration Review, MarchApril, 1995, Vol. 55, No. 2. Bryson, J. M. (1989), Strategic Planning for Public and Non Profit Organizations, Jossey-Bass Publishers. Certo and Peter (1990), Strategic Management Process, Singapore, Mc Graw-Hill. Flynn, N and Talbot, C (1996) â€Å"Strategy and Strategists in UK Local Government†, Journal of Management Development, _ Vol. 15, Issue 2. Glueck, W. F. , et. Al (1982), â€Å"Four Faces in Strategic Management†, in Journal of Business Strategy, Winter. Joyce, P. and Woods, A. (2001), Strategic Management, Kogan Page Limited, London. 18 Kamaruddin, Ahmad, â€Å"Bringing Quality to the Local Level†, in Muhammad Rais Abdul Karim (ed. ) Reengineering the Public Service: Leadership and Change in an Electronic Age (1999), Pelanduk Publications. Khandwalla, P. N. (1977), The Design of Organizations, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. , New York. Zin, Mohamad, in MAMPU, (1998), â€Å"Laporan Mesyuarat Kerja PihakBerkuasa) Tempatan†, Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit. MAMPU, (2000), â€Å"Laporan Mesyurat Kerja PihakBerkuasa Tempatan†, Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit. Mohamad, Zainal Abidin (1988), Strategic Planning: An Exploratory Study of Its Practice by Agro-Based Enterprises in Malaysia. Thesis submitted for the Ph. D. degree in Business Studies, University of Edinburgh. Nutt, Paul C. And Backoff, R. W. , (1992) Strategic Management of Public and Third Sector Organizations, Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco. Osborne, D and Gaebler, T (1992), Reinventing Government, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass. Peter, W. Pringle, CD, Kroll, MJ (1992), Strategic Management,Text and Cases, Allyn Bacon. Smith R. J. (1994), Strategic Management and Planning in the Public Sector, Longman, Harlow. Steiner, G. (1979), â€Å"Contigency Theories of Strategy and Strategic Management†, in Schendel D. E. HOFER, C. W. (eds), Strategic Management: A View of Business Policy and Planning, Boston: Little Brown. Van Gigch (1978), Applied General Systems Theory, New York: Harper and Row. Wilkinson D, and Pedler, M (1996), â€Å"Whole Systems Development in Public Service†, Journal of Management Development, _ Vol. 15, Issue 2. 19 20

Peer Pressure Essays (241 words) - Human Sexuality,

Peer Pressure What is peer pressure? Peer pressure can be described as a positive or negative reaction that occurs when one is influenced by certain people. Peer pressure is constantly surroIntroduction Research Question: How does sex in the media influence children and adolescents in the United States? How do they react to that? Sex is a very big subject for teens and even children. Being brought up in a world with television and radio, teens and children are exposed to a lot more than they should be at their age. I will be discussing the affect that the media has on teens and children in America and how they react to this. Whether they rebel against it, are afraid of it, or are drawn to it. Today it is very hard to find teens and even children who are virgins. Once while it was popular to be a virgin, now it is not. Children and teens that are virgins are sometimes made fun of, excluded, or even lie about their virginity just to fit in. I believe that the media is partly responsible for this. Wh en a child sees people on the television having sex, they want to go out and do the same thing. They don't understand what it is or how it affects you both mentally, sexually, physically, and most important spiritually. Sex is something that should be saved for marriage, although most people experience it before then. Human Sexuality