Organizational Behavior Terminology and Concepts Paper Term - 2

Organizational Behavior Terminology and Concepts - Term Paper Example This created a positive vibe in everyone since the company believed that employees work hard for their family’s future. Because of this culture, employees were more open, honest, caring and committed to the company. Indeed, culture is one good motivator that a company must acknowledge so that management can design programs which would reflect a company’s culture. Case ( 1996 ) argues that culture plays an important role in influencing the behavior of employees, so much that it is given much attention in the workplace. Is this true? In my own experience, the culture of Family Day in my former workplace created a shared meaning that provides positive reinforcement to the employees in a non-monetary way. The employees cherish and nurture their working experience which tremendously manifested in terms of productivity. Once an employee finds his work and organization meaningful, he goes for the extra mile as a token of appreciation to the company. This rubs down on the customer service exemplified by the crew which customers can’t help notice. If an organization would look closely and find ways to boost employee’s morale without spending so much, it only needs to create a good and positive culture. Diversity, on the other hand, is comprised of â€Å"new ideas from variety of sources (that) likewise ensure that all the best ideas and practical knowledge is applied for corporate and organizational unit survival and growth. This is particularly relevant for companies now with the call for both incremental and revolutionary change to enliven the vision and mission† Segal (2001).Coupled with diversity, these individual personal expressions—creativity—can bring about innovative results that would be beneficial to organizations where they are utilized.Let us take again my workplace as an example. The company hired people from different ethnic backgrounds for very good reasons. The recent years saw the

Comparison Between Air And Rail Transport Engineering Essay

Comparison Between Air And Rail Transport Engineering Essay Introduction According to the World Energy Council (WEC, 2011), transport sector global energy consumption in 2010 was almost 2,200 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE), representing about 19% of world energy resources. Currently, more than 96% of total energy supply to transport comes from oil (WEF, 2011); in 2010, around 60% of oil production worldwide was consumed by the transport sector (IEA, 2012). In particular, transport accounted for 38% of total energy consumption in the UK in 2011 (DECC, 2012), and for 27.8% in the U.S. the same year (EERE, 2012). Carbon emissions are closely related to energy consumption in the transport sector and in 2010 it accounted for about 23% of global levels of CO2 emissions (WEC, 211). Economic development and population growth are increasing the energy consumption of transport (WEC, 2011); however dependence on oil supplies, inefficient use of resources and associated CO2 emissions make the growth of this sector a completely unsustainable process (WEF, 2011). It is necessary to evaluate the energy efficiency of transport sector and improve its processes through technology and practice in order to achieve world sustainable development goals. The purpose of this report is to evaluate and compare air and rail transport, in terms of their relative use of energy and their CO2 emissions, and also consider the potential strategies to improve the energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions from these modes of transport. Air transport is the fastest-growing mode of transport (WEF, 2011) and it is considered to be, after diesel engine cars, the most contaminating one (Chapman, 2007) and rail transport is commonly referred to as the cleanest alternative. Definitions It is convenient to clarify some concepts in order to have a more precise comprehension of how energy use and energy efficiency are measured in the transport sector, before the analysis of air and rail transport. Energy efficiency is defined as the relationship between the energy consumed and the output produced by that energy (EEDO, 2012: 19). When efficiency is higher, more products or services can be produced with the same amount energy. This information is useful when comparing similar technologies or processes; however, air and rail transport are different technologies that consume energy in different ways to produce the same service, so it is more practical to compare them in terms of energy intensity (EERE, 2012a), which is essentially the inverse of energy efficiency and in transport is the amount of energy required to move one passenger over 1 kilometer, or passenger-km (NRC, 2011). For freight transport energy intensity would be energy per ton-km, but this report will focus on passenger transport to reduce the number of variables in intensity calculation and simplify the comparison. Use of energy As illustrated in Fig 1., road transport is responsible for the majority of total transport energy consumption in 2010, around 76%, while air transport accounted for about 10% of the total and rail transport for 3% approximately (WEF, 2011). Fig. 1. 2010 Transport energy consumption by mode (total ~2,200 MTOE) (WEF, 2011) These percentages represent the absolute values of air and rail transport energy use with respect to total consumption. In order to compare them with respect to each other, it is necessary to analyze first where they take energy from and how each mode of transport invest the energy to be able to move and transport people, in this case, from one location to another. Currently, rail transport energy supply comes mainly from diesel (88%) and electricity (12%) (IEA, 2008). Due to the low resistance of rail vehicles on railways (steel on steel) and high efficiencies of electric and diesel engines, diesel engine efficiency is around 45% (Beggs, 2009), rail transport presents a potential advantage over other modes of transport, but the determinant aspects on rail passenger transport efficiency are the services on board, the technology, the speed of the train and the occupancy (Fraser J., et al 1995). Aerodynamic trains can be very energy efficient compared to previous model, however, when their speed increases over 200 km/h, energy consumption also increases significantly due to air drag (Beggs, 2009). As passenger trains can weight up to 90 tons, the energy efficiency of an empty train is almost the same as if it is full. Intensity increases [kJ/p-km] as number of passenger decrease; therefore energy efficiency is very related to occupancy rates (Fraser J., et al 1995). Fuel accounts for 20% of modern aircraft total operating costs; therefore fuel consumption reduction is a priority for aircraft and engine manufacturers to increase energy efficiency (Kahn S., et al 2007). Similarly to trains, aircrafts need to use energy to overcome the air drag force, but, unlike trains, planes also consume energy standing up (Mackay 2008). Studying the relative energy consumption per seat, for a London to Edinburgh journey with different occupancy rates, Kemp (2004) as cited by Beggs (2009), found that rail transport is indeed more efficient than air transport. However, this statement is not true when it applies to rail vehicles travelling at 350 km/h or more, where it consumes slightly more energy than the aircraft, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 2. Energy consumed by various modes of transport from London to Edinburgh (Beggs, 2011). Carbon emissions In the transport sector CO2 emissions are closely related to energy consumption. CO2 emissions from air transport will vary depending on technology, occupancy rat and route (DTF, 2011), although aircrafts produce other greenhouse gases apart from CO2 such as water , ozone and nitrousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨oxides (Mackay 2008). The following figure, Fig 3., presents CO2 emissions per passenger-km and per mode of transport in Europe. Rail transport is the second less polluting mode of transport and according to the European Environment Agency (EEA, 2011), shifting from diesel to electric trains has decreased the carbon emissions of rail transport by about 27 % from 1995 to 2009. CO2 emissions of air transport have also decreased by 29% due to aircraft technologies improvements and higher occupancy rates. Fig. 3. Specific CO2 emissions per passenger-km and per mode of transport in Europe, 1995-2009 (EEA, 2011) Potential improvements Energy efficiencies of air transport can be improved by reducing fuel consumption through aircraft technology improvements, infrastructure improvements, operations improvements and use of biofuels (WEF, 2011). Reducing weight and drag are some of the objectives, although according to Mackay (2008: 35) no redesign of a planeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨is going to radically improve its efficiency. Regarding rail transport, again, it is important to reduce weight and aerodynamic resistance improving trains infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Also, higher efficiency propulsion system and better regenerative brake mechanisms are some of the potential improvements (Kahn et al, 2007). Conclusions This report intended to present a general view of the relationship between transport sector and global energy, focusing on a comparison between air and rail transport modes in terms of their use of energy and their CO2 emissions, based mainly on global official energy agencies and organizations. It was found that rail transport appears to use energy more efficiency than air transport, as well as lower CO2 emissions. However, rail vehicles speed and occupancy rates are determinant aspects when evaluating energy efficiency and carbon emissions. In order to evaluate appropriately the energy efficiency of modes of transport and present reliable results, it is necessary to consider all the energy system inputs and outputs. With appropriate practices and technology developments it is possible to achieve higher transport efficiencies and decrease the environmental impact of the transport sector.

Chaucers Retraction in The Canterbury Tales Essay -- Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's Retraction in The Canterbury Tales Chaucer's ability to characterize people from all walks of life in explicit detail, as is so wonderfully displayed in The Canterbury Tales, is just one factor that allowed him to be known as one of history's finest literary artists. At the end of a career that would be considered by most artists as an extremely successful one, what could have caused Chaucer to apologize for any of the works which defined literary success? In "Chaucer's Retraction," which appears at the end of The Canterbury Tales (Norton 311), Chaucer not only apologizes for several of his secular works, he also goes so far as to revoke them, and ask for forgiveness for such works which "tended toward sin" (313), as he puts it. Such an extreme action seems to be somewhat irrational. Some believe that Chaucer, nearing the end of his earthly life, was preparing himself for God's judgment in the afterlife. If, by means of his writings, he was guilty of some grave sin, which would keep him from the eternal bliss of heave n, such a retraction might be considered justifiable. Furthermore, the concept of being tormented in the depths of hell for all eternity could easily persuade any person, especially on his deathbed, to renounce all past actions, good or bad. Maybe it is better to be safe than to be sorry, forever. While it is impossible to truly discern Chaucer's reasoning, assuming him to be the actual author of this passage, a closer examination of the "offending" text, as well as a look at some of the social and religious influences of the time period, might give us a clue as to why such a gifted poet would take this position. The dominant theme of the pilgrimage in The Canterbury Tales illustrates one obvious religious... ...xed with molten lead, brass and other kinds of metal; immense worms with poisonous teeth gnawed at some; others were fastened on by one on stakes with fiery thorns. The torturers tore them with their nails, flogged them with dreadful scourges, and lacerated them in dreadful agonies [The Monk of Evesham's Vision, 1197] (qtd. in Speed 4). When facing the end of one's life, the notion of spending all eternity in such a place would surely make even the most avid non-believer think twice. A true believer in Christianity might very well think that it is much better to be safe, than to be sorry forever. Works Cited "Chaucer's Retraction." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Seventh Edition. Volume1. Ed. M.H. Abrams. New York: W.W.Norton and Company, Inc., 2000. Speed, Peter, ed. Those Who Prayed, An Anthology of Medieval Sources. New York: Italica Press, 1997.

Education reforms Essay

The problems experienced in the K-12 level of education in U. S. A today are a serious threat to the health of the economy and the future prosperity of society in general. The quality of education is deteriorating though the government has increased funding by 44 percent. â€Å"A rising tide of mediocrity† as reported by the federal commission was the key factor that causes the K-12 education to deteriorate (Kurt 2003). There are no parental choice programs that give them the power to make decisions on how the school should be run. The children are assigned to schools that are nearer to their place of residence and this is based on zoning rules. Another problem is that public schools are performing below the standard and they are not held accountable for their performance. â€Å"The schools are lacking incentive to improve quality or take control of the costs for they are protected by the education act of the government. † (The Washington Post 2008 April 3) The private and religious schools are performing well as opposed to the public schools and this has a negative significance to the students who are enrolled in public schools. Due to the problems discussed above then the government must address the bureaucratic structure reform and especially the public education. For the discussed problems I would advocate for empowering of parents so that they will ensure that students are served better than the administration. They will also be allowed to transfer their children from the schools that are not performing and consequently this will compel the school to improve their quality. The government should ensure that public school are performing and more so come up with strategies that will enable them to perform. The reform will make the schools to be more resourceful with their finances and follow the curriculum accordingly. In his recent public speech, Senator McCain noted that â€Å"markets have losers and winners and United States of America cannot afford any losers in a game of educational roulette. † (The New York Times 2008 July 14). The choice of programs will allow parents to take their children to schools within or outside the districts depending on the performance. There should be also introduction of charter schools which are publicly funded but managed by private officers. â€Å"The bureaucratic systems that prevent funds from reaching the teaching fraternity should be abolished. † (William B. 2007) The two presidential candidates have realized that the deterioration of America’s educational system will be a major concern as for the voters. They have therefore come up with various proposals to reform K-12 education once they get into power. Senator Barrack Obama will establish national standards by ensuring that national tests are done on a voluntary basis. He also promises to empower parents to improve the educational quality and academic achievement. On the other hand, Senator McCain proposed that parents will be allowed to use the proceeds to reform K-12 education as well as pay for their children’s university fees. This is an idea that was rejected by President Clinton but McCain wants to reintroduce the bill. In The New York Times dated 14th July 2008, â€Å"there was an agreement by school officials that vouchers foster competition and thereby force public schools to improve. † Also in The Washington Post dated 3rd April 2008 it was noted that â€Å"new choices in education have sent a powerful message to schools and prompt some of them to acknowledge a threat of competition. † To summarize, it is clear that public schools are providing substandard education to the students. It is because of this reason that there is need to address the bureaucratic structure of schools that does not put the interests of the learners at heart. References Greenwood C. (2008 April 3) K-12 education reforms. The Washington Post. Kurt Finsterbusch (2003) Annual Editions: Social Problems. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education William George Bruce (2007)The American School Board Journal Michigan: National School Boards Association A Smith,(2008 July 14) Bureaucratic System of Education. The New York Times.

Managing Team Conflict

Potential sources of conflict for the team include team member’s schedules, member disagreement, lack of consideration of deadlines, lack of input, and ineffective communication. One issue to contribute to conflict is the lack of input of all team members and the failure for team members to show up and meet at the designated time agreed upon by all team members.   Since there are different knowledge and skill set levels of all the members of the team, there can be areas where these levels overlap. In addition, there can also be areas where the team is missing necessary strengths to fully assist the team in its goals.Without effective communication, team members cannot fully express skills each person currently possesses, and areas of knowledge where assistance is needed.   Communication barriers pose potential problems as well. One communication barrier that exists is failure for group members to utilize active listening. According to Hamilton (2001), â€Å"Many times whe n we are discussing a problem with others, we listen selfishly. In other words, we listen to gather ammunition for our rebuttals and to determine when we an insert our viewpoints into our conversation. Active listening requires us to listen from the speaker’s viewpoint† (312). With this in mind, it is important for all team members to utilize active listening and be open to new ideas and thinking. It is through learning from other team members that a team can increase strengths and gain additional knowledge to assist the team in its goals.One way to assist with communication is having a leader of the team. The role of the leader is essential because it helps the team maintain organization and structure. Having a leader can assist the team when decision making must be performed. In the decision making process, three leadership styles used are autocratic, democratic and laissez-fairre. Each of these leadership styles can be used by any individual within the team. Ultimate ly, the goal of the team should be to use the democratic leadership style. The democratic leadership style is the preferred method of decision making because, â€Å"two-way communication exists between leaders and followers,† (Hamilton, 319). It is this two-way communication that will assist all team members in having a say about the decision and making the decision that will best benefit all team members.Failure to utilize effective communication can lead to conflict within the group. One conflict already experienced within the group is lack of input and failure for all members to show up for designated meetings. This creates a problem since all input is needed to make effective decisions within the group. It becomes a problem for completing assignments without all input from team members and creates tension within the team since less members are available to perform all the work needed to complete the assignment. Those members who are actively working on the assignments are doing work for those members who fail to give input or report as a team.One source of conflict that is beneficial to the team is that conflict surrounding differences of opinions. Since each individual is unique and brings knowledge with him or her, having challenging opinions and views will ultimately assist the team in its knowledge and long term goals. 2. How will the team deal with a team member who will not cooperate with the team goals and objectives – for instance, the team member who is personally offensive; or, the team member who is a social loafer?Having a leader who will be in charge of the team is a way to limit the issues that arise in the team. In addition, ground rules must be established when the team is formed to minimize the risk of issues among the team. If a team member is consistently disrupting the team and not assisting the team in its goals, then action needs to be taken. If the leader of the team is unable to resolve the issue with the team member, then additional intervention may need to occur.3. Reflect once more on the experiences you’ve had within your current learning team. Describe a time when the members of your team have managed conflict by: a. Avoidance b. Competition c. Accommodation d. Collaboration e. Compromise Next, discuss which of the above conflict management methods seemed to yield the best outcomes for your learning team. Explain your rationale. Since lack of input poses to be a problem with the current learning team, avoidance is used by team members. The remaining team members who show up for meetings and actively contribute have done so in a collaborative manner in order to finish the task at hand. The six conflict management strategies can occur in all teams, but the conflict management strategy that yields the best outcome is using collaboration. Collaboration is a means of problem solving that takes all ideas and finds the best solution based upon the ideas. If all team members bring ideas to the table, the learning team can then take all ideas into consideration and determine the best solution to the conflict.4. Summarize the responses to #3 into five specific team rules about conflict management that describe how team members will respond and behave in challenging situations. Consider adopting the following phrasing: When faced with conflict, our team will manage it by†¦. A. Create a schedule that lists who is responsible for what portion and the due date for inclusion in the overall project.B. Everyone will communicate in a respectful manner.C. Take constructive criticism and compromiseD. Work cooperatively with other members of the team.E.   Participate and complete assignment on timeReferencesHamilton, Cheryl R (2001) Communicating for Results. Belmont: Wadsworth / ThomsonLearning.