Psychology Positive And Negative Psychology - 955 Words

Positive Psychology We often think of psychology with a negative connotation. A reason for this is that for many years, psychologists focused more on the negative side of psychology. This part of psychology deals with peoples’ symptoms, wounds, disorders, and trauma (Morgan Nemec, 2013). This changed in 2000 when psychologist Martin Seligman founded the science of positive psychology (Schueller Parks, 2014). Although certain aspects of positive psychology were studied long before the branch was established, they were much less of a focus when compared to its negative counterparts (Morgan Nemec, 2013). Positive psychology strives to understand â€Å"the positive side of human functioning, expanding research on positive behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and character traits (Schueller Parks, 2014) Positive psychology can be used as a self-help method or can be used in professional psychiatric rehabilitation. When used as self-help, resources are provided directly to the individual and no expert assistance is involved. Although this method has proved useful for some, its downfall is that is not often based on â€Å"scientifically supported principles† (Schueller Parks, 2014). This in turn requires patrons to sort through the given material to find the material that is actually based on scientific principles. While this process might work for some, others often need more guidance and direction than self- help methods can provide (Schueller Parks, 2014). When professionalShow MoreRelatedPsychology : Positive And Negative Psychology1645 Words   |  7 PagesPositive psychology, is a new field of psychology that draw heavily on humanist influences. This area of psychology places its focus on understanding how to enhance our lives by studying what produces our happiness through the use of scientific methods to understand how this affects us leading healthy, happy and successful lives. Through the belief that society would like to lead meaningful and rewarding lives th e goal of positive psychology is to, in addition the other fields of psychology, accompanyRead MorePositive And Negative Impacts Of Social Psychology1404 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Psychology is defined as â€Å"a subfield in psychology that focuses on social interaction between people, how people influence and are influenced by others, and the relationship between the individual’s behaviors/cognitions and that of others in a group† (Robertson, 2002-2015). Within that subfield there are many theories and concepts that explain these feelings, thoughts, and beliefs that are constructed and how psychological factors influence our interactions with others. The topics examinedRead MorePositive Psychology At Gable And Haidt1098 Words   |  5 PagesPositive psychology according to Gable and Haidt (2005) can be defined as â€Å"the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing of people, groups and institutions† (p. 103). Similarly, it can be described as the study of human strength and virtue to understand positive and emotionally fulfilling behaviour (Sheldon King, 2001). There are three dimensions or levels of positive psychology which are based on aspects of our life experiences. Our positive subjective experiencesRead MoreThe Behavioral Perspective Of Clinical Psychology993 Words   |  4 PagesClinical psychology is a relatively new area of study in the broad category of psychology. It is a subfield of psychology that covers a wide range and variety of topics and issues such as the study, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. (Feldman, 2010) Clinical psychologists also might deal with patients who have learning disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. This paper will briefly discuss the behavioral perspective, some research methods in the fieldRead MoreThe Downfall Of Positive Psychology1654 Words   |  7 Pages The Downfall of Positive Psychology In Schrank’s â€Å"Positive psychology: An Approach to Supporting Recovery in Mental Illness† he discusses the definition, history, research, and psychotherapy that is involved with positive psychology. There are multiple definitions that psychologists have developed for positive psychology that stem from six core domains which are â€Å"(i) virtues and character strengths, (ii) happiness, (iii) growth, fulfilment of capacities, development of highest self, (iv) good lifeRead MoreThe Psychology Of Clinical Psychology967 Words   |  4 PagesClinical psychology is a relatively newer area of study in the broad category of psychology. It is subfield of psychology that covers a wide range and variety of topics and issues such as the study, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. (Feldman, 2010) This paper will briefly discuss the behavioral perspective, some research methods in the field of psychology, positive and negative components associated with clinica l psychology, and different controversies and ways to overcome theseRead MorePositive Psychology And Cognitive Behavior Therapy1520 Words   |  7 PagesThis aim of this essay is to provide an overview of Positive Psychology and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Strengths and weaknesses of both models are presented, as well has a discussion on areas where they are similar and different. Essay also highlights that whilst one model may be more suitable given the clients psychological state, the models may be utilized individually or complementing each other. Positive Psychology (PS) Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worthRead MorePositive Psychology Can Not Make Us Happier887 Words   |  4 PagesPositive Psychology Cannot Make Us Happier The question of whether individuals can create their own happiness without the aid of external influences has been raised and researched. However, the answer to the question is unclear. Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that supports the theory that an individual’s happiness is under their personal control, independent of any external influences or validation. Consequently, researchers have uncovered evidence that provides mixed results regardingRead MoreSimilarities Between Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology1278 Words   |  5 PagesPositive Psychology and Coaching Psychology: Positive psychology and coaching psychology have certain similarities with regards to their development as responses to the status quo of the field. The status quo was deficit-based, pathology-focused, and based on essential assumptions regarding human nature. These fundamental assumptions were largely less than positive, especially when examined from a rational perspective. As responses to the status quo, positive psychology and coaching psychology areRead MoreCarol Rogers Influence in Psychology1264 Words   |  6 PagesInfluence on Modern Psychology Introduction Carl Rogers is considered the founder of client-centered therapy, which asserts that childhood experiences affect an individual’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior (Rathus, 2004). The therapist must see the world from that of the client to be effective in treatment. Rogers has influenced many psychological theories and therapies present today, especially positive psychology. Despite this fact, many who practice positive psychology do not, or are not

Important Traditions Of The Chosen By Chaim Potok - 888 Words

Compelling Customs Traditions such as homemade decorations, Grandma’s banana pudding, and ugly Christmas sweaters often remain close to the hearts of family members. Candles, decorations, food, and outfits, the list of customs never terminates! Two families, who practice traditions in the book, The Chosen by Chaim Potok, include the Malter family and the Saunders family. David and Reuven Malter enjoy habits of weekly services, prayer, and special articles of clothing in their lives as Orthodox Jews. Because the Saunders family practices the Jewish sect of Hasidism, the family hosts traditional feasts while the father lectures on Jewish texts; he also plans on bestowing the role of tzaddick to one of the male children. Both families participate in studying holy Jewish scriptures each Shabbat, or Sabbath day, despite their contrasting habits. Although the Malter’s practice unique traditions that differ from the the Saunders family’s customs, the families shar e the tradition of studying holy Jewish books. Beginning with the Malter family, Mr. Malter and Reuven involve themselves in many traditions. These traditions include: services, prayer, and customary articles of clothing. One quote displays the fact that the Malter family regularly attends services and exhibits one facet of the Malter family’s praying habits: â€Å"We [Mr. Malter and Reuven] took our usual seats a few rows up from the window and joined in the prayers.† (Potok 113). While the Malter family habituallyShow MoreRelatedBenjamin Lev s Struggle With Their Ultra Orthodox Religious Beliefs1242 Words   |  5 Pagesimmediate family and friends and also by those who we will meet during our lives. Each and every stage of life will result in us experiencing more, and in doing so, those experiences will shape who we will become. Our psyche is made up of three very important parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is the primitive and instinctive compone nt of personality. It consists of all the biological components of personality, including the life instinct and the death instinct. The id is the only part ofRead More Chaim Potoks The Chosen Essay example1164 Words   |  5 PagesChaim Potoks The Chosen In the book The Chosen, by Chaim Potok, Reuven Malter is shaped by everyone around him. During this interaction his character becomes more developed and engaging. Through the interactions, it becomes apparent that Reuven’s father is always teaching his child how to improve himself. The conversations between Reuven and his father help prepare Reuven develop the mentality and the personal qualities, such as wisdom, compassion, and tolerance, necessary to become a rabbiRead MoreEssay on My Name Is Asher Lev2011 Words   |  9 Pagesto find ones identity is a universal theme that is especially prevalent in Chaim Potoks novel, My Name Is Asher Lev. As an Orthodox Jew, Ashers gift for art is looked upon very unfavorably. Despite the disapproval of his community and father and the pain his art causes those around him, he pursues his passion and must find a way to reconcile the conflict between his religious identity and his individual identity. Potok starts off with the main character delivering three short sentences that set

Alcoholism Among the Youth Free Essays

The debate over whether the legal drinking age should be lowered or remain the same is an ongoing battle. At the age of twenty-one, it is studied that the mind is finished with its natural process of development. It is less likely that alcohol can damage the development of the brain as compared to the brain of an eighteen year old who has yet to finish maturing. We will write a custom essay sample on Alcoholism Among the Youth or any similar topic only for you Order Now The legal drinking age should not be lowered due to the fact at a younger age; people are less tolerant and less capable of controlling their reactions to the alcohol, potentially putting their lives and the lives of others in danger. Almost every state has set a legal drinking age of twenty-one, the legal voting age at the time, after prohibition was repealed. Between 1970 and 1975, twenty-nine states lowered the voting age from twenty-one to eighteen, twenty-nine states also lowered their drinking age to eighteen or nineteen. During the late seventies, studies showed that traffic crashes had drastically increased after lowering the drinking age. Once this was announced publicly, many groups created a movement to increase the minimal drinking age, and sixteen states responded. The Uniform Drinking Act was passed in 1984.This strongly encouraged the remaining thirteen states to raise their drinking age. If the states would not agree to do so by 1987, the government said that it would cut highway funding (Encyclopedia of Alcohol and Drugs). Many would argue that when the drinking age were set at twenty-one, there is an unavoidably huge increase in alcohol use when youths, turning twenty-one, â€Å"make up for lost time. † However, a study done by Alexander Wagenaar and PM O’Malley found that when the minimum drinking age was twenty-one, there was a lower use of alcohol after one turned twenty-one.One of the largest arguments in favor of lowering the drinking age is the use of Europe as a comparison. Where as in Europe, where there isn’t a prescribed legal age for drinking, the age for drinking in the United States is 21. One could also argue that within the United States, one is considered a young adult at the age of 18. At this age, one can get married, smoke, obtain a license, and can even be drafted into the army to protect this country with a potential of losing one’s life. This lower age for driving in combination with the lowered drinking age incurs a rise in traffic accidents and even eath. Drinking before twenty-one causes more deaths than illnesses. On the other hand, those countries have their share of alcohol problems. The rate of alcohol-related diseases such as cirrhosis to the liver is the same, if not higher, as in the United States. Also drunk driving among youth in Europe is lower, but only because the legal driving age in most European countries is higher. Furthermore the use of public transportation is greater in Europe, where as in the United States fewer people take advantage of public transportation. Public transportation is either frowned upon or not available.It is also argued that even though the legal drinking age is at twenty-one, many youths still can easily obtain and drink alcohol, so the current drinking age doesn’t work. It stands to reason to conclude that if the drinking age were lowered to eighteen, even younger children would be using alcohol. This therefore, would have adverse affects on our society, not a positive affect. Because it’s illegal for people under twenty-one, many of those people don’t drink. Lowering the drinking age would increase alcohol problems among teens, even at an earlier age.My opinion is further supported by the Correlation between underage drinking and alcohol abuse. Scientists of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism have said that teens that begin drinking before the age of fifteen are four times more likely to become alcoholics. The same institute also found that alcohol abuse doubles, in those who start drinking before the age of fifteen compared to those who first begin drinking at age twenty-one. Continuing, they found that twenty-five percent of those who began drinking before the age of seventeen went on to become alcoholics. Substances are widely used by the youth as a means of excitement, consolation, belonging to a group, rebellion, a symbol of social and sexual maturity and independence. As expressed in the CHILD PSYCHIATRY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, â€Å"The destabilization of the family, ethical confusion, peer pressure and the decline of self-discipline among the young are the essential causes of adolescent substance use and abuse. † Excess drinking is usually associated with unwanted outcomes on part of the adolescent drinker.Jonathan Gruber, author of Risky Behavior among Youths: an Economic Analysis, expresses that â€Å"Drinking can lead to an increased chance of motor-vehicle accident or other type of injury, unwanted sex, criminal victimization, and other problems stemming from clumsiness, distorted perception, and cognitive deficit. † This lists only but a few of the many consequences that result from underage drinking. One solution offered to prevent the consequences faced with reck less drinking is changing the physical and social environments in which adolescents interact.Reducing the number of alcohol-related problems in America is a huge challenge to face. In part, this is because of the â€Å"prominent and deep-rooted role of drinking in American society. † Prohibition demonstrated that it is impossible to eliminate drinking in the United States. But one of the major themes running through this book has been that these problems are not indisputable. Their extent can be made smaller or larger by taking or failing to take appropriate actions. Furthermore, most studies show an increase in traffic accidents, and even deaths, among youths when the drinking age was lower.The Encyclopedia of Alcohol and Drugs also states that the result of lowering the drinking age caused a five to twenty percent increase in the number of fatal injury-causing crashes â€Å"likely to involve alcohol, such as single-vehicle accidents occurring late at night. † Alcohol use is typically reported in one-fifth to two-thirds of these problems; youth drowning, vandalism, assaults, suicides, and teenage pregnancies (Toomey, Rosenfeld, and Wagenaar 3). Besides accidents, there is also an association between alcohol abuse and suicide.Between one-third and two-thirds of adolescent suicide victims have a measurable blood alcohol level. A study of suicides from 1970 to 1990, done by Johanna Birckmeyer and David Hemenway, found that the suicide rates of eighteen to twenty year olds living in states with a drinking age of eighteen was eight percent higher than in states with a drinking age of twenty-one. The last point to consider is that when the drinking age was lowered to eighteen or nineteen an increase in traffic accidents occurred. Drinking before twenty-one causes more death than illnesses.It seems to me that there is little valid argument against leaving the legal drinking age at twenty-one. Auto accidents, suicides, illnesses, and alcoholism are all reasons in favor of maintaining a legal drinking age of twenty-one. The world is not yet mature enough for such a drastic change as lowering the legal drinking age, the damage would be too great.Works Cited Birckmayer, Johanna; Hememway, David. â€Å"Minimum-age drinking laws and youth suicide, 1970-1990. † American Journal of Public Health, 1999. Print. Bower, B. Alcoholism shows its youthful side. † Science News, 2000. Print. Quigley, Loria, et al. Drinking among Young Adults. Alcohol Health and Research World (2000): 185- 191. Print. Sherman, Laura. â€Å"Tragedy After An Enormous Accomplishment. † Germantown High School News 1999. Print Toomey, Rosenfield, and Wager. Encyclopedia of Alcohol and Drugs. New York, 1995. Toomey, Rosenfield, and Wager. The Minimum Legal Drinking Age: History, Effectiveness, and Ongoing Debate. Alcohol Health and Research World (2000): 213. Print. Wagenaar,Alexander, et al. Deterring Sales and Provision of aAlcohol to Minors: A Study of Enforcement in 295 Countries in Four States. Public Health Reports (2000): 185-191. Print. Gruber, Jonathan. Risky Behavior among Youths: an Economic Analysis. Chicago: University of Chicago, 2001. Print. Segal, Boris M. , and Jacqueline C. Stewart. â€Å"Substance Use and Abuse in Adolescence: An Overview. † CHILD PSYCHIATRY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Volume 26. 4 (1996): 193-210. Print. Olson, Steve, and Dean R. Gerstein. Alcohol in America: Taking Action to Prevent Abuse. Washington, D. C. : National Academy, 1985. Print. How to cite Alcoholism Among the Youth, Papers

Cultural Psychology Marketing Science

Question: Discuss about the Cultural Psychology for Marketing Science. Answer: Introduction Many psychology-related literatures reveals cognitive psychology, plotting of cognitive structures and associations between the manner and languages where individuals categorize the entire world. Nevertheless, the studies with social interactions are viewed from the different point of views based on different classes, cultures, which also enabled to understand the barriers and their intensities to what the barriers affect these intercultural-cultural communication (Rapport, 2014). As stated by Thompson (2013) culture and communication are interlinked as they are overlapping in all possible ways. Culture is usually defined by the features that a certain group of the population possesses, referring to religion, language, social habits, interests and customs. It can be rightfully stated that social interaction, that is communication, forms to be the building block of all societies. The systems and rules of our country are dependent on the interaction taking place across the society. Hei ne (2015) opines that cultural psychology studies how behavioral and psychological tendencies are embedded and rooted in culture. The chief theory underlying cultural psychology is that culture and mind are inseparable and they can be referred to being mutually constitutive. There lies a simple relation between people and their culture; culture is shaped by people and vice versa. Cultural psychology explores the process by which cultural traditions and social practices does the regulation, expression, and transformation of the human psyche. Shiraev Levy (2015) highlight that cultural psychologists put in tremendous efforts that yield a multitude of interesting and usually controversial cultural differences in the psychological processes, encompassing motivation, time and space perception, reasoning styles, relational styles, and emotional expression. This essay explores whether it is possible to have an insight of personality, social behavior and individual characteristics without having any experience of socialization while being in a culture and learn the implicit assumptions and rules of the culture. It will also check if it is possible to have an insight into rules, causes, behavior and determinants of social experience while be a complete outsider. Discussion Culture is defined as the possession of comparable features and traits, like feelings, attitudes, thought processes, personalities, beliefs, opinions, and behaviours, found in a certain cluster of populace. The characteristics ar epredominantly conceded from one generation to another. Although some of the traits have an overlapping between cultures, some significant differences are present too. Cultural psychology is referred to as a promising discipline that reveals the methods of cultural regulations and traditions of societal practices, which could alter human psyche and transform expression (Vaughn, 2015). Thereby, an approach where subject and object, figure, and ground, psyche and culture are composed together (Moran, Abramson Moran, 2014). In psychology, culture made a brief appearance considering both the methods and the theories. The best part is that individuals past and present are taken into consideration in order to build knowledge of social and biological sciences. Thu s, it could be stated that the functions of social psychologists are limited to individuals behavior that is affected by existing forces of actions, choices, and thoughts, where psychologists are separated from their personal area and make good choices. Statement in favor Simons Hughes (2012) stated that social behavior of any culture involves an insight of individuals perceptions associated with their social concerns. It is sometimes debated that ideas associated with social illustrations and attitudes are illuminated as definite factors associated with social behavior. There are set of guidelines, which are introduced in regard to Code of Ethics, which further enable the psychologists to carry out their practices. For instance, while psychometric analyses are used, the experiments are carried out by the psychologists so that they can measure and predict emotional behavioural and cognitive functioning that would support individual or group evaluation. It also helps to compare behaviours with culture, so, provides a signal of the individuals abilities, behaviours, weaknesses and strength (Staub, 2013). In certain cases, social psychologists check the attribution effects in order to understand peoples behaviour that does not include external traits. F or example, in order to obtain ideas of various different cultural affairs, the major task is to be well equipped with the theories and concepts of psychology across cultures. A psychologist may deal with cultures other than his own culture and thereby, deals with different personal beliefs and experiences (Neuliep, 2012). This shows that the psychologists, who are learning social behaviour from other cultures, are not necessarily a part of it. They need to acquire a thorough understanding of multiple cultures, consider social recognition and also need to be competent enough to accept ideas from different other cultures. In order to distinguish cultures of two different countries, the social psychologists need to look at universal as well as unique traits. Thus, the psychologists being from diverse ethnic backgrounds could obtain adequate knowledge of social traits and behaviours and also segregate their perceptions and personal beliefs (Sherif, 2015). The social psychologists need to understand the significance of cultural values to act sensitive and be aware, which would further help them to develop adaptability and flexibility (Myers, 2015). Valsiner (2014) discusses that two elementary factors prevail in the relationship of cognitive and social phenomena; thinking and culture. Culture is a section of the collection memeory we have and our perceptions and thoughts of ourselves, which needs deep analysis. For exploring this, psychologists can take the help of Cognitive Mapping that assists in drawing a mental picture of the representations of an individual and aid in gaining insights into the proce ss an individual saves and recalls the information in his environment. A primary peculiratity to gain knowledge while studying psychology and its relation with culture lies in the dissimilaritiesbetween collective and individualistic cultures. People who come from individualistic culture have an independent conception of the self, while focusing on the personal achievments. Members belonging to the collectivistic society usually have the focus on the interdependent conception of self while focusing on the aspects that bring benefit to the group. Eysenck Wilson (2012) pinpoints that there lie distinct points of difference between humans and other animals. Humans can be called as inherent social animals as they coherently survive through taking advantage of power of the group. Within this biological group, the tendency is to make up solutions for issues that are address both social and biological requirements. Evolution is responsible for this inheritance in humans and adaptation to ecological aspects enhances the chances of survival of the humans. Nature has been endowing humans with a comprehensive set of psychological processes for addressing the needs they have in social and biological contexts. These take into consideration both cognitive and emotional abilities, dispositions and preferences. Heine (2015) highlight that personal and cognitive biases have a strong impact on the decision making process and all judgments made are based on these biases. It is often argued that judgement itself may not be undesirable in all c ases, and that the process of judgement is what all must analyse in order to understand its appropriateness. Making judgments is an integral element of life as they are responsible for producing decisions for suitable results. Implicit biases have a strong presence throughout, and the aim of developing such biases is to help in solving all arising issues. This forms an efficient tool that psychologists can use for solving problems. Human interactions comprise associations between traits, personality along with situational variables that play a crucial role in individuals responses and reactions, which are consistent with the original traits. This supports the idea that it is possible to be an outsider and yet have an insight into the rules, social determinants, and related causes in terms of behaviour and social experience. Opposing statement Contrary to cultural relativism, ethnocentrism is a crucial factor, which is repeatedly used by the cultural psychologists as a prudence criterion for analysing various cultures, where norms lead to biases that further generate an inclination towards cultural difference (Rubin Brown, 2013). Being ethnocentric might allow an individual to think limited focusing only on own cultural aspect, which would further make an individual culturally incompetent. To avoid ethnocentrism, social psychologists need to go through the articles that inform the readers about intercultural communication. This would further enable individuals to adopt ideas from other cultures, practice among groups with diverse ethnic background, analyse major influences that the cultures have on thought processes, style of speaking, listening and behaving. A most fundamental practice in this context would be eliminating communication barriers (Roese Olson, 2014). Ethnocentrism could act as a challenge to think beyond individuals cultural ethics and norms and thereby designing a conclusion, which is limited to the host culture. This further gives rise to irrational and biased judgements. Reluctance to trying cuisine from other cultures is ethnocentric. The social scientists are trying to treat such differences among various cultures as neither superior nor inferior (Rubin Brown, 2013). While dealing with differences, judging and analysing against a set standard would be a typical reaction. According to some social psychologists, trying to deviate one from his/her own set of beliefs might make them feel inferior or misconstrued and thereby, not favourable (Rapport, 2014). Certain implicit cognitions might also be present, in terms of stereotyping or attitudes, which could further affect personal understandings. These could be spontaneous and without any control and sometimes are concealed for the aim of social precision. This could give rise to attitudes and feelings that are based on certain characteristics like ethnicity and race. These associations could lead to a revelation to indirect or direct messages as these are not in line with the stated beliefs. While such perceptions are thought to be valid, individuals tend to justify unreasonable actions that might cause an enduring negative impact. Communication can be of two forms, verbal and non-verbal, and both of these methods are equally important to hold a position in the society. Behaviours regarding learning to speak and provide nonverbal messages are reflected by these. Differences, however, lie in how different people communicate, as factors like individuality, personality, context and mood have an impact on communication styles. The building of relationships among individuals and the effectiveness of these relationships are influenced by communication, and there lie some basic points of dissimilarities in the way different individuals view the world around. This can venture intrusion with the interactions between individuals and may show the way to redundant conflicts. One aspect seeming to be true in one context may not be so in another context., depending on the place and the relationships under that circumstance (Broadbent, 2013). Eysenck Wilson (2012) states that acceptable human behaviour may differ from one cu lture to another and time period is also a constraint. One has to have a deep-rooted knowledge of culture and behaviour of a certain section of the society in order to adapt to it and implement it in own lifestyle. Each social clan has a certain standard for the population it comprises of. Remarkable behaviors are measured to be either amusing, or distasteful. A behaviour considered normal in one culture may not be considered acceptable in another. On the contrary, in certain subcultures prevalent in the exceedingly spirited society, the absence of attention focused onto competition is out of step in certain instances. Valsiner (2014) believes that cultural identities are to be discovered layer by layer in order to understand the concept in a clear manner. Self-reflection and interpersonal reflection are the two means by which this discovery can be done. Some identities can be readily identified as they are noticeable, however strong interaction is required for penetrating deep into the inner layers of culture. Ability to self-reflect determines the success in understanding newencounters in culture. Hence, from this discussion, it could be mentioned that without being from a particular cultural background, it is difficult for an individual to learn about typical characteristics, personality and social behaviour of the people from other cultural setting. Conclusion Drawing conclusion from the above discussion it can bestated that understanding of culture and communication is a matter ofdebate owing to the multi-dimensional characteristic. Culture and communication are being studied for centuries, and people have tried to embrace changes in culture and communication through out the eras. Studies have showed that people immersed in a social context could communicate effectively with individuals from the same culture or different cultures. It can be therefore stated that a person, considered to be unfamiliar with a culture can be a social psychologist. Tests and theories would form the basis for making judgments from a psychologists point of view. With the help of these aids, the psychologist can adapt to and learn different cultures and understand social behaviours. Cultural uniqueness could be revealed step by step, which may take place through either interpersonal communication or self-reflection. Certain identities are promptly noticeable. How ever, it majorly requires in-depth interaction to elicit the core meaning. While people from cross-cultural background meet, one may quickly judge by external factors, however, it actually takes the time to relate and share some profound experiences. It must be taken into consideration that culture bears a strong relationship with constantly evolving social phenomena and ideology. Culture is a learned process that all individuals possess from birth and modifies throughout life span. By providing supporting and contradictory factors, this essay suitably explored whether one can be a social psychologist and learn about others cultures while being from other cultural background. References Broadbent, D. E. (2013).Perception and communication. Elsevier. Eysenck, M., Wilson, G. (Eds.). (2012).A textbook of human psychology. Springer Science Business Media. Heine, S. J. (2015).Cultural Psychology: Third International Student Edition. WW Norton Company. Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., Moran, S. V. (2014).Managing cultural differences. Routledge. Myers, M. B. (2015). Ethnocentrism: a literature overview and directions for future research. InProceedings of the 1995 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference(pp. 202-207). Springer International Publishing. Neuliep, J. W. (2012). The relationship among intercultural communication apprehension, ethnocentrism, uncertainty reduction, and communication satisfaction during initial intercultural interaction: An extension of anxiety and uncertainty management (AUM) theory.Journal of Intercultural Communication Research,41(1), 1-16. Rapport, N. (2014).Social and cultural anthropology: The key concepts. Routledge. Roese, N. J., Olson, J. M. (2014).What might have been: The social psychology of counterfactual thinking. Psychology Press. Rubin, J. Z., Brown, B. R. (2013).The social psychology of bargaining and negotiation. Elsevier. Sherif, M. (2015).Group conflict and co-operation: Their social psychology(Vol. 29). Psychology Press. Shiraev, E. B., Levy, D. (2015).Cross-cultural psychology: Critical thinking and contemporary applications. Routledge. Simons, R. C., Hughes, C. C. (Eds.). (2012).The culture-bound syndromes: Folk illnesses of psychiatric and anthropological interest(Vol. 7). Springer Science Business Media. Staub, E. (2013).Positive social behavior and morality: Social and personal influences. Elsevier. Thompson, J. B. (2013).Ideology and modern culture: Critical social theory in the era of mass communication. John Wiley Sons. Valsiner, J. (2014).An invitation to cultural psychology. Sage. Vaughn, L. (2015).Doing ethics: Moral reasoning and contemporary issues. WW Norton Company.

Work Reduction Policy

Introduction It is the duty of managers to ensure that the success of the organization and the welfare of employees get first priority. However, managers are often required to make a lot of commitments while arriving at certain decisions to avoid any regrets or resentments thereafter.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Work Reduction Policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In such a situation, a manager has to do what is morally right and ethical for the organization and its employees. In the case scenario, Wireweave is overhauling its workforce after having adopted new technology which will be more effective, efficient, and cost effective compared to the old technology. This is aimed at enabling the organization to make a profit. Muriell Fincher, the personnel director at Wireweave faces the challenge of designing a work reduction policy that will bring about organizational change. Scope of the problem The cur rent case involves a lot of moral and ethical issues. From the perspective of the Company’s president, Wireweave needs to get rid of some employees as it can no longer sustain their wages (Leffler, 1999). Like any other organization, the ultimate goal of Wireweave is to make profits and reduce its operational costs. Although this is a very challenging decision, the personnel manager has to incorporate a policy that will be acceptable to both sides. The policy would see 65 employees leave the company as will further employee reduction exercise schedule in the future. Major issues Once an organization has adopted a new technology, this gives it a competitive advantage in the market. Even as the organization wishes to reduce its operational costs, it is also important to consider the welfare of the employees. These are two conflicting issues and the personnel manager has to design a work reduction policy that would be favorable tor both sides. Alternatives In every scenario, the re are always choices or alternatives available to enable one get out of that particular situation. The different alternatives available to Fincher will depend on the ethical and economic responsibilities of the company towards the employees being terminated.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They will also be determined by the moral problems that may arise as a result of terminating the services of some of the employees, and the pressure on the president to make a prompt decision (Leffler, 1999). The alternatives include communicating with the employees and explaining to them the organizational change to be incorporated in the reduction policy (Kreitner, 2009). The advantage of this alternative is that employees feel appreciated and this is likely to increase the morale of the retained employees. The disadvantage is that some employees may not be willing to embrace the n ew change. The second alternative is to draw a policy without involving the employees. This would lead to their termination without notice and could result in lawsuits and a bad reputation for the company. However, this is an effective alternative because it is an immediate action that does not involve compromise. The last option is to develop a policy plan that would lead to compensation of the employees and communicating to them about the immediate action being taken. The advantage of this policy is that all employees retained and those who gets terminated feel appreciated and their efforts are awarded. The limitation is that the management may not accept the clause of compensating the employees. Best alternative The most preferred alternative is having a work reduction policy that compensates employees and communicates to them the likely changes in the organization on a face to face basis. In this case, the moral ethics of the retained employees would be addressed. In addition, t he company would assume responsibility of their employees, and the urgency by Jackson for prompt action would be achieved. At the end of the day, the moral and ethical values would be safeguarded and conflicts as a result of organizational change managed (Kreitner, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Work Reduction Policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Measuring the success/ failure The success or the failure of the company is measured through performance indexes of the retained employees and the cost of production incurred (Behn, 2003). Conclusion The adoption of new technology by an organization is a good thing because it helps to reduce operational costs and gives the company in question a competitive advantage in the market. On the other hand, it can also lead to the retrenching of some employees. As such, there are a lot of ethical and moral issues involved. Reference List Behn, R. D. (2003). Why measure performance? Different purposes require different measures. Public Administration Review, 63(5), 586-606 Kreitner, R. (2009). Management. Boston: MA Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. Leffler, K. (1999). Critical incidents in management. Needham Heights: MA Pearson Publishing. This case study on Work Reduction Policy was written and submitted by user Jasiah David to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Hamilton Street Railway Strike essays

Hamilton Street Railway Strike essays Hamilton Street Railway Strike: A Violent Clash...A Lasting Legacy We who make up the Local Division today, owe very much to their foresight and courage, in forming and building this union. We of Division 107 have benefited much in these long 75 years. We have achieved our standard of today at the expense of many tireless and frustrating hours put in by the members before us. It has been a very long and hard road and we have many members to remember and give thanks to. Spoken sixty-eight years after the street railway strike of 1906, the 1974 Local 107 President Henry Austin, could have been directly thanking his predecessor, Mr. John Theaker, President of local 107 during the 1906 Hamilton street railway strike. Labour unions are formed on behalf of workers to ensure that their needs and interests are being addressed. These needs and interests usually are comprised of wages, working hours, and working conditions in general. As in the case of the Hamilton street railway employees of 1906, workers will go on strike to ensure that their employer will recognize these unions during contract negotiations. The Hamilton street railway strike occurred, primarily because the management of the Hamilton street railway company would not recognize Local 107, by not honouring the terms of a joint-drafted contract. The strike lasted twenty-nine days, and was one of the most violent strikes in Hamilton history. The strike had both positive and negative effects on the workers directly involved. Positively, the workers acquired gains by the strike action. Negatively, the company took further action against the officers of the union. The strike had a lasting effect on the labour movement. Allan Studholme used the strike generated public support for workers, to successfully run as an independent working class candidate in Hamilton East. On April 5, 1899 Division 107 of the Amalgamated Association of the Street Rai...

The Kurds A Stateless Nation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Kurds A Stateless Nation - Essay Example Studies indicate that, the political and social-economic changes witnessed by the rural Kurds in the 1950s such as industrialization, rural-urban migration, mechanization of farming and agriculture, and political mobilization destabilized the tribal structure of their tribal structure (Romano 66). For instance, over 35% of the Kurdish population in Turkey lives in Izmir, Ankara, Istanbul, and other parts of Turkish cities. Many of these people left Kurdistan forcibly because of political and state terror or voluntarily because of economic and social purposes. This essay will explore more on the language, religion, and other cultural and economic aspects of Kurdish identity. According to Zulal (146), the Kurds continues to speak many languages of the Kurdish commonly categorized into two groups. The first language group is Kurmanji spoken by over 75% of the Kurds, composed of two branches; North Kurmanji the most widely used language among the Kurds and South Kurmanji. The second lang uage group is the Pahlawani spoken by the 25% of the Kurds population and composed of two branches; Dimili and Gurani. Kurdish language serves as the cementing power of the Kurdish nationalism. For the past decades, conflicts have emerged within different tribes as many attempt to differentiate languages used by the Kurds. For instance, in the early 1920s, Ataturk substituted the alphabet words used in Turkish from the Arabic and Latin alphabet. As a result, the Kurds from turkey were forced to embrace and adapt the Latin alphabet for their language. In 1924, strict measures were imposed in Turkey to suppress the Kurds’ language (Entessar 66). The measures involved banning both written and spoken word of Kurdish language and ensuring that only those who speak and understand Turkish are provided with information and education. During that period, possession and distribution of written materials in Kurdish language became a severe crime liable to be punished by long prison sent ence. However, in the early 1990s, Kurds within Turkey began to use their language. Many Kurds have had the opportunity to express their thoughts in writings and readings. In terms of religion, two thirds of the Kurds’ population are Sunni Muslims who adhere mostly to the Shafi’i legal schools. However, the Arab and Turkish adhere to the Hanafi schools while Persian and Azeri to the Shi’ite schools. The remaining population of Kurds adhere to heterodox and rituals and beliefs that are somehow influenced by Islam, but more influenced by other Iranian religion. The Syncretistic sects include the Ahle-e Haqq also known as people of truth, the Alevis, and Ahl-e Haqq. Still, there a few thousands Christians Kurds and Jewish Kurds living in and outside Kurdistan. In the 18th and 19th century, religion played a significant role in the Kurdish community. It dictates the way people lived and perceived things. For instance, most of the Kurdish rebellions that broke out be tween 1880 and 1940 were initiated by Sheikhs (Gunter 539). At this point, the rebellion was affected by the religious differences of the Kurds. For example, Sunnis divided into two religious diversities; the Naqshbandi and Qadiri that never cooperated with each other effectively. The religion diversities between the two religions instigated rebellious. In regard to education, the ban of the Kurdish language and shortages of teachers and schools in Kurdish community have hindered education development. A study

The Extent of Women's Rights Vindication by the Beginning of the Essay

The Extent of Women's Rights Vindication by the Beginning of the Twenty-First - Essay Example She argued that both men and women should be regarded as intellectual equals. She helped raise the issues of women’s right to education. Although written in the 18th century, Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman provides a lot of insights on the issues faced by women and feminism in the 21st century. Wollstonecraft is considered as the mother of feminism and her views have helped shape the feminist movements across Europe and in the entire world. In her book, she examines the question of education and the significance of giving women a more liberal education so as to provide an equal platform for both men and women in the society. She also advocates for more treatises to be written with regard to the nature and existence of the gender differences that exist between women and men in the society (Wollstonecraft, 2009). She also criticizes her contemporary scholars such as Rosseau, who had stated that women should only be taught to obey and respect th eir male counterparts. Wollstonecraft fought against such misconceived philosophies and disrespect to women, who in her opinion should be equal to men. She was also critical of Edirne Burke’s opinion that men should only govern themselves. The main premise of Wollstonecraft’s argument was that the society can be much better place with the future of children made much easier if only women receive the same education as men. For a long time in the history of human beings, women have been regarded as being inferior to women. They were left out of decision making processes in the community and their roles in the society reduced to reproduction and production. Women were revered by men, but only for their looks and appearance, their reproductive capacity and for their little contribution to the economy of the society. These led to women being viewed more as objects of fulfillment of men’s desires, rather than as human beings. It’s only with the ideas of critica l individuals such as Wollstonecraft who questioned the place of women in the society, which gave rise to feminism and feminist movements. There have been significant improvements in the way the society perceives the role of women since the publication of Wollstonecraft’s book. Women in the 21st century can now have access to education, employment, legal and civil rights, as well as enjoying freedoms and responsibilities that they did not enjoy in the 18th century. There is however still a lot that need to be done in this respect, to ensure that women occupy a more respected place in the society and be treated equally as men. There are still cases of vindication of women’s rights today in the 21st century. Women still face a lot of challenges battling with stereotypes and a conservative culture that does not give them an opportunity to explore their potential (Gordon, Lyndall 2005). According to Wollstonecraft, the place of women in the society can only be said to have improved if the women can be treated as useful and rational citizens. Once this is achieved, women will be considered being equal to men. She further states that the only way this can be achieved is through forming good friendships and between men and women and that both should recognize that they are rational creatures and no one is better than the other. Wollstonecraft’s writings on feminism glimmer some of the issues women encounter in the modern society. A vindication of the rights of women is a very good example of an unbelievably insightful look in to the life of women in the society. Basically, the text examines the conditions of women, women’

Turkey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Turkey - Essay Example For other groups within the EU, letting Turkey become a member would greatly affect the cultural status of Europe. Because Turkey seems to be much more Asian in terms of the traditions and religion, these groups hold that Turkey would be having a hard time fitting itself in the European way of thinking (Laà §iner 17). However, from a personal standpoint, while Turkey has considerably achieved great leaps in improving its economy, if the country strongly chooses to join, the leaders must be able to immediately bring forth the changes in some of the internal and external policies up to the standards set up by the EU, otherwise the leaders are just stalling and are simply reluctant to become part of the EU. One of the strongest factors that prevented Turkey from being assimilated early was the incompatibility of its economic structure with that of the EU (Arikan 64). Due to the political and not of the economic interests of its leaders, instead of creating more liberal economic policies as well as unable to comply with the reciprocal obligations of the EU, Turkey was unable to close its status as a candidate for early accession. The instability within the Mediterranean regions also affected the status of the country (Arikan 65). Had Turkey chose to create steps in changing trade and economic policies according to EU standards, the development of the country would have been easier, as well as the accession into the EU. Despite Turkey being unable to let a reciprocal relationship with EU take place, the country was eligible to become an associate country, with the hopes of immediately starting the transition process (Arikan 65). Mutual obligations between the EU and Turkey were created, such as quantitative restrictions for Turkish exports to the EU, and the EU granting financial aids to Turkey that would mitigate workers

Physical Structure Of Management Information System

Physical Structure Of Management Information System Jump to: Physical Structure of Management Information Systems Management Information System Types Advantages of Management Information Systems Disadvantages of Management Information Systems Management Information Systems in Banking Conclusion and Recommendations The report on Management information systems reviews the role of information systems in an organization. It is a system through which organization takes an effective decision which help to attain the overall objectives of an organization. A management Information System is a system which consists of people, computers and procedures for collecting and organizing of information that will help mangers to take decision in an organization. It aims as to provide information to the top level managers so that they can take effective decisions in an organization. Information system is a system which helps manager to make effective decisions for an organization. Information system can be defined as a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store and distribute information to the management of an organization for making effective decisions, to ensure coordination and control in an organization. (Laudon, 2006) Information systems consist of information related to people, places and things in an organization or outside the organization .i.e. the environment surrounding business. (Laudon, 2006) Functions of an Information System Information systems consist of three important activities which provide information to an organization to make relevant decisions, to control operations of an organization, to identify problems and to create new products and services. Three important activities in an information system are input, processing and output. (Laudon, 2006) Input collects data from within the organization or from its external business environment. Processing converts the data to an useful and meaningful form i.e. information Output helps to make available the processed information to the user of information. Output also provides feedback to the organization. Management Information System A management information system is a computerized system (Sarkissian, 2009) that is designed to provide useful information to an organization which will help them to make decision so as to attain their short term and long term goals. MIS is a combination of people, computers and procedures for collecting and organizing information in an organization that is useful for decision making in an organization. (Sarkissian, 2009). MIS is an integrated system for gathering relevant data, convert it in to right information and supplying the relevant information to concerned executive thus it is a system to provide the right information to the right person at the right time.(management-hub.com) The main objective of MIS is to provide necessary information to an organization so as to manage organization effectively. It is a communication tool between the top management and staffs that helps organization to attain their overall goals.( Sarkissian, 2010) Physical Structure of Management Information Systems A MIS is an organized system which consists of people, hardware, and communication networks and data sources that collects, transforms and distributes information in an organization. It is a tool which helps mangers in making decisions by providing regular flow of accurate information in an organization. (Sarkissian, 2009) The physical components of an MIS include hardware, software, database, personnel and procedures. Hardware Hardware consists of all physical components of a computer system like central processing unit (CPU), input devices, output devices, storage and communication devices. (Sarkissian, 2009) Software Software is an interface between the information system and users of information system. Software can be of two types system software and applications. The system software includes the operating system and special purposes programs. Application is developed to achieve a specific task. Software plays an important part in MIS. (Sarkissian, 2009) Database A database is a centrally managed and organized collection of data. Database helps to store data in an organized manner and to make available to those who need that data. Database helps to reduce duplication of data as it is centrally managed data one data can be store at one place avoiding redundancy and duplication of data. (Sarkissian, 2009) Procedures Procedures are essential for effective use of information system. Procedures consist of various instructions like user instructions, instructions for input preparation and operating instructions. These instructions help in using information system effectively. (Sarkissian, 2009) Personnel Number of personnel is required for implementation of MIS like computer operators, programmers, systems analysts and managers. Human beings are key requirements for implementation of MIS. In MIS both technical and managerial level people are required for proper implementation of MIS. (Sarkissian, 2009) Types of Management Information Systems There are four types of Management Information systems (Sarkissian, 2009) Transaction processing systems: TPS is a type of MIS which records a huge volume of recurring and routine data. They were introduced in the 1960 and are used widely today. TPS record transactions relating to inventories, raw materials, customers and sales. Many organizations use these systems to record day to-day transactions like banks use these systems to record deposits and payments made into bank accounts and Manager Use TPS to record transactions related to payments made to suppliers, customer billing and so on. (sarkissian, 2010). These systems help manager to determine trends in data and help them to plan accordingly in order to achieve overall organizational objectives. Operations information systems: These systems were introduced after TPS. They access data from TPS and organize data into a useable form. They were basically used to obtain data related to sales, inventory, and accounting and other performance related information. Operations information systems are used to plan and schedule production and assembly functions. (sarkissian, 2010). They help managers to take various curial decisions like how much raw materials to be ordered, when to schedule production and when to assemble the final products. It also help managers to take decisions about the manpower which will be require in the production and assembly processes. Decision support systems: A DSS helps managers to make important decisions. It consists of three fundamental components: Database management system (DBMS): it stores large amount of data related to all problems the DSS has been designed to tackle. Model-based management system (MBMS): it helps to convert data from DBMS into useful information which help managers in decision making process. Dialog generation and management system (DGMS), it provides a user-friendly interface between the system and the managers who are not experts in computer. (sarkissian, 2010). Expert systems: These systems uses human knowledge stored in a computer to solve problems same as human beings. These systems recognize, formulate and solve a problem. They also explain their solutions and learn from their experience. (sarkissian, 2010) Advantages of MIS MIS helps organization in their functioning. MIS record, process and tabulate all business transaction which helps organization to refer to the relevant data and to make improvements in the business transaction where the organization feels that they are lacking behind. (Moorty, 2009) For example the organization can compare actual and projected sales and can take necessary steps to improve their sales performance. (Moorty, 2009) MIS helps the top management of an organization in good decision making. It also helps the top management to evaluate whether the allocated resources have been properly utilized and whether the targets are been met by each department. It helps to facilitate a two way communication process in an organization. (Moorty, 2009). The top management communicates to employees what is expected from them and employees discuss their problems to their top management. Therefore MIS ensure an effective communication in an organization. Facilitates planning and controlling MIS provides relevant information from the top management to people working as staffs in an organization. It helps the top management to facilitate proper planning of organizational activities by providing relevant data of past and present. MIS integrates all information and ensures that each department is aware of the problems and requirements of another department and thus leads to co-ordination in an organization. (management-hub.com) Relevant Information MIS only provides relevant data by compressing the huge amount of data which helps management in quick decision making. Fast reaction to market changes MIS provides facts, data and trends which help organization to react immediately accordingly to the changes happening in the market. (Pirraglia, 2010) Competitive advantages Today Competition is very strong in any industries. It is important for an organization to identify their competitive advantage in order to differentiate them in the market. MIS provides huge amount of data to management which help them to identify their competitive advantage and to make strategies to enhance their competitive advantages through their decisions. (Pirraglia, 2010) Disadvantages of MIS MIS is a useful tool for management for making effective decisions for an organization. But there are many limitations of MIS which are as follows. MIS cannot be used independently MIS cannot be use independently in an organization. MIS provides only information which is useful for an organization but the interpretation and analyzes of the information requires human being and therefore MIS cannot use interpedently in an organization. (Moorty, 2009) MIS Expense MIS helps in effective decision making process but the implementation of MIS in an organization can be very expensive as all the divisions and processes of an organization should be reviewed. Training of new employees for the MIS can also add up to implementation charges. Besides this the installation charges are also huge. (Vitez, n.d) Employee Training MIS helps in effective decision making through review of all the processes and operations of an organization and proper trained employees are important for MIS implementation. Employees are involved in all the operations and processes of an organization and providing proper training to the employees will help the organization to achieve their overall objectives. (Vitez, n.d) MIS Flexibility MIS once installed in an organization may prove to be inflexible. And Changes in MIS program may require huge cost Information Flaws MIS helps management in effective decision making by providing information to the management. The main disadvantage of MIS could be that MIS sometimes gives improper or inadequate information to the management which makes it difficult for management in making decisions. (Vitez, n.d) Analysis and Discussion Example: Lakshmi Vilas Bank Lakshmi Vilas Bank is a fast growing private sector bank in India. The bank provides its banking services to several customers through a network of 271 branches and 168 ATMs spread over 14 states and one union territory. (lvbank, 2010) The products of Lakshmi Vilas bank consists of business credit, home loans, rental loans, car loans, education loans, SME credit facilities, NRI Services and online banking. It also provides mutual funds products and life insurance products of Aviva Life Insurance Co. Ltd. and general insurance products of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. (lvbank, 2010) The LVB has been offering various technology products through innovative delivery channels like NEFT, RTGS, SMS Alerts, SMS Pull Services, Net Banking, ATMs Mobile Payments and E-commerce. (cxotoday) Online services provided by Lakshmi Vilas bank National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) NEFT is an efficient, secure and reliable system of funds transfer between accounts of customers of different banks. (lvbank, 2010) REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT SYSTEM (RTGS) RTGS enables an efficient, secure and reliable transfer of funds between accounts of customers of different banks. (lvbank, 2010) INTERNET BANKING Internet banking allows customers to do their financial transaction from secure website of bank. Lakshmi Vilas Bank started internet banking on August 9, 2008. This facility is available to all their customers, who wish to do online banking. (lvbank, 2010) SMS BANKING Lakshmin Vilas bank also provides SMS banking to their customers. Using the mobile customers can enquire about their account balance and the status of their cheque book (lvbank, 2010) Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) Lakshmi Vilas Bank provides ECS facility to their customers. It allows fund transfer electronically and it is generally used for bulk credit and debit transactions like distribution of dividends, interest, salary pension, payment of bills. (lvbank, 2010) Problems Faced By Lakshmi Vilas Bank The Banks systems were unable to provide collective information to the manager which resulted into delay in decision making process even during emergency. (Microsoft, 2009) The accounts and planning team spend a huge amount of time in collating financial data from 250 branches which was submitted in various format. Analyzing all these data and preparing statutory reports took valuable time and resources of the bank. (Microsoft, 2009) The efficiency of the bank was affected due to lack of up to date information (Microsoft, 2009) Customers wanted fast information and more reliable information. Employees Productivity was affected Management was facing problem in their decision making process due to unavailable of proper information. Use of Information systems in Lakshmi Vilas Bank Lakshmi Vilas Bank International Visa Debit Card. The Visa debit cared introduced by Lakshmi Vilas Bank has help the bank to provide its new as well as existing customers with the facilities to shop, pay their bills, book their movie or airline and rail tickets online. (lvbank, 2010) MPLS architecture It is the first bank in Tamil Nadu to achieve 100% Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Architecture. The implementation of MPLS architecture helped LVB to reduce network operating cost as well as to provide higher availability of network for the branches. It helped bank to better performance of the application at branches through lesser congestion o the network. MPLS architecture will help bank to reduce maintenance and operational cost of 21 hubs of their bank. (cxotoday) Enterprise storage solution LVB has acquired enterprise storage solution which is a centralized system and will help bank to consolidate all its business database into one single system to effectively manage their customers. This solution has helped the bank to improve their overall efficiencies. (Information week, 2010) Datacraft IT security infrastructure and datacenter upgrading Datacraft is a provider of IT solutions and services. It had given IT security infrastructure and datacenter upgrading to LVB which will help the bank to avail the benefit of security for all their branches. (ciol, 2010) D2K technologies The bank chose MIS solution offered by D2K technologies while helped bank for consolidating real and accurate information for internal and compliance related reports.(Microsoft, 2009) Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 provides security and reliability to banks business applications. As Mentioned by chief technology officer of Lakshmi Vilas Bank which says that the speed with which they were able to provide information to internal stakeholders, customers and government departments has improved significantly. (Microsoft, 2009) Advantage of information Technology and MIS in the Lakshmi Vilas Bank MIS in LVB helps the bank in their accurate reporting and functions of the bank. It helps them to plan their business activities, performance their business review and to exchange information in accurate time. (expressindia, 2001) Savings and Earning Potential Up MIS has help bank to savings in many forms. The branch is not busy preparing statement and the account department does not spend much of their time collating reports of 251 branches. On an average each person saves almost 3 hours a day leading to huge savings in people cost. The systems has also helped bank to available all the data centrally and that is why the branches doesnt have to submit their report to central office. (Microsoft, 2009) Improves Financial Management Compliance The time spends on consolidation of statements from 251 branches by the account department and planning department has been reduced by 30%. As stated by assistant manager of Lakshmi Vilas Bank, Compliance and reporting to the RBI and other government agencies have become fast and accurate as per compliance requirements. (Microsoft, 2009) Dashboards Enable Management with Decision Making The decision support system type of MIS enables management in fast decision making process by providing tabular and graphically representation of information. This system provides banks management by setting new goals by evaluating past trends. Each employee of the bank can access relevant and more secure information from central location. Customers and all stake holders of the bank can access relevant information from the bank. (Microsoft, 2009) Conclusion and Recommendations Information system is a system which helps management to take effective decisions for an organization. It is a tool which collect, process, store and distribute information to the management. Information systems are useful for providing information rather than raw data to the management. Data only shows number whereas information provides logical understanding of a figure. Information systems basically consist of data related to people, process and procedures inside the organization as well as it provides information of external business environment affecting the business. Information system performs the functions of processing of input into output .i.e. collecting of data and processing of the data into information and thereby helping managers in their decision making process. Management information system is a computerized system of providing information to the manager so that they can take long term and short term decisions in an organization. MIS is organized system which consists of people, hardware, and communication networks that collect data and transform that data into information. There are various types of Information systems based on different levels of organization i.e. strategic level dealing with the top most management for their long term decisions. Management level which deals with various managers with their plans and operational level that deals with the day to day activities of business. There are different types of Management information systems like Transaction processing systems that records huge volume of recurring and routine data like raw materials, inventories, customers and sales. Operations information systems track data from TPS and whose aim objective is to plan and schedule production and assembly functions. Decision support systems deal with making important decisions. Experts systems is a system which helps organization in solving their problems like human beings through their past experience. MIS helps organization by providing various benefits like MIS compares the performance of an organization which helps managers to identify whether the organization is performing good or not. It helps management in their decision making process by providing useful information to them. It is a tool of communication between top level management and employees. It provides only relevant data to management by compressing huge amount of data. It helps to ensure better co-ordination in an organization. It helps company to identify their competitive advantage and help them to enhance the value of their products. Besides various benefits there are some limitations of MIS like MIS cannot be independently used in an organization. The expense of installing MIS is very huge. MIS is a technical product which requires organization to provide training to huge number of their employees. Once a MIS is installed it is very costly to change that MIS system. Sometimes it may happen that MIS provides inadequate data which may not prove helpful for an organization. We have also taken example of Lakshmi Vilas bank in order to understand the impact of information systems on the working of the bank. It helped this bank to increase the speed and accuracy of information flow in the organization as well as outside the organization Today MIS is a useful tool of making effective decisions in an organization so it is very important that it should have no limitations. The cost of implementing MIS in an organization is very huge and is not flexible enough so it is important to make available MIS which doesnt cost much for an organization and which can accept changes. As stated earlier in our example of Lakshmi Vilas bank, the bank is using Information systems effectively and earning profits from it but there are many things bank should focus on With the increase in technology Bank should update their IS so that they can provide their customer with better services and increase its productivity. The IS used in a bank should be more secure. Thus Management Information system helps management in their effective decision making process and help them to run their organization profitably.

Divine Comedy †Pagans in Paradise Essay -- Divine Comedy

Divine Comedy – Pagans in Paradise In the beginning when God created humanity, it was said that He created all humans in His image of goodness (Genesis 1:27). Dante then adds in his Divine Comedy that God has instilled a certain predetermined capacity of goodness in each human being as He wills, which should be utilized fully during life (Paradise 3:84). It would then be assumed, in Dantean thought, that all humans have the choice to live fully to this capacity and assume a place in heaven upon death, to fail to utilize this capacity and suffer in Hell for eternity, or to sin and seek repentance at some point in their lives, allowing them to enter Purgatory. Yet, this statement seems to have certain restrictions when we first look at Dante’s Divine Comedy. Dante’s Inferno shows virtuous pagans in the first circle of Hell and has the reader believe that one must be a Christian to enter Heaven, or Purgatory. As the reader continues into Paradise, he discovers that there are indeed some pagans who have rise n to Heaven, but only because they were allowed the mercy to be baptized after death. This idea seems unjust to those who have lived sinless lives without being given the choice to embrace Christ. It is understood that direct refusal of Christianity would result in an eternity in Hell, but for those sinless and virtuous people who lived before Christ or beyond the reaches of Christian teachings, it seems absurd to deny them entrance into Heaven. With careful examination of the Divine Comedy, it can be understood that the actual act of baptism and the embracing of Jesus Christ symbolize the ideas and significance each act represents and are not intended for the reader to take these acts for their literal meanings. The presence ... ...l salvation. Throughout the entire work of Dante’s Divine Comedy, pagans play an integral role. Pagans are present in each of the three parts of Dante’s afterlife and a pagan is even chosen to be Dante’s guide. The prevalence of these individuals suggests the idea that God loves all people and rewards those who have embraced the ideas and morals of the Christian religion and lived virtuously and without sin. Dante’s Divine Comedy provides enough basis to form the argument that one does not necessarily have to be Christian to enter Heaven, but only needs to embrace the ideals that Christ and baptism represent. Also, through using Emperor Trajan as an example of a virtuous pagan’s successful entrance to Heaven, it is seen that possession of these ideals along with the virtue of humility is what allowed certain pagans into Paradise and excluded others for eternity.