Promethium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements

Promethium is a radioactive rare earth metal. Heres a collection of interesting promethium element facts: Interesting Promethium Facts The original spelling of the name promethium was prometheum.The element is named for Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the Greek gods to give to mankind.Promethium was the last rare earth element of the lanthanide series to be discovered. It was discovered in 1945 by  Jacob A. Marinsky, Lawrence E. Glendenin, and Charles D. Coryell, although its existence had been predicted in 1902 by Czech chemist Bohuslav Brauner. Marinskys group found promethium in uranium fission products during Manhattan Project research in Oak Ridge, TN.All of the isotopes of promethium are radioactive. It is the only radioactive rare earth metal and it is one of only two radioactive elements followed by stable elements on the periodic table. The other element like this is technetium.Promethium isotopes generate x-rays via beta decay. 29 isotopes are known, with mass numbers from 130 to 158.Promethium is prepared in a lab. It is extremely rare on Earth, although it has been detected in pitchblende spe cimens from the radioactive decay of uranium.The only stable oxidation state of promethium is 3, although it can be made to display the 2 oxidation state. This is common with lanthanide elements.The pure metal has a silvery appearance. Salts of promethium glow pale blue or green, due to radioactive decay.Because of its radioactivity, promethium is considered toxic.Promethium compounds have several practical applications, all more to deal with its radioactivity than its chemical properties. The earliest pacemakers used nuclear batteries that relied on promethium. It is used in missile and spacecraft power sources, as a beta source for thickness gauges, and to make luminous paints. Promethium Chemical and Physical Properties Element Name: Promethium Atomic Number: 61 Symbol: Pm Atomic Weight: 144.9127 Element Classification: Rare Earth Element (Lanthanide Series) Discoverer: J.A. Marinsky, L.E. Glendenin, C.D. Coryell Discovery Date: 1945 (United States) Name Origin: Named for the Greek god, Prometheus Density (g/cc): 7.2 Melting Point (K): 1441 Boiling Point (K): 3000 Covalent Radius (pm): 163 Ionic Radius: 97.9 (3e) Specific Heat (20 °C J/g mol): 0.185 Pauling Negativity Number: 0.0 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 536 Oxidation States: 3 Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f5 6s2 References: Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001), Crescent Chemical Company (2001) Return to the Periodic Table

Tips for Using German Music in the German Classroom

Learning through music can be a great way to help students understand the lesson and enjoy it at the same time. When it comes to the German language, there are many great songs to choose from that can really add to your classroom experience. German music can teach culture and vocabulary simultaneously and many German teachers have learned the power of a good song. Its a great way to grab their students attentions when other resources may not be working. Students are discovering German music on their own as well, so many already have an interest in it. It is, quite simply, an effective teaching tool that teachers can take advantage of. Your lessons can include styles from classical to traditional folk tunes, heavy metal to rap, and everything in between. The point is to make learning fun and get students excited about learning a new language. German Lyrics and Songs An introduction to German music can begin with the basics. Something as familiar as the German national anthem  is a good place to begin. A portion of the anthem comes from the song Deutschlandlied and its also known as Das Lied der Deutschen or Song of the Germans. The lyrics are simple, the translation relatively easy, and the tune breaks it down into short stanzas to make memorization smooth. Depending on the age of your students, traditional German lullabies may not seem appropriate, but simple songs are often the best teaching tools. Quite often, they repeat the same words and phrases throughout, so this can really boost a classrooms vocabulary. Its also a chance to get a little silly at times. If youre looking for familiar songs that are a little more hip, then youll want to turn to deutsche Schlager. These are the German golden oldies from the 60s and 70s and theyre reminiscent  of some of the American tunes of that era. Its fun to turn on these timeless hits and watch your students as they begin to understand the lyrics. Popular German Music Artists to Know When you really want to grab the attention of your students, there are a few popular musicians who they will not be able to ignore. Most Beatles fans know that the Fab Four polished their craft in Germany in the early 1960s. Did you know that the first commercial recording the Beatles ever released was partly in German? The Beatles connection to Germany is a fascinating cultural lesson. Its also helpful when your students are already familiar with the English version of a song. It gives them something they can really connect to. Another familiar tune is Mack the Knife, which was popularized by stars like Louis Armstrong and Bobby Darin. In its original version, it is a German song by the name of Mackie Messer and the smoky voice of Hildegard Knef sung it best. She has other great tunes that your class is sure to enjoy as well. As you might expect, Germans are no stranger to heavy metal music. A band like Rammstein is controversial, but their songs are well-known, especially the 2004 hit Amerika. This may also be an opportunity to discuss some of the cultural and political aspects of German life with older students. Die Prinzen is one of Germanys biggest pop bands. They have 14 gold records, six platinum records, and over five million recordings sold. Their songs are often satirical and play on words, so theyre sure to peak the interest of many students, especially as they learn the translations. Resources for More German Songs The internet has opened up many new possibilities for discovering German music that can be used to teach the language. For instance, a venue such as iTunes is a great resource, though there are some tips youll want to know to make the German on iTunes experience a little easier. It might also be helpful if you review the contemporary German music scene yourself. You will find everything from rap to jazz, pop to more metal, and any other style you can imagine. Its always nice to find something that your particular students can connect to and theres sure to be a great fit out there for them.

Why Is Home Care The Basis For The Model Of Marketisation...

Finding 1: Why is home care the basis for the model of marketisation of care in Urban China? Home care is the basis of Chinese elder care system, which is embedded in its cultural norms. The cultural norms of ’filial piety’ to keep supporting system between generations within the family, economic values to the family and the state, and challenges to traditional familial care, contribute to the home care as the marketisation trend of care for older people in China. 1.1 Persistent cultural value of ‘filial piety’ and social changes The familial supports to older people are morally and legally encouraged in China. The cultural norms of ‘filial piety’ are rooted in China, allocating care responsibility to the family. There is an overwhelming view from interviewees (both government officials and managers in care agencies): family members (spouse and children) are the first source for both care services and financial support for older people. ‘When a person is in need of care, the family is the main supporter for him, and the first method he should try. Unless the duty is beyond the ability of his family, the state has the responsibility to help this person†¦otherwise, the state is not able to afford the care for this huge older population in China.’ Le, Executive of a care agency According to the Chinese Constitution, adult children have the obligation to support and assist their parents. The definition of support and assist for older parents includes providing essential livingShow MoreRelatedUnit 1 Economic Environment of Business14187 Words   |  57 PagesUNIT 1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS Objectives After studying this unit, you should be able to : †¢ Define what you mean by â€Å"environment† †¢ Classify the complex environmental variable on the basis of objective criteria †¢ Identify the critical elements of economic environment of business †¢ Analyse the interactions between economic and non-economic environment †¢ Explain the impact of economic environment on business management; and †¢ Illustrate your understanding of economic environment

Performance Management Managing People and Organizations

Question: Discuss about the Performance Management for Managing People and Organizations. Answer: Introduction: Ngai Tahu Holdings is a Company which has been recorded for its outstanding history of commerce and trade which it has been into for 100 years. Its business history dates back to hundred years where colonisation did not happen and it was at this time where Ngai Tahu has embraced international commerce with its constant and uninterrupted involvement in New Zealands fisheries and agriculture industries (Ngai Tahu Holdings nd). With constant and persistent efforts in procuring an access to outstanding capital funds, Ngai Tahu has ventured into various industries like property and real estate, seafood and tourism industries. The business has ventured into various platforms like the modern commercial activities where the brand could allocate its annual revenues into newer business segments (Ngai Tahu Holdings nd). The Company had been known for its strong decision makers who have also ventured into newer aspects of business where they have reinvested two thirds of their income and have maintained a stricter distribution policy in providing support to the tribal members of the community by helping them in providing adequate education grants and scholarships (Ngai Tahu Holdings nd). Ngai Tahu has been growing stronger with its investment policies where they have also proved yet again in 1998 when they have received a Settlement Claim of $170 million. It has involved its assets which it has earned from fisheries and aqua culture worth $70 - $ 71 million. Ngai Tahu has become a stronger company with its great reinvestment policies and the brand grew extensively. Ngai Tahu, as a Company has been striving in order to ramp up their commercial operations and also to support their tribals while standing as a greater support to their economy. The brand has been contributing about $ 200 million consecutively to the South Island Economy with its vast job creation, sales, reinvesting their profits and income to support and improve their local communities. Ngai Tahu is a committed Organization which has also been an intergenerational investor which has been motivated by its strong decision making team and its values. Values of Ngai Tahu Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation has been an ardent embracer of the values of its Parent Company, Te Runanga Group and it has been committed to ensure that it holds up its values and becomes an embedded member of its Organization. This has also been proven in the method by which the Company conducts its business by embracing various communities and cultures (Ngai Tahu Holdings nd). These ardent factors contribute to manage and minimise the occurrence of any of the contingency factors within the Company. Vision Ngai Tahu Holdings creates an environment of respect to its Customers and its Employees in accordance with its Companys policies. Mission Ngai Tahu Holdings Group are committed to holding up the values of its Group in all situations and in all its business holdings. Strategy Ngai Tahu Holdings has adapted and implemented a strong strategy where it has created an environment of respect and has motivated all its business groups to be more proactive, imaginative and creative where the leaders can create newer grounds constantly. Mike Sang has been the CEO of Ngai Tahu Holdings since 2013 and has been contributing to the overall development of the departments like Communication and Procurement, Finance, Business Information and Services including the Administration (Ngai Tahu nd). Ngai Tahu Holdings has been striving to bring more coordination within the employees by engaging them actively in different segments like forming community groups for the employee families where they can all come together as a group and experience being more socially secured and well connected with each other (Ngai Tahu nd). The groups were organized depending on the type of families which it constituted and various barbecue parties were held on a timely basis in order to motivate the employees to contribute to a better community and a work environment. A specific People and Development Manager has been allocated for the task in order to come up with various initiatives and planning activities within various communities. Imagining myself to be a Management Consultant of Ngai Tahu, I have a responsibility in- built in my job responsibility that I should contribute to improve the Organizational performance in a positive way. Improving Organizational Performance is a critical factor in the Corporate Environment of the present times. Development of organizational performance is to be aligned with the improvement of personal skills, knowledge related to the job and the related skills (Covey 2004; Jones et al 2000). As a Consultant, I feel that the Management should make an effort to understand the individual differences and the behavioural types of various employees. By making these efforts, the Organization would be able to prepare its employees to get adapted to the Organizational objectives and implement them (Mohammed Al Khouri 2010). There have been various surveys which were conducted to analyse the employee satisfaction and a recent survey which has been conducted in 2005 has reported significant results like Almost 45 50% of the Employees lack motivation to continue their learning and improving Results reveal that almost 3 4 people in a group would not prefer to work collectively Among the entry level applicants for a job, 15 20% of them have self discipline towards their jobs 30% - 70% standard is something which has been reported where 70% of all issues happen because of the lack of proper change initiatives. Most of these issues happen because of the inability of the Management to lead their teams, lack of cooperation, lack of self motivation to take up any initiatives and inefficiency to drive change within the Organization (Mohammed Al Khouri 2010). Todays knowledge driven Organizations are pinning down on leadership where the leaders analyse and assess the feelings of their employees in order to manage their employees and their relationships effectively (eDison, 2005). By implementing these practices, the employees will be motivated and they would be in a better position to contribute to the overall growth of the Organization. Analysis If positive environment is a critical factor for improving the organizational performance, it is also critical for the Management to assess their present environment and build one in case of need. To conduct such an analysis the Management would have to consider their individuals as people who have distinct personalities and they should also be in a position to commend their areas of improvement (Luthans, 2011). The employees who are the individuals working in the Organizations have distinct personalities as mentioned earlier and they have various personality types and states of mind which are critical for assessing their individual behaviour. The similarities and the differences between people can be associated with each other with the help of a study conducted by Mc Gregor (1960) where he has used 2 theories to describe the distinct personalities and to associate them with the potential attitudes which a person would have in a situation. The Management should assess their Managers at various levels and analyse the type of leadership style which they possess (Hussein, Ishak and Noordin, 2007). By analysing these leadership styles, the Management would come to an understanding whether their departmental Managers are accommodative, authoritarian or whether they have a regressive attitude of leadership (Hagmann et al. 2009). Positive styles of leadership can prove to be accommodative and can be satisfying for the employees where they have the chance to work and showcase their talent to their Management. In the table below, we would be able to assess the natural perceptions of the Management and the individual preferences of the employees in a team. Theory X Management Theory Y Employees Employees have a tendency to escape work and they show a negative attitude towards work Employees if told in an effective way would perform as per the Organizational Standards Employees work only under the supervision of the Managers Managers should create a work environment where the Employees would be able to express their ideas clearly and would be able to perform in an effective way Employees should be supervised well with stricter policies to control the work environment Management should delegate authority to its employees in order to promote growth as a motivating factor for the Employees to be retained in the Organization (Jones eta l 1999) Recommendations Adapting and implementing Positive Leadership styles Positive leadership styles would motivate the employees to a greater extent and they would provide them with higher levels of job satisfaction (Newstrom Davis 2002). Positive factors of motivation - Opportunities for growth Skill enhancement programs Negative factors of motivation Threats and Penalties Apart from the above analysis, there are various motivation theories which can be considered like Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Herzbergs two factor theory. These theories can be categorised as the content theories which act as a true source of motivation for the employees in order to perform well in the Organization. (Fig: Herzbergs Two Factor Theory) In an Organizational perspective, Herzbergs Two Factor Theory is the most appropriate theory which can analyse the employees needs within two segments like the Motivator Factors and the Hygiene Factors. Both these segments would enhance the levels of satisfaction of the Employees which can contribute to the overall organizational growth (Herzberg, 1987). The second segment which is the Hygiene related segment does not essentially include the cleanliness aspect of the Organization however it includes the working conditions, the organizational policies made and the organizational culture which has been established by the Organizational Management (Herzberg, 1987). As per the Herzbergs Two Factor Theory, the Management of an Organization should conduct an analysis on their existing policies and work towards the provision of a better work environment which could enhance the employees ability by motivating him to take up additional responsibilities at work, strive for growth by offering to provide various solutions to the existing issues which the organization might be facing. The Management can also work towards improving the quality of the relationships of the employees at work with their team members as well as their Managers. This overall would help in providing additional growth in the work place environments (Yang, Watkin and Marsick, 2004). By considering the theoretical analysis as a base, the employee performance can be improved in different stages like Communicating the Organizational Objectives and making people accountable All the individual employees of an Organization should be well aware of the Organizational objectives and strategies for which it has been striving in business. By implementing this factor, the Organization makes sure that all the employees are made aware of the fact that her contribution adds a greater value to redefine and set higher standards for the Organization (Hamlett, nd). Ongoing projects should be tracked with a greater effort where a constant monitoring process has to be in place along with the weekly and monthly reviews in order to keep a track of any of the ongoing issues in the projects. These issues can be solved by holding regular brain storming sessions within the team and the best solutions can be shared across the departments in the Organization (Kagan, 2004). By implementing this process, the team members and the concerned employees are made accountable for any of the responsibilities they take up and would be made to complete their designated tasks as per the project timelines (Hamlett, nd). The more ownership the employees are given, they would feel more accountable and empowered in order to take any individual decisions in order to complete their tasks on hand. Monitor and conduct an employee appraisal in a written way twice a year The company appraisals are done once a year and they are done in a specific format which probably might not highlight all the areas in which the Employee has worked on. This happens in almost all the companies however appraisal happens in different ways where expression happens mostly from the Managers end and not from the Employees end (Somerville and McConnell-Imbriotis, 2004). The Companies are going for a major shift in their appraisal approach where the employees are being asked to prepare their self evaluation reports which consists of what went well and what could have been better in terms of their work delivery. This method has been accepted as an approach with greater transparency and with greater effort to understand and evaluate the employees. Apart from this, the Companies should engage in collecting feedback from its employees throughout the year or on a timely basis which will provide an opportunity to the Management to change their ways of working in the work place environments (Wiley, 2000). Setting up of a consistent system of rewards All the employees irrespective of their level and designation would like to have an appreciation in the form of writing and a reward in some cases. This is a way in which a Company acknowledges the employee and rewards him on a timely basis. As a secondary stage to the reward system, the Companies can also have a system in place to monitor and coach its employees to help them achieve their highest potential (Nichols, 2004). This comes across as a system where the employees would feel that their companies care for their growth. Leading by example It is the Management who has to set standards in this regard because the employees join an organization in different levels and in different stages of their career. There might be cases where an employee joins a company as a fresher and there might be cases where the employees join a company after achieving some years of experience (Mahmoud Gomes 2010).The Management should listen to their employees, identify their skills, motivate them to achieve greater heights in career and should also monitor them closely to help them achieve greater results. Rules should not be distinct for the Managers and the employees in terms of establishing greater levels of trust for the overall growth of the Organization. Conclusion Understanding and appreciation are the critical factors which can drive an Organizations growth potential. These are the factors which can also motivate the employees for a better performance (Cohen, 2008). All the aspects including the theories mentioned would play a major role in creating standards for employees performance and also to enhance their personal behaviours (Covey, 2004). In order to achieve a significant balance, the Organizations should take control of the organizational brain aspects of it where they could differentiate and utilise the employees who are right minded in the problem solving aspects and can use the left minded employees to solve any of the organizational issues in terms of some projects. References eDison. (2005). Emotional Intelligence [Online]. UK: eDison Personal Development LTD. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://www.edisonuk.com/emotional_intelligence.htm. Luthans, F. (2011). Organizational Behaviour: An Evidence Based Approach Identification on Performance Behaviours. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://bdpad.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/fred-luthans-organizational-behavior-_-an-evidence-based-approach-twelfth-edition-mcgraw-hill_irwin-2010.pdf Cohen, E. (2008). Left-Brain Staff Management Strategies for Right-Brain Firms, STEP Magazine. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://www.stepinsidedesign.com/STEPMagazine/Article/28887. Covey, S.R. (2004). The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. UK: Simon Schuster. Hagmann, J., Peter, H., Chuma, E., Ngwenya, H.J., Kibwika, P. and Krebs, K. (2009). Systemic competence development - An approach to develop the facilitation capacity to manage systemic change and performance enhancement. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from www.picoteam.org. Hamlett, C. (nd). How to Improve Employee Organizational Performance. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/improve-employee-organizational-performance-11830.html Heller, R. (2006). Right and left-brain management styles. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://www.management-issues.com/2006/12/22/opinion/right-and-left-brainmanagement-styles.asp. Herzberg, F. (1987). One More Time: How Do You Motivate Employees?, USA: Harvard Business School Press. Hussein, N., Ishak, N. A., and Noordin, F. (2007). Leadership styles in moving towards learning organizations: a pilot test of Malaysias manufacturing organizations. Conference Proceedings of the Sixth Asia Academy of Human Resource Development. Beijing, China Kagan, M. (2004). Do Something That Scares You Everyday [Online]. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://www.extraordinary-jobs.com/V2I42.htm. Mahmoud M. Yasin, Carlos F. Gomes. (2010). Performance management in service operational settings: a selective literature examination. Benchmarking: An International Journal 17:2, 214-231. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] Marsick, V. J., and Watkin, K. E. (2003). Demonstrating the value of an organization's learning culture: the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 5, no. 2: 132-151. Mohammed, A Al Khouri, S.M. (2020). Improving Organizational Performance. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from file:///C:/Users/Madhavi/Downloads/Improving%20Organisational%20Performance.pdf Ngaitahu. (nd). Our Stories. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/our_stories/building-community/ Ngaitahu. (nd). Group Profile. Retrieved on August 31st 2016 from https://www.ngaitahuholdings.co.nz/group-profile/management/ Newstrom, J. W., Davis, K. (2002). Organizational Behaviour Human Behavior at Work. (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Nichols, J. C. (2004). Unique characteristics, leadership styles, and management of historical black colleges and universities. Innovative Higher Education, 28, no. 3: 219-229. Somerville, M., and McConnell-Imbriotis, A. (2004). Applying the learning organization concept in a resource squeezed service organization. Journal of Workplace Learning, 16, no. 4: 237- 248. Wiley, J. (2000). The high-performance organizational climate: How workers describe top performing units. The Handbook of Organizational Culture Climate (pp.177-191). Sage Publications Yang, B., Watkin, K. E., and Marsick, V. J. (2004). The construct of the learning organization: dimensions, measurement, and validation. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 15, no. 1: 31-55.

Importance of Quality Management System for Running a Successful Company

Introduction Quality is an important aspect in the operation of any firm. There are a number of perspectives that one may opt to explore while defining quality. On the one hand, quality is regarded as a philosophy and on the other hand, it is viewed as a form of scientific measurement. With regard to quality as a form of scientific measurement, Schlickman (2003, p.19) opines that quality is relative, and not absolute.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Importance of Quality Management System for Running a Successful Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This means that the definition of quality varies from one customer to another. In line with this, the definition of quality amongst customers also varies depending on their expectations. This makes the attainment of quality a challenge amongst firms. However, there is always an opportunity for a firm to improve the quality of its products and services. Wi th regard to quality as a philosophy, a number of steps are considered in the improvement of quality in relation to products and services. The initial step entails the formulation of an effective improvement process in relation to quality objectives. This leads to the identification of action items by the firm’s management team with a view to improving the identified problems. A comprehensive audit of the findings is conducted and a conclusion drawn and this forms the basis for data analysis. As a result, corrective measures aimed at improving quality are undertaken and reviewed by the management. Considering the rate at which the business environment is undergoing transformation, it is vital for firms to consider integrating the concept of Quality Management System. Quality Management System (QMS) is defined as the number of activities aimed at directing and controlling a particular business enterprise to attain efficiency in its operation. One of the major theories of QSM i s Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM ensures that a firm’s operations are decentralized. This means that the employees contribute to a firms’ management since they have the capacity to undertake some decisions (Swansburg, 2002, p. 533). Concepts of QMS For effective implementation of QMS in a firm, there are a number of concepts that have to be considered as outlined below.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Organizational structure Procedures Processes Resources According to Schlickman (2003, p.20), QMS is integrated within the firm’s organizational structure. An effective organizational structure ensures that a firm has the necessary level of employees for effective operation. In addition, the institution of an organization structure ensures that the firm’s resources are utilized effectively in order to maximize output. In the operation of a firm, there are a number of policies that have to be met and integrated. These policies ensure that a particular firm remains in operation. However, the policies vary from one industry to another. An organization’s QMS must ensure that these policies and regulations are reviewed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the firm’s operations (Mukherjee, 2006, p.43). On the other hand, processes entail the various internal business operations which enable a firm to develop products and services in relation to market needs. QMS enables a firm’s management team to undertake a comprehensive review of the various processes with a view to ensuring that the products meet the predetermined standards. In addition, QMS ensures that customer’s expectations are attained and at the same time, that costs are controlled. Resources include the various items that a firm must procure in its production process. Integration of QMS enables a firm to review its raw mater ials and financial strength in order to determine whether the firm in question is operating profitably. Understanding the role of strategic quality planning for organizations Over the past few decades, consumers have increasingly become conscious of quality in their consumption patterns. As a result, firms have incorporated quality as one of the elements that can lead the firm to attain a high competitive edge relative to competitors. Consequently, the element of quality has been considered as a key issue in strategic planning. In order to attain quality, the management teams in various firms have incorporated the element of quality in the firm’s mission and vision statement and other organizational policy guidelines. For example, management teams are increasingly formulating quality statements which are a key component of strategic planning. These statements are reviewed occasionally. Through integration of quality in the firm’s strategic planning process, the firm is able to discover its customer’s needs. For example, the firm can be able to determine the consumers’ future needs. In addition, the firm is able to undertake customer positioning. For example, the management team is able to determine whether to increase or reduce its customer base.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Importance of Quality Management System for Running a Successful Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Through strategic quality planning, it is possible for the firm to conduct a gap analysis by evaluating the core values thus developing ways to close the gap. However, the changes to be implemented must be in line with the firm’s mission statement, vision statement, and core values. As a result, a firm’s employees are appreciating the importance of ensuring that the products and services are of high quality. This culminates with a shift in relation to the employ ee’s perception of products from being just mere physical products to customer value. The goals of Quality Management System According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the goals of QMS are two- fold: the attainment of customer requirements, and organizational requirements. Customer requirements In the operation of a firm, the attainment of customer satisfaction is very important. According to Hill, Self and Roche (2002, p.20), an organization that puts into consideration customer satisfaction cannot survive in the long term as a going concern entity. In order for a firm to achieve this, it must identify customers’ requirements. Hill et al (2002, p.20) defines customer requirements as inclusive of all the customers’ expectations, whether stated or implied. This means that the customers’ needs may include a number of factors depending on how the customers judge an organization. Therefore, the expectations of a customer will not necessarily be related to the core products that the firm provides but also other aspects such as how the product or service supplied. It is the role of a firm’s management team to ensure that the customer’s requirements are effectively identified and delivered if at all customer satisfaction is to be attained (Grigoroudis, Siskos, 2009). In order to achieve this, all the firms’ employees are involved in the QMS. Through the incorporation of the concept of Customer Relationship Management, all the firm’s employees ensure that their activities contribute towards attaining the customer satisfaction objective.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The resultant effect is that the productivity of the employees is significantly improved. By delivering products and services which result in a high level of customer satisfaction, a firm is able to increase its market share and hence its productivity (Blanchard, 2010, para. 1-2). Attainment of organizational goals Through integration of QMS, there is a high probability of a firm attaining its organizational goals and objectives, resulting in the attainment of consistency in relation to methods, equipments and materials necessary for the attainment of the firm’s goals. For example, QMS results in the improvement of process control while at the same time reducing wastage (Jain, 2001, p.292). In addition, effective control of the processes through the stipulated QMS policies enables a firm to minimize the cost of operation. This culminates into an increment of efficiency in the firm’s process of operation. Ways in which a firm can design products for quality According to Peel (2002, p. 1) customers are undergoing a significant change. One of the factors that have resulted in this change is that they are able to access a wide range of information in relation to product s and services. In an effort to develop products which result in maximum customer satisfaction, firms should incorporate the concept of Customer Relationship Management. This will aid the management team to understand customers’ needs. Through CRM, a firm is can be able to develop a relationship with the customers, hence gaining effective understanding of their products and services needs. To attain this, the management team should determine goals which are congruent between the organization and the customers. This will result in the establishment and maintenance of a strong rapport between the two parties. By incorporating the concept of CRM, the firm’s management team shifts its focus to the customer. This means that the information obtained from the customers is used to design and develop the products. According to Oakland and Marosszeky (2006, p.89), a wide range of information is required in the product designing phase. Through the incorporation of CRM software, the firm can be able to gather a wide range of information. By sampling the customers’ complaints, the management team is able to identify problem areas in relation to quality which the firm should improve. This enables the firm to streamline what it offers in accordance with the customers requirements. Quality function development concepts The incorporation of quality function development plays a significant role in the process of designing products in relation to customer needs (Akao, 2004, p. 43). In order for quality function development to be effective, a number of concepts should be integrated. These include; Market research Concept design Innovation Prototype testing Testing the final product or service Trouble shooting Market research enables the development team to id entify market needs which will result in customer satisfaction. To ensure that a high level of effectiveness and efficiency is attained, it is important to incorporate members of other departments in the QFD team from the time the idea to develop the product or service is conceived (Oakland Marosszeky, 2006, p.89). Before producing the product in large numbers, it is important to test its effectiveness. This can be done by selling the product to a small proportion of customers. This will help in determining the product’s market acceptability and also identify areas which should be improved depending on market response. Correlation between quality management and business success According to Longnecker, Moore, Petty and Palich (2005, p.442), there is a direct correlation between quality management and a firm’s success. In order for this to be achieved, it should be ensured that a supportive company culture is incorporated. This means that the firm’s values, prac tices and traditions should be well understood and followed by the employees. As a result, quality becomes a key source of value in the firm’s culture. One of the firms that have succeeded in its operation as a result of integrating the concept of Total Quality Management is McDonald’s Company. In order to attain this, McDonald’s have integrated the concept of quality management in its totality. This entails the employees, the food and the restaurant. The employees are required to be time conscious and clean. In addition, they are required to adhere to well formulated operational standards. It is a requirement that the food served and the restaurant remains always clean. Quality control is also integrated via listening to customer feedback. Despite its rapid expansion via the incorporation of the concept of franchising, Sambo’s Pancake House, located at Santa Barbara, failed. Its failure resulted from the fact that the firm’s management team did no t ensure consistency in relation to quality control as it is the case in McDonalds (Kurtus, n.d, para. 5). Tools for Quality Management or Continuous Quality Improvement and renewal strategies In order to ensure that QSM is effectively integrated in the firms operation, there are a number of tools which firms’ management team should consider. In relation to TQM, some of the tools which can be integrated include the Pareto principle, checklists, control charts, check sheets, and scatter plots. The pareto principle postulates that 80% of challenges that a firm experiences in relation to the quality of its products and services result from either the raw materials, machines or the operator amongst others. Scatter plots will enable the management team to determine the relationship between two variables such as quality and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, checklists can be used to determine whether the necessary procedures have been adhered to. Conclusion and recommendati on Quality System Management is a key component in the long term success of a firm. Through QSM, a firm can be able to develop products that are in line with the market demand. The resultant effect is that the firm will create a high competitive advantage. In addition, the incorporation of QSM can result in a firm developing new products, resulting in a satisfaction of customers’ needs. Considering the current rate of globalization, it is paramount for firms to incorporate the concept of QSM in their operation. In addition all the various departments should be involved to increase its effectiveness and efficiency. The system should also be audited continuously in order to identify areas which require to be changed. Reference List Akao, Y. (2004). Quality function deployment: integrating customer requirements into product design. Washington: Productivity Press. Blanchard, D. (2010). Quality management helps you to determine if your customers are satisfied. Web. Grigoroudis, E. Siskos, Y. (2009). Customer satisfaction evaluation: methods for measuring and implementing service quality. Chicago: Springer. Hill, N., Self, B. Roche, G. (2002). Customer satisfaction measurement for ISO 9000: 2000. New Jersey: Heinmann-Butterworth. Hoyle, D. (2006). ISO 9000 quality systems handbook. New Jersey: Butterworth Heinemann. Jain, J.P. (2001). Quality control and total quality management. Washington: Tata McGraw-Hill. Kurtus, R. (2008). Quality in the restaurant business. Web. Longnecker, J., Moore, C., Petty, J. Palich, L. (2005). Small business management: an entrepreneurial emphasis. New Jersey: Cengage Learning. Mukherjee, P. (2006). Total quality management. New York: PJHI Learning PVT LTD. Oakland, J.S. Marosszeky, M. (2006). Total quality in the construction supply chain. New Jersey: Butterworth-Heinemann. Peel, J. (2002). CRM: redefining customer relationship management. London: Digital Press. Schilickman, J. (2003). ISO 9001: 2000 quality management syste m design. Canada: Artech House. Swansburg, R. (2002). Introduction to management and leadership for nurse managers. Chicago: Jones and Bartlett Learning. This research paper on Importance of Quality Management System for Running a Successful Company was written and submitted by user Tenebrous 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.

sound waves essays

sound waves essays Sound is part of our everyday lives. Just like we have eyes for, we are given ears for hearing sound. We rarely take the time to think about the characteristics of sound and the ways that they are made. The basis for an understanding of sound and hearing is the physics of waves. Sound is a wave, which is created by vibrating objects and spread through a medium from one location to another. In this paper, we will look at the nature, properties and behaviors of sound waves. A wave can be described as a disturbance that travels through a medium, transporting energy from one location to another location. The medium is simply the material through which the sound, or disturbance, is moving; it can be thought of as a series of interacting particles. The example of a slinky wave is often used to illustrate the nature of a wave. A disturbance is typically created within the slinky by the back and forth movement of the first coil of the slinky. The first coil becomes disturbed and begins to push or pull on the second coil; this push or pull on the second coil will shift the second coil from its balanced position. As the second coil becomes shifted, it begins to push or pull on the third coil; the push or pull on the third coil displaces it from its balanced position. As the third coil becomes shifted, it begins to push or pull on the fourth coil. This process continues one after the other, each individual particle acting to displace the neighboring particle; eventually the disturbance travels all the way through the slinky. As the disturbance moves from coil to coil, the energy which was originally introduced into the first coil is transported along the medium from one location to another. A sound wave is similar to a slinky for a couple of reasons. First, there is a medium, which carries the disturbance from one location to another. Usually, this medium is air; though it could be any material such as water or steel. The medium is simpl...

The Notebook Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Notebook - Research Paper Example This particular scene, â€Å"It’s Not Over,† appears in the second half of the film and again is on the water, a realistic setting. The couple, Noah and Allie, has been separated for seven years, but now they are reunited and spend an emotional weekend reacquainting themselves with the reasons they fell in love years ago and discovering the twists in events that have kept them apart. The water is not red this time, nor is the water calm, but choppy and the wind blows through young Allie’s hair. It begins to rain and she tries to protect herself with a dish towel, which clearly isn’t going to help as the rain becomes a torrent. Noah laughs at her flimsy attempt to protect herself from the downpour. As in the opening scene of the film, in â€Å"It’s Not Over,† there are the elements of a rowboat and a lake. In the opening scene, however, the waters are peaceful, suggesting a calm situation, for now. The general coloring of the film’s opening scene is in red tones, suggesting that the calm and peace is not meant to last, but that the characters will experience turbulence at some point. In the film’s opening, the adult Noah, played by James Garner, is rowing the boat on the red, but calm waters. The red color cast on the water is also used later in some of the clothing worn by Allie. As the film unfolds, we learn that the color red is symbolic of Allie’s very passionate nature which strongly impacts their relationship. The reunited lovers are happy on the water, but as the storm ensues and they reach the dock, unexpressed emotions gush forth and Allie asks Noah why he never wrote to her. The sky is dark and windy, and the lovers becoming soaked. The weather’s elements all invoke the emotional climax of the scene. We see in the scene’s tranquil beginning, the lovers in their boat. It is across the lake from the camera, a widescreen shot showing the characters in