Thursday, October 31, 2019

Workplace Surveillance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Workplace Surveillance - Essay Example To uphold to ethics therefore, many are the organizations who have adapted to the use of workplace surveillance. Though many justify the practice, the writer holds the view that workplace surveillance is not an appropriate way of achieving ethical uprightness and that it infringes on basic human rights of workers. Background Workplace surveillance has been practiced in most parts of America for quite some time now. The practice has indeed been replicated in many parts of the world. In Australia for instance, it is on record that workplace surveillance is backed by the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 under the New South Wales Consolidated Acts (Australasian Legal Information Institute, 2012). In practice, workplace surveillance permits employers and managers to monitor the activities and operations of their employees, purposely by the use of technological tools. It is not surprising therefore that computer surveillance, under which there is internet surveillance and desktop surveillan ce happens to be the commonest forms of surveillance commonly in practice in most organizations. The Opposition The writer holds the view that the purported reason for undertaking workplace surveillance to regulate the working activities of workers in order to bring about adherence to workplace ethics is a misuse of the system. The opposition view would therefore say that it is appropriate to have workplace surveillance to ensure organizational ethics. The following sections presents a two sided debate whereby the strength and weaknesses of the opposition claims are outlined as against the warrants of the substantive claim. The strengths and weaknesses of opponents’ claim The major strengths in the opposition claims include the fact that no all people can be trusted to on their own put up good behavior and guide against such behavior as pilfering, rudeness towards customers and irresponsible use of working hours. For this reason, workplace surveillance would just be appropria te to put everyone under check. There could also be a merit of workplace surveillance whereby it puts everyone equal before the law and fights against partiality in the sense that once the system is used, each and every individual comes under the surveillance. This is especially so when sophisticated cameras and other technological tools are used (Logan, 2009). These merits not withstanding, the use of cameras and other equipment to watch the everyday steps of workers at the workplace clearly infringes on their privacy (Robinson, 2012). Yet again, the theory of behaviorism provides that the conscience of people to select good morals is better shaped if the people are nurtured to select such attitudes by themselves (Privacy Right Clearinghouse, 2012). This is indeed a major contradiction to the principle of workplace surveillance. The effect of the forceful nature of getting people to be ethical would therefore be that in a situation whereby the systems break down or for whatever lit tle opportunity people get, they would abuse the system and make multiple mistakes of all that they intended to do but did not have the chance to do because of surveillance. Present claim The point is therefore being reiterated again that workplace surveillance is an extreme way of checking for ethical practice at the workplace and thus it is inappropriate. If indeed the figurative saying that there are several ways of killing a cat is true, then it is important that work input and output be monitored but this should take a different dimension other than the use of surveillance technology. Warrants for claim and the opposition The warrant

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Protozoan or Fungal infection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Protozoan or Fungal infection - Essay Example It is one of the most common causes of endemic and epidemic (def) diarrhea all over the world. In the United States, it is the most commonly identified intestinal pathogen that is water-borne and this is evident from the fact that the protozoa has been detected in 80 percent of water supplies from raw sources and 15 percent of filtered water samples. Populations that are affected most commonly are children, travelers, homosexual individuals and those with immunodeficiencies (def). Until now, since 1960s, more than 90 outbreaks related to Giardia have occurred and these outbreaks have affected more than 23,000 individuals. There are some reports that the incidence of this infestation is more common in the Northern states. Internationally, Giardia is a major cause of childhood diarrhea epidemics in United Kingdom and other parts of the world. The prevalence rates are variable, between 4 to 42 percent. Giardiasis is not associated with mortality. Morbidity also is minimal and related to chronic infection. Transmission The life cycle of Giardia is simple and has 2 stages; the trophozoite (def) stage and the cysts (def) stage. The trophozoite exists in the small intestine of the human beings and the cyst exists in the environment. There are no intermediate hosts for this protozoa.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Buy American Act Analysis

Buy American Act Analysis Buy American Requirements Question 1 On his last day in office on 3rd March, 1933, U.S. president Hoover signed the Buy American Act which made it essential for the federal U.S government to choose products made by U.S manufacturers for procurement. Other parts of the rulings made similar compulsions on the procurements made through federal funds for transit and highway projects. Fundamentally, the Buy American Act is an endeavor to protect the welfare of local manufacturers and labors by giving direct partiality to U.S.-made products in the procurement made by government departments. The American goods defined in the act were placed is three broad categories; manufactured, mined and produced. Although the nativity of the manufacturer is not an issue according to the act however, American goods were defined as those products which are made from components manufactured in United States. Such components may be produced, manufactured or mined from within the country to qualify for being called American products. Moreover, the cost of foreign manufactured components used in the domestic product must not, in any case, go beyond fifty percent of the cost of all the components. However, there are a few exceptions to this act. Firstly, it becomes void if the procurement of American products is against public interest or entails irrational cost. Secondly, the act is not applicable on U.S projects outside the country or on the products which are not produced in sufficient quantities or acceptable quality inside U.S. Finally, the act is also not applicable for federal government procurements of less than $3,000. Moreover, the American Act provisions and restrictions can be over-ruled by the President of United States when it is envisaged that foreign products are likely to be given unfair treatment as compared to domestic products. Question 2 VectorCal and Efficient Technologies are both engaged with the control and monitoring of drone navigation systems. In addition, the companies can develop systems that make it possible to have total management and control of drone navigation systems, as well as providing adequate security when required. As it is already known that United States is engaged in war in Afghanistan, Iraq and many other countries along with its NATO allies, the use of drone technology has gained vital importance. This technology is not only advantageous in gathering information about the activities of enemy but also prove vital in launching attacks against them. In doing so a lot of national exchequer and human lives of friendly forces are saved. And the enemies are demolished without much effort or fear of launching attack through fighter planes. Keeping this background in mind, VectorCal and Efficient Technologies have much to gain from the Buy American Requirement. First and foremost is the possibility of providing the security agencies of the United States with state of the art defense navigation drone technology. This would not only assist the United States government in achieving its war related targets in an efficient manner but also in a cost effective manner as well. Another point worth noting here is that with the enactment of Buy American Requirement, the reliance of United States on foreign suppliers for defense related procurement would decrease. This would in-turn help the country in relying on its own products rather than relying on the imports from other countries who may oppose the U.S. defense policy and at some time may also want to withhold the defense related procurements. This scenario is vital for national security of United State especially when it is engaged in wars around the world. Keeping these facts in mind, VectorCal and Efficient Technologies would definitively profit from the Buy American Requirement regulations as U.S would be compelled to procure drone related navigational aids from these companies. This would obviously mean more business for the companies and more yield for the owners of the companies. This would also assist in expanding the business for the companies which would mean employment of more American workforce and added achievable targets. Question 3 The United States takes pride in economic and political freedom that it project amongst the comity of nations. The American way of life still projects a form of capitalism, although much has changed over the years. To many today, Americanism still means appreciation that free market trade both in international and domestic markets signifies the only way to prosperity of the country. Trade in international markets is not a war to be won but a form of increasing production worldwide and cooperating with others in the business to seek prosperity. In is a common knowledge that common trade advantages are fruitful for both the countries across the borders even if one of them is much more adept in manufacturing quality products. As denoted by the Comparative Advantage Law, free trade does not create boundaries but helps in eradicating unemployment. The free market trade does not depend on boundaries sketched on the map. International commerce provides the same kind of economic advantages as does the commerce between cities and towns across the country. Therefore, if intercity or across town trade is stopped for the reason that it is more patriotic to buy the product of only the local manufacturers, a huge trade deficit would be faced by the city or the town as was being faced by U.S. in almost every year in 19th century. Americanism is basically synonymous to individualism, if we take it to philosophical terms. This means that the rights of one person are his own and do not belong to a particular race or a nation. However, in case of collectivism, which is the prime notion of Buy American, Americans are supposed to look as suppliers and manufacturers of products as nations and not as individuals offering business. The country is required to accept goods of low quality at higher prices all in the name of nationalism. Mostly, the proponents of Buy American theory propagate motive behind the attitude is hostility towards the foreign products and foreigners themselves. This intolerant attitude is against the principles of capitalism and free market economy and can thus be termed as prejudiced. Some experts even believe that preferring American made products over Japanese or Chinese products is same behavior as preferring products of white people over non-white. It is a form of economic racism which tends to judge the products by the manufacturer who made it rather than the quality of product itself. In principle, the standards of living o the people of a state are raised due to enrichment of another country. This standard analogy is clear from the fact that the standard of living of our people has greatly increased due to our trade with countries like Japan. If America decides today to stop trade relation with Japan, it would not only be detrimental for our economy but also undermine our living standards to a great extent. Let’s look at it from another point of view. Due to Buy American Requirement, if Americans have to pay more for commonly used items domestic products e.g. shirts or shoes, then the country would have less money to pay for other needs—itâ₠¬â„¢s another way of sponsoring incompetent local manufacturers. These local American producers would not have any foreign competition to face and therefore would not have any reason to improve quality or cut prices. Secondly, if America refuses to buy Chinese products, same would be reciprocated by China which would include rejection of America’s top class iPods and computers. This would lead to a collapse in economic terms which was seen after enacting of Smoot-Hawley Tariff in 1930. This tariff added huge import duties on many items due to which retaliation was seen from European countries which ultimately deepened the Depression across the globe. Question 4 Basically, there are three main exceptions to Buy American Requirement. Firstly, a product or an item can be procured from foreign manufacturer if the product or commodity is not available in local market. For example, iron and steel are not produced in America in sufficient quantities and acceptable quality. The act therefore waives the requirement of procurement of these commodities from within the country on account of their non-availability in sufficient quantity and acceptable quality. The second exception to the act refers to inconsistency to the public interest. This basically entails that any procurement which is against the interest of public may be made from the foreign manufacturer. However, such requests are to be scrutinized by DoE on case to case basis. The third exception to the act entails that a waiver would be given to the procurements for public projects when it is envisaged that by abiding to the ac would increase the domestic project construction cost by 25% or m ore. This is particularly true for the products which are neither manufactured nor produced in the U.S. in sufficient quantities e.g. Iron and Steel. Free trade in world’s open markets is the hour of the need for the Americans. Otherwise the trade deficit would increase to substantially high value which would neither be controllable for the government nor acceptable to the public. The great Depression of 1930s is clear example of how U.S. imposed restrictions on the trade with other countries aggravated the financial situation globally. The Buy American Requirement binds the government to expend public funding on the procurement of only made in U.S.A. products. This restriction when waived by a few abovementioned exceptions gives some air to breath to the U.S. economy. For example, the Department of Energy waived off the restriction to buy energy efficient lighting products in 2010 for public roads and projects. This waiver was primarily granted due to the fact items e.g. traffic signals which used LEDs (light emitting diodes) technology are solely manufactured by Mexico and China. that products like compact fluorescent lig ht bulbs and traffic signals made with light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are manufactured almost exclusively in China and Mexico. A large number of suppliers petitioned that they were unable to find the suppliers for these items in the U.S. and those willing to supply were asking for too much money; in fact more than that allowed by Buy American Act. Moreover, the DoE had started $6.3 billion worth of energy efficient projects which were lingering due to lack of American manufacturers. The decision to waive off the restriction to buy only American products contributed a great deal towards saving the huge losses to U.S. economy in case of purchasing the items from local vendors. Moreover, this waiver was also directly related to the public interest exception as it expedited the completion of projects, resulting in the saving of trillions of dollars in energy consumption. Another such exception was provided by the DoE for the procurement of two 13 MW and three 7.2 MW diesel generator radiators in 2011. The exception was a specific waiver for Utilities Corporations (CUC) which cost a total of $2,99,0075 on the import of five radiators against a cost of $3,22,5000 from domestic suppliers which meant a decrease in cost of about 35%. Therefore, the benefits of the exceptions given by the government are really beneficial for the U.S. economy and for the public interest. Question 5 A number of advantages and disadvantages can be experienced by VectorCal and Efficient Technologies by abiding by the Buy American Requirement. Firstly, if defense and navigation equipment contracts are awarded to foreign investors, the benefit from local manufacturers is taken away. A focus on U.S. manufacturing companies e.g. VectorCal and Efficient Technologies by the Department of Defense would not only boost the profitability of the companies but would also assist the U.S. government in mobilizing the industry at the time of war. Should the government require to contracts to foreign manufacturers chips away at an already deteriorating manufacturing sector. If required by the defense agencies, both these navigation systems producing companies would be in a situation to react and provide sustained assistance throughout the period of conflict. This is already in practice in many European countries who maintain a subsidized defense industrial base. For example, France has patronized its Aerospace industry putting other countries at a disadvantage. An additional advantage that can be gained by the government through patronizing navigation systems industry is the matter of national security. The reliance of U.S. on other countries on navigation systems manufacturing would greatly decrease in case the other nations decide to restrict exports to the U.S. in case of policy disagreement. Although the argument pertaining to national security has some validity, it can also be abused for seeking protection of the industry. On the other hand, sticking to Buy American Requirement can also bring demerits to the U.S; mainly on economic grounds. According to economic principles, free trade and open market competition brings economic progress amongst the trading partners. As restrictions among the trading partners are lifted, manufacturers from around the world begin to invest in specialized industry e.g. production of navigation systems thus bringing competition on the U.S. soil. This would although bring in vast opportunities of technological advances in the country but at the same time would render the local manufacturing industry inept to provide support to the country at the time of need.

Friday, October 25, 2019

history of the port of long beach :: essays research papers fc

History of the Port of Long Beach   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The San Pedro Bay breakwater began construction in 1899. This was to facilitate the building of the Port of Los Angeles. It served well as a breakwater for both ports.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1909 the Los Angeles Dock and Terminal Company purchased about 800 acres of marshes and mudflats at the mouth of the Los Angeles River. On June 24, 1911, in a grant from the State of California, the City of Long Beach was given the tideland areas in trust for the people of the state. The theory behind the tidelands was that although they were mostly shallow water, they could be dredged to make deep water. This provided as much fill as the port needed to make additional land and piers. The Tidelands Trust restricted the use of the land. It also restricted what could be done with monies received from the different ventures allowed on the property. The money was only to be used for improving or maintaining harbor commerce and navigation, or for marine recreation or fisheries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By 1916 the Los Angeles Dock and Terminal Company declared bankruptcy and turned over all operations of the port to the City of Long Beach. The city then completed the dredging projects that were already underway including a channel and a turning basin. The following year a committee was formed to oversee harbor operations. It was the first Board of Harbor Commissioners.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1924 voters of Long Beach approved a five million dollar bond for use in improving the inner harbor area as well as beginning development of the outer harbor areas. The goal was to become a deep water port and by 1926, the Port of Long Beach did exactly that. The port handled eight hundred twenty-one ships and imported or exported a total of more that one million tons of cargo. Shortly thereafter, in 1928, construction began on new facilities to include new Piers A and B. At the same time, Pier 1 was reconstructed and a new transit building was completed on it. The port then renamed Pier 1, â€Å"Municipal Wharf.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Further construction of the San Pedro Bay breakwater began in 1932. The extension was to be three and one-half miles by authorization of the Federal River and Harbor Act of 1930. In 1936 oil was discovered in the harbor. The good thing about finding oil in the harbor was that the port then had a sizeable amount of capital to invest back into itself.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Dengue Fever Essay

Abstract Dengue fever is a debilitating tropical disease caused by one of five types of the dengue virus.(1) It is transmitted by mosquitos throughout the tropics and subtropics of not only Southeast Asia, but has now spread to Central and South America, and countries in the Pacific Ocean and America as well. Usually, most people who are infected with the virus are asymptomatic, with mild symptoms, whereas others develop life threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever. The usual diagnosis of this condition is based on reported symptoms and a physical exam. Although there are still no approved vaccine or specific antiviral drug for dengue fever, many clinical developments have been implemented and a vaccine may be available in the near future. (2) Introduction Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus known as dengue virus. This virus continues to infect the human race and is a growing health problem in the tropic and subtropic areas, even with our current state of advanced technology and medical care. Dengue virus is from the family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus. (3) It is a vector borne disease that occurs through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The virus has 5 different types (DENV) 1, 2 3, 4, and 5. Once infected with the virus, symptoms include a sudden high fever, measle-like rash all over the body, headache, and muscle and joint pain. In small cases, the disease can develop into life- threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Although there are methods of prevention of this disease, the cause infecting the human body still results in many cases of this  debilitating disease, probably due to urbanization increasing the habitat of aedes aegypti. (4) Currently, there is no active vaccine for this virus. However, researchers have found a candidate for a dengue vaccine that reduces the overall risk of dengue infection by 60% and may be available by late 2015. (2) Read more:  Speech on Dengue Fever History The vast history of dengue fever and aedes aegypti can date back many thousands of years ago. The earliest known records of dengue fever-like condition was found in the Chinese Medical Encyclopedia in 265-420 AD. (5) The virus aedes aegypti, spread out of Africa in the 15th to 19th centuries. There had been conveyed outbreaks of dengue fever- like symptoms since1635 in the West Indies, but it was not until 1779, when it was confirmed for the first time that dengue fever epidemic occurred in Asia, North America, and Africa almost all at once. (6) Since then, dengue epidemics have been sporadic. By 1907, it was confirmed that the Aedes mosquitos were infectious, and dengue fever was caused by a virus. (6) Outbreaks of dengue fever became more common in 1953, when an epidemic of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever first occurred in Philippines. Dengue fever epidemic first started out in Southeast Asia and spread into surrounding subtropical and tropical countries and continues to spread, even further out. Outbreaks in the Americas were rare due to the vector-control efforts in destroying the aedes aegypti mosquitos’ habitat. However, when they put a stop to destroying the dengue virus mosquitos in the 1970s, the mosquitoes repopulated most of the countries and by the 1990s, had expanded its habitation. Furthermore, a virus that was once thought to be confined to Southeast Asia, has had sporadic outbreaks with local transmission in the United States in the southern states such as Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. (7) Additionally, the dengue virus which had 4 types initially, now has a fifth serotype, which was discovered in 2013. (8) Genetics Dengue virus is a tiny virus that carries a single positive-strand of RNA as its genome within an envelope. It has about 11,000 nucleotide bases that translates ten proteins; three of these are structural proteins that form the coat of the virus and transport the RNA to target cells; and seven of  them are nonstructural proteins that coordinate the production of new viruses once the virus gets inside the cell. These proteins form a protective outer layer that controls the entry of the virus into human cells.(9) Dengue fever virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and the genus Flavivirus. There are five types of this virus, called serotypes. The first four are known as DENV -1, -2, -3, and -4. And the fifth type was discovered in 2013. Although the serotypes may differ from one another, they have similar clinical manifestations. (10) Pathogenesis Dengue fever virus can be transmitted in the body by a single bite from an aedes aegypti mosquito. Humans are the primary host in the virus, but it can also circulate in nonhuman primates. When an aedes aegypti mosquito bites a person, the virus penetrates into the skin along with the mosquito’s saliva. The virus binds and enters white blood cells, and replicates inside the cells. When the dengue virus is injected into the skin, the dengue virus binds onto the epidermis and dermis, which results in an infection of dendritic cells. The infected cells then move to the closest lymph node, while the dengue virus genome is translated in the endoplasmic reticulum, and replicates the viral RNA. The mature viruses of the infected cells are released by exocytosis. They are then able to enter other white blood cells, such as monocytes and macrophages.(12) The white blood cells send out a signal, and respond by producing cytokines and interferons, which are responsible for the fever, the flu-like symptoms. Sometimes our bodies can accumulate too much of the virus, and can cause severe infection and can cause organ damage. Fluid from the bloodstream leaks into body cavities. And as a result, there isn’t enough blood to supply to vital organs. Furthermore, infection of the stromal cells leads to risk of bleeding. Clinical Manifestations Usually, most people with infected dengue virus are asymptomatic with mild fever symptoms. Some have severe illnesses, and in a small percentage, it can be fatal. The incubation period is usually 4 to 7 days, but can range from 3 to14 days. Common characteristics of dengue fever include a sudden fever, retoorbital pain, joint and muscle pain â€Å"breakbone fever† and a  measle-like rash all over the body. The symptoms of dengue fever occur in 3 phases: febrile, critical, and recovery. The febrile phase includes a high fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a headache, nausea, and generalized weakness that lasts 2-7 days. Also, a rash and mild bleeding in the mucous membranes. After the fever resolves, the disease continues onto the critical phase. This phase includes leakage of plasma from the blood vessels and usually lasts for 2 days. This can lead to fluid collection of the chest and abdominal cavities as well as a high loss of fluids and reduced blood supply to vital organs. Extreme blood depletion puts one at a high risk of of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock. Although the critical phase is rare, it is more common in kids than adults. The recovery phase is the last phase of the dengue symptoms. Resorption of leaked fluids are returned into the blood stream. Also with symptoms of severe itching and a decreased heart rate. Fluidoverload can occur in this stage, affecting the brain, which can cause seizures and/ or a altered level of consciousness. Conclusion As dengue fever cases grow in numbers, we cannot help but wonder if and when an outbreak will occur due to the new found studies of a fifth type of aedes aegyoti virus. The mosquito-borne tropical virus, has evolved out of its origin and is continuing to spread to more countries. Dengue fever is being seen more in those who travel around the world. Although this disease is deadly, it is rare and people should fully recover from these debilitating symptoms. There is no particular treatment for this disease. Treatment depends on dengue symptoms. Currently, researchers are working on a dengue fever vaccine that can reduce the risk up to 60 percent, which is supposed to be introduced and ready in 2015.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Jaguar Manufacturer

Explain the advantages and disadvantages for jaguar of using just in time production rather than the more traditional just in case stock system. Just in time is a manufacturing method based on pull system which means the raw materials are only delivered only when needed which reduces waste due to overproduction and lowers the storage rent e. g. warehouse storage. Advantages: * Reducing set up times * Goods from warehouse to the production line flow much smoother which saves time. * Increases supplier quality * Consistently supplying the plant with the raw material for production * Workers are used more efficiently Scheduling and planning is improved * Reduces space requirements for raw materials Disadvantages: * Relying on a limited amount of stock so there is a chance of running out and interrupting production * Change in the culture of production can take time to get used to so it could be less control in the beginning * Need trustful and reliable suppliers who can deliver on time * The suppliers have to be very flexible because the demand for raw material could come up at any time. * The machinery is at risk to breaking down and slowing down the production.Using appropriate motivation theory, analyse how jaguar has managed to increase the pride and commitment of its employees. Jaguar has managed to increase the pride and commitment of its employees by implying continuous improvement. This type of motivation required entrustment and empowerment from the workforce. The fresh start to this new implication meant that the workforce had to be trained in order to perform and improve. Team work has to be implemented because this way everyone is involved and the ideas can be shared for enhancement of the production.Also because the work is in teams no one is left out and each member feels more valuable in the workplace which then motivates them further. Once more the team working leads the workforce to a new level on Maslow’s hierarchy where the employees are social and esteemed. Being valued and cared for is a great motivator especially in a big workforce such as Jaguar. Targets and objectives are set for the employees and it is something to strive for, this will give them a some sort of a bonus or a pay rise.Once there is a target and a bonus at the end it will motivate the worker to reach that target as Taylor said money is a motivator in a workplace. The bonuses don’t just have to be set for individual employees they could be set for the whole team and if a target is met the whole team will enjoy a reward at the end, again this will motivate not only individuals but the whole group of workers. Evaluate methods for achieving a total quality culture in large organisations like Jaguar.Total quality culture is based on the involvement of all employees in the organization in improving processes, products, services and the mores in which they work and it is also based on meeting the customer’s requirements with the right stan dard of quality. It is essential to work in teams to share ideas and to advance the quality by setting objectives such as zero defects. Every member of the organisation can take action if a certain product is not up to a set standard. Quality circles or kaizen can be a part of team work where employees can share their skills and ideas to improve the quality of their products.If the skills are not at a fine quality then certain training regimes can be set also in the training the employees can be taught to have prevention rather than cure which would aim at zero defects. Kaizen cannot be relied up one because it doesn’t cover all aspects of improving so things like identifying the consumer needs and having cell production will certainly be covering more of the objective such as the zero defects. If the manager takes up the total quality management and seeks the best quality not only out of the products but the employees who make these products.The workforce has to always be co mmitted to what the manager has set as an aim or an objective and be ready to reach and fulfil that aim. The high motivational skills of the manager will definitely make reaching the target much easier than if the employees are not motivated. Describe the organisational culture of Microsoft as identified by Steve Ballmer. The recent culture in the Microsoft organisation can be described as an innovative culture where Microsoft are trying to develop something brand new and something that no other organisation has.Explain the meaning of business aims, and use in managing large organisations such as Microsoft. An aim in an organisation can be seen as a direction in which the business can move on this path certain objectives and targets can be set to further improve the organisations structure. The objective and targets that may be set can aspire and motivate the workforce. Aims could look at the company’s weaknesses and strengths, the weaknesses can be reduced in the future by c hoosing appropriate objectives and the strengths can be further strengthened by setting targets which once again will motivate the workers.Having an aim will set order in the work place which will lead to sharing among staff and more accountability cooperation. An aim is like a mission which the business is striving to achieve and complete as many objectives along the way as possible. Microsoft has four aims and they are building industry trust, building customer loyalty, altering structure of the company and devolving power from the top. Analyse four practical strategies Microsoft could implement to help it achieve its aims. First of all Microsoft needs to build its trust with the industries based around them.One way could be to merge or to have joint ventures with other computing companies but this is not the best way to recover trust because Microsoft are very competitive and they will prefer to be a single organisation with control. Other ways can be to provide employment in the company because Microsoft is a large organisation and it needs skilled workers to continue improving. It can also provide income for local communities for example universities where better ICT training courses can be implemented. Another strategy is to build customer loyalty which will give strong ideas on what the customers want.Primary research methods such as focus groups where direct opinions can be gained from the customers even though it is only a very limited number of people surveyed. Secondary data can definitely give more of a bigger picture of what the customer wants even though sometimes it may not be as honest as having focus groups. This way of researching will show new trends in the customers taste and choice. This can be improved by creating departments which will concentrate only on the customer relationships this way online help can be more supportive towards the customers.Changing or altering the way the organisation is structured is another aim for Microsoft. Te am working is very important in this type of organisation and the teams in the company should often be rewarded for their efforts. Individuals shall not be rewarded because this will tend to break the team up into individuals and this means there would be some sort of competition between the workers. Matrix structure is very appropriate for Microsoft especially when a company tends to have many different departments.This would team working on another level, the teams will be very flexible and will cooperate with workers from other departments. This way a culture of team working and collaboration is created in the organization and the ability to work on different projects gives a huge variety to the work which will increase staff motivation. Microsoft are always looking to find the best way to improve their products by keeping up to date from the customer surveys but when you have the experts from each department the product will tend to be much more improved and up to date.Making de cisions is often very difficult especially when you are in control of a huge organisation such Microsoft. Devolving the power or decision making from the top will certainly take a lot of pressure off the top management team. Creating another layer in between of the hierarchical orders of company’s structure will involve and motivate other workers who will be motivated because they get to make important decision in certain areas of the organisation. Another motivator in this is that whoever makes the decision a team or an individual will always think that the top managerial team is relying on his/hers or their decisions.This not only motivates workers but it makes them communicate and improve communication skills in the procedure of this. This would be a great way of splitting important decisions in the company because the pressure is taken off the managers and shared with the rest of the workforce, of course the more important decisions like putting the company as stake or so me sort of risk will always be down to the highest ranked people but this is an effective way to motivate and at the same time take pressure off the main people in the company.