Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system This literature review will begins with definitions and the purpose of (AIS) and discussion of the studies of general IT adoption and then reviews studies specifically focused on accounting software adoption. Then it will discuss the Uses,development and the step of AIS. The end of this literature review will discuss the effectiveness of accounting information system. Definition of computer accounting information system (AIS): The computer accounting information system (AIS) was invented by professor Karen Osterheld, It was used as a system of records for business keeps to maintain its accounting system. This includes the purchase, sales, and other financial processes of the business. [1]The purpose of AIS is to accumulate data and provide decision makers (investors, creditors, and managers) with information to make decision, while this was previously a paper-based process, most modern businesses now use accounting software such as UBS, MYOB etc. [1] IT Adoption Factors for computerized accounting: [2] Several studies (Thong 1999; Harrison, Mykytyn and Riemenschneider 1997; Cragg and King 1993; Moore and Benbasat 1991; Treadgold 1990) of IT adoption have identified a variety of motivating factors. Thong (1999) attempted to consolidate the myriad of IT adoption research by developing an integrated model of information systems adoption. This model is a useful framework in reviewing the variables that impact on business owners decision to adopt IT. Thong categorized the variables into four elements: 1. characteristics of the organizational decision makers: 2. characteristics of the technological innovation; 3. characteristics of the organization; and 4. characteristics of the environment in which the organization operates. According to the literature all of the above characteristics influence, to varying degrees, the owner- managers decision to implement IT. Characteristics of the Organizational Decision Makers In large businesses teams are typically involved in the IT decision-making process. This is in contrast to small business where the owner-manager is usually the IT decision maker (Thong 1999). In small business, therefore, the characteristics of the owner-manager are critical in determining the organisations attitude to IT (Rizzoni 1991). The particular owner-manager characteristics important to IT adoption are: innovativeness, computer self-efficacy, level of IT knowledge, education, and IT training experience (Thong 1999). Compeau and Higgins (1995) defined computer self-efficacy as a judgement of ones capability to use a computer. Small businesses that have CEOs (typically the owner) that have undertaken computer training and possess computer self-efficacy are more likely to implement IT (Delone 1988, Raymond 1988). Conversely, owner-managers can inhibit any worthwhile IT achievements through hostility or detachment toward IT (Thatcher and Perrewe 2002). Characteristics of the Technological Innovation The characteristics of the technological innovation itself are also an important determinant in the decision to adopt IT. Applying Rogers (1983) theory to the adoption of accounting software as the innovation, the software must be perceived better than the predecessor system (most likely a manual accounting system); must be consistent with the needs of the adopter, such as capable of handling GST; must be easy to learn and use; the results must be apparent; and the accounting software should be available on a trial basis. Over the past decade, the advent of powerful, low cost micro-computers coupled with user-friendly accounting software, have improved and lifted the barriers to IT innovation adoption. This has led to an increase in the adoption of IT by small business (Thong 1999). Characteristics of the Organization The characteristics of the organization are other variables that influences the decision whether to adopt IT. Organizational characteristics such as: business size, employees level of IT knowledge, industry sector, business location, and information-intensity has been analysed in previous research studies (See for examples: Fink 1999; Burgess 1998; Wenzler 1996; Attewell 1992; Yap 1990; and Delone 1988). Generally, the larger the number of employees, the greater the sales turnover, the more information-intensive the industry the more likely a small business will adopt IT innovation. Moreover, businesses tend to suffer resource poverty (Thong 1999) in terms of financial capacity, available time and IT skilled staff to facilitate innovation adoption. Characteristics of the Environment The characteristics of the environment in which the organisation operates relates to variables such as competition and external agents. For example, Link and Bozeman (2001) established that competition leads to innovative technology adoption. Treadgolds (1990) study indicated that small businesses with high IT adoption rates had been influenced by external agents such as: trade associations, wholesalers, voluntary groups and franchisors. Wenzler (1996) found that small business customers were a significant reason for implementing IT, more so than the influence of competitors. This paper extended the external agent influence to the role of accountants in the decision to adopt accounting software. Many small businesses are impeded by resource poverty, consequently the owner-manager does not have the available time or funds to source, analyze, review and implement software applications. Public Practice Accountants are in a unique position to provide systems analysis, design, implementation and support advice to their clients, thereby spreading the cost of acquiring this expertise among multiple customers. The accountant, therefore, could generally provide this service more efficiently and effectively, than if the small business owner performed the function himself or herself. Furthermore, at the time of this study, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was an external influence on small business owner-managers decisions to adopt a CAS (see for example Lief 2000). Motivating factors for the adoption of Accounting software [2] The advent of powerful, low cost microcomputers, together with user-friendly accounting software, has allowed a greater number of business to implement IT in recent years (Raymond and Bergeron 1992). The need to facilitate financial management is another motivating factor for adopting accounting software (McMahon and Holmes 1991; Gorton 1999). Moreover, some researchers have identified a link between the use of CAS and enhanced business performance (see Gorton 1999; Smith 1999; and Reid and Smith 2002). An alternative view is that a growing SME faces increased financial challenges and consequently there is a greater need for careful attention to financial management and financial reporting (McMahon 2001). The major benefits of implementing a CAS are to increase business efficiency and to facilitate timely information (Burgess 1997). The impediments to implementing a CAS are lack of time (Proudlock et al. 1999), owner-managers view that the CAS is costly (Head 2000), perception that the technology is not suited to the nature of the business (ABS 2000), and lack of IT expertise (ABS 2000; Burgess 1997). Accounting information systems Technology: [3] Input The input devices that needed win Accounting information systems include: standard personal computers or workstations running applications; scanning devices for standardized data entry; electronic communication devices for electronic data interchange (EDI) and e-commerce. Process Basic processing is achieved through computer systems in the personal computers to large-scale enterprise servers. However, processing model is still the double-entry accounting system . Output Output devices used include computer displays, impact and nonimpact printers, electronic communication devices for EDI and e-commerce. The output can be financial reports from budgets and tax reports to multinational financial statements. Uses of AIS [3] AISs cover all business functions from backbone accounting transaction processing systems to sophisticated financial management planning and processing systems. Financial reporting starts by capture important business transactions such as normal production, purchasing, and selling activities then these transactions are classified and summarized for internal decision making and for external financial reporting. Cost accounting systems are used in manufacturing and service company. This accounting system will help these organizations to track (measure) the costs for the production of goods and/or performance of services. In addition,it can provide advanced analyses tracking the cost of product or service. Management accounting systems are used for planning, monitoring, and control for a variety of activities . This allows managerial-level employees to have access to advanced reporting and statistical analysis. The systems can be used to gather information, to develop various scenarios, and to choose an optimal answer among alternative scenarios Development [3] The development of AIS includes five basic phases the time period associated with each of these phases can be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. This five phases include: Phase 1 planning : In this phase the entails determination of the scope and objectives of the project, the definition of project responsibilities, control requirements, project phases, project budgets, and project deliverables. Phase 2 analysis :This phase is used to both determine and document the accounting and business processes used by the organization. It include three type of analysis which are: Data analysis is a thorough review of the accounting information that is currently being collected by an organization. Current data are then compared to the data that the organization should be using for managerial purposes. Decision analysis is a thorough review of the decisions a manager is responsible for making. Then models are created to support the manager in gathering financial and related information to develop and design alternatives, and to make actionable choices. Process analysis is a thorough review of the organizations business processes. These processes can then be modified or reengineered to improve the organizations operations in terms of lowering cost, improving service, improving quality, or improving management information. Phase 3: design: The design phase takes the conceptual results of the analysis phase then develops and involves the detailed design of all inputs, processing, storage, and outputs of the proposed accounting system. Inputs may be defined using screen layout tools and application generators. Processing can be shown through the use of flowcharts or business process maps that define the system logic, operations, and work flow. Logical data storage designs are identified by modeling the relationships among the organizations resources, events, and agents through diagrams. Output designs are documented through the use of a variety of reporting tools such as report writers, data extraction tools, query tools, and on-line analytical processing tools. Phase 4 Implementation:The implementation phase consists of two primary parts: construction and delivery. Construction includes the selection of hardware, software and vendors for the implementation;building and testing the network communication systems; building and testing the databases; writing and testing the new program modifications; and installing and testing the total system from a technical standpoint. Delivery is the process of conducting final system and user acceptance testing; preparing the conversion plan; installing the production database; training the users; and converting all operations to the new system. Phase 5 support: This phase has two objectives. The first is to update and maintain the AIS. This includes fixing problems and updating the system for business and environmental changes. For example, changes in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or tax laws might necessitate changes to conversion or reference tables used for financial reporting. The second objective of support is to continue development by continuously improving the business through adjustments to the AIS caused by business and environmental changes. These changes might result in future problems, new opportunities, or management or governmental directives requiring additional system modifications. The Accounting information systems is very useful for companies and businesses in order to make the accounting process easier by spacial computer program or other system . Accounting software, make it easier to accumulate financial data for use in taxes, payroll, and other bookkeeping requirements. The step of the accounting system: [4] Step1: Recording ( recording expenses and profits that are very important to keep on file). Step2: Information processed for use (when processed, it is filed in the areas where it is most important). Sep3: Communication phase (common communications of this data will be used for payroll and tax purposes). In the first step all the data recorded in the accounting system in daily basis or minute by minute as sales, profits, expenses, and many other items will be used for future use in financial reports. Much of this data has to be kept on file for a number of years for example tax purpose. The next step that is taken is processing. In this stage most accounting software or programs, have different files and categories where records can be stored this filing or storage can be done manually by the individual or group of people who work on it and can also be set to do this automatically as information is entered into the system. Certain criteria can be set up in the program to allow the program to place files and data in the places or areas where it is supposed to go. The final step is the process of communicating the data in the area in which it should be communicated. First, and most importantly, tax records that are recorded and processed can be communicated at the time that filing taxes is done. Most corporations communicate there financial information on quarterly basis, other companies especially smaller businesses on an annual basis. In large corporations, like major retailers, there are often several smaller stores or branches of the company that must share information through accounting software or systems This information can help the company forecast sales, profits, loss, and a variety of other things. Many corporations share this information on a daily, weekly, or quarterly basis. The process of communication is probably the most important stage of accounting information systems because this is the point where results are known and records will be put to use. Most of the businesses and corporations now use the accounting system and become big part of them. Using resources available through accounting information systems allows major corporations and small businesses to record transactions and other financial information for use in the future. Moreover that the use of the accounting system by this company can make: the process much smoother, save money for the business, and save a great deal of time. easy to file and send documents to the IRS or other interested individuals. no need to take paperwork or other materials to an accountant for tax and payroll purposes. Taking advantage of this type of system can provide many great benefits to a large or small business. Accounting is a very important part of running and maintaining a business and the success of a company will often heavily rely on the practices and procedures that are used in the bookkeeping efforts of the company. The effectiveness of the computerized accounting [5] (Markus- 1983) shown that successful implementation of accounting systems requires a fit between three factors [17]. A fit must be achieved with dominant view in the organization or perception of the situation. Second, the accounting system must fit when problems are normally solved, i.e. the technology of the organization. Finally, the accounting system must fit with the culture, i.e. Systems will be useful when information provided by them is used effectively in decision-making process by users. (Otley-1980)[20] argues that Accounting Systems are important parts of the fabric of organizational life and need to be evaluated in their wider managerial, organizational and environmental context. Therefore, the effectiveness of accounting information systems not only depends on the purposes of such systems but also depends on contingency factors of each organization. (Ives-1983)Accounting information systems are said to be effective when the information provided by them serves widely the requirements of the system users. Effective systems should systematically provide information which has potential effects on decision-making process [12]. Accounting information usually is categorized under two groups: information that influences decision-making and mainly used for the purpose controlling the organization and information that facilitates decision (Huber-1990) [11] argues that, integration of accounting information systems leads to coordination in organization which, in turn, increases the quality of the decisions. (Cameron-1986 / Delone-1992) show that the effectiveness of accounting information systems depend upon the quality of the output of the information system that can satisfy the users needs [3,8]. Generally, accounting information systems; 1) provide financial reports on a daily and weekly basis and; 2) provide useful information for monitoring decision-making process and performance of the organization. (Simon-1987) [22] in his study used the first part of the above statement as measure of control for management and the second part for evaluating the effectiveness of the accounting information systems via continuous monitoring. Accounting information system is a computer-based system that (Nicoloau-2000) [19] defines as a system that increases the control and enhances the corporation inside the organization. Management is engaged with different types of activities which require good quality and reliable information. They also need non-financial information such as production statistics, quality of production and so on. However,( Essex and Magal -1998 ) said that quality of information generated from AIS is very important for management [10]. (Kim-1989) [13] argues that usage of AIS depends on the perception of the quality of information by the users. Generally the quality of information depends on reliability, form of reporting, timeliness and relevance to the decisions. (Doll and Torkzadeh-1988) [9] for studying the satisfaction of users use some concepts to measure the effectiveness of the accounting information systems. These concepts are information content, accuracy, format, ease of use and timeliness.

Creative Deviance: Apple Org Chart Essay

One of the major functions of an organization hierarchy is to increase standardization and control for top managers. Using the chain command, managers can direct the activities of subordinates toward a common purpose. If the right person with a creative vision is in charge of a hierarchy, the results can be phenomenal. Until Steve Jobs’ regrettable passing in October 2011, Apple had used a strongly top-down creative process in which most major decisions and innovations flowed directly through Jobs and then were delegated to sub-teams as specific assignments to complete. Then there is creative evidence, in which individuals create extremely successful products despite being told by senior management to stop working on them. The electrostatic displays used in more half of Hewlett-Packard’s instruments, the tape slitter that was one of the most important process innovations in 3M’s history, and Nichia’s development of multi-billion-dollar LED bright lighting technology were all officially rejected by the management hierarchy. In all these cases, an approach like Apple’s would have shut down some of the most successful products these companies ever produced. Doing â€Å"business as usual† can become such an imperative in a hierarchical organization that new ideas are seen as Threats rather than Opportunities for development. It’s not immediately apparent why top-down decision making works so well for one highly creative company like Apple, while hierarchy nearly ruined innovations at several other organizations. It may be that Apple’s structure is actually quite simple, with relatively few layers and a great deal of responsibility placed on each individual for his or her own outcomes. Or it may be that Apple simply had a very unique leader who was able to rise above the conventional structures of a CEO to create a culture of constant innovation. Do you think it’s possible for an organization to deliberately create an â€Å"anti-hierarchy† to encourage employees to engage in more acts of creative deviance? What steps might a company take to encourage creative deviance?

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Should Marijuana Be Legalized - 911 Words

The major debate in America today, is whether Marijuana should be legalized or kept illegal. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in America, of the nearly twenty million current drug users, 14.6 million are using marijuana (National 73) . Therefore, if marijuana is legalized in America, the number of users will skyrocket. Hence, marijuana should stay illegal in America for the reason that if it is legalized, more adolescents would acquire the drug easier, roads will become more dangerous and finally, more marijuana means higher chances of addictions and use of other harmful drugs. First, legalizing marijuana in America will send a message to children that using the drug is acceptable. Because marijuana would be easier for children to obtain, there is a greater chance of a part of them becoming addicted to the drug. According to the Seattle Post Intelligencer, adolescents are at highest risk for marijuana addiction, as they are three times more likely than adults to develop dependency (U.S. Drug 65). However, this is transported from the fact that treatment admission rates for reporting marijuana as the primary substance of abuse increased from thirty-two to sixty-five percent between 1993 and 2003 (U.S Drug 66). Therefore, more young children ages twelve through seventeen entered treatment in 2003 for marijuana dependency than for alcohol and all other illegal drugs combined (U.S. Drug 67). With this in mind, not only are children at risk for becoming dependentShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized?849 Words   |  4 Pageswhether marijuana should be l egalized. Around 23 states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use. In the state of Illinois, medicinal use of marijuana has been passed on April 17, 2013. Since January 2014, patients are able to obtain marijuana with a doctor s recommendation. The new debate is whether marijuana should be legalized for the general public as a recreational drug. Although some believe that marijuana is harmless, and that it has beneficial medicinal uses, marijuana shouldRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1715 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana in Society Cannabis, formally known as marijuana is a drug obtained from the tops, stems and leaves of the hemp plant cannabis. The drug is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Only substances like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are used more (â€Å"Marijuana† 1). In the U. S. where some use it to feel â€Å"high† or get an escape from reality. The drug is referred to in many ways; weed, grass, pot, and or reefer are some common names used to describe the drug (â€Å"Marijuana† 1). Like mostRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1489 Words   |  6 Pagescannabis plant or marijuana is intended for use of a psychoactive drug or medicine. It is used for recreational or medical uses. In some religions, marijuana is predominantly used for spiritual purposes. Cannabis is indigenous to central and south Asia. Cannabis has been scientifically proven that you can not die from smoking marijuana. Marijuana should be legalized to help people with medical benefits, econo mic benefits, and criminal benefits. In eight states, marijuana was legalized for recreationalRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1245 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana is a highly debatable topic that is rapidly gaining attention in society today.   Legalizing marijuana can benefit the economy of this nation through the creation of jobs, increased tax revenue, and a decrease in taxpayer money spent on law enforcement.   Ã‚  Many people would outlaw alcohol, cigarettes, fast food, gambling, and tanning beds because of the harmful effects they have on members of a society, but this is the United States of America; the land of the free and we should give peopleRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1010 Words   |  5 PagesThe legalization of marijuana became a heated political subject in the last few years. Twenty-one states in America have legalized medical marijuana. Colorado and Washington are the only states where marijuana can be purchased recreationally. Marijuana is the high THC level part of the cannabis plant, which gives users the â€Å"high† feeling. There is ample evidence that supports the argument that marijuana is beneficial. The government should legalize marijuana recreationally for three main reasonsRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1350 Words   |  6 Pagespolitics in the past decade would have to be the legalization of marijuana. The sale and production of marijuana have been legalized for medicinal uses in over twenty states and has been legalized for recreational uses in seven states. Despite the ongoing support for marijuana, it has yet to be fully legalized in the federal level due to cultural bias against â€Å"pot† smoking and the focus over its negative effects. However, legalizing marijuana has been proven to decrease the rate of incrimination in AmericaRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1231 Words   |  5 Pagesshows the positive benefits of marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law. In recent years, numerous states have defied federal law and legalized marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use. Arizona has legalized marijuana for medical use, but it still remains illegal to use recreationally. This is absurd, as the evidence gathered over the last few decades strongly supports the notion that it is safer than alcohol, a widely available substance. Marijuana being listed as a Schedule I drugRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay1457 Words   |  6 PagesSHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED? Marijuana is a drug that has sparked much controversy over the past decade as to whether or not it should be legalized. People once thought of marijuana as a bad, mind-altering drug which changes a person’s personality which can lead to crime and violence through selling and buying it. In the past, the majority of citizens believed that marijuana is a harmful drug that should be kept off the market and out of the hands of the public. However, a recent study conductedRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1596 Words   |  7 Pages But what needs to be known before a user can safely and completely make the decision if trying Marijuana is a good idea? Many do not want the drug to be legalized because they claim that Cannabis is a â€Å"gateway drug†, meaning it will cause people to try harder drugs once their body builds up a resistance to Marijuana, because a stronger drug will be needed to reach a high state. This argument is often falsely related to the medical si de of the debate over legalization. It is claimed that this wouldRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?985 Words   |  4 PagesLegalize Marijuana Despite what people believe about marijuana, it hasn’t once proved to be the cause of any real issue. It makes you wonder what the reason as to why there is a war on drugs. Why is marijuana the main concern? Since the time that alcohol and tobacco became legal, people wonder why marijuana isn’t legal yet. The fact that marijuana is illegal is mainly caused by the amount of money, jobs, and pride invested in the drug war. Once the government starts anything, they stick to it. At

Thesis Statement Free Essays

1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand. Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. We will write a custom essay sample on Thesis Statement or any similar topic only for you Order Now For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements: There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement. This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague. Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers. This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand, and because it’s specific. 2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion. Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion. If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements: My family is an extended family. This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. Your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement, and will probably stop reading. While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family. This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point. 3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea. Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example: Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support. This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about marketing on the Internet or Web pages. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write: Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support. This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related. Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because, since, so, although, unless, and however. 4. A strong thesis statement is specific. A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you’re writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say: World hunger has many causes and effects. This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, world hunger can’t be discussed thoroughly in seven to ten pages. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this: Hunger persists in  Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable. This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger. How to cite Thesis Statement, Papers Thesis statement Free Essays The paper â€Å"Alaskan Aviation† will provide with a thorough examination of aviation in the region of Alaska, employing the knowledge of the three main spheres: Alaskan environmental conditions, history of its aviation, and the ethics of flying. The Chapter I of the paper will outline the geographic characteristics and weather conditions which determined the functions and the influenced the evolution of Alaskan aviation. Then Chapter II will proceed to the study of the Alaskan aviation itself. We will write a custom essay sample on Thesis statement or any similar topic only for you Order Now Fist, the historical approach will be used to distinguish the development of the two main categories: military and civil aviation. Second, the history of the military aircraft will be given in a more general way, while the description of civil aircraft will consist of the particular examples of the histories of Alaskan airlines, and bush flying. This difference in historical views on military and civil aircrafts is dictated by the thing that the detailed examination of the military aircraft branch is beyond the scope of the paper. And finally, the third chapter of the paper will focus on the personality of an Alaskan pilot, with the discussion of the conduct and character traits required by the ethics of flying and directed to overcome the difficulties of the profession. The main points and the findings of the paper will be summarized in the conclusion. The purpose of the study is to characterize the aviation in Alaska, to show its critical role for the region and to mention the challenges of the profession of a pilot. II. Challenging conditions of Alaska’s diverse environment 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Alaska’s geography The state of Alaska is the forty-ninth state, which entered the Union in 1959. It is situated in the extreme northwest of the North American continent. Also Alaska is the largest peninsular in the Western Hemisphere. The total area of Alaska goes up to 591, 004 square miles and includes 15, 000 square miles of inlets and fjords, 34, 000 of intended tidal coastline and 6,600 miles of the coast that fronts the open sea. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) On the north and northwest the land of Alaska borders the Arctic Ocean and on the west it is washed by the Bering Sea and the Bering Strait. The Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska border the territory of the state on the south. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) About 1.150 miles of high mountains separate the state from the neighbouring British Columbia province and the Canadian Yukon Territory. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) On the land of Alaska Mount McKinley, the highest peak of the North America, is situated. The height of the peak is 20,320 feet. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) The capital of Alaska – Juneau is situated in the southeast of the panhandle region. Alaska consists of nine different environmental and physiographic regions. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) Most of the mainland panhandle region is composed of the Boundary Ranges. Also the area of Alaska contains a number of large ice fields, peaks, for example, Mount St. Elias that is 18,009 feet high, Arctic deserts, swamps, immense forests, active volcanoes and countless islands. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) The western part of Alaska-Yukon border is the Chugach Range, which looks like a giant arc at the northern edge of the Gulf of Alaska. Alaska is considered to be the northernmost state, the westernmost state, and also the easternmost state of America, because the Aleutians extend over the 180th meridian into the Eastern Hemisphere. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2004) The Panhandle, starting some 500 miles north of Seattle, nevertheless has the moist climate and thick forests associated with coastal Washington. It consists, on one side, of a 30-mile strip of mountainous mainland bordering British Columbia and, on the other, of the countless islands of the Alexander Archipelago — the remnants of ancient mountains submerged at the end of the ice age. The result is one of the world’s most beautiful fjord areas, seen easily from ferries from Seattle which ply the famed Inland Passage along this coast. Towering forests of spruce and hemlock cover most of the lands, and the region holds the bulk of Alaska’s pulp and timber industry in its 550-mile length. Tongass National Forest, a magnificent wilderness along the region’s glacier-capped fjords and waterways which includes 100-mile-long Admiralty Island, packed with wildlife (salmon, bald eagles, and brown bears), virtually the only island in the archipelago still largely in its primeval condition (Terris, 1962). The U.S. Forest Service has committed itself to clear-cutting practically every marketable stand of spruce and hemlock in the Tongass National Forest. The lumber would not relieve any U.S. housing shortage but would be for export to Japan. Outside of lumber, the major income of the Panhandle is from fishing (especially salmon) and tourism (scenery plus the colorful Tlingit totem pole culture). The Central Plateau, bigger than all of Texas, is a vast, rolling upland spotted with mountains. It rolls from the Canadian border to the Bering Sea, from the southern wall of McKinley and other peaks of the Alaskan Range to the northern barrier of the Brooks Range. The mighty Yukon River and its tributaries, dotted with native villages along the banks, flow out of Canada and through this region to the Bering Sea. Alaska’s big-game hunting centers here — for moose, caribou, bear, sheep, and, along the Bering Straits, for polar bear. How to cite Thesis statement, Papers Thesis Statement Free Essays University of Phoenix Material Thesis Statement and Informal Outline Worksheet In this course, you will write a 1,050- to 1,750-word Personal Responsibility Essay, due in Week Five, which includes the following: †¢ Define what personal responsibility means to you. †¢ Explain the relationship between personal responsibility and college success. †¢ Include a preliminary plan to practice personal responsibility in your education. We will write a custom essay sample on Thesis Statement or any similar topic only for you Order Now This week, using the Center for Writing Excellence resources, provide the thesis statement and informal outline for your Personal Responsibility Essay assignment, due in Week Five. Thesis Statement: Even though when I do not take personal responsibility I am more likely to blame others, personal responsibility means to acknowledge responsibility for my choices and being accountable for my own actions because the actions you take in life, affect your college success and by setting goals in the beginning you can stay focus throughout your college education. Informal Outline: †¢ Personal Responsibility means to me to acknowledge responsibility for my choices and being accountable for my own actions. Is important to acknowledge personal responsibility to be successful in life. †¢ The actions you take in life affect your college success.  §Ã‚   Procrastination can become a habit  §Ã‚  Learning to prioritize †¢ Setting goals in the beginning can help you stay focus throughout you college education.  §Ã‚   Goals keep you motivated  §Ã‚   You stay focus in the reward of achieving your goal   Ã‚   I plan to practice personal responsibility in my academic career by being more responsible.  §Ã‚   Practice time management.  §Ã‚   Identifying my educational goals. o  Ã‚   Conclusion  §Ã‚   Personal Responsibility means to me to acknowledge responsibility for my choices and being accountable for my own actions for two main reasons. First, setting goals in the beginning can help you stay focus throughout you college education. But most importantly, the actions you take in life affect your college success. How to cite Thesis Statement, Papers

Organisational Change Approaches Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Organisational Change Approaches. Answer: Introduction The paradigm shift in the production process is defined by high technology era demanding organizations to change their modes of operations so that they may remain relevant within the market segment (Vaara Tienari,2011). As a way of appreciating technological innovations, most organizations are on the verge of facing out the old ways of production. Having worked as a sales person, I have gained diverse skills of marketing. Such experience helps me remain innovative, creative, team player, focused, and determined to achieve. This paper structurally based on three basic approaches to change. They include; use of power to facilitate change, organizational learning approach to managing employees' stress and emotions, and finally, the concept of organizational communication strategies in managing a workforce in mergers and acquisitions (Jiali Zhanget al., 2015). The aim of choosing these three themes is to enable me study more and understand the importance of communication in managing empl oyees for mergers and acquisitions. The significance of these approaches is that leadership influences emotions and practices within the workplace. Therefore, it is paramount to learn how to approach changes to ensure the change program is acceptable to all. Use of Power to Facilitate Change Review The use of power to influence and persuade employees in organizations is a fascinating discovery I ever meet as far as organizational change approach is concerned. Managers use power to influence production practices and employee participation (Jiali Zhanget al., 2015).Therefore this topic is significant in creating a mutual understanding between the management and the staff. Power is defined as the ability to take action and influence others. To promote continued thinking, I focused on legitimate power and expert power. Legitimate power is based on the title one holds such as manager, supervisor, and others. This kind of power comes with ability and responsibility to reward and punish. For example, staff raises and restricted asses to resources. On the other hand, expert power comes from expert skills that are highly valued and personal associations with people (Riad, Vaara Zhang, 2012). Application of Power Model in Facilitation of Change Programs Expert power The management invoked a change program that encouraged customer relation through improving service delivery (Jiali Zhanget al. ,2015).Different parties were brought together to share experiences that would lead to successful customer relationships across the business. The staff became part of decision making hence a greater achievement was witnessed (Vanston, 2007). This is expert power. After observation of O2 case scenario, I established that expert power is most effective when it comes to maintaining an organizational image as well as boosting customer relationships. The comments indicate strengths and weaknesses in this approach as follows. Strengths. Expert power has the potential to influence behaviours of others within the system. In our case scenario, participative leadership was heightened through sharing experiences that would lead to successful customer relationships across the business (Graebner, 2009). Additionally, this helped me to realize that expert power builds trust and self-confidence which forms the basis of decision and opinion acceptability within organizational setup. The evidence of this collaboration between the management and the staff was systematic thinking (Weber Fried,2011). This approach acknowledges dynamic systems that impact both the external and internal populations (Xing,Liu,Tarba, Cooper, 2014). Groups easily influence people into buying the idea, product or service as stated by the collaborative theory (Vanston, 2007). Common language choice and approach is achieved collaboratively within organizations multiplying change efforts. Weaknesses. I realized that expert power needs high-level experience in terms of knowledge and skills hence daily improvement is needed. Additionally, it is easier to close one gap as others grow wider (Graebner, 2009). For instance, O2 runs the risk of delayed implementation since it has to get the response from other staff members who are as well represented. I have a greater awareness that expert power is subject to diminish as expert skills are shared across the members thus lack of influence. For instance, shared experiences that would lead to successful customer relationships across O2 would soon be common to all members linked to the organization losing their unique value before their inception into the system. (Jiali Zhanget al., 2015). Action plan Participative leadership. Competitively, use of power to influence change programs has opened my scope in participative leadership (Shook, Roth,2011). I perceive power as a management tool that sets organizational values and leadership behaviours. This approach is systematic and allows collaboration between leaders and staff members in the implementation of business processes (Weber Tarba,2011). Participative leadership leads to more staff commitments towards meeting organizational goals. Second, it bridges the distance between senior management and staff thus creating labour-management relationships leading to resourcefulness and resilient behaviours during changing period. Weber Tarba (2013) argues managers use empowerment approach to shift beliefs, values, and attitudes at every level of the organization. The study establishes that the management encouraged employees input by breaking some rules to improve customer experiences. Additionally, different parties were incorporated in to decision-making exercise and shared experiences (Vanston, 2007). In a nutshell, use of power to invoke change program is about collaborating with staff members in terms of beliefs, values, and approaches (Shook, Roth,2011). This can be enhanced through participative leadership through partnering, shared values and beliefs, and systematic thinking. The outlined approaches enhance labour-management relations leading to resourceful and resilient behaviours during change period (Jiali Zhang et al., 2015). Other Theories Other theories that have facilitated to my improved experience as a salesperson in the marketing plans of an organization towards its change include: Stage theory of organizational change: Organizations pass through a well detailed series of changes, and it is here where employees learn continuously. Through this fact, I have been learning the right means to innovations as well as the best ways to resolving the underlying marketing challenges. Behavioral theory: The proper understanding of behavioral theory by the virtue of appreciating the employees input to organizational success. The Concept of Organizational Communication Strategies in Managing Workforce in Mergers and Acquisitions Review Note that I acknowledge organizational communication strategies as a significant course to my studies as well as my professionalism as a young entrepreneur eying to establish huge market base globally (Shook, Roth,2011). Information is an important element describing the world today. With different communication strategies, individuals can stand out and shine in the business world. Communication is therefore paramount in mergers and acquisition (Graebner, 2009). The type of communications matters in various ways. Some mergers and acquisitions embrace open communication whereas others prefer restricted communication strategies (Shook, Roth,2011).Practically, interactive communication reduces employee uncertainty due to information inadequacy, rumors, and dysfunctional outcomes. Communication plays a major role in reducing uncertainty, guides business transactions enhance high commitment levels and increase mergers success (Gomes,Cohen,Mellahi, 2011). Application of Organizational Communication Strategies in Managing Workforce In the study, it is established that Pfizer, a UK based company changed its mode of communication from regional leaders to two senior directors one to deal with sales and the other with customer marketing (Shook, Roth,2011, p. 149). The directors invested informal consultations from employees through telephone broadcasts, video diaries, and face-face meetings. The video diaries made the staff more accountable and innovative (Graebner, 2009). This communication process called for a new structure with new leadership position of ten people. These ten updated other employees on the progress of the change program using video summaries (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). Other expensive measures were as well initiated into the system. These include publication of video summaries on intranet along with key messages, supporting documents and feedback tools after monthly meetings. In a way, this communication strategy increased the visibility of the ten leaders and encouraged a non-corporate style of communication (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). Communication strategies Enterprise resource planning software. The software is a management tool that suits integrated applications that will allow organizations to collect, store, manage, and interpret data from other links related to the businesses (Vanston, 2007). It will be used to plan on product costs, deliver services to clients, market organization's products and services, check payments, and enhance sales within the operational business zone as well as another outlet. It will handle cash transactions, business commitments, orders, and payrolls (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012).The application will then share data across all legal systems such as institutional computers and staff mobile phones by a single click from the IT technician (Vanston, 2007). The software will allow an aggregate view of core business processes carried on a daily basis using a common database maintained by a database management system (Shook, Roth,2011). Customer relationship management software. This software will include mergers to rate performance against selected milestones over time. The signs will include; email reminders, customer contacts, email correspondence and develop tasks and event reports (Shook, Roth,2011).The software will be used to build customer feedback schedules, respond to inquiries, upload brands, and services offered by the company, testimonials, reports, and critical information on the website of the enterprise (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). Strengths of programmatic communication strategies This study prompted me to think of customer management and enterprise resource planning software as effective methods for business communication by studying strengths associated with programmatic communication strategies such as planning process and positioning in terms of resource mobilization, staffing, department, cost adjustment, and other issues linked to merging and acquisition (Delbridge Fiss, 2013). Identification of common patterns and behaviors. Organizational communication enhances cultural interactions through identifying common patterns and behaviors (Angwin, 2007, p. 99).This strategy helps in striking commonness in businesses located in different regions and parts of the world (Vanston, 2007). Publication of video summaries on intranet along with key messages, supporting documents and feedback tools after monthly meetings increased the visibility of the ten leaders and encouraged a non-corporate style of communication (Allatta Singh, 2011). Strategies such as spreading common culture through slogans, brands, objectives, modes of operations, structural designs, and mottos create alliances between people and cultures within the same company. In the long run, businesses familiarize with common elements such as customers preferences and tests giving production and marketing unit an easy time to select production processes and advertisement modes respectively (Aguilera Dencker , 2004). Action plan This study has taught me on the importance of strategic commitment to positively impact employees. It is clear from the discussions above that the selective approach of communication strategy is more effective in reassuring the target audiences and building trust (Clark,Gioia,Ketchen Thomas, 2010). Additionally, the medium selection is fundamental in the enrichment of communication. This is the means by which the message reaches the recipient, for example, face-to-face, meetings, email, and conferences (Vanston, 2007). Concisely, organization communication deals with message transmission approach from the management to the junior staff and vice versa. It is essential therefore to select targets wisely and establish common patterns that apply to the specific targets (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). Organisational Learning Approach to Managing Employees' Stress and Emotions Review Many companies are facing out the old ways of operation due to globalization, the industrial revolution, and increased technological innovation in attempts to remain relevant with the global standards (Vanston, 2007). These changes are categorically placed into structural, downsizing, mergers, subcontracting, job designs, and training (Aida Hajro, 2014). These changes have implications for workers regarding workload and quality resulting in stress and emotional challenges (Shook, Roth,2011).To manage this, it is paramount to learn how to manage employees' stress and emotions for organizational change (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). Application of organizational learning approach in managing employees stress and emotions Conflict management. Most organizations tend to ignore workplace emotions leading to misunderstanding and conflicts (Aida Hajro, 2014). Apparently, organizational conflicts can be well managed through learning emotions. Emotion is an important ingredient in theory and practice of organizational learning since emotions speak our minds and thoughts. This important element increases the organizational level of analysis for a positive organizational change. If wrongly managed, emotions cause psychological risk and physical damage (Guth MacMillan,1986). I believe organizational change is a vital tool for growth and development of firms and an effective topic for my course. Most companies reap huge profit margins due to organizational change (Shook, Roth,2011). However, most tend to ignore the negative effects that come with an organizational change such as psychological instability and physical harm attached to their staff members. (Aida Hajro, 2014). Initiating Programs. Significantly, organizational learning can be applied in initiating programs within organizations by provoking staff emotions (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). Emotional responses reflect the true state of our minds and how we feel without hiding anything (Aida Hajro, 2014, p.397) Learning emotions would enable the management and employees to know what clients, shareholders, staff, and other parties of interest expect of them. (Jiali Zhanget al., 2015). There is an assumption that organizational conflicts are as a result of intolerable human resources, lack of collective bargaining to reach a consensus for example through meetings and workers opinions, defensive reactions among individuals and groups, and underdeveloped processes of communication (Gomes, AngwinWeber, Tarba,2013). These elements arise due to lack of engagement with emotional dynamics and further graduate into hatred, envy, jealousy, and dissatisfaction (sources of conflicts within organizations). As a scholar, I agree with the psychodynamic theory which assumes that "organizations move beyond collective efforts but rather on individual behaviours." To influence workplace behaviours, most organizations are defined by selected norms. (Shook, Roth,2011).These norms act as guidelines to set relationships between workers, clients, employees, and statutory bodies. For example, arrival time, dressing codes, language choice, and observing chain of command among others get organizations going. Such rules also embrace diversified emotions and challenge collective behaviour among staff members (Aida Hajro, 2014). Additionally, organizational rules affect how individuals within the organization carry themselves within and beyond the organization (Graebner, 2009). Criticism A fascinating fact is that despite the pervasiveness of organizational changes, its success has been shifted to motivation and commitment of employees themselves. Most employers have backed off in supporting their employees. (Aida Hajro, 2014). According to this study, companies have gone viral in training their employees to master new processes neglecting their emotions and stress factors (Shook, Roth,2011). This is a dangerous move in the development of organizations since it decreases performance and ultimately leads to reduced customer satisfaction as far as services and products are concerned. (Jiali Zhanget al., 2015). In my opinion, there is a great need to re-check the practices and changes in environments to solve the stressing factors between employees and employers. Environmental demands become stressful when perceived as threatening the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of individuals (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012).would include issues such as change of supervisors and task allocation. On the other hand, flexible practices may include issues such as labour contract and working hours. Such proponents are milestones for high productivity levels, staff and customers' satisfaction. Ideally, stress is manifested when demands from the environment combined with fewer resources or input to work on those demands (Shook, Roth,2011) Action plan Flexible structures. Organisational learning creates a platform for staff to share out their minds openly without victimisation. Different scholars argue that most organizations have failed in acknowledging the importance of supporting their staff. Managers and employees have gone viral on training individuals to master skills (Myers, Hulks Wiggins, 2012). These skills get to waste if not well natured for self-improvement and growth. Personally, I believe routine is a deadly disease that is killing management. For example, in an event where the organizational routine is tight and strict, employees lack a chance to express their views openly and blindly follow what they are used to even if the system or production method has defaulted. This in a way sabotages organizational development (Graebner, 2009). Openness is shielded despite the existence of differences causing failure due to fear of victimisation, weaknesses of speaking out individual's thoughts and mind, and fears of differe nce and competition between organizational sub-systems (Self-limiting processes inhibiting learning and change), (Graebner, 2009). Organisational learning on managing employees' stress and emotions would mean creating a free environment for sharing different ideas and thoughts. This would also bring a mutual understanding between individuals and groups with diverse belief patterns by appealing to their emotions and embracing diversity (Graebner, 2009). It is clear that employees are stressing factors range from structures, downsizing, mergers, subcontracting, job designs, and training. These can be managed through flexible organizational structures and support systems that suits workers level. 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