Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Issues in Harmonization of Accounting Standards-Free-Samples

Question: Talk about the Harmonization of the Accounting Standards with the International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS). Answer: Presentation The harmonization of the bookkeeping principles alludes to the way toward adjusting the nearby bookkeeping measures of a nation with the worldwide bookkeeping guidelines. The essential target of harmonization is to accomplish the equivalence in the monetary detailing. Various nations have diverse bookkeeping rehearses; the harmonization is an endeavor to decrease the distinctions in the bookkeeping rehearses received by various nations (Wang, 2011). With regards to this, a report has been introduced to give conversation on the harmonization of the bookkeeping gauges. For the examination of handy case, WIPRO Limited recorded on the National Stock Exchange of India has been picked. Explanations behind Harmonization The bookkeeping principles and practices are set out by the administration of a nation by alluding to the financial condition of that nation. The financial condition of nations will undoubtedly be unique. In this way, there emerge contrasts in the bookkeeping norms and the acts of the nations (Franklin, 2012). The distinction in bookkeeping practices of nations is the essential explanation that laid to harmonization. As has just been iterated that harmonization of the bookkeeping measures gets equality in the monetary announcing of two organizations that work in two distinct nations. The neighborhood bookkeeping principles of a nation are altered or changed to make them in accordance with the universal bookkeeping gauges through the harmonization procedure (Franklin, 2012). It is urgent to comprehend that harmonization is not quite the same as union. In the intermingling procedure, the nearby bookkeeping gauges of a nation are changed to consolidate the arrangements of the global bookkeeping norms. Be that as it may, in the harmonization procedure, the neighborhood bookkeeping norms are changed uniquely to the degree these are in strife with the worldwide bookkeeping measures. In the harmonization procedure, the neighborhood bookkeeping gauges are permitted to keep and hold the arrangements that can not be modified because of idiosyncrasies of the financial condition of a nation. For instance, Indian GAAP orchestrates the bookkeeping measures to make them lined up with the universal bookkeeping standard however at the same time it additionally gives bend outs. The bend outs have been given to accommodate the zones in the bookkeeping standard which are to be kept and held and not be received from global bookkeeping standard (KPMG, 2014). The harmonization likewise helps the organizations in raising capital at the global stage. So as to raise capital at the universal stage, it is fundamental for an organization to get ready and present its fiscal summaries as per the worldwide bookkeeping rehearses (Wang, 2011). Along these lines, by embracing the harmonization procedure, the neighborhood bookkeeping gauges are lined up with the universal bookkeeping measures. Because of this harmonization, the fiscal summaries arranged by the organizations become tantamount which makes it simple for the speculators to assess the companys money related execution. The assessment of money related execution of the organization is a significant exercise in the venture choice. In this way, if the speculator can't assess the monetary exhibition of an organization because of the reasons that its fiscal reports have been readied utilizing distinctive bookkeeping rehearses, he would not have the option to settle on out the choice to put resour ces into the organization (Wang, 2011). With regards to Indian economy, it is fundamental to advance top notch budgetary detailing rehearses for the general financial development. One approach to improve the nature of bookkeeping rehearses in India is to make the adjustments in the bookkeeping practices to adjust them to the worldwide bookkeeping rehearses (Kaur, 2014). Subsequently, harmonization of the Indian bookkeeping norms is basic for the financial development in India. It is seen that the improvement in the bookkeeping rehearses through harmonization of the bookkeeping guidelines in India would support the exchange and business develop. As the harmonization of the Indian bookkeeping practices will help in creating capital markets, improve access to credit, and building up the money related division. It will get the money related dependability which is essential for the reasonable monetary development. The Indian economy is on the improvement pathway and it needs the money related help at the universal stage to deve lop quickly. In any case, it is conceivable just when India fits its bookkeeping and money related announcing rehearses with the global gauges. The harmonization of the Indian bookkeeping principles with the worldwide bookkeeping gauges would acquire straightforwardness the framework which is genuinely necessary for financial development (Kaur, 2014). Issues in Harmonization of Accounting Standards It is viewed as that the excellent bookkeeping rehearses combined with the rigid administration instrument are the nuts and bolts for monetary turn of events. So as to improve the bookkeeping rehearses and the administration framework in the nation, it is basic to expand straightforwardness and fix responsibility (Griff, 2014). Toward this path, one of the undertakings of the administration is the harmonization of the bookkeeping principles with the worldwide bookkeeping norms. In any case, the procedure of harmonization of the bookkeeping norms with the global bookkeeping gauges isn't simple. There are different monetary, political, and social impediments that come in the method of harmonization process. It is imperative to discover goals to the issues and issues that are being looked during the time spent harmonization to make it an effective crucial, (2014). The principal issue that comes in the method of harmonization process is the distinctions in the monetary condition of the creating and the created nations. The attributes of a creating nation will be not quite the same as those of a created nation. In any case, the universal bookkeeping guidelines similarly apply to all the nations; in this manner, there would be sure things that are not reasonable to the financial condition of the creating nations (Bensadon Praquin, 2016). Further, there emerge issues from the political view point too. The harmonization of the bookkeeping gauges is given impact through a lawful procedure as it were. The ideological groups have impact over the lawful procedures, in this way, the political contrasts could emerge when considering endorsing the harmonization procedure. Especially, in the vote based nation like India, the policy driven issues are well on the way to emerge (Bensadon Praquin, 2016). Further, taking a restricted view point, the harmonization of the bookkeeping principles will likewise cause changes in different laws of the nation. The bookkeeping norms are given under the authority of the organizations/organizations act (Wong, 2014). In this manner, the harmonization procedure would initially prompt changes in the partnerships demonstration. Further, the subsequent changes in the different laws could likewise be required, for example, tax collection laws and protections trade laws and guidelines. In this manner, the harmonization of the bookkeeping norms is certifiably not a one stage process. It will require significant changes in the lawful arrangement of the nation, which could make it a tedious procedure (Wong, 2014). Further, notwithstanding the abovementioned, the most basic issue emerges for the little and medium measured ventures. It has been viewed as that the worldwide bookkeeping measures will add multifaceted nature to bookkeeping procedure of the little and medium estimated firms (Wong, 2014). Further, it is likewise contended that the global bookkeeping guidelines are not as applicable to the little and medium measured firms as these are to the huge partnerships. The appropriation of worldwide bookkeeping principles by the little and medium estimated firms adds complexities to the bookkeeping procedure as well as motivation extra expenses being brought about by these organizations. Further, the issues may emerge concerning comprehension of the worldwide bookkeeping guidelines in the little firms. Without satisfactory preparing, the little firms will most likely be unable to apply the universal bookkeeping measures properly (Wong, 2014). In India, the service of corporate undertakings has proclaimed harmonization of the Indian bookkeeping gauges with the worldwide bookkeeping guidelines. The combination of Indian bookkeeping gauges is all the while. The Indian government has supplanted the old bookkeeping measures with the new Indian bookkeeping gauges in its undertaking to meet with the worldwide bookkeeping norms (RSM, 2017). The new Indian bookkeeping norms have been set up on the lines of universal bookkeeping gauges. Further, the new Indian bookkeeping guidelines have been made material to the organizations in the staged way. The recorded elements and the unlisted open organizations with total assets of ? 500 centers or more have been commanded to set up their fiscal summaries for the year 2016-17 as per new Indian bookkeeping guidelines (RSM, 2017). In the assembly and usage of the bookkeeping norms numerous issues have been looked in India. Right off the bat, the Indian economy is portrayed as a creating economy and the global bookkeeping guidelines are surrounded from the view purpose of created nations. In this manner, the distinction in the idea of economy is an issue itself. Also, India is a majority rule nation which implies that the political difficulties are extreme concerning endorsement and usage of the met bookkeeping principles (Siddiqui, 2011). There have been tries since the year 2011 to unite and actualize the combined bookkeeping measures, however the equivalent is yet to be executed in the full stage. The Indian bookkeeping measures contrasts essentially from the internationa

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Marketing a New Philosophy of Management Research Paper

Showcasing a New Philosophy of Management - Research Paper Example The finish of this examination will locate a few impressive outcomes. Its conceivable result includes critical improvement in the information and comprehension of most present day ideas of showcasing. The investigation will provide another guidance to future preparing and research work inside the field of advertising. Throughout the years the advertising idea has positively developed in prominence and status, discovering application as a nonexclusive business reasoning in a wide scope of settings. Be that as it may, the idea itself has remained basically unaltered. Another idea of advertising urges firms to have a luxurious name so as to prevail in today’s rivalry. Regardless of the regularly ardent adherence to the idea as a regularizing column, as of late journalists, for example, Houston and Gassenheimer have tested the showcasing idea, contending that much promoting movement is in reality about the thwarting of rivalry and the matchless quality of business sectors, not purchaser independence. (Wensley, 2005) Others have raised questions about its job in improving the seriousness of associations. Based on exact proof, they have proposed that the execution of the promoting idea has really unclear seriousness. These creators were among the first to address, maybe unreasonably, the estimation of the showcasing idea. (Hooley and Lynch, 2003) But, the key point to which they assisted with drawing our consideration was that the execution of the showcasing idea was turning into the Achilles impact point of the order. Without clear rules about how to incorporate it and make it compelling, what was left was minimal more than vacuous talk. ( Samli, Palda, and Barker, 2008). This paper contends for the proceeded with improvement and reappraisal of the promoting idea of something having a luxurious name. The primary concern is that the advertising idea, as it is frequently expounded on, expect a large number of the qualities of a belief system or an article of confidence.

Saturday, August 1, 2020

What to Do If Youre Addicted to Nicotine Gum

What to Do If Youre Addicted to Nicotine Gum Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking Print Have You Become Addicted to Nicotine Gum? By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on July 14, 2016 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on November 19, 2019 Image Source/Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking After You Quit Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery On the surface,  chewing a couple of pieces of nicotine gum every day is much better than smoking. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemical compounds; 250 of which are known to be poisonous, and upwards of 70 that have been identified as carcinogenic.?? We also know that inhaling secondhand smoke is hazardous, and for a smoker, its a double whammy because we breathe in both mainstream and sidestream smoke. It puts us at risk for heart disease, COPD, and cancer for starters.?? Research is ongoing â€" we dont yet fully understand all of the dangers that cigarette smoke presents. Nicotine Can Hurt Your Health That said, while cigarette smoke is worse than nicotine alone, nicotine is not a harmless drug. There is growing concern that long-term use of nicotine may contribute to cancer.?? Nicotine also affects how our bodies function â€" it puts stress on the heart and increases blood pressure.? Nicotine harms the linings of our arteries which leads to the build-up of plaque, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.?? Additionally, nicotine suppresses insulin output creating a hyperglycemic condition in smokers. Nicotine Can Hurt Your Happiness, Too While its true that the amount of nicotine youre getting daily from the gum may be small when compared to smoking, dont forget that nicotine is addictive.?? Regardless of how much or how little youre using, youre still feeding an active addiction. The message youre sending to yourself is that you cant live without nicotine â€" that youre not strong enough to give nicotine up completely. Recovery Takes Time   Recovery from this addiction involves learning how to deal with lifes ups and downs nicotine-free. If you remain dependent on nicotine, regardless of the form it comes in, you run an increased  risk of a smoking relapse. Additionally, as is the case with habit-forming drugs, your tolerance for nicotine will increase over time and so will your intake.?? When the right (or wrong) situation presents itself, you may find its a short jump to lighting up when a piece of nicotine gum isnt handy or just doesnt do the trick in taking the edge off.  Stressful situations  will continue to trigger  the urge for nicotine  until you clear it out of your system and learn new ways of coping. Dont let the junkie thinking that comes with nicotine withdrawal convince you to keep using. If you managed to stop smoking, you can go one step further and eliminate your dependence on therapeutic nicotine as well. Quitting Nicotine Completely Work out a realistic plan to wean yourself off of nicotine gum. If youre chewing 2 or 3 pieces of nicotine gum per day, start by eliminating just one piece. If there are specific times of the day that you use the gum, e.g. first thing in the morning, after meals, etc, choose the one that is the easiest to let go. Substitute a piece of sugar-free gum or a snack instead, and have a plan for a distracting activity should you need it. Once you are comfortable with the new regimen, repeat the process with the second piece of nicotine gum and then the third until you are off of it  completely. It doesnt matter how much time (within reason) that you take between each elimination. Step down when you are feeling comfortable, always keep your goal in mind. We werent born using nicotine. It is possible to leave it behind for good and get on with your life, comfortably  addiction-free. Dont Be Afraid to Let People Know Whats Going on With You Ask for support, and the load youre bearing will become much lighter. Youll be surprised at how understanding folks are. Dont feel ashamed. You are not the first person who has ever had this problem â€" far from it. You deserve a life that is free of nicotine addiction. Believe in yourself â€" you are strong enough to get nicotine out of your body and out of your life. If NRTs Can Be Addictive, Should You Avoid Using Them? No, but use care with this quit aid. All forms of NRT except for the nicotine patch are easy to misuse because you take a dose multiple times a day. The patch is the only NRT that is applied once in the morning and offers time-released nicotine throughout the day.??  We recommend it as our top NRT pick for this reason. NRTs have helped many thousands of smokers stop smoking successfully. Just remember that they are not intended for long-term use. Follow the manufacturers directions exactly, and wean yourself off the NRT product of your choice in the time period suggested.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Teen Pregnancy Causes Serious Physical And Emotional Problems

Teen pregnancy causes serious physical and emotional problems for adolescent mothers, therefore there should be steps taken to prevent such things from happening. I have a close friend who got pregnant at the age of fifteen. It was a mega crisis for her and her baby. It caused a heartbreaking feud between my friend and her parents, as well as her schooling, leading her to drop out of high school. The emotional stress she gained was harming her body. The baby’s father wanted nothing to do with the poor child or the mother. She had nothing figured out, and all her dreams and aspirations were changing in the blink of an eye. This situation was not only terrible for the mother, but it was a terrible situation for the baby to born into. She ended up keeping the baby, but sadly it was a rough circumstance for her. She ended up staying at another friend’s house to raise the baby, and it has taken her four years to finally be able to provide for her child by herself. No teenag e girl or guy should have to go through something they are not ready for; they are still children. Therefore, as a society, we should educate teenagers on how to prevent teen pregnancy, because doing so would lead to a positive effect and help teens grow to become responsible adults. Furthermore, there are a lot of negative effects of teenage pregnancy, so we should clarify these effects with them. One of the main effects is the emotional stress it puts on a young teenager. Teenage pregnancy puts anShow MoreRelatedHigh School Dating : A Not So Cinderella Story1077 Words   |  5 Pagesdistraction of relationship drama causes teenagers to focus less on things like school. This in turn will cause their grades to suffer. Lower grades mean a smaller chance of getting accepted into colleges, or receiving scholarships. Another problem is the emotional impacts of an ugly breakup. Impacts are long lasting at any age, but especially so in high school. This is because students are still developing. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that affected teens have a higher risk for eatingRead MoreTeen Pregnancy Essay1121 Words   |  5 Pages5/6 11/20/2017 Teen Pregnancy The fearless of all parents who have teenagers is pregnancy. Nowadays, teen pregnancy is a serious problem. Teenage have a lack of skills to handle a pregnancy. So that impact strongly on the future of a young woman. Teen pregnancy is associated with negative consequences for adolescents for three reasons: lack of education, medical complication, uncertainty about the future, and financial difficulties. First, the main causes of teenage pregnancy are the lack of educationRead MoreThe Effects Of Teenagers Being Sexually Active1082 Words   |  5 PagesDonovan Rooks Mrs. Meade English 101 3 November 2014 The Causes and Effects of Teenagers Being Sexually Active Sex before marriage, especially in the teenage years, is a growing disappointment and epidemic in today’s society. The common standard of â€Å"waiting until marriage† no longer applies to very many people in this day and age. The effects of teenagers being sexually active can be frightening. The causes, as well as the effects, are usually unknown or ignored by many. Sexually active teenagersRead MoreEssay on Sexually Active Teens1287 Words   |  6 Pagesoverwhelmed teen. The consequences of becoming sexually active during adolescence can include pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. One obvious consequence teens face when they become sexually active is pregnancy. Pregnancy at any age can be taxing on the body, and spirit. However, adding in a third factor-lack of maturity in most adolescents-can create a disastrous combination. According to an article titled Teen Pregnancy: Overview, Consequences of Teen Pregnancy, found onRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy in City of Los Angeles644 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Teenage Pregnancy 2 Running head: Teenage Pregnancy 1 Teenage Pregnancy in City of Los Angeles Teenage Pregnancy in City of Los Angeles This paper casts light upon the health issues related to teenage pregnancy in the city of Los Angeles. Teenage pregnancy is an important issue as it affects multiple aspects of population growth, women health and economic conditions. Los Angeles is situated in the south of state of California, USA. It enjoys significant portion of eminence when rated inRead MoreDepression in Teens1459 Words   |  6 Pagesothers struggle in silence. For those that have received help, life slowly looks brighter for them, while loved ones work to help in any way possible. One of the serious mental illnesses that teens struggle with is depression. There are various aspects as to why an adolescent may develop depression including social, academic, or family problems, as well as stress or past issues; however, if others recognize the warning signs, complications can be avoided and treatment obtained to overcome depressionRead MoreAging Out of Foster Care Essay1272 Words   |  6 Pagesrestrictions created under their parents. But not all teens feel the same joy about this coming of age. For the hundreds of thousands of children living in foster care in the United States, this new found freedom brings anxiety and fear. Where will the y live after turning 18? How will they get the medications they may need? How will they find a job with little to no experience? How will they put themselves through school? Aging out of foster care is a serious issue among America’s youth. Every year, 20,000Read MoreDrug Abuse Essay1546 Words   |  7 PagesThesis: Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others. Many teens turn to marijuana, prescription drugs, club drugs, alcohol, or other substances as a means of coping with stress, peer influence, and failure of parents to prevent their children from making unreasonable decisions. According to the yearly â€Å"Monitoring the Future† survey of high school age teenagersRead MoreEssay on Teenage Abortion1132 Words   |  5 Pagescompletely opposite in their beliefs. Rather than discuss the emotional views of those groups, I have chosen to research, write, and conclude based on factual material, concerning teenage abortion. A discussion of abortion as a definition is explained medically, and in a small part the emotional effects on the participant. I have chosen to report in a factual not an emotional manner. The direct definition of abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by loss or destruction of the fetus before birth. (Abortion)Read MoreMichael Schmittinger. Mr. Homan, P.3. America In History1512 Words   |  7 PagesMr. Homan, p.3 America in History III, 6.0 February 13th, 2017 Abort Roe v. Wade Since the 1973 court case of Roe v. Wade, around 38 million women have gotten away with murder (Williams 54). An abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often occurring in the first 28 weeks (Merriam). The Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade ruled that abortions performed in the first trimester are legal and abortions performed out of that time period were to be decided by the individual state

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Many Things Contribute To The Way A Person Acts, Or Reacts,

Many things contribute to the way a person acts, or reacts, to stimulation in life. There are different societal expectations placed upon men and women that may influence their behaviour, thoughts, and perceptions. One area of particular interest to me is the differences in the way that people of different genders think and feel about topics that are often discussed in feminism. As a female who identifies as a feminist, my thoughts regarding issues such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and sexual violence often differ greatly than those of my male friends, who often do not identify as a feminist. I decided to focus on the latter of the issues mentioned, specifically looking at how women’s perceptions on sexual harassment differ from†¦show more content†¦I would like to study a wide range of ages, as there may be additional perceptual differences between different cohorts, so my ideal, I would have a minimum of 40 participants, who would be males and females between the ages of 18 and 65. In order to attract participants, I would like to advertise through whatever my funding source is (for example, if the research is done through Laurentian university, we could send out emails and meet with classes), as well as through online social media in order to reach those who may not be in the same geographic location as me. My research would take the form of triangulation, which is â€Å"...the use of more than one research technique simultaneously, usually employing at least one quantitative and one qualitative method† (Levan, 2016, p. 80). This would be done us ing surveys that use both closed-ended and open-ended questions, therefore using both research methods (Levan, 2016). An example of a closed-ended question would be â€Å"I have experienced sexual harassment in my workplace†, to which possible answers could be â€Å"Agree†; â€Å"Disagree†; â€Å"Unsure†; or â€Å"Not applicable†. Tabulating the closed-ended questions would be relatively easy, however, in order to process the answers given to the open-ended questions, I may need to interpret to the answers to try and find common themes. Originally, I was planning on doing semi-structured interviews as my formShow MoreRelatedNature of Personality751 Words   |  4 Pagesall contribute to who we are and who we grow to become. The nature of personality is really a unique system of defining how one expresses themselves through emotions and actions. How we think, what our needs are, how we feel, and what we do is a priority to us and our individual plan to get through life successfully. Our personalities must always struggle to keep up with evolution, as well as the ever changing aspects of life and the issues which confront us everyday. How our minds react toRead MoreRaw and Shawshank Redemptions Attitudes and Actions1434 Words   |  6 PagesInstitutions and Individual Experience in Society There are many different attitudes and actions shown by the people in the text ‘Raw’ by Scott Monk and the film Shawshank Redemption that have had an impact on society and their image on institutions. The basic definition of an institution is an organisation which is founded for a religious, educational, social, imprisonment or similar purpose. The significance that these texts have on the image of institutions is so important through the elaborateRead MoreWhat Deviance Is Today s Society Essay1081 Words   |  5 PagesWhat defines deviance in today’s society? Is it the abnormal things that people don’t usually do or is it just criminal behavior? Deviance has brought up many questions on what could be defined as it. Deviance is usually shaped by society. It can be defined as the violation of established contextual, cultural, or social norms, whether folkways, mores, or codified law (OpenStax 142). Sociologist want to see why deviance has so many different areas and how it effects a group in a society. For exampleRead MoreA Research Study On Identical Twins1723 Words   |  7 PagesWhen it comes to identical twins there has been many studies and research. Identical twins have almost exact copies of each other’s genes, but they still turn out to be different from each other. Because of their genes they have a lot in common and studies have shown things like twins separated at birth will pose the same in front of the camera and if one is religious the other one will often also be religious (Cobb). The twins Jim Springer and Jim Lewis reunited after 39 years after their separationRead MoreGender Stereotypes1352 Words   |  6 Pagesthat does not even begin to compare to the many gender stereotype’s women face daily. A stereotype is a general mental image upheld by a group or class of people that is usually oversimplified. What is a gender stereotype? A gender stereotype is a set of shared cultural beliefs about males or females’ behavior, personality traits, and other attributes. With the world constantly shifting and changing in different aspects daily gender stereotypes are a thing now more than ever within our schools, workplacesRead MoreTeen Suicide Essays1064 Words   |  5 Pagesto the Merriam Webster Dictionary, suicide is the act or instance of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally. The number of teenagers who take their lives is rapidly increasing each year. Teen suicide is escalating out of control and no one seems to realize just how severe the issue has become. Every day and average of 18 young Americans end their lives, one every 90 minutes. The National Institute of Mental Health believes that as many as 50-150 suicides are attempted for each one thatRead MoreThe Mental Illness Of Depression1510 Words   |  7 Pages A mental illness is a â€Å"condition that impacts a person s thinking, feeling or mood and may affect his or her ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis† (Nami). Just because people are diagnosed with the same mental illness does not mean that they will react the same way as others. Some people with mental illness are very quiet, nice, and most of the time you can’t even tell that they have a mental illness, most of the time those are people that have been diagnosed with depressionRead MoreSitcom Analysis : Family Ties847 Words   |  4 Pagesthat they are a couple, and how this will affect his teaching her. He states that he will treat her the same as the other students, which he doesn’t. He is harder on her and she reacts in a way that is disruptive to the class. In the end they solve the problem. Alex views himself as a highly educated, important person. He often thinks that people are below him on their understanding of economics. Because of how Alexis views himself he is over judgmental on Ellen’s paper and gives her a low gradeRead MoreDifferent Types Of Psychology Today Essay1711 Words   |  7 Pages the unconscious mind, and internal conflicts as what drives and affects a person’s behavior. Behavioral psychology is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the study of human behavior which is influenced by external factors therefore excluding any thing that is related to internal thoughts. This perspective says humans behave not because of what they think or how they feel, but how the world works around them. The opposite of this perspective is humanistic which excludes all stimuli outside theRead MoreThe Effects Of Hazing On High School Athletics1225 Words   |  5 Pagesthe importance of these involvements, poses as a risk of physical and mental harm for many individuals. The explanations obtained information from the articles that provided an understanding of what is at stake when these circumstances keep happening. This will continue to be a major concern because of the violation of integrity within the situation that degrades an individual/individuals pride. This can cause many other problems with the students such as self-esteem issues, depression, or even suicide

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Space meets knowledge The impact of workplace design On knowledge sharing Free Essays

string(84) " the workplace can be used to good effect can be gained from Google’s operations\." Abstract An examination of the role the physical workplace plays in creating opportunities and barriers that influence knowledge management has become a matter of substantial debate. Design of good workplaces for knowledge sharing is considered a major challenge for any organisation. This study provides an insight into the impact of the design and use of the physical workplace on knowledge sharing. We will write a custom essay sample on Space meets knowledge The impact of workplace design On knowledge sharing ? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Evidence presented in this study substantiates the position that the physical presence of an employee has the potential to impact performance and knowledge management. This assessment will be of use to researchers seeking to further examine the area of knowledge management. Introduction Knowledge management, described as the intentional management of information has become increasingly important to organisations (Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995; Alavi, 1997; Garvin, 1997; Wiig, 1997; Davenport and Prusak, 1998; Ruggles, 1998; Hansen, 1999; Zack, 1999a). In large part this has been fuelled by the exponential growth of the knowledge economy and the increasing number of knowledge workers who have become as essential for many firms competitiveness and survival (Tallman and Chacar 2010). For many emerging organisations face to face contact is essential in the dissemination of knowledge within that infrastructure (Ibid). The process of internal knowledge management is a dynamic element that must be maintained in order to produce results. Literature Review Knowledge is defined as a dynamic human or social process that allows a justification of personal belief as regards the truth (Nonaka 2011). Interaction between people, employees and consumers is one of the primary methods of communicating innovative and inspirational progress. Modern studies in the field of knowledge management have begun to shift focus from the importance of the physical workplace to those engaged in knowledge work (Becker 2004). The recognition of inherent value in the employee base adds incentive to capitalize on the low cost innovative opportunities that knowledge sharing creates (Tallman et al 2010). With critical insight established through the direct contact of the employees, the means of communication becomes a critical concern (Dakir 2012). International companies are recognizing this same value of face to face interaction as the social interaction between management sections, benefits production and development levels world-wide (Noorderhaven and Harzing 2009). In their discussion of social capital, Cohen and Prusak (2001) emphasise the importance of the physical workplace for the exchanging of knowledge, specifically the distribution of ideas amongst individuals in a situation where they could not assume that others knew what they were required to know. Becker (2004) hypothesises that the choices an organisation makes about how space is allocated and designed directly and indirectly shapes the infrastructure of knowledge networks – the dense and richly veined social systems that help people learn faster and engage more deeply in the work of the organisation. This corresponds with the Dakir (2012) argument that technology is no substitute for live interaction among the members of the organization. Davenport et al (2002) undertook a study among 41 firms that were implementing initiatives to advance the performance of high-end knowledge workers who were regarded as critical to the company’s aims. They focused upon determining th e elements that affected the knowledge work performance. Surprisingly, the issue that was most frequently dealt with by these firms involved the physical workplace – â€Å"the other common ones were information technology and management† (Davenport 2005, p. 166). Davenport (2005) emphasises that the recognition of the importance of knowledge work has grown in recent years, but that our understanding of the physical conditions in which knowledge can flourish has failed to keep pace. The inclusion of emerging communication technology has been argued to provide a better opportunity for employee interaction (Rhoads 2010). This same element of improved long distance communication is credited with diminishing the valued impromptu inspiration that many firms rely on during day to day operations (Denstadli, Gripsrud, Hjortahol and Julsrud 2013). According to Davenport et al (2002) workplace design should be seen as a key determinant of knowledge-worker performance, while we largely remain in the dark about how to align ‘space’ to the demands of knowledge work. Davenport (2005) emphasises the point that â€Å"there is a good deal said about the topic, but not much known about it† (p. 165). Most of the decisions concerning the clima te in which work takes place have been created without consideration for performance factors. This fact continues to diminish opportunities for in-house knowledge sharing and effective dissemination of intelligence (Denstadli et al 2013). Becker (2004) points out that the cultivation of knowledge networks underpins the continuing debate about office design, and the relative virtue of open versus closed space. Duffy (2000) confirms these views when he admits that early twenty-first-century architects â€Å"currently know as little about how workplaces shapes business performance as early nineteenth-century physicians knew how diseases were transmitted before the science of epidemiology was established† (p. 371). This makes every emerging decision regarding effective knowledge sharing critical to the development of any organisation. Deprez and Tissen (2009) illustrate the strength of the knowledge sharing process using Google’s approach: â€Å"one company that is fully aware of its ‘spatial’ capabilities†. The spatial arrangements at Google’s offices can serve as a useful example of how design can have a bearing on improving the exchange of knowledge in ways that also add value to the company. The Zurich ‘Google engineering’ office is the company’s newest and largest research and development facility besides Mountain View, California. In this facility, Deprez and Tissen (2009) report: â€Å"Google has created workspaces where people literally ‘slide into space’ (i.e. the restaurant). It’s really true: Google Is different. It’s in the design; it’s in the air and in the spirit of the ‘place’. It’s almost organizing without management. A workplace becomes a ‘workspace’, mobilizing the collectiv e Google minds and link them to their fellow ‘Zooglers’ inside the Zurich office and to access all the outside/external knowledge to be captured by the All Mighty Google organisation† (2009, p. 37). What works for one organisation may not work for another and this appears to be the case in particular when it comes to Google (Deprez et al 2009). Yet, some valuable lessons in how the workplace can be used to good effect can be gained from Google’s operations. You read "Space meets knowledge The impact of workplace design On knowledge sharing ?" in category "Essay examples" For this precise reason, research was carried out at Google Zurich to provide both theoretical and managerial insights into the impact of the design and use of the physical workplace on knowledge sharing (Ibid). Studies comparing the performance of virtual and co-located teams found that virtual teams tend to be more task oriented and exchange less social information than co located ones (Walther Burgoon 1992; Chidambaram 1996). The researchers suggest this would slow the development of relationships and strong relational links have been shown to enhance creativity and motivation. Other studies conclude that face-to-face team meetings are usually more effective and satisfying than virtual ones, but nevertheless virtual teams can be as effective if given sufficient time to develop strong group relationships (Chidambaram 1996). This research implies the importance of facilitating social interaction in the workplace, and between team members (virtual and co-located) when the team is initially forming. Hua (2010) proposes that repeated encounters, even without conversation, help to promote the awareness of co-workers and to foster office relationships. McGrath (1990) recommends that in the abse nce of the ability to have an initial face-to-face meeting other avenues for building strong relationships are advised to ensure the cohesiveness and effectiveness of the team’s interaction. So although interaction alone is not a sufficient condition for successful collaboration, it does indirectly support collaboration. Nova (2005) points out that physical proximity allow the use of non verbal communication including: different paralinguistic and non-verbal signs, precise timing of cues, coordination of turn-taking or the repair of misunderstandings. Psychologists note that deictic references are used in face-to-face meetings on a regular basis, which refers to pointing, looking, touching or gesturing to indicate a nearby object mentioned in conversation (Ibid). Newlands et al (2002) analysed interactions of two groups performing a joint task in either face-to-face or a video conference system. They found that deictic hand gesture occurred five times more frequently in the face-to-face condition the virtual interaction. More recent research has found that extroverts gesticulate for longer and more often in meetings than introverts (Jonnson 2006). Barbour and Koneya (1976) famously claimed that 55 per cent of communication is non-verbal communication, 38 per cent is done by tone of voice, and only 7 per cent is related to the words and content. Clearly non-verbal communication is a key component of interaction and virtual interaction systems need to replicate this basic need, especially in the early stages of team forming or when the team consists of a high proportion of extroverts. The physical co-location of teams also facilitates collaboration (Ibid). A seminal piece of research carried out by Allen (1977) demonstrated that the probability of two people communicating in an organisation is inversely proportional to the distance separating them, and it is close to zero after 30 metres of physical separation. Furthermore, proximity helps maintain task and group awareness, because when co-located it is easier to gather and update information about the task performed by team members (Dakir 2012). A recent survey of workers at highly collaborative companies found that most â€Å"collaborative events† are short (with 34% lasting fewer than 15 minutes) and the majority take place at the desk (Green 2012). It is likely that these impromptu interactions relate to sharing information (perhaps on the PC) or answering queries rather than lengthy intense discussion and development of joint ideas. Interactions at desks may facilitate tacit knowledge sharing by overhearing relevant conversations between team members, but such interactions can also be considered a distraction if not relevant (Denstadli et al 2013). Methodology There are two acknowledged methodological approaches: quantitative and qualitative (Creswell 2005). The quantitative method involves identifying variables in a research question which are then utilized in order to collate numerical data (Ibid). The qualitative research is open to interpretation allowing personal answers to be incorporated into the study (Creswell 2005). The researcher considered both options in order to complete the necessary goals. Types of Data There are two forms of data: primary, or newly generated data, or secondary, previous data generated within existing studies (Creswell 2005). This study required the acquisition of primary data creating the need for relevant instruments. A survey with 5 open-ended questions has been created and subsequently conducted with centred on 548 employees working at Google Zurich. This was done in order to explore the perceptions of Google employees with regard to the environment in which they work with a focus on factors that affect knowledge sharing in the work environment. Methods of Data Collection The qualitative data analysis employed a Content Analysis technique to reveal participant perceptions of their work environment. The survey questions were designed to explore employee perceptions regarding the following dimensions: 1) Activities that allow for increased exchange of knowledge; 2) Advantages of frequent interaction with colleagues; 3) Individuals or groups dependent on the frequent interaction with co-workers orgroup members; 4) Factors that facilitate interaction within the workplace 5) Factors that inhibit interaction with others in the workplace. Survey participants responded to five open-ended questions and rated their answers using a five-point Likert scale where 5 was ‘most important’. Using a Content Analysis approach (Creswell 2005; Leedy and Ormrod 2005; Neuendorf 2002), the interview responses were analysed. Content Analysis is a qualitative data reduction method that generates categories from key words and phrases in the interview text; it is an evidence-based process in which data gathered through an exploratory approach is systematically analysed to produce predictive or inferential intent (Creswell 2005). Content Analysis was used to identify themes or common concepts in participants’ perceptions regarding the culturally and environmentally distinctive factors that affect interaction in the workplace (Neuendorf, 2002). This process permitted the investigator to quantify and analyse data so that inferences could be drawn. The Content Analysis of survey interview text was categorically coded to reflect various levels of analysis, including key components, words, sentences, or themes (Neuendorf 2002). These themes or key components were then examined using relational analysis to determine whether there were any relationships between the responses of the subjects. The analysis was conducted with Nvivo8 ® software which enables sorting, categorising, and frequency counts of invariant constituents (relevant responses). Content Analysis was used to critically evaluate the survey responses of the study participants, providing in-depth information regarding the factors related to workplace interaction. Sample Respondent Characteristics The invited population consisted of 675 individuals and a total of 548 individuals participated in the survey resulting in a response rate of 81 per cent. Of these 548 completed surveys, 35 responses were discarded because the respondents only partially completed the survey. The final sample consisted of 513 respondents. The key characteristics of these respondents are summarized in Table 4-1. Table 4-1 Sample Respondent Characteristics FactorDescriptionFrequency EducationHigh School Bachelor Degree Certificate Degree Master Degree PhD Degree Other:15 118 19 231 121 9 Tenure 2 years 2-5 years 5 years153 331 29 Time Building Use 1 year 1 year 2 years 2 years140 102 271 0 Time Desk Use 3 months 3-6 months 7-12 months 12 months143 159 126 85 Age 20 years 21-30 years 31-40 years 41-50 years 50 years0 216 255 35 7 GenderMale Female428 85 MobiltyZurich Office Other Google Office Home Office Travelling Other88.9% 3.9% 3.9% 2.7% 0.5% PositionEngineering Sales and Marketing GandA Other:428 12 14 59 NationalityGermany Switzerland United States France Poland United Kingdom Romania Hungary Netherlands Sweden Spain Australia Russian Federation 10 respondents73 62 35 33 28 27 24 23 17 16 14 13 12 136 Survey Findings In order to provide an audit trail of participant responses to the thematic categories that emerged from the data analysis, discussion of the findings precedes the tables of data, within a framework consisting of the five survey questions. An overall summary is provided at the conclusion of the discussion of findings. During the analysis of data, common invariant constituents (relevant responses) were categorically coded and associated frequencies were documented. Frequency data included overall frequency of occurrence as well as frequencies based on rating level (5 = most important to 1 = least important). Invariant constituents with a frequency of less than 10 were not included in the tables. Study conclusions were developed through an examination of the high frequency and highly rated invariant constituents in conjunction with the revealed thematic categories. Question 1: Main Activities that Allow Exchange of Knowledge Table 4-2 provides high frequency invariant constituents (relevant responses) by survey participants demonstrating themes within the data for Question 1. Thematically, the analysis revealed the following primary perceptions of participants in terms of main activities that allow knowledge exchange: (a) meetings of all types; (b) whiteboard area discussions; (c) video conferencing; (d) email, and (e) code reviews. These elements demonstrated a high frequency of importance ratings, and a moderate percentage of respondents rated these elements as ‘most important’ (rating 5). Other themes revealed through the analysis included the importance of writing and reading documentation, Instant Messaging (IM) text chat, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), and extracurricular/social activities. All other invariant constituents with a frequency of greater than 10 are shown in Table 4-2. Table 4-2 Data Analysis Results for Question 1: Main Activities Allowing for Exchange of Knowledge Invariant ConstituentOverall number (Frequency)By Rating 5=Most important n=51354321 Informal discussion/face to face mtgs/stand ups35114977603332 Formal planned meetings/conference room mtgs2184061563823 Email207747432216 Lunches/Dinners64910151812 Whiteboard area discussions/brainstorming5822131094 Video Conferencing (VC)5841620144 Code Reviews515162046 Writing/Reading Documentation476813164 IM/Text Chat/IRC4610161073 â€Å"Extracurricular Activities† (e.g., pool, socializing, Friday office drinks, etc.)4522151016 Writing/Reading docs specifically wiki pages/sites34210697 Chat (unspecified in person vs. text)3387873 Techtalks2745675 Training/presentations23133106 Mailing lists21102522 Shared docs/doc collaboration1703554 Read/write design docs specifically1202505 Telephone/phone conversations1203243 Question 2: Main Advantages of Frequent Interaction with Colleagues Table 4-3 provides high frequency invariant constituents (relevant responses) by survey participants demonstrating themes within the data for Question 2. Thematically, the analysis revealed the following elements representing the primary perceptions of participants in terms of the main advantages to frequent interaction with colleagues: (a) knowledge and information exchange and transfer; (b) staying current on projects and processes; (c) social interaction; (d) learning from others; (e) faster problem resolution; (f) efficient collaboration; and (g) continuous and early feedback. The following themes received a high frequency of importance ratings and a large percentage of ‘most important’ and ‘important’ ratings (rating 5 and 4, respectively) included: knowledge sharing, staying in touch and up to date, learning from others, faster resolution/problem solving, better collaboration, and feedback. Although socialising was revealed to be a strong overall theme , it also demonstrated lower importance ratings. Other themes revealed through the analysis are provided in Table 4-3. Table 4-3 Data Analysis Results for Question 2: Main Advantages of Frequent Interaction Invariant ConstituentOverall number (Frequency)By Rating 5=Most important n=51354321 Knowledge sharing/exchange of information/Knowledge transfer149753919124 Staying in touch/up to date/ more info on projects and processes11358281782 Socializing/social interaction7451035186 Learning/learning from others/learning new things/increased knowledge base7217281485 Understand problems/needs – faster resolution and quicker problem solving7025241146 Better/more efficient collaboration67428953 Feedback/continuous feedback/early feedback661729893 New and better ideas/flow of ideas/creativity/ brainstorming6525151474 Teamwork/being part of a team/teambuilding5110121892 Get work done/efficiency/speed462613241 Fun4421115115 Better understanding of what others are doing and how/workloads4415171002 Everyone on same page/shared vision/focus on goals of team32109652 Better personal contact and easy interaction27561123 Avoid misunderstanding/work duplication27810441 Helping others/getting help (when stuck)26391031 Good/happy atmosphere/work environment2412858 Networking2219624 Motivate each other/inspiration2151582 Other/new perspectives/viewpoints18210312 Improving quality of work/performance1615910 Work synchronization1628141 Productivity1231431 Knowing latest news/innovations1203216 Better communication1011521 Question 3: Individuals or Groups that are Dependent on Frequent Interaction Table 4-4 provides high frequency invariant constituents (relevant responses) given by survey participants demonstrating themes within the data for Question 3. Thematically, the analysis revealed the following elements representing the primary perceptions of participants in terms of individuals or groups that are dependent on frequent interaction of the participant: (a) my team/project teammates/peers; and (b) managers. The first theme demonstrated a high frequency of importance ratings with a moderate percentage of ‘most important’ and ‘important’ ratings (rating 5 and 4, respectively). Although the theme of managers was revealed to be a relatively strong overall theme, it also demonstrated lower importance ratings. Other themes revealed through the analysis are shown in Table 4-4. Table 4-4 Data Analysis Results for Question 3: Individual/groups dependent on frequent interaction of participant Invariant ConstituentOverall number (Frequency)By Rating 5=Most important n=51354321 My team/project teammates/peers12887191435 Managers/PMs484241163 Users/customers/clients357121042 All reports/related teams34717442 Engineering teams (various)28188200 Recruiting team/staffing1753630 Geo Teams1576200 Operations teams1423522 All of them1191010 HQ1133122 Other engineers using my project/peer developers of my tool1015310 Question 4: Factors Facilitating Easy Interaction Table 4-5 provides high frequency invariant constituents (relevant responses) by survey participants demonstrating themes within the data for Question 4. Thematically, the analysis revealed the following elements representing the primary perceptions of participants about factors that facilitate easy interaction: (a) common, proximal, and open workspace areas; (b) common functional areas; (c) sufficient and available meeting facilities; (d) excellent communication tools; and (e) video conference facilities. The theme of open and common workspace areas/shared office space demonstrated a high frequency of importance ratings with a very large percentage of ‘most important’ ratings (rating 5). Other revealed themes, particularly the second listed theme, demonstrated relatively high overall frequency, but these themes did not demonstrate the strength of importance that the first theme did. Other themes and invariant constituents revealed through the analysis are shown in Table 4-5. Table 4-5 Data Analysis Results for Question 4: Factors Facilitating Easy Interaction Invariant ConstituentOverall number (Frequency)By Rating 5=Most important n=51354321 Open and Common workspace areas/shared office space/desk locations/sitting together175103342594 Common shared Areas (e.g., Kitchen, play/game rooms, lounges, library, etc.)173406642178 Enough facilities for meetings/availability of meeting and conference areas90192730122 Great communication tools (email, VC, chats, dist. Lists, online docs, wireless, VPN, mobile†¦)80113014187 Video Conference meeting rooms/facilities78192518124 Onsite lunch/dinner/common dining area (free food and eating together)5071511134 Whiteboard areas for informal meetings431018771 Corporate culture/open culture/ open communication culture431811932 Email421113954 Casual and social environment/open atmosphere36195921 People: easy going, friendly, smart, knowledgeable, willing to help35149336 Social Events2836577 Company calendar/planned ops for meeting/ scheduled meetings1937621 Geographic co-location/same time zone1374200 Travel/trips to other offices1212135 Chat (non-specific text or in person)1124302 IM/internet chat1051112 MOMA/social networking/wiki pages/company docs1010342 Question 5: Factors Inhibiting Interaction with Others Table 4-6 provides high frequency invariant constituents (relevant responses) by survey participants demonstrating themes within the data for Question 5. Thematically, the analysis revealed a single strong element and several elements with less relevance as inhibiting factors. The physical geographic differences – specifically the time zone differences – were noted by a majority of participants as the most important element that inhibited interaction with others. Study participants perceived their overscheduled and busy work lives, noise levels in their workspaces, and shared work environments to be contributing inhibitory factors with regard to interaction with others. These elements also demonstrated high frequencies of importance ratings with a moderate percentage of ‘most important’ ratings (rating 5). Other themes revealed through the analysis are shown in Table 4-6. Table 4-6 Data Analysis Results for Question 5: Factors Inhibiting Interaction with Others Invariant ConstituentOverall number (Frequency)By Rating 5=Most important n=51354321 Physical Geographic distance/ timezone differences16411536931 Very busy/Overscheduled people/ overbooked calendars/ too many meetings4517161020 Crowded/noisy environment/ noise in shared space33196440 Defective VCs/ VC suboptimal/ VC equipment not working2597720 No meeting rooms available2286620 Too few VC rooms in some locations / lack of available VC rooms1949501 Open Space: no privacy, interruptions/ disruptions1958321 Information overload/ too much email1562610 Large office building/building size and layout/ too many people, difficult to find people15114000 Team split between multiple sites or large distance between team members in same bldg1545420 Need more whiteboards/lack of informal areas with whiteboards1135210 Language barrier: lack of correct English/not knowing colloquial lang. or nuances1151311 Lack of time/deadlines1152121 Different working hours within same time zone1053200 Discussion Both the literature and the survey have illuminated interesting facets of the work environment and the need for personal communication. The analysis of the 513 participants’ responses to five open-ended questions from the employee perception survey revealed patterns of facilitating and inhibiting factors in their work environment. Nonaka (2011) clearly illustrates this point with the argument that the communal environment promotes a standard of communication not found in the technological alternatives. Further, the shift away from the organization to the person orientation provides a fundamental benefit to every employee (Becker 2004). With a rising recognition of individual value, the organisation is building employee trust. Participants in this study preferred frequent, informal opportunities for the exchange of knowledge. The opportunity for growth was centred on the capacity to exchange concepts in a free and easy manner (Nonaka 2011). The evidence presented in this study demonstrates that these opportunities were more valued by team members with high knowledge exchange needs. This is line with the increased depth of knowledge and ability to meet technical needs through employee communication (Tallman et al 2010). A combination of professional advice can benefit the entire production and development process. In this study, transactions among participants were often brief, and were perceived to require limited space – often just stand-up space – with noise-regulating options not found in open-office environments. Dakir (2012) demonstrates the environment has the potential to add to or detract from employee communication, making this factor a critical consideration. Spontaneous and opportunistic knowledge-sharing transactions were valued, and technology provided a platform for this type of knowledge exchange to occur. This evidence from the survey corresponds with the literature illustrating that increased communication and sharing in the workplace enhances the entire operation, as well as providing new and fresh opportunities and innovations (Tallman et al 2010). The research at Google provides further support for the view of some leading companies who strongly believe that having workers in the same place is crucial to their success (Noorderhaven et al 2009). Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer communicated via a memo to employees that June 2013, any existing work-from-home arrangements will no longer apply. Initial studies theorized that the work at home system would provide a better platform for workers, even on a local level (Dakir 2012). Many points of the memo cited in this Yahoo example, parallel the literature presented in this study. Her memo stated (Moyer 2013): â€Å"To become the absolute best place to work, communication and collaboration will be important, so we need to be working side-by-side.† This is clearly in line with the Coehen and Prusak (2001) assertion that the physical workplace is a critical element of the dynamic business. â€Å"That is why it is critical that we are all present in our offices. Some of the be st decisions and insights come from hallway and cafeteria discussions, meeting new people, and impromptu team meetings.† This element of the her reasoning is nearly identical to the argument presented by Dakir (2012), that a successful company do so, in part, by promoting communication and teamwork in the office, the technical alternatives are not enough. â€Å"Speed and quality are often sacrificed when we work from home. We need to be one Yahoo!, and that starts with physically being together†¦.Being a Yahoo isn’t just about your day-to-day job, it is about the interactions and experiences that are only possible in our offices† (Moyer 2013). This section is directly in line with emerging studies citing the vital nature of the interaction and face to face employee contact (Heerwagen et al. 2004). This study has clearly demonstrated that Mayer is not alone in her thinking; Steve Jobs operated in a similar fashion as well (Davenport et al 2002). Despite being a denizen of the digital world, or maybe because he knew all too well its isolating potential, Jobs was a strong believer in face-to-face meetings. â€Å"There’s a temptation in our networked age to think that ideas can be developed by email and iChat,† he said. â€Å"That’s crazy. Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions. You run into someone, you ask what they’re doing, you say ‘Wow,’ and soon you’re cooking up all sorts of ideas† (Isaacson, 2011, p. 431). This assertion by Jobs closely resembles the argument presented in the Rhoads (2010) study that found a clear correlation between the communication capacity and opportunity for successful innovation and progress. Following this philosophy led Jobs to have the Pixar building designed to pr omote encounters and unplanned collaborations.Mayer’s former colleague at Google agrees (Ibid). Speaking at an event in Sydney February 2013, Google CFO Patrick Pichette said that teleworking is not encouraged at Google. This reflects the consensus that is emerging that time in the office is not only valuable but necessary to sustained competition in the industry (Denstadli et al 2013). Pichette believes that working from home could isolate employees from other staff. Companies like Apple, Yahoo! and Google are holding on to (or have started embracing) the belief that having workers in the same place is crucial to their success (Dakir 2012). This appears to be based on the view that physical proximity can lead to casual exchanges, which in turn can lead to breakthroughs for products. Heerwagen et al (2004) illustrates that it is evident that â€Å"knowledge work is a highly cognitive and social activity†. Non-verbal communication is complex and involves many unconscious mechanisms e.g. gesture, body language, posture, facial expression, eye contact, pheromones, proxemics, chronemics, haptics, and paralanguage (Denstadli et al 2013). So, although virtual interaction can be valuable it is not a replacement for face-to-face interaction, particularly for initial meetings of individuals or teams. Furthermore, the increase in remote working has indicated that face-to-face interaction is important for motivation, team-building, mentoring, a sense of belonging and loyalty, arguably more so than in place-centred workgroups (Deprez and Tissen 2009). Conclusion The role of knowledge management in the workplace has become an increasingly valuable segment of a company’s resources. This study examined the practice of working remotely versus employee interaction in the work place providing many illuminating developments. Despite the early optimism that emerging technology was going to provide the end all to employee work habits have proven less than fully realized. The evidence in this study has continuously illustrated an environment that requires the innovative, face to face interaction in order to maintain a competitive edge in the industry. Further, the very environment that promotes this free exchange of ideals is not adequately substituted by technology. In short, the evidence provided in this study has clearly demonstrated the advantage that the in house employee has over the remote worker. The impromptu encounters between employees are very often the elements needed for progress. What is clear is that in order for a business to capitalize on their full range of available resources virtually requires, face to face personal interaction in order to fully realize the firms full potential. In the end, it will be the combination of leadership, teamwork and innovation that provides business with the best environment, not necessarily how much technology is available. References Dalkir, K. 2005. Knowledge management in theory and practice. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Butterworth Heinemann. Denstadli, J., Gripsrud, M., Hjorthol, R. and Julsrud, T. 2013. Videoconferencing and business air travel: Do new technologies produce new interaction patterns?. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 29 pp. 1–13. Nonaka, I. and Takeuchi, H. 2011. The wise leader. Harvard Business Review, 89 (5), pp. 58–67. Noorderhaven, N. and Harzing, A. 2009. Knowledge-sharing and social interaction within MNEs.Journal of International Business Studies, 40 (5), pp. 719–741. Rhoads, M. 2010. Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication: What Does Theory Tell Us and What Have We Learned so Far?. Journal of Planning Literature, 25 (2), pp. 111–122. Tallman, S. and Chacar, A. 2011. Knowledge Accumulation and Dissemination in MNEs: A Practice-Based Framework. Journal of Management Studies, 48 (2), pp. 278–304. How to cite Space meets knowledge The impact of workplace design On knowledge sharing ?, Essay examples

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Ziggurats free essay sample

Religious temples were built on flat platforms, growing higher and bigger, until eventually the Mesopotamians built stepped temples. Over hundreds of years, these temples grew significantly in size. These mud-brick towers were called ziggurats and were being constructed in Sumerian cities by 2000 B. C. The ziggurat was a huge platform, often decorated with mosaic or trees, with a series of smaller platforms on top. The stepped pyramid had stairs leading to the top, the sacred spot, where there were shrines. The legendary Tower of Babel was one such ziggurat. Rather than the enormous stonework that was used on Egyptian pyramids, ziggurats were built of smaller sun-baked bricks. There was significance in the number of levels on the way to the top, and the placement and incline of the ramps. One of the oldest ziggurats was discovered at Eridu and had burnt fish inside it, giving archeologists the impression that they were religious temples and the fish was an offering to the gods. We will write a custom essay sample on Ziggurats or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The people of Mesopotamia wanted the homes of the gods to be higher than their own houses. Sumerians believed the gods came from the mountains and some believe the ziggurats were shaped like mountains due to this reason. Each ziggurat was dedicated to the citys most important god or goddess, and was given a name. For example the ziggurat at Ur was the home of the moon god Nanna, while Enki, the god of wisdom and fresh water, lived at Eridu. Ur-Nammu built ziggurats in the Sumerian cities of Uruk, Eridu and Nippur, but the best preserved is at Ur. His empire lasted about 100 years and then other people controlled the cities but ziggurats continued to be built or rebuilt. All cities had their own ziggurats and they were built in Mesopotamia until Persian times when new types of religious buildings became popular. Gradually the ziggurats decayed and their bricks were robbed for other buildings. Many southern Mesopotamia cities were abandoned, and ziggurats were investigated once again several centuries later. Part 3 The ziggurat was one of the most important aspects of Babylonian religion and tradition. It has given us insight on how important the ancient Mesopotamian people considered their religion. It represents the civilization’s morals, beliefs, and way of life. It was an important and easily the most conspicuous building in the city. They were built on an enormous scale and during the time of Hammurabi, sometimes reached 150 feet. It would tower above visitors and locals, making it not only a religious center but also a center of civic pride. Ziggurats were one of the first large- scale religious structures. Sumerians were one of the first civilizations and their buildings helped us understand how sophisticated and advanced they were. The ziggurat provides us with insight on their technology, engineering techniques and architectural designs. They were one of the first people to build something at that magnitude. Moreover, the Egyptians and Chaldeans were influenced by early ziggurats and took these innovations and transformed them into pyramids, city walls, and temples in the future. The size of these structures also shows the kings’ greed for power. The kings that built and rebuilt the ziggurats often had their names stamped or carved into the bricks. They tried building bigger and higher ziggurats than before in order to leave their legacy. They wanted the future generations to know about their great influence and power. The biggest and most prominent ziggurats give us an idea about the power and influence of the king that ruled during the time it was built or rebuilt.