...Urban areas planning for climate change Climate change changes the world’s weather patterns so not only do cities need to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions but to also adapt to future climate change and extremes of weather such as flooding and drought. I will be focusing on how the city of London in England is planning for climate change. 1. Greening London The government aims to increase the number of open and green spaces in London which not only improves the look and feel of the city, making it more attractive whilst reducing the impact of noise and air pollution. Greening London also makes the city more resilient to flooding and extreme weather events, and can contribute to a healthy mind and body. The Mayor aims to increase tree cover by five per cent by 2025, therefore achieving one tree for every Londoner and creating a better network of interlinked, multi-functional and high quality open and green spaces. 2. Cleaner air for London Air pollution is a serious health issue which damages the natural and built environment. Actions being taken to improve air quality include introducing the first ever age limit for black cabs tougher standards for the Low Emission Zone, new cleaner hybrid and hydrogen buses and fitting older buses with equipment including filters to curb pollution. The new bus for London, which will be launched in 2012, will use the latest green technology making it 40 per cent more efficient than a conventional double decker. The Mayor is...
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...Excerpt from PAI working paper Nabil Haque Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Bangladesh Development Policies Connecting the dots with Population Pressure A great number of assessments studied the vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change impacts due to its unique geographic location, dominance of floodplains, low elevation, high population density, high levels of poverty, and overwhelming dependence on natural resources and services. The country has a history of extreme climatic events claiming millions of lives and destroying past development gains. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such events like floods and cyclones. Bangladesh has come a long way in developing national adaptation strategies and is currently leading this approach among the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Adaptation is now an integral part of development strategies, and given the scale of the impacts, most ministries are gearing up for sector-wise adaptation. 1 Significant steps have been taken after the publication of National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) in 2005, where immediate and urgent needs of adaptation have been identified. In 2008, a supplement to the NAPA was introduced called “The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan”, which is built on six pillars – five of them related to impact management and one related to mitigation through low carbon development. The government has solely focused its adaptation approach to livelihood...
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...Land O’Lakes Butter Becomes Fresher with Demand Planning Leyyah Basanta Broward College Inventory and demand planning is very important to Land O’Lakes because it helps in reducing unnecessary costs and expenses. Inventory and demand planning also help Land O’Lakes deliver fresher products to stores across the country. Inventory planning helps by allowing Land O’Lakes to keep a demand stock in there factory without having excess that wastes. Planning also allows Land O’Lakes to increase the amount of their products they can ship in one truck which helps in the costs of delivery and gets more products out at once. If Land O’Lakes didn’t take this action plan according to their inventory and demand, they would waste more products and in turn lose revenue. Without planning they would either over produce or under produce. Land O’Lakes changed the way they did business. They had to consider what customers wanted and how much versus what they were able to do. They needed more customer relations management and a new way of understanding how these changes were possible. By implementing the new system Land O’Lakes was able to consider all their options and make the necessary changes to cater to their customer needs. The new system allowed Land O’Lakes to organize better with their production and deliveries. Implementing the new system turned Land O’Lakes into a more customer oriented company by changing the way they made decisions and the types of decisions made. Demantra...
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...similar is the proposed change to the current contract? And how good is the relationship between employee and employer? When good-faith relationship exists, changes are more likely to be accepted as part of the existing contract because parties are not looking for contract violations and trust creates willingness to be flexible. Improving the employment relationship is a necessary first step in contract change. Changing the Contract There are two ways to change the psychological contract, accommodation and transformation. Accommodations modify, clarify, substitute, or expand terms within the context of the existing contract so that people feel the old deal continues despite changes. However, to be effective, there must be a good relationship between the company and its members. Transformations are radical surgery. It means that new mindsets replace old ones. The purpose of contract transformation is the creation of a new contract that it is hoped engenders commitment. Two circumstances in which people become open to new information are when they are newcomers to the organization or when a disruption occurs which they cannot ignore. It is quite common to find newcomers and veterans working side by side holding different psychological contracts. Transformation Stages Stage 1: Challenging the old contract. It takes a good reason to change a contract and keep people. A core issue in the management of contract change involves how the change is framed. Effective communication...
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...Constructive Ways Change is inevitable. It has always happened and always will. However, making changes in society has never been easy. In order to change society in lasting and constructive ways, it requires charismatic leaders, a group of people that has faith and obeys the leader, and strategic plans. Without charismatic leaders, changes in society might not be made. A leader is an important person because they are willing to stand out to direct and control people. Leaders require the characteristics of a hero. In the article, "Eve's Daughters," Polster (2001) writes that heroes have faith in themselves, and they can also convince other people that the habits and customs of the community can be changed. They are willing to be the catalysts even if they have to face opposition. They even consider the risk of death and injury to be less important than their purpose. Indeed, if no one was willing to take risks, we would not be able to live in such a highly developed society today (Smith, 2006). For example, thanks to Martin Luther King Jr. for using nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice, for trying to end segregation laws, and now, there is no longer segregation in restaurants, on the buses, etc. Anything that happened must have started from one person, even if that is not the person who we can recognize today in our history books. Tollefson (1993) writes in his article "Is a Hero Nothing but a Sandwich?," that without a leader, changes in society might also...
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...parts of the book Strategic Thinking made me realize how and why large companies such as Amazon, Google, and IBM are still so successful up until this day. Primarily focusing on Amazon, which was founded in 1995, I actually have noticed the drastic changes in the way the company has been running its business over these past few years in comparison to a decade ago. Amazon’s business structure manages to keep up with the market by constantly introducing technology that meets the needs and improves the lives of shoppers and sellers around the world. The company and its e-commerce business is still continuing to grow and evolve as the world’s e-commerce platform. Based on the information I have learned from the first two parts of the book, Amazon changed the rules of the game by offering more services than just selling a book and dove into new opportunities to keep up with the ever changing market. The greatest take away for me in part I of the book was the idea of “strategic thinking”. I used to think strategic planning was one of the most important elements to have in a business, but strategic thinking is the real prerequisite to success because it places the focus on a long term mindset. Because our economy operates in rapid change, it is crucial for businesses to keep up with it. The book places a big emphasis on what the focus should be while making sure that it is in the right activities. Amazon’s business structure is a great example of this. The company differentiated their...
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...set some project information variables. This ensures that we are all using the same settings. First, change the start date and the current date. From the menu, choose “Project,” then “Project information.” Change the start date to January 1, 2006. Then change the current date to January 1, 2006. We’re using this date for the assignment, so that everyone’s simulated project looks the same. Click, “Okay.” Now, let’s change some of the options. From the menu toolbar, select “Tools,” then “Options.” A new window will appear. Select the general tab and type your name in the user name field. Next, let’s set the workweek. Select the calendar tab, then choose, “Saturday.” Since the workweek begins on Saturday and timekeeping data starts on the same day of the week here at the Arc Company, where we manufacture the Zuma scooter product line. Making this the default starting workday for the workweek will better align the actual work hours to the scheduled tasks. We will keep Saturdays and Sundays as non-workdays. Select the “Set as default” button for the changes to take effect for all projects. Next, let’s set the project start date. Select the schedule tab, then choose, “Start on project start date” next to new tasks. All schedules will be developed and maintained by defining the date the project begins. This includes any planning or initiation activities. By setting the start date, we can better estimate how long a project will take...
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...Recommendations for Change at Red Star An Analysis of the Haier Group (A) Case As Haier Group looks to Acquire Red Star, Zhang Ruimin must consider the strategy for change that he must implement. While the changes that need to be made may be obvious on the surface, the method he chooses to invoke change is critical to the initiative’s success. Zhang faces an organization that has suffered years of poor management, where no motivation exists throughout the business. Careful consideration of the circumstances at Red Star must be analyzed before employing Theory E, Theory O, or a synthesis of the two. The most effective conclusion to the method of change to be used as Haier Group acquires Red Star is a synthesis between Theories E and O; specifically, a focus on cultural change using a very programmatic plan. To be successful in his change effort at Red Star, Zhang must first consider what has worked well for him in the past. He has been through several campaigns for change while at the helm of Haier Group, originally known as Qingdao General Refrigerator Factory. His first effort started in 1984, on his first day at QGRF. Zhang chose to lead the organization because he saw it as a challenge. The company was suffering from poor quality and increased competition. Zhang saw the potential for a star in the industry and knew he was the right person for the challenge. The changes he made were both structural (Theory E) and cultural (Theory O) in nature. After...
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...International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (LIMA). The topic discussed during the interview is on TD transformation planned. The transformation of TD is based on “ARMY 2 10 Plus 10” planned which started in 2004 and will continue until 2020 and beyond. The focus of this transformation planned is strategic transformation on the changes of equipment to cope up with current environment; the changes in threat and technological advancement on military hardware act as driving force for TD transformation. The transformation focuses on training and operational equipment together. However this transformation planned is not definite because of uncertain financial budget. TD could not decide on the equipment early on and must wait for the approve budget. Other than uncertain budget, Army also faces with the problem of underperforming contractors which resulted in delay in delivery and cancellation of project. Issues The transformation planning is not details enough since the type of equipment that going to be change or procure could not be decided earlier due to uncertain financial allocation that will be provided by the government. The loose planning may spell disaster in the process of transformation. The underperforming contractors also raised the eyebrows; where contract had been terminated which cause valuable time and money. Discussion The type of transformation is strategic in nature because the army is modernizing their forces to suit with current environment...
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...not really where you want to be in life. Maybe work is not going how you would like. Or you could be feeling guilty because you are not spending enough time at home with your family. However, don't worry just yet. There is a solution to this problem and it is far easier than you might think. It only takes a few small adjustments in the way you use your time to change your life forever. This is not only about managing your time effectively, it can change your life fundamentally and for the better. This time management article shows you the importance of managing yourself There are 24 hours in the day. This is something that will not change and we can do nothing about it. While you may not be able to control this, you can manage yourself. Once you realize this you have taken the first step towards effective time management. You must look at the things that are important to you in life and devote your time to these. Everything else should be eliminated from your life. Managing your time effectively will bring about some dramatic improvements in your life, but you must be prepared to make some fundamental changes. Because of this, you need to take one step at a time. If you bite off more than you can chew at the beginning there is a chance you may fail. Time management article helping you to know yourself To take the first step in effective time management you need to know yourself. As we grow older it is easy to lose track of the things that really matter to us in...
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...1. Name of the Company: SMC and A.Soriano Corporation 2. Timeframe: 1980’s 3. Point of View: Mr. Andres Soriano Jr., CEO 4. Summary * The two Companies, SMC and ANSCOR Group of Companies addressed a long felt need for an effective formal planning system. * The companies had developed their budgeting and long-range planning system. * They were not satisfied with their ability to respond to the rapid changes in the environment despite the advantages they gain from their budgeting and long-range planning system. * They sought the professional advice from a team of experts on strategic planning headed by Dr. Peter Lorange. 5. Statement of the Problem: What will be the best strategy that SMC and ANSCOR Group of Companies will take for them to be able to adapt to the rapid change in the environment? 6. TOWS Analysis THREATS | OPPORTUNITIES | WEAKNESSES | STRENGTHS | Rapid change in consumers preference | With the help of R&D, the company can improve their products | Poor strategic planning | Established its name in the industry | Highly competitive market | Exploring new markets for them to be the first in that market | Decentralization of the organization | They have hired qualified and experienced people | 7. ACA (Alternative Course of Action) a. The company need to give more attention in R&D for product improvement b. Centralization of organization for proper management c. Using machines instead...
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...KRAFT FOODS ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS Nowadays companies need to have a paradigm shift, they need to have a new way of thinking of the nature of the businesses (Laudon, 2012). Many large organizations have implemented information system technologies into their organizations and started on their path to an organizational change. One of those companies is Kraft Foods. Kraft Foods has annual revenues of $48 billion. They specialize in snacks, confectionary and quick meals and is the second largest food company in the world in more than 160 countries. Kraft Foods’ main concern was trying to get their employees to understand the changes taking place in the company. They wanted to be certain that employees were moving in the right direction. Debra Pekin, Change Management Specialist at Kraft Foods mentioned “every employee has a part to play in the outcome, and everyone can and should contribute to value creation in whatever project, process or initiative they’re working on” (Paradigm Learning). Change is becoming such a norm for many organizations that they realize the importance and also the necessity for employees to understand these changes. According to Kurt Lewin, if you wanted to change a large cube of ice into a cone of ice, you should first unfreeze, then change and then freeze again. He goes on to discuss the practical steps to each process as follows: Unfreeze: What has to be changed? Create an analysis of the current organization...
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...after intervention completion january 2013. Intermediate 18 months after intervention completion july 2014 Long term 3 years after intervention completion january 2016.) The intervention will incorporate each of Kotter's (2007: 99) eight steps to leading change. The first step is to establish a sense of urgency. We will examine the market and discuss with the client the reality of their competition in order to get them to reprioritize. There are many major opportunities and potential crises that HDMC needs to be aware of but without motivation and commitment of the organizational managers the effort will go nowhere. The next step is to form a powerful guiding coalation team. Our cunsulting team will find the right number of people with good energy, level of trust, and strong authority to lead the change effort. This group will be trained to understand and not underestimate the difficulties of producing change and to also work together as a team. The following step is to create a clear vision and express it simply. This step will need to be acomplished by creating a vision that motivates people in the right direction. The vision needs to be easy to communicte and also inspire not only the people participating in the actual changes but also the stakeholders. Communicating the vision is our next step. This is where the team pulls together and communicates what needs to be done simply and honest. The fifth step is to empower others to act on the vision. HDMC...
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...There are many challenges facing working today. First you have to look at talent. Talent can mean several different things. Talent is what you know, what you learn and what you do with it. Competency is your capabilities while commitment is your willingness to work hard and achieve successes. Second challenge is technology. Technology is forever changing our world and how we think and deliver messages. Technology seems to change every day or at least as soon as something new comes out, there is another new update or better version right behind it. Technology keeps employers and employees on their toes with the updates and changes that are being implemented daily. Next is globalization. Globalization processes affect and are affected by business and work organization, economics, cultural resources and the environment. Job migration is also becoming more and more popular as companies are seeing it is possible to have someone overseas in a foreign country do the same work for less money than someone in the United States. Ethics is also a challenge that is facing our work today. Ethics is about doing what is right and good. More now than ever, employees are trying to get a “leg-up” on their fellow co-worker and will do anything to get that step ahead. Ethics is also integrity to me. It is how I conduct myself in a professional manner and doing the right thing. Diversity is probably the most challenging challenge that is facing the working world that we live in today...
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...it will requires cultural change. There are three reason why cultural change is need, the first one is the change cannot occur in a hostile environment, second is the quality culture will need time to change and the last one is the difficulties to overcome the past. To establish a quality culture it will involves specific planning and activities for every business or department. Some steps need to be identified and the outlines of the emotional processes that the employee go through as the steps are being taken. The top management will need to recognize and accommodate the emotional transition required not only of employee but also themselves. They are seven phases of emotional transition, the first one is shock. Most people will shock when there is a change in the way the doing thing. People feel uncomfortable to do something they not used to since them already comfortable with their everyday work. Unexpected changes will interrupt and shock them. The natural state of human is they does not welcome new changes in their life and most of them find it hard to accept the changes. The second is denial, when they were shock by the new changes they will automatically denial the change. However the shock won’t be lasting forever since human has the capability to adept with changes, only time will decides it. Third is realization, even they were shock and deny the change, they still realize that thing already changing. Whether they approve the change or not it will still happen...
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