...Magisteruppsats i Informatik Master thesis in Informatics REPORT NO. 2008:034 ISSN: 1651-4769 Department of Applied Information Technology Soft Systems Methodology in action: A case study at a purchasing department Using SSM to suggest a new way of conducting financial reporting at a purchasing department in the automotive industry OLLE L. BJERKE IT Universtiy of Göteborg Chalmers University of Technology and Universtiy of Gothenburg Göteborg, Sweden 2008 1 Using Soft Systems Methodology at a purchasing department to conduct a study of financial reporting needs Olle L. Bjerke Department of Applied Information Technology IT University of Göteborg Göteborg University and Chalmers University of Technology SUMMARY The aim of this essay has been to try out Soft Systems Methodology on financial reporting at Volvo Cars Corporation (VCC). VCC saw a possible opportunity to improve their reporting processes, and SSM was chosen to deal with this possible problematic situation. Action Research became the natural way of conducting the study since it is almost a mandatory way of conducting SSM. A delimitation was made due to limited resources and only a small part of the purchasing department was involved, namely electrical purchasing. The result of the study is the artifacts from the different SSM steps that points upon how the participants would like the reporting system to be as well as many issues with the current reporting process. These outputs from the method...
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...fourth EDItION Critical Thinking A student ' s Introduction Ba ssha m I I rwi n I N ardon e I Wal l ac e CRITICAL THINKING A STUDENT’S INTRODUCTION FOURTH EDITION Gregory Bassham William Irwin Henry Nardone James M. Wallace King’s College TM TM Published by McGraw-Hill, an imprint of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2011, 2008, 2005, 2002. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning. This book is printed on acid-free paper. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 DOC/DOC 0 ISBN: 978-0-07-340743-2 MHID: 0-07-340743-7 Vice President, Editorial: Michael Ryan Director, Editorial: Beth Mejia Sponsoring Editor: Mark Georgiev Marketing Manager: Pam Cooper Managing Editor: Nicole Bridge Developmental Editor: Phil Butcher Project Manager: Lindsay Burt Manuscript Editor: Maura P. Brown Design Manager: Margarite Reynolds Cover Designer: Laurie Entringer Production Supervisor: Louis Swaim Composition: 11/12.5 Bembo by MPS Limited, A Macmillan Company Printing: 45# New Era Matte, R. R. Donnelley & Sons Cover Image: © Brand X/JupiterImages Credits: The credits section for this book begins on page C-1 and is considered...
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...readings available for critical analysis and classroom discussion. An online chapter, available on the instructor portion of the book’s Web site, addresses critical reading, a vital skill for success in college and beyond. Visit www.mhhe.com/bassham4e for a wealth of additional student and instructor resources. Bassham I Irwin Nardone I Wallace New and updated exercises and examples throughout the text allow students to practice and apply what they learn. MD DALIM #1062017 12/13/09 CYAN MAG YELO BLK Chapter 12 features an expanded and reorganized discussion of evaluating Internet sources. Critical Thinking thinking, using real-world examples and a proven step-by-step approach. A student ' s Introduction A student's Introduction everyday culture and critical thinking. It covers all the basics of critical Critical Thinking Ba ssha m I Irwin I Nardone I Wall ace CRITICAL THINKING A STUDENT’S INTRODUCTION FOURTH EDITION Gregory Bassham William Irwin Henry Nardone James M. Wallace King’s College TM bas07437_fm_i-xvi.indd i 11/24/09 9:53:56 AM TM Published by McGraw-Hill, an imprint of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2011, 2008, 2005, 2002. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in...
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...framework for critical thinking. Reviewed below. B. Know the names of the eight activities (each has an alternate term, but just need to know the main ones on the picture), and be able to match up descriptions of these activities with the correct name. SEE YOUR HANDOUT. C. Know the steps in the paramedic method, and be prepared to apply them to a problem sentence. Steps given below. Diana Halpern's (1996) Framework for Critical Thinking Definition: Critical thinking is the use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a good outcome. CT is purposeful, reasoned, and goal-directed. Answer the following questions: 1. What is the goal? First step in improving thinking is to be clear about the goal or goals. Sometimes there are multiple goals; sometimes the goal changes as we work on a problem. If the overall goal is not OPERATIONAL (i.e., "get a good grade" or "reach a good decision"), then identify operational goals (write clearly, address all elements of the assignment, evaluate the consequences of alternative decisions). 2. What is known? Review what is known. You may know more than you realize, once you start taking a census. You may also realize that some of the apparently information is not certain at all. If you are completing an assignment or solving a problem for someone else, review guidelines for the assignment and ask yourself what the person cares about and values in a solution. 3. Which thinking skills will get you...
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...the continental U.S. (Wal-mart Corporate, 2012)”. Wal-mart is looking to make Kava another part of its international business but there are many obstacles that the company needs to do before opening its doors in Kava. “At Wal-mart, we believe in a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. We know we can make the greatest impact on our communities by supporting causes that are important to our customer's right in their own neighborhoods”. (Wal-mart Corporate, 2012) After talking to Alex; it has become clear to me that it will not be an easy task so my critical thinking skills has to almost be flawless in this situation. After soaking in all the information Alex informed me of; my first order of business is get settle into my new home for the next three weeks and start brainstorming on how to knock out these problems. After Brainstorming for a few hours last night, I found my-self thinking about the problems this beautiful island Kava has had. So today, my first full focus is to find out how can Wal-mart give back to a community who’s been hit with some many disasters. Wal-mart has a headquarters in the United States that specializes in helping other countries such as Kava that have been plagued by natural disasters. Wal-Mart is all about doing what is right; as a company Wal-mart...
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...Change and Continuity in Contemporary Business Assignment Brief Cardiff School of Management Assignment Details Course Title Module Title Assignment Title Assignment format Assignment length Assessor Name Handing out Date Handing in Date (Due date for submission to LSBM) BSc in Business Management studies (top-up) Change and Continuity in Contemporary Business Globalisation Individual Assignment (100%) 3000 words Mark Powell 8th October 2012 17th December 2012 Assessor : Mark Powell Signature: Date: Internal Verification and Approval Internal Verifiers Date Reza Aboutalebi The College Notes Essential Considerations Note 1: No academic member of staff has the power to allow a late penalty to be lifted or for an extension to be given to a student(s). Note 2: Should you require assistance for submitting assignments, please refer to the BA handbook. Assistance from the office can only be given during office hours. Instructions for Assignment Submission Please refer to the LSBM general drop for detailed assignment submission instructions. You must follow these instructions exactly. Created by Mark Powell Page 1 Change and Continuity in Contemporary Business Assignment Brief Assignment Brief You are required to successfully complete one 3000 word essay from a choice of 3 questions examining Globalisation Choose Only ONE of the following questions: not required ones ( YOu can compare that one to books that are required herts friedman:...
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...family and friends to encourage them to do what they dream. And I know my mother also likes to travel, but sadly, she always thinks taking good care of family is her only responsibility, she cannot leave home. I always tell her, “ Your kids are grown up. Don’t worry too much about us. Just go anywhere you want to go.” But she just cannot. So now, I am here. I took a lot of pictures and sent them to my mother, then told her about where I live and how it looks like here. I hope I can be a good writer or storyteller, when people read or listen to my story, they can feel they are here with me. Especially my mom, I wish I can use words with pictures to let her sees what I have seen. I was thinking to write a letter for my father before I came here, but I failed it, I cannot written up what I was thinking. My father is a traditional Chinese father, his face is always looks like serious, and he doesn’t talk too much, also sometimes I don’t really talk to him, it is because I can feel that he always thinks I am too childish and I don’t like that feeling. The night makes me so impressive. We were talked for few hours in the night of Taiwan Father’s Day which is on October 8th. We were talking about our past, our present, my future, our religion, my career and future goals. I don’t remember we had talked so long like this time. I talked to him just like me talk with an old friend, it is a natural conversation. Then I thought he will realize that I am not a child anymore and he can recognized...
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...1. In the "Heinz and the Drug" case described in the chapter, Heinz's actions falls into which of Kohlberg's stages? A. Stage 1 B. Stage 2 C. Stage 3 D. Stage 4 2. In stage 1 of Kohlberg's model, ethical reasoning is motivated by: A. Fear of punishment B. Satisfaction of one's needs C. Following the law D. Acting based on universal ethical principles 3. In the DigitPrint case, at which stage does Wally Wonderful reason if he insists on compliance with GAAP? A. Stage 2 B. Stage 3 C. Stage 4 D. Stage 5 4. Each of the following is an element of Rest's model of morality except for: A. Moral sensitivity B. One's stage of ethical development C. Moral motivation D. One's courage in making decisions 5. The actions of Sherron Watkins in the Enron case appears to reflect each of the following except for: A. Moral sensitivity B. Egoism C. Enlightened egoism D. Professional skepticism 6. Professional judgment in accounting includes each of the following attributes except for: A. Exercising due care in carrying out one's professional responsibilities B. Maintaining one's objectivity in decision making C. Maintaining one's integrity in decision making D. Acting in accordance with the moral point of view 7. In Thorne's model of ethical decision making, the instrumental virtues relate to: A. Moral sensitivity B. Ethical reasoning C. Ethical motivation D. Ethical character 8. In Cherron and Lowe's study of the link between professional skepticism and management accountants, the authors...
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...audience think that only liberals are friends of the “working man.” Fallacies: Scapegoat The speaker says “Boss Jim W. Gettys' political machine -- now in complete control of the government of this State! I made no campaign promises, because until a few weeks ago I had no hope of being elected.” The power of Getty’s “political machine” is purely to put blame elsewhere as an excuse for the speaker’s neglect to make campaign promises. Scare tactic The speaker says “The working man and the slum child know they can expect my best efforts in their interests. The decent, ordinary citizens know that I'll do everything in my power to protect the underprivileged, the underpaid, and the underfed!” in an attempt to scare the audience into thinking the opposing party will not protect the underprivileged, underpaid, and underfed. Ad Hominen: Multiple times the speaker attacks “boss Jim W. Gettys’” but neglects to ever mention specific policies of Gettys that he disagrees with. It appears as though he simply has a personal vendetta against Gettys. Strawman: “Well, I'd make my promises now if I weren't too busy arranging to keep them.” This statement’s vagueness appears to be an effort for the speaker to keep from having to make campaign promises, while still appeasing the audience’s need for campaign promises. Rhetorical Devices: Alliteration During the beginning of the speech, the campaigner and Kane speak in alliteration: “I am speaking of Charles Foster Kane, the fighting...
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...Decisions in Paradise Decisions in Paradise “Kava is a significant island in the south pacific. More than 50% of the population is under the age of 15. Kava consists of an ethnic mix of indigenous South Pacific tribes which, consist of Asian, French, and Spanish but has had a significant increase of Americans after World War II” (Business Scenario) The economy in Kava consists of “petroleum, coffee, cocoa, spices, bananas, sugar, tourism, fishing, and natural gas” (Business Scenario). The quality of labor is inexpensive. In an effort to be considerate of the stakeholders involved, Nicholas Financial, Incorporated needs to consider the details of the problems, the issues that need to be addressed, and try to come up with solutions to every problem on Kava. Kava has had their share of natural disasters as well as epidemics. These “natural disasters include tidal waves, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes” (Business Scenario). The petroleum spill is affecting the eco-system, marine wildlife and the integrity of beach property of the island. The other natural disasters have complicated these issues even further. Unfortunately, disease has become widespread because of the multitude of these disasters that have hammered this island recently. The devastation of the HIV/AIDS virus and the avian flu has presented other concerns to Kava and need to be addressed. Nik and Chris have asked...
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...Running head: THE HEALING HOSPITAL The Healing Hospital: Serving God and His People Sandra Grand Canyon University Spirituality in Healthcare HLT 310V August 28, 2011 The Healing Hospital Paradigm The Healing Hospital paradigm does not only bring love and care back to health care but radical loving care to the bedside. This concept, although seemingly progressive, borrows and puts into action theories of such great theorist as Jean Watson that believe in treating the mind, body, and soul (Watson, 2009). The average hospital mission statement is filled with promises of caring compassionate health care, but as with society today, they are mostly talk and no action. The Healing Hospital brings the talk into action bringing the radical care from the management down, believing that each person has a calling not a job that simply ends in provision. The spiritual aspect is brought back into health care for the patients as well as the staff, where each meeting is considered a sacred encounter. Although this sounds like a hospital made in heaven, it is a reality for such hospitals as Baptist Trust in Nashville, Tennessee and Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert, Arizona (Chapman, 2007). Mind, Body, and Soul So what are the mind, body and soul? The mind is defined as the part that processes reason, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, and judges the processes of the human brain. It is the totality of the conscious and unconscious thought processes and activities (Dictionary...
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...The core values and mission of an organization are contingent upon building team morale and promoting a healthy working environment free of negativity and conflict. Achieving the strategic goals and mission of Sun Systems Inc. is to achieve a high standard of excellence by building a well-trained and productive workforce while providing the best support to their customers. In addition, Sun System’s Inc values its employee’s and the service they provide. Through effective decision making and problem solving strategies, the corporation can develop an effective plan that can be readily accepted by the organization and its employee base. Although Sun Systems Inc. strives to maintain a productive and team oriented work environment, the corporation is faced with challenges directly related to the lack of acceptance and support of its employee base during the development and implementation of a new call management application and support process. In an effort to support the goals of the organization and in building a strong sound work environment free of conflict, problems such as emotional barriers, communication problems, negative perceptions, and a poorly managed work environment need to be identified and strategically resolved. The key to addressing the problems and resolving the employee concerns in an effort to arrive at a solution can be accomplished by the formulation and implementation of effective problem solving and decision making techniques. The...
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...Critical Thinking Application Paper Critical thinking is method that helps people guide their behaviors and improve the quality of thinking. Many terminologies can define such complex yet logical process, creating unique characteristics, and meanings. According to Michael and Richard (summer 1987), Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, and evaluating information gathered from experience, observation, reasoning, reflection, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. Such process becomes accustom to everyday life and applies itself in every decision one makes. The process of critical thinking helps people benefits and take advances to improve not only mentally but also logically, when people apply these circumstances in an everyday lives. Looking into the basic characteristics of critical thinking, one cannot overlook its importance and what it brings to everyday activity. Functioning, evaluating, creating or even thinking has become a second nature to us. According to Paul and Elder (2001), critical thinking is that mode of thinking, which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them. Observing the importance of our logical steps naturally occurs in our minds core process. Keeping our mind constantly advancing separates humans from all other living...
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...Job Title: Librarian Supervisor: High School Principal Pay Rate: Level 3 Job Goals: Empower students and faculty to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skilled researchers, and ethical users of information and resources provided both inside the high school library and other outside sources. Job Duties: * Opening and/or closing library * Assist students and faculty in researching and finding requested information * Search online sources, periodicals, books and other resources to assist students and faculty members with reference question * Organization of the librarian office and library calendar * Organization of materials and sources * Checking resources in and out of library * Assist in teaching students and faculty basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases. * Review and evaluate current library materials * Supervise student librarian helpers * Cooperate and network with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to provide access to resources outside the school * Order updated materials and remove old or outdated material from library * Research and locate information in response to specific requests and questions * Explain library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies * Respond to students and faculty complaints, taking action as necessary * Develop library policies and procedures * Maintaining cleanliness throughout...
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...Creative thinking is the ability to imagine or invent something new (Harris, 1998). It has the ability to accept change and newness and a motivation to play with thoughts and possibilities. To think creatively an individual has to think outside of the box. Creative thinking is a skill that allows individuals to work through problems and find solutions that others may have not considered. If one does not believe that he or she can think creatively then one will have trouble with the process of creative thinking. Within creative thinking he or she will have ability, attitude, and a process (Harris, 1998). Everyone has the ability to be creative substantially they need is to take time and make a commitment for it. Attitude in creativity is the ability to accept change and newness, a willingness to play with possibilities and ideas. The process for creative individuals is to work hard and continually to improve solutions and ideas. The creative person knows that there is always room for improvement. A workplace example of creative, logical, and persuasive thinking occurred when the department was planning the save a life tour. We had to start out creative in how we would keep the attention of four hundred junior and senior high school students and know that we were leaving an impact on the choices they will be accountable for during the rest of their lives. After several conversations during our group meetings we put in our logical thinking to make the best decision possible of...
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