Thursday, August 15, 2019

Why There Is a Lack of Women in Leadership Roles

Leading and Managing People | Dr Andrew Rowe | Manchester Metropolitan University Business School | Elizabeth Ann Marku- 10996807| In recent years, women have increasingly moved into leadership positions within public and private sector organistions. It is notable, however, that their presence is less apparent in the higher echelons of professional and organisational structures where the greatest influence and power in the decision making process resides. Despite the plethora of research examining this issue, there is still conflicting opinions as to why this is the case.This assignment asks you to review the key contributions to this debate and examine the implications for effective leadership in the 21st century. | | Leading and Managing People | Dr Andrew Rowe | Manchester Metropolitan University Business School | Elizabeth Ann Marku- 10996807| In recent years, women have increasingly moved into leadership positions within public and private sector organistions. It is notable, how ever, that their presence is less apparent in the higher echelons of professional and organisational structures where the greatest influence and power in the decision making process resides.Despite the plethora of research examining this issue, there is still conflicting opinions as to why this is the case. This assignment asks you to review the key contributions to this debate and examine the implications for effective leadership in the 21st century. | | â€Å"When millions of women rise around the world, we won’t need an International Women’s Day. When millions of women rise around the world we’ll be able to harness all the days, years and resources we need to deal with climate change, poverty, violence and war†. (Womens History Month March 8 2012) Women in Leadership PositionsBreaking through the glass ceiling †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Purpose of Report In 2011 an article in the Guardian Business Newspaper stated â€Å"The Equality and Human Rights Commi ssion claims that there are 5,400 women â€Å"missing† from top jobs in the UK and the narrowing of the gender gap across business, politics and the media is â€Å"tortuously slow†. This report will review the current and historical research as to why women are not more prominent in leadership roles. Introduction Why is it important for women to be in leadership positions? Historically leadership positions have been male dominated.This is no surprise given that it was not until the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 that women over 21 were able to vote and finally achieve the same voting rights as men. The Equalities Act 2010 has created a unified public sector duty, which is intended to promote equality in public policy and decision-making. The Glass Ceiling â€Å"The glass ceiling† refers to a women's lack of advancement into leadership positions despite no visible barriers â€Å"You tend not to use your womanhood. You try to neutralize it. For example, you wear a s uit instead of a dress. † (Morrison, White, Velsor, and The Center For Creative Leadership 4)The Human Rights Commission’s research report titled ‘Sex and Power 2011’ looked at twenty seven occupational categories both in the private and public sectors and measured how many women held positions of power and influence. The research revealed that the position of women in high profile positions had changed little since a previous report in 2008 and that in 100 FTSE companies it would take some seventy years for women directors to equal men. This was also mirrored in relation to women MP’s in parliament. (Human Rights Commission, 2011) (Guardian Buisness Newspaper, Tuesday 13 September 2011 )Linder, K. 2012. , The Women of Berkshire Hathaway : Lessons from Warren Buffett's Female CEOs and Directors. [online]. Wiley. Available from: 25 November 2012 Zenger J and Folkman Jack Zenger They are co-authors of the October 2011 HBR article â€Å"Making Yourself Indispensable,† and the book How to Be Exceptional: Drive Leadership Success by Magnifying Your Strengths (McGraw-Hill, 2012). Publication information: Book title: Breaking the Glass Ceiling:Can Women Reach the Top of America's Largest Corporations?. Edition: Updated. Contributors: Ann M.Morrison – Author, Randall P. White – Author, Ellen Van Velsor – Author, The Center For Creative Leadership – OrganizationName. Publisher: Perseus Publishing. Place of publication: Cambridge, MA. Publication year: 1994. Page number: Not availableQuestia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www. questia. com Publication information: Book title: Human Resources, Care Giving, Career Progression, and Gender: A Gender Neutral Glass Ceiling. Contributors: Beulah S. Coyne – Author, Edward J. Coyne – Author, Monica Lee – Author. Publisher: Routledge. Place of publication: New York. Publication year: 2004. Page number: xiii

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Art Appreciation Essay

The Baroque period of art was from the 1600’s to the 1700’s. This period in art history began with the Catholic Church launching an internal reformation to establish clear definitions of the church’s theologies, as well as their doctrines. A sector of the church’s reform was to educate the members. One way in which this was accomplished was by the implementation of art. Religious art had to be redirected to present inspiration, persuasiveness, and evoke spiritual emotion. Three artist of the Baroque art period that made contributions were Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Peter Paul Rubens. Each of these artists created powerful religious images that were strong in their statements. In 1600, Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio was commissioned to paint two portraits of Rome’s patroned saints, Peter and Paul (â€Å"Caravaggio: The Conversion on the Road to Damascus† n. d. ). Although, Caravaggio did not have a personal philosophy about art, he did however, created his art with the identical components that were evident in his personal character (â€Å"The National Gallery† n. d. ). His artworks were brimming with violence, arrogance, and rebellion, all of the elements that made for dramatic and controversial images. The image of ‘The Conversion of St. Paul’ was an outstanding representation of the actual moment when St. Paul was converted. It was stated in the Biblical book of Acts of Apostles that Paul had heard the voice of Christ and lost is sight temporarily. This oil painting portrays this act excellently. Paul is lying on is back stunned with his eyes closed after falling off the horse (Preble, 2011, p. 263). He is appearing as though he is in awe while his hands are in the air at the bright light Running Head: Baroque Works of Art from God that is streamed over the horse’s back. This particular piece had a significant meaning to the Roman Catholic Church to validate their theology. Being that the Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio was sanctioned by Roman Catholic Church, his style of painting using chiaroscuro, with his usage of dark and light, worked well in accordance with his controversial style and ideology of religious/human experience, which most definitely made a spiritual impact on the viewer. ‘The Conversion of Paul’: By Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio (1600) The pronounced artist and Italian architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, had developed a personal philosophy in regards to his style of art. He implemented sensuality, immorality, and spirituality in his statues. This type of personal philosophy is what led Bernini to have notoriety, particularly within the Roman society. Gian Lorenzo Bernini created the Baroque image ‘The Ecstasy of St. Teresa’ (1647-1652). This marble, gilt bronze, and stucco statue, which is located in the Cornaro Chapel in Rome, Italy, is a segment of her life that is derived from St. Teresa’s spiritual autobiography (Preble, 2011, p. 64). ‘The Ecstasy of St. Teresa’ is a depiction of a Running Head: Baroque Works of Art 3 cupid-like angel is standing over her, and piercing her heart with a fire gold tipped arrow/spear, this action sends Teresa into a state of spiritual euphoria. With her eyes closed, she is overwhelmed by the love of God and collapses. The statue is the centerpiece of a more complex composition. The artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, sculpted his vision for two specific reasons. The first was for the Cornaro family, and secondly, for the worshippers that were faithful. On every wall that is perpendicular to this centerpiece, are the impressions of members of the Cornaro family members witnessing the miracle. Due to its raw spiritual meaning, ‘The Ecstasy of St. Teresa’, displays a connection between Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the Baroque period. This work of art is a definite statement to his mysticism and his departure from the Renaissance era. ‘The Ecstasy of St. Teresa’: by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1647-1652) Peter Paul Ruben, Baroque Flemish painter, composed images that had religious epitaphs. Ruben’s became a baptized Catholic, after the death of his father (â€Å"Peter Paul Running Head: Baroque Works of Art 4 Ruben’s Biography† 2013 ). His emotionally filled paintings are rich with religion throughout his work. Peter Paul Ruben has a philosophy of religious themes that are very prevalent. Peter Paul Ruben’s, ‘The Raising of the Cross’ (1610-1611), is an embodiment of religion and spirituality (Preble, 2011, p. 265). It is currently located at the Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady in Spain. The oil painting on canvas is a large triptych, which is completed in three separate sections. Peter Paul Ruben created this piece based on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for the St. Walpurgis church in Antwerp (â€Å"Peter Paul Ruben’s Paintings and Biography† n. d. ). The Baroque style oil painting illustrates the cross on an angle as the nine soldiers are struggling to lift it. There is a dog that is located at the bottom left of the painting, it establishes this technique and skill he gathered from others. The painting is of Baroque style with its intense religious theme with a Flemish combination. ‘The Raising of the Cross’: by Peter Paul Reuben (1610-1611) Running Head: Baroque Works of Art 5  All three of these Baroque artistic pieces have qualities that are rather comparable. Each of these artists are excellent examples of the Baroque period because this was when the Roman Catholic Church made the decision, during Counsel of Trent which was also a response to the Protestant Reformation, that artists should convey emotional engagement, and produce religious themes. The Baroque style of architecture and art made for dramatic expressions of power and in addition to making lasting impressions. The two paintings, ‘The Conversion of St.  Paul’ and ‘The Raising of the Cross’ are prime examples of the Baroque period at work in art. Both of these images present clear representations of human emotion. They are symbolic of spiritual relevance. The two paintings are done in oil on canvas and are in Catholic sanctuaries and are highly influenced by the Renaissance period in art. The colors that are utilized are very suggestive of the realism of each event. The detailing of the images assists in creating an effect of action. Chiaroscuro is prevalent throughout each painting. This implementation provides a more dramatic appeal for the onlooker. The sculpture of ‘The Ecstasy of St. Teresa’ also shares common factors with ‘The Raising of the Cross’ and ‘The Conversion of St. Paul’. Not only does this statue have a depiction of a religious capacity, it makes a powerful spiritual statement. Although these works of art have similarities, they also have contrasts as well. One major contrast is that two of these three pieces are paintings and the other is a sculpture. The sculpture is marble with gilt bronze and stucco. ‘The Ecstasy of St. Teresa’, the marble statue, contains three divisions that work as one, whereas ‘The Raising of the Cross’ is in three sections as well, but each segment can stand alone as one individual art form. The form of the statue is very life-like and offers a tangible effect. Running Head: Baroque Works of Art 6 In conclusion the artists, Peter Paul Ruben, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio made major artist achievements to the Baroque period. During the Baroque period, it was not the simplest task for the Catholic Church to launch a reformation. These artists made it possible for the church’s ideas and beliefs to be observed. All of the artists mentioned developed dramatic images that were direct, drew the viewer to the focal point of the piece, and depicted psychological and emotional intensity. When it came to the form of each art work presented here they had a dramatic use of color, significant contrasts with dark and light, and spectacular embellishment and decoration. The planes are also clearly defined, in addition to being isolated from each other. There is a continuation of overlapping of all of the elements. These works of art are superior representations of the Baroque period.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Management of change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Management of change - Essay Example The rationale for this study, as well as the summary of the literature findings shall also be set forth. The change proposal shall then be laid out and the steps in the implementation process shall also be explained based on the change management framework developed by Lewin. Based on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2008), a nurse is obligated to deliver the best and the highest standard of care at all times. More specifically, they are called on to deliver care, according to the best available evidence and best practice; and they must also ensure that the advice they are giving to their patient, in terms of healthcare products and services, is based on evidence (NMC, 2008). There are numerous evidences which are often made available to nurses for use in their practice. For which reason, it is important for nurses to be knowledgeable and skilled in the critical evaluation of evidence and ensure that the evidence they would choose to support and apply in their practice would b e the best (Spector, 2007, p. 1). For the purpose of this essay, the definition of evidence-based practice by Sackett, Straus, Richardson, Rosenberg, and Haynes shall be adapted. They define the practice as â€Å"the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values† (Sackett, Straus, Richardson, Rosenberg, and Haynes, 2000, p. 71). ... based practice therefore considers the role of the patient in the planning and conceptualisation of their care (Pipe, Wellik, Buchda, Hansen, and Martin, 2005). The nurses have to include and consider patient preferences in relation to the best evidence available and apply such to the planning process. Critics like Mullen and Streiner, however, are not supportive of EBP, contending that it prevents the application of the most effective treatment for the patient. They point out that EBP does not â€Å"fit the realities of individualised, contextualized practice, especially nonmedical practice wherein problems are less well defined (Mullen and Streiner, 2004, p. 133). They also emphasised that there are often many limitations in the methods of research in the systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Moreover, concern has been expressed on how evidence-based research can be conceptualised when competing elements like public opinion and resource limitations affect policy-making (Mullen and Streiner, 2004, p. 133). On the other hand, health practitioners are quick to point out that EBP is about being guided by the best available evidence. This means that absent available randomised controlled trials without design flaws, trials which have limitations can be used instead (Mullen and Streiner, 2004, p. 133). In effect, health practitioners and users of health services must be cautious about the risks and benefits when the evidence for decisions are made apparent, even if this would mean that there is not much evidence supporting the different choices (Mullen and Streiner, 2004, p. 133). Proponents of EBP also point out that even as the realities of practice may be far removed from the behaviour and practical aspects of the clinical practice, there is merit in considering the

Monday, August 12, 2019

The development program for graduate students Research Paper

The development program for graduate students - Research Paper Example For example: students can help in figuring out whether the communication skills of instructors are of desired standard by rating how easily they understand what their instructors are teaching. Students can even help in figuring out whether the instructor has the analytical skills and the experience required to teach a particular subject to the undergraduate sections. Secondly, the instructors can themselves provide insight regarding the issues they experience while teaching students. Thirdly, grades of students in their exams can even help identify whether the students are able to understand the teacher or not. While determining who to train, it is necessary to figure out who lack the skills require teaching. If both the future as well as the current instructors lacks those skills, they should be trained. Those teachers whose students are not getting good grades plus those teachers who are rated low in the context of classroom communication and students understanding should even be

Obama Administration Budget Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Obama Administration Budget - Essay Example that America has witnessed over the last several years." President Obama also reiterated his pledge to cut the deficit in half over the next five years. (Keck, et. al., 2009). The economic recession that America is presently experiencing is being suffered from coast to coast.   Families, small businesses, and family farmers are struggling to make ends meet.   People are tightening their belts and making difficult budget decisions In order to survive,.  Likewise, Americans expect their government to do the same.   Sadly, the recent budget plan released by the Obama administration failed to meet the citizens’ expectations.   In this time of widespread unemployment and the budgets of families and small businesses are tight, Obama’s outrageous budget outlines a $1.4 trillion tax raise in order to pay for enormous new government spending.   Some Americans believe that this budget is not the answer.   The tax increases it calls for would hurt small businesses, kill jobs, and further prolong our economic downturn (Wicker, 2009). Universal Tax Hike: Obama’s budget plan aims to expand the size and scope of the federal government in every phase of our economy.   Under this plan, spending would be maximized.   Before the country entered this recession, our national debt was about 40 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP).   Drastic increase in government spending and nationalizing things like healthcare and student loans, this budget blueprint would deliver the biggest European-style Socialism that we have ever seen in the country. Instead of guiding our country out of this recession by outlining a plan that would put more money into the hands of taxpayers and job creators, Obama’s budget would increase taxes on every American, stifling investment and job creation at a time when our country greatly needs both.  The budget asserts to increase taxes only on â€Å"the rich,† but in reality the burden would fall on the small businesses that create 70 percent of

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Psychology - Essay Example But when they look at themselves in the mirror, they see only the imperfections of which they are already well aware. The good news is that if we can’t depend on our own judgment and we’re mistrustful of the reassurances of our friends, it has been established that people have the inherent capability to alter how others perceive the way they look simply in the way they present themselves. â€Å"When you’re convinced you look good, others see you in a more favorable light† (Flora, 2006). People, mostly women, tend to feel more attractive around people who aren’t as appealing as they are and less attractive around people they perceive as having more appealing features. These social comparisons occur constantly and automatically, not only when strangers are deliberately scrutinized. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as the ‘contrast effect.’ According to Richard Robins, professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, women universally use a scale for beauty that is unreasonable. For example, in a study, neither gender used people such as Einstein as a comparison when appraising their own intelligence, but women compare a biased view of their own beauty to that of super models. Another study showed how self-awareness of appearance affects cognitive actions. When males and females were given a math test, both genders had similar results but when another test was given with the females dressed in swimsuits, they scored much lower than their male counterparts. When the men wore swimsuits, the difference was negligible. I am not surprised to find that studies show women to be more obsessed with their outward appearance than men. Society has long established the idea that a woman’s only value is reflected in the quality of the man she can attract. Since men tend to base their own preferences upon the outward appearance of women, it becomes necessary for women to be concerned with doing all she can to attract the

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Foreign Exchange Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Foreign Exchange Risk - Essay Example Exporting and importing also implies considerable foreign exchange risks for the companies involved. Importers will have to pay a higher price if their home currency depreciates against the exporting foreign country and vice versa. International retailing operations also entail high exposure to foreign exchange risk as the exchange rate of any of the two countries fluctuates. The fluctuations in exchange rate â€Å"†¦result in direct changes in the relative prices of domestic and foreign goods†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bartov and Bodnar, 1994, p. 1758) It ultimately increases the exposure of virtually all forms of international operations to foreign exchange risk. Foreign exchange or currency risk affects a company in several different ways viz. sales level, future cash flows, financial reporting, product price and production etc. Bartov and Bodnar propound that exchange rate fluctuations â€Å"†¦influence both the current and future expected cash flows of firms with international operations.† (1994, p. 1758). Fluctuation in exchange rate can affect a company’s future cash flows by increasing or decreasing the price of goods and services in the domestic or foreign country. It can also affect a company’s operational performance by increasing or decreasing the cost of importing raw material. Currency rates have a significant impact on the reporting of sales level. If the foreign exchange rates are favourable, the company’s reported sales will rise (Bartov and Bodnar, 1994). Therefore, apart from affecting its real future cash flows, exchange rate fluctuations bear the capacity to influence its reported revenues. Exposure to foreign exchange risk can also affect a company’s production level and its prices. It will be costlier for companies to import products from a foreign country having a high exchange rate as compared to the domestic