The relation of the Gross Domestic Product to economic welfare Essay

The relation of the Gross Domestic Product to economic welfare - Essay Example The Gross Domestic Product is a specific measure of a country’s national output and provides a basic idea of how well-off a country is, compared with other countries. Moreover, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the most commonly used benchmark of national income. Introduction The GDP reports how much money was made in a given economy over a given period of time. The figures are "gross" because GDP does not allow for the depreciation of physical capital. In a sense, the GDP is a gross measure of market activity, of the volume of money changing hands. It does not take into account the desirable and the undesirable transactions in the economy. It does not take into consideration the total costs or gain. The major contributions of the household and volunteer sectors are not included in the computation of the GDP. The economists and policymakers state that raising the rate of growth of gross national product (GNP) and the GDP is the hallmark of economic development. This central dogma of development economics stems from the conviction that the way to economic progress in poor countries lies in increasing the rate at which the industries of that country progresses. The GDP is positively affected by the growth of local markets. The growth of local markets is achieved by changing the incentives for people to remain in long-term relationships. Long-term relationships are supported by social norms which includes reciprocity. Thus, the growth of markets in one set of goods and services can diminish the existing incentives for remaining in long-term relationships that cover transactions in other goods and services. When these incentives diminish, social norms are affected. (The New Statesman) However, if country A has a high GDP figure relative to country B, it does not necessarily mean that country is A is automatically better off. We have to look at their GDP figures closely. Some countries which have a high GDP are really high-performing economies. Take for example Luxembourgs. Luxembourg's GDP per head can be attributed to 90,000 citizens who go to certain parts of Europe such as Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands daily to work in the financial services sector. These workers were included in Luxembourg's population of 450,000. If they were added to this number, then the country's overall GDP per head would be smaller, but still among the top ranking countries in the OECD. China has also overtaken many European countries in terms of GDP figures. For example, China had overtaken Italy as the world's sixth-largest economy in 2004, and has overtaken France and the United Kingdom by the end of 2005. Growth rates in developed countries are just a fraction of thosed experienced in China: 3-4 percent for the US and 2-3 percent for Japan and Europe, against at least 8 percent for China. (Business Asia, March 2006). The effective marketing strategy of Chinese companies, private and public in China have added to their considerable profits and growth. (Lewis, et.al., 2006). However, in terms of quality of life and environmental safety levels, these European countries definitely have a higher quality of life and environmental levels compared to China. Thus, it is does not automatically mean that if a country has a high GDP then it is better off compared to another country with a lower GDP level. Niger has a GDP of 12.36 billion dollars in 2006. But upon close examination, it is just one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking last on the United Nations Human Development Index. In real figures, Niger's GDP looks huge. But upon closer examination, its economy is based on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Traditional subsistence farming, herding,

New Hire Mismanagement Essay Example for Free

New Hire Mismanagement Essay When accepting the position of a Campus Recruiter for ABC, Inc., there were specific tasks and expectations that go along with the job title. The specific tasks were explained however, due to the improper planning and poor execution, the individual failed to deliver what was outlined in the job title. This paper will explain the failures due to improper planning, lack of experience and poor time management skills. Furthermore, areas that will be outlined from this case study will include various detailed causes as well as; different solutions to strengthen the recruiting department and prevent any further weaknesses. Background In early April, Carl Robins, was new to the human resources department of ABC, Inc. â€Å"The Corporate Human Resources Recruiter will play a critical role in ensuring we are hiring the best possible talent† (Nourse, 2013). Mr. Robbins had taken on the needed task of hiring 15 individuals, which would work for the Operations Supervisor, Monica Carrolls. This recruiting position is responsible for selecting proper candidates, collecting proper identification and various paperwork such as; a resume, application, transcripts and payroll processing information. A background check, drug screen and a new hire physical must also be performed prior to anyone starting. In addition to the proper processing of the new hires, Mr. Robbins also is responsible for scheduling the new hire orientation and providing the proper materials such as; the manuals, policy booklets and training guides. In this case, Mr. Robbins had already advised the new hires of the required orientation on June 15th. The lack of experience and follow through, along with procrastination was a large factor in completing the tasks set forth for the recruiting position. Mr. Robbins was feeling overwhelmed and began to panic, due to the realization that the needed workforce would not be ready for Monica Carroll, as he previously assured. The failures will effect several people and cause the operations department to not have the new additions to their team and be ready to move forward. Key Problems There are numerous key problems with this case. Mr. Robins’s lack of experience as well as, poor communication and planning from the beginning, caused the situation to spiral, making the end result in complete failure. An incompetent and poorly functioning human resources department reflects the overall state of affairs of an organization and its possible uncompetitive position in the marketplace (Dutta, 2013). Carl Robbins started the hiring process accurately. He successfully hired 15 individuals however, without creating a new hire protocol, several items were missed. Furthermore, Mr. Robins seemed to be completely focused on the fact that he was able to fill the needed positions and impressing the operations supervisor, he failed to follow through from the beginning. The inexperience may also be a factor however, he was hired as a recruiter and gained six months of experience therefore, Mr. Robins knew what was expected of him. Procrastination plays a large role in the end result, as well. Carl did not immediately check with the training facility, even after receiving the call from Monica Carrolls. He waited more than 10 days to look at the training facility availability. Procrastination, weather it was due to lack of experience or being overwhelmed, does not matter in this case. The consequence remained the same, failure to complete the tasks by the needed time. In most cases, time management and procrastination go hand in hand however, Carl did not look at the specific tasks nor did he allot the appropriate time to get the job done by the specified time. Failure to either create a hiring protocol or follow the steps that should have been learned during his first six months of employment, adds additional issues of concern. Being that this was Mr. Robins first recruiting effort, he failed to discuss, clarify or even have the steps that he had already taken reviewed with a fellow recruiting teammate to assure both himself and the recruiting department that the new hires will indeed be ready to start their positions in July. Many of the issues could have been avoided simply by doing research or asking for help. Developing a sufficient protocol or schedule is key however, it is imperative that the proper research on wait times for drug screens, background checks and pre-employment physicals is done so scheduling will go smoothly. It is critical to ensure that you have the proper tools and information to complete the required tasks. Just like any position or task assigned, organization is critical. Carl was moving forward without knowing exactly how the pieces of the puzzle were to be put together. The recruiter did not utilize the appropriate tools such as, database, spreadsheets or check lists to ensure proper completion of the hiring process. Moreover, the recruiter did not set completion goals for each step to aid in this completion. Therefore, Carl did not see that there were numerous critical issues in the hiring process, which will not only affect the new hires, but will also cause delays for Monica Carroll and the operations department. Alternatives There are several alternatives that may strengthen the human recourses (HR) department in the future however, will not fix the current issue at hand. Implementing a new hire protocol that clearly defines each step of the process. Utilizing tools such as, specialized software that can be directly accessed from the outsourced screening companies to deliver new hire physical information, drug screening and background check results. This will allow the recruiter to access the file and make sure that the candidate is ready to begin work or notify when there is an issue with that specific candidate. Another alternative would be to hire an assistant recruiter or administrative assistant to process paperwork as well as, scheduling training rooms and ordering new hire training manuals, etc. Other options to consider would be to outsource the entire hiring process by using an outside recruiting company or using an agency to employ all the individuals that work for ABC Inc. A recruiting company would minimize and allow the human resources department to simplify duties such as, conducting final interviews of the candidates that have been previously screened by the recruiting company. Complete outsourcing of all personnel or employee leasing is costly however, it is another way to prevent cases like Carl Robbins, who failed to represent the company’s professionalism, screen the new hires and organize a new hire schedule. Employee leasing will remove all responsibilities of the employer including, candidate screening, payroll and benefits which would replace both the HR and payro ll departments. Unfortunately, in doing this ABC, Inc. would no longer be eligible for the tax credits that are given when a company hires welfare to work or Veterans. Another downfall would be losing the ability to solve an employment issue in-house. Proposed Solutions There are several proposed solutions mentioned in this case study. The most economic and immediate realistic solution would be to implement an outlined human resources protocol which would include, step by step policies and procedures to successfully start a new hire, creating a spreadsheet or a checklist to prevent critical errors and ensure that each steps are followed as well as, having detailed contact information for each company that is outsourced such as; drug testing and pre-employment physicals and background checks. An important part of the protocol would be to have a new hire orientation packet saved on file so, when the need arises or the inventory gets low, the recruiter can order copies to be made in a timely fashion. The remaining solution that would be outlined in the protocol would be to have the recruiter notate each completed or received paperwork on the checklist to ensure all the necessary paperwork and outsourced results are received. This outlined human resourc es guide and organizational tool would guide the recruiter into making sure all procedures and requirements are met. Recommendations Implementing the protocols would be crucial to the success of the human resources department. A recruiter is just like a salesperson, this is where the first impression is made. If implemented correctly, this will assure hiring the right individuals, which in return will allow ABC, Inc., reach its fullest potential. In this case study, Carol Robbins was not organized. There were no protocols in place to prevent these errors. Furthermore, there was not any direct supervision. It is recommended that the manager of human resources, review the hiring process directly with Mr. Robbins and make clear written expectations on the job requirements. It is further recommended that a clear, step by step protocol be put into place preventing these issues from arising again. Lastly, it is critical for the Manager of Human Resources to review all files before the file is completed and the new hire is scheduled for training. This shall continue until Mr. Robbins clearly understands the policies and procedures.

Nature or Nurture: Case for an Integrated Life-Span Approach

Nature or Nurture: Case for an Integrated Life-Span Approach There has been a debate raging, sometimes quietly, sometimes not, in regards to why individuals are the way they are. Most now realize that there is a tremendous interaction between the expression of the genes that we are given and the environment that forms the context for growth and development. Consider identical twins, separated at birth, that grow up with no contact yet are remarkably similar (Santrock 1999, p. 65). Alternatively, consider children who have experienced extended separation from parents and where placed in a orphanage. Though they tested as being developmentally retarded, depending, if the were adopted prior to six years of age, they showed remarkable recovery while those remaining â€Å"institutionalized† never functioned ‘normally’ (Cole Cole 1989, pp. 251-252). Clearly, it is not an ‘all-or-none’ proposition. Even within a paradigm of an interactive process, the early theorists tended to believe that development happened in childhood and one’s adult years simply played out the development of one’s youth. While there is virtually universal agreement that the developmental foundation laid during infancy, childhood and adolescence cannot be understated in importance, in the last 30-40 years, there is a growing widespread recognition that development is lifelong process. Termed the â€Å"life-span approach†, it explicitly recognizes a four-fold approach to understanding both development and psychology, considering biological, environmental, social and cultural factors (Cole Cole, 1989, p. 11). The case of David, Ruth, Mei Ling and Mrs. Brown represents a situation which virtually demands the application of such an approach. One the following pages are tables which presents each person, their developmental issues by perspective and a psychology summary utilizing varying t heorists to ‘explain’ their current dilemma. In addition to the primary consideration of David and Ruth, Mei Ling is also presented to her pivotal role in the dynamics of David and Ruth’s situation. The life-span approach, by virtue of its multiple perspectives, takes into consideration that biology and environmental consideration are only valid in the context of cultural and social frameworks. With this approach, it is possible to begin reconciliation of otherwise often competing theories. A further contribution of this method is that is recognized as having seven very relevant characteristics (Santrock 1999, pp.9-11): Lifelong in nature – Unlike some paradigms, the life-span approach considers development to be ongoing throughout life, not just a childhood process. Multidimensional – There are often multiple factors for any given outcome or behavior. Just as David expresses unresolved anxiety from his ‘abandonment’, he is also frustrated by work pressures and the demands of his new family role(s). Multidirectional – Elements of one’s development do not always improve with age. For example, one’s physical abilities improve until early-adulthood and then begin to decrease. This is a key element in this case for Mrs. Brown who, due to a recent illness, has become suddenly much more aware of her gradually increasing dependence on others to perform tasks for which she recently needed no assistance. Plastic – In opposition to a pure â€Å"nature† approach, development is not fixed though one should keep in mind that, no matter how hard one tries, ‘a pig cannot be taught to sing’. Clearly, biology gives one certain potentialities that are expressed by environmental or other stimulation. Historically Embedded – Development is contingent upon the broader environmental context of history. For example, a child in the 1950’s is different in many respects that a child of this decade, despite experiencing many of the same psychodynamic issues and stages. Multi-Disciplinary – One cannot be a biologist and fully understand human development though this perspective is essential. In the same way, one cannot be a pure behaviorist and expect to account for the width and breadth of development. Contextual – Biology acts upon and with social, cultural and psychological factors. Similarly, the experiences one has shapes the expression of biological elements of development. While most any aspect of David and Ruth’s current situation can be explained by the application of one or more theoretical perspectives, it is the life-span approach that allows them to come together in one cohesive â€Å"story†. Unfortunately, it is only in retrospect, in most cases, that development can be full understood. To illustrate, consider the figure below. One can easily explain the â€Å"path† from E to A with the benefit of the perspective of looking back. However, consider that one would only have a 1/256 chance at arriving at E given the choices that present themselves at each â€Å"juncture of life† (Cole Cole 1989, p. 263). In explaining any given situation, the lifespan approach seeks to take advantage of all available information from both sides of the nature/nurture debate. While no method can approach the accuracy of hindsight, the insight offered by the recognition that people are ever developing and are not so easily understood by a single school of thought gives tremendous power to the ability of psychology to make meaningful contributions to those in the midst of the struggles of life. Works Consulted Santrock, J. (1999). Life-Span Development, 7th Edition. McGraw-Hill College: Boston, Massachusetts. Cole, M. and Cole. S. (1989). The Development of Children. Scientific American Books: New York, New York. Gleitman, H.(1986). Psychology, 2nd Edition. W.W. Norton Company: New York, New York.

New Religious Movements and the Biased Media Essay -- Religion Media E

New Religious Movements and the Biased Media What happened in Jonestown? How could â€Å"sensible people† follow the â€Å"rantings of a crazed lunatic?† The questions and the simplified answers that are provided by the media coverage of Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate perhaps contributed to their downfall. The feeling of public persecution is a central theme of many new religious movements, and the negative publicity of suicide cults only fuels the fear of other like-minded religious groups. The misleading definitions the media provided for the how, what and why of these new religious movements were symptomatic of the media bias against all such movements. Through examination of the print media response immediately following both mass suicides, I will expose the hollow definitions and explanations provided for tragedies that were much more complex. Moreover, although the Jonestown Suicide occurred twenty years before the Heaven’s Gate suicides in March of 1997, coverage remained ignorant and simplistic of the critical differences between movements, and perhaps exacerbated their cultural alienation. My research of the media response to the Jonestown suicides concentrates on the coverage of the tragedy in the New York Times because the newspaper is one of the most widely read American newspapers, replete with religion â€Å"experts.† Through the coverage in the Times alone, the common response followed a path of initial confusion that eventually led to unoriginal and uncomplicated answers for the how and why these people followed Jim Jones to their death. The initial coverage in the New York Times exemplifies how the facts of the suicide trickled slowly out of the jungle of Jonestown, Guyana. The day after the suicides, Sunday, November... ...east 900 by U.S., with 260 Children Among Victims at Colony† The New York Times, 26 November 1978, Sec A1. [6] Elizabeth Gleick, â€Å"Inside the Web of Death† Time (April 7, 1997):28-40 [7] Howard Chua-Eoan, â€Å"Imprisoned by his Own Passions.† Time (April 7, 1997): 40-42. [8] Richard Lacayo, â€Å"The Lure of the Cult† Time (April 7, 1997): 45-46. [9] Harvey Hill and John Hickman and Joel McLendon, â€Å"On Religious Outsiders- Cults and Sects and Doomsday Groups, Oh My: Media and Treatment of Religion on the Eve of the Millennium,† Review of Religious Research. 43, no. 1, (2001): 24 (15 pages), 26. [10] Stephen J Hedges, â€Å"Mass Suicide in California.† U.S. News World Report. 122, no. 13, (April 07, 1997). Life After Death for Heaven’s Gate.† U.S. News and World Report. 124, no. 12, (March 30,1998). [11] Hill, 24. [12]Hill, 32, 24. [13] Hill, 35.

My Super Mother Essay

For me heroes really exist in reality. And for me my super hero is my mother. My mother actually is an ordinary woman. But for me she can do extra ordinary things. She is always there in times that I feel very hopeless, that’s why I really love her. She brought me up with a strong faith and a power to face the toughest challenges in life. She is willing to help everyone’s problems or misery without anything in return. That’s why I’m so very proud of her. For me she’s the best mother in the whole world. She’s talented, pretty and very hardworking. My mother is the one who taught me how to write, read, and how to explore things in life. She provided me and my siblings the best educational opportunities that there could be. She has always pushed me to study very hard so that I can achieve my life’s goal. My mother is also the one who influenced me to have a decision in my life. My mother’s perseverance has encouraged me to live the life of an authentic person. I and my family felt so blessed to have a mother like her. She is so very protective, supportive and very caring unlike to my father. Read more:Â  Person I admire most essay Even though she is always stressed doing the household chores she has always time to help us in our assignments, projects and all the things that we need her help. That s why I and my siblings really love her she’s our living hero. For me having my mother is the luckiest thing that I had. Even though there is many times that we are having an argument. But it’s not that really serious, because my mom is very understanding. She can understand my own feelings and she’s not very strict unlike to my father. She loves cooking foods on her own, and making her own recipes. She loves spending her time cleaning the house as always, reading books and teaching my little sister her lessons. If my mom was a food I can tell that she’s the most special one. She’s one of a kind and for me she’s the most unique and delicious food that I’ve ever tasted. And if my mom was a student, she is the most talented and the brightest of all the students in class. That’s why I’m so very proud of her. And if my mom was a warrior, she is the bravest and the strongest person that I’ve ever seen. But the truth is my mom was a simple human living in this world. But for me she is the hero and the reason why I and my family keep living. I’m very thankful to God that he had given me my mother. Because the person who influences my life the most is my mother Even though sometimes she had our breakfast overcooked, we love eating the foods that she made. And even though she commits mistakes, the number of the mistakes that she did was nothing compare to the number of the times she help us to avoid to do mistakes. I admire my mother because she is a strong woman to have the courage to face our family difficulties in our everyday life, and also she always had a big heart in caring for others. My mother has sacrificed so much just to raise us. She’s not just a mother but for us she is a hero. A hero that is always there to help us in times that we feel so burdened and in times that we need her she is also always there to guide us through the right path. Pretty, supportive, protective, cheerful, brilliant, industrious, talented, understanding, amazing and unique these are just words how to describe my mother. But for me no words can tell how wonderful my mother is. That’s why I’m very happy and contented to have a mother like her.

Ethical Issues of Deception in Psychological Research Essay

In psychological studies, ethical issues associated with deception have always the major concern area. It is largely been viewed as something which in long will cause effect on participants’ willingness to be a part of any psychological research. The controversy associated with this issue has itself led to many researches to ascertain the positivity and negativity associated with the use of deception in psychological research. The findings of those researches have been contradictory. Some researcher has indicated that use of deception has a very negative impact on participant’s perception of researchers and hence reduces the possibility of its further participation in the ongoing project as well as any other research in future (Tuffin, 2005) While on the other hand there are evidences that deception has positive effect and participants have reported that they actually enjoyed being deceived and showed positive participation in the researches in which they are being deceived and feel more benefited than those without deception. Hence it becomes more evident that deception has basically no effect on participants and neither reduces nor increases their willingness in taking part in any future researches irrespective of those requiring deception or not (Lefkowitz, 2003). The above mentioned two contradictory preferences related to deception actually gives a picture which shows that the people have no clear meaning of deception and it varies from person to person i.e., they have different interceptions of what it actually means. This reinforces the need for further research and hence underscores the requirement for an expanded investigation to figure out the possible effects of deception in a prospective participant and the psychological study. The beginning of this new research could be initiated through a controlled environment when some of the participants and informed about the use of deception while some are not informed. The final objective is to ascertain the actual impact of deception when both researchers as well the participants have better understanding of deception (O’Donohue, 2003). References: O’Donohue, W. (2003) Handbook of Professional Ethics for Psychology. Sage Publication Ltd.,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   London. UK Lefkowitz, J (2003) Ethics and values in industrial-organizational Psychology. Lawrence  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Mahwas, NJ Tuffin, K (2005) Understanding Critical Social Psychology. Sage Publication Ltd., London. UK