Abstract The paper explains why so many CIOs fail in aligning their strategic IT plans to business objectives. The paper looks at how the entire process of creating, editing and finally seeking feedback and execution of the IT plan requires a set of skills the CIO doesn't typically use. The paper discusses the use of transformational leadership and transactional leadership. The paper concludes that implementing a successful strategic IT plan depends on the CIO creating successfully functioningcross-functional teams, using effective transformational leadership strategies and infusing a sense of ownership into the plan across departments.
Outline:
Executive Summary
A CIOs' Emotional Intelligence and Cross-functional Team Performance
Summary
From the Paper "The role of cross-functional teams is primarily to intensely focus resources, processes, and people for the completion and project schedule for a strategic IT plan. The logic of cross-functional teams is that the varied members of the team, each from a different functional area or in larger organizations, specific disciplines including engineering, marketing, manufacturing, operations, and service can be more effective in accomplishing the many synchronized and often complex tasks in developing a strategic IT plan that supports their specific business goals and objectives."
Tags: transformational, transactional, leadership, cross-functional, teams
Abstract This paper explains that the American Red Cross is one of the first organizations, which comes to mind when there is an emergency or disaster, a need for training in health and safety procedures or blood donations. The author points out that most all of the activities and processes performed by the American Red Cross are monitored and measured; leaders are responsible for documenting and reporting the sources of funding and donations. The paper relates that American Red Crossfunctions on different levels; chapters located throughout the United States function independently, are granted the ability to provide service in its given area and report to their regional office who in turn will report to the National Office.
Table of Contents
Formal Statements of the Organization
Work Environment
Slogans and Sayings
Role Modeling, Training and Teaching
Motivating Employees
Stories and Legends
Organizational Activities, Processes and Outcomes
Reactions to Crises and Incidents
Workflow and Organizational Structure
Selection and Replacement of Employees
Conclusion
From the Paper "The American Red Cross staff consists of both paid employees and volunteers. They pride themselves on the importance and recognition of their volunteers. For every paid employee there is a volunteer counterpart on every level of the hierarchy. When looking at candidates, several different areas are considered. The individual must be flexible with his or her time, must be able to work in teams, have a history of working with people and want to help people. Volunteers go through the interview process and evaluation process just as a paid employee does. Volunteers are also subject to the same disciplinary action and termination action if necessary."
This paper explores the relationship between project manager emotional intelligence, transformational leadership and team success in cross-functional product development.
Abstract The paper explains that the effectiveness of project managers in a team environment is directly linked to their emotional intelligence (EI) and corresponding ability to create an environment of transformational leadership in their organizations. The paper shows how transformational leadership styles, supported by a strong set of EI precepts, values, behaviors and approaches to interacting on cross-functional teams, does deliver significantly stronger results over time.
Outline:
Summary
The Generational Shift in Valuing Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence Theories
Evaluating Team Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Transformational Leadership and its impact on Cross-Functional Teams
Summary
From the Paper "Early theorists often remarked that knowledge of and strategizing over the emotions of workers was tantamount to manipulative management practices, and that emotions were to be controlled first by the individual. The beginnings of EI were quite negative, as theorists did not find the link in exceptional performance and positive management approaches to fostering and sustaining strong emotions of achievement, growth and recognition. The first theorists felt that emotions were to be controlled by the individual or he or she would succumb to their influences (Young, 1936; Schaffer, Gilmer & Schoen, 1940)."
Abstract The paper analyzes the movie "Seventh Cross". The paper discusses the characters of Zillich and Wallau. The paper discusses their differing attitudes: Wallau was certain that the structure of the world held firm and would continue to hold firm regardless of what struggles might come; Zillich lived a self-fulfilling prophecy that the global structure was unreliable. The paper further discusses how the entire Nazi movement was, unlike communism, a revolt against Western civilization, reasoned discourse, and human rights.
From the Paper "Serve their Paradigmatic Function Zillich and Wallau are similar only in that both are doomed; they differ radically in attitude. In the last moments of his life, Wallau was certain "that the structure of the world held firm and would continue to hold firm regardless of what struggles might come" (Seghers 294). Zillich lived a self-fulfilling prophecy that the global structure was unreliable. At the same time, Zillich exemplifies the bureaucratic efficiency and brutality of the Third Reich. He represented the entire Nazi movement which, "unlike communism, was a revolt against Western civilization, reasoned discourse, and human rights"."
Abstract The paper maintains that Stott's book, "The Cross of Christ," is an important book. For those Christians who want to further explore the meaning behind the Cross and behind Christ's death, it is a thought-provoking resource. The paper explains how Stott makes a very good case for the Cross being more than simply important, but rather that it is a vital part of Christianity. Without the Cross, Stott argues that Christianity as we know it would not exist. The paper is of the opinion that after reading this book, it is difficult to argue with this perspective.
From the Paper "John R. W. Stott takes the position that the Cross is essential to Christianity. He makes his convincing argument by dividing the discussion into four parts, discussing the Cross as a symbol, the need for forgiveness, the spiritual benefits that the Cross has provided to believers and finally, on the practical and earthly teachings that the Cross can offer. Stott does not have all the answers on the subject of Christ's Cross. However, the book is a thoughtful and complex study offering suggestions on the subject of the Cross upon which Christ died. The Cross is important, Stott states, because it performs more than the single function of being the method of execution favored by the Romans."
Abstract This paper explains Wal-Mart's proprietary cross-docking system as part of a global supply chain management system. The paper describes advantages of the technique of cross-docking, how this innovation supports the replenishment of Wal-Mart stores.
From the Paper "Cross-docking is a relatively new and extremely effective technique used in global supply chain management. This technique can rapidly consolidate shipments from different sources and reduce the cost of outbound transportation by eliminating the inventory-holding function of a warehouse without hampering its consolidation and shipping functions. An important adjunct to the warehouse management systems now in use in many industries, Hill Fig cross-docking eliminates several intermediate steps in the warehousing process."
Tags:cross-docking, Wal-Mart, warehouse management system, global supply chain management
Abstract This paper discusses the relaxation by the Australian authorities of cross-media and foreign ownership laws. The debate seems to balance out as to the number of the pros and cons and the weight of the arguments of each side. However, sifting through the arguments the paper shows that they meet halfway on the need to protect media against excess concentration of power and foreign influence. On these concerns, the Australian government seems to draw lessons from the media liberalization programs of other developed countries, which are allowing cross-media ownership and foreign participation up to more manageable limits and only in specific media areas where activities are calculated to pose lesser risks. The paper concludes that the problem is that, despite these safeguards, people will always look at media deregulation with suspicion and misgiving because of the sensitive nature of this industry.
From the Paper "After Lord Morley left journalism to join government service in the early stages of the development of media in UK, there is an oft-quoted remark made to him by Kennedy Jones, co-founder of the venerable Daily Mail. "You left journalism a profession. We made it a branch of commerce," Jones told Morley. The equally famous rejoinder was: "The more, the pity." One view in effect exults that media has evolved into a business proposition, where profit takes precedence over its traditionally loftier priorities. The other opinion looks with sadness at such commercialization of journalism, implying that this is inimical to public interest.
That pithy exchange from the past captures the essence of the present-day debate in Australia triggered by the government announcement of plans to deregulate media after 20 years of controls on foreign ownership and cross-media transactions. The Morley-Jones clash of views between the public service and business orientation of media deferred to old UK conditions, but the same hairsplitting still rings true today and continues to reverberate throughout the world as economic opportunities diminish and competition for scarce resources tighten up. Since almost all sectors of national economies have been served up for foreign interests in the universal drive to generate much-needed foreign investment, governments in many parts of the world, both developed and underdeveloped, are fixing their attention on the media industry as the last remaining enticement for foreign investors. As Australian Sen. Ron Walker puts it: "Media has become the last major industry begging for reform to bring it to the 21st century." By inference, the senator is batting for a new scheme that would keep Australian media in step with the times by allowing foreign investment into the arena."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of non-profit disaster mitigation organization. Specifically, the paper analyzes the American Red Cross including the mission of the organization, its involvement in recent disasters, and funding issues. The paper also examines the Red Cross's relief and disaster efforts.
From the Paper "The American Red Cross has been in existence since the nineteenth century. Organized by nurse Clara Barton, it has grown to be one of the premier disaster mitigation organizations in the country and the world. It is a non-partisan, humanitarian organization responds to all types of local and national emergencies, from families displaced by home fires to war and terrorism victims. Its mission is to step in during any time of disaster and provide food, clothing, shelter, and assistance to any victims of that disaster."
Abstract This paper reviews Richard Fletcher's book, "The Cross and the Crescent," which presents a history of the relations between Muslims and Christians. The reviewer sees Fletcher's work as coming at an opportune times, since today the West often feels a sense of hysteria regarding anything related to Islam. The reviewer sees the "The Cross and the Crescent" as providing important information about Islamic civilization and culture, presenting the Arab world in a more comprehensive way. The reviewer also describes the Muslim view of the Christian world, and concludes by citing Fletcher's opinion that both cultures influenced each other.
From the Paper "Fletcher's book focuses on the attitude that the Muslims had regarding to the Christians and vice-versa more than to purely historical aspects. For example, he pays not so much attention to the historical events of the crusades, but to the effect they had on the Muslim population. The book provides a valuable insight to Islam and to the relations between Islam and Christianity."
Tags:Cross, and, the, Crescent, Richard, Fletcher, Christianity, Islam, West
Abstract This paper is a critical analysis of cross-cultural politeness using the Brown and Levinson's model as a basis for defining and understanding politeness and applying it to three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese.
From the Paper "What is politeness? If I propose that 'politeness' be used as pragmatically terminology, the preferable definition is to be found in appropriateness. It can be also said to be universal only in the sense that every society has some sort of norms for the appropriate behavior, although these norms are vary. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-cultural context by applying a well-known Brown and Levinson's model (1978 and revised in 1987), which has been applied in various settings, from casual services, encounters to EFL classrooms. However, Brown and Levinson's model (1978) has been criticized for being too geared to Western (especially American) notions of "independence" and, hence, for its limited applicability in Asian contexts. I have attempted in the following by first giving a general and brief account for Brown and Levinson's model (1978), and then try to apply and analyze the Brown and Levinson's model (1978) in three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese. "
Abstract If the purpose of social science, at large, involves the testing of possible theories and models for social improvement, it will have to contend with what at first appear to be complicating factors in increased numbers of places and situations in which cross or inter-cultural dynamics are at work.
Abstract This paper analyzes Emanuel Leutze's 1851 painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware". The artwork is examined in terms of the subject chosen and how the artist used light, color, form, mood and symbolism to recreate the historic event on canvas.
Abstract This paper explores how medications can affect executive functioning. The paper begins by defining executive functioning as a frontal lobe function. Next the paper looks at what medications can affect this functioning, such as psychotropic and others. The paper also investigates the mechanisms of the medications' action and other side effects.
From the Paper "According to Goldberg, the neurobiological term executive functions refers to a complex set of cognitive skills associated with the frontal lobes of the brain. These skills are related in large part to..."
Abstract This paper examines how a new means of assessing vision known as the Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) has emerged and how it is vital to calculate the sensitivity of the visual system for humans and other animals as it presents information regarding individual visual function capabilities. It looks at how a programme called Gabori attack was used to test the contrast sensitivity function of 8 participants. The experiment was performed to test the accuracy of the programme and to find if there was any significant differences in spatial frequencies for individuals and between individuals.
From the Paper "Contrast sensitivity testing adds to and extends the measurement of visual function provided by simple acuity tests. Contrast sensitivity measurements offer information about an individual's ability to see low contrast targets over an extensive range of target size and orientation. Modern vision research has undoubtedly demonstrated that the capacity to detect and identify spatial form varies widely as a function of target size, contrast, and spatial orientation (Campbell & Atkinson, 1978)."
Abstract This clearly written paper presents an understanding into the basic physiology of the eye and how it responds to light which in effect begins the visual process. The writer of this paper delves into the anatomy of the eye as well as the brain's association to the concept of light. The writer contends and explains why the human eye is basically a fully functioning, self contained camera with a never ending supply of power. The eye functions mainly by permitting light to pass through the cornea which acts in the same manner as a camera's aperture. The writer delves into the field of evolution by contending that sight and vision are a crucial aspect in mankind's evolutionary progress. This paper also contains three illustrative graphics relevant to this particular topic.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Light and the Sun
Human Eye Anatomy
Vision Function Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Our planet is as it is because of the main function of the sun. The sun is the center and most likely the most critical part of our solar system because of the light it offers to feed our planet and drive all life. There is little doubt from a scientific perspective that our planet would be greatly altered without the sun and most likely would have no life. For living creatures to evolve, expand and thrive, they have had to learn to function on the ideas or concepts of sensing light in some way.
This notion applies to all living creature on our planet and therefore could be considered to be an almost universal law. Consider that all plants utilize light through the concept of photosynthesis to feed themselves and mammals and other life forms utilize light to hunt, mate and preserve themselves through the cycles of light that are present."
