Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study Research Paper

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study - Research Paper Example One is to remember that it is difficult to make use of one particular leadership style for different types of contexts. However, the leader may demonstrate the best style or a combination of styles for each exclusive leadership context. From the case study, it has been apparent that Sir Richard Branson is one of the most influential, successful and enduring business leaders. Among numerous leadership styles such as autocratic leadership style, participative leadership style and laissez-faire style as well as in terms of authentic leadership model, expert power and referent power models, it can be analyzed that the leadership style demonstrated by Richard Branson is a laissez-faire leadership style. He has been successful in genuinely serving his employees and customers by means of his leadership. He has been interested in empowering the employees that he leads in order to make a vital difference. Richard Branson has natural leadership gifts and, thus, he makes use of his natural abil ities. It has been apparent from the case study that Richard Branson always believed in building long-term relationships with people. Authentic leaders generally learn from their failures. Richard Branson has focused on preparing himself to have another attempt at any failed activity with the required knowledge that he gained from his previous failure. One of the well known facts regarding authentic leaders is that they draw encouragement from their own lives. Richard Branson seems to be inspired by his mother who taught him not to look back in regret but rather to move on to the next task. An authentic leader is someone who is not frightened to admit his mistakes and, therefore, makes efforts to overcome his limitations. By facing weaknesses and declining to compromise with them, Richard Branson tends to identify ways to beat the weaknesses, which helps him to become a strong leader. Richard Branson also seems to possess expert and referent power. He has been capable of influencing others’ behaviors owing to the recognized competencies, talents and knowledge. He is capable of influencing others because his employees respect, admire and like him as a person. Whenever Richard Branson experiences any kind of setbacks, he chooses to pick himself up and try again. His principles are based on the belief that entrepreneurs will only succeed if they have good people around them and they listen to the superior’s advice. Authentic leaders such as Richard Branson care for themselves as well as the people that they lead, and their compassion is genuine (Harvard Business School, 2012). Richard Branson practices self-discipline by incorporating balance into his personal and professional lives. While most of the executives focus upon serving their customers as well as stockholders, Richard Branson believes that the correct hierarchical system in any organization is to have ‘employee at the first position’, ‘customer next’ and ‘s tockholders at the end’. It is because of the effectiveness of Richard Branson’s leadership style that Virgin Group Limited has been capable of becoming a multibillion-dollar worldwide conglomerate and one of the most recognized brands in the world. It has been identified that most of the US leaders tend to have participative leadership styles. Therefore, it can be stated that although Laissez-Faire leadership style tends to

Business Past Paper Essay Example for Free

Business Past Paper Essay E of the following topics and write it in the space provided. (i) The changing role of women in the family (ii) The involvement of young people in organized sports Topic:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1. (a) State TWO reasons why a researcher would research the topic which you have stated above. (2 marks) (b) Suggest ONE objective on which a researcher may focus in doing a study on the topic you chose. (2 marks) (c) Based on the objective you suggested in 1 (b), write ONE research question. (2 marks) (d) State ONE appropriate method that may be used to collect data on the topic you chose. (1 mark) (e) Outline why a researcher should use the method you stated in 1 (d) above. (2 marks) Total 9 marks 2. (a) For the topic you have chosen, suggest TWO variables which a researcher may investigate. (2 marks) (b) Identify TWO groups from which a researcher may select a sample to get information on the topic you chose. (2 marks) (c) State ONE method of choosing a sample from ONE of the groups you identified in 2 (b) above. (1 mark) (d) Briefly describe the method you suggested in 2 (c). (2 marks) Total 7 marks 3. (a) Suggest TWO ways to display the data that may be collected on the topic you choose. (2 marks) (b) Explain briefly why the data should be displayed in the ways you suggested in 3 (a). (2 marks) (c) Name TWO statistical measures that a researcher may use to determine how numerical data, such as scores obtained in a study, are related. (2 marks) Total 6 marks Use the information in the passage below to answer questions 4 and 5. ALCOHOL AND FAMILY LIFE In a recent study done on the effects of alcohol on family life, the heads of fifty (50) low income households responded. The following information was obtained and analyzed. 30% of the respondents stated that alcohol consumption deprives some families from satisfying their basic needs, 60% indicated that it is a cause for domestic violence in the home while 10% claimed that it prevented family members from enjoying planned leisure activities. These findings have caused concern for many community groups. Leaders of these groups have indicated their desire to find some solutions to these concerns from the local authorities in their communities. 4. (a) (i) Display the findings obtained in this survey in a pie-graph in the space provided below. (4 marks) (ii) Write ONE statement about the data you displayed in the pie-graph. (2 marks) (b) State ONE characteristic of the sample used in this survey. (1 mark) (c) Name ONE research method that the researcher may have used to collect information. (1 mark) (d) Write ONE question that may be included in the research method you named in 4 (c). (1 mark) Total 9 marks 5. (a) Based on the data provided in the survey, write ONE research question. (2 marks) (b) Based on the findings you displayed in 4 (a) (i), suggest ONE recommendation that may be helpful to the community leaders. (1 mark) (c) State ONE change you would make if you were asked to conduct the study. (1 mark) Total 4 marks

Culture Essay -- Sociology, Hofstede

Hofstede (1997) defined culture as the â€Å"collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from others† (p. 6). He referred to mental programming in order to explain patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. Cultural manifestation is identified as symbols, heroes, rituals, and values as a learned programming that is dependent on a social environment. Values represented the deepest manifestations of culture and are considered culture’s building blocks (Hofstede, 1980). One well-known paradigm Hofstede introduced is called cultural dimensions that include four independent cultural dimensions: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. After further research, he developed the fifth dimension known as long-term/short-term orientation (Hofstede, 2001). The following section will discuss five of the dimensions to identify the cultural differences between the United States, India, and Thailand. Power Distance The power distance index â€Å"is the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally† (Itim International, 2009). It is a fundamental structure endorsed by the societies’ followers and leaders in areas such as social status, wealth, and sources of power. A high power distance society embraces people with power. Powerful people are expected to have privileges, openly show their status and wealth, and are perceived to be good. On the other hand, a low power distance society embraces uniformity and minimizes inequalities. Those who hold more power in these societies attempt to look less powerful than they are (Albers-Miller & Gelb, 1996). Hofstede’... ...tinuous, ANOVA is the most appropriate method of analysis. Research Question The research question proposed there would be differences in levels of organizational dissent between India, Thailand, and the U.S. The ANOVA revealed significant differences in levels of dissent between the three groups. The means and standard deviations are displayed in Table 2. Overall, Americans are the most likely to express articulated dissent, with Thais being the less least likely: F(4, 1446) = 5.10, ï  ¨2 = .01, p Discussion The results revealed significant differences between Americans, Indians and Thais regarding the expression of dissent.

Animal and Human Nature in Steinbecks Of Mice and Men Essay

Animal and Human Nature in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The relationship between animal nature and human nature in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a major theme throughout the work. Lennie and Candy are connected with animals via their various individual characteristics, such as physical appearance, mental capacity, or emotional maturity. Other characters, such as Curley and Carlson, demonstrate their animal-like natures in their interactions with others. Despite the obvious connection between the human natures and animal natures of the characters in the work, some of the characters attempt to rise above their bestial nature by dreaming and seeking companionship. Lennie is perhaps the most obvious example of an animal-like character. The very first description of Lennie is as "a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws" (Steinbeck 2). This opening description of Lennie immediately connects him with a large animal, and for the rest of the novel, whenever his name is mentioned, the reader instinctively pictures a big, bear-like man. Lennie is also likened to a dog, just a few pages later, when he is compared to a "terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to its master" (Steinbeck 9). This connection is further emphasized when, at the novelà ­s end, Lennie is shot with the same gun and in the same way as Candy's dog was shot earlier in the novel. Lennie is also connected with animals in his mental capacity and preferences. His "simplemindedness as well as his attraction to animals, especially the rabbits and the puppy, would seem to fix him as animal-like" (Johnson 16). Candy is identified... ...to live together as a family. Candy and Crooks eagerly volunteer to join George and Lennie in their dream in hopes that they can contribute to the welfare of the group and act as one unit, one family. George already shows this kind of selflessness throughout the book in his looking out for Lennie, and, likewise, Lennie's looking out for George. These characters escape their primal, animalistic tendencies to fend for themselves and chose to help each other. Of Mice and Men presents many interesting connections between the animal natures and human natures of its characters. Though most characters display characteristics that could qualify them as bestial, only a few exhibit the drive to rise above this base level of existence and distinguish themselves from their animal nature.    Works Cited: Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1937.

Coal industry of pakistan Essay

Pakistan has a very large coal reserve base only Thar coal can be used to make 40,000 MW of Electricity for the next 100 years. Regional powers like China are very much interested in the project and are willing to pour billions of dollars in these projects if the Govt. of Pakistan issues sovereign guarantee. Sector will essentially contribute to the wiping out of the difference in the electricity shortage. It would stabilise the economy as oil imports are going to decrease which contribute to $8 Billion of our imports. Coal can be exported to countries around the world. Many countries are shifting to coal as means of energy and this raises export opportunity for the coal exports too. The labour cost in the mining industry is very low as compared to other parts of the world and essentially have higher profit margins. The Tax rate is nil during exploration, mine construction and extraction phase. WEAKNESSES Serious lack of infrastructure facilities Many government restrictive policies and not much help provided by the government. Government not fulfilling there contracts. There is no consistency in Government policy. Low quality coal available mostly Too much capital required to extract the coal. Thermal energy would mean more pollution OPPORTUNITIES Expansion of energy base of Pakistan Expansion of export base and reduction of oil imports. Opportunity to boost lagging industries. Growing demand of Coal THREATS Foreign involvement which might restrict local development Restrictive policies and red tapism by government Control of reserves by only a few major players Oil Lobby being a very strong force in Pakistan. Problem faced by this Industry Lack of safety and security Pakistan’s image and political situation is a deterrent to investment Pakistan’s image and political situation is a deterrent to investment The industry sustained a stab back in the recent years. Lack of knowledge of the mineral potential. Lack of Labour Safety. Lack of Government vision. Development expenditure being used for crisis management purposes. The industry relies on the findings of the PCSIR laboratories.PCSIR labs do not possess the necessary tools and equipments for refinement of minerals. Not a convenient supply of coal and at times they have to revert to oil and gas for there production mostly the cement companies. Recommendation for the industry There has to be innovation in the sort of mining techniques being adopted in Pakistan. Adoption of modern exploration techniques like photo geology, satellite imaging, Underground Gasification can be useful for the industry. Information regarding coal reserves, grades and annual production must be maintained for the information of investors that may guide their future programme and work. And it must be easily available on Government portal. Mineral development fund to be created & spent by outsourcing the infrastructure programmes to private organizations. Allocation of funds from World Bank for mineral sector programmes. Due representation to be given to all the stakeholders from mineral sector i.e. laborers, Investors e.t.c. In order to for people to be interested in the mining sector, government has to provide facilities for the workers and management near to the mining facilities. Improve the efficiency of the emergency rescuers in case of an accident in a mine. Participate in international minerals exhibitions and fairs for creating awareness of Pakistan’s mineral potential to foreign investor. This would also built the Image of Pakistan. In most of the mining camps basic facilities of roads and other basic infrastructure facilities have not been provided. As a result the mine to market accessibility is very low and also increases the cost of mining. More degrees relating to the mining industry should be started as there are only 3 till date in Pakistan A separate board for mining be made involving technocrats. Train & improve capacity of all persons in minerals managements. Establish mini power plants on coal in the mining areas. Provide in service training to technical staff i.e. laborers. Establish machinery-pool to extend services on cost effective basis Provide soft loans in the mining Industry.

The eNotes Blog Scholarship Spotlightâ€March 2016

Scholarship Spotlight- March 2016 Every month, we select some of the best scholarships around and post them here on our blog. When you are ready to apply, check out our tips on  How to Write a Scholarship Essay. Visit   Essay Lab  if you’re looking for a writing expert  to review and provide feedback on your scholarship or college application essays! Dolman Law Group Video Essay Scholarship Amount: $1,100 Bi-Annual Scholarship Eligibility:  Must be currently attending or planning to attend a college or university during the 2016-2017 academic year.  Must be in good academic standing with your current educational institution.  For applicants under 18, you must have permission from a parent or legal guardian Requirements:  Must apply to the contest via email and provide your name, address, and the name of the institution you are attending or plan to attend.  Must provide your video essay (YouTube format preferred) by the deadline of 03/15/16. Essay Topic: In order to participate in the essay contest, applicants must present 2-3 minute video essay discussing the following issue: Much has been made about the potential of driverless and automated car technology in recent years, and many industry observers expect this technology to be widely available within the next decade. Technology is never perfect however, and  accidents involving driverless vehicles  have already occurred. Various legal issues arise when autonomous cars are involved in accidents, including determining who should be held liable for an accident. In your opinion, who should be held accountable when a driverless vehicle is involved in an accident? The owner? The manufacturer? The software developer? Explain. Due Date: March 15, 2016 Learn more and apply Couponing in College Scholarship Amount: $2,500 Eligibility:  Any U.S. resident enrolled in a university within the 50 states or the District of Columbia can apply for this scholarship.  Contestants must demonstrate both knowledge in couponing and saving money, while also demonstrating the technical aptitude to understand how to publish online (a skill we think is critical in todays economy). Requirements:  To enter, you must publish a 500+ word essay providing tips and strategies for utilizing coupons of any type (physical, digital, mobile) to save money while in college. The essay should be published on a blog or any website which allows the publication of articles. You must mention this contest in your published essay, and provide a link back to this contest page. Due Date: March 25, 2016 Learn more and apply QuitDay.org Scholarship Amount: $2,000, $700, and $300 to 3 winners Eligibility: The QuitDay Scholarship essay contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are 18 years old or older. Applicants must be accepted to, or currently enrolled in a college or university located within the United States  or in the District of Columbia.   Only one (1) submission per student is allowed. Requirements:  Applicants must submit a typed essay (1,000–1,500 words) answering the following questions: Why do you see smoking as a problem for individuals  and society? What is the best way  for  society to overcome the issue of smoking, and why? What would a smoke-free world look like, and  how would it differ from the world today? What message do you have for current smokers? The essay must include the word count and be signed with a full name (both first and last name), along with  the applicant’s email address, phone number and permanent address. The winning applicants will be determined based on the essay content, style and originality. Judges are looking for logically organized and well-supported essays. Due Date: March 31, 2016 at 5:00 PM EST. Learn more and apply Sleeklens Academic Scholarship Program Amount: $2,000 to 3 winners Eligibility:  To qualify for the scholarship, you must be an Undergraduate, a Graduate, or a High School senior with a legitimate acceptance letter from an accredited University or College.  The Sleeklens Academic Scholarship Program is open to people of all nationalities. Requirements:  Write an essay according to the instructions provided below and send it to Scholarships@Sleeklens.com. Fill in and submit the application form.  Write an essay that is between 1000 and 1600 words as per the following instructions. Students use social media and the internet in all kinds of ways, from keeping in touch with their friends to researching for and submitting assignments. One of the least thought about uses of social media is leveraging it to get a job after college. Discuss some of the ways that you could use social media to get a job after college. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using social media to get a job after college? Due Date: March 31, 2o16 at 11:59 PM EST Learn more and apply SuretyBonds.com 2016 Small Business Scholarships SuretyBonds.com is a small business that works alongside entrepreneurs and business owners everyday to help grow existing businesses or launch new ones. Theyve been a leader in the surety bond industry since 2009 and their success and growth would not happen without the successes of small business owners. The scholarship program is their way of giving back to the small business community and encouraging students to share their stories. Amount: $1,500 to 3 winners Eligibility:  You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a higher education program for Fall 2016 and you must have small business experience. Requirements: Write a 500 to 1,000-word essay on how a small business has influenced your life and how you plan to use that experience in the future. Email your essay to scholarships@suretybonds.com by March 31, 2016 and make sure to check our official rules and guidelines before submitting. The SuretyBonds.com Scholarship Committee will look at the submissions and select 10 finalists. From those finalists, three winners will be awarded the scholarships based on the amount of votes they get. Voting is open from May 1 to May 31 and the winners will be notified and announced on June 3. Due Date: March 31, 2o16 Learn more and apply

Cómo se paga y costo de fianza migratoria en EE.UU.

Cà ³mo se paga y costo de fianza migratoria en EE.UU. Si un familiar o amigo es detenido por Inmigracià ³n es posible que el ICE o un juez fijen una fianza y pueda ser liberado mientras espera que se resuelva su caso. La fianza la puede pagar directamente un amigo o familiar del migrante detenido o, si nadie cercano tiene recursos econà ³micos para ello, se puede recurrir a una agencia autorizada. Pago de fianza por amigo o familiar del migrante detenido En estos casos, el amigo o familiar debe encontrase legalmente en Estados Unidos, prefirià ©ndose que sea ciudadano americano o un residente permanente legal. El pago debe hacerse por la totalidad de la cantidad fijada como fianza por el ICE o por el juez de corte migratoria. Se acepta pago en dinero en efectivo o con bonos del Tesoro de los Estados Unidos (bonds, notes). Para hacerse efectivo el pago es necesario cerrar previamente una cita por telà ©fono con la oficina local del ICE (appointment to pay the bond). El dà ­a de la cita acudir al lugar que se ha indicado y a la hora seà ±alada. Es muy importante que solo se presente un familiar o amigo del detenido que tenga estatus legal en Estados Unidos, ya que de encontrase en situacià ³n de indocumentado podrà ­a ser detenido. Adems, debe llevar un I.D. vlido, tipo licencia de manejar del estado en el que reside habitualmente, pasaporte estadounidense, tarjeta de residencia, etc. Asimismo, debe llevar la tarjeta original de su Nà ºmero del Seguro Social. No se admite llevar una copia de la misma. Finalmente, ante un oficial el amigo o familiar del migrante que deposita la fianza debe firmar los documentos I-305 - original del recibo de haber pagado la fianza- y el I-352 -copia del contrato de fianza. Estos documentos deben de guardarse porque ser necesario para recuperar la fianza cuando finalice el proceso en contra del migrante. ​Pago de fianza migratoria a travà ©s de una agencia autorizada En ocasiones es conveniente pagar a travà ©s de una agencia de fianzas migratorias, que se conocen en inglà ©s como bond agents. Por ejemplo, porque los familiares y amigos no tienen estatus legal o porque no tienen todo el dinero que piden de fianza para hacer frente a la misma. En estos casos puede decirse con carcter general que el familiar o amigo que solicita la colaboracià ³n de una agencia autorizada debe pagar entre el 15 y el 20 por ciento del total de la fianza en dinero en efectivo y garantizar el resto con un colateral, como puede ser con una propiedad, con la nà ³mina, el auto, etc. Es muy importante saber cunto se tiene que pagar, cul es el colateral y otras condiciones econà ³micas, como monto de tarifas no recuperables. Tambià ©n conviene tener en cuenta que los bond agents suelen cobrar como comisià ³n por sus servicios entre el 15% y el 20% del total de la fianza. Asimismo, algunos agentes exigen para pagar la fianza que una vez que son liberados los migrantes lleven unos grilletes de monitoreo electrà ³nico con un GPS incorporado para saber en todo momento dà ³nde se encuentra el migrante. Algunos agentes llegan a cobrar a los migrantes $420 por mes en concepto de arrendamiento por el grillete. Por estas razones es conveniente contactar con varias agencias y comparar las condiciones ofertadas por cada una de ellas y tener mucho cuidado con lo que se firma, particularmente si est en inglà ©s y no se entiende el compromiso que se adquiere.  ¿Cul es el monto de la fianza de migracià ³n? El costo de la fianza depende de varios factores, entre ellos: la gravedad de la acusacià ³n contra la persona extranjerasu historial delictivosi tiene familiares en los Estados Unidossu estatus migratorioposibilidades de desaparecer y no presentarse en las audiencias en la Corte de Inmigracià ³n En là ­neas generales hay dos tipos de fianzas migratorias: las fianzas conocidas como departure bonds se fijan a partir de $500, dependiendo del caso.los deliver bonds tienen un monto que puede ir desde los $1.500 hasta los $10.000 o ms. Segà ºn datos de la Executive Office of Immigration Review, en el aà ±o fiscal 2019 el monto medio de las fianzas migratorias es de $8.000. Con los deliver bonds el migrante queda en libertad mientras sigue en trmite su proceso de deportacià ³n. Si falta a alguna cita en corte, pierde el derecho a la libertad y todo el dinero entregado en concepto de fianza. Con los departure bonds el migrante se ha comprometido a abandonar EE.UU. en un plazo determinado y pagando à ©l o ella por los gastos de esta salida. El migrante queda libre despuà ©s de pagar esta fianza para poder arreglar sus asuntos antes de salir del paà ­s. Si no cumple con el plazo establecido, el migrante pierde el dinero de la fianza.  ¿Cunto se demora ICE en regresar el dinero de la fianza? Cuando el proceso que se sigue contra el migrante finaliza o cuando el migrante abandona EE.UU. se puede reclamar al gobierno que regrese el dinero depositado en concepto de deliver bond o departure bond. Segà ºn ICE, estn regresando la fianza en el plazo de un mes a partir de la fecha en la que se reclama su devolucià ³n. Sin embargo, datos publicados por la Universidad de Stanford y la Universidad de California, Davis, muestran que frecuentemente la demora es mucho mayor y que, como consecuencia de ello, ICE tiene bajo su custodia $204 millones en finanzas. Adems, 18.000 personas jams han reclamado la devolucià ³n de la fianza. La complicacià ³n del trmite impide que muchos migrantes puedan hacerlo sin encontrar ayuda legal cualificada. Pago de fianzas migratorias La posibilidad de pagar fianza y su monto lo establece ICE o un juez de Inmigracià ³nEl pago de la fianza para liberar a un migrante de su detencià ³n puede ser realizada por un familiar o amigo con estatus legal o recurrir a los servicios de un agente de fianzas.Si se utilizan los servicios de un agente, comparar condiciones entre varios, particularmente cunto tarde en depositar la fianza, porcentaje de su comisià ³n, tarifa no reembolsable, quà © pide de colateral y si exige que el migrante liberado utilice un grillete electrà ³nico.No es fcil el papeleo para reclamar a ICE que regrese el dinero de la fianza. Es muy comà ºn que se necesite recurrir a los servicios de un abogado o de una persona con conocimientos sobre este tipo de fianzas. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal. Fuentes: Flynn, Meagan, ICE is holding $204 million in bond money, and some immigrants might never get it back The Washington Post. April, 26, 2019.https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/ice-is-holding-204-million-in-bond-money-and-some-immigrants-might-never-get-it-back/2019/04/26/dcaa69a0-5709-11e9-9136-f8e636f1f6df_story.html?utm_term.7a18f948b630