The Sustainability Strategy of Virgin Groups Corporate

Executive summary Concerns about climate change, the pending introduction of an emissions trading scheme and significant changes in demographics and society in general have combined to make sustainability a mainstream issue. â€Å"The goal of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.† (G3.1 Guidelines, 2011, p4) This study report on a survey of the Virgin Groups sustainability report that summarize the Virgin companies’ sustainability strategy, evaluating the sustainability report based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principle, to comment performance indicators and making recommendations, which can improve the sustainability report.†¦show more content†¦2 the need for the business community to appropriately respond to issues relating to sustainable development. (GROUP OF 100, 2008) The comments of performance indicators Performance indicators are disclosures which are used to communicate performance results. The sustainability category organize the indicators that reference: economic, environment and social. The social indicators are classified as labor practices, human rights, product responsibility and society. (GRI, 2011) The value of a company is impacted by the quality of its relationship with the internal and external stakeholders. From the stakeholders’ perspective, the effective sustainability report should provide an avenue to benchmark and assess performance with respect to performance standards and voluntary initiatives. (GROUP OF 100, 2008) According to Virgin Groups Corporate responsibility and sustainable development report 2010, there are some examples of specific indicators of economic, social and environmental performance: Economic EC2 Economic performance | Travel and tourism is the world’s largest industry and a critical component of the global economy, fuelling growth and employment. It represents 10% of global GDP and 8% of employment worldwide. Virgin’s predicted growth reflects the increasing mobility of populations in emerging economies: in 1995 there were 565 million international tourist journeys made and that figure is forecast to grow to over 1.6Show MoreRelatedVirgin Group Case Study5341 Words   |  22 PagesExecutive summary The Virgin Group is one of the UKs largest private companies. 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The Marx s Theory Of Alienation - 1898 Words

Karl Marx is undeniably one of the most influential philosophical thinkers that emerged in the 19th century. His ideas were ignored during his time, however they’ve gained wide recognition in the years after his death and are still widely called upon today during many philosophical, social, and economic debates. Amongst his famous theories is his ideas on the morality of Capitalism as well as Socialism. However, a theory of his that reigns supreme in many different aspects of modern day society as well as the past is his theory of alienation. Marx’s feels that modern means of production under certain conditions could cause the collapse of the worker. They would ultimately loose control of their life as a result of losing control of their work. The four major works analyzed in class all seem to have a revolving major theme of alienation in some aspect that cripples man’s ability to be a productive and effective being in society. Candide by Voltaire, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements by Eric Hoffer, and The Colonizer and the Colonized by Albert Memmi all, in some way, effectively show the coupling theme of man’s alienation from society that reverts him to certain circumstances and in turn creates tension amongst the alienated man and the major portion of society that doesn’t endure alienation. In Candide by Voltaire, Candide suffers alienation through several stages throughout the book. HisShow MoreRelatedMarx s Theory Of Alienation Essay2104 Words   |  9 Pagesabout the background of of Marx s alienation theory, then briefly introduce the dimensions of alienation. The diagreement of Marx’s key theory from Weber’s concept and the agreement of Marx’s concept by discuss Marx’s theory of alienation apply in Chinese sociological development and influence on building a harmonious society.In the 19th century philosophe r Hegel introduced alienation as a philosophical concept . From a philosophical point to define the so-called alienation means that under certainRead MoreMarx s Theory Of Alienation1298 Words   |  6 PagesKarl Marx (1818-1883) who believed that society is proportioned into two: The capitalists, and the workers. The capitalists are the dominant class, they are the elite members of society that come from wealth. The workers are the middle class, they work to survive in society. Although the capitalists are from wealth, the majority of the population is middle class. Because the capitalists have wealth and significant control over the middle class, there is inequality of power in society. Marx had observedRead MoreUnderstanding Marx s Alienation Theory1217 Words   |  5 Pagesunderstand Marx’s alienation theory, one must understand that this concept is broken down into several smaller parts that then create one outcome. Within a capitalistic community, two different socie ties are created in a state; these two societies are property owners and laborers. Capitalistic systems will eventually being to create alienated labor when it separates a worker from their owner’s personal reality. This might not be intentional, but it will happen regardless. Unfortunately alienation within aRead MoreKarl Marx s Theory Of Alienation Essay1686 Words   |  7 PagesSociologist Karl Marx concentrated deeply on economic problems and related these matters to social issues. For example, when Marx examined capitalism in the labour sector he came to the conclusion that it drove workers to feel alienated from the product, themselves and those surrounding them. This essay will firstly give a brief overview of industrial capitalism and discuss Karl Marx’s early life and how he came up with the theory of alienation through his influences and life experiences. SecondlyRead MoreKarl Marx s Theory Of Alienation Essay1553 Words   |  7 PagesKarl Marx’s the ory of alienation states the consequences of living within a capitalist society that is made up of stratified social classes. The working class is alienated because they are deprived of the right to think or direct their own actions without the oppression of the economic entity controlled by the Bourgeoisie. Emile Durkheim’s theory of anomie was developed during a great capitalist growth, the industrialization revolution. The mass population could not keep up with the constant changeRead MoreMarx And Engels s Theory Of Human Alienation Essay1455 Words   |  6 Pagesand Engels believed that the system at work of labor in society created a general alienation of people from consciousness of their â€Å"species being†; consciousness of being human. Within this theory of human alienation, Marx and Engels provide three components from which people are generally estranged from: the objects of labor, from nature, and from the labor itself. Plato, in contrast, believed tha t human alienation lived on the basis of specialization, efficiency, and lack of education. That peopleRead MoreThe Theoretical Relevance Of Marx s Theory Of Alienation859 Words   |  4 Pagestheoretical relevance of Marx’s theory of alienation has been the subject of much contention since the posthumous publication of his Economic and Philosophical manuscripts in (). While the notion of alienation, along with its distinctly Hegelian underpinnings, has frequently been dismissed as a youthful error in comparison with Marx’s supposedly more ‘mature’ work, I argue that it is fundamental to his critique of capitalism. As Sayers (p.xi) notes, â€Å"After his early period, Marx did not often use the termRead MoreKarl Marx And Durkheim s Theory Of Labor Alienation1419 Words   |  6 Pageslabor. Both Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim, under this context of burgeoning market economy, sought to understand modern society and the underlying relations that lead to thei r formation and progress. In this essay, I will argue that while both Marx and Durkheim acknowledge the role of economic growth as a main driver of human society in their theories, they differ on the type of social relations that developed in tandem, relations that formed the basis of the division of labor. Marx (1978, p. 212) viewsRead MoreKarl Marx s Theory Of Human Exploitation And Alienation Under Capitalism Essay1550 Words   |  7 Pagestheir own name. That being said, some, such as Karl Marx, find the capitalist system dehumanizing and see a dire need for its abolition. In this paper, I will present an argument against Karl Marx’s theory of human exploitation and alienation under capitalism. I will begin by discussing Marx’s basic beliefs on human nature. I will then use this foundation to present Marx’s argument against capitalism and how he believes it leads to human alienation. Lastly, I will refute Marx’s argument against capitalismRead M oreThe Between Class And Alienation1655 Words   |  7 PagesWhat are the links between Class and Alienation According to Marx? According to Marx the types of alienation are an inevitable outcome of a class structured society, which is why he foresaw communism as the solution to prevent alienation and its negative effects. A communist society could potentially resolve structural economic related alienation between humans by removing class conflict. However it does not account for alienation as a result of other forms of stratification such as gender and ethnicity

Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Quality of English Language Learners Free Essays

The English language is said to be the global lingua franca that is used by several countries so as to communicate with other countries. That is why we need to be proficient in speaking it. One of the few countries which made English as their official second language is the Philippines. We will write a custom essay sample on Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Quality of English Language Learners or any similar topic only for you Order Now The need for knowing the English language increases because of globalization and our connections, relations and transactions with other countries. Because of this great need, schools from all over the world require the study of the English language. Students even tend to study English outside of their country so as to suffice their need of the language. Nowadays, majority of classroom environments are culturally diverse. In the Philippines, an English language classroom is not limited to only Filipino students but also to other nationalities such as Koreans, Indians, Timorese and the like. This scenario is evident in universities catering other nationalities, such as Angeles University Foundation. Aside from having a bachelor degree in any field of their choice, foreign students also aim to learn the English language. Guided by the university with its teaching personnel, foreign students are given opportunities to enhance their English communication through interactive language learning activities. These activities are applicable not only to foreign students but also Filipino students.Although the university has the capability of providing opportunities to students, there are still other factors that could affect the quality of the English language learning. One of which is the socio-cultural foundation of the students. Socio-cultural factors or external conditions associated with students’ entire environment, in which he or she studies the language, greatly contributes to the quality of language learning. Customs, belief systems, the school environment as well as the people surrounding them are just some of the factors aforementioned.With this in mind, the impact of the external factors to their language learning should be catered by the teacher and other curriculum stakeholders as they build the foundations on the English language learning of the students. They might experience culture shock if there are variations on their socio-cultural foundation with others and this may affect language learning. The students who most likely experience what we call culture shock in the tertiary level are the freshmen.Some of them find it difficult to adjust to their new classroom environment because it might be extremely different from the previous one they had. Some may find it difficult to deal with their other classmates, especially the foreigners, because of the differences in their previous school environment, culture and beliefs. When these differences clash, there are greater chances that it might result in reluctance to communicate, discouragement to participate and collaborate, and it can greatly affect the quality of English language learning. Shedding a light on these socio-cultural factors, the researchers would like to assess the quality of English language learning and its effect on selected first year College of Education students at Angeles University Foundation. Learning these socio-cultural factors could help teachers emphasize on what and where the student’s schema is currently at and that they could build on these knowledge so as to make the experience authentic for the learner of the second language.Another point is that, if the teacher of the language experiences a problem on a culturally diverse classroom, such as that of the classrooms of Angeles University Foundation, they could prepare themselves in finding a remedy to their problem. THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Tharp and Gallimore’s (1988) concerns on Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory is focused on the idea that we should also cater the â€Å"external social factors† that the individual belongs to and not only focus on th e study of the individual.It is in this theory of Lev Vygotsky that the socio-cultural factors were taken great considerations in the process of learning. Not only is the individual’s identity taken into account but also the environment in which the individual gathered his or her experience. In the field of education, Vygotsky (1978) states that the development of a child’s culture is visible twice: first is in the social level then on the individual’s level. In other words, from interpersonal to intrapersonal or in Vygotsky’s terms: from â€Å"interpsychological† (between people) to â€Å"intrapsychological† (within the child). Available at: http://www. unm. edu/~devalenz/handouts/sociocult. html and http://tip. psychology. org/vygotsky. html. Accessed on December 20, 2010) Jean Lave’s theory (1988) on Situated Learning is given further explanations by Brown, Collins Duguid (1989) as they emphasize on the idea that social aspects including â€Å"authentic domain activities† and learning in the informal scenario which is focused on the experiences outside the classroom, contributes greatly to the â€Å"cognitive apprenticeship† of the student. (Available at: http://tip. psychology. org/lave. html.Accessed on December 20, 2010) If the two theories were to be combined, Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory and Lave’s Situated learning theory, the outcome would pertain to socio-cultural factors that could contribute to the quality of English language learning of a student. Figure 1: Lev Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory. Figure 2: Situated Learning Theory by Jean Lave In figure 1, the external social factors of an individual pertain to the Environment (Interpsychological Level) which, if added to the study of the individual or the Identity (Intrapsychological Level), would result to the individual’s experiences.These experiences lead to the individual’s culture that concretizes Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory of Learning. On the other hand, Jean Lave’s Situated learning is depicted in figure 2 wherein the social aspects of an individual, if broken down to it’s components, are made up of the person’s experiences on authentic domain activities, which are offered inside the classroom, and the informal learning scenarios that the person encounters outside the formal learning environment. These experiences, according to Brown, Collins Duguid (1989), cater to the individual’s â€Å"cognitive apprenti ceship†.While the researchers were examining Jean Lave’s Situated learning, Brown, Collins Duguid’s term â€Å"cognitive apprenticeship† came up. In Dennen’s research on Cognitive Apprenticeship, (Available at: http://www. aect. org/edtech/ed1/31. pdf. Accessed on: December 22, 2010) she defined it as: â€Å"The use of an apprentice model to support learning in the cognitive domain†¦with learning that occurs as experts and novices interact socially while focused on completing a task†¦on developing cognitive skills through participating in authentic learning experiences. (Dennen, 2005) Cognitive apprenticeship involves an expert which deals with the cognitive task of learning. If the task is to learn the English language, an expert on the language would most likely help the learner understand the task. In this theory, Dennen also strengthened the idea that the learner needs to be active socially so as to complete a task. With the help of a coach or a mentor, an activity that elicits authentic learning also participates in the development of such cognitive skills. Figure 3: Paradigm of the StudyBased on the cited theories of Vygotsky (Socio-cultural theory), Lave (Situated learning) and, from constructivist approaches to human learning that the researchers encountered during the dissection of Brown, Collins Duguid’s (1989) elaboration of the latter theory, Cognitive Apprenticeship theory. The inputs of the study in figure 3 involves the theories, studies and the participation of the respondents of the study which are the first year CED students. The process involves review and analysis of the aforementioned theories, extraction from related literature nd studies, conduct of survey and interview amongst selected first year CED students and analysis and interpretation of data, and determining the socio-cultural factors that affect the quality of English language learning. Combining all of these processes, we can determine how socio-cultural factors affect the quality of English language learning of first year CED students of AUF. The â€Å"Socio-cultural factors affecting the quality of English language learning of selected first year CED students of AUF† is the researchers’ expected output for this particular topic on language research.STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM This language research study aims to determine the socio-cultural factors that affect the quality of English language learning of first year College of Education students at Angeles University Foundation through a survey to be followed by an interview of selected respondents if ever the survey would elicit questions that could affect the data gathered by the researcher. The interview would pursue for further clarifications on the answers to the survey.The survey would include questions that are to fall on the following topics: 1. The respondent’s view on their learning of the English language (are they enjoying their present status in the learning of the language) 2. Recall on previous experiences prior to learning the language and its impact to their English language learning. 3. Their view of their prior knowledge on the English language and how they could relate it to their first language. 4. The importance of their culture in the accumulation of ideas on their learning of the English language. 5.The respondent’s perspective on having good relationships with their classmates to include these experiences to their English language learning. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY A good research according to Flood et. al. (2005) gives out concepts or ideas that teachers in the academe could ponder on. Its purpose is not to recommend solutions that would directly answer the teacher’s problem on his or her classroom. Rather it aims to make a teacher’s instructional decisions more intelligent and enhanced. Angeles University Foundation caters international students in their curriculum.The diverse number of students are too numerous to count that the environment of the campus is depicted to be a community of people from different countries. The culture that these international students brings to the classroom are said to be rich that if educators and other members of the academe would include them in discussions, meaningful life experiences are promoted like â€Å"genuine internationalism and fostering intercultural learning† (Carroll and Ryan, 2005 p. 75). The study does not limit it’s responses to those who are foreign to the country.Since the language research is all about the quality of English language learning, the Filipino students under the first year CED students are still included as a member of the respondents. This study could be beneficial to the following: Educational Institutions. This study could greatly contribute to the academe if the realization of having the social and cultural aspects of students be brought to the enrichment of classroom discussions, particularly those educational institutions which opens their doors to international students around the globe.Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education (DepEd and CHED). The Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education could formulate educational programs that can help educators make use of these socio-cultural factors as they implement them in the curriculums used in the English Departments of different education institutions. Department Chairs. This study could help enhance and contribute to meaningful or authentic learning activities to be added in the curriculum.Not only will it add to the learning activities language learners could have in their curriculum, the teachers or professors could also in volve students during presentations of their prior experiences when it comes to sharing of one’s culture. English Language Teachers. This study could help educators in their formulation of solutions when it comes to handling English Language Learners, specifically culturally-diverse classrooms. It can help teachers to accommodate these socio-cultural factors and cater to the students’ eeds. Involving the students in the discussion is a big help to the development of an individual’s social aspect since it would draw out their own experiences for the fulfillment of a cognitive task prepared by the English language teacher. English Language Learners. Students could find this study significant to them when it comes to the experiences that the respondents could share. Finding themselves caught up in the dilemma of contributing their culture and experience to the class would no longer be an issue. They could find in this thesis that theorists such as Vygotsky and Lave advocates their participation in the classroom since their experiences are lessons other students could relate to. Not only that, the impact that culture and experiences has in classroom discussions are elevated at some point since it focuses directly on the English language learner’s personal contribution to the class. Future Researchers. This study could be a source for future studies on other socio-cultural aspects or factors that future researchers would like to discover.It also could open the doors into solving the different problems in the topic of English Language Learning. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION This study is focused on the socio-cultural factors affecting the quality of English Language Learning amongst selected first year CED students of Angeles University Foundation. There are different socio-cultural factors that could affect the English Language Learning and these are identified through analys is of different theories of learning, review of related literature and studies on socio-cultural factors affecting language learning, and conducting of survey and interviews. Through identifying these factors, the researchers could come up with recommendations in solving the problems of curriculum stakeholders, particularly the teachers and students. The subjects of the study are the first year CED students. They are the researchers’ chosen subjects particularly because they are most likely to be still adjusting to the new school environment, specifically the foreign students. Having a different background when it comes to their culture, irst year foreign students, especially those who are fresh from their motherland, would have a hard time learning the language (unless the learner had had formal schooling in a country in which the English language is given a bright spot in its curriculum). The Filipino students, on the other hand, since it is their first time in college, may also be having a hard time adapting to the new environment and interacting with their colleagues. The researchers agreed upon having the first year section B CED students as t heir respondents due to the reason that the population of this section is larger when it comes to foreign (e. Koreans) and also Filipino students. This is confirmed by the College’s Assistant Dean, Dr. Alita G. Agapay, in response to a correspondence electronic mail sent to her by the researchers. On the other hand, the method to be used in this study is the qualitative method of research. Flood (2005) identified, in his book Methods of Research on Teaching the English Language Arts, qualitative method as exploratory in nature as it anticipates discovery on possible important aspects that may not have been noted yet.The researchers aim to explore on the meaning of language learning to its participants. The participants’ points of view, thoughts and feelings, and why they think, feel or behave are noted. This method’s focus is on â€Å"small numbers of participants and thorough understanding of small, complete units of social interaction† (p. 7) which are later on analyzed, interpreted and categorized for classification of data. This study is conducted at Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Pampanga.Starting from December 2010 till March 2010, the study is to be conducted, wherein the researchers are given ample of time to undergo the different phases of their paradigm of the study. (Refer to figure 3. page 8). The study would not tackle the following topics: 1. The other factors (e. g. physical, psychological, etc. factors) that affects their language learning. 2. The specifics under the umbrella term culture such as food and clothing since it does not have any bearing on the respondent’s language learning. 3. The respondents are limited to the students of first year section b of the College of Education. DEFINITION OF TERMS The following terms are defined by the following cited resources so as to have a better and guided understanding of the language research on the socio-cultural factors affecting the quality of English language learning: Authentic Domain Activities. These are language activities that are integrated to actual communication and eventually lead to specific outputs. Language activities involve the four (4) macro skills namely listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Finocchiaro, 1958) (p. 150) Cognitive Apprenticeship. As defined by Dennen (2005), it is the utilization of an apprentice model in supporting the learning of a cognitive task. With this study, the task for the respondents is the process of learning and developing their English language. Culture. Merriam-Webster dictionary defined Culture as the â€Å"way of life, breeding†. According to Flood, et. al. (2005) culture is made up of â€Å"principles that members use to guide their actions with each other† (p. 157). It is not fixed and is to be modified, expanded and revised across one’s interaction in duration of time and events. In this study, the term culture is used by the researcher as a contributing factor to a student’s learning process of a secondary language; English. Culture shock. Caroll and Ryan (2005) described culture shock as diversity in all aspects of differences and similarities along a given dimension of learning and contribute difficulties to the individual learning styles and background experiences of the students in the classroom. (p. 45)English language learning (ELL). English language learning is a sum total of the process in which students undertake to learn the content and contexts of the English language. Intercultural learning. According to Caroll and Ryan (2005), intercultural learning relates to the discovery and transcendence of difference of cultures through authentic experiences and social interaction. It involves real tasks, emotional and intellectual participation, and participation in social experiences that stimulate learning in the self and action domains. (p. 75)Meta-cultural Awareness. According to Louie (as cited in Caroll and Ryan, 2005) meta-cultural awareness aims to help students appreciate the home and the host culture through the development of skills and strategies. (p. 24) Multiculturalism. In Martin’s theory of Multiculturalism (Available at: http://www. start-at-zero. com/papers/multiculturalism/theories. htm#kallen. Accessed on December 23, 2010), he pointed out that there are many faces of the educational process that contributes to one’s understanding. One of which is the culture of the individual. Schema. Schema is better known as background or prior knowledge and/or experience. An individual’s knowledge and experience do not remain stagnant in his/her mind. They are constantly used in organizing new experiences and knowledge. It can be increase, nurtured and changed. (p. 6) (Galang, et al, 2007) Second language acquisition (SLA). Having a strong foundation on the individual’s first language (Filipino, English, Korean, etc. ) the next stage is the learning of a second language (Available at: http://www. asha. org/public/speech/development/second. tm. Accessed on: December 23, 2010). In this study, the researchers made use of English as the second language being learned by the selected respondents. Socio-cultural Constructivism. Vygotsky defined it as knowledge being developed between interactions of both Piaget’ view that knowledge is built by the individual and the social constructivist’s view that knowledge is embedded in the social aspects of the individual: e. g. society. (Available at: http://www. aiias. edu/ict/vol_23/23cc_085-101. htm. Accessed on: December 23, 2010)CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES In this chapter, related literatures and studies are reviewed by the researchers to further deepen the significance of their study on the socio-cultural factors affecting the quality of English language learning among First year College of Education students at Angeles University Foundation. These resources are presented so as to supply the readers the sufficient information about the problem being analyzed. RELATED LITERATURE RELATED STUDIES CHAPTER 3 METHOD AND PROCEDURESThis chapter deals with the study’s methodology, procedure, sources of data, instruments and the description of respondents employed in gathering, analyzing and interpreting data. RESEARCH DESIGN Research Method The researchers applied the qualitative method of research, to determine the socio-cultural factors that affect the respondents’ quality of English language learning. According to Flood et. al (2005) in the book Methods of Research on Teaching the English Language Arts, qualitative methods investigates on the language learning that takes place in the learning environment. Qualitative methods, by definition, feature qualitative data – the researcher’s description of what participants do or say about themselves and their activities in an educational setting. †(p. 7) The qualitative method that Flood et. al. mentioned has its similarities to descriptive method. The context of the method only changes its name since the study is done under researches in the language arts. It is also mentioned that qualitative method focuses on small numbers of participants. The researchers then analyze, interpret and categorize for the classification of data.This process involves the dissemination of a survey questionnaire to the respondents and if further questions about the survey are needed to suffice the information that the researchers would need, an interview would follow the survey, The following survey questions’ topics would fall on the numbered items: 1. The respondent’s view on their learning of the English language (are they enjoying their present status in the learning of the language) 2. Recall on previous experiences prior to learning the language and its impact to their English language learning. 3.Their view of their prior knowledge on the English language and how they could relate it to their first language. 4. The importance of their culture in the accumulation of ideas on their learning of the English language. 5. The respondent’s perspective on having good relationships with their classmates to include these experiences to their English language learning. Research Locale This research is to be conducted at Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Pampanga particularly in the College of Education. Research Respondents The respondents of the study are selected first year section B students who are currently enrolled during S.Y 2010 – 2011 at the College of Education of Angeles University Foundation. Research Instruments The researchers’ instrument to be used in the process of the study is the interview tool. It is in this instrument that the researchers would include questions that are focusing on the respondent’s perspective on the importance of their social and cultural backgrounds in the determination of their English language learning. The specific questions are to be confirmed by the group’s research adviser and other experts in the field of English to determine the whether or not the questionnaire needs to be eveloped further. Revisions and finalization of the questionnaire needs to be affirmed first by the mentioned people, so as to refine the reliability and validity of the study, before the questionnaire is administered to the chosen respondents. Interview with the respondents will be managed by the researchers for further clarifications with their answers to the survey about the socio-cultural factors affecting the quality of English language learning amongst the respondents, which are the first year section b students of the College of Education.Statistical Tool and Analysis of Data The data gathered in the duration of the study will be hand scored. The data gathered will be analyzed, interpreted, calculated, and classified according to categories that would fit the data. Like descriptive method, qualitative method would also use descriptive statistics that will be used to analyze that data obtained. The researchers would seek the help of experts in the field of statistics to aid them throughout the calculation and classification of tabulated data. ____________________________________(wait for Gem caban to clarify the descriptive statistical tool to use in the study. ) RESEARCH PROCEDURE In line with the procedure of the study, the researchers would ask permission from the Dean of the College of Education as well as the Assistant Dean of the said college, with the endorsement of the group’s language research adviser, so as to administer survey and interview to the selected first year section B of the College of Education. Administration of the survey will push through with the free time of the respondents.If unavailability of the schedule is seen, the researchers would heed the permission of a teacher that could give a schedule wherein the respondents are vacant in his or her subject. A Likert-type scale is used to classify the respondents’ answers on the topics (s ee STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM for the topics). Finally, the results of the survey will be tabulated and categorized according to the socio-cultural foundations in which the respondents find to have an effect in the process of their English language learning. ———————– External social factors of an individualIndividual’s culture Experiences Environment/Social (Interpsychological Level) Identity/Individual (Intrapsychological Level) Cognitive Apprenticeship Socio-cultural Theory Situated Learning Theory Study of the individual Social Aspects Informal learning scenario (experiences outside the classroom) Authentic domain activities Determine how socio-cultural factors affect the quality of English language learning of first year CED students of AUF Extraction from related literature and studies the socio-cultural factors affecting the English language learningSocio-cultural factors affecting the quality of English language learning of selected first year CED students of AUF Determine the socio-cultural factors from the theories of learning Conduct of survey and interviewing of selected first year CED students English Language Learners: First year CED students Theories of Learnin g Review and analysis of the theories of learning Analysis and Interpretation of Results from the survey and interviews INPUT Literature and studies regarding factors affecting English language learning PROCESS OUTPUT How to cite Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Quality of English Language Learners, Essays

Logistics and Operations Management Logic Map for Outsourcing

Question: Describe about the Logic map for outsourcing, Factors influencing decision of outsourcing and Evaluation of risk associated with process of decision making? Answer: Introduction: As the business organizations are becoming more conscious about cost and quality of their activities, organizations working in any sector are giving importance to outsource some of their operational activities. As stated by Aas, Buvik and Cakic, (2008) involving external partners to execute non-core activities of the organization not only enhances profitability but implementation of such strategies also enable organizations to improve quality of the tasks. It is evident that outsourcing some activities reduces pressure on organizations. As an impact, management of such organizations can focus on their core activities more effectively due to implementation of outsourcing strategies. The current assignment deals with analysis on the outsourcing strategies of BP. BP, being one of the largest organizations in petroleum industry of UK, requires conducting complex upstream and downstream activities (Bp.com, 2015). However management of the organization is giving importance on out sourcing some of the operational activities so that cost of running the organization reduces (Bp.com, 2015). The report contains analysis on the factors which influence decisions regarding out sourcing strategies. The report also includes some recommendations regarding out sourcing activities of BP. Logic map for outsourcing: Although the organizations are giving importance on involving external organizations with operational activities, the strategies are influenced by several factors. Analysis on the strategy development process at BP indicates that management of the organization analyses contribution of any activities on operational performance (Bp.com, 2015). However Adams and Youdal, (2007) stated that implementation of outsourcing strategies also impact on future profitability of the organization. As stated by Capasso, Cusmano and Morrison, (2013) analyzing strategic importance of outsourcing activities also require being analyzed prior to implementation of such strategies. The operational activities of BP can be categorized as upstream and downstream activities. Upstream activities of the organization include natural gas and oil exploration and development of field. However the upstream sector of BP is also responsible for production of oil and gas. Some mid stream activities such as processing of crude oil and gas as well as storing the gas is also executed by upstream sector of the organization. Downstream activities of BP mainly include manufacturing and marketing different products from crude oil and gas. Strategic alliance Exploration of oil and gas reservoir Development of fields Retention of activities Production activities Manufacturingactivities processing of crude gas and oil distribution of oil and gastoclients Elimination of activities NA Out sourcing activities Marketing Influence of upstream and downstream activities on operational performance of BP: Figure 1: Logic Map for out sourcing As BP is a part of international oil and gas industry, operational activities of the organization are highly complex. Apart from this, presence of hazardous material also increases difficulties for operational activities. Upstream activities such as exploration of oil and gas fields are effective to renewal of the resource bases possessed by BP management. As the management is giving importance on increasing the number of clients in international market, the organization also require increasing their resource bases to meet increased demand of clients. Analysis on the activities related with exploration of crude oil and gas reservoirs indicates that execution of such activities not only enables the organization to serve their clients efficiently, but execution of such activities is also effective for supplying products uninterruptedly to customers. Currently the management of BP executes all tasks related with exploration of natural oil and gas by their own staffs. However the organization can involve external organization for conducting the tasks related with oil and gas exploration. It is evident that operational activities of BP are highly dependent on availability of resources. Management of the organization can form strategic alliances with other organizations in order to execute the tasks related with exploration of oil and gas reservoirs. Apart from this, the activities related with preparation of oil and gas fields can also be done by other organizations. Upstream sector of the organization is also responsible for production of refined oil and gas. Quality of the final products depends on the activities related with production. It indicates that the efficiency of production activities influences quality of final products. As performance of business is highly influenced by production activities, involving external organizations with these activities may not be effective for present and future profitability of the organization. Employees working in the organizations of oil and gas industry require handling with highly hazardous material. The organization requires implementing highly advanced infrastructure for transporting oil and gas. However management of BP also gives importance on ensuring that none of the organizational activities is impacting on the environment. Outsourcing such activities may lead to degradation of quality of such activities. As the management of BP gives importance on retention of clients, marketing activities are important for informing customers about products and services offered by the organization. Out sourcing these activities to external organizations will not only be effective to reduce costs, but the tasks can be conducted more efficiently due to implementation of outsourcing strategies. Factors influencing decision of outsourcing: Although the management of BP gives importance on outsourcing some of the activities, the management also ensures that quality of the products and services is not affected due to implementation of outsourcing strategies. Choobineh, Mohebbi and Salim, (2013) opined as managements of different organizations are giving importance on reducing time required for completing a task, the tendency of using out sourcing strategies is increasing. As stated by Grler et al., (2013) reliability of the out sourcing service vendors requires being analyzed before implementing strategies. The analysis indicates that the organizations give importance on quality, cost and time required for completion of tasks prior to implementation of outsourcing strategies. However the managements also give importance on assessing reputation and trustworthiness of the out sourcing vendors before involving any external organization on its own activities. Quality: Quality of the products and services offered to staffs is considered as the most important factors while developing out sourcing strategies. As stated by Kutlu, (2012) maintaining quality of products and services lead to reduction of customer complaints. Management of an organization requires giving importance on reducing the number of errors while executing operational activities in order to improve quality of products and services. It is evident that the organizations which are going to implement outsourcing strategies require ensuring that the outsourcing vendor is able to complete the tasks without affecting quality. In case of BP also, the management gives importance on maintaining quality of products and services which are offered to clients. Involving other organizations with the production, processing and distribution may impact negatively on quality of the final product. The management needs to utilize its own resources and infrastructure efficiently to execute thes e tasks. However making strategic alliances with other partners will enable BP management to find new sources of natural gas and oil more effectively. As marketing activities are important for informing customers about the products and services, involving any external organization in these activities will be effective to increase quality of the tasks. Speed: Analysis on the trends of outsourcing industry indicates that the organizations become able to reduce time required for executing a task due to implementation of outsourcing strategies. As stated by Lacity and Willcocks, (2014) reduction of time to complete tasks for responding to the customers within less time. Providing services to customers within less time increases their satisfaction level. However reducing the time of service delivery also enables organizations to increase the price of offered product and services. Managements of most of the organizations tend to outsource some of their noncore activities as it enables them to finish these tasks within short time. Executing the tasks related with finding new resources can be out sourced as it will reduce complexity of operational activities of BP. In case of marketing also, implementation of outsourcing strategies will also enable the organization to reduce time and complexity of operational activities (Whitfield, 2014). Cost : Implementation of outsourcing strategies is not only effective for reducing time and complexity for conducting operational activities , development of such strategies will also lead to reduction of costs (Whitfield, 2012). If BP management makes strategic alliances with other organizations, the management will be able to expertise and infrastructure of its partners. It will enable the management to improve quality of the tasks without investing large capital. Outsourcing of marketing activities will also be effective to avoid increase in costs caused by advertisements and other promotional activities. Reliability of service vendors: Although the BP management gives importance on involving other organizations to different operational activities, it is important to analyze whether the partners are able to maintain quality of the tasks. However the tasks which impact directly on quality of final products require are not outsourced in order to avoid any degradation in quality (Sharma and Sharma, 2012). Flexibility: As availability of the technologies is increasing, organizations which are doing business in oil and gas industry require changing their operational activities regularly (Muhindo, Zhou and Kapute Mzuza, 2014). Apart from this, the management of BP also gives importance on implementing innovation in their operational activities to enhance efficiency of the activities. The BP management can implement innovation in the activities related with production, processing and distribution for developing better products. However, depending on other organizations for execution of such activities may restrict BP from implementing innovation in these activities. Evaluation of risks associated with process of decision making: Although implementation of the decisions regarding outsourcing leads to more efficient operational activities, effectiveness of these strategies may be reduced due to presence of several risks. Often the benefits caused due to development of outsourcing strategies are over focused (Schmitt and Van Biesebroeck, 2013). As an impact dependency of management on external organizations will increase. Extensive focus on outsourcing strategies may lead to loss of knowledge. However extensive focus on implementation of outsourcing strategies may also impact on quality of products and services. Ineffective selection of outsourcing strategies may degrade performance of the organization. Oshri, (2011) opined that effectiveness of outsourcing strategies depend on capabilities of the outsourcing service vendors. It indicates that the management requires selecting the external service provider efficiently so that any degradation of organizational performance can be avoided. Often the service providers try to create good impression at the initial stages of contract (Raman and Ahmad, 2013). Later quality of the out sourced services may be degraded. It indicates that the management requires analyzing reliability of the service providers before making contracts. Recommendations: Development of decision making framework: Plunkett, (2013) stated that lack of proper framework often reduces effectiveness of the out sourcing strategies. Lack of proper framework not only restricts the organization to evaluate benefits of outsourcing properly, but it also leads to ineffective selection of out sourcing service providers. The BP management should develop proper methodology for developing outsourcing decisions. The management should give importance on analyzing strategic impacts of outsourcing strategies before implementation of such techniques. However the management also can give importance on out sourcing noncore activities only so that the risks generated due to loss of quality reduces. Conclusion: Analysis made in the assignment indicates that the organizations are giving importance on involving external partners for execution of operational activities. However the process of strategy development is influenced by several factors. BP is a part of international oil and gas industry. As an impact operational activities of the organization are highly complex. The analysis also indicates that presence of hazardous material enhances difficulties for operational activities. As management of the organization is giving importance on increasing number of clients in international oil and gas market, the management also needs to increase their resource bases for meeting increased demand of clients. The discussion made in this assignment also indicates that the organizations are giving focus on quality, cost and time for implementation of outsourcing strategies. However the management of B also give importance on assessment of reputation and trustworthiness of the service vendors prior to involve any external organization on its own activities. Recommendation made in this assignment also indicates that BP management should develop proper methodology for developing outsourcing decisions. References Aas, B., Buvik, A. and Cakic, D. (2008). Outsourcing of logistics activities in a complex supply chain: a case study from the Norwegian oil and gas industry. International Journal of Procurement Management, 1(3), p.280. Aas, B., Buvik, A. and Cakic, D. (2008). Outsourcing of logistics activities in a complex supply chain: a case study from the Norwegian oil and gas industry. International Journal of Procurement Management, 1(3), p.280. Adams, G. and Youdal, S. (2007). The Evolution of Outsourcing and Insourcing in Oil and Gas Accounting. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 59(12), pp.32-35. Bp.com, (2015). Key issues | Sustainability | BP Global. [online] Available at: https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/sustainability/bp-and-sustainability/our-key-issues.html [Accessed 23 Jun. 2015]. Bp.com, (2015). Our values | About BP | BP Global. [online] Available at: https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/about-bp/company-information/our-values.html [Accessed 23 Jun. 2015]. Bp.com, (2015). Upstream | About BP | BP Global. [online] Available at: https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/about-bp/company-information/group-organization/upstream.html [Accessed 23 Jun. 2015]. Capasso, M., Cusmano, L. and Morrison, A. (2013). The Determinants of Outsourcing and Offshoring Strategies in Industrial Districts: Evidence from Italy. Regional Studies, 47(4), pp.465-479. Choobineh, F., Mohebbi, E. and Salim, B. (2013). A multiple-factor decision analysis framework for manufacturing outsourcing. International Journal of Data Analysis Techniques and Strategies, 5(3), p.270. Grler, A., Timenes Laugen, B., Arkader, R. and Fleury, A. (2013). Differences in outsourcing strategies between firms in emerging and in developed markets. Int Jrnl of Op Prod Mnagemnt, 33(3), pp.296-321. Lacity, M. and Willcocks, L. (2014). Business process outsourcing and dynamic innovation. Strat Outs, 7(1), pp.66-92. Muhindo, A., Zhou, J. and Kapute Mzuza, M. (2014). Impact of Logistics Outsourcing Strategy in Oil and Gas Industry in Uganda. IJBM, 9(6). Muhindo, A., Zhou, J. and Kapute Mzuza, M. (2014). Impact of Logistics Outsourcing Strategy in Oil and Gas Industry in Uganda. IJBM, 9(6). Oshri, I. (2011). Offshoring strategies. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. Plunkett, J. (2013). Plunkett's Outsourcing Offshoring Industry Almanac 2014. Plunkett Research, Ltd. Raman, R. and Ahmad, A. (2013). Do outsourcing and non-outsourcing New Zealand SMEs perform and perceive international outsourcing differently?. International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 5(4), p.273. Rolstadas, A., Henriksen, B. and O'Sullivan, D. (2012). Manufacturing outsourcing. London: Springer. Schmitt, A. and Van Biesebroeck, J. (2013). Proximity strategies in outsourcing relations: The role of geographical, cultural and relational proximity in the European automotive industry. J Int Bus Stud, 44(5), pp.475-503. Sharma, V. and Sharma, V. (2012). Web-based and traditional outsourcing. CRC Press. Whitfield, M. (2012). Strategies: Outsourcing by energy equipment manufacturers. Nat. Gas Elec., 29(3), pp.22-26. Whitfield, M. (2014). Strategies: Energy IT and Business Process Outsourcing-Key Concepts and Trends. Nat. Gas Elec., 31(3), pp.24-27.