Capstone Essay Example for Free

Capstone Essay

HR Employee Development & Workplace Learning Essay Example for Free

HR Employee Development Workplace Learning Essay Human resource development and knowledge is extremely essential for the success of an organization because HRD reflects upon the objectives and goals of the business which can be achieved through proper human resource planning and management activities and also through implementing the most effective human resource learning theories such as behaviorism theory and situated theory of learning which enhances the skills and talents of the employees to a great extent. (Allan, C. Greg J. Bamber, Nils Timo.. , 2006). It is extremely important for all organizations and managers to acknowledge the fact that the highly competitive business environment of today’s world mainly focuses upon the efficient use of human resources through learning and training them so that they can produce the maximum in a given time rate. Therefore, managers should clearly understand that they need to concentrate all their efforts into obtaining the best from their human resources. Butteriss,M. , 1998). Human resource development and management has always been a topic of discussion. Companies over many decades have tried to understand the complexities of human resource management and many researchers, analyst and great managers have come up with various theories and ideas to deal with this issue. (John B. P, 2009). To go forward with the discussion of HR development, we should first of all clearly understand what appropriate human resources are. Appropriate human resources refer to the individuals within the organization who make a valuable contribution to management system goal attainment. Research into this matter has proven that production in all businesses is accomplished by effective human resource interaction and combination of human resource management and theories. (Sheehan, C. , Peter Holland, Helen De Cieri. , 2006). Research has proven that if employee management and performance management (appraisal) works side by side then no problem can stop the organization from going towards success. For example, if through employee training and learning and training theories, the performance and output of the worker is evaluated then that knowledge regarding the workers performance can help the organization in giving bonuses and rewards to the worker for his dedication, motivation and hard work. (Bray, M. and Peter Waring. , 2006). For instance, a worker’s performance is checked through the performance appraisal system and it proves that the worker is very efficient and hardworking, then that worker can be awarded rewards and bonus for his efficiency and effectiveness. Peetz, D. , 2005) Extensive research into this matter has also proven that if organizations only focus on building and training their employees and do not focus on any program of performance check or management then these organizations will not be able to achieve effective results in the long run. This is because employees need to be constantly checked in order to find out whether they are working with dedi cation and motivation or whether their skills have become outdated or not. Leaving employees totally on their own can lead to disastrous effects. Performance management has become extremely popular in the recent years because its worth and value has been recognized by most organizations nowadays. Human resource managers now clearly understand that without appraising the performance of their workforce they can never find out how productive and effective their workforce is. Moreover, performance appraisal also allows the organization to give bonuses to their employees for good performance and to motivate them more for the future. Research shows that due to performance appraisals nowadays employees are dealt with strictly when they come late to work on a regular basis. Therefore, performance appraisal immediately makes the employees more efficient and effective and ends any kind of laid back behavior that they already had towards their work. (Mamman, A. and Christopher J Rees. , 2005) HR Management and development comprises of not only employee training but it consists of a broader aspect of employee development, learning and education. Through research, it has been found that the employees who have obtained extensive training, learning and development education are the most efficient and effective ones to work in today’s highly competitive business environment HR management basically tries to build the skills and work tasks of the employees so that they can give maximum success and productivity to the organization for which they work. (Ghai, D. ; Hewitt, C. , 1994) Research proves that the accuracy and fairness of the performance appraisal of employees keeps changing every now and then because the role of HR management itself is continuously changing all over the world due to a multiple reasons. (Hicks, N. L. ,1993) Furthermore, the recent crisis the world is facing namely, the War on Terror, has greatly affected the financial condition of the economy of the world due to which oil prices have increased, unemployment has increased, corruption has risen, privatization and consumerism has taken place and all these policies have had a very strong impact upon HRD as it changes to reduce employee stress. Freeman, C. ; Soete, L. , 1993). There are many theories given by a lot of renowned scholars on various issues of HR Management. Two of them are Behaviorism Theory and the other is the Situated Theory. These two theories play a major role in enhancing a trainer’s understanding of the learning process. The Theory of behaviourism is useful for the development of competencies and also for exhibiting technical skills. This is a learning theory and is most advantageous when a change in behavior of a worker is desired. This theory is really helpful for all the major organizations in the world as it plays an important role in judging the attitudes of the employees. Behaviourism is actually a model of training for employees. The systematic training designs, training objectives, computer or electronically device based learning, and also competencies are all a major part of behaviorist learning theory. There are few assumptions related to this learning theory which are to be given importance in order to implement it in an organization.

Story Titled The Accident

Story Titled The Accident When we about to sit in a car, we usually take safety for granted. Many people dont even realize the dangers when driving from one place to another. Driving has become routine. People cant predict the dangers they face when driving, or even the tragic and disastrous moment when something goes wrong. I get asked this question quiet often, Why I am so scared to drive a car? August 6th 2007 is the date that I will never forget; that day changed my life. My perception, my thinking and social life was affected. It was the day when Ali got his license. It was 3:00 A.M in the morning, the air was misty, freezing and dark, and the streets lights were barely on. The streets were deserted and empty as if no one existed. It felt as if we were the only people in this city. There was a feeling of freedom but then something evil began to take its place, we decided to race. Even though the road was bumpy and uneven, the race seemed like a brilliant idea. Speeding up to 110mph we did not care about anything except going faster. It was fun and as far as I can recall, I was really enjoying it. Until the moment I turned my head to the right and saw Ali pointing with a smile, better keep up boy he said, this picture kept playing in my head constantly; at that very instant I felt the something wrong was about to happen. With fear I reduced my speed; just before I began slowing down, I heard a bang Alis car had flipped over, and the screech of grinding metal filled the empty streets. I used all my force to stop the car and get out. As the front wheel spun freely and oil was dripping to the ground, shards of the glass and other debris littered the crash scene like a pià ±ata spilled candy after being struck. My heart was beating rapidly, and my mind felt as if it was frozen. I rushed towards the car and saw Ali struggling with pain as cold as death itself screaming for help; his face was covered with blood and his hand was stuck behind his back. He was jammed in a very awkward position. I tried to help, and kept trying until I realized my help was not sufficient I needed more hands. Thinking of whom to call, I knew the best thing at that time was to try to keep him calm. I quickly dialed Alis residence. I called five times and every time the answering machine went on. Frustrating and panic filled my head. I then dialed the police. Thankfully, they were there in five minutes, but those five minutes felt like years. Watching Ali struggle with pain was disturbing; I felt helpless and des perately wanted this situation to end. Ali was finally dragged out of the car and was rushed to the Hospital; his condition was bad because too much blood had been lost. I finally got through to Alis parents. After an hour inside the emergency room the doctors were finally out, and what I was about to hear was something that changed my life. His spinal chord had broken. The doctors believed that he might not be able to walk. This was a very sad moment; his mother was crying hysterically, I still remember her saying no, no, no this cant be. Mr. Khan was constantly trying to comfort her, and she looked at me and shook her head with disappointment. At that very moment I felt that it was all because of me. I felt that I was not mature enough or responsible enough. I felt I had betrayed his parents; his mother always used to tell me to look after Ali. She thought I was the responsible one; it was hard to stand even a second there of her stare. Ali was not the same; we never hung out the way we used to. He was quiet and lost in his thoughts, and whenever I went to his house, he would tell his mother that he didnt want to meet me. He used to sit at home crying with disappointment when his attempt to walk failed. Every time I looked at him the picture of the crash kept playing in my head and his struggle to walk and his depression made me feel guilty every time I saw him. Eventually a gap started developing, and soon Alis isolation made him feel that I was the sole reason for this accident. The rare calls from Ali had stopped; months had passed and one day I found out Ali had moved to Dubai. I used to wonder if I am or ever will be same the person I used to be. He made a difference in my life by always being there for me and caring about me. I used to be a happy and optimistic person. My closest friend Ali made a major impact on my life; it was a major shock; that guy used to be my best friend; we hung out together; we were partners and did almost everything together. This accident that was an act of immaturity, caused an event because of which I not only lost a friend, but a great person who was also a good athlete lose his legs. The worst part is that he still feels its all because of me. His suspetition made a big impact on my life; I used to doubt myself and my ability to make friends. I got so afraid that sometimes I didnt even feel like tracing and locating him because I feel that even if I try to clarify myself it wont make a big difference; I stayed quiet most of the time and getting along with people wasnt my thing, I think it was all because I was conscious and I feared that I might end up hurting someone else. Through all of these thoughts and feelings, an annoying voice in the back of my head kept making feel that something could be wrong, that something or somewhere I must have gone wrong. Now four years have passed and I have no Idea of what Ali is up to, I never called nor I ever received a call from him, but now my views have changed. The car accident is and will always be a major moment in my life, it made me realize that God has a plan for every one and there is a hidden message behind everything. I had a great friend and probably best times in my life. Our life changes every second, this accident made me realize to value every single moment has as if it was my last, because its really difficult to predict when it all will be over.

PETA Campaign Analysis Essay -- Animal Rights

PETA, an animal rights organization, constantly receives national attention and a certain shock value using powerful and distinct images to expose their messages of animal suffering. Starting in 1980, many of their campaigns have attempted to use powerful visuals with the use of celebrities to address the issue of animal cruelty and to persuade people to convert to an animal friendly lifestyle. Their campaign, I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur, is PETA’s most recognized yet controversial anti-fur campaign. This campaign is an individual behavior change campaign that tries to change and promote behaviors that lead to improved individual or social well-being. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur campaign’s ability to convey effective messages on animal rights to the public using powerful visuals and celebrity icons. Two theories that can be used to successfully analyze this campaign are the theory of planned behavior and the social cognitive theory. Literature Review There was a combination of different literature found that easily pertains to the issue addressed in this paper. This broadly classified literature includes the history and background of PETA’s organization, an analysis of the use of celebrity icons in the anti-fur campaign and the different perspectives and criticism depicted in their messages. Historical resources A large amount of information relating to animal rights disseminates from the many websites PETA is associated with. These websites are a key factor to attract supporters and publish information that will help advance its activism. These two PETA websites that were very useful for researching this paper are www.peta.org and www.furisdead.com. These websites ... ...social controversy over fur. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 80(3), 249-276. Pace, L. (2005). Image events and PETA’s Anti-fur campaign. Women & Language, 28(2), 33-41. Ruben, R. (2006). Speak softly or carry a big stick? Comparing the approaches of the Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Communication, Culture and Technology (GT-ETD), DOI: http://hdl.handle.net/1961/3731 Simonson, P. (2001). Social noise and segmented rhythms: News, entertainment, and celebrity in the crusade for animal rights. The Communication Review, 4, 399- 420. Specter, M. (April 14, 2003). The extremist: The woman behind the most successful radical group in America. The New Yorker, 14, 52-67. Vogelaar, A. (2007). The rhetoric of graphic display: PETA’s virtual reproduction of pain. Conference Papers - National Communication Association, 1-29.

The Slums Of West County :: essays papers

The Slums Of West County It was our first day of freedom. On April 10, 1998, my best friend Laren and I were anxiously ready to move out on our own. We had been planning this for months, while sitting at Denny's for a few hours at a time. We were trying to figure out how much we would each pay in rent, bills, and food. Where we might live and what kind of rules we might have to keep us from killing each other (as roommates are prone to do) were other issues we resolved. So, now the two sheltered West County girls were going to have a taste of life on their own†¦ but not too far away from Mom and Dad, just in case something went awry. The big, beautiful homes we lived in no longer felt big enough for us, or rather, maybe they felt too big for us. We had picked an apartment complex that was only about five or ten minutes away from our parents and our jobs. Now we had the task of moving 20 years of accumulated boxes to an empty, different room. A room that was half the size of our own bedrooms we lived in now. We had been spoiled little girls and we were just starting to realize it. Two bedrooms and two baths seemed like it would eliminate many problems that roommates often have over sharing a bathroom or bedroom. We had a small kitchen, a decent sized family room with a cable hookup, and a living room connecting the other two. Upon seeing the model apartment the management had decorated, we thought our place would be well worth the money. Neither of us thought we could make such a heinous mistake. After all, we were still located in West County†¦ or were we? At 7:30 on that moving day morning, I felt anxious to get started. My stomach was screaming complaints at me for being so inconsiderate as to only feed it a breakfast of coffee and nicotine. I knew I had three hours until my friends would be here with the U-Haul, but my nerves were jumping already. I put down my coffee mug in the sink, made a sprint for the stairs, and ended up in my bedroom doorway to find my stepfather already unscrewing the bed frame.

Climate Change Denial and the Media Essay -- Global Warming Cover-Up, 2

"The pace of global warming is accelerating and the scale of the impact is devastating. The time for action is limited - we are approaching a tipping point beyond which the opportunity to reverse the damage of CO2 emissions will disappear." -- Eliot Spitzer "Global warming isn't a prediction. It is happening." -- James Hansen Climate change, specifically in reference to C02 Emissions released by human use of fossil fuels and their consequential effects on the environment, is perhaps one of the most pressing issues we, not just as Americans, but as human beings face in our lifetimes. Though it may sound like a sensationalist statement the facts are hard to deny. In May of 2013, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide surpassed 400 parts per million (ESRL Global Monitoring Division News Items). Experts in this field estimate that a â€Å"safe level† of atmospheric C02 concentration is around 350 million parts per million (400 Ppm CO2: What It Means). It should also be noted that the last time the Earth had this level of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere was 3 million years ago when it is estimated that sea levels were around 80 feet higher (Prinn).Yet despite these circumstances climate change represents just 1% of all media headlines (Project for Improved Environmental Coverage). Entertainment, which makes for 3% of headlines, received three times the coverage of environmental issues (Project for Improved Environmental Coverage). When the environment does in fact receive such scarce coverage, the issue of climate change is often times covered under a guise of false objectivity. A valid argument can be made that the media has failed the public on the i... ...tical Space Association, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2014. Kaplan, Joel. Objectivity & Balance: Today’s Best Practices in American Journalism. Publication. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. Kovach, Bill, and Tom Rosenstiel. The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect. New York: Crown, 2001. Print. Prinn, Ron. â€Å"400 Ppm CO2? Add Other GHGs, and It’s Equivalent to 478 Ppm.† Oceans at MIT. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 6 June 2013. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. â€Å"Project for Improved Environmental Coverage.† Project for Improved Environmental Coverage. Project for Improved Environmental Coverage, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. Eliot Spitzer Quote http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/global_warming.html#H2fdTgav5l6VVGt8.99 James Hansen Quote http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/global_warming.html#H2fdTgav5l6VVGt8.99

Annotated Outline and Bibliography Essay

1. Methods of Criminal Profiling Methods of criminal profiling are scientific knowledge used to help build a profile against an offender, a profile of the crime or crime scene, and/or the victim. These are criminal analysis, diagnostic evaluation, geographic profiling, investigative psychology and much more. A. Criminal Investigative Analysis Criminal investigative analysis is a process in which the investigator reviews the crimes of the offender. Through this reviewing the investigator is able to map the offender’s characteristics such as their criminal behaviors. B. Diagnostic Evaluations (DE) This type of evaluation is a result of mental, medical, and clinical experience by professionals in these fields. These are normally done when asked and not done as a routine type of assessment. 2. Usefulness of Profiling in Determining Offender Identity and Behavioral Patterns. Profiling helps to prove an offenders identity as well as their behavioral patterns. To do this it is done through investigating the crime scene characteristics. An investigator will access whether the characteristics are organized or unorganized as well. Those are also found by doing evaluations such as diagnostic evaluations. A. Offender Identity Through certain aspects of criminal profiling an offender’s identity can be found out by what type of evidence was left such as a fingerprint or what  DNA was left behind found in such things as blood or hair. B. Behavioral Patterns Through an offender’s behavioral patterns such as what ligatures were used, weapons used or wound patterns can all show specific behavioral patterns of an offender. 3. Psychopathy’s Role in Criminal Profiling Psychopathy plays a major and drastic role in criminal profiling. Through the behaviors that psychopaths demonstrate profilers can see other specific patterns of offenders. Psychopathy helps profilers in linkage analysis in such ways as offenders behaviors or even the reasoning behind the crime. A. Psychopathy Psychopathy is a personality disorder in which is clarified by meeting certain criteria. 4. Legal and Ethical Issues Within Criminal Profiling Legal and ethical issues have riddled criminal profiling since its existence. There is a committee called the Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists. These issues are not just about the offender. These ethical factors affect innocent individuals and hurt the criminal justice field as a whole. There are legal issues such as forensic fraud which is done by giving a sworn under oath statement or testimony which is false or misleading. 5. Evidence-based, Victim-based Evidence, and Offender-based Forensic Evaluations in Relation to Criminal Profiling These three evaluations are bases in the heart of criminal profiling. These three evaluations all have a certain role in which they have that builds a profile towards an offender. These evaluations help profilers and investigators to better understand all realms to every case they are involved in. These evaluations help to give details in cases that otherwise might not have been found otherwise. A. Evidence Based Forensic Evaluations Evidence based forensic evaluations are often ignored due to many scandals. However this evaluation can often show and link evidence to a case and can also help in being able to have the evidence admissible in court. B. Victim Based Evaluation This evaluation helps investigators and profilers to be able to see inside more so the victims life. This also helps the profilers to better map the victims lifestyle and circumstances in which may have led up to the offense that turned them into a victim. C. Offender Based Forensic Evaluation Through offender based forensic evaluations profilers assess the offenders age, sex, intelligence as well as other offense related behaviors. Through this profilers will learn the aspects of the offender such as their knowledge not only of the crime scene or crime itself, yet of the victims as well as their criminal skill. 6. What is Victimology and Its Role in Criminal Profiling Victimology plays a major role in criminal profiling for numerous reasons. One reason being that of the offender. It helps to answer certain characteristic questions regarding the offender. It gives a very specific as well as accurate outline into the victim’s life and their lifestyle. This helps profilers to also better understand the crime in which the victim was made to endure and suffer from. A. What is Victimoogy â€Å"Forensic victimology is the scientific study of violent crime victim’s for the purposes of addressing investigative and forensic questions† (Turvey, 2012, Pg.125). 7. Evaluate Predatory Behaviors Based on Crime Scene Behaviors as Illustrated By Evidence Predatory behaviors based on crime scene behaviors as illustrated by evidence helps to further explain more about the offender. This also shows the profiler the offender’s behaviors as to his choice of victim, point of contact, the offender’s method of approach and more. Predatory behaviors help profiler to understand the offenders MO or theory of a motive. This behavior shows whether it was sadistic, administrative, power reassurance behavior, or rage/anger retaliatory behavior. These behaviors also show just how serious of a predator the offender is and if they will escalate in the seriousness of their crimes or if they are psychopathic or if they have Anti-social Personality disorder. A. Predatory Behaviors Predatory behaviors are such behaviors as stalking the victim, amount of  planning the crime, use of restraints, as well as the offenders Modus Operandi and whether or not it was acted out. References Association, A. P. (2004). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV-TR. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.  This source discusses psychopathy in depth. Psychopathy has different attributes as per the different levels. The different levels of psychopathy are criminal and non-criminal which are further discussed and explained. This resource will help to better understand psychopathy. Bateman, A. L., & Salfati, G. C. (2005). Serial homicide: an investigation of behavioral consistency. Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 2, 121-144. doi:10.1002/jip.27 This article on serial homicide discusses in depth the different behaviors displayed by the offender. This will help to further support the aspect of predatory behaviors by an offender. This will help to link predatory behaviors and criminal profiling. Crawford, G., & Walters, G. D. (2014). Major mental illness and violent history as predictors of institutional misconduct and recidivism: Main and Interaction Effects. Law and Human Behavior, 38(3), 238-247. doi:10.1037/Ihb0000058 This study accesses different mental disorders and how they relate to crimes. This source will help to show and support behavioral patterns of the criminal offender. In relaying this information we can further link the usefulness of criminal profiling with criminal behaviors. Fontaine, R. G., Fox, A. R., & Kvaran, T. H. (2013, Winter). Psychopathy and culpability: how responsible is the psychopath for criminal wrongdoing? Journal of the American Bar Association, 38(1), 1-26. Retrieved January 28th, 2015 This study and/or source explain in extreme depth about psychopathy and how it is a personality disorder rather than a mental disorder. It helps to further explain some issues prosecuting an offender with psychopathy. This relates to the essay in addressing psychopathy as well as the role psychopathy plays in criminal profiling and criminal behaviors as well.  Goodey, D. J. (2006). Ethnic profiling, criminal (in) justice and minority populations. Critical Criminology, 207-212. The article written by Goodey further explains different ethical issues within profiling. Such issues discussed are racial profiling, ethnic profiling and police criminal stereotypes. This will help to relate and better understand the legal and ethical issues within the paper and support any findings. Henwood, D., Lamb, R., Lambie, I., & Scott, D. (2006, November). Profiling stranger rapists: Linking offense behaviour to previous criminal histories using a regression model. Journal of Sexual Aggresion, 12(3), 265-275. Retrieved February 2, 2015 This article discusses geographic profiling, evidence and investigative analysis, investigative psychology, and diagnostic evaluations. Offender behaviors and offender criminal patterns are addressed. The article covers as well behavioral characteristics and behavioral patterns as well to also link them to criminal profiling. These are all relevant as to these are core points to be addressed within the paper. Hinch, R., Lubaszka, C. K., & Shon, P. C. (2014). Healthcare serial killers as confident men. Journall of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 11, 1-28. doi:10.1002/jip.1394 This article covers the realm of investigative psychology. Through the study of healthcare serial killers the investigative psychology is discussed. This article will further discuss certain behaviors of the offenders as well which will further help to link the findings and further support the findings within the paper. Ibe, Ph.D, P., Obiyan, Ph.D., E., & Ochie, Ph.D., C. (2012, November). Racial misuse of â€Å"criminal profiling† by law enforcement: intentions and implications. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies, 6(1 & 2), 177-196. Retrieved January 20th, 2015 The article discusses criminal profiling in depth which will help to further explain and define criminal profiling. The article also discusses several ethical issues within profiling. The resources will help to further support the findings and link the sources to the paper. Lynam, D. R. (2012).  Assessment of maladaptive variants of five factor model traits. Journal of personality, 1467-6494. This article discusses psychopathy as a personality disorder and delves deeper into the understanding of the disorder. The article explains how it relates to forensic evaluations. This gives the support needed to show the connection between psychopathy and criminal profiling. Marcus, PhD, D. K., & Norris, MA, A. L. (2014). A new measure of attitudes toward sexually predatory tactics and its relation to the triarchic model of psychopathy. Journal of Personality Disorders, 28(2), 247-261. Retrieved February 3rd, 2015 This article covers psychopath’s connection to behavioral traits and personality traits. This links it to the paper at hand due to the fact it further discusses personality traits and behaviors of sexual predators. It further discusses criminal predatory behaviors such as various sexual tactics and other problematic sexual behaviors. Myers, M.D., W. C. (2004). Serial murder by children and adolescents. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 22, 357-374. doi:10.1002/bsl.590 This article discusses six cases of child serial killers, their behavioral characteristics, methods of killing and the crimes of themselves. This article supports the usefulness of criminal profiling in determining offender identity. This article will further support the aspect of evaluations in criminal profiling as well. Quayle, J. (2008). Interviewing a Psychopathic Suspect. Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 5, 79-91. doi:10.1002/jip This research article discusses psychopathy as a personality disorder that has certain elements that the offender must meet before being clarified as psychopathic. This further helps to define and understand the role in which psychopathy plays within criminal profiling. This article coincides with other articles to further back up the findings from them as well. Turvey, B. E. (2012). This source is being used to help us further understand victimology and how it works within criminal profiling. Brent Turvey has experience within the criminal profiling field and gives much insight to ethical and legal issues, offender behaviors, and psychopathy. This source helps to fully pull everything together and backs up all other resources and findings as a whole which helps to solidify the paper to be most factual.