International business cross cultural skills

International business cross cultural skills International Business Skills Our aim is to provide a critical assessment, reflecting on the materials which we learned and covered during the module of â€Å"International Business Skills†. This module is based on two basics skills which are essential and very useful in business operations namely, numerical and soft skills. Numerical skills referred to exchange rate calculation while Soft skills are related to cross-cultural teamwork, networking, cross-cultural leadership, win-win negotiating, cultural exchanges and resolving conflicts. Through these different topics, which easily you can assume that are different levels in a scale, you can develop and obtain individual knowledge and understanding. Therefore joined the knowledge that you get from each level, you acquire an integrated sense of what skills required for an international manager. In order to be more specific, we intent to discuss with more details each topic separately and have a deep analysis of what we have learn and how these may be related to any previous knowledge. Also we will examine in what extend are relevant to international business and ways which we can apply our learning. There are eight topics which are: Numerical Skills Generally the organizations and companies are come and face up a range of mathematical functions in order to calculate vital information for the organization. In this topic we mention on the issues of financial mathematics which encounter by a company/organization in a daily routine. Refereeing to the financial mathematics we mean the Interest Rate and Compound Interest, the Present Value, Net Present Value (NPV) and Future Value, Annuities, Guilds and Corporate Bonds and finally the Exchange Rate. Consequently during this lecture we learnt and understand the meaning of these notions and I link them with my previous experience and knowledge, which some of them I acquire from daily life and transaction with banks, in order to have an integrated view. Having done the theory behind the Interest Rate and Compound Interest, we learned how to calculate these, how banks think and operate each of these in different circumstances i.e. for people, for business and organizations and finally how organizations treat each interest in order to find which is more profitable for the company. Another basic theory in this part is the Net Present Value (NPV), in which we learned how to appraise long-terms projects using the time value of money. The NPV is related with the Annuities (for instance how the insurance companies work) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Discount Rate. The calculation of NPV is very important in financial calculations because can help you to decide whether you should accept a cash rebate. Generally speaking NPV and IRR help us decide whether to accept or reject investment proposals. It is major to mention that as the discount rate increases the NPV falls down. Bonds have the same ideas based on the same ideas with PV and FV and therefore have the same results. A part of this topic was the Exchange Rate which we learnt how to calculate and understand the background behind them. This is very crucial and relevant with international business because all the companies/organization interchange money Cross-Cultural Teamwork Nowadays team working is given and very popular, so many companies tend to adopt this trend. It comprises one of the major factors in business organisation. Teamwork is crucial for the success in the business as when you utilize a team effectively, it helps to cultivate/foster a percept/sense of belonging for team members, assists in the completion of duties and tasks and therefore these contributes positively to the overall success of the company. Consequently managers, administrators and general people who work in companies they need to learn and acquire the relevant outfits/accoutrements for a good teamwork. So, one of the things that we covered through this course was the Cross-Cultural Teamwork. During this section we realized vital points for team building, like how to gain dynamic rapport among team members, how to stimulate creativity and discover new ways of strategizing and solving challenges. Also we have learned to trust, appreciate individual differences and strengths and how to strengthen teamwork and motivation. Is incredible the fact that by carried out some activities in this session, but also in previous group assignments, we went through the four basic stages that Tuckmans refer in his theory, without to notice it. First the group come together and tries to know each other but they keep a position of guardedness. Then members discussed and tell their opinion about the solution approach. In this stage they begin to argue but at the end they come up with the best solution for the problem and therefore they have got a clear view for the rules, norms and roles that each individual will has. Finally the team starts to work on the project to attain their target. In other words, these are the four stages of Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing according to Tuckmans theory. Have in mind all the stuff that we learned and combine them with Belbins Team Roles we can find the people who fit best with us, in order to built a good team and get the best performance and results. Team work has many advantages as it increases the performance of the organization, reduces the cost and gives many avails to the employees. Thus is relevant to business and particularly to International Business, where the organisation expects to expand abroad and therefore is necessary to collaborate and coordinate to achieve the â€Å"successful† team. Networking Networking is very important for people and business in order to develop relationships. Through the networking you get the ability to seek, identify, create effective contacts with others and maintain those contacts for mutual benefit. Networking simply builds when you meet people, you start to get the know them and build trust when there is honesty in the relationship. In this topic we have learned significant tips which can help you get started and build your confidence to know more easily other people. All these tips are interrelated with the way you talk, body posture and a positive body language. This lecture improves and develops skills that already have and actuate me to realize that eye contact, active listening and a small talk, in order to find background details about the person in front of you are substantial points to build a network. Networking is always easier when you feel relax and comfortable and be yourself. Network with confidence helps you create more connections. In business, networking skills is meaningful to success and growth of the company. By honing your ability to network effectively, you create a pool of contacts such customers, suppliers, peers and mentors that you can call upon you make your business run more smoothly. Networking is the key for accomplishment. Sum all up networking is high of importance and can be applied in the daily life routine to help you with the communication with other people, find new contacts and use them not only for future job opportunities but also to help each other. That is the very heart of networking. Presenting with Presence Presenting with presence concern with the challenges and enjoyable methods adapted for presentation and focus on each persons unique presenting style. Main purpose of a presentation is to transfer a set of ideas by the presenter to the audience. In order to be successful the transfer of the message requires good knowledge of the subject and to take into account the characteristics of the audience. This topic has a lot of interesting things to give you. The most important is that we detect the secret of effective presentation, is the good preparation, which gives additional confidence and helps in the elimination of stress in front of the audience. Also we discover how to command and be able to keep the attention of the audience, to overcome any fear of public speaking, use our unique individual style appropriately and inspire and influence the audience. Once again this topic is relevant to International Business because everybody who works in a company at any time is†¦kaloumai.. to present to shareholder on behalf of the organisation, the board of management or fellow staff members. Therefore we are responsible for the way we communicate and the impression we leave with our personal targets audiences. Having presence means how to utilize your personal presence and power. Finally the materials we have learned can be useful and applied everywhere, as everyone presents important information to others. For this is required basic knowledge of the presenting presence skills. Cross-Cultural Leadership Emotional Intelligence Win-Win Negotiations Art and Business

Professional Development Plan Essay

My professional plan is to grow as a nurse by gaining knowledge through school and my daily experiences, so in five years I can care for patients and families as a nurse practitioner. I will make short term and long term goals to help guide me down my path as I transition into the role of professional nurse; providing me with new opportunities for my future. Beliefs and values influences the decisions people make in their personal and professional life. My beliefs and values were incorporated to make my philosophy of nursing, that is to be an advocate for my patients’ and their family during their most vulnerable time, continuing my education to provide the best quality care available and taking a holistic approach by looking at the person as a whole; caring for their body, mind, and spirit (Chitty, 2007 p. 312). I believe nursing is an evidence based practice, the care provided to patients and family have been proven through research to be the safest most effective way to implement care. My values which mold my beliefs have been acquired throughout my life from the people around me and my experiences. My values and beliefs will continue to change as I get older, have more experiences in my profession and further my education in nursing. One of my short term goals is to finish my baccalaureate degree in nursing. In terms of advancing professionalism, research was recently published, (Morris & Faulk, 2007), in which nurses were found to have increased professionalism and growth in roles and values after attending an ADN to BSN program. That is what I am striving to achieve while going through the BSN program. I plan on taking each class one at a time, trying to do my best, and gain the knowledge needed to grow in my field. By August 2009, I should have my BSN which will provide me with new opportunities such as management and educator positions; this degree will also provide me the opportunity to further my education to a master’s level. My second short term goal will begin this summer, that is to initiate the evidence based practice, EBP, project on my progressive care unit, PCU, at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, BGSMC. Several of my coworkers and I are currently gathering information on research that suggests that providing patients and their families with written and oral information on the side effects of their medications will improve patient satisfactory scores in a acute care setting. We meet together regularly, learning as a team how to initiate EBP into the workplace. Then possibly in the future we will publish our findings. By fall of 2009 I plan on starting the Masters of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Phoenix so I will be able to sit for the national boards certifying exam by the end of 2012. Once I complete the requirements I must submit the documentation to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. I then plan on working for an interventional cardiologist, which will give me the opportunity to work in both the hospital and office setting. Income is not the sole reason for my desire to advance in my profession but it is important to note that the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 data show that income levels rise as educational levels rise (Katz, Carter, Bishop and Kravitz, 2004). Income will enable me to continue my education and to obtain other goals in my future such as going to law school and traveling around the world. When discussing a professional development plan people have to keep in mind a persons support system, resources available to them, their work ethics and what is needed to succeed. While one may be able to fulfill his or her goals without one or more of these things, adversities can deter many from following plans they set forth. Support and understanding from my family and friends would be a significant tool in helping me achieve my goals. It may also be useful to have mentors help to guide me along my chosen path to success. Financial assistance will also be needed to continue on with my learning process. Self-discipline, further education and experience are also required to be successful in my future role as an FNP. Self-discipline and time management skills are crucial to have in our fast pace speed of lives’ today. It becomes increasingly important in the students’ life to use time wisely. Students may have to overcome several hurdles and barriers along the way. It is important to be able to identify these issues; it is the first step to overcoming them. Barriers may be financial, time restraints or lack of support from family and friends; having the knowledge how to overcome these barriers and having backup plans is what makes the difference between meeting your goal versus abandoning the goal. If faced with any of these barriers I will try to have a positive outlook and attitude, I will try to look on the bright side. Michaud (2002) observed that one’s ability to bounce back from disaster and loss depends on the person’s ability to use resiliency skills to conjure up positive emotions when he or she is challenged severely. I will monitor my stress level and use relaxation techniques specific to me and my needs if necessary in order to avoid abandoning the goals that I have set. In conclusion, putting together a professional plan is an important step to obtaining desired outcomes. According to Alexander Graham Bell (2001) â€Å"before anything else preparation is the key to success†. Values and beliefs will change over time, which will influence your original plan to formulate new goals, when this occurs a person must revaluate the resources available and challenge themselves to meet new goals. I will evaluate my plan to ensure I am staying on task meeting my goals that I have set forth so I will be successful in my future. Reference Bell, A. G. (2001). _Quoteland._ Retrieved March 15, 2008, from http://www.quoteland.com/topic.asp?CATEGORY_ID=447 Chitty, K. K. (2007). _Professional Nursing Concepts & Challenges (5th ed.)._ St. Louis: Elsevier Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2008, from University of Phoenix Library. Katz, J., Carter, C., Bishop, J. & Kravitz, S. (2004). _Keys to Nursing Success (2nd ed.)._ Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Michaud E. (2000). There’s a secret to recovering from great adversity. The scientists who study it, and the people who’ve done it, share it with you. _Prevention Magazine_ (June). Retrieved March 15, 2008, from Proquest database. Morris, A., & Faulk, D. (2007). Perspective transformation: Enhancing the development of professionalism in RN-to-BSN students. _Journal of Nursing Education,_ 46(10), 445-51. Retrieved March 15, 2008, from Ebscohost database.

What Are the Principle Strengths and Weaknesses of Nomothetic and Idiographic Approaches to Personality? Illustrate You Answer with at Least One Theory Associated with Each Approach.

This essay discusses the major strengths and weaknesses of nomothetic and idiographic approaches to personality with the help of associated theories. Personality is defined as the psycho-physcial traits and mechanisms within an individual, influencing their interactions and adaptability to the ‘environment’. Nomothetic and idiographic approaches are two different methods used to provide an insight into and determine the personalities of people. While both approaches are meant to further ones understanding of personality in different situations, there are significant differences as well as advantages and disadvantages for, in addition to, each method as this essay will highlight. Falk (1956) defines the nomothetic approach as a method to illuminate the laws and principles that define behaviors of a populace by interpreting general patterns which emerge, and the idiographic approach as an in-depth exploration of a subject where the understanding achieved is unique and personalized to the individual. The nomothetic approach takes on the ‘history repeats itself’ attitude as expressed by Skinner’s radical behaviorism theory divulged by his experiments on rats, pigeons etc. (Smith and Woodward, 1996). The nomothetic approach’s greatest strength lies in its ability to distinguish certain trait behaviors of a population or community. This is efficent in determining an effective solution for individuals with identical behavior patterns based on the trait theory of personality. Cattell’s (1946) 16PF trait theories, large scale studies recorded as a score on a dimension is an example of nomothetic investigation of human personality by which an individual’s personality is able to be described and generalized, as well as group behavior of same scoring individuals predicted. Research such as Milgram’s experiment and the I. Q. test suggest nomothetic notions hold true for certain behavioral principals and can be used to a certain extent to generalize groups of people. The ‘Big 5’ theory in collaboration with nomothetic data is considered satisfactory to illustrate the features of personality. This method relies heavily on trait theories of personality to predict and establish behavioral personalities for a populace. On the other hand classification of a particular populace may not hold true for a particular individual due to specific individual traits and experiences suggests Gordon Allport (Nicholson, 2000). He stated that standardized testing would not be able to examine a greater part of an individual’s personality traits thus it required focused and customized study and observation. While the nomothetic approach is relatively accurate to determine personality of general communities, it is shown to only propose surface principle behavior, not an accurate personality detail of a person. Moreover a bulky sample has to be chosen accurately to determine emerging patterns of behavior; classification might not be precise for all the people in that particular generalization. Another evident disadvantage is the classification of a person or people based on their result such as I. Q. which is show in certain situations to create bias among the society they are in. The idiographic approach is highly focused on an individual under investigation and is mostly qualitative based as opposed to the quantitative nomothetic way. It is largely based on Freud’s theories of consciousness, that each person has an I,D. , ego and super ego and that it is unique to that particular individual. The study is comprehensive and long term, highlighting a complete understanding of the subject such as Freud’s explicit and long term clinical studies of his patients, catering to their specific needs and issues rather than a general assumption of their base persona (Gay, 1988). It is shown to be a more flexible and detailed study to gain valid knowledge about the subjects being studied; Piaget was also able to unambiguously determine his children’s behavioral patterns and psyches (Auger and Rich, 2007). Idiographic approaches focus on the understanding of the structure of the mental i. e. the conscious, the unconscious and the preconscious such as George Kelly’s repertory grid technique in addition to Carl Rogers’ Q-sort procedure (Mcleod, 2007). Data gathered from idiographic research allows the creation of unique and effective treatments. The key advantage of this method is the treatment offered after research will be efficient as it has been tailored to suit the particular individuals problem. On the other hand the results derived from idiographic approaches are highly specific and cannot be generalized; they’re based on a limited sample of the population along with unreliable experimentation which makes the data gathered useless to define general characteristics of a group. The information analyzed is unique to the particular individual being studied and does not hold true globally in which case it is considered unscientific by psychologists. In conclusion, while nomothetic and idiographic approaches to personality each have their advantages and disadvantages, it is evident that the type of method used would be based on what the researcher is trying to record. To distinguish a general law of similar characteristic personalities a large, accurate sample from a populace would need to be nomotheticly studied with correlation factors as well as psychometric testing and other forms of quantitative research to drawn upon a fairly conclusive theory. While precise study of an individual, would use the informal, idiographic method to derive an acute understanding of their personality. The nomothetic approach to personality is mainly supported by the trait theories of personality and idiographic approaches to personality are backed up by psychodynamic theories of personality. The main advantages these methods have is they are predominant in their own introspective fields of research while their main downfall poses as long as they remain standalone theories.

Barbara Sizemore An Effective School System Essay

Barbara Sizemore: An Effective School System Dr. Barbara Sizemore was a teacher, principal and superintendent who was extremely passionate in her efforts to advance the opportunities of low income African American students (Bradley, 1996). She implemented several educational tactics, such as the development of the teacher and new school policies to create the school achievement structure program (Bradley, 1996). To enhance the learning experience of the African Americans and low income students, Sizemore made the school system suitable for all types of students. She did not strive to accelerate and advance the educational environment of the African American student body exclusively, but sought to improve the entire structure of the school system in general (Bradley, 1996). Barbara Sizemore achieved to be an effective member of the African Diaspora through creating an effective school system, proving the disadvantage in desegregation, and the creating her school achievement structure program. BIOGRAPHY Dr. Barbara Sizemore was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 17, 1927, to Sylvester and Delila Lafoon. (National Visionary Leadership Project). Sizemore attended Northwestern University in 1944 to receive her degree in classical languages. She later returned to Northwestern University for her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1954. After serving as a teacher, Sizemore became the first black female principal in Chicago (NLVP). She served as principal at