Inclusive Education in Hong Kong Essay

Nowadays, when we talk about students with special education needs (SEN), we are no longer focusing on how special education schools treat the SENs for their learning. We address to the issue inclusive education because the public believes every child should share the same fundamental right to learn in a ‘normal’ classroom and education should be provided to cater the wide diversity of learners’ characteristics and needs (UNESCO, 1994). As a result, inclusive Education has been introduced to the Hong Kong Education system since the pilot study carried out in 1997. Now, there are different in-service and supporting schemes for schools (e.g. the 3-tier intervention model and Learning Support Grant since the school year 2004/05) to cater the learning needs of these groups of students. However, Inclusive education has been a controversial topic among the scholars and the educators owing to the lacking support and the contradictions with particular schools’ learning culture and parents’ expectations, in particular among Asian parents. It is believed that every student has the same rights to learn in the same context, and it is the schools’ responsibilities to provide students with special education needs with fair chances in the school for them to learn and live. In this essay, the teacher’s role and responsibility under the current Hong Kong education systems, especially for its inclusive education will be discussed. In unveiling the attitudes that teachers share in facing the challenges, suggestions are given to provide more comprehensive teacher’s training for pre-service teacher to tackle SEN students in their prospect career. About inclusive education Inclusive Education, which can be defined as the system ‘about embracing everyone and making a commitment to provide each students in the community, each citizen in a democracy, with the inalienable right to belong’ (Villa & Thousands, 2005). In other words, all students, no matter they are brighter in academic achievements, looks better in appearance, or have special education’s needs are treated in the same way in order to provide them with same education chances. The inclusion of schools was first introduced to the school systems for handicapped students and later on developed to most SEN  students with different psychological or physical impairments. In this way, schools have been changed to cater the learner diversities. Physically, more equipment and machinery aids, e.g. lift and FM receivers, have to be fixed in the school for some physically impaired students’ need. In terms of the teaching content, the school has to modify the curriculum and pedagogy; the allocation of SEN students in different classes would also be considered. A lot more technical issues in relation to the administration and the teaching strategies in the school would be affected. However, there are some opponents towards inclusive education because students do encounter problems when they are admitted to the mainstream schools. Some students still find being discriminated owing to their special need in the classroom; some feel that they could not communicate with other people in the school context (Shelton, 2006). Some even might find difficult to catch up with the study and give up. Different social problems might exist and bring about the drawbacks of the inclusion of schools. History of Inclusive Education in Hong Kong Prior the discussion of the teacher’s role, the historical background of inclusive education in Hong Kong is first addressed. The idea of inclusion has been started since the 1970s in Hong Kong when the government tried to mainstream learners with disabilities to public education, in accordance to the learners’ rights (Poon-McBrayer & Lian, 2002). Years after in 1997, a pilot project was funded and facilitated by the Education Department to explore the most effective way to involve SENs in mainstream schools. After years of experimentation, the government and educational specialists, together with the schools, have developed a series of in-service and support programmes, for instance, a 30-hour introductory course on integrated education. After that, The Education Department released the ‘Inclusive Education Implementation Guide’ to endorse the importance of inclusive education foe SENs. The term and perspective has changed from ‘Integrative education’ to ‘inclusive education’ which is a more adaptive approach for the whole school to adapt to SEN students’ needs. It is  suggested that special education curriculum should be built on the foundation of mainstream curriculum so that inclusive education can be later enhanced more effectively and smoothly (Education Department, 2000). Up to now, the theorist and practitioners are still seeking the way to search and reach the consensus from among congenital differences. More stakeholders are involved in this process, which includes more educational psychologist, parents and teachers (Lo, 2003). Importance of Teacher’s role In learning and teaching, students has become the main character of the context under the learner-centredness philosophy has been arisen in this generation. However, teachers’ role is another important issue in providing suitable education to students. They are the direct agent who are in touch with students and can foster students’ learning during and after the lessons. Hence, the perceptions of teachers in inclusive education is worth digging into. In the early ages of inclusive education, it was found ‘that the attitude of the regular education teacher toward a handicapped child can influence the climate of the classroom’ (Stoler, 1992, p.61). Similarly, the attitudes of teachers of the regular education toward any kind of SEN can influence the climate of the classroom. When the teacher can treat every student fairly, accept the difference of every one and be positive to the difference, students would find the learning climate easier and have better learning atmosphere in the classroom. Hence, better teaching and learning efficiency is expected. Moreover, ‘teachers’ support for inclusion in their classrooms is crucial for its successful implementation since they are playing an important role in implementing and facilitating any innovation at the classroom level (Ching, 2007, p. 162)’. Since teachers are the ones who teach in the classroom, the whole concept of inclusive Education would be meaningless if they do not support. Only when teachers share the same vision with inclusive education, they would perform consistently with the policy in order to pursue the best quality of teaching and learning in Schools. Factors that would affect teachers With teachers’ support to the inclusive education, they have to tackle with a few changes in relation to their work. They are the namely the curriculum and pedagogical changes (MacDonald and Hardman, 1989). In catering learners’ diversity, teachers are expected to vary the level of tasks for different lessons. Learners’ diversity can be of very wide range because there might be the existence of gifted and mentally retarded students (in extreme cases) in the same class. Curriculum should be changed to be more flexible for both high and low achievers to learn the most efficiently with reference to their own ability. Teacher should also varies the different teaching methods to cater for students’ need. For students in autistic spectrum disorder, teacher might consider their difficulties in getting along with a big group of new friends and offer him/ her a quitter place in the classroom. Less group work is assigned in particular lesson so that every students will gain the sense of achievement in the lessons. In addition, teachers have to be more sensitive and careful to students’ unusual behaviours owing their special needs. For examples, some ADHD students could not control themselves to sit properly in the classroom. If teachers have grasped the basic knowledge of the symptoms of different SEN, they would feel easier to go through the lesson and hence design suitable strategies to tackle these students. Difficulties that teachers would encounter However, it is never easy for teachers to reach these needs. In terms of teachers’ training, many on-job teachers expressed their worries in handling SEN students because they did not have enough training (Slavica, 2010). With only the 30 hours introductory course, teacher might not have enough understanding of the different education needs. This might lead to the mismatch of teaching methodologies in tackling students’ needs. This situation might still exist in the current teachers’ training programmes. In Stoler’s (2010) research, it was stated that ‘regular education teachers normally do not take these classes (courses about SEN), due to time constraints in completing the degree requirements in their content areas. As a result, regular education teachers are out of their areas of expertise when students who would normally be taught by special education teachers are  placed in their classrooms. Most schools do not attempt to fill this gap in the regular education teachers’ background by offering in services and seminars on teaching and coping with the special needs student’ (p. 61). This situation is similar to the Hong Kong context as there are no specific undergraduate programmes for special education and SEN course is not the graduation requirement of the degree. Though student teachers might have been immersed to the teaching environment with the existence of SEN students, some might not have adequate training to tackle with them, and the case would be similar after graduation. On the other hand, some teachers owns the understanding of different strategies to handle SEN students and are coherent with the view of inclusive education, but still, they would face some difficulties when they tried to apply new types of inclusive teaching methods to their teaching. They would be challenged by ‘the traditionalism of their students, parents and colleagues in the Chinese culture’ (Forlin, 2010). Students in the Chinese society tend to be more high achieving and they expect more direct teaching than other students in the world. They might be reluctant to adapt to new learning methods because that might give them the impression of lower learning efficiency. The lacking understanding from parents and regular students would be a very strong barrier for teachers to carry out lessons in an inclusive setting school. Solutions Concerning to the teachers’ training, it has been found that pre-service training would be the best time to address teachers’ concern, and their negative attitudes towards learners disabilities and their perceptions about inclusive education can be changed and modified at this stage (Ching, Forlin and Lan, 2007). Teachers should be trained since their early age of teachers’ training. It is suggested that appropriate field experience should be provided to pre-service teachers so that they can expect what they will finally face in their prospect careers. They can be exposed to the types of diversity, prejudice and disadvantages that they have not encountered before (Kosnik & Beck, 2009). If they are learning from the observation in the field, their experiences can enhance their skills in teaching (Ching, Forlin and Lan, 2007). From Ching, Forlin and Lan’s (2007) research on unveiling the change of mind after pre-service teachers are introduced to an SEN course, they found that continuous training is required. It is important for in-service teachers to go for continual profession development to alleviate their sense of adequacy in SEN. This is valid for the current teachers as well, as some teachers who started teaching for decades might not have the professional knowledge to cater special psychological behaviours, despite their experience and handling students’ emotions and misbehaviours. Providing continuous professional development for them would be beneficial to both novice and experienced teachers to refresh their understanding of their students. They can therefore provide more suitable learning activities for students to attain higher teaching and learning efficiency. Teachers’ attitudes Going back to teachers’ attitudes to inclusive education, it is mainly driven by two big areas, one is the teachers’ teaching philosophy while the other is the teacher’s understanding of inclusive education. For the teacher’s own teaching philosophy, it is suggested that not all teachers in tended to be a teacher in the beginning of their career, but they did owing to different practical reasons, for example, having higher salaries than other jobs in China (Feng, 2010). They have no particular feelings towards teaching SENs, it is stated that if there is choice, they won’t choose to but it is acceptable. For this group of teachers’ attitude, we cannot bother too much. However, some teachers, both in-service and pre-service ones, would tried their best to teach for students’ good, but they hesitate and feels negative to adapt to the inclusive education owing to the lacking understanding of different SENS. And they would finally prefer not to teach the schools with more SEN students. As stated in the previous paragraphs, adequate preparation during the teacher’s training is essential for teachers to be psychologically ready to face different SEN students in their classroom. The better they can  understand them, the more confident and positive they are. With the accumulation of experiences, teachers are hoped to be more positive in addressing to this issue. What’s more: broader sense of inclusive education and suggestions After all, we as teachers should not narrow our perspective in teaching to only ‘mainstream’ students. The term ‘inclusive education’ can be broadened to a wider sense that we should not only accommodates academic difference owing to SEN. We also should be ‘sensitive to differences of gender, class, race, ethnicity, language, physical ability and so on’ (Kosnik & Beck, 2009, p. 104). Every student has their own uniqueness in characters as well as learning styles. In order to provide the best education quality to students, we should not only look at the academic performances that students perform. Enhancing teacher and students relationship is one of the ways for teacher to understand their students more. In general, it is crucial to effective teaching, and it is far more important in inclusive education (Kosnik & Beck, 2009). SEN students take more time than other students to build up close relationship with others, including the teachers, and they do not tell their own feelings to others easily as well. Therefore, teachers should build up close relationship with them on the basis of trust, so that they can share their feelings and needs with you for better implementation of teaching methods in the lesson. Teachers can hence develop better connection with them and hence be able to provide prompt and immediate help. It is of paramount importance for teachers to be well-prepared for learners’ diversity and understand the uniqueness of students. Impose more appreciation than judgment on students, and they will find the students’ problems easier to handle. Conclusion In short, with the introduction of inclusive education since nearly 15 years ago in Hong Kong, the school management, teachers, parents as well as students are striking for the balance among different benefits of students. Teachers tend to be quite passage and negative in this policy owing to their lacking experiences and knowledge in catering the needs of SEN students. The  also face the traditional pressure from regular students and parents. It is strongly suggested that teachers should be exposed to the inclusive education setting since their pre-service era, this could help them better adapt to the prospective working condition and accumulate more teaching experiences. It is hoped that their attitudes can be changed with the adequate amount of preparation given. After all, it is believed that teachers should have a broader sense of understanding inclusive education because everyone in the world is unique and worth appreciation. By building up close teacher-students relationship, teachers can provide suitable teaching and learning activities and offer timely help to every single students’ need. It is hoped that inclusive education can finally benefit all the parties in the system. References Ching, S. S. C. , Forlin, C. and Lan, A. M. (2007). The Influence of an Inclusive Education Course on Attitude Change of Pre-service Secondary Teachers in Hong Kong. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education. 35(2). pp. 161 179 Education Department. (2000). Towards integration. [Compact disk] Hong Kong: Curriculum Development Council-Committee on Special Education Needs. Forlin, C. (2010). Developing and implementing quality inclusive education in Hong Kong: implications for teacher education. Journal of Research in Special Education Needs. 10 (1). pp. 177-184. Feng, Y. (2009). Teacher Career Motivation and Professional Development in Special and Inclusive Education in China. Rotterdam/ Boston/ Taipei: Sense Publishers. Kosnik C. & Beck C. (2009). Inclusive Education. Priorities in Teacher Education: The 7 key elements of Pre-service preparation. pp.86-104. Lo, N- K.L. (2003). The continuous development and maintenance of inclusive education. Hong Kong Special Education Forum. 6(1). pp.97-113. McDonnellA, . P., and M. L. Hardman. (1 989). The desegregation of America’s special schools: Strategies for change. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps. 14 (1). pp. 68-74. Poon-McBrayer, K., & Lian, M-G.J. (2002). Special Needs Education: Children with Exceptionalities. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press Slavica, P. (2010). Inclusive education: Proclamations or reality (primary school teachers’ view). US-China Education Review. 7(10). pp. 62-69 Stoler, R. D. (1992). Perceptions of Regular Education Teachers toward Inclusion of all Handicapped Students in Their Classrooms. The Clearing House. 66(1). pp. 60-62. Shelton, E. (2006). Why can’t they figure out? In Elizabeth B. Keefe, Veronica M. Moore, and Frances R. Duff (Eds.), Listening to the experts:students with disabilities speak out. (ed 1, pp. 3-8). Baltimore : Paul H. Brookes Pub. Co UNESCO. (1994). The Salamanca Statement and Framework on Special Needs Education, UNESCO, Paris. Villa, R. A. and Thousand, J. S. (2005). Creating an inclusive school (2nd Ed.). Alexandira, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Rfid Monitoring System With SMS Essay

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Over the years, technology brought forth different products that would make man’s life more convenient and enjoyable. The products include, but are not limited to computers, televisions, radio, satellites, light bulb, automobiles, robots, and mobile phones. Others include virtual simulations of real life phenomena like life simulation games, virtual assistants and artificial intelligence. Technology greatly affected mankind as it helped them achieve things which may seem impossible to attain and gain truth and knowledge from things which may seem complicated to decode or understand. Through the years to come, technology will continue to lead man to the path of scientific advancement. A virtual pet is a type of an artificial human companion. Virtual pets differ from real pets as they have no concrete physical form other than the hardware they run on. On the other hand, like a real animal, if a virtual pet is neglected, it can get sick and die. Interaction with virtual pets may or may not be goal oriented, depending on the player. If the interaction is goal oriented, then the player must keep it alive as long as possible and often help it to grow into higher forms. In order to keep the pet alive a player often has to ‘feed’, ‘groom’, and ’play’ with his or her virtual pet. If it is not goal oriented, then the player may experiment with the game by trying out different pets to know which one he or she likes to take care of. A virtual pet can be a simulation of real or imaginary animals in computers, tablets, smartphones, or sometimes, in electronic toys. Virtual pet games are a subclass of life simulation games. Life simulation games are about â€Å"maintaining and growing a manageable population of organisms†, where players are given the power to control the lives of autonomous creatures or people. One thing that distinguishes virtual pets from other simulation games is, it is designed to be ‘cute’ and it has the ability to act out on a range of emotions based on a player’s interaction. Aside from providing entertainment to players, the main purpose of virtual pet games is to teach players the responsibilities of taking care of a pet. A virtual pet game could be used as a training for a person who wants to adopt an animal as a pet. It can help people determine if they are committed to taking care of a real animal. Plus, virtual pet games can be used in lieu of taking care of a real live pet for people who have allergic reactions to certain animals. The Virtual Pet Caretaking Game proposed by the researchers would be a big help for those people who think of having real pets. It will be developed in the android platform which can only be accessible to android phone users. With this game, they can be taught of the responsibilities of having to take care of a pet. Players will often get to enjoy various interactions with their pets such as feeding them, grooming them, playing with them, and giving them gifts such as accessories. The virtual pets, although ‘cartoony’ in design, will often simulate various reactions from real pets such as barking, yapping, purring, enjoying a good old ‘belly rub’, scratching, etc. It will also include a state indicator to determine if a pet is hungry, upset, bored, sick, lonely, and having the urge to defecate or urinate. This game also exhibits realistic tendencies that could happen if a player forgets to feed, groom, or give medicine to his or her pet. These tendencies inc lude death, sickness, and bad odor caused by unsanitary hygiene. Project Context One of the problems encountered in the Philippines can be seen in its streets. There are various stray dogs, cats and other animals that were once part of a ‘family’ (considering some people often think of pets as part of a family) which are now neglected and are roaming the city in search for food and shelter. These pets, due to hunger, unsanitary hygiene, and being exposed to harsh environmental conditions without shelter, often get sick. They could carry diseases that could harm not only them, but also the human beings. Neglected pets such as these are often pitiful to see. If only the people who were once the owners of these animals knew how to take care of a pet, then problems like these wouldn’t arise. Some people often think that having a pet is an easy job. They think that they can manage to take care of their pets even if they have work or classes to attend to. They might tell themselves that they are responsible enough to raise pets and would sometimes rush into adopting one without having enough knowledge on how to take care of it. In most cases, people are not prepared to have pets. There will come a time when they will pay little attention to the pets they once adored and showered affections with. This could lead to the detrimental of their pets’ health or sometimes, even death. Thus, the proponents have decided to develop the Virtual Pet Caretaking Game to train the people before having a real pet. This game will help them know the pet’s needs and wants. Players will learn to be patient and loving with their pets or else the pets get sick or die. This game could also aid the players in choosing the right animal for them to adopt as a pet, in the future. In addition, this game could also be used to determine a player’s commitment to taking care of a real pet. If the pet lived a happy and fruitful life during its virtual lifetime, then this is a good indication that the player or owner of the virtual pet is ready to have a real live pet. Purpose and Description This project is addressed to all people who want to raise a pet for the first time, but do not have any idea of what problems they will face if they do. Many people suffer in the process of raising a pet, because they cannot adjust or even simply understand the behavior of their pets. Health of their pet is not properly balanced and proper hygiene is not consistent due to a busy schedule. But the worse scenario is taken and carried by their beloved pets. Because of health problems, these pets are prone to different kinds of viruses and sickness, less exercise will add up and less attention will boost stress that will affect their behavior, action and interaction to people, and other animals. Virtual Pet Caretaking Game is an application that will let users or players see a forecast of what to do to raise a pet. The player’s main goal in this game is to maintain his or her virtual pet’s health, hygiene, and happiness  bars as great as possible. Through this, players will get to train themselves to become good pet caretakers someday. The game possesses a great Graphical User Interface that will suit to all ages. This means that parents won’t have to worry about guiding their children in playing this game. This game is not only for children, because its goal will suit to all pet lovers out there, and because of its easy to use navigation and controls, the proponents are pretty sure that everybody won’t have a hard time in navigating this game. Mistakes are acceptable if the pet owners learned from it, but if their pets continue to suffer from the same mistakes, it is a different story. The choice is in the players’ hands. Through a virtual pet game, players will get to learn many things about taking care of a pet. General Objective The primary objective of this project is to develop an application that will temporarily replace the role of real pets in people’s lives. The purpose of replacing a real pet is to expose the people who want to have pets, to all situations that they may face if they raise their own pets. Situations like; how to feed, when to feed or what to feed; is very important and would be very crucial in raising real pets. This will teach people the responsibilities one has to do in order for the pet to survive. Watching and understanding their different emotions are important too and letting them grow healthy in the players’ hands is a must! This game is designed for children and adults who want to know their responsibilities in raising a pet. This is also for the pet’s safety; because ignorance of pet lovers can harm them and can boost stress that will greatly affect their emotion, action, and interaction with people. This game will simulate behaviors and characteristics of a real pet, to let a user or a player feel that he or she is raising a real pet. If the user is doing something wrong, the virtual pet will react accordingly. Specific Objectives Below are the specific objectives of the study 1. To develop a game which simulates virtual pets to temporarily replace real animals as pets. 2. To develop virtual pets which can simulate the behaviors of real animals. 3. To teach people the proper ways of taking care of a pet. 4. To assess if a person is suitable in raising or adopting a real animal as a pet. 5. To provide a user friendly interface that suits for all ages. 6. To provide user convenience by implementing simple navigation or controls. Scope and Limitation of the Study The study of Virtual Pet Caretaking Game covers the processes of simulating virtual pets to mimic real life pets to let the user or player feel that he or she is taking care of a real pet. It will include various things that the user can do to interact with his or her virtual pet such as feeding it, grooming it, playing with it, giving it accessories, and giving it medicine if the pet is sick. The game also covers tendencies that could happen if a virtual pet is not treated right, such as sickness or death. If the pet is raised with affections, then the pet will grow bigger and healthier, up to the last days of its virtual life. Like a real pet, a virtual pet will not live forever, so taking good care of a virtual pet is a must, if the player wants his or her virtual pet to live a happy virtual life. However, there are features which the proponents would limit for the game, such as, the game will only be developed in a two-dimensional graphic display and the game will not include social interactions with other players over the internet. Furthermore, by the end of the virtual pet’s lifetime, players can get to assess themselves if they are ready to adopt or raise a real animal as a pet. If the virtual pet lived a happy virtual life, then the player may now adopt or raise a real pet. Otherwise, it can be an indicator that the player needs to have more training in taking care of a virtual pet so that in the future, the player will be ready to adopt or raise real pets.

Education Improvements Essay

With a vast array of educational sources available online or by using technology which is involved with multimedia, it is only inevitable that a great deal of teaching will be used this way. Advantages may include improved efficiency, interested learning and a sense of enjoyment for younger learners. Traditional classroom based teaching will need to work together with the advances of computer based learning to fulfil and expand the learners knowledge. Bibliography www. computerweekly. com www. mit. com www. nhs. com www. bbc. co. uk. As technology has evolved rapidly in and around our environment, public services are now steadily introducing multimedia and other forms of computer based applications. The Territorial Army (TA) and the National Health Service (NHS) are two that have evolved dramatically within the last ten years in relation to technology. The TA has several high-tech intelligence and weaponry applications and the NHS has such vital modern equipment all implementing some form of multimedia. With this it should only make sense that multimedia be included in another very important sector, Education. Within the last five years multimedia and education have bonded well to produce some very informative information. This has become readily available for children as young as two up to adults participating in education via adult learning schemes. The most significant and straightforward way to view these types of information is from the World Wide Web (WWW). The similarity between primary and university study is that they need to be online indefinitely. Although they need internet access it must not be a limited package. The connection they apply must be quick and effective otherwise users will establish a lackadaisical attitude towards the idea. Inside the last twelve months there has been a surge in primary and secondary schools in particular enquiring about wireless connections. Many schools are looking at this form of connection due to its low cost and flexibility. Laptops can be transferred from one classroom to another, rather than having a fixed station. An example of multimedia used within education is a project aimed towards disaffected children to encourage them back into learning. Interactive mathematics, composing digital music and building virtual 3D art exhibitions are some of the applications which are used and created. The main idea behind the project is to establish a stable bond between pupil and teacher with the use of I. T. Other outcomes which are hopefully achieved is the better retention of the technology they are using (both pupil and teacher). If the time for this technology is used wisely and productively with the school environment it could play and integral part in the pupils advances post education, however if the pupil is not receptive to new forms of teaching then the answer must lie elsewhere. Ian Peacock chairman of Hackney Council’s Education Committee said â€Å"We need to ensure that the children’s use of computers in the classroom provides some of the buzz they get from playing media-intensive games in their leisure time†. (ComputerWeekly, 2001). As education and multimedia within the ages of two to sixteen is of great importance, the education of the older age group should also be considered vital for those willing to expand their skills and acquire the relevant knowledge. This next form of learning via means of multimedia shows how far the technology has developed to cater for this age group. MIT Open Courseware is designed to: – ?Provide free, searchable, access to MIT’s course materials for educators, students, and self-learners around the world. ?Extend the reach and impact of MIT OCW and the â€Å"open courseware† concept. There is a wide variety of courses to opt for, from history to nuclear engineering. The site is aimed at self-learners who can log on anywhere in the world and start accessing information on their chosen subject. Lecture notes and assignments are all included just as if they were studying in University. This form of studying is very familiar at present with more than 2000 courses available on the internet reported by 1996. That number has grown progressively and there are courses available today to suit the majority of users whatever their subject. These online courses prove to be significant to those who maybe cannot afford fees towards university or who reside to far from any teaching institute. â€Å"We live in a very rural area. Access to quality educational materials is a 225-mile drive to the nearest library of any significance. † (Self Learner MIT, 2005).

Manage Risk Essay

Assessment activity 1: Review organisational processes, procedures and requirements for undertaking risk management 1. Create your own definitions for the following terms: a) Risk: A probability or threat of damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, and that may be avoided through preemptive action. b) Risk management: The identification, analysis, assessment, control, and avoidance, minimization, or elimination of unacceptable risks. c) Risk appetite: The amount a business is willing to place at risk in the pursuit of its objectives d) Risk capacity: The amount a business is capable of loosing before it endangers its own sustainability 2. Comment on the following saying in relation to the risk management policies and practices of an organisation: â€Å" Organisations that fail to plan, plan to fail† If an organization does not have a risk plan is likely that any risk occurring with negative consequences occur organization. If the organization has a risk prevention plan is very likely that the risk does not occur and the organization and its workers could produce kno w how to deal with the negative consequences of that risk to minimize that consequences. Assessment activity 2: Determine scope for risk management process Case study Advantages: It will be holistic. Disadvantages: It will require extensive resources to conduct it properly, especially if the scope of the risk management is large and covers a wide range of activities across the divisions; very large number of policies and procedures; and is taking into account differences in each state, territory, country. The scope of a risk management strategy is entirely reflective of the organisation, its activities and risk profile. It can also be indicative of the following: past history, knowledge and experience of risk management  held by senior management, available resources, external environmental factors. Assessment activity 3: Identify internal and external stakeholders and their issues Why is it advantageous to consider stakeholders’ issues throughout the risk management process design? Stakeholders can contribute ideas, energy, skills, identifying risks and take steps to effectively manage them. Stakeholders can play an influential role in the direction and performance of t he organisation. Assessment activity 4: Review political, economic, social, legal, technological and policy context Consider your own organisation’s risk profile and comment on the influence/impact each of the following factors has on it: – Political: Through legislative and regulatory changes, political unrest, corruption and contractual issues. – Economic: Through economic booming / downturn, interest rate. – Social: Through aging population, migration, societal trends. – Legal: Through legislation changes, guidelines, code of practice. – Technological: Through new technology, consumer behaviour. – Policy: Through activities of the business and the associated risks. Assessment activity 5: Review strengths and weaknesses of existing arrangements 1. Conduct a SWOT analysis for the current risk management practices of an organisation with which you are familiar. SWOT analysis Name of organisation: GRAEL (trucking company) Brief description of core function of the organisation: Strengths: Large installations, staff with enough experience, young fleet vehicles, good prices and delivery times, national coverage. Weaknesses: High staff cost, low technological level, small business size. Opportunities: Short delivery times, satisfied costumer, implementation of more efficient technologies, opening new markets. Threats: New competitors, strict rules, lower prices in the market, little capacity of investment. I think this analysis is quite adequate and accurate because goals of this company is to grow in the freight market and satisfying the customer with meeting deadlines and the decreasing cost. if the business knows what his weaknesses and threats can be set to convert these shares in just the opposite, that is, opportunities and strengths. Assessment activity 6: Document critical success factors, goals or objectives for area included in scope 1. Case study: Nautilus Boat Hire The business has to establish specific and achievable goals because otherwise the risk management team and the individuals in it will have no direction, nothing to aim for. Goals provide a focus and purpose for action. In this case we have to turn weaknesses into strengths and threats into opportunities and all this has to be specific, tangible and measurable. Examples of how managing risk that Nautilus Boat Hire could adopt: – Provide of life jacket to all crew of the boat. – Provide of guide service in every trip. – Restructure the boats to make their use easier. Buy boats with easier use. – Distributed to each passenger a pamphlet advising the use of protective sun cream and even offering to purchase such product also sell bottles of water. – Advertise of possible noise pollution. All this actions could help our business to grow, manage risk, and achieve goals. Assessment activity 7: Obtain support for risk management activities 1. Getting people on board and keeping them engaged is a key part of managing risk. Explain, in our own words, the importance of getting support for risk management plans and processes. In a business is very important getting support for risk management plans and processes because if people do not understand the consequences of not managing risk, they are likely to view the process as more administration that takes them away from performing their core duties. 2. Create your own checklist for the qualities of a risk management champion. – Commitment and belief that managing risk is a good thing to do. – An ability to confidently speak about risk and its management. – Credibility within the business, team, department. Assessment activity 14: Evaluate and prioritise risk for treatment 1. Using the severity and likelihood matrix that you created for Nautilus Boat Hire, list the risks in priority order and give reasons for your rankings. 1 º. People who are not strong swimmers, especially children, drowning. Reasons: Negative impact on the business and the customer. May cause the closure. 2 º. Clients making a lot of noise when moored and residents complaining. Reason: Negative impact on the business. May cause the closure for noise pollution. 3 º. Houseboat clients getting lost and/or stuck on sandbanks. Reason: Negative impact on the business. Bad image for the business. 4 º. Clients finding the houseboat very difficult to control in high winds resulting in damage to the houseboat and/or land structures. Reason: Negative impact on the business. A part of the bad image for the business may be a fee arrangement of these houseboats. 5 º. Clients being sunburned and dehydrated on hot, sunny d ays. Reason: Risk is likely high to occur but with a low index of business impact. 2. Discuss some of the problems that you might encounter when trying to determine priority of risks. The problem is when you determine that there are several risks with the same degree of probability of occurrence and with the same degree of severity when it occurs. In this case the problem that we find is which risk we have to manage first. Assessment activity 15: Determine and select most appropriate options for treating risks 1. In your own words, describe what the ALARP principle means and give an example of it in practice. When controls are applied to a risk, it might be lowered to a level that is considered tolerable. If the staff of a chemical company uses the appropriate protective clothing, the risk of physical damage occurs by the use of chemicals will be less than if you do not use the protective clothing. 2. Give examples of risk that could be managed by each of the following treatment strategie s a. Avoid the risk: Choose not to borrow money to finance a project: Expand the facilities of the company. If I cannot finance  the expansion project cannot be carried out. b. Reduce the risk: Install warning signs to alert people of a possible risk: A construction company that is building a building has to signal alerts the dangers of possible risks. c. Share the risk: Contract multiple suppliers for each product: A company dedicated to the manufacture of given product has to have different suppliers to ensure that you can make this product even if some of the provider fails to supply the raw material. d. Retain the risk: Agree that the small risk of a client defaulting on payment in worth taking to obtain a new line of business that can then be used to prospect for other clients: The risk is very small so it doesn’t influence in the new line of business. 3. Describe a situation from your own experience where you applied a control to a risk. Explain the nature of the risk, which type of control that you chose to use, what you actually did and how successful it was. When moving heavy furniture you must use appropriate such as a forklift mechanisms and you have to put the most appropriate posture for lifting heavy furniture to avoid damaging the back. You need to wear a protective boots to prevent falling objects cause injury. Assessment activity 16: Develop an action plan for implementing risk treatment 1. Use the template below, create an example action plan to show how you would implement 2 risk management strategies of your choosing. Assessment activity 17: Communicate risk management processes to relevant parties Case study. Explain who the action plan, and its associated details, needs to be communicated to and when and how this could be best achieved. The action plan must be communicated to all parties who will have a responsibility for actioning or overseeing them. It has to communicate what must or must not be done, who should be doing it, by when and what the consequences are of failing to do it. Abacus Accounting has to communicate  risk management strategies to the staff involved in that business. It has to explain all protocols and procedures contain in the plan. The best way to achieve it, is using two way rather than a one way communication process, â€Å"Feedback†. Communication methods: Face to face discussions, written procedures manual, email, training. Assessment activity 18: Ensure all documentation is in order and appropriately stored. In the space below, list the policies, associated p rocedures and person/s responsible for completing the record-keeping that your organisation has in place for risk management. Assessment activity 19: Implement and monitor action plan 1. Discuss why it is important to monitor an action plan once it has moved into its implementation phase. Should be undertaken with the overall objective of continually improving the organisation’s performance through effective risk management. The monitoring regime should be considered as a key part of the plan development phase. Monitoring allows for any variance against the intended goals to be quickly identified and rectified. 2. Using the review scope and frequency triangle, give at least 2 examples of activities that could be performed at each level Regular checking / continuous monitoring: Proper use of machinery, Compliance schedule by workers Line management / Review: Review the economic performance, Review compliance with internal regulations Audit: Check the quality system, Review the risk plan 3. At what point is it best to consider the monitoring aspect of a risk management plan and what factors should be included? Monitoring allows for  any variance against the intended goals to be quickly identified and rectified. Monitoring factors that should be included: – What date do you need to collect? – How will you ensure that the data is valid and reliable? – How will you know if you are moving towards the goal set? – How will you know when the goal has been reached? – How frequently will you assess the plan? Assessment activity 20: Discuss the following statement: â€Å"Audits conducted by external companies are just another academic exercise designed to create employment for consultants†. I am not agree with this statement because I think that external Audits are necessary sometimes to audit some companies because it is a external company to your company so it is impartial. Choose an external auditor endeavour to find one who: – specialises in your organisation’s industry – is appropriately qualified and experienced – demonstrates the ability to quickly build rapport with workers – is impartial, thorough and investigative Assessment tools 2 (AT2) 1. What is the purpose of the standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management? In that standard Risk is defined as â€Å"The effect of uncertainty on objectives†. Risks affecting organizations can have consequences in terms of economic performance and professional reputation, as well as environmental, safety and societal outcomes. Therefore, managing risk effectively helps organizations to perform well in an environment full of uncertainty. AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management provides principles, framework and a process for managing risk. 2. There are a number of Key provisions of relevant legislation and regulations from all levels of government that may affect aspects of business operations. Why is it necessary to have a working knowledge of the legislation involved in business? What is duty of care? A business will face issues if you do not abide by the law. It’s important to have a working knowledge of the legislation involved with your business so that with every move your business makes, you can ensure that you are complying with the laws of the  land. The primary responsibility lies with the person who is conducting the business and is also the responsibility of all staff of the company to know the laws that are involved in the business. 3. What is risk management? Why must risk management procedures be followed? Risk management is a process that enable board of directors, managers, staff and shareholders to have a reasonable degree of confidence that business goals will be achieved within an acceptable level of risk. Risk management is an effort to reduce risk. Risk management activities identify whether there are any risk controls in place, and if so, whether they are adequate. Risk management policies set out, for employees, the instructions and operating procedures that must be followed. 4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of carrying out a risk assessment for a whole organisation and its overall operations? On what basis/scope might risk assessments be carried out if they are not carried out for an entire organisations? The advantages of conducting risk assessment for the whole business is that it will be holistic and parts of the business are less likely to be overlooked. It will allow a uniform risk management plan whose sections all work in relation to others and it can be communicated to employees in the same manner and at the same time. Scope of a business’s risk assessment might include: specific projects, specific business units or areas, specific business functions, the external environment, the internal environm ent. 5. Employees with disability have the same rights as other employees to a safe and healthy workplace and they also have the right to workplace modifications or adjustments that ensure their safety. What Acts affords these rights to disabled workers ? What types of adjustments might be required? The Disability Discrimination Act (ADD) 1992 gives disabled workers the right to workplace adjustment. Adjustments might include: Wheelchair ramps, access to safety information I the required format, extra wide exit doors, the provision of special personal protection equipment, the provision of special equipment, changes or modifications to policies and procedures, ergonomic adjustments to work stations, adjusting work schedules. 6. Businesses can take out a variety of insurances that will indemnify them and/or their employees, customers, members of the public in the case of an accident or other adverse occurrence. What types of insurance can they take out? What companies offers  insurance for businesses? Types of insurance: Business insurance, fire insurance, kidnap and ransom insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, life insurance, Directo’s and officer’s insurance, industrial special risk insurance, public liability insurance, motor vehicle fleet insurance, compulsory third party insurance, professional indemnity insurance, key person insurance. Example of companies offering insurance: Allianz, AMP, QBE, GIO, RACV, MLC, AAMI, SGIO, Zurich, Vero, Rural and General. Assessment tool 3 (AT3): Project Part 1- Plan for enterprise risk management: With my project I will develop the study and application of a risk policy for a company that is dedicated to fashion market by own local fashion stores. Before the development of the risk policy I have to make clear what the mission and vision of our business. Mission: to be a leader in the market, offering quality, good service and plenty of outlets offering care and quality of life for people. Vision: To be the retailer that offers the best quality and variety of services and products for sale to customers, generate added value to people with our products. Why do we have to approach risk management? – We anticipate events that may be unexpected or uncontrolled, such as people stop buying any product we sell because the market has entered a new fashion label. – Analysis of business opportunities, or as to open new sales channels, to improve products or to improve our facilities. – Improved performance outcomes due to effective planning, if we know that there are risks to our business address them on time and know we will always have an effective response to address them. – Optimal efficiency and economy. Know how the money is spent and when to spend, eg making a risk analysis can allow me know if I should invest in a particular area or not, or in a particular product or not. – Improved relationship with stakeholders, because all stakeholders must understand the business risks. – If all future events that may occur are provided of course the director or team conducting the study of risk will have a good reputation both inside and outside t he business Through the system of risk management we know how our company is willing to spend to achieve the objectives and how are willing to  lose if it does not address future risks. The scope for risk management will make for this business includes both an internal area of operation of the company as well as an external scope thereof. Internal because I will analyze what are the risks that can find me in my business. External, because I will try to study what are the external factors that may affect my business. For example, an internal factor is the reform and adaptation of shops to allow access for the handicapped. An external factor would be as such can influence the economy in buying fashionable clothes. Therefore when establishing our risk management should take into account the following circumstances: – Political: depending on whether there will be a government or other legislation and other issues that may affect me in varying degrees relating to such licensing to open outlets. – Economic: Depending on how the economy is or the area where I’m shops sell more or less. – Social: Depending on social trends when it comes to fashion I’ll have to adapt the models to these new trends. – Legal : I have to adapt my business to existing legislation. – Technological: I’ll have to adapt production of garments production technologies and even the addition of new tissues. – Policy: Activities of the business and the associated risks. To manage the risk facing a business it is important to identify all of the stakeholders and issues. What are internal and external stakeholder in our business? Internal stakeholder: It would all the staff with which our company, shareholders, management, administrative department, financial department, buying department, marketing department, design department, production and logistics, and all the staff working in stores in different cities where we are set. External stakeholder: Any person who makes the purchase in one of our stores can consider stakeholder. Supplier could be considered as external stakeholder. The government can be considered as a stakeholder in the way laws on trade. Part 2: Identify the risks: Identify the risks through a SWOT diagram Strengths | Weaknesses | – Quality and designed at very reasonable prices. – Strong financial system. Solid and profitable company.- Vertical integration: control over the entire production chain.- Production of garments to be sold. Very little stock. High turnover of product.- Quick delivery to shops.- Variety of models.-  Strong presence in each city.- Stores in the best locations in the city.- Good after sale system. | – Very little advertising system.- Employee wages low- Stores have a poor image abroad.- Stores are not adapted for disabled input.- Clothes sewing defects.- High cost of maintenance shops. | Opportunities | Threats | – Growth of cities due to immigration.- Creating outlets: selling clothes from other seasons at lower prices.- Growing interest in personal image.- Globalized world: others markets.- New technologies. | – Other companies have similar products with good quality and good prices.- Increased competition in the sector.- Demanding customer: People do not like to dress like others.- Other businesses have online shops.-Climatic diversity: different climates that make manufacturing clothes according to the weather, is very wide. | This SWOT analysis follows that our company can be found on the following risks: 1. Not having a good advertising system do not reach people our deals so many people do not know the products we have. The only way to know that we can offer it’s entering one of our stores. 2. Salary of employees is low so they are not motivated. Not being motivated not only contribute ideas and really made a mechanical sales job but do not persuade the buyer to ma ke a purchase top. 3. Image abroad offering shops is very poor and the decor is not very good. On the other hand, the lighting is bad and there are clothes in the windows are not all that should be visible. Another problem is that the prices are in clothing exposed in the window and is not seen very divicil identify which price corresponds with each garment. 4. Virtually all of our stores are not adapted to the input of people with disabilities â€Å"Wheelchair†. The problem here is that we find the latest legislation on this issue gives us a period of two years to adapt to every store possible input disabled. 5. Many of the items have defects resulting from poor workmanship. This involves not a major economic expenditure for the company because you have to add the price of the withdrawal of the garment all transportation costs. 6. The high cost of maintenance of the stores is another risk that we are as it is a very negative factor financially to the income statement. 7. Increased competition. Other companies are appearing on the market with very similar to our products at very competitive prices so our sales could lower. 8. We do not have Online  Shop. We don’t have online shop and currently that sales are increasing. 9. We manufacture garments for all seasons so our manufacturing models are many and this leads us to the problem of strong economic investment we have to do to purchase machinery to manufacture all that wide range of models. All these risks have deduced the SWOT analysis we have made to our business and lessons learned in the past, data and statistics that we have on our business. If we want a more detailed analysis of all risks that may affect our business, we might go to an outside consultant as these people are prepared and have specialized knowledge and appropriate tools to identify what are the risks that may affect our business. Tools and techniques that it could be used in the audit process: – Fishbone diagrams – Process mapping – Force field analysis – Checklists – Scenario analysis – Markov chains 1. Not having a good advertising system do not reach people our deals so many people do not know the products we have. Minimal impact. Our business is built on the basis of an almost nonexistent outside advertising so this is a risk but almost irrelevant. If we want to expand the business or increase  sales if you should do some advertising campaign and should consider the most appropriate way of doing this campaign. 2. Salary of employees is low so they are not motivated. Moderate Impact. We study the possibility of increasing the wages of workers in our company to try to increase the productivity of these workers. Although productivity and wages are two issues that need not be proportionate if it is true that a worker is more encouraged to work with a slightly higher salary than another worker performing that function this but a minimum wage. Slightly increasing wages and participation could increase sales because the seller would find more willing to sell and deliver the product s and therefore more likely the buyer would buy. 3. Image abroad offering shops is very poor and the decor is not very good. Minor impact. Although I have an external image in not very good trades I think his impact is less when talking about risks to our business as it is not very expensive to redecorate all the windows to make them more attractive to our customers. A different question is the issue of bad lighting since the change the entire lighting system stores would be costly for the business but could make a sequence and always depending on the importance regarding the location and quantity of sales shops. 4. Virtually all of our stores are not adapted to the input of people with disabilities â€Å"Wheelchair†. Disastrous / catastrophic. If we do not adapt to the existing legislation on trade our stores may be closed by the competent authorities. As our business would cease to exist. I think this risk is a priority when looking for a solution. 5. Many of the items have defects resulting from poor workmanship. Severe impact. When carrying a defective garment market the basic cost of the garment triples so this risk we must approach it as a must urgently increase the benefit of our business to carry out the whole process of reforms that we are talking about and that our shareholders are demanding us to increase business benefits. This can solve it with a higher quality control. The quality control mechanism must be present in all of our business processes, that is, from the design of the garment to the customer buys it, through manufacturing, logistics, customer service †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ . 6. The high cost of maintenance of the stores. Severe impact. Negative impact on the income statement. We should make the necessary reforms in stores to ensure that the cost of maintaining them is less for the benefit of the business is greater. Depending on the degree of need for the reform of local  we could also think of relocating these stores. We should conduct a market study of the area where the store to see if it is the right place or if instead Store could relocate elsewhere something less expensive is located. 7. Increased competition. Minor impact. The increase in our competition is a fact that can not be denied. We are still having good sales in our business and we were not too concerned that other companies entering our market but the probability of this happening is quite high and although initially the impact is small can lead to over time this impact becomes high due to the loss of competitiveness. We must establish appropriate in our company to always be ahead of p ossible companies that want to enter our niche market mechanisms. 8. We do not have Online Shop. Moderate impact. Not having a online sale mechanism first time does not mean a loss of sales in our business but precisely for the opposite if we establish this system of Internet sales our sales increase. Perform this process would not be very expensive for our business and could bring great benefits because we could reduce very significantly the costs, especially the costs of maintenance shops and staff costs. 9. We manufacture garments for all seasons. Moderate impact. We have adapted the production chain to see how we can reduce costs in manufacturing garments. But this we can do it in a leisurely way without making a large financial outlay. Likewise we can stop making certain models that are the least sold and are left less benefit. Communication with all relevant parties. To communicate with all relevant parties in the process of reforms resulting from all risks I have described, would do it two ways: 1. Internally in our company through briefings to all staff employed in our company by exposing what are the changes that are going to make an attempt on one hand the people brainstorm such change and on the other side that all staff have knowledge of such changes. I think it would be a good way to create a positive feedback. Also would have to send the entire management team and the financial team with a report of all findings of the risk because ultimately they are the ones who have the power of decision on the feasibility of these reforms. We should also make a report to shareholders equipment at all times know what steps you are following the company. 2. An external way our company would be good to communicate throughout the process  of change to all our potential clients in order to publicize the company how it works and what the goals are the same. We could do some kind of advertising campaign. On the other hand we must notify the competent bodies our stores comply with current regulations. Finally I would say that our plan of risks and their treatment should always be in line with the goals of our business, as well as the mission and vision of it.

Case Memo Fashion Channel

Ms Dana Wheeler, Senior Vice President, Marketing subject: Suggestions for forthcoming Marketing Plan date: 10/12/2013 TFH is indeed in a rather tricky situation at the moment. Although I agree with you that there is an undeniable need for some substantial changes, I am equally concerned about the negative reception of these changes by our viewers and even our employees. According to me, the aim right now should be to steer our channel way from the risks of declining viewers and advertising prices.However, in order to achieve this, I do not at the same time think it would be wise to expose ourselves to higher concentration risks than is necessary. Therefore, my recommendation is to opt for the third scenario as mentioned in your projections, which targets both ‘Factionists' and ‘Shoppers & Planners'. This strategy could help maintain or limit the damage to our existing viewers, and potentially increase our network rating by 20%; and our annual CPM average from $2 to nearl y $3.This could result in a consequent increase in ad revenues to upwards of $320 million, which is a much better projected delivery than of the first two options. I have explained some reasons below to support this argument. The current CPM is projected to fall by 10% next year if our present audience-mix endures. Change in this area, is therefore vital to Tech's ability to grow and address increasing competition. Attracting a multi-cluster of viewers, may increase numbers, but will not do much to avoid the probable drop in CPM.It would be necessary therefore to place importance on attracting a specific viewer demographic which has could contribute towards increasing our ad revenues. As you are aware, the demographic segment of female viewers aged 18-34 commands a higher CPM in the market. Additionally, of the four attitudinal clusters identified in the report from SGF Associates, ‘Factionists' are found to be comprised of the highest portion of the demographic mentioned abov e. Planners and Shoppers' on the other hand seem to be comprised more of our existing viewers' demographic, hill ‘Sustainability' and ‘Basics' are broader clusters, with lower involvement and interest in fashion. It is quite clear from this that the first cluster would be an obvious target for our future marketing. However, given that it comprises of a relatively small portion of the television viewing population of the US, targeting ‘Factionists' could jeopardize our current viewer numbers and therefore our network rating.In light of this, I consider it strategically much more sensible to offset this risk by including Planners & Shoppers' in addition to ‘Factionists' in our strategy, which could result in achieving a healthy rating, while increasing the number of higher-value viewer (in terms of CPM) demographic. Also, unlike the first scenario, this would avoid over- expansion of our viewer demographic, which is something most advertisers are weary of. I th erefore would advise you to seriously consider Scenario 3, which seems to be efficient, both, in terms of performance, as well as in terms of risk.

Coffee tree genome sequenced Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Coffee tree genome sequenced - Essay Example The accessibility of the absolute chloroplast genome enables an interagency spacer that can utilize genetic engineering that will improve the crop. I think the author of the article intends to report a complete sequence of the coffee chloroplast other than documenting the technological methods using new genome sequencing. The information will also compare genomic organization in lieu with phylogentic relationships of coffee with other angiosperms This article brings into focus the issue of DNA proteins in humans and genetic engineering. This is because the topic will tackle chloroplast genetic engineering of the chloroplast genome coffee. Samson et al. (342) state that coffee is one of the crucial cash crops in the world. The world consumes nearly 3 billion cups of coffee every day. The crop is second to oil in terms of foreign exchange value in many developing countries. Coffee belongs to the Rubicae family specifically of the angiosperms. The two species of coffea include Arabica and rubica . Worldwide, people use the former due to its quality and fragrance while it remains vulnerable to pest and diseases such as nematodes, coffee berry borers, fungus among others. Researchers reckon a need to improve coffee Arabica in terms of its resistance to pests like the coffea canephora that causes plenty of damage to the tree mortality and the coffee trees. Some researchers have managed to perform successful genetic coffee engineering. Some of the genetic engineering included the simultaneous cultivation of c. Arabica protoplasts in conjunction with different genes. I think the researchers acquired somatic embryos of c. Arabica through electroporation method that enabled them to combine other genes. I find that the researchers went ahead to try out different integrations in a bid to acquire a c. Arabica resistant type. It seems the efforts were in futility until they acquired

Innovation and Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Innovation and Change - Essay Example Innovation and commercialisation differ considerably from each other. Different types, sizes and markets of innovation have been clearly depicted in the paper. Several factors such as culture, organisational structure, its core competence and environmental scanning that play a vital part in innovation strategy have been mentioned in detail. Various issues and factors that make an organisation innovative have been discussed by citing examples. 2.0 What Is Innovation and Why Is It Important? Definition Innovation refers to an application of improved or new ideas to products, process, marketing or various other activities of a firm in order to increase its ‘value’. Value represents a wider approach to incorporate higher value added to the firm, benefits to consumers or other firms (Princeton University Press, n.d.). Innovation implies the process by which different degrees of quantifiable value improvement is planned as well as achieved in commercial activity. The processes by which innovation can be achieved are introducing new or improved products and services, executing improved operational process and implementing new managerial process (Business.Gov.in, n.d.). Importance In the present scenario, innovation is a key factor to maintain long run of business and organisation. Innovation facilitates to achieve competitive advantage over others. An organisation is involved in various innovative activities in manufacturing procedures, brand building, product improvement and others. Innovation facilitates to structure corporate life and also helps a company to develop various strategies. Various other significances of innovation in the industry encompass decrease in total cost of production, increase in income opportunity and maintenance of well-organised operating system. It also enables to observe probable acquisitions on the basis of cost as well as accelerating profitable top-line revenue growth along with increasing capabilities. The research and de velopment of the country can be expanded by innovation by means of most up-to-date technology in the country (Business.Gov.in, n.d.). Difference between Commercialisation and Innovation Innovation implies improvement with innovative technologies in various sectors in an organisation. Innovation process varies considerably depending on different industries and their product lines. In certain industries, such as pharmaceuticals, innovation depends greatly on scientific breakthroughs, while in electronics industry innovation develops from product and process design. Innovation takes on several characteristics during product as well as industry life cycles (Princeton University, 1995). Commercialisation refers to increase in profit from innovation in an organisation by integrating new technologies into processes, products and services and then selling them in marketplace. Commercialisation is contingent in industries of pharmaceuticals along with aircraft while receiving sanction of pro ducts from suitable organisations. Commercial success depends on the ability and skill of firms to develop and protect a proprietary benefit in the marketplace as it does on their capability to produce new scientific and technical advances (Princeton University, 1995). Several innovations are developed to the prototype stage and are produced in lesser amount, but it is not totally commercialised because the financial