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Statement of Topic:
To determine, how employees can be motivated in US Bancorp, Finance & Insurance Industry.

Abstract:
This research is focusing on employees in US Bancorp, one of the fifth leading commercial banks in United States, accredited with a high rank based on its deposits. US Bancorp has over the years been associated with consumer complaints largely because of its poor customer services. The consumer complaints are partly attributed to the fact that employees are lowly motivated hence, the more likely they are to provide poor services. The study project is further outlining on ways in which employees can be motivated in an industry that deals with a large pool of clientele.

Research Problem:
This is a real problem, and it is indicated from the following data. The cost of turn over within finance and insurance industry is $30,000 month or calculated as $1,000 in every employee on a daily basis. This will total to $360,000 per annum. Most of the actual costs in most companies are usually higher than the estimated cost. The cost of turn over within this industry may be unnecessary and avoidable. However, for this to happen in a company that employs 63,000 employees, their satisfaction requires to be increased from 4.0% to 10% for a more productive workforce.

Purpose for the Action Research:
This study is giving an outline to reasons of high-employee turnover which is directly related to a work force that is not motivated. The purpose of this research is to identify why the employees need to be motivated and how this motivation can be carried out. Through the profit and loss reports, the employees’ turnover in US Bancorp will be established.

Problem Statement:
US Bancorp has over the years been gaining a reputation that may drive away the potential employees. This is a problem that is widely known and publicized in different articles, newspapers, magazines and journals such as the Inner City Press or the Fair Finance Watch and from links such as http://dukeemployees.com/newsseptember2001.html. This problem does not only exist in this company only, but also in other companies all over the globe, where most employees feel neglected or overworked (Michael & Anderson, 2000).

Theoretical Frameworks:
According to Frederick W. Taylor in theories of motivation, workers are significantly motivated by pay. This theory is likely to work in US Bancorp, which delays its employees’ pay for their extra time of working. Taylor’s theory of scientific management argued that the employees do not enjoy their work naturally, so most of them require supervision and motivation. Workers have to be compensated for their overtime shifts and payment made according to their produce. (more…)

The world’s best advertising campaign for the best job in the world
Tourism Australia identified the “Global Experience Seeker” as one of the fundamental strategies of marketing the potential behind the Great Barrier Reef. The ‘global experience seeker’ is an innovative marketing campaign aimed at advertising and marketing the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the tourist attraction sites that had not been exploited to its potential. It is a global segment that covers majority of the global markets and consists of travelers who are minimally affected by long distance, time or cost factors. The ‘global experience seeker is found among all age groups and Tourism Australia had to go through a rigorous process to establish the process. The initial step was to partner and work closely with the Cummins Nitro creative directors, who fleshed out the global campaign on paper and later on improve it (Adamsen, 2010, p 18). This campaign strategy involved advertising a dream job on the Hamilton Island since it is better-known place frequented by celebrity visits. Tourism Australia then went ahead to market it as the best job in the world, promoting an impressive salary and luxurious accommodation on the island. Requirements for this job would include online blogging about the stunning activities, attractiveness and features of the island. (more…)

Introduction

In understanding a subject, training events are ideal in order to come up with information that is comprehensive, readable and can be easily accessed.

When creating a Self-Designed Training event, it is appropriate to identify the kind of information to be delivered followed by breaking down of the training into elements that are easy to manage.

Before settling on a training opportunity, it is necessary to analyze training needs.

Skills and knowledge of online program planning and development can help create learning platform through initiatives such as a Synchronous E-Learning(Nilson, 2004).

This paper therefore seeks to design a 30-60 minute training program using technology.

The study further aims at providing an insight into the reasons why the Synchronous E-Learning Platform is needed and ways to overcome any perceived training obstacles.

Synchronous E-Learning

Creation of synchronous e-learning project involves conceptualizing and building of ideas to come up with an effective way of communication.

The main aim is to achieve the targeted outcomes of learning, imagination and creativity.

This type of learning is supported by computers and it is fast growing in providing learning opportunities internationally and locally.

It has enhanced use of computer in sharing knowledge between students and their instructors.

In recent times, communication technologies have been deployed across the world to promote this type of learning.

Apart from that, the world wide web may be used to avail information to users after analysis, designing, building and testing of synchronous e-learning training event.

Steps of developing synchronous e-learning

First, the instructor selects relevant dimensions to put into consideration when designing the event. In this case, the dimensions will be learners.

The instructor then identifies any barriers to the effectiveness of the platform of learning.

Identification of major barriers to usability of the training like for instance if the learners are geographically dispersed or of they will, embrace the initiatives used to impart knowledge.

Selecting of technology in relation to the possible barriers that may occur during implementation of the process.

When working on a synchronous e- learning it is appropriate to ensure that the tools used support development of workflow, templates and skins of CSS, assessment of data, ease of using content and asset management that is efficient (Nilson, 2004).

Interaction with learners has four layers that is the portal, course delivery and the LMS.

Cont’d

It is at this point that a suitable LMS (learning management system) software is selected since it has the ability to manage transactions made in an online class, asses out comes associated with the learning processes as well as delivery of course content (Auerbach & Silberman, 2010).

In addition, the software can track and report progress made by the learner.

It is important to blend objectives of instructions, strategies for the learning activities. This is done in consideration of media types and mode of delivery.

On the other hand, an LCMS is used to organize curriculum courses and units of learning content that has been digitized (Anderson, 2010).

Digital assets in this case will include Microsoft word and any other text documents like PowerPoint slides and authoring documents that are instructional such as author ware and tool

books.

Cont’d

Testing and evaluation to ascertain the suitability of the training program is then conducted since an instructor is responsible for ensuring users are satisfied with the information provided.

E-learning can be made easier by availing policy documents to learners which may help in matters of clarity(Anderson, 2010).

Reasons why synchronous e-learning is needed

E-learning involves a large number of participants who seek to gain knowledge through a platform that provides different learning styles to meet their personal needs and preferences.

Synchronous e-learning is a convenient way of learning due to its availability to students who may wish to complete their training at off-hours or at home (Anderson, 2010).

Learners that are slow can benefit from the fact that this kind of learning is self paced hence reducing stress and increase user satisfaction.

Since e-learning provides reference that can be understood easily hence engaging users throughout the training session.

Portability of training is a major strength of synchronous learning in the sense that note book computers, mobile phones and points of linking networks reduces the burden of carrying volumes of books and other reference material (Auerbach & Silberman, 2010).

Cont’ d

Individuals embrace this type of learning with the aim of eliminating the frustration of having to read long passages of information .

Besides that, it is self-paced since learners who are advanced can speed through instructions provided.

Synchronous e-learning provides three styles of learning which include auditory, visual and kinesthetic (Nadler & Nadler,2004).

Furthermore, the cost of producing published works and their distribution have been reduced by this computer aided learning program.

The development of e-learning has enabled efficient training of people globally through a single platform.

In recent years, synchronous e-learning is being applied through the use of tools of virtual classroom on a wide scale.

Due to this, those employed in dispersed locations around the world and distance learners are able to interact, collaborate and access information without having to waste time and money on travelling (Nilson, 2004).

Through face to face classes that are made available to learners online, synchronous e-learning has eliminated chances of loneliness experienced by those using self paced e-learning technologies.

Ways to overcome any perceived training obstacles

Obstacles to training can be overcome by understanding the needs of the targeted audience. This is due to the preferences and expectations of users and this will enhance satisfaction.

By thorough analysis of the content bring displayed when designing the synchronous e-learning, it is advisable to analyze the information first then designing, building and testing of the training method follows afterwards.

This will ensure that the program is effective in educating users, readable and readily available.

When designing the training sessions, assembling materials with specific objectives of learning in mind can help meet requirements stipulated in a specified curriculum (Piskurich, 2004)

References

Auerbach ,C., & Silberman, M.(2010). Active Training: A Handbook of Techniques, Designs, Case Examples, and Tips. New York: John Wiley and Sons Publishers.

Anderson, T. (2010). The theory and practice of online learning. Alberta: Athabasca University Press.

Piskurich, M. G. (2004). The AMA handbook of e-learning: effective design, implementation, and technology solutions. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn Publishers.

Nadler, L., & Nadler, C.(2004). Designing training programs: the critical events model. Houston: Gulf Publishing Company.

Nilson, D. C. (2004). How to manage training: a guide to design and delivery for high performance. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn Publishers.

Part 1

It was a chilling morning in northwestern Kansas. A man, his wife and two children (boy and girl) returned to their home since it was showering and they decided to stay indoors. Additionally, life was not easy at the plains and many families relocated to other regions. As the man moved around his house, he noted that from a distance a small partition of fog and transparent cloud rotating and suddenly vanished. Also, it was coming towards their house. Suddenly, ferocious hail storm hit the house and the area around the house looked as if it was snowing.

The man feared for the safety of his family; so he decided to read an old newspaper. The man became occupied such that he did not notice when the storm was approaching. The winds were blowing at about 200 miles per hour and the created pressure of about fifteen tons on the side of the house. Suddenly, he noticed that rain water beneath his feet. He grabbed some sheets and tried to cover the spaces on the door of his house. The rain shingled the roof as well as threatened to break the entrance. They all decided to stay in their dining room.

The man became worried and stood at the window and he tried to wipe the windowpane that was clouded with moisture (Sebastian 259). It was raining so heavily such that it was difficult to view of far-off cabins. The lighting stuck and filled the house with blinding glare. This forced the children to stay close to the mother. The man tried to calm down his family but it was all in vain since the electricity went off a several times. After five hours, the house was filled with water. The family found a secured high place and they had nothing to cover themselves. It rained for five days and the water levels in the house reduced after three days. They were all unconscious but they were helped by good Samaritans.

More than eighteen people died while about one hundred and fifty lost their homes. In addition, the hail stormed damaged police vehicles, trucks as well as ambulance units (The Tornado Project). Most of houses had collapsed while car windows were shattered.

Part 2

Men and Cartoons by Jonathan Lethem contain nine short stories and the writer a lot of fictional words. The stories do not reflect the title of the book. “The Spray” is about man and woman who found a chemical compound, if sprayed it could expose things that had got lost (Mark). Someone had broken into the couple’s house and took the fax machine, the television and other things. The couple called the police. Four police officers and a dog visited the crime scene. They debriefed the couple and brought out a small canister and sprayed around the house. Before spraying, they masked their dog. The police officers explained to the couple as to why they were spraying the house; that is they were making “lost things visible” (Jonathan 48).After the spray settled, some spots in the house started glowing; this indicated what the burglar had stolen. It was noted that jewelry box, camera, walkman and pair of cull links were missing. Although the missing things were visible, one of the police officers explained to the couple that the things could not be touched since they were no longer there. The police officers accidentally forgot the canister and Addie took it. Addie sprayed Lucinda. An image of Lucinda was formed; it had short hair, the head laid on Charles’ shoulder. Lucinda and Charles wrestled for the spray and it went off. After the spray settled, images of Addie and Lucinda were formed. The story below borrows characters from Men and Cartoons.

Lucinda keeps her halo on the side of the bed. Addie is able to see the glowing arch of the halo when sleeping. The curtains are white they hang down to the floor; so it swishes softy in the gentle wind. Addie and Lucinda do not live on the beach, but they are close to it. When Addie wakes up, he likes watching Lucinda stretch her arms and yawn. Sometimes Lucinda hugs her shoulders and sits like a cat on her thighs while the hands are in front.

Addie pretends for some time that he is asleep as Lucinda enjoys the sunlight as well as the breeze and wriggles her shoulders. Afterwards, Lucinda fits the halo on her head and rises from the bed. Once Lucinda’s toes touch the floor, she sways like she weighs nothing while Addie looks at her (Jonas).

Lucinda kneels at the window and the birds continue to sing as combs her hair. Lucinda strokes a hundred times on side and does the same to the other side. Addie watches her falls into late morning dreams and he snaps out of it. Afterwards, Lucinda starts singing while eating a grapefruit. Addie decides get of the bed and Lucinda leans on the bed and greets him (Jonas).

They both have breakfast and fold clean clothes together. Addie starts to think why he has good things; for instance, he asks himself why deserves Lucinda. Lucinda freshens up and leaves for; she later kisses Addie goodbye. Addie decides to get out of the house since he is jobless. Addie looks for his pants in the laundry hamper and later goes to look for job (Jonas).

Addie decides to hang out with Samuel and Naomi. He takes few beers with them. Addie and Samuel sit on a sofa and start staring at the people moving and later Naomi joins them (Jonas).

Samuel and Naomi “are sharing a root beer float, off by the dining area. They’re not bad people. They love each other, I’m sure. Maybe people like them have a bad rap, or maybe they were just born into a bad situation” (Jonas). It is not Samuel and Naomi’s fault, and at least those Addie and Lucinda have someone to love. The music is loud enough that there is no need to talk. There is hissing sound of people skating which reminds Addie of the ocean’s wave. Someone could think that the “maze of green plastic stars above” them is the real (Jonas). Outside where they were sitting, the stars were shining while the people were shuffling to their flatcars in little small close groups and there seemed to be loneliness. Addie asks Lucinda, “What happens if you lose your wings?” Lucinda sighs and says she cannot fly (Jonas).

Afterwards, the music is changed. There skating noises as couples are skating together and some of them leave the floor while others hold each close. Lucinda extends her arms around Addie, Samuel and Naomi and they all glare at the light. The light of the colors keep on changing slowly and it seems as if they are not changing at all; the light flows across their face, lighting their cheeks and brushing through their hair. Lucinda watches Addie with her golden eyes as if they were alone. Addie takes Lucinda’s hands in and leans away. Lucinda follows Addie and they spin together below the cover of Lucinda’s arms.

  Addie wants to ask Lucinda why he deserves to have her love. Addie wants to find out what Lucinda thinks about their world “that makes it worth being” where they are (Jonas). Although it seems to be simple, Lucinda finds hard to explain. According to Addie, their world should be cheaper knock-off to Lucinda. This because the love Addie has for Lucinda can give her must just be a “shadow of what she knew” before they met together (Jonas).

Part 3

The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway has five sections. The Big Two-Hearted River can be found in the soldier home section (Ernest 47). The story focuses Nick Adams’ healing process after World War I.

Based on the story above story, Adam jailed for forty years because of drug trafficking and child abuse. The day he is released there is no person to pick him. Adam walks sixty miles from the prison and later decides to walk across the field of corn to reach the nearby town. Adam was lucky to find a stream of water and abandoned house. He freshened up and looked for something to eat.

Afterwards, he moved along the stream and to find place to camp. There was no person that Adam could talk to; so he could spend most of the time thinking. In order to avoid thinking, Adam distracted himself by doing something constructive like weeding around his camp and trying to learn more about nature. When Adams went to bed, he tried to recall about his family as well as the close friends he had before he was imprisoned. At times he used to curse himself and tried to think of the good things that he did to people. In addition, before he went to bed, he always hoped that he would find someone to befriend. Every action meant that Adam was fragile and he could breakdown any time; he became frustrated Adams’ reaction after his first fish. Adams calmed himself down going to the shore and smoking a cigarette.

Every morning Adams would wake up and start fishing. After taking breakfast, he will go to the forest to find bait that is grasshoppers. As Adam interacts with nature e.g. fishing, he condition continues to stabilize. That is Adam no longer focuses on negative things like he was hopeless after the war. He tries to learn more on the environment instead of watching thing go wrong around him. After catching a small fish, he releases it due to the fact that he would catch another big fish. Additionally, if the big fish escapes, Adams decides to catch medium sized fish. As time goes on, Adams loses interest in fishing and he hopes to get a book and read it.

Works Cited

Ernest, Hemingway. The Nick Adams Stories. Amereon Limited, 1990.

Jonas, Hurwitz. Simon at the Shore Line. 2011. 1 September 2011 <http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/SimoShor883.shtml>.

Jonathan, Lethem. Men and Cartoons. Vintage, 2005.

Mark, Flanagan. Men and Cartoons. 2011. 1 September 2011 <http://contemporarylit.about.com/od/shortfiction/fr/menAndCartoons.htm>.

Sebastian, Junger. The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea. Norton & Company, 2000.

The Tornado Project. Stories. 1999. 1 September 2010 <http://www.tornadoproject.com/stories/stories.htm>.

The data which has been taken into consideration in this case includes, position and intrinsic data type. Reason for selections includes, within case selection for both quantitative and qualitative data types. The first few analysis techniques used in this case helped in organization of the whole data under study. Different data types and groups within the given data have been identified as a separate case to help identify the single unique patterns within the two categories (qualitative and quantitative). The data provided in this case further entails cross-case analysis. Pair of cases can be determined from the given data there fore able to identify the mean, mode, average, variance, and standard deviation of each data provided in this case.

Positions 1

Intrinsic data type over view

• Mean 4.99567

• Mode 5.3

• Average 4.99567

• Variance 1.3541

• Standard deviation 1.16366

Pie chart representing the data

Position 2

Intrinsic data type over view

• Mean 5.57602

• Mode 6.2,5.3

• Average 5.57692

• Variance 0.1787

• Standard deviation 0.42273

Pie chart representing the data

Taking the two sets of charts into consideration, it can be seen that position 1 has a significantly higher value orders compared to position 2, that is in accordance to the mean 5.57602 and 4.99567. It can be pertained from analyzing the data and comparing the standard deviation of each data in this case. The standard deviation of position one (1.16366) is higher than that of position 2 (0.42273) taking intrinsic data into consideration.

Graphs and charts help in understanding of the data more clearly, an example is the one provided in this case. A pie chart has been used in this case, to try and explore the intrinsic data which has been shown by position 1 and 2. Pie charts have been chosen in this case to try and elaborate more towards the data. It serves the same purpose as a line graph or a bar graph. In this case it tends to show the difference between two different subjects. It thus further eschews the different subjects found in the essential part of the whole thing. It has further been chosen because it is the easiest chart to read and that why it’s mainly used in analysis of data.

Standard deviation and variance are used to measure confidence. Standard deviation tends to bring about aspects of diversity in statistics; it shows the total variation from the given specific mean. The higher the standard deviation from the mean the higher the variation and the vice are also true. In this case the data point tends to be close to the mean for position 2, while the vice is observed for the data in position 1. Confidence in statistical conclusion has also been easily defined by the standard deviation in this case. Estimation of the marginal error has been estimated to locate the total number of necessity in each case. Modified quantity of the data has further expressed the importance of standard deviation.

Variance or variation as presented in the case of data analogue is the square of standard deviation. It shows diversity in a set of group of data. It tends to show what precaution can be taken into consideration when choosing diversity for all the aspects delivered in this case.

Critical thinking is the process of using the available facts and using them to infer what should be done in a certain situation. For example: relating to the IT field, I know that something is not working correctly but I don’t know why. First, I need to determine what the last repair was that was made to the machine in question. In order to properly repair the machine, I need to know: did another customer engineer add new drivers, did someone delete a file, has a driver become corrupt somehow; all of these questions need to be answered to obtain a proper view of what the problem is.

Decision making is the process where thoughts are turned into actions. Again, I use the IT field as my reference. In using the PC analogy, once you have thought through what the problem could be you must decide what must be done.

In order to be successful, decisions and critical thinking should be intertwined. When using critical thinking you must decide what the most relevant information is and what can be ignored. You must decide what the end result should be. The inherent marriage of decision making and critical thinking is almost impossible to divorce one from the other. This is not to say that it can’t be done, but the end result is usually one that ends in disaster rather than success. (more…)

Rosario and Currah would both concur that homosexuality is not always congruent to transsexuality. Rosario would argue that the world of psychiatry has made the atrocious mistake of viewing transsexuals as those who are plagued with Gender Identity Disorder. (pg. 36 Rosario) Rosario had a patient who was deemed a long- term issue, due to her “psychoses” and previous suicide attempts. Patient “B” as she was titled had a desire to become a gay man. When finally identifying the issue and having the ability to talk about the identity in which she wished to pursue her hallucinations and suicide attempts seized. However, once patient “B” was placed in a day clinic and choose to voice that she wanted to become a gay man, a psychiatrist believed that this new found communication was hindering her transition from involuntary psychiatric confinement to an independent, happy life. (pg. 36) Thus, illustrating the ignorance of the psychiatrist and a majority of the psychiatric community.

Many in the psychiatric community view gender only by the view of the genitals. Gender is thus predisposed and can only fall under terms of biology and not innate feelings or desires. It is this mentality that has caused such a hindrance for a great deal of transvestites and transsexuals. The psychiatrist viewed patient “B” as a female heterosexual transsexual.” Rosario mocks the notion of patient “B” being labeled a heterosexual transsexual. The problem lies in not being able to divorce one’s biological identify from their inherit desires of the sex they wish to portray and become. Brandon must be viewed as a man and not as a woman that wants to become a man. (more…)

Recently I realized I was home less and less and had begun to miss numerous phone calls. I had been debating for months as to whether or not I should get a cellular phone. With much consideration I figured it was high time I broadened my horizons in respect to contemporary technology. I caved and joined the twenty-first century by purchasing my first cellular phone. I found that cellular service offers more than just a phone service. It offers one viable option for busy people to simplify their lives. That’s worth just about any price these days.

When I am home I rarely like to answer the telephone. I often would find myself screening my calls through my answering machine. In doing so, I hoped to discourage those infamous telemarketers from calling back. Therefore, I really didn’t use my home phone that much anyway. When I did use my home phone, it was generally a long distance phone call that I had to make. As a result, my phone bills had a tendency to be rather expensive. (more…)

As the technical facilitator, one must help the group work together in an effort to reach a common goal. There are several theories that place emphasis on the ability to form cohesive teams. Though, the theory of reasoned action, which deals with attitudes that affect cohesive teamwork, is the most important. In it, Icek Ajzen and Martin Fishbein study whether attitudes predict behavior.

The theory assumes that people rationally calculate the benefits of engaging in a particular action and think carefully about how important others will view the behavior under consideration. In the case of class groups the theory would assume that each individual member of the group would calculate the benefits of creating the web page and also consider how everyone else in the group will react to the project. According to Perloff (1993) the hallmark of the theory model is its emphasis on conscious deliberation. (more…)

Principles of Organization Theory and Practice
Part 1 Organizational Theories
T-Mobile just like many other modern companies has embraced the concept of organization theory. Organizational theory can be defined as the learning of proper structures of organization. And as all sorts of science has a dealing of various aspects like target, the knowledge of understanding, a well defined prediction, and an overall end control. In organizational theory, knowledge is created to have an understanding of organizational structure for a better prediction along with control effectiveness of organization or level of productivity by creating a sketch of organizations (Tsoukas, 2000).
An organization can be defined as a group of people who work together with a hierarchy of jurisdiction for the achievement of a common destination (Tsoukas, 2000). Management is inferred by acting together in continuity under a control toward the attainment of a particular goal. Well organized companies go for nothing but proper management of their activities (Altman and Iles, 1998). There are two main theories that contribute to management of T- Mobile and these are; Classical Theory and Theory of Human Relations (Thompson, 2004). (more…)