Top Workplace Trends of 2016 so Far

Top Workplace Trends of 2016 so Far It’s always important to stay on top of the most current and exciting trends in the workplace, no matter what your field. Here are the top 10  biggest trends for this year, according to the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology. 1. Big DataThis has been on top of the short list for the past few years- and was also number one last year. Companies are increasingly looking for ways to analyze the mounting piles of data they accrue and find ways to maximize what they learn from that data to improve their business. Businesses need to keep strategizing how to get the best analysis and make the best interpretations in order to make their best decisions.2. TechnologyTechnology continues to evolve faster than we can keep ahead of it. And we are relying on it more and more. Businesses need to focus on figuring out how that reliance, plus the increased prevalence of automation, might affect their hiring and staffing decisions- not to mention training emphases for current and new employees.3.  Working RemotelyMore and more people are getting the opportunity to manage their own schedules and work remotely. Businesses need to keep an open mind as to how to best manage teams who are not all working from the same physical location- and how to keep productivity as high as possible.4. More Frequent ReviewsGone are the days of performance reviews only happening once or twice a year. The evaluation process will become more like an ongoing conversation between employees, supervisors, and management. This focus on continually improving will help employees develop faster and better- and help companies help them to improve.5. Employee EngagementEngaged employees are better employees. So much research confirms this. They go the extra mile so much more often. Businesses should constantly be thinking how to raise employee engagement, which will help boost productivity and set a constructive and positive office culture.6. Wellness for EmployeesBusinesses are under mu ch more pressure these days to provide health and wellness incentives for employees. The healthier the workers, the better the work!7. FlexibilityBusinesses are required to be more and more agile and flexible in their business practices. The willingness to take risks and innovate is proving to pay off more and more often. This will need to be incorporated into organizational principles and missions, including flexibility with work schedules.8. Work/Life BalanceThere’s more and more focus these days on offering better work/life balance for employees. And more and more employees are demanding such a focus. Businesses will have to figure out which strategies work best, and which are less effective, in order to compete.9. DiversityHiring practices will hopefully adapt to include more diversity in the workforce, and also more diversity-oriented thinkers in positions of authority. This is an important one, and is required to matching the ethos of the future.10. Social MediaSocial m edia sites like Facebook and LinkedIn will be used much more for hiring and recruitment- not just for networking. There are legal issues to keep in mind on both sides, for both workers and employers.

Acounting job analysis

Acounting job analysis Free Online Research Papers In creating a job analysis comprising a list of job requirements and working conditions of each discrete job by giving each discrete job a generic title, creating a brief description of job activities for each discrete job, creating a list of essential functions that an employee must be able to do to perform each discrete job properly, creating a list of strength requirements of each discrete job, creating a list of physical requirements of each discrete job, and creating a list of frequencies of certain motions and movements necessary to perform each discrete job. A job analysis is conducted to pin-point the critical duties, tasks, and employees must possess to successfully perform the job. A job analysis can consist of questionnaires or just simple questions to aid in determining your ability to do the job. This is entry-level accounting work in independently auditing the financial records of companies or assisting a higher level accountant in this activity. The employee independently conducts examinations of accounts, including the preparation of the complete audit reports. Work in independent examinations is assigned by a higher level accountant and is subject only to general review. As a member of the team, the employee may be assigned any phase of a complex audit and work is reviewed by the accountant in charge. Work assigned requires familiarity with examination procedures and provisions of the system sufficient to conduct an examination of normal difficulty without supervision. Work requires the analysis of facts and figures to determine the propriety of charges or credits allocated to the various accounts of a company under examination, as well as drafting preliminary or tentative fiscal reports of findings. Assessments of the extent to which a companys accounts and accounting system conform to legal requirements are tentative and subject to review by a higher level accountant. Work is evaluated on the basis of performance on actual audits, by testimony given on rate hearings, and through review of audit reports for completeness. The ideal candidate for this position is to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field. The ability to obtain professional recognition through certification or licensure, a master’s degree and proficiency in accounting is needed. However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. For each candidate and individual interview will be conducted. The individual interview is an opportunity for you to share your understanding of the job(2), the ideas and values you bring to the position, your motivations for applying, your talents and weaknesses, and other aspects of your candidacy. The interview will be conducted by a team composed of the senior accountant and a human resources employee. The interview is intended to be a time of dialogue between you and the interview team and is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the job and the department. The interview technique is used to gather qualitative information and the opinions of those persons affected by a particular program or project, its context, implementation, results and impact. Several forms of interview can be distinguished, each of which fulfils a different purpose: the informal conversation interview; the semi-structured, guide-based interview; and the structured interview (the most rigid approach ). The following is based on a semi-structured interview, the technique that is used most frequently in the evaluation of the job requirements. Creating a job analysis is a vital function in considering employees to fit the best employee for the job. Job requirements aid in weeding through applicants who are more qualified for the job. After fitting the requirements it is important to evaluate the employee to see if they are capable of fulfilling the functions of the job. That is the main purpose of the KSAOs. KSAOs(1) are the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics which all encompass the job requirements and qualifications. There are two categories technical and behavioral. Technical measure acquired knowledge and other technical skills such as the ability to create and manage databases. Behavioral measure attitudes and approaches taken on the employees work such as the ability to collaborate. The ratings for the KSAOs(1) are how important these skills are to perform the job to the best ability. Appendix Job matrix 1 Title Summary Duties What to expect. Experience Skills KSAOs importance rating(1-8) Accountant Apply principles of accounting to record financial information and prepare statements and reports. Assemble, compile and classify data, prepare balance sheets and document business transactions. Work may be related to AP/AR, payroll or general accounting. Research Papers on Acounting job analysisMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfOpen Architechture a white paperIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Project Managment Office SystemRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanResearch Process Part OneAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaStandardized TestingInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males

Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 50

Reflection - Essay Example I still remember when my boss Mr. Simbiel drafted a memo and gave me the mandate to spread to staff member offices and put them on the notice board. The memo never achieved purpose intended for because in had no date printed on it. I learnt the importance of scrutinizing a business document right from the plain paper to posting and even after. No detail should be left unattended to. In business field, establishing a professional relationship with clients through available meals like letters, emails and fax are key to consider. In additions, contracts are importantly documented in order to avoid disagreements from brewing. Throughout the session, I was an intern I have applied this key writing issues I learn from class and my mentors in the field and have sure achieved great results from it. Sending letters electronically and learning email etiquette came in handy because it is my area I was not well exposed to in class but had the chance to implement. Most companies have pitched tent on social platforms and it is essential as a business hopeful and intern to master the effective communication of the business in order to attract customers, maintain and meet social media terms and conditions. This includes blogging for the company and replying to customer requests on the internet via either emails, social platforms or the fax system. Using the right word during communication is important to relay a message intended across. Without which causes a false alarm. I became pray to this when an episode crept up because of wrong word use. I emailed a customer about the debt owed to the company without putting into mind the effect of the words I used. The client complained bitterly to our manager who explained soberly to the client about me and the purpose of the message and rested the case amicably. Internship in a learning session that students should take time to grasp concepts particularly the practical aspects so

Schools of Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Schools of Strategy - Essay Example Also this school makes chief executive officer as the main formulator of the strategy. The planning school of strategy identifies strategy making as a formal process. It calls for a mechanical and systematic process of strategy formulation with no or little creativity. The cognitive school sees strategy making as a mental process and takes input from different concepts of psychology. This school is largely conceptual in nature. The learning school stresses on learning from past experience and therefore sees strategy making as an emergent process. The power school of strategy argues that negotiating between different power holders within the organization is an important part of strategy formulation. The environmental school sees strategy making as a reactive process that is dependent on the external environment. The cultural school of strategy calls for group work in formulation of strategy. The configuration school of strategy sees strategy making as a process of transformation. The different schools of strategy can be grouped into three larger groups (Mintzberg, Ahlstrand, & Lampel, 2002). First group is prescriptive in nature and consist of design, planning, and positioning school. This group tells how a strategy should ideally be made. Second group tells how the strategy is made and compromises of entrepreneurial, cognitive, learning, power, cultural, and environmental schools. The last group consists of the configuration school that is both prescriptive and descriptive in nature. Design School of Strategy The design school of strategy argues in favor of consciously controlled thought when it comes to strategy making in order to establish a fit between external opportunities and internal competence (Mintzberg, 2006).... This paper stresses that the position school also puts the job of strategy formulation in the hands of expert. Both the schools do not talk about team work and sharing of information when it comes to development of strategy. Centralized approach in strategy making was the mindset for a long time in management. Knowledge sharing was not considered vital until modern modes of communication were developed. This is why both the positioning school and design school view strategy making coming from a centralized source. Design school assumes that environment is stable and predictable, and there is no uncertainty while the positioning school accepts that market place might change due to competitors and change in demand. But both the schools focus on the economic environment. This report makes a conclusion that the design school and the positioning school are two of the schools of strategy presented in the book. The design school became popular in later part of 1950s and focuses on creative strategy formulation by the leader with the aim of creating a fit between the outside environment and the competence of the firm. The positioning school was founded by Michael Porter and it focuses on strategy formulation as an analytical process. This school argues that finding the right industry for the firm is essential and offer model for choosing an industry. Then this school suggests that firm positions itself in the industry and then chooses a strategy relative to the position of the firm.

Middle Eastern Origins of International Terrorism since 1945 Essay

Middle Eastern Origins of International Terrorism since 1945 - Essay Example For as long as we have had war, terrorism has been with us as a tactic to bring about change in atmospheres of political discontent and also to maintain control. From the Irish War to Osama Bin Laden, the world has experienced political activism to the extent of vandal, murder and suicide. According to Delaware: â€Å"The history of terrorism dates back at least 1500 years when Jewish resistance groups (66 - 72 A.D.) known as Zealots killed Roman soldiers and destroyed Roman property†. By the middle of the century, the Middle East has perfected and monopolized terror as a strategy to maintain control and promote their regimes. According to Middle East Info: â€Å"The Middle East includes 7 out of 19 of the most repressive regimes in the world. Arab and Iranian dictators oppress their subjects, sponsor half of the world’s major terror groups and imperil Israel, the Middle East’s sole democracy†. Today, tearful vigils in remembrance of the September 11 bombi ng of the World Trade Center in New York is the most historical bookmark of Middle Eastern terror. Concept of Terrorism Emotion is the culprit behind many of life’s extremities. Even a terroristic movement starts with some degree of emotional conflict. The concept of terrorism initially brings to mind political manipulation, kidnappings, bombings, and surprise attacks. The saddest aspect of the term is it is often aimed toward innocent bystanders, including women, senior citizens, and children who have no connection to any perceived offense. â€Å"Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination† .... ine terrorism in terms of law are listed in the table below: Definition of Terrorism, United States Code, (United States Code, 2012) Title 22 Chapter 38 of the United States Code (regarding the Department of State)definition of terrorism: : "The term 'terrorism' means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents† Title 18 United States Code defines international terrorism as: "Activities that . . . involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States†¦[and] appear to be intended . . . to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; . . . to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or . . . to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping† The essenc e of any terrorist movement is its threat to society. It is the basis for the existence of Homeland Security agencies. Regardless of how it is defined, terrorist tactics add up to one thing: violence. The violent approach arose from several circumstances in the 20th century. Nationalism developed in many countries, which undergirded many political movements and the formation of nationalist interest groups. The World Wars and the Cold War made fighting, death, and casualties a commonality. The tactic of taking hostages was added to the list of methods of political objection. The wars delegitimized any theories of peace and non-violent protest (Terrorism Research, 2012). The wars desensitized people to the death and breaking laws (Terrorist Research, 2012). The death toll of the wars overshadowed

Stock Market Cycles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stock Market Cycles - Essay Example Although the political world affects the stock market in the short term the market recovers quickly. What drives the stock market the most are interest rates, inflation, and corporate profits. Interest rates are set by the Federal Reserve. Federal policy is set through the raising or lowering of interest rates. Interest rates help dictate the demand for goods and services. This in turn affects corporate profits and inflation. Interest rates set by business and industry are set according to what people believe the Federal Reserve will set long term interest rates at. This forecasting of interest rates is driven by what the Federal Reserve is projected to do in the future. High interest rates alter borrowing costs. This has the effect of changing the availability of bank loans and household wealth. Lastly, interest rates affect foreign exchange rates (Federal Reserve San Francisco). Corporate profits drive the stock market either up or down depending upon whether corporations have a gain or a loss. Large corporate profits give corporations more to spend or reinvest in the corporation. The gains are passed on to investors through increase in value of the company's stocks and larger dividends. Most dividends are reinvested into the corporation thus increasing growth potential of the corporation. Corporate losses have the opposite affect. Losses are passed on to corporate stock holders in the form of decreased stock value and lower dividend payments. What also drives stock prices is corporate reporting. A corporation that has had a positive growth fiscal year tends to prompt a rise in the value of its stock. Likewise fiscal reporting that falls short of forecasts has the effect of lowering stock value. In addition to reporting results, a corporation's non-compliance with reporting requirements or late reporting has the affect of lowering its stock value. Mainly, t his is because non-compliance is most associated with problems within the organization or reports of an external investigation by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). Corporate earnings have the trickle down affect of the raising or lowering of purchasing power of its stockholders and employees. Employees often benefit from owning company stock through a corporate stock option program that awards stock to employees as retirement compensation. A company seeing losses passes that loss of value on to its employees by lowering of the stock price. This has the affect of lowering the value of the employee's retirement plan. A win-win situation would be employees working hard to assist the corporation in making profits because both the corporation and the employees benefit from higher stock values. As long as corporations and individuals have buying power they will exercise that power by purchasing more stocks. That, in affect, gives the corporation more money to spend on operations that make money for the corporation. Thus stock market values rise (Bull market). The inverse lowers stock values and reinvestment and the stock market experiences a bear market. Lastly, a war has an interesting affect on the stock market. Initially, the announcement of a conflict serves to drive the market downward. But, once war production begins and corporations begin to make money because of the conflict the stock market is driven up. Works Cited: Federal Reserve

ICELAND'S FINANCIAL CRISIS Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

ICELAND'S FINANCIAL CRISIS - Case Study Example During this time period, home values began to fall dramatically and sub-prime rates eventually readjusted so that individuals owed up to double their original mortgage value on homes that were no longer even worth their original market value. A vast variety of the sub-prime mortgages offered to individuals who actually did not maintain quality resources to sustain an adjustable home loan interest rate were suddenly forced into foreclosure, which left lending institutions with a significant inventory of now bank-owned homes worth less than their mortgage values at the time of signing. As the housing bubble burst and grew more fiscally unsound, global investors found that the many derivatives (swaps) associated with home mortgages were no longer viable and lucrative opportunities for investment (Simkovic, 2011). Many investors from the European Union and the United States began looking for better investment opportunities, leaving financial institutions offering these derivatives with c onsiderably less quarterly and annual revenues stemming from mortgage-backed swaps and securities. Because mortgage-related derivatives were, for many years, adequate and lucrative profit opportunities for financial institutions, many offering these securities backed by mortgage guarantees had not diversified their revenue-earning capacities. As such, investment trading partners in the United States witnessed capital depletion rapidly where many institutions required significant fiscal bailouts to keep the entity afloat. Further complicating this situation was what is referred to as a bank run, where nearly five billion dollars in investment resources were withdrawn domestically and internationally in a 48 hour period by concerned and speculating investment firms and independent investors (Altman, 2009). Low-valued credit default swaps, a variety of mortgage related derivatives, and banking facility capital depletion soon hit Iceland and many other European countries. Iceland, after banking privatization had been established, was very dependent on making investments in international capital markets (Olsen, 2010). However, this instability and credit downgrading that occurred during the sub-prime crisis in the U.S. had destabilized multiple investment opportunities associated with mortgage-backed securities and derivatives. Thus, a once lucrative revenue source for Icelandic banks and other financial institutions no longer provided adequate capital infusion for the now-private banking facilities in the country. Since there had not been enough portfolio diversification in Iceland to spark domestic investment opportunity to offset dependencies on international investment losses, the exchange rate of the Icelandic currency value was affected and derivatives relationships with foreign banking partners were largely nullified. As the IMF and the U.S. Central Bank began changing monetary policy and increasing regulation to correct the sub-prime crisis, it inflated the U.S. dollar which only served to further weaken the value of the Iceland currency on the international exchange markets. How could the Iceland Crisis have been Avoided? Firstly, Iceland should have recognized that the U.S. would not necessarily have explosive gains on mortgage-related securities and derivatives that would endure indefinitely. The U.S. had a long history of a volatile housing market which should have provided adequate