Mental Models free essay sample

Psychologist Kenneth Craig suggested that individuals build small complex models to anticipate events in reality. It is a representation of reality, intuitively perceived by an individual. AAA Transportations and its employees, Vernon and Bud, are having a conflict between each others individual mental models. Vernon, the driver supervisor, and Bud, a corporate worker, have been working for AAA Transportations for over 20 years. Vernon and Buds mental models are based on the long-term knowledge and understanding of the companies market as well as its organizational goals. A different approach is taken by the new owners, they believe that in order for the company to flourish it must become more efficient and also must expand its market. Their mental models are of more business achievement. They are not interested in the existing state of the business and they do not share the same mindset of its employees. Although both parties do not agree, the new owners understand that the support of the companies employees is essential to the business achievement. We will write a custom essay sample on Mental Models or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The company must attempt to change the mindset of the two members of the company, Vernon and Bud. In order for AAA Transportations to achieve its new goals common mental models must be implemented to its employees for it to be successful. It is highly important for AAA Transportations to make every effort to gain the support of key employees of their organization to idealize the new goals. AAA Transportations does not wish to cause disturbance within the employees by terminating those who do not agree with its new business direction. Instead AAA Transportations goal is to adjust the mental models in which Vernon and Bud see the organization and its goals. Recognizing the limits of existing models, testing the models in the changing environment, overcoming challenges of the new model, and implementing the new model. These four steps are highly needed in order for Vernon and Bud to start thinking a different way within the company. First step, recognizing the limits of existing models. The new owners of AAA Transportations can show its employees the lack of growth for the company and its employees if it remains in the same business structure. By doing this Vernon and Bud will be able to see that the company would not have the possibility of achieving more with this they could see the possible loss of profit with the empty space in the trucks. Step two, testing the models in changing environment. The existing and new models must be tested to challenge the changing factors in the company. For example the rise of gas prices or the rise of produce prices. Vernon and Bud will be able to see that as the company faces these challenges the business must gain substantial profit in order to cover the costs. Step three, overcoming the challenges of the new model. Challenges within the new model must be overcome in order to gain support of key employees. Vernon and Bud must be able to see that the company must expand for greater achievement. For that same reason Vernon and Bud must be fully educated on the new model and the new goals for AAA Transportations. Clear communication within the company must be implemented so that employees are aware of the goals of the company. Another challenge the new owners face is that they must earn the trust of its employees. The new owners must be able to show that the better-being of the employees is also there goal. By this step, Vernon and Bud agree on the new business model. Because they are key employees, support from other employees will begin to become greater. AAA Transportations must implement the five forces that influence mental models. Education, training, rewards and incentives, influence of others, and personal experience. Education is highly important for the company to reach success. Miscommunication or misunderstanding can hold a huge burden to reach success. Without education or formal training employees will not have the essential tools to understand the new goals of AAA Transportations. Therefore employees may not form similar mental models of that of the new business direction. Rewards and incentives. If AAA Transportations goals are to gain greater profits for higher wages for its employees, the employees have an incentive and motivation to implement the new model into the the company. The influence of others and personal experience are not controlled by AAA Transportations. Vernon and Bud would now be the key players to influence other employees. Because of their long-time association with the company Vernon and Buds opinion of the new goals are essential to influence other employees in the company. Finally, AAA Transportations must live up to its word. As Employees begin to see the advantages of the new model, they begin to support the initiative. Thus employees lead to positive experiences of the new model.

Mud Lick Creek Project

Mud Lick Creek Project Abstract Due to the increased instances of freshwater pollution in many American water sources particularly through agricultural and industrial wastes, which are discharged into the water, students were asked to monitor the quality of water at the Mud Lick creek (I think the statement now makes sense as you had requested). During these investigative sessions, the students collected data regarding the dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and the temperature of water samples collected from the creek. The average value of the water temperature at the creek ranges from 6-12 °C.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Mud Lick Creek Project-Fresh Water Pollution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Furthermore, the average value of turbidity ranges from 0-40 JTU relative to different experiment days. Moreover, the average pH value equals 7.25 for the three trials conducted over the whole experiment duration. Lastly, the averag e value of dissolved oxygen ranges from 4-8 parts per million and the saturation percentage is in the range of 55-64%. The experimental findings provided above show that the level of freshwater pollution at the creek is irregular because the results show slight changes from the normal properties of freshwater particularly the pH, dissolved oxygen, and its turbidity. On the other hand, the study findings diverge from most studies reviewed in this research paper particularly those regarding the quality of water in many American water sources. As a result, additional studies are required to ascertain the accuracy and precision involved in the current study including determining additional parameters, which can enable one to measure the quality of water at the creek more accurately. [The information given in this section shows the writer’s stand regarding the experimental findings relative to other study findings reviewed in this research paper. Besides, the statement is drawn fr om the discussions provided in the conclusion] Introduction Freshwater pollution entails instances whereby the sources of inland water are contaminated through the presence of various substances in water, which make it unsafe for various uses (Saunders 16). As a result, most studies show that pollution may occur through the discharge of fecal matter, chemical substances, pesticides, petroleum components, fertilizer sediments, and other discharges into freshwater thereby making it unfit for fishing, swimming and drinking.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, in the United States, various studies note that fecal matter and other potential pollutants are discharged into rivers, and therefore, there is evidence of freshwater pollution in most American streams and rivers. According to Pollution Issues (par. 1), â€Å"In the mid-twentieth century, ma ny American rivers and streams were open sewers, choking on everything from human waste to highly toxic industrial discharges.† Furthermore, fresh water sources contribute to about 3% of the total water sources on the earth’s surface. However, in the United States, each household consumes about 94,000 gallons of fresh water per annum. Moreover, the sources of the fresh water for domestic use include rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, studies conducted in 2000 show that about 40% of rivers and 45% of lakes in the United States are polluted with pesticides and fertilizers due to runoffs (Pollution Issues par. 13). This form of pollution poses great danger to human beings because the contents of the runoffs include phosphates, pathogens, petroleum oils, gasoline, and other pollutants. Conversely, various human activities are attributable to freshwater pollution in different aspects. For example, the increased number of households connected to sewerage treatment systems has b een associated with freshwater pollution in most OECD-member countries (OECD 100). Moreover, OECD (101) states that, â€Å"Agriculture is an important contributor to water quality problems, particularly nitrate pollution in surface and groundwater, phosphorus levels in surface water, contamination with pesticides, and the harmful effects of soil sediments and mineral salts.† At the Mud Lick creek under investigation, there is evidence of agricultural activities on the upper side of the tributary. This potential source of pollutants poses significant risks to the quality of water at the creek in terms altering the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and the turbidity of the water (Pollution Issues par. 3). As a result, there is the paramount need to investigate the water quality at the Mud Lick creek in this research paper.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Mud Lick Creek Project-Fresh Water Pollution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/p age Learn More This research paper aims at determining the water quality at the Mud Lick creek relative to various qualitative and quantitative parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Here, it is hypothesized that the water temperature will be in the range of 12-24 °C relative to different experimental conditions and days. Moreover, the pH of the water is hypothesized to range from neutral to slightly alkaline. On the other hand, the value of turbidity is hypothesized to range from 0-42 JTU due to different agricultural activities and pollutant discharge rates at the creek. Lastly, the level of dissolved oxygen is hypothesized to vary relative to the temperature of the water samples. Overall, the findings regarding the present survey seem to diverge from the current studies on freshwater pollution in many American rivers and Streams. [The information provided in this section serves as the thesis statement, which is explained in detail i n the subsequent paragraphs. As a result, there is no need to cite the information because it entails a personal account regarding the experiment] Methods and Materials The investigation of the quality of water at the creek entails measuring the temperature, pH, turbidity, and the dissolved oxygen. Each of these parameters requires different procedures and Test Kits. For instance, to determine the turbidity of water, one requires a sample collection jar, a Secchi disk, and a color chart (World Health Organization 68). Here, a white sample collection jar is used to carry out the experiment. The first step entails removing the icon sticker from the Secchi disk. Secondly, place the sticker slightly off center on the inner bottom side of the sample collection jar 8-24 hours prior to the commencement of the experiment. This process ensures that the adhesive cures adequately. Thirdly, fill the jar with water up to the turbidity level indicated by a label. Lastly, hold the turbidity chart against the jar containing water in order to compare the appearance of the disk icon to that on the chart (World Water Monitoring Day 8-10). Subsequently, record the value in JTU in a table of results. Conversely, to determine the pH of the water samples, one needs to have a pH test tube, a pH reagent tablet, and a pH color chart (World Health Organization 67).Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, the first step in measuring the pH value involves filling the pH test tube with 10 ml of the water sample. Secondly, one piece of the pH test tablet is added into the test tube. Thirdly, the test-tube is sealed and the contents mixed by inverting the tube until the tablet dissolves. Lastly, hold the test tube against the pH chart and compare the color of the test-tube contents to the one on the chart (World Water Monitoring Day 17). Record the pH value in the table of results as shown in Appendix 1. Furthermore, to determine the value of dissolved oxygen in a water sample, the experimenter requires one measuring vial, test tablets, and a color chart (World Health Organization 51). Here, the first step involves recording the temperature value of the water samples. Secondly, the vial is submerged and filled to the top with a sample of water whose temperature has been determined. Thirdly, two test tablets are added into the vial. Subsequently, the vial is capped and the co ntents mixed by inverting the vial severally for four minutes. Afterwards, the vial is left to stand for an additional five minutes in order to allow for color development. Lastly, the vial is held against the color chart to compare the color in the vial with the one on the chart (World Water Monitoring Day 13-15). The results are recorded in a table of results in parts per million. Furthermore, the % saturation is determined from the % saturation chart. It is worth noting that the current experiment was performed three times on different days and the average values for temperature, turbidity, pH, and dissolved oxygen recorded as shown in Appendix 1 2. Results The results obtained in the present experiment were recorded in form of tables as shown in appendix 1 2. From these tables it is notable that the average value for temperature lies in the range of 6-12 °C for the three trials conducted. Furthermore, the average value for turbidity ranges from 0-40 JTU relative to different experiment days. Moreover, the average pH value is 7.25 for the three trials. Lastly, the average value for dissolved oxygen (DO) ranges from 4-8 ppm and the saturation percentage is in the range of 55-64%. Here, the value of % saturation is determined by comparing the value of dissolved oxygen in parts per million against the water temperature on the % saturation chart shown in Appendix 3. Conclusions Relative to the findings of the experiment described above, it is obvious that the quality of water varies with different industrial, agricultural and human activities around water bodies (Saunders 16). As a result, the study findings show that the level of freshwater water pollution at the creek is irregular and limited to low levels of pollutants. For instance, the value of turbidity is zero for most experimental trials except for one trial, which shows an increase in the value of turbidity. Furthermore, the findings show that there are minimal levels of thermal pollution at the cr eek since the temperature values recorded are relatively low. As a result, there is evidence of high levels of dissolved oxygen, which can support both aquatic and terrestrial life forms. According to World Water Monitoring Day (11), â€Å"Aquatic animals are sensitive to changes in water temperature and require a certain temperature range to survive and thrive†¦.Temperature also affects the amount of oxygen water can hold.† Therefore, the low temperature value for water at the creek contributes to a smaller % saturation value, which reflects a higher dissolved oxygen value as provided in the World Water Monitoring Day (13) whereby the author posits that, â€Å"water at 28 °C will be 100% saturated with 8 ppm dissolved oxygen. However, water at 8 °C can hold up to 12 ppm of oxygen before it is 100% saturated.† On the other hand, the pH value of the water at the creek is slightly basic, and thus, there is evidence of low levels of fertilizer or industrial pollu tants in the water (World Health Organization 67-69). Unfortunately, there are no statistical studies regarding the quality of water at the Mud Lick creek, which will allow one to make appropriate comparisons. However, different studies note that many American fresh water sources are polluted with different substances contrary to the findings of the current study. Therefore, there is the paramount need for additional studies, which should aim at carrying out random sampling of water from the Mud Lick creek to confirm or down play the findings of the present study. Overall, the experiment was successfully conducted because most of the hypotheses stated earlier are acceptable relative to the study findings. Appendix 1 7th Period –Mud lick Creek Project Log All items below are averages of all groups: DATE TIME TEST RESULTS Friday Nov. 5th, 2010 1:28pm – 2:17pm Dissolved Oxygen ppm = 4 8 Saturation = 55% pH 7.25 (Slightly Basic) Turbidity 0 JTU Temperatur e 12 oC DATE TIME TEST RESULTS Friday Nov. 19th, 2010 1:28pm – 2:17pm Dissolved Oxygen ppm = 8 Saturation = 74% pH 7.25 (Slightly Basic) Turbidity 0 JTU Temperature 12 oC DATE TIME TEST RESULTS Friday Dec. 3rd, 2010 1:28pm – 2:17pm Dissolved Oxygen ppm = 8 Saturation = 64% pH 7.25 (Slightly Basic) Turbidity 40 JTU Temperature 6 oC Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 3 Source: World Water Monitoring Day (16) OECD. OECD environment outlook. Paris, France: OECD Publications Services, 2001. Print. Pollution Issues. Water pollution: freshwater. Advameg, Inc., 2010. pollutionissues.com/Ve-Z/Water-Pollution-Freshwater.html Saunders, John Williams. The estimation of pollution damage. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1976. Print. World Health Organization. Guidelines for drinking water-water quality. 2nd ed. Malta: World Health Organization Publications, 1997. Print. World Water Monitoring Day. Test kits. WEF-IWA, 2009. Web.

Strategic Management (M1) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic Management (M1) - Essay Example Numerous company benefits are provided by Marks and Spencers which offer both safety in financial aspects such as pension schemes, paid maternity and paternity leave, employee discount within all of their stores to encourage brand loyalty, and many other motivating factors such as team building exercises, promotion opportunities and investment opportunities such as offers of shares that become available. Social needs are met and encouraged by team building exercises, and teamwork is encouraged throughout the organization. This helps provide a friendly atmosphere throughout the workplace. Esteem needs are met by the recognition of achievements by senior management to ensure that credit is always given where credit is due. This keeps employees motivated and gives them a high level of job satisfaction and gives them incentives to fulfill their potential and achieve great things. The top of the hierarchy is the self-actualization needs. This is about the development and realization of a persons full potential. Marks and Spencers allows this need to be met by offering career enhancement and promotion opportunities, a challenging role for employees, achievement in work and pushing employees to fulfill their potential. Marks and Spencers believe that self-actualization is a very important factor and will increase efficiency within the organization. To conclude, Marks and Spencers main sources of motivation come from offering the employees benefits and incentives and satisfying their needs to ensure that the environment in which they work is perfect in order to gain the best performance from them. The motivational policy within Nestle is based around a culture that has equal respect for all employees and there is a mutual respect that flows throughout the organization. This capacity to enhance human energy is an essential component to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the company. Nestle have a personal