Case Study Community Development Principles, Practices and Understandings

It is possible to understand the concept of community through a multiplicity of definitions. The term itself has been in use for a long time now. It helps us understand the whole concept through a range of senses.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Case Study: Community Development Principles, Practices and Understandings specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From one angle, we view the concept of community as a ‘common people’ who are distinguished from those of rank. As such, this group of commons then defines itself as an organized society. That is, the people of one district. District here will mean anything from a small area or locality to a large area of residence. The distinguishing quality of holding a common thing of interest between the members of the said locality is another distinct feature of community, which helps a person to understand further. This is most evident in a community of interest o r community of goods. To this end, therefore, the said group of people is a community because it shares common identity and their characteristics are similar in terms of its aspirations and activities (Kenny, 2010). In the analysis of the Peake Estate outlined in the extract by Kenny (2010), the various aspirations and activities that the community members are engaged in, clearly, define it as a community build under a multiplicity of functions and interest. As such, in clearly defining the true nature of the community, we cannot use just one point of view in its definitions. What emerges from the analysis of this community is that it has all the elements that qualify it to be viewed as a community of interest, locality and culture. Peake estate is defined this way by first looking at the fact that, these people are residing in one area-this is a high-rise council estate in a low in come suburb in a capital city. The fact that these people live in a low suburb in a capital city give s them a unique characteristic that then clearly defines them as a community of locality.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Their status of low-income earners then cements their definitions. We realize that apart from being a community of culture, the community can still be viewed as community of interest. Why is this so? This is because their aspirations and interest are focused on one common goal of improving their locality by acquiring jobs and learning how to work with computers. The people are joined together by the need to work together and eradicate crime in their locality, be able to educate their children (Christensen et al. 2003). A deep look at the nature of the community described by Kenny, we realize that because of the cultural diversity characterizing this community, characteristics evidenced by various dynamics of the community such as crime, unemployment and absen teeism from school the community cannot be defined as a community of culture. The residents of Peake estate community are aimed at achieving development in their locality. Together with the community organizer Paolo, they seek to develop their various areas of life. As such, the type of development pursued by this community is seen not to be one sided but multifaceted. Why is this so? The answer to this is seen by reviewing their aspirations and activities. The community wants to eradicate crime, move their children from the streets-social development. The community wants to be able to work comfortably among the various cultural underpinning that characterize it.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Case Study: Community Development Principles, Practices and Understandings specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This too, is social development (Julian, 2000). Peake estate has high rate of unemployment. This is the main reas on the children do not go to schools and are in the streets and the young men are bored because they lack anything to do. As such the need to come up with projects to enable the community members earn a living stipulates this as an economic development. This is further proved by the pursuit of Paolo the community organizer in soliciting for the donation of computers to start a computer-learning project. This is directed at killing two birds with one stone-that is offer the community a source of livelihood and gives the youngsters a tool of killing their boredom. This is an activity of interest (Effland, 1998). A keen analysis of the Peake estate reveals a number of development principles that have been used by Paolo and the rest of the community on making the various developments interest a success. These principles as if they emerge include the value principle. It has generally agreed that community development work to support groups, persons and even organizations. This is done be cause of certain values. As such, the core values of a community in its development define the principles as discussed here below; these principles of community development include; social justice, learning and working as one, personal determination, sustaining communities, participation and reflective practice (Putnam, 2000). The pursuance of development principles in community development ensures a successful attainment of the community goals. These principles act as the guidelines to achieving the aspired development. They also come about as the road map to sustainable community development. In reassessing the development involving Peake estate, all the development principles outlined here above come out clearly. All have been taken in to consideration but it is only some that have stood over the others in ensuring develop of the community.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As such, the principle of working together has emerged over the others. Paolo the community organizer has enabled the residents of this estate in believing that working and learning together is an important ingredient in achieving collective and wholesome development. Paolo has demonstrated that collective working together is effective in mobilizing the community members in removing their prejudice based on cultural diversity and instead rechanneling their energy I n the pursuance of a common developmental goal. This is as if they did in successful developing the computer learning a teaching project. In doing this, the community has used this principle in developing a culture of effective decision-making and accountability. This has enabled the community in taking in to consideration all aspects of community in its development. These have included eradicating crime, neutralizing cultural tensions and job creation. In achieving this, the principle has enabled the community embers in effectively sharing good practices and experiences.this has enabled the members of peake estate learn from each other especially in the development of the computer learning project. For example, the foreigner project designer uses his knowledge as a graphic designer in helping the growth of the project. He shares his knowledge with the other community members and this enables them work even better as one unit focused to a seen goal of development. In viewing the nature of community development in regards to the Peake estate and the role of the development principles in achieving the desired development levels, the principle of participation has emerged high. This principle aims at promoting individuals participation as well as the community. This specifically aims at those who are marginalized. In the recognition of this principle, Paolo in Kenny’s extract has showed the application of this principle. The principle is useful it plays an effective role in involving all the mem bers of the community in the development of the computer projects where all the members old and young have been involved in ensuring the success of the project by the knowledgeable sharing their useful knowledge and the young teaching the old on how to use computers. The old here are the marginalized as far as computer usage is concerned. In order to pin down the underlying setbacks in ensuring community development of the Peake estate, Paolo first seeks to identify and ratify these setbacks. He does this by first recognizing the challenging barriers to effective and full participation in the whole process of community development. This he solves by realizing that there is a gap between the old and the young generation. To solve this problem, he brings out the fact that while the old have no skills in computer skills, but want to learn, the young have the skills and want an avenue to discharge their skills. This in turn creates a coincidence of interest which then he uses to ensure that the two groups work together (Putnam, 2000). Participation principles also call for the active participation in supporting the community in gainful acquisition of essential skills that enables the members of the community in actively participating in the community’s developmental endeavors. In our case here, the efforts for every member of the community to have knowledge in computer application demonstrates this. The knowledge acquired by the members of the community enables them in actively developing the computer project into an income generating investment. The contracts have enabled the community members to think broad and become innovative. They can look at a situation and determine the needs of the society and from then onwards they come up with community-based projects to be undertaken. The contracts have also lead to the creation of a better working environment for environs through the development of infrastructure therefore enabling the community members to enga ge in income generating ventures, which will support them and enable them to maintain their standard of living. Participation of the community member in the subprojects created a sense of ownership among the members thus creating sustainability of the project even in later years. This is quite a positive move in the right direction. It creates some form of ownership and acceptance. This is especially true when the whole process is open and accountable and recognizes merit. The above phenomenon has been achieved through the development of social structures that has enabled effective community participation in the development process. The above-mentioned social structures involve the integration of the various cultures in community unity. The structures in our case of Peake estate have been built by ensuring cultural linkages, generational unity and the building of a spirit of hard work and efficiency among all the community members. The building of the above social structures is base d on the sharing of good practices among the community members and this ensures that they learn from one another, like evidenced by the development of the computer project (Kenny, 2011). In achieving success in community development, all or most of the principles of community development should be taken into consideration. However, a deep look in our community development case study, we realize that a number of principles do not get application. On note, here is the principle of reflective practice. Even though the community contracting has so many successes, it has failed in certain aspects. It is unreasonable to allocate tasks to groups that do not have prior experience on a particular field. This results to poor judgment on what needs to be done and poor implementation of the project. As a result, there is an increase in wastage resource. Secondly, community contracting is community based and cannot be used to implement change on a nationwide basis as a result this pulls back dev elopment in that particular community. This principle aims at supporting and promoting collective and individual learning through practice and reflection. In our case study, the changing of practice is not in response to reflection outcome. It is highly based on the need to quickly escape from lack of employment, eradicate crime and be able to educate the children. The outcome of the projects initiated is not reflected on the outcome. Reflective practice principle can be used in community development by enabling the community members and the community developers in establishing the constraints facing the community development process. Like mentioned here above, such a principle will enable the community developers and the community at large in establishing the likely problem facing the development project such as lack of funds or the computers (Lenski, 1974). In our earlier definition of the term community, we defined it as a group of people who have one thing in common. This common factor like we started by seeing could be based on the interest and goals that the said group of people pursue. As such, this group of people then works together for a common goal as an organized society. The above definition when weighed against our case study of the Peake state community seems to augment well. The Peake estate community through its working of the computer project and its aim of eradicating crime and poverty shows all the characteristics of an organized community. Community development as a whole involves a wide range of area to study. The study of community development can be studied in the view of its role in achieving social equity, reducing crime or achieving social economic advancement. In this regard therefore, a further study should be made in order to establish the various areas in the community that can be advanced for the development of the said community. This could involve the role played by community development in achieving the overall national devel opment. Community development should be viewed in the right of how different communities can relate with each other in achieving combined development in their various aspects of their lives. In this regard, the Peake estate in collaboration with other surrounding communities should work to reduce crime collectively, promote education for their children as well as come up with projects that can improve their economic standards (Kenny, 2011). Reference List Christensen, K. et al. (2003) Encyclopedia of Community. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Effland, R. (1998) The Cultural Evolution of Civilizations. London: Mesa Community College. Julian, B. (2000) Community Development Principles and Practical Actions. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. Kenny, S. (2011) Developing Communities for the Future: Community Development in Australia. Australia: Thomas Nelson. Lenski, G. (1974) Human Societies: An Introduction to Macrosociology. New York: McGraw- Hill, Inc. Putnam, D. (2000) The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Routledge. Putnam, R. D. (2000) Bowling Alone: The collapse and revival of American community. New York: Simon and Schuster. This essay on Case Study: Community Development Principles, Practices and Understandings was written and submitted by user D1m1tr1 to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How similar were the reasons f essays

How similar were the reasons f essays How similar were the reasons for the Hungarian uprising of 1956 and the events in Czechoslovakia in 1968 The uprising in Hungary originally began because of Khrushchevs Destalinisation policies. The Hungarian government had not implemented any of these reforms and the people began to protest. The Government was currently run by a man named Gero. His government could not handle the violence that was resulting from these protests, the soviet tanks were forced to retreat from Budapest and the pressure on Gero only grew. Eventually Gero was forced to leave his place of leadership because of pressure from the soviet government, he was replaced by Nagy; Nagy was a moderate communist and began to implement reforms. The events in Czechoslovakia began in very much the same way. The leader of the government at the time was Novonty, Novotny became leader in 1957. Novotny's government had refused to implement any reforms. This upset much of the public and those in the government who supported the reforms policy. In 1963 after many years of pressure from the public and reformists in the government Novotny finally resigned his position. Novotny was replaced By a more moderate communist Anthony Dubcek. Dubcek was also quite open to the idea of reforms and more freedoms for the people. These two situations are quite similar only the later Czechoslovakian rising did not feature many protests or violence. However both had the opposition to government and eventual resignation of hard line rulers replaced by moderate communists. The opposition to the attitudes of the Government was strongly felt but because of censorship policies could not be openly voiced. The resignation of Novotny took a lot longer than Gero because the people did not have violent protests or demonstrations. Having seen the riots and increasing violence of the Hungarians during the reign of Gero Nagy knew that he would have to offer a lot of reforms or at...

Chapter Four Reading Response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chapter Four Reading Response - Assignment Example t of Egypt whereas Ashoka fought for power and control in India in addition to devotion in Buddhism and imperial religion (Wilkins, Schultz and Linduff 94). I responded negatively to the Arch of Titus, Rome. This was marble over concrete core commissioned by Titus (Wilkins, Schultz and Linduff 95). Additionally, I responded negatively to Flora from the Villa of Arianna at Castellammare di Stabia. This is given that, they both symbolize inconsequential meanings, for example, the Flora signified silk garments that men should not define themselves with and the Arch of Titus represented the suppression of the Jewish movement and flattering control over Jerusalem. I would like to learn more about the Buddhist Monument specifically the Great Stupa at Sanchi. This is considering that I admired the extensive value of this piece of art and its religious significance. I find it simply out of the ordinary piece of arts. How was it possible to preserve the religious value of the Great Stupa at Sanchi from the prehistoric times in early Buddhism to the present day? Finding answers to this question, entails carrying out research which include, consulting art experts and searching the library data base of ancient arts and

Restaurant Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Restaurant Review - Essay Example The dress code is official with gentlemen advised to wear a coat, no jeans or slip-on shoes and ladies are also encouraged to dress appropriately. The moment you step into Acquerello all your senses are ignited. The setting is impeccable consisting of white clothed tables with centered unique rose flower decoration surrounded by artistic wood chairs. The ambience is enhanced by warm colored stucco walls and the yellow- golden lighting that gives you a comfortable romantic feel. A former chapel, the restaurant has a dark wood open beam cathedral ceiling with a sixty seat capacity that is spacious and provides privacy (Bauer 58). The restaurant members of staff are very professional, providing exemplary service that makes you feel well cared for and special. The charming waiters are impeccably dressed. They patiently wait as you give the order writing down every single specification you may have and with a slight head bow rush to place the order in quick, agile yet gracious steps. Giancarlo Partelini and Executive chef Suzette Greshman the operators of the restaurant seems to give quality service all the seriousness it deserves and can be seen serving the customers and chatting with them to ensure satisfaction. The operators of the restaurant have succeeded in their vision of making Acquerello a place to find unforgettable seamless service over the past twenty years. The wine team led by Giancarlo Partelini, the wine director, comprises of wine experts/ sommeliers that are dedicated to giving you a totally enjoyable experience. The wine collection is made of carefully chosen wide range of both vintage and modern wine. My favorite being Italian red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes from a region called Piemonte in Italy. The sommelier also provided us with an envelope giving more details about the wine and where it could be bought in San Francisco which was most thoughtful of him. The prices are twenty five dollars for a three hundred

Introduction To The James Bond Character

Introduction To The James Bond Character James Bond was born by the hands of English writer Ian Fleming, father of the world most famous secret agent novels. Codename 007, double 0 for the license to kill, James bond is a charming British special agent with the talent to solve the twisted machination of rich and powerful evils minds. HISTORY OF THE CHARACTER After rising to the rank of commander in the British navy, Bond Joined MI6, becoming one of the few agents licensed to kill. His role is to track down those who seek world domination and the destruction of Western civilization. Nothing stops him in battle with ultimate evil. (2) Inside the MI6, who occupies a bureaucratic office is designated by a letter; among all, M is the direct boss of James Bond, Q is the technological section and is involved in the creation of all the essential gadgets for James Bond missions. At last but not least miss Moneypenny, James Bonds secretary, and all the so called bond girl that are one of the fundamental feature for the series (feature also accused of sexism and machismo) THE AUTHOR Ian Lancaster Flaming was born in Mayfair, London, May 28, 1908. His family was part of the English aristocracy: his grandfather was the wealthy scottish banker Robert Fleming and his father, Valentine Fleming, was a conservative member of parliament, service-oriented land owner in Oxfordshire. Ian was only 9 years old when the father was killed in the first world war. He begins his studies in 1921 at Eton college, and complete them with some difficulties, but he was one of the best athletes of the institute. Young Ian is exuberant, loves beautiful women and sports cars, and is not ashamed to be seen as a heavy drinker. To correct the behavior of the boy, the mother enrols him at the military academy. Disappointed, his mother sends him in Austria, in a British family who runs a guesthouse for students. In a free and stimulated environment, different from the English one, Ian improves his profits. Thanks to this environment Ian become passionate about climbing and skiing; and this same panorama, recurs in his novels. He continued his studies by attending courses in Foreign Policy at the Universities of Geneva and Monaco. Undertake the profession of journalist for the Reuters agency. His eccentric passions are reflected in the founding of the club Le Cercle, dedicated to the cult of gastronomy and gambling; (in the movie license to kill, the first appearance of James Bond is right inside the club The Cercle). In the 1939 he joined the secret service of the British Navy: spending those years conducting a series of operations that will form the basis of the experience that give credibility, life and substance to the character of James Bond. In 1952 he married Geraldine Anne Rothermere, Countess of Charteris. During the Honeymoon he wrote Casino Royale, his first book with James Bond. Will end up writing a total of twelve novels and two collections of shorts stories on 007, a book inquiry on the international traffic of diamonds and a surreal novel titled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In the sagas most famous secret agent in the world, Ian Fleming used many episodes of his personal and professional life. In 1964, Fleming suffered a severe debilitating chest cold, which combined with pleurisy, forcing a slow recovery. That summer his mother died, leaving behind her small fortune from Valentine Flemings trust. By this time, Fleming had already earned his own fortune, created his own identity, and ruled his own literary empire. His doctors advised him he was too ill to attend his mothers service, but he went anyway. Fleming tried to force his recovery, dictating letters in protest of his condition, as if by sheer will, Fleming could regain his health. In August went to St. Georges to meet with the golf committee. His heart failed him, and the night of August 11, Ian Fleming began to bleed to death from within. At 1 a.m. on August 12, 1964, Ian Fleming died at the age of 56. He is buried in Sevenhampton, near Swindon not too far from the Welsh border. His wife Anne died in 1981. Flemings only child, Casper, died from a suicidal drug overdose in 1975. Both are buried beside Ian beneath a simple obelisk monument in the shadow of the local stone church. (3) THE ARMY TODAY Royal Navy The United Kingdom is an island nation. The sea has always been a vital factor in its history. It has been a means of people arriving from overseas, a barrier to invaders, a highway for trade and the basis for a once global empire. After the second World war the Royal Navy sees a great transformation in technology, roles and society. The strategic impact of the Royal Navy was transformed introducing nuclear power and nuclear armed submarines that changes the strategic nuclear deterrent of Britain; ships design was transformed; the Navy first guided missile armed destroyer was completed in 1962; officer entry at schoolboy age was replaced by the mid-1950s, by entry at eighteen. (4) Royal Marines Ethos The ethos of the Royal Marines refers to our role and the way we fulfil it. Since the Second World War, we have developed a specific function as a commando and amphibious force, undertaking operations in harsh environments be they mountain, jungle, cold weather or desert. This difficult and unique task requires certain personal characteristics, which are nurtured at the Commando Training Centre during training and then maintained and developed during our subsequent service. It is because of these individual qualities that we are able to fulfil our collective role successfully; combined, these two key elements form our ethos. (5) MI6 The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), is the espionage agency of Great Britain. Its more commonly known as the Military Intelligence section 6 (MI6). It was founded in 1909 as the foreign section of the Secret Service Bureau. It provides the British Government whit a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well being of the United Kingdome. Ian Fleming worked for the MI6 during the second world war, for the secret services of the Royal Navy. (6) WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM JAMES BOND James Bond Movies and novels, changed the collective imaginary He is the central character in one of the best-selling series of popular novels in literary history, and the hero of the most successful and enduring cycle of films ever produced. His critics accused him of racism, sexism, and snobbery. His fans see him as cultured, seductive, and discerning. He is agent 007, licensed to kill. First appearing with the publication of Ian Flemingsngs Casino Royale in 1953 and crossing over to the big screen with the film adaption of Dr No in 1962, James Bond emerged at a turning point in British post-war history, a moment of profound cultural change that saw Britains decline as a superpower and its reinvention as a swinging mecca for music, fashion, shopping and youth culture. As a fictional character who perpetuated British fantasies of global influence while simultaneously glamourizing an affluent lifestyle based on brand-name consumerism, exotic travel, and sexual conquest, bond novels and films have reminded at the forefront of popular culture, continuously modernizing the 007 formula to reflect and often anticipate changing social attitudes, major developments in world politics, and shifting trends in popular fiction and cinema culture. (1) ( The James Bond phenomenon, A critical reader; Christoph Lindner; Univerisity of Wales, Aberystwyth; Manchester University Press; 2003) The bond look: The way James Bond present himself to the world his look provides a number of telling insights his personality. As befits his public persona of a successful businessman for Universal Exports, his style is undemonstrative and classically tailored, suggesting a man at ease with himself and in control of his life. He favors lightweight suits in muted shades for most occasions, and a tuxedo for formal events. Shoes, shirts, and ties are of the best quality. Everything fits, nothing is left to chance he transcends the whims of fashion. Bond in love: For James Bond a beautiful woman, especially in independent, free-spirited woman, is an irresistible challenge the ultimate prize of a life lived as if there were no tomorrow. Love never lasts long in Bond World. As Paris Carver, a former lover, once remarked with tragic foresight: this job of yours its murder on relationship. So Bond keeps moving, from romance to romance. Yet one name will always linger his memory the name of his murdered bride, Tracy di Vincenzo. ( James Bond the secret world of 007; Alastair Dougall; Dorling Kindersley Publishing, London, New York, Munich, Melbourne, and Delhi; 2006 ) ( http://www.klast.net/bond/flem_bio.html; Jhon Cork ([emailprotected]); Ian Fleming Foundation, 1995 [online]; accessed on 03/05/2010 ) (3) ( http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/history/historical-periods/1945-2000/ [online] accessed on 04/05/2010 ) (4) (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/history-and-ethos/ethos-beliefs/ [online ] accessed on 04/05/2010) (5) ( http://www.sis.gov.uk/output/sis-home-welcome.html; [online]; accessed on 04/05/2010 ) (6)

Urban Sprawl and Motorization

Increasing urban sprawl and motorization have become leading causes of environmental and social problems in recent years throughout the world, particularly in cities of developing countries. Urban sprawl is the disorderly expansion of urban areas, especially resulting from real estate development on the out skirts of a city. Motorization, which is linked to urban sprawl, can be defined as the increasing use of motor vehicles. Although motor vehicles offer some benefits such as convenience, their use results in environmental and social problems. All sorts of people are concerned about this issue, and making some suggestion to solve these problems. This essay will describe six solutions for the environment and social problems, and demonstrate that land management, reducing car use and using hydroponics or aeroponic technology are more effective way to confront these issues. Climate change, which is caused by motorization and urban sprawl, is one of the most significant problems. Urban sprawl results in more energy use in transportation, and it also use in large homes on the urban fringe which leads to more heating and cooling. This creates global warming gases such as carbon dioxide into the air. There are two solutions that offer different degrees of effect for the problem of climate change. Nuclear technologies are one solution. In Gonzalez’s article, two international business organizations named the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) recommend using new technologies such as new renewable energy and cleaner fuels helps to reduce global warming. However, Gonzalez (2005) explains these technological solutions can only shift the ecological pressure and cut down the global warming problem in the short term. For instance, nuclear energy emissions will cause other major environment problems (Gonzalez, 2005). Another shortcoming about nuclear technologies from Gonzalez (2005) is that now no technology are able to effectively reduce climate change problem, and allow present percentage of economic increase and consumption to keep going meanwhile decreasing global warming. Then the author highlight that environmental issues will become more serious before the success of the new technologies. Another solution of climate change is environmentally sensitive land management. Gonzalez (2005) suggests regulating the distances of residential and work places, and creating these places smaller. As a result, although nuclear terminologies can reduce climate change problem in a short term, land management is the most effective means. Urban sprawl results in the dramatically increasing use of automobile. Frumkin (2001) notes that motorization causes a numerous greenhouse gas emissions into the air, and physical health problems, such as worse lung function, and the mental health issues that affect local communities, especially the elderly and the very young. Living in suburbs, where is peace and quiet, provides benefits for human’s health (Frumkin, 2001). Thus, it increases the rural population. Gonzalez (2005) urged that people should get rid of dependence on cars, and spend more time on walking, biking and public transit. This solution seems to create the best effects to decrease the gas emissions to solve health problems. Another social problem is loss of farm land. Kenworthy and Hu (2002, 5 cited in Martin , 2007) explains that the percentage of urbanized land in China is growing, but the land use per capita has declined from 164 to 146 in six Chinese cities in five years. Yardley (2004 cited in Martin 2007) states that more than 2 per cent of farmland was replaced by urban areas in 2003. There are two solutions that offer different benefits. First, for this problem, McCartney (2010) suggests that people who live in the city are able to grow food in their private gardens or on balconies. Moreover, the author points out that people can grow food in a large-scale by using hydroponic or aeroponic technology in the future. This technology reduces vehicle CO2 emissions and people do not need to worry about the impact of droughts or floods to crops. Therefore, using hydroponics or aeroponic technology offers more. In conclusion, urban sprawl and motorization brings a variety of environmental and social issues namely climate change, health problem and loss of farm land. In this article, providing a number of methods to solve these problems. While some ways of approaching this problems including nuclear technologies, moving to suburbs and planting food in people’s private gardens or on balconies are able to help to decline damage of problems, these solutions still have some drawbacks. Accordingly, more effective and long method to resolve these problems are land management, reducing car use and using hydroponics or aeroponic technology.

The Ceo’s Decision-Making Process Model on Service Offshore Outsourcing: Using Theory of Reasoned Action (Tra)

THE CEO’S DECISION-MAKING PROCESS MODEL ON SERVICE OFFSHORE OUTSOURCING: USING THEORY OF REASONED ACTION (TRA) Mark Yang Department of Information, Operations and Technology Management College of Business Administration The University of Toledo 2801 W. Bancroft St. Toledo, Ohio, USA 43606 Phone: (419) 787-3453 Fax: (419) 530-2290 E-mail: [email  protected] utoledo. edu Jeen Lim Department of Marketing and International Business College of Business Administration The University of Toledo 2801 W. Bancroft St. Toledo, Ohio, USA 43606 Phone: (419) 530-2922 Fax: (419) 530-4610 E-mail: jeen. [email  protected] du ABSTRACT This present study attempts to fill the gap through providing the CEO’s decision-making process model with regard to service offshore outsourcing activities which becomes important strategy to maintain firm’s competitive advantage. Arguably, the CEO is the main domain of decision making authority on such important agenda of the firm as service off shoring. The research model includes 1) key antecedents of service offshoring deriving from various outsourcing literatures, 2) CEO’s propensity (attitude and subjective norm), intention and behavior, and 3) regulatory environmental factors.As a theoretical base, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) will be used. Managerial implication as well as future research direction will be provided. Keywords: Offshore outsourcing, Key Antecedents of Service offshoring, Decision-making process, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) INTRODUCTION Recently, service offshoring has brought the tremendous increasing attention and concern to both practitioners and researchers due to the rapidly-changing structure of the U. S. mployment and the growing importance of its significant impact on the U. S. economy. This trend has been more and more visible due to â€Å"the rise of globally integrated knowledge economy†, which has both good and bad impact on the U. S. econo my: it may be good because U. S. firms may enjoy the cost benefits, utilizing large best pools with relatively low cost; it may be also bad because they are likely to lose control of their core businesses or lose white-collar jobs of the U. S. counterpart.Up to now, large body of research has addressed the various issues of service offshoring. However, current scholarly works tend to be fragmented and especially, few attempted to examine inside of firm’s decision-making process with regard to service offshore outsourcing. Such decision-making process model may be useful to contribute to the previous – 4491 – body of research on service offshore outsourcing in that to my knowledge, very few papers produced from top management perspective (except [47]) and this process model may help top management, esp.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) avoid to make hasty decision, resulting in saving huge economic losses. This paper is organized as follows. The following section pro vides literature reviews. The third section presents the research model which includes such variables as 1) key antecedents which are major criteria for determining service offshoring drawn from the extant literatures on outsourcing activities; 2) CEO’s propensity; 3) CEO’s Intention and Behavior; and 4) regulatory environment (moderating variable). Series of research propositions are developed.The conclusion section provides the managerial implication as well as future research direction. LITERATURE REVIEW The role of top management on affecting firms’ strategy choices and performance has been well-documented [13] [14] [40] [9] [15]. Quality of leadership of top management, esp. CEO, determines the fate of the firm. For example, under Jack Welch’s leadership General Electric Company (GE) within 20 years has been drastically transformed into one of the largest and most admired company with $ 500 billion’s market value from a market capitalization o f $12 billion.It shows the critical role of CEO in advancing the firm in terms of organizational performance. Excellent outcomes start with wise and prudent decision-making. In that regard, CEO is considered the main domain of decision-making authority on important agenda of the firm such as offshoring service. Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) [12] [2] is a general model that does not specify the beliefs that are operative for a certain behavior [8]. The TRA postulates that one’s behavior is determined by his /her behavioral intention (BI) to perform the behavior.BI is divided into two conceptually distinct variables: 1) one’s attitude (A) toward performing the behavior, and 2) one’ subjective norm (SN) about performing the behavior. Once attitudes and subjective norms are formed, CEO may have inclination whether or not to make certain choices. Actual behavior is the transmission of such intention into action. Significance of the role of environment on the strate gy formulation and organizational outcome has been extensively examined [25] [29] [16] [24]. The CEO’s decision to offshore services will be greatly contingent on the regulatory environment a firm faces.The regulatory environment can, to some extent, act to facilitate or hinder offshoring. Regulation environment becomes a moderating variable that can weaken or enhance the relationship between (1) the drivers of offshoring and top management’s propensity; and (2) top management’s propensity and intention and actual behavior. RESEARCH MODEL The research model is about the CEO’s decision making process on service offshore outsourcing. It includes four key antecedents (i. e. , decision-criteria) of service offshore outsourcing and the CEO’s propensity, intention and behavior.This model also attempts to examine the moderating role of regulatory environment between (1) the key antecedents and the CEO’s propensity; and (2) the CEO’s propensi ty and the CEO’s intention and behavior. Cost Advantage ([18] [19]) Cost advantage refers to the extent to which a client firm can achieve cost reduction, productivity or profitability through service offshore outsourcing activities. One of the most commonly quoted reasons is that managers feel that they can gain cost advantages by employing – 4492 – outside suppliers to perform certain services and produce certain products.Cost reduction remains the major explanation for the drivers of outsourcing. Some researchers argue that an important foundation of cost reductions is the outsourcing firm’s access to economies of scale and the distinctive know-how or expertise that a large outsourcing vendor (i. e. , supplier) can bring. [4] [32] Nohria and William [30] discovered that to be a steady industry winner, a firm must increase its productivity by around twice above than the industry’s average. There are a number of studies that focus on explaining th e relationship between outsourcing and productivity growth.Today’s knowledge and service-based economy offers numerous opportunities for wellrun companies to increase profits through outsourcing [30]. When used properly, outsourcing can boost profitability to the firm in many ways (i. e. , staffing, capabilities, facilities, and payroll, etc). The most obvious reason why a firm offshores services is also for cost advantage. In regard to offshoring activities, wage differential (i. e. , lower labor cost with comparable quality of work) between U. S. and other developing countries motivates top management to offshore. Risk Control ([17])Risk control refers to the degree to which a client firm control the risk such as amount of involved outsourcing value (i. e. , scale of the contract), outsourcing complexity (i. e. , level of contract difficulty) and outsourcing duration (length of the contract) that might occur through outsourcing. Management needs to assess and evaluate the r isks and their impact at various levels such as strategic, tactical and operational levels [43]. The level of contract complexity also can influence on the level of risk. Complexity refers to the degree to which activities are diversified with the outsourcing function.The more complex a contract is, the more risky its implementation is. Length of contract duration [19] can affect the complexity of an outsourcing relationship. When an outsourcing contract’s duration requires a longer period of time, both diversity of business relationships and complexity of contract management increase. As a result, longer duration contracts expose the outsourcing company to greater level of risk due to managerial uncertainty. Infrastructure Maturity ([17] [23]) Infrastructure maturity refers to the degree to which both firms (i. e. , client and vendor) have developed telecommunications (i. e. Internet and mobile telecommunication) and transportation (i. e. , logistics, 3PLs) infrastructure. T echnology advancement makes organizational and national borders less significant when it comes to the decision regarding relocation of service functions. Telecommunication infrastructure is essential for electronically transmitted services. Lack of telecommunication system will be a hurdle for trade with U. S. Transportation infrastructure refers to the availability of logistics. The increase in competition and growing awareness of the role of logistics lead more companies to exploit the potential of outsourcing.Cultural Compatibility ([20]) Cultural compatibility refers to the degree to which both firms (i. e. , client and vendor) can interchangeably accept cultural dissimilarities including language (i. e. , English), ethnic linkage, or cultural difference. In the context of a firm’s offshoring decision, language similarity between a client and vendor firm is important. Language similarity is measured by the extent to which a vendor firm is exposed to English (i. e. , Engli sh fluency). Ethnic linkage is also important for offshoring outsourcing service activities. Ethnic linkage between the managers of both firms (i. . , client and vendor) in origin and destination countries increases cultural compatibility. Such – 4493 – linkage improves social capital [45]. Cultural difference refers to the degree to which firms may not accept a counterpart’s culture. These cultural differences may increase difficulties associated with managing employees. We propose that four factors that have influenced firms’ outsourcing decision will affect to some extent firms’ service offshoring decision. Therefore, we regard these four factors as the key antecedents of the CEO’s decision for service offshore outsourcing.Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) In firms’ decision-making for service offshoring, CEO is the key person who actually involves in that process with collaborative effort of top management and board of directors. Ac cording to TRA, attitude toward offshore outsourcing services is generated by the individual’s salient belief about the consequences of adopting service offshoring practices (behavioral beliefs) and evaluation of these consequences (i. e. , positive or negative outcomes). Positive feelings toward offshoring will lead top management to form optimistic attitude, in turn intention to behave (i. e. willingness to offshore outsourcing services). After careful examination of the four key antecedents, i. e. , cost advantage, risk control, infrastructure maturity, and cultural compatibility, the CEO forms positive or negative attitude toward offshoring. Subjective norm is generated by the normative beliefs that the person attributes to what relevant others (i. e. , social referents) expect her to do with respect to adopting offshoring services as well as her motivation to comply with those beliefs. Social referents possibly include firm’s board of directors, stockholders, firm ’s customers, or CIO [47].The strength of social referents’ normative belief and motivations will actually determine the CEO’s final decision to offshore services. Once attitudes and subjective norms are formed, the CEO may have inclination whether or not to make decision for offshoring services. In turn, actual behavior will be transmitted from such intention. The above discussions lead to: Proposition 1: The key antecedents of service offshore outsourcing, (a) Cost Advantage, (b) Risk Control, (c) Infrastructure Maturity, and (d) Cultural Compatibility will have a positive impact on top management’s attitude and subjective norms to offshore outsourcing services.Proposition 2: Top management’s positive attitude and norms that was formed through careful assessing key antecedents of service offshoring will have a positive impact on top management’s actual behavior (i. e. , both intention and decision to offshore services). Moderating Effect: Regulatory Environment ([17] [20]) Regulatory environment refers to explicit regulative processes, existing laws and rules that influence offshoring outsourcing [49]. In this case, government plays a major role.For example, in case of offshoring software industry, government can affect restrict or facilitate the import and export of equipment, software, or data across the country. Government is also the main enforcers of intellectual property laws (i. e. , patent, copyright) 36]. Companies in the U. S. will not choose to offshore key functions if they are concerned about the security of key processes or products [37]. Generally, three types of regulatory factors can be categorized: 1) Tariff/ Non-tariff barriers; 2) privacy laws and 3) rule of law.We propose that above regulatory environment factors will play moderating roles in affecting the relationship between the key antecedents and the CEO’s final decision to offshore outsourcing services. Proposition 3: The relationship between (1) the key antecedents and the CEO’s propensity and (2) CEO’s propensity and intention and behavior for offshore outsourcing services will be moderated by regulatory environment. – 4494 – Table 1: Key constructs (Definitions and Supporting Literatures) Construct Definition Literature Cost Advantage (CA) The degree to which a client firm can achieve cost reduction, operating efficiency (i. . , productivity) or profitability that is related to economic benefit through service offshore outsourcing activities Smith et al. , 1998; Jiang et al. , 2006; Jiang et al. , 2007 Risk Control (RC) The degree to which a client firm controls the risk that might occur through service offshore outsourcing activities, risk such as amount of involved value (i. e. , Scale of the contract), complexity (i. e. , Level of contract difficulty) and duration (Length of the contract). Smith et al. , 1998 Stremersch et al. , 2003; Carson, 2007; Jiang and Qureshi, 2006; Jiang et al. , 2007 Infrastructure Maturity IM) The degree to which both firms (i. e. , client and vendor) have developed telecommunications (i. e. , Internet and mobile telecommunication) and transportation infrastructure. Cultural Compatibility (CC) The degree to which both firms (i. e. , client and vendor) can interchangeably accept different cultural backgrounds including language (i. e. , English), ethnic linkage, or cultural difference. Kshetri, 2007 Regulatory Environment (RE) Explicit regulative processes, existing laws and rules such as trade barriers, privacy laws and rule of law that influence service offshore outsourcing activitiesScott, 1995; Jahns et al. , 2006; Kshetri, 2007 Jahns et al. , 2006; Metters and Verma, 2008 Figure 2: Theoretical Model Key Antecedents Cost Advantage (CA) Risk Control (RC) Infrastructure Maturity (IM) H1 The CEO’s Attitude and Subjective Norms toward offshoring Hservices 3 (PROPENSITY) Cultural Compatibility (CC) H3 Regulatory Environment (RE) – 4495 – H2 The CEO’s DecisionMaking to offshore services (INTENTION) (BEHAVIOR) CONCLUSION Nowadays, outsourcing and offshoring decision is not an alternative option to choose but a mandatory passport to lead firms to sustain competitive advantages over rivals.In this regard, this paper seems to be of less value because many firms offshore service jobs anyway. However, the key antecedents that were shown in present study may help management as useful decision tools and become critical in succeeding to reap the full benefits of the offshoring activities to the firm. This is a meaningful attempt to go inside of firms’ decision-making process though it may not be perfectly useful for managerial decision. It is primarily because through this model, management can rethink before they launch the service offshoring activities, asking themselves â€Å"why we pursue† and â€Å"then, how we can reap the full benefits. This present study attempted to c onsider four key antecedents of service offshoring which are important decision-credentials for top management, esp. CEO to offshore. Although these are not direct determinants of service offshoring decision, they are the ones in which firms need to consider before actual decision is made in that they encompass different aspects. Cost advantage and risk control are considered economic aspects. Since cost elements are always one of the most important reasons for firms’ decision of certain activities, cost advantage and level of risk control needs to be carefully examined before initial launch is kicked off.Infrastructure maturity is considered environmental or infrastructural aspect. Availability and development of telecommunication and transportation infrastructure is critical for service offshoring—its fast and reliable delivery. Lastly, cultural compatibility is considered cultural aspect. Language (i. e. , English) fluency, ethnic linkage, or cultural difference wil l actually determine long-term relationship between a client and vendor firm across the country.These decision-criteria will help top management to consider the different aspects of offshoring activities, which are economic, environmental (infrastructural) and cultural dimensions. This present study also identified three different aspects of regulatory environment which are trade barriers, privacy laws, and rule of law. Trade barriers are associated with a relation-type regulatory factor in that they determine the magnitude of relationship between countries which are involved in offshoring activities.Privacy laws are coupled with a risk-type regulatory factor in that lack of privacy laws will make a client firm to be exposed to information (data) loss. Rule of law such as political institution, court system or sound citizenship is linked with security-type regulatory factor in that poor rule of law (i. e. , vendor firm) is regarded as major obstacles to offshoring and cause to criti cal security problems. For future research, three major works need to be done. First, to make empirical study possible, measurement items for each key antecedent and CEO’s propensity, intention and behavior need to be developed.For operationalization of key variables, more refined work should be continued. In this case, both secondary data and survey method may be appropriately used. Second, for completeness of the model or further analysis, outcome and performance measure might be added. Third, for extension of this paper, it might be an interesting attempt if general decision-making process model which includes other top management teams and board of directors is provided. * References Available Upon Request (Mark Yang: [email  protected] utoledo. edu) – 4496 –