Challenges faced by non profit organisations in developing performance Essay

Challenges faced by non profit organisations in developing performance measurement systems - Essay Example profits, and the metrics that measure the efficiency, such as revenue, productivity, rejection, manpower costs, and marketing costs are known and measuring these parameters is possible (Emerson, 2009). Non-profit organisations (NPOs) are organisations that have a social impact mission; they take up charity work, and some are cooperatives, created for the mutual benefit of a community. Such organisations may earn profits from their activities, but these profits are redistributed among people they serve (Drucker, 2005). In the case of NPOs, implementing PMS is different since the objectives are not to make profits but to increase social benefits or help community members, served by the NPO. Implementing PMS in NPOs therefore becomes a challenge since the standard metrics of revenue, cost, market share, productivity, etc., have different values (Poister, 2003). This paper critically reviews the literature on effective PMS, examines the differences in PMS requirements of for profit and NPOs and discusses the implications to ensure that PMS are made effective for NPOs. An important aspect of NPOs is that they need to be efficient, since they operate with a limited budget, and many of them hire people, who must be paid wages. Performance management systems are different for profit oriented and NPOs, and the systems depend on products, and markets addressed, objectives of the organisation, and nature of operations. However, certain common elements are observed in both types of organisations. Differences are seen in the manner in which metrics are identified and evaluated (Bradach, et al, 2008). This section critically examines the literature on PMS and tools used to implement the practice. While the objectives of for profit and NPOs are different, both must be effective, utilise resources efficiently and meet their goals. A very important aspect of PMS is that it is a comparative tool, and this means that performance is measured with reference to a benchmark; else, the

Addictive Behaviours Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Addictive Behaviours - Essay Example There is immense research on the mechanisms of addiction as far as substance abuse and alcohol addiction are concerned. As of now, there is very little research into this aspect with reference to addictive behaviors like gambling. Though many researchers argue similar pathogenesis in all addictive behaviours, research into this perspective is warranted. Acute and chronic stress have been incriminated in the mechanism of development of addiction in all types of addictive behaviours. However, it is yet unclear as to what type and extent of stress, timing of stress and coping strategies against stress cause such negative implications towards ones behaviour. In this essay, mechanisms involved in the development of addictive gambling will be elucidated through review of appropriate literature and with reference to pathophysiology of addiction of substances and alcohol. There are several substances which are addictive in nature. Of these, marijuana is the most widely consumed illicit drug in the world (Maxwell, 2003). According to the statistics on drug abuse published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2002 (based on National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2001), marijuana constituted 33.1% of the illicit drugs ever used. It also constituted 12.9% of the drugs recently used. The mean age of initiation was 18.5 years. The consumption of marijuana overseas was most prevalent in New-Zealand (20%) and least in Canada (8.9%). The prevalence in U.K and U.S was same (9%) (Maxwell 2003). Most often it is consumed with other illicit drugs like cocaine (called ‘blunts’) or tobacco. It is taken in mainly for the mental effects like altered state of consciousness, perceptual changes like hallucinations and heightened sensory experiences. The main active chemical having psycho-activity in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocann abinol) (Astolfi et al, 1998). Other than euphoria and hallucinations, marijuana has other effects

Segregation and the Racial Wage Gap Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Segregation and the Racial Wage Gap - Term Paper Example Though the world’s governing body has formulated policies for the development of gender equality and elimination of racial discrimination, numerous issues come to light regarding racial discrimination at schools, workplace; gender discrimination, etc. The major issues coming into discussions are about the racial and gender inequality at workplace, discrimination in wages, etc. in spite of various legal provisions available to assist the victim. This paper looks into such cases of discrimination and segregation at workplace with regard to unequal pay and race while reviewing cases published in various newspapers, magazines, journals and online articles. Body Wage Gaps based on race and gender inequality Occupation gender segregation is the strong feature of the US labor market as it is inefficient economically, preventing able people from moving into occupations where they could perform well. Occupation segregation is important point for discussion because occupational choice i s constrained by socialization, lack of information, or more direct barriers to entry to training or work in occupations where one sex is small minority of the workforce (IWPR, 13). Various legislations have been passed in different countries regarding equal pays, right to living with dignity, etc. but the differences still persist in society at large. According to Alfano (Report: Race Gap in US Persists) the median income for white households was $50,662 in the year 2005 as compared to $30,939 for black households and $36,278 for Hispanic households which shows there is huge income gap among the non white and white households revealing the discriminatory practice in income generating opportunities. According to the Economist (Race and Red Tape) black workers in America earn less than their white peers due to less education, skills, knowhow and experience than the whites. However, the article reveals the bias attitude of American companies stating that the companies are more likely to interview white person than the black person, if both of them have identical qualification. The dismal condition of black people is known for generation, gender discrimination is also at large with women entering the workforce competing with the men for the same position. The wage gap between male and female workers was huge when there were no policies protecting their rights. However the gap has narrowed down to 77 cents earned by full time female worker, irrespective of black or white, as compared to every dollar earned by men. However, the gap widens for African American women with 67.9% of men’s wages while Latinas earn 58 percent of men’s earnings (Pappas, â€Å"Women Intensely Dissatisfied with Pay Gap†). Rayner (Pay gap is growing between men and women) reported the statistics from Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which reveals that male managers are paid more than their female counterparts with same qualifications and talents. This scenario has be en explained briefly in an article at Center for American Progress (Wage Gap by Numbers) wherein its is stated that women with more

Resource Management in Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Resource Management in Schools - Essay Example 3) The quality of education provided should conform to the policies and priorities of the government and the curriculum requirements of the Board of Studies of that government. 4) The teaching and learning practices of the schools should be effective and be continuously improved up to the welfare of students. 7) The management should emphasize on developing a culture where learning is valued. 8) A culture of collaboration should be developed, in the school community contribute to the achievement of shared goals that are clearly defined. The above factors are easy to define in theory, but what is necessary is that the school management should ensure that they have the necessary resources to put it into practice. For example, to see that the first point mentioned above is practiced, the school management should provide the necessary text books, a good library, an adequately stocked science lab, well trained teachers, a good atmosphere for learning etc. For welfare of the students a good canteen and recreational facilities could be provided. To maintain quality of education qualified teaching staff with emphasis on regular teacher training sessions should be ensured.. Culture of a country is important and this can be imparted by local teachers rather than expatriate teachers. These are the main areas that this study will focus on. Aims & Objectives of this study: The aims f the papers are to: 1. Identify current practices of Omani head teachers with regard to resource management in schools and their perceptions of ideal practices of resource management in Omani schools. The current practices will be explained later in the study. 2. Identify weakness and strengths of the current practices of head teachers with regard to human, material and financial resources. 3. Identify the link between resource management and student achievement. Education in Oman: Education in Oman schools consists of three levels such as Board of Directors for Indian Schools in Oman, School Management committee and School Administration. (Management committee). The new system gives emphasis on Science, Maths and the use of computers. English was also introduced gradually to 17 schools from different regions. Schools have introduced new learning resource centre with laboratory equipment, audio-visual systems and computers. (Education, 2008). The basic education system contains two phases from 5 to 10 years and 11 to 15 years and two years secondary education. For the year 2002-03, 288 schools follow the basic education system in academic year. Second phases of basic education during 2001-02 in 59 schools were 30 boys and 29 girls and 5 schools for grade- four completed students.