Mitosis Replication of Eukaryotic Cells

Exercise 13MITOSIS: REPLICATION OF EUKARYOTIC CELLS  ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1.a. Mitosis and cytokinesis are often referred to collectively as â€Å"cellular division. † Why are they more accurately called cellular replication? The result of mitosis is production of two cells (replicates) identical to the parent cell. The genetic material is replicated rather than divided.b. Does the cell cycle have a beginning and an end? The organization of our study of cellular events indicates a beginning and end, but the events continue to repeat.2.a. If a nucleus has eight chromosomes during interphase, how many chromosomes does it have during metaphase? During metaphase there are 8 double-stranded chromosomes.b. How many does it have after mitosis is complete? After mitosis (and separation of chromatids) there are 16 chromosomes distributed between two nuclei.3.a. Why would we choose an embryonic mass of cells for procedure 13. 3 in which to study the stages of mitosis? embryonic cells a re replicating and growing rapidlyb. Which stage of mitosis most often is associated with the beginning of cytokinesis? usually late anaphase4.a. What region of a root has the most mitotic activity? meristem, just above capb. Why is pinching of the cytoplasm inadequate for cytokinesis in plant cells? Pinching of cytoplasm is not appropriate for rigid cell walls.c. Locate a plant cell in late telophase. What is the volume of the new cells relative to a mature cell? Each cell is smaller (approximately 1/2) than the parent cell.5.a. Why are the combined data from all the class members more meaningful than your results alone? Combined results reduce random error.b. How accurate were your predictions for length of each stage of mitosis? probably not closec. What sources of error can you list for this technique to determine the time elapsed during each stage of mitosis? ariation in onion roots; student's ability to distinguish stages; microscopic cross sections of roots may or may not pas s through the nuclear materialExercise 14MEIOSIS: REDUCTION DIVISION AND GAMETOGENESIS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Why would shuffling genetic material and producing new combinations of characteristics be advantageous to a species? New genetic combinations allow adaptation to changing environments.b. When would it be deleterious? New combinations always produce a percentage of disadvantageous characteristics; the risk of bad gene combinations may be inappropriate in a stable, beneficial environment.2. a.Synapsis occurs after chromosomal DNA has replicated. How many chromatids are involved in crossing-over of a homologous pair of chromosomes?b. Suppose synapsis occurred between two homologous chromosomes, and one had alleles for blue eyes and brown hair and the other had alleles for green eyes and blonde hair. How many different combinations of these alleles would be possible? 4 Remember that crossing-over does not necessarily occur between the loci, so the original combinations may re main intact. 3. a. If a nucleus has eight chromosomes when it begins meiosis, how many chromosomes does it have after telophase I? Telophase II? with two chromatids each; 4 with one chromatid eachb. What are the major differences between the events of meiosis and mitosis? (see table 14. 2)c. What are some minor differences, and why do you consider them minor? minor differences would be those unrelated to chromosomal events4. a. During gametogenesis a sperm cell undergoes considerable structural change. What are the basics of sperm structure and how does it relate to function? The basics include small head with nucleus; an acrosomal process with enzymes to digest the outer membranes of the egg; a head and neck rich in mitochondria; and tail used to propel the cell to the egg.b. What is the advantage of producing sperm in a system of tubes rather than in solid tissue? because sperm cells can be expelled easily from the body through a system of tubesc. What is each strand of a double-s tranded chromosome called? chromatid5. How would retaining extra cytoplasm enhance survival of a developing oocyte? More cytoplasm contains more nutrients to ensure survival.6. a. What are the relative sizes of oocytes in a dormant follicle, a growing follicle, and a Graafian follicle? dormant oocyte 1X, growing oocyte 5X, mature oocyte 25Xb. Are polar bodies visible in your prepared slide of a cat ovary? Why or why not? probably not, because cells in the ovary usually have not finished meiosis I, and polar bodies disintegrate rapidly DNA FINGERPRINTING LABRestriction Digestion of DNA Samples Observation QuestionsDescribe the samples of DNA (physical properties). The DNA samples are clear, colorless liquid samples.Is there any observable difference between the samples of DNA? No. All samples appear similar.Describe the appearance of the restriction endonuclease mix. The restriction enzymes appear to be clear, colorless liquids.Restriction Digestion of DNA Samples Review QuestionsBef ore you incubated your samples, describe any visible signs of change in the contents of the tubes containing the DNA combined with the restriction enzymes. DNA + EcoRI/PstI enzyme mix: No visible change apparent in the tubes.Can you see any evidence to indicate that your samples of DNA were fragmented or altered in any way by the addition of EcoRI/PstI? Explain. No. No visible change apparent in the tubes.In the absence of visible evidence of change, is it still possible that the DNA samples were fragmented? Explain your reasoning. Yes. They may be chemically changed but the changes may not be visible. Enzymes may have cut the DNA.After a 24 hour incubation period, are there any visible clues that the restriction enzymes may have in some way changed the DNA in any of the tubes? Explain your reasoning. No. No visible change apparent in the tubes but the enzymes may have cut the DNA. The reactions are at the molecular level and too small to be seen.Electrophoresis of Your DNA Samples Review QuestionsThe electrophoresis apparatus creates an electrical field [positive and negative ends of the gel]. DNA molecules are negatively charged. To which pole of the electrophoresis field would you expect DNA to migrate (+ or -)? Explain. Positive.What color represents the negative pole? Black.After DNA samples are loaded in wells, they are â€Å"forced† to move through the gel matrix. Which size fragment (large vs small) would you expect to move toward the opposite end of the gel most quickly? Explain. Smaller. There is less resistance to their movement through the gel matrix.Which fragments are expected to travel the shortest distance [remain closest to the well]? Explain. Larger. There is more resistance to their movement through the gel matrix.Lesson 4 Thought QuestionsWhat can you assume is contained within each band? DNA fragments.If this were a fingerprinting gel, then how many kinds (samples) of DNA can you assume were placed in each separate well? One.What wo uld be a logical explanation as to why there is more than one band of DNA for each of the samples? The DNA must have been cut into fragments by restriction enzymes.What probably caused the DNA to become fragmented? The chemical action of the restriction enzymes cutting at specific base sequences.Which of the DNA samples have the same number of restriction sites for the restriction endonuclease used? Write the lane numbers.Lanes 2, 3, and 4 (CS, S1, and S2).Which sample has the smallest DNA fragment? The sample in lane 5 (S3).How many restriction sites were there in lane three? Two sites that cut the sample into two fragments.Which DNA samples appear to have been â€Å"cut† into the same number and size of fragments? Lanes 2 and 4 (CS and S2).Based on your analysis of the photograph, what is your conclusion about the DNA samples in the photograph? Do any of the samples seem to be from the same source. If so which ones? Describe the evidence that supports your conclusion.The DN A samples in lanes 2 and 4 (CS and S2) are from the same individual because they have identical restrictions sites that yield identical fragments.DNA Fingerprinting: OverviewWhat are we trying to determine? Restate the central question. We are trying to determine if samples of DNA that we were provided with are from the same individual or from different individuals.Which of your DNA samples were fragmented? What would your gel look like if the DNA were not fragmented? The number of fragmented samples will vary. They will have one band on the gel if the DNA was not cut.What caused the DNA to become fragmented? The addition of restriction enzymes.What determines where a restriction endonuclease will â€Å"cut† a DNA molecule? A special sequence of bases on the DNA called restriction sites.A restriction endonuclease â€Å"cuts† two DNA molecules at the same location. What can you assume is identical about the molecules at that location? The restriction sites are identical .Do any of your suspect samples appear to have EcoRI or PstI recognition sites at the same location as the DNA from the crime scene? The samples in lanes 2 and 5 match (CS and S3).Based on the above analysis, do any of the suspect samples of DNA seem to be from the same individual as the DNA from the crime scene? Describe the scientific evidence that supports your conclusion. The CS and S3 samples appear to be identical. They both produce similar banding patterns on the gel.Exercise 23 SURVEY OF BACTERIA: KINGDOMS ARCHAEBACTERIA AND BACTERIA ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Why is it important that bacteria release nutrients? Nutrients must be released and recycled for use by other living organisms. If nutrients were not released by decomposers, the nutrients would all eventually be locked up in dead, non-decaying tissue.b. What term would best describe heterotrophic bacteria that feed on living tissue? parasitism2. What is the shape and size of each bacterial colony? E. coli—medium rod; B. megaterium—large rod; R. rubrum—small and thin spirillum 3. a. Which type of bacteria is most prevalent in the sample from your teeth? How do you know? probably gram positive because most of the cells are purpleb. Is Bacillus megaterium gram positive or gram negative? gram positive4. a. Where are the bacteria? Are they between cells or inside cells? inside the cellsb. Why is this relationship between a plant and bacterium called mutualism? Both partners benefit from the association.c. How does Rhizobium benefit from this association? nutrients from the hostd. How does the host plant benefit from the association? nitrogen supply from the bacterium5. Based on their appearance, which drugs or chemicals retard the growth of bacteria? depends on the drugs that you use6. Do all cells of a trichome of Oscillatoria appear similar? yes7. a. Do adjacent cells share a common sheath? usuallyb. What do you suppose is the function of the sheath? protectionc. Do clusters of Gloeocapsa represent multicellular organisms? Why or why not?No, the cells are not obligate dependents—they can operate independently; the protoplasms of the cells are not connected; the aggregation of cells can be broken into individual cells without killing the cells.8. a. How is the shape of Merismopedia different from other cyanobacteria you studied in this exercise? Merismopedia is a flat, square colony one cell thick.b. How would a colony attain this shape? equal divisions in two planesExercise 24Survey of Kingdom Protista: The Algae ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Is the movement of Chlamydomonas smooth or does it appear jerky? relatively smoothb. Can you see both flagella? You may need to reduce the light intensity to see flagella. probably not, depends on student's microscopec. How does methylcellulose affect movement of Chlamydomonas? slows it downd. How does the stigma help Chlamydomonas survive? detects light2. a. Under what environmental conditions would a zygote not u ndergo meiosis immediately? unfavorable conditionsb. Are spores of Chlamydomonas haploid or diploid? haploidc. Which portions of the life cycle of Chlamydomonas are haploid? all portions from meiosis to syngamyd. Which are diploid? all portions from syngamy to meiosis3. a. Are the filaments of Spirogyra branched? nob. What is the shape of the chloroplasts of Spirogyra? spiralc. Can you see any conjugation tubes? If you can't, examine the prepared slides that demonstrate these structures. probably not seen on live material, but easily seen on prepared materiald. How do you think that Spirogyra reproduces asexually? mitosis and fragmentation4. a. How is Cladophora morphologically similar to Spirogyra. How is it different? They are both filaments, but Cladophora is branched and Spirogyra is unbranched.b. What is the shape of its chloroplasts? broad and dispersed5. a. What is oogamy? ne gamete (sperm) is small and motile, the other gamete (egg) is larger and nonmotileb. What are the tin y spheres inside the larger sphere of Volvox? daughter coloniesc. How do you suppose they get out? Parent colonies turn inside out or rupture.d. How do you think the number of cells in a young Volvox colony compares to the number in a mature colony? less than or equal to the number in the mature colony6.a. How is Fucus' structure different from green algae that you have examined earlier in this exercise? Fucus is larger, more parenchymatous, and flattened.b. Are all portions of the thallus photosynthetic?How can you tell? probably not, due to different concentrations of pigmentsc. Considering where Fucus lives, what do you think is the function of its gelatinous sheath? Since Fucus lives in intertidal regions, the gelatinous sheath probably prevents desiccation.d. Are the swollen structures solid masses or are they empty? essentially empty7.a. Are the gametes of Fucus isogamous or oogamous? oogamousb. How does the structure of tissue surrounding the reproductive structures compare w ith that of green algae? Tissues in brown algae are more complex.8. a. Can you see any pores in the walls of diatoms? robably yesb. Are any of the diatoms moving? possiblyc. If diatoms lack flagella, how do you explain their motility? gliding on a gelatinous secretiond. How would diatomaceous earth compare to sand as a swimming pool filter material? Which would be better and why? Diatomaceous earth would be better because it is finer. How do the shapes of dinoflagellates compare with other unicellular algae that you have observed in this exercise? bizarre and varied What is the function of the eyespot of Euglena? detect lightExercise 25 SURVEY OF KINGDOM PROTISTA: PROTOZOA AND SLIME MOLDS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Can you detect moving cytoplasm in the extending pseudopods of Amoeba? probably yesb. What do you suppose the Amoeba is moving toward or away from? light or foodc. How does the Amoeba respond to nutrient broth? usually increased movementd. Approximately how long would it t ake an Amoeba to move across the field of view on low power? a few minutese. Why is a contractile vacuole of a protozoan often more difficult to see than a food vacuole? A contractile vacuole contains clear excretory fluid, while food vacuoles contain particulate matter.f. Why would excess water tend to accumulate in Amoeba? ecause solute concentration in the amoeba is higher than the concentration in the environment and water diffuses into the cell2. How could fossilized forams in different geological layers of rock or sediment indicate the probability of finding oil? Different species are present in different environmental conditions; therefore, a list of species may include those associated with environmental conditions appropriate for oil formation.3. a. How large is a trypanosome relative to an Amoeba? much smallerb. What alga does a trypanosome superficially resemble? Euglena4. a. Are cilia visible on living or prepared Paramecium? probably notb.Does Paramecium rotate as it mo ves? yesc. How does movement of Paramecium compare with that of Amoeba? With a flagellated alga? Paramecium moves much faster than Amoeba, but not as fast as many flagellated species.5. a. Why is the division of Paramecium cells called â€Å"transverse† fission? The plane of separation is transverse to the longitudinal axis.b. Why is transverse fission not a sexual process? it doesn't recombine genesc. What are the advantages and disadvantages of conjugation in Paramecium? disadvantages: conjugation requires more than one organism and is energy consuming advantage: creation of new genetic combinations6. a. What is the value or function of the rapid contraction stalk of Vorticella? avoid predationb. What is the probable function of the moving cilia of Vorticella? create water currents bringing food particles to the organism7. a. Is cytoplasmic movement of Physarum apparent? probably yesb. Is the movement in a particular direction? probably not, but on moist medium they may app arently move toward foodc. What is a possible function of cytoplasmic movement in Physarum? avoid light, find foodExercise 26 SURVEY OF KINGDOM FUNGI: MOLDS, SAC FUNGI, MUSHROOMS, AND LICHENS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Are hyphae present? ob. Are the cells motile? yes2. a. How many species of mold are on the bread? 2, 3, or 4b. Do any of the molds on the bread have hyphae modified as sporangiophores and sporangia? probably yesc. Is pigment distributed uniformly in each mycelium? If not, where is the pigment concentrated in each mold? No, pigment is usually concentrated in sporangia.d. What is the adaptive significance of spores forming on ends of upright filaments rather than closer to the protective substrate? to enhance distribution of released spores3. a. In what structure is the dark pigment of Rhizopus concentrated? sporangiab.Is Rhizopus reproducing sexually as well as asexually in the same petri dish? How can you tell? Yes (if students are provided with cultures with two strai ns); because sporangia as well as zygospores are visible.4. What is the relative size of Penicillium hyphae compared to Rhizopus hyphae? Penicillium hyphae are much smaller than Rhizopus hyphae.5. a. Do you see chains of yeast cells produced by budding? probably yesb. How is the structure of yeast hyphae different from that of molds? Yeast hyphae are greatly reduced to a chain of one or two cells, while molds are very long and multicellular. 6. What is the difference between dikaryotic and diploid cells? Dikaryotic cells have two distinct nuclei, each with a haploid (single) set of chromosomes; a diploid cell has one nucleus with a diploid (double set of chromosomes).7. How many spores would you estimate are present on the gills of a single cap of Coprinus? Remember that a prepared slide shows only a cross section. many, many thousands8. a. What is the value of photosynthetic algae to the growth of a fungus in a lichen? Algae conduct photosynthesis and produce an energy rich carbon source, (i. e. , glucose).b. Would you expect lichens to grow best in rural or urban environments? Why? best in rural environments because they are so sensitive to air pollutionExercise 27 SURVEY OF THE PLANT KINGDOM: LIVERWORTS, MOSSES, AND HORNWORTS OF PHYLA HEPATICOPHYTA, BRYOPHYTA, AND ANTHOCEROPHYTA ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. What are the functions of rhizoids? anchorage, possibly absorption2. What is the function of these pores? gas exchange3. How do the positions of the archegonium and antheridium relate to their reproductive function? Antheridia need to disperse sperm and are upright with pores on top of the antheridial disk; archegonia are protected under the surface of the archegonial disk.4. a. What is the function of the foot? nutrient transport from gametophyte to sporophyteb. Are spores haploid or diploid? haploidc. What is the functional significance of the response of elaters to moisture? dispersal of spores5. a. How many cells thick is the leaflet? one or twob. Is there a midrib? Vein? yesc. Are stomata or pores visible on the leaf surface? probably notd. How does the symmetry of a moss gametophyte compare with that of a liverwort gametophyte? Mosses are radially symmetrical and liverworts are bilaterally symmetrical. 6. a. How many times its own weight did the moss absorb? or more timesb. How does this compare with the paper towel? much greaterc. Why is Sphagnum often used in shipping items that must be kept moist? because it holds water so well7. Where is the egg located in the archegonium? egg is enlarged cell at base of neck8. Are sperm haploid or diploid? haploid9. Is the sporophyte more prominent in mosses or liverworts? mosses10. What is the adaptive significance of the seta of the sporophyte growing well above the mat of the gametophyte? better dispersal11. a. What process produces spores? meiosisb. Is the capsule haploid or diploid? diploid12. Can you think of any evolutionary implications of the similarity between a moss protonema and a filamentous green alga? both have similar form and live in similar habitat, which suggests that selective pressures for developing these structures may have been similarExercise 28 SURVEY OF THE PLANT KINGDOM: SEEDLESS VASCULAR PLANTS OF PHYLA PTEROPHYTA, LYCOPHYTA, PSILOPHYTA, AND SPHENOPHYTA ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1.a. Which parts of the life cycle are haploid? gametophyteb. Which are diploid? sporophyte2.a. How many veins are present in each frond? usually 1 large veinb. What tissues compose a vein? ylem and phloemc. What is the function of the stalk? The blade? The pinnae? stalk—support; blade and pinnae—photosynthesis3.a. What is the function of an annulus? breaking point for opening sporangiumb. Are any spores in the sporangium? probably so4.a. Did the application of acetone cause the spores of the fern to disperse? probably yesb. How is the mechanism for spore dispersal in ferns similar to that of bryophytes? Moisture causes changes in cell (elater or annulus) shap e to release spores.5.a. Is the prothallium haploid or diploid? haploidb. Is the prothallium sporophyte or gametophyte? gametophyte6. a.What is the adaptive significance of having these structures on the lower surface of the prothallium rather than on the upper surface? protection from desiccationb. What is the adaptive significance of having sperm and egg produced at different times? discourages inbreeding7. How do Salvinia and Azolla differ from other ferns you've examined earlier? smaller, aquatic8. a. What type of branching characterizes Psilotum? dichotomousb. Are any roots present? noc. Are any leaves present? nod. Where are the sporangia? at end of short lateral branchese. Where does photosynthesis occur in Psilotum? stem9.a. Where are the leaves? n rings along stemb. What part of the plant is photosynthetic? stemc. Which part of the life cycle of Equisetum is dominant, the sporophyte or gametophyte? sporophyte10.a. How does strobili formation in Equisetum compare with Lycopo dium and Selaginella? sporangia of Lycopodium and Selaginella are on microphyllsb. How do elaters aid in the dispersal of spores? moves spores11. a. How could a rhizome be involved in asexual reproduction? produces new growth, which could be separated from parent plant (e. g. , via fragmentation), thereby resulting in a new individualb. How is a rhizome different from a rhizoid? hizome is underground stem; rhizoid is small, rootlike structurec. Does the rhizome have leaves? depends on specimen, but probably yesd. What is the shape and size of the leaves? thin, elongate, arranged in spiralse. What is the significance of this form of the leaves? intercept light for photosynthesisf. Is a midvein visible? yes g. What does the word â€Å"evergreen† mean? does not lose all of its leaves seasonallyh. Is â€Å"evergreenness† a good characteristic for classifying plants? Why or why not? No, unrelated plants are evergreen.12. a. How many sporangia occur on each sporophyll of Lyc opodium? oneb.Can you see why spores of Lycopodium are sometimes called â€Å"vegetable sulfur†? yesc. Why are the spores a good, dry lubricant? powdery; certain species produce some oild. Which is the dominant part of the Lycopodium life cycle, the sporophyte or gametophyte? sporophyte13. a. Are spores of Selaginella similar in size? nob. What is this condition called? heterosporousc. What is the functional significance of the difference in the appearance of dehydrated and rehydrated Selaginella? water conservation and survival during droughtd. Can you see why these plants are sometimes referred to as â€Å"resurrection plants†? yes Mitosis Replication of Eukaryotic Cells Exercise 13MITOSIS: REPLICATION OF EUKARYOTIC CELLS  ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1.a. Mitosis and cytokinesis are often referred to collectively as â€Å"cellular division. † Why are they more accurately called cellular replication? The result of mitosis is production of two cells (replicates) identical to the parent cell. The genetic material is replicated rather than divided.b. Does the cell cycle have a beginning and an end? The organization of our study of cellular events indicates a beginning and end, but the events continue to repeat.2.a. If a nucleus has eight chromosomes during interphase, how many chromosomes does it have during metaphase? During metaphase there are 8 double-stranded chromosomes.b. How many does it have after mitosis is complete? After mitosis (and separation of chromatids) there are 16 chromosomes distributed between two nuclei.3.a. Why would we choose an embryonic mass of cells for procedure 13. 3 in which to study the stages of mitosis? embryonic cells a re replicating and growing rapidlyb. Which stage of mitosis most often is associated with the beginning of cytokinesis? usually late anaphase4.a. What region of a root has the most mitotic activity? meristem, just above capb. Why is pinching of the cytoplasm inadequate for cytokinesis in plant cells? Pinching of cytoplasm is not appropriate for rigid cell walls.c. Locate a plant cell in late telophase. What is the volume of the new cells relative to a mature cell? Each cell is smaller (approximately 1/2) than the parent cell.5.a. Why are the combined data from all the class members more meaningful than your results alone? Combined results reduce random error.b. How accurate were your predictions for length of each stage of mitosis? probably not closec. What sources of error can you list for this technique to determine the time elapsed during each stage of mitosis? ariation in onion roots; student's ability to distinguish stages; microscopic cross sections of roots may or may not pas s through the nuclear materialExercise 14MEIOSIS: REDUCTION DIVISION AND GAMETOGENESIS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Why would shuffling genetic material and producing new combinations of characteristics be advantageous to a species? New genetic combinations allow adaptation to changing environments.b. When would it be deleterious? New combinations always produce a percentage of disadvantageous characteristics; the risk of bad gene combinations may be inappropriate in a stable, beneficial environment.2. a.Synapsis occurs after chromosomal DNA has replicated. How many chromatids are involved in crossing-over of a homologous pair of chromosomes?b. Suppose synapsis occurred between two homologous chromosomes, and one had alleles for blue eyes and brown hair and the other had alleles for green eyes and blonde hair. How many different combinations of these alleles would be possible? 4 Remember that crossing-over does not necessarily occur between the loci, so the original combinations may re main intact. 3. a. If a nucleus has eight chromosomes when it begins meiosis, how many chromosomes does it have after telophase I? Telophase II? with two chromatids each; 4 with one chromatid eachb. What are the major differences between the events of meiosis and mitosis? (see table 14. 2)c. What are some minor differences, and why do you consider them minor? minor differences would be those unrelated to chromosomal events4. a. During gametogenesis a sperm cell undergoes considerable structural change. What are the basics of sperm structure and how does it relate to function? The basics include small head with nucleus; an acrosomal process with enzymes to digest the outer membranes of the egg; a head and neck rich in mitochondria; and tail used to propel the cell to the egg.b. What is the advantage of producing sperm in a system of tubes rather than in solid tissue? because sperm cells can be expelled easily from the body through a system of tubesc. What is each strand of a double-s tranded chromosome called? chromatid5. How would retaining extra cytoplasm enhance survival of a developing oocyte? More cytoplasm contains more nutrients to ensure survival.6. a. What are the relative sizes of oocytes in a dormant follicle, a growing follicle, and a Graafian follicle? dormant oocyte 1X, growing oocyte 5X, mature oocyte 25Xb. Are polar bodies visible in your prepared slide of a cat ovary? Why or why not? probably not, because cells in the ovary usually have not finished meiosis I, and polar bodies disintegrate rapidly DNA FINGERPRINTING LABRestriction Digestion of DNA Samples Observation QuestionsDescribe the samples of DNA (physical properties). The DNA samples are clear, colorless liquid samples.Is there any observable difference between the samples of DNA? No. All samples appear similar.Describe the appearance of the restriction endonuclease mix. The restriction enzymes appear to be clear, colorless liquids.Restriction Digestion of DNA Samples Review QuestionsBef ore you incubated your samples, describe any visible signs of change in the contents of the tubes containing the DNA combined with the restriction enzymes. DNA + EcoRI/PstI enzyme mix: No visible change apparent in the tubes.Can you see any evidence to indicate that your samples of DNA were fragmented or altered in any way by the addition of EcoRI/PstI? Explain. No. No visible change apparent in the tubes.In the absence of visible evidence of change, is it still possible that the DNA samples were fragmented? Explain your reasoning. Yes. They may be chemically changed but the changes may not be visible. Enzymes may have cut the DNA.After a 24 hour incubation period, are there any visible clues that the restriction enzymes may have in some way changed the DNA in any of the tubes? Explain your reasoning. No. No visible change apparent in the tubes but the enzymes may have cut the DNA. The reactions are at the molecular level and too small to be seen.Electrophoresis of Your DNA Samples Review QuestionsThe electrophoresis apparatus creates an electrical field [positive and negative ends of the gel]. DNA molecules are negatively charged. To which pole of the electrophoresis field would you expect DNA to migrate (+ or -)? Explain. Positive.What color represents the negative pole? Black.After DNA samples are loaded in wells, they are â€Å"forced† to move through the gel matrix. Which size fragment (large vs small) would you expect to move toward the opposite end of the gel most quickly? Explain. Smaller. There is less resistance to their movement through the gel matrix.Which fragments are expected to travel the shortest distance [remain closest to the well]? Explain. Larger. There is more resistance to their movement through the gel matrix.Lesson 4 Thought QuestionsWhat can you assume is contained within each band? DNA fragments.If this were a fingerprinting gel, then how many kinds (samples) of DNA can you assume were placed in each separate well? One.What wo uld be a logical explanation as to why there is more than one band of DNA for each of the samples? The DNA must have been cut into fragments by restriction enzymes.What probably caused the DNA to become fragmented? The chemical action of the restriction enzymes cutting at specific base sequences.Which of the DNA samples have the same number of restriction sites for the restriction endonuclease used? Write the lane numbers.Lanes 2, 3, and 4 (CS, S1, and S2).Which sample has the smallest DNA fragment? The sample in lane 5 (S3).How many restriction sites were there in lane three? Two sites that cut the sample into two fragments.Which DNA samples appear to have been â€Å"cut† into the same number and size of fragments? Lanes 2 and 4 (CS and S2).Based on your analysis of the photograph, what is your conclusion about the DNA samples in the photograph? Do any of the samples seem to be from the same source. If so which ones? Describe the evidence that supports your conclusion.The DN A samples in lanes 2 and 4 (CS and S2) are from the same individual because they have identical restrictions sites that yield identical fragments.DNA Fingerprinting: OverviewWhat are we trying to determine? Restate the central question. We are trying to determine if samples of DNA that we were provided with are from the same individual or from different individuals.Which of your DNA samples were fragmented? What would your gel look like if the DNA were not fragmented? The number of fragmented samples will vary. They will have one band on the gel if the DNA was not cut.What caused the DNA to become fragmented? The addition of restriction enzymes.What determines where a restriction endonuclease will â€Å"cut† a DNA molecule? A special sequence of bases on the DNA called restriction sites.A restriction endonuclease â€Å"cuts† two DNA molecules at the same location. What can you assume is identical about the molecules at that location? The restriction sites are identical .Do any of your suspect samples appear to have EcoRI or PstI recognition sites at the same location as the DNA from the crime scene? The samples in lanes 2 and 5 match (CS and S3).Based on the above analysis, do any of the suspect samples of DNA seem to be from the same individual as the DNA from the crime scene? Describe the scientific evidence that supports your conclusion. The CS and S3 samples appear to be identical. They both produce similar banding patterns on the gel.Exercise 23 SURVEY OF BACTERIA: KINGDOMS ARCHAEBACTERIA AND BACTERIA ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Why is it important that bacteria release nutrients? Nutrients must be released and recycled for use by other living organisms. If nutrients were not released by decomposers, the nutrients would all eventually be locked up in dead, non-decaying tissue.b. What term would best describe heterotrophic bacteria that feed on living tissue? parasitism2. What is the shape and size of each bacterial colony? E. coli—medium rod; B. megaterium—large rod; R. rubrum—small and thin spirillum 3. a. Which type of bacteria is most prevalent in the sample from your teeth? How do you know? probably gram positive because most of the cells are purpleb. Is Bacillus megaterium gram positive or gram negative? gram positive4. a. Where are the bacteria? Are they between cells or inside cells? inside the cellsb. Why is this relationship between a plant and bacterium called mutualism? Both partners benefit from the association.c. How does Rhizobium benefit from this association? nutrients from the hostd. How does the host plant benefit from the association? nitrogen supply from the bacterium5. Based on their appearance, which drugs or chemicals retard the growth of bacteria? depends on the drugs that you use6. Do all cells of a trichome of Oscillatoria appear similar? yes7. a. Do adjacent cells share a common sheath? usuallyb. What do you suppose is the function of the sheath? protectionc. Do clusters of Gloeocapsa represent multicellular organisms? Why or why not?No, the cells are not obligate dependents—they can operate independently; the protoplasms of the cells are not connected; the aggregation of cells can be broken into individual cells without killing the cells.8. a. How is the shape of Merismopedia different from other cyanobacteria you studied in this exercise? Merismopedia is a flat, square colony one cell thick.b. How would a colony attain this shape? equal divisions in two planesExercise 24Survey of Kingdom Protista: The Algae ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Is the movement of Chlamydomonas smooth or does it appear jerky? relatively smoothb. Can you see both flagella? You may need to reduce the light intensity to see flagella. probably not, depends on student's microscopec. How does methylcellulose affect movement of Chlamydomonas? slows it downd. How does the stigma help Chlamydomonas survive? detects light2. a. Under what environmental conditions would a zygote not u ndergo meiosis immediately? unfavorable conditionsb. Are spores of Chlamydomonas haploid or diploid? haploidc. Which portions of the life cycle of Chlamydomonas are haploid? all portions from meiosis to syngamyd. Which are diploid? all portions from syngamy to meiosis3. a. Are the filaments of Spirogyra branched? nob. What is the shape of the chloroplasts of Spirogyra? spiralc. Can you see any conjugation tubes? If you can't, examine the prepared slides that demonstrate these structures. probably not seen on live material, but easily seen on prepared materiald. How do you think that Spirogyra reproduces asexually? mitosis and fragmentation4. a. How is Cladophora morphologically similar to Spirogyra. How is it different? They are both filaments, but Cladophora is branched and Spirogyra is unbranched.b. What is the shape of its chloroplasts? broad and dispersed5. a. What is oogamy? ne gamete (sperm) is small and motile, the other gamete (egg) is larger and nonmotileb. What are the tin y spheres inside the larger sphere of Volvox? daughter coloniesc. How do you suppose they get out? Parent colonies turn inside out or rupture.d. How do you think the number of cells in a young Volvox colony compares to the number in a mature colony? less than or equal to the number in the mature colony6.a. How is Fucus' structure different from green algae that you have examined earlier in this exercise? Fucus is larger, more parenchymatous, and flattened.b. Are all portions of the thallus photosynthetic?How can you tell? probably not, due to different concentrations of pigmentsc. Considering where Fucus lives, what do you think is the function of its gelatinous sheath? Since Fucus lives in intertidal regions, the gelatinous sheath probably prevents desiccation.d. Are the swollen structures solid masses or are they empty? essentially empty7.a. Are the gametes of Fucus isogamous or oogamous? oogamousb. How does the structure of tissue surrounding the reproductive structures compare w ith that of green algae? Tissues in brown algae are more complex.8. a. Can you see any pores in the walls of diatoms? robably yesb. Are any of the diatoms moving? possiblyc. If diatoms lack flagella, how do you explain their motility? gliding on a gelatinous secretiond. How would diatomaceous earth compare to sand as a swimming pool filter material? Which would be better and why? Diatomaceous earth would be better because it is finer. How do the shapes of dinoflagellates compare with other unicellular algae that you have observed in this exercise? bizarre and varied What is the function of the eyespot of Euglena? detect lightExercise 25 SURVEY OF KINGDOM PROTISTA: PROTOZOA AND SLIME MOLDS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Can you detect moving cytoplasm in the extending pseudopods of Amoeba? probably yesb. What do you suppose the Amoeba is moving toward or away from? light or foodc. How does the Amoeba respond to nutrient broth? usually increased movementd. Approximately how long would it t ake an Amoeba to move across the field of view on low power? a few minutese. Why is a contractile vacuole of a protozoan often more difficult to see than a food vacuole? A contractile vacuole contains clear excretory fluid, while food vacuoles contain particulate matter.f. Why would excess water tend to accumulate in Amoeba? ecause solute concentration in the amoeba is higher than the concentration in the environment and water diffuses into the cell2. How could fossilized forams in different geological layers of rock or sediment indicate the probability of finding oil? Different species are present in different environmental conditions; therefore, a list of species may include those associated with environmental conditions appropriate for oil formation.3. a. How large is a trypanosome relative to an Amoeba? much smallerb. What alga does a trypanosome superficially resemble? Euglena4. a. Are cilia visible on living or prepared Paramecium? probably notb.Does Paramecium rotate as it mo ves? yesc. How does movement of Paramecium compare with that of Amoeba? With a flagellated alga? Paramecium moves much faster than Amoeba, but not as fast as many flagellated species.5. a. Why is the division of Paramecium cells called â€Å"transverse† fission? The plane of separation is transverse to the longitudinal axis.b. Why is transverse fission not a sexual process? it doesn't recombine genesc. What are the advantages and disadvantages of conjugation in Paramecium? disadvantages: conjugation requires more than one organism and is energy consuming advantage: creation of new genetic combinations6. a. What is the value or function of the rapid contraction stalk of Vorticella? avoid predationb. What is the probable function of the moving cilia of Vorticella? create water currents bringing food particles to the organism7. a. Is cytoplasmic movement of Physarum apparent? probably yesb. Is the movement in a particular direction? probably not, but on moist medium they may app arently move toward foodc. What is a possible function of cytoplasmic movement in Physarum? avoid light, find foodExercise 26 SURVEY OF KINGDOM FUNGI: MOLDS, SAC FUNGI, MUSHROOMS, AND LICHENS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. a. Are hyphae present? ob. Are the cells motile? yes2. a. How many species of mold are on the bread? 2, 3, or 4b. Do any of the molds on the bread have hyphae modified as sporangiophores and sporangia? probably yesc. Is pigment distributed uniformly in each mycelium? If not, where is the pigment concentrated in each mold? No, pigment is usually concentrated in sporangia.d. What is the adaptive significance of spores forming on ends of upright filaments rather than closer to the protective substrate? to enhance distribution of released spores3. a. In what structure is the dark pigment of Rhizopus concentrated? sporangiab.Is Rhizopus reproducing sexually as well as asexually in the same petri dish? How can you tell? Yes (if students are provided with cultures with two strai ns); because sporangia as well as zygospores are visible.4. What is the relative size of Penicillium hyphae compared to Rhizopus hyphae? Penicillium hyphae are much smaller than Rhizopus hyphae.5. a. Do you see chains of yeast cells produced by budding? probably yesb. How is the structure of yeast hyphae different from that of molds? Yeast hyphae are greatly reduced to a chain of one or two cells, while molds are very long and multicellular. 6. What is the difference between dikaryotic and diploid cells? Dikaryotic cells have two distinct nuclei, each with a haploid (single) set of chromosomes; a diploid cell has one nucleus with a diploid (double set of chromosomes).7. How many spores would you estimate are present on the gills of a single cap of Coprinus? Remember that a prepared slide shows only a cross section. many, many thousands8. a. What is the value of photosynthetic algae to the growth of a fungus in a lichen? Algae conduct photosynthesis and produce an energy rich carbon source, (i. e. , glucose).b. Would you expect lichens to grow best in rural or urban environments? Why? best in rural environments because they are so sensitive to air pollutionExercise 27 SURVEY OF THE PLANT KINGDOM: LIVERWORTS, MOSSES, AND HORNWORTS OF PHYLA HEPATICOPHYTA, BRYOPHYTA, AND ANTHOCEROPHYTA ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1. What are the functions of rhizoids? anchorage, possibly absorption2. What is the function of these pores? gas exchange3. How do the positions of the archegonium and antheridium relate to their reproductive function? Antheridia need to disperse sperm and are upright with pores on top of the antheridial disk; archegonia are protected under the surface of the archegonial disk.4. a. What is the function of the foot? nutrient transport from gametophyte to sporophyteb. Are spores haploid or diploid? haploidc. What is the functional significance of the response of elaters to moisture? dispersal of spores5. a. How many cells thick is the leaflet? one or twob. Is there a midrib? Vein? yesc. Are stomata or pores visible on the leaf surface? probably notd. How does the symmetry of a moss gametophyte compare with that of a liverwort gametophyte? Mosses are radially symmetrical and liverworts are bilaterally symmetrical. 6. a. How many times its own weight did the moss absorb? or more timesb. How does this compare with the paper towel? much greaterc. Why is Sphagnum often used in shipping items that must be kept moist? because it holds water so well7. Where is the egg located in the archegonium? egg is enlarged cell at base of neck8. Are sperm haploid or diploid? haploid9. Is the sporophyte more prominent in mosses or liverworts? mosses10. What is the adaptive significance of the seta of the sporophyte growing well above the mat of the gametophyte? better dispersal11. a. What process produces spores? meiosisb. Is the capsule haploid or diploid? diploid12. Can you think of any evolutionary implications of the similarity between a moss protonema and a filamentous green alga? both have similar form and live in similar habitat, which suggests that selective pressures for developing these structures may have been similarExercise 28 SURVEY OF THE PLANT KINGDOM: SEEDLESS VASCULAR PLANTS OF PHYLA PTEROPHYTA, LYCOPHYTA, PSILOPHYTA, AND SPHENOPHYTA ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS1.a. Which parts of the life cycle are haploid? gametophyteb. Which are diploid? sporophyte2.a. How many veins are present in each frond? usually 1 large veinb. What tissues compose a vein? ylem and phloemc. What is the function of the stalk? The blade? The pinnae? stalk—support; blade and pinnae—photosynthesis3.a. What is the function of an annulus? breaking point for opening sporangiumb. Are any spores in the sporangium? probably so4.a. Did the application of acetone cause the spores of the fern to disperse? probably yesb. How is the mechanism for spore dispersal in ferns similar to that of bryophytes? Moisture causes changes in cell (elater or annulus) shap e to release spores.5.a. Is the prothallium haploid or diploid? haploidb. Is the prothallium sporophyte or gametophyte? gametophyte6. a.What is the adaptive significance of having these structures on the lower surface of the prothallium rather than on the upper surface? protection from desiccationb. What is the adaptive significance of having sperm and egg produced at different times? discourages inbreeding7. How do Salvinia and Azolla differ from other ferns you've examined earlier? smaller, aquatic8. a. What type of branching characterizes Psilotum? dichotomousb. Are any roots present? noc. Are any leaves present? nod. Where are the sporangia? at end of short lateral branchese. Where does photosynthesis occur in Psilotum? stem9.a. Where are the leaves? n rings along stemb. What part of the plant is photosynthetic? stemc. Which part of the life cycle of Equisetum is dominant, the sporophyte or gametophyte? sporophyte10.a. How does strobili formation in Equisetum compare with Lycopo dium and Selaginella? sporangia of Lycopodium and Selaginella are on microphyllsb. How do elaters aid in the dispersal of spores? moves spores11. a. How could a rhizome be involved in asexual reproduction? produces new growth, which could be separated from parent plant (e. g. , via fragmentation), thereby resulting in a new individualb. How is a rhizome different from a rhizoid? hizome is underground stem; rhizoid is small, rootlike structurec. Does the rhizome have leaves? depends on specimen, but probably yesd. What is the shape and size of the leaves? thin, elongate, arranged in spiralse. What is the significance of this form of the leaves? intercept light for photosynthesisf. Is a midvein visible? yes g. What does the word â€Å"evergreen† mean? does not lose all of its leaves seasonallyh. Is â€Å"evergreenness† a good characteristic for classifying plants? Why or why not? No, unrelated plants are evergreen.12. a. How many sporangia occur on each sporophyll of Lyc opodium? oneb.Can you see why spores of Lycopodium are sometimes called â€Å"vegetable sulfur†? yesc. Why are the spores a good, dry lubricant? powdery; certain species produce some oild. Which is the dominant part of the Lycopodium life cycle, the sporophyte or gametophyte? sporophyte13. a. Are spores of Selaginella similar in size? nob. What is this condition called? heterosporousc. What is the functional significance of the difference in the appearance of dehydrated and rehydrated Selaginella? water conservation and survival during droughtd. Can you see why these plants are sometimes referred to as â€Å"resurrection plants†? yes

Management Report Project on Work Performance

Abstract The objective of this research is to find out if there is any correlation between work performance and job satisfaction through a sample study of sales personnel working in different banks. Additionally, this research sought to understand whether job satisfaction is linked to both work motivation and employee’s perceived style of leadership by Managers. With the help of surveys and interviews conducted with the participants, it was established that job satisfaction was positively related with work productivity. Similar essay: Argyles Communication CycleWork motivation and employee’s perceived style of leadership were also established as positively related with employee job satisfaction. These findings suggest that to increase work productivity, managers may be required to elevate the level of job satisfaction in employees, which may be potentially accomplished via a participative approach to leadership and effective motivation of employees. However, as the study is correlational in nature, the limitations of the current research are indicated under Discussion. Literature ReviewRelationship between Job Satisfaction and Productivity The most-used research definition of job satisfaction is by Locke (1976), who defined it as â€Å"a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job or job experiences†. There are other researchers and studies that support this notion of relationship between job satisfaction and productivity indicating that org anizations increasing job satisfaction is not only to benefit its employee but also for the organization financial advantages.As cited by Edward E. Lawler, job satisfaction is related to productivity as this comes from a path goal theory of motivation that has been stated by Georgopoulos, Mahoney and Jones, Vroom, Lawler and Porter. According to them, people are motivated to do things which lead to rewards that they value. In this case, a path-goal theory would predict that high satisfaction will lead to low turnover and absenteeism because the satisfied individual is motivated to go to work where his needs are being satisfied.As quoted by Dailey and Kirk, 1992, job satisfaction and organisational commitment share an inverse relationship with absenteeism and turnover intention, factors that can sharply cut bottom line. Adverse consequences include lower productivity and morale, and higher cost of hiring, retention and training. Thus, the reverse holds true whereby lower frequencies of absenteeism and turnover could lead to potentially higher contribution to organisational economic productive gains.In a research done by National Research Institute for one of the largest Food Services providers in the United States, it was suspected that employee satisfaction was the cause for high employee absenteeism, ruling out other tangible factors. Findings showed that low job satisfaction was evident; the National Business Research Institute (NBRI) Root Cause Analysis indicated that a gap existed between employees and the organization's short and long term goals, vision, and mission.Proposed recommendations from NBRI included several measures to relay management's strategic plans to the lowest-ranked employee and ensuring each and every employee’s daily activities were aligned according to such plans. Thereafter, subsequent employee survey results showed significant increases on employee satisfaction, enhancing Total Company Employee Satisfaction dramatically.Emplo yee Satisfaction Scores took a turn for the better, from a Weakness (below the 50th percentile of the NBRI Normative Database) to being Strength (above the 75th percentile of the NBRI Normative Database) in only six months. What’s more, employee absenteeism was reduced by more than 60%. With this correlation, Organ (1988) found that the job performance and job satisfaction relationship follows the social exchange theory in which employees’ performance constitute a giving back to the organization from which they get their satisfaction.Recognising the fact that low job satisfaction leads to low productivity, in turn aggravating organisational performance, it is imperative organizations assess the strength of the relationship between employee job satisfaction and productivity level because of underlying implications on redesigning certain aspects of work. A study was conducted by Shanu and Gole (2008) on the satisfaction level of 100 managers from 15 private manufacturing firms. A job satisfaction instrument assessing areas such as recognition, monetary remuneration, working conditions, nature of job, and future advancement was used.Then, these survey findings were compared with performance evaluations done by executives of assorted companies. In the wake of this, it was discovered that performance levels are consistent with high satisfaction scores. This is congruent with a review of 301 studies, revealing that job satisfaction bolsters up work performance, with a higher inclination towards professional jobs, compared to less complex jobs (see Saari & Judge, 2004). While there are studies to show this correlation, the present study was concerned with whether job satisfaction is significantly associated with performance in the economic aspect.In a study conducted on 42 manufacturing companies, Patterson, Warr, and West (2004) found that- holding other factors like company size, previous productivity, and industrial sector constant- productivity (fin ancial value of net sales per employee) is positively correlated to job satisfaction In another study, Herzberg et al. (1959) stated that (positive) satisfaction is due to good experiences, and that these are due to `motivators' – achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility and advancement.Dissatisfaction is due to bad experiences caused by `hygiene' factors – supervisors, fellow workers, company policy, working conditions, and personal life (Herzberg et al. , 1959). Therefore, it is unable to ascertain if job satisfaction is positively correlated with economic productivity or whether an inverse relationship exists. The present study seeks to reaffirm findings from the bulk of research in favour of the notion that satisfied employees are more labour productive. Relationship between Motivation and Job SatisfactionThe level of performance of employees relies not only on their actual skills but also on the level of motivation each person exhibits (Burney et al. , 2007). A motivational framework, built on the premise of how employees should be managed, affects job satisfaction. Herzberg's (1959) two-factor theory of motivation attributes ‘pay and benefits' to one of the hygiene factors, in that the exclusion of this causes job dissatisfaction (Hugh Greenway & Tim Runacre, 2008). As Argyle (1989) explains, positive job atisfaction is due to motivators such as achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility, and advancement, while dissatisfaction is due to bad experiences caused by hygiene factors such as salary, supervision, company policy, relations with fellow workers, and conditions of work. Lawler (1973) has a theory known as discrepancy theory which states that workers measure job satisfaction based on what they receive versus what they expect to receive, and a comparison in which an actual outcome level is lower than an expected outcome level would lead to dissatisfaction (Castillo & Cano, 2004).However, in another theory of motivation known as equity theory, it states that motivation is affected by workers’ perception of how fairly they are being treated, with employees evaluating their inputs/outcomes by comparing them with the inputs/outcomes of others (Castillo & Cano, 2004; Luthans & Doh, 2009). If the ratio of inputs to outcomes is similar to the inputs and outcomes of others, equity exists. Inequity exists when the ratio of inputs to outcomes is unequal to the inputs and outcomes of others (Castillo & Cano, 2004; Luthans & Doh, 2009).Job satisfaction is then associated with the perception of equity, while perceptions of inequity will result in dissatisfaction with this belief having a negative effect on job performance (Castillo & Cano, 2004; Luthans & Doh, 2009). The common factors shared by the different theories of motivation are the implication of a need for effective motivation in order to make employees satisfied with their jobs. Castillo and Cano (2004) examining in an ear lier study on 148 faculty members reported that all of the job motivator factors identified by Herzberg (1959) were moderately or substantially related to overall job satisfaction.Such findings shed light on how organisations can enhance productivity by considering provision of motivators such as recognition or improving on such motivators so as to heighten job satisfaction. In order to attain optimal profits, it is necessary to ascertain the link between motivation and job satisfaction through extensive foraging for substantial evidence. Most importantly, the present study will illustrate that existence of motivators to propel employees to reach for organisational goals has a favourable impact on labour productivity via enhancement of job satisfaction.Leadership Style and Job Satisfaction In an organisation, the performance of staff is not only affected by motivation and job satisfaction but it is also affected by the leadership style adopted by the organisation. Leadership is defi ned as a process through which others are influenced to channel their efforts in the direction of attaining their goals (Luthans & Doh, 2009). Organizational leadership sets the tone in the effectiveness of organizations, as well as plays a vital role in job satisfaction.Positive interactions among organisational leaders and members give rise to mutual respect, trust, and the ability to generate a sense of hope for the future- a much needed ingredient for job satisfaction to blossom from such relationships (Ackfeldt& Coote, 2005; Farh, Podsakoff, & Organ, 1990). Moreover, there is research that shows the existence of the relationship between leadership style and job satisfaction. The National Business Research Institute (2007), examining factors of job satisfaction, surveyed more than 15,000 employees, largely white collar, from all levels of participating organizations in the United States.Leadership is identified as the prominent factor contributing to job satisfaction, a phenomen on evident in organizations. There is a relationship between managers’ leadership styles and employees’ job satisfaction, illustrated in a sample of 814 employees of a national hospital. According to Rad and Yarmohammadian (2006), a strong correlation between leadership behaviours and job satisfaction prevails, citing that employee job satisfaction depends upon the style of leadership of managers.It was realised that a trend emerged from studying the sample group; a participative leadership style of managers dominates where this is a style of leadership in which subordinates are led through a reliance on task-oriented and people-oriented approaches. In Luthans and Doh (2009) findings, participative leaders adopt a non-authoritative tone, empowering employees, together with consulting with them, delegating responsibilities, and enabling mutual decision-making. As well, another study on the influence of leadership style on job satisfaction included 220 individuals coming from diverse industries like manufacturing, education, and overnment. Research findings showed a consistency with the earlier sample study, denoting that task and relational leadership style were positively associated with subordinate job satisfaction (Madlock, 2008). In all, it is essential to bear in mind that participative approach to leadership comprising task and relational behaviours may not be the best â€Å"one style fits all† style of management due to the vast differences among organization’s cultures, leaving one to engage in other styles of leadership where appropriate. (Yarmohammadian, 2006).Among other things, participative leadership is more popular in technologically advanced nations and may increasingly abound as countries mature economically (Luthans & Doh, 2009). Therefore, it is vital to further justify through the current study if job satisfaction increases via participative leadership style. If such a relationship is confirmed, it is assumed that job satisfaction shares a positive association with productivity; participative leadership by managers could potentially boost employee productivity. The Current StudyThe present study examined the relationship between job satisfaction and productivity where respondents are seventy-three employees working in 2 local and 2 foreign banks based in Singapore. The intent is to affirm if employees’ level of work motivation and managerial leadership style gives rise to varying levels of job satisfaction. The participants in the study were Relationship Managers recruited from the sales departments of the local banks, namely United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Post Office Savings Bank (POSB), as well as from the foreign banks Standard Chartered and Citibank N.A. The scope of work required by the employees across the different organizations was similar, with the Relationship Managers being responsible for revenue generation by selling financial products. These organizations were selected f or the present study to ascertain whether job satisfaction relates to employee economic performance in terms of labour productivity. In the banking sales sector, where productivity is measured in terms of financial value of net sales per employee, this provides a pecific measure of the construct and permit correlational analysis with job satisfaction scores, precisely the reason for the choice of the banking sales sector being the main subject of this present research. Three instruments assessing work motivation, leadership style of managers, and job satisfaction were given to the participants. Participants could respond freely to the survey questions according to their own perceptions. Every participant’s labour productivity figures were provided by the respective managers of the four sales departments.Lastly, the Method furnished additional details regarding the assessment instruments. Hypotheses It was anticipated that labour productivity would be positively associated wit h job satisfaction. It was also predicted that both work motivation and employees’ perceived use by managers of participative leadership would be positively related to job satisfaction. Method Participants One Hundred working adults, out of which 50 were females and 50 were males, aged from 21 to 40 (M= 30. 9 years, SD= 5. 37) constitute the respondents for this study.These respondents, each having worked in these banks from 1 to 10 years (M= 5. 41, SD= 2. 58), were chosen from the sales acquisition departments within the main branches of 2 local banks and 2 foreign banks based in Singapore. Materials The tools required for the purposes of the present study come in three different assessments. Firstly, using The Leadership Style Questionnaire by Northouse (2001) measures task and relational leadership style to collate a general leadership profile representative of the participative approach to leadership.According to Anderson, Madlock & Hoffman, 2006 (cited in Madlock 2008), this instrument has reported scale reliabilities ranging from 0. 92 to 0. 95, and comprises 20 items measuring task and relational leadership styles on a 5-point Likert scale (1= strongly disagree to 5= strongly agree). The second instrument, adapted from the Work Motivation Behavior Scale of the Akinboye’s 2001 Executive Behavior Battery, is a 15-item questionnaire incorporating a 4-point Likert scale (1= strongly agree to 4= strongly disagree).The third item measuring job satisfaction was rated by the 8-item Abridged Job in General scale (Russell, Spitzmtiller, Lin, Stanton, Smith & Ironson 2004, cited in Madlock 2008) that was based on a 5-point Likert scale response (1= strongly disagree to 5= strongly agree). The Abridged Job in General scale was reportedly said to have a reliability of 0. 87 (Russell et al. 2004, cited in Madlock 2008). Attached in Appendix 1, 2, and 3 respectively is a copy of the Leadership Style Questionnaire, the Work Motivation Instrument, and the Abridged Job in General scale.Apart from these data obtained from the research instruments, branch department mangers provided the labour productivity of each employee based on the financial value of the nets sales revenue per month per employee for the past 12 months. Procedure A telephone discussion with each of the four banks’ main branch’s sales acquisition departments’ managers on the possibility of conducting a study investigating the links between leadership style, employee motivation, and job satisfaction which in turn predicts productivity was done.After consenting to the terms of the research, the researcher scheduled a half hour for the employees of each of the four banks at a time convenient to them. Meanwhile, delivery of the informed consent form and instructions for the three assessments, packed in an envelope, was arranged to each participant. All participants were given an explanation regarding the nature of the research, including clearing any doubts they might have, pertaining to the research. Sealed envelopes containing the questionnaires completed and handed by the participants to the respective manager would be collected from the latter in a week’s time.On the same day of collection, the month-end financial net sales figures of each employee for the duration of the past 12 months were obtained from the managers in order to compute monthly mean sales revenue figures as an index of labour productivity for each participant Results A computation of statistics for each assessment tool was done. The mean of job satisfaction was 23. 88 (N= 100, SD= 2. 46), the mean work motivation score was 38. 76 (N= 100, SD= 3. 94), while the mean score of employees’ perception of leadership style was 83. 98 (N= 100, SD= 6. 10).Monthly financial net sales figures for the past 12 months of each participant were to yield mean monthly sales revenue figures after which the mean of the averaged monthly sales revenue figures of all participants was found to be 14,265. 62 (N= 100, SD= 2,653. 47). Simple regression regressed productivity on job satisfaction. Results show that job satisfaction was positively associated with productivity, accounting for 20. 04% of the variance in productivity (R= 0. 66, p; . 001). Through multiple regression analysis, it was found that motivation and perceived leadership style affected the varying levels in job satisfaction scores.Work motivation and perceived leadership style were both positively correlated with job satisfaction, accounting for 19. 5% (R= 0. 66, p; . 001) and 16. 26% (R= 0. 24, p; . 001) of the variance in job satisfaction respectively. Discussion The present study, conducted on a pool of white collar professionals, looked into the relationship between labour productivity and job satisfaction, as well as examined whether job satisfaction was associated with work motivation and employees’ perceptions of managerial leadership style.Results tabulated from th e survey which was measured utilizing self, peers or supervisor assessment indicate that job satisfaction was moderately correlated with labour productivity, a finding that lends support to the body of research suggesting that greater job satisfaction is indicative of higher work performance (Argyle, 1989; Saari & Judge, 2004; Shahu & Gole, 2008).However, even when the economic aspect of performance, or more specifically, of labour productivity was examined, average job satisfaction still indicates to be correlated significantly with performance, as consistent with Patterson M, 2004 study of 42 manufacturing companies indicating that company mean overall job satisfaction was significantly associated with and predictive of economic performance.However, even with the result that accounts for such relationship between work productivity and job satisfaction, it is difficult to infer that job satisfaction is the direct cause to that outcome. As it is widely known that correlation does no t equate to causation, it cannot be concluded with certainty that satisfied employees evidence greater productivity as a consequence of their being satisfied with their jobs, as the reverse could be true that productivity actually accounts for job satisfaction or a third variable could influence the outcome of the relationship between both.As for the third variable there is some evidence to suggest that redesigning jobs to enhance job features such as task identity, task significance, skill variety, autonomy, and feedback may increase job satisfaction (Argyle, 1989), as it has been proposed that such features provide job satisfaction (Hackman & Oldham, 1980, cited in Argyle, 1989). What can be extrapolated from the findings of the current study is that job satisfaction makes up a proportion of the variance in employee productivity.This implies that a focus on improving employees’ level of satisfaction with their jobs may elevate labour productivity figures. Motivation and Job Satisfaction The findings obtained from the present study suggest that work motivation is positively associated with job satisfaction. Most research has indicated moderate to substantial correlations between Herzberg’s (1959) job motivator factors and overall job satisfaction (Castillo & Cano, 2004) which is no surprise that there is a positive correlation between both.If motivators such as recognition, achievement, nature of the work, advancement and responsibility determine job satisfaction as purported by Herzberg (1959), then motivating employees via a focus on improving such aspects of a job may serve to make individuals more satisfied with their jobs. Castillo and Cano (2004) found that amongst the job motivator factors that were associated with job satisfaction amongst college faculty members, recognition best explained the variance among faculty members’ overall level of job satisfaction.Interestingly, Herzberg’s (1959) assumption that hygiene factors r elate to or determine dissatisfaction was supported, as it was found that the factor of working conditions was the least motivating aspect of faculty members’ jobs, implying that employees were least satisfied with the context in which their job was performed (Castillo & Cano, 2004).Management may thus need to seek out creative methods to motivate workers by providing opportunities for advancement, achievement, and through the cultivation of a sense of responsibility and autonomy as individuals are motivated to excel because of intrinsic needs such as achievement, recognition, self-development, and meaning derived from performing work. More importantly, what Castillo and Cano’s (2004) findings suggest is that work should provide recognition through acts of notice or praise by colleagues, superiors, and management to increase job satisfaction.In the studies that have reported relationships between job satisfaction and work performance, it has been noted by Argyle (1989) that the correlations are greater for employees in supervisory or professional jobs. Also, job satisfaction predicts performance, with the relationship being even stronger for professional jobs could be due to the possibility that in such jobs, job performance is less contingent on external pressures such as task speed or wage incentives and more on motivation (Argyle, 1989).To the degree therefore that work performance or productivity depends upon employees’ level of job satisfaction, motivation at work holds an indispensable role particularly with respect to white-collar professional jobs in terms of its potential influence on job satisfaction. To conclude if motivation directly determines job performance are well beyond the scope of the current study.Further research is thus warranted in this area that will permit inferences about whether work motivation causes job satisfaction or work performance, or whether job satisfaction instead influences motivation. Leadership Styl e and Job Satisfaction In the present study, leadership style was indicated to be positively related to employee job satisfaction. This finding is of value because it supports the research findings that indicate that leadership behaviour of managers has an important influence on subordinate job satisfaction (Madlock, 2008).It appears from the current findings that as the perceived use by employees of a participative style of leadership in which task-centered and people-centered approaches are combined to lead subordinates, employees are more satisfied with their jobs. Such a finding is of direct relevance to organizations because the present research has also indicated a link between employee job satisfaction and work productivity in such a manner that increased levels of job satisfaction are associated with increased labour productivity.Thus, the extension of the current research by investigating the link between employees’ perceived leadership style of managers and job sati sfaction provides organizations with a further area of focus to potentially maximize job satisfaction and thus to enhance performance of employees. Conclusion The organizational goal of helping employees find satisfaction in their work should be one of paramount importance, as it may be to the mutual benefit of the employer and employee. The present study suggests that employees tend to perform more productively when they are satisfied with their jobs.In order to capitalize on employee job satisfaction to potentially increase performance of employees, ways of maximizing job satisfaction may encompass managing workers by selecting a participative style of leadership, as well as by motivating employees by ensuring that relevant intrinsic needs such as recognition are fulfilled though appropriate restructuring of the job. Such endeavours may then be advantageous for organizations in terms of productivity gains in the likelihood that job satisfaction is improved upon. Appendix 1 LEADERS HIP STYLE AND WORKPLACE QUESTIONNAIREDirections: Think about how often your immediate supervisor engages in the described behaviour. For each item, select the number that best represents the behaviour that your immediate supervisor is most likely to exhibit. 1 Strongly disagree2Disagree 3Neutral 4Agree 5Strongly agree My immediate supervisor†¦ 1. Tells group members what they are supposed to do. 1 2 3 4 5 2. Acts friendly with members of the group. 1 2 3 4 5 3. Sets standards of performance for group members. 1 2 3 4 5 4. Helps others feel comfortable in the group. 1 2 3 4 5 5.Makes suggestions on how to solve problems. 1 2 3 4 5 6. Responds favorably to suggestions made by others. 1 2 3 4 5 7. Makes his or her perspective clear to others. 1 2 3 4 5 8. Treats others fairly. 1 2 3 4 5 9. Develops a plan of action for the group. 1 2 3 4 5 10. Behaves in a predictable manner toward group members. 1 2 3 4 5 11. Defines role responsibilities for each group member. 1 2 3 4 5 12. Comm unicates actively with group members. 1 2 3 4 5 13. Clarifies his or her own role within the group. 1 2 3 4 5 14.Shows concern for the personal well-being of others. 1 2 3 4 5 15. Provides a plan for how the work is to be done. 1 2 3 4 5 16. Shows flexibility in making decisions. 1 2 3 4 5 17. Provides criteria for what is expected of the group. 1 2 3 4 5 18. Discloses thoughts and feelings to group members. 1 2 3 4 5 19. Encourages group members to do quality work. 1 2 3 4 5 20. Helps group members get along. 1 2 3 4 5 Appendix 2 HOW MOTIVATED ARE YOU IN DOING YOUR JOB The following questions ask you how motivated you are in completing your job.Please indicate your response based on the following scale. (1 Strongly Agree to 4 Strongly Disagree) 1. You always put in your best effort in the things you do. 1 2 3 4 2. You exceed what you are suppose to accomplished 1 2 3 4 3. Your environment affects your mood in performing your task 1 2 3 4 4. You have a group of helpful colleagues th at make your work pleasant 1 2 3 4 5. Your pay is low so you perform at the minimum. 1 2 3 4 6. You work just to satisfy your basic needs 1 2 3 4 7. To have career advancement is important to you. 1 2 3 4 8.If you are lowly paid but given recognition for you work, you feel good. 1 2 3 4 9. You feel you are part of the organisation. 1 2 3 4 10. Do you feel enthusiastic about your current job. 1 2 3 4 11. Do you feel enthusiastic if you are given a new job scope 1 2 3 4 12. Are you looking forward to achieve the organisation goal. 1 2 3 4 13. You feel discourage when you are asked to perform a new task 1 2 3 4 14. You feel that you are important to the organisation 1 2 3 4 15. Overall, you feel the organisation plans for your future. 1 2 3 4Appendix 3 HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH YOUR JOB QUESTIONNAIRE The following questions ask you about how you feel about your job at work everyday and how satisfied are you. Please indicate your agreement or disagreement on the following statements by indicating your appropriate response based on the following scale. 1 Strongly disagree2Disagree 3Neutral 4Agree 5Strongly agree 1. At this very moment, I am very enthusiastic about my work. 1 2 3 4 5 2. Right now, I feel fairly satisfied with my present job. 1 2 3 4 5 3. At present, each moment at work seems like it will never end. 1 2 3 4 5 4.At this moment, I am finding enjoyment in my work. 1 2 3 4 5 5. Right now, I consider my job rather unpleasant. 1 2 3 4 5 6. My job gives me a sense of achievement. 1 2 3 4 5 7. The amount of support and guidance I receive from my supervisor. 1 2 3 4 5 8. The overall quality of the supervision I receive in my work. 1 2 3 4 5 References FACTORS EXPLAINING JOB SATISFACTION AMONG FACULTY Jaime X. Castillo, Extension Specialist New Mexico State University Jamie Cano, Associate Professor The Ohio State University Journal of Agricultural Education 1) Locke, E. A. (1976). The nature and causes of job atisfaction. In M. D. Dunnette (Ed. ), Handbook o f industrial and organizational psychology (pp. 1304). Chicago: Rand McNally. 2) Organ, D. W. (1988). Organizational Citizenship Behavior – The Good Soldier Syndrome. (1st ed. ). Lexington, Massachusetts/Toronto: D. C. Heath and Company. 3) Herzberg, F. , Mausner, B. and Snyderman, B. B. (1959), The Motivation to Work. New York: Wiley. 4) Fred Luthans and Jonathan P. Doh, (2009), ‘International Management, Culture, Strategy, and Behavior 7th edition’, Mcgraw Hill, New York 5) http://www. nbrii. com/Employee_Surveys/Satisfaction. html 6) Dailey, R.C. and Kirk, D. J. (1992), â€Å"Distributive and procedural justice as antecedents of job satisfaction and intent to turnover†, Human Relations, Vol. 45, pp. 305-17. 7) West, M. and Patterson, M. (1998), â€Å"Profitable personnel†, People Management, Vol. 4, pp. 28-31. 8) Grant, L. (1998), â€Å"Happy workers, high returns†, Fortune, p. 81. 9) Hian Chye Koh, El'fred H Y Boo feb 2001. The link betwe en organizational ethics and job satisfaction: A study of managers in Singapore, Vol. 29, Iss. 4; p. 309 10) Ackfeldt, A. , & Coote, L. V. (2005). A study of organizational citizenship behaviors in a retail setting.Journal of Business Research, 58(2), 151-159 11) Farh, J. , Podsakoff, P. M. & Organ, D. W. (1990). Accounting for organizational citizenship behavior: Leader fairness and task scope versus satisfaction. Journal of Management, 16(4), 705-721. http://proquest. umi. com. eproxy. ucd. ie/pqdweb? index=5&did=1674096061&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1277568831&clientId=13279 12) Ali Mohammad Mosadegh Rad, Mohammad Hossein Yarmohammadian, (2006) â€Å"A study of relationship between managers' leadership style and employees' job satisfaction†, Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 9 Iss: 2, pp. 11 – 28 13) Paul E Madlock. The Journal of Business Communication. Urbana: Jan 2008. Vol. 45, Iss. 1; p. 61 Fishing for the right people Hug h Greenway, Tim Runacre. Training Journal. Ely: Mar 2008. pg. 41, 4 pgs Burney, L. and S. K. Widener. 2007. Strategic performance measurement systems, job- relevant information, and managerial behavioral responses – Role stress and performance. Behavioral Research In Accounting (19): 43-69. Shadare Oluseyi . A, Hammed, T. Ayo 2009 â€Å"Influence of Work Motivation,

Fast Fashion

Introduction The clothing industry, as one of the most globalizes industries in the world (Fibonacci et al 1994), is currently undergoing a restructuring, especially the fast fashion sector. Fashion markets are synonymous with rapid changes and short product life cycles. Therefore, changes in consumer demand for newness and fashion trend force the emergence of fast fashion' strategy in retailers like Ezra and H;M and shifts in the focus of competitive advantage from price towards quick response.That is to say, clothing firms, which are adopting global or offshore sourcing strategy, are not noninsured to have more competitive advantages as before. However, the question is: should fast fashion retailers adopt quick response strategy instead of overseas sourcing strategy immediately, or adopt both strategies? In the first section, a literature review of the nature of fashion market and related arguments will be introduced. The overseas sourcing strategy and the quick response strategy w ill be explained with examples of existing clothing firms in the second and the third section.The fourth section will compare and contrast the advantage and disadvantages of these two strategies. Combining theoretical knowledge with empirical case studies, it is argued that companies could reach the maximum profit by adopting overseas sourcing strategy as well as quick response strategy. 1 . Literature Review Fashion retailers, such as Ezra, H;M, Benton and Marks ; Spencer have revolutionized the fashion industry by creating a concept of fast fashion'.The change in the culture of fashion from haute couture to fast fashion has attracted numerous researchers to identify and explore the nature of fast fashion market (Tokomak 2008, p. 22, Christopher et al 2004, p. 367, soul and -raccoon 2008, Tactile et al 2008). Accordingly, short life cycles, rapid prototyping and high volatility are identified as the key features of the fashion market. Compared to other industries, apparel product m anufacturing has unique features, for instance, numerous SKIS (stock keeping unit) in a season, hard to estimate customers' demand and wide range of products for basic to fashion items Non 2004).All these unique characteristics require a different approach to production sourcing, Soul and Turn-on (2008) pointed out that fast fashion retailers prefer using an opportunity-pull approach to the traditional designer-push model. By adopting the new approach, retailers could respond to the shifts in the market as quickly as possible. As a result, the more continuous production schedule (eight to twelve fashion ‘seasons') has substituted for the traditional two to four ‘seasons' calendar (Tactile et al 2008, p. 264, Dickens 2011, p. 316).In relation to global production networks, Dickens (2011) identified the ‘core' of a global production network as the circuit of four basic operations, which refers to inputs, transformation, distribution and consumption. Theoretically, th e quicker the production circuit flows, the higher the gross margin the company can gain. When we apply the theory into the clothing industry, the cost of production and the speed to response to changes in consumer demand are equally important. Both of them could contribute to the flow of production circuit.Since numbers of studies have elaborated the benefit of production relocation, the implementation of quick response strategy by fashion retailers has attracted the interest of researchers in recent years (Bristle et al 2003, Perry and Shoal 2000, leer and Bergen 1997). However, results of an exploratory study (Bristle et al 2003) shows that the advantages of quick response strategy have not been fully understood by fashion retailers. They tend to implement quick response strategy for internal supply chain management.Moreover, leer and Bergen (1997) tried to use formal model to examine the impact of quick response strategy on fashion retailers. Although there is companies already adopted both strategies, limited attention has been paid to the combined effect of these two strategies by researchers. Hypothesis: In an era of fast fashion, companies that adopt both global sourcing strategy and quick response strategy have better chance to succeed in the fashion looting market. 2. Cost, the most basic consideration. In order to have higher profit margin, one of the most effective ways is to cut down production costs.In view of the low labor cost in developing countries, global sourcing seems to be a good choice to reduce costs. With the development of global production networks and the increasing competition, fast all fashion clothing firms have shifted their manufacturing operations to low lost locations over the past decades. The shifts in the Shares manufacturer Levi Stratus's global strategy could vividly demonstrate how global sourcing strategy works and affect its supply chain. At first, the company was created in the USA.As it developed and became a global company, they began to employ workers all over the world. However, in face of fierce competition, Levi Strauss started to shift its operation to lower-cost countries in the late sass. By the year 2003, Levi Strauss closed the last four plants in North American and ‘has become an entirely offshore producer' (Dickens 2011 p. 318). The German fashion company Hugo Boss also provides similar example. In face of high production cost, namely high labor cost in domestic market, more and more fashion retailers choose to outsource their production.Moreover, some fast fashion retailers even have no manufacturing competency (Tokomak 2008). The representatives of this kind of retailers are Gap, H&M and Mango. As they do not own any factories, the only way for them do produce their products is outsourcing. The success of these retailers without factories proves the feasibility of global sourcing strategy. By contrast, when most retailers were busy outsourcing their production to lower cost countries, some fast fashion retails still insist on domestic sourcing strategy, for instance, Ezra, Benton and Marks & Spencer.They held the view that ‘market legibility and lean inventories may be more important than cheap labor' (Tokomak 2008). However, could efficiency really overcome the lost in higher production cost? Maybe no one could answer this question. If we take Ezra as an example and find out where Ezra produce the products, we could develop our own view. As a Spanish company owned by Inedited, Ezra produce its products mainly in Spain and Portugal (Wood 2010). Whereas their competitor found suppliers from worldwide low-cost countries, Ezra choose to produce products near its domestic market.That maximizes time efficiency. In fact, the unit labor costs in these two countries were low enough in the sass (Tokomak 2008), therefore, there is no need for Ezra to outsource its productions to other locations. It has the similar competitive advantage as other companies have, besides, by domestic sourcing and producing Just-in-time, Sara's production cycles are much faster than its competitors. In this respect, it is better for Ezra to adopt the domestic sourcing strategy. However, recent years, the geography of Sara's production network has become diverse.Ezra started to outsource and 34 percent of its production was carried out in Asia (Dickens 2011). Similar situation have also occurred in Benton and Marks & Spencer. On one hand, the unit labor cost among European countries has increased in recent years. On the other hand, the supplier firms in countries like Turkey, India and Asia have gained the ability to meet the higher requirement of flexibility and speed. It is inevitable for fast fashion retailers sourcing from these countries. However, companies should also be aware of the potential risks and hidden cost brought by overseas sourcing.Global sourcing strategy requires close coordination of R&D, manufacturing, and marketing activities on a global basis. Managing geographically separated R&D, manufacturing, and marketing activities, those companies face difficult coordination problems of integrating operations and adapting them to different legal, political, and cultural environments in different countries (Daniels et al 2013). Furthermore, separation of manufacturing activities involves an inherent risk that manufacturing in the value chain will gradually becomes neglected.Such neglect can be costly as continued involvement in manufacturing tends to lead to pioneering product design and innovation over time. An effective global sourcing strategy calls for continual forts to streamline manufacturing without sacrificing marketing flexibility. 3. Time, the growing consideration. With the wide spread of fast fashion' principle, fast fashion retailers are aware of the importance of efficiency. They notice that consumer demand is changing more rapidly and customers more discerning about quality and choice.Although a substan tial cost advantage can be gained by adopting overseas sourcing strategy, it cannot compress time in the supply system. To solve this problem, companies tend to choose the quick response strategy, which focuses on providing shorter lead times. According to Bristle et al (2003), quick response strategy was first developed as a result of the need to compete with offshore manufacturers in the USA. The quick response strategy emphasizes on flexibility and product velocity and relies on a measure of trust in sharing information (Barnes and Lea-Greenwood 2006 p. 63). In addition, while maximizing the diversity of products, quick response could minimize lead-times, expenditure, cost and stock of inventory. Quick response is not merely about reducing lead-time by the use of domestic or nearby sourcing strategy, it also involves the ability to gather latest information and use real-time data to understand the needs of the consumers. To some extent, quick response help to shorten the product cycle times and decrease risks and inventories at each stage of manufacturing and retailing operations.The Spanish Ezra, as mentioned before, is ‘an excellent example of a vertically integrated retailer using quick response methods' (Bristle et al 2003). Despite successful application of the concept â€Å"fast fashion† in H;M and Top Shop, Ezra utilizes the â€Å"fast fashion† strategy in all aspects dominant, fast fashion in Ezra meaner, within only two weeks from concept to sales faster than any other company. Unlike most of its competitors, Ezra still produces most of the products in Spain and Portugal and only outsource basic items in lower cost countries.By adopting quick response strategy, Ezra focused on creating a short, flexible, tight and innovative supply chain and tried to balance the higher labor cost by shorter (3-6 weeks) lead times. As a result, Sara's short deliveries have made it ‘as much as 12 times faster than the competition' (Newsweek 2001, p. 36, cited in Tokomak 2008, p. 30). Ezra launches almost 11000 new products in a year, which meaner the update speed is about two or three times a week. In 2005, sales grew by 21 percent over the prior fiscal year in Ezra, which makes Inedited ahead of H&M for the first time (Daniel et al 2013).The good result indicates that domestic sourcing still works as long as the company finds out a way to compensate for the losses in production cost. Having witnessed the successful experience of Ezra, competitors started to follow the lead of Ezra. For instance, Benton now replenishes stores once a week, Forever 21 Inc. And Unique are able to get new products in store thin 6 weeks (Ordered and Johnson 2008). Another example that worth to be mentioned is the Next brand in the ELK. Base on the quick response strategy, the company uses a limited edition approach to accelerate the update speed.Moreover, in order to respond to the changes in demand as soon as possible, next has even purcha sed part of a multi-national clothing supplier to enable constantly changing ranges by reducing lead time (Bristle et al 2003). As we can learn from the case studies, time becomes a priority consideration in the fashion market. The adoption of quick response method should be able to make manufacturer to ‘adjust the reduction of different styles, colors and sizes in response to retail sales during the season' (Seen 2007). 4.Comparison between overseas sourcing strategy and quick response strategy One of the biggest differences is that overseas sourcing strategy uses cost as a competitive weapon while quick response strategy uses time. As we known, both cost and time are the keys for retailers to gain more market share and profit; The dilemma for fast fashion companies is: Whether fashion retailers should outsource production overseas for lower production cost or keep manufacturing nearby to facilitate speed. As highlighted earlier, the fashion market is volatile and unpredictab le.Quick response strategy emerges in such an environment. Compared to overseas sourcing strategy, which faces long transport times and difficulty in controlling over production, quick response strategy enables retailers to cope with uncertainty or changes in the fashion market. On the other hand, although domestic sourcing provides companies from paying for higher logistic cost and other hidden costs, offshore sourcing secures lower cost inputs, (Christopher et al 2004). It is argued that fast fashion companies need to adopt strategies that optimally mix overseas sourcing ND quick response to win the market.The changes occurred in Marks & Spencer over these years could help us understand the advantages and disadvantages of both strategies. As a major British retailer, it chooses to use local suppliers for decades. However, in face of the downward pressure on price, it abandoned its domestic sourcing strategy and started to relocate production overseas (Christopher et al 2006). Acco rdingly, the average hourly labor cost in the I-J is nine times higher than in Morocco and even nineteen times higher than in China, Pakistan and Indonesia.After adopting oversea suppliers, Marks & Spencer on noticed that they overlooked the related problems, such as the cost of transportation, the need to forecast styles, colors and volumes in advance and the risk of stock inventory. Facing the challenge of adopting global sourcing, Marks & Spencer tend to use â€Å"dual supply chains†. By combing global sourcing strategy and quick response strategy, â€Å"fashionable items† are manufactured in locations with a journey time no more than four days.For â€Å"basic items†, for which demand is easier to be predicted, Marks & Spencer continue producing them in lower cost locations (Christopher et al 2006). Likewise, Ezra has also adopted both strategies for its supply chain. Today, price is no longer the determined factor that concerned by customers. Many companies consider not simply price but also quality, reliability, and technology of components and products to be procured. These companies design their sourcing decision on the basis of the interplay between their competitive advantages and the comparative advantages of various sourcing locations for long-term gains.By contrast, they care more about the quality, design and the level of popularity. Therefore, companies have to find the balance between cost and time. If fast fashion tillers make good use of these two strategies, like M&S and Ezra did, the negative effect could be covered to a large extent. Conclusion Volatile markets, short product lifestyles and high product variety are the characteristics of today are clothing industry. This essay mainly discusses the adoption of two common strategies- global sourcing strategy and quick response strategy, in fast fashion clothing sector.Although most companies already have chosen outsourcing strategy to maintain the competitive advantage, t he nature of today's fashion market forces companies to consider the importance of speed and flexibility. The analysis of both strategies with the help of real companies' experience shows that both of them have positive and negative effects on fast fashion retailers. However, overseas sourcing strategy and quick response strategy are not mutually exclusive. In practice, the successful examples of M&S and Ezra have proved the feasibility of combing global sourcing with quick response strategy.

Biochip microfludic vortex chamber Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Biochip microfludic vortex chamber - Essay Example These modules deal with movement of fluid in biochip microfluidic vortex chamber, the diffusion and concentration with time of fluid also the electric conductivity between electrodes in chamber. We also illustrate fluid flow in the media channel and the vortex. Biotechnology has emerged as a new technology which can assist in production or modification of molecules and cells, and development of new and useful products, processes, or services. During the process, it is important to study the reactions that occur in the cells leading to desired changes. These reactions or properties can be studied by changing the physical and chemical environment using biochip microfluidic. Microfluidic biochips have revolutionised the clinical diagnosis, DNA Sequence, and other procedures involving molecular biology. Development in this technology has opened further avenues for enzymatic and DNA analysis, including the analysis of proteins and protein peptides, immune, drug delivery implant devices, and environmental monitoring and toxicity assessment (Chakrabarty & Zeng, 2005). With further experimentation and usage of biochips, integration and complexity of design systems is expected to rise dramatically. For the purpose of this paper, a circular vortex chamber is used which opens into an outlet into a media channel. Opposite to the outlet channel, there is an opening for a control inlet. Cells are pushed into the vortex chamber through the control inlet while keeping the outlet closed. Once the cells are in the chamber, the inlet can be closed, the outlet opened and fluid can be passed through the media channel. As the fluid is passing, the cells in the chamber start to circulate. Two-way diffusion takes place between the chemical species in the circulating fluid inside the vortex and the fluid in the media channel. However, owing to negligible diffusion rates, very little movement takes place from the

Globalization at General Electric Research Paper

Globalization at General Electric - Research Paper Example Therefore, the aim of this report is to analyze international process at GE and the lessons which the globalization at GE has provided to entrepreneurs and managers. The current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE is Jeffrey Immelt. Moreover, GE has presence in 160 countries of the world and total number of employed people at GE on December 2009 was 304,000. The company holds 2370 filed patents and in 2009, total $5.2 billion were spent in Research and Development (General Electric, 2010). This shows that GE is investing huge amount on its research and development. The company is offering a huge product range and services. Currently, GE is offering products and services related to Appliances, Aviation, Consumer Products, Electrical Distribution, Energy Products, Finance and Business Products, Health Care, Lighting, Media and Entertainment, Oil & Gas, Rail, Software & Services and Water (General Electric, 2010). The major reason because of which GE invested aggressively in foreign expansion was the primary aim of existence of the organization. All leaders of the company have been envisioning huge goals for GE. GE adopted a huge international diversification strategy as it is evident from electronic products to financial services and television broadcasting. GE goal was to become number one or two globally in all the businesses in which it was participating and to attain this goal, foreign direct investment strategy was adopted. After pursuing international expansion strategy, the second aim was to make GE a truly global company because it was still very much an American company doing business abroad. For example, domestic revenues were still higher than international revenues. To make GE a truly global company, Immelt focused on shifting centre of gravity and brought changes in the way GE was organized and operated. For example company moved its headquarters in 2008 for GE Money to London. Another

Political science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 12

Political science - Essay Example Foreign policy refers to considerations of government made so as to achieve simultaneously national and international objectives (Trubowitz 90). The world as it is today has become extremely globalized and interdependent. Decisions at one end of the world elicit consequences and reactions in another part of the world. Consequently, nations of the world are compelled to subject their national choice of policies to a test of its effects to the rest of the world through the foreign policy. The policies govern their relations and mode of operation with other nationalities. Foreign policy ensures determines the political relations between two nations and subsequently, their economic impact. Bureaucracy in its simplest form is a rigid administrative policy-making group that is often not elected. A bureaucracy has a fixed way of doing things and does not accommodate change with ease (Ginsberg et al. 48). Bureaucrats are rampant in all government agencies and are, in fact, the way the government executes its roles. The inherent inflexibility attracts criticism as it causes management inefficiency and time wastage. As a matter of fact, modern theories of management have focused a lot of attention on the ways to eliminate bureaucracies. For large organizations, however, it is not possible to maintain order and coordinated workflow without bureaucracy One of the greatest challenges of foreign policy, today is striking a balance between national objectives and international goals (Trubowitz 68). More often than not, these two objectives are in conflict, and the differences are quite irreconcilable. A decision to favor the citizens of one country is a decision to predispose the fate of individuals of another country to doom. But the f have to pursue the objectives that best suit the citizens of their country. A recent case in hand is the stalemate created between the governments of UK, Australia, and Kenya. The two European nations

Yellow Womanand Hills Like White Elephants Essay

Yellow Womanand Hills Like White Elephants - Essay Example Leslie Silko, in her short story, â€Å"Yellow Woman†, has tried to explore boundaries between tradition and modernity, and between myth and reality. The narrator is a young, married woman, who enjoys a brief affair with a strange man named Silva in a faraway place near the waters. The myth of the Yellow Woman and the katsina spirit of the mountain is brought into question, as Silva calls her his Yellow Woman, luring her into going with him. When the woman returns to her home in Peublo, she finds herself meeting the reality, but she still waits for Silva to return to her one day and take her with him, like the katsina spirit of the mountain took the Yellow Woman with him. Silko has described how the modern day woman is in search of her sexual and gender identity, and how she uses her imagination to feel in love with a man dominating her, as we read, â€Å"You don’t understand, do you, little Yellow Woman? You will do what I want,† says Silva to her (Silko 370). T he woman is in search of a man who loves her, but comes back to reality much sooner than she realizes that it is all over. Earnest Hemingway, in the short story â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants†, has also made use of symbolism, like Silko did in her story. Silko symbolized the modern woman with the Yellow Woman, and the stranger named Silva with the katsina spirit. Likewise, Hemingway symbolizes the mountains with elephants. For the heroin of the story, Jig, mountains seemed like white elephants, slow and stable. She wanted to have the child so that her stable married life could start. The man did not want the child, as for him, life would become slow and stagnant just like the mountains. Jig was in search of her new identity as a mother, and the man wanted to reject this new identity by having the child aborted. Hence, we see that the two characters are faced with the dilemma of either choosing or rejecting their new identities as parents. But, Jig admitted to the man’s idea of abortion because