Team Diversity Paper Essay Example for Free

Team Diversity Paper Essay As a team, we are aware of the term diversity, and how diversity is tied to our teams strategy. A good definition of diversity is the uniqueness each team member brings to the resolution of the project at hand. This includes differences such as race, gender, culture, background, education and thinking styles. It also encompasses subtle dimensions such as experience, sexual orientation, physical appearance, and position each member takes on the team. The key objectives that are focused on are team strategy, strategic intent, valuing each other, leadership diversity and what our team believes about diversity. Diversity Positive/Negative Team Impacts. We have found that we draw upon the creativity, views, and strengths of all team members. One way that this is achieved is through team strategy. This encompasses being a people-oriented, diverse, skilled, empowered, safe and healthy team. This also includes a team that is dedicated to having the highest integrity, and working together in a barrier-free environment. Our team is committed to fostering an environment where all our members are able to feel confident that they can contribute and achieve to their highest potential, and be valued for the unique contribution they bring. To do so enables our team to work more effectively to anticipate and satisfy the needs of the assignments and maintain a quality oriented advantage. Diversity is not an initiative, it is not achieved by a number count; diversity takes hold through the collective behavior of all of us. In addition, we recognize and respect our differences rather than ignore them. Each of us feels valued regardless of our differences. Feeling valued brings us closer together as a team. Collectively we are wiser and more creative than we are individually. Greatest Impact on Team Effectiveness. The four types of diversity that were identified as having the greatest impact on our teams effectiveness are differences in skills and abilities,  occupation, age, and value and attitude differences. The following information describes how each of the four types of diversity we chose impacts our team. Differences in Skills and Abilities. Diversity in skills is one of our greatest assets. Together, we bring a mass amount of knowledge and experience to our team. This diversity in skills and abilities allow us to create maximum teamwork and synergy in our learning teams. Without diversity skills we would be ineffective members of this ever changing work world. Diversity skills are the indispensable skills needed by those who plan on being effective leaders in this ever-changing world (Enhancing Synergistic Performance Consultants, 2003). Occupation/Age. Our occupational backgrounds vary from customer oriented to people oriented type of jobs. Our group comprises over 90 years of working experience in varied cultures. Bill Pernot is a 48-year-old Team Leader at AES Alamitos Generating Station. His duties include formulating a five-year budget plan, setting salaries and bonuses, monitoring and maintaining the safety program, and the development of his team. Bill is also the facility security manager. His team includes nine maintenance and operation technicians. They are responsible for the operations and maintenance of two turbine-generating units, which accounts for one third of the generating facility. He has 18 years of management experience in both union and non-union structures and was formerly a union steward himself. Working with people of diverse backgrounds, he has gained insight in dealing with people with different attitudes and styles. Leticia is a 28-year-old National Sales Representative for Melissas World Variety Produce. She is in charge of managing her own accounts. Melissas has a team-oriented structure, which has allowed her to learn from her teammates and express her views as well. She is in charge of the  coordination of price lists with the procurement team, setting up ads with her customers and presenting new information to her customers on a daily basis. Her goal and the company goal are to increase sales by at least 25 % each year. Adriana is a 30-year-old Surgical Coordinator at Premier Laser Sight. Her daily duties are customer oriented. She is responsible for scheduling procedures for two surgeons. She also discusses and negotiates the cost of procedures with patients. Yvonne is 43-year-old Business Operations Analyst for The Boeing Company. She has over 25 years of Boeing Management/Administrative experience in the areas of Staffing/Budgets, Human Resources, Presentations and Staff Support. Having held a management position for a number of years has enabled Yvonne to become very familiar with diverse and cultural differences throughout the workforce. Value and Attitude Differences. Our difference is our strength (Cyber Trader, 2003). As a team we strive to have an open and supportive teamwork environment. This benefits the team and helps us better to easily get things done. We are all open-minded when it comes to values and cultural backgrounds. Things like gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age and physical challenges do not affect our working abilities. We find value in our different personalities, backgrounds and working styles. This helps us better service the needs of our teams. We often come together, discuss our common experiences and appreciate the opportunity to learn from each other in a supportive setting. After reviewing diversity through our team members, we have discovered objectives such as strategy, strategic intent, valuing diversity, leadership diversity and what we believe about diversity. By practicing these objectives, actions and establishing some measurements, this is our  opportunity to extend our knowledge of diversity not only in our team environment, but in our business lives as well. References: CyberTrader. (2003). Diversity Values. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on May 30, 2003 from the World Wide Web:http:// www.cybertrader.com/careers/whyct/diversity.asp Enhancing Synergistic Performance Consultants. (2003). Diversity Skills. Retrieved on May 29, 2003 from the World Wide Web: http:// www.esp.-consultants.com/diversity_skills.htm.

All Countries Must Work Together to Conserve Water :: Argumentative, Persuasive, Conservation

Water is vital for almost everything from washing our valuable and pricey car to maintaining the shape of eyes as aqueous and vitreous humors yet water is depleting at a very alarming rate. However, what if we all give it just a lukewarm response. So, our country has to act as soon as possible without delaying it. As the old saying goes, ‘procrastination is the thief of time†. Luckily, some other countries have already begun to practice their own ways to conserve water which is essential for all human beings. First of all, one of our neighboring countries, Singapore, has come out with couple of ideas to conserve water. Firstly, Singapore has started a new water treatment program called â€Å"NEWater†. Used water will be flown to the water treatment plant to be treated. The process uses dual-membrane which consists of micro filtering and reverse osmosis to get the best quality of water treatment. The outcome is that the treated water is so good as it is safe enough to be used as drinking water. Other than that, Water Watch Society (WWS) of Singapore has organized River Monster Educational Program. This program aims to cultivate good practices among citizens of this short-water island republic. This program targets mainly lower primary school students as they are easier to change their behaviors compared to adults that have set mindsets. Japan on the other hand as one of the most outstanding countries in the world also figured some ways to conserve water. Similarly, as Singapore, used water is treated and the project is called â€Å" Reclaimed Water Use Project†. The water treatment plant is situated in the city of Fukuoka and it is been there since 1979. However, the treated water is just used for watering plant and used in factories. Besides that, the Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly in Japan passed on an ordinance to impose an additional residence tax to be used exclusively for promoting water-source protection projects. The aim of this tax system is to conserve and restoring forests and rivers. This tax system will continue for a five year period. Next is Australia, the smallest continent has also came out with some brilliant ways to save water. Some of the water saving measures taken is installing a trigger nozzles on hoses used. All hand-held hose are fitted with a trigger nozzle before using it. Moreover ,watering systems in houses especially automated ones are set to turn on and off automatically.

Live Together before Marriage Essay

Up to 78% of teens nowadays are in relationships. They find out that their relationships start with friendship and further proceed to romance and later lead to sexual intercourse. All of these experiences relate closely to the time they spend living together. Although many think that living together before marriage benefit both parties, I strongly believe that it is unacceptable for young people to live together before marriage due to several reasons. Some people may think that if couples live together, their common interests can be shared. They maintain this kind of thinking because people around them have proven this mindset to be true. However, this does not mean that the same case can be applied to every couple. Most of the teens in this modern age want to have freedom in doing everything; love and relationships are not excluded too. Teens feel that either their boyfriend or girlfriend should deserve to have own privacy. There is always something that either party intends to hide from another, such as family problems etc. By living together, personal secrets might be exposed to his/her lover. Besides, he/she can concentrate doing own things. Without much distraction around, one can be more focused on performing tasks that yield good results. On the other hand, one’s social life is not restricted. For instance, a girlfriend seems reluctant to talk to males around her, as she cares about the feeling of her lover. As a res ult, this debars her from learning valuable experience of adjusting to others. There are many things to be said in favor of teens living together before marriage, the most obvious being that is it undoubtedly gains more understanding between couple. Without the benefits that cohabitation brings, the world would have higher rate of divorce. The aforementioned statement, although literally true, is nevertheless misleading. Couples who live together may have greater chances to discover their partner’s weaknesses. Since they are living in a same room, each of their negative behavior and manner are highly visible by another partner. Consequently, they will be sick of one another one of these days. Because of misunderstanding and intolerance between couple, there may be more arguments and conflicts. Furthermore, relationship with partners may get worse under certain  circumstances. When no one is willing to give in on things which they argue for, this may be considered as a critical situation for both parties. Another argument that put forward by opponents is that relationship of couples who live together lasts longer. As far as relationship is concerned, cohabitation is often beneficial. While it is true to say that the sweet memories they build together result in a more firm relationship, these memories sometimes can also turn out to be nightmares. Firstly, either party may be pressurized to have sex. If one decides to abstain from sex until marriage, yet he/she is regularly pressurized to have sex, he/she may not feel being respected and trusted. Secondly, girls may end up with premarital pregnancy. Studies show that majority of teenagers aged between 15 and 20 who live together with their partners have become pregnant. Pregnancy further leads couples to a lot of complications like abortion and so on. Therefore, their relationship is greatly affected. Lastly, couples may get infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). STD can cause serious illnesses and long-term effects on both males and females. If one is being infected by STD, he/she will lose faith in their relationship. It seems that the openness of the society encourages cohabitation; parents should play role in influencing their kids and not allowing their kids to cohabit with partners. If something is not going to be done to address this problem, more and more teenagers will be suffering from the consequences that arise from cohabitation. Having said these, the behavior of young people living together before marriage is unacceptable. Bibliography: http://www.greattowait.com/relationships.html

Early Christianity in North Africa

Given the slow progress of Romanization of North Africa, it is perhaps surprising how quickly Christianity spread across the top of the continent. From the fall of Carthage in 146 BCE to the rule of Emperor Augustus (from 27 BCE), Africa (or, more strictly speaking, Africa Vetus, Old Africa), as the Roman province was known, was under the command of a minor Roman official. But, like Egypt, Africa and its neighbors Numidia and Mauritania (which were under the rule of client kings), were recognized as potential bread baskets. The impetus for expansion and exploitation came with the transformation of the Roman Republic to a Roman Empire in 27 B.C.E. Romans were enticed by the availability of land for building estates and wealth, and during the first century C.E., north Africa was heavily colonized by Rome. Emperor Augustus (63B C.E.--14 C.E.) remarked that he added Egypt (Aegyptus) to the empire. Octavian (as he was then known, had defeated Mark Anthony and deposed Queen Cleopatra VII in 30 B.C.E. to annex what had been the Ptolemaic Kingdom. By the time of Emperor Claudius (10 B.C.E.--45 C.E.) canals had been refreshed and agriculture was booming from improved irrigation. The Nile Valley was feeding Rome. Under Augustus, the two provinces of Africa, Africa Vetus (Old Africa) and Africa Nova (New Africa), were merged to form Africa Proconsularis (named for it being governed by a Roman proconsul). Over the next three and a half centuries, Rome extended its control over the coastal regions of North Africa (including the coastal regions of modern day Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) and imposed a rigid administrative structure on Roman colonists and indigenous peoples (the Berber, Numidians, Libyans, and Egyptians). By 212 C.E., the Edict of Caracalla (aka Constitutio Antoniniana, Constitution of Antoninus) issued, as one might expect, by the Emperor Caracalla, declared that all free men in the Roman Empire were to be acknowledged as Roman Citizens (up till then, provincials, as they were known, did not have citizenship rights). Factors Which Influenced the Spread Of Christianity Roman life in North Africa was heavily concentrated around urban centers—by the end of the second century, there was upwards of six million people living in Roman North African provinces, a third of those living in the 500 or so cities and towns which had developed. Cities like Carthage (now a suburb of Tunis, Tunisia), Utica, Hadrumetum (now Sousse, Tunisia), Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) had as many as 50,000 inhabitants. Alexandria considered the second city after Rome, had 150,000 inhabitants by the third century. Urbanization would prove to be a key factor in the development of North African Christianity. Outside of the cities, life was less influenced by Roman culture. Traditional Gods were still worshipped, such as the Phonecian Baal Hammon (equivalent to Saturn) and Baal Tanit (a goddess of fertility) in Africa Proconsuaris and Ancient Egyptian beliefs of Isis, Osiris, and Horus. There were echoes of traditional religions to be found in Christianity which also proved key in the spread of the new religion. The third key factor in the spread of Christianity through North Africa was the resentment of the population to Roman administration, particularly the imposition of taxes, and the demand that the Roman Emperor be worshiped akin to a God. Christianity Reaches North Africa After the crucifixion, the disciples spread out across the known world to take the word of God and the story of Jesus to the people. Mark arrived in Egypt around 42 C.E., Philip traveled all the way to Carthage before heading east into Asia Minor, Matthew visited Ethiopia (by way of Persia), as did Bartholomew. Christianity appealed to a disaffected Egyptian populous through its representations of resurrection, an afterlife, virgin birth, and the possibility that a god could be killed and brought back, all of which resonated with more ancient Egyptian religious practice. In Africa Proconsularis and its neighbors, there was a resonance to traditional Gods through the concept of a supreme being. Even the idea of holy trinity could be related to various godly triads which were taken to be three aspects of a single deity. North Africa would, over the first few centuries C.E., become a region for Christian innovation, looking at the nature of Christ, interpreting the gospels, and sneaking in elements from so-called pagan religions. Amongst people subdued by Roman authority in North Africa (Aegyptus, Cyrenaica, Africa, Numidia, and Mauritania) Christianity quickly became a religion of protest—it was a reason for them to ignore the requirement to honor the Roman Emperor through sacrificial ceremonies. It was a direct statement against Roman rule. This meant, of course, that the otherwise open-minded Roman Empire could no longer take a nonchalant attitude to Christianity—persecution, and repression of the religion soon followed, which in turn hardened the Christian converts to their cult. Christianity was well established in Alexandria by the end of the first century C.E. By the end of the second century, Carthage had produced a pope (Victor I). Alexandria as an Early Center of Christianity In the early years of the church, especially after the Siege of Jerusalem (70 C.E.), the  Egyptian  city of Alexandria became a significant (if not the most significant) center for the development of Christianity. A bishopric was established by the disciple and gospel writer Mark when he established the Church of Alexandria around 49 C.E., and Mark is honored today as the person who brought Christianity to Africa. Alexandria was also home to the  Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament which traditional has it was created on the orders of Ptolemy II for the use of the large population of Alexandrian Jews. Origen, head of the  School of Alexandria  in the early third century, is also noted for compiling a comparison of six translations of the old testament—the  Hexapla. The Catechetical School of Alexandria was founded in the late second century by Clement of Alexandria as a center for the study of the allegorical interpretation of the Bible. It had a mostly friendly rivalry with the School of Antioch which was based around a literal interpretation of the Bible. Early Martyrs It is recorded that in 180 C.E. Twelve Christians of African origin were martyred in Sicilli (Sicily) for refusing to perform a sacrifice to the Roman Emperor Commodus (aka Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus). The most significant record of Christian martyrdom, however, is that of March 203, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus (145--211 C.E., ruled 193--211), when Perpetua, a 22 year old noble, and Felicity, her slave, were martyred in Carthage (now a suburb of Tunis, Tunisia). Historical records, which come partially from a narrative believed to have been written by Perpetua herself, describe in detail the ordeal leading up to their death in the arena—wounded by beasts and put to the sword. Saints Felicity and Perpetua are celebrated by a feast day on March 7th.   Latin as the Language of Western Christianity Because North Africa was heavily under Roman rule, Christianity was spread through the region by the use of Latin rather than Greek. It was partially due to this that the Roman Empire eventually split into two, east and west. (There was also the problem of increasing ethnic and social tensions which helped fractured the empire into what would become the Byzantium and Holy Roman Empire of medieval times.) It was during the reign of Emperor Commodus (161--192 C.E., ruled from 180 to 192) that the first of three African Popes was invested.  Victor I, born in the Roman province of  Africa  (now  Tunisia), was pope from 189 to 198 C.E. Amongst the achievements of Victor I are his endorsement for the change of Easter to the Sunday following the 14th of Nisan (the first month of the Hebrew calendar) and the introduction of Latin as the official language of the Christian church (centered in Rome). Church Fathers Titus Flavius Clemens (150--211/215 C.E.), aka  Clement of Alexandria, was a Hellenistic theologian and the first president of the Catechetical School of Alexandria. In his early years, he traveled extensively around the Mediterranean and studied the Greek philosophers. He was an intellectual Christian who debated with those suspicious of scholarship and taught several notable ecclesiastical and theological leaders (such as Origen, and Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem). His most important surviving work is the trilogy  Protreptikos  (Exhortation),  Paidagogos  (The Instructor), and the  Stromateis  (Miscellanies) which considered and compared the role of myth and allegory in ancient Greece and contemporary Christianity. Clement attempted to mediate between the heretical Gnostics and the orthodox Christian church and set the stage for the development of monasticism in Egypt later in the third century. One of the most important Christian theologians and biblical scholars was Oregenes Adamantius, aka  Origen  (c.185--254 C.E.). Born in Alexandria, Origen is most widely known for his synopsis of six different versions of the old testament, the  Hexapla. Some of his beliefs about the transmigration of souls and universal reconciliation (or  apokatastasis, a belief that all men and women, and even Lucifer, would ultimately be saved), were declared heretical in 553 C.E., and he was posthumously excommunicated by the Council of Constantinople in 453 C.E. Origen was a prolific writer, had the ear of Roman royalty, and succeeded Clement of Alexandria as head of the School of Alexandria. Tertullian (c.160--c.220 C.E.) was another prolific Christian. Born in Carthage, a cultural center much influenced by Roman authority, Tertullian is the first Christian author to write extensively in Latin, for which he was known as the Father of Western Theology. He is said to have laid down the foundation on which Western Christian theology and expression is based. Curiously, Tertullian extolled martyrdom, but is recorded of dying naturally (often quoted as his three score and ten); espoused celibacy, but was married; and wrote copiously, but criticized classical scholarship. Tertullian converted to Christianity in Rome during his twenties, but it was not until his return to Carthage that his strengths as a teacher and defender of Christian beliefs were recognized. The Biblical Scholar Jerome (347--420 C.E.) records that Tertullian was ordained as a priest, but this has been challenged by Catholic scholars. Tertullian became a member of the heretical and charismatic Montanistic order around 210 CE, given to fasting and the resultant experience of spiritual bliss and prophetic visitations. The Montanists were harsh moralists, but even they proved to lax for Tertullian in the end, and he founded his own sect a few years before 220 C.E. The date of his death is unknown, but his last writings date to 220 C.E. Sources †¢ The Christian period in Mediterranean Africa by WHC Frend, in Cambridge History of Africa, Ed. JD Fage, Volume 2, Cambridge University Press, 1979. †¢ Chapter 1: Geographical and Historical Background Chapter 5: Cyprian, the Pope of Carthage, in Early Christianity in North Africa by Franà §ois Decret, trans. by Edward Smither, James Clarke, and Co., 2011. †¢ General History of Africa Volume 2: Ancient Civilizations of Africa (Unesco General History of Africa) ed. G. Mokhtar, James Currey, 1990.