Importance of a Team Charter

Similar to developing a solid foundation when building a home, the team charter is the foundation for building a strong team. The team charter acts as a contract between the members of a team communicating contact information and establishing the ground rules and guidelines for the team. â€Å"Chartering is the process by which the team is formed, its mission or task described, its resources allocated, its goals set, its membership committed, and its plans made† (University of Phoenix, 2011, para. ). The implementation of a team charter will improve the performance of the group because it clearly defines the expectations of the team, permits agreement regarding communication and participation as well as provides the basis for conflict management. The implementation of a team charter will improve the performance of the group because it will help to eliminate conflicts before they arise. By identifying the likely kinds of issues that might bring team members into conflict and agreeing beforehand how to deal constructively with those conflicts, team members will help to ensure the optimum functioning of the team† (University of Phoenix, 2002, para. 8). An area of conflict that tends to arise often is a team member feeling as if he or she is doing all of the work. It is best to try to avoid this by the agreement that has been reached collectively in the team charter. Each individual has contributed to the formulation of the charter and in doing so, has agreed to abide by its guidelines. This should bring about a sense of duty and responsibility to each member to contribute equally to the team. The charter will allow the team to come to an agreement regarding communication, participation, and the consequences for non-participation. This will provide the basis for establishing trust within the members of the group. Each individual in the group has his or her own level of trust that he or she is capable of giving. This will influence how much they are willing to share and give of themselves. It is important that the members respect the privacy and boundaries of the other members, especially if they are less trusting. The same is true of listening skills. One must accept that some individuals are more outspoken than others and may not be as advanced in their listening skills. Others have honed these skills well and will pick up on the smallest nuances. The most important reason the implementation of a team charter will improve the performance of the group is that it clearly defines the expectations of the team so that each member is clear of his or her responsibilities. It is imperative that each member is aware of the objectives of the team and what he or she is trying to accomplish. Each member must know what his or her individual contributions to that goal is and understand that it is the expectation of the team that he or she will complete his or her portion in a timely manner. Although some may say that developing a charter is an unnecessary step that requires too much time, the benefits of forming a charter are well worth the time invested. A charter is the foundation by which the team will collaborate to accomplish their goals. In conclusion, although some believe that the charter is not a useful tool and is not worth the time investment, the implementation of a team charter will improve the performance of the group for two main reasons. First, it will allow the team to come to an agreement regarding communication, participation, and consequences for non-participation. Second, and more important, the team charter clearly defines the expectations of the team so that each member is clear of his or her responsibilities. Just as a person would never think of driving cross country without first checking the oil in his or her car, one should never initiate a group without first developing a team charter. The most successful and productive teams always start with the foundation of a well developed team charter.

Reporting Practices and Ethics Essay

Financial practices and ethics can play an important part of any organization including the health care environment. In order for the health care organization to be successful one must adopt an efficient financial practice and possess ethical standards. The management of finances for a health care organization may be a challenge for managers. This is why the health care manager will follow four basic elements for financial management. The basic elements include planning, controlling, organizing and directing, and decision making (Baker & Baker, 2011). Health Care Organizations have accounting principles generally acceptable and will comply with the financial practice and the practice of ethics to avoid fraud or abuse of the reporting practices. Elements of Financial Management Financial management has four basic elements, which assist the manager in making effective decisions for the health care organization. The first element of financial management is planning. The financial manager needs to identify the steps that he or she needs to take to accomplish the goals of the organization. However, first the manager must determine what the goal is for the organization and at that time determine what steps to follow to achieve the goal. The next element is controlling; a plan is in place that each area of the organization must follow. The financial manager must ensure that the areas are following such plans. The staff can view the current reports and make a comparison with reports from the past. In comparing previous and current reports the financial manager can see if an area in the organization needs more attention because the area may not be meeting its goals. The third element is organizing and directing. In organizing the financial manager must decide on what resources are best to use to be more effective. The manager must also determine how to use those resources effectively to reach the goal of the organization. In directing, the manager must provide supervision daily to run the organizing element efficiently. The final element is decision making. The manager must make decisions with the alternatives available such as information in the reports. Decision making should be side-by-side with planning, controlling, and organizing. When making a decision the manager must analyze and evaluate the information to make effective decisions (Baker & Baker, 2011). Acceptable Accounting Principles Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provides guidelines to the company’s financial manager. The guidelines will cover the principles of accounting and practices. The generally accepted accounting principles guideline, guides the financial manager in the reporting and recording the financial information. For example, the financial manager will use the guidelines when preparing the financial statements such as the balance sheet. One health care organizations practice for releasing financial information will perform a practice of reconciliation in accounting. One organization reviews the balance sheets and makes them compatible as one. The next step is to determine the classification of each balance sheet such as high risk or low risk. The final step is the organization must decide a reporting schedule such as monthly or yearly. In knowing and understanding the documents and how to analyze the information this prevents an auditor from finding misstatements (Cox, Draa, 2008). Standard Financial Ethics Making an ethical decision is a requirement of health care managers. One must ensure the meeting of needs of individuals within the organization. Principles of ethics include fairness, justice, and professionalism. The organization possesses a code of ethics when interpreting the organizations transactions such as losses or assets. The Health Care Portability and Accountability Act help reduce abuse and fraud concerning finances whether it is deliberate or unintentional. Fraud and abuse is increasing because of the increase in the delivery of health care. Organizations take better actions in working toward the reduction of fraud and abuse. One way to do this is to develop a compliance program, which a financial manager will play a key role. Compliance programs allow a proper practice on reporting the financials, and comply with the ethical conduct standard by avoiding fraud and abuse (Hern, n.d. ). Conclusion For an organization to be successful it needs to ensure the following of the financial reporting practices and maintain a standard of conduct ethically. The organization should follow the basic elements of financial management. When an organization follows the steps in the correct order there is less of a chance the organization will receive an audit. As long as the organization follows the generally accepted accounting principles there is less chance of an audit, and less of a chance of fraud or abuse when reporting the finances. References. Baker, J. & Baker, R. (2011). Health care finance: Basic tools for nonfinancial managers (3rd ed. ). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers Cox, B. , & Draa, M. (2008). Back to basics with account reconciliations. Business Finance, 14(6), 38-38. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/211076250? accountid=35812 Hern, W. (n. d. ). Corporate compliance is a necessity, not an option – healthcare financial managers’ role in helping their organizations prevent financial fraud. Retrieved from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3257/is_n1_v51/ai_19146070.

The Strauss Car Rental Company. Reward management strategy Essay

The Strauss Car Rental Company. Reward management strategy - Essay Example In addition, it does not appear that a viable reward management system can be established by the human resources department, which is supposed to be in charge of matters concerning the treatment of workers, before changes are made in terms of communication between the senior management and ordinary workers. Kevin Pietersen, who has been in charge of the human resources department at Strauss, has not been emphatic in insisting that the company’s Board begin to consider the human resources company as a serious contributor to the goals of the company. From the information provided, human resources officials are not even invited to any meetings held by the board in which members consider serious issues and decide on regulations that will be followed in the organisation. For instance, the Strauss Car Rental’s Board is seriously considering redundancy programs and yet has not even elected to let the human resource department, which will be tasked with carrying out the practical aspects of this suggestion, know about the suggestion. Additionally, none of the workers have been informed about this, yet their lives will be irrevocably changed once this program is implemented. Kevin Pietersen, who runs the human resources department, also confirmed that the Board has decided on implementing plans without consulting the workforce, or the human resources department.

Understanding Business and Management Research Methods Assignment - 2

Understanding Business and Management Research Methods - Assignment Example These methods are explained and examples and illustrations are given in the appendices. The report examines the limitation of ANP and AHP and also gives evidence of outdated methodologies. The report also offers a framework for future, more extensive research in the subject matter and also states the limitations of the research design. This report discusses the decision making process and methodology of retailers on how to choose a location for a retail store. It aims at pointing out the various factors affecting the decision making process, by identifying the need for a scientific approach to the subject matter through the literature review. In the literature review, the traditional and current methodology for choosing a location are also noted and discussed. The report firstly identifies the research questions that need to be asked and the research objectives with relation to the questions. The literature review then analyses the findings of the literature. The next part of the report is the research methodology and design which sets out the basic approach to more extensive research on the subject. The final part is the conclusion in which the argument is put forward based on the results drawn from the literature analysis. This report is of extreme relevance to the retail industry, as it should be taken into acc ount when choosing location or creating feasibility studies for opening a new retail store. Traditional methods for choosing locations, especially for retail, are a thing of the past. More comprehensive and detailed methods are required to provide more convincing results (Cheng, Li and Yu, 2005). The need for more holistic and scientific was first identified by Bowlby, Breheny and Foot (1984) who acknowledged the various pressures inflicted upon retailers on their location selection and since then in the UK, the pressures kept mounting (Hernadez and Bennisson, 2000). Craig, Avijit and McLafferty’s (1984) research on selecting a

Slow Internet Surfing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Slow Internet Surfing - Essay Example Although spyware potentially harm computers in many ways, the most obvious effect of spyware infection is on surfing speed. When we get connected, the spyware automatically begin sending personal information without the knowledge of the computer user. In this way, the computer user believes he is receiving and sending his required information although in reality, his personal information is being uploaded without his notice or permission. This stealth process slows down the net surfing significantly and the user wonders what might be the actual problem for this dead slow speed. Apparently, computer users tend to believe that this problem can be overcome through installing anti-spyware software as all of the anti-spyware promise to search and destroy every kind of spyware within no time. However, it is not that easy, nor a recommended approach. In fact, the computer user has to be extra cautious while giving information online. Here are a few steps that are helpful for effectively blocking and preventing the spyware from infecting computers. Every time we visit a website, some temporary files are downloaded automaticall

Response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 20

Response - Assignment Example The CEO’s meeting with Jose in Las Vegas is, indeed an educative experience. Jose displays a positive behavior one that workers should emulate when inducting new employees in the firm. Firm but fair; Jose introduces Kim to various roles, some of which do not befit a manager according to Kim. Interestingly, Jose would not hire Kim, and Kim learns that he is growing older by the day after finding some of the simplest tasks somewhat challenging. The outcome of this interaction teaches leaders that they should respect the work done by junior employees. They should set goals while considering workers’ varied abilities. At times, a manager must realize that the tasks they allocate need special expertise and should recognize the input of the workers. Kim is utterly defeated to undertake the cashier job and has to compensate the customers for the time wasted, and he learns a lot. Just like Kim, contemporary managers should notice the significant input of their workers. The fact that Carrie the director of operations does deliveries accentuates the enormous input of the personnel. After all the challenges he faced, and learning about the staunch sacrifices some of the staff has to make to deliver excellent performance to the company, Kim’s life is completely changed. Encouraged by the events, he resorts to rewarding good work by giving the four employees congratulatory incentives. Therefore, once in a while, company bosses ought to casually interact with the staff. This way, they not only have to appreciate the increasing financial figures, but also learn to recognize the individuals behind those

Caliban in The Tempest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Caliban in The Tempest - Essay Example The Shakespearean Drama â€Å"The Tempest† involves some ever relevant concepts and characteristics. This play would remain pointless without the distinctive character Caliban who represents the victims of colonization, precisely the natives. Caliban is portrayed as someone who undergoes suffering for no reason in his own region which is captured by a foreigner Prospero. Coupled with certain circumstances and inefficiency, Caliban falls into the bondage of slavery. Significantly, the sufferings of Caliban no matter physical or mental greatly resemble the suffering natives in captured regions. In the play, Caliban is merely a savage or uncivilized ‘half-human, half-monster’ creature whom Prospero dominates and tries to civilize by imposing different tasks on him. Arguably, this was how the so called ‘Prosperos’ perceived their captives. Caliban may have his own reasons for showing unwillingness to accept a foreign culture. Hence, being a slave, Caliban intends to finish Prospero who is mighty and highly ambitious. But Caliban fails in the attempt to kill Prospero even though he is assisted by Trinculo and Stephano. Bloom and Heims put this relation in this way; â€Å"Caliban, very much concerned with revenge, also takes on taint anality through the words of Trinculo and Stephano† (227). This is an attempt to regain the island which belongs to him as hereditary property or possession. This resistance clearly illustrates the unsuccessful movements evolved in certain captured regions after the realization of belongingness. Often these revolutions and revolts were emerged once they were fed up with ill-treatment and domination. And it was reasonable that they sought aid from others to wipe out the illegally invaded outsiders. Hence, it is essential to make a comparison between Prospero and Caliban in this context. Prospero realizes his target, makes preparations and waits for the opportunity to avenge his foes whereas, Caliban too realizes his target but fails to make preparations accordingly to execute the plan in a right manner. Therefore, Caliban’s failure is a clear outcome of one’s emotional reaction against a crisis without realizing one’s own potential and weakness. Caliban as a post colonialism representative should have improved his own potential to resist the occupation of Prospero on the island rather than being foolish to seek external assistance. Knowing the past has greater influence in understanding the present better. Therefore, Shakespeare clearly analyzes the past of Caliban who is a resident of this particular island. The drama indicates that Caliban being the son of the witch Sycorax undergoes a tragic experience that continues with the arrival of Prospero into the island. The most significant change takes place with the departure of Sycorax. The death of Sycorax makes Prospero more powerful that even Caliban is enslaved by him. This entire concept can be interpre ted by interconnecting the invading role of different powerful kingdoms to many underdeveloped and uncivilized regions across the world and their ill-treatment to the nationalities. This enslavement completely consumes the hope of freedom and liberty. Since Caliban being the servant is made to perform every action for the benefit of the master Prospero. However, it indirectly assists the progress of the natives although it is not deliberate. One such act is pointed by Lazarus as â€Å"it is something commonplace in postcolonial literary studies that, like Shakespeare’s Caliban colonized people were able to appreciate a language that was imposed on them and use it to their own ends† (144). It is the similar case witnessed in many captured regions as they are compelled to fulfill the ambition of the mighty, powerful rulers who captured them. Specifically, speaking upon the career of Caliban is demanding as he is the prime sufferer of the play. Moreover, the revolt and di ssatisfaction begin from the very moment when Caliban is captured and enslaved. Apart from

An investigation into issues surrounding consumer online purchasing Dissertation

An investigation into issues surrounding consumer online purchasing influenced by Facebook and Twitter - Dissertation Example A primary research method was used and a survey instrument with 30 questions based on the Likert scale was used. This was administered to a research sample of 200 and the responses analysed using SPSS. Findings from the research indicate that fashion firms use a number of methods and tools for promotion. These include Facebook posts, online reviews, and posts about latest events, trends, celebrity wear, online galleries, discounts and promotion codes. In addition they use eWord of Mouth advertising, buzz marketing and viral marketing. Facebook has also introduced Facebook stores that are micro sites for small and medium enterprises and introduced the Facebook Commerce, which is similar to e-Commerce but based on the Facebook marketplace. Facebook users place a high level of reliance and trust on the online reviews and posts and base their purchase decisions on these reviews. The research concludes by indicating that Facebook has emerged as the new marketplace for fashion products sin ce it brings together customers, sellers and hosts promotions and reviews that attract customers. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 13 1. Introduction 13 1.2. Literature review 15 1.2.1. Internet users 15 1.2.3 Online word of mouth 15 1.2.4. Social media 17 1.2.5. Social media marketing 17 1.2.6. Consumer’s purchase decision behaviour 19 1.3. Research Aims and Objectives 21 1.4. Time schedule 21 1.5 Resources 23 2. Literature Review 23 2. Literature Review 23 2.1. Decision making with Facebook 25 2.1.1. Items purchased with social media 29 2.1. 2. Facebook for selling and buying 29 2.1.3. Emergence of Facebook Store 35 2.1.4. Emergence of Facebook F-Commerce 37 2.2. Word of mouth and e-Word of mouth 39 Figure 2.1. Model for branding in eWoM (Jansen, et al, 2009) 39 2.3. Communication through social media 41 2.3.1. Buzz Marketing 43 2.3.2. Viral Marketing 45 2.4. Summary of the literature review 47 3. Methodology 49 3. Methodology 49 3.1 Introduction 49 3.2 Research Objectives 51 3.3 Research Philosophy 53 3.3.1 Deductive Approach 53 3.4 Research Design 55 3.4.1 Primary and Secondary Data 55 3.4.2 Quantitative Method 59 3.5 Sampling 61 3.6 Survey 63 3.6.1 Survey Design 63 3.6.2 Survey Limitations 65 3.7 Research Limitations 67 3.8. Summary 67 4. Findings and Analysis 69 4. Findings and Analysis 69 4.1. Analysis of various groups in the survey 69 Q1. I use Facebook to look at fashion items that inspire my own wardrobe. 71 Q2. I enjoy using Facebook because it gives me access to fashion ideas I would not otherwise have. 71 Q3. I use Facebook to look at celebrity styles and fashion items 73 Q4. The fashion item posts I see on Facebook inspire me to buy the same things. 75 Q5. I am compelled to buy fashion items to fit in with my friends who post their items on Facebook. 77 Q6. I use Facebook for fashion inspiration because it is free and I have constant access to it unlike fashion magazines. 77 Q7. I buy fashion items spontaneously 79 Q8. I am easily influe nced to purchase items because of fashion posts 81 Q9. I follow fashion on Facebook because it is updated much quicker than any other modes of media. 81 Q10. Once I purchase a new fashion item I post the details on Facebook 83 Q11. I actively search for fashion advice posted by people and pages on Facebook 85 Q12. I mostly use Facebook to be able to see what everyone else is wearing 87 Q13. I trust in the recommendations on products through Facebook 87 Q14. I take advice from Facebook and research online before a purchasing decision. 89 Q15. I am likely to be influenced to buy a particular brand if it is

Bristol University SWOT and PEST Analysis Essay

Bristol University SWOT and PEST Analysis - Essay Example Another strength is the financial stability and management. According to the annual records of the Bristol University in 2014, the university’s the Bristol’s financial statement shows cash flow generation of 10.1% in 2013/2014. This is a strong evidence on the university’s strong financial stability. The strong financial stability and management enhances Bristol University’s ability to invest in the innovation while also supporting the other areas of the growth (Shattock, 2015).   Additionally, the university’s simplicity in terms of scoring and structure makes it easy in charting the scores of the individual over time. This is specifically important in case studies. Other strengths include; cultural and linguistic diversity of the students/city/staff and the increasing international, responsive to change, increasing amount and the quality of the applied research, and home student recruitment and demand (Dyson, 2000).WeaknessesThe tightly constrai ned city center site where the Bristol University is located makes it hard for it to meet the current requirements for the space efficiency. This makes it hard for the new buildings to fit in. Another weakness is the university’s poor adaptability of the processes to changes and demand, and the unnecessary bureaucracy (Clark, 2014). This makes it hard in securing the lean processes in the organisation. Other weaknesses include; few endorsements, strains of expansion, and lack of the external clout.The increased international recruitment to Bristol University.

Business Intelligence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Intelligence - Research Paper Example In recent times, organizations around the world are adopting different forms of BI as vehicles for attaining the competitive advantage over their market niche. This is particularly so in restaurant chains, health facilities, and resorts such as Exclusive Resorts and Marshfield Clinic. Such businesses use the BI systems in making tactical decisions concerning their businesses, such as the introduction of new product and services, removal of underperforming services and products, and identification of opportunities to improve inefficient processes. One of the most important components of BI is business analytics, an essential factor that determines the success capability of a business (Electrosmart, 2012). The analysis of the case study of Marshfield Clinic and Exclusive Resort provides four important lessons for companies wishing to adopt BI systems into their organizations: have a clear vision, good communication skills of employees, cooperative employees, and dedicated resources (TD WI, 2011). Considering the cases of Exclusive Resorts and Marshfield Clinic, evidently, a company needs to have a clear vision of its perceived needs for the BI process. ... Despite the difference in the platform application, Exclusive Resort had a similar problem with multiple, disconnected, and inflexible technology that increased the cost of operation and difficulty in operation resulting from the expansion of the company’s business. According to the case study, Exclusive Resort actually had to purchase additional software to produce reports needed by the stakeholders and decision makers. The company embarked on the search for an Enterprise Resource Planning system that would integrate the existing technology and promote the competitiveness and quality of member services while encouraging the growth members (Microsoft, 2011). The two companies had a clear understanding of the functionality and provision of the BI systems, as well as a clear expression from the different business departments on the types of the decision expected from BI system. Another emergent issue from the two case studies was the importance of communication skills among the employees of the two companies. At Marshfield Clinic, the associate chief medical information officer Mike Cummins was quick to identify that the problem was not a patient-care data system, but an analytical tool that would enhance effective and efficient real-time decision-making by physicians. Having such an employee with good communication skills enabled the company to identify the real problem with its data collection system. The senior vice president of technology at Exclusive Resorts was also able to communicate the problem they had with their previous system, enabling the experts from Microsoft to design a solution that suits their needs.  Ã‚  

Personal Statement Essay Example for Free

Personal Statement Essay My name is Chi Chen Hsieh from Taiwan. In my whole life i never be a super-student who is academically ingenious. I’m more proud about what I’ve achieved, and I take pride in my success. When you take a look at the world I come from, maybe you’d be impressed by me, the student who has came from very far away from the United state, the boy who spends his whole high school years learn how to speak English and completes an honest number of volunteer hours. The world I come from is much different than what the numbers and letters may portray because those numbers are relative to everyone around me. But my world is unique and my success is genuine. Since the beginning of high school, I’ve had to shape most of my path on my own while breaking down academic barriers. I graduated from a middle school at Taiwan and I did not do well on the high school entrance exam over there so i decided to study in America. Obviously I was underprepared for high school compared to other international students. Nonetheless, when given the option to challenge myself as a freshman, I did. I struggled through every courses and even had to repeat a half of semester of Old Testament ( an religious course) because I could not speak any English. I had been home sick for a lot of time in a year and my parents and teachers were very upset about my performance at school. So by the time I changed my high school in my sophomore year, I was really happy that I did change to another boarding school, because it is a smaller school and have a lot of people from all over the world. I start working hard and social with a lot of people from different countries. At the end of my junior year, I become the International students prefect by the head of the school. Receiving this honor w as meaningful because it showed that I had taught myself how to succeed. My situation at home was different as well. All of my family went to the top colleges in Taiwan, and though they have always encouraged me to attend to the top colleges in USA. The process has been very challenging as I’ve needed to find the resources and information about colleges mostly on my own because the application system is different from Taiwan . At my high school, being the first generation in your family to go to college in USA immediately makes you the minority, regardless of ethnicity. But i found a lot of support from my school, I asked a lot of teachers about colleges. They all gave me a lot of suggestion so I finally decide what colleges I am interesting and study business as a measure. I am really happy that I can graduate from this high school because, I understand that my high school teaches more than just English, they teaches me how to challenge myself and be successful. The academic struggles I’ve faced in my world have geared me toward attending college and pursuing a career thereafter. Good things are given to those who work hard, like the International prefect spot I received. I know that difficulties and challenges arise, but I also know that there’s always a way to break the barrier. Wherever I go, I’ll take advantage of every opportunity I’m given because I’ve already proven to myself that I can be successful, even if the odds are against me.

Attempt To Allocate Resources Effectively Economics Essay

Attempt To Allocate Resources Effectively Economics Essay The paper discusses different types of economic systems like socialism, state economy, and other economic systems, assesses how each economic system attempts to allocate resources effectively, explains the UK government policies (namely monetary, fiscal, social, and competitive policies) and assesses the impact of all the above-mentioned policies on a chosen UK based organization. The paper describes market structure types (namely, perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and other market structures. Finally, the paper explains the ways market structures define the output and pricing strategies of the companies P4: Explain how economic systems attempt to allocate resources effectively Throughout the history, the term capitalism has been closely associated with other related notions, including: market capitalism, laissez-faire (pure capitalism), economic liberalism, private enterprise etc (Kumar 1978). Capitalism transformed feudalism in the Western world, namely Britain, from where it had flourished throughout Europe predetermining economic, cultural and political developments of the then society. Later on, over the 19th and 20th centuries, capitalism formed the grounds of industrialization (Saunders 1995). Nevertheless, namely the eighteenth century became crucial in the foundation of capitalism concept after the first economic school was established in Britain. The school has produced much of the fundamental thought in the field of classical political economy supported by the invaluable contributions of Adam Smith, David Ricardo, Jean-Baptiste Say, John Stuart Mill and others, who thoroughly researched various ways goods were produced, distributed and exchanged under market conditions. Namely, those classical thoughts have set the foundations of the contemporary perception of capitalism (Slideshare.net 2007). During 1930-s, John Maynard Keynes had a tremendous influence on the notion of capitalism and the role of monetary policy. The British economist emphasized on the important functions of monetary policy within economic policy. Keynes claimed that the economic mode particular to the capitalist society could sustain its indefinite equilibrium even in spite of high unemployment. At t hat, during the 1930s Keynesian approach to economics assumed that laissez-faire capitalist economics was self-sufficient and did not need any intervention from a state to cut down unemployment or boost aggregate demand. Furthermore, Keynes suggested pump-priming approach to save the economy from recession in the period of economic down-turn, which involved increase in government borrowing and spending as well as cutting-down taxes. In such a way, Keynes put forward his idea of cutting real wages through the system of their control from the state and deterring from holding money during inflation. This indicates that Keynes much favored state regulation as an effective tool to eliminate economic slowdown. Actually, Keynesian policies enabled the capitalism recovery afterwards the state of the Great Depression (Friedman 1970). The contemporary academic research on the concept of capitalism is largely grounded on neoclassical economics and the relevant approaches developed by the Chicago School. The modern perception of capitalism therefore favors neutral government regulation and coordination of markets with the focus being placed on property rights maintenance; deregulation of labor markets; promotion of corporate governance by private owners; development of transparent financial systems with capital market-based financing in their core. Milton Friedman, known as a dedicated follower of Adam Smiths thinking, claimed that within the framework of free competition, social responsibility becomes an integral part of business activity. Herewith, Friedman showed that self-interest is able to benefit the contemporary society (Friedman, 1970).The major distinctive features of capitalist society were pointed out throughout the 20th century while experts compared and contrasted due system with the centrally planned economic system. In due respect, capitalism has always enabled consumers with free choice, while producers were able to satisfy a consumer demand. By contrast, in the planned economies the production was entirely controlled and directed by a hierarchically-led state policy. Thus, capitalism alone has achieved sufficient delivery of goods and services through the privatization of previously state-owned means of production and infrastructural objects. In addition to this, the notion of capitalism is closely associated with the abolishment of subsidies and free trade wherein capitalist society is prone to perform both rational and irrational actions that are often unpredictable. Namely the last 25 years of the previous century showed the increasing trend towards overall mobilization of capital and human resources. Globalization alone has opened a new avenue for the development of both capitalist and non-capitalist models. Today, capitalism is regarded by many as world system featured by all the peculiarities of capitalist trade. Analysts state that such perception of capitalism dates back to the early 20th century imperialism. Following the same fashion, imperialistic policies emphasized on the promotion of capitalistic principles of free trade among countries. Taking the abovementioned features of the contemporary capitalism into account, it is noteworthy that along with many positive effects global capitalism has caused the state of global inequality in income rates, social security, access to strategic resources, and redistribution of world capital. In due respect, since the times of the Industrial Revolution there have been considerable changes boosted by economic growth in such areas as life expectancy, access to educational resources and information and communication technologies, literacy, infant mortality, child labor etc. By and large, global capitalist economy has been dramatically shifted by the invention and fast application of telecommunications within the last thirty years. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have enabled most of the business transactions in virtually any part of the globe (Evans 1997). Overall, capitalism promotes economic growth and social standard of living measured by GDP. According to Adam Sm ith, free market alone allocates necessary resources and controls production and price, which is particular to the contemporary world capitalist system. Furthermore, capitalist economy, if compared to conventional economic systems and feudal or socialist societies, provides vast opportunities to raise individual income while engaging in new professions or launching private business ventures, for example. As Milton Friedman puts it, competitive capitalism leads to economic freedom and subsequently to the political one where there is no place for the centralized control of economic activity or political repression from the state. Conversely, the variety of market economy transactions causes wide diversity of activities and/or their free choice. In accordance with John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich Hayek, capitalism is a reflection of economic freedom which is essential for social survival and development (Bellamy 2003). Thus, many capitalism supporters claim that namely the decentralized system of coordination is the most powerful feature of capitalism. Particularly, the decentralization of economic processes leads to free competition and optimal solutions to the arising challenges. Even the slightest control from then state, according to the Austrian School thinkers, can potentially cause serious inefficiencies since economy then becomes unpredictable in the long-term perspective. One of the major causes of the Great Depression, for instance, was the immense interventionist policy led by the Federal Reserve. Today we understand capitalism as an economic system that assumes private ownership and control of wealth and the means of its production. In due respect, state ownership bears limited relation to the essence of capitalism. Both private individuals (entrepreneurs) and companies (corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises) own, operate, and trade capital and labor, as well as other resources for the sake of profit-making. In the contemporary conditions, capitalism is an indispensable component of market economy which entirely excludes any government intervention in the transactions that involve investments, income, production, distribution, cost and delivery of goods and services etc. Furthermore, labor as such is a distinguishing feature that characterizes capitalism in the contemporary conditions of fierce competition. Based on appropriate knowledge and skills, human resources are viewed as the most valuable asset by the majority of employers. Herewith, market rules make up a regulatory framework that determines economic developments in the contemporary capitalist state. In most instances, the role of a state is limited to the provision of relevant infrastructure and public goods. This indicates that economic developments are predominantly grounded on the so-called laissez-faire principle envisaging a minimum state intervention into the economy. Consequently, the contemporary notion of capitalism highlights the ultimate importance of the control over the means of production by private owners wherein the state role is mainly limited to the protection of property rights. However, such conclusion would be correct only from the pure capitalism viewpoint. By and large, the well-developed contemporary economies present a mixture of public and private ownership and therefore are reasonably referred to as the capitalist mixed economies, where both private capital and state serve their particular roles. In its essence, classic political economy  has is closely interconnected with classic liberal doctrine  that reduces governments economic  intervention  to the minimum. At that, economic and social realms were clearly distinguished, wherein state could provide necessary public goods and services (Lane and Ersson 2002). The phenomenon of globalization is considerably changing national economies. In many countries the transitive process from monopolistic regulation to the market economy principles requires much time and effort. P5: Assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on business organizations and their activities   This section explains  the UK government policies (namely monetary, fiscal, social, and competitive policies) and assesses the impact of all the above-mentioned policies on a chosen UK based organization. Economic globalization from below is empirically implemented through transnational flows of investment and financial capital as well as transnational production and services networks. Overall, neo-liberal convergence assumes wide macroeconomic policies primarily focused on tight fiscal policies, monetary stability, trade liberalization, privatization, as well as liberalization of the domestic capital and financial system. The patterns of neo-liberal convergence grounded on Anglo-American capitalism assume sound interaction between government, banks and businesses, independence of central bank, equity financing of corporate sector, and strong positions of bond and stock markets. In accordance with the liberal globalization theory, the nation states are constraint from below as a result of transnational economic globalization. Trans-nationalization of production and services as well as the extended capital mobility intensify the market forces pressure on the national state policies and government authority regarding budget and account balance, as well as fiscal and financial policies, labor standards, investment regulations, and governance. Ohmae claims that the globalised world economy is featured by the increasing mobility in: (1) Investment flows through capital markets; (2) Industry developments through the operations of transnational corporations; (3) Information technology advances; and finally (4) Individual consumers (Ohmae 1995). In macroeconomic terms, the US recession in 2008 produced a modest aversive affect on UKs real GDP growth. Under the conditions of global economic growth slowdown, some countries (China, Australia and Sweden) have tightened their monetary/fiscal policies aiming to prevent inflation. Conversely, the United Kingdom has eased their monetary policies while reacting to the weakening economic growth. The domestic fiscal policies were aimed at the correlation of supply and demand, while the Government has managed relative inflation, interest rate differentials, moderate economic growth, deficits and debt as well as the countrys export competitiveness. The National Bank has managed to sustain a strong and highly-competitive exchange rate of the national currency compared to other major currencies. To attain this, the domestic fiscal policies were aimed at the correlation of supply and demand, while the Government has managed relative inflation, interest rate differentials, moderate economic growth, deficits and debt as well as the countrys export competitiveness. The government assigns various policies to achieve both internal and external balance goals. According to the Mundells framework of effective market classification, the authorities assign their policy instruments to obtain the greatest relative impact. Consequently, the net costs of the balance of payments will be eliminated. Simultaneously, fiscal and monetary policies are used to expand output. On the other hand, according to the Keynes assumptions claiming that fiscal policy is more direct and is featured by fewer time lags, fiscal policy has the greatest relative impact on the target and monetary policy and their effects on the balance of payments. Herewith, external balance is impacted by the increase in exports caused by non-domestic policies. In particular, faster growth overseas leads to the higher exports of the UK goods and services. Relative advancement in the UK competitiveness is due to the rise of relative foreign price as well as the appreciation in foreign exchange rates. The analysis of the relevance of Keynesian policy options to the todays UK economy suggests that the implementation of the Expenditure Changing Policy (ECP) is possible by means of re-inflation/deflation through fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies. Prior to such implementation, however, it is vital to critically assess internal economic position of the UK. Alternatively, the application of Expenditure Switching Policy (ESP) is possible through such policy means as devaluation or revaluation. The implementation of ESP is possible outside the fixed exchange rate system and therefore not within the European Monetary Union. Finally, the implementation of Direct Controls (DC) is possible through tariffs, non- tariff barriers, and exchange controls. However, direct controls are abandoned by the mainstream policymakers considering the WTO trends as well as the free trade orthodoxy (Krugman and Obstfeld 2009). A holistic view of economy should be developed to incorporate internal and external balance policies. Loan-financed domestic investment programs should be vastly applied as the means to raise the level of unemployment within the British economy. Pump-priming approach should be applied to safeguard the countrys economy from the recession. This involves cutting-down taxes and the increase in government borrowing and spending. Real wages should be cut through the state control and deterrent from holding money over the inflation. The economic stabilization should be achieved through the strong position on unemployment decrease, interest rates rise, and management of internal and external currency. State regulation is the most effective means to prevent further economic slowdown for the UK economy. Ryanair is currently positioned as the Europes largest low fares airline. Ryanair is well-acknowledged brand wide and far as the worlds reputable and favoured airline which holds 37 bases and offers over 950 low-fare routes in 26 world countries. Strategically, the company connects some 150 destinations. The companys powerful fleet consists of 210 Boeing 737-800 aircrafts which number will increase in the foreseeable future (2-3 years) up to some 315 aircrafts (Ryanair 2012). All these and other staggering achievements and successes have become possible due to the effective marketing of services, as well as smart and loyal HR policies effectively applied by the corporate management which currently sustains and leads the impressive number of staff that exceeds 7,000 employees. Such internal competitive advantage enables the company to build up huge plans for the external operations. In 2012 fiscal year, the company intends to penetrate up to 66 m. passengers internationally. In 2011, Ryanairs showed 15% growth and reached 59m passengers. To sustain this positive tendency, the companys management has already arranged to deliver 18 new aircrafts and therefore increase its fleet capacity up to 181 Boeing 737-800 NG aircrafts. The company is due to open four new bases in Europe (including Bologna, Alghero, Edinburgh, and Cagliari), as well as to launch 223 new routes (Ryanair, 2012). P6: Evaluate the impact of competition policy and other regulatory mechanisms on the activities of a selected organization Over  the years of successful operation, Ryanair has established a strong and recognizable brand that enabled it to win a reputation of the company that loyally provides the passengers with the lowest air traffic fares. Hence, in marketing terms, the company has placed its major strategic focus on offering unbeatable prices and punctuality (Ryan Passenger Service Charter 2009). The overall corporate commitment therefore is concentrated on responsive air services and incomparable pricing options. This has made the company the number one international provider of low-cost air services. The companys main product (air services) is successful among its target markets due to the reasonably charged price. However, another core factor is the promotion of the companys services on the international markets. Herewith, statistics on the Ryanairs successful operations and its successful performance over the last two decades indicate that the company has smartly and effectively applied marketing mix to synergize its product offerings and win target markets internationally. The corporate marketing strategy with the marketing mix in its core helps the company to identify and critically evaluate its business opportunities, better concentrate on the core target markets, implement market segmentation, and conduct relevant marketing research on each stage of its operation. Ryanair marketing department considers the air services it provides in terms of: seasonal demand; affordability; economics; and branding. The dynamic pricing for the offered air services is calculated with the consideration of such strategic issues as: (1) Cost plus value added cost which is comparatively lower than those of competitors; (2) Price fluctuations with regard to the current demand; as well as (3) Optional seasonal discounts. Finally, namely owing to the promotional campaigns, Ryanair raises customer awareness while conveying its target messages via various media channels. This approach enables the company to explicitly identify its target markets and subsequently win them over from the companys main rivals. Most importantly, effective promotional strategy enabled Ryanair to make the brand recognizable and wanted among target markets. Thus, one of the main external competitive advantages consists in establishing a positive public opinion on the companys product (Kotler and Keller, 2005). The companys marketing mix involves the following strategic components: (1) The lowest affordable prices to all the passengers within all the routes operated by the company regardless of the ongoing competition on such routes; (2) Ryanair applies the fare guarantee known as Double the Difference to ensure that in case a passenger finds a lower rate provided by any of the companys competitors, the company repays the passenger with a double fare difference between the differing ticket prices providing such a passenger agrees to books a travel with Ryanair. Hence, Ryanair ensures passenger convenience by claiming that its passengers are always provided with the lowest fares on available the market for their journeys providing they book Ryanair services via corporate webpage www.Ryanair.com. Furthermore, in terms of open and comprehensive customer-oriented communication, Ryanair always ensures its passengers are well-informed about the applied terms and conditions with regard to the individually chosen fares (including, applicable fees, charges and taxes). The company ensures that passengers are always saved from any price increase and fuel surcharges. Furthermore, all Ryanairs passengers are guaranteed with immediate notifications with regard to any possible force-majeure circumstances, including cancellations, postponements, delays, diversions etc (Ryanair 2010). While effectively marketing its services, Ryanair is fully aware of social corporate responsibility before its stakeholders, staff, customers and environment. As the Europes largest low fares airline, Ryanair has achieved a steady growth in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner. Over the last decade, the company has made an enormous investment in the cutting-edge engine and aircraft technologies to reduce its CO2 emissions almost by half as well as the burnt fuel. Over 1998-2008, the company applied eco-friendly policies based on smart and effective commercial and operational decision-making approaches to eliminate the environmental impacts. Hence, the company is also highly- reputable with regard to the environmental efficiency. In 1999, Ryanair invested à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬17bn to advance its fleet replacement and expansion programme. As a result, 11Boeing 737-200 aircraft was substituted by Boeing 737-800,  referred to as the next aircraft generation. Such strategic step enabled Ryanair to position itself as the European youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleet. The competitive and comparable advantage is that the company operates the youngest, safest, and most environmentally sustainable aircraft fleet in Europe (Ryanair 2009). Owing to the strong competitive advantages and smart service marketing, Ryanair managed to overcome numerous challenges posed by the global economic crisis and adverse affects of recession. More than that, Ryanair managed to increase its market share over the recent period of economic meltdown and recession. P7: Explain how market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of businesses Competitive companies vastly apply marketing mix to combine product offerings to reach target markets. At that, product refers to physical products and services offered and provided on the marketplace. It is crucial to define right features of any product/service to make it successful, and therefore each component makes sense for the Banks sales success. As well as this, product/service means good quality and warranty, as well as a customers legal right to return it back to the selling organization in case of its incompliance to the initial customers requirements or/and expectations. Secondly, price is a sum of money (amount) paid for the product. Thirdly, place means the right location of a product, and that is why place also stands for distribution channel, including physical stores (supermarket) or/and Internet sites like e-Bay. Finally, promotion, as was already indicated, presents the most complicated and therefore important elements of marketing mix. This component is not only physical but predominantly psychological to impact customers decisions. Overall, promotion includes the whole variety of communications managed by a marketer may within the marketplace. Huge part of it belongs to media advertising and other means of mass influence (Lauterborn 1990). Herewith, along with identification of business opportunities, selection of target market, market segmentation, and market research marketing mix represents a part of a companys marketing strategy. At that, product component should consider: product life cycle, design (aesthetics), function, economics, environmental impact, packaging, branding. In turn, price is based on the one of the following pricing strategies: cost plus (addition of value added cost); price skimming (charging high initial price in order to recoup the development costs); premium pricing (the price is set out by the high-quality brand); dynamic pricing (constant change of prices depending on current demand); and discriminatory pricing (different prices (discounts) are charged to different customers for the same product). And finally promotion, which is generally aimed at raising customers awareness by conveying the message through media channels and identifying target market. At that, advertising methods may vary, including: sales promotion to support marketing process by applying free samples, competitions, gift coupons, trade promotions and other devices; and public relations, including establishing and maintaining sound public opinion regarding the product. Ryanair is a perspective player on the European air market that will further win new destinations and customers through the effective marketing and supplying customer-oriented services. Making up the marketing summary of Ryanair operation, most experts agree that the price has been always a decisive factor in customers choice among airlines. Ryanair managed to offer its passengers the lowest fare in Europe. Furthermore, this not solely lowest cost that attracts customers, but the whole range of convenient customer-oriented services that are rendered in effective, responsive and punctual manner. Next, compared to other European air carriers, the company gained a comparative advantage by having reduced oil cost. The companys aircraft capacity consisting of new generation Boeings as well as operation of new airports and bases enables to serve more than 100 million passengers a year. Continuous lead customer service in the industry combined with the falling oil charges and air fares altogether enabled Ryanair to prosper regardless of the global economic crisis and gain profits from its international operations. Therefore, there is all evidence to state that the company is sure to double its profits and traffic capacity by the end of 2012. Apparently, in the course of the next few years Ryanair will become the biggest and most demanded airline in Europe. In terms of service marketing, the company should further promote its well- established marketing mix concept. Furthermore, the companys leadership should add more technological options to make the customer services faster and more convenient. Such approach will help the company to penetrate new destinations and win larger market shares as well as target markets in the future. Ryanairs strategic positioning is designated by appropriate pricing techniques. Ryanairs strategic positioning is determined by the choice of appropriate pricing techniques. While emphasizing on high quality of its products, effective promotion and sound advertising, as well as value for money, the company applies competitive pricing strategy to ensure that the adjusted prices do not exceed those of the competitors (Kotler and Keller 2005). This strategic choice is reasonable and justified since regardless of individual taste preferences or any other essential factors, consumers regard product value as one of the most decisive factors while making their purchasing decisions. Therefore, Ryanair cannot apply skimming pricing technique in the course of designing and launching a new product. This technique can be applied under the conditions of inelastic demand (Boone and Kurtz 1992). In addition to the effectively applied competitive pricing strategy, Ryanair focuses on cost plus pricing which helps the company to maximize it profits. While accurately accounting all its costs, Ryanair reaches optimal supply and demand balance and well-balanced positioning on the market compared to its competitors. Alternatively, Ryanair applies positioning pricing to set up the prices with the consideration of demand-side concerns. Through polling and surveying its target markets, Ryanairs experts designate the optimal price range that would satisfy the majority of the consumers. This positioning technique is particularly applied to better sell Ryanairs services. Optimal trading also depends on the financial capacity of the demand-side. Therefore, Ryanair applies demand-based pricing to critically assess the purchasing power of the majority of its consumers. Only under such conditions the company is able to trade its services in accordance with the strategically planned volumes. Hence, selling at the customers price brings Ryanair profits, good reputation and positive feedback from the majority of its customers. Ryanair should develop new services and promote them domestically as well as internationally. Such service/market growth approach will ensure that the company has diversified range of products which are available and well-recognizable in many countries of the world (Ansoff 1965). Such strategic choice will provide the company with enormous comparative advantages over its competitors and will help it to better cope with the hurdles of the global economic crisis. However, considering the challenges of the global competitive markets, this strategy will not be suitable any longer. Hence Ryanair should transform it into more powerful and innovative global image. The variety of new high-quality and reasonably-priced services will add value to the business activity of Ryanair and will win new overseas markets for the company. This task would require the company to carefully design and develop innovative brands of its services which are not yet present on any of the foreign markets, and which will be potentially demanded by the consumers (Ansoff, 1957). While developing innovative products and penetrating overseas markets, Ryanair should initially consider the demand-side of its target markets. Among the most important criteria are the following: (1) Average income; (2) Average spending amount on one-time supermarket/store purchasing; (2) Average amount consumers are ready to spend on air services; (3) PESTLE analysis of the target market with the consideration of the adverse affects caused by the global economic meltdown; and (4) Porter analysis of the targeted market. Such wide coverage of strategic issues will win Ryanair competitive advantage and increase its share on the foreign markets. Ryanairs choice of the optimal marketing strategy should consider their chances of success in terms of market diversification. To reach optimal market diversification, the company should ensure that its new product adheres to the customers needs and preferences. Extensive market research will help Ryanair to explicitly identify its potential target markets for new services. Herewith, Ryanairs marketers should consider the following strategic factors: (1) Financial health of the targeted market; (2) Purchasing capacity of target market; (3) National and individual preferences of target market; (4) Previous experiences of target market in terms of purchasing the same services provided by competitor companies; (5) SWOT analysis in each individual case will ensure that Ryanair eliminates all the possible constraints to the minimum and transforms the threats into potential opportunities. Realistic and achievable strategic objectives should be set in accordance with the SMART approach whic

Pembangunan Ekonomi Seimbang Dan Komprehensif

Pembangunan Ekonomi Seimbang Dan Komprehensif YB. DATO MUSTAFA MOHAMAD MENTERI DI JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI DR. AMINI AMIR ABDULLAH PENGARAH PUSAT ISLAM UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA Bermaksud: Dan carilah pada apa yang telah dianugerahkan Allah kepada kamu (kebahagiaan) di akhirat dan janganlah kamu melupakan bahagian kamu dari (kenikmatan) duniawi dan berbuat baiklah (kepada orang lain) sebagaimana Allah telah berbuat baik, kepadamu, dan janganlah kamu berbuat kerosakan di mukabumi. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak menyukai orang-orang yang berbuat kerosakan. [Surah Al-Qasas: 77] Pengenalan Pembangunan Malaysia berprinsip ekonomi Islam. Kerajaan telah memperkenalkan konsep Islam Hadhari dalam usaha meneruskan agenda pembangunan negara yang memberi penekanan kepada pembangunan manusia, masyarakat dan negara. Konsep Islam Hadhari memperjelaskan lagi apa yang dimaksudkan dengan pembangunan menyeluruh yang menjadi teras Wawasan 2020 terutama dari segi keseimbangan pembangunan kebendaan dengan kerohanian. Kerajaan juga berhasrat untuk memperkukuhkan lagi sistem ekonomi Islam di Malaysia khususnya dalam sektor kewangan Islam. YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi menegaskan: Islam Hadhari memberi tekanan kepada pembangunan. Pembangunan yang menjurus kepada pembinaan peradaban. Peradaban yang dicanai dengan pegangan Islam dan memberi fokus kepada usaha mempertingkatkan mutu kehidupan. Mempertingkatkan mutu kehidupan melalui penguasaan ilmu, pembangunan insan, pembangunan kesihatan serta pembangunan fizikal. Mempertingkatkan mutu kehidupan dengan mengamalkan sistem ekonomi, sistem perdagangan dan sistem kewangan yang dinamik. Pembangunan sepadu dan seimbang bagi melahirkan umat yang berilmu dan beriman, bertamadun tinggi, berakhlak mulia, jujur lagi amanah, serta bersedia menangani cabaran semasa dunia global. (Ucapan Dasar Presiden UMNO dlm Perhimpunan Agung UMNO 2004 di Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur). Islam tidak mengakui wujudnya pertentangan di antara kehidupan keduniaan dengan kerohanian. Islam tertonjol bukan sekadar untuk membentuk peribadi manusia, tetapi juga membentuk masyarakat yang sejahtera dan bahagia sehingga ajaran Allah di bumi ini dapat ditegakkan. Islam adalah satu-satunya agama yang menganjurkan keseimbangan antara keperluan dunia dan akhirat, rohani dan jasmani. Banyak ayat-ayat al-Quran yang menggalakkan manusia untuk meraih kedudukan yang seimbang antara keperluan-keperluan rohani dan jasmani. Antaranya ialah firman Allah s.a.w. : Bermaksud: Dan carilah pada apa yang telah dianugerahkan Allah kepada kamu (kebahagiaan) di akhirat dan janganlah kamu melupakan bahagian kamu dari (kenikmatan) duniawi dan berbuat baiklah (kepada orang lain) sebagaimana Allah telah berbuat baik, kepadamu, dan janganlah kamu berbuat kerosakan di mukabumi. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak menyukai orang-orang yang berbuat kerosakan. [Surah Al-Qasas: 77] Islam juga berbeza dengan agama-agama lain kerana ia tidak memisahkan antara kehidupan jasmani dengan kehidupan rohani, individu dan masyarakat dan unsur-unsur keduniaan dengan keakhiratan. Islam mengajarkan supaya berdoa untuk mendapatkan kebaikan di dunia bersama-sama dengan akhirat. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Bermaksud : Ada di antara manusia yang berdoa,Ya Tuhan kami, berilah kami kebaikan di dunia dan kebaikan di akhirat dan peliharalah kami daripada siksaan api neraka. Islam juga mengharuskan manusia mengambil faedah dan menggunakan keperluan-keperluan dunia untuk menuju ke akhirat. Tiada larangan untuk manusia mencari kebahagiaan di dunia asalkan ianya dilakukan secara tidak melanggar adab dan peraturan Allah s.w.t.. Firman Allah s.w.t.: bermaksud : Katakanlah ( Wahai Muhammad ) : Siapakah yang  Ã‚   ( berani ) mengharamkan perhiasan Allah yang telah dikurniakannya untuk hamba-hambanya, dan demikian juga benda-benda yang baik lagi halal dari rezeki yang dikurniakannya. Katakanlah: Semuanya itu ialah ( nikmat-nikmat ) untuk orang-orang yang beriman ( dan juga tidak beriman ) dalam kehidupan dunia ( Nikmat-nkmat itu pula) hanya tertentu ( bagi orang-orang yang beriman sahaja ) pada hari Kiamat. Demikianlah kami jelaskan ayat-ayat keterangan kami satu persatu bagi orang-orang yang (mahu) mengetahui. Umat Islam harus berusaha demi untuk kesejahteraan hidup keduniaan agar tidak ketinggalan dalam era mengejar kemajuan di dunia. Namun begitu, umat Islam tidak harus lupa bahawa kehidupan di dunia merupakan tempat untuk menguji tahap keimanan seseorang. Di dalam al-Quran dijelaskan: Bermaksud: Patutkah manusia menyangka bahawa mereka akan dibiarkan dengan hanya berkata: Kami beriman   sedangkan mereka tidak diuji (dengan sesuatu cubaan). Demi sesungguhnya kami telah menguji orang-orang yang terdahulu daripada mereka, maka (dengan ujian yang demikian), nyata apa yang diketahui Allah tentang orang-orang yang sebenar-benarnya beriman, dan nyata pula apa yang diketahuinya tentang orang-orang yang berdusta. Harus diingat, di dalam mengejar kepentingan keduniaan, Al-Quran memperingatkan umat manusia agar tidak terperangkap dengan nikmat-nikmat dunia. Ini jelas di dalam firman Allah s.w.t: Bermaksud: Katakanlah bahawa ( yang dikatakan ) kehidupan dunia itu tidak lain hanyalah ( bawaan hidup yang berupa semata-mata) permainan dan hiburan ( yang melalaikan ) serta perhiasan ( yang mengurang ) , juga ( bawaan hidup yang bertujuan ) bermegah-megah di antara kamu ( dengan kelebihan, kekuatan dan bangsa keturunan ) serta (berlumba-lumba memperbanyakkan harta benda dan anak pinak; semuanya itu terhad waktunya ) samalah seperti hujan yang ( menumbuhkan tanaman yang menghijau subur ) menjadikan penanamnya suka dan tertarik hati kepada kesuburannya, kemudian tanaman itu bergerak segar ( ke suatu masa yang tertentu ), selepas itu engkau melihatnya menjadi kuning, akhirnya ianya menjadi hancur bersepai, dan di akhirat ada azab yang berat ( disediakan bagi golongan yang hanya mengutamakan kehidupan di dunia itu ), dan ( ada pula ) keampunan besar serta keredhaan Allah ( disediakan bagi orang-orang yang mengutamakan akhirat ). Dan ( ingatlah bahawa ) kehidupan dunia ini tidak lain hanyalah kes enangan bagi orang-orang yang terpedaya. Al-Quran meletakkan hirarki kehidupan akhirat lebih baik daripada kehidupan dunia. Akhirat mesti dijadikan matlamat berserta dengan persediaan yang lengkap di dunia. Sebab itu al-Quran memberi amaran kepada mereka yang mementingkan dunia tanpa membuat persediaan untuk akhirat sebagaimana firman Allah s.w.t : bermaksud; Sesiapa yang keadaan usahanya semata-mata berkehendakkan kehidupan dunia dan perhiasannya   ( dengan tidak disaksikan sama oleh al-Quran tentang sah batalnya ), maka kami akan sempurnakan hasil usaha mereka di dunia, dan mereka tidak dikurangkan sedikitpun padanya. Merekalah orang-orang yang tiada baginya pada hari akhirat kelak selain daripada azab neraka, dan pada hari itu gugurlah apa yang mereka lakukan di dunia, dan batallah apa yang mereka telah kerjakan. Falsafah Tauhid dan Bidang Ekonomi Usaha-usaha kerajaan dalam aspek pembangunan ekonomi adalah selari dengan falsafah dan prinsip program Islam Hadhari. Ia bertujuan untuk melindungi ketidakadilan dalam pemerolehan, perkhidmatan dan penggunaan sumber alam, dengan memenuhi kepuasan manusia untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab terhadap Allah s.w.t. dan masyarakat keseluruhannya. Keperluan kebendaaan dan kerohanian manusia hendaklah dipenuhi dalam bentuk yang bersepadu. Pendekatan ini memberi tempat yang utama kepada kesepaduan nilai etika dan moral dalam semua keperluan dan tindak-tanduk manusia termasuklah dalam beraktiviti ekonomi. Falsafah tauhid menganjurkan kesatuan dalam ilmu pengetahuan untuk mendidik manusia bagi kebahagiaan hidup (al-saadah) dan keredhaan Allah s.w.t.. llmu ekonomi dan yang berkaitan dengannya turut sama berperanan yang pada akhirnya mendukung martabat dan kemuliaan Islam. Penumpuan pembangunan dalam negara adalah secara bersepadu dan komprehensif dengan penekanan diberikan lebih kepada dimensi kerohanian di samping dimensi kebendaan tidak disisihkan. penghayatan akhlak Islam disertakan dalam semua urusan dan operasi ekonomi. Falsafah tauhid turut mengajar usaha mewujudkan semangat al-adl wa al-ihsan dalam menghayati urusan ekonomi, sesuai dengan firman Allah s.w.t.: yang bermaksud: Sesungguhnya Allah menyuruh berlaku adil, dan berbuat kebaikan, serta memberi bantuan kepada kaum kerabat; dan melarang daripada melakukan perbuatan-perbuatan yang keji dan mungkar serta kezaliman. Ia mengajar kamu (dengan suruhan dan laranganNya ini), supaya kamu mengambil peringatan mematuhiNya. (Surah al-Nahl: ayat 90) Tauhid juga mendidik manusia supaya sentiasa peka dalam perhubungan mereka dengan penciptaan dengan penggunaan sumber-sumber dengan secekap mingkin, tidak membazir, dan memperhitungkan akibat dari penggunaan sumber-sumber tersebut suoaya kebajikan dapat dijaga. Konsep dan Prinsip Ekonomi Seimbang dan Komprehensif Konsep pertama ialah konsep rububiyyah, yang menekankan sifat Allah s.w.t. sebagai Penguasa yang membuat peraturan dan bertujuan menjaga dan menampung kehidupan makhluk demi kabahagiaan dunia dan Akhirat. Sebagai Pencipta alam semesta ini, hanya Allah s.w.t. sahajakah yang mengerti perjalanan dan pengisian yang terbaik untuk alam dan makhluk-Nya. Lantaran itu segala peraturan da nsistem yang bersumberkan wahyu adalah demi keharmonian, keadilandan kesejahteraan hidup manusia. Dalam ekonomi Islam, terdapat konsep tazkiyah untuk membentuk kesucian jiwa dan ketinggian akhlak melalui pembersihan harta dengan mengeluarkan zakat dan bersedekah. Pembersihan jiwa juga dapat dibentuk dengan mengikis sifat bakhil dan kedekut, tamak haloba dan eksploitasi serta diganti dengan sifat pemurah dan dermawan, zuhd dan qanaah di samping kompromi dan pengagihan sama rata serta sikap saling bekerjasama dan membantu. Pembersihan interaksi dan kemanusiaan dapat diwujudkan dengan peluang-peluang sama rata dalam aktiviti ekonomi atas jalinan silaturrahim tanpa ada unsur-unsur pilih kasih ataupun kerana darjat. Keluhuran konsep ini menjadi natijah daripada pelaksanaan konsep rububiyyah. Segala aktiviti di dunia perlu dilihat dari segi nilai kini bagi natijah pada Hari Akhirat. Oleh sebab hidup di dunia ini berupa cubaan untuk menguji sesiapa yang terbaik amalannya, sama ada amalan keagamaan ataupun keduniaan, dan semua pemberiaan yang tersedia kepada manusia adalah dalam bentuk amanah, manusia bertanggungjawab kepada Allah s.w.t dan kejayaan pada hari Akhirat nanti bergantung kepada prestasinya di dunia. Kerana di dunia ini aktiviti ekonomi merupakan salah satu daripada unsur-unsurnya. Maka soal amanah dan kebertanggungjawaban tidak dapat lari dari dipersoalkan pada Hari Akhirat kelak.Manusia sebagai khalifah Allah merupakan pemegang amanah yang bererti memakmurkan dunia yang masih tidak terputus daripada hubungan dengan unsur-unsur tauhid dan rububiyyah. Tatacara perhubungan sesama manusia adalah asas satu unsur persaudaraan dan kesamaan. Ini akan mendorong kepada nilai-nilai murni dan merujuk keamanan sejagat. Juga harus diingat, dunia ini kepunyaan Allah s.w.t. H arta kepunyaan manusia bukanlah bersifat mutlak, bahkan ia menjadi ujian dan amanah Allah s.w.t Kesedaran pemilikan secara ini akan menjadikan manusia menguruskan pemilikannya secara yang diredhai oleh Allah s.w.t. Prinsip Ekonomi Kebebasan Terhad dan Menurut Nili-nillai Akhlak Islam tidak sahaja memberi kebebasan dalam bidang-bidang ekonomi tetapi ia juga memberi perlindungan terhadap apa yang telah diperoleh. Nilai-nilai akhlak dan sifat-sifat terpuji menjadi asas pengisian prinsip kebebasan. Segala amalan ekonomi yang bertentangan syariah Islamiah dianggap menyalahgunakan pengertian kebebasan.kebebasan. Oleh itu, amalan ekonomi tidak boleh menyalahi peraturan syari ah Islam. Hak Milik Swasta atau Awam Cara mendapat harta haruslah dengan jalan halal (bukan dengan melakukan amalan riba, penipuan, penindasan, rasuah, eksploitasi dan cara-cara lain yang bertentangan dengan Islam). Hasil pendapatan swasta ataupun persendirian hendaklah dikeluarkan zakat atau cukainya untuk sumbangan ke jalan Allah s.w.t. (seperti sedekah, pembinaan sekolah dan sebagainya). Dalam agihan milik swasta hendaklah dielakkan hal-hal yang boleh mengakibatkan perluasan jurang pendapatan dan membahayakan orang lain atau alam sekitar. Campur Tangan Pihak Pengguasa Syari ah Islamiah mengharuskan konsep campur tangan pihak pemerintah dalam kegiatan-kegiatan ekonomi, sama ada dalam bentuk pengurusan, penyusunan, agihan dan perancangan. Dengan kuasa politik di tangan pemerintah, ia berhak campur tangan dalam ekonomi Negara untuk melindungi dan menjamin kestabilan dan keadilan sosial, dengan syarat ia mesti bersandarkan syari ah. Pihak penguasa yang diberi kepercayaan oleh rakyat bertanggungjawab menjaga dan memelihara peraturan masyarakat secara akhusus untuk menegakkan keadilan Ilahi. Prinsip Keadilan Sosial Prinsip ini ialah asas yang dinamik untuk mengatur dan melaksanakan urusan ekonomi dalam sesebuah masyarakat. Kecemerlangan sistem ekonomi memerlukan sistem penyusunan kegiatan ekonomi yang berteraskan semangat keadilan. Semangat ini memberi ruang kepada semua individu untuk berfungsi secara positif dan optimis. Pengendalian ekonomi dan mekanisme kegiatan ekonomi mesti dapat menuju kea rah wujudnya keadilan ekonomi. Sesebuah Negara pula hendaklah dapat menyediakan keperluan hidup asasi individu melalui pencapaaian-pencapaian berikut: a. Pemeliharaan penghayatan keagamaan melalui penerapan nilai agama dalam semua urusan hidup. b. Menaikkan taraf daya berfikir masyarakat dan kualiti ilmu. c. Memberikan kebebasan dan jaminan perundangan kepada masyarakat supaya menyuarakan pendapat sesuai dengan prinsip shura. d. Jaminan dalam menentukan kebebasan kerjasama pihak swasta dan kerajaan, dalam ataupun luar Negara dalam usaha mengaktifkan modal dan mencetuskan kegiatan dan peluang ekonomi. e. Membina tamadun yang kukuh agar generasi mendatang terus mengecap kecemerlangan. Prinsip Kemuafakatan Islam menekankan semangat muafakat untuk mengurangkan pertelingkahan antara pasangan-pasangan unit ekonomi seperti majikan dengan pekerja, penjual dengan pembeli, pengeluar dengan pengguna, dan sebagainya dalam sistem ekonomi yang berasaskan tauhid. Ini kerana semua unit ekonomi tersebut mempunyai matlamat dan arah yang sama, iaitu mengabdikan diri kepada nilai keadilan dan muafakat yang dituntut oleh agama. Pendekatan ini sekeras-kerasnya menolak pendekatan hidup dalam sistem ideology secular sepertu yang terkandung di dalam falsafah struggle for existence. Islam menekankan cooperation for existence sebagai asas pegangan hidup yang bersesuaian dengan falsafah tauhid. Prinsip Istikhlaf Manusia ialah khalifah Allah di atas muka bumi ini dan pemegang amanah untuk memakmurkan dunia. Semia di dunia ini menjadi hak milik mutlak Allah s.w.t. dan dicipta untuk keprluan manusia. Manusia bertanggungjawab kepada Allah s.w.t. dan apa yang diusaha dan dimiliki. Prinsip ini menggariskan pemilikan harta hendaklah memalui cara yang diredhai Allah s.w.t. penggunaan harta untuk kebajikan pemiliknya dan juga masyarakat, juga melibatkan pengaliran harta dalam apa jua bidang ekonomi. Prinsip Bekerja dan Ganjaran Penglibatan dalam kegiatana ekonomi merupakan ibadah. Setiap penglibatan mestilah diberikan ganjaran yang setimpal. Pemerintah mestilah mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan kepada masyarakat. Riba pula terkeluar daripada prinsip ini kerana ia diperoleh tanpa usaha. Konsep kerja ini akan membawa kepada peningkatan taraf hidup masyarakat yang disertai dengan keadilan pengagihan harta dan kekayaan. Prinsip Keuntungan dan Kerugian Prinsip untung dan rugi adalah lumrah dalam muamalat Islam, bahkan ia juga menjadi asasnya. Berdasarkan prinsip ini, mekanisme seperti mudarabah dan mushakarah digalakkan dalam aktiviti ekonomi. Ia menjamin keadilan di samping menegaskan konsep saling memerlukan antara pengusaha dengan pemilik modal. Prinsip Menjauhkan Pembuatan Merosakkan Islam menganjurkan segala bentuk keruntuhan akhlak, kerosakan diri, kerosakan masyarakat, kepincangan keluarga dan kerosakan alam persekitaran hendaklah dijauhi dalam kegiatan berekonomi. Oleh itu, terdapat perkara-perkara yang diharamkan oleh Islam seperti penindasan, penipuan, pencurian, pencemaran alam, pembaziran dan sebagainya dalam sistem ekonomi Islam. Islam dan Perebutan Peluang Peningkatan Taraf Hidup Islam mengajarkan bahawa dalam melakukan amal ibadah dan menuju ke alam akhirat, dunia ini janganlah diabaikan. Dunia ini menjadi lading ataupun jambatan, manakala matlamat akhir segala aktiviti manusia adalah untuk kejayaan dan kebahagiaan di dunia ataupun akhirat. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Bermaksud: Dan carilah pada apa yang telah dianugerahkan Allah kepada kamu (kebahagiaan) di akhirat dan janganlah kamu melupakan bahagian kamu dari   (kenikmatan) duniawi dan berbuat baiklah (kepada orang lain) sebagaimana Allah telah berbuat baik kepadamu, dan janganlah kamu berbuat kerosakan di mukabumi. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak menyukai orang-orang yang berbuat kerosakan. [Surah Al-Qasas: 77] Islam juga mengajarkan kita agar merebut segenap peluang yang ada bagi memajukan diri, masyarakat, negara dan agama sebelum terlambat atau terlepas peluang-peluang itu. Dalam satu sabda Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. diperjelaskan yang maksudnya berbunyi: Rebutlah peluang lima keadaan sebelum datangnya lima yang lain keadaan mudamu sebelum datangnya keadaan tuamu, dan keadaan sihatmu sebelum datangnya keadaan sakitmu, dan keadaanmu dalam keberadaan sebelum datangnya keadaanmu berhajat, dan keadaan lapangmu sebelum datangnya keadaan sibukmu, dan keadaanmu masih hidup sebelum datangnya matimu. (Riwayat Al-Tirmizi) Malaysia sedang mengorak langkah untuk menjadi pusat perkhidmatan kewangan Islam global yang mampu bersaing di persada kewangan antarabangsa. Kita bermula dengan penubuhan Bank Islam Berhad dan kita sedang menuju ke suatu arah yang jelas untuk dicontohi oleh negara lain terutamanya dalam aspek kewangan, perbankan dan ekonomi Islam. Malaysia kini sedang menjadi perhatian negara-negara Islam lain dan menjadi contoh untuk diambil pengajaran oleh negara-negara lain. Bukan sahaja dalam aspek ekonomi Islam kita sedang dipelajari, bahkan Malaysia merupakan peneraju kepada Pertubuhan Persidangan Islam (OIC) yang mana YAB Perdana Menteri adalah pengerusinya. Kita juga adalah negara Islam contoh dan kita juga adalah model negara Islam bermasyarakat berbilang kaum dan mempunyai pelbagai agama. Kejayaan negara kita mengekalkan kestabilan dan keharmonian antara kaum adalah satu rekod yang perlu kita pertahankan dengan kompleksiti kepelbagaian kaum. Dasar-dasar sedia ada di negara kita telah terbukti dan mampu mempertahankan rekod kejayaan keharmonian perpaduan antara kaum yang cukup baik. Kita juga berharap semoga rakyat semua akan dapat bersama Islam Hadhari bagi merealisasikan pemupukan integrasi nasional dan meningkatkan tahap kesetiaan kita kepada negara dan kepatuhan kita kepada undang-undang dan perlembagaan negara. ISLAM HADHARI DAN PERSPEKTIF PENGURUSAN NEGARA ISLAM SERTA PEMBANGUNAN BERSEPADU Pembangunan bersepadu ialah pembangunan yang berasaskan kesepaduan iman, akhlak, kerohanian dan kebendaan. Ilmu-ilmu dan objektif yang berkaitan dengan pembangunan, negara, kemasyarakatan dan manusia tidak dipisah-pisahkan antara satu sama lain. Pembangunan bersepadu juga bersangkutan dengan pembangunan insan yang berpegang pada prinsip-prinsip peraturan Allah dalam hubungan manusia dengan Tuhan, manusia sesama manusia, manusia dengan alam sekitar dan manusia dengan makhluk-makhluk ciptaan Allah. Dalam konteks ini juga, manusia sebenarnya adalah pemegang amanah Allah. Dunia ini adalah amanah Allah untuk dimanfaatkan dan dimakmurkan mengikut ketentuan yang Allah perintahkan. Usaha-usaha manusia harus dilakukan mengikut landasan-landasan yang ditetapkan oleh Allah s.w.t.. Islam memberikan perhatian yang serius kepada pembangunan insan berbanding dengan pembangunan-pembangunan lain kerana di tangan insanlah terletaknya inisiatif dan perlaksanaan membangunkan bidang-bidang lain. Secara dasarnya, apabila baik (muhsin, muslih, soleh) insan itu maka baiklah juga perlaksanaannya menurut tuntutan Islam. Walau bagaimanapun, ini tidaklah boleh diertikan Islam sebagai mengenepikan pembangunan-pembangunan lain. Islam juga mementingkan pembangunan material, negara, masyarakat dan keluarga. Justeru itu, bidang-bidang ini mesti disepadukan dengan pembangunan insan tadi.   Taqwa merupakan ciri terpenting yang patut terdapat dalam pembangunan. Pembangunan bertaqwa ialah pembangunan yang menjuruskan hati, perasaan dan matlamat kehidupan untuk mematuhi titah perintah Allah s.w.t. dan menjauhi larangannya. Taqwa merupakan paksi pembangunan perspektif Islam. Setiap perbuatan dinilai baik-buruknya berdasarkan neraca Allah s.w.t. dan bukannya manusia. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Perbandingan syurga yang dijanjikan untuk orang yang bertaqwa itu ialah mengalir air sungai di bawahnya, makanannya tidak habis-habis, begitu juga naunganNya. Begitulah kesudahannya orang yang bertaqwa, dan kesudahan orang yang kafir itu ialah api neraka. Menurut Islam, Allah telah melantik manusia sebagai khalifahNya di atas muka bumi ini. Manusia diberikan beberapa kualiti untuk mentadbir dunia dan hal ehwalnya, diberikan tanggungjawab dan amanah untuk memenuhi tuntutan-tuntutan Allah dengan bentuk fizikal yang terbaik dan bersesuaian.   Justeru itu, pembalasan-pembalasan baik dan buruk akan diberikan oleh Allah s.w.t. berkenaan dengan perlaksanaan tuntutan-tuntutan Allah tadi. Manusia akan dipersoalkan oleh Allah di Akhirat kelak untuk segala aktiviti-aktivitinya yang dijalankan di atas dunia ini. Manusia patut menggunakan seluruh keupayaan akal dan potensinya untuk mendapatkan keredhaan Allah s.w.t. Ringkasnya, segala tenaga dan keupayaannya patut ditumpukan pada membangunkan dunia ini menurut kehendak Allah s.w.t. mengikut cara yang dikehendaki olehNya. Manusia patut bersedia menjawab persoalan-persoalan yang akan ditanya oleh Allah s.w.t. di akhirat kelak berkenaan dengan dirinya, keluarga, jiran, masyarakat, aktiviti ekonomi, pekerjaan, pendidikan, perundangan, penguatkuasaan undang-undang, urusan pemerintahan, negara, peperangan dan sebagainya. Kejayaan sebenar(Al-Falah) dan pembangunan hanya akan dapat diraih sekiranya manusia memberikan sepenuh tumpuan kehidupannya untuk menjawab persoalan-persoalan ini.  Ã‚   Misi para Nabi adalah mensucikan diri manusia dalam proses-proses pembangunan yang dialami oleh manusia. Konsep (Tazkiyyah) mengambil kira penyucian manusia dalam hubungan-hubungan manusia-Tuhan, manusia sesama manusia, manusia-makhluk dan manusia-alam sekitar. Konsep ini akan mengharmonikan kesejahteraan alam semesta dan manusia dan mempertingkatkan hubungan-hubungan di atas untuk mencapai kejayaan di dunia dan di akhirat. Pembangunan dalam Islam berasaskan Tauhid iaitu hanya Allah s.w.t. dan tiada lainnya yang menjadi dasar keyakinan, objektif hidup dan motivasi memajukan kehidupan, usaha dan perbuatan. Berasaskan paradigma tauhid, segala aktiviti manusia didasarkan kepada otoriti Allah s.w.t. kerana Allahlah sahaja yang mempunyai otoriti mutlak menganugerahkan sesuatu atau menarik balik nikmat itu. Justeru itu, segala aspek berkaitan dengan pembangunan itu mestilah dilandasi mengikut kehendakNya. Islam menganjurkan keseimbangan (al-Tawazun) antara tuntutan dunia dan akhirat. Keseimbangan juga dituntut antara pembangunan rohani dan jasmani, sprituil dan material, akal dan nafsu. Persoalan pembangunan seimbang akan membawa kita kepada persoalan nilai antara dua elemen asas dalam keseimbangan pembangunan menurut perspektif Islam. Tuntutan dunia dan akhirat mestilah berdasarkan kriteria marufat (baik) dan munkarat (buruk atau keji). Pembangunan material haruslah diseimbangkan dengan pembangunan spiritual. Inilah yang dimaksudkan oleh Allah s.w.t. berkaitan dengan pembangunan negara iaitu negara yang aman makmur mendapat pengampunan Tuhannya(Baldatun taiyyibatun wa rabbun Ghafur). Pembangunan berakhlak ialah pembangunan yang berasaskan misi agung Rasulallah s.a.w. iaitu misi menyempurnakan akhlak yang mulia. Pembangunan berakhlak akan memanifestasikan objektif akhlak itu terancang, tersusun dan terbangun mengikut akhlak Islam. Terdapat sebuah hadis yang memperingatkan tentang akhlak yang boleh dijadikan sandaran perlaksanaan pembangunan berakhlak. Sabda Rasulallah s.a.w. yang maksudnya seperti berikut: Tiga perkara yang menyelamatkan, iaitu takut pada Allah ketika bersendirian dan dikhalayak ramai, berlaku adil pada ketika suka dan marah, berjimat cermat ketika susah dan senang dan tiga perkara yang membinasakan iaitu mengikut hawa nafsu, terlampau bakhil dan kekaguman seseorang terhadap dirinya sendiri. (Riwayat Abu Syeikh) Keadilan merupakan merupakan salah satu daripada ciri-ciri pembangunan berakhlak. Adil bermaksud meletakkan sesuatu pada tempatnya. Maka pembangunan yang adil ialah pembangunan yang dilakukan bersesuaian dengan tempatnya dalam konteks bernegara, bermasyarakat dan berkeluarga. Manafaat pembangunan mestilah boleh dikecapi secara sama rata sama ada Islam dan bukan Islam, tanpa ada sikap pilih kasih, kronisme, atau sentimen keturunan, bangsa, darjat atau kelas. Penjurusan faedah-faedah ekonomi mestilah ditumpukan ke arah kelompok-kelompok masyarakat yang memerlukan berbanding dengan yang tidak.  Ã‚   YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi] menjelaskan: Adalah perlu diteliti semula pelbagai pendekatan dan kaedah untuk diperkemaskan supaya lebih seimbang dan menyeluruh, merangkumi pembangunan prasarana dan pembangunan ekonomi, diperkukuhkan dengan pembangunan manusia melalui program pendidikan yang komprehensif, diperlengkap pula dengan program pembangunan rohani untuk menyemaikan nilai-nilai murni dan menerapkan nilai-nilai Islam dalam kehidupan. (Ucapan Dasar Presiden UMNO dlm Perhimpunan Agung UMNO 2004 di Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur). Pembangunan berlestari, berhati-hati, mengelakkan pembaziran, kemewahan yang negatif dan perkara-perkara yang tidak berfaedah merupakan tuntutan Islam. Pembangunan haruslah terancang dan mengambil kira kemampuan kewangan negara. Pembangunan yang cenderung untuk mengisi kecenderungan hawa nafsu bukanlah pembangunan yang dituntut oleh Islam.  Ã‚   Pembangunan juga bukanlah alat untuk menonjolkan keangkuhan. Semuanya adalah kurnia Allah jua dengan kehendak dan iradahNya. Dalam konteks ini, konsep syukur merupakan salah satu ciri pembangunan berakhlak. Syukur dikira sebagai tanda terima kasih di atas anugerah Allah s.w.t. dan redha dengan sebarang ketentuanNya. Berterima kasih kepada manusia pula tidak seharusnya melebihiberterima kasih kepada Allah kerana anugerah nikmat itu hanyalah hak Allah. Berterima kasih kepada Allah bukan sahaja dilipatgandakan oleh Allah nikmat-nikmatnya di dunia ini bahkan di akhirat kelak. Kufur nikmat atau tidak melakukan cara bersyukur yang betul apabila menerima sesuatu nikmat atau imbuhan akan mendapat balasan buruk dan azab Allah s.w.t.. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Bermaksud: Demi sesungguhnya sekiranya kamu bersyukur, nescaya Aku akan tambahkan nikmatKu kepada kamu dan sekiranya kamu kufur, sesungguhnya azabKu amatlah keras. Menyentuh soal pembangunan berakhlak, kita tidak akan dapat lari daripada soal disiplin dan semangat ketekunan juga. Mana-mana pembangunan pun tidak akan dapat tercapai tanpa menyentuh soal ketekunan dan disiplin diri. Pembinaan ketamadunan manusia menyentuh soal ketekunan dan berkerja kuat.   Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. bersabda: Sesungguhnya Allah s.w.t. menyukai apabila seseorang kamu bekerja dia melakukannya dengan tekun. [Riwayat Abu Daud) Masyarakat yang membangun ialah masyarakat yang bekerja kuat dan ini meningkatkan produktiviti serta memberi kesan yang positif. Justeru itu, pembangunan sambil lewa, lemah perancangan dan tindakan, malas dan curi tulang bukanlah pembangunan dalam ruang lingkup akhlak Islam. Menurut pandangan Islam, harta adalah satu keperluan dan bukannya matlamat. Harta dikira sebagai rezeki daripada Allah maka ia hendaklah dibersihkan dengan mengeluarkan zakat. Ia juga dianggap sebagai satu amanah, maka ia hendaklah diperolehi dan dibelanjakan mengikut tuntutan Islam. Kualiti pembangunan menurut Islam adalah gabungan daripada pembangunan bersepadu, seimbang dan berakhlak. Inilah merupakan perbezaan ketara pembangunan perspektif Islam dan pembangunan Barat. Pembangunan berihsan juga di perlukan dalam konteks pembangunan negara. Apa yang dimaksudkan dengan pembangunan berihsan ialah pembangunan yang dianggap segala tindakan dan perlaksanaan di dalamnya sentiasa di bawah pemantauan Allah s.w.t.. Oleh kerana pembangunan yang menjurus kepada mendapatkan keredhaan Allah s.w.t. dianggap sebagai ibadah, maka pembangunan berihsan menepati konsep ihsan yang menjelaskan bahawa kamu menyembah Allah seolah-olah kamu melihatNya, sekiranya kamu tidak melihatNya, maka sesungguhnya Allah melihat kamu. Di dalam hadith yang lain berkenaan ihsan, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. bersabda: Allah telah mewajibkan ihsan pada setiap sesuatu Allah mewajibkan kita berbuat kebaikan dalam setiap pekerjaan yang kita lakukan. Dalam konteks pembangunan, konsep ihsan harus diaplikasikan dalam setiap perancangan dan perlaksanaannya yang mengambil kira keperluan dan mereka yang memerlukan, ihsan terhadap sesama manusia, ihsan terhadap makhluk dan alam sekitar. Etika Dalam Pembangunan Di dalam Islam, pembangunan tidak akan mempunyai sebarang erti seandainya pembangunan yang dimaksudkan hanyalah berunsurkan material semata-mata. Bahkan pembangunan yang berunsurkan material merupakan asas utama dalam falsafah pembinaan pembangunan dan tamadun Barat.  Ã‚   Di sini dibawa satu kisah daripada al-Quran berkenaan kaum Ad yang menikmati pembangunan yang cukup pesat dan maju pada zaman mereka. Mereka dikurniakan bangunan rumah-rumah di tanah mendatar yang dipahat dari gunung, tanah yang cukup subur, ternakan yang membiak dengan senang dan taman-taman yang indah-indah. Maknanya mereka dianugerahkan Allah kemakmuran dan kesenangan hidup yang tiada taranya pada zaman itu. Namun demikian, mereka tidak menyembah Allah s.w.t.. Yang disembah ialah patung dan berhala. Nabi Hud a.s. diutus untuk berdakwah kepada mereka dengan ajakan agar beriman kepada Allah s.w.t. yang mencipta mereka dan menganugerahkan kemakmuran itu kepada mereka. Allahlah sahaja yang layak disembah dan disyukuri. Dalam dakwahnya juga, Nabi Hud telah menjelaskan betapa mereka telah meletakkan diri mereka ke lembah kehinaan dengan menyembah patung berhala yang tidak dapat memberi apa-apa faedah dan keburukan kepada mereka bahkan mereka telah meletakkan diri mereka sebagai makhluk mulia di sisi Allah s.w.t. serendah-rendahnya. Mesej yang ingin disampaikan di sini ialah betapa pembangunan itu adalah anugerah Allah s.w.t. jua dan ia mestilah disyukuri dan pembangunan itu apabila diteliti betul-betul adalah dengan izin Allah jua. Justeru itu ia juga adalah merupakan tanda-tanda kebesaran dan keagungan Allah s.w.t. bagi orang-orang yang berfikir dan meningkatkan keimanan kepada Allah s.w.t.. Kemuliaan penciptaan manusia mestilah dibuktikan dengan keimanan kepada Allah sebenar-benarnya dengan cara menjunjung titah perintahnya d

Siddhartha - symbolism of the river :: essays research papers

Throughout the pilgrimage of Siddhartha’s life, he went through many different stages. In the beginning, we meet Siddhartha, The Brahmin’s Son. Siddhartha was very intelligent, but wanted to learn more. His mind was not full, and his soul was not at peace. He decided to become a Samana in order to fill his mind and set his soul at peace. He had a goal to become completely empty of thirst, desire, dreams, pleasure and sorrow. He had the idea that if he could completely lose Self, he would be content. During his time with the Samanas, Siddhartha heard about Gotama, the Buddha, and became distrustful of teachings and decided to leave the Samanas with the belief that what they could teach him was not good enough. He had to learn things for himself by experiencing them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After listening to Gotama’s teachings, Siddhartha had an awakening. He thought, â€Å"The reason why I do not know anythng about myself, the reason why Siddhartha has remained alien and unknown to myself is due to one thing, to one single thing—I was afraid of myself, I was fleeing from myself.† He realized that he was seeking Brahman and wished to destroy himself rather than finding and getting to know himself. This awakening set Siddhartha onto another stage in his journey. During the beginning of this stage, Siddhartha saw things in a completely new way. He saw the sun rise and the stars for the first time. Siddhartha came upon a beautiful young woman, who very much helped lead him into the next step of his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Siddhartha believed that he loved her and that she loved him. She led him into thinking that he would be happy if he had money, nice clothes, and her. Siddhartha became a successful merchant and loved money. He believed that with money, he could have what he wanted. After all, was it not money that got him Kamala in the first place? The money that had gotten Siddhartha what he wanted began to destroy him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Siddhartha began to think that this world of the riches he had become accustomed to was nothing but a game, as was the love he felt for Kamala. This belief led him into the next stage of his pilgrimage. Siddhartha believed that there was nothing left for him in life, and he wanted to end it, but from somewhere in his soul he heard the holy word Om and his soul suddenly, once again, was awakened.

A Look at Two Computer Hardware Review Websites :: Compare Contrast Papers

A Look at Two Computer Hardware Review Websites Although it is true that many people, when confronted with the task of buying a new computer, will simply go to the closest Best Buy and purchase whatever is on the shelf, an increasing number of people these days are turning to building their own computers. Whether they are interested in saving money, or just like the idea of being in control of what goes into their computer, they need to know which parts are the best for their needs, which parts are the best value. Getting this information from an impartial place can be challenging, but thankfully there are a few websites around today that have a reputation for giving honest reviews and going the extra mile to find the best hardware for your money. I am reviewing two of these sites today, Tom's Hardware Guide, and AnandTech. The first site I am reviewing is Tom's Hardware Guide. Tom's Hardware Guide(THG) is well known and is viewed as one of the most respected places to get information about computer hardware. It might not be immediately evident why anyone should believe that this website should have a lot of credibility, though. According to the "About Us" page, it was originally started in 1996 by Dr. Thomas Pabst, a doctor in Germany. Despite the fact that Tom was not a professional in a computer field, THG has grown to become one of the most popular and trusted places to get independent hardware reviews and has earned the credibility that it now has. I was not very impressed by the layout of the website. It looked like they were trying to put too much information onto the main page, and it was just too cluttered. The front page was full of news stories from the past few days that visitors to a computer hardware review site might find relevant, and links to some of their recent reviews even farther down on the main page. Along the sides there are a large number of computer related ads. I found it rather hard to find my way around the website.

biology presentation for the skeleton :: essays research papers

Intro – slide 1 – acetate 1 The skeleton of a human foetus is formed from tough but flexible cartilage that acts as a blueprint for bone construction. During ossification ( the changing of cartilage to bone) which begins before birth, the cartilage is broken down and the resulting space is filled by bone building mineral salts and protein fibres secreted by bone cells. Humans have a bony endoskeleton made up of 206 bones, although we are born with up to 300, but many of these fuse during childhood. slide 2 The skeleton is divided into two parts ; the axial and the appendiculur. Axial skeleton The axial skeleton consists of the skull, backbone and rib cage which forms the upright axis of the body. It helps to protect the brain, spinal cord and organs in the chest. Appendicular skeleton The appendicular skeleton consists of the upper and lower limbs and the pectoral (shoulder) and pelvis and girdles. The human pelvis is adapted for an upright stance. the lower limbs support the upper body and enable walking and other locomotory movements to take place, where as the upper limbs are used for manipulation. Slide three Just read off screen Slide four – acetate 2 Muscles are used to move your bones. Most muscles are joined at both ends to bones. They are joined to bones by non elastic tendons. Bones are held in place by strong fibres called ligaments. Slide five – acetate 3 Joints are formed when two or more bones come together. Most joints allow bones to move. The amount of movement depends on the type of joint. The elbow joint is a hinge joint. Joints that allow movement are called synovial joints. A synovial joint s adapted to enable a joint to move easily. They contain cartilage, ligaments, bones, synovial fluid and a synovial membrane. Slide six The bones provide the solid base on which the tendons and ligaments are fixed. They are very resistant to being compressed, bent and stretched. The cartilage is the smooth layer which covers the ends of the bones and which stops the bones rubbing together. It has high tensile strength, but it is not rigid. Can compressed and is able to act as a shock absorber. The ligaments are strong fibres that hold bones firmly together. they form a protective cover around the joint. Are very strong and sufficiently elastic to allow movement when the bones in the joint move, so reducing the chance of dislocating a joint.