Implementating magnet environment in Riyadh Military Hospital ICU unit Essay

Implementating magnet environment in Riyadh Military Hospital ICU unit - Essay Example The process of magnet environment in magnet hospitals begins from the process of recruitment and continues with the process of retention. In the process of recruitment, a considerable number of measures are put in place and taken into account in order to ensure the attainment of recruitment objectives. In which candidates current and future expectations are taken into account. After recruiting, many efforts are consumed to retain the hired nurses. Needless to say, it is the ultimate objective of the recruitment of nurses to ensure their continual nursing services with a quite foreseeable future with the management of hospital. More significantly, numerous factors are taken into that require their attainment at recruitment and retention of nurses. However, Shortell & Kaluzny (2006) provide some fundamental elements essential to magnet environment within hospitals; they include, quality of nursing and leadership, organisational performance, motivation and worker autonomy, work design, effective groups and teams, coordination and communication, participative or decentralized management, and organizational change and organizational innovation. The nursing profession consists of three types of workers: registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses (General Accounting Office, 2001). Registered nurses, who are state-licensed and possess associate degrees (two-year community colleges), diplomas (three-year hospital programs), or baccalaureate degrees (four-year colleges), provide direct patient care besides managing nursing care (Keenan, & Kennedy, 2003). Nurse aides may provide their health care services in hospitals and home care settings as well, but... This paper talks also about a few things. One of them is attrition, which is not only a problem for hospitals but also for the managers, health policy makers, and managers relevant to the field of nursing. Besides increasing cost burden over the hospital management to renew the hiring process in order to fill the gap created by attrition of nurses. Interestingly, not only in the developed countries, where the health industry is considerably advanced and stable than health industry operating in the developing countries. Throughout the essay, we can see profound infromation on magnet environment and types of nurses, where it's discussed how important quality of nursing and leadership, organisational performance, motivation and worker autonomy, work design, effective groups and teams, coordination and communication, participative or decentralized management, and organizational change and organizational innovation are. Then the essay begins discussing the causes of nurse attrition, where the general perception of nurse is less positive. Afterwards, the paper talks about the effective strategies to increase nurse retention. This essay has a conclusion, which states that magnet environment holds a key to retain nurses. And, the magnet environment occurs when all the elements inside an organisation work in the required way; In which, organisational commitment, nurse leadership, recruitment policies and procedures, and enablement of nurses in the required level of decision making.

Assignment 5 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

5 - Assignment Example People have intermarried reducing the pure generation that can claim to be Maori. Contrary, the Bushmen in Africa have not received significant changes in their social or economic lives, hence failing to realize the major benefits that come with technology. This paper presents an in depth comparison between the two communities based on the past and current technological developments, and in the general society. Keywords: Maori, Bushmen, San, Society, Indigenous People, New Zealand, Southern Africa, European Settlers, Urban, Rural, Technological Development, Population , Culture, Social, Economical, Historical, Agriculture, Communication, Education, Modern World Introduction Technology is the backbone of every society’s civilization and human development. It is used to make things easier, of more quality, and in increased quantity. Some eliminate human roles and interventions acting to reduce long term costs and saving time. Technologies have evolved over time, and are commonly used in different fields such as medicine, transportation, agriculture, food preservation, administration, industrial production and processes, military, education systems, and entertainment. All these have affected the human lifestyles and activities in one way or the other, depending on how accessible the technology is. Societies in developed nations like the Maori of New Zealand stand a better chance to access the technology, and change their ways of life compared to those in developing countries. Societies such as the Bushmen of Southern Africa have not had the opportunity to interact with most technologies, making them to lag behind in development and literacy. Impact of Technology on Contemporary Maori Society from Historical, Cultural and Social Viewpoints Cultural and historical viewpoint The indigenous Maori people spoke their te reo maori language, resulting to most named sites in modern New Zealand having names influenced by the original language and culture. Technology developments have brought changes in their language, due to migration to urban areas hence eroding certain senses of Maori identity. Along the 20th century and since the New Zealand gained independence in early 1900s, missionaries and the colonial government and its enacted policies stimulated cultural heritage disappearance, such that in the contemporary world, few Maori’s speak Te reo Maori (only 23.7 percent could hold a fluent conversation, majority being the older generation), while the majority from the community (Maori and non Maori) speak English (Lai, 2010). English has improved their communication with the rest of the world and enhanced learning. Today, besides the traditional weaving, carving, and art works, the Maori people have increased their literacy level, with numerous science courses and careers raising scientific knowledgeable workforce. More people now live in the urban areas hence separating from most traditional activities and losing historical ties with their cultures. Facial tattooing practices have become rare in the urban population, and most people do not understand their traditionally recognized clans or tribes. Their food and dressing style is more westernized, but local designers try to incorporate an aspect of their Maori culture with the changes in the technological products. Social viewpoint The Maori use computers to enhance their creativity, performing arts, in high level learning institutions, research, and organizational

How Far Should Pornography Be Regulated in the 21st Century Essay - 1

How Far Should Pornography Be Regulated in the 21st Century - Essay Example FÐ ¾r exÐ °mple, MÐ °rshÐ °ll Ð °nd BÐ °rbÐ °ree (1984) stÐ °ted thÐ °t "there hÐ °ve been drÐ °mÐ °tic increÐ °ses in the Ð °mÐ ¾unt Ð ¾f viÐ ¾lent sex in bÐ ¾th sÐ ¾ft cÐ ¾re . . . Ð °nd hÐ °rd cÐ ¾re pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy. . . Ð °vÐ °ilÐ °ble in Western sÐ ¾cieties". BÐ °rry (1979) stÐ °ted, "The mÐ ¾st prevÐ °lent theme in pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy is Ð ¾ne Ð ¾f utter cÐ ¾ntempt fÐ ¾r wÐ ¾men . . . (whÐ ¾) Ð °re rÐ °ped, ejÐ °culÐ °ted Ð ¾n, urinÐ °ted Ð ¾n, Ð °nÐ °lly penetrÐ °ted, beÐ °ten, Ð °nd, with the Ð °dvent Ð ¾f snuff films, murdered in Ð °n Ð ¾rgy Ð ¾f pleÐ °sure". Russell Ð °nd Lederer (1980) Ð °lleged thÐ °t  «pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy usuÐ °lly cÐ ¾mbines sÐ ¾me sÐ ¾rt Ð ¾f viÐ ¾lence with sex ». DwÐ ¾rkin (1981) in describing pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy stÐ °ted, "reÐ °l wÐ ¾men Ð °re tied up, stretched, hÐ °nged, fucked, gÐ °ng-bÐ °nged, whipped, beÐ °ten, Ð °nd begging fÐ ¾r mÐ ¾re". SimilÐ °rly, Grif fin (1981) described pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy Ð °s "usuÐ °lly Ð ° wÐ ¾mÐ °n, sÐ ¾metimes Ð ° mÐ °n, Ð ¾ften Ð ° child, is Ð °bducted by fÐ ¾rce, verbÐ °lly Ð °bused, beÐ °ten, bÐ ¾und hÐ °nd Ð °nd fÐ ¾Ã ¾t Ð °nd gÐ °gged, Ð ¾ften tÐ ¾rtured, Ð ¾ften hung, his Ð ¾r her bÐ ¾dy suspended, wÐ ¾unded, Ð °nd then murdered". Ð °ll these clÐ °ims Ð °s fÐ ¾r pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy Ð °nd its negÐ °tive impÐ °ct Ð ¾n sÐ ¾ciety hÐ °s evÐ ¾ked cÐ ¾ntrÐ ¾versiÐ °l Ð °pprÐ ¾Ã °ch tÐ ¾ the regulÐ °tiÐ ¾n Ð ¾f pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy Ð °nd subsequent viÐ ¾lence in 21st century. FrÐ ¾m Ð ¾ne side the demÐ ¾crÐ °tic system is believed tÐ ¾ hÐ °ve freedÐ ¾m in mÐ °ss mediÐ ° Ð °nd thus expÐ °nd different kinds Ð ¾f infÐ ¾rmÐ °tiÐ ¾n, frÐ ¾m Ð °nÐ ¾ther side the Ð ¾bscentity by which the wÐ ¾rld hÐ °s been filled with respect tÐ ¾ pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy mÐ °kes it impÐ ¾rtÐ °nt tÐ ¾ regulÐ °te Ð °nd cÐ ¾ntrÐ ¾l the infÐ ¾rmÐ °tiÐ ¾n Ð °vÐ °ilÐ °ble fÐ ¾r the peÐ ¾ple Ð ¾f different Ð °ges. The pÐ ¾rnÐ ¾grÐ °phy cÐ ¾ntrÐ ¾versy is Ð ° cÐ ¾mplex Ð ¾ne, spÐ °nning persÐ ¾nÐ °l, technicÐ °l Ð °nd public Ð °rgument (see GÐ ¾Ã ¾dnight) Ð °s it invÐ ¾kes sÐ ¾ciÐ °l, mÐ ¾rÐ °l, legÐ °l, Ð °nd ethicÐ °l clÐ °ims. It Ð °lsÐ ¾ rÐ °ises interesting theÐ ¾reticÐ °l questiÐ ¾ns  Ã °bÐ ¾ut the wÐ °y persÐ ¾nÐ °l testimÐ ¾ny Ð ¾perÐ °tes in public Ð °rgument. PriÐ ¾r tÐ ¾ Ð °ll Ð ¾f these cÐ ¾nsiderÐ °tiÐ ¾ns, hÐ ¾wever, is hÐ ¾w the cÐ ¾ntrÐ ¾versy is distinguished by the primÐ °ry rÐ ¾le plÐ °yed by definitiÐ ¾nÐ °l Ð °rgument.

The History of Toyota Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The History of Toyota Corporation - Essay Example   Accordingly, the reporters averred that â€Å"safety analysts found an estimated 2000 cases in which owners of Toyota cars including Camry, Prius, and Lexus, reported that their cars surged without warning up to speeds of 100 miles per hour† (Ross, et.al., 2009, par. 2). As a result, there have been congressional hearings scheduled to investigate the complaints and the cases focusing on the safety problems posed by Toyota cars in the US. In this regard, this essay aims to evaluate whether or not Toyota was treated fairly in those hearings. When evaluating the congressional hearings, there are diverse sides that must be considered, to wit: Toyota’s explanation, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), testimonies from safety research institutes and other automotive authorities, the victims of the runaway cars, and the public. Toyota’s defense through James Lentz, president, and COO of Toyota US revealed in his testimony that â€Å"no proble ms exist with the electric throttle control system in our vehicles. Rather, floor mats and sticky accelerators are to blame" (Farber, 2010, par. 7). Two testimonies, however, blamed the accidents on the electrical malfunction with testimonial reports and personal testing and analysis. The side of the NHTSA is being criticized due to previous agency investigators subsequently being employed by Toyota. Any investigation on the sudden acceleration accidents could have been influenced and biased due to connections with Toyota. However, the hearings found â€Å"no violation for these two employees† (Schone & Rhee, 2010, 3). The victims have filed legal cases against Toyota for having sustained injuries with deaths to family members. Also at risk are the public who could be victims of these kinds of car accidents.

Samsung Going Global Essay Example for Free

Samsung Going Global Essay Almost one in five televisions shipped during the third quarter of 2009 had a Samsung label on it. Thats according to DisplaySearch, a market research company that tracks sales of TVs. As The Wall Street Journal noted on Wednesday, Samsungs 17. 2 percentand growingshare of the worldwide TV market is a big deal. No company has had a 20 percent share of televisions since TVs were first sold. The speed with which Samsung has overtaken its competitors is fairly remarkable as well. Just four years ago, the company lagged behind Sony, who was then the king of the new flat-panel scene. Since passing Sony in sales, Samsung has doubled the number of TVs it ships every year. Samsung shipped 38 million TVs last year, according to DisplaySearch, and a goal for 2010 is to sell 45 million TVs. Sony, meanwhile, has floundered in the market it once dominated. Its worldwide market share of flat-panel TVs is 5. 9 percent, according to Display Search. Thats behind LG (14. 8 percent), Panasonic (6. 9 percent), and TCL Electronics/RCA/Thomson/Alcatel (6. 6 percent). For Samsung, broad consumer acceptance of flat-panel technology has been a boon, and it appears that the company plans to milk it. Of the 38 million TVs the company shipped last year, 27. 5 million were liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, and 3. 5 million were plasma displays. An executive told the Journal that Samsung wants its total number of flat-panel sets to increase to 39 million this year. Samsung has been one of the major manufacturers pushing LCD technology with light-emitting diode, or LED, backlighting, as well as Web-connected sets, and focusing less on new display technologies such as organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, technology.

HIV virus Essay Example for Free

HIV virus Essay The HIV virus that causes AIDS is said to have originated from non-human primates i. e. monkeys and chimpanzees in sub-Saharan Africa and was later transferred into humans in the late 19th century. It is thus proposed that the origin of HIV is the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) which affects monkeys given those strains of SIV found in monkeys and chimpanzees corresponds with those of HIV-1 and HIV-2 respectively and that it was transferred to human through Zoonosis. The spread of HIV from West Africa was concurrent with the development of colonial cities (Emlet, 20). AIDS has become a pandemic due its high rate of mutation or variation making it escape thus rendering drug therapy ineffective. Additionally, developing countries are facing a rapid and uncontrolled spread of AIDS. This is attributed to ignorance, poverty and traditions which makes majority of these people to indulge in unprotected sexual behaviors thus facilitating the high rate of spread of the virus. HIV is a retrovirus which is part of lentivirus that attacks’ the immune system and they take a long time before they can produce any adverse effects in the body where it stays in a latent form. Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS) is a condition that sets in when the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has killed many T-helper cells in the white cells resulting to lower immune system which cannot resist infections. The characteristics of the virus are that they have many strains and mutates rapidly. This has made its cure to be difficult given that it does escape vaccines or treatment (Emlet, 32). An infected person will only test positive at a seroconversion point which is the level in which the HIV antibodies are detectable. HIV virus is transmitted through conduct of a mucous membrane or the blood stream with a bodily fluid containing HIV like blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk or preseminal fluid. Possible causes of the virus are; unprotected sex with a person who is infected which either be oral, anal or vaginal. Use of contaminated needle especially drug users, blood transfusions, and mother infecting her child during pregnancy, labor or after delivery via breast milk and any other exposure to one of the bodily fluids (Emlet, 43). The effect of HIV virus is that it suppresses the T-helper cells by deranging or binding them together to the point that they become functionless thus not able to fight pathogens. Given that the immune system is down, the familiar AIDS complications like infections and neoplasm results. Consequently, further cell damage or cytopathy, oral health problems like candidiasis, kaposi’s sarcoma and AIDS dementia complex arises too. Moreover, it has the economical effect for it deprives the society its resources and manpower since the treatment for the disease is costly thus requiring a lot of money. The most common symptoms of the virus infection in their primary stages are; fever, aching muscles and joints, swollen glands, sore throat and malaise. Mononucleosis, recurring respiratory tract infections, prostatitis, oral ulcerations, tuberculosis, and pneumonia are later symptoms of the condition in view of the fact that the body defense mechanisms have been tampered with. In conclusion, the HIV virus has become a universal concern given that no cure, vaccine or treatments have been found which can deal with the epidemic. More research is being conducted on possible treatment and in the next twenty years, a solution could have been found. Continual usage of antiretroviral therapy, sex education and protected sex are key measures for dealing with AIDS (Emlet, 68). The research on a caraguard which is a microbicide gel derived from seaweed is believed to destroy viruses is being tried for prevention of the virus. The protein discovered within the T-cells which are attacked by the virus in order to suppress HIV replication thus there is hope for an effective treatment in the future.

Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Corporation is a United States-based multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, its most profitable products are the Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software. Business organisation and environment Internal environment Objective * Our mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. Finacial resources (March 31, 2009, In millions) * Asset $ 68853 * Liabilities $ 23823 * Stockholders ¡Ã‚ ¯ equity $ 36943 * We generate revenue by developing, manufacturing, licensing, and supporting a wide range of software products and services for many different types of computing devices. Skills and capabilities * As of June 30, 2008, we employed approximately 91,000 people on a full-time basis, 55,000 in the United States and 36,000 internationally. Of the total, 35,000 were in product research and development, 26,000 in sales and marketing, 17,000 in product support and consulting services, 4,000 in manufacturing and distribution, and 9,000 in general and administration. External environment Market environment * Our customers include individual consumers, small and medium-sized organizations, enterprises, governmental institutions, educational institutions, Internet service providers, application developers, and OEMs. Competitor * We have five operating segments: Client, Server and Tools, Online Services Business, Microsoft Business Division, and Entertainment and Devices Division. * Client: Competing commercial software products, including variants of Unix, are supplied by competitors such as Apple, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun Microsystems. * Server and Tools: Our server operating system products face intense competition from a wide variety of server operating systems and server applications, offered by companies with a variety of market approaches. * Online Services Business: OSB competes with AOL, Google, Yahoo!, and a wide array of Web sites and portals that provide content and online offerings of all types to end users. * Microsoft Business Division: Competitors to the Microsoft Office system include many software application vendors such as Apple, Corel, Google, IBM, Novell, Oracle, Red Hat, Sun Microsystems, and local application developers in Europe and Asia. IBM (Smartsuite) and Corel (WordPerfect Suite) have measurable installed bases with their office productivity products. * Entertainment and Devices Division: Our Xbox hardware business competes with console platforms from Nintendo and Sony, both of which have a large, established base of customers. Intermediaries * We distribute our products primarily through the following channels: OEM; distributors and resellers; and online. * OEM: Our operating systems are licensed primarily to OEMs(original equipment manufacturers) under agreements that grant OEMs the right to build computing devices based on our operating systems, principally PCs. Under similar arrangements, we also market and license certain server operating systems, desktop applications, hardware devices, and consumer software products to OEMs. We have OEM agreements covering one or more of our products with virtually all of the major PC OEMs, including Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, NEC, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. * Distributors and resellers: We license software to organizations under arrangements that allow the end-user customer to acquire multiple licenses of products. * Online: We distribute online content and services through Live Search, Windows Live, Office Live, our MSN portals and channels, the Microssoft Online Services platform, which includes offerings for business, and other online channels. * Consumers and small- and medium-sized organizations obtain our products primarily through resellers and OEMs. Political implication 1. Collaborating with Industry and Law Enforcement Microsoft Corporation actively pursues cybercriminals through vigorous civil enforcement in the United States and it works in partnership with law enforcement agencies worldwide to deter cybercrime and bring criminals to justice. Since 2003, Microsoft has supported more than 550 enforcement actions worldwide against spammers, phishers, and distributors of spyware and other malicious code. Microsoft has also engaged with the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, and Washington State, to investigate and pursue cybercriminals. Microsoft works to ensure that governments and law enforcement agencies receive the appropriate tools, necessary training, and extensive technical and investigative support to assist in their efforts to combat global cybercrime and work to make the Internet a safer place for everyone. Training. Microsoft is deeply committed to assisting law enforcement with the identification, location, and prosecution of online fraudsters. * Microsoft has worked with the attorneys general in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Utah State to provide comprehensive training about Internet investigations to law enforcement officials. * Microsoft hosted LE Tech 2006 (October 2006 in Redmond, Washington), a conference to introduce law enforcement officials to new Microsoft software and services that will affect cybercrime investigations over the next few years. Tools and technical support for investigations. Microsoft supports law enforcement agencies around the world with advanced investigative technology to address cyber threats. * In France, Microsoft participates in Signal Spam a platform (created with public and private sector entities) through which Internet users can report suspected spam. Data that is collected through Signal Spam is shared with Internet service providers (ISPs) and French law enforcement authorities to assist in antispam investigations and prosecutions. In the first ten days after the programs launch, users reported nearly 300,000 instances of spam. * In August 2006, Microsoft launched the Law Enforcement Portal, a secure, centralized resource that provides law enforcement with access to Internet crime-related information as well as tools, training, and technical support to assist in investigations. Anti-phishing efforts. Microsoft is dedicated to stopping phishers and works in alliance with groups to implement anti-phishing measures worldwide. * Microsoft is the founding member of Digital PhishNet (DPN), which fosters cooperation among industry and law enforcement agencies to share information, provide training, and educate consumers about phishing sites. Microsoft encourages worldwide participation in DPN by Internet service providers, online auctions, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies. * Microsoft acts with the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) and the Authentication and Online Trust Alliance (AOTA) to promote good public anti-phishing policies and best practices for enforcement of those policies. * In March 2006, Microsoft launched the Global Phishing Enforcement Initiative (GPEI), a worldwide consumer protection campaign in which industry and law enforcement joined forces to combat phishers. The GPEI works to protect the public from fraudulent sites and provides worldwide investigative support to help prosecute phishers. Antispam efforts. Microsoft supports law enforcement with cutting-edge technical and investigative techniques developed specifically to address cyberthreats. To that end, the company has provided technical support to governments around the globe, including in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. * Microsoft has been a leader in promoting SpotSpam, a project co-funded by the European Commission, which aims to limit the spread of spam. The project seeks to establish antispam hotlines in France, Germany, and Poland. * Microsoft also participates in Signal Spam. Created with public and private sector entities, Signal Spam provides a platform through which Internet users can report suspected spam. 2. Promoting a Safer Internet Experience for Children Child Exploitation Tracking System. Microsoft worked closely with Canadian police and international law enforcement agencies to develop Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS), a unique software tool that enables investigators to store, search, share, and analyze large volumes of evidence and to share that evidence with other police agencies. Following its development in Canada, CETS has been implemented in Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Italy, and the United Kingdom; Colombia and Spain have announced their intent to adopt it. Microsoft continues to promote CETS to governments and law enforcement agencies throughout the world. Global Campaign Against Child Pornography. Microsoft joined with Interpol and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) in 2004 to initiate this campaign. Since then, Microsoft has worked with ICMEC and Interpol to help provide training for law enforcement personnel about computer-facilitated crimes against children. As of October 2007, more than 2,400 law enforcement officers from 106 countries have received training to help them identify suspects, investigate offenses, and deal with victims of online child abuse. 3. Supporting Important Legislation Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime. Microsoft has joined industry partners to encourage countries to adopt and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime. This global legal tool requires signatory countries to adopt and update laws and procedures to address online crime. Microsoft also provides technical assistance and consultation to help countries comply with their obligations under the convention. Model legislation. In April 2006, Microsoft joined ICMEC in announcing its model legislation, which seeks to modernize child pornography laws for the 184 member countries of Interpol. Microsoft has pledged to support worldwide efforts to develop and enforce these laws. 4. Successes in the Fight Against Cybercrime Operation Bot Roast. Microsoft provided technical information and analytical support to aid the FBI in Operation Bot Roast. Announced in June 2007, Operation Bot Roast is an ongoing investigation and operation that aims to disrupt and dismantle botnets. Lawsuit against Bizads UK. In December 2006, the English High Court ruled in favor of Microsoft in a lawsuit against Bizads UK, which had fraudulently sold lists of up to 10,000 e-mail addresses at a time to spammers. The court restricted Bizads UK from further spam-related activities and awarded damages to be assessed later. 129 legal actions against phishers. In November 2006, Microsoft took action against phishers who were targeting users of MSN Hotmail. These legal actions included 97 criminal complaints and three civil settlements in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Anti-spam prosecution in Australia. In October 2006, Clarity1 Pty Ltd. became the first company convicted under Australias tough new anti-spam laws and was fined more than US$4 million for sending hundreds of millions of junk e-mail messages. Microsoft supported this historic prosecution by providing evidence of e-mail messages received by spam-trap accounts to the antispam investigators at the Australian Communications and Media Authority in 2005. Anti-spyware lawsuits. In January 2006, Microsoft and the attorney general of Washington State filed parallel anti-spyware lawsuits. This action was the states first legal action under the Washington Computer Spyware Act, which was enacted in 2005. Microsoft filed its own lawsuit that alleged violation of the same law. Arrests for financial fraud and identity theft. In January 2006, Bulgarian law enforcement officials arrested eight people who were involved in an international criminal network that was responsible for online financial fraud and personal data theft. Microsoft provided Bulgarian officials with information that helped in the investigation and subsequent identification of the alleged perpetrators. Settlement with Spam King. In August 2005, Microsoft reached a US$7 million settlement against self-proclaimed Spam King Scott Richter and his Colorado-based company, OptInRealBig.com LLC. Microsoft began the suit in December 2003, in conjunction with a parallel action by the New York State attorney general. Arrests of Mytob and Zotob worm authors. In August 2005, Microsoft provided United States and worldwide law enforcement agencies with investigative and technical support that led to the arrest of the individuals suspected of authoring and distributing the Mytob and Zotob worms. Turkish and Moroccan law enforcement agencies made the arrests fewer than two weeks after the Mytob and Zotob worms were unleashed. Individual at work Microsoft has an innovative corporate culture and a strong product development focus that is designed to keep us on the leading edge of the industry. We believe that our employees are the companys most important asset. They are the source of our creative ingenuity and success so we empower each staff member to take initiative in solving problems, coming up with new ideas and improving the organisation. Microsoft values diversity and respects each persons individuality When you sell software to 180 million people, in 70 countries, speaking 150 languages, you cant afford to have a singular point of view. Microsoft employs people from many nationalities and backgrounds. * Who we looking for Great people with great values Microsoft concentrates on hiring people we believe fit into the company culture: people who are driven to succeed, enthusiastic about how they can contribute to the organisation and unafraid of suggesting and implementing new ideas. Our recruits are not always IT professionals; many come from backgrounds such as the banking, law or pharmaceutical industries. What they bring to Microsoft is a diversity of knowledge and understanding of the needs of particular industries that helps them relate to, and provide optimum service to, our customers. Microsoft needs people who are creative, energetic and bright, absolutely passionate and committed to our mission of helping others realise their potential. These people share the following values: * Passion for customers, partners and technology; * Integrity and honesty; * Open and respectful with others and dedicated to making them better; * Willingness to take on big challenges and see them through; * Committed to personal excellence and self-improvement; and * Accountable for commitments, results and quality to customers, shareholders, partners and employees. This creates a workforce with a broad range of skills and expertise. We also encourage and nurture lateral thinking. Our workers are given a high level of autonomy to come up with and offer innovative solutions. If this is important to you, it is highly likely you will enjoy the environment Microsoft offers it ¡Ã‚ ¯s employees. A place where you can get things done and have fun at work! * Diversity Microsoft values diversity and respects each persons individuality At Microsoft we have made a corporate commitment to the principle of diversity. We believe that diversity enriches our performance and our products, the communities in which we live and work, and the lives of our employees. As our workforce evolves to reflect the growing diversity of our communities and global marketplace, our efforts to understand, value and incorporate differences become increasingly important. We have established a number of initiatives to promote diversity within our own organisation, including education and training programs that provide employees with the awareness, skills, knowledge and ability to embrace differences. The programs also communicate the importance of a respectful work environment in maximising the performance of every employee. Microsoft employs a diverse workforce representing a broad range of cultural, linguistic, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds including disabled employees and people from all corners of the globe. We are proudly an equal opportunity employer. * Community Spirit Make a difference from day one At Microsoft, we share a passion for technology and what it can do for people. It doesnt matter who you are or where you live, technology can make a positive difference in your life. It can help you learn faster, achieve more, simplify your life and have more fun. Technology has helped children and adults acquire a passion for learning, given businesses of all sizes the tools they need to compete in an ever-changing marketplace, and provided people with disabilities the access to a new world of job and life opportunities. And we believe the best is yet to come. We help build our communities to unlock their potential Amazing things can happen when the right people, tools and resources come together. At Microsoft, our employees and our technology help unlock this kind of potential every day, through our corporate giving program and through donations of personal time and resources by our employees. Since 1983, Microsoft and our employees around the world have donated more than $100 million in cash, $100 million in software and thousands of volunteer hours in our communities around the world. Across our Asia, each Microsoft subsidiary has its own local initiatives for social giving and community outreach. Our employees are passionately involved in many charitable initiatives across Asia that help people realize their potential. To learn more about Microsoft ¡Ã‚ ¯s giving campaigns you can follow this link: International www.microsoft.com/giving (US link) * Work/Life Balance Make a difference from day one Our employees are our most valued asset, and in recognition of this, Microsoft provides flexible programs, resources and tools to help them create their own kind of balance in life. In this hectic industry, careers are demanding, but if your work is to be fun and rewarding it must take its place and priority alongside your other life interests. At Microsoft, we aim to make the workplace as flexible as possible to enable our employees to have freedom, balance and autonomy. The work/life balance initiatives and programs offered to our staff throughout Asia differ depending upon location, local laws and resource availability. Some of the benefits provided to staff in different locations include: * Onsite and online parenting resources * Variety of sports and health benefits * Broadband connection to your home (enabling staff to work from home when required) * Job-share (where role permits) * Microsoft counselling service for employees and their families * Social club * Career guidance and planning * Mentoring program * Employer-sponsored discount program * Laptop computers and mobile technology * Community support initiatives for various charities The programs cover the individual employee, work, family and community. In addition to the specific work/life balance programs available, Microsoft is firmly committed to the goal of creating a healthy, flexible, and productive work environment that allows employees to engage in a challenging career while balancing their work/life needs. For more information about what programs of this nature are offered in individual countries across Asia, please contact a member of our Recruitment team today. * Women in IT Make a difference from day one Microsoft is proudly an equal opportunity employer of women and proactively seeks to ensure our workforce embraces excellence in gender diversity. Microsoft works closely with local government agencies across Asia and other recognized employers of choice so as to ensure we are constantly contributing to the improved status and treatment of women in the IT industry. This ensures our organisation is compliant with the latest legislative requirements and aware of best practices in the industry for women. Microsoft annually reviews its female diversity practices relating to: * Recruitment and selection * Promotions, transfers and terminations * Training and development * Work organisation * Conditions of service * Dealing with sex-based harassment * Dealing with pregnant and potentially pregnant employees and employees who are breastfeeding At Microsoft male and female employees are paid and rewarded on the same measurements based on the role and the merit of performance. There is no distinction based on gender. Furthermore, there is no distinction based on gender with regards to Microsofts recruitment processes, promotions and transfers, eligibility for benefits, training or conditions of service. Growing the female ranks in the IT industry As a thought-leader in the IT industry Microsoft is committed to the ongoing development of female professionals and encouraging new professionals to the industry. We are actively involved in a number of industry networking groups that focus on Women in the IT industry so we can ensure that our female employees have a voice on important issues and that we continue to develop and attract great female talent to the company. Annually, Microsoft supports and actively participates in the Global Womens Forum and across Asia our subsidiaries have internal networking and support groups for our female employees. Microsoft is also proud to support the development of females in the graduate community by offering Internship placements and various programs to improve the skills of emerging female technologists. Mothers at Microsoft Microsoft welcomes the applications from female candidates who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or returning to the workforce following a maternity leave absence. This is a family friendly environment, so don ¡Ã‚ ¯t be surprised if you visit our offices and meet a few little people! Our employees often bring their children in for a visit to work or to participate in family day events. Harassment Microsoft has a zero-tolerance policy for Sex-Based Harassment and strong policies in place to encourage the equal and appropriate conduct of all employees. * Parents in the Workforce Microsoft enjoys a family friendly environment so it is not uncommon to see spouses and children dropping by for lunch onsite. Microsoft supports parents in the workforce and those returning to the workforce. We do have a Parental Leave policy in place for the primary carer of children and your Recruiter can provide you with further details. If you need time away from work to celebrate the birth of your child and provide care, Microsoft supports you and your right to return to fulltime employment when you are ready. Local Labour Laws apply. Our families are the most important priority in life. Microsoft supports Parents in the Workforce by having flexible and convenient programs in place to ensure you can have balance between your family and your career. Just some of these benefits include: * Parental leave * Parents at Microsoft online resource * Microsoft counselling service for you and your family * Broadband program to enable you to work from home when necessary * Laptops and mobile technology * Discounted software program for private purchase * Flexibility to consider job-share where position enables Conclusion