Business - Incentive Plans Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business - Incentive Plans - Term Paper Example Indeed, the distinctive challenges faced by the U.S. Army in terms of human resource management have drawn academic attention to how it manages its own incentive programs in sometimes very risky environments. In addition, how an organization structures its incentives is very informative of how that organization expects its employees to respond to rewards and punishments in carrying out the group’s objectives. In the case of the U.S. Army, the group’s objectives are to provide prompt national defense and sustaining land dominance across a spectrum of conflicts (U.S. Army, 2005). Incentive programs in the U.S. Army must then mobilize and encourage soldiers to take part in armed conflicts when necessary as a matter of maintaining the national defense. Because of the nature of employment in the U.S. Army, incentive programs must be based on which geopolitical areas are desirable and which are undesirable to employees. One particularly interesting incentive program that the U.S. Army employs is the Targeted Selective Reenlistment Program. Under this program, soldiers with a low cost of serving in an undesirable location accept a bonus and are sent to an undesirable location; on the other side, soldiers with a high cost of serving in an undesirable location reenlist but decline the bonus. ... equires a significantly large workforce concentrated into small geographic areas, relatively low-skilled employees are ultimately necessary for maintaining organizational infrastructure in achieving desired outcomes. Although the TSRB program does not affect high-demand skill employees, lower-level Army employees receive a direct benefit and, from a personnel management perspective, it is these areas in the organizational hierarchy that the Army has the most difficult with in terms of employee turnover. The U.S. Army also faces a unique human resources management challenge insofar as the Army incentivizes referrals to join the organization. Even though there might be a challenge recruiting qualified talent, most for-profit and nonprofit organizations, facing labor surpluses, do not need to incentivize referrals. In 2009, the U.S. Army discontinued an incentive program that gave $2,000 to any soldier who referred new recruits into enlistment (ArmyTimes, 2009). Facing budget cuts, the Army was unable to continue the program, along with many other incentive structures that were slashed in the face of growing criticism of defense spending. Based on the suspension of the referral program, one can say that the U.S. Army no longer offers a viable incentive structure for soldiers to pull other qualified individuals into service. Given the organizational objectives the Army aims to achieve, and the large workforce that it requires to achieve those objectives, it is a weakness not being able to attract more talented individuals to its ranks through referrals. According to Crispin and Mehler (2011), 27.5% of hires in organizations are attributable to referrals. It is not clear how much of this potential the U.S. Army is losing by not having a stable employee referral program that

Professional Development Plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Professional Development Plan - Research Paper Example The Walden University holds a good academic recognition, and preparing a Personal Development Plan in this context would further boost my studies. The university gives priority to handling different circumstances relating to business, and guidelines to overcome such situations, knowledge related to proper handling of employees and subordinates, and above all enriching one with the quality of a successful leader. This paper intends to consider my skills and strengths, and also the areas in which I seek improvement. This will also help me to design a Professional Development Plan (PDP) as I begin my pursuit of the DBA at the Walden. Personal Development Plan As a part of a doctorate study, one has to cover numerous phases of a specific curriculum. Every part of study involves certain kind of preparation and analysis. Walden University has very admirable facility for pursuing a degree of any interest. The increasing rate of enrolment for graduation courses indicates the growing reputati on of the Walden. Being a doctoral candidate at Walden, it is important for me to understand both the feasibility of the proposed project and the mandatory requirements at the Walden. Ample Opportunities at Walden: Discussion with Faculty The discussion with university faculty has given me knowledge of the multiple possibilities of graduate courses in Walden, precisely in Business Administration. Many opportunities are available at Walden though I fall into the common category of business administration with specialization in leadership. For instance, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is one of the most admirable courses offered here. This course has produced many successful professionals who reflect the quality of education imparted in the university. More significantly, it is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP.) For designing the Personal Development Plan, it is important to foresee the essential features and certain aspec ts of the course as a whole. The course offers; extensive knowledge of business operations guidelines of different tactics and techniques of management assistance in ‘Evidence-based decision making’ development of personal skills and leadership quality (Source: Walden university website). Overall, it is a recognized standard university providing students with quality and skills to face the challenges of today’s business world. My Academic Interests and Goals Reaching heights is never impossible if fortunes and hard work coexist. To begin with, one’s academic interests and goals at Walden have very significant role in one’s course. Academic success of the candidate is of prime importance here. Many factors attracted me to Walden among which the very interactive online system is most notable. Specialization in leadership is one of the most demandable courses of all time. And, Walden is well known for its successful results as records report. I intend to gain doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Leadership. And I am optimistic that the university could assist me, owing to its special interest in the comprehensive development of its candidates. Such exemplary examples are often noticed among many Walden University products. Altogether, pursuing a degree at Walden is a golden opportunity that one can cherish forever. Furthermore, university itself is an excellent example in its very nature of functioning and scheduled activities.