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The fatalities in the summer meet dropped from 17 to an average of 5.5 the next two years, while fall deaths tumbled from six to three to one. |
A news release from Santa Anita included a quote from Del Mar CEO Joe Harper. Though he supports Santa Anita’s ban on riding crops for any use other than safety-related race correction and the other suggested steps, Harper stopped short of saying his track would ban Lasix. |
That move in particular, Harper realizes, has the potential to cause the most damage inside the sport. |
Santa Anita also faces uncomfortable timing. The track is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup in November. If the Kentucky Derby is horse racing’s Super Bowl, the Breeders’ Cup represents its World Series. |
The dark cloud of unsafe racing has the potential to rattle the confidence of decision-makers for the event, which delivered a reported $97 million in economic impact to Del Mar in 2017. |
Something had to be done at Santa Anita. They’re no closer, though, to solving why horses keep falling on their track. To make matters worse, they’ve enraged many of the stakeholders critical to addressing the issue. |
New wiper blades and brake pads are nice. |
Better yet: Fix the car — or don’t drive it until you do. |
As organizations are becoming increasingly global, the need for efficient and effective project management tools is necessary in order to accomplish business goals and process objectives. The increase demand for human resource requires “cross-functional, and often cross-cultural, geographically dispersed project teams” (Beise, 2004). Human resources are continually increasing in skill, diversity and knowledge which can benefit cross cultural organizations. Organizations are always seeking a competitive advantage with their competitors. As a result, project virtual teams are integrated in business models to potentially benefit business outcomes. The use of electronic mechanisms, tools, and resources influences group processes and outcomes. Furthermore, the benefits or limitations of virtual teams can also be evident in project management implementation and outcomes. |
Through this research I will analyze and discuss how virtual teams face a variety of challenges; however the most critical challenge in my opinion is that of effective management and constructive leadership. Furthermore this paper will investigate if in a virtual team there is relational development dilemma which remains a difficult aspect of team success. The fact that virtual teams “are geographically and/or temporally dispersed and are brought together by information and communication technologies” (Beise, Carte, Chidambaram, & Vician, 2010) does not mean that the relational development of the team cannot be successful. I will find through this research if indeed virtual teams are more focused on the actual task at hand and less interested in development of relationships that are common with face to face interactions. Essentially this social exchange within the context of information systems suggests that “using face to face meetings or richer media in the early stages of virtual team development may foster closer interpersonal relationships” (Beise, Carte, Chidambaram, & Vician, 2010). If we analyze the virtual teams and project management interaction styles we come to find that “interaction style has been shown to have a great effect on conventional work teams’ ability to achieve solution quality and solution acceptance” (Balthazard, Potter, & Warren, 2004). |
Due to advanced communication technologies, globalization and outsourcing most of the project management teams are based on groups of individuals called virtual teams who work across time and space using communication technologies. Members of virtual teams may be employees of same company from same country, or they can be contractors, suppliers and company employees around the globe. |
Managing projects using virtual teams have some advantages and disadvantages. Also several studies have been done to try to determine the factors that are positively co-related to the effectiveness of virtual teams (Schwalbe, 2011). To manage virtual teams successfully in project management, the project manager must manage these factors successfully and also minimize the impact of disadvantages. |
This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual teams in project management and outlines the factors that are positively correlated to the success of projects based on virtual teams. The paper also outlines some of the recommendations to successfully manage the virtual team in information technology projects. |
Globalization, outsourcing, virtual teams, video conferencing, telecommuting, Project Management, Trust and relationship, Advantages of Virtual teams, Disadvantages of virtual team. |
Imagine that you are a project manager in a multinational organization and managing a project to upgrade the server operating system and your team members are from different countries with different cultures and working in different time zones. To complete the project successfully that is based on virtual teams, project manager must understand the advantages and disadvantages of managing virtual teams and factors that positively affect the team members. Today most of the project management teams are based on virtual teams whose members work across time and space using communication technologies and project managers cannot rely on previous methods of project team management where they were able to build trust between team member by social interaction, face-to-face meetings, and direct observations of fellow team member commitment. (Kirkman, Rosen, Gibson, Tesluk, & McPherson, 2002). |
Virtual teams do have some advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages outlined by Kathy Schwalbe are: 24/7 availability of workers increasing competiveness and responsiveness, lowering the cost of project as many virtual team members do not need office space and support, providing more flexibility and expertise as project managers have access to the talent around the globe and increasing the work/life balance for team members by eliminating fixed office hours and the need to travel to work. (Schwalbe, 2011). |
Radostina K. Purvanova reviewed experimental literature and emerging field research on virtual teams. Author compared the “results from both type of literature and found that experimental literature has largely reported negative results for virtual teams, whereas field investigations and case studies of real virtual teams employed by business organizations report positive outcomes for virtual teams.” (Purvanova, Feb 2014) According to the article although results reported by experimental versus field studies are quite different, author concludes that both literatures have revealed negative attitudes toward virtual communication media. |
The biggest advantage of virtual team enjoyed by an organization is the associated cost savings. The organization can save huge expenses on real estate, office spaces, utility bills such as gas, electricity, water etc. and executive’s travel. Team members can work from anywhere and anytime of the day. They can choose the place they work based on the mood and the comfort. You can recruit people for their skills and suitability to the job. The location does not matter. There is no time and money wasted for commuting and clothing. Physical handicaps are not an issue. |
Another advantage is the labour laws, some organizations prefer to have virtual teams because of strict local labour laws. Since the members span the time zones, there could be different team working on the same project 24/7, so when one member sleeps there will be another one somewhere else who would start work where the former had left. This shortens the product development time as well as faster response time to demands in both global and local markets. |
Since team members do not frequently meet or do not meet at all, the teamwork spirit may not be present. Some people prefer to be in a physical office when working. These people will be less productive in virtual environments. To work for virtual teams, individuals need to have a lot of self-discipline. If the individual is not disciplined, he or she may be less productive. The cultural difference between the members of virtual teams gives rise to number of conflicts. For example, while an employee from one part of the world would write a straightforward email describing a bad situation; this would be perceived as impolite by a member of the team from other part of the world. This would lead to conflicts, mistrust and difficulties in fruitful collaboration which is so vital for the success of virtual team functioning. These challenges are also precipitated by the absence of non-verbal cues so intrinsic to face-to-face interactions. Many members of virtual teams are adversely affected by the lack of physical interactions. Most of the communications in virtual environment is task-oriented. In today’s society where job is an important social force for most of us because many of our workplace colleagues also constitute our close friends, this gives a not-so-good feeling of social isolation. This in turn counter-effects productivity as well as leads to stress. In the virtual environment, it is better to communicate, clarify, and confirm everything to make sure that all members have the same understanding about the task at hand. This produces of ton of paperwork and files that could quickly fill your archives. |
Since team members are not communicating face to face, constructive team and individual feedback early and often becomes more important and if managed properly can avoid many problems before hand. |
Trust between team members and project leader is an important factor that can affect the performance of team members. One important way to build trust between team members is effective communication. The more they communicate with each other and with project more they build the trust. |
Well defined and documented team process also important which saves a lot of time for especially new team members to find answers to their questions related to policies and procedures. |
Organizations such as IBM, Microsoft, Whirlpool as well as SMEs are reaping the benefits of virtual teams for some time now. It has been a well-recognized fact that virtual team is not a passing tide but it is here to stay. Virtual teams are rising in numbers nowadays and even small technology companies are now adapting virtual team practice for recruiting the best people from all over the globe and reduce the cost. |
As outlined in previous sections, virtual teams do have advantaged and some disadvantages as well. To benefit from advantages and to minimize the impact of disadvantages a project manager can focus on factors that positively affect the virtual team’s performance. As indicated by previous researchers, increase in trust, comfort level and communication effectiveness leads to better project success. |
All of the above discussed disadvantages can be overcome by following a different leadership approach, trainings, greater role clarity and effective communication strategies. Also earlier discussed factors that affect virtual teams, if managed properly can result in a successful project. In addition, the companies using virtual teams can minimize their operating costs and maximize the profit margins. Additionally, the employees working in virtual teams are at advantages when it comes to working in their own home, own time, and reduction of commuting costs. Therefore, organizations should look into setting up virtual teams for different tasks whenever possible. |
To reap the benefits of virtual teams in projects and minimize the impact of disadvantages virtual team managers should manage the outlined factors properly and should also follow best practices outlined in next section. |
When running virtual teams, some of the best practices include: An instant messaging program can be used to create a sense of presence amongst members of the team. Chat is a good way to have side conversations during meetings to gain consensus, confirm understanding or ask questions. Quick questions can be asked through instant messenger as a substitute for popping into someone’s cubicle. Services for syncing files, bug tracking, project management, source control, web conferencing, conference calls, screen recording, usability testing and so on. |
Kirkman, B., Rosen, B., Gibson, C., Tesluk, P., & McPherson, S. (2002). Five challenges to virtual team success: Lessons from Sabre, Inc. Academy of Management Executive, 67-79; 13p. Leonard, B. (2011, June 1). Managing Virtual Teams . HR Magazine. Purvanova, R. K. (Feb 2014). Face-to-face versus virtual teams: What have we really learned? The Psychologist-Manager Journal, 2-29. Sarker1, S., Ajuja, M., Sarker, S., & Kirkeby, S. (2001). The Role of Communication and Trust in Global Virtual Teams: A Social Network Perspective. Journal of Management Information Systems. , p273-309. 37p. Schwalbe, K. (2011). Information Technology Project Management 6e. Boston: Course Technology, Cengage Learning. |
The special fascination of matt porcelain lies in the counterplay with shiny glazes. The set OMNIA, consisting of only four parts - a dinner plate, a breakfast plate, a bowl and a cup - is matt on the outside and looks like a fine layer. The internationally renowned EOOS design team was inspired by natural phenomena such as lava flows, glaciers and rock layers. OMNIA is reminiscent of natural and rough surfaces. Matt and grown on the outside, smooth on the inside. This tension gives OMNIA a very special sophistication. The play of contrasts is accentuated by the optional two-tone finish of the matt porcelain. In addition to puristic white, OMNIA in anthracite, light brown, bronze and dark brown fulfils the longing of an urban lifestyle for naturalness and sustainability. |
At FÜRSTENBERG, every part is lovingly handcrafted so that matt porcelain does not feel rough but tender and flattering - whether polished by hand, sandblasted or glazed with a matt finish. It is this craftsmanship that characterises the quality not only of FÜRSTENBERG's matt porcelain. Perfection down to the last detail is only possible because even today a large part of the porcelain production is still based on handicraft. This is still the motto at FÜRSTENBERG: A cup goes through 100 hands. It is the people who create timeless craftsmanship with their know-how, innovative spirit and love of porcelain as a material. |
If you are one to keep up with tech, there would most likely be a bunch of old phones stored away somewhere in your cupboards, along with some other relics of the days gone by. And this festive season sale will be only adding to your collection. Unless you intend on creating a private museum for the old devices, it might be time for you to get rid of them – sell used smartphone now. |
Firstly, there is a need to evaluate if the mobile can still be used. If it is a old phone which is in a usable condition then it would be a good idea to sell it off and gain some cash so that you can buy a better handset this festive Diwali season. |
Selling your used handset is a very easy process on Cashify. The website will provide an instant quote of your device based on certain parameters which the user enters. The whole process is very simplified and there is no headache on the part of the customer. |
Additionally, the Cashify agent will be providing the quoted cash price on your doorstep, so you don’t have to trouble yourself by going anywhere. |
Sabotage: I had such a hard day, I deserve to reward myself with food. |
Response: If I reward myself with food and overeat, I’ll end up feeling terrible – physically and mentally, which will be the exact opposite of a reward. If I stay on track and control my eating, I will feel great. Food rewards just don’t work once the food is gone! |
Tuesday Reality Check – January 29, 2019 Cheat Days? |
A few months ago, our office switched its e-mail over to a business version of gmail. One of the features of our new e-mail is that a little colored circle is displayed by each person’s name showing whether he or she is online. |
I have to admit, I really like it when I see other people on staff with the green circle by their names. According to Google, this means they are “available.” Because I work from home, it’s easy to start feeling isolated and alone as I complete my tasks each week. But when I see those green lights next to other people’s names it makes me feel like I’m part of a team. |
One person might be in the office. Someone else is at Caribou. Another person might be working from home. But we are all working together. For the same goal. And I don’t feel so alone. |
Yesterday my green light was on almost all day. The boys were at camp. My daughter had a play date. The toddler was happily playing or napping most of they day. So I took advantage of the time to get caught up on a ton of work. |
I was sending and receiving e-mail and working away as if everything was peachy. But I was fighting a nasty cold and felt horrible all day. I was tempted to set a custom message by my green light: “Cough, cough. Sneeze, sneeze. Please feel sorry for me.” It just seemed wrong that my green dot was shining brightly as if everything was perfect when I was really struggling. |
And isn’t that how it often goes in our real, offline world, as well? |
Most of us at least try to put on the green light when we are out in public. We smile and joke. We pull ourselves together. We walk around with our big “available” button shining brightly. But wouldn’t it be kind of nice if we could change our status to put out a warning of what is really happening on the inside? |
Last Saturday, I was watching my daughter’s soccer game, along with the toddler and my 8-year-old son. My husband had to take the 10-year-old to another field for his game. It was hot. We were hungry. It was naptime. It was humid. There wasn’t a shade tree in sight. |
It had been a struggle to get everyone where they needed to be, and I was just relieved that the toddler had found a little hill about 10 feet away from me that was keeping her busy. She loved marching up the tiny incline and then running back down it. At the top of the hill, a woman was sitting in a lawn chair next to a building, which was giving her a little shade. |
My son was hovering nearby to make sure the toddler didn’t wander too far or fall down. |
My son nodded, as I headed over to prove the baby really did have a mother. |
“Well, you better put that baby in the stroller before her head gets sunburned,” she ordered. |
I assured the woman I had covered her in sunscreen. |
At that moment, my light turned bright red. My green light was done. Off. Finished. |
I wasn’t going to bother explaining that I had tried six times to get the toddler to keep a hat on her head. It would serve no purpose to try to tell her that I’m neurotic about applying sunscreen. Or that confining the 18-month-old to a stroller for an hour when it was 98 degrees outside would have created such a loud protest that she would be begging me to release the child from her confinement. |
I was just relieved we had succeeded in getting all four children where they needed to be at the right time. I was happy that no one was crying. I was overjoyed the toddler was having fun running up and down the hill so I could actually observe a few minutes of the game. I had zero desire for anyone in the family to get a sunburn, and even though it did look like she was probably going to be burned to a crisp, I had enough experience as her mom to trust that the extra coating of sunscreen was going to work. |
The whole interaction was a good reminder to me. I need to take more time to find out what people have gone through to get to the place they are. They might look pretty and put together with their nice green light shining on the outside. But a harsh word or an unsolicited comment might just knock them over. |
I need to remember that not everyone is “available” for whatever I might feel like throwing their way. Green light, or not. |
And it's sad that all I took away from that is how I wanna pop that lady in the head for the whole sunburn thing!! I have a saying when it comes to obvious comments from others that degrade my abilities and it's "big dummy"! When someone let's me know I'm "doin it wrong" I always whisper to myself "yeah ya big dummy"!!! Then laugh at them cuz they r really the "big dummy"!! This doesnt make sense I bet… I do that often! |
Oh, Andrea… You totally crack me up! Thanks for making me laugh!! |
Great post Emily! I needed this reminder as well. |
Great thoughts, thank you! I do kind of want to smack that woman though… haha! |
Good advice Andrea! I guess I just need a preconceived response to comments like that. You are a great writer, Emily. |
Dieter Christensen (1932–2017), former Secretary General of the International Council for Traditional Music (1981-2001) and General Editor of the Yearbook for Traditional Music (1982–2001), passed away in Berlin on 1 March 2017. |
For any questions or comments, please contact us at the e-mail address ictm2017pc@ictmusic.org. |
The International Council for Traditional Music will celebrate its 70th anniversary during the 44th World Conference in Limerick, Ireland in July 2017. The Executive Board of ICTM created a special-purpose 70th Anniversary Fund to help make the conference as memorable as possible. |
You are cordially invited to submit a proposal to present at the 44th ICTM World Conference. The conference will take place at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick (Limerick, Ireland) from 13 to 19 July 2017. During the conference, the 70th anniversary of the Council will be celebrated. |
I am not a witch. I’m a cute dog! I just dressed as a witch for Halloween. |
Halloween scares me a little for one big reason. |
Though I love the treats I get—an extra rawhide that’s vet-recommended—I don’t like the tricks part of it. |
My BFF Shelley likes to dress me up for three reasons: sometimes on Halloween, always on Christmas and whenever it’s cold and we’re outside or on a walk. I’ve been a witch, a mechanic with a pink bandana and a school girl with a tan skirt and white cable knit sweater. And at Christmas, I have to wear my green T-shirt with an image of Santa with one of his reindeer. |
But I don’t like it. When I was little, I’d squirm right out of my clothes, or bunch them up, or get my little paw caught in one of the arms. Now that I’m older, I just put up with it. |
I’ve done some research and found that dressing up dogs in over-the-top costumes is usually for the pet owners’ benefit and not for the sake of the pet. It’s OK to dress us up to be warm but not if the costume physically restricts our movements or causes discomfort. Shelley puts me in a warm jacket or sweater if it’s cold out, and I like it well enough after I get used to the extra layer and understand I can still walk. |
But when large sections of our bodies are covered by material, it’s hard for us to communicate with other dogs, particularly because body language is one of our major methods for expressing ourselves. Granted, I really don’t like other dogs unless they’re smaller than me, though I do like cats. Still, I need to get my message across. |
Some dogs become scared or confused when they are dressed up, and some won’t express themselves. Things on our heads, like hats and hoods, can be particularly disturbing, because they’re in the way and we’re not used to them. |
Anyway, here are some photos of me in costume, but as you can see, I don’t look that excited. I’d rather have a treat and no tricks and silly costumes. |
I’m not very happy in my witch’s hat. My BFF Shelley took a photo and took if off of me, thank goodness! |
I am dressed as a mechanic. This costume isn’t as bad because it doesn’t have a hat! |
Why am I wearing a silly bow that matches my silly shirt? |
I’m opening my Christmas presents. I’m wearing my Christmas shirt! |
I am a very talented and cute dachshund named Zoey. |
Nearly every week in 2016, I “sat” at the laptop (I’m a lapdog, too!) and wrote a blog about … well, mainly about me. |
It’s because I like to “shake” things up as I “roll” with the flow. |
Am I funny? I can do tricks and write my trick words into my post. |
I’ve been blogging since 2011 about my life as a cute dachshund, sharing stories and photos to demonstrate the fact. |
Being both a dog blogger and a canine poet able to write poems from a dog’s perspective. |
Understanding dog behavior and what dogs need and want from their owners. I wrote about how pet owners—I call mine my BFF—need to let us know how much we mean to them, pay attention to us (like all of the time) and give us lots of treats (even healthy ones). |
Realizing the elements of responsible pet ownership, like giving us healthy food without too many unhealthy table scraps, avoiding giving us chocolate and onions, and taking us on regular walks. |
And, most importantly, telling really interesting stories from my own life. |
I also wrote about cats, even though most of them don’t like me too much. I like cats, birds, geese and anything else in the animal kingdom, but not dogs, at least those larger than me. I bark at them, and they look at me as if I’m silly, so I bark again, while also wiggling my tail. They then ignore me. |
I don’t like it, so I’ve concluded that cats are safer; they’re not keen on dogs, and I can just pretend they are. |
In 2017, I may take a small break from blogging as my BFF and I figure out our blogging goals for the year. Like her, I’m not getting very many Likes, which I don’t understand, because I’m totally cute and fun and the best dog ever! |
While many restaurants in New York City have close relationships with farmers, and boast unimpeachable farm-to-table ethics, far fewer have actual gardens wherein they grow the produce that’s used on their plates. Six great restaurants with their very own gardens follow. Call them “roof to table.” By Jessica Allen. |
Atop a 100-year-old building in the West Village grow lettuces, bicolor squash, fennel, dill, parsley, poblano peppers, Japanese eggplant, and tomatoes, among other things, using soil-less, solar-powered hydroponic technology. Bell, Book & Candle incorporates these and other vegetables and herbs into its New American food. Being so close to the source means the chefs don’t refrigerate the produce. In fact, they call the freshly grown produce “dormant, not dead,” since the roots are kept attached until the very last second before cooking. |
Roberta’s might look like a bunker from the outside, but inside the message is all about love—love of good food, love of food to create change, love of the community that comes together around good food. Behind its scruffy exterior lie terrific pizza and pasta, a radio station, a greenhouse, and a very big garden. You can see what’s growing via the garden’s blog, with its photos of violets, edible weeds, raspberries, basil, strawberries, watermelon, peaches, chard, and blackberries, or you can take a seat in the wooden-paneled dining room, beneath a pizza party Barbie and board games, and order whatever’s just been harvested. |
Like most Westin properties around the world, the newest one in New York City features luxurious amenities like the Heavenly Bed® (definitely worth its copyright in plushness), in-room Starbucks coffee, and special velour robes. But this hotel also has its very own organic garden, 384 feet above 42nd Street, supplying veggies and herbs to The LCL: Bar & Kitchen on site. This means fresh mint for mojitos and other cocktails, heirloom tomatoes for gazpacho and other dishes, mesclun lettuce for salads, grilled squash and zucchini as seasonal sides, and everything and anything else Executive Chef Brian Wieler (pictured) can cook up. |
Modeled on a shebeen, an informal dining hall, and named for Nelson Mandela, Madiba claims to be the first South African restaurant of its kind in the United States. It opened in Fort Greene in 1999. Its rooftop garden is the source of at least some of the produce on the bushman’s vegetable platter (pictured), including yellow squash, asparagus, string beans, baby bok choy, corn on the cob, spinach, and fat triangles of garlic. This dish serves as a counterpart to meatastic South African braai, or barbecue, a specialty of the restaurant. |
The people behind Brooklyn Grange, the world’s largest rooftop soil farms, helped construct a much smaller one atop Rosemary’s, an Italian enoteca and trattoria in the West Village. Here, on 1,700 square feet, grow peppers, radishes, arugula, basil, broccoli rabe, and all kinds of organic goodness. Picked produce arrives in the kitchen in a basket using a block and tackle. An actual basket! Not content with herbs and veggies, restaurateur Carlos Suarez has expanded the garden to include a chicken coop and beehive. Diners are sometimes allowed up for a peek. |
When chef/restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his partners decided to build a rooftop garden 10 stories above Broadway to supply ABC Kitchen with microgreens, herbs, and other produce, they sought out seeds from farmers at the Union Square Greenmarket. In addition to what gets harvested upstairs, the seasonal, oft-changing menu at this James Beard award-winning restaurant includes sustainable, locally sourced (when possible) meat, dairy, seafood, and produce, free of antibiotics and pesticides, along with beverages whose ingredients come from fair-trade cooperatives. |
A healthy and clean home begins with keeping your upholstered furniture free from dust pollutants. Do you know a clean furniture enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property? Yes, it will make your home inviting for other visitors or party guests. Here, choosing a professional upholstery cleaning service is beneficial. |
Professionals can help you get rid of all the bacteria and germs from your upholstery. This will provide you the feeling of comfort while sitting on the furniture. Also, it reduces several health issues related to these dust pollutants. Having said that, upholstery cleaning can be done using DIY techniques. But, it will not provide the same quality cleaning result compared to professional upholstery cleaning service. |
Experts in the reputed carpet cleaning companies use industry-leading cleaning equipment for eliminating dirt, dust and other dry contaminants. Also, they use non-toxic cleaning solutions to clean your carpets. As a result, your kids and pets are safe to move around your carpet. Hence, taking necessary precautions, professionals help to provide fresh and clean air in your home. |
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