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Whistleblowing and Sarbanes-Oxley

Key characteristics of a whistleblower
The verb whistle-blowing refers to revealing the hidden actions of another individual or groups of people (mostly executives) of a company for wrong actions they perpetrate in the dark. A whistleblower is thus any person who exposes any information regarding illegal activity dishonesty, or correct activities within an organization. In many cases, whistleblowers are employees or ex-employee of a company (Green, 2004).. Among the essential characteristics of whistleblowers is that they are altruistically motivated. They do their actions to expose the truth so that a person suffering unfairly may get saved. Secondly, they are utilitarian. They serve to be useful rather than attractive. Thirdly, they are not interested in altering their behavior. They do what they do because they believe it’s the appropriate course. They, therefore, allow their attitudes and beliefs to drive them. In many cases, whistleblowers are well educated as only people with such wisdom can manage what they do. They are also aware that what they do is prone to danger and severe retaliation (Green, 2004).

Instance of whistleblowing
On the 11th of March 2016, two former students of Bard College revealed that the college officials were violating the False Claims Act that regards the federal grants and that which stipulates the use of Title IV student aid funds. These two whistleblowers had researched and found that Bard has for long received funds through the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program though they the college has not yet complied with the conditions of such grant. Bard was also allegedly reported to be awarding, disbursing and receiving Title IV student loan funds at campus locations though such were not yet recognized. They also did so without providing notice of the locations to the Department of Education. Such actions showed an infringement of applicable regulations and agreement with the Department of Education. The case is still not solved and until the Court decides the fate of the culprits, the effect of the whistle-blowing to the whistleblower and the institution’s heads may not be determined. However, the prospective effects might be the jailing or fining of the Bard College heads. More so, the court might decide to demote them. The whistleblower might face threats from those persons that they exposed (Newman 2016).

Justification of the whistleblowers’ reporting

In any case, the actions of the whistleblowers were justified. Any publically traded company or any government institution represents is there to serve the people rather than inflict pain or take the public’s money without their consent. The government takes a lot of taxes from the public which it uses to pay for the services of workers of public institutions. It is thus wrong for these few individuals to grab or siphon the money once more from the public funds. As a matter of facts, it’s only the whistleblowers who might find out such actions as perpetrators do it hidden. Their actions were thus justified as they saved the public from continued fraudulence (Green, 2004).

Extent to which the whistleblower would be protected under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was developed and passed by the U.S. Congress to guard shareholders as well as the general public from such things like accounting errors and fraudulent practices. It was also aimed at improving the accuracy of commercial disclosures (Green, 2004). Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act would protect the whistleblowers against harm by the Bard’s heads for providing information about financial fraud. However, the two had to show that an actual violation occurred. It would then protect them against retaliatory actions such as threats or discrimination.

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5 Must-Know Time Management Tips

Effective time management is crucial for personal and professional success. By mastering time management strategies, individuals can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and achieve their goals efficiently. This article explores five essential time management strategies to help individuals optimize their time and maximize their potential.

Set Clear Goals and Priorities
The foundation of effective time management lies in setting clear, achievable goals and identifying priorities. Begin by outlining short-term and long-term objectives, both personally and professionally. Break down these goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and assign priorities based on urgency and importance. By establishing clear objectives, individuals can focus their time and energy on activities that align with their overarching goals, minimizing distractions and maximizing productivity.

Create a Structured Schedule
A structured schedule is a fundamental tool for effective time management, especially for those undergoing PMP training. Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks and activities, ensuring a balance between work, personal commitments, and leisure. Incorporate breaks into the schedule to prevent burnout and maintain focus throughout the day. Utilize digital calendars, planners, or time management apps to organize tasks and track progress. By adhering to a structured schedule, individuals can maintain discipline and accountability, making efficient use of their time.

Practice Time Blocking
Time blocking involves dedicating uninterrupted periods to specific tasks or projects. By segmenting the day into distinct blocks of time, individuals can concentrate fully on one task without distractions. Allocate blocks of time for essential activities such as email management, meetings, and creative work. During each time block, focus solely on the designated task, avoiding multitasking and external interruptions. Time blocking enhances productivity by promoting deep work and minimizing time wasted on context switching.

Utilize Technology Tools
In the digital age, numerous technology tools are available to assist with time management. Utilize productivity apps, such as task managers, project management software, and time tracking tools, to streamline workflow and enhance organization. Take advantage of features like reminders, notifications, and synchronization across devices to stay on top of deadlines and commitments. Additionally, leverage automation tools for repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more critical responsibilities. By harnessing the power of technology, individuals can optimize efficiency and productivity in their daily activities.

Implement the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in duration, separated by short breaks. During each Pomodoro session, individuals focus intently on a single task, aiming for maximum concentration and productivity. After completing a Pomodoro, take a short break to rest and recharge before starting the next session. After completing a set number of Pomodoro intervals, reward yourself with a more extended break. The Pomodoro Technique promotes sustained focus, combats procrastination, and prevents burnout by balancing work and rest periods effectively.

Mastering time management is essential for achieving personal and professional success. By implementing these five essential strategies—setting clear goals and priorities, creating a structured schedule, practicing time blocking, utilizing technology tools, and implementing the Pomodoro Technique, individuals can optimize their time, enhance productivity, and achieve their goals more effectively. Incorporating PMP certification training into their schedule can further refine their skills and boost their project management capabilities, enabling them to take control of their schedules and unlock their full potential.

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5 Ways To Write Better Job Descriptions

5 Ways To Write Better Job Descriptions

If you are to get the right candidates in the interview room, you’ll need to appeal to those candidates in the right way. That’s why the writing of the most informative and compelling job descriptions is such a key part of Online Recruitment.

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Here are just some of the techniques you should try to give your own firm’s job descriptions that bit more vital impact and relevance.

1. Come Up With A Clear Job Title

Is it obvious what the position title means from first glance, even for those from outside your company? If it isn’t, this may be because the title is too long or uses confusing terminology.

By carefully optimising your job title, you can come up something short and punchy, but also meaningful that even the most casual reader can quickly understand.

2. Outline What It’s Like To Work For You

Is the ‘vibe’ in your office formal or casual? Whatever your company culture may be, it’s vital to communicate this in the job description.

You may also do this in part by detailing certain specific features of life on your premises, such as morning meetings, team seminars and what travel arrangements are required to get to the office.

3. Stipulate The Daily Duties

Candidates will be able to better visualise what your vacancy is really about if you accurately describe the most mundane everyday requirements of the job.

Also consider what this job’s daily duties are likely to be in the future, so that the eventual recruit is unlikely to be surprised by how the position evolves over the coming months and years.

4. Detail The Most Valuable Skills

What are the skills necessary for this job to be done to the required standard?

If the candidate is well-informed on these, they will be able to compare them to their own skills and consider whether they are a truly suitable candidate for the role. This will help to narrow down the list of applicants to only those who are a good match to the position.

5. Explain What Would Represent The Greatest Success

You won’t want the person that you eventually hire for this position to be merely ‘good enough’, so it makes sense to precisely describe what would constitute particular success in the role.

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When every potential candidate knows this, those that walk into your interview room are likely to be more informed and better prepared to answer your most challenging questions.

If you are to recruit the best people for your vacancies, it isn’t enough just to know what your needs are for your open roles – they also need to be outlined in your job descriptions. This makes the most clear and informative descriptions all-important.

Follow the above steps, and you will maximise your chances of achieving this with your own firm’s job descriptions – and getting the best results from your online recruitment as a result.

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