Test in reading/ Term II

Organisational development (OD) is defined as a “deliberately planned effort to increase an organisations relevance and viability”. The concept of organisational development was conceived by German-American psychologist Kurt Lewin, who was among the first to apply social psychology, group dynamics and social research to the world of work. Since its beginnings, organisational development has become a popular and widespread method for implementing organisational change. The key principles underlying OD philosophy are primarily humanistic, focused around improving organisational performance by empowering its employees.

Where do the key principles of organisational development come from?

Researchers from the international agricultural research partnership have suggested that bananas could soon become a staple food source for millions of people in developing countries due to climate change. Rising temperatures and volatile weather makes growing existing critical foods, such as potatoes, maize and wheat difficult, leading to lower crop yields of these foods. However, bananas are much more adept at surviving in tropical climates frequently racked by high temperatures and weather volatility. Although, it may not be a viable food staple for all developing countries, it may become more critical for the economies of many developing nations in future years.

Which crop is not stated to have difficulty growing in increasing temperatures?

The most expensive brand of coffee today on the open market is known as Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, from Indonesia. What makes this brand of coffee unique is that it is made from the coffee beans eaten by the Asian palm civet. The civet eats the coffee berry for its fleshy pulp, along with the coffee bean inside, which is indigestible. However, while passing through the digestive system of the civet, proteolytic enzymes seep into the bean, making peptides shorter and increasing the number of free amino acids, improving the taste of the coffee bean. Similarly, due to the expensive and time-consuming process of searching for civet droppings, Kopi Luwak can be sold for up to $3000 per kilogram.

Why does civet digestion supposedly improve the coffee beans taste?