Participatory Action Research Essay

The youth group was started in 2004 after the youths realized something was going wrong in the community and they were the right people to rectify the situation. They then came together and registered with the Ministry of Culture and Social Services Youth Affairs. It’s a non-profit making organization whose purpose is to address the needs of the youths and to improve the living standards of the community. The group brings together youths of both genders and has no ethnic or racial barriers as it believes youths from whatever background experience the same problems and must come together in order to solve them. Majority of the youths are trained in various fields of education and so it’s a pool of educated young men and women committed to be difference makers in other people’s lives. Currently the group has thirty five fully registered and active members but there is room for more members to join them. Since its formation, the group has provided their voluntary services beyond area of operation to improve the well being of the community. Their areas of activities include youths and community mobilization and awareness on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), guidance and counseling services, education on income generating activities, youth and community education on alcohol and drug abuse, education on leadership and administration, planning and accountability, tree planting exercise and offering voluntary services for the well being of the community. The group is seeking to address the most pressing needs that are affecting them and the community where they are living. These pressing need collaborative efforts as they cannot be solved by the community alone as they need technical expertise and some substantial funding. These needs were prioritized according to their impact in the community and they include; the high unemployment rate among the youth, gender disparity due to the culture, and idleness among the youths leading to irresponsible youth behavior, high infection rate of AIDS and other venereal diseases, drug abuse, poor farming methods leading to food insecurity and afforestation problem.. The members agreed that they had the brains, knowledge and skills and if put together and shared will bring a big change among the group members, other youths and the community at large. Though they have had challenges especially from the elderly community members when discussing on sexual issues, the group is committed to continue working until they have attained their set objectives. Their services to the community have effected some positive changes, which have commended by the community members. The group also works with other major stakeholders who have been helpful to the group in terms of training and financial support. These include the Community Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Religious Organizations, Society and the Government to improve the living standards of the community. These stakeholders have been very helpful to the youth group because they have been offering training without charging them any fee, giving the youths some incentives as well as the community and funding their projects at some level. They have been able to work with the group since it was started and have promised they will continue working with them as long as keep the agreement with them. The possible research question that could be answered if the researcher collaboratively worked the major stakeholders is to find out whether their input into the group has had and positive impact to the youth group and to the community. This research question will be a guide to getting some critical information which will be used by the group to improve on the areas that they are not performing well (The research question could be as follows; What has been your input to the group and has it had any impact to the group and to the society? ) The benefits of doing the work the researcher is proposing is that it could again help the group to be able to identify their weakness and then find out solutions for them. It will also open another door for them to meet other partners through the researcher who will pump in some more useful input to the group. Through their interaction with them some critical issues may rise which could not have been solved, but it will be an opportunity to solve them. In one way the group could be advertising or selling itself and what they are undertaking through these formal discussions as the contents of the discussions will be published somewhere, which will get some support for the group. This could be beneficial to the group and to the researcher as he/she will be able to learn more about how groups work. As concerns to the ethical issues, the protocol has to be followed and the group has to be consulted first before anything happens. There should be respect for the group and any information about the group should be kept secret as it is. The researcher should make sure that he/she work within the guidelines of the group and should she/he need any information should follow the right channels but not go to public and tell the public about the group against their wishes References Luft, J (1984). An Introduction to Group Dynamics (3rd Edition). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Toseland, R& Rivas, R. (2005) Introduction to Group Practice, Allyn & Bacon. New York.

Disaster response and recovery

The terrorists attacks are most of the time unpredicted and a country even its utmost security may become vulnerable to terrorists attack. It’s as international problem which now and then is occurring in different parts of the world. The terrorist attacks such as 9/11 terrorists attack, Mumbai, India , Hotel Taj and Hotel Oberai terrorists attack, London terrorists bombing are few examples of this centuries terror attacks around the world. Terrorism is considered to be asymmetric form of warfare and is unlawful.It targets only on destruction and harm innocent people who are important resource of the nation. If I was the disaster coordinator of the city, as soon as I get the clues of the terror attacks I would have just tightened the security near the border of the country and call for emergency. I would cancel all the flights entering and leaving the country. The next thing which I would have done is publishing the news in the media and the media would alert the people as they can take care of themselves. The media would alert people about the places of vulnerability and the suspected time of attacks.Incident command system will be notified to prepare well for the attacks. These are the immediate steps which I would have taken. Later I would have looked into the list of vulnerable areas which is populated more. Most of the terror attacks happen in the places where there is maximum human intervention so as to kill many people as possible and take revenge against the country. I would provide accessibility to shortcut routes so as to reduce the vehicle traffic congestion and avoid people pass through the vulnerable areas of attacks.They will be made to reach their destinations as soon as possible before the disaster occurs. The transport of goods will be stopped as it will be the path for the terrorists to move their goods from place to place. All social gathering of people will of people will be stopped. All the offices and the schools and colleges will be declared holiday. People in the top floors of the building are evacuated. All the people who found to be suspicious are checked for their identity, country they belong, ethnicity and their back ground.Security would be ensured near the coastal areas and security checking all the ships coming in and leaving and the checking all the goods that are transported. The oil refineries, electricity power stations and nuclear power plants are given security alerts. These when bombed or destroyed cause huge loss and may result the city as the one which had happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The city’s important monuments are safeguarded with tight security. It was daytime when Hiroshima and Nagasaki was bombed. People were preparing for offices and work. All the electrical appliances were on.It was a busy day in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and finally bombings rendered many places infertile and many people got health problems as they got expose to the harmful radiations of the bombi ng. I would ask people stop using electricity and switch off their appliances. Important people are provided with security as the terrorist may use them as hostages. I would ask media to act effectively and update people with the information of attacks and about the places which are vulnerable. I will ask them to avoid giving false information to make their news more interesting.I would make telephony and internet facilities such and intranet and ad other web based tools available for free at the moment to keep people in touch with their loved ones who are out station by calling or messaging them. Internet is one of the most reliable ways of communication in the times of disaster to mail their loved one and finding people who are missing. People will be asked to follow the instructions given by the Emergency team and Incident command system. The Red Cross people are advised to assemble the emergency kits.I would alert all the hospitals and mental health care concerns to prepare for the disaster to help people who become victims of the attacks. Health care units are informed to provide the medical facilities such as first aid, medicine and other voluntary organizations are encouraged to provide support. Rehabilitation centers are created and so the people can seek shelter. The targets of the terrorists and the potential vulnerable areas influence and affect the city’s emergency plan. It makes emergency planning team think of most vulnerable areas first.They will set priority of the vulnerable places as primary and secondary. It will make their work easier and provide full security to the places of primary concern. The Incident command system may sometimes do not operate efficiently. I think it has review the ways it operates and add most efficient ways to their current system of operation. It should plan efficiently such that their plans are turned into actions and will not remain just words. It should have better communication between its organizational parts. Its commands should be strictly followed by its organizational parts.The plan should be made on time and it should not be executed after the incident but on time. It should communicate with the people effectively and just not make people get afraid by telling consequences of the attack. But they should make feel safe and avoid false promises. The medical and health care units should be dedicated in their work and provide selfless service. There should be no discrimination on the basis race, age, ethnicity, sex and all people should be treated equally. All they can do is to They target terrorism, curb it, defeat it and make their country a peaceful place to live in.

Final Project Scenario Solution Darren Coco HSM Essay

Statement of Opportunity The services provided for high school dropouts will require a knowledgeable staff in different fields to obtain the skills needed to gain employment. Offering education courses and tutoring in basic reading and writing skills, with the goals of getting the students ready to take a GED test or working towards a high school diploma. Impact on Organizational Structure A professional staff that works well with high school children, volunteers who are willing to be patient and work with the professional staff. The need for a human resource department is very important, and will represent the collective capabilities and experiences of its people. Usually with high school dropouts it is based on social background and academic behaviors. The organizational structure needs a positive teacher-student relationship where the students will be encouraged to want to learn and succeed. In this type of case with high school dropouts there may be a need to set up an informal organizational chart, which introduces flexibility into the structure. The kids that will be participating in these programs may be working at a job, and need to set time for education at night or vice versa. Having a flexible schedule can help provide time for all of the students to benefit from. This type of structure can be categorized under the heading of matrix organizations. This struc ture would have the need for more than one supervisor for the employees. Sometimes this type of chain of command can run into problems such as power and authority. However, the benefits may well outweigh the costs if better decisions are made, if they are more widely supported though out the organizations, and if they prevent the alienation that so often accompanies a rigid, bureaucratic structure. Community and Environmental Factors This organization will need to do an assessment to find out the targeted areas of the schools with the highest dropouts occurring recently. Speaking with the school’s superintendent and principals in the area will be able to provide vital information of the student’s history. Strategic planning is always anticipate changing community needs, demographics, economics, location of population centers, and other such variables that is needed for the organization. Government-funded programs by far are the major source of funding for social service programs in federal and state governments. This type of funding tends to be organized around the population groups and problem areas. Dropout high school students will fall under this type of funding. Liederman (1995) points out policy and practice tend to follow social and economic swings and to adapt to changing conditions. Local agency directors who expect to receive funding for services that fall within the child welfare networks can improve their chances for participation if they keep track of proposed programs, legislation, and funding streams initiated at the federal and state levels. By participating in the political process, an agency director, board member, or selected staff members can become integral parts of the decision-making processes and will understand the rationale and the politics of government funding. This knowledge puts an agency director and other participants in a position of strength when the time comes to submit grant or contract proposals to fund agency programs. There is also a possibility that the government agency may grant fund to a family-service agency to strengthen its foster care recruitment, training, and licensing program. The government agency would be awarding the agency a grant to carry out its own programs because these programs benefit the community, and the agency does not have the necessary resources to increase or strengthen the program on its own. (Kettner & Martin, 1987). Human Resources This department consists of selecting, hiring, and retaining the optimum mix of staff. These factors include finding mutual support, leadership, and mentoring. Being able to find the right mix is difficult, but can be done with careful planning and of a clear understanding of what types of people  work best together to achieve high levels of productivity while demonstrating a firm commitment to the organizations mission. A core or hub around which human resources planning revolve is made up of three elements: human resources law, a profile of staff needs, and a job analysis for each position. With these elements at the core, a plan is developed that involves (1) recruitment, (2) selection, (3) orientation, (4) supervision, (5) training and development, (6) performance appraisal, (7) promotion and career development, and , if necessary, (8) termination. Human resources plan is compiled with a clear sense of direction and vision focusing on the qualities and characteristics that are needed to achieve the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. Human resources will need to find the professionals who will give everything they have learned and more to help dropout kids finish their education. The final decision involves a series of final steps prior to making an offer of employment. These may include any or all of the following: (1) final evaluation of candidates by the selection committee, (2) final check of references, (3) recommendation by the selection committee to the hiring authority, (4) the job offer, and (5) notification of unsuccessful candidates of their status. Human resources have a big responsibility to choose the best candidates to work these children. Let’s hope the each student passes with flying colors, and will succeed in all that life has to offer them.

Literary Analysis of The Tell-Tale Heart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literary Analysis of The Tell-Tale Heart - Essay Example This paper aims to analyze this marvellous and excellently written short story by discussing the characters, themes, symbols, textual details and imagery. The Tell Tale Heart may be categorized as a horror short story. The story is written in a first-person narrative style. The story opens with the explanation of horrified feelings and terror. These feelings if observed more closely are the remembrance of those terrifying events and things from the past (Quinn 1998, p. 394). The tell tale heart, is a story narrated by a mentally unstable and over suspicious man. It determines the mental conflicts within the narrator's mind but eventually ends up in murdering his innocent housemate, a pale blue eyed old man. Yet he claims his sanity and stability of mind and tries to bring logic in his cruel act. He kept on insisting about not being crazy and talks about his cold blooded and vicious planning of murder (Bloom 2002, pp. 70-71). He does try to satisfy himself by admitting killing the old man due to fear of his pale blue coloured eyes but he could not get rid of the guilt of his actions due to which he kept hearing old man's loud heart thumping sound and blows his own cover in front of the officers by confessing his crime. The narrator of The Tell Tale Heart seems and convincingly was a mentally unstable person who was dangerous and lost his control in his life, his obsession led to his destruction eventually. He felt hostile about his identity and wanted to stay anonymous. From the beginning he tried to protect his view about life as correct and his over imaginative and suspicious nature as peculiar sensitivity of sensing danger around. The narrator of â€Å"The tell tale heart† is a killer of an innocent man. The narrator of the story seemed well planned and gave acute time to his course in action, leaving no choice for the victim at all. The Tell Tale heart’s narrator waited for 7 nights and murdered the already scared man randomly on the 8th night. The factor of fear is even involved here; he could not stand the fear of his pale blue eyes. The tell tale heart’s narrator was a confused mind person who refused to be insane but did admit the fact that his actions were of a right cause and planned until he chopped the body and hid it under the floorboards. Due to his heighten sensitivity of listening to different sounds, he was unable to distinguish between the real and imaginative sounds so he confessed his crime and but did call the police officers villain as he could not distinguish between his own actions which were vicious. The Tell Tale Heart is the story which describes the feelings of conflict within a person. The use of unambiguous sentence structures and incompleteness of the narrations the author clearly illustrates the conflicts that are prevalent in the narrator’s mind. The unstable mental condition of the narrator is also obvious from the choice of words, unstructured sentences and improper expressing ways by the narrator. The story is tense and the narrator keeps this tension increasing gradually throughout the story until the end when the narrator accepts his sin of killing an innocent person. The story portrays violent act of murdering someone due to the inner obsession with the old man’s eyes. The insanity of the narrator is exposed through the extreme reaction of that obsession in killing him. The narrator does not have control over his actions and reactions which is also a predictor of an

Financial Crisis The Great Depression Coursework

Financial Crisis The Great Depression - Coursework Example They perceived to have transferred the risks by practising dependency on unregulated investors through mechanisms like Special Purpose Vehicles and Special Investment Vehicles (SPVs & SIVs). The current economic crisis thus occurred as the result of exposure to Market Risks due to such risk transfer mechanisms that caused many loopholes in the Credit & Liquidity Risk Management. The entire disaster happened in the lending to Sub-Prime customers in home mortgage markets, which are individuals or companies not having clean credit history or regular source of income. The banks lend loans to Sub-Prime customers to avail the benefits of higher interest rates and used the mechanism of "Securitization" to secure themselves that essentially is the mechanism of distributing the risk of the lending to the investors outside the Banking system through a process called "Conduiting". The process of "Securitization" gave confidence to banks in this risky business and hence resulted in the boom of C redit Derivative Market. The money was believed to be flowing through these "conduits" directly from "investors to the borrowers" through the SPV and SIV system. The risk assessors never imagined that the underlying collaterals (houses) will face a crash in prices to a global level that would be uncontrollable by even the governments. Even the external rating agencies couldn't predict the Sub-Prime crisis because the Securitization Process was extremely complex and the dependency of valuations was upon scattered and unreliable data inside as well as outside the core banking system. This system expanded uncontrollably and the market competitiveness increasing exponentially resulting in banks sanctioning loans bypassing essential procedures as if there was "no time for risk management". The actual risks got covered under hyped data and fair valuation became a matter of joke to be cracked. [Schmitz, Michael. C and Forray, Susan J. pp28-30; Clerc, Laurent. 2008. pp1-7] Objective of the Research The following are the main objectives of my research: 1. Find out what the cause/s of the current financial crisis is/are; 2. Find out what effect the crisis is having on the United Kingdom, for example in terms of monetary power, and; 3. How individuals and businesses are affected; 4. Conclude what is being done, and what can be done about our current

Monitoring pain response in DBS patients Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Monitoring pain response in DBS patients - Essay Example As a result, researchers have presented several studies to determine and explain the DBS mechanism in a way that people could understand. High-frequency stimulation is the method used to minimize the tremors and seizures (Kim 2013). DBS is believed to trigger the release of neurochemical by the application of high frequency stimulation. DBS is beneficial in this filled because it helps in relief and management of pain in patients with movement disorders. However, it also presents several challenges that threaten its effective application, for example, recent and future changes in technology, attitude, as well as health risks such as brain bleeding, stroke among others (Kim 2013). This paper seeks to explore this topic by looking at literature review if the issue, recent developments and its benefits in the area of biomedical engineering. Introduction DBS is a surgical treatment whereby a neurostimulator device delivers minute electrical signals to the parts of the brain that controls movement. This occurs in three parts; first, a thin insulated wire referred to as electrode is placed into the brain. Second, a neurostimulator (pace-maker like device) is placed under the skin near the collarbone or may be placed somewhere else in the body. Lastly, an extension in the form of another thin, insulated wire connects the electrode to the neurostimulator. DBS was discovered in 1980s to relieve tremor using high frequency stimulation of certain parts of the brain. As a result, DBS replaced the traditional ablative procedures by emerging as the surgical treatment option for movement disorders such as tremors, Parkinson’s disease, tics and dystonia. The DBS system can be activated and deactivated by putting a magnet in the area of the chest with the IPG or neurostimulator. This has a small battery of a lifespan of five years, which produces the electrical pulses required for stimulation (Patterson, et al. 2007). Unlike in the traditional ablative procedures, the st imulating electrodes in DBS, which includes voltage, pulse width and frequency of stimulation, can be customized and adjusted to an individual’s needs. Further, there is rare occurrence of potential risks such as infection, stroke or hemorrhage. If side effects occur, they are reversible and include swallowing and speech difficulties, weakness, and abnormal sensations. DBS was principally used for treatment of movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, but it has since been applied to certain nonmotor conditions and other types of movement disorders. The main goal of DBS is to relieve pain or restore function by stimulating neural activity by use of surgically implanted electrode. Literature Review Mechanism of Action Since its introduction, DBS continues to be effective in reducing dyskinesias, improving motor function and reducing symptom fluctuations brought by on-off medication effects especially in the case of Parkinson’s d isease (Maruo, et al. 2011). Success in DBS treatment depends on precise neutral targeting, careful selection of patients, and extensive individualized programming. The bottom-line is that DBS does not treat the disorders completely, but it helps in managing pain and reducing severe symptoms in Parkinson’s disease such as rigidity, tremor, slow movements, stiffness and walking problems (Burns, et al. 2007). DBS surgery has been successful in treating neuropathic pain, but the

Operational skills Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Operational skills - Case Study Example Compliance with patient management protocols is incorrect when it compromises patient safety. To enhance the operating room effectiveness, the caregivers compliance to patient management protocols must not compromise patient safety. Instrumentation sterilization in Stanfords Hospital may compromise patient safety, and, therefore, any compliance to such a patient management protocol would be incorrect. Protocols provide clinical guide towards clinical care and encourages professional guidance to patients hence leading to improved compliance (Ray and Griffith, 2010). The guidelines and regulations provided in the protocols ensure that the caregivers are consistent in the management of clinic patients, a clear sign of compliance with the protocols. Functional protocols are different to the extent that they are aimed at ensuring quality ans safety through standardizing care process. Through the standardized care process, functional protocols are aimed at ensuring the use of safe, reliable as well as patient-centered care instruments and elements (Ray and Griffith, 2010). The application of functional protocols in Stanfords Hospital would see the implementation of a standardized care process that would prevent instrument

Point and Counterpoint Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Point and Counterpoint - Essay Example Such a leader has the ability to influence others on a personal level and not just through exercising authority. Thus, great leaders are experts in their field, lead by example, are fair in their dealings, have a natural charisma, have good knowledge and insight, are good at communicating and influencing others. Leadership may therefore be defined â€Å"as the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations† (Kouzes, 2002:30). It makes people â€Å"want to be part of the organization and not just work for the organization† (Covey, 2004:217). However, the nature of today’s globalisation also demands that leaders are not only adept in analytical and emotional intelligence but also in cultural intelligence. This is the leader’s â€Å"capability for successful adaptation to new cultural settings† (Earley, 2003) and the capability of influencing people of other cultures. These in turn requires a good â€Å"conceptual understanding of differences among cultures† (Wang, 2006), expertise in handling physical aspects of cultural differences such as greeting rituals, and emotional aspects such as appreciating the complex relationship dynamics in a diverse workforce. Global and multicultural organisations nowadays seek those who have good cultural intelligence. Whilst all the aforementioned qualities are perhaps universally accepted as essentials of good leadership, as Andrew Ma (2009) points out with respect to altruism, there can be important differences between cultures in the perception of leadership values. In a comparison of the Chinese concept of altruism based on Confucian teachings (ren) and the Western concept based on Christian teachings (agapao), the author notes, â€Å"the scope and nature of altruism is different in the two philosophies/religious traditions.† Whereas the Chinese value ‘graded love’ by loving their closer relations more dearly than others, Westerners (at least those who are more faithful to the Christian religion)

Mythology essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Mythology - Essay Example The two ancient Greek legends together give an exciting recount of incidences that give a clear picture of the philosophical and religious views of the ancient Greeks regarding death and the afterlife. Generally from the two stories, it is evident that the ancient Greeks feared afterlife and regarded death as a not so glorious and undesirable natural event. For example, during his visit to the Hades, Odysseus saw the dead who were pathetic, deprived of their wits. On the other hand, The Myth of Er by Plato suggests the ancient Greek belief that moral people are rewarded after death while immoral people face punishment upon heir death. This is particularly illustrated by the description of how Er saw the sinners being punished while people who were Virtuous group were rewarded with happiness. Lastly, the ancient Greeks believed that the deceased should be buried with dignity with proper customary burial rites to allow them get to afterlife after their

Strategic Planning & Decision Making (SWOT Analysis) PART TWO Assignment

Strategic Planning & Decision Making (SWOT Analysis) PART TWO - Assignment Example The company mission statement; to save people’s money as a way of uplifting their lives has shaped the company policies. This is because the company has focused on cost reduction in order to ensure price leadership (Kneer 2009). The company targets the medium income earners with an average annual income of $35000. The company has also focused on implementing new technology as a way of keeping it ahead of its competitors and ensuing that it delivers quality products and services to its consumers. One of the main strengths that Wal-Mart has is that they are able to offer a wide array of goods in one store. Moreover, because of its large scale of economies, the company is able to offer competitive prices which are highly discounted with make them offer the best prices. This makes the company stand out because its rivals may not have the advantage since they may not have the advantage of getting huge discounts from supplier that comes with buying goods in bulk. These discounts are then passed down to the consumers (Kurtz, 2013). The consumers can thus buy different good within a single store at low prices which is quite convenient. Another strength that makes the company outstanding is the fact that the company sells goods with their own brands together with good from other major brands. This makes it possible for the company to reach out to a wider market as it supplies different segment of the market. This is in contrast with her competitors who may focus on selling products form a single brand. The consumers thus have a wide range of substitute products to pick from which is convenient. A major weakness facing this company is that since it is focused on offering goods at low prices, its clients may sometimes question the quality of these products. This is because high prices are often associated with high quality. The company could overcome this problem by consistently ensuring that all

The HR Manager Essay Example for Free

The HR Manager Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this country, and even in the rest of the world, the practice of Human Resources Management is rapidly evolving to assume a more pervasive role in the society.   We are in the era of organizational revolution. Out time is marked with rapid shifts in the demography of our workforce, changing corporate culture, and changing organizations. Organizational forms have become more complex and new forms have been developed (Block, 1981). The management of people has never been as important and crucial than ever before. Today, it is considered a central figure and the key to productivity and quality especially in a very competitive society. The Need   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the light of the rapid shift in today’s organization, the skills required of human resource managers, beginners in the profession and even aspiring students in the discipline, rest on the foundation of knowledge on the whole gamut of human resources management, specifically management theories applied in our setting (Kline Saunders, 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The need for a more efficient, economical and equitable management of the human resources in business industry has never been as pronounced as it is today. This need has never been brought about by factors which inevitably affect not only the established structures and ways of doing things within the personnel area but also by the more meaningful and substantial task of managing the organization’s most important asset – the human resource. Among these factors are: stiffer competition in business; rapid changes in technological, competitive and economic environments; the explosion of technical and managerial knowledge; spiraling wage and benefits cost and so many others. These factors have no doubt been responsible for the emergence of the personnel function as a vital area in the implementation of corporate strategy (Bruffee, 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The influence of behavioral science has resulted in a humanistic orientation for personnel management that is geared toward attainment of organizational objectives. Traditional functions in personnel such as hiring, wage and benefits administration and record keeping are still being performed. However, the scope of personnel management has been expanded to include strategic concerns such as, among others, career planning, organizational development and community relations. This linking of personnel management with the process of achieving the organization’s strategic goal defines the qualitative leap into human resource management (Demick, 1993). III. Defining our terminology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What are learning theories and what are the implications of these to the matter at hand? How do we know that these are in operation? What activities should be secured in an organization that will encourage the knowledge of these theories? As we were just pondering on the grave need for the upliftment and maximum utilization of our workforce by addressing several factors inherent in the profession, we want to first look into these learning theories and analyze about their contribution to a difficult year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Atkinson (1993) best summarizes what learning theories assume:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Learning pervades our lives. It is involved not only in mastering a new skill   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   or academic subject but also in emotional development, social interaction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and even personality development. We learn what we fear, what to love,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   how to be polite and so on. Given the pervasiveness of learning in our lives,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   it is not surprising that we have already discussed many instances of it – how   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   for example, children love to perceive the world around them, to identify with   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   their own sex, and to control their behavior according to adult standards.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Learning as proponents claim them to be, maybe defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior that results from practice: behavior changes that are due to maturation (rather than practice), or temporary conditions of the organism (e.g. fatigue, or drug-induced) are not included. All cases of learning are not the same, though. Learning is defined by Craig et al as a process through which one’s capacity or disposition is changed as a result of experience. Apparently, while learning can be defined as a process and a product, most definitions stress learning more as a process. Changes resulting from development and experience are emphasized. III. The Concepts of Learning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are three kinds of learning. These three different kinds may be distinguished as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive learning. In the study of behavior, concepts in learning are differentiated and defined.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In classical conditioning, the conditioned response often resembles the normal response to the unconditioned stimulus. Concepts such as, acquisition, extinction, discrimination, extinction, generalization, spontaneous recovery, and higher order of learning are all associated with classical conditioning. is portrayed by our independent yet harmful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Much of real-life behavior is like this though: response is learned because individuals operate on, or effect the environment. Concepts like instrumental conditioning, reinforcement, shaping, extinction, punishment, biofeedback, token economies, and programmed learning are essential notions in the theory (Atkinson et al, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While classical and operant conditioning are both relatively simple forms of learning, Cognitive learning, on the other hand, involves mental processes, such as attention and memory, that may be learned through observation or imitation; it may not involve any external rewards or require the person to perform any observable behaviors. Concepts in cognitive learning include Insight learning and observation learning. Insight learning is a mental process marked by the sudden occurrence of a solution whereas observational learning, say theorists, may account for most human learning. It occurs, when we observe people around us, as early as a year old and even below, doing things and we learn those tasks they do (Atkinson et al, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Modern management theories employ these concepts in specific and specialized forms. It’s psychology applied in the industry and organization. They call these self-learning and continuous learning. Self-directed training includes the learner initiating the learning, making the decisions about what training and development experiences will occur, and how. The learner selects and carries out their own learning goals, objectives, methods and means to verify that the goals were met.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Probably the most important skill for todays rapidly changing workforce is skills in self-reflection. The highly motivated, self-directed learner with skills in self-reflection can approach the workplace as a continual classroom from which to learn.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Supervisors and employees who work together to accomplish formal, self-directed learning in the workplace also accomplishes continuous learning for continued productivity and learning. The Nature of the Work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Attracting the most qualified employees and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited is significant for the success of any organization. However, many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees. Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists provide this connection. In the past, these workers have been associated with performing the administrative function of an organization, such as handling employee benefits questions or recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff in accordance with policies and requirements that have been established in conjunction with top management. Today’s human resources workers manage these tasks and, increasingly, consult top executives regarding strategic planning. They have moved from behind-the-scenes staff work to leading the company in suggesting and changing policies. Senior management is recognizing the significance of the human resources department to their financial success.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In an effort to enhance morale and productivity, limit job turnover, and help organizations increase performance and improve business results, they also help their firms effectively use employee skills, provide training and development opportunities to improve those skills, and increase employees’ satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions. Although some jobs in the human resources field require only limited contact with people outside the office, dealing with people is an important part of the job.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The educational backgrounds of human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists vary considerably because of the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations. Other employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education (Maccoby, 1998).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many colleges and universities have programs leading to a degree in personnel, human resources, or labor relations. Some offer degree programs in human resources administration or human resources management, training and development, or compensation and benefits. Depending on the school, courses leading to a career in human resources management may be found in departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication, or public administration, or within a separate human resources institution or department.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because an interdisciplinary background is appropriate in this field, a combination of courses in the social sciences, business, and behavioral sciences is useful. Some jobs may require a more technical or specialized background in engineering, science, finance, or law, for example. Most prospective human resources specialists should take courses in compensation, recruitment, training and development, and performance appraisal, as well as courses in principles of management, organizational structure, and industrial psychology. Other relevant courses include business administration, public administration, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and statistics. Courses in labor law, collective bargaining, labor economics, labor history, and industrial psychology also provide a valuable background for the prospective labor relations specialist. As in many other fields, knowledge of computers and information systems also is useful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The management of human resources or to put it simply means the management of people who come from different backgrounds, differing worldviews, age and cultural distinctiveness. Any person who will be handling such diversity is in for trouble. Hence, a solid knowledge of human behavior is prerequisite (Bohm, 1998). Why the need for learning theories? And how to promote it in the context of HR management?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Understandably, the HR manager’s role is one of leadership not just of management. When he/she leads people he/she takes into account the individuality and the complexity, the seemingly unpredictability of behavior. Why seemingly, because at one end we think of the difficulty in truly expecting people to follow the way we want them to follow. However, we also see the other end, that for reasons that we too are human, we know to a certain extent what makes people tick, or what makes people squirm and so on. If we have sufficient background on the learning theories (i.e. insight learning or observational learning), we bring with us an arsenal to help us create change, and move people within our leadership (or influence) to create the change we believe (or our employers believe) should happen in the workplace (Morecroft Sterman , 1994).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When we are equipped with the knowledge of learning theories we come with a knowledge of people. For example, we can employ the information by crafting our goals and mission statements by involving our people in the process. Learning theories teach us that by involving people in goal-setting gives them ownership; by itself (the involvement) is a form of reward (intrinsic).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In general, the spirit of learning is the spirit of desiring knowledge above and beyond the current abilities a particular individual possesses. It means creating the appetite for change, positive and better change for the person and for the organization where he/she belongs.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Promoting learning in the workplace is both easy and difficult. Easy because if we are experts on human behavior we use influence to help us towards that direction and difficult, usually when we don’t take time to study the kind of people our organization has. What are our strategies?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the workplace, we can employ several strategies. An HR manager may choose from a variety of methods or line of attack so to speak.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One is self-learning, which is a combination of insight, observational and classical /operant learning. Self-learning occurs when the individual reflects on his/her encounter or experience on a particular day and learns something from it. It is informal and most often the typical kind of learning that occurs. Self-directed learning programs possess abundant advantages over traditional variety of classroom instruction for employees in the workplace, whether they are leaders, managers, or individual contributors. Bouchard (Self-directed Learning in Organizational Settings (a working paper), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada) clarifies, â€Å"Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that traditional approaches to program design and delivery in the workplace and in associative organizations present some important weaknesses. Problem areas include: coping with the short life span of useful knowledge; passing down acquired competencies to succeeding cohorts; accommodating the demands of productivity while providing for a continuity of learning; [and] enabling learners to pursue activities that correspond to their learning styles and needs† (p. 1). Carl Rogers, pioneer of self-directed therapy, claimed that â€Å"anything that can be taught to another is relatively inconsequential, and has little or no significant influence on behavior† (1961, p. 276). He contends, â€Å"The only learning which significantly influences behavior is self-discovered, self-appropriated learning† (p. 276).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Continuous Learning is the ability to learn to learn. It goes beyond linear learning. Learning need not be a linear event where a learner goes to a formal learning program, acquires areas of knowledge and skills about a system or process, and then the learning terminates. If the learner can view life (including work) as a learning program, then the learner can continue to learn from almost everything in life. As a result, the learner continues to expand his or her capacity for living, including working (Bridges, 1991).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Peter Senge, well-known systems theorist, elucidates that continual learning and individual mastery are very alike. In continuous learning, the learner carries on to: 1. Distinguish priorities or overall values about themselves and how they want to live and work   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   they have a personal vision. Undergo a dynamic function in the world and work. Keep on reflecting on their encounters in the world and work. Inquire about current feedback about the world (including work) and their activities in it Continue to be as receptive as possible to the feedback (which entails a considerable level of personal maturity). Create continuing regulations and modifications, based on constant feedback, to the manner they live their lives and perform their work in order to meet their goals and priorities. Consequently, the primary features of continuous learning include:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Having some basic values in a person’ life or priorities in his/her work.; owning responsibility in the world; relating with the new information and skills; pausing to make inquiries and contemplate about one’s life and experiences; expecting and receiving continuing feedback;   eliminating personal impediments on receiving feedbacks and possessing the audacity and humility to adjust. Conclusions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Much of the learning in the workplace has been adaptive (i.e. individuals are trained to adapt to the needs of the organization in a manner that ensures consistency and compliance with norms). In contrast, the new paradigm focuses on liberating individuals and bringing forth their ability to create. This develops within the person, a work ethic that he/she is expected to adhere to, considering that it reflects his/her personhood, his wants and wishes, as well as his future plans. This has generated a much greater contribution from the workforce than expected and continues to develop a learning community where the exchange of ideas is encouraged and work output increased. Enthusiasm towards work in general will be maximized and relationship within the workplace improved. Reference: Atkinson, RL, RC Atkinson, EE Smith, DJ Bem, and S. Nolen-Hoeksema, Hilgard’s   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduction to psychology. 13th ed., New York: Harcourt brace and Company,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2000. Block, Peter, Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used, University   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Associates, San Diego, CA 1981. Bohm, David. (1985) Unfolding Meaning. Loveland, CO: Foundation House. Bridges, William, Managing Transitions, Making the Most of Change, Addison-Wesley,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Menlo Park, CA 1991. Bruffee, Kenneth A. Collaborative Learning: Higher Education, Interdependence, and the Authority of Knowledge. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1993. Demick, J. and Miller, P., Development in the Workplace, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Publishers, New Jersey, 1993. Gozdz, Kazimierz, ed., Community Building: Renewing Spirit and Learning in Business,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sterling Stone (NewLeadersPress), San Francisco, 1995. Kline, Peter and Bernard Saunders. Ten Steps to a Learning Organization. Great Ocean Publishers, Inc. Arlington, VA. 1993. Maccoby, Michael, Why Work: Motivating and Leading the New Generation, Simon   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Schuster, New York, 1988. Morecroft, John D.W. and John Sterman eds.(1994) Modeling for Learning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Organizations. Productivity Press.  McNamara, Carter., http//:www.authenticity   Ã‚   consulting.com. Copyright 1999 Rogers, C., On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy, Houghton   Ã‚  Ã‚   Mifflin, 1961, p. 276.   Senge, Peter, 1990. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning    Organization 1st edition, 1994 paperback edition, xxiii, 413 p., ISBN 0-385-  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   26095-4. West, G. W. Group Learning in the Workplace. In S. Imel (Ed.), Learning in groups: exploring fundamental principles, new uses, and emerging opportunities. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. (1996).

Is It Art Essay Example for Free

Is It Art Essay What is art? Every person has an individual response to an artwork which is determined through the collaboration between an individual and a specific artwork. If it contributes to your experience, as a consequence being symbolic of something, then it is probably art for you. It is therefore very problematic in order to supply a definition that comprises the whole worlds thoughts and feelings. Some believe that anything and everything in the world is art, while others believe that it takes aptitude, creativity, and an imagination to produce true art. Art can be a reflection of one’s idea brought into the world through painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, architecture, and many other ways. Artworks are determined and different according to an individual’s perceptions, beliefs, and ideas. To begin to decide what we like or dislike depends upon the subject matter of the work what it depicts and its contents, what the subject matter means, symbolizes, or radically opposes. Taking a trip in Washington, D. C. with my Uncle to Maya Lin’s Vietnam Memorial is an example of conflicting art. Many people viewed the monument as an insult to the memory of the very soldiers to whom it was supposed to pay honor. Depending upon an individual’s perspective, to be able to walk up out of the gentle slope out of the V, symbolizes for many the process of healing. The names chiseled in the wall, inflicts serious emotional feelings when you find the name of a loved one or a friend. Depending on how the light hits the polished granite it reflects first your own image back at you, as if to say that your life is what these names fought for. Just the sheer meaning of the fight for our freedom, lost lives there and psychologically even after returning state side, all for another’s life is symbolic art. Similarly is the lighted frog mosaic art lamp my mother purchased during a mother daughter scavenger hunt. At first sight it could be construed as the ugliest thing. Agreeing first glance or look it is ugly, does not fit, or have a particular purpose. Now, with second sight, added to the fact of mother passing, that same mosaic lighted lamp is the most beautiful piece of art. The symbolic emotional feelings of looking at the intertwined pieces of light blue pieces of glass at the base of the frog depict the water of its freedom. The different shades of green glass pieces of the frog make it representational. The black molding holding the glass pieces together give continuity, shape, and naturalistic features to the lamp, thus, creating the illusion that it is real. Lively color lastly conveyed to the interior of your home imparts the feeling of joy and love evoked with exceptional time spent between mother and child is symbolic of family love. Another art that is interpreted as representational would be tattoos. The shear pain from the needle into your body is permanent making it a work of art. The one drawn by their owner with underlying meaning can be the most symbolic than one drawn but the actual tattooist. To wear an angel on your skin can convey many underlying significances, yet to have a faceless angel portrays a deep meaning. Everyday millions of people come in contact with angels, whether it is a smile, kind word, motivation, helping hand, prayer, or assisting force in an individual’s daily life. Then to have the Chinese letters of eternal faith under that faceless angel can have various values. This is symbolic of having eternal faith that the world is surrounded by everyday angels forever. After all this said in conclusion I can say that art is surely not seen with open eyes, but with open minds. Minds open for absorption of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, architecture, and many other ways. From the examples above, I can also say that art is also an act of giving a small part of you in order to express through the art piece. The portrait of Mona Lisa is not only a portrait of a woman is also a portrait of Leonardos need to express him through color, composition, and symbolic feelings of tranquility. When we are seeing the subject matter, we are not staring just a landscape, sculpture, or portrait; we are observing the artists needs and emotions reflected by the needs of society for art. Art can be symbolic whether it is representational, abstract, or nonobjective.

Meaning, form and use: The past

Meaning, form and use: The past The role of grammar in English language teaching For many teachers, grammar plays a central role in their classroom methodology. However, in 1980s there was an anti-grammar movement which was influenced from the idea of Krashen that grammar can be acquired naturally from meaningful input and opportunity to interact in the classroom: in other words, the grammartical competence can be developed in a fluency-oriented environment without conscious focus on language forms. For Hymes, said that rules of use without which the ruled of grammar would be useless. Just as rules of syntax can control aspects of phonology, and just as rules of semantics perhaps control aspects of syntax, so rules of speech acts enter as a controlling factor for linguistic form as a whole ( Hymes 1972 : 278 ) From his suggestion, the grammar is one of the most important factors in language teaching and learning, especially it is the communicative element to communicative language ability. The components of communicative language ability are linguistic competence, pragmatic competence, discourse competence strategic competence and fluency. The linguistics competence is composed from a knowledge of spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammatical structure and linguistic semantics. Meaning, form and use : The past Course description This course is involved the past tense which refers to the meaning of the tense, the form of the tense and the use of the tense. The learners must know the rules of the tense and can form the patterns of the tense and can use it correctly. The learners are able to apply the tense in the real situations. Content The past tense is divided into 3 categories which are: Past simple tense past continuous tense Past perfect tense Past perfect continuous tense The four types have their own forms, meanings and uses. Past Simple is used to indicate the actions which already happened in the past and finished at the specific time in the past. The actions might be long or short. And there are some kinds of rules should be remembered about this tense : regular verb , irregular verbs, questions and negative sentences. Past Continuous is used to describe the past actions in progress. Past Perfect is used to talk about the situations which begin in the past and continue to the period of time in the past and then finish at the time. The Model of teaching grammar: the PPP model There are 3 stages to teach grammar: presentation, practice and production. The first stage is presentation. These are some kinds of activities of teachers to apply in their teaching, for example, the teachers present new language in context so that meaning is clear. The teachers may present the new form in a natural spoken or written text so that students can see its use in discourse. Then, he/ she links the new form to what students already know. Next, he/ she checks comprehension. The teacher elicits the form from students where possible and exploit their existing knowledge. The second stage is practice. The teacher helps the students memorize the form and produce the word order. Then, he/she give intensive practice through repetition and provide opportunities for feedback and error correction. Next, the teacher develop confidence of the students. The last stage is production. The teacher reduces control and encourage students to find out what they can do. Then, the teacher encourage the students to use the forms in expressing their own content and teacher helps students see the usefulness of what they have learned and then to check what has been learned and diagnose problems. Example of the lesson plan This is a good example of the lesson plan which is a very interesting one and can help all language teacher to teach and try new way to teach grammar through narrative. Narratives in the Simple Past Teacher: Catherine Eslinger Class: Linguistics 577 Date of Explanation: October 14th, 1997 Proficiency Level: Beginning Age of Learners: High School Age and Above Objectives: Students will be able to compliment others past actions. Students will be able to describe actions in the past using the simple past tense. Students will be able to understand and recognize the simple past forms in a folktale. They will be able to supply some of these forms when asked. Materials Required: A simple folk tale, colored markers, 1117 paper, a personal photograph, photographs that students have brought from home. Warm up/Review: Model giving compliments in the present tense, which students have recently studied. Give several examples and write them on the board, such as I like your smile and I like the way you read aloud. Have students move around the room giving compliments to each other, following this model (in addition to listening to Students as they practice, give class members compliments). Presentation Practice Evaluation: Stop the fluid pair activity and model giving compliments that use the past tense: I appreciated the way you helped return papers to the class yesterday or I loved the food you cooked for our class party last week. Write these forms on the board, underlining the time expression. Write some of the compliments students gave each other that use the same verbs in the present tense. Underline the verbs. Have students induce the rule. Include auxiliaries in the past, particularly in question formation. Play Alibi. Have two students leave the room, pretending to be suspects of a crime. Model the types of questions students could ask of a suspect, writing some patterns on the board. One suspect returns when called and students ask questions about his or her whereabouts at the time of the crime. When they have exhausted the questioning possibilities, the first student again leaves the room and the second is asked the same questions to see if their alibis match. Pay attention to students use o f the past tense. Are they able to use it correctly? Note any irregular verbs for which students have overgeneralized the rule for putting in the past tense. Present patterns for types of irregular past tense verbs that students have used in Alibi. If students have used these and overgeneralized, present categories like feel-felt, steal-stole, bring-brought and begin-began. Preview Llama and the Great Flood by talking about legends and folk tales in other cultures, finding Peru on a map, etc. Read it aloud, leaving out regular and irregular verbs the students have just studied in the past tense. Ask them to supply those verbs. Cue them with the present tense of the verb. Listen to the students. Are they able to supply the correct form of the verb in the simple past tense? If other irregular forms have come up in the folktale, present these exceptions to the rule. Show students a personal photo of some interesting past event. Describe it using the simple past tense. Have the students write a short description of their own photo in the simple past. In pairs, they will share their description and photo with another class member. Contingency plan: If some students have forgotten photos, have them imagine the scene of a photo they have at home. Listen to the pairs practice. Are the students able to use the past tense fluently and accurately? Note any new irregular past tense forms that come up. If other irregular verb forms have come up in the descriptions of photos, present those exceptions to the rule. If not, I will not present any new material at this time. Although this activity provides more practice, it is primarily intended to evaluate students learning. Post six pieces of 11 x 17 paper around the room. Each page has a different sentence prompt on it. These include: When I was a child. . . , When I first started to learn English. . . , Last week. . . , After my last birthday . . . , Yesterday. . . , and This morning . . . . In teams of three, each team with a different colored marker, students go around the room to the various papers and write narrative endings to these prompts. To correct serious errors, send a student from a team that is doing that aspect of the activity correctly to help the struggling team for a moment. Note the names of team members using particular colors and examine the papers after class to see which students are struggling with the forms. If students have again overgeneralized the rule for the simple past in other categories of verbs, present those verbs to them. Allow students to add to the sheets of paper with prompts on them using the irregular verbs they have just learned. Pay attention to how students are forming all past forms, particularly the irregular ones. Again, note who is struggling by identifying teams using particular colored markers. Application: Assign students to find a picture from a magazine or book of a fashionable item of clothing people wore in the past. It can be from any time period in the past, whether the nineteen sixties in the U.S. or the fifteenth century in their own countries. Students will show the class the picture of this clothing, tell who wore it, in what time period, and in what place. They must also tell the class for what occasions they believe the clothing was worn, and any other information they know or have found out about the clothing. Finally, they should tell the class whether or not they would like to wear it, and where and when they would wear it. Self-evaluation: This lesson is too long and has too little focus on narratives to really be effective. I have underestimated the time required for students to induce rules, be able to apply them in the story, and especially write and then tell their own past narrative about a photograph. I dont want to have to rush that; Im hoping it will be interesting and important enough to them that they will want to tell the full story, and tell it well. I have decided that although Alibi is a good game for practice of the past tense, it doesnt belong in this lesson. It can come in a later lesson.

Comparing Lamb to the Slaughter and the Speckled Band :: Lamb Band Slaughter compare Contrast Essays

Comparing Lamb to the Slaughter and the Speckled Band In this essay i am going to compare two short stories, and see if they are traditional murder mystery stories. I want to see if the stories also follow the conventions of a murder mystery story. One story is called 'Lamb to the Slaughter' and the other is 'The Speckled Band'. The story 'Lamb to the Slaughter' ('LTS') was written in 1954, which is over sixty years ago. 'The Speckled Band' ('TSB') was written in 1892. Roald Dahl wrote the story 'LTS'. This story does not follow the conventions of a murder mystery story. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote 'TSB'. This is a murder mystery story. It follows the basic conventions of murder mysteries. I will try to show the differences between the two stories, and show how the stories have different genres. Genre is a type. Geenre is a french word which means Type. Many things have genres. Things we use to entertain ourselfs with, or pass time with, have a genre. For example, films, music, books, games and many other things have genres. Genre is important because it lets people know what they are doing. If someone is watching a film they would wnt to know what genre it is. It could be a horror,thriller, comedy or anything else. So this helps them to know what type of film they are watching, but it would not give away any part of the film. Genre is useful for writers, film makers or artists. They would know what area to target, and they can make money. I am trying to find out if these two stories, 'LTS' and 'TSB', are murder mysery stories. Murder mysteries have conventions. They are basic requirments and these are: -The Detective is the main focus -The reader/viewer (if a film) is set a challenge or challanges -Usually set ater the murder -Gradually builds tention -Denoment (crime is solved) Ending -Then ending has a moral Every murder mystery has a basic story line and must have most of the conventions to fit the genre. In 'LTS' Mrs Maloney is portrayed as a normal wife. She is not presented as a murderer. At the beginning of the story it said she "...glance up at the clock" and "...was waiting for her husband." When he came back home she "Took his coat." She then "Walked over and made the drinks." This is what any normal wife would do. She then asked, "Shall i get your slippers?" and she wanted to make him some dinner. She appears as though she is a loving caring wife. She does not look like a suspect for any type of

PaceMaker Essay -- medical health heart disease

The PaceMaker I. Introduction Heart disease is among the leading causes of deaths each year. However, many people with heart problems are increasing their longevity with pacemakers. A pacemaker’s main purpose is to keep the heart from beating too slowly thereby preventing the problems associated with slow heart rhythms (passing out, congestive heart failure, and death). Pacemakers are necessary because, while there are many medications that prevent the heart from going too fast, there are only a handful that make the heart beat faster. Medications that speed the heart rate are poorly tolerated and often associated with serious side effects. Pacemakers have become a reliable means of helping people live longer and improve their lifestyles despite having a slow heart rhythm. The body’s â€Å"natural† pacemaker is a small mass of specialized cells in the top of the right atrium, or chamber, of the heart. It produces the electrical impulses that cause a heart to beat. A chamber of the heart contracts when an electrical impulse or signal moves across it. For a heart to beat properly, the signal must travel down a specific path to reach the ventricles. Natural pacemakers may be defective, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. There may also be a blockage of the heart’s electrical pathways. A pacemaker is a solution to these problems. II. Technical Description Patients require pacemakers for many different reasons. Most pacemakers are implanted to prevent the heart from beating too slowly0. Often, this slowness occurs because there is no cell in the heart that will beat fast enough to maintain proper function, or because there is a â€Å"block† somewhere in the electrical pathway which does not allow the electrical activity to spread to all of the necessary portions of the heart muscle. The underlying cause of this mishap may be scar tissue, most frequently from previous heart attacks. Sometimes it is simply caused by â€Å"aging† of the conduction system. Pacemakers come in different shapes and sizes. All of them are small and lightweight. Depending on the patient’s heart condition, the physician will prescribe the number of chambers to be paced and a specific kind of pacing. A single-chamber pacemaker paces either the right atrium or the right ventricle with one lead. Single lead pacemakers are used pri... ...ach manufacturer programs this function in a different but characteristic way. A certain â€Å"magnet rate† indicates the need for elective or immediate replacement for each model. Although pacemakers are useful life-extending devices, they are not foolproof. Many precautions must be taken for patients with pacemakers, including: battery maintenance, avoiding microwaves, arc welding (which can create a high-energy field that can reprogram pacemakers), power-generating equipment, powerful magnets, and cellular phones. References Cunningham, David et. al. National Pacemaker Database. Grant from Medical Devices Agency and The Department of Health. United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 1996 – 1997. â€Å"Pacemaker.† Americanheart. Internet Explorer. Telnet. 17 Feb. 2008. â€Å"Pacemaker Patients: Use the cell phone, but with caution.† Mayohealth. 22 May 1997. Internet Explorer. Telnet. 17 Feb. 2008. â€Å"Pacemakers.† HeartPoint. Internet Explorer. Telnet. 17 Feb. 2008. Sgarbossa, Elena B, M.D. â€Å"Recognition of Pacemaker Failure.† ASCA. Internet Explorer. Telnet. 17 Feb. 2008. â€Å"Vigor.† Guidant. Internet Explorer. Telnet. 17 Feb. 2008.

Degradation of Women in Caribbean Music Essay -- Music

As one moves past the initial onslaught of rhythmic beats that calypso has to offer, it is difficult to miss the way in which it reverberates with negative and demoralizing images of women to their male counterparts. Whether it is within the lyrics of Sparrow’s â€Å"Drunk and Disorderly† or Square One’s â€Å"My Ding-a Ling†, an ample number of verses are often dedicated to making lewd comments about the female body and the suggestive body language described through thinly veiled rhymes and puns, can be offensive depending on the listener. The half naked models being displayed on the various album covers of calypso, soca and rap mix tapes further reinforces these negative connotations. This bandwagon has been jumped upon by many, including the rap genre in the last two decades, wanting to capitalize on a marketing strategy that generally purports to flag consumer attention, playing on their sense of eroticism. The sections titled â€Å"Music, Sex, Se xism† and â€Å"Woman Rising† within Peter Manuel’s text: Caribbean Currents, dive into the many issues surrounding gender within music as well as female portrayal specifically in calypso. Observations can be made simply by reading through the textual comparisons. Many aspects of this subject area allude to the fact that the issue of gender portrayal in music can be construed differently depending on who the critical listener happens to be. With the increased awareness and heightened sensitivity to the way in which females are portrayed in popular media, it is important to reflect on the impact these lyrics have on male-female relationships within the communities who most often enjoy this music genre. â€Å"The parallels between musical and linguistic boundaries are obvious† as stated in author Peter M... ...ages of women. Ultimately the purchaser and listener of all kinds of music, influences the pace of this movement. Work Cited Bilby, Kenneth. Largey, Michael. Manuel, Peter. Caribbean Currents- Caribbean Music From Rumba to Reggae. Temple Univ. Press. Philadelphia, 2006. Ember, Carol. Ember, Melvin. Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender. Vol 2. Springer pub Chicago. 2005 â€Å"Female Degradation must not be Tolerated†. The Marquette Tribune. Staff editorial- Posted November 8, 2007. www.marquettetribune.com Accessed April 12, 2008 Jones, Tiffanie. â€Å"Video girls Bare all on Music Industry†. New Orleans News Periodical Dated September 23, 2004. Accessed April 12, 2008 Mayer, Andre. â€Å"Booty Rhapsody-Pop music’s obsession with the female posterior† Posted January 16, 2005. www.newsworld.cbc.ca/arts/music/booty.html Accessed April 12, 2008

Kotak Mahindra

Established in 1984, The Kotak Mahindra Group has long been one of India’s most reputed financial organizations. In Feb 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. , the group’s flagship company was given the license to carry on banking business by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This approval creates banking history since Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd is the first company in India to convert to a bank. The license authorizing the bank to carry on banking business has been obtained from the RBI in tune with Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. KMBL was promoted by Mr.Uday. S. Kotak, Kotak and Company Ltd and Mr. Sidney & A. A. Pinto under the name of Kotak Capital Management Finance Ltd on 21st Nov 1985 and obtained a Certificate of Commencement of Business on 11th Feb 1986.Key group companies and their businesses Kotak Mahindra Bank Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Kotak Securities Kotak Mahindra Prime Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Limited BOARD OF DIRECTORS * Mr. K. M. Gherda – Executive Chairman * Mr. Uday Kotak –Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director * Mr.Anand Mahindra –Co Promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra and Mahindra * Mr. Cyril Shroff –Co Promoter * Mr. Pradeep N Kotak –Agri Division of Kotak and Company Limited * Dr. Shanker Acharya * Mr. Shivaji Dam –Managing Director Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Limited * Mr. C. Jayaram –Executive Director * Mr. Dipak Gupta –Executive Director Product Detail Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of the prominent subsidiaries of Kotak Mahindra group. The activities of the company being parallel to its objective are very wide and cover all the components of a Bank.The Basic area of Operations is the Banking business, other products are meant for the regular revenue generation. Being a Banking house, the company is in regular touch with Banking Acc ounts, Investment Services, Convenience Banking and Other Services. Kotak Mahindra Bank, it's not about selling you many different products — it's about working out a holistic, pragmatic solution that addresses your financial needs. Through their varied products,they commit themselves to becoming â€Å"banker† to the customer rather than being â€Å"asset financier† to our customers.Banking Services by Kotak Mahindra There are three types of banking accounts: * Savings Account * Edge Savings Account: * Pro Savings Account: * Ace Savings Account * Current Account * Edge Current Account * Pro Current account * ACE Current Account * Term Deposit Investment Services * Demat & On Line Trading Account * Initial Public Offers(Ipo’s) Mutual Funds Convenience Banking * Multiple Banking Channels * ATM (Automatic Teller Machine): * Phone Banking * Mobile Banking * SMS Banking OTHER SERVICES * Banking Hours * Best Compliments Card – the perfect giftCOMPETIVE P ROFILE * HDFC Bank * ICICI Bank HDFC BANK Market Strategy Emphasizes The Following: * Increase market share in India’s expanding banking and financial services industry by following a disciplined growth strategy focusing on quality and not on quantity and delivering high quality customer service. * Leverage our technology platform and open scalable systems to deliver more products to more customers and to control operating costs. * Maintain current high standards for asset quality through disciplined credit risk management. Develop innovative products and services that attract the targeted customers and address inefficiencies in the Indian financial sector. * Continue to develop products and services that reduce bank’s cost of funds. * Focus on high earnings growth with low volatility. ICICI BANK MARKETING STRATEGY OF ICICI BANK: * India’s second largest bank * 614 branches and extension counters * 2200 ATM’S * Biggest private sector bank in India * Most valuable bank in India in terms of market capitalization * Described by the competitors and industry expert in one word – â€Å"Aggressive† Strategy of Kotak Mahindra 1.Kotak Mahindra Bank is Leading Bank in the country, it provides a variety of products and services to different segments of customers. 2. The Bank aims to serve customers from teenagers to senior citizens, hence different products designed to suit specific requirements of the above. 3. Aims to serve all classes of the society from the salaried middle class to the high income business class. Customers are categorized and segmented according to their requirements and needs. For Example, the EDGE Saving Account aims to serve middle class customers so minimum balance required to be maintained is Rs. 0000. While the PRO and ACE Saving Accounts are targeted at high income customers, the minimum balance requirement is Rs. 20000 and Rs. 75000.4. Customers who are more profitable to the Bank (High Value Customer s) are provided special facilities. Priority Banking is meant to serve these high value customers. 5. The Bank prides itself with the ability to provide differentiate products in the crowded market of saving accounts. Bank offers the free home baking, special co-branded debit cards (Smart fill Debit Card) which makes its product unique. . The Bank is also involved in marketing activities which serves as a medium of advertisement for the Bank. These are as follows: * Extended happy hours at certain pubs in Delhi for the Bank’s account holders. * Gift Vouchers on making utility payments, such as cell phones, electricity and MTNL bills. * Free Gifts like caps, pens/wallets to its customers. * Free add-on cards for relatives. 7. The Bank wants its customers to transact more through Internet Banking and ATM, Rather than the customers using the branch. 8.The Debit Cards provided by the Bank are Internationally Accepted around the world, hence giving the customers the convenience to transact anytime, anywhere. 9. The Bank has tied up with other Banks so that its customers can use other Bank’s ATM facility for free transactions 10. The Bank also provides DEMAT account and also sells Mutual Funds, this provides the Bank and Government additional revenue. 11. The Bank has been very successful in enlarging its customer base during the last couple of years. 12. The Number One Reason of people choosing Kotak Mahindra Bank is the Brand Name/Reputation of the Bank.Hence it should be careful that the Brand name and Goodwill the Bank has earned is not diluted. 13. The Biggest competitors of the Bank are ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank and STANDRAD CHARTERED. 14. ATM Facility is most popular way to transact with the Bank. 15. Overall the customers appreciate the service and products offered by the Bank and are willing to recommend the Bank to their acquaintances , But more attention has to paid towards: * Increasing the number of ATM machines. * Improving Internet Bankin g Facility.

Competitive Profile Matrix Emirates Essay

In order to construct a competitive profile matrix, it is necessary to determine critical success factors in airline industry. These are: strong management, organization of routes, availability of non-stop flights, qualified workforce, in-flight services and service promotions, price competitiveness, effective financial management, cost management. Main competitors of Emirates Airline can be divided into two groups: private airline companies and airline alliances. Key airline alliances posing strong competition to Emirates Airline are SkyTeam, Star Alliance and oneworld (Plunkett, 2011). AirAsia is a private company also presenting a significant competitive threat for Emirates Airline (Plunkett, 2011). It is possible to see that also the competitive performance of Emirates Airlines is above average (2.55) and private companies like AirAsia generally have lower competitive capacity (Graham, Papatheodourou & Forsyth, 2010), all three airline alliances have strong or even close to superior competitive profiles, which means that Emirates Airlines should aim to develop competitive power compared to that of the major alliances.

Power and Knowledge Essay

Poststructuralism as one of the contemporary political philosophy gain its popularity because of its radical assumptions that veered away from the traditional structuralist thinking. The project of the renaissance scholars to control everything including nature through the used of knowledge particularly scientific knowledge did not gain much fame in this late century. Structuralism although it offers much in looking how institutions served as parts of a social system tend to believe that society could control the individual with the aid of science. However, the ideas of Jean Lyotard, Michel Foucault and Jean-Luc Nancy proved otherwise. The dream of grand theorists to integrate knowledge and create a unified social system is the very idea that most contemporary theorists avoid. Prior to the development of poststructuralism, discussion on power and knowledge is always a feature seen within the structures and not something that emanates from the individual, this structure-agency pendulum continues to fascinate theorists. Structural functionalists believed that social structures such as religion, culture, and government have strong hold over the individual particularly in their socialization process. Talcott Parsons (1951) for instance, look society as the social system divided by subsystems that have specific functions. Each part of society functions and creates mutual interdependence thus maintaining the dynamism of whole social system(Parsons: 1951). The Contemporary political philosophy opens a lot of venues in analyzing society with proposing meta narratives. Much of the themes of contemporary thinkers would be on the consequences of modernity, globalization among others. Topics on power and knowledge are just two of the basic issues that philosophers continuously are gaining interest. It provides a picture on how the development of knowledge transformed power relations in contemporary society. Contemporary political philosophy as it is advanced by the writings of three philosophers mentioned in the previous paragraph, look at power and knowledge in a different light. Before, the scholars would think that the development of knowledge is in a continuum and that power is exerted by institutions to the individual as if power has a center or a fixed point. In Contemporary political philosophy one can view that the source of power comes from various agencies,and the struggling character of power is in every discourse. Power is not only evident on political apparatus, on the religious order or on the intellectual community but power is seen on all arrays of everyday existence. Our day to day social relations are power relations. One of the contemporary thinkers who would employ much time in discussing power is Foucault. Some thinkers considered him as a poststrcuturalist or a postmodern thinker, because of the fluidity of his ideas. Moreover, there are critics who accused him of relativism because of his theory favors, intersubjectivity, the discursive method, discourse among others. Foucault (2002) did not suggests a central power or a solid one that one can see for instance in an authoritarian society, rather in looking at society, one could see ‘pockets’ of power or a decentralized one coming from various discourses. On the other hand, in his theory of knowledge one can see its deviation from Descartes’ Cogito. Reason as the underlying principle of the enlightenment period, did not escaped the gaze of Foucault. In his Madness and Civilization (1965) he examined that through history, madness became an invention that would serve as the opposite of reason. With the definition on madness as â€Å"non-rational† or irrational, it justifies the power of reason during the enlightenment period. Only through its binary opposition which is madness can reason hold its power. The control of the patient with the development of psychiatry in Madness and Civilization (1965) also served as a critique that looks at how modern society manifests the same features as that one can find in the discipline of psychiatry. There are various means by which society controls the individual. Foucault discussed that in the modern era, exercising power need not necessarily be brute and obvious. One example is his idea of punishment as a result of deviating from the norm. Foucault in Discipline an Punish (1977), discussed in what way torture as a form of punishment in the 18th century was transformed by discipline. With the birth of the prison, instead of attacking the physical body the institution inculcate discipline as a form of punishment. This feature of the prison, and even the birth of the clinic shows how slowly modern society is becoming more authoritarian and all of these are possible because of the different knowledge that people believe as true and moral during their times. Foucault in his Archeology of Knowledge (2002) look at historical development not in a continuum because he did not believed in a unified discourse as proposed by grand narratives such as that of the Parsonian theory. What one can see through history are various realities, are what he called discontinuities. Much of his theory of power and knowledge could also be seen in the History of Sexuality (1990) wherein he is not interested in sexuality per se, but in looking at the underlying struggle within the discourse of sexuality. While in the earlier periods, society repress one’s sexuality, this kind of discourse even propagates it. The more that society for instance repressed homosexuality, the more that people become interested in exploring the topic. In the History of Sexuality (1990)), he sees the reciprocal relation of power and knowledge. One example is the different meanings that society give on sexual relations such as relations out of marriage and the one allowed by the community. These definitions creates divisions in society, thus exercising power over the individual through social norms. By propagating a certain kind of knowledge, this could lead to a power relation between groups. The one who is in control of knowledge will therefore exercise power to the other group. However, it must be clear that the reciprocal relation of power and knowledge is not fixed rather it transform through every discourse. Apart from Foucault, Jean Lyotard also contributes to the debate on the relationship of power and knowledge. In his book, the Postmodern Condition (1979) Lyotard mentioned that the transformation of society into industrialized and complex system leads into the redefinition of the nature of knowledge. In Modern societies, the power of the capitalists to open the market leads to the question that, what kind of knowledge is acceptable or is legitimate provided that there are a lot of choices. Lyotard(1979) sees the complexities in modern times because when one looks at it, it is in no longer a question of simple legitimacy of knowledge but a question of who has the power to decide what is acceptable or legitimate. In addressing the uncertainties of knowledge, Lyotard suggests that one should employ the value of speaking the same language game. How can people speak the same language provided that there are various ways of learning things? Lyotard believes that one must contextualize, and in this part he adopts Wittgensteins’ language game. ’ By contextualizing, the person should be aware of the rules before making considerable actions. Lyotard believes that to be able to analyze knowledge in contemporary society, one must consider what kind of society it is situated. The split between Parsonian theory and that of Marxism will definitely help in looking at the problem of knowledge. Initially one will decide whether to maintain the status quo or radically change it. Because of the ability of language to bind society through communication, Lyotard favors this framework in addressing the issue of knowledge in the postmodern era. Greatly influenced by Heidegger on the other hand, Jean -Luc Nancy (1991) believed that we are thrown into the world therefore we should not rely on God for our existence. Contemporary society according to him is becoming more chaotic in the sense that the harmonious relation in traditional society is transformed into a complex society where there are a lot of uncertainties. Uncertainties are brought by the unintended consequences of modernity. With the advent of globalization, the closed and neatly tied community is transformed into a complex one. While some thinkers consider the development of society into industrialized one as beneficial, still there are paradoxes to this rationality. Nancy in his concept of community critique the grand project of some societies to create a well-planned system such in the case of the socialist state where it only leads to violence. Much of the discussions of contemporary political philosophy dwells on how you can locate the discourse on power as a consequence of the accumulation of knowledge. The Unintended consequences of man’s search for knowledge and the transformation of knowledge into its many forms leads to different power relations. These power relations are seen on every realm of life, on every discourse in society. It is crucial to note that in the analysis of power, power lies to those who have control over knowledge, and in this age of information technology where there is an easy access to all forms of knowledge, it is only logical to think that power is distributed therefore decentralized. While the contemporary era provide a lot of alternatives,undeniably there are consequences that not even scientific knowledge can calculate. Yet the quest for further knowledge continues because beneath those ideas there you can always find power. Various forms of power operates on every realm of life. These are the fascinations of philosophers of the twentieth century.

A Pestle Analysis of Tourism Industry Essay

Using the PESTEL framework, identify and discuss the key factors in the macro environment that influence the tourism industry. Political: A large influence on the tourism industry can be the stability of government. If the government in unstable it can be viewed as dangerous and unpleasant to visit. This can have a huge impact on that countries tourism numbers. Some governments also choose to make shopping tax-free for tourists, as tourists have the right to claim back VAT (Value-Added Tax)/GST (Goods and Services Tax). By making shopping in foreign countries tax free it has attracted tourists to these countries. As stated in case one terrorist attacks in 2001 had a huge impact on the tourism industry. People were worried for their safety so were much more subdued to travel. Therefore it has been important that the government implemented tighter security and immigration laws. Economic: Exchange rates can have an impact on tourism, as when currency strengthens or weakens it can affect spending overseas. For instance when the British pound is strong against the U.  S dollar it influences Britons to travel overseas to the US, as they get more for their dollar. However it has a negative effect on UK tourism as the Americans are put off travelling to the UK and instead look to holiday in locations within the US (The Guardian, 2007). With the British Pound still being strong against other currencies this is relevant to the Tourism Industry today. (Rates List, 2012) Interest rates can too have an effect on the tourism industry. If interest rates increase payments to loans also increase, therefore people who have loans consequently have less disposable income. With less disposable income people are less inclined to spend it on luxury items, like holidaying. However, in the current state interest rates in the UK are expected to stay low (0. 5%), due to the on-going recovery from the Eurozone crisis (BBC, 2012). Furthermore with the current economic recession people are still struggling, some even to hold down jobs. Consequently, people have less money and can’t afford such extravagant holidays, like going overseas for long periods of time. Therefore shorter and cheaper holidays look far more appealing, for instance travelling by car just for a weekend. Social: There is an aging population in many countries. With an aging population the needs of the market will change. People who are in a later time of their life have different needs and wants. There are more and more people who are in their later years who want to travel, to cater for this it may mean advertising focused more on comfort and relaxation rather than thrill ridden activities. There is an ever increasing attitude for positivity towards ‘going green’. People are purposely searching to only buy products from companies with sustainable practises in place. Hence, it is important for the tourism industry to take on these attitudes as well, as it is becoming an important part of our society today to have environmental policies incorporated into everyday business practises The Asian population is increasing at a rapid pace. There are 3. 9billion people in Asia, which is 60% of the world’s population. As stated in the 2010/11 ITB World Travel Trends Report, â€Å"By 2020, the number of Chinese outbound travellers could double and the number of Indians travelling abroad could grow fivefold. This would raise both countries within a decade to the top six outbound markets worldwide. This shows just how quick China and India are becoming powerful players in the tourism industry. Technological: In our world today new technologies are forever being made to be faster and more efficient as people want things to take less and less time. Internet has made a huge influence on the tourism industry. There has been a steady incline of online sales. For example in 2005 online bookings for TUI were 15%, which had doubled in 2008 to 30% (Viardot, 2009). Booking online has made it much easier for individuals to book their own holidays. As well that with online bookings it allows for the customers to do their own research of where the best places for them to go is, rather than using a travel agent. Secondly, technologies are so advanced now that communicating with people around the globe is made much easier. For instance, people on opposite sides of the world can chat easily, possibly even to strangers. This leads to the new trend that people can blog and communicate their thoughts to millions of people with a simple click of a button. This new way of communicating can have a huge impact on the tourism industry. People all over the world are sharing their thoughts and feelings about everything they do, whether that’s a new product or an exciting new experience. Environmental: In this current decade environmental concerns have greatly became a huge influence in all business industries. Aviation is a large part of tourism. Sadly it is also a huge contributor to CO2 emissions. An increase in carbon emissions is a major threat to climate conditions. Consequently there have been more taxes placed on air travel. This increase in taxes will raise the prices of flying therefore could discourage people to go abroad. Natural disasters can also affect a country’s tourism. People are less likely to travel somewhere which is viewed as dangerous and secondly the disaster could ruin tourist attractions. Legal: There are a lot of laws and regulations regarding aviation safety (Department of travel, 2009). Following regulations is important as to ensure everything is done to prevent any problems. As if people lose faith in airlines being safe it could have an impact on tourism. Another legal point is that when companies merge or work with companies in different countries they need to be aware of the laws and regulations overseas.