Wednesday, October 30, 2019

How Collaborative Communication to Promote the Satisfaction and Dissertation

How Collaborative Communication to Promote the Satisfaction and Loyalty of Franchisees - Dissertation Example Hong Kong is a country that has established several multinational businesses, mostly franchises from mother companies based abroad. It is necessary that cultural dimensions of various individuals and groups involved in franchise businesses be studied so that franchisers and franchisees have better understanding of each other as well as the business itself. Such collaborative communication borne from this understanding is believed to bring about satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees, hence, more success in the business, and more profit for the franchise. Qualitative methods such as questionnaires and focus group discussions of stakeholders from various franchise businesses in Hong Kong will be used in this study to determine if consideration of such cultural dimensions has an impact on satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees and net profit of the businesses. Chapter 1 Introduction/ Rationale Today, more than ever, businesses come in various forms. This is especially true with intern ational businesses. Some companies expand by having more branches both locally and internationally. Ownership of these branches may either be retained by the original owners or sold as franchises to new owners but still under the same company name and operations, but different management. In cosmopolitan places such as in Hong Kong, businesses thrive well. This includes franchises of established businesses which may be based abroad. This naturally makes the franchise a multinational/ multicultural business venture. Problem Statement Like in most multicultural settings, communication between people from different cultures may pose to be a hindrance in the smooth flow of operations. There are many factors to consider here. One is cultural differences which may cause misinterpretations in communication. People may hold different belief systems and practices which may seem offensive to others without meaning to. This may spell trouble between the communicating parties and may be a cruci al point in business transactions if it is not resolved. Negative consequences may escalate if miscommunication persists. It may adversely affect the business, possibly the relationship between the contracting companies involved, and the financial aspect of the business. This study will explore how collaborative communication in international settings can promote satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees and study its moderating effect on the net profit of franchise businesses in Hong Kong. Importance of the Study This study will contribute much to the field of international business especially in the area of intercultural communication. Being aware of factors that may cause conflicts and misunderstandings between parties coming from different cultures may be considered a start in the resolution of such issues. These need to be resolved right away because if not, then it may gravely affect the business relationship they share. Scope and Delimitation The scope of this study covers indi viduals involved in the franchise businesses in Hong Kong and their international business associates in the franchise. Data will be completed by email to facilitate dissemination and collection. The responses will delimited to the views of the participants and although they may represent the views of their own companies, the conclusion will not be generalized to the whole

Monday, October 28, 2019

Belonging Essay Essay Example for Free

Belonging Essay Essay Concept, perceptions and ideas to belong or not to belong differ from person to person. This is due to experiences that shape ones personality that come through personal, cultural, social and historical context. The idea of belonging allows one to have some sort of connection and communal with people, places, groups, communities and the wider world. In contrast not belonging causes one to suffer from alienation, exclusion and marginalisation. As a result these factors can cause an individual to be at different states of depression depending on one’s personality and situation. However in society, belonging has become and essential to life. Many texts have explored the notion of belonging and not belonging; the play Rainbows End by Jane Harrison and the short film Between the Flags Produced by Jayce White explore the concept of belonging and not belonging to place and people through several forms. Rainbows End by Jane Harrison is a play that explores the concept of belonging and not belonging thorough Harrison’s choice of cultural and historical context at the time. The play is set in the 1950’s during the time Queen Elizabeth II was visiting Australia and whilst many racist policies where practiced such as the Assimilation, Paternalistic and the White Australia policy which all discriminated and alienated the Aboriginal people from the wider community. Throughout the play, it is manifest the Aboriginal people belong and do not belong to certain placed and people. This is shown through a conversation that Nan Dear his with Dolly about her birthplace, â€Å"Well, of course I’m not gunna die. Not here anyway. Gotta go back to my old place to do that. Nan Dear Act One Scene One. This quote conveys Nan Dear’s idea of belonging to place, she assertively expresses to dolly that this is not her place and she will eventually return to where she fits most, through this may not be physically but rather spiritually, which is also part of the aboriginal culture and traditions. The understanding to belong, not belong and the longing to belong alters from one individual to another, this is extensively due to one’s overall background experiences which have ultimately shaped ones thoughts and ideas on the various notions of belonging. This is very evident throughout the play, Rainbows End as different perceptions of belonging are conveyed through conversations and incidents that occurs from characters of different social and historical background. An example of such is the conversation that Errol and Dolly have about the differences in their families. Errol attempts to convince Dolly that he is willing to give her a better life, if she agrees to marry him but away from her family. Dolly does not agree with Errol Fisher’s views on a better life and continues to question his thoughts through the repetition of his words. DOLLY: You want me to leave here for ever? ERROL: I’m offering you a better life. DOLLY: A better life? ERROL: In the city there’s department stores so big that you can spend all day in them. Why in the city there’s even little restaurants you can eat spaghetti, just like Italy. DOLLY: Spaghetti? This conversation portrayed Errol and Dolly’s different perceptions of belonging. The use of the repetition is ironic as Dolly has her family and place does not understand the meaning of â€Å"better life†. The connection that dolly has with her family and place has created her to feel comfortable there regardless of all the discriminatory acts of the time. Errol and Dollydiffering opinions come through their social and cultural context which causes them to continuously clash between each other. â€Å"Your world. And you’re just assuming that your world is better. But actually, when I think about it- when I think about nasty Nancy – she has everything that opens and shuts. I’m not sure it isbetter. I wouldn’t trade placer with her for anything. And as far as you’re offering †¦ no thank you. This is my place. I’m staying right here with my Mum and Nan† despite Dolly not being a young adult who has subjected to racial incidents, that could be prevented in the future if she accepts to marryErrol The short film Between the Flags is a Tropfest film that references and represents the incident that had occurred in the year of 2005, Cronulla riots, concerning two racial groups; the Australian and the Lebanese, which caused violence and division amongst the two races. If mixing of the two diverse racial groups had occurred at the time it often resulted in a brawl and further conflict; however the filmBetween the Flags argues this conviction through a humorous way. Several forms such as: humour, irony, popular culture and themes such as the beach and â€Å"typical Australian bloke† support the idea that two or more people can intertwine together regardless of any dispute one being removed from the external society. The use of irony is used throughout the complete film, it creates humour in-between the two characters which generates harmony amongst them, this is apparent in the film. An example of this is when the Lebanese character (character are not given names instead each represents an ethnicity which is shown through their choice of costume) approaches the Australian bloke: â€Å"What’s goin on† – Lebanese boy â€Å"G’day mate† – Australian bloke â€Å"Here for the riots† – Lebanese boy â€Å"Yeah, looks like we’re the first ones here† – Australian bloke â€Å"Maybe we should wait for a more people† – Lebanese boy  The conversation between them continues the irony of the situation is the conversation that occurs, and also the use of such words such as â€Å"mate†, as both of them are at the beach to riot against each other; instead they involve themselves together in a communal conversation. Throughout give-and-take of words between the two characters they both felt a sense belonging and ease towards each other even through the beach was supposed to be a place of non-belonging and dispute. This was majorly due to them being part of the popular culture and sharing the same interest. Their reactions were shown through the use of close up camera shots, as they enable the viewer to understand the characters emotions and have a sense of empathy towards them. The short film Between the Flags uses the beach as the setting to the film, as this is also references to the Cronulla riots as they had occurred at the beach. The attitudes that the characters have towards the beach affirm that it is a place of regular social call, also part of each ones character regardless of their ethnic background. Two characters connection with the beach enables the viewers to have an immediate understanding that it is a place of belonging to one another. This is manifest in the film through the connection that the characters grow due to playing a game of cricket, nevertheless in the film the beginning of the game the Lebanese character says â€Å"umm I don’t usually do this but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  this had displayed to the audience that he is not too liking of cricket but he starts to play as it is most appropriate to do so. This was shown through a continuous full camera shot to show the characters interaction with each ther and to also display the setting of the film. Throughout exploring and analysing texts it has become most evident that people views of belonging is constructed through their perception on the place. This concept was explored in the two texts Rainbows End by Jane Harrison and the short film Between the Flags produced by Jayce White as both texts had explored belonging, not belonging or the longing to belong to a place through the perceptions and the social, historical, cultural and personal context of an individual determined their sense of belonging and not belonging.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Comparing Movie and Book Versions of Cains Mildred Pierce Essay

Comparing Movie and Book Versions of Cain's Mildred Pierce I pity the screenwriter who had to adapt the novel, Mildred Pierce, from 289 pages down to an hour and 57 minute movie. The main character, Mildred Pierce, repeatedly steps out of the traditional role for women of that era, and challenges society’s norms about class. Significant changes were made to the plot while converting it from book to movie. These changes add up to a significant difference in the meaning. In both the book and the movie, the story is about a housewife who dramatically changes her life. She kicks out her unfaithful husband and starts making a living on her own. Her life’s desire is to win the love of her snobby daughter Veda who â€Å"steals her money, her clothes, her man, and acts like a spoiled brat throughout [the story].† (Easterbrook) Mildred’s sick, driving love for Veda has a hint of masochism. She spends years providing love and money, and trying to please Veda. Mildred uses people to try to get Veda back into her life and ends up with nothing. As LaValley says, â€Å"Veda is ungrateful and vicious† (LaValley 11) Mildred’s obsession with Veda is â€Å"less like a mother [but more] like a lover who has unexpectedly discovered an act of faithlessness and avenged it.† (Cain 240) An example of this is in the passage: â€Å"At Veda’s [. . .] sticky kisses that started at her eyes and ended below her throat, Mildred r elaxed [. . .]†(201), or â€Å"she [Mildred] took the lovely creature [Veda] in her arms and kissed her, hard, on the mouth.† (268) Although Mildred and Veda’s relationship stays basically the same, changes were made to adapt the story. The background of several of the main characters is not detailed, but rather sketchy. Many of the characters ha... ...e book for screen changed the mood of the story. The book is timeless and in many ways it feels like it was written yesterday. It has a very modern feel to it, which is not reflected in the movie because of the manner in which it was produced. In the movie the focus was on the scandalous murder mystery. The focus of the story in the book was about a woman and her struggles to survive the hardships of the Depression, while coping with the dysfunction of her family and relationships. The book is also an in-depth study of human behavior and corruptness, dealing with the shortcomings of men and women. David Madden said it best when he wrote; â€Å"he [Cain] created an objective, disinterested, often pessimistic view of life that is simultaneously terrifying and starkly beautiful.† I think it’s sad that the movie almost completely loses Cain’s judgment and analysis of life.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Is Gaming Harmful?

Is Gaming Harmful? Video and computer games, like many popular, entertaining and addicting kid activities, are looked down on by many parents as time wasters, but why? , is it because they are harmful? , or is it simply because they are spending too much time on them instead of studying. Both have many good arguments, but I am going to write about the one in which I feel are most valid. One of the many good points against gaming is that children, teenagers and adults alike are losing sleep over video games because they are staying up all night and letting their â€Å"addiction† take over.The definition of addiction is: â€Å"The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something. † And anyone who likes and plays videogames has experienced this at some point. Its not only kids that think about going home from school to play video games, many adults think about at work too, the average game player is 30 and has been gaming for about 12 ye ars. This means that many people, no matter of their age or sex, are putting video games before their school or work by missing out on important sleep and not putting their full concentration into their work.On the other hand, Gaming has been proven to increase social skills in young people as most games include a multiplayer feature that encourages people to play the game with others, whether it be online with friends or sitting together which is important for young kids growing up as it helps them make friends and sustain relationships. It also helps them realize how important it is to be sociable when they are starting school or a new job.Although some could argue that video games can do children social harm as many children play there selves for many hours each day and rarely interact with their family or friends. They could also argue that video games can cause great physical harm. The physical harm can occur when the child spends long hours of concentration on fast movement or because of the screen flicker. Also when children play video games they sit in for long hours that in the long run will stunt their natural growth and damage their backbone.Video games are more commonly known as a hobby you do sitting down somewhere comfortable and relaxing but what most people fail to realize is that there are a new type of video game emerging that get you on your toes and exercising. These include such consoles as PlayStation Move, Xbox Kinect , Wii, etc. These devices are designed to keep you active while you game and can give you a good physical work out instead of playing seated, these kind of games also can give you a good mental work out as most games for these console require lots of problem solving and also help improve your hand eye co-ordination skills.However, there are some that would say playing videogames can cause mental and psychological harm. Their reasons for this are they believe that when playing video games, children do not apply much mental e ffort and believe that video games are not creative enough. This could lead to the child developing lazy mental habits and also being impatient as real life is not as fast as their game might be. There are also some that believe that children can become violent because they become habituated to the violence that occurs in some games they might play.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Different attitudes to war Essay

Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen are poets who fought for England in the First World War. Both poets depict the same topic of war, but through different views and opinions. Despite them pertaining to the similarly themed subject, their language and tone invoke contrasting feelings in readers and affects their impression of war in opposite ways. Examples of these differences can be seen in the two poems by Rupert Brook ‘The Dead (iii) and ‘The Soldier’ and two by Wilfred Owen ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ and ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’. Rupert Brooke writes ‘The Dead (iii)’ in an extremely relaxed and romantic mood. Brooke had not experienced war, so with this in mind the poem seems very clear and concise. Brooke aims to show us the glory that is brought about by dying for your country. He thinks that war is a simple and dignified cause. He aims to make us more patriotic and convince us to die for our country in war. The first line is very energetic and joyous for a horrendous subject such as war. This may mean that Brooke tries to symbolise enthusiasm and glory. Since bugles are used at a grand occasion, but also militarily charges and retreats he may be trying to indicate that dying for your country is a glorious way to end your life. â€Å"Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead!† As he says, it has made them ‘rich’. This probably means that they are wealthy with glory, praise and admiration. He makes no mention of the pain and suffering in war. The third line explains that dying has again made them important. But, dying has made us rarer gifts than gold. Gold is very rare, so by dying they have been them valuable and unique. Brooke is trying to signify that not many people sacrifice their lives this way. This in Brooke’s belief is a very honourable and glorious practice. The sestet explains to us how the soldiers dying bring England a lot of honour and credibility. Honour has come back, as a king, to earth, And paid his subjects with a royal wage; The peace that has been present for so long has made her weak. ‘Heritage’ is use to clearly link with the overall theme of ‘payment and reward’. It implies ‘that which is rightfully theirs’, has been successfully implemented. And we have come into our heritage. In ‘The Soldier’, Brooke feels content to die for his motherland to protect the people left behind. The title conveys a sense of pride and loyalty to the reader. Although fully aware of the possibility of death, indicated by the line ‘If I should die’, think only this of me:’ Even if his ashes, his ‘richer earth’, were to lie in a land distant from England, his love would still be ‘forever’. This is further stressed when his relationship is compared to the bond between mother and child. ‘A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,’ His purpose of fighting for his country is to protect England, indicated by the words, ‘Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,’ His sense of pride and honour is so strong that he does not dwell on the gloom and misery that is associated with war, instead views it as if through rose-tinted glasses. Even if his contributions were minute, shown by the comparison of, ‘A pulse in the eternal mind’ ‘Give somewhere back the thoughts England given’, He is happy to repay England and wishes to preserve her ‘laughter’ and ‘gentleness’ for the future. This contentment and happiness is clearly shown by the words ‘peace’ and ‘heaven’, even if he is dead, he can rest in peace as he has loyally served his country. This patriotism is frequently brought to attention with the repeated use of the word ‘England’ and ‘English’ throughout the poem. The Soldier gives out an optimistic tone, making war out to be a peaceful and heroic act. It is written in the form of a Petrarchan sonnet, which is traditionally used to express personal thoughts and feelings. This could have been the reason why Rupert Brooke chose to write in this form. It is also an autobiographical poem in which the author expresses a personal viewpoint on war and his love for his country. Rupert Brooke also makes use of iambic pentameters, which is a line containing five stresses. It gives his written words authority by using this classical verse. It also provides a rhythm, which reminds the reader of a heartbeat or a ‘pulse’. This helps in making his argument more convincing. The stanzas are separated into two. The octave talks about the possibility of death while the sestet talks about death itself and what his sacrifice will mean for England. It gives the traditional, naive and biased view of war. It also gives a pastoral description yet a biased view of England as he blatantly ignores the negative side of England only mentioning its best side. He uses a religious diction, for example the last line reads, ‘In hearts at peace, under an English heaven’. ‘ This reveals Brooke’s belief in God and Heaven. This is what makes the poem sound somewhat like a sermon. Rupert Brooke expresses patriotism and his conviction that England is worth fighting for as he also claims that God is on England’s side by saying ‘blest by the suns of home’. By believing in  this, Rupert Brooke makes himself believe that he should sacrifice his own life for England and by doing so he would be returning the favour of being born British and so believes it is an honour to go to war, and an even greater honour to die in battle for one’s country and in return, portrays in his poem an image of one dying a painless death. Such a view is in the Victorian tradition of war which viewed it as a glorious and noble enterprise, with such poems as Tennyson’s ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’. This patriotic fever was simply carried on by Brooke who still saw warfare in terms of duels and honour. By looking at these sonnets, we can come to the obvious conclusion that Brooke was very idealistic about war and had no idea of the horror and suffering involved. However Wilfred Owen’s ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ achieves a totally different effect on the reader, as it is completely devoid of any obvious sense of national pride, and instead questions the very purpose of war. His use of ironies throughout produces a mocking tone, which serves to emphasize his view of the uselessness of war. This is revealed in the title, where the effect of the word ‘Doomed’ suggests that the soldiers are destined to die and are without any hope. However, it is ironic that it is used with the word ‘Anthem’, a word reserved for praise. ‘What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? ‘ The soldiers are compared to ‘cattle’ that are slaughtered, indicating that they have no other purpose than to die. The comparison also suggests that the soldiers were killed numerously, mercilessly and systematically. He uses crude words to convey the complete absence of love or honour on the battlefield and numerous contradictions to invoke the feelings of pity in the reader; instead of ‘passing-bells’ there are only ‘guns’ and ‘stuttering rifles’. The words ‘monstrous anger’ refers to the fierceness and violence of war. ‘Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle’ The word ‘monstrous’ also suggests that the soldier’s task is immense, almost impossible to do, which emphasizes the feeling of hopelessness of war. This is again highlighted when the poet refers to the gunshots as ‘stuttering’. This means that there are bullets whizzing everywhere, and chances are most of the men would have been hit. The alliteration of the ‘R’s in rifles rapid rattle indicate the sounds of gunshots; again appealing to the reader’s senses to highlight the bleak conditions in the battlefield which are terrible and ugly. Owen is obsessed with the cruelty, indignity and senseless wasting of their lives. The use of the word ‘patter’ refers to the bullets hitting a soldier’s body. It gives the effect of raindrops hitting a window, which when used to describe how a body is inflicted with bullets paints a very cruel and inhumane picture. When he writes, ‘No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells’ He says that the dead are forgotten; they are neither mourned nor prayed for. This is because the dead are so many that it would take too much effort to bother to tend to them. The only things to mark their deaths are the ‘choirs’, yet there are not ordinary choirs but, ‘The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells’. It is as if death has become the norm for them; it does not receive much attention or sympathy. The words ‘shrill and wailing’ seem to suggest that even in their deathbeds, there is no peace. The ‘bugles calling for them from sad shires’ seem to be calling in vain, because the soldiers are all dead. If anything, the soldier’s deaths are undignified and not the least bit honourable. There is no hero worship and the dead are ignored. There is no pride, no honour and still the war continues. Owen writes about the effects of so many casualties of war and how it ironically destroys the homes the soldiers died to protect. The numerous deaths caused by war  ravages even the younger generations left behind, shown by the ‘candles’, ‘What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes. ‘ This refers to their tears and the ‘pallor of girl’s brows’ which is the paleness of the girls. It is all they have to mourn the dead soldiers, and they are plagued with sadness at the death of a loved-one. The line, ‘And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds’  shows that they are slowly losing hope against the darkness, which signifies their sorrow and misery. He says that the youth are supposed to be the hope for the future but are doomed because of the past, which is ironic because so many soldiers wasted their lives hoping to protect these children. The calmness achieved by the consistency only serves to suggest the mood is heartless, without emotion, cold, cruel, and that like of a machine. In ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’, the rhythm is broken and unsteady; it serves to create an impression on the reader of how grave and miserable war is. In ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’, the tone is more sombre and angry; making out the same war is grim and insufferable. The Latin words used in the title of the poem Dulce et Decorum Est mean, ‘it is a sweet and fitting thing to die for ones country’. This is ironic as throughout the poem, Wilfred Owen gives the reader a negative picture of war and towards the end of the poem, calls his title ‘the old lie’. This is because at the start of the war the Latin phrase had become a motto which was used in supporting patriotic statements about war and to encourage other young men to become soldiers. But Owen himself had been at the front lines for three years and so by now knew what war really meant and so he uses his poetry as a means to express the views of soldiers to people who had no experience of it; namely the public. Wilfred Owen begins his poem with the soldiers’ description, ‘Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags,’ This is strange coming from a soldier himself and directly opposes the stereotypical soldier. Throughout, his choice of words describing the soldiers, his experience and war itself, Wilfred Owen puts the reader into a state of shock and disillusion. He uses the analogy of war as being like a plague or a lethal disease that is highly contagious and can cause mass destruction, in order to emphasise the harsh reality. This is shown when he writes, ‘like a man in fire or lime’; as in the days of plague where lime was used as a substance to decompose dead bodies, and in saying this, he says that those who enter war, those who actually participate and experience war at its worst, for them there is no return to normality, or indeed humanity. He writes about a soldier who had died of poisonous gas inhalation and describes it vividly, trying to make the reader imagine the scenes before him using the present progressive verb form ending with ‘-ing’. For example, ‘He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. ‘ This gives the sense of immediacy, that the reader is actually witnessing the soldier’s death. This soldier died by breathing in poisonous gas. Then Owen describes how the man’s dead body was treated, ‘Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin, ‘ This shows the pain he was in, as he was on the brink of death. This is to  illustrate that as the devil is destined to commit evil until the end of time, it has come to the extent that even the devil is sick of the amount of evil and torture around it. The religious diction used here symbolizes the relationship between war and the devil and that they too, are playing on the same grounds as the devil. A direct address to the readers is also used, using a persuasive technique, especially in the last stanza, for example, ‘If you could hear†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in line 21, ‘My friend, you would not tell†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in line 25, This is so that the reader would feel sympathetic towards him and the soldiers. It is almost as if Owen is begging the reader to understand. Through describing this man’s tragic death and his burial, Wilfred Owen tries to change the views of the public. The use of fricatives symbolizes the harsh reality of war as by using fricatives, for example a hard ‘c’ is used in words such as ‘corrupted’ and ‘cud’, it becomes as though the reader can actually hear the person dying as it sounds like choking and so writes in a very vivid form. In the last few sentences he makes his final message clear, ‘My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old lie: Dulce et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori.’ Again he makes a personal plea to the reader telling them not to tell children that war is a patriotic act and the only answer to the world’s problems. It is in fact the worst possible answer, there can never be honour as a result of war and there are only dire consequences. Brooke’s love for England is shown throughout his work. As in Dulce et Decorum Est repetition and alliteration used. The words England and English are repeated many times to show his love for his country and alliteration such as, ‘Her sights and sounds’ magnify the beauty of England. It is also used to mask the horrors of death on a battlefield as it states, ‘That there’s some corner of a foreign field’. He also believes that heaven will look similar to England by stating ‘under an English heaven’ and therefore also believes in the superiority of the English, ‘a richer dust concealed’. Owen, on the other hand, witnessed twentieth century war in all its cruel destructiveness and as a consequence brought war poetry into the modern era. Although both poets write about the same topic, which is war, they both have different views and attitudes towards it. Perhaps this is because of their different experiences with war. Brooke is like a new soldier, naà ¯ve and yet to experience its horrors. Owen writes as if he has just witnessed the worst, as he was involved with the uglier and bloodier part of the war. He also reveals the effects both on and off the battlefield. Both authors have distinctly different impressions of war because of their different experiences, but ultimately, both describe the subject, although from totally opposite sides. The two poets really contrast and oppose each other greatly. Brooke writes about war idealistically and with passion, Whereas Owen does the complete opposite. Owens’s poem is however more reliable since he has experienced war. ‘The Dead’ was written before the war. The Soldier was written in 1914, a year before Brooke died, and Owen wrote Dulce et Decorum Est in 1917, three years after the First World War had started. In these dates we may find the reasons behind the conflicting ideology the two men gained. Brook wrote his poem at the beginning of the war, and so the ideas and perceptions of war and fighting for one’s country as being noble and heroic were still fresh in his mind and the public’s. Owen, on the other hand, wrote his poem three years into the war and in that time was able to see and accept the realities of war, so his perception of war was changed to bitterness and this was reflected in his many poems such as Anthem for Doomed Youth in which he reveals the same feelings on war as he does in Dulce et Decorum Est. In one of his previous poems, The Ballad of Peace and War, he himself had supported  the idea of, ‘How sweet it is to live in peace with others, but sweeter still far more meet to die in war with brothers. ‘ Therefore, it would be concluded that the only reason why the two poets have conflicting ideologies of war, is time. If Brooke had experienced more of the war he might have wrote later poems that portrayed the same bitterness as Owens.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

WebsterAshburton Treaty essays

WebsterAshburton Treaty essays Daniel Webster was motivated to settle the boundary between Maine and New Brunswick. In 1783, a treaty had been made that awarded the U.S. all land in the area drained by rivers flowinginto the Atlantic instead of into the St. Lawrence. However, the diction of this treaty was not straightforward and the maps were conflicting. In 1842, Lord Ashburton was sent by the British as a minister, to try and establish all outstanding conflicts. Ashburtona adn Webster compromised a boundary. The treaty allowed Canada to build a military road from Halifax to Quebec while the United States got most of the disputed territory. Webster agreed to the treaty because he felt that any treaty made would avoid war. Appeasing Maine and Massachusets was a problem, but Webster solved it by getting an old map of the area and marked off a line that followed the British version of the boundary made by Franklin at the end of the Revolution. He showed the map to Maine and Mass., and convinced them to agree because otherwise Britain could demand the whole region. Websters generosity was admirable and made a lot of sense. It caused Lord Ashburton to make concessions in other areas along the Canadian-American border. Due to Americas increasing need to British capitol and Britains rising dependancy on foriegn foodstuffs, war, or even conflicts would have obstructed essential business affairs and produced no compensating gains. This treaty was a major aid in the avoidance of war. ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Berthe Morisot Bio - French Impressionist Painter

Berthe Morisot Bio - French Impressionist Painter Movement, Style, Type or School of Art: Impressionism Date and Place of Birth: January 14, 1841, Bourges, Cher, France Life: Berthe Morisot led a double life. As the daughter of Edme Tiburce Morisot, a high-level government official, and Marie Cornà ©lie Mayniel, also the daughter of a high-level government official, Berthe was expected to entertain and cultivate the right â€Å"social connections.† Married at the advanced age of 33 to Eugà ¨ne Manet (1835-1892) on December 22, 1874, she entered into a suitable alliance with the Manet family, also members of the haute bourgeois (upper middle class), and she became Édouard Manets sister-in-law. Édouard Manet (1832-1883) had already introduced Berthe to Degas, Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro - the Impressionists. Before becoming Madame Eugà ¨ne Manet, Berthe Morisot established herself as a professional artist. Whenever she had time, she painted in her very comfortable residence in Passy, a fashionable suburb just outside of Paris (now part of the wealthy 16th arrondissement). However, when visitors came to call, Berthe Morisot hid her paintings and presented herself once again as a conventional society hostess in the sheltered world outside the city. Morisot may have come from an august artistic lineage. Some biographers claim that her grandfather or granduncle was the Rococo artist Jean-Honorà © Fragonard (1731-1806). Art historian Anne Higonnet claims that Fragonard may have been an indirect relative. Tiburce Morisot came from a skilled artisanal background. During the nineteenth century, haute bourgeois women did not work, did not aspire to achieve recognition outside the home and did not sell their modest artistic accomplishments. These young ladies might have received a few art lessons to cultivate their natural talents, as demonstrated in the exhibition Playing with Pictures, but their parents did not encourage pursuing a professional career. Madame Marie Cornà ©lie Morisot raised her lovely daughters with the same attitude. Intent on developing a basic appreciation for art, she arranged for Berthe and her two sisters Marie-Elizabeth Yves (known as Yves, born in 1835) and Marie Edma Caroline (known as Edma, born in 1839) to study drawing with the minor artist Geoffrey-Alphonse-Chocarne. The lessons did not last long. Bored with Chocarne, Edma and Berthe moved on to Joseph Guichard, another minor artist, who opened their eyes to the greatest classroom of all: the Louvre. Then Berthe began to challenge Guichard and the Morisot ladies were passed on to Guichards friend Camille Corot (1796-1875). Corot wrote to Madame Morisot: With characters like your daughters, my teaching will make them painters, not minor amateur talents. Do you really understand what that means? In the world of the grande bourgeoisie in which you move, it would be a revolution. I would even say a catastrophe. Corot was a not a clairvoyant; he was a seer. Berthe Morisots dedication to her art brought on terrible periods of depression as well as extreme exultation. To be accepted into the Salon, complemented by Manet or invited to exhibit with the emerging Impressionists gave her tremendous satisfaction. But she always suffered from insecurity and self-doubt, typical of a woman competing in a mans world. Berthe and Edma submitted their work to the Salon for the first time in 1864. All four works were accepted. Berthe continued to submit their work and exhibited in the Salon of 1865, 1866, 1868, 1872, and 1873. In March 1870, as Berthe prepared to send off her painting Portrait of the Artists Mother and Sister to the Salon, Édouard Manet dropped by, proclaimed his approval and then proceeded to add a few accents from top to bottom. My only hope is to be rejected, Berthe wrote to Edma. I think its miserable. The painting was accepted. Morisot met Édouard Manet through their mutual friend Henri Fantan-Latour in 1868. Over the next few years, Manet painted Berthe at least 11 times, among them: The Balcony, 1868-69 Repose: Portrait of Berthe Morisot, 1870 Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets, 1872 Berthe Morisot in a Mourning Hat, 1874 On January 24, 1874, Tiburce Morisot died. In the same month, the Socià ©tà © Anonyme Coopà ©rative started to make plans for an exhibition that would be independent of the governments official exhibition the Salon. Membership required 60 francs for dues and guaranteed a place in their exhibition plus a share of the profits from the sale of the artworks. Perhaps losing her father gave Morisot the courage to become involved with this renegade group. They opened their experimental show on April 15, 1874, which became known as the First Impressionist Exhibition. Morisot participated in all but one of the eight Impressionist exhibitions. She missed the fourth exhibition in 1879 due to the birth of her daughter Julie Manet (1878-1966) that previous November. Julie became an artist too. After the eighth Impressionist exhibition in 1886, Morisot concentrated on selling through Durand-Ruel Gallery and in May 1892 she mounted her first and only one-woman show there. However, just a few months before the show, Eugà ¨ne Manet passed away. His loss devastated Morisot. I dont want to live anymore, she wrote in a notebook. The preparations gave her a purpose to go on and eased her through this painful sorrow. Over the next few years, Berthe and Julie became inseparable. And then Morisots health failed during a bout of pneumonia. She died on March 2, 1895. The poet Stà ©phane Mallarmà © wrote in his telegrams: I am the bearer of terrible news: our poor friend Mme. Eugà ¨ne Manet, Berthe Morisot, is dead. These two names in one announcement call attention to the dual nature of her life and two identities which shaped her exceptional art. Important Works: Portrait of the Artists Mother and Sister, 1870. The Cradle, 1872. Eugà ¨ne Manet and his Daughter [Julie] in the Garden at Bougival, 1881. At the Ball, 1875. Reading, 1888. The Wet-Nurse, 1879. Self-Portrait, ca. 1885. Date and Place of Death: March 2, 1895, Paris Sources: Higonnet, Anne. Berthe Morisot.New York: HarperCollins, 1991. Adler, Kathleen. The Suburban, the Modern and Une dame de Passy Oxford Art Journal, vol. 12, no. 1 (1989): 3 - 13

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Future of Early Education Importance of Preschool

The Future of Early Education Importance of Preschool Did you know that  Forbes.com reports that the Department of Education has awarded almost $250 million in an effort to ensure that development of early education programs, preschool, continue to best serve children from low- and moderate-income families? This is one example of the Presidents long-standing plan to offer free, universal pre-school for these families. However, President Trumps latest budget for 2019 education appears to be reducing funding   for schools. As we know, in President Obamas 2013 State of the Union address he unveiled his plan for universal Pre-K or pre-kindergarten education for four-year-olds. His plan would guarantee kids whose household income is at or below 200% of the poverty line a free pre-K education with local schools and local partners, and their teachers would have the same training as K-12 teachers. In addition, the programs would offer many of the benefits of private school pre-kindergarten programs, including small class sizes, high adult-to-child ratios, and assessment of the programs provided. The program would also expand the number of full-day kindergarten programs available. Unease in Regards to the Future of Early Childhood Education However, despite these advancements, there is unease as a result of the new leadership of our nation coming; many people are unsure about the future of early childhood programs. Betsy DeVos has been chosen by President Donald Trump to take on the role of Education Secretary, and her position on pre-school funding is not clear; the same can be said for the President. As a result, there are some who are uncomfortable with the uncertainty, and the latest budget developments are not alieviating fears.   Why Pre-Kindergarten is So Important While many private schools offer high-quality pre-kindergarten programs and full-day kindergartens, providing enriching educational opportunities for children under age 6, many children who attend public schools, particularly children living in poverty, do not have access to these programs. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, 28% of 4-year-olds were enrolled in a pre-kindergarten program in the 2011-2012 school year, which represents an increase over the 14% of four-year-olds who did so in 2002. Yet, pre-kindergarten programs are critical to children’s long-term success, and experts at NIEER have documented that children who have been enrolled in high-quality pre-kindergarten programs enter kindergarten with better vocabularies and more advanced pre-reading and math skills than children who don’t have access to these programs. Kids enrolled in pre-k programs aren’t just learning how to recognize letters and numbers; they are also learning critical social skills and the importance of working independently in the classroom. Through high-quality pre-k programs, they develop the confidence to take on more advanced classroom work. Many children struggle with social skills and behavioral problems in kindergarten, and many children are even kicked out of kindergarten. Pre-kindergarten programs are essential in teaching kids the social skills they need for later grades, not just the academic skills. Pre-K Benefits Last a Lifetime The benefits of pre-kindergarten education last well beyond kindergarten. According to research conducted by NIEER, there are amazing long-term economic benefits from early childhood education for children in poverty. For example, life-time earnings of some children increase by hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the economics benefits of these programs outweigh the costs by a factor of up to 16 (in some programs). In addition, such programs show that participants have lower crime rates and decreased rates of welfare dependence as adults, so the benefits of early childhood education can last a lifetime. According to the White House Fact Sheet on Obama’s educational plan, children from low-income families are less likely to have access to pre-kindergarten programs, and middle-class families also struggle to afford private pre-school programs, yet these programs are critical to children’s long-term school success. Children from low-income families who are not reading at grade level by third grade are six times less likely to graduate from high school. According to the Fact Sheet from the White House, only 60% of American children have access to full-day kindergarten programs, yet these programs are also essential to teaching children skills critical skills for later academic success. Pre-kindergarten programs are a promising way to reduce adult poverty in this country and to provide the essential skills workers need as adults. Working with at-risk children in the primary or middle school years may be too late, and while private schools offer high-quality pre-school and early education programs, research studies have documented the need to expand these programs to state-funded programs across the country. Article updated by Stacy Jagodowski

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Critique - Essay Example management systems that suggest instant solutions and in the digital age it is essential these methods closely interrelate and allocate seamless course of information amongst different business purpose to meet evolving guest service requirements. Fidelio – as one of the hospitality management software, has the centralised scope inventory for all hotels in the sequence so that clientele can do reservations in the course of diverse resource and acquire an instant confirmation.  It has easier admission to clientele for reservations and develops tenancy calculation and thus figures sales labours superiorly. This are just some of the business benefits the hospitality industry when they are utilised. Fidelio, as a modular program, has the elasticity and the user definite compliance of this program. Customers of this product includes such hotels, luxury cruise ships and in fast food restaurants. Due to the flexibility and various possibilities to optimise the application to the user’s needs, Fidelio guarantees that the needs of every condition can be met. It certifies that a suitable and supple solution can constantly be attained. Fidelio is the advanced successor to an established solution for the hotel industry. The software is a tool designed at convenient and managerial functions. The applications of the software were compiled and with concern for the industrial progress and possibilities of present. It equips the essential information at accurately the direct in time at which users need it. In order to maintain decisions efficiently, this information can be retrieved at any point in time or period defined by users and not only to the end of an accounting or inventory phase. In utilising the software, it will facilitate reduce the costs without notably increasing the workload. For instance, the high performance computation tools which can emphasise on a on a daily basis items, which should be sold or held back. Imagine that one could obtain all the information

Friday, October 18, 2019

Intelligence profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Intelligence profile - Essay Example A graduate of Carleton University (B.A.) and the University of Western Ontario (M.B.A., Ph.D.), Dr. Calof focuses his research and publications on international competitive intelligence. 3. Professor Calof focuses his research on international competitive intelligence and the application of knowledge for innovation. A director of the Canadian Institute of Competitive Intelligence, Jonathan has given over 500 speeches, seminars and keynote addresses around the world on competitive intelligence and has helped several of Canada's largest companies and government agencies enhance their intelligence capabilities. In recognition of his contribution to the competitive intelligence field, Jonathan was presented with the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professional's (SCIP) Catalyst award. Jonathan Calof has more than 100 publications to his credit. He is the co-author of "Competitive Intelligence - Keys to Success" and has contributed to several books. He has also published articles in j ournals such as Competitive Intelligence Review, Journal of International Business Studies, Business Quarterly, International Journal of Small Business Management, International Business Review. As well, Dr. Calof has been given awards and honours from several academic associations, including the Academy of Business Administration, the International Council for Small Business - South Africa, the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada, and the Academy of International Business. His case, Sterling Marking Product's, was recognized for being one of the top 10 cases sold by the Ivey School of Business in 1998 and his article For King and For Country on competitive intelligence was selected as being among the best articles in Business Quarterly. Interest in his work has also resulted in several interviews on radio and in print in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand. He has been featured in such publications as the National Post and the Globe and Mai l, as well as being featured on Canada A.M (CTV), As It Happens (CBC) and Global News. Detailed Profile 1. Dr. Calof is recognized as one of the leaders in intelligence and business insight. An associate professor of International Business and Strategy at the Telfer School of Management at University of Ottawa, Dr. Calof combines research and consulting in competitive intelligence, technical foresight and management insight in the creation of the Universities management insight program. As well, he is a Board member for CASIS (Canadian Association of Security and Intelligence Studies), is on the advisory board for the Algonquin College intelligence analyst program, and is also co-director of the Foresight Synergy Network. 2. An article in the Edmontonian called him "one of the world leaders in competitive intelligence". While CA Magazine (Charters Accountants) described him as "a highly sought after, as a consultant, by businesses and government agencies.† 3. Throughout all th ese activities Jonathan is passionate about competitive intelligence and the insights and advantages that all types of organizations can get from it. 4. He has also publis

Outsourcing Apple IPad Production Research Paper

Outsourcing Apple IPad Production - Research Paper Example Apple’s IPad is one of the products, which was originally produced in the United State, but its production has currently been outsourced to oversea industries based in North Korea and China. In order to understand the basics of outsourcing strategies, this paper provides a cost break-down of processes involved in the production of Apple IPad, both in the United States and contracting oversea countries. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing IPad production to oversea firms. As part of this paper, some legal and ethical issues that arise as a result of outsourcing Apple IPad are also discussed. Key words: outsourcing, Apple IPad, and economy Introduction Apple iPad is a modern piece of electronic that performs most of the functions just like a personal computer. Because of its light weight and efficiency, it is highly fantasized by people who need to walk around with their computers, while performing certain tasks (OGrady, 2009). The high demand for t his product, both inside and outside the United States, has forced the Apple Inc. to incur large transportation costs so as to reach its local and international customers, something that has significantly increased the cost of production. In order to limit cost of production resulting from importation of material, shipping of the products and labor costs, Apple Inc. realized that outsourcing of IPad production to overseas firms, especially with a large number of customers, will significantly reduce its cost of production and maximize profit (Hill & Jones, 2009). Samsung Company based in North Korea, and some other electronic firms based in China are some of firms that are currently producing Apple IPad. These firms produce Apple IPad and distribute them to both local and international customers. This means that less cost of transportation is incurred when this product is sold to the local customers more than if it was produced in the United States, and sold in either North Korea or China (Schniederjans, 2005). Cost Break-down for the Production of Apple IPad Material, transportation and labor costs are the key determinant of Apple IPad production cost. Apple iPad 2 was the most talked about consumer electronic that was released into the market in 2011 (Sparks, 2011). The price break-down cost for manufacturing 32GB GSM/HSPA version (From iSuppli) in the United States and oversea

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Information Systems and Knowledge Management Essay

Information Systems and Knowledge Management - Essay Example The Carbon Management Plan or CMP can be divided into two major parts. The first part will deal with knowledge management and the second part will deal with information systems. Knowledge Management Presently, all universities in UK are being urged to provide an array of university data and information including energy consumption, air pollution, cost overhead, etc. to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). These data are accumulated from different areas of the university and range of data like waste management, electricity generation and consumption, etc. The documentation and maintenance of this sort of statistical data can help in inferential analysis and proper knowledge management can assist in this part of the sustainable energy utilisation plan. This will further involve mitigation (geo-engineering), reduction (fuel switching, efficiency improvement, etc.) and removal (biological sequestration and ocean fertilisation) (Tester, 2005). Synchronisation of so many aspects of the management procedure through the simulation provides an excellent platform to develop a practical understanding of knowledge management. Information Systems In carbon management, emission dynamics determine the variable of carbon generation, particularly CO2 gas generation is most important. Analysis of this variable helps in ascertaining organisational goals and developing information base. In relation to CMP, the behaviour of this variable can be controlled by using more efficient power sources, low energy information and communication technology, smart metering, etc. By the means of generation of options, criteria assembling, option evaluation and proper option selection, information based facilities management can be developed and implemented (Atkin and Brooks, 2009). Hence, the simulation helps us to learn that how the communication systems between different stakeholders in the organisation can be bettered. The Learning Outcomes With regards to my understanding of the run time environment, the simulation program has helped me a lot. As I participated in the CMP, I felt I was dealing with such a subject that was affecting the whole organisation and I got maximum exposure to the behaviouristic aspects of the programme. Decision Making The simulation provided me with a better understanding of decision making. As far as the less important issues related to a plan or the functioning of an organisation are concerned decision making does not play a very important role. Especially, at the entry level, decision making does not appear to be very important except for career objectives. However, if one wants to stay in the organisation for a longer time and make a difference with a winning turn to his or her career, decision making becomes very important. Only good decision makers finally get to hold the key management positions in the industry. In today’s complex organisation, decision making should be multiple criteria based. If one wants to make it to the higher or middle level management positions, he or she has to learn good decision making. Decision making in a large and diversified organisation (which was s imulated

Leadership strategy issues in NONPROFIT HOSPITALS concentrate on how Essay

Leadership strategy issues in NONPROFIT HOSPITALS concentrate on how leadership strategy involves a mission, financial manageme - Essay Example As The Attorney General’s Community Benefits Guidelines (n.d.) points out, the non-profit hospitals have the fiduciary obligation to extend their services to concerned communities on the account of individuals’ tax-exempt status. The governing board and senior management are responsible for framing various organizational strategies which would enable the non-profit hospitals to dispose their duties and responsibilities effectively. In contrast, an inefficient strategic management may adversely affect the basic values of such organizations. Therefore, the non-profit hospitals must oversee the development and implementation of the community benefits plan. To be more specific, they must also design the method to be followed, resources to be accumulated, and the mechanism to be deployed for periodical monitoring. Significance of mission in leadership strategy To begin with, since non-profit hospitals are also separate legal entities, they can also deal with revenues and exp enses; and the assets of such hospitals are publicly held. Since these organizations operate on a charitable basis, they may get various sources of public finance including donations and others. Hence, officials dealing with finance department tend to misuse such organizations’ funds which in turn would affect the basic objective of the non-profit hospitals. ... The Attorney General’s Community Benefits Guidelines oblige the non-profit hospitals to serve the health and social needs of the community they serve (Community benefits guidelines for hospitals and HMOs, 2007). These guidelines insist that hospitals must collaborate with community representatives in order to identify their needs and to plan appropriate prevention programs. Fletcher Allen health care community benefits strategic plan (2010) suggests that the major mission of a non-profit hospital is to deliver the proposed community benefits plans effectively to the communities it serves. So as to implement this mission efficiently, usually hospital management designates a community benefits team that comprises of a number of hospital leaders and different operational group representatives. This process requires efficient strategic leadership skills because an ineffective grouping may largely minimize the result of the community benefits plan. The management must also ensure t he service of social workers and health educators to reach the respective communities easily. While implementing the proposed program, it is necessary for the firm to monitor the efficacy of the program at various phases, because it would help the management to identify the weaker areas. Hence, it is advisable for the hospital management to designate a community benefits manager who is responsible for closely watching the operational efficacy of the program. Importance of financial management in leadership In order to implement the community benefits plan efficiently, the hospital must adequately deal with financial management. It is obvious that these organizations carry out their operations on non-profitable basis, and therefore, they would

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Information Systems and Knowledge Management Essay

Information Systems and Knowledge Management - Essay Example The Carbon Management Plan or CMP can be divided into two major parts. The first part will deal with knowledge management and the second part will deal with information systems. Knowledge Management Presently, all universities in UK are being urged to provide an array of university data and information including energy consumption, air pollution, cost overhead, etc. to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). These data are accumulated from different areas of the university and range of data like waste management, electricity generation and consumption, etc. The documentation and maintenance of this sort of statistical data can help in inferential analysis and proper knowledge management can assist in this part of the sustainable energy utilisation plan. This will further involve mitigation (geo-engineering), reduction (fuel switching, efficiency improvement, etc.) and removal (biological sequestration and ocean fertilisation) (Tester, 2005). Synchronisation of so many aspects of the management procedure through the simulation provides an excellent platform to develop a practical understanding of knowledge management. Information Systems In carbon management, emission dynamics determine the variable of carbon generation, particularly CO2 gas generation is most important. Analysis of this variable helps in ascertaining organisational goals and developing information base. In relation to CMP, the behaviour of this variable can be controlled by using more efficient power sources, low energy information and communication technology, smart metering, etc. By the means of generation of options, criteria assembling, option evaluation and proper option selection, information based facilities management can be developed and implemented (Atkin and Brooks, 2009). Hence, the simulation helps us to learn that how the communication systems between different stakeholders in the organisation can be bettered. The Learning Outcomes With regards to my understanding of the run time environment, the simulation program has helped me a lot. As I participated in the CMP, I felt I was dealing with such a subject that was affecting the whole organisation and I got maximum exposure to the behaviouristic aspects of the programme. Decision Making The simulation provided me with a better understanding of decision making. As far as the less important issues related to a plan or the functioning of an organisation are concerned decision making does not play a very important role. Especially, at the entry level, decision making does not appear to be very important except for career objectives. However, if one wants to stay in the organisation for a longer time and make a difference with a winning turn to his or her career, decision making becomes very important. Only good decision makers finally get to hold the key management positions in the industry. In today’s complex organisation, decision making should be multiple criteria based. If one wants to make it to the higher or middle level management positions, he or she has to learn good decision making. Decision making in a large and diversified organisation (which was s imulated

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Effects of Standardized Testing on Teaching and Learning Research Paper

Effects of Standardized Testing on Teaching and Learning - Research Paper Example Phelps (2005) continues to argue that through standardized testing, school administrations are better placed to evaluate if what they assess is in line with the provisions of the policy makers of education. In this case, standardized tests can be described to be of benefit to schools in terms of setting what needs to be assessed and how the tests can be manipulated to improve education. Standardized tests have also been credited for their ability to set aside measures for assessing the standards of education being offered in the schools. According to Plank (2009) standardized tests are an interpretation of the standards in which schools operate within, with the results of these tests giving a clear indication of the concepts being taught in that particular educational setting. In essence standardized tests set the standards that educators should aspire to achieve in the quest to deliver effective teaching and learning among the learners. On another point of view, standardized tests a ssess the accountability of the entire school programs in terms of learning and teaching (Bussert-Webb, 2000).Through standardized tests, educators are very keen in terms of the kind of programs they offer, and if it adds a positive to learning in the classroom setting. The results of these tests have over the years been reshaped to instill change in the educational system. However, this aspect requires a lot of monitoring and inclusion of incentives, for instance rewards on teachers, to see to it that reforms are put in place in the educational system. On another point of view, other studies indicate that testing has very minimal effects on the teaching and learning. This, according to Plank... This research will begin with the statement that the educational system requires the incorporation of tests so as to visualize if the contents of the educational system are well understood by the beneficiaries of teaching and learning. It is evident that the educational system has been facing a myriad of changes that led to the demand for putting in place measures that would cater for all the demands of the educational system. One of the themes that have been faced with a lot of debates in the educational sector relates to testing and measurement of learners’ ability in the educational setting. As a result of this theme, the need to come up with methodologies that would allow for understanding and awareness regarding what aspects need to be evaluated and how the evaluation process should take place has been on the policy makers of the educational system. Indeed, various analysts and researchers of concern with the educational sector have shown a lot of interests on the efficie ncy of the strategies used to train students and assess their mastery of concepts taught in the classroom setting. In light to this argument, it is of great importance that educators deal with the challenge facing them regarding formulating a standardized approach of assessing learner ability and how they can get involved in dealing with the challenges that come along with the tests subjected to the learners. Conclusively, tests and assessment play a vital role in the teaching and learning process.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Why many High School Graduates Are not Ready for College Essay Example for Free

Why many High School Graduates Are not Ready for College Essay The report underscores the importance of the skills that are most essential and associated with career and college readiness, [Paul Weeks] says. Since many secondary school teachers arent familiar with the skills that have been identified as the most essential to succeed in college, high school educators cover a breadth of skills. Postsecondary instructors would rather see more depth, not a broad range that are only an inch deep, asserts Weeks. For example, two students can pass algebra but have vastly different experiences and their knowledge can vary greatly. Colleges review class titles but rarely evaluate the essential skills mastered in the class. Now we know what skills lead to college and career readiness, suggests Weeks. And the more high school teachers are aware of those skills and can teach them, the better their graduates will perform in postsecondary education. Boone County schools also are collaborating with Northern Kentucky University to develop basic math programs. We want to make sure that every student is at that level of mastery. It drives everything we do, [Karen Cheser] says. To prepare students to be college ready, it requires conversations, transparency, and a willingness to put out data. It takes community-will and providing resources, she remarks.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Constitutional Monarchy and the Third Way in UK

Constitutional Monarchy and the Third Way in UK A constitutional monarchy is a type of a constitutional government, where either an elected or hereditary monarch is a head of state, unlike in an absolute monarchy where the king or queen is an absolute ruler not bound by the constitution. Most of the constitutional monarchs have a parliamentary system where legislation is passed and the monarch is the head of state with a prime minister as the head of government elected directly by parliament or appointed by the monarchy. This generally separates the official and head of state duties of the monarchy from party politics making the monarchy politically neutral thus can not vote. This provides political stability, continuity and national focus despite a change in government. The sovereign head governs according to the national laws and regulations stipulated in the constitution. However the UK does not have a written constitution but its governed by convections which are non statutory rules and are equally binding.   The monarch is advised by ministers who hail from parliament and it appoints the prime minister, approves legislation and confers honors. As a head of state the monarch is the head of the armed forces. The British monarch (the queen) today has two roles that of head of state and as head of the nation. As the head of sate for Britain she plays an important role in undertaking important constitutional and representational duties. E.g. opening of parliament, approving of the orders in of council, signing acts of parliament plus meeting and conversing with the prime minister and ministers concerning state matters. Other duties include those of representing the state of Britain to the outside world In relation to the government of UK that is headed by a prime minister. The British parliament consists of the monarchy as where the queen is the head, the House of Lords and the House of Commons-which posses the dominant political power hence always supports the government of the day. Her maje sty duties involve the opening of new sessions of parliament and addressing it through the queens speech. (Drafted by the government and outlines the government agenda), issuance of prorogue, dissolving parliament, assenting to bills and approving orders and proclamations through the Privy Council. Parliament can only meet without a royal summon if the sovereign head has died and parliament is not running. Other duties concern the devolve units of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. On April 10th 1998 the Northern Ireland assembly was formed as part of the Good Friday agreement. It has authority over all devolved responsibilities. The assembly has full legislative authority over education, agriculture, health, social services and on wealth creation. Scotland on the other hand has two parliaments. The Westminster assembly legislates on matters that touch on the whole UK as a state while the one in Edinburgh legislates for the devolved domestic matters. The legislation for legislation was taken from Scotland in 1707 and taken to London till the 21st century on September 1997 when the majority of the Scots voted for a Scottish parliament in a plebiscite. The parliament was official opened by the queen on July 1999 and the new building officially opened by the queen in 2004. It has jurisdiction over primary legislation on matters that concern education, police, environment, economic development law and sets the basic rate of income tax among others. The members of p arliament of the Scottish parliament take the oath of allegiance to the crown. The parliaments first minister is appointed by the queen and receives weekly report from the Scottish parliament. This is done under the statutory law that established the parliament. Waless power on legislation was devolved in 2006 where the Wales assembly has had power and authority to pass laws to address the local issues in Wales such as on health and education. These acts are passed without the approval of the UK-Parliament. These actions of devolution are clearly in line with the intension to bring the government closer to the people so as to be able to empower the people to be able to govern themselves more closely, a proposition that is in line with the third way philosophers in Britain. Socialism involves various economic and political theories that advocate for a collective ownership and administration of the means and factors of production as well as the distribution of goods and services through the state. The system has no private ownership of property. Its a step in the transition of the society between capitalism and socialism according to the Marxist theory. In socialism economic activity is carried out to maximize use value as opposed to exchange value. Socialist are antagonistic to capitalism which they view as concentrating power and wealth to a few elites and it exploits labor leading to formation of a stratified society (class). In recent years there is the notion of democratic socialism that is used to denote the democratic character of the socialist movement. It involves the active participation of the society as whole through workers management of the economy through ideals such as  Ã‚   democratic socialism. It proposes the radical reorganization o f the state through social and economic order through public ownership.   Neo liberalism on the other hand is about economic liberalization based on the neo classical economic theories. Which minimizes the role of the state in the economy  Ã‚   to maintenance of law and order and maximizes the private sectors role? The proponents of this school of thought are referred to as the leftist. Its major effect is seen through the rich growing richer and the poor growing poorer. Third way in UKs politics is about the renewal of the social democracy whose vision and mission is to move the state of Britain from the political limbo that it has been in between the leftist who favor the free market ideologies and the right those who favor the state.   There quest is a new form of political ideology that concentrates on adapting economies and the society in general to the forces of globalization (an advanced form of capitalism). Globalization- a step in capitalism development has resulted in inequalities, the misfortunes of social exclusion, isolation, despair, uncertainty, and politics of the extremes under democracy.   This has put pressure on the leftist to re think there stand politically and socially in these age of knowledge economy. Third way proponents advocate for new progressive values that has three premises i.e. the need for the government to promote equality, to all while safeguarding the underprivileged, a set of moral standards and principles t hat promotes mutual responsibility, while resisting the politics of entitlement and the politics of social abandonment. And finally it advocates for a new approach to governance that empowers the people to act for themselves. The party that was championing this was the new labor party under Tony Blair that shifted from its leftist position and won the British elections of 1997 with a landslide. hence the name new. Today its under Gordon brown. leaving the only leftist party to be the British Fabian society. Third way has been stated to be centrism where it has combined the traditions of the European democrats and the ways of the American economic liberals (proponents of the free market ideology) combining the new right approach to governance and Keynesian theories of economics. The government of the new labor party has been formulating its policies from a number of both leftist think tank bodies like the Fabian society and Demos plus neo liberal think tank bodies coming up with policies that touch on issues like welfare and work etc. This clearly shows that the third way was a compromise between the two. Reference Anthony G, 1998,  The third way: the renewal of social democracy  , Wiley-Blackwell.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Linux :: essays research papers

I want to get people's opinion on Linux - from a Windows user perspective. I want to do is to establish if the "Linux is too difficult" mantra is actually true in people's experience. My personal experience was that it was about the same amount of hassles than installing Win98 & apps. Of course, Linux does not fall over like Win98, and I can do all my work that I used to do under Windows, so I am a happy chappie ;-) Thanks! If you have been using Windows and have also installed Linux, please be so kind as to fill in the questionnaire below and post it on the board. I will collate all the responses and (hopefully) publish these in an article. Thanks Questionnaire: Installing and using Linux from a Windows perspective. This questionnaire is intended to gather opinions on how easy or difficult it was for users to install Linux and application software, and how functional they found the Linux desktop compared to the Windows desktop environment. Your participation is appreciated. Firstly, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning "very weak" and 5 meaning "very strong", rate your technical PC skills? Next, in the table below, indicate your choice with an X. TABLE 1: General Distribution and version of Linux: Debian Slackware Red Hat Mandrake SuSeE Other: please specify Linux GUI used: Gnome KDE Other: please specify TABLE 2: Applications used - please amend Windows applications as appropriate, and indicate the Linux equivalent you use: Word processing: MS Word Spreadsheet: Excel Presentation software: Powerpoint Database: Access Email: Outlook Calendar: Outlook File manager: Windows Explorer Internet browsing: Internet Explorer Internet firewall: ZoneAlarm Graphics editing: PaintShop Pro Graphics slide shows: ACDSee File Compression: Winzip, PDF reader: Acrobat Reader CD writer: Nero Other - please specify In the table below, indicate your choice, using: 1 = Much more difficult 2 = More difficult 3 = About the same 4 = Easier 5 = Much easier 0 = N/A TABLE 3 - Installation. Linux Compared to Windows Setting up peripherals (such as printers, video cards etc.) under Linux is: Setting up and configuring the GUI under Linux is: The functionality of applications running under Linux is: The stability of applications running under Linux is: Running applications (ease of use) under Linux is: Setting up Internet access under Linux is: Upgrading the OS (Linux) is: Setting up a small/home office network under Linux is: Installing patches under Linux is: TABLE 4.

Friday, October 11, 2019

If I Knew Then Essay

Thinking back on the past month or so since I started my journey at Hodges University, I have come to find that my outlook on learning and the way I go about it has changed. Since my first day of class on January 17th, I feel as though I have grown not only as a student but as a person as well. Many challenges have come upon me but I have overcome them and am now more confident in my abilities as a student. This is not my first semester in a scholarly setting, it is however my first at Hodges. When I signed up for my classes I was afraid of starting my education again. I felt I did not have the time, and that I was going to fail miserably but I knew that I had to at least try. My whole mind set has changed since then. I have realized how badly I want to succeed and make a difference in not only my life but in my daughter’s life as well. I have become more confident in myself and in Hodges for the tools I need to obtain my degree. I do believe that since January I have become a better critical thinker as well as a better writer. A wonderful tool that Hodges has provided to me is this Strategic Thinking class. The required text for this class, Pauk’s How to Study in College, has opened my eyes to better study strategies that I wish I was taught in high school. In my opinion the greatest strategy in the book is finding your â€Å"hidden† time, with being a mother of a 2 year old and working 6 days a week I believed I had no time. After reading just those few paragraphs I was amazed at how much time I actually had. I now study while my daughter is in the bath, in between calls at work, and when I’m folding laundry. I have also adapted Pauk’s strategy of minimizing multitasking; this was a difficult strategy for me to get used to. After reading the section on how to accomplish minimizing multitasking I seen how important it is to your health and your course work. If I had the chance to go back in the past to January 17th, the advice I would give myself is to pace myself. It may seem that I do not have a whole lot of time but I have just enough to study and make the grades. I would also tell myself that when I am in doubt to always remember that I do have people here to help me and I’m not in this alone. As for the future, a few things I will do differently are not to procrastinate with major assignments, as well as to be more attention to detail on my work and in class lectures. I am starting to see the importance of not just listening but hearing and understanding what the professor is lecturing about. Procrastination is one of my major down falls; I have always been bad with it. You can say I’m one of those people who think they work better under pressure when in reality for a lack of better terms I am a little bit lazy. Lazy will not get me to where I want to be in 2 years. If only I knew then what I know now, I would have had the wonderful study strategies that I now implicate, I would have never known that I could stretch myself to these lengths and not completely crash and burn at the beginning. I have grown so much as a person and student in just these few weeks that I am truly excited to continue toward the better life for me and my daughter that is waiting for us the day I graduate.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

A Report on Blackwattle Bay Career Education Program

The most important goal of secondary education is to prepare students for their future, whether it is for higher education or for the world of work. It is a reality that not all high school graduates can proceed to tertiary education, some would have to forgo college and enter the world of work.Secondary education should be able to provide the right amount of training and education that would help the graduate become successful in his/her chosen life path (Hamilton & Hamilton, 1994).Secondary education does not also limit itself to providing academic and skills training but also in developing the personality of the student and by teaching life skills which they will use in their daily lives. In doing so, students are no only equipped academically with skills and knowledge but also become responsible young adults. Education’s ultimate goal is to teach and transform the minds of the young in the hope that they will become productive citizens of the country.With the many issues a nd controversies that the educational sectors are facing, it is no wonder that more and more schools are trying to address the issues of providing quality education that would result to student success in and out of school (Myrick, 2002).For some, innovation and the use of technology had helped in motivating students and in enhancing instruction, others focus more on providing excellent support for the needs of students that would aid in decision making in terms of their future and life goals.This support programs include career guidance, counseling, social action, volunteerism and spiritual guidance. Other schools emphasize academic preparation and excellence by providing programs such as remedial classes, enrichment classes, advanced courses in science and math, tutorials and the like (Cobia &Henderson, 2007). As most educators agree, a school which provides holistic education and personal development are the best kind of schools whether it is public or private, and rural or urban .In recent years, the general public had been averse to sending their children to public schools owing to the negative reputation that it has been given for not providing quality education, for not having excellent teachers and for the lack of funding given to such schools. More and more parents had sent their children to private schools for secondary education, in an attempt to reverse the negative perception towards public schools especially in the inner cities; the Sydney Secondary College was created in 2002 in order to revitalize public education.The Sydney Secondary College system is composed of three campuses located at Balmain, Leichhardt, and Blackwattle Bay. Students attend either Balmain or Leichhardt for their grade 7 to 10 education then move to Blackwattle Bay for their 11th and 12th years.Although Blackwattle Bay accepts applicants from different schools, students from Balmain and Leichhardt are given priority. The college system is unique in the sense that the learni ng environment of the Blackwattle Bay campus is very similar to a true college or university wherein students take courses that are geared towards enhancing the students’ chances of being accepted in tertiary education.Moreover, the college concept also posits that juniors and seniors would benefit more from a more mature and challenging learning environment than a regular high school.

Health Promotion Essay

The World Health Organization delineated health as â€Å"a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity† (WHO, 1946). Scientists define health promotion as the course of action taken to facilitate people to have power over and to enhance their health generally. To carry on and augment wellbeing some practices such as restraining from smoking, exercising at least three times a week to sustain fitness, reducing contact to radiation and toxic components, eating adequate amount of nutrients and minerals seem essential. In nursing practice, health promotion exists through education to facilitate inhabitants to create choices to keep them in good physical shape. According to the American Journal of Health, â€Å"Health Promotion is the science and the art of helping people change their lifestyles to move toward an optimal health.† Other factors that can encourage reaching out the purpose of health promotion are n ursing roles and responsibilities, implementation methods that covers all areas of nursing, and the levels of health support. The World Health Organization (WHO) created a movement named Healthy people 2010 to make all Americans cognizant of a variety of ways to prevent diseases and improve their health. The association placed nurses in the forefront by giving them the lead of the action due to the fact of their constant contact with individuals, families, and communities because they can help them make the right decision to promote health (WHO, 2000.) In addition, they acquire skills through evidence-based practice in critical moments of life to implement essential interventions through education after assessing, using a diagnosis, developing a plan the care of patients; a thorough evaluation of chosen activities always follows to assure a contented turning point. Nurses assist to promote health by helping groups of people in different settings to cultivate healthy lifestyle. The Institute of Medicine has a new research that clarifies responsibilities by stating the important role nurses play to implement and evaluate actions to promote health in the population. As advocate for the sick, the nurse-client interrelationship should take place for health promotion in order to teach people good habits in the choice of adequate diet to avoid obesity, to stop polluting the environment by quitting smoking for instance and access to clean water seem indispensable; moreover, inhabitants must not permit damaging social conditions that wipe out health to continue as they convey unhealthy states (Sullivan, 2000). Health promotion movements are meant to guard and advance health, and to avoid illness. These activities are grouped into three subsequent levels. The foremost and initial level of health promotion prevention is intended to stop diseases from starting or a trauma from happening. Diseases or trauma to prevent include immunization, household hazards, abstinence from smoking, measures that decrease the risk for stroke, educating and counseling regarding the use of vehicle passenger restraints and bicycle hat. The primary prevention averts the beginning of an aimed condition. It targets the greatest number of people in a community who might become at risk for a specific health dilemma like asthma which happened to be one of the most frequent respiratory diseases in modern countries. Furthermore, the secondary avoidance measures are those that spot and care for asymptomatic people at risk but in whom the provision is not clinically obvious. Activities of secondary escaping involve early case findings of disease without any sign that occurs and has major risk for harmful result exclusive of cure. Screening tests to detect hyperlipidemia, hypertension, breast and prostate cancer are model of secondary prevention actions. Lastly, when the disease has already started its course of action, tertiary prevention care is given to patient, attempts are made to re-establish highest function and stop sickness-related complications. Health is a store for everyday life that includes physical, mental, social comfort; consequently, health promotion activities will empower individuals and communities to raise their control over decisions that affect their health. With the possession of interpersonal skills, nurses contribute to encourage patients through teaching to make constructive changes that will keep them in good physical shape throughout life. The three levels of health promotion are supported through education. Within their scope of practice, nurses can allow individuals and communities to gain greater control over the determinants of their wellbeing to achieve the purpose of Health promotion. . References Edelman, C., & Mandle, C. L. (2010). Health promotion throughout the life spans (7th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. Eisenberg & Neighbors, (2007). National Research Council and Institute of Medicine [NAS-IOM], (2009). A national study by Kessler et al. (2005) According to a report from Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council (IOM and NAS) National Prevention, Health Pro Nola J. Pender, Carolyn L. Murdaugh, and Mary Ann Parsons. Motion, and Public Health Council. (2011). Annual status report [Internet]. Washington (DC): The Council; 2011 Jun 30 [cited 2011 Sep 30]. Available from: http://www.healthcare.gov/ prevention/nphpphc/2011-annualstatus- report-nphpphc.pdf Nola J. Pender, Carolyn L. Murdaugh, & Mary Ann Parsons. (2006). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education INC

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Data analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Data analysis - Essay Example The data gathering process is conducted through online questionnaires or surveys in order to determine the information, which is gathered and then analyzed. The Strategic Communication is first important in communicating to authors what was uncovered in the research. Secondly, when the book is ready to be sold, the Strategic Communication, through advertising and public relations (PR), reflects the changes made in this new edition to all those who potentially will adopt or purchase this book for their courses (Churchill and Iacobucci 566). As another example of Strategic Communications, a Vice-President in a business may need to inform the board of directors about a new process that can be implemented, but with some additional costs. The research done as to the plan’s effectiveness and what it will cost, is essential to selling this new process to the board of directors. Therefore, the statistics which shows this information, is an essential part to successfully selling the ne w plan or operation. 2. Differentiate between a population and sample. The difference is that a population consists, for example, of all people who drink coffee at Starbucks (Zikmund 296). The sample of the population must be taken from within that population of all people who drink coffee from Starbucks (Week 4, p.2). ... This is part of variables when we determine these parameters of the data while canvasing those people who have applied to take the survey Week 4, p.4). If any of the required parameters (variables) are not present, such as a certain age group, buying Starbucks coffee more than once a month, who are currently working, and own a home, for example, then those returns are not vetted or accepted. In general, use 10% of the overall group to get a representation, such as 100/1000 (Muijs 35). In describing a sample of School of Communication students, they would need to be taking classes in public relations, journalism, marketing, and radio/television courses (Zikmund 296). Age is not considered a factor but it can be a descriptive of the sampling, as older students also take these courses, not just those who are 18 to 22 years of age. In defining parameters for attaining the sample, the objective for this might be that only those who are majoring in any of these courses, and within a certai n age group, can apply to the research study. Other parameters that could be applied in some cases, is to only have honor students apply, rather than the whole population of students in the School of Communications. Creating such parameters in the invitation communication means that only those who closely fit the parameters, will apply, rather than the whole school or college, thus saving on wasted time weeding out those who do not fit in to the objective (Muijs 35; week 4, p.6). 3. Explain what statistical significance is. Statistical significance is the process of testing data through various operations. One example might be in creating two different messages, with a call to action, which will be sent to a sample group. This would be called A/B testing to see which

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Evaluation of the Responses Made by Dretske as Pertains to Chisholms Assignment

Evaluation of the Responses Made by Dretske as Pertains to Chisholms Claims - Assignment Example It was the philosopher Fred Dretske who took to investigating the various claim that was made by the late Roderick Chisholm who postulated that intentional states could only possibly be mental states. In making this claim, Chisholm was seen to derive the claim mainly based on the thesis proposed by Franz Brentano the nineteenth-century philosopher in his book â€Å"Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint†. Chisholm’s Claim that Intentionality cannot be naturalized and Dretske’s Response to the Claim A key feature of various mental states is their actual content. An example is that in the event that I essentially believe it will snow, my actual belief as at the moment can be seen to represent a state of the weather and when I chance to see a dog, I become perpetually aware of that cat. My innate belief that it is eventually going to rain may be seen to be inaccurate or accurate, my perception as to the existence of the cat may be imprecise or precise and my desire to be loved my eventually be satisfied or unsatisfied. Brentano postulated that intentional states were essentially solely mental states and thus distinguished mental states from the physical states because they are objects of awareness and non-spatial in nature. Brentano further contends that this perceived ‘intentional inexistence’ is generally exclusive to psychical phenomena and that there are no physical phenomena that can essentially be said to have it (Feldman & Feldman 2008). The Intentionality of thought can basically be accounted through mental expectations, semantics, and language. All these factors serve to actively demonstrate psychological intention and therefore cannot be explained in non-intentional or non-psychological terms. For Chisholm intentionality cannot essentially be naturalized because it is impossible to identify any such psychological fact with a physical fact. For Chisholm, the use of various intentional sentences essentially means that all our currently existing beliefs about various psychological phenomena an essentially be sufficiently expressed through them although it is impossible to do so for physical phenomena (Feldman & Feldman 2008). A good example of this is the sentence ‘Diogenes searching for an actual honest man†, this sentence can be perceived to be an intentional statement because it is seen not to rely on the relative veracity of there necessarily being an honest man or not.  Ã‚