Monday, September 30, 2019

Elementary School and Middle School: The Differences and Similarities Essay

What is it like to transition from elementary to middle school? That is a question many kids ask each year. Having experienced both, I can tell you that there are plenty of similarities as well as some very big differences between the two types of schools. Elementary schools and middle schools have many traits in common. Typically, both are open five days a week for a set number of hours each day. Students sit at desks in classrooms and are expected to listen to and learn from their teachers. There is a set time for lunch. Each day, students are given homework assignments. Students take quizzes and tests. In all of these ways, middle school should somewhat feel similar to new students. However, there are some big changes that new middle school students should be aware of. In elementary school, students usually stay in the same classroom with one teacher for most of the day. This is not the case in middle school, where the students typically have a different teacher for each subject. Students must move to a different classroom for each subject too. Since there is not one classroom in which to store supplies, middle schools often provide students with lockers. For many kids, getting a locker is a welcome rite of passage. Making the move from elementary school to middle school may seem scary, but knowing that to expect can really help. Elementary school provides kids with the experiences they need to be ready for middle school. Even though moving on means adjusting to a new environment, some things, including many of the classmates who accompany you, will remain the same.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

A Brief Description of Non-Parametric Tests

Non-parametric Tests In contrast to parametric tests, non-parametric tests do not require any assumptions about the parameters or about the nature of population. It is because of this that these methods are sometimes referred to as the distribution free methods. Most of these methods, however, are based upon the weaker assumptions that observations are independent and that the variable under study is continuous with approximately symmetrical distribution. In addition to this, these methods do not require measurements as strong as that required by parametric methods.Most of the non- arametric tests are applicable to data measured in an ordinal or nominal scale. As opposed to this, the parametric tests are based on data measured at least in an interval scale. The measurements obtained on interval and ratio scale are also known as high level measurements. Level of measurement 1 . Nominal scale: This scale uses numbers or other symbols to identify the groups or classes to which various o bjects belong. These numbers or symbols constitute a nominal or classifying scale.For example, classification of individuals on the basis of sex (male, female) or on the basis of level of education (matric, senior secondary, raduate, post graduate), etc. This scale is the weakest of all the measurements. 2. Ordinal scale: This scale uses numbers to represent some kind of ordering or ranking of objects. However, the differences of numbers, used for ranking, don't have any meaning. For example, the top 4 students of class can be ranked as 1, 2, 3, 4, according to their marks in an examination. 3.Interval scale: This scale also uses numbers such that these can be ordered and their differences have a meaningful interpretation. 4. Ratio scale: A scale possessing all the properties of an interval scale along with a true zero point is called a ratio scale. It may be pointed out that a zero point in an interval scale is arbitrary. For example, freezing point of water is defined at 00 Celsiu s or 320 Fahrenheit, implying thereby that the zero on either scale is arbitrary and doesn't represent total absence of heat.In contrast to this, the measurement of distance, say in metres, is done on a ratio scale. The term ratio is used here because ratio comparisons are meaningful. For example, 100 kms of distance is four times larger than a distance of 25 kms while 1000F may not mean that it is twice as hot as SOOF. It should be noted here that a test that can be erformed on high level measurements can always be performed on ordinal or nominal measurements but not vice-versa.However, if along with the high level measurements the conditions of a parametric test are also met, the parametric test should invariably be used because this test is most powerful in the given circumstances. From the above, we conclude that a non-parametric test should be used when either the conditions about the parent population are not met or the level of measurements is inadequate for a parametric test . References: http://classofl . com/homework-help/statistics-homework-help/

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Public police system Essay

Science is derived from the Latin word scientia, which denotes, â€Å"knowledge† and it refers to any methodical knowledge-base or standpoint practice which is competent in ensuing in a forecast or predictable result. In its more ordinary limited sense, science refers to a method of obtaining facts based on a scientific technique. On the other hand, Art is the product or procedure of intentionally arranging components in a manner that appeals to the feelings or senses. It encompasses a variety of human activities, formations, as well as forms of expression, comprising literature and music. The denotation of art is examined within a branch of philosophy identified as aesthetics. The public police system is said to favor the science over the art due to a number of reasons: (Poulin, K. C & Nemeth, C, 2005) To start with, the public police system favors the science over the art because of the connection between art and the police. Art is inexorably understood as culture, which is a reflection of Trocki’s syntagm â€Å"when I hear the word culture, I reach for my gun. † The connection between the police and art explicitly discloses that the discourse of art is at all times understood as a sort of a joke in relation to the policeman. Here, the discourse of art is simply the one that relates to as well as mirrors the structure of power, represented and instituted by the policeman himself. (Poulin, K. C & Nemeth, C, 2005, p. 278) Secondly, the police favors the science given that science and technology play a crucial function in contemporary policing. For instance, police make use of forensic science to determine crime more effectively, forgive those who are not guilty as well as convict lawbreakers. Hi-tech information as well as communication systems makes it possible for officers to spent extra time connect with citizens and less moments engrossed with paperwork. In addition, the police favor the science because technology and cutting-edge science are employed in activities of terrorism and organized crime given that the police have to stay one step in front. (Poulin, K. C & Nemeth, C, 2005) Finally, the police use science and technology to fight crime by relying on a progressively more wide variety of sophisticated communications and information technology, other technologies as well as forensic science to serve the community. Some of the important technological and scientific tools that constitute police system’s backbone include: the Police National Computer (PNC), the national fingerprint and DNA database, the Road traffic law enforcement technology as well as the Science and technology in the police force: the future. (Poulin, K. C & Nemeth, C, 2005) Poulin, K. C & Nemeth, Charles P. (2005) Private Security and Public Safety: A Community-Based Approach, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall Inc†¦ ISBN 0131123742, 9780131123748

Friday, September 27, 2019

Control room video Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Control room video - Essay Example The theme is successfully delivered because of the portrayal of hierarchy in the documentary. The theme of the documentary was delivered to the audience in such a way that the arguments from both the sides were given. In the end it was the audience who had to decide as to which side was right and which was wrong. The attack on the media was also shown in the documentary to prove the evidence against the US government. It basically showed that the media was being controlled by both the sides or perhaps was being tried to be controlled. The power of the media is analyzed in the documentary and the message has been given to the audience. 2. To what extent the documentary might change your perception on the war in Iraq?   The documentary can have a great impact on my perception regarding the Iraq war. The casualties that I saw in the media previously raised my sentiments for the Iraqi citizens. But the documentary portrays that media itself is being controlled by the sides hence it wou ld change my view regarding these sentiments. I would have a balanced view for the Iraqi people because the US soldiers being attacked and tortured was not shown much in the videos shown in media. The war on Iraq however was waged so that the regime of Saddam Hussein could be ended and the people of Iraq be helped. The documentary raises a question for me that â€Å"was this objective really achieved? I believe that it was not and hence the war in Iraq was a waste of time and resources of the United States which could have been spent in a much better way. The documentary shows the real side of the media and how they were being controlled. After watching the documentary I can say that I have balanced views regarding the war but the casualties in the war did affect the Americans in a bad way. 3. Critically identify the strengths and weaknesses of the video.   The video had some strengths and weaknesses which made it worth watching. Firstly it does not conclude everything on itself but rather leaves it to the audience to decide as to which side they should choose. The strength of the video is that it involves the real people of Al Jazeera who talk for the whole situation themselves. Thus the audience can be assured that this documentary is not fake or lying about things. The series of incidents that happened in the Iraq war are shown in the documentary such that it gives an overall view about the situation of war to the audience. It uses different real events to show how the television was being blamed for the incidents that occurred during the war. Al Jazeera was being targeted by the US officials and a footage of that target has been shown in the documentary. The attacks on the television office have also been shown in the documentary so as to provide evidence to the viewers regarding the story that the movie is providing the audience with. This evidence proves to be one of the strengths of the video and helps the audience to understand the politics that was being worked out against the media. 4. Briefly, do you recommend this video to other viewers? If yes why? If not

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Policy & development and evalvation 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Policy & development and evalvation 2 - Essay Example It simply offers solution and tries to ascertain how an increase can be made to the number of people in the social housing. With examples from countries such as Britain, United States, and Sweden it analyses their policies and checks on whether they seceded or not. To this end, it is informative, sceptical, and analytical. To understand whether there can be an increase in the number of people who attain the social housing with the understanding that there are forces that fight this move and have led to the decrease of the same. Housing is a basic necessity. This then means that home ownership serves the purpose of ensuring that fundamental obligations are fulfilled. This may include raising the quality of family life and education. To this end, housing plays a fundamental role in the economies of both developed and developing countries with the governments of respective countries acknowledging this as a mirror of development. Housing policy then has been regarded in two different views; there are those who view it in terms of continuity or change with the change protagonist accusing the regime of short termism due to their nature of treating the housing as a â€Å"political football† and being chameleons in their nature of changing colours and direction to reflect party political preferences (Balchin and Rhoden 2002). These changing political positions have made it impossible to have choices that are rational in the housing sector. This change perspective is argued by Harloe (1995) who notes that th e case of British housing policy is ideal example where he links the change from the periods of 1919 to 1970s. He notes that this is as a result of both long term economic changes and shorter political tensions by stating that social housing widened from residual housing only in times of market disruptions and political upheavals. Barker

An analytical paper of the short story summer by Edith Wharton Essay

An analytical paper of the short story summer by Edith Wharton - Essay Example Then she remembered his sudden pause when he had come close to the desk and had his first look at her. The sight had made him forget what he was going to say; she recalled the change in his face, and jumping up she ran over the bare boards to her washstand, found the matches, lit a candle, and lifted it to the square of looking-glass on the white-washed wall. Her small face, usually so darkly pale, glowed like a rose in the faint orb of light, and under her rumpled hair her eyes seemed deeper and larger than by day. Perhaps after all it was a mistake to wish they were blue. A clumsy band and button fastened her unbleached night-gown about the throat. She undid it, freed her thin shoulders, and saw herself a bride in low-necked satin, walking down an aisle with Lucius Harney. He would kiss her as they left the church....She put down the candle and covered her face with her hands as if to imprison the kiss.† (Edith Wharton, Summer, Ch.III) The vocabulary used in the above passage is powerfully suggestive. It explores the two central themes of the novel – ‘different social classes’ and ‘sexual awakening’. "Its no use trying to be anything in this place," – this line only echoes the sexual repression of her times. The arrival of Lucius Harney had evoked in her, a sense of being ‘the other’. She now, more than ever, began to feel the burden of her improper lineage. It aroused in her – both, a sense of shame and a sense of envy. Despite her lower social ranking, she increasingly seems to become aware of her growing desires. This passage traces the beginning of Charity’s awakening to a new sense of self. The simile, â€Å"glowed like a rose† is provocative in implication. She experiences a growing passion when she â€Å"freed her thin shoulders†. The imagery used in these lines boldly shows how liberating and satisfying awareness of sexuality can be. This physical awakening heralds her

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Practise report PARAPHRASING Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Practise report PARAPHRASING - Assignment Example Whether a subject in the material is a fact or a personal opinion is also important. Facts supported by other evidences are given more weight compared to personal opinions. The blog Anthropologists in Cross Cultural Management does not comply with some of the criteria provided in the CRAP method. This method requires that a source be current and reliable and that its authority be well defined. Even though the material is current having been written in February 2009, it is the opinion of and individual and has not been supported by any form of reference. The material is also quite short and does not cover the entire topic managing multicultural environment. In the CRAP criteria, it is preferred that the publisher of a material have a knowledge of the subject to be addressed and if possible give a comprehensive introduction to the contents of the work. Emerald publishers draw journals from several university libraries all over the world and such introduction is not possible. Moreover, the journal may be lacking citations. Managing and harnessing the powers of Cross-Cultural differences has much of what is required. A list of materials read given at the end of the work indicates that it is not purely an individual’s opinion and that similar observation and argument can be obtained from other materials as well. It is also current having been modified on August 03, 2009 at 7:02:55 PM. This source also has links to other and referring to these sources is quite convenient. The several advertisements on the page all relate to the same topic and therefore cannot bore the reader. The sources of materials from Wikipedia are not known. Worse still, anonymous writers can join the team and make changes to an existing document. Therefore, the information from such sources can only be used to obtain a general overview of a topic. This can then be used to obtain references from the valid

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Investegating business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Investegating business - Essay Example Along with much other industry airline industry is also expanding its business in Qatar. Airlines are one of the fast expanding industries in the world. British airways are the largest airline company based on its international flights, fleet size, destinations. The company is based in London. This Airline Company gets a strong backing of UK Govt. It was established in 1972 by UK Government. From that time it has became a strong player in this industry. It gets a huge support from the government for maintaining its efficient and effective service. British Airlines has a strong presence in UK. It is doing its business for a long time. Therefore nationally and internationally its presence is strongly felt. The company has a strong brand presence. It deals with many international flights and gives a memorable experience to its customers by providing excellent services. It is counted as a leading brand in the airlines industry. The company has an excellent global presence as it provide flights to almost every country of the world. It covers nearly 150 international destinations of six continents of the world. The fleet size of British Airways is over 260 aircrafts. The company is having a strong and prosperous partnership with United Airlines. British Airways forms one world airline. It is the third largest airline company. The company is facing a strong competition from Cash Rich Middle Eastern Airlines. This airline company is becoming very popular day by day by offering equivalent services and facilities like British Airways. This intense competition limits the market share of British Airways. It is losing its customers of its competitor. The company is also facing the problem of poor employee relation which is not properly handled by the company. In British Airways change and innovation in the service offered is slightly slow. The important marketing

Monday, September 23, 2019

Criminal Behavior and the Law in the US Assignment

Criminal Behavior and the Law in the US - Assignment Example The role of criminologists, criminalists, and forensic psychologists is very important in dealing with crimes. In the United States of America, different types of crimes occur which are reported by the Uniform Crime Reporting. Some of the major types of crimes reported by UCR include forcible rapes, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft. In this paper, the focus will be on white-collar crimes, blue-collar crimes, index-one crimes, and index-two crimes measured by Uniform Crime Reports of the FBI. 1 - Criminologists, Criminalists, and Forensic Psychologists Criminologists In the broad context, all criminologists, criminalists, and forensic psychologists work for the same purpose, which is, reduction or prevention of crimes. However, there are big differences in the working of these professionals. Studying all three fields related to the field of criminal justice, it can be said that the professionals of all three fields work together to deal with crimes. Cr iminologists deal more with the study of criminal behaviors and analysis of different crime prevention techniques as compared than actually participating in crime prevention. They provide proper solutions and assessments to government agencies, law enforcement agencies, correctional systems, and police officials. They also provide academic services in colleges and universities. According to Rothe and Friedrichs (2006), criminology deals with the identification of the causes of crimes and their prevention measures from sociology perspective.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Employment and Trade Unions Essay Example for Free

Employment and Trade Unions Essay Throughout the study I have tried with the best of my capacity to accommodate as much information and relevant issues as possible and tried to follow the instructions as you have suggested. I tried my best to make this report as much informative as possible. I sincerely believe that it will satisfy your requirements. I however sincerely believe that this report will serve the purpose of my course (Industrial Relation). I am grateful to you for your guidance and kind co-operation at every step of my endeavor on this report. My effort will be reworded only if it adds value to the research literature. Introduction One of the major functions of human resource management is to maintain smooth industrial relations (IR). It is also treated as one of the oldest functions of HRM. It is basically allied with the relations between the employer and the workers in the industry (Singh Kumar, 2011: 3). According to Weeratunga (2003:5) Industrial Relations or Labor Relations, the terms used interchangeably, can be viewed as the interaction between the various interested parties involved in employment. The employer and the employee are obvious parties. The state, in ensuring a level playing field for both sides, provides the legal framework within which such relations may take place. In industrial relations, workers are generally represented by their trade unions formed under chapter 13 of Bangladesh Labor Act2006 whereas employers are represented by their associations such as Bangladesh Employers Federation. HR managers mediate the relationships between workers and employers though they are appointed by the representatives of employers. Another related term is Employee Relations. Though both the terms industrial relations and employee relations are structurally similar (Decenzo Robbins, 1999: 18), employee relations includes, in addition to industrial relations, such aspects as participative management, employee wellbeing, employee development, employee compensation, employee protection and health, and the like (Aswathappa, 2008:534). Generally industrial relations cover the areas such as trade unions, collective bargaining, settlement of industrial disputes, grievance handling procedure, role of government, labor laws, courts and tribunals and role of employers. In the context of developing countries, industrial relations has been influenced by features such as high exploitation of workers, low level of worker participation in decision making, government and political interferences, high rate of illiteracy of workers, low level of employment, low level of awareness among the laborers regarding rights, laws, and trade unionism, and low labor productivity (Khan Taher, 2008: 222-23). Industrial relations plays an important role in establishing and maintaining industrial democracy (Monappa, 2004: 9) and it is the key to improve productivity in industrial enterprises (Aswathappa, 2004: 534). Human resource management can play vital roles in enhancing cooperative and friendly industrial relations. In Bangladesh, collective bargaining on pay between employer and workmen is prohibited in the public sector enterprises as the government designs uniform pay and benefits for the employees of all public sector enterprises (Mahmood, 2008). The limited scope of collective bargaining in the public sector of Bangladesh influences the trade unions to develop network with government, political parties and other powerful bodies in organizing their activities. It hinders effective interactions between the representatives of employers and workers at enterprise level. Though performance based pay is considered to have significant impact on employee performance (DesslerVarkkey, 2010: 15), it is not at all practiced by the public sector enterprises in Bangladesh. As a result, public sector enterprises in Bangladesh have been incurring huge losses. On the other hand, all types of collective bargaining takes place at enterprise level in case of private sector enterprises (Khan, 1996). Mahmood (2008) mentioned that the industrial relations process in the private sector was often disturbed by links between private and public sector unions. Objectives: a) To explore the differences between public and private sector industrial enterprises of Bangladesh with respect to overall status of IR. b) To put forward policy implications of overall improvement in IR of Bangladesh. Industrial Relations Studies in Bangladesh Khan (1986) studied industrial relations in Bangladesh with special emphasis on trade unionism. †¦ Trade Unions Trade Union is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, achieving higher pay, increasing the number of employees an employer hires, and better working conditions. An organized association of workers in a trade, group of trades, or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests. A group of employees in a particular sector, whose aim is to negotiate with employees over pay, job security, working hours, etc. using the collective power of the members. The most common purpose of these associations or unions is maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment. Causes of organizing trade unions Provision of benefits to members: professional training, legal advice and representation for members is still an important benefit of trade union membership. Industrial action: Trade unions may enforce strikes or resistance to lockouts in furtherance of particular goals. Political activity: Trade unions may promote legislation favourable to the interests of their members or workers as a whole. To this end they may pursue campaigns, undertake lobbying, or financially support individual candidates or parties. Conditions of employment and any grievances — are settled through trade unions. Bargaining rights: Trade unions bargain and ensure the status, rights, wages and demands of workers of the modern world of industry. Contribution in economical growth: Trade unions are growing rapidly in an economy because of the expansion of business and economical growth. Objectives Trade unions are the only way to manage, compliant, and control the labour force. Lots of objectives are there to organize trade unions. . To defend or improve the wages and working conditions of workers and to bring about a change in the economic order. 2. To strengthen their (labour) bargaining power collectively to establish and achieve all their rights. 3. To dully protect all other interest of the workers . And from the managements point of view the objectives as written: a) To reduce the number of negotiation. b) To specify work rules, disagreements and grievances to give the better solution to workers claim. c) To establish the efficient communication between the employers and management to enforce the predictable standards. ) To enhance the overall organizational effectiveness workers can also be sometimes inspired to form and organize trade union. In fact, objectives of a trade union are not defined; rather these are changing according to the need of the economy and overall industry. When these objectives are not settled then the rivals are started History of Trade Unions The Pakistan Period (1947-71) -The East Pakistan Trade Unions Act, 1965 was enacted repealing the Trade Unions Act, 1926. -The Labor Disputes Act, 1965 was enacted. -Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1969 was enacted integrating the above two Acts. Bangladesh Period (1971-onwards) -Government of Bangladesh declared a labor policy in 1972. The right to strike and collective bargaining in the nationalized industries was prohibited for six months by Presidential order no. 55 in May 1972. -In 1973, the right to strike and lockout, as granted by IRO, 1969 was withdrawn. -In 1974 Act completely suspended the democratic rights of workers by prohibiting trade union activities such as strikes, lock-outs, collective bargaining. -The military regime of 1975 imposed restrictions on the rights of collective bargaining. The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Ordinance, 1977 liberalized the Rights of Freedom of Association -The Labor Policy of 1980 restored the right to freedom of association to a considerable extent -In 1982 the military regime banned trade union activities, strikes, and right of freedom of association. Limitations In Bangladesh Trade Unions have a lot of unavoidable problems: 1. Lack of consciousness: Trade union are not actu ally completely aware about employees legal rights and duties. 2. Lack of Unity: In Bangladesh trade unions are separated for political influence. 3. Lack of knowledge: The workers of Bangladesh dont have enough knowledge about their rights and duties. 4. Political influence: In Bangladesh, trade unions work a part of political parties not as a free right saving association. 5. Division of trade union: Bangladesh is a country where every organization has more trade unions in name only. The overall productivity got down. Suggestions Strengthening bilateral collective bargaining for solving problems quickly and effectively. Multiplicity of trade union creates the rivals in a union. So it must be reduced. Political involvement must be reduced. Organization must support financially as trade unions support the worker. Training programs under trade union should be helpful to develop the skills of the workers. Trade unions function should be increased and widened throughout the organization. Union leader must be given importance and encourage the members. If trust between workers and management increases, productivity increases. Management must help and guide trade unions to settle industrial clashes and crisis. Trade unions always should demand reasonable thing to the management. . What is a dispute? Academically speaking, industrial dispute refers to any conflict between employees and employers, between employers and employers and between employers and employees. †¢ But in reality, dispute is understood as the conflict between employees and employers. There are three types of Disputes : †¢ Disciplinary disputes †¢ Grievance disputes †¢ Industrial disputes †¢ According to Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, Industrial dispute means any dispute or difference between employers and employers, or between employers and workmen, or between workmen and workmen, which is connected with the mployment or non-employment or terms of employment or with the conditions of labour of any person. Causes of Industrial Disputes: Some of the prominent causes of industrial disputes may be listed thus: Employment: The list here includes disputes over wages, allowances, bonus, benefits, working, condition, unjust dismissals, retrenchment of workers, methods of job evaluation, changes in methods of production, non-implement of awards of tribunals, etc. The National Commission on Labor remarked â€Å"though on majority of occasions industrial disputes were based on claims pertaining to the terms and condition of employment, sometimes economic issues of a general character dominated and, on occasion, purely motives†. The causes of industrial disputes can be broadly classified into two categories: economic and non-economic causes. The economic causes will include issues relating to compensation like wages, bonus, allowances, and conditions for work, working hours, leave and holidays without pay, unjust layoffs and retrenchments. The non economic factors will include victimization of workers, ill treatment by staff members, sympathetic strikes, political factors, indiscipline etc. Wages and allowances:  Since the cost of living index is increasing, workers generally bargain for higher wages to meet the rising cost of living index and to increase their standards of living. In 2002, 21. 4% of disputes were caused by demand of higher wages and allowances. This percentage was 20. 4% during 2003 and during 2004 increased up to 26. 2%. In 2005, wages and allowances accounted for 21. % of disputes. Personnel and retrenchment:  The personnel and retrenchment have also been an important factor which accounted for disputes. During the year 2002, disputes caused by personnel were 14. 1% while those caused by retrenchment and layoffs were 2. 2% and 0. 4% respectively. In 2003, a similar trend could be seen, wherein 11. 2% of the disputes were caused by personnel, while 2. 4% and 0. 6% of disputes were caused by retrenchment and layoffs. In year 2005, only 9. 6% of the disputes were caused by personnel, and only 0. 4% were caused by retrenchment. Indiscipline and violence:  From the given table, it is evident that the number of disputes caused by indiscipline has shown an increasing trend. In 2002, 29. 9% of disputes were caused because of indiscipline, which rose up to 36. 9% in 2003. Similarly in 2004 and 2005, 40. 4% and 41. 6% of disputes were caused due to indiscipline respectively. During the year 2003, indiscipline accounted for the highest percentage (36. 9%) of the total time-loss of all disputes, followed by cause-groups wage and allowance and personnel with 20. 4% and11. % respectively. A similar trend was observed in 2004 where indiscipline accounted for 40. 4% of disputes. Bonus:  Bonus has always been an important factor in industrial disputes. 6. 7% of the disputes were because of bonus in 2002 and 2003 as compared to 3. 5% and 3. 6% in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Leave and working hours: Leaves and working hours have not been so important causes of industrial disputes. During 2002, 0. 5% of the disputes were because of leave and hours of work while this percentage increased to 1% in 2003. During 2004, only 0. % of the disputes were because of leaves and working hours. ? Miscellaneous:  The miscellaneous factors include   Ã‚   Inter/Intra Union Rivalry   Ã‚   Charter of Demands   Ã‚   Work Load   Ã‚   Standing orders/rules/service conditions/safety measures   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Non-implementation of agreements and awards etc. Collective Bargaining Collective bargaining includes not only negotiations between the employers and unions but also includes the process of resolving labor-management conflicts. Thus, collective bargaining is, essentially, a recognized way of creating a system of industrial jurisprudence. It acts as a method of introducing civil rights in the industry, that is, the management should be conducted by rules rather than arbitrary decision making. It establishes rules which define and restrict the traditional authority exercised by the management. Importance to employees ? Collective bar aining develops a sense of self respect and responsibility among the employees. It increases the strength of the workforce, thereby, increasing their bargaining capacity as a group. Collective bargaining increases the morale and productivity of employees. It restricts management’s freedom for arbitrary action against the employees. Moreover, unilateral actions by the employer are also discouraged. Effective collective bargaining machinery strengthens the trade unions movement. The workers feel motivated as they can approach the management on various matters and bargain for higher benefits. It helps in securing a prompt and fair settlement of grievances. It provides a flexible means for the adjustment of wages and employment conditions to economic and technological changes in the industry, as a result of which the chances for conflicts are reduced. Importance to employers 1. It becomes easier for the management to resolve issues at the bargaining level rather than taking up complaints of individual workers. 2. Collective bargaining tends to promote a sense of job security among employees and thereby tends to reduce the cost of labor turnover to management. 3. Collective bargaining opens up the channel of communication between the workers and the management and increases worker participation in decision making. 4. Collective bargaining plays a vital role in settling and preventing industrial disputes. Importance to society: 1. Collective bargaining leads to industrial peace in the country 2. It results in establishment of a harmonious industrial climate which supports which helps the pace of a nation’s efforts towards economic and social development since the obstacles to such a development can be reduced considerably. 3. The discrimination and exploitation of workers is constantly being checked. 4. It provides a method or the regulation of the conditions of employment of those who are directly concerned about them.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Theories and Practice in Child Development

Theories and Practice in Child Development After reading the document produced by Tom Burkard and Tom Clelford, Cutting the Childrens Plan which gives an insight of why the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) should be scrapped. It states that the Statutory Framework EYFS which was launched in 2007 should be scrapped to save  £315 million. However the authors do not state which areas of the EYFS they want scrapped, which causes concern. The EYFS is a large framework for practice and assessment and is the umbrella under which all the children aged 0 5 years who receive care and education. It has been a great impact within the early years establishments as well as having influences of various theorists to support the childrens learning and development. Before thinking of scrapping the EYFS altogether the authors should consider looking through the framework and see what the positives and negatives are as some aspects of the EYFS dont work for some whereas other aspects are of great use. As it mentions in Pugh.G et al (2010:1 00) There are also those who think it goes too far and is too perspective. (Open Eye, 2007:2008). Within the document it is mentioned that the EYFS is an intrusive attempt to micro-manage all 0 5 childcare establishments as well as dictating best practice including parents. Within the EYFS it does not specify that the parents should do as they are told neither does it specify how practitioners should work with the children. Therefore Pugh.G et al (2010:105), states that It requires the practitioner to differentiate to understand each child as an individual and personalize the curriculum content to match their needs and interests. However practitioners should have an in depth knowledge of their key children, so that they can use the EYFS Framework to support and help plan opportunities and activities. These will then enhance childrens learning and encourage the individual childrens development in a way that will interest them. The EPPE Project (Sylva et al, 2004: Chapter 4) identified the importance of a form of interaction between children and adults, that they call sustained shared thinking in promoting childrens learning and development which is now as part of the EYFS. On the other hand working in partnership with parents is essential as it helps all children to achieve their full potential. As stated in The Times (2008), The EYFS is about responding to the individuality of each child, in the context of loving and secure relationships and creating a stimulating and enabling environment that will promote age appropriate experiences for learning and development. Furthermore, Nurse A.D (2007:73) states that Children can be said to prefer to learn through the enactive mode as their ability to represent images and use symbols is less well developed. In this Bruner agreed with Piaget that active, first hand experiences are an appropriate way to present new knowledge to young children. The document also questions whether the EYFS encourages good practice. According to Pugh.G et al (2010:105) we need to focus the curriculum on what is important for the children, the things that they need to be doing at this stage of their development. By looking at the research and practice the most important things are Being Social, Being Positive, Being a Communicator, Being Creative and Being Healthy and Safe (ECM:2003). By introducing reading and writing at an early stage it could be argued that it can lead to complications later on and also delaying phonic work, therefore the EYFS recommends that practitioners use their professional judgement with introducing phonics. On the other hand the authors are claiming that children who come from a less stimulating disadvantaged environment waste an entire year falling further behind their middle class peers in learning (e.g reading), whose parents generally know better than to delay reading instruction. This is not entirely true, Gaunt e (2010) clarifies that Parents with the support of the wider family, are childrens primary educators. What parents do at home with young children has the most impact on all aspects of their development social, emotional, intellectual and physical. Nevertheless it could be alleged that children who have strong home learning environments are ahead socially and intellectually by the age of three, which is continued into schooling. Bronfenbrenners ecological model of human development emphasises the role of the wider environment and the childrens interaction within it. Bronfenbrenner and Caci (1994) proposed that the environment was the main influence on childrens development. Bronfenbrenner produced systems which included the following Microsystems, Macrosystems and Exosystems. The following diagram illustrated below shows how these systems are interacted and impact on the childs learning and development. (Smith et al: 2003). Bronfenbrenner also led the Head Start programme in America which required helping disadvantaged children overcome their poor beginnings. The EYFS recognises the importance of the wider environment both in working in partnership with parents and the ethos of the EYFS, providing equality of care and education for all. Research has shown that good quality early education and care has wide ranging benefits for all children. Being provided across nurseries, reception classes, pre schools, childrens centres and childminders, it enhances social and cognitive skills and is of particular benefit to disadvantaged children (N.A: 2010). However other curriculums have also the quality input that the EYFS has, for example the High Scope Curriculum, Montessori etc. It could be argued that children who have an intellectually and physically stimulating environment will maintain a more complex network of synapses in the brain (Bee: 1997). These biological changes in nature can have implications for practice, the EYFS however has a variety of suitable activities planned for those at different ages and stages of development. This is a prime example of how nurture can influence nature. Additionally Bowlbys (1907 1990) research found that babies/children succeed if they receive care from one main caregiver which is usually the mother. They are also more likely to make secure attachments and then initially grow up into being well balanced adults. (OHagan et al: 1993). Therefore modern researchers have disputed the fact that only the mothers can perform this task (Smith et al: 1993), regardless the debate of working mothers, it still remains that the childrens emotional and cognitive development are best when there is that continuity of care available. When in care children under the age of 5 should each be allocated key workers so that children can form key attachments with this person, this is where secondary attachments are formed. The key person is a key to developing relationships with the children that are assigned to them as swell as sharing and collecting information by working in partnership with parents of the key children allocated. The EYFS reflects this by stating that Each child with early years care and education should be allocated a key person (EYFS: 2007). By having a key person allocated to the children it enables them to develop an attachment with the practitioner on a secure basis knowing that they can rely on the key person. Lastly the authors stipulate that despite the ambitions of the EYFS, childminders have not been able to see the practical effect of this. It could be argued that there is too much paperwork involved for them within the EYFS. However there is evidence that most childminders have developed knowledge and understanding of how to put the EYFS into practice and use it to identify, plan and provide foe individual childrens needs in their care. On the other hand many childminders have given up their jobs due to this and others who are thinking of this. On one forum a childminder writes her views on the EYFS Curriculum and how she feels about it which can be accessed on The childminder states: I, like many other childminders, gave up an enormous amount of personal time just to prepare for my Ofsted. I spent weeks compiling my Portfolio, cataloguing my Toys, books, games, puzzles and equipment; compiling cleaning rotas, putting together endless policies, parent information booklets, files for training, files for resource collections, working out a system for recording each childs development, the list goes on and on. I still cared about and loved the children, I still provided the caring environment, and I still try to help each of my little ones to blossom and flourish, to feel loved and cared for, to be aware of the needs and feelings of others and to know that each one is recognised as being unique and valuable. Yes it should be obligatory for childminders to attend relevant courses and keep up to date with current thinking and procedures, in order that they can prepare to do the job effectively, but the burden of delivering EYFS in a childminding setting is too much for many childminders, and this needs to be reviewed. Mrs R Richardson, Registered Childminder Therefore it could be argued that the EYFS should not be scrapped but reviewed again. Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association argues that We are receiving clear signals about the positives of the EYFS and recommend that the Government focuses on refining and improving the EYFS rather than introducing radical change.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Adrienne Rich Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Poetry of Adrienne Rich Adrienne Rich was born in Baltimore, Maryland in the year of 1929. Rich grew up in a household as she describes it as † †¦white, middle-class, full of books, and with a father who encouraged her to write† (Daniel). Her father Arnold Rich was a doctor and a pathology professor and her mother, Helen Jones Rich , was a pianist and a composer. â€Å"Adrienne Rich recalls her growing-up years clearly dominated by the intellectual presence and demands of the male in the family, her father, while correctly marked by the submerged tensions arising from the conflicts between the religious and cultural heritage of the father's Jewish background and her mother's Southern Protestantism† (Pope). In the year of 1951, Rich graduated from Radcliffe University. During this year, Adrienne Rich also won the Yale Younger Poets Prize for her first book, A Change of World. In 1953, Adrienne Rich married Alfred Conrad who was a Harvard economist; during the next five years Rich had three sons. Deborah Pope says that Rich’s journal entries, from these years, state that this was an â€Å"emotionally and artistically difficult period† (Pope). Rich’s poems were mainly influenced by Robert Frost, Yeates, Stevens, and Auden. She became a major influence, through her essays and poetry, in many areas of modern-day women's movements, she had become one of the most provoking voices on the politics of sexuality, race, power, and women‘s culture. Adrienne Rich is a southern Jew who grew up during the forties. Rich lived in a gentle neighborhood and was never taught about her Jewish heritage. She eventually had to deal with conflicts between the religious and cultural heritage of her father’s Jewish background and her mother’s southern Protestantism (Pope). Rich’s father didn’t show any signs of ethnicity in any way. He did this to fit into a society that was against Jewish people. In many of her works, Adrienne Rich talks about being oppressed. In her poem, â€Å"1948: Jews,† Adrienne Rich refers to her college years. At Radcliffe University, she was to stay away from Jews. No matter how much she wanted, she could not unite with them as a group because socially it was less acceptable. She had to avoid her own ethnicity to survive in the American culture. â€Å"A Vision,† is another poem Rich wrote that discusses the issue of... ...s full of sound and fury (Barclay). She has fused politics and poetry and also revitalized the lost American institution of political poetry. Adrienne Rich depicts herself in her early 1980's poem "Sources," "she is a woman with a mission, not to win prizes/but to change the laws of history" (Rothschild). Works Cited â€Å"Adrienne Rich.† Barclay Agency 2004. 31 Oct 2004 . â€Å"Adrienne Rich.† Bedford/St. Martin’s 1999. 27 Oct 2004 . American Literature Web Resources. May 1999. Millikin University. 2 Nov 2004 . Daniel, Meagan. â€Å"Adrienne Rich: To Make the Work Her Life, and Her Life the Work.† Empowerment4Women. 28 Dec 2004 . LITWEB. W.W. Norton & Company. 28 Dec 2004 . Pope, Deborah. â€Å"Rich’s Life and Career.† Modern American Poetry. (2000) 27 Oct 2004 . Pettit, Rhonda. â€Å"Bibliography of Adrienne Rich.† Encyclopedia of American Poetry 2001. Compiled and hyperlinked by Gunnan Bengtsson. AmericanPoems.com. 30 Dec 2004 . â€Å"Rich, Adrienne.† Benet’s Reader’s Encyclopedia of American Literature. Ed. 1, 1991, Vol. 1 P909. Tennessee Electronic Library. 29 Oct 2004 . Rothschild, Matthew. â€Å"Rich 1994 Interview from the Progressive.† Modern American Poetry. (2000) 27 Oct 2004 .

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Character of Prospero in Shakespeares The Tempest :: Tempest essays

Tempest Character Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare's last play The Tempest is a story about Prospero (the rightful duke of Milan). He is betrayed by his brother Antonio and left on a ship with his daughter Miranda to die. Only things are not going according to plan and Prospero and Miranda arrive on an island. Prospero is seeking his revenge. Coming back from a wedding in Africa a ship containing Prosperos enemies is attacked by the tempest and scatters its passengers about the island. Prospero exhibits three major character traits: forcefulness, protectiveness and forgiveness. Prospero is a very powerful person and using his spell books he is able to conjure up some mighty magic. Possibly the most powerful thing he controls is Ariel (a spirit). An example of this is when Prospero says "Hast thou, spirit, Preformed to point, the tempest I bade thee".(718) Ariel had the power to create a great sea storm and Prospero had the power to control Ariel which gave him great power. Another reason why Prospero is powerful is because of his knowledge of Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculos plot to kill the king. So when Prospero reclaims his place in Milan again he'll have some mighty blackmail just incase he needs any favors or they try any thing stupid. This way they'll think twice before going against Prospero. Especially considering that Miranda will become queen. These are the reasons why Prospero is powerful. Prospero is protective of those who are close to him especially Miranda. Throughout The Tempest Prospero slowly makes sure Ferdinands and Mirandas love wont faid quickly. Prospero even called Ferdinand a traitor just to make Miranda seem harder to get. This way the couple wouldn't become a lost cause. When Prospero says "They are both in either's powers. But this swift business I must uneasy make lest too light winning make the prize light" (726) he is revealing his true plan to Ariel that he wants to make Miranda harder to get. This is because Prospero feels their love will be stronger if it is harder to obtain. Prospero is also protective when he says "the strongest oaths are straw to th' fire I' th' blood"(764) this was said to Ferdinand after Prospero makes him promise not to have sex with Miranda before they are married. He is stunned to see that after his promise Ferdinand is playing around with Miranda.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Russell, Strawson, and William of Ockham :: Philosophy of Language

Realism and conventionalism generally establish the parameters of debate over universals. Do abstract terms in language refer to abstract things in the world? The realist answers yes, leaving us with an inflated ontology; the conventionalist answers no, leaving us with subjective categories. I want to defend nominalism — in its original medieval sense, as one possibility that aims to preserve objectivity while positing nothing more than concrete individuals in the world. First, I will present paradigmatic statements of realism and conventionalism as developed by Russell and Strawson. Then, I will present the nominalist alternative as developed by William of Ockham. Realism and conventionalism are commonly taken to be the primary contenders in the debate over universals. Does abstract language refer to abstract things in the world? The realist answers yes, leaving us with an inflated ontology, the conventionalist answers no, leaving us with subjective categories. In this paper I would like to defend a third possibility which aims to preserve objectivity without multiplying objects. It is nominalism, in the original, medieval sense of the word — or more specifically, in the Ockham sense of the word. Willard Quine once remarked that "the nominalists of old . . . object to admitting abstract entities at all, even in the restrained sense of mind-made entities."(1) This is certainly true of Roscelin, the eleventh-century anti-realist who famously asserted that a universal is nothing but a flapping of the vocal chords. And Quine’s remark is true of Ockham as well, in so far as he asserted that a universal is nothing but a particular thought in the mind. Yet thoughts, even if particular, are not exactly concrete, and they do abstract, according to Ockham, in a way that Roscelin’s flapping vocal cords do not. I won’t be able to defend Ockham’s nominalism by refuting all of the many versions of the competition one by one. What I propose to do instead is set it up in relation to the celebrated exchange between Bertrand Russell and P. F. Strawson. In this exchange, Russell and Strawson were trying to figure out how a sentence can be meaningful even when the thing the subject of the sentence refers to does not exist. Russell makes what I take to be the classic realist mistake; Strawson, the conventionalist. In what follows I will first explain Ockham’s alternative and then show why I think it compares favorably against these twentieth-century counterparts.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Electronical Devices for Books Essay

Imagine if electronic devices replaced books and papers. Imagine being able to have all of your school supplies at the tips of your fingers. Life would be so much easier for students, and even the teachers. Technological devices should replace traditional books and papers because it provides more resources, keeps everything organized, and make the students backpacks lighter. Electrical devices are better because they provide more resources. It gives more resources because they can go to the internet and find what you are looking for faster. A student can easily look up more information for a person they are doing a biography on. Plus instead of writing down a website address, they can just go straight to the link. Also, the internet can give a person more information than a book can give. For example; a book may give a person just a page over a person, but online, the student can get pages over that person. A person can get multiple opinions to see if they are getting the right information. The electronic devices such as laptops can keep everything neat and organized. It keeps students more organized because instead of having all of these papers, you have virtual folders that a student can put documents in, PDF files, and power points. They can look at all of their documents that they saved and print them to give to teachers as hard copies. Plus a student can put work on a flash drive and save them and use it for extra storage too. A student can easily access your homework by clicking on a folder. Using technological devices will make the students backpacks lighter because they won’t have to carry around a bunch of books and folders with a bunch of paper stuffed inside of it. These devices save room in the student’s backpacks. Students always complain about their shoulders and backs hurting because of how heavy their bags are. So why not give their shoulders and backs a break and use electronic devices and just give them a try. It would also save the schools and parents a lot of money by not having to buy textbooks every year for their children. To conclude, why should technological devices replace traditional books and paper? They should replace them because they provide more resources, keeps students more organized, and takes weight off of student’s backpacks. Does anyone else agree? Students want all of these things to make their school life a whole lot easier and more fun. Prev Page

Monday, September 16, 2019

Gone with the Wind Essay

Gone with the Wind is a film based on Margaret Mitchell’s book with the same title. Tagged as one of the most memorable love stories in American history, Gone with the Wind is not only a story of love between Scarlett O’ Hara and Rhett Butler but is also a story of a woman’s struggle to keep her family alive through years of war. Set against the American Civil War, the film is mainly influenced by the events of that time. We get a glimpse of the social structures of the 1800’s and of the roles expected of women at that time. B. MEDIA The film, despite its historical background, is more of a dramatic manifestation rather than a documentary of the events during the American Civil War. Done in Technicolor, the film features theatrical music with a touch of country to go well with the Atlanta and Jonesboro settings. The music was mostly passively used in the background, segued to indicate change of scenes. However, there were some scenes when music was an integral part, enhancing the emotions and actions depicted in the film. Being a really old film, Gone with the Wind does not have the special effects that movies nowadays have. It is, however, effective in recreating the Civil War and making the viewers feel what it would have been like to be in that situation. Explosions and gunfire were used to reestablish the film’s setting. Shots were very conventional, using wide shots to establish a scene and close-ups to enhance emotional integrity. Gone with the Wind, featuring mostly Southern characters, includes a plethora of characters speaking with a Southern drawl. The language was mostly contemporary, with a few slang usages here and there. Hats off to the well-known actors such as Clark Gable (Rhett Butler), Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara), Leslie Howard (Ashley Wilkes), and Olivia de Havilland (Melanie Hamilton) for pulling off the characters originally designed by Margaret Mitchell. They were excellent actors and they gave life to characters recreated in this screenplay by Sidney Howard, though the story was flavorful enough that it can be portrayed by anyone with good acting skills. Featuring well-known actors, though, helped promote the film and possibly helped in raking in big money for the producer David O. Selznick. C. CONTENT The film offered abundant source of memorable scenes. In one of the earlier scenes, we see Mammy helping Scarlett get ready for the Wilkes’s barbeque party. Instead of a grumpy, complaining slave, Mammy seem to be in high spirits and just happy helping out the O’ Hara sisters. Though this highlights the sad social structure existent at the time of the movie, Mammy’s strong hold on Scarlett and her â€Å"don’t give me nonsense† approach to Scarlett’s usually hard-to-resist charms show how – despite the racial structure of the times – African-Americans play an integral role in the American household. However, in another scene, African-Americans were depicted in a negative way. When Melanie Hamilton was about to give birth, Prissy lets it slip that she is knowledgeable in midwifery. At a crucial point of the childbirth though, Prissy panics and admits, â€Å"Lawzy, we got to have a doctor. I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ babies. † This is eye-catching in the sense that is ‘glorifies’ one of the stereotypes associated to African-Americans. The way Scarlett O’ Hara acts is also often a point of contention in the movie. Though shown as a strong woman who was able to carry her family through bad times, Scarlett was also shown to be clingy and desperate in most scenes. This was most apparent during the Wilkes’s party, when she choreographed the whole afternoon to catch Ashley’s attention. In all the scenes mentioned, the main issue revolved around racial, social, and cultural boundaries. The scenes depicted how far along societal rules were during the setting of the movie. Though often criticized for being too leaning on stereotypical portrayals, Gone with the Wind still is very much a picture of the truth of that existed back then. D. BIAS Victor Fleming, the credited director of Gone with the Wind, was mostly an action film director and had his first hand at romantic drama with the film in discussion. One cannot say, though, that whatever biases the film had been his â€Å"fault†. Gone with the Wind is mostly producer-driven and Fleming may only have marginal influence on the film’s outcome. And since the film was highly-based on the novel, the â€Å"biases† can be attributed to what Margaret Mitchell wrote. (Myrick 126) E. EFFECTIVENESS / HISTORICAL CONTEXT Though very different from films that most of us are used to nowadays, Gone with the Wind was very effective in evoking the emotions it aimed for. The combination of the restructuring of the Civil War and the powerful acting accounts for the film’s effectiveness. The combination of both – plus its basis on a historical fact – also points to why the film was very profitable. Every American knows of the horrors that the Civil War brought us and the film’s effective depiction of this point in history made everyone love the film more. All in all, the film – with its combination of a moving plot, powerful cast, and good filming – was worth a watch. Though mostly dramatic than historical, anyone who wants to relive the Civil War can give this movie a shot. WORKS CITED Myrick, Susan. White Columns in Hollywood: Reports from the GWTW Sets. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press, 1982.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Alphabet Games Essay

A) The analytical framework I have chosen to use is PEST. Pest stands for Political, Economic, Social and Technological and are all factors of a PEST analysis. These are intellectual tools which are created in order to help a researcher to collect, sort, prioritise and interpret a variety of existing data and information about the subject or context that has to be analysed. When changes happen within a business or organisation the company will use a PEST analysis to view each factor in the changing process, in this case we will be looking at the changes of Alphabet Games. Political Factor Political forces include regulatory requirements, legal concerns, and any impact from the current political climate of the country or region where the business operates. The changes in the political factor could effect Alphabet Games considerably as they would have to sell games or consoles at a higher cost if the taxations in the gaming industry increased in order for the company to earn a stable profit. Economic Factors – Any change in the economy that impacts the supply or demand for a company’s products and services fits into this category. Sometimes they have a positive impact, like when a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) increases more than expected. Other times economic forces can hurt a business, like when consumer confidence drops and potential customers spend less and save more.Alphabet Games may need to pay more or less for the resources they need depending on where they purchase these from. As more companies are forming within the industry and all purchasing from the same supplier then the costs may decrease as they will be taking in more money, and this could decrease the price of games and consoles. Social Factors – Social factors are those that reflect the preferences, fads, and trends in society. Media companies are very sensitive to social trends as their business model is to produce content that reflects society’s interests. A social factor which relates to the case study is the force of change within Alphabet Games. Alphabet Games will have to constantly keep up to date with with upcoming and new trends so that they can work towards these. By  checking quantifiable statistics Alphabet Games will be able to see if the community offers a population with the demographic traits necessary to support the business. Technological Factors – Advancement in technology has had a dramatic impact on the business world over the last two centuries, and especially over the last 30 years. Anticipating changes in technology and capitalizing on those changes can become a competitive advantage and so Alphabet Games could be affected by this. Alphabet games will have to be able to change their patterns by creating new games, software and consoles in order to increase sales and marketing. BSWOT Analysis Strengths Close working relationships that exist between the partners Multi-million pound business at the cutting edge of the games development market Custom built facility that houses research, development and production Wide range of corporate and individual customers Extensive experience World known reputation for excellence, quality and innovation They offer software solutions as well as games Passion for software within the company is still as strong as when it established Weaknesses Competition between the small businesses and larger companies Technological enviroment Opportunities Recent growth in demand for flash games Some of their recent clients include NHS, Pepsi, Virgin Media and other small businesses The software can draw potential customers to companies websites providing a competitive marketplace Due to their experience they are a lot faster than most rivalry’s at developing new software Threats The challenge for small companies like Alphabet Games to stay in the market for long term and reap in potential benefits Production costs have tripled in recent years with the introduction of next generation consoles Sales and revenues have increased at a fraction Technology costs have risen which means large investment in staff and equipment CSWOT analysis guidelines In order to carry out an effective SWOT Analysis all information used must be current and relevant to the firm. A SWOT Analysis is a general technique which can be applied across diverse functions and activities used by managers. Using a SWOT Analysis can provide benefits such as a framework for  identifying and analysing strengths, weaknesses, opportunity’s and threats in relation to particular tasks or objectives or a stimulus participation in a group experience as well as many others. Below are a set of guidelines to follow that will enable them to carry out an effective SWOT Analysis. GATHER A TEAM The first step to take when conducting a SWOT analysis is to gather a team who have experience when conducting a SWOT analysis. By gathering a team that have experience they will be able to define the objectives which are relevant and accurate to the firm. PARTICIPATING IN THE SWOT ANALYSIS For best results invite contributors to participate in the swot analysis but by giving them enough time to prepare and conduct their own SWOT in advance. By providing a draft SWOT with brief descriptions of what they think is being seen as strengths, weaknesses, opportunity’s and threats. Once the group has assembled the process and established ground rules should be explained. The process of documenting strengths, weaknesses, opportunity’s and threats should be explained prioritising these lists and using the information as part of the strategic, business marketing plans. Explain that the SWOT process is a cooperative exercise aimed at organisational improvement and not about allocating blame and assure all participations that their input will be respected. Ground rules include – Everyone’s ideas are important Every idea is a good one No-ones idea is better than the other Suggesting an idea does not mean that you will be expected to carry it out if it is respected Except in the case of an emergency, participants commit to remaining on task until completion LIST STENGTHS The group assembled should list their lists of strengths identified before continuing to the workshop. They should be invited to the form in pairs and develop one combined list. The pairs then combine to form fours, and the process is repeated. Set of four then combine to form eight, and then again the process is repeated, each sets of eight then presents its list. The list of strengths is developed incorporating all contributions. The list should then be finalised by asking participants to reword any descriptions or include any additional strengths that may have been considered during the process. LIST WEAKNESSES In order to identify weaknesses a repeat process for strengths should be generated reflecting on the participants contributions. The list will provide a useful indication of growth over a period. When you review the list in a year’s time you may notice that most of the identified weaknesses have disappeared. Even though other weaknesses will be identified, the disappearance of previous ones is an indicator of successful progress. LIST OPPORTUNITIES In order to list the opportunities and threats the process for which was used for strengths and weaknesses should be repeated. The focus now becomes external, as opposed to internal for strengths and weaknesses. Make sure that opportunities and threats are not absolute – one person’s threat can be another’s opportunity, however the same item won’t appear on both lists. ESTABLISH PRIORITIES When the process has been completed there will be four lists developed from everyone’s input. Ideally these lists should be displayed so that participants have an accurate and succinct picture of everyone’s views of  the current situation. The list should then be narrowed down showing top priorities. Clarity of objectives is key to this process as evaluation and elimination will be necessary to cull the wheat from the chaff. With the lists compiled a clear picture should at this stage start to emerge in response to the objectives. CARRY YOUR FINDINGS Make sure that the SWOT analysis is used in subsequent planning. Revisit your findings at suitable time internals to check they are still valid and use lists to identify issues that are crucial to achieving the stated purpose of the business in which the company is involved. It is likely that you will be able to identify specific themes across all four lists. Try to restrict the number of themes if possible.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Leadership Qualities In the novel Lord Of The Files Essay

In the novel lord of the files both Ralph and Piggy demonstrate qualities of a leader and others that would make you think otherwise. In this essay I will evaluate how each character has leadership qualities and how they are shown in the book. Firstly Ralph demonstrates leadership qualities by taking the lead on the expedition. He immediately seems like the one in charge. He is confident, â€Å"He hastened back into the forest.† Ralph shows that he knows exactly what he is doing and is confident in his own judgement. This is a quality that leaders have, they are able to trust their own judgement and be a go-getter, Ralph shows a continuous sense of self-confidence in his actions and decisions and isn’t afraid to take a leap of faith. However, Piggy does not demonstrate this leadership quality. He is reserved and very self-conscious. He †glanced over ralphs shoulder before leaning†; this tells me that piggy is very self-conscious of peoples opinion about him. He confides in Ralph after trusting him with his name and seems like a follower. By taking the back seat in the first chapter Piggy shows us how intelligence isn’t always directly visible. Piggy is more intelligent than Ralph as Piggy comes up with suggestions that are both productive and extremely important for survival and information about the Island. â€Å"‘I expect we’ll want to know their names,’ said the fat boy, ‘and make a list. Although Ralph seems like the boy with the leadership qualities and the knowhow, Piggy comes up with probably the most important plan to get off the island. He assumes that he and Ralph could not have been the only survivors from the plane crash and quickly devises a strategy to make every one accountable for themselves. This intellectual mind-set portrayed is a leadership quality, despite it not being as obvious in him due to his withdrawn, following nature. Also, from appearance Ralph seems like a good leader. He is describes as † the fair boy†, as opposed to †the fat boy†. This is significant because the writer uses contrast to make ralph look better outwardly and arguably make Piggy look better inwardly. The novel is a question on society’s judgment on the word leader; what is a leader? is it appearance or content?. Ralph seems like the perfect man for the job. He is described as having a developing torso, putting emphasis on his physique and physical aspect and he seems a lot more fit that piggy. Ralph also doesn’t seem to have as much problems as Piggy. Piggy has Asthma, seems to have a fear of his controlling grandma and also seems to pant a considerable amount of times. Through the writer making Piggy seem like the one with the problem the effect given is that Piggy begins to show unusual leadership qualities. Piggy is a quick, calculated thinker and most of his ideas are shunned by Ralph until he supposedly ‘thought them up’. This Shows that although Ralph is ignorant in terms of praise for Piggy he does acknowledge that Piggy does come up with the ideas much quicker than him. Ralph, on the other hand demonstrates attributes that are not normally considered leadership qualities. â€Å"They used to call me ‘Piggy’. Ralph shrieked with laughter. He jumped up. ‘Piggy! Piggy!†. Ralph shows childishness in this passage which is an attribute that is not considered a leadership quality. Through Ralph’s childishness we begin to consider how important Piggy is. We see Piggy although he does not evidently look it, is a far more mature boy. He calculates and makes educated conclusion’s whereas Ralph seems to just be an adventurer and a depiction of a leader in those harsh times. As It was a time of war children would have been expected to have physical strength (to work for their guardian in the country) and mental strength. Ralph and Piggy alone do not have full leadership qualities enough to be a leader but collectively they join up to have essential skills for survival on a deserted Island

Friday, September 13, 2019

Challenges in the Global Business Environment Essay - 1

Challenges in the Global Business Environment - Essay Example zation has false links with labor malpractices such as child labor, discrimination in providing health care to its staff, sweatshops and in addition, it is facing stiff competition from other organizations such as Pepsi (Starbard 2008 pg78). Competitors like Pepsi are introducing alternative beverages such as energy drinks, mineral water, fruit juice, and Gatorade. This has challenged coca-cola to diversify its products by introducing brands such as minute maid, mineral water, sprite among others. The coca cola business is truly global and consumers recognize its main brands globally. The organization has structured itself in such a way that reflects a global view. This is achieved by decentralization of operation and setting up of production plants in over 200 countries in the world. In 2001, Coca Cola Company restructured its business geographically in different operating stations all over the world. In this process, the organization renamed these centers and rebranded them. North America station changed to include; Puerto Rico, which was initially stationed in Latin America. Eurasia was changed to reflect Eurasia, Middle East, and Europe. Africa and Middle East also changed their name to coca cola Africa. The company essentially produces concentrate and syrup and sells them to bottling companies all over the world. The bottling and canning companies have the role of packaging and distributing final products. There is an agreement between the Coke Company and separate bottling companies on how to produce and sell coke products. The agreement authorizes the bottlers to produce and sell beverages bearing the trademark of Coke in identified countries and territories. Coke engage in business with three types of bottlers or contractors; bottling companies where the organization has invested in and has no controlling or management interest, bottling contractors where the organization has invested and has controlling intentions and finally bottling companies where

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Agency and insurance Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Agency and insurance Law - Case Study Example Drew and Bev are employed by Kirk as his sales assistant in his business of selling building and decorating supplies and related products hence they are his agent. An agent is a person employed expressly to do any act for another or to represent another in dealing with a third party.The work of an agent is to linking the principal with a third party bringing about a contractual relation between his principal and a third party. (Saleemi, 1992)Eileen runs a large office went to Kirk firm to make a big order of 1000 potted plants. He was served by Drew, one of the sales assistant in Kirk firm. Drew informed her that the price for the potted plant was 20 per plant. Just to be sure about it, Eileen requested to confirm about the price from Kirk, his boss. Kirk told Eileen that he had authority to make such an agreement on his own but he would confirm about this particular order with his boss.Drew went to the back of the office out of Eileen's sight and returned saying he had confirmed the deal with his boss. Drew did not confirm about this order with Kirk since he was on phone but Eileen believed him.Kirk is liable for the contract entered by Drew and he should not escape the contract. Drew as Kirk's sales assistant is presumed that there is creation of agency between them by express agreement. Hence Drew possesses a contractual capacity to make a contract with a third party on behalf of his principal which is binding. Eileen believed that even though Drew had no capacity to make sales agreement for big order, he confirmed about the sale when he visited their premises and Drew confirmed this from Kirk at the back of the shop out of her sight. This case would also be ostensible authority where an employee who has been placed in a position of responsibility mat be assumed to have such authority as normally matches with the position, irrespective of what is his actual authority. For this case, entered into contract with Drew believing that he had proper authority of his employer. So, the employer is liable for the contract. A similar case studied is that of: Watteu v Fenwic, 1893 In this case, a manager of a public house was expressly instructed by his employer to order all hotel requirements through him. In breach of these instructions, the manager ordered some cigars and other goods from the plaintiff. It was held that the owner of the public house was bound by the manager's act because it matches his position. (Emanuel, 2004) Advice to Kirk Kirk might not be liable for the contract if Drew as an agent acted on the contract by exceeding his authority. If for example there is an agreement during creation of agency that the agents have only authority to make sales agreements not exceeding a certain quantity, then Kirk might not be liable. Advice to Drew Drew might be liable for the contract if he exceeded his authority while making that contract. A breach of implied warranty of authority arises when a person exceeds his authority. In this case the principal is not under no liability on the contract and the agent becomes personally liable for the breach of implied warranty of authority to the third party. It is immaterial for this purpose that Drew (agent) believed himself to have such authority. Case II Wendy was a manufacturer of table saw and she approached Bev to make an offer to sell table saws for 400 per table saw provided he picked them up from her factory. Bev agreed to Wendy's offer even though he had authority to sell but not to purchase. Ten days after the

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Respite Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Respite Services - Essay Example The Canadian occupational performance Measure is one respite programme that has been developed to help care givers in sustaining and enhancing their occupation. This program is abbreviated as COPM and it was developed in Canada in 1991 for the purpose of care givers. The COPM was specifically made for therapists. It measures a person's outcome in terms of perception of his/her work over a period of time. In doing this sit can detect any changes in the care givers perception of his/her occupation with the main objective of improving it. The methodological approach of this respite service instrument involves the administration of a semi-structured interview which is accompanied by a structure scoring method. In its ability to enhance performance, continuous tests are done and the scores recorded. In a series of assessments, a trend is developed that can be use to evaluate the performance of the client. The COPM instrument was used on about 170 children in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Recruitment of these children took place in between 2002 and 2003. Occupational output, quality of life and expenses were determined at baseline level and at the study completion. Perception of care was quantified at the end of the investigation. The COPM assessed the client's thought of performance in daily routines. (Kiresuk, Smith, Cardillo, 1994) Scores derived from the COPM inclined by an average of 2... Occupational performance outcomes Scores derived from the COPM inclined by an average of 2.6 over the span of the research. Satisfaction scores on the COPM increased by 2.4. These outcomes were both statistically significant (p

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Focus of the marketing mix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Focus of the marketing mix - Essay Example Another notable target market is that of the aging demography who want to explore new things (Hughes, 2011). In addition, the younger generation has not been left behind, notably the students who desire trendy and innovative devices that provide various options in performing tasks. Ipad features Ipad is basically a tablet device with various specifications and features. These specifications and features have enabled this product more appealing to customers in the various market segments. Ipad has an interface of led touch screen with dimensions of 9.57 ? 7.47; this makes this product more appealing as compared to other tablet devices (Pride & Ferrell, 2012, p. 22). Attributed to the Apples extensive research and development, Ipad is considered to be the latest technological device characterized with a high compatibility mode and that the users can easily navigate it because of its reliable speed and processor. This product is fully equipped and has the ability to download large amoun t of data, send and receive emails, send attachments and documents, watch movies and take pictures (Hughes, 2011). This product has been designed to enable users such as professionals and businesses to get digitalized and connect easily to the global world. This Apple product has a wider and various applications (Pride & Ferrell, 2012, p. ... Secondly, the built-in applications in the device which enables the customers to have an adventurous experience in using any tablet device. Finally, the device display in which customers look for remarkable resolutions with appealing colors. It is notable that Ipad has a Retina display, high speed processor and 275000 applications, thus, making it a customer choice in this category of tablet device. Branding The Ipad attribute of being considered innovative and trendy in terms of its design with the provision of unlimited options to the user attributes greatly to its branding (Pride & Ferrell, 2012, p. 28). Its simplicity and portability has earned Apple popularity and being widely accepted in the global markets (Kerin, Hartley & Rudelius 2010, p. 15). This has led into Ipad expanding its markets and satisfying larger market segments, thus, earning it better brand equity and positioning it as need to most individuals (Kerin, Hartley & Rudelius, 2010, p. 33). PRICE In regard to the pr ice, iPad can be purchased in the various multiple selected points by Apple Company. Pricing iPad is charged at a premium price as compared to its competitors attributed by the quality superiority and innovativeness of the device. As the most innovative devices available in the market, notably, other tablet competitors, offer a premium price, it has value as compared with the benefits that this product offers to the user. Price strategy rationale Although iPad is considered expensive, the value realization and benefits that the customer gets overshadow its expensiveness. The pricing strategy of Apples IPad takes into account factors including high innovativeness, reliability of iPad tablet device, device portability

How Christ and His followers influenced organizations and people of Research Paper

How Christ and His followers influenced organizations and people of their day - Research Paper Example Why have they been able to impact organizations and societies at large to the degree that they have in modern terms? The answer to these questions lies in the fact that Christ was much more than a typical man of the cloth. While many preachers and prophets of his time spent their time speaking in negative terms, Christ’s approach was one of offering rather than damnation. Prior to Christ’s rise in the Holy Land, God was viewed as a much harsher force. The evidence for this can easily be found within the pages of the Old Testament. The Old Testament tells the tale of a God that is vengeful and angrier. The God of the Old Testament was responsible for what can only be described as the end of civilization with the events of Noah’s Ark. Additionally; the God of the Old Testament tortured individuals merely so that they could prove their loyalty (see Gob). Many more examples could be referenced in which the God of the Old Testament is portrayed as vindictive, cruel or harsh. It was this God that the early Jews were introduced to by the religious teachers of their time. It was this God that was referenced in their holy books and religious texts. It was not until Jesus Christ and his followers began their mission did a kinder, more thoughtful and more careful God emerge. Christ’s God did not only appear to be kinder, thus more appealing naturally, but he was also willing to barter. The God that Christ preached of had much to offer and his terms were simple. In exchange for worship and obedience, he would grant eternal salvation. To the ordinary man or woman, eternal salvation was an appealing offer. In addition to being kind and caring, Christ’s God offered humanity a structure and a formula for success. To abide by the rather straight forward and simplistic teachings of his son, Jesus Christ, would mean a pleasant eternity. Christ’s God introduced laws and rules that clearly separated right from wrong.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Social psych Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social psych - Essay Example In this study, the participants were presented with stimuli such as exposure to positive Black situations and negative White situations. The participants’ perceptions were then assessed before the stimuli and a day after the presentation. The results of the experiment that participants who were subjected to â€Å"positive Black and negative white† situations had lesser level of prejudice but their â€Å"explicit racial prejudice† remained the same. President Obama can be regarded as positive African American example, and his electoral win could effect change on attitudes toward African Americans. This is the presumption and has to be proven through a review of the literature and of past experiments by researchers. But the literature cited in Bernstein et al (2010) also cited that stereotypes and prejudices do not succumb to change so easily (Fiske & Neuberg, 1990 cited in Bernstein et al, 2010), which could lead to the conclusion that Obama’s electoral vic tory may not change people’s perception after all. Or, there could be varied perceptions and attitude change as a result of the election. But the authors also cited that there could be positive attitude change with Obama’s electoral victory. 3. General methodology Bernstein and associates (2010) conducted a research study on 40 undergraduates of psychology, performed on two sessions to represent the pre-election and post-election periods. It was therefore divided into Time 1 and Time 2, to design two attitudes for explicit and implicit. The first period was completed during the seven days before election. The participants were made to complete a test known as â€Å"Attitudes Towards Black† (Brigham, 1993 cited in Bernstein et al, 2010). The scale was marked on 1-7, and statements were addressed on perceptions of prejudice or equality towards Black people. Example: â€Å"Black and white people are created equal.† Following this, participants were also made to complete the â€Å"Implicit Association Task†, which is about evaluations on social categories. The participants were also evaluated using the â€Å"Implicit Racial Bias† test. 4. Basic results The results were analysed by determining the implicit prejudice, which was done by subtracting â€Å"the average response latency on compatible trials from the incompatible trials† (Bernstein et al. 2010). The IAT result stated that if there was a big different in the score, called the IAT effect, the participants had greater bias towards Whites as against Blacks. This was compared with the results after the election in which a t-test sample was obtained on the IAT result. It was found that the IAT effect was smaller after the election; meaning the IAT effect was reduced after Obama’s electoral victory. The stats revealed that the mean and standard deviation are M = 330.35, SD = 219.93, after the election, compared to M = 494.70, SD = 307.95, before the electio n. 5. Major conclusions One of the striking results of the study by Bernstein et al (2010) is that implicit associations changed while the explicit prejudice changed, after the election in which Obama had a commanding victory. President Obama’s victory changed the perceptions of the general population towards African Americans. President Obama’

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Persuasive Presentations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Persuasive Presentations - Essay Example For most writers, that's presenting information, usually to an audience that's about as knowledgeable on the subject as we are. (Anthony 45-57) For presentations, that's a lethal combination. Factual information presented at a high level of technical expertise not only doesn't persuade, but may actually alienate the reader. For thousands of years, people have tried to figure out the best way to persuade other people to do things. We know that persuasion has been the subject of serious study since the days of classical Greece. Plato worried about the rhapsodes' ability to appeal to citizens' emotions and persuade them to do things that were not in the best of interest of the city or themselves. And Aristotle wrote one of the great treatises on persuasion. (Rasmussen 23-36) Among the Romans the ability to persuade was considered a hallmark of responsible citizenship. Since World War II, researchers have worked particularly hard to identify the elements of persuasion. Why They have some practical motives: improving advertising and marketing campaigns, motivating audiences, influencing the electorate, girding consumers and voters against propaganda, understanding the dynamics of brainwashing, and- yes- writing better presentations. From all this speculation and research, four elements have consistently bee n a vital part of nearly every theory of persuasion: the message, the receiver, the channel, and the source. (Daley 79-83) Giving them some consideration will give us a deeper understanding of the process of persuasion. Message The impact of your message depends in part on whether the receiver is receptive to it to begin with. If the evidence or logic in a particular persuasive message is in line with the audience's basic values, beliefs, or biases, the receiver is more likely to accept it and modify his or her attitudes accordingly. If the evidence runs counter to the receiver's basic beliefs, persuasion is far less likely to occur. Thus, the way you frame your message with regard to your audience's preferences is critical. That may seem circular: You can persuade people to accept only the things they already accept or to do the things they already want to do. But that's not quite what's going on here. (Holcombe 112-24) There is a difference between a belief and an attitude. Someone may issue an RFP for new equipment because he or she believes that production efficiency can be improved by using more modern technology. If you can base your presentation on the same belief and then demonstrate how your equipm ent will introduce labor-saving enhancements, the receiver's attitude toward you as the most suitable vendor will change in a positive way. However, if you send out a canned presentation, one that emphasizes the ruggedness and durability of your machines, instead of their impact on production efficiency, you will be not be addressing the client's basic belief. (Anthony 45-57) As a result, you may not persuade him or her to choose you. This is the fundamental problem in submitting boilerplate presentations. Because customers vary widely in their beliefs and values, using the same text for everybody guarantees that a large percentage of them will find your message irrelevant or unconvincing. Receiver The receiver is a vital component of

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Essay1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Essay1 - Essay Example The system displays an updated version of available seats and removes the already selected ones (processing). The system generates a bill and ticket copy (output). TPS is based on batch processing or real-time processing. TPS are vital to businesses since it helps owners to meet demands without the need of extra personnel (Davoren). TPS offers four important characteristics to a business, they offer; reliability, response, controlled processing and inflexibility. Rapid Response; customers cannot afford to wait for TPS to respond, the wait time from the input by the customer to output production should be a few seconds. If a TPS fails to have a proper rapid response time, it will lead to huge losses in the business. Reliability; a TPS breakdown will disrupt or stop normal operations of a business. TPS systems must have low failure rates, and if failure occurs, accurate recovery must be a possibility. Reliability enables a company to design backup and recovery procedures. Inflexibility; a good TPS ensures that every transaction is handled in the same manner regardless of the user, time of day or customer. If a TPS is flexible, it means that there are too many opportunities even for non-standard operations. Controlled processing; a good TPS must support the operations within an organization; TPS should maintain and enforce roles and responsibilities. A good TPS should minimize the costs of an organization by bringing down the data handling times and also provides accurate and timely database updates. All these aspects of a TPS are imperative for steady business development and growth. Real-time transaction processing equates to immediate data processing. It requires access to an online database to give instant confirmations. A real-time transaction involves the use of a workstation or terminal to input data and display (output) TPS results. It is made up of a computer

Friday, September 6, 2019

Media and the Idea of Beauty Essay Example for Free

Media and the Idea of Beauty Essay Elizabeth Rosales Cultural Anthropology-A18: Yi,Zhou April 21, 2011 Response Paper: Killing Us Softly Who are we? Who am I? With the average American exposed to approximately 3,000 ads a day they all remind us of who we are not and who we should be. The images we are constantly bombarded with by the mass media don’t just sell products they â€Å"sell values, images, concepts of love, sex, and normativity†, standards to which we so often compare ourselves to. Ads reinforce gender binaries, all making a statement about what it means to be a woman in this culture of thinness stressing a particular importance on physical beauty. Jean Kilbourne’s film Killing Us Softly explores and exposes the detrimental effects of the objectification and dehumanization in the representation of women in the popular culture, specifically advertisements. With only less than five percent of women of the entire population that reflect the images of the women advertised, the majority of women are left to feel ashamed for not trying hard enough. Women’s bodies are increasingly subjected to strict scrutiny under a magnifying glass by our superficial culture, these actions bring forth and further feed the shame and embarrassment women associate with their bodies, their sexuality, their size, and their weight. Spending self-conscious days, weeks, months, and even years in front of a mirror and scale, inspecting our bodies in front of a mirror comparing ourselves to the images spread over magazine covers as women we are repeatedly reminded that our bodies are home to imperfections and there is always room for improvement whether that be through exercise, plastic surgery, dieting, or over the counter â€Å"beauty and health† products. Rosales 2 Is this self-improvement or self-destruction? Today, 1 in 5 women are likely to develop an eating disorder and cosmetic surgery is more popular than ever before. More and more women each day are going under the knife for breast enhancements losing all sensation in their breasts. Such procedures dehumanize and objectify women transforming them from â€Å"subjects to objects†, all because as women we are conditioned by the dominant culture to want to feel desirable and seek the approval of men. The breasts, therefore, become a source of pleasure for the men and not the women who undergo the procedure. These internalized feelings drive many to strive to obtain an unattainable beauty and live up to certain impossible expectations whether it’s consciously or not. We fail to recognize that most of the images we are exposed to are computer generated, they are not real women they have been photo shopped and manipulated to look like that and yet we continue to perpetuate these images as the standards for beauty. Much more, the standards that women are expected to live up to is a paradox of ideas, we are to be both â€Å"innocent and sexy, virgin and experienced† child/doll-like and sex objects simultaneously. Can that be any more absurd? Gender is a performance that the mass media is largely responsible for defining, if we are not thin or beautiful enough then we are not feminine enough. The oppression and misrepresentation of women is not limited to gender though, race plays an active role in the representation of women. Asian women for example, are depicted as docile and passive lovers, whereas black and Hispanic women are hyper sexualized and portrayed as exotic promiscuous â€Å"creatures† dressed in animal prints. The perfect ideal woman was manufactured and it’s time we recognize this, she is an illusion that doesn’t exist outside of caricature. Instead of altering our Rosales 3 bodies to fit those Barbie doll like measurements we need to start portraying the large diversity of women accurately and stop condemning those who are not thin enough, tall enough, light enough, as not being beautiful because they aren’t trying hard enough to fit those categories.