Work Place Ethical Dilemma

Work place Ethical Dilemma Brenda Paz BSHS-331 August 25, 2010 Roberto Vara Jr. Work place Ethical Dilemma According to Freeman, S. (2000) Ethics: An introduction to philosophy and practice ethical dilemma is a complex situation that will involve conflicts between moral imperatives. This is also called ethical paradox which plays a central role in ethics debates. We are not animals and thus should not act and behave like animals. All humans have social acceptable behaviors we must abide from. Standards we all follow to what we believe, having our own opinions, from obeying the law and knowing what is morally right and wrong.For example the ethical admonition to â€Å"treat others as you would like to be treated† is not always easy to follow especially if the individual you should treat with respect does not in turn respect you. This is an example of ethical decision clashing. About three years ago I experienced an ethical dilemma in the workplace which made me feel puzzled, un appreciated and even confused for just doing and following procedure and protocol to my work responsibilities which my job duties required me to do.I worked for a nonprofit organization which helped advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. My job title was that of a project assistant of a youth group which empowers young adults with disabilities gather the tools necessary to live a more independent and healthier way of life. The problem to the dilemma consisted in nepotism taking place by my immediate supervisor. The organization I worked for was just a small branch which was extended from the main office which was located in Albuquerque, NM.I did not have another immediate supervisor to question any such ethical dilemmas. Each year our project needed to provide accountability of ten new additional youth members to the group. Membership to the group required the creation and development of a goals and dream planning map. Once the member reached three months of attendance to monthly meetings the individual was then issued a stipend of five hundred dollars to assist in reaching such set goal in the plan. As a project assistant one of my job responsibilities was to locate youth with disabilities and invite them to become part of the group.Part of our initial protocol was not to use the stipend as the initial incentive to join the group but rather to make the youth group more appealing by emphasizing social group gatherings, activities, advocacy and the initial growth of one’s self confidence and development in learning to advocate for themselves and others who cannot speak for themselves in front of congress. My supervisor however did not follow protocol and often selected individuals from her immediate social circle of friends and family members to join the youth group.Secondly those initial members were not required to meet the three month required time limit of monthly meeting attendance to acquire the stipend. One day I politely q uestioned her selection process and she quickly gave the explanation that she needed to meet the quota and had to sign up 10 youth members no matter who they were so the project would not loose funding. Yet when I confronted her about trying to sign up my son or family members with disabilities I was informed I could not because I worked for the organization.I was informed by her that she needed to bend the rules to meet quota but when I offered to help by suggesting to enroll individuals with disabilities from my social circle I was denied. I should have just dropped the issue right there and them, however I went on to question her actions and she abruptly stated† How dare you question me? Don’t try to undermine me Brenda†, then she just changed the conversation right away. Well, soon after that our work relationship was very shaky and when my employment contract ended I was not offered a new contract again.Based on what I learned since I began my study at the Un iversity of Phoenix and through my continued work experience I think I would have handled the situation in the same manner but I would have chosen my words differently. At the time I believe my questioning of her actions and the way I came about it was wrong in the sense that I was trying to fight fire with fire. I was trying to justify my possible actions and suggesting the same methods she was using to recruited my circle of members in the same manner.I now realize that you should not try to suggest justification of one’s actions by doing the same thing the other individual is doing. I needed to fight fire with water and in turn make her analyze her actions and view her ways in a cam and professional manner. Then if that did not work I should have escalated to the next level and called her supervisor in Albuquerque just as a note of information not an accusation. According to _________Ethics can be seen as both the highest and the lowest standards of practice expected of a practitioner, reflecting both the standards of the community and the profession.Codes, rather than being precise dictates, are actually combinations of rules and utilitatian principles that do not provide a rational as to why a particular behavior is right or wrong in a particular situation or circumstance. Therefore, many issues cannot be resolved solely by relying on codes of ethics. Practical judgment and informed conscious reasoning are necessary in the proper application of codes of ethics. Various professional organizations have established codes of ethics for their members however in similar professional, the codes of ethics and acceptable behavior can vary greatly.When faced with an ethical dilemma, a practioner would do well to think of the formal code of ethics of his/her profession and then through a formal ethical decision making process to expedite s sound solution.References Freeman, S. J. , (2000). Publication manual of the Wadsworth group, a division of Thomson Learn ing Inc. Ethics: An introduction to philosophy & practice Environmental Protection Agency Website, (2009), Publication research group of the Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from http:// www. epa. gov/progress/#i

Process Design Matrix and Summary Essay

Mattress Express is in the service of delivering mattresses is available to the customers. The company strategy for deliveries is to be able to deliver mattresses in both a reasonable on timely manner and to the consumer’s home. The delivery cost is $49.99 and includes delivery, set up, and removal of the customer’s old mattress set. Mattress Express has a centralized warehouse that is strategically located in order to best service the surrounding community. The warehouse feeds five stores and houses the inventory for each of the locations. The warehouse also has a showroom attached which makes it easily one of the largest Mattress Express locations Mattress express offers a five day delivery schedule. The deliveries are handled by the warehouse manager. All deliveries are separated into time frames which are then designated into particular areas and group to gather for the most efficient routing. Mattress Express inventory levels are kept to a minimum as the company operates on cash only. Inventory levels fluctuate up and down as cash flow increases via the trends in business. All inventory is stored at the centralized warehouse and deliveries are operated from this location as well. PRODUCT Tempur-pedic is a product that is a standalone within the mattress industry. The company strategy is to build the most highly recommended bed in America. They also wish to sell direct to the consumer as well as through a series of retail partners. Another important aspect of their strategy is to excel as a marketing firm. Tempur-pedic has a total of three factories. The factories are located in Lexington Kentucky, Duffield Virginia, and a European facility in Denmark. Each factory produces Tempur-pedic products and  distributes to regional distribution centers. Tempur-pedic is of the utmost superior quality and craftsmanship. To ensure the quality level of the products one out of every four mattresses is tested. In addition to testing mattresses frequently the product integrity margins are also how to extremely precise standards. This ensures that all to review the customers are experiencing the highest level of quality possible.

Parenting-week 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Parenting-week 4 - Assignment Example While every child, with or without gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT) traits, requires and deserves support, care, respect, an any other needed information for proper development, parents in the two videos ingested and accepted the fashionable â€Å"born gay† theory; a rather unfortunate and odd, but the correct deduction, that infants still dependent on their parents virtually for everything were labeled/associated with the traits mentioned. Sorry to say, but the ultimate sexual orientation of the children are/were designed in a way from their early ages. Notwithstanding the general androgynous behavioral patterns atypical of the phenotypic sexual orientation; the dress code, an interest in dolls, princesses, girlish make-ups in young boys, the outwardly boyish stance, a penchant for tools, a square-jawed readiness for physical tussles with boys, a distaste of the delicate perfumed trappings of femininity in young girls, it is rather stunning, absurd, and more so unconventional, that parents in ‘Always My Son’ trailer would associate their child with a weird, deviant trait like gaysm before even reaching the teen ages. Even though there are numerous studies on the same, there is no enough evidence to predict a child’s sexual orientation. With regards to ‘Families Are Forever,’ it is pretty hard to imagine how a family with a firm religious grounding, Christianity for that matter, would accept the behaviors of a son or a daughter attracted to the same gender, let alone going public, more so in a church that mostly goes in the opposite direction. Sexual orientation is but an internal psycho-emotional experience, and may or may not include a behavioral manifestation. While biological elements may well explain a person’s sexual orientation, albeit in part, it is an individual’s choice to either act upon the allures of the same gender or not; private decisions that people

Current event analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Current event analysis - Essay Example The article argues that the study is highly significant as the prevalence of alcoholism and depression is frequently interrelated, and no substantial treatments have yet been designed to specifically address this diagnosis. The study was conducted by Helen Pettinati Ph.D. and her associates at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to receiving the medical treatments, the patients underwent cognitive-behavioral therapy. Over a fourteen week period, one-hundred seventy people were tested, using four treatment groups. All four treatment groups demonstrated improvements. While all four groups demonstrated improvements, the group that received the combined treatment demonstrated the highest rate of abstinence and also had the longest intervals in between drinking. The difference in intervals was extreme, with the average interval for patients with the combined drug 61 days; while the other groups combined was 15 days. While the article states that the combined treatment was most effective in reducing adverse side effects (namely hospitalization for rehabilitation), it neglects to mention if there were new side effects from the combination of the drugs. It also doesn’t neglect if research is looking into a hybrid drug that would function to treat alcoholism and depression

Brazil's development will attempt to lead sustainability for the next Essay

Brazil's development will attempt to lead sustainability for the next World Cup - Essay Example Introduction 1.1 Background Sports, conferences and entertainment events have become major events in which environmental sustainability has emerged as an important theme (Ponsford, 2011). Every event claims to be environmentally conscious but the extent to which the authorities take steps to attain sustainability remains a debatable issue. The event organizers should be responsible for making the first step towards sustainability as they make a major impact on the environment (Hill, 1998). The first step involves preparing an action plan based on various factors that are set together to create an event. Brazil is due to host the World Cup in three years’ time and the infrastructure development that this event calls for, is tremendous. Brazil is expected to invest US$18.7bn for the 2014 FIFA World Cup which will fund 50 projects in 12 Brazilian host cities (Portal Brasil, 2010). The Minister for Sports claims that the development of Brazil to meet the demands of the event would greatly improve the country for the citizens. 1.2 Rationale for the study Hosting the World Cup requires the nation to be prepared in three main areas – the stadium, airport and transportation, and accommodation (De la Cerda, Fernandes, Huebner, Madanes & Suarez, 2011). Brazil is poised for growth since its foreign exchange policy is liberalized. The success of an event is not merely limited to whether the event was economically profitable. For most mega events economic benefits are overstated in order to justify the public expenditure by the federal government (Karadakis & Kaplanidou, 2010). It can cause tremendous debts as in the case of Montreal 1976 as it was burdened with capital and interest costs; as resources become scarce price inflation is likely for goods and services. The general population could also be burdened in terms of additional taxation to pay for the cost of hosting. Opportunity costs also arise when the government is unable to raise enough funds to host the event. A reasonable ratio between the profit generated and the costs incurred is based on short-term effects, and is derived from induced demand stimulus (Muller & Moesch, 2010). However, an event can be sustainable only if the added infrastructure continues to generate revenue and pay for its maintenance. Sustainability is not limited to environmental concerns but can expand to other regions as well. 1.3 Research aims and objectives With the aim to evaluate what steps the authorities have taken to ensure that development attempts will lead to sustainability for the next world cup, the objectives of the study are: To determine the likely damage to the environment and suggest measures for sustainable management To determine the likely impact of the World Cup 2014 on the GDP of Brazil and its population in the future generations To evaluate if Brazil is moving towards a sustainable event This study has great significance because event managers/organizers globally would make consc ious attempts while planning events to ensure minimum damage to the environment, to the people, to the nation as a whole. 2. Literature review 2.1 Definition – events –

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPACT DISC AND RECORDS Essay

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPACT DISC AND RECORDS - Essay Example The record technology was improved till 1980s when cassette technology was introduced which displaced the vinyl records significantly. The popularity of cassette went down when compact disc and mini disc were introduced in 1990s. Differences Size: Initially, the records were as big as 16 inches in diameter which was reduced to as low as 7 inches by the time. However, the most popular models used in that time were 12 inches. On the other side, Compact discs are only 4.75 inches in diameter which makes it a much more flexible product. Compact Disc also comes in small sizes, commonly know as Mini CD. The diameter of these Mini CDs ranges from 2.4 to 3.1 inches. The smaller is the size, the lesser will be data capacity. Production: Records are created with an element called black lacquer vinyl, which is the reason it is commonly called Vinyl Record. Contrary, CDs are developed with 1.2 millimeters thick polycarbonate plastic coated with aluminum and a thin translucent acrylic protective coating (Morgan). A CD weights around 15 to 20 grams. The thin layer of aluminum makes it reflective. A lacquer layer is used for spinning and label printing. Wear and Tear: Records are less likely to be abandoned and torn as compared to Compact Discs. Vinyl records are â€Å"hard† records, made up with black lacquer. ... CDs are susceptible to skips and clicks whereas Vinyle records usually play in any situation since they are analog. Price: The price of records is much higher because of the high cost expenditure incurred in manufacturing process. However, Compact Discs are comparatively cheaper and can stored hefty amount of data. Sound Quality: Vinyl records can play music as good as CDs. The difference is extremely small and negligible (Vinyl Vs. CD Part 3. Sound Difference Between LP’s and CD’s). After researching thoroughly, it is concluded that some extreme music lovers still prefer Vinyl over CDs, claiming the sound quality of Vinyl is richer. However, the differences in the sound quality are nearly inaudible to a normal human being and Vinyl and CDs overshadow each other only in some genre of music. Recording/Writing: Vinyl records needs a vinyl cutter for recording or copying songs in a record. These vinyl cutters are extremely expensive, costing about $10,000, thus making it i mpossible for common people to have it in their possession. Contrary, CDs can be written with the help of CD burner which are cheaply available in market, ranging from $15 to $25. Moreover, CD-R is a kind of Compact Disc which has the re-write feature. There is also a major difference between analog and digital recording. Analog recording is used in recording vinyl records, which varies a property or characteristic of a physical recording medium through air pressure (Elsea). Contrary, digital recording is developed when the physical properties of the original sound are converted into sequence number through an analog-to-digital converter which makes it able to be recorded and read back through a digital medium such as CD (Elsea, Basics of

Scholarship letter for Summer Energy School Essay

Scholarship letter for Summer Energy School - Essay Example I feel that I will do justice with the honour of being granted the scholarship since I shall be able to perform admirably well in the program. My confidence comes from the fat that I have already studied various aspects of the respective field with commitment and focus. Baku Summer Energy School will provide me opportunities to learn about environmental issues, laws, economic aspects etc that are related to the field and still have not been explored by me to a great extent. My present knowledge about the field comes from my Bachelor degree in the field of international relations and politics. I am currently pursuing my Masters education in the field of politics, security and integration. Numerous courses are predicted to help me in the anticipated program, some of them are; Peace, conflict and security Legal aspects of international relations The missing dimension Human rights in global politics Gender, justice and environment. A strong inclination towards the study of energy made me opt for energy related topics for my dissertations in Bachelor and Masters programs. I have also passed IELTS with a 7 score. Apart from my commitment to my academics, I have also attended Model United Nations Conferences for students in the UK, Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as ASAIF conference in Strasbourg. These conferences proved to be great learning experiences and have taught me the relevance of this field on an international level. I was able to acquire professional knowledge about the field and the latest developments that are taking place in the world. The interactive nature of the Baku Summer Energy School will give me another opportunity to interact and learn from the public and private sector leaders from around the world. I highly value such opportunities and experiences that are offered by colleges to train their students for their professional careers. I have even had the opportunity to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Azerbaijani Republic for two years as an interpreter and Press Service officer. I feel that my exposure to the professional line, as well as working experiences in the public sector will help me contribute valuable insights during the program. My peers shall be able to enhance their knowledge due to my professional exposure, just like I will be able to benefit from their achievements. My frequent travels to different countries with my parents have directed me towards another area of interest- learning about different cultures and origins. The passion for learning about different cultures and customs has derived me to learn three languages. I enjoy analyzing the differences among different nations of the world and their histories that direct them to follow their specific lifestyles. The nature of relations amongst different countries and nations has always attracted my attention and has provoked me to study deeply into the subject. I believe the global nature of the economy in the present world requires a comme ndable understanding of the field of international relations, especially in the energy sector. The field of energy of one country cannot be studied in isolation from the world; the global implications, laws and environmental impacts have to be discussed as well to present a logical perspective of the prevailing situation. I feel that the multi-faceted nature of my academic records will make me face the challenges and achieve objectives of this course in a commendable manner. I belong

Organisations & Behaviour (OB) Assignment Dissertation

Organisations & Behaviour (OB) Assignment - Dissertation Example The human resources form the basic component of each organisation and their behaviour has an impact on their performance as well as the way the organisation operates. From this assertion, this report seeks to evaluate different factors that affect human behaviour through an analysis of two organisations namely Tarmac and Google. The report will focus on organisational structure and culture, approaches to management and leadership, motivational theories as well as teamwork in the chosen organisation. Task 1 Organisational structure and culture 1 a. Difference between organisational structure and culture In order to compare and contrast organisational structure of Tarmac and Google Inc, it is important to define the terms first as a way of gaining a clear understanding. An organisational structure is mainly concerned with the way job tasks are divide among the employees working in the organisation (Robbins, Odendaal & Roodt 2001). Organisational culture on the other hand is defined as values, norms, beliefs as well as attitudes that are shared among the members of the organisation and these also shape their behaviour and the way they interact (Armstrong 1994). Tarmac has an organisational structure that provides clear lines of control, responsibility and communication (http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/case-study--how-roles-functions-contribute-to-organisational-performance--109-355-1.php). Tarmac is a large business hence it is important for the individuals to understand their roles and responsibilities which is a major contributor to the success of the organisation. In its operations, it uses the best practice approach and it is committed to uphold ethical principles as well as responsibility among the members and this helps the members of the organisation to understand their role expectations so that they can pull their efforts towards the attainment of the set organisational goals. One advantage of this structure of Tarmac is that it is adaptive and it emphasises on flexibility to adapt to the changing environment in which the organisation operates. This can positively enhance performance and it can be noted that the success story of the organisation is mainly as a result of the structure of the organisation which is functional in nature and the roles are clearly defined such that every member knows what is expected of him or her. On the other hand, Google Inc has a flat structure whereby every employee has the opportunity to contribute towards the decision making process in the organisation. The organisation also uses the best practice approach to ensure that the employees are satisfied with their work. This approach also emphasizes on motivation of the employees for them to put optimum performance in their operations. One advantage of this structure is that in a decentralized organisation, action can be taken more quickly to solve problems. Many people

Injustices during the progressive Essay Example for Free

Injustices during the progressive Essay During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were a lot of injustices in the United States. The Progressive Movement, which began in the late 1800s attempted to bring about government reforms and correct injustices in America. One example of the problem in the U.S. was over population of the American cities. More and more people began to move cities from rural areas for jobs. As you can see in Document I, the cities were overcrowded and the infrastructure could not hold up with the influx of people moving to urban areas. The people lived in overcrowded housing developments that were dirty and poor. There was also abuse in industries. This was exposed by Upton Sinclair (Document 2). One of his most well known novels was The Jungle, which showed the abuse in the meat packing industry. He uncovered how the people would take extremely spoiled meat and use it as sausage or put it in to a can. They also used all parts of the meat and even rats were found to be in the meat. By writing this book, Sinclair was able to expose the corruption in the industry of meat packing, and Congress passed the Meat Inspection Act. A position change brought about the declining numbers of children between the ages of ten and fifteen who worked. In Document 3, you can see by the chart that the number of children working decreased by 6.8% from 1890 to 1920. Children were often used as cheap labor and were abused greatly. The government was able to reduce the number of working children under sixteen during this period of time because many states passed children labor laws. Around this time, big businesses came to power. As shown in Document 4, there were many abuses in businesses. The people who ran and formed these industries/trusts/businesses, such as Andrew Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Henry Ford. They acted like the big bosses and held control of much of the U.S. industry. In Document 5, Teddy Roosevelt explained how he felt about how these big businesses (oil, steel, copper, etc.) should be regulated if they are only in it for the money and power. Teddy Roosevelt became known as  a trust-buster because he enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act. During the late 1800s the Progressive Party was formed. They wanted to bring about change in the U.S. One of their main goals included the reforming of industries. In Document 6, their platform is partly shown. Under their platform, they wanted to prevent accidents, diseases acquired on the job, and unemployment. They further wanted to have better health and safety centers, and minimum wage. In 1913, the 17th Amendment was added to the Constitution (Document 7). When the Constitution was first written in 1787, the senators were elected by legislators. In order to make the selection of senators more democratic, the 17th amendment was added. It said that senators would be elected by people from each state, not by the legislature. This is why we now have candidates that campaign for seats in the senates to the people. By adding this amendment to the Constitution, it made the U.S. more democratic. Women suffrage also took place during this time. People like Susan B. Anthony (Document 8) and Elizabeth Cady Stanton worked and campaigned for women to be allowed to vote. Susan B. Anthony used the preamble of the Constitution to argue her case. She stated that the Constitution said We the people not We the men' She said the Constitution was written for all people, not just men. Her efforts eventually paid off, and the 19th amendment was passed in 1922 allowing women to work. In conclusion there were many injustices in the U.S. from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The Progressive Movement help to bring about more change as did the government. Teddy Roosevelt tried the limit the abuses of big businesses, and women suffrage was granted, and the meat packing industry was exposed. With each time comes problems but with activists some are changed and reformed. During this time period, there were a lot of injustices and issues, many of which were discovered, addressed, and reformed.

Strategic Recommendation for Music Essay Example for Free

Strategic Recommendation for Music Essay The music industry is an interesting field to analyze. Hence, this paper presented the situations that existed within the business in year 2000. Based from the recommendation of the supposed Head of Strategy of a leading music label, Sony BMG, this paper stressed the need to adhere to the principle and practice of business partnership as what author Knopper presented in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction. In doing so, the paper made the public realized the benefits of entering into industry deal such as the cited partnership between Sony BMG and Napster. Strategic Recommendation for Music in 2000 It is year 2000 and today’s Age of Digital Technology rapidly turns music and practically the entire recording industry into a world where file transfer, sharing, swapping and distribution service flourish. The music industry digitally transforms, particularly improves or modernizes technologically. In fact, the contemporary setting of music now turns away from the structure of compact disc or CD files. This is due to a free, easier and more accessible means of getting and receiving songs which the business now calls downloading. With such kind of industry evolution, it is empirical therefore not to fight the present system head on. The industry instead needs to adapt to the current working and effective framework. Hence, it is an essential strategy for major music labels or big recording companies to form partnerships with other fields. The said approach allows the existing and thriving downloading system works to the advantage and benefits of both the industry and its people. Such practical recommendation makes Music Company stronger and is able to survive whatever challenges that the future of the business holds. This is the reality of music today. The world now experiences the advent of a new and more demanding period hence the situation calls for a strategic recommendation and decision. As 2000 signals the start of the fresh 21st century, such kind of condition facing the music industry requires for aggressiveness and adaptability or flexibility in terms of finding ways to fit into the present-day situation. To be more specific, Sony-BMG is one of the leading music organizations where such recommendation will work. This is because of the company’s adherence to and upholding of its corporate responsibility. That is, Sony-BMG dedicates itself towards the continued development of the industry thus the need to consider the cited suggestion. With such business approach, the company needs to plan and undertake an agreement with concern field that is into or relative to the in-thing system of music downloading. In doing so, the new system of downloading, which the Digital Age introduces, serves its own interest while at the same time helps major music labels such as Sony-BMG and assists the music industry in general to preserve the business and continue serving its market. The cited condition signifies the principle and practices of business partnership and merging which Steve Knopper (2009) clearly and effectively exemplified in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. † Taking into consideration the pieces of information concerning the problems besetting the music industry, the book implies the need for major music labels such as Sony BMG to merge and form partnership. Such strategic recommendation prevents any untoward event in the business particularly the â€Å"self-destruction† of the industry, with all its companies, workforce and public (Knopper, 2009). What the book recommends? The author discussed in the book the abrupt growth and collapse of the recording business that happened in a span of thirty years. Decades prior to year 2000 witnessed the changing of music styles or genres and most importantly, the extraordinary achievement of the compact disc or CD. This happened as CDs previously created the recording industry into a stunning and prestigious business worldwide. Such is the condition until the emergence of the system of music downloading specifically the technology of file-sharing which significantly harmed the music industry (Knopper, 2009). To be able to undertake a sensible and efficient recommendation for leading recording companies like Sony BMG to consider, it is fundamental for Knopper to present the painful reality that happened to the industry prior to 2000. That is, after a successful transformation from long playing albums then to CDs, the industry was caught off-guard by the contemporary system of music downloading and eventually file-sharing (Knopper, 2009). Prior to 2000, the music industry is in its heyday due to the success of the CD business. With the technology advancement in 2000, the author noted with concern how big recording companies including Sony BMG failed to adapt to the Digital Age which started on 2000. Hence, leading music companies like Sony BMG rejected the advent and significant implications of the technology of file-sharing. The industry’s denial specifically the wrong and harmful decisions that people behind recording companies did allowed for the arrival and eventual supremacy of technological advancement like file-sharing. This is where the book discussed about Napster’s revolutionary style of music business. With the dominance in 2000 of the file-sharing technology, which is carried-out through downloading of songs from Napster and eventual copying and distribution through MP3 files, the CD business and entire industry succumbed to various debacles that included legal battles (Knopper, 2009). To address the existing problem concerning the new format which began in 2000, the book then hinted on the need for music companies to come together. The author signified that this requirement is achieved through merging and partnership within the industry. To support such recommendation, Knopper cited the scenario when there was a need for industry rivals Sony Music and BMG to become friends. The author wrote: One of the first things Andrew Lack did as head of Sony Music was something that his predecessor almost certainly would have never†¦a friendship with rival. Rolf Schmidt-Holtz was chairman of BMG, which not so long ago, had fought like a prize fighter against Sony and the other major labels†¦ (p. 205) While the book is a recent material, the solution that it has recommended is applicable to year 2000. Hence, the recommendation for music companies to enter into partnership with other companies and even with Napster itself is a rational solution that could have prevented the eventual destruction of the industry (Knopper 2009). Emergence of Napster University drop-out Shawn Fanning introduced into the web a music file-sharing service that eventually revolutionized the entire music industry. The birth of Napster enabled people especially music-lovers to download software, free of charge, and eventually transfer share, swap and distribute songs. A year after it began its operation, 2000 became a battle-laden year for Napster as it was engaged in several legal fights. These legal disputes included cases hurled by universities, music personalities like the rock band Metallica and of course, various music labels or recording companies for reported copyright infringement (â€Å"Napster’s High and Low Notes,† 2000). Napster’s online rule and into the music world became a success among down-loaders in 2000. Since it is the year when music was highlighted by raging rock, teen pop and hip-hop songs, Napster became an instant sensation especially among down-loaders. Far from the concert venues and recording studios, the noise brought about by the industry was heard happening inside court rooms where cases against Napster are heard. However, it is worthy to note that despite the legal obstacles, Napster gained its legality in 2000, continued with its business and even formed partnership with music companies in an effort to show support to the industry (O’Hare, 2000). Of merging and partnership Beyond the issues and controversies that transpired in the music industry in 2000, it is to be noted that it was in the same year that probable solutions to the problems were identified. O’Hare said that hours before Napster is to be shut down, The U. S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the company when it ordered the continued operation of the file-sharing on the Internet in 2000. The fight by major leading music labels such as Warner Brothers, Universal, EMI, BMG and Sony went naught as Napster shocked both the online and music industries when it was legalized (O’Hare, 2000). As Napster became a legal component of the music industry, it appeared that the online music service resorted to partnership in an apparent effort to the accepted as part of the recording industry. O’Hare wrote that in October of 2000, the then only one-year-old company and its teen-ager owner got into an agreement with BMG’s parent organization, the Bertelsmann (O’Hare, 2000). It turned out that the purpose for the $50 million partnership is to accord an assurance that the market of Napster are assured of music downloading through the company. But this time, the deal specified a fee for artists’ royalties to be paid by Napster users. It was unfortunate though that the deal did not materialize as the market itself of Napster opposed the agreement. Aside from this, Napster continued with its legal battles in the succeeding years. If only the partnership pushed through, it could have determined the feasibility and effectiveness of the principle and practice of merging and partnership within the recording industry and even among business rivals (O’Hare, 2000). Recommendation from Sony BMG Head of Strategy In order to understand better the above-mentioned conditions, principles and practices, it is valuable to apply such elements during the year 2000. Since it is the period when the industry witnessed various incidents, it is just essential to apply the presented facts on such phase of the music industry. This is because in doing so, strategic suggestion may be formulated and eventually carried-out hence ultimately addressed, if not resolve, the whole situation presented before the recording business. First, it is useful to take note that it is year 2000 and the setting is currently taking place wherein the situation indicates that the Napster, with the rapid improvement of its online file-sharing service, challenges the peak of the CD business. Thereafter, Napster’s market is growing while the previous achievement of CD sales is nearing its end. This is where I entered the picture as the head of strategy for Sony BMG. As such, I was tasked to recommend possible solutions to the present problem. Such function will be performed in a way that I have to create proposal in accordance to what Knopper presented in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction. † Cause and Effect To start with, it is logical for my recommendation to identify first what caused the downfall of the supposed success of the CD business prior to this year. After careful evaluation of the surrounding circumstances, it is now clear that the plunge of CD sales was brought about by the failures within the industry itself. This means that the major music labels created among themselves their respective downfall. This is primarily because if their adamant denial of the arrival of a new or fresh form of music business such as the one introduced and being enjoyed by Napster. This factor aggravates the obvious damaging decisions currently being done by the people behind these recording companies. Aside from the refuting the existence of the Digital Age, the leading music companies and the industry itself fail to see both the threat and benefits of technological advancement. In effect, these grounds are now being slapped on the faces of industry people and the music field in general. This can be done by immediately acknowledging the challenge being presented by Napster but most importantly, the advantages that it can definitely offer. Considering the current situation, it is now logical to accept and realize that Napster, with its introduction and control of the technology of online file-sharing, is presently revolutionizing the manner music was circulated years before 2000. There is now a need to correct the mistake of denying the existence and progress of Napster. Hence, it is now necessary to recognize the enormous potentialities that the Digital Age has to offer particularly the technology of online file-sharing. It must be realized by the industry and its people that there is now an imminent danger that the CD technology and other music means before year 2000 are likely to become totally obsolete. This kind of cause and effect analysis will somehow help in eventually accepting that any business, the music industry for that matter, is vulnerable to challenges. At the same time, it is valuable to always consider that the music industry is experiencing its low as far as the CD technology is concern but is definitely on its high level as regards the technology of file-sharing. It is through this approach that the industry specifically the recording companies will have an easier time at accepting and eventually supporting Napster’s contribution. Proposed Partnership and Merging Considering the above-cited principles and eventualities, I now therefore strongly recommend the practice of partnership and merging among recording companies. The underlying principle for this suggestion is primarily based with what Knopper discussed in his book. In the said material, the author emphasized and made the public realized the need and the benefits of resorting to having deals or agreements within the business and among music labels. As one of the leading recording organizations, it will be a rational undertaking for Sony BMG to form partnership or merge with another company. In fact, it is also highly recommendable for Sony BMG to become a business partner of Napster. This is because the said recommendation will not only pave the way for the company’s survival in the business but most importantly, Sony BMG will become part of the revolutionary effort to make the industry stable and competitive. As the one in-charge of the strategy of the corporation, it is now my recommendation for Sony BMG to aggressively push through with such plan of merging or partnering with other recording companies. If not with the rest of major music labels, it is suggested that it will be best for Sony BMG to enter into a business agreement or deal with Napster. In doing so, not only will Sony BMG will be assured of continued existence but the company is sure to carry-on with its mandate to support and contribute to the evolution of the music industry. How the recommendation works? In any recommendation, a clear and effective formulation and implementation are necessary. This is primarily how the proposal works and succeeds. Hence for Sony BMG, it is fist required that the purposes or objectives of the partnership are clearly identified. From there, I, as the head of the company’s strategy component, recommend that for year 2000, it is suggested that the aims of the proposed partnership between Sony BMG and Napster are limited into two. Thus, it is recommended that Sony BMG partners with Napster in order to save the company from eventual downfall while at the same time contribute with the effort to revolutionize the industry and the manner of serving the music public. After the creation of the objectives, it is now time to suggest on ways on how to carry-out such plans. The initial proposal to merge or form partnership is in itself an effective implementation of the objectives. This is because there is definitely a need to perform the proposed objectives and this can only be done by being involve and being part of the undertakings of Napster. In fact, such attempt will be positively welcomed as it is evident also with Napster that there is a requirement to enter into joint business among the major music label. The initiative on the part of Sony BMG will then be taken as a positive effort thereby is expected to similarly yield beneficial implications. In the implementation stage, it is my recommendation to Sony BMG to be open and flexible with many possibilities. As presented by Knopper in his book, even Napster itself manifests remarkable openness entering into further ventures with other fields that are also into the digital technology. As Knopper wrote, Napster did not hesitate to form partnership with other companies beyond the music industry such as its partnership with Nokia and other leading digital businesses (Knopper, 2009). With such flexibility, it is lastly recommended that the partnership be done in such a way that both companies, Sony BMG and Napster, will benefit and continue with its respective business interests. Hence, the proposed partnership will be implemented in accordance with important elements such as objectives, manner of implementation, expected outcomes, time table and most importantly, the required success of the two companies as well as the benefits and contributions of the recommended partnership to the entire music industry. Conclusion Business recommendation is directly aimed at working to the advantage of the system and its people. If we are to look at the situation of the music industry in year 2000, it is empirically essential to adhere to and uphold what Knopper presented in his book. That is, partnership among recording companies and revolutionary organization such as Napster is indeed beneficial for the entire field. With year 2000 as the period of discussion, it is practical to formulate and implement suggestions based on the requirements of the said phase of the recording business. Hence, with the downfall of the CD business and the dominance of the online file-sharing technology, it is logical for leading music labels such as Sony BMG to deal a business with Napster. As such, my suggested partnership between Sony BMG and Napster is objectively in accordance to the book’s principle that, in fact, there is nothing wrong with joining businesses but that such effort eventually resolve any existing problem such as the plunge of the CD sales. It is for this reasons that Knopper’s book and my recommendation ultimately serve their respective purpose and essence towards the benefit of the music industry in year 2000. References Business Week Online. (2000, August 14). Napster’s High and Low Notes. Business Week. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www. businessweek. com/2000/00_33/b3694003. htm Knopper, S. (2009). Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. New York: Free Press. O’Hare, K. (2000). The Year in Music. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www. infoplease. com/spot/00music1. html

Introduction To Teaching And Learning

Introduction To Teaching And Learning 1.1 Analyse the role of initial assessment in the learning and teaching process. Initial assessment should take place before a student commences a course to ensure they are on the right path (Ann Gravells 2007). It is about establishing your learners starting points and is a crucial part of the learning journey. It provides the information needed to decide a learners starting point and is the benchmark from which learners progress and measuring achievements. Doing an initial assessment not only allows the teacher to identify the learners needs, but also helps removes any barriers to learning they may have. Initial assessment should be done with the learner involved, it should be centered on the learner. As Green (2003, pp 5) states: Initial assessment needs to be done with learners rather to them. It should be of benefit to learners and help them feel positive about themselves and their potential to learn The outcomes of initial assessment help to form the individual learning plan (ILP). In fact, it would be difficult to supply all the information needed for an ILP without carrying out a thorough initial assessment. The obvious roles of initial assessment to summarize is to: Agree starting points Identify learning goals Plan routes towards these goals Help learners to feel positive about their potential 1.2 Describe and evaluate different methods of initial assessment for use with learners. Methods of initial assessment vary but it is important that they contain some form of skill/knowledge assessment, which can be validated by the teacher. Methods of initial assessment involve: Observation Interviews Discussions Questions Tests Observation Getting learners to do tasks / exercises to perform a certain skill and observing them lets you see how they are doing. Learners can do presentations about an exercise they have had to do on a topic covered in a lesson, you can observe them doing this and see how well they are doing. Interviews and Discussion Discussing with learners, asking them questions and listening to what they say provides information about how they are and any issues they might have. The interview process could cover things such as: Reasons for applying Previous experience Prior achievements Career aims and aspirations Questions These could be written or oral. If using the same questions for different learners, this could be a problem, as they may pass on the answers. Asking questions can be used to assess knowledge and understanding. Questions should be open which require an answer that demonstrates knowledge. (Ann Gravells 2007). Tests Not all learners are keen on tests; they are seen as very formal methods of assessing learning. A gapped handout can be a useful way of testing knowledge. Learners are presented with information with missing words that they need to fill in. 1.3 Evaluate ways of planning, negotiating and recording appropriate learning goals with learners. As part of initial assessment goals would have been recognised that the learner wants to work towards and achieve. The teacher and the learner would have formally negotiated and agreed upon them. Mager(1984) states: If you dont know where you are going, it is difficult to select a suitable means for getting there A supportive and respectful relationship between learners and the teacher will ensure that realistic goals and targets are agreed, and how their progress will be assessed and recorded (Gravells and Simpson 2008). When targets are being agreed with the learner, these should always be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound). By doing this, everyone is clear about what is to be achieved and why, when, where and how (Gravells and Simpson 2008). Recording the learning goals involves getting the learner involved, getting them to take ownership of them and to agree and negotiate them. All the goals and targets need to be recorded. After doing an initial assessment the information gathered from it allows a teacher to device an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). An ILP provides a record of the 5 stages of RARPA (Recognizing and Recording Progress and Achievement) and allows the learner to reflect on their own learning and achievements. The process of creating an ILP needs to involve the learners. They have to be individual to the learner and embed literacy, language, numeracy and ICT goals. By using regular tutorials and review sessions with the learner, allows the ILP to be updated and amended as needed. 2.6 Identify and evaluate opportunities for learners to provide feedback to inform practice. Reviewing the progress of a learner regularly gives them the opportunity to have a one-to-one with the teacher and gives the learner the opportunity to review where they are up to and to discuss their goals and achievements. Any problems they have can be discussed and evaluated and goals can be amended if needed. Having reviews is an informal way for the learner to give any feedback they may have about how the course is going on a personal level. Learners can be encouraged to give feedback by directly asking them questions. If classes are small and interactive and there is mutual trust and respect on the part of the learners and teacher, then posing questions directly to a class may be feasible. However, there is no scope for anonymity of learner responses and some learners may feel uncomfortable voicing less popular opinions in such a public manner. Learners could give anonymous feedback by means of a questionnaire handout about the course, they would fill it in and put into a box at the end of a lesson. Getting feedback online is a possibility. Learners could email the teacher at particular points in the course with their questions, and some brief comments about what they find useful or arent sure about. Obvious downfalls of using any online method is learners need to have internet access, but if the education establishment has this in place, it doesnt possess any problems. 3.1 Select/adapt, use and justify a range of inclusive learning activities to enthuse and motivate learners, ensuring that curriculum requirements are met. Once schemes of work and lesson plans are devised you need to begin delivering learning. Addressing the diversity of learners by selecting appropriate curriculum and course content is a critical aspect of inclusiveness. Using a mixture of visual, aural and kinaesthetic methods of delivery will help reach all the learning styles of your learners(Ann Gravells, 2007). By using learning activities that use the aforementioned delivery methods you can include all learners learning styles within the class. Remembering that lesson plans will have the courses curriculum learning objectives and outcomes on them we can identify what activities we can use. Some learning activities are: Demonstration Coaching Group exercises Role play By using activities that use a mixture of visual, aural and kinaesthetic methods, we can enthuse all learners. Demonstrations can motivate the learners by getting them to do something practical, for instance, get the learner to put a computer together by actually doing this rather than just discussing about it. The learner would be more enthusiastic and motivated as they are physically doing something; they are not passive, silent learners. Rewarding the student when they have successfully done their activity will motivate them to learn more. Demonstrations can be supported with handouts and other activities to support all learning styles. As Petty states: What the learner does is more important than what the teacher does. Coaching is a one-one or small group activity, which would involve the teacher giving a demonstration, which is then followed by an observation of the learners performance. Using coaching takes into account the needs of the individual. Group exercises could involve members of a group who have a certain skill mixing up with learners who have different skills. This would motivate the learners to work together and gain knowledge from each other and allow inclusive learning to take place. Ginnis(2002) pointed out that learners are more motivated, engaged and open when they have some control over their learning. 3.2 Analyse the strength and limitations of a range of resources, including new and emerging technologies, showing how these resources can be used to promote equality, support diversity and contribute to effective learning. The following are a few resources teachers generally use: OHPs Handouts Information and learning technology(ILT) OHPs have a great strength in the fact they can be used in daylight; you face the class and can therefore more easily control the group, get all the learners involved; it can be used with other aids; material can be prepared before a lesson or as the lesson develops and the material can be stored and used again. Limitations of using OHPs are learners cannot interact with them. They need to be positioned in a classroom so everybody can see the material being presented. If the classroom is large, learners sitting at the back may not be able to see the material clearly. Handouts are useful in the presentation of information or worksheets. Using presentation handouts have the limitation of the fact that learners may take them home and not read them. A handout can be a straightforward record of the teaching that has taken place, evidence indicates that handouts that are solely used in this manner rarely lead to sustained learning. (Armitage et al, 2003). Care must be taken if any learners are dyslexic with the use of colours on the handouts. Gapped handouts are a good way to evaluate if learning has taken place by getting the learners to fill in the missing words. It must be noted that handouts need to promote equality by not using words on them that are gender specific for example, male dominated wording. ILT refers to the use of information and communication technologies to support the core business of your organisation (Gravells and Simpson, 2008). ILT is a term used for the entire computer industry and covers a wide range of technologies. As all learners are individuals with different needs, from different cultural backgrounds, gender, race and different ages the use of ILT promotes equality and supports diversity. E-learning includes the use of electronic learning technologies; as previously mentioned this would include interactive whiteboards and data projectors and virtual learning environments. As each learner has different learning needs, there are different e-learning teaching methods. Some learners may prefer to learn when and where it is convenient for them, this can be achieved by distance learning from home or somewhere else. Learners are able to interact with their teachers and resource materials at a time of their choosing. The obvious limitation is that the learner needs to be self-motivated and may feel they miss out on one-to-one communication with their teacher, they can feel isolated. Using virtual classrooms that duplicates what is found in a real classroom provides teachers and learners to meet virtually; they dont have to be physically in the same room. This is known as asynchronous learning. Learners can engage with each other when it is most convenient for them to do so. They can leave a trail of their postings much like a blog for other learners and the teacher to see. Of course this has its limitations and is open for abuse. Limitations such as the learner could get somebody else to enter the virtual classroom for them; the learner needs to be computer literate and needs access to the internet. The use of audio aids help support diversity, if somebody in the classroom was partially sighted, they would hear the information that is being presented. The teacher could have an induction loop system in the classroom to include learners with a hearing impairment. By providing different environments and a range of resources, effective learning can take place. It is evident that by using a range of resources in teaching, different learning styles can be used which supports equality and diversity. 3.4 Select/adapt, use and justify a range of inclusive resources to promote inclusive learning and teaching. The education establishment should promote inclusive learning for everybody. Having easy access to classrooms by means of having lifts for wheel chair users is an important resource. Classrooms should be laid out in such a way that wheel chair access is easily established. Handouts are a clear way of showing if your learners are actually listening and learning. Consideration must be taken when designing handouts if some of your learners are dyslexic or have sight impairments use different colour paper and use a larger-sized font. You may need to photocopy handouts in order to give out to the class, but you may have run out of the budget allocated to you for photocopying. Instead of photocopying them you could email them to the learners and get them to print them out or you could use the education establishments learning platform such as WebCT and encourage learners to access them here. The use of the internet is a great resource for learning and teaching. Most learners would have access to computers at their place of study and have access to the internet. As we all know, the internet has a wealth of information and is a great learning tool. Teachers can use the internet to find lots of free resources by carrying out a search on their particular subject (Gravells and Simpson, 2008). Most educational establishments have access to library resource facilities; learners would be encouraged to use this to help with their learning and assignments. If there is no library resource you could adapt and use the local public library, which would have books, ICT and other useful resources for your learners. Some educational establishments have expert help available to both learners and those teaching them, responding to them and supporting their learning. These are often referred to as disabilities unit or equality unit and will usually contain personnel trained in identifying and responding to specific learning needs (Race, 2007). Their should be departmental help within the teachers department on such issues as ICT assistance, this could come from technicians to help with ICT equipment or a programme leader who could assist with helping the teaching get up to speed with new ICT equipment such as an interactive board. 4.1 Use and evaluate different communication methods and skills to meet the needs of learners and organisations. Communication is a means of passing on information from one person to another. It is also a manner of expression, for example, your body language, voice and gestures you make (Ann Gravells, 2007). Methods of communication involve: Verbal Non-verbal Written Feedback is a verbal communication skill that identifies clearly that learners are actively listening. Speaking clearly at the right pace is an important verbal communication skill. If some of the learners first language is not English, you need to be careful with use of words they may not be familiar with. Non-verbal communication includes such things as your body language, gestures, and even the way you sit. It is important you dress appropriately, act professionally and confidently, as the learners will observe your dress, manner and attitude. Written communication can be in the forms of a handout, email, computerised presentation to name a few. It can be used to direct the learners to do something such as direct them to a given location. Listening is an important communication skill. You need to be able to listen to what your learners say when giving responses and answering your questions. Not being able to listen to what your learners are saying and answering their questions satisfactory causes communication to break down. Empathy and sympathy are also skills of communication. You can express empathy when you have personally experienced something your learners have gone through. You can sympathise when you havent (Gravells and Simpson, 2008). 4.2 Evaluate own communication skills, identifying ways in which these could be improved including an analysis of how barriers to effective communication might be overcome. During part of my team-teach, I tried to communicate clearly and not use any jargon that could have misunderstood the learners. The information that was presented using the data projector was clear and not cluttered. I asked appropriate questions and listened to the learners responses. I felt I spoke too quickly during the team-teach and should have spoken slightly slower than normal. By speaking slightly slower would give the learners time to take in and assimilate what is being conveyed. When giving handouts, I made sure there werent any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors on them, failing to do this would lead to confusion for the learners. A skill to communicating effectively is to project confidence. Asking the right questions at the right time to get the information we need allows us to communicate effectively. Oral communication must be clear and not heavily accented. It must be accurate, not ambiguous or biased and be expressed in a professional manner. We must be aware of what the learners currently know, no point aiming a lesson at too high a level if the learners arent at that point this would lead to confusion. As Nickerson, (1999, 2001) stated: The curse of knowledge leads us to overestimate what others know. Testing communication prior to use can help overcome communication barriers. Learners may have cultural differences, which may have an impact on their literacy learning. Initial assessment may help here, once you are aware of any issues, you can work on them and communicate in a way that enables learners to interpret what you are conveying. The learners body language can help overcome barriers to communication. By using regular eye contact with all learners you can see the expressions on their faces and this helps identify if there is any communication problem. The learners themselves may have barriers; they may have preoccupations, which lead to lapses in concentration, or they may not understand the terminology being used, they may be colour blind thus handouts need to be adapted for them. Physical factors in the classroom play an important part in effective communication. The classroom layout needs to be correctly laid out in order for the learners to see and hear you, the lighting has to be good, and noise levels to a minimum. Introducing a complex topic can cause communication problems to the learners, to overcome this, you need to break the topic down and present it in logical manner. 6.1 Use regular reflection and feedback from others, including learners, to evaluate and improve own practice, making recommendations for modification as appropriate. Prior to doing the team-teach I had to do a micro-teach session and reflect on it. Having kept a reflective journal it was noted that I had to look at timing issues as I was trying to cram too much information into the session that made me run over time. With this taken on board, the team-teach session was done as to not cram too much information in and to try and get the timings more precise. I feel the information content was better, the timings were a little better, although the team-teach still went over time but I believe that was down more to the questions being asked from my peers. At the end of the team-teach, feedback handouts were given out to my peers, which provided me with an evaluation of the session and allowed me to look at possible modifications for future sessions I plan on doing. All the feedback was positive, everybody stated that they had learnt from the session, that the handouts had been clear, that a variety of teaching styles had been used and the visual aids had been used effectively. Some of my peers had commented on how the session may have been improved upon such as not to make the session too subjective and try not to use own opinions without providing evidence. These have been noted in my reflective journal and will allow me to improve my own practice. As well as using a handout for feedback I informally spoke to some of my peers to help me realise if the delivery of the team-teach had been successful or not. My communication skills need improving to make sure I speak clearly, and a little more loudly and slowly than normal. I have learnt that some of the words used in communicating verbally need to reflect equality and inclusiveness and not be biased in any way. I also need to identify which elements of the minimum core is being addressed, especially the specific ones and to add these to my lesson plans and scheme of work in future.

Sex, Marriage, and Family: Revision Paper -- Essays Papers

Sex, Marriage, and Family: Revision Paper A marriage is a very special relationship that couples share. It’s a new level of love and an act of commitment. People get married for various reasons which include legal benefits, procreation, commitment and many others. A marriage provides legal benefits to couples that most other relationships don’t have. For example, if a person in a relationship dies, the spouse can collect the social security benefits only if they are legally married (Lamanna and Reidmann, pg. 260). The word â€Å"family† is a word that is loosely defined in today’s society. The U.S Census Bureau defines family as, â€Å"†¦two or more persons who share a household and who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption.† (Lamanna and Reidmann, pg. 5, pg. 259). There are two types of family: family of orientation and family of procreation. A family of orientation is the family that has raised the individual. The family of procreation is the family that is formed by marriage and by having children. Having a family is very important for a person’s development in society. Usually, a family shares the same value and is there for support when it is needed (Cowan). In society, the people that constitute marriage are the policy makers in our government. Unfortunately, marriage is a privilege and not a right. In some states, homosexuals are not allowed to get married (Lamanna and Reidmann, pg. 276). Although people in s...

Destruction of the American Dream in Arthur Millers Death of A Salesma

Destruction of the American Dream in Arthur Miller's Death of A Salesman A white picket fence surrounds the tangible icons of the American Dreams in the middle 1900's: a mortgage, an automobile, a kitchen appliance paid for on the monthly - installment - plan, and a silver trophy representative of high school football triumph. A pathetic tale examining the consequences of man's harmartias, Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman" satisfies many, but not all, of the essential elements of a tragedy. Reality peels away the thin layers of Willy Loman's American Dream; a dream built on a lifetime of poor choices and false values. Although the characters are not of noble birth nor possess a heroic nature nor experience a reversal of fortune, many of the elements in "Death of A Salesman" fulfill the criteria of a classic tragedy. The downfall and crisis points in the play are directly linked to the Loman family's combined harmartias, or personal flaws. The Loman's have unrealistic ideas regarding the meaning of success. To Willy, the foundation of success is not education or hard work, but rather "who you know and the smile on your face." Moreover, Willy ridicules the education Bernard has earned, declaring that his sons, Biff and Hap, will get further ahead in the business world because "the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked, and you will never want." Willy idolizes two men: his brother, Ben, who walked out of an African jungle a rich man, and an 84-year-old salesman who could "pick a phone in twenty or thirty cities an d be remembered and loved, and finally honored by hundred of mourners at his funeral." To Linda, success is paying off a 25... ...ue values. In addition to the link between a character's downfall and the character's harmartias, recognition, or personal discovery, is a crucial element of tragedy. In the requiem of the play, Biff had a glimpse of personal recognition, although Willy, Linda, and Hap never discover the truth about themselves. Biff realizes Willy had the wrong dreams. In accepting the truth about his father, Biff is able to make a decision about his own future based on a realistic view of his capabilities. Is "Death of A Salesman" a tragedy or an illustration of pathos? By classic standards of tragedy the play fails only in the types of characters and lack of reversal of fortune, not in its examination of the consequences of man's harmartias. Realistic dreams, suitable choices, and honest values are the necessary tools to build the white picket fence of the American Dream.

AirAsia

Cold Storage mission statement is, â€Å"not only do we strive to provide the freshest food produce, the most extensive range of products and wines from all over the world, we also take great effort in making shopping at Cold Storage and Market Place stores exciting, fun and easy! † It promises customers a wide range of products and great shopping experience. Mission statement states the company's direction and goals, and what the company wants. It defines the product or service the company provides and what makes it unique. Most importantly, it lets employees now the purpose of the organization and guide them to achieve the company's objectives.By understanding company's mission statement, employees will know what is expected from them and helps them to be dedicated on their Jobs. Having employees who are committed to the company's mission will certainly have an impact on the service delivery. Process Layout and Service Blueprint Process layout is used at Cold Storage superma rket. The layout aims to improve efficiency by grouping work stations and equipment according to its function and varied processing requirements, and strategically positioned to create a continuous low when customer enters the supermarket. It is flexible and capable of handling a wide variety of products.Products are grouped and displayed according to categories. Causeway Point supermarket outlet has two separate areas in their layout. Entering the supermarket, customers will see the first area with stations displaying only fruits and vegetables. The layout somewhat guide customer to the next area where rows of shelves, freezers and chillers are positioned to display other products. The checkout counters are positioned in one row and located near the exit. The frontline of the supermarket are the checkout counters. Possible risk exists here because this is where customers have direct contact with the employees.A possible risk is the quality of service provided by the employee perfor ming the cashier duty may not meet company or/and customer expectations. Different employees have different behavior and skills and so the service delivery may vary too. There is also the risk of customers being frustrated when the queue is long and not moving as quickly as they want. Although the layout is well organized with spacious aisles for customers to move easily, the space between the checkout counter and the nearest helves is not big enough which result in congested queue during peak hours.However, preventive measures have been taken. Dedicated counters were setup strategically to prevent long queue formation. With a dedicated express counter for few items purchase and two other counters proportioning customers with small children and customers who are either elderly, pregnant or have disability. In addition, during peak hours additional employee is assigned at each counter to assist in packing the purchased items while the cashier focuses in entering/scanning the prices a nd handle cash or credit card transactions. This speed up the process while ensuring customers from feeling frustrated.Although there may be a possibility of long queue, with additional staffs and counters, the checkout will be fast and customers will appreciate the store's effort. Cold Storage has achieved efficiency of operation. The spacious layout allows easy mobility for customers in getting the products they want and the average queue turnaround time during peak hours are successfully reduced by its preventive measure at the checkout counters. The company also achieved quality service as per observation. The cashier exudes armor personality when communicating with customers.By providing temporary assistance to the cashier during peak period, it reduces the employee's stress level by providing a conducive environment for staff to achieve the service standard requirement. Quantitative and Qualitative Performance Measures One quantitative performance measure that is relevant for Cold Storage would be calculating its growth rate in sales. By calculating the sales growth rate profitability, it tells if they meet their sales level target. It is one way to gauge how well a company is doing as well as knowing its potential for future sales growth.Another quantitative performance measure is finding the percentage of sales obtained from new products. This performance measure will indicate whether customers engage in browsing the store and if they manage to attract customer to the new products in the store. If the percentage is found to be low, then the company can take appropriate measures to increase customer's engagement or implement ways to attract customers to buy the new products, for example, by offering special offer promotions and better display of signage, etc. One qualitative performance measure is by looking at the number of customer complaints.Monitoring the number of customer complaints will provide an indication on the service level, ability to ident ify the problems that lead to the complaints and to find a resolution. Customer's complaints and feedback are a good source of information that identifies problem and appropriate steps to solve or eliminate the issues. Another qualitative performance measure is computing the average output per employee. This measures each employee's productivity and thus, the company will be able to identify which employee has difficulty in his work or if he has behavioral issues.Then a resolution an be implemented through various methods such as rewards for the most productive employee, retraining employee who lacks the required skills and disciplining of employees if required. SERVICEABLE Serviceable are the physical factors of the store that can be controlled by the firm to enhance (or constraint) employees and customers' activities. It influences customers' perception of the quality of the service experience. Its supermarkets' entrances have big â€Å"Cold Storage† signage with the slogan â€Å"The fresh food people†. The store is well lighted with its white walls and floors.The store's layout is big and spacious and signed in such a way that it guides customers throughout the store with ease. Several large signage are displayed at all counters. The store is well ventilated and air-conditioned at a Just nice temperature. The signage at the entrance acts as a stimulus that communicates non-verbally to customers about the company and its expected outcome. Serviceable influences the perception and customers will distinguish companies by the way it is categorized. In this case, customers can identify that Cold Storage is the place for fresh food purchases. Serviceable can evoke emotional response.Environmental factors such as colors, lighting and dcord may have an influence on customer's mood. Places that cause pleasurable experience tend to make people spend more time and money while unpleasant environments are usually avoided. Cold Storage serviceable evokes a welcoming feeling with its white color, good lighting and spacious layout. Serviceable can also evoke physiological responses. Low lighting might decrease ability to see products and may cause the eyes to strain. â€Å"Inhospitable† temperature and a crowded layout will cause discomfort or/and stress to customers which may lead to them to hasten their hopping experience.Whereas a well-designed spacious layout with the right temperature and lighting will make customers feel more comfortable. Cold Storage well designed serviceable makes customers feel comfortable and encourages engagement in more browsing which may lead to more purchases. Serviceable may influence social interaction between the customers and employees too. Customer's response to the serviceable can influence the quality of interaction. The physical set up of Cold Storage check-out counter facilitate positive employee-customer interaction as it encourages customers to approach its employees if they assistance.St orage can redesign their website and app so customers can suggest particular products they would like the store to carry. Using such information, the company will know its customers' wants and needs by evaluating the suggested products for quality and salability before stocking them. Another recommendation would be providing kid-friendly carts that are video-equipped to entertain the children while parents can shop at ease. This aligns to the company's mission in making shopping at Cold Storage exciting, fun and easy. However, both recommendations require some investment from the company. (1455 words)

Digital Learning vs Traditional Essay

Teachers are a school’s most critical resource. Research continues to show that effective teaching is the most important school-related factor in student achievement, yet access to effective teaching remains widely uneven and inequitably distributed. The teaching profession faces multiple challenges while serving at the front line of improving outcomes for students. First, the nation’s teaching force is increasingly less experienced; today’s typical teacher has just one to two years of experience, compared to fifteen years in 1987. 15 Compounding the lessening content and pedagogical experience in the classroom, school districts also face shortages of teachers in critical areas like physics and chemistry, meaning that many students do not have access to those courses taught by an experienced, certified teacher. In 2007–08, nearly 60 percent of public school classes in high school physical science were taught by teacher who did not major in that subject area. 16 The challenge of finding certified teachers is particularly difficult in rural areas. The state of Georgia, for example, has 440 high schools but only 88 physics teachers. 17 Even Minnesota, which is considered a high-achieving state, has only 182 certified physics teachers for its 971 high schools. 18 And it is not surprising that schools with lower socioeconomic status have a harder time filling vacancies in key areas such as science. 19 Faced with increased administrative, bureaucratic, academic, and social responsibilities with fewer years of experience, teachers find they are not always able to personalize instruction as much as they would like. Fewer than half (46 percent) of math teachers say they can differentiate instruction a great deal. Seventy percent of teachers who say their students are likely to go to college report that they can offer significantly differentiated instruction, compared to only 50 percent of teachers who are in schools with less of a college-going culture. Even more worrisome, 45 percent of students who say they have considered dropping out of school Simply slapping a netbook on give their teachers a D or an F in differentiating top of a textbook, however, will instruction to meet students’ individual needs. not necessarily lead to significant Recent studies of high-performing urban schools outcomes. and evaluations of successful high school reform models have identified â€Å"personalization† and â€Å"instructional improvement† as the twin pillars of high school reform. Creating a personalized high school experience requires high expectations for all students, reliable information about school performance and students’ needs and interests, the capacity to individualize instruction and support, and multiple pathways to a high school diploma. 20 Research continues to indicate that student engagement is critical to preventing dropouts. 21 Growing Opportunities to Improve Learning for All Students Multiple forces are converging to create a significant opportunity with the power to affect education greatly within the next two to three years. First, the technology available for instruction is improving continuously. Second, the cost of the technology continues to decrease. This paper would become dated instantly if it listed exact items and prices, but the price of computer memory is a useful reference. In 1980, a gigabyte of information cost around $200,000. In 2011, a terabyte—more than a thousand gigabytes, and about 2,000 hours of high-quality audio data—cost around $100. 22 Additionally, more and more students today are what could be called â€Å"digital natives,† already accustomed to the rapid feedback, collaborative nature, and ease of use of many digital technolgies. 23 Page 7 Alliance for Excellent Education Meanwhile, forty-six states and the District of Columbia have adopted the common core state standards, affecting 90 percent of the nation’s students. The commitment to ensuring that students graduate from high school college and career ready will require unprecedented work to implement new content, instructional strategies, teacher preparation, and assessments. The benefit is that curriculum developers, who have had to address fifty different sets of standards in the past, can work from one clear set of standards. Sustained professional learning for teachers will also be able to utilize this uniform set of expectations. Just as significantly, almost all states are now working through two assessment consortia to develop online assessments for the common core state standards to be put in place by 2014. The technology exists to make this implementation possible and to lead a significant transformation of the nation’s education system. The Gap Simply slapping a netbook on top of a textbook, however, will not necessarily lead to significant outcomes. Critical for learning success with digital learning is developing a comprehensive strategy that has a foundation of involvement and sustained career training for teachers—not occasional professional development—which concentrates not just on the technology, but also on the pedagogical skills needed to use the technology in teaching and learning. As Greg Whitby, an executive director of schools in Australia who is implementing a widespread digital learning program across a 40,000-student district in Sydney, stressed, â€Å"It’s first about the pedagogy, then comes the technology. †24 As this paper will demonstrate, effective digital media combined with powerful teaching, rich content, and engaged students has the potential to take learning in the United States to a much higher level and provide all students with experiences that allow them to graduate prepared for college and a career. But education is still slow to adopt these technologies. While the National Center for Education Statistics reports that 97 percent of all teachers had access to a computer in their classroom in 2009, only 72 percent of all teachers, and 64 percent of secondary school teachers, said they used computers for instruction. 25 The use of technology—defined as information technology such as computers, devices that can be attached to computers (e. g. , LCD projector, interactive whiteboard, digital camera), networks (e. g. , internet, local networks), and computer software—for higher-order skill development was much lower.

Rich and Poor People In the 19th Century Britain

The different lifestyles and experiences, of rich and poor people in the 19th century Britain. The quality of life in the Victorian times depended on whether people were rich or poor. Wealthy people enjoyed a good and easy life, but on the other hand poorer people had a rough and hard life, often ending up in the workhouse or early death. By 1851 British society divided into social classes. The aristocracy were powerful and wealthy. The middle class, who ran the businesses, were ambitious and growing in wealth. The people in villages, in the towns, working as servant in the homes of the rich were very poor.The life of the rich, birth mattered more than money. A rich baby boy had governesses and nannies, then went to public school such as Eton or Harrow, finishing his education at Oxford or Cambridge. Girls were educated at home and getting prepared for marriage. Some girls went to boarding school and at the end of the 19th century, a small number were able to go to university. The el dest son inherited his father’s estate and title. In a rich household their meals where far more then they could eat and the rest was passed on to the employers who lived on their land. As the century went on, middle-class people took annual holiday.Behaviour in a typical middle-class family was proper. Children spent most of the time with the nanny and called the father â€Å"Sir†. The mother’s job was to stay at home and tells servants and tradesmen what to do. The middle-class house values where religion, modesty, cleanliness, self-improvement and hard work. They enjoyed musical evenings, stamp collecting, butterfly collecting and the theatre. The working class lived on their employer’s land in little cottages. If the working class would ever leave their employer they would have to leave their accommodation and make them homeless or go into workhouses.That’s why a lot of people stayed in the same employment for a long time. At the start of the 1 9th century few poor people received an education until the 1880 education act made primary school compulsory. Poverty is the state of being poor. For the poor most children have to work because their family needed the money. The more people in the family who worked, the more money they had. More money means more food and better living conditions. Very poor people with no home or job lived in workhouses and families got split up. They earned their keep by doing jobs in the workhouse.The idea was that the poor were helped to support themselves. For most of the population poverty brought terrible living and working conditions. Millions of people were living in terrible squalor. They lived in cold, damp, badly built houses. They where overcrowded which led to spread of disease. Working conditions were dreadful and people got low pay for long hours working in factories, mines and mills. Work was hard, and dangerous with little safety and poor working conditions. Huge social problems led to alcoholism and violence. This was happening up and down the land in the cities of Britain.During the 19th century people had strong beliefs about the causes of poverty. People believed that it was a person’s own doing that they lived in poverty, as it was due to the own behaviour, laziness, alcoholism or wasting the money that they had. A person should help themselves to avoid poverty and to get out of poverty. It was called self-help. The next step in this essay will be looking at some source material to find out which is primary and secondary. Primary sources are can also exist in many copies, if they were popular and widely available at the time that they were created.Secondary sources were called secondary because they are created after primary sources and they often use or talk about primary sources. Secondary sources can give additional options sometimes called bias, on a past event or on the primary source. Secondary sources often have many copies. Looking at Sourc e D: This is a secondary source, as it was written in 2001 by Victorian diaries in London. The diary was written unwittingly as the author Lady Maria Hobart did not expect anyone to read her diary. Also it is unwittingly written, because it describes an event out of her life.The diary is the primary source of the memory of the special day and written by her, produced at the time. She was also very wealthy as there was a maid and eight bride’s mates and she was made by a sir at the church. She had a horse and carriage picking her and her husband up from church after their wedding ceremony. She was an educated lady and her workforce came out cheerfully to celebrate their marriage. There is a very positive bias and it is very well written and precise. Source B: this source is not very reliable, as he is protective of his father and may be distorted due to his age.The father was the only source of income that points out that this family was very poor. This is also a primary sourc e as George Edwards recalls his life in this diary. The workhouse was also a strong point that this family was poor. The images in source F we see here are all primary images as there were photos taken at the time. The images showing the upper and working class looking at image one is strongly biased as it only represents the upper class. Image six was wittingly taken. The intention was to show the poor. Image two shows a child as a miner In 1842 the mines act stopped working girls and boys under 10 from work in mines.This also represents a poor family as all the member in a poor family had to work, even children. Also a primary source as it was taken at the time of the event. The conclusion on primary and secondary sources is, primary sources come first hand from the source or person. Diaries would be a primary source because it is written directly by the individual writing in the diary. Information that has been stated, but not interpreted by others. Secondary sources are sources that were written about primary sources. Secondary sources analyse, interpret and discuss information about primary source.

Explain why certain types of environmental pollution

As such and to begin with our study, It is recommended that we need to first revisit some of the salient and prerequisite overview of shipping before we move on to having detailed review and study of shipping finance In subsequent modules In view of the facts that: the overview to be gone through In this module Is closely related to and specifically associated with shipping finance, and most Importantly, contents of this module are ongoing to be mentioned and re-examined again In subsequent modules concerning sloping finance For our study, this module Intends to cover the following major topics and areas:- A.The four shipping markets, B. The sea transport system (or the economic model of sea transports C. The shipping market cycle, D. Ship registration, E. One-ship company and Mare injunction, F. Maritime lien, G. Merger and acquisition in the shipping industry, and H. Ship investment strategy and criteria. As a start of this module, it is widely noted that the central role of shippi ng offers sea rainspout to facilitate global trade and promote economic development.In addition, the shipping industry is an integral part of the international trading system and its core function is to facilitate international trade through connecting the sources of supply and demand for commodities. Indeed, shipping, trade and economic development all go hand in hand: it is estimated that over 95% of international trade In terms of volume is carried out through shipping, and over the past decades, shipping has developed into a high profile industry which has become a riving force for the creation of wealth in the world and well being of the people.Module 1 – Overview of Shipping and Shipping Finance Page 2 Shipping Is essential to the functioning of the global economy and Its dependence upon moving goods from production to consumption sites. Raw materials and finished goods have been the mall cargoes in international trade. In later decades, trade In Intermediate goods for further processing has grown steeply and In parallel with the so-called fragmentation of production processes. Fragmentation Implies that the production recess Is split Into several geographically different locations so that each component Is produced where the production costs are most favorable.Trade In these components constitutes an important share of seaborne trade. World seaborne trade rises with economic growth. The development of world gross domestic product (GAP) and the seaborne cargo flows show this. Fragmentation and specialization further increase the volume traded relative to the production volume. Furthermore, shipping with the world economy, exploring and exploiting the ebb and flow of trade. Today, it as become a tightly knit global business community, built on communications and free trade.Henceforth, when studying shipping and its relevant topics (shipping finance is one of the most important topics of shipping), one must bear in mind that there is a close link be tween shipping, international trade and economic development since the demand for sea transport is well-driven by international trade and economic development (regional or global) – based on which the up-and-down of the shipping business is by and large in line with the movement of international read and development of global economies.Diagrams 1 and 2 below displays the relationship between world GAP cycles, volume of the sea trade COED industrial production, and the most important influence on demand for sea transport is largely the world economy (which also drives international trade): A.The Four Shipping Markets The international shipping industry can be divided into and sea transport services are provided by four closely related shipping markets, each trading in a different commodity: the freight market trades sea transport, where the ship-owner charters he ships and concludes freight agreements, the sale and purchase market trades second-hand ships, where the ship-owner trades (buys or sells) the ships, the unbinding market trades unbinding and new ships, where the ship-owner orders the unbinding of the ships from the shipyard, and the demolition market deals in ships for scrapping, where the ship-owner finally sells the ships for scrapping.International trade and economic development Demand and supply of shipping Demand and supply of shipping finance The four shipping markets Shipping market cycles Shipping investment strategy and criteria freight market sale and purchase market unbinding market demolition market Demand and supply of sea transport Module 1 – Overview of Shipping and Shipping Finance Page 5 These four markets are somehow linked by cash flow and push the market traders in the direction they prefer and want. In addition, because the same ship-owner may be trading in all four markets, their activities and the relationship with cash flow are closely correlated and can be summarized in Diagram 4:

Charles Darwin Essay Natural Selection Example For Students

Charles Darwin Essay Natural Selection Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He was the son of Robert WaringDarwin and his wife Susannah; and the grandson of the scientist Erasmus Darwin,and of the potter Josiah Wedgwood. His mother died when he was eight years old,and he was brought up by his sister. He was taught classics at Shrewsbury, thensent to Edinburgh to study medicine, which he hated, and a final attempt ateducating him was made by sending him to Christs College, Cambridge, to studytheology (1827). During that period he loved to collect plants, insects, andgeological specimens, guided by his cousin William Darwin Fox, an entomologist. His scientific inclinations were encouraged by his botany professor, JohnStevens Henslow, who was instrumental, depsite heavy paternal opposition, insecuring a place for Darwin as a naturalist on the surveying expedition of HMSBeagle to Patagonia (1831-6). Under Captain Robert Fitzroy, he visited Tenerife,the Cape Verde Is, Brazil, Montevideo, Tierra del Fuego, Buenos Aires,Valparaiso, Chile, the Galapagos, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Tasmania. In theKeeling Is he devised his theory of coral reefs. During this five-yearexpedition he obtained intimate knowledge of the fauna, flora, and geology ofmany lands, which equipped him for his later investigations. By 1846 he hadpublished several works on the geologcial and zoological descoveries of hisvoyage- works that placed him at once in the front rank of scientists. Hedeveloped a friendship with Sir Charles Lyell, became secretary of theGeological Society (1838-41), and in 1839 married his cousin Emma Wedgewood(1808-96). From 1842 he lived a t Down House, Downe, Kent, a country gentlemanamong his gardens, conservatories, pigeons, and fowls. The practical knowledgehe gained there, especially in variation and interbreeding, proved invaluable. Private means enabled him to devote himself to science, in spite of continuousill-health: it was not realized until after his death that he had suffered fromChagass diasease, which he had contracted from an insect bite while in SouthAmerica. At Down House he addressed himself to the great work of his life- theproblem of the origin of species. After five years of collecting the evidence,he began to speculate on the subject. In 1842 he drew up his observations insome short.