Family assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Family assessment - Essay Example Moreover, the house is adequately spacious with every member of the family enjoying his/her own personal space. The family owns a dog. The house has a solar water-heating panel with fixed air conditioners. The family does not own any firearm. The house is equipped with smoke detector equipment in virtually all rooms. There are three fire extinguishers in the house. One is located in the living room, one in the corridor downstairs, and the other one in the corridor upstairs. All the medication is kept in the bathroom shelves while other chemicals and cleaning agents are safely kept in the store located in the garage. The windows and doors of the house are firmly protected with system locks that are synced with a sophisticated security system. The house has one emergency exit at the rear end of the building. The Andersons own a family van that aids in their transportation. They exercise road safety by emphasizing on good practices like fastening of seatbelts. All the family members are satisfied with the level of security in their homes. Every family faces a number of challenges. These challenges arise from the complex nature of relationships within the family setting (Duvall, 1962). The Andersons are a very small family comprising of two parents, father and mother, and a daughter. Both parents are employed and have day jobs and subsequently provide for the needs of the family. A number of roles exist that either mutually shared by each family member or left exclusively to another member. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are responsible for catering to the emotional needs of their daughter Vivian. They are tasked with the objective of providing counseling sessions and emotional support to their daughter in order to prevent instances of emotional stress. Moreover, both parents provide each other with emotional support in times of emotional stress resulting from various undertakings. No overlap in the emotional needs existed where one family member’s

Honda Environmental Leadership Essay Example for Free

Honda Environmental Leadership Essay Honda Motor Co. is the largest motor cycle manufacturer and a leading automaker in the world. With a worldwide network of over 501 subsidiaries, Honda’s diverse portfolio includes small sized general purpose engines to scooters and sports cars. The philosophy of Honda Motor Co. is well entrenched with the Japanese culture of pursuing the ‘triple joys’. The triple joys reflect the joys of buying, selling and creating. The company has been particularly recognized world over for its initiatives in tackling environmental challenges. Although environmental concerns and need for reciprocative action became eminent in the mid 1980s, Honda’s efforts in this direction can be attributed to the 1960s when air pollution was first understood. The environmental leadership at Honda is deeply rooted in the company’s vision to be ‘a company that the society wants to exist’ (Honda Motors, 2010). Today people throughout the world have become conscious of the damages automobiles can do to our environment. Thus we see environment friendly automotive technologies emerging in response to uncovering environmental situation. The concept of Green Motoring has taken shape, which involves using alternative fuels in order to reduce air pollution. Among the efforts automotive manufacturers take to contribute to the environment, is the use of fuels generated from bio alcohols and bio mass. Green motoring is now focused on using hydrogen as a fuel (Green Field H 2008). The vision of the company is indeed too radical, at least with respect to environment protection. Wanting to see itself as an entity that the society doesn’t object, is indeed an unprecedented thought, reflecting its understanding of public thinking. This philosophy also highlights the importance it attaches to public perception of environmental degradation. The company seems to believe that the society will allow it to exist only if it is compliance with its expectations. It is therefore no wonder that Honda had taken a leadership role well ahead of its competitors, proactively. The environmental impact has been fully analyzed, encompassing its manufacturing process, the vehicles manufactured, the support activities like administration, transportation etc. The environment friendly initiatives are reflected in all its subsidiaries throughout the world. Honda seems to have made environmental concern a part of its global strategy. All Honda operations throughout the world, have a significant bearing with respect to environment protection for the countries in which they operate. Discussion Honda seeks to create new value by incorporating innovative ideas that reflect the changing needs. The company is committed to the future, by minimizing its effects on the environment and its intake of earth’s resources. A recent survey by DuPont and the Society of Automotive Industry (SAE) has identified environmental concerns as being the biggest challenge for the industry. According to Chris Murphy DuPont director, environmental considerations are transforming vehicle design and development and have become a differentiator in the marketplace. About 54% of the respondents saw fuel efficient vehicles with reduced environmental impact as being primary to the consumers (Laura 2008). On its part, Honda seeks to address climate change, produced due to higher concentration of CO2, CFC and other greenhouses gases. By introducing hybrid and fuel economizing technologies, CO2 emissions are not only reduced in Honda vehicles, but throughout its entire corporate activity. With regard to depletion of resources, Honda has been developing technologies, solar cell development and energy saving technologies. The company is well set to be ahead of the stipulations expected of it, as a vehicle manufacturer. The ongoing regulations are only expected to get tougher with time, and vehicle manufacturer in particular have to be well prepared to achieve the required standards. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requires cars and SUVs to increase their fuel efficiency by about 4% each year. Thus by 2020, a fuel efficiency of about 35 miles per gallon has to be achieved (Crawley, 2007). The compliance of Honda to environmental concerns is evident from its 1972 development of the CVCC engine in compliance with the US Clean Air Act, which was the world’s toughest emission regulation of the time. The company pursued its development of catalytic converter and other such clean emission technologies in the last four decades resulting in its vehicles emissions being reduced to 1/1000 of its 1970 levels. Honda is currently promoting its Green Factory initiative worldwide, together with energy conservation and waste reduction initiatives in its non-production activities. About 324 subsidiaries including 224 non-manufacturing companies have been covered by this (Honda Motors, 2010). The direct and indirect energy consumption at Honda Motors is shown in Appendix 1, while region wise energy, water consumption and waste are shown in Appendix 2. The genuine efforts in wanting to pass a beautiful natural environment to the future generation is reflected in the company setting up its own independent goals and working towards the same. Some of the notable concepts in Honda environmental aspirations are: Green Vehicle development: Striving towards development of zero emission for all its vehicles, Honda became the first Japanese company to comply with the recent emission regulations. The company developed a special exhaust air injection system and a programmed system for fuel injection which is currently used in its VFR motorcycle. The company’s 50cc Giorno Crea scooter is highly fuel efficient and also environment friendly. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): Even as early as 1986, Honda had been involved in the development of a hydrogen powered fuel cell electric vehicle, today seen in the form of FCX Clarity FCEV. The car has been the result of two decades of work by Honda’s engineers, in an effort to truly preserve the earth’s environment. The car uses an electric motor and a fuel cell stack and does not emit any CO2. When the fuel cell stack was developed for the first time in 1999, it was too large and bulky. Through continuous research and development the fuel cell stack underwent transformation to become smaller and lighter and yet more powerful (American Honda, 2010). This in turn enabled the vehicle to become elegant and comfortable. The highlights of FCX Clarity FCEV are: †¢ Only water vapor emission †¢ Reduces carbon dioxide emissions significantly †¢ Certified as a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) Green Dealer: The Green dealer concept streamlines and enables efficient use of water, electricity and paper through continuous assessments and improvements of existing systems. The concept is directed at conservation of the environment and keeping the polluting activities to a minimum (HMSI, 2007). Creating an awareness of environment among the employees and the general public is also a part of this scheme. Goal setting: Honda’s efforts towards environmental preservation are reflected through individually defined targets. In 2006 it set emission reduction goals for CO2 emission, to be reached by 2010. In 2007 the company set targets for reducing environmental impact, also intended to be achieved by 2010. The company is on track to reach targets. The future is only getting tougher for the vehicle manufacturers, though Honda is firmly set to meet the required goals. While setting environmental goals for itself, across global operations, Honda has been too detailed in its approach. The company approached the environment problem from several perspectives. As part of its global environmental policy, Honda sets specific goals with regard to its Life Cycle Assessment System, by which the environmental impact is measured and analyzed. Apart from monitoring and reducing its emissions, it also studied and monitored the impact on environment due to its emissions. The company through its suppliers and partners, thus sought solutions through innovations and technologies, to look for ways to be in harmony with nature. Honda of Canada Manufacturing (HCM) was among the first auto manufacturers to receive the ISO 14001 certification. HCM today recycles about 99% of its production waste and is working towards 100% recycling (Cambridge Center Honda, 2010). The company is credited with bringing the first Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) to Canada. In 2003 when it started production of the Civic GX, the car was rated by the EPA as having the cleanest IC engine in the world. In 2002 March, Honda introduced the Honda life cycle assessment system (LCA) to estimate the environmental impact of its products. CO2 is one of the main elements that are monitored through this assessment of products, from manufacturing to disposal. Corresponding to the levels detected, targets are set for all domains including production, sales and service, and administration, with initiatives implemented to achieve targets. In 2007 Honda introduced the product life cycle assessment system (LCA) which revolves on the CO2 emissions from a single vehicle through its lifetime. The calculations revealed that 78% of CO2 emissions are associated with product use and 6% during its emission. The company can now assess CO2 emissions more accurately, for every aspect of the vehicle’s life, thus contributing to reduction efforts. The CO2 targeted reductions are thus directed at 80% of the total emissions, with regard to LCA. Conclusion and recommendations All sectors of global economy are increasingly coming under environmental regulations to ensure that all business practices, no longer continue with disregard to the environment. The vehicle manufacturers are among the earliest to receive such stipulations as vehicles are a major contributor to pollution. These manufacturers are faced with a challenge of optimizing lean manufacturing and environment conservation. While the two aspects of manufacturing are important, the approaches to both are different, and have a huge bearing on the organization’s success. Honda is indeed an automaker with a vision for a sustained future, as evident from its setting up environment based goals and policies, proactively. The waste reduction culture at Honda indeed has obvious benefits for the environment (Maxwell, 1998). There are several societies and organizations that make up this world of ours. The culture and priorities of these are widely varied. Not all their approaches and intentions are the same. This reflects their attitude towards environment too. Although we share the same environment, there is no guarantee that competitors would be equally concerned of the environment. When some organizations take immense pain and effort to protect the environment, investing immensely in it, their competitors can easily make profits by avoiding or manipulating these. Environmental protection requires fundamentally an understanding, a concern of one’s actions on the environment. Honda has set an exceptional example by understanding its actions on the environment, and taking cautious and big steps towards ensuring a sustainable environment. The environment is a common habitat for all, whether one indulges in pollution or not. Organizations should follow the footsteps of Honda with a sense of same involvement and dedication, for only then we can give a future to the following generations.

Apple Inc Marketing Case Study Marketing Essay

Apple Inc Marketing Case Study Marketing Essay Apple was founded by Steven Wozniak and Steven Jobs in 1976. The company was founded by releasing the first successful mass-produced personal computer. Steve Wozniak designed the Apple I design was his addition to the success of Apple. Steve Jobs recognized the potential market for the personal computer. Their combined talents created the successful start of the company. The technology market is fast paced and Apple has shown growth and innovation to stay at the forefront of this market. The company has expanded from the Apple I and desktop computers to mobile computers, PDAs, MP3 players, and most recently the mobile phone market. Innovation has been a key role in the success of Apple As a business strategy, Apple leverages its ability, through the design and development of its own operating system, hardware, and many software applications and technologies, to bring to its customers around the world compelling new products and solutions with superior ease-of-use, seamless integration, and innovative industrial design. This strategy has worked well for the company since it first opened. Apple has been able to create brand strength by focusing on a limited number of products ensuring that they are high quality. They have focused on their innovative strength playing up the release of their product by keeping them behind closed doors and when ready Steve Jobs announces and demonstrates the product which creates an excitement in consumers waiting to see what the latest and greatest technology will be. Apple has also built a customer loyalty not seen in its competition. With the recent releasing of the i products, iMac, iPod, iTouch, and iPhone loyal consumers have been referred to as icustomers due to their loyalty to the brand. Apple has used the i product to create a Halo effect for its other products. Using the lower cost products like iPods to show the ease-of-use and high quality of products that Apple produces to create a selling point for higher end products like their desktops. The Apple Company has also created partnerships with their competitors which has strengthened the company. Rather than use time researching and developing some products like Google maps and YouTube, Apple has incorporated the already market saturated applications in their products. The time and funds are better served researching and developing the next product that will wow the market. Apples overall financial standing is forward moving and shows good growth. Net income has constantly increased each year with an average 38.1% growth over the past three years. In 2004 Apple eliminated the $300 million of long-term debt it had outstanding resulting in no long-term debt reported from 2003 to 2007. This debt was eliminated without funding reduction in other areas of the company. Strategic Weaknesses Apple is the market share leader for MP3 players and smart phones, but is far below the market shares of its competitors in computers. Apple held only 8.5% of the market share in the second quarter of 2008 compared to Dell Inc at 31.9% and Hewlett-Packard at 25.3%. In 2007 Apple held only 6.4% of the market compared to Dell Inc at 27.9% and Hewlett-Packard at 25.8%. Apples sales have been made up of an average of 46% of their total net sales from 2004 to 2007. When the market share dropped in 2007 sales still increase for the overall but was due to increases in iPod sales and other music-related products and services that had significant increases that year. The low market share in 2007 can be explained by the economic recession. Consumers in a weak economy look towards the less expensive options available which shifts the market towards Apples competitors Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Apples products do have some degree of cannibalization. Each product line has offering for different cost based markets and the differentiation of products has started to blur. iPods serve a low price market, iTouch serve a midrange market and the computers represent a high price market. The technology market fluctuates very strongly with the economy, so with a down turning economy iPods would cannibalize the sales of the iTouch product. iPhones also incorporate a music player eliminating the need for both the mobile phone and music player. Still sales of each item have shown an overall growth each year in the market with exception to computers. Below is a table representing the percent increase of sales that Apple has in desktops and laptops. The overall growth percentage of sales has fluctuated but comparing years with similar percentages of growth, 2005 and 2007 show that laptops have cannibalized desktops. In 2005 desktop sales had a 35.5% growth by units from the prior year and laptops only increase by 7.3%. In 2007 desktops growth per units sold was only 10.3% and laptops increased 33.8% from the prior year. Apple will see a common trend for iPods in relationship to iPhones and other products that incorporate music players in future years. % Unit Sale Increase from Prior Year 2007 2006 2005 2004 Desktops 10.3% -3.5% 35.5% -8.1% Laptops 33.8% 29.8% 7.3% 24.8% Total Macintosh 24.7% 4.5% 27.4% 8.4% Another weakness Apple has is issues that have surrounded new product releases. In 2001 when the first iPod was released it was criticized for its short battery life which lead to lawsuit filed for misrepresenting the battery life. Again in 2005 with the release of the Nano customers complained about the devices reporting that they would freeze up, stop functioning, and that the products casing was very susceptible to scratches. Despite the poor product releases the iPods consumers still found the product to be a quality product and iPods still held the top market share of MP3s. In 2007 the second generation of iPhone was released and the price was lowered to $399. This was described as larger-than-normal price drop in a short period of time and had consumers speculating that Apple had unfair pricing. These issues that Apple has faced with product releases show that there is a flaw in Apples research and development process. If Apple was to experience a recall on its products or cont inues to have issues like these for its new products their products will no longer be seen as high quality and will create a fear in consumers to wait to purchase Apple products until they know that it doesnt have any issues. The final weakness that Apple has is its reliance on Steve Jobs as CEO. It wasnt until Steve Jobs returned with his expanded role with Apple that it started showing consistency in the forward successful movement to achieve the companys strategic objectives. Between 1981 and 1997 Apple was under the direction of six different chief executive officers. In 1997 Steve Jobs was given an expanded role and in 2000 became the official CEO. Starting in 1997 Steve Jobs made many changes including, a new board of directors, initiated aggressive advertising campaign, created an alliance with Microsoft ending their legal dispute, start an e-commerce for consumer direct sales, and releasing the iMAC a product for the lower-end consumer market. After 2000 and the official announcement that Steve Jobs would be Apples CEO he continued to expand on the successes releasing the iPod which opened up the music industry to the company and many additional opportunities over the next years. Apple needs a lea der like Steve Jobs to keep the company on a forward moving path using its strategic plan. The other CEOs that Apple has had have not been able implement the strategic plan like Steve Jobs who co-founded the company. Recommendations Apples low market share exists due to its higher price and software compatibility. In 1997 Steve Jobs started to close the software compatibility gap by creating an alliance with Microsoft who agreed to make Windows available to Mac users. Apple will not reduce its price, at least not enough to compete with Dell or Hewlett-Packard, the products price is part of the brand image as a quality and innovative product. I would recommend Apple attempt to keep their market share at 8% or higher for the computer market. To achieve this Apple should use smaller price reductions that would not effect product perception. Other than price reduction the only way for Apple to increase market share would be to create a new innovative product related to the computer market. Pretty much, Apple and Dell are the only ones in this industry making money. They make it by being Wal-Mart. We make it by innovation. Steve Jobs In relation to Apples products and the potential for cannibalization between them I would recommend research and development of a software product that can allow you to share files, music, and applications between the products. Currently Apple offers MobileMe for a $99/year fee for a service that can be accessed through applications on a consumers iPhone, iTouch, or Mac that provides 20 GB of off site storage. Verse this option that is competing with free versions like DropBox I am recommending a wireless sync between products so files can be moved quickly and conveniently between the products with a simple touch. Moving music, presentations, or pictures between the devices with easy would help build value in owning multiple products in similar markets. My next recommendation would be to assess Apples research and development process. The release problems that Apple has experienced show an effect on sales and effect the high quality brand name that Apple has worked hard at maintaining. Currently Apple only uses 3% of net sales for research and development. I would suggest taking more time and using more funds in necessary to ensure that the products they release will not continue to this trend of negative product releases. My last recommendation would be to lay the ground work for Steve Jobs replacement. I would recommended using someone already working for Apple that understands the strategic plan and foster a mentorship for this person for a few years to create a smooth transition. I would recommend if a all possible for Steve Jobs to not just exit the company but remain in an advisor position as part of the companys board to ensure that his successor remains on track to achieve the strategic objectives that have make Apple a successful company. Comments/Observations/Questions Amazon opening Droid application store Apple announced a few days ago, Bertrand Serlet, a senior software engineer at the company since the return of Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs in 1997 and a main architect of the Mac operating system was leaving Apple 2007 around the same year of the iPod release and iTV Apple dropped Computers from company name.

Surviving The Last Plantation :: essays research papers fc

Self-preservation, natures first great law,All the creatures, but man, doth awe.-Andrew MarvelleLove, family, and small thrills are but three things to live for. Sometimes they are the only things to live for. Sometimes they are what drive us to survive. For some of the inmates at Angola State Prison, there is little to live for and they still survive. Daniel Bergner once stated, "We live for whatever it is possible to live for†¦" (168). But what do the inmates of Angola live for? What brings meaning into their lives? Many of the inmates at Angola have been convicted of capital crimes. Many have no chance for parole. They still survive; they still find a reason to live. They find meaning in their lives.Before purpose and survival or redemption and salvation can be discussed, an idea of what Angola is must be produced. The warden of Angola is a large man by the name of Burl Cain. Some believe that he is the reason for Angola being what it is. Bergner believes different:The striking tranquility at Angola—confirmed by the ACLU’s National Prison Project and Louisiana’s own watchdogs—could not be credited to Warden Cain alone. Twenty-one years ago conditions had been so anarchic and murderous a federal judge had ruled that the prison "shocked the conscience" and breached the Eight Amendment’s guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment. Reform had begun then. [†¦] [Warden Cain] aimed not merely at warehousing inmates safely, but at rebuilding them, at redeeming them, whether in terms of his Southern Baptist belief or in religious terms more broad ("Love thy neighbor†¦") or simply in the sense of learning to live in some valuable way, without the impulses that lead to destroying others†¦. (24-25)Though Bergner only carries this thought through the beginning of his stay at Angola, it is till a viable description of the institution. With this rough idea of Angola in mind, the inmates of Angola can be discussed. Their reasons for living can be shared.Carey "Buckkey" Lasseigne was convicted to live imprisonment at Angola at the age of 22 (Bergner 220). "He was separated from his wife the month after the killing, and they have since divorced. But they had been back together since his first year at Angola" (Bergner 221). That is part of what kept Buckkey going; part of what gave him a reason to live inside Angola. His wife is only part of the reason.

Why are some countries in debt?

Why are some countries in debt? What impact does it have on development? What is debt? On an international scale, debt is the owing of money from one country to another or an international organisation as a result of previous borrowing because of need. Why are some countries in debt? Countries can be in debt for different reasons: 1) Trade deficit When a country's imports are worth more than a country's exports, the country loses money and therefore it is forced to borrow money from other countries or international organisations to try and cover the losses. 2) Natural disasters and tied aid After a natural disaster, a country may become dependent on the aid of another country for a short period of time. However sometimes the aid given is tied aid where the country receiving aid may have to pay back the money given (possibly with interest). They are therefore in debt to the donor country/organisation. 3) Money mismanagement If a country mismanages their use of money (most likely through the government) and spends money unnecessarily while taking out loans to cover the cost, the country can end up in debt. The effect of debt on development When a country is in debt, a majority of the money it generates is used to pay back money to the donor country. This means that there is little money being invested into the social infrastructure of the country, so healthcare and education levels remain the same or get worse overall slowing down or sometimes even reverse developing a country as literacy rates may fall and not enough money could be invested in improving healthcare. Ways of solving debt problems Cancelling debt – What are the advantages and disadvantages? Advantages – The advantages of cancelling debt are that it can allow a poor country to start investing the money it gains into its development/ social infrastructure rather than paying back debt to developed countries. This can overall help to fight poverty and reduce the development gap. In 2005, Zambia had $4 million of debt cancelled and in 2006 it had enough money to pay for free healthcare for millions of people living in rural areas, improving the quality of life. In Tanzania, money saved from debt cancellations allowed the government to abolish primary school fees in 2001. As a result, the number of students that go to primary school doubled. These examples show that by cancelling debt, it allows money to be invested in education which can lead to more people getting jobs, overall contributing to a country's economy, improving the GDP and by investing in healthcare, the life expectancy and infant mortality rate can also decrease. Summary: -a country can invest in its development -It reduces poverty and can reduce the development gap -examples include Zambia and Tanzania Disadvantages – Although cancelling debt can help a country to develop, there are also some disadvantages. Firstly, the donor country loses a significant amount of money which can slightly damage its economy. Developing countries which have had their debt cancelled could start taking out more loans, in the hope of having debt gained from that cancelled as well (This however is unlikely as eventually developed countries will eventually see when a country is not worth giving money to and in a time of crisis, nothing will be given) When a loan is taken, the money should be returned and if it is not, it could give the country which did not pay back, a bad reputation. Summary: – The donor country loses money – Countries could take out more loans – A loan should be paid back if taken in the first place Debt for nature swaps Deforestation largely takes place for economical needs of a country to try and pay off debt. A debt for nature swap is an agreement between a developing nation in debt and one or more of its creditors. In a debt for nature swap, the country or organisation owed money, writes off an amount of debt in return for a certain amount of environmental protection. They were first established in the 1980s in the attempt of solving two problems with one agreement: 1) to minimize the debt of developing nations and 2) to minimize the environmental destruction that frequently takes place in developing countries. A company called WWF (world wide fund for nature) which cooperates with countries such as UK and USA has helped to structure and design many debt for nature swaps. In 2008 they helped to structure and facilitate one of the largest debt for nature swaps in Madagascar's history in which 20 million dollars was committed to preserve the country's rich biodiversity. Also in 2008, the USA reduced Peru's debt by $25 million in exchange for conserving its rainforests. Debt for nature swaps are extremely beneficial because they not only cancel the debt of a country allowing them to invest in development, but it helps to protect the environment and conserve some of the world's rainforests. This makes it better than just cancelling debt.

102 Analyzing a Text and Pathos Professor Ramos Blog

102 Analyzing a Text and Pathos Quick Write Quick Write Tips for Finding a Text Start with a question. What do you care about? What matters to you? Find a text you can see multiple times. Pick a scene from a movie. A short film, text, ad, song, video, or commercial. Something related to what you are interested in that you can look at several times. Ask yourself, How does this help others? Will analyzing this text connect to a broader or more important topic? 4 Ways to Persuade with Emotion (Pathos) Four Strategies Concrete Examples Connotative Diction Metaphors and Similes Tone Appeals to pathos target the link between audience members and their values. When we act on our values, we experience emotions like happiness, pride, satisfaction, etc. When we do not, we often feel shame, fear, or anger. The same goes for the actions of people around us: we are often pleased when the actions of people around us align with our values and angry when they don’t. Types of emotional appeals: appeal to pity appeal to fear appeal to self-interest Sexual bandwagon humor celebrity testimonials identity prejudice lifestyle stereotypes patriotic Rhetorical Analysis We are going to analyze a text together. Take notes on what you notice. Start with the Text See first, then look. What do you see? What stands out? What is happening? For this assignment you will pick a text, define, describe, and analyze the rhetorical context and/or argument the text is making. All texts have an author or authors and are created with a purpose. A rhetorical analysis helps us to understand the purpose it was created for and what it is saying or arguing. Consider the ethos, pathos, and logos of the text. What appeals are being used in the text you are analyzing? Ethos – appeals to character. Pathos – emotional appeals. Logos – appeals to reason and evidence. What to look at for  a Rhetorical Analysis Consider the topic. Consider the audiences of the text. Consider the author. Consider the medium and design. Examine the language. Consider the occasion. Be specific when referring to your text. Have the text in front of you if you can. Then you can reference specifics and avoid generalizations. A  Checklist for Analyzing Images (Especially Advertisements) on page 145  of our textbook is very thorough and helpful for analyzing visual images. Pages  181-182  have checklists that are helpful for doing the work of  analyzing arguments. Use these as guidelines to begin your analysis. Page  191-192 has a checklist for writing your analysis of an argument. Very helpful for the early stages of drafting. Sample Rhetorical Analyses Segregation and Unequal Representation Demonization What the Truck The Logic of Suicide Call Me, Beep Me, If Ya Wanna Reach  Me. In the Arms of an  Angel ‘Imagine’ World Peace. I Wonder If You Can Research for a Rhetorical Analysis The assignment asks you to research scholarly sources to add to your analysis. If your text is dealing with a major issue, you will want to find some scholarly research to help define, back up, and analyze the text. For example. If your text deals with gender issues, search for gender AND media. Or gender AND ads. Or sexism and media. What else can you look up? Find keywords related to the broader topic and bring in research to use in your analysis. Homework Rough Draft of Rhetorical Analysis Begin researching for your rhetorical analysis Journal Response 4 DUE Read Chapter 7, Using Sources

Discussion of the change of customers’ attitudes towards and expectations and the ways organisations respond The WritePass Journal

Discussion of the change of customers’ attitudes towards and expectations and the ways organisations respond Introduction: Discussion of the change of customers’ attitudes towards and expectations and the ways organisations respond Introduction:Conclusion:References:Related Introduction: This essay mainly focuses on the relationship between the change of customers’ attitudes towards and expectations and financial services sector’s respond. A review of the theoretical background of business external environment and contextual environment is represented as well to give a theoretical framework. This essay consists of three major parts. The first part refers to the competitiveness of the financial services sector and the importance of organisations recognizing the influences of the external environment and how the developments in these influences can have a substantial impact on organisational success. The second part gives the theoretical framework of business external environment and contextual environment, and especially concentrates on the influence of the social environment on customer attitudes and expectations. In addition, it reveals customers and financial services sector are not isolate parts to each other, whereas they are in a two-way interactio n process. The third part provides an example in particular to illustrate the ways in which organisations have recognised changes and how to respond in terms of products and services in order to achieve customer satisfaction and maintain their competitive position. With the development of economic globalization, the number and cooperation of countries’ financial organizations are getting larger and closer, so the competition is increasingly fierce. Competition here includes not only the firms that produce same product but also those firms which compete for the income of the consumers the competition here among these products may be said as desire competition as the primary task here is to fulfill the desire of the customers. Competitiveness increasingly has a significant impact on the overall financial structure of the financial sector, and it is vital for financial institutions to investigate methods to improve their competitiveness, if they want to keep competitive advantage places and win more customers in the financial services sector (Falconer, 2009). Thus financial sector is becoming a truly knowledge-based service sector in which innovation and comparative advantage determine the well being and growth of a financial institution (Y okoi-Arai and Yoshino, 2006 ). In the present age, not only the intense competition, but also many other pressures from the external environment lead the financial organizations to make a change to cater to their customers. Understanding the influence of the environment on business, a common comprehension is a business exists within an external environment consisting of the actions of other players who are beyond the business, converts inputs into outputs in order to make a profit (Falconer, 2009). Generally the business external environment contains contextual environment and operational environment. Contextual environment covers the areas of the nature of government, economy, technology, social variables and competitive forces, which are more uncontrollable factors than operational environment factors; therefore the success of company to a large extent depends on its adaptability to the environment. So if a firm within the financial sector could not manage the factors well, the firm will not develop healthily. C oncerning about the operational environment, a stakeholder approach is usually used to illustrate the interaction between business management and stakeholders, who are identified as shareholders, suppliers, customers, employees and community, which  has a direct bearing on the operations of the firm (Falconer, 2009). The interaction means the business has impact on these groups, and in turn, the stakeholders influence business directly by their activities as well. Thus either businesses or stakeholders are in bad conditions, the firm could not operate well. In particular, contextual environment, which concentrates on the factors of political environment, economic environment, technological environment and social environment, has an important impact on business operation. Political environment refers to the legal environment whose rules are generally created by the government, and legal influences can affect business management. To some extent, the legal environment can affect the industry, individual companies or their products, for instance, it can promote competition and encourage people pay more attention to the pensions and healthcare. Economic environment is related to changes in the wider economy. Businesses prosper when the economy is booming and living standards are rising. A growing economy provides greater opportunities for businesses to make profits, so businesses welcome rising living standards. But in the meantime, economic environment can not only promote globalization, but also can aggravate the credit crisis. Technologic al environment has an enormous effect on the business environment by providing opportunities for businesses to adopt new breakthroughs, innovations, and inventions to cut costs and develop new products to help companies to become more competitive (Falconer, 2009). As a matter of fact, to a large extent the development of technology can determine what products will be produced, what equipment will be used and how operations will be managed. Therefore the three factors political environment, economic environment and technological environment have a significant impact on the organization management. However, social environment mainly influences the customer, including the attitudes, expectations, demands and tastes of customers. Social environment is with respect to changes of society and social structures, which contain changes in the structure of the population, in consumer lifestyles and behaviour affect buying patterns (Andreassen and Lindestad, 2006). It is widely known that the ways in which changes in the social environment can have an impact on their workforce and the way in which they undertake their activities, managers also realize that the ways in which changes in the social environment have the impact on customers (Cohen, 1990). Thus it is an interaction process. If customers change but financial services sector does not notice that and responds to it effectively, then customers will go elsewhere. The ways in which the social environment has influence customer attitudes and expectation can be demonstrated as follows: (1) Customers may have high expectations of customer service, such as well educated and knowledgeable products and substitutes as the technology advances and economy booming. (2) Cu stomers want products to be available where and when and how the company wants to provide them as their thoughts. (3) Lots of consumer information and advice to be demanded to help customers making buying decisions. (4) Fashions and trends are important and constantly changing, while values, opinions and beliefs change and are very influential on buying behaviour. (5) Customers constantly want more and more of a variety of different things. (6) Customers will not rely on one provider, but to intend to seek out the best provider (Falconer, 2009). Nowadays many organizations within the financial sector have noticed customer changes and have responded effectively. Diversity of products and services are provided to cater to customers. The social environment is a dynamic environment since the financial services sector changes as customers’ attitudes and expectations change constantly (Alsmadi and Alnawas, 2011). To make the question more clearly, here is a very successful example about mobile banking to present the relationship between customers change and financial services sector’s respond. With the development of communication technology, mobile telephony is getting cheaper and having diversity functions to complete complicated things to give people convenience. These developments point out an increasingly positive perception of mobile financial services in the society. The factors that using mobile services is no longer a luxury thing for many people, younger generations are likely to be fascinated by modern telecommunication services and mobile device has become a more powerful and faster tool to transfer data with new standards have led to an increased demand of Mobile Banking service (Tiwari, Buse and Herstatt,   2006). Fortunately banks recognized these changes and realized the business of Mobile Banking involves three main services: mobile accounting, mobile brokerage and m obile financial information services. Mobile Banking is characterized by some unique features that equip it with certain advantages against conventional forms of banking such as ubiquity, immediacy, localization, instant connectivity, pro-active functionality and simple authentication procedure, which are spoken highly of customers (Tiwari, Buse and Herstatt, 2006). These features of Mobile Banking not only meet the need of time-critical customers, but also increase efficiency of banks, which potentially promote the image of banks that have the Mobile Banking services to help banks occupy the mobile banking market first. A study came from Bank of Korea (2006) shows that the number of financial transactions carried using mobile devices in South Korea rose to 287,000 on a daily average, up 104% from a year earlier. Whereas the number of customers registered for mobile services grew to 1.9 million registering an increase of over 108% in the same period (Korea times, 2006). Another study conducted by the Tiwari and Buse and Herstatt (2006) presented that up to 92% of survey participants in Germany showed their willingness to avail certain mobile financial services. From the figures, we can obtain the conclusion that the Mobile Banking has gained a big success. Figure 1 gives the information that ratings received by the services â€Å"Mobile Remittance† and demonstrates the large-scale positive perception of Mobile Banking Conclusion: Business external environment can be classified into two main types of environment: contextual environment and operational environment, both of which are quite important to business operation. Operational environment may well  have a direct bearing on the operations of the firm. However, contextual environment covers political environment, economic environment, technological environment and social environment and contains many uncontrollable factors, to a large extent the success of company depends more on its adaptability to the environment. In particular, social environment has a vital effect on customers’ attitudes, expectations, demands and tastes. And the social environment is a dynamic environment since the financial services sector changes as customers’ attitudes and expectations change constantly. At last, the typical instance demonstrates us that it is crucial for financial organizations to be aware of the customers’ change and respond in terms of prod ucts and services effectively can they achieve customer satisfaction and maintain their competitive position. References: Alsmadi, S. and Alnawas, I. (2011), Empirical Investigation of the CRM Concept in the Jordanian, Context: The Case of Banks and Financial Institutions, International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 6, pp. 182-195 Andreassen, T. and Lindestad, B. (2006), Customer loyalty and complex services, The impact of corporate image on quality, customer satisfaction and loyalty for customers with varying degrees of service expertise, Available from: http://ezproxy.napier.ac.uk:2067/journals.htm?issn=0956-4233volume=9issue=1articleid=851 [accessed 10/03/2011] Cohen, G. (1990), Textbook on Effective Management in Financial Services, 3rd edition, London, Graham Trotman Ltd. Falconer, S. (2009), Textbook on Management of Financial Institutions, Edinburgh, Napier University Tiwari, R., Buse, S. and Herstatt, C. (2006), Strategic Implications of Mobile Banking for Banks and Financial Enterprises, Available from: http://poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=6101260660810640070970870280971200310270 [accessed 11/03/2011] Yokoi-Arai, M. and Yoshino, N. (2006), Concept of Competitiveness in the Financial Sector, Available from: fsa.go.jp/frtc/seika/discussion/2006/20061020.pdf [accessed 12/03/2011]

Perils of Human Obediance essays

Perils of Human Obediance essays From the time we are born the ideals of obedience is taught and instilled in us all. Authoritarian figures are established and rules, guidelines, and codes of ethics are instituted. Each person chooses how strictly to follow these terms by his or her own accord, knowing that they will suffer the repercussions and consequences for disobedience. Whether it is a parent spanking a child or an adult being fired from a job there is always a certain disciplinary actions for not following orders. Everybody is expected to obey authority at all costs, but what happens when following orders means defying ones own morals? In 1963 Yale psychologist Stanley Milgram set up and conducted an experiment to test this very questions limits. It was designed to Force participants to either violate their conscience by obeying the immoral demands of an authority figure or refuse those demands(Milgram 343). In it a teacher(Milgram 345) subject and a learner(Milgram 345) subject are used. The teacher is a clueless volunteer but the learner is a pre-informed actor. Learner subjects are strapped in a chair and to a fake electric shock generator. The teacher is instructed to teach word pair questions to the learner and administer an electric shock for each wrong answer, increasing the voltage with each wrong answer. Testing not the learners ability to respond, but the teachers obedience to authority when ordered to continue regardless of the pleas to stop by the learner. It brings up the definite human conflict of personal-morals versus following orders from a higher authority. The results were unexpected and shocki ng to even Milgram himself. An unbelievably high 25 of 40 teacher subjects complete the test to the end, administering the highest possible shock level to the learner subject many times(Milgram 347). This shocking behavior is a demonstration of human nature being prone to follow orders at all ...

Inventory Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Inventory Management - Assignment Example ntory management software company and still maintains this as strongest value proposition in its portfolio; yet over time, the company is now able to offer complete end-to-end supply chain solutions through acquisitions and mergers. The company’s most popular and successful product for inventory management is the updated version of inventory management software, which had been its initial product. The inventory management techniques of both companies have been critically analyzed to answer the below mentioned questions. RGIS generally manages a whole range of products ranging from retail to healthcare. It provides clients with technological edge over the competitors, thereby simultaneously reducing the cycle time and stock outs and maintaining a healthy average inventory. The company holds a number of patents in the area of perpetual inventory and specialized software for physical as well as online counting of inventory. RGIS manages inventory of clients through its revolutionary smart warehousing concept through which company utilizes tracking software so as to maintain count of the inventory in warehouses and in transportation throughout the world (RGIS, 2014a). The inventory positioning can be specifically pointed through RFID tags, which are attached to each consignment in transit as well as in-house inventory present in warehouses. Hence, the company provides complete visibility of the entire supply chain to clients. On the other hand, JDA Software offers clients the software, which helps to m anage entire supply chain. The company has been able to formulate innovative inventory management services like, inventory planning and scenario planning. JDA Software helps clients to manage inventory by producing relevant inventory through master production schedules, current inventory levels and materials requirement planning integration. It also uses scenario analysis to enable customers to predict appropriate inventory levels in current market scenarios. Thus, the

Tawaraya Sotatsu Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Tawaraya Sotatsu - Research Paper Example Background of Tawaraya Sotatsu Sotatsu was born in the 17th century in Japan. There isn’t a trace of the time frame when he was born or died, who is parents were and what his status was. The only eearly reference is to his name, which stands for ‘shop.’ It was also known that during this time, there were social differences in class and hierarchy, specifically between spiritualists, royalty and those who were designated to work in labor designated areas. Sotatsu belonged to the commoners group, known as a rising merchant. However, he began to notice his talent for the arts and painting earlier, which led him to connect to distinguished individuals that were known as warriors and which could educate Sotatsu on painting and illustrations. This led him to move into the genre of painting while working among more wealthy merchants so he could develop his talents in a different manner. It was from this that Sotatsu began to become a leader that revitalized literary paint ing for the period, specifically allowing the Edo Period to begin to transform in the types of works that were offered and the approach to art that was considered in high regard during the time1. Techniques of Sotatsu There were several techniques that Sotatsu used to become distinguished within Japan and to push forward the art work that was associated with the time. One common technique was the fan paintings that Sotatsu used to sell among the higher class and merchants. These were illustrated with authentic illustrations that were based around figures and decorative ideologies for the time. Flowers, trees, birds and animals are the most common seen in the fan paintings, as well as the other works of Sotatsu. Narrative scenes were also depicted, specifically with the fan paintings that were available. The main themes which were a part of the fan paintings were the most important, specifically because it was a newer way of approaching the decorative arts2. The fan paintings led int o other decorative materials that Sotatsu was known for using with the paintings and drawings. The materials that Sotatsu used led to the change in illustrations to ink painting. Most of the illustrations before this time were done with the drawings and lines that were used with ink. However, Sotatsu began to experiment with the ink and the ways in which it could shape and change the images. The ink became a way of painting because of the shading that he was able to incorporate into the paintings, as well as new textures which were implied through the ink. This began by applying a layer of pigment to the ink on paper or silk for the drawing. This was followed by a second layer of ink or colorant, usually which was applied before the ink was dry. The new pigment would then bleed outward to form a larger mark on the original material. This is combined with what is referred to as the tarakashomi method. This was popular during this time frame but was no longer used among artists. Sotat su began to popularize this concept with his works, which was inclusive of dripping or pooling. The ink would drip into the layers of pigments for visual effects. The fluidity of this particular ink would also allow for the painting to be applied to the work that was being illustrated, creating a thicker texture to the lines that were a part of the illustration3. The approaches which were taken for the layered pigments, ink

Analysis of the function of Hedging in the Futures Market Dissertation

Analysis of the function of Hedging in the Futures Market - Dissertation Example The author of the dissertation "Analysis of the function of Hedging in the Futures Market" begins with the introduction where shows her concern that Individual investors, business establishments and portfolio managers are all exposed to price risks, which they counter or minimize by hedging in the futures market. Though not meant for making money, hedging has proved to be a good option for reducing price risks consequently minimizing losses. Besides guarding against price risks, hedging, when executed prudently, can bring in multiple benefits like stabilizing market volatility, absorbing unexpected market pressures and even providing competitive edge during depressed market conditions and when price wars intensify. The futures market acts as the platform, which the investors use for minimizing risks and following exponential growth in hedging, the futures markets have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, hedging is not so simple as it appears and there are no sure sh ot formulas to always win at it either. Today, hedging can make or break an organization or an individual investor and as such adequate knowledge of the roles and technicalities of hedging in the futures market is of paramount importance. As a result of globalization today’s enterprises are increasingly facing various risks over time like risks in prices and productions. These risks not only affect the enterprises but also extend to the individual investors and portfolio managers who put money in the stocks of the companies (5).

High School Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

High School Violence - Essay Example Using the research questions and assumptions used in Chapter I, the researcher developed a research survey questionnaire that was presented in Chapter III. For Chapter V, the researcher will come up with a conclusion based on the quantitative and qualitative data analysis and the research findings presented in Chapter IV. Right after discussing the study conclusion, the student will discuss about the implications for teaching practices including some implications for future research. The research questions in the study were answered using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research questionnaires that was distributed to randomly selected participants between the age brackets of 14 – 18 years old at (name of US high school) and (name of US high school). Eventually, the research survey results was compared to the research findings that was reported by the National School Safety Center: Review of School Safety Research (2006) including the Childhood experience and the personal relationship of each individual with the parents significantly affect the behavior of each individual. Since the development of a child’s attitude starts at home, parents are considered to be responsible in the psychological, mental, and behavioral development of their children. Likewise, the school teachers also have a role to play in terms of disciplining the students whereas students in general could easily track down possible causes of school violence more than the school teachers or parents since these young individuals are more closely involved with other children who are capable of committing violent acts. Since parents, teachers, and students are among the three most important groups that actively participate in school activities, the research study concluded that it is important for these groups to be given a special role to play in the prevention of school violence. Encouraging these people to

Manifest Destiny & Road to the Civil War & Slavery Essay

Manifest Destiny & Road to the Civil War & Slavery - Essay Example More and more cotton plantations came into existence so is the labor to carry on with the plantation related works. The Southern region of America consisted of the creamy layer of the society and they all led a sophisticated life. The cotton industry grew up to become big and constituted about half of the exports made by America in 1845. Though the South had an upper hand in cotton manufacturing, it also helped the North region as the cotton looms are woven in the North. Few autocratic families headed over the dealings in the South and were popularly known as cottonocracy. A lot of mythical facts were also there at that time and only about few 1,733 families had about some 100+ slaves with them. Women in the South had a great influence on it as well though they were not politically strong like the men they took care on the domestic sphere. It is not that the North did not like slavery that they did not have much of slavery going on. It was just that they did not have a flourishing bu siness like the South and also at times they were jealous of the growth of the South to some extent. Industry in the North could not compete with South region of America because of availability of the cheap labors in North. There was a popular idea that the North liked blacks and that people in the South hated them is an absolute myth. North region American hated blacks much more than that of the South and one famous belief to support this stand is the saying that the North liked the black race but hated the individuals, on the other hand south hated the race but loved the individuals. Many of the reasons can be attributed to the growth of the slavery system and the slaves. Growing profits in cotton led to land butchery as there was always a demand for new cotton cultivation land. Smaller farm owners were not able to compete with the large plantation owners and hence they ended up selling their land to the plantation owners. The Cotton Kingdom was not without any downside as well. I t was largely dependent on the cotton for its survival and depended on the North for everything. Over importance was given to speculations and invested a lot on land and slaves thus leading to debts. Owning of slaves were considered to be a great prestige by these white masters and those who could not afford it thought it to be a life time achievement to own slaves of their own. It was not that all the whites were in a superior position. Only a few of the whites were wealthy and served as masters. A larger group of whites were poor and had to eat clay for survival. Though they were poor in status, they considered them above that of the blacks and hated the blacks to the core. Dangerous jobs were given to Irish men than slaves because of fear of losing them. Slaves are considered to be a valuable investment. There was a period in America which saw up to some 250,000 free blacks by the year 1860. Some of the reasons behind it are the outburst of American Revolution, buying of the free dom by earning enough money and black child born to the white master. Northern whites and Irish people did not get along well with the fact that there are free blacks. Irish considered blacks as a competitor as they worked for lesser wages than the Irish. Though the legality of the bringing in of slaves was stopped, there were some illegal activities carried on. Slave life is a difficult point for the blacks. They were treated very badly and are whipped for any

New York Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

New York Project - Essay Example The 12 friends come from the city of Los Angeles and wish to go to the city of New York by flight. If they fly to New York using Delta Airlines they will have to pay a one way price of 33 US Dollars. For all of them, they will have to pay a total of 792 US Dollars for both journeys. The first show that they plan on seeing is a Broadway musical by the name, â€Å"After Midnight†. This musical celebrates the exuberance and glamour of Harlem’s Golden Age. It consists of Harlem’s most popular nightclub. The musical is performed by exceptional jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars. This is an orchestra consisting of 17 world-class musicians carefully selected by Wynton Marsalis. Marsalis is a 9-time Grammy Award winner. The musical includes songs by Cab Calloway, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington and their contemporaries. The stage performances and dances make it even more captivating. Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calls â€Å"After Midnight†, â€Å"a depiction of time-traveling back to the heyday of the Cotton Club as it moves through more than 25 songs from the jazz era.† Marilyn Stasio of broadways also describes it as, â€Å"stylized treatment of a midnight floorshow at a 1930s jazz club is gorgeously designed to showcase roof -raising performances from top-flight talent†. Watching the musical from the mid mezzanine section they will have to part ways with 70 US Dollars each. The second show that they plan on seeing is a play by the name, â€Å"The Accidental Pervert†. This play is a one man show, which tells a story about a boy whose journey into manhood begins when he starts watching his father’s X-rated videos. The videos eventually became an ever-present part of the boy’s life. The play depicts the videos to be having dirty contents with no redeeming value. The boy eventually finds redemption from the mess he put himself in when the gets a different perspective of life. This

High School Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

High School Violence - Essay Example Using the research questions and assumptions used in Chapter I, the researcher developed a research survey questionnaire that was presented in Chapter III. For Chapter V, the researcher will come up with a conclusion based on the quantitative and qualitative data analysis and the research findings presented in Chapter IV. Right after discussing the study conclusion, the student will discuss about the implications for teaching practices including some implications for future research. The research questions in the study were answered using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research questionnaires that was distributed to randomly selected participants between the age brackets of 14 – 18 years old at (name of US high school) and (name of US high school). Eventually, the research survey results was compared to the research findings that was reported by the National School Safety Center: Review of School Safety Research (2006) including the Childhood experience and the personal relationship of each individual with the parents significantly affect the behavior of each individual. Since the development of a child’s attitude starts at home, parents are considered to be responsible in the psychological, mental, and behavioral development of their children. Likewise, the school teachers also have a role to play in terms of disciplining the students whereas students in general could easily track down possible causes of school violence more than the school teachers or parents since these young individuals are more closely involved with other children who are capable of committing violent acts. Since parents, teachers, and students are among the three most important groups that actively participate in school activities, the research study concluded that it is important for these groups to be given a special role to play in the prevention of school violence. Encouraging these people to

New York Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

New York Project - Essay Example The 12 friends come from the city of Los Angeles and wish to go to the city of New York by flight. If they fly to New York using Delta Airlines they will have to pay a one way price of 33 US Dollars. For all of them, they will have to pay a total of 792 US Dollars for both journeys. The first show that they plan on seeing is a Broadway musical by the name, â€Å"After Midnight†. This musical celebrates the exuberance and glamour of Harlem’s Golden Age. It consists of Harlem’s most popular nightclub. The musical is performed by exceptional jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars. This is an orchestra consisting of 17 world-class musicians carefully selected by Wynton Marsalis. Marsalis is a 9-time Grammy Award winner. The musical includes songs by Cab Calloway, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington and their contemporaries. The stage performances and dances make it even more captivating. Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calls â€Å"After Midnight†, â€Å"a depiction of time-traveling back to the heyday of the Cotton Club as it moves through more than 25 songs from the jazz era.† Marilyn Stasio of broadways also describes it as, â€Å"stylized treatment of a midnight floorshow at a 1930s jazz club is gorgeously designed to showcase roof -raising performances from top-flight talent†. Watching the musical from the mid mezzanine section they will have to part ways with 70 US Dollars each. The second show that they plan on seeing is a play by the name, â€Å"The Accidental Pervert†. This play is a one man show, which tells a story about a boy whose journey into manhood begins when he starts watching his father’s X-rated videos. The videos eventually became an ever-present part of the boy’s life. The play depicts the videos to be having dirty contents with no redeeming value. The boy eventually finds redemption from the mess he put himself in when the gets a different perspective of life. This

Community behavior Essay Example for Free

Community behavior Essay African American spirituality has woven collectively the best of African Anglo cultures to creatively shape their own African American identity. While black peoples have not been socially, politically or economically free in the history, the practice of spirituality has facilitated the development of different forms of cultural and spiritual freedom by interpreting, transcending and embracing, the constraints of an oppressive culture. Furthermore, the development of their own beliefs, norms, forms, practices, and structures has given rise to a culture and life that is a distinctive form of human survival, existence, and, freedom most importantly. The black churches as the centers of freedom influenced the praxis of African-American spirituality. They have become safe places where blacks gathered to embrace their combined concerns as a community of faith. They have been the only institutions in the African American experience that has continued relative independence from the domesticating influence of white pressure and overlords. Some black churches consider may be the last place to see integration due to the need to maintain a power base not available to black people elsewhere. After reviewing some aspects of worship as the context for cultural and spiritual freedom, black preaching in and out sides of the black churches are one of the most powerful expressions of freedom for black people in America. The ability to produce a soul language that defines truth into systems of meaning gives power and purpose to black people. Subsequently, Black community successfully adopts and adapts the structures of the much larger culture for their own purpose this practice comes from a double consciousness or translating. African Americans translated the experience of one kind to that of another which leading them to freedom. Therefore, black people spirituality gave freedom to the spirit and mind that the external condition could not take away. The religious approach is due to a deep faith in the sacredness of life that reaffirmed a personal dignity in blacks which resulted in the practice of nonviolence and mercy. Black community determines themselves how they responded to oppression. Various forms expressing improvisation and innovation from black soul forces constituted black culture. These forms under the subtitles black music, literature, humor, folk tales, sports, art and dance; and their worship forms under the headings of prayer, shouting, healing, dancing, singing praising and instrumental music transformation, teaching and preaching. These forms express that what is true and valuable will be determined by black community itself and will subvert and defy attempts of the larger culture to discern. Churches can prove to be of great importance as it helps in providing a psychological and physical assistance to their congregants by providing treatment and prevention oriented programs in the society. A great example from the history is the Black Church that has served through decades as an informal social guider. And its effectiveness posed people to research on the formal means. Substance abuse, support, health screening and education were some of the fields where the Black Church provided its services. Individuals and churches that are associated with it hold significant importance in the history as it created a chain between informal and formal system of care that benefited the society specially those who are marginalized or underserved. These programs were encouraged by many others like lay persons, natural helpers, and religious leaders. As far as these religious leaders are concerned, they made their finding in the treatment of mental illness and they made everyone realize that paraprofessional counselors are in no way less then the professional counselors. They made their achievement in four areas of community medicine: primary care delivery, health promotion and disease prevention, community mental health and health policy. The church had great potentials. It provided and outstanding performance in collaborating with formal care systems to maximize its programs. Eng et al. helped a great deal in promoting the church’s health care programs. Such â€Å"natural helpers† have gone through a training program where they learnt how to interact with the health professionals, resource mobilization, primary self-care skills and prevention, organization of educational and services-oriented activities. Whilst the lay advisors were supposed to foster social support, they were expected to promote a healthy general well-being of people and were asked to keep a close link with the formal care system. As far as the roles of religious leaders are concerned, they are not fully described in the health care literature. In the early 1970’s, a need for psychiatrics developed in rural areas, as these individuals were recognized the more underserved population. These investigations evolved and helped in the contribution of understanding the mental health status between the urban and the rural individuals. Social, economic and geographical factors are the attributes of such rural problems. The main difficulty in the rural life of South was to separate the effects of poverty from the effects of race, color, cast etc. but after some time the solution was discovered. But later it was discovered that only 3% of the licensed psychiatrics were practicing the rural areas and the rest were gone to nowhere. Rural populations were again left to the same position as it was before. â€Å"The Black Church has no challenger as the cultural womb of the black community. Not only did it give birth to new institutions such as schools, banks, insurance companies, and low income housing, it also provided an academy and an arena for political activities, and it nurtured young talent for musical, dramatic, and artistic development† (1990, 8) The factor of race still existed between these populations no-matter if it’s urban or rural; it also greatly affected the mental healths of each individual. Many theorists believe that White American have been always against the black consumers, because they have no understanding of black’s culture, traditions, beliefs etc. But on the other hand blacks are not either interested in consuming goods or services from the Whites. They are less likely to trust White therapists and try not to interact with them in any case. Studies proved that Blacks are interested in consuming goods and seeking services from the blacks due to the understanding of same culture and traditions, it is also based on the preference of similar attitudes and racial compatibility. The research grew further and further. The research helped in understanding the need to change and acceptance of cultural and attitudinal differences and system-levels barriers. Studies proved that racial identity can be a part of success. Here racial identity means that identification of diverse racial backgrounds; it includes the basic knowledge of one’s culture and traditions. Accepting the non normative behavior of minorities can also help in dealing with societies; therapists play a big role in understanding the culture background. Lack of understanding of cultural responsiveness may result in disturbance between racial differences and help seeking environment. As compare to white blacks are more tolerant of psychological distress. They are very quick in diagnoses of schizophrenia and psychosis and control such diseases in their premature stages. Individuals, interpersonal and system-level factors promote understanding of service utilization and psychiatric morbidity. They focus on individuals because individuals predict reasonable outcomes related to services and treatment. Researchers always pick out individuals to get correct outcomes; the individual factors include race, religiosity, beliefs about mental health and copying styles. Social support, stigma and social distance are included in interpersonal level. â€Å"The Black church tradition provided an environment for reapplying already learned processes for interdependence. Embedded within the individual were past experiences, traditions, values, and norms for emotions, cognitions, and behaviors conducive to relatedness and interpersonal ness that reflected a collective sense of belonging with, rather than to, caring, similar others† (2001, 40) Management of mental illness is essential to the social support in rural areas. An alternative to expensive or inaccessible impatient or out patient services are neighbors or extended families. Researchers have also identified the contributions made by natural helpers in promoting positive changes to the environment. Mental illness and health care systems motivated natural helpers to provide social support to the rural black communities. A powerful indicator of poor utilization of care is Stigma that is influenced by individuals and interpersonal levels. It discourages the search for formal services but encourages the social support and informal care systems. The study says that Blacks have higher levels of tolerating psychological distress; the main reason behind this is stigma and fear of hospitalization. This sometimes results in help-seeking from specialty providers but this happens only in extreme cases. This hypothesis shows the higher emergency level among Blacks compared to Whites, Asians and Hispanics. Informal systems are fostered by fear and stigma amongst the rural Blacks. It was noticed that poorer Blacks were more likely to experience distress, physical, mental and interpersonal problems as compared to wealthier Blacks. But as compared to Whites, 15% Blacks are less likely to seek help for emotional problems than their physical or interpersonal problems. Furthermore, Blacks seek help for their financial problems but this is limited to their geographical boundaries and economic barriers. The above study has made it clear that, urban counterparts provide more social and mental services as compared to the rural churches and it also have less links with the formal system and promote the informal systems of care. We also analyzed that White churches have more links with the formal system of care than Black Churches but Black Churches provide more social and mental health service.

Criticism of Action Research

Criticism of Action Research The use of action research in higher education is growing (Mertler, 2006). Action research involves a systematic inquiry wherein educators can utilize their knowledge as practitioners to change and improve educational practices (Kemmis, 2009; Craig, 2009). By systematically and intentionally studying problems within the educational community, they not only contribute to knowledge production but to meaningful reforms as well. Action research is defined as a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a community of practice to improve the way they address issues and solve problems (Riel, 2010). The aim of action research is to understand practice and to articulate a philosophy of practice which improves practice (McCutcheon Jung, as cited in Herr, Anderson, Herr, 2005). As a research design, action research is relatively new. Despite its recent popular application, there is still debate on where action research real ly falls as to its nature of inquiry (Ary, Jacobs, Razavieh Sorensen, 2009). Some research experts associate it more with the qualitative tradition, while others assert that its concrete application in research has showed that it relies more on quantitative inquiry (Burns, 2007). However, literature would suggest that action research possesses certain overall characteristics that are different from other research approaches. These are: Problem-solving is highlighted in the scientific study (Pine, 2008; Koshy, 2005; Methodological tools are not rigid and can be modified to suit the demands of the research situation (Cooke Cox, 2005); The research is process is cyclical (Schmuck, 2006; Riel, 2010); There is leaning toward practitioners as researchers (Mertler, 2006; Walter, 2009); No great attempts at objectivity are intended (Kock, 2005); The inquiry has a social dimension (Walter, 2009, IISD, 2010). What sets action research apart from other research approaches is its cyclical nature. This means that as a research method, it proceeds through a chain of steps repeatedly. Unlike traditional research, action research does not end upon the determination of findings and the formulation of conclusions on the contrary, this sparks a renewal of the research process. Hence, action research follows what Riel (2010) calls progressive problem solving (see Figure 1). In the entire research process, there could be multiple cycles and multiple foci of the study. In one research cycle, an action research proceeds in five general steps: 1. identifying an area of focus; 2. Developing an action plan; 3. collecting data; 4. analyzing and interpreting data; 5. reflecting (Herr, Anderson, Herr, 2005, p. 15). Beginning with the identification of the problem, the researcher/s come up with research questions and identifies the type of data needed. Types of data involved in action research can be quantitative or numerical, qualitative or descriptive, but usually both (Creswell, 2005). After data collection, the researcher/s interpret and analyze data. Conclusions are the drawn followed by a period of reflection which researchers engage in to be able come up with another plan of action to improve practice. This goes on until the problem identified is solved or objectives are met (Koshy, 2005). Another important characteristic of action research is that it is value-laden. It rejects neutrality and instead, situates its inquiry in a setting where there are conflicting values or power differentials. It challenges traditional notions of power and values and investigates a problem by analyzing day-to-day realities of the people or community involved. Still another important characteristic of action research is its reflexivity. Reflexivity is essential to action research because it aims to interrogate and examine received proposals for change or improvement by analyzing who benefits of actions implemented in the end (Craig, 2009). Since the foundation of action research by acknowledged pioneer Kurt Lewin, several approaches have emerged and albeit similar in purpose, differ in method and steps toward inquiry (Craig, 2009). Reviewed are three action research methodologies that have been used by researchers in higher education and other disciplines to come up with solutions to pressing problems: practical, participatory, and teacher action research. A discussion of advantages and disadvantages of action research is also discussed. Practical action research Practical action research focuses on a specific research question with the aim of improving practice (Schmuck, 2006). This is sometimes referred to as practical-deliberative action where the researcher (an outsider) collaborates with practitioners in identifying research problems, its causes, and possible forms of intervention. Kemmis (2009) defines it as action research which sharpens individual practical reasoning (p 76). Problem identification is done after dialogue between research and practitioner until consensus is reached. In this sense, the end of practical action research is to improve practice through the application of the personal wisdom of the participants (Grundy, as cited in Pine, 2008, p. 76). Practical action research was influenced by Lewins research within organizations which relied heavily on group dynamics, field theory, and T-groups. While practical action research works toward the improvement of practice, it takes a conservative stance and works in reforming the status quo without addressing power structures or differentials. Practical action research is also a vehicle toward generating practical knowledge (Manfra, 2009). Supporters of practical action research believe that practical knowledge is the most important form of knowledge in teaching (Koshy, 2005) and that the focus of action research must be on teachers issues and problems because they produce knowledge helpful to them in redefining their profession. Practical action research is more concerned with examining real classrooms and real schools (Manfra, 2009, p. 2). In the context of higher education, practical action research aims to help teachers become better practitioners. Because Conducting research has helped teachers we know to consolidate new knowledge, learn about new issues, and develop new teaching methods and strategies (p. 176). Proponents of practical action research emphasize the practicality of action research for teachers as they strive to become better practitioners. Since practical inquiry is more likely to respond to the immediacy of the knowledge needs teachers confront in everyday practice and to be foundational for formal research by providing new questions and concerns, (Cochran-Smith Lytle, as cited in Mertler, 2006, p. 43) practical action research is deemed to be the more authentic methodology for education practitioners. There are criticisms on the authenticity of practical action research (Kemmis, 2009). Some have accused practical action research as straying from the unique spirit of action research because it was influenced by techniques and inputs of outsiders (Pine, 2008). In effect, it ran the risk of research questions being externally formulated and issues which were not reflective of real sentiments and problems of practitioners (Kemmis, 2009). Practical action research is often associated with testing the effectiveness of practices or the applicability of findings conducted elsewhere to local settings. While in general, these studies may contribute to the improvement of practice, practical action research becomes vulnerable to being exploited to legitimize reputations of outsiders reputations than being applied meaningfully in practice (Ary et al., 2009). Participatory action research (PAR) While practical action research is deliberative in purpose, participatory action research takes on a more emancipator role. Traditional research seeks only in the investigation of phenomenon whereas the critical analysis is entrenched in PAR. While practical action research only describes classrooms and schools, PAR is more concerned with how to change structures and in the transformation of society. PAR promotes emancipatory praxis in the participating practitioners; that is, it promotes a critical consciousness which exhibits itself in political as well as practical action to promote change (Grundy, as cited in Manfra, 2009, p. 4). A primary aim of PAR is to transforming educational theory and practice toward emancipatory ends and thus raising fundamental questions about curriculum, teachers roles, and the ends as well as the means of schooling (Cochran-Smith Lytle, as cited in Manfra, 2009, p. 5). As a result, PAR has two overarching objectives (Cooke Cox, 2005): Knowledge production and action for the benefit of a group of people through study, research, education, and sociopolitical action. Empowerment of people by enabling them to construct and use their own knowledge. The key elements in PAR are participation and action (IISD, 2009). These elements are the foundation of the PAR method. With action, research entails beyond merely seeking information but having that action factor that enables positive change. With participation, research should be a participatory process with equal and collaborative involvement groups or communities of interest. Hence, unlike practical action research, PAR does away with process consultancy or the use of outsider experts going into communities and examining, theorizing, and proposing solutions for problems (Kemmis, 2009). The research topic, questions, and solutions must emerge from the communities themselves. Practical action research is not intended to be participatory because the aim is generally extractive; meaning, researchers retain power over process. PAR on the other hand, seeks at empowering the community of interest by opening up the entire research process to their participation. Practical action research is collaborative and is not shy on taking outside partners in planning, data gathering, and data analysis phase. PARs research goals are politicized and aims to illuminate on how social, economic, and political constraints affect the marginalized and powerless sectors in society (GDRC, 2009). Teacher action research Teacher action research is research that is done by teachers for themselves (Johnson, as cited in Mertler, 2006, p. 72). This type of action research enables teachers to make their own classrooms, their methods of instruction and assessments the focus of the study in order to inform and improve practice. Teacher action research benefits teachers by allowing them to understand their work better and from there, come up with ways to improve their effectiveness in the classroom. As a teacher-centered approach to action research, teacher-action research acknowledges first and foremost that the teacher is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to conditions on the ground and recognizes their expertise in carrying out research for the improvement of educational processes and outcomes. There are several motivations for adopting teacher action research: This approach respects and gives significant to the position of the teacher about the problems and issues at the classroom level. Simply put, it acknowledges the teacher as a local expert who has more knowledge about classroom issues than outside experts or consultants (Mertler, 2006). By acquiring data about their own classrooms and practices, teachers are better situated to reflect upon them and are in a better position to implement policies or measures that will enhance their effectiveness. Teacher action research is a feasible way in improving instructional practice and enhancing the intellectual environment among educators. Educators are uniquely positioned to evaluate the classroom situation, implement plans of action, and evaluate them afterwards (Creswell, 2005). Methods, data collection, and analysis The three forms of action research do not differ in their methodology but in the assumptions made and participants worldviews that influence the choice of methodology to be used in implementing the action research (Grundy, as cited in Manfra, 2009). The method of action research involves four general stages of collectively 1) planning, 2) acting, 3) observing and 4) reflecting. This phase leads to another cycle of action, in which the plan is revised, and further acting, observing and reflecting undertaken systematically to work towards solutions to problems whether of a practical or emancipatory nature. Action research accommodates all types of data collected through various techniques. Action research even considers it important to collect multiple measures on the variables of interest in a given study. It allows and in fact, encourages the researcher to triangulate the collected data for greater research credibility. There are four main categories of data collection in action research (Craig, 2009; Mertler, 2006; Cooke Cox, 2005): Observations recorded through fieldnotes or journals to describe in detail what is seen and heard. Interview data through interviews or surveys. Existing documents or records such as lesson plans, student portfolios, school newspapers, minutes of meetings, attendance records, etc. Quantitative measures such as ratings, checklists, tests, or scoring rubrics. Data analysis in action research occurs beginning data collection and afterwards. Most quantitative researchers begin analyzing data after all data is gathered. Qualitative researchers begin analyzing data at the start of the data collection process. Action research combines both processes. Johnson (as cited in Mertler, 2006) suggests that as you collect your data, analyze them by looking for themes, categories or patterns that emerge (p. 87). Analyzing data allows other foci to emerge and influences the research on what other data to look for. Data analysis is not really as exhaustive or as complex in action research as it is with traditional research. However, action research lately has been influenced to adopt more quantitative analysis in order to establish integrity and credibility in the findings. Coding, content analysis, and other qualitative forms of analysis are sometimes buffered with inferential statistics to boost credibility (Sagor, 2005). Critique of action research Action research is applied, empowering, collaborative, democratic and emancipatory. Unlike other research methods, it offers practical solutions toward positive change in practice and in society. It also has its flaws. Its disadvantages include: Subjectivity. One of the main criticisms of action research is that when left unchecked, results are laden with subjectivity (Kock, 2005). There is a tendency for the researcher to be over-involved to the extent that personal biases come into play in the analysis of the findings. Vulnerability to pressure. Another risk factor in doing action research is that the researchers are often subordinates in an organizational setting. When the researcher is an insider in an organization, power relations and differentials may complicate the conduct. Researchers might be pressure or coerced to alter the findings to suit organizational objectives (Noffke Somekh, 2005. Time consuming. The cyclical research process in action research is aimed at understanding and action. The initial research question is rough and may be refined thereafter depending on initial findings. Critics of action research question the fuzzy methodology in action research and the equally fuzzy answers that it gets (Walter, 2009). The redefinition of the research question and the refining of methodology takes time, making the entire research process time-exhaustive and complex. In particular, PAR is inherent undefined in terms of end date. There is no clear timeline when the research is stopped because technically, it stops only upon the resolution of the problem. In terms of knowledge production, PAR is unpredictable and is unlikely to be included in referred journals or get competitive funding (GDRC, 2009). Proposed action research process Despite acknowledged weaknesses, action research is still a viable tool among education leaders in influencing change within the organization. I propose a collaborative teacher action research to enhance professional identity of mid-career faculty leaders through mentoring activities. Enhancing the professional identity of teachers is important especially as they transition into later leadership roles. Like any organization, teachers need to be part of an active and supportive community to guide them in the process of transition. Some teachers in my local setting are ill-prepared to take on leadership roles. Mentoring has been found to improve self-awareness, skills in collaboration, leadership skills, sense of community and commitment to the teaching profession. Since this is a collaborative teacher action research, I will find other teacher-researchers willing to work with me to address the problem of leadership preparation among mid-career educators. We will need to establish understanding about action research as a way to improve leadership capabilities among teachers. Since this is a collaborative research, workload and responsibilities will be divided through consensus and everyone will be a co-researcher to the project. The research action process will proceed in eight steps (Mertler, 2006): Identify the problem (lack of leadership preparation among mid-career teachers) Gather information (done through informal interviews) Review related literature (research on possible solutions) Develop a research plan (meet with co-researchers and come up with a plan) Implement the plan and collect the data (through questionnaires, interviews) Analyze the data (content analysis, descriptive statistics) Develop an action plan (plan a mentoring strategy to solve the problem) Share and communicate results

Platos Antipaideia: Perplexity for the Guided :: Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Plato's Antipaideia: Perplexity for the Guided ABSTRACT: ‘Paideia’ connotes the handing down and preservation of tradition and culture, even civilization, through education. Plato’s education of philosophers in the Academy is inimical to such an essentially conservative notion. His dialectical method is inherently dynamic and open-ended: not only are such conclusions as are reached in the dialogues subject to further criticism, so are the assumptions on which those conclusions are based. In these and other ways explored in this paper, Plato demonstrates that paideia has no harbor within philosophy. Jaeger declares in his massive Paideia that civilization, culture, tradition, literature, and education are all merely aspects of what the Greeks meant by their term `paideia', and that these five "cannot take in the same field as the Greek concept unless we employ them all together." I will argue, pace Jaeger, that Plato's unique contribution was no perfection of sophistic humanism, no "reincarnation of the religious spirit of earlier Greek education, from Homer to the tragedians," but with its philosophical context properly restored an utter rejection of the authority of those institutions at the basis of what Greeks understood paideia to be. Without resorting to skepticism, Plato problematized the ordinary; without straining logic, he declared every premise and every conclusion radically open to further discussion and refutation and all this not only without dogmatism, but against dogma. For Plato, education was more fundamental than tradition or literature or civilization or culture, for education determined how all the others were to be acquired, appreciated, and criticized. Indeed, education and philosophy were, as they are now, intimately linked. The practice of philosophy in Plato's time as in ours, the business of philosophy, was teaching far more than it was system-building. In fact, if Plato was the author of a system of philosophy, by which we are to understand a coherent set of interrelated axioms and their mutual implications, then Plato was a profoundly unsuccessful philosopher. For Plato makes such a variety of different and incompatible statements about so many topics that more than two thousand years of scholarship has thus far failed to produce anything like the consensus about his so-called system that one finds among Aristotelians, for example, or even Marxists. It is for this reason that I shall turn from the content of the dialogues to the method or methods exhibited there. In those, I will argue, we have a better model for the contemporary conduct of philosophy than is usually suspected.