Family violence/abuse is not the answer

We are told that violence is not the answer, yet our country goes to war when we have problems†¦ It is the way people and families are, the answer to everything. I have chosen to explore the theme family violence/abuse is not the answer. This theme is shown in the short story â€Å"boy† by Bruce Stewart, â€Å"In the rubbish bin† by Apirana Taylor, a true story by Michelle Manning â€Å"its ok† and Harry potter by J. K Rowling At the beginning of Boy, boy who is Maori he feels like he doesn’t belong in his culture â€Å"im not a Maori† he gets bullied at school and comes home crying. His Dad comes home and sees Boy crying he says to Boy â€Å"Stop being a baby or I’ll give you something to cry about â€Å"This shows that the Boys dad is full of violence and threats. â€Å"Stormed into the bedroom AGAIN and started hitting me with his razor strap†. By this saying in the story with the word â€Å"Again† means this isn’t the first time or the last time Boy will see of that razor strap. At the end of the story boy finds his true place where he belongs from his mother’s death. He is in the hands of his mother’s family and I think that’s the last time Boy would have seen of that razor strap. The short story â€Å"in the rubbish bin â€Å"it portrays the theme that violence/ Abuse is not the answer. More the mental side than the physical side. We see this in the character phillipa. Phillipa who gets mentally abused by her mum. Her poor upbringing causes phillipa to take a smelly trip to a rubbish tin. Imagine how many kids in New Zealand are exactly like her we have over 1,600 gaming machines and over 100 gaming tables and that’s at Auckland sky tower alone. There are cases were we have parents leaving kids in cars on hot days just because the mum or dad want to go have a try on the machines and the tables it needs to stop . Why don’t the parents stop and think before they do, they should be thinking of their kid’s future and saving up on item’s that they will have wanted when they don’t have the money. Maybe the government needs a wakeup call and instead of having the casino open 24 hours a day, seven days a week make it less so we don’t have more cases of them on the news of kids in hot cars and forgotten about. In the rubbish bin and boy have similar backgrounds just with a twist, Boys mother takes one hundred percent care of her child and Ruth shows no appreciation towards Phillipa. The dads in the story are both abusive Boys dad towards boy and Phillipas dad towards Ruth. The short story â€Å"its ok† also identifies the theme â€Å"family violence is not the answer†matt has shown that he thinks that violence is the answer â€Å"sharp hard slaps† , He was hitting her face† ,He was hurting her to much now â€Å" shows that Matt is very abusive and he won’t stop anytime soon. Matt has his wife begging him to stop â€Å"she was begging now â€Å"stop it! Stop it! †

Brand as an Organisation Essay

Iyengar .It is one of India’s largest industrial entities and it epitomizes Trust, Value and Services. Today there are over 30 companies in the TVS Group which employs more than 40000 people worldwide and a turnover in excess of USD 4 billion. TVS having a steady growth, expansion and diversification, commands its strong presence in manufacturing of two-wheelers, auto components and computer peripherals .It also have businesses in the distribution of heavy commercial vehicles, passenger cars, finance and insurance. GROUP COMPANIES TV Sundram Iyengar and Sons Limited TV Sundram Iyengar and Sons Limited operates through its 3 divisions namely: TVS Motor believes that people make an organization and that its well-being is dependent on the commitment and growth of its people. There will be a sustained effort through systematic training and planning career growth to develop employee talents and enhance job satisfaction. TVS Motor will create an enabling ambience where the maximum self-actualisation of every employee is achieved. TVS Motor will support and encourage the process of self-renewal in all its employees and nurture their sense of self worth. TVS Motor – Responsible Corporate Citizen TVS Motor firmly believes in the integration of Safety, Health and Environmental aspects with all business activities and ensures protection of employees and environment including development of surrounding communities. TVS Motor strives for long-term relationships of mutual trust and interdependence with its customers, employees, dealers and suppliers. Fulfilling Mission and Vision The group practises its vision and mission by offering innovative and high quality transportation products at affordable prices. They also concentrate on producing vehicles at reasonable prices and with features that common people prefer. They continue to expand by making mergers and acquisitions and also entering new markets. Future plans By now this brand has created a good image among the ladies segment. They have included many unique features into this scooter to attract more customers. They introduced the upgraded version, Scooty Pep Plus. Thus they increased their profits. But eyeing the ladies segment many companies are producing scooters which brings in a great challenge for this producing product. They can compete with their competitors by upgrading power, creating more body strength, improving fuel efficiency etc.

What do you understand by the phrase 'moral panic' Please Essay

Moral Panic - Essay Example This paper illustrates that yo perfectly understand a moral panic, it is essential to have efficient knowledge of what morals are and what panic is, with this, it shall be clear as to how and why the term moral panic came to being, therefore, the topics of discussion in this essay will be morals, panics, moral panic, and how the media is said to be responsible for creating moral panic. Butts explains that the concept of morality is borrowed from the Latin word, denoted as â€Å"moral†. He further goes on to denote that it means a message or lesson that is learned, through an outcome of a given event or a narration. It majorly concerns or relates to what is considered right or wrong in society. Morals are passed from one individual to another is society through socialization which is one of the key functions of the various institutions that exists in society namely the family, religion, the school and many more. These institutions majorly use literature among the very many medi a that exists to pass down morals from one generation to another. This is normally done through the use of literature that explains fictional stories such as Goosebumps. These stories served as an avenue of entertainment but also as a source of morals because they informed, improved, and instructed their readership or audience, for example, the novels by Dickens Charles, over the years have been a great source of morality. This is because Charles Dickens has extensively written on the various social and economic ills that face the society. Charles Dickens, in his book, David Copperfield talks extensively on the economic and social ills of the society. Panic, on the other hand, is the sudden feeling of fear that is usually very great at particular instances that it replaces reasonable thinking with overwhelming agitation as well as anxiety. Panic might be experienced by an individual or get experienced by a group of people all at once at times referred to as panic of the mass or mass panic.

The necessary use of persuation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The necessary use of persuation - Essay Example In an organization it is necessary to have persuasion; as the same is an outward appearance of power. It is the procedure of directing the public in the direction of the implementation of a thought, approach, or accomplishment by way of lucid and emblematic means. It is an analytical approach, which to a certain extent depends on petition more willingly than power. There are various ways a manager of an organization may persuade an employee of a company to work hard; motivation, efficient leadership and communication skills are some factors, which may persuade the employees in working hard within an organization. Organizational behavior is based on the presumption that people perform better when they know what is expected of them and can relate their personal goals towards the organizational goals. Accomplishment at work is not only technological knowledge but it has been seen that the same has also been reliant on the concentration of the personnel. Constructing awareness in the populace to provide their levels best towards the job and the place of work is the means to have persuasion in practice in the first place. When the workers who are being persuaded, fully apply their ability and proficiency, the organizational resources are exploited by a good number of positives ensuing in minimum consumption as well as lesser costs. Productivity augments and competence of operations is maximized to say the least. If a manager persuades his employees it would lead to higher motivation in the midst of the individuals which shows the way to better job satisfaction amongst the workers. Persuasion gives details of an assortment of monetary and non-financial inducements, opportunities for progression, industrial tranquility and compassionate ambiance in the venture. The manager in order to persuade the employees should devise a two-way system of communication for effective persuasion. Rhetoric or public speaking is the skill or to put it in a

Scientific inquiry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scientific inquiry - Essay Example ccording to National Standards for Science Education (NRC, 1996, p.23), scientists learn about the natural world in diverse methods on the basis of evidences derived from their work and they propose explanations for the study. The scientific inquiry includes some core elements such as ‘making observations, posting questions, examining information sources, planning investigations, analysis and interpretation of data, proposing answers, explanations and predictions, and communicating results’ (NRC, 1996, p.23. Cited in Simonson & Schlosser, p.2). Thus science and scientific inquiry are differentiated in various respects; the later tries to acquire knowledge about natural world through an assortment of observations and investigations whereas the knowledge obtained through the scientific inquiry constitutes science. I/O psychology refers to Industrial and Organizational psychology which is also called work psychology or organizational psychology or talent assessment. In the opinion of Spector (2003: 6) ‘the application of psychological principles to organizational settings’ and people at work in the organization is called Industrial and Organizational psychology. The primary objective of this branch of psychology is to preserve the ‘health and well-being’ of employees and thereby it helps the organization to ‘get the most from their employees or human resources’ (Spector. Cited in Furnham, 2005, p.2). Even though science and scientific inquiry are the fundamental elements of I/O psychology; scientific inquiry benefits more than science in the field of I/O psychology. In today’s complex business structure, priority is given to HRM strategies and thus organizational psychologists mainly concentrate on behavioral science and psychology. They analyze in dividual’s behavior through a sequence of processes such as close observations, interviews, investigations and interpretations. Organizational psychologists also make use of science for the thorough

The Effects of Teacher Morale on Student Learning and Performance Research Paper

The Effects of Teacher Morale on Student Learning and Performance - Research Paper Example There are many reasons that can direct effects on morale of the teacher. For example, if the school management does not involve teachers in their decision making process, increased duties, limited assistance and the low salaries paid to highly educated teachers (Houchard, 2005). Moreover, the public criticism and ignorance by the students due to the parents support may also affect the morale of a teacher directly. Due to that, many of the teachers left this profession and even I am seriously considering leaving this profession due to the low morale. On the other hand, I have to complete the session with my students at school. While, I could easily provide meaningful learning to my students, but the low morale is affecting willingness, because of the school administration. In the studies by one source, morale is defined as it is the feeling of a worker that is based on the job and feeling about the job (Rowland, 2008). That feeling can be a mental attitude and emotional attitude. Likewise, teachers’ morale is also based on their feeling about their jobs and duties, which are most important to build the future of a student (Whitaker, Whitaker, & Lumpa, 2013). Since, I am a victim of low morale in the teaching career therefore, this action report aimed to seek out the empirical evidence on the relationship between teacher’s morale and its effects on the student’s performance, learning and achievements. During the past 15 years and so, the teacher’s education research helped in significant strides while studying the relationship between teacher’s morale, practices, beliefs impacts and student’s achievements. The significance of the teacher’s morale can be established through the performance and learning of the students; the benefits can easily figure out by the achievement levels of students. In the literature, there are many research studies conducted by many scholars of educational

The Balanced Scorecard & the Financial Perspective Essay

The Balanced Scorecard & the Financial Perspective - Essay Example In today’s time whether it be a for-profit-organization or a not-for-profit organization, has to develop various strategic business models in order to manage and sustain their organization. Similarly, the rehabilitation centre got into strategic planning long ago. There had been various consultants who provided counseling to the centre on implementation of proper strategic business models for the smooth functioning of the organization. The centre tried to adapt these strategic business model based on the inputs provided by various consultants but the implementation of such models were very difficult for the centre since they were into rendering different types of services and these services were done not for profit. The management was unable to push down the strategic plan to the lower levels, from where it has to be started, hence the centre couldn’t never avail the desired outcomes. After years of pushing and pulling into the implementation of strategic business model s, the management finally appointed a Director of strategic planning, who in turn after thorough scanning and exploration of various levels of strategic planning process decided to utilize the concept of Balanced Scorecard. The main objective of implementation was to align each area within the center itself with the overall strategic plan. This concept was similar to breaking down of big activities into smaller parts so that even difficult task can be completed in time (Kazmi, 2002). The mission and vision statement of the organization was to become â€Å"a leader in providing and assessing desired services to people with disabilities†. The implementation of Balance scorecard was difficult at initial stages but as the top level management understood the importance and effectiveness of Balance scorecard, implementation became bit easier at later stages though the outcome measurement for many areas remained a difficult task as the customers at the center are people with develop mental disabilities. Analysis The main purpose of a balance scorecard is that it helps an organization to adhere to it mission and vision statement while aligning all its activities to one direction. A Balance Scorecard has four perspectives namely the learning and growth perspective, internal business process perspective, customer perspective and the financial perspective. Based on these four perspectives it can be viewed the organization from these four broad perspectives. The four perspective of the Cattaraugus County rehabilitation Centre has been discussed below: Customer Perspective: In the customer perspective the main goal is to amend the quality of services provided to the customer by the center. It has again two aspects to it, first, by providing better services through narrowing down the gap of unfulfilled services like allowing various supports to families of the individuals with disabilities, by improving the access facilities to customer for the services etc. Secondly, by giving the families and individual maximum independence and recognition for e.g. by providing various opportunities to the individuals in their community, helping them to develop various skill like sustaining relationships, developing various skills in them, providing them with opportunities to work , by working on plans based on the feedback provided by the customers etc. Financial perspective: The main objective of any organization is maximize profit through increased

Quantitative Methods Individual work1 Assignment

Quantitative Methods Individual work1 - Assignment Example The fixed cost of manuscript preparation, textbook design, and production setup is estimated to be $160,000. Variable production and material costs are estimated to be $6 per book. Demand over the life of the book is estimated to be 4000 copies. The publisher plans to sell the text to college and university bookstores for $46 each. 15. Preliminary plans are underway for construction of a new stadium for a major league baseball team. City officials question the number and profitability of the luxury corporate boxes planned for the upper deck of the stadium. Corporations and selected individuals may purchase a box for $300,000. The fixed construction cost for the upper-deck area is estimated to be $4,500,000, with a variable cost of $150,000 for each box constructed. of up to 50 luxury boxes. Promoters indicate that buyers are available and that all 50 could be sold if constructed. What is your recommendation concerning the construction of luxury boxes? What profit is

DELL SWOTT TABLE Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

DELL SWOTT TABLE - Assignment Example The business macro environment describes factors like competition, clients, industries, market, companies and even clients. In the past Dell, unlike most of its competitors, has not made any significant accomplishments in the smartphone technology and business. Resultantly, this has led to a lot of criticism for the past decade with most people questioning its proficiency even in its core field, which is computer technology. In 2009, Dell launched its first ever smartphone that most of its supporters, consumers and other stakeholders had been waiting for with a lot of fanaticism, which is understandable considering its reputation in computer technology (Holman, 2005). The Mini 3i was among the biggest disappointments of the company as most of the reviews termed it as an attempt. The most disappointing thing was the location of the launch as the Chinese got the first experience being the aim market for Dell; evidently, this itself was substandard for the people in the west. This development has meant that the company conducts an analysis of its environment in order to determined the right approaches and strategies it can use in its marketing and other important functions towards it operations (Holman, 2005). It is important to realize that business environment analysis is an important process that happens for all businesses that want to create competitive advantages in their business operations. The internal business environment contains factors that the business can manipulate in the process of creating its competitive advantages (Arthur, 2012). These factors make up the strengths and weaknesses for a business when analyzing its SWOT. Some of the important factors in Dell computer’s internal business environment include the following With regard to strategy, the company relies on various approaches in its market entry requirements. The company has managed to put up a team that conducts

Corporate Restructuring Essay Example for Free

Corporate Restructuring Essay Purpose of Corporate restructuring : 1. To enhance the shareholder value 2. To utilize the assets properly 3. To get profitable investment opportunities 4. To diverse the business 5. To reduce cost of capital by designing innovative securities through corporate restructuring Types of Corporate restructuring : 1. Mergers or amalgamation The words mergers and amalgamation are always interchangeable but there is slight difference in mergers and amalgamation. Merger is fusion of two or more entities and it is a process in which the identity of one or more entities is lost (as is often seen when political parties merge). In the case of a merger, the assets and liabilities of a company get vested into the assets and liabilities of another company. The shareholders of the company being merged become shareholders of the larger company (as when two or more smaller banks merge with a larger bank). On the other hand, in the case of amalgamation, shareholders of both (or more) companies get new shares allotted that are of a new company altogether. 2. Acquisition or takeover : Acquistion may be defined as an act of acquiring effective control over assets or management of a company by another company without any combination of businesses or companies.In acquisition , two or more companies may remain independent, separate legal entity but there may be change in control of companies. Acquistion : When managements of acquiring and target companies mutually and willingly agree for the takeover it is called acquisition or friendly takeover Takeover : Takeover means acquisition . When the company takes the target company unwillingly or forcefully it is called takeover. The term takeover is understood to connote hostility. 3. Leveraged buyouts (LBO) : A leverage buyout (LBO) is an acquisition of a company in which the acquisition is substantially financed through debt. 4. Divestment : A divestment involves the sale of company’s assets or product lines or  divisions or brand to the outsiders.It is reverse of acquisition. There are 2 types of divestments : sell-off and spin-off Sell off : When a company sells a part of its business to a third party it is called sell –off Spin-offs : When a company creates a new company from the existing single entity it is called a spin-off. 5. Reverse merger / Reverse Takeover : The acquisition of a public company by a private company so that the private company can bypass the lengthy and complex process of going public. The transaction typically requires reorganization of capitalization of the acquiring company.

Assessment And Classroom Based Assessment English Language Essay

Assessment And Classroom Based Assessment English Language Essay The aim of this chapter is to look at relevant research studies in relation to assessment in the classroom context, and to explore the role of classroom assessment in more details, with a specific focus on formative language assessment. It appears that the teachers classroom assessment practices and strategies may directly impact learners learning, and this includes young learners.(Oksana:not only with young learnersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..so what should I put here) Classroom teachers are in the front line of helping learners learning and assessing their performance in the classroom. Thus, the literature review is mainly concerned with the role of classroom assessment and the relationship between classroom assessment practices and learning. The following section clarifies some terminology and explores the links between assessment and learning with young language learners in the EFL context through a review of literature on experiences of assessment with primary-age learners. 2.2 Definitions of assessment and classroom-based assessment In this section, the definition of the term assessment is provided and the definition of classroom-based assessment (CBA) is discussed to provide more details of the relationship between assessment and learning in classrooms. In the educational context, the term assessment is often associated with testing for most of the teachers, learners and other stakeholders. However, testing is only one element of assessment and it actually encompasses a wider range of factors from tests to dynamic and collaborative activities and tasks. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the difference between assessment and testing before looking at the definition of classroom-based assessment(Oksana: insert page numberà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦what?). 2.2.1 The distinction between assessment and testing Ioannou-Georgior and Sophie (2003: 4) provide a broader interpretation of assessment; they describe assessment as a general term which includes all methods used to gather information about childrens knowledge, ability, understanding, attitudes and motivation. Assessment can be carried out through a number of instruments (for example, test, self-assessment), and can be formal or informal. This definition suggests that teachers may use both formal and informal methods to collect information in relation to learners performance, such as their ability and attitudes, as an evidence of learning. Ioannou-Georgior and Sophie (ibid) point out that assessment refers to all kinds of methods, whether they are formal or informal, with the aim of collecting evidences of learners learning.(Oksana: similar to above, suggestion: remove it) The studies of Rea-Dickins(2000), Lambert and Lines (2000) go further to suggest that assessment is a constant ongoing process rather than a onetime thing. Rea-Dickins (2000) illustrates assessment as the general process of monitoring of keeping track of the learners progress. (p. 376). She highlights that such process is a continuous method to monitor the learners performance. Lambert and Lines (2000) also show the similar view of point, they define assessment as the process of gathering, interpreting, recording and using information about pupils responses to educational tasks (p. 4) From their viewpoint, assessment is related to what teachers do during the process of teaching and learning, including gathering, diagnosing, recording and using information about pupils performance and feedback. As can be seen, assessment is a part of both teachers and learners life within classroom and is integrated to the process of teaching and learning. It is also used to monitor and respond to lea rners regular work, such as learning activities, tasks and tests. On the other hand, testing refers to a procedure that is used to measure learners ability by teachers and examiners (Rea-Dickins, 2000). According to Ioannou-Georgior and Sophie (2003), testing is a procedure with a certain objective and is used by teachers to assess learners performance in order to understand whether the learner has achieved this objective or not. They also point out that testing used tasks or exercises and assigns marks or grades based on quantitative results (p. 4) This seems to suggest that testing is one of the tools that used by teachers to assess their learners ability and is a way to demonstrate what learners have learnt. It also implies that testing is a onetime thing rather than an ongoing process. As can be seen, testing is a procedure with a certain objective and is used to collect quantitative results, in terms of marks or grades. It is used to measure what the learners have learnt and to check whether they have met their goal or not; meanwhile, assessme nt refers to all methods of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data in relation to learners performance and is a continuous process. (Oksana: Yes, but it is classroom based assessment specifically that does thisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..what?)In fact, through clarifying the boundaries between testing and assessment may help us to get insight into the meaning and definition of classroom-based assessment. 2.2.2 Definition of Classroom-Based Assessment Classroom-based assessment is defined by Airasian as the process of collecting, synthesizing and interpreting information to aid in classroom decision making (2005, p. 2). He highlights the work that teachers need to take during the process of assessment in the classroom context, with the aim of supporting teachers in decision making, such as deciding what forms of assessment are most appropriate for gaining information about learners learning and measuring achievement. In classrooms, teachers collect data in relation to learners needs, strength, and weakness and try to interpret the information on the basis of teachers own beliefs, capacities and knowledge. They then provide help to learners and may be able to support individual learning needs. Such ongoing processes, including assigning grades, providing feedback and learning opportunities, and modifying the teaching and learning, are aiming to renew, keep track and record learners performance in the classroom. By doing so, teacher s may be able to enhance learners learning and help them to close the gap between their current status and their target level (Sadler 1989). Further, Mckay describes that classroom assessment or teacher assessment refers to assessment carried out by teachers in the classroom (2006, p. 140). He then notes that classroom assessment may be formative, for instance, when the purpose is to provide feedback to help learners improve learning, or it may be summative, when the purpose is to record and report pupils achievement and attainment (Rea-Dickins 2000). As can be seen, the purposes for classroom assessment may lead to using assessment information formatively or summatively by teachers. For example, they may need to use formative assessment to identify learner needs and use summative assessment to provide learners achievement to school authorities in the end of a school year. In fact, there are a variety of purposes for teachers to use classroom assessment. Rea-Dickins suggests three objectives of using classroom assessment: teaching, nurturing learning, and measuring learning (2000). In other words, teachers may use classro om assessment to modify their teaching methods and materials, provide appropriate help to learners and meet the bureaucratic demands. Classroom assessment plays a significant role in collecting information about learners learning and can also be used to support teachers teaching and learning (Rea-Dickins, 2001). It is a continuous and integrated process which can be planned in advance as well as be unplanned, such as observing learners language performance during the course of teaching and assessment activities. The roles of teachers may have an impact on learners learning in the classroom, whether as facilitators to develop learners language development or as assessors to measure learners language learning, (Rea-Dickins, 2008). Teachers may use both formative and summative assessment as pedagogic tools to scaffold learners, adjust their teaching, and assign grades for learners in the classroom. It is important for teachers to develop classroom assessment skills and strategies, and bring about positive change in classrooms. The aims of adopting classroom assessment strategies are to support learners learning and te achers teaching, and to meet the ultimate achievement of the curriculum goals. Rea-Dickins (2001) provides a model of classroom assessment which illustrates teachers roles in four stages in the classroom assessment process (see Figure 2.1). It also reveals the fact that teachers may need to play a mediating role in order to deal with various demands from improving learning and modifying teaching. For instance, in stage 1, the Planning stage, teachers may be interpreters to explain the learning goals and assessment criteria with learners and evaluators to identify learners needs and levels. They may become supporter in stage 2 in order to scaffold learners and provide feedback to them. As for stage 3, teachers may also need to be interpreters to interpret the learning evidence and improvers to refine the assessment process; meanwhile, they may need to be reports to report and record the learning progress to administrative authorities. Stage 1: Planning Identifying the purpose for the assessment?(why?) Choosing the assessment activity(how) Preparing the learners for the assessment Who chooses/decides for each of the above Stage 4: Recording Dissemination Recording reporting progress toward NC Formal review for LEA or internal school purposes Strategies for dissemination of formal review of learners Stage 2: Implementation Introducing the assessment(why, what, how) Scaffolding, during assessment activity Learner self- peer monitoring Feedback to learners(immediate) Stage 3: Monitoring Recording evidence of achievement Interpreting evidence obtained from an assessment Revising teaching and learning plans Sharing findings with other teachers Feedback to learners (delayed) Figure 2.1 Process and strategies in classroom assessment  [1]   However, teachers may not be able to predict the complex interaction between these two assessment purposes before actually implementing the assessment active. For instance, teacher-planned summative assessment may also provide formative assessment opportunities for students during the teaching process. Rea-Dickins (2006) points out that the boundary and interaction between formative and summative purposes of assessment cannot be identified in any watertight way in advance, as they will unfold and be enacted through the classroom discourse (p. 183). As can be seen, teachers need to be flexible with their classroom assessment practices and be able to use both formative and summative assessment as pedagogic tools to scaffold learners, adjust their teaching, and assign grades for learners in the classroom. Thus, it is important for teachers to understand the functions of both formative and summative assessments and how to use them to modify their teaching, enhance pupil achievement, and report to school authorities, parents and other stakeholders. 2.3 The Functions of Classroom Assessment: Formative and Summative Assessment On the basis of the definition of classroom assessment (2.2), classroom assessment may be used as a variety of instruments by teachers to collect data in relation to learners needs, ability, knowledge, understanding and performance in the classroom. This seems to imply the primary role teachers play in classroom assessment process and the importance of linking formative and summative assessment to effectively enhance learners learning and report it to other stakeholders, including parents, other teachers, learners themselves, and school authorities. In this section, the functions of classroom assessment, in terms of formative and summative assessment, will be discussed, particularly with assessment for learning, through a review of the literature in relation to the role of both formative and summative assessment in classrooms. 2.3.1 The Role of Formative and Summative Assessment Classroom teachers are in the front line of assisting learners to develop their ability and enhance their learning, thus, it is crucial for teachers to recognize the different functions and characteristics between formative and summative assessments and to integrate them into everyday teaching and learning. Harlen and James (1997) share the different roles of formative and summative assessment in classroom assessment. They urge the need to distinguish the differences between formative and summative assessment, in terms of the functions and characteristics, and then connect and wave them together. To reveal the complexities of the differences between formative and summative, some research reports have provided a variety of interpretations to help teachers to clarify the concept of formative and summative assessment. According to the report of Task Group on Assessment and Testing, known as TGAT, it defines formative and summative assessment through clarifying the different purposes and timing between them. For formative assessment, teachers may use it to understand the the positive achievements of a pupil (DES/WO, 1988, para. 23) (Oksana: This is quite an old reference, is there anything newer/more recent on this point?)and then plan their teaching in order to help the pupil to reach to the next step. It highlights the dynamic process of teaching and learning in the classroom and more importantly, it points out the future direction through using the results of assessment. Formative assessment is a continuous process of adjusting teachers teaching and learners learning; meanwhile, summative assessment is used for systematic recording of learners overall achievement. In other words, teachers may use summative assessment to note learners performance, such as recording the grade or scores of teacher made and standardized tests, after a certain period of time. In 2001, Clarke expressed similar views in providing a clear illustration for formative and summative assessment: If we think of our children as plantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦summative assessment of the plants is the process of simply measuring them. The measurements might be interesting to compare and analyse, but, in themselves, they do not affect the growth of the plants. Formative assessment, on the other hand, is the garden equivalent of feeding and watering the plants directly affecting their growth (p2). As can be seen, the main function of formative assessment is to nurture pupils and improve learning, which is a continuous process of interaction between teachers and learners. For instance, in classrooms, teachers provide guidance for learners toward improvement through formative assessment feedback during the processes of teaching and learning. As for summative assessment, it takes place after the teaching and learning. Teachers may grade or make judgments in relation to learners learning in order to inform and report to other stakeholders. In the classroom, teachers use formative assessment to help learners learning as well as modify their own teaching methods and materials. They also use summative assessment to assign grades and report attainment at the end of a school year for administrative purposes (Bachman Palmer 1996). As such, formative assessment requires the ability of the teacher to diagnose learners performance, in terms of what causes him or her to get struck, and to help learner to understand what to learn, how they learn, and how well they have learned. 2.3.2 Formative Classroom Assessment: assessment for learning More recently, the focus of the classroom assessment studies has shifted from forms of test to the interactions between assessment and classroom learning. This shift also highlights the importance of the improvement of learning through formative teacher assessment. Black and Wiliam (1998) review a variety of past research studies in relation to classroom formative assessment. They point out that several empirical studies show evidence to support the claim that improving formative assessment do raise standards and help pupils learning, particularly with low ability pupils. They also present evidence in relation to how teachers use formative assessment practices and strategies to enhance pupils learning in the field of general education. A broader explanation of formative assessment is provided by Black and Wiliam, they illustrate that all those activities undertaken by teachers, and/or by their students, which provide information to be used as feedback to modify the teaching and learning activities in which they are engaged (1998, p.7). Their interpretation not only points out that formative assessment activities can be used by both teachers and learners but also indicates how teachers and students use feedback to adjust the teaching and learning. From this perspective, formative assessment is embedded in teaching and learning and can be used to prompt learner learning. Key formative assessment strategies, such as effective teacher feedback, teacher scaffolding, self- and peer- assessment, and raising learners self-esteem and motivation, may be integrated and embedded within teacher-learner(s) interactions(Rea-Dickins 2006). As can be seen, the activities that conduct by teachers, such as observation, teacher made tests, take-home tasks, and learners, including self- and peer- assessment, would provide information to help both teachers and learners improve themselves. Further, Brindley (2001) points out formative assessment should undertake by teachers during the learning process, by doing so, teachers can use the results to improve instruction (p. 137). In addition, Sadler (1989) connects formative assessment with feedback and believes that feedback to teachers and to learners are separate. He suggests that the aim of using feedback for teachers is to diagnose learners performance and modify their teaching in order to help learners to enhance their abilities; meanwhile, for learners, the purpose of using feedback is to monitor their performance and understand their own learning weaknesses and strengths. Further, Tunstall and Gipps (1996, p.393) identify two types of feedback used by teachers in classrooms: evaluative and descriptive feedback respectively. They suggest that the former seems to be more close to affective and conative (effort-based) aspects of learning with a performance goal, whereas the latter places the emphasis on the cognitive development with a mastery goal. Teachers act as facilitators in providing descriptive types of feedback, such as making suggestions and questioning as part of discussion, rather than directing (p. 401). As can be seen, there is a greater links between descriptive feedback and formative assessment. However, Torrance and Pryor (1998) point out that teacher feedback may have a negative influence on learners, for instance, when the teacher tries to correct learners mistakes which may lead to the impression of learners producing wrong answers. It may even be seen as criticism by the pupils and discourage learners self-esteem. Further, teacher feedback with praise may result in encouraging competition among learners instead of increasing learners motivation. Thus, it is important for teachers to recognize the influences and impact of formative assessment feedback on learner motivation and self-esteem. To sum up, classroom assessment is used by teachers to collect data in relation to the process and attainment of learners with aim of responding to individual needs and curricular demands. Formative assessment is crucial in enhancing learner learning and closing the gap between learners actual level and potential level. The following section explored assessment of young language learners in a foreign classroom context through review of past research studies in relation to classroom assessment in practice. 2.4Research on Assessment of Young Learners in the EFL Classrooms In this section, the relevant research studies of classroom assessment of young language learners are explored, followed by introducing a unique Taiwanese educational context, in terms of learning English in private ESL schools, as the classroom assessment context in this research. 2.4.1 Classroom Assessment of Young Language Learners Rea-Dickins (2000) points out that since the 1990s research studies in relation to assessment for foreign language learners has been more in evidence (e.g., Low et al., 1993; McKay et al., 1994; Edelenbos and Johnstone,1996; Breen et al., 1997; Leung and Teasdale, 1997). Language Testing proposes a special issue that is focusing on assessment for young language learners, who ages 5 to about 12, in the school system. The key idea of these reports in this issue is related to a variety of purposes for assessment for young language learners within an early years language learning curriculum which results in raising the awareness of wider issues in relation to assessment of young language learners, such as how the validity of classroom-based assessment is achieved. Teadeale and Leung (2000) draw the attention to the validity of implement alternative assessment and monitoring learners learning performance through teacher assessment. Rea-Dickins and Gardner (2000) also look at the same issue in relation to the implementation of formative classroom assessment, in terms of keeping track of learners language development, in the English as a Second Language (ESL) context. Their findings suggest the potential variables which may influence the validity of teacher assessment during the assessment procedure. This is followed by Gattullo who explores the way to implement formative assessment in the Italian primary foreign language classroom, where English is taught since grade 3 (age 8). She investigates different formative assessment processes through analyzing classroom assessment discourses and she also observes the everyday interactions between teachers and learners. The results suggest that instead of using formative assessment actions which may be m ore beneficial for learning, including observing process, examining product and metacognitive questioning; teachers use more common actions, such as questioning, correcting and judging. Continuing the theme of formative assessment of primary learners in the EFL context, Zangl (2000) provides the methods of assessment to gain information in relation to primary-age learners language skills. She argues that teachers may be able to draw a developmental picture for individual learners, including their general interactional skills and specific language skills, through ongoing assessment throughout primary school. Hasselgren (2000) looks at the innovative ways to develop materials, such as tests, teacher assessment, and learners self-assessment, which can improve both teachers and learners assessment skills in Norwegian primary schools. In the context of Norway, one significant difference is that there is no tradition of testing for young language learners due to local policy. This contributes to high-demand assessment methods, particularly in materials development and task design, and to the implementation of formative assessment, in terms of assessment for learning. Both teachers and learners are encouraged to develop their ability to assess. As can be seen, the national policy is one of important variables that influences teachers attitude towards integrating classroom-based assessment into their everyday language teaching. It is also crucial to take variables, such as learners prior cultural knowledge, teachers knowledge and ability in assessment, and the English curriculum, into account when assessing primary-age learners of English as a foreign language. Teachers should choose and design the appropriate assessment material for Young language learners. The material should be well adapted to learners cognitive and linguistic skills and to their interests. The work of Hasselgren suggests that classroom assessment may be influenced by a variety of factors, particularly by the national policy. These external elements, such as the government policy and English curriculum, may have direct impact on the implementation of assessment, teachers attitude towards classroom assessment and their classroom assessment practices in the EFL context. A brief history of primary school English education in Taiwan is explored in the next section to gain insight into a special English classroom in Taiwan. 2.4.2 ESL Program in Taiwan English teaching and learning for young learners has become increasingly important in Asian countries, such as Taiwan, China, Japan and Korea, where learners study English as a Foreign Language (EFL) over the past few decades. At this point it is useful to clarify some terminology before introducing the English educational context in Taiwan. The term English as a Second Language (ESL) used in countries, , such as Canada, North America and Australia, which refers to learners who are using English as the medium of instruction in school contexts but who are not English first language (L1) speakers (Rea-Dickins, 2000, p. 115). On the other hand, the term English as Foreign Language (EFL) refers to when English is taught to non-native English speakers in non- English speaking areas, such as Europe, Asia, and Africa. In 1997, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Taiwan decided to implement curricular and instructional reforms in elementary and junior high school education. One of the most significant changes is that English courses are officially introduced in grade 3 (age 9) with two 40-minute lessons per week (Ministry of Education, Republic of China, 2010). Since then, learning English has become a popular movement for young learners from the ages of 5 to 12 across the country. Butler (2004) points out that some Asian countries, such as Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, have introduced English language instruction at the elementary school level, with special focus on oral communication skills. Although the officially suggested starting age is 9, most parents want their children to learn English as soon as possible. The assumption of the younger the better in foreign language acquisition is supported by many Taiwanese parents, who believe an early start will help their children to achieve greater profici ency. These factors above contribute to the significant growth in the number of cram schools and private language schools across the country over the last decade. Cram school also known as abuxiban in Taiwan are very common and popular in competitive Asian countries, particularly in Taiwan and Japan. The aim of these schools is to help pupils to enhance their achievement scores (Harnisch, 1994; Oneil Fukumura, 1992; Stevenson Stigler, 1992). In 1999, a report from China Central News, on 6 April 1999, stated that at least more than one quarter of elementary pupils attend private language institutions after school to learn English. Tsai and Kuo (2008) report that there are more than 5,000 cram schools in Taiwan. Most English cram schools offer additional after-school teaching to enhance pupils English ability. In particular, numerous so-called ESL schools aim to help Taiwanese learners to learn English as a Second Language (ESL) through using American elementary textbooks and teaching all subjects, including handwriting, computer, music, social science, reading, math, science, grammar, phonics and writing, in English. They also offer an ESL p rogram to kindergarten children of 3 years old up to students in grade 6 (age 12). In general, kindergarten pupils and grade 1 to 2 learners receive an average of 4 to 5 lessons a day, each 30 minutes long. As for grade 3 to 6 learners, they receive approximately 2 to 3 lessons a day due to their longer elementary school hours. Such ESL schools provide a unique educational context to investigate these ESL English teachers perceptions of classroom assessment and their own classroom assessment practices.

Benin Art in Museums and Galleries Essay -- Africa

The display of Benin art in museum and galleries reflect the attitudes and perceptions of Europeans towards non-western artefacts, especially African. Thus as European attitudes change towards non-western art since the discovery of Benin art in 1897, Benin art has been revaluated and re-categorised. Initially there was a great deal of debate about Benin art and its display, as it did not equate with the perceptions then held about Africa. Until the British conquest of Benin in 1897, little was known about Benin and its culture apart from brief interaction with other Europeans in the sixteenth century. The perception of Africa was of a primitive, savage and uncivilised land, full of ‘abuses and fetishes and idolatries’, (Hodgkin, 1975, p33). Therefore, when the British invaded Benin they treated any artefacts they found as ‘war booty’ (Woods, 2008, p30) and sold anything of any value to pay for the expedition. They removed artefacts and artwork without recording any contextual evidence of form or function. These ideas are evident in the photographs in figures 1.10 on page 31, 2.2 on page 50 in Cultural Encounters (AA100, Book 3) and Plate 3.1.14 in the Illustration Book: Plates for Book 3 and 4 where artefacts are bundled into piles with centralised whit e figures suggesting only British triumph (Loftus, 2008). The ‘clever workmanship’ (Gallewey, 1893b, p37) and ‘delicacy of detail’ (Bacon, 1897, p39) attest to the quality of the artwork and the subsequent bidding by rival museums and galleries for the pieces did not prevent the perception that Africa, and thus Benin, as being barbaric and primitive. The debate was how such a barbaric society could produce such sophisticated artwork. The quality of the Benin bronzes, based on... ... Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 45-58 Mackie, R. (2008), ‘The Art of the Benin: Changing Relations between Europe and Africa I: The conquest of the Benin in the 1890’s’, in Brown, R (ed.), Cultural Encounters (AA100 Book3), Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 16-32 Pike, J. (2008), ‘Cultural Encounters and Cultural Exemptions’, in Brown, R (ed.), Cultural Encounters (AA100 Book3), Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 90-122 Wood, P (2008), ‘The Art of the Benin: Changing Relations between Europe and Africa II: The Benin bronzes and Modern Art’, in Brown, R (ed.), Cultural Encounters (AA100 Book3), Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp.58-78 Woods, K (2008), ‘The Art of the Benin: Changing Relations between Europe and Africa I: The Art of the Benin’, in Brown, R (ed.), Cultural Encounters (AA100 Book3), Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp.4-16

The Theme of Masks :: essays research papers

Have you ever worn a mask before? Maybe the mask wasn't a costume mask, but it was a mask to make you seem happy, or seem cool, or anything that made you feel like something than you are not normally. Chances are you have. Trying to fit in with the crowd, a mask is used to obtain the things we cannot reach on our own. Masks are especially common today because of the pressures to belong to the 'in'; group, or the pressures to succeed. Books, using masks, commonly show the many connotations of masks. They are used to find out what people are for real, on the inside of the mask. The imagery of masks is used throughout the book of Twelfth Night. Shakespeare uses the imagery of masks to reveal characters true emotions and to express the power of raw beauty. Shakespeare uses this imagery through all of his characters in the play, but especially the two characters of Viola and Feste. The perfect example of the use of the masking imagery can be seen through Feste. Acting as a wiseman and not the fool, Feste shows the development of masks. Feste tries to 'conceal [him] for what [he] is';(1.2) because he knows that if the people knew that he was a wiseman, than he would not be called upon to sing his songs, symbols of what is right. Also, the people would not come to him for the advice he gives them in his songs and speeches. This is a strong example of masking imagery because it shows of what the character might be like without his mask, and what he might be treated as if he wasn't the fool. In the play, full of masking imagery, Feste shows his many personalities. He shows the 'devil man';(4.2) in himself when talking to Malvolio. This is shown as a mask to the audience because it shows that not only is Feste a wiseman and a fool, but he is also a mean and tricky person. This shows that the masks of Feste are shown in many different cases, causing them to be very w ell developed. Feste's masks tend to show what everyone wants at that time. Feste acts as 'an ass';(5.1) for his friends. Pleasing the people, the masks show that Feste can be more liked and more used for all purposes. But the identity of Feste can always be revealed through eyes.

Argumentative Against Death Penalty

Abolishment of Capital Punishment Capital punishment should be abolished for the following reasons. 1) It violates the Eight Amendment of the use of cruel and unusual punishment, for which the Supreme Court has vacillated. 2) It is a form of premeditated murder. 3) It promotes racism. 4) It can be administered to innocent individuals through tainted evidence. 5) The death penalty does not deter criminals from committing violent crimes. The death penalty is a form of cruel and unusual punishment that violates citizen’s Eighth Amendment which has forced the Supreme Court to step in and evaluate this form of punishment.The death penalty has not always been practiced in the United States; however, there have been about 13,000 people who have been legally executed since colonial times. In 1972, the Supreme Court effectively nullified the death penalty. However, in 1976 another Supreme Court found capital punishment to be Constitutional (White 1). One must wonder why they made this decision. In 2007 the court put executions across the country on hold for eight months while it examined whether lethal injection, the most common means of executing prisoners, violated the Eight Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment (Lacayo).How can they not see this form of punishment as cruel and unusual? Individuals are killed by electricity seeping through their bodies, or drugs that cause their organs to shut down one at a time. It’s difficult to unerstand what the government perceives as cruel and unusual punishment. Maybe to them this would mean lining individuals up and killing them at point blank range. What could be crueler than strapping individuals to a chair and sending electricity through their bodies essentially cooking their insides, or putting a lethal dose of drugs into their body that causes organ failure.The method of taking another human’s life is cruel no matter how it is achieved. This gives too much power to individuals in society. The death penalty is a form of premeditated murder. According to dictionary. com, murder is the killing or slaughter of an individual inhumanely or barbarously. What gives the state or normal everyday citizens the right to determine whether or not an individual lives or dies? This is essentially doing what the criminal did and justifying it by hiding behind the law. Murder is murder whether it is committed by the drug dealer on the street or y the executioner who administers the lethal dose of medication into the inmate’s veins. Some individuals feel that the death penalty gives way to racism and class oppression. African Americans and Latinos represent the majority of inmates on death row. Because of this, executions are exclusively for the poor. Ninety percent of those awaiting execution cannot afford to hire a competent trial attorney (â€Å"Reasons to Abolish Death Penalty,†). Too often those convicted are unable to afford a dream defense team and must set tle for court appointed attorneys.These attorneys are often overworked and underpaid. In many cases the appointed attorney has little at stake regardless of the outcome. The biggest problem with the use of the death penalty is that often innocent individuals are sentenced to this heinous form of punishment. There are a staggering number of cases where individuals have been wrongfully convicted. Over the past few years, there have been several stories of individuals who have been convicted of horrific crimes and been sentenced to death only to be freed years later by DNA evidence. Here is a prime example of one of those individuals.Earl Washington spent almost ten years on Virginia’s death row. He was exonerated by DNA evidence and pardoned by the governor. The same DNA test that cleared Earl, implicated a known serial rapist, yet law enforcement and prosecution continue to claim Earl guilty, apparently believing that Earl raped the victim leaving another man’s sperm. N ationwide over 100 condemned Americans have been exonerated since 1976 and walked off death row as free men (Ballard). Even though we have come a long way with DNA there will always be police officers who are pressured to solve cases too fast.Some may use whatever tools are necessary including planting evidence or falsifying documents to establish guilt. As with the case above most police officers, as well as district attorneys, do not want to admit when they are wrong, even if it spares the life of an innocent human. It is heard time and time again that capital punishment helps to deter similar crimes. Evidence does not support this claim. Representative Maxine Waters stated that she does not believe you deter the taking of lives by others by having a death penalty.She went on to say that in the final analysis it does not work fairly if there’s any such thing as being fair about killing people (â€Å"Reasons to Abolish Death Penalty†) Society tends to follow the trend s and mindset of those around them. They often feel that since the Supreme Court has upheld the death penalty, it does not violate the rights of those citizens who have been tried and convicted of crimes that warrant this type of punishment. They presume that justice is being carried out in accordance with the laws that the United States government has set forth.Then there are those who feel the death penalty is an appropriate means of punishing individuals who commit heinous crimes. Many people often refer to this biblical verse, â€Å"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand and foot for foot† (King James Version, Exodus 20:28). Too often they feel that this gives them the right to take justice into their own hands. Some individuals feel as though criminals should die by execution if the crime fits the punishment. Talk show host Larry Elder stated that society has the right to judge who lives and who dies.He says â€Å"criminals have made the ultimate sin against societ y and society is making a moral statement about your conduct† (Ballard, 2003). People who support the death penalty laugh at the notion that they are promoting racism. Statistics about race indicate that 90% of crimes are committed against whites. The study also stated that African Americans committed 7. 5 times more violent than whites (Sheehan, 1995). The conclusion is drawn that they are not targeting race as a factor when handing out death penalties, they are punishing the perpetrator of the crime without taking the race of the individual into factor.The fact that innocent people are placed on death row has not deterred judges from handing down this punishment. Many do not discount the fact that several people have been placed on death row only to be exonerated. The justice system allows every individual convicted of a crime so many appeals before the sentence is carried out. To the supporters of the death penalty this allows those wrongfully convicted the opportunity to p roduce evidence that will exonerate themselves. Supporters of the death penalty feel as though this helps to deter other criminals from committing the same act.According to a dozen studies, execution saves lives. The study stated that for each inmate executed three to eighteen murders are prevented (Liptak, 2007). Two law professors from Harvard also agree that the evidence of deterrent effect from capital punishment seems impressive. They seem to agree that capital punishment will save lives. After examining the information available for both the supporters and the non-supporters of capital punishment, it is clearly evident that capital punishment should be abolished. This form of unishment is cruel and unusual. It also allows our peers to commit murder by standing behind the law, which is no different than the criminals that are being put to death. Too often this form of punishment is passed down to innocent individuals who spend years trying to clear their name, and often do not get the chance to do so. Furthermore, there is not enough evidence to support that the death penalty deters other criminals. After all, there are better ways that tax money could be spent on individuals who commit crimes against society.The question that the government needs to ask themselves is if this form of punishment is worth the cost of innocent life that comes with it. Works Cited â€Å"Another Reason to Abolish the Death Penalty. † Workers. com. 2009. 11 Mar. 2013. . Ballard, Scotty . www. findarticles. com. 2003. 11 Mar. 2013. . Lacayo, Richard . â€Å"The Tide Shifts Against the Death Penalty. † www. time. com. 3 Feb. 2009. 12 Mar. 2013. . Liptak, Adam . â€Å"Does Death Penalty Save Lives?A New Debate. † The New York Times. 18 Nov. 2007. 12 Mar. 2013. . Sheenan, Paul . â€Å"The Race War of Blacks Against Whites. † heretical. com. 20 May. 1995. 11 Mar. 2013. . The Holy Bible, King James Version. New York: Oxford Edition: 1769; King James Bible Online, 2008. http://www. kingjamesbibleonline. org/. White, Deborah . â€Å"Pros and Cons of Death Penalty and Capital Punishment. † About. com US Liberal Politics. 12 Mar. 2013. .

Jurisdiction of courts on internet Essay

Facebook is a social networking website whose growth has been rapid and with a lot of controversy. It is quite perceptible that the social networking site can be classified as interactive. Friends’ requests and live chart sessions, group invitations, friend requests, group requests, updates notifications inter alia make this site interactive. Facebook has more than 400 million users; an average user has over 130 friends, a user creates over 70 pieces of content monthly and there are more than 25billion shared content-ranging from photo albums, new stories, and internet links among others. Activity on Facebook is very high (if not the highest), the site falls under jurisdiction internationally (long-arm jurisdiction). The concerns on Facebook emanates from privacy issues, juvenile safety, data mining, the use of promotion and advertising scripts, and account terminating procedures. The issue of intellectual property is also pertinent to personal jurisdiction laws. Facebook changes on the terms of use have also stirred legal concerns. The giant social networking site has tried to make amendments on the terms of use but has not completely succeeded. Initially the terms of use allowed Facebook the freedom to use personal information with no regards to the users (Open Rights Group 2009). For the court to obtain personal jurisdiction some specific elements have to be considered. Minimum contact requirements must be met, there must be a due judicial process and the defendant’s substantial rights must not be violated. This is done by first deciding on whether a website passes the interactive-passive test. Personal jurisdiction is varied and sometimes the defendant is subjected to the plaintiff’s laws-in a supranational context. The long-arm statute gives courts jurisdictions over out-of-state individuals or firms whose activities touch on locals. The long arm jurisdiction has a long history from the Zippo Manufacturing v. Zippo Dot Com, 952 F. Supp. 1119 (W. D. Pa. 1997) (Rosenthal 2003). the case gave a basic precedent of answering the question of long-arm statute. In regard to divergent interpretations of the long-arm statute, respective state laws should be examined in deciding on whether a nonresident defendant is under the jurisdiction of a state and on whether they are answerable in that state’s court. Long-arm jurisdiction is concerns web page creators since it is applicable internationally. The application of long-arm statute becomes blurred when the court is not able to decide on the interactive-passive distinction. According to Wolf advertising alone is not enough to confer personal jurisdiction (Wolf 1999). Conclusion Web owners may be subjected to personal jurisdiction if the website contains; personal information which can solicit business; if the page violates federal law by using or passing personal information to solicit or receive donations and publishes defamatory information.

King Lear and the Analysis of the Family Concept Essay

The issue regarding which is more important, love and family ties or fame and political power are issues that are always present in every generation. Well, which is really more important that we should devote our lives in search for the more important thing? Is blood really thicker than water? It is a subjective topic in which persons have different experiences and stand about the subject matter. This paper aims to answer this question by referring to the epic play of William Shakespeare: King Lear. It is also important to look at the values and actions displayed by the characters of the stories and to analyze whether they are still applicable in our contemporary time. â€Å"King Lear† is regarded by many critics as one of the best works of the arguably greatest writer that has ever lived, the immortal William But despite being on of the author’s last works, â€Å"King Lear† had echoed throughout literary history as one of the best read and staged play. It has also become a staple material for those who endeavor in literature studies. The success of the text owes much to the themes that the text generates. One of those themes is an issue that the whole world can relate to about a family. The socio -cultural nature of the family had amplified significantly the readership of the text as it is being used as a study text by those in the social sciences. Family and Society Family is an essential part of the society. It is a major component in the aspect of social health in the world we live in. The family which includes the parents and children, all play a big role in shaping the society, in maintaining the social health of the place we call home. The family is a means of the propagation of life, wherein because of the family, societies continue to exist. It is because of the parent’s capability to bear children and raise them to become better people, thus accounting for a better society. Comparison and Contrast between Modern and Shakespearean King Lear Family The modern American family has more diverse components not just the typical family members. Often times, the structure of a modern family is greatly influenced with the modern influence brought about by the changing times and ideas. Modern societies are not only characterized with the great influence of technological advances and dependency, but rather in more complex terms, the modern family is subjected to changes in the ideals behind the essence of a modern family image. (Woloch 1997) But unlike in modern families, the aristocratic family of King Lear in Shakespeare’s work typifies the basic notion of family struggles at that time. The character of King Lear is portrayed as a struggling human being eager to win the favour of his children in the most drastic ways he knows best. The intention of the character of King Lear is to do what he thinks is best for his sons and daughters. However, he became so obsessed in power and blinded by his intention to protect his daughters at all costs in the expense of Cordelia. In discerning the true identity of a modern family, we realize the need to evaluate the changes in the basic unit of structure in the society from Shakespeare’s time until now. During the early centuries, the family is characterized by only one true virtue: it is composed of the father, the mother and their children. The history behind the family as a concept, involves the idea of each roles portrayed by each entity. The father is the sole provider of the family; the mother is the one who takes care of the children and the household; and the children are there to be nurtured, loved and provided for. But generally these concepts have become the main stereotypes brought into the modern societies. The play has those stereotypes. King Lear is portrayed as a noble aristocrat obsessed with his power. Cordelia is also a pivotal character in King Lear wherein she is seen as a typical good daughter who always follows her father. However, the fool can be put as an allegory of Shakespearean society wherein truth is at its essence of being true. Times change and almost everything in the society changes and has changed. Not just from infrastructure, but also the amount of knowledge shared and experienced by everyone. The concept of family has also changed dramatically. Brought by the women revolution and the emergence of the feminist concept, the country has experienced the women greatly influence the manner in which concepts in the society is changed.(Woloch 1997) The role of women in the society has greatly changed from the stereotyped domesticated females, to the working and productive women of the future.(Kemp & Squires 1997) This is an important phenomenon in history that must be addressed in order to define the concept of changing family image. One notable contribution came from the â€Å"changed† status of women and the achievement of gender equality in the country. Another contributing factor to the changing views in family image made by the play King Lear is the role portrayed by men in the society. From a patriarchal type of society, King Lear for instance, experience a dramatic change brought about by the change in the status of women.(Woloch 1997) Men in modern times have to compete more and more with women in context of career and including family life. There is a great paradigm shift of roles from the earlier centuries wherein men have the sole right to work for their family. In modern societies, women share equal roles in bringing and managing resources within the household. These events are clearly depicted in both stories of King Lear and Cordelia. Placed in both different contexts, the two characters in the play depicted the changes within the modern family. In the King’s character, the life of a domesticated father is shown albeit part of the aristocracy. The concept of tough love towards Cordelia is present in all acts. Having experience what probably most modern fathers are experiencing, Shakespeare realized is that being a domesticated father entails the kind sympathy for mothers who spends most of the time taking care of the kids. While men busily work to earn their monthly income, mothers are entailed with a much greater responsibility in terms of taking care of the children. There is a conflict shown in the essay in which the author questions his capacity, as a male figure in the society, to handle such responsibility in the home. While his wife is away, he maintains to struggle between his job as a writer and as an on-hands father. Every domesticated father will realize that it is somehow degrading to realize that he can not do his job or fulfill his professional aspirations in life if he exchanges his role with the wife. There is the internal conflict that lies within the men to question their respective roles in the society and specifically in their own family. Osborne explains the struggles experienced by men in accepting that hard roles that women portray in the society. Once they too have experienced being domesticated, this eventually changes their own perception of their role in the family. Sexual identity and social identity is another main idea in the play’s depiction of courtship. In the story, social acceptance has a main role in considering this kind of modern family. This can be seen over the courting of the Duke of Cornwall towards Cordelia. Over the years, society has witness the growing number of social class relationships that includes a child or the wanting of a child. Many states still is irreconcilable with the issues behind aristocracy. But it is of practice to respect and tolerate the decision by the protagonist in handling his family. Obstetrics, Family, and Social Health on King Lear   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Obstetrics is a key in maintaining social health because it deals with a big part in the society – the family. A particular concept which can be adapted in thes paper, Obstetrics makes sure that life propagates, because it takes care of the women’s concerns during pregnancy, the formation of a new life, a life that would play a big role in the society. Obstetrics takes care of being able to have children of your own, which is another important factor in the family. A child, the product of the parent’s love and efforts, completes the society’s building block, the family (Nesbitt, 2002). As in the case of the main protagonist in the play, the same concept can be applied since King Lear had a difficult time in handling his children effectively. Comparison of the Concept of Family in other Shakespearean Plays In the story of Antigone, Haemon must choose between her love for Antigone and the fame and political power that await him if he obeys his father. In both Antigone and King Lear, the concept of patriarchal obedience is evident. Now Haemon is facing a dilemma because of the conflict between his love and his father. The same choice goes for Antigone for she wants to give her brother the honor of being buried in the right way. Both cases can be traced back to the struggles of Cordelia under his father. However, doing so would mean that she must disobey King Lear’s order. Disobeying the king does not only take the opportunity to be the princess by marrying the king’s son, Haemon, but her own life as well. But Antigone and Haemon decided to follow their hearts. In the end, Antigone killed herself. Knowing that his love is death, Haemon also decided to end his life. Thus, their value for their love ones cost them their own lives. However, they still gain the respect and sympathy of the people of Thebes. It can be said that the actions of Antigone and Haemon are not applicable in our present time. Although there are several movies that portray the same idea, this rarely happen in reality. It is a very rare case in which lovers decided to end their lives since it is impossible for them to be together. They can be considered as martyrs rather than heroes because of the act. Antigone also displays the kind of courage and determination that is greatly needed in our society today. Although she is a woman, she defies the odds and even the king for what she believes is right. Adding to the fact that she lives in the period when woman are considered inferior to man. This kind of courage is really needed by the present generation. Not only woman but men as well that have the courage to stand up and are willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to make a change. Today, although woman are accepted by our society and are ‘said’ to be equal to men, there are still some times that they are afraid to speak out and fight for their rights. Also both men and women are sometimes afraid to question some of the things that they find unjust in the society. They are afraid to face the consequences and are unwilling to make a change to improve social order. This characteristic is really needed in our society today, the courage to fight for what is right even if the whole society is against us. If only there are those like Antigone that are willing to give it all in order to make a change, I’m sure that our society will be a better place to live.   On the other hand, King Lear cannot consider himself victorious. His persistence and determination to exercise his power over the people of Thebes had a considerably great cost. Not only had he lost the sympathy of his people not to mention the approval of the gods but the life of his daughters and sons as well. His authority blinded him and the result is loosing the persons that he values the most. If our present leaders will demonstrate the same reason and behavior like that of King Lear, the people will surely revolt and take their powers and authority away and give it to someone more deserving and just. The people will surely not tolerate such actions. Whether to choose love and family over fame and political power is really a big decision. You cannot have the best of both worlds. To pursue love means to let go of powers and fame and vise versa. Also we cannot really determine which is important, whether to choose love and family ties over fame and power depends upon the situation. What is important is that we do not only consider our own benefit in making the right decision. Also the stories show that to pursue love and power is not wrong, however living your life to attain just one of them is sure to cost you a lot. In making a decision we should both consider the heart and as well as the mind in order to come up with the right decision. References: Ashbee, Edward. American Society Today. New York: Manchester University Press, 2002. Hertz, Rosanna, and Nancy L. Marshall. Working Families : The Transformation of the American Home. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2001. Hutter, Mark. The Changing Family. 3rd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1998. Kemp, Sandra, and Judith Squires. Feminisms. Oxford Readers. Oxford ; New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Woloch, Nancy. Early American Women : A Documentary History, 1600-1900. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997. Wakefield, Thaddeus, and NetLibrary Inc. The Family in Twentieth-Century American Drama. New York: P. Lang, 2004.

Hca/250 Change and Innovation Paper

Change and Innovation Paper HCA/250 Change and Innovation Change and Innovation In today’s economy we have experienced numerous amounts of change especially within the workplace. Some of these changes consist of new technology, procedures, as well as equipment, which can cause a lot of misunderstandings amongst present employees. According to the scenario given; a major health care organization has decided to use electronic medical records (EMRs). The employees in this organization are resistant to change, specifically changes that have to deal with technology.There are several ways that an employer can resolve situations like these and convert it into a positive that will benefit the facility. Within the workplace it may be difficult for employees to adapt change due to being confined to their usual agenda. Also most may find it highly difficult to manage the adjustment in using electronic medical records (EMRs), because that’s training that present and future employee s would have to complete in order to be certified to use this new technology.Also acknowledge that many of these facilities today rarely offer on-the-job training, which is time that employees have to appoint in order to be up to date with their place of employment which many may not have. Therefore, giving us an understanding why employees would be resistant toward the technical changes within the workplace. Being that I am a recreational manager at my current place of employment I too have to deal with the questions and concerns of current employees who may have an issue with certain changes.Some strategies that I consider helpful is to start by finding out their reason for not wanting to confine to the new changes and hopefully see if there is a reasonable conclusion that can possibly resolve the situation at hand. Also, stating the present reason(s) for the change, Change and Innovation giving the employee an explanation on how it will benefit the facility as well as themselves. After doing so if their still in disagreement I’d still encourage them to perform their duties to their fullest potential.It is not guaranteed that an employer can please all of its workers, but make it to where they at least feel comfortable performing their duties in that particular work environment. So it is good to follow through with the innovation plans, so that employees are aware of their new goals and how to manage their performance for the better good of the company. So why are some employees resistant toward organizational change? There can be multiple reasons for this.Many may disagree with certain changes that are being made, time management may cause conflict to a lot of schedules, due to the fact that many of us do inquire a second job, or it can just be that they may not like the new ideas of change for their own personal reasons. It is understandable that employees may have issues with certain adjustments especially if it’s going to affect other thing s they may have going on. For example, at my place of employment we had recently made the decision to keep our facility open later on the weekends because we realized we make more profit mainly on the weekends.Whereas making such change has affected some of our employees being that some of them work second jobs strictly on the weekends aside from this one, along with others who have children and are not able to find child care that could keep their children until eleven o’clock. So it has created a lot of conflict for some of our employees where we had to come to an agreement on how we could work around their second job schedules and their availability. Having to adjust to certain employees’ availability is where Human Resources can play a role in adapting and managing change.They have the ability to set forth ideas and solutions on how to keep the necessary change in progress Change and Innovation as well as assisting their workers with managing their work schedules a nd extras that may hinder them from fully achieving the necessary changes within the work environment. Giving another example from my place of work, we have recently got the approval to expand our facility so we can add more amenities for our customers’ enjoyment. Therefore, Human Resources have aken it upon themselves to hire flex time workers in order to cover the shifts that our regular workers cannot. However, it all works out for the better good of our facility by increasing the success from the management of innovation and change. Reference 1. http://smallbusiness. chron. com/innovation-change-business 2. http://www. leadership-and-motivation-training. com/strategies-for-managing-change 3. Coulter, M. , DeCenzo, D. , Robbins, S. (2011). Fundamentals of Management: Essential Concepts and Applications. Seventh Edition. Pearson Education. Published: Prentice Hall.

Deconstruction of Fairy Tales Essay

As most fairy tales are written there is always a happy ending, and no fairy tale yet has failed to deliver that ending. Fairy tales now in the modern day are perceived to be like a dream, an unattainable reality. A common theme in fairy tales is that the women are the victims that are dominated by a male, also there is a reoccurring theme of the terrible stepmother. Another theme that is common in fairy tales is that the women are forced to work, they are the ones who do the hard labor. In many fairy tales there are evil stepsisters that come along with the horrible stepmother and they taunt and harass, just like their mother. Three fairy tales that have the reoccurring themes of the evil stepfamily, women doing hard labor, and male dominance are Cinderella, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast. One of the fairy tales that shows the reoccurring themes of the evil stepfamily, women doing hard labor, and male dominance is Cinderella. This story is a great portrayal of these themes because it includes all three. The theme of the evil stepfamily is shown through her two evil stepsisters and her stepmother. They torture and taunt her endlessly and make her feel like she is below them. Another theme that is common in fairy tales and especially this one is that women are put to do hard labor. In her own house she is made to clean and keep the house which causes her to be covered in ashes and be dirty all of the time. The last theme is seen frequently is the theme of male dominance. Although not shown as much as in other fairy tales, Cinderella still experiences male dominance because she is under her father and the horrible stepmother that he married. In the end, like any other fairy tale, the poor woman that was a victim ends up happier than any one else in the story. She ends up marries the handsome prince and everyone like her stepsisters and stepmother have to pay for all the trouble they caused Cinderella. Another fairy tale that depicts the three reoccurring themes is Snow White. It shows the evil stepfamily with having the evil stepmother. The evil stepmother is the fairest of the land up until Little Snow White grows up and then she becomes the fairest of the land. The stepmother is so envious that she sends a huntsman to have her killed. The huntsman having pity on  her let her go and that’s when she stumbles upon the house in the mountains with the seven dwarfs. The theme of women doing hard labor comes into play when the dwarfs make her work to be able to stay there. The theme of male dominance also comes into play with this because in having to work she is under the power of the men that are forcing her to work for them. Like all good fairy tales in the end she ends up married to a handsome prince and living happily ever after, while her stepmother died for having to pay for what she did to Snow White. The last fairy tale that encompasses the three themes is Beauty and the Beast. Although not necessarily having an evil stepfamily, she does have two sisters that are jealous and envious of her. The youngest daughter, Beauty, was also seen as the smarter and better daughter of the three, for this the other two daughters did not like Beauty. When they become poor and can no longer live in the city they move to the country where they have to work for a living. The two other sister refusing to work, leaves all the work to Beauty, making her to the hard labor. When her father gets into trouble with a beast, she has to pay the price and surrender herself to him. Her giving herself up means she has to live with the beast, being under his dominance. Over time they form a relationship and they fall in love with each other. When she tells him she can’t live without him he turns into a handsome prince, and tells her that he had curse put on him but now that she fell in love with him doesn’t have to be a beast anymore. Beauty and the Beast lived happily with each other, like a fairy tale would usually end. In this story no one in particular had to pay for any wrongdoings but her sisters never got the happy life they wished for while Beauty does. For many fairy tales there are similar themes which are expressed in them. Usually they are depicted in relatively the same way but sometimes they differ. In all three of these fairy tales, Cinderella, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast, they have the same themes of an evil stepfamily, women doing hard labor, and male dominance. These stories depict all the same themes, especially when they show that the women are the victim. In all of the faith tales the women are disrespected if they are not up to par with what the standard was at the time. Although in the beginning of all of the  stories the women start at the bottom, they end up the happiest and on top in the end.

The Pursuit of a MBA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Pursuit of a MBA - Essay Example In his book ‘Managers Not MBAs’, Henry Mintzberg (2004) mentioned that, despite the fact that the MBA is regarded as the ‘education for management’, it actually prepares the ‘wrong people in the wrong ways with the wrong consequences’. One of the major reasons for such criticisms is that the MBA programme gives too much of importance on the management theories while ignoring the need to develop the practical expertise. This leads to an imbalance in the supply and demand of proficient managers in the context of real scenario, opposed to theoretical knowledge. Pfeffer & Fong (2002) questioned the lack of repositioning of the MBA model over the years and discussed that a number of interpersonal and social skills required in the current corporate world cannot be developed through an MBA programme. The authors stated that the fact that the individuals graduating from the most elite MBA programs realized the maximum salary packages is due to the fact that these individuals were chosen by their institutes on the foundation of their competences and qualifications which were way better than the average. Thus, it could be inferred that the personal characteristics of the candidates are more important than what is being taught in the MBA programme. This explanation is consistent with the verity that the curricula of majority of the MBA programmes and the course books utilized are extremely analogous across business schools of different statures. Thus, it can be concluded that there are no significant distinctions in the knowledge being imparted in the different MBA programmes. Nonetheless, the individuals undertaking MBA generally benefit in terms of both intrinsic as well as extrinsic aspects of career development and success. A few of the aspects enhanced by taking up an MBA are confidence, credibility, social status and remuneration among others. The MBA degree prepares the candidates with a perceptive of the variety and miscellan y that they would gradually deal with in their place of work. This enables the individuals to discover the principles, values and conducts suitable for that environment. Moreover, MBA degree is believed to develop the skills necessary in the process of information investigation, interpretation of data as well as the proficiency in taking up new endeavors. Furthermore, the MBA programme also enhances the presentation as well as negotiation ability and the social interaction capability of an individual. The MBA classrooms are the sites of vigorous discussion and arguments amongst the students; the involvement of individuals in such a vibrant atmosphere reinforces their aptitude to investigate, converse, convince, and reach agreement while integrating diverse viewpoints. Thus, on the whole, the MBA programme is linked with attributes for swift career progression. Sturges & Et. Al. (2003) identified that the major result of the MBA programme in addition to enhanced self-assurance, was t he evolution of the ‘knowing why’ and the ‘knowing how’ career proficiencies in the candidates, which are highly esteemed in the management world. In the assessment of changes in terms of management role and function as well as income levels of individuals prior and post their MBA degree,

How does your research into Customer Relationship Marketing confirm or Essay

How does your research into Customer Relationship Marketing confirm or contradict this statement - Essay Example This paper demonstrates that all the aspects have a great bearing in establishing customer relationships through marketing and sales. Considering these aspects and studying its components comprehensively will give an organization an edge on formulizing and strategizing an approach to the market it targets in general. Offensive marketing is a strategy used to generate more revenue or acquiring new customers and sales. On the other hand, relationship marketing focuses more on retention. Marketing strategies like this are commonly used for acquisition and retention of customers. It is important for the company to generate more revenue by getting new customers and in the process have a larger share in the market. Maintaining and keeping these customers loyal is another story. This is why, we have to study the market we want to target. This is because business to business relationships and end users or consumer relationships, should have different experiences. A divided number of percenta ge in the end user market has their own unique needs. This goes for organizational and business needs as well. Having this as a fact, relationship marketing and management should be diverse and flexible in order to meet standards and needs of every unique customer. Relationship marketing and its management starts from the acquisition of new customers, or one time purchase transactions. It is important for an organization to know the differences and similarities in the buying behaviour in order to accommodate this one time or first-time transactions.

Read the requirement i send you carefully---marketing Essay

Read the requirement i send you carefully---marketing - Essay Example Like market size, cost of work force and other potential factors are more favoring to industrialist to develop to business in China. However, there are some challenges too that industry developers have to face before starting the business in the market of China. Foreign players have to tackle with cost reduction and local competitors; these are huge challenges for any foreign player. In this we are going to discuss about analysis of electronic market of China with the help of PEST analysis and SWOT analysis of E-Commerce industry of China. PEST analysis of China’ market will aid the reader to understand about its strengths and weakness in aspect of political, economical, social and technological factors, these factors are external factors which aids to analyze e-commerce industry. In other hand SWOT analysis give a brief introduction of Taobao, is e-commerce company in China, so the readers will able to know about the internal’s strengths, weakness, opportunity and threats of the company. Political variables incorporate government regulations and lawful issues and characterize both formal and casual leads under which firm must work. Furthermore it is asserted that the political energy is presumably the most turbulent constrain in natures domain (Fahey & Narayanan, 1986). In the previous one decade, the Chinese government appends extraordinary imperativeness and center to the advancement of e-trade in the most crowded nation, for instance, on issuing the Summaries of the Middle/Long Term Science and Technology Development Plans of China and the Development of Information Industry Plans in the Eleventh Five-year and Long Plan in 2020 Years in The Ministry of Information Industry, the "provision of e-business stage innovation" has been recorded as a key point (Lili, 2011). In term of the lawful framework, the Chinese legitimate skeleton for e-trade is still in its incipient stage and has officially accomplished a few issues. China has restricted

Improving Communication - The China Context Essay

Improving Communication - The China Context - Essay Example As the report declares in today’s fast paced environment and the age of electronic communication, messages sent, take on a whole new meaning by the time they reach the recipient. This gets aggravated even further when messages are relayed between differing cultures and social settings. Globalization after all, has had a profound impact on the business world of the 21st century. It is no longer possible for countries to conduct their businesses in isolation. This paper stresses that a global code of general ethics and basic business communication is increasingly being accepted by all countries, regardless of the diversity of their cultures. In this way, the principles of democracy in business have become applicable to all countries from the West to the East of the world. Communication theories like the conduit metaphor and the narrative paradigm, provide a useful insight into what goes on in an ineffective communication and how one can make it more transparent. The theory assumes that successful communication has occurred when the receiver objectively interprets the sender’s intention and meaning behind the information sent. This implies that information that is put into the right words will be easily communicable. Any extraneous information that follows the correct message can thus be eliminated as unwanted â€Å"noise†. The idea of objective interpretation does not hold ground. Discussed below are some situations that thw art the idea of objective interpretation.