Monday, December 30, 2019

Personal Statement On Student Behavior - 1293 Words

1. Based on your learning in Weeks 3-4, identify one or two goals for the student related to misbehavior. If the student you chose for this study does not exhibit misbehavior, then choose another student for this part of the study. When students are misbehaving in class, I often remind them that they are making the wrong choices that’s causing them to interrupt their learning as well as the learning of others. Because they are choosing to make the wrong decisions, I remind them that the negative consequence they are going to receive is due to their own choices. Students are provided several opportunities to turn things around as I want them to feel that they have some control over what is happening in the classroom. Despite my effort to†¦show more content†¦One behavior that will be targeted on AM’s contract is staying in his own work area (as he tends to wonder around the room and converse with others). Two other behaviors that will be included in AM contract is raising a silent hand and waiting to be called on, and keeping his hands and feet to himself. The daily score he can earn for each behavior will range from 0-2. He will receive a zero if he did not demonstrate the behavior at all . A score of 1 will be given if he had to be given a warning for that behavior, but then redirected himself. Finally, AM will be given a 2 if he did not receive any warnings. Aside from the behavior plan, I will state rules in a positive way and utilize positive narration in order to motivate the entire class to be more invested in their own learning. I will also continue to count down from 20 to zero to allow students to return to their ready position (Laureate Education, Inc, 2012c). If I get to zero and students are still talking, I will work towards being more consistent with handing out consequences (silent lunch, phone call home, loss of recess). Using these strategies should lessen disruption in the class, resulting in more on task behaviors by all students. 2. Describe the impact you expect this plan to have on the student’s behavior. By creating a behavior plan for AM, I am hoping that heShow MoreRelatedPersonal Statement On Educational Leadership1423 Words   |  6 PagesWill Hardin 5040 Create a personal, professional mission statement summarizing philosophy, knowledge and skills of instructional supervision from which to guide future leadership actions. Assessment: Students will articulate a personal theory of instructional leadership and specify a personal, professional mission statement as a guide to socially responsible, ethical leadership behavior. Mission Statement â€Å"We are all in this together. Once we know that we are, we’re all stars and we see thatRead MoreTeacher Handbook Essays1546 Words   |  7 Pagesgranted by the United States Constitution. Teachers are required to maintain moral and ethical behavior but their rights as citizens are not taken away. Teachers should understand that they are always teachers and role models whether they are in the classroom or not and should always maintain a professional demeanor when in the public eye. Teachers are held to a higher standard in their actions and behaviors because of their employment position. Teachers influence and mold the ideas and thought ofRead MoreEssay on UCSB as a Rationalist Organization1108 Words   |  5 PagesThe University of California Santa Barbara is an organization revolving around students and faculty alike. Any organizations can reflect two contrasting perspectives, a Naturalist or Rationalist, which underlines and questions the ideas of structure and formality. Naturalist organizations convey informality due to the basis on the flow of the members’ behavior and relationships among others. But nonetheless, Rationalist organization is formal because the organization’s fluidity is based on the members’Read MoreThe Factors That Influence Procrastination938 Words   |  4 Pagesthemselves as a procrastinator, but if you have delayed a task and it has affected you in a negative way it is procrastination. Procrastination is purposely delaying a task due to the involvement of another task that is more satisfying or important. This behavior usually leads to negative emotions. Nonprocrastinators are those who perform tasks in a timely manner. Nearly 25% of adults living in the United States and other countries are classified as chronic procrastinators (Ferrari,BarnesSteel,2009). StudiesRead MoreThe Leadership : Theory And Practice772 Words   |  4 Pagesperception of his/her style of leadership by identifying the k ey leadership behaviors they display, based on different leadership prototypes (Northouse, 2016). 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In additionRead MoreApplying Personal Values to Education1215 Words   |  5 PagesApplying personal values to education Ââ€" A student perspective A university, like organizations and communities, are comprised of individuals representing different cultural and religious backgrounds. In defining the rules of conduct for individuals functioning together, it is necessary to formally define those rules to ensure that all are aware of the common values that should be adhered to and the consequences of non-adherence. For students attending the University of Phoenix, there is theRead MoreCollege Of Nursing And Health Innovation1191 Words   |  5 Pagesrecommendations, nursing courses and the mission statement. The language utilized in the outcomes appropriately describes student behaviors and describe learning outcomes not processes (UCONN, n.d.). According to Davenport, Spath, and Blauvelt (2009) . Overall the outcomes were well written with a few suggestions to make the statements stronger by using Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs. The undergraduate program completion outcomes were provided by (B.EEEEEE, personal communication, August 12, 2015). UponRead MoreMy Personal Philosophy On Teaching And Implementing A Pbss Over The Last Five Weeks Essay1082 Words   |  5 Pagesmany facets that create a positive learning environments for learning. An area that I have focused most of my energy on is, creating a desirable school culture that promotes prosocial behavior among students. This shift in culture is guided by clear and concise policies that take a preventative approach to behavior, while minimizing the need for strategic intervention. This evidence based approach will improve aptitudes and attitudes essential to higher achievement focusing on the whole child, creatingRead MoreThe Effects Of Stress Among College Students Essay855 Words   |  4 Pagesconducted to determine what creates stress and how college students can cope with stress. Stressors in a student’s life can be created through personal, educational and social experiences. A student faces many experiences while transitioning from high school, to colleg e, and into adulthood. These experiences include: living arrangements, personal finances, important career decisions, experiences of failure, interpersonal relationships, and personal finances. These stressors involved with daily hassles

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Reflection On The Meditation Session - 876 Words

Now I was finally going to begin my meditation session. Upon entering the hall, I noticed that everyone was taking their shoes off so I decided to do the same. I then took a spot on the floor like everyone else. Shortly after, a man, who introduced himself as Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, took a spot at the front of the room. Paramahamsa explained that he was the leader of the Temple of Harmony. He also explained that today he would be leading us in the beginner’s meditation session. The type of meditation we did was called â€Å"Loving Kindness Mediation†, which is meant to make a person more open to being kind and caring to others along with creating positive changes inside one’s self. Paramahamsa spent a good amount of time explaining the benefits of this type of meditation since this was a beginners session. We began the meditation session by sitting cross-legged with our backs straight and chin up. Paramahamsa explained that this was the normal positio n for meditation. We all then were asked to close our eyes and enjoy the space around us. We did this for the first 10 minutes of our meditation. Then, Paramahamsa asked us to join him in a series of breathing exercises to further relax ourselves. This was something I was personally used to because I do it with my therapist so I was surprised to see that it is also incorporated into Buddhist meditation. During this exercise, we did a series of deep breathing exercises that really got me to relax. After ten minutesShow MoreRelatedThe Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center963 Words   |  4 PagesBrahma Kumaris meditation center to learn more about what meditation consists of and expand my knowledge on why this is a big part in the Hindu religion. In class we I learned about the different types of yoga that is practiced in Hinduism. Jhana yoga, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga, and Raja yoga are the different types of yoga practiced and I had some sort of understanding on what I would possibl y see in the meditation session. I did some research on what the Brahma Kumaris meditation center was aboutRead MorePractical Philosophy And Conversational Counseling787 Words   |  4 Pagesof a Homeless Shelter, Veterans Residential Center and Addiction Treatment Center in Phoenix, Arizona. At these locations the writer has conducted individual and group weekly sessions with an emphasis on the abuse of alcohol and drugs utilizing Practical Philosophy and Conversational Counseling to supplement meditation sessions. Group size averages around 10 participants. In order to compare effectiveness of Practical Philosophy and Conversational Counseling with participants who have no known currentRead MoreEssay about The Material Nature of Spirituality1611 Words   |  7 PagesBuddhist or Hindu, religious thinking and belief attempt to ground human experiences and thoughts in the spiritual and ethereal. Religious experiences are considered otherworldly and not material. Heightened spirit ual behavior through prayer, meditation or yoga is considered to lead to a state of transcendence, inner peace or a nearness to God depending on which faith you follow. Hence, the notion of spirituality and religion is based on an ethereal component. However could the ethereal andRead MoreMost Common Auto Immune Disease1708 Words   |  7 Pagesfactors and the rest is believed to be a mixture of genetics and environmental exposures (Scott et al, 2010). 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Jaffree ( 1985 )1737 Words   |  7 PagesCentral Question: Does the Alabama statute 16-1-20.1, allowing a period of silence for meditation or voluntary prayer violate the First Amendment Establishment Clause that is applied to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment? Facts of the Case: The case of Wallace v. Jaffree calls into question the constitutionality of an Alabama statute that authorized teachers to lead a one-minute period of silence for â€Å"meditation or voluntary† prayer in all public schools. Ishmael Jaffree, the parent of three studentsRead MorePsychology, Theology, And Spirituality Essay1665 Words   |  7 PagesEstablishing a Scientific Base (6). Defining Relevant Ethical Standards (McMinn, 2011). After mapping out the challenges facing interdisciplinary integration, McMinn first divides his renowned book into eight rewarding chapters including summary and reflection following each of them. He also uses vignettes in order to ask his readers†What if this Happens† scenarios (McMinn, 2011) While mapping out the challenges, McMinn (2011) added six spiritual concepts implicated in the integration psychology, theologyRead MoreMindfulness Meditation ( Mm )1528 Words   |  7 Pagesdecade scientific interest in meditation and mindfulness has bloomed like a lotus flower. There are numerous studies demonstrating various positive outcomes of mindfulness meditation (MM). But, what is mindfulness? What are the mechanisms behind MM that help facilitate these positive outcomes including improved physical health, psychological well-being, and cognition? The concept of mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist philosophy and is a key element of Buddhist meditation practices. The word mindfulnessRead MoreCourse Summary, And Myself Reflection1729 Words   |  7 Pages Course Summary, and Myself reflection While attending lectures of Life Style Modifications For Community Leaders, it adds new information, and changing my bad habit to the better one. Actually, from the first class I realized that our body is not constant not just anatomy and physiology. But it is a most complicated system it react with universe, energy, vibrations, and power, which located everywhere in and around us. Throughout classes and my colleagues presentations, I got a historical storyRead MoreThe Mystic Tradition Of Zen Buddhism1487 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Spirituality and Research Methods class that is being taught by Professor Scott at Texas Tech University. Therefore a formal definition of Zen is a â€Å": Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation† (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2017). Additionally an article I examined articulated that Zen is the most recognized form of Buddhism that has been used in the Western world. There are abou t 9.6 million Zen Buddhists who live in the country

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Green Purchasing and Procurement Strategies Free Essays

The publication mainly discussed sustainable procurement by applying a highly effective and long-term investment strategy which is called green purchasing. This is defined as the approach to purchasing products and services that considers the economical, environmental and social impacts of buying choices (Little, Green Purchasing Procurement Strategies 1). It includes best value-for-money considerations; applying the price, quality, availability and functionality of a required product or service. We will write a custom essay sample on Green Purchasing and Procurement Strategies or any similar topic only for you Order Now The thrust for green purchasing in the company is spearheaded by regulation which is mainly the European Union and national government policies. ; through the expectation of the customers, consumers and other legitimate stakeholders; and most importantly the tangible and beneficial effect of sustainable procurement in the business which are the cost reduction, lowered risk to business, provides options through innovation and preferences by potential customers, insurers, credit sources and others. (Little, Green Purchasing Procurement Strategies 2). This conclusion is generated from the survey conducted from major Italian utility companies by Arthur D. Little. The companies perceived the three most valuable benefits of a sustainable procurement system to be: protection from environmental risk or disruption; attraction of environmentally sensitive customers; reinforcement of brand reputation. (Little, Green Purchasing Procurement Strategies 2). The approach to sustainable procurement was also tackled as well as the influence of the CEO’s overall accountability which can be used as wider strategic choice of a company. The role of the CEO and his accountability to the overall performance of the business, the overall response of the stake holder’s expectations and his duty to build the value of the company through cost reduction, minimizing risks and protection of revenue. The CEO cannot transfer the accountability for sustainable procurements but can typically delegate responsibility for making it happen in the Chief Procurement Officer. (Little, Green Purchasing Procurement Strategies 3). Three strategic choices for sustainable procurement are the following: Reactive- the company is forced to comply by regulation or loss of business; Compliant- allows revenue protection but fails to encourage new revenue generation; Anticipative- systematic evaluation of the company and procurement options followed by implementation of measures designed to maximize the business benefits delivered through procurement. (Little, Green Purchasing Procurement Strategies 4). The strength of the publication is that it tackled a lot of ideas regarding sustainable procurement and offered a comprehensive explanation based on research and survey conducted from Italian Utilities companies. Contact information for possible additional clarifications was cited. There were too many points for strategic procurement that the explanation of green purchasing is not explained fully. It is not explained in detail how an organization can implement green purchasing. The publication stresses on the achievement of sustainable procurement through green purchasing power and the role of the CEO in the organization to realize this goal. To be able to effectively attain a more sustainable procurement is through the identification of: †¢ The stakeholders’ expectations †¢ The business ambition for the way of doing business †¢ The barriers that prevent the company from adopting a sustainable procurement strategy †¢ The comparison between the company and the other organizations’ performance in the field of sustainable procurement. Little, Green Purchasing Procurement Strategies 7). Green purchasing is highly recommended by experts to be implemented in the company because it offers a lot of advantages in terms of cost reduction and also revenue generation which would result to sustainable procurement in the long run. [1] ———————– Works Cited Little, Arthur D. Green Pu rchasing Power Cost Reduction and Revenue Generation through Sustainable Procurement, 2008. Web How to cite Green Purchasing and Procurement Strategies, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Fruit Fly Introduction free essay sample

The purpose of this lab is to understand how each offspring inherits its genotype and how its phenotype reflects it. Sex chromosomes determine the sex of the offspring, and the autosomes consist of all the other chromosomes that determine phenotypic traits. Dominant traits are the genes that are expressed, while the recessive traits are masked by the dominant traits. We used Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), mutating the female fruit fly with a scalloped gene to change the phenotype of its offspring and using males with genes showing wild-type. Placing WT males and SD females in the same vile, we provided the flies an atmosphere to mate, giving us offspring with mixed genotypes and phenotypes. This experiment will reflect the breeding of fruit flies and how genes are present within adults as well as passed down through the offspring. Our four hypotheses related to mode of inheritance that was used to pass the gene. We will write a custom essay sample on Fruit Fly Introduction or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The mode of inheritance for the scalloped gene is autosomal dominant. The genotype of the female parent is homozygous dominant. The male parent genotype is homozygous recessive. From this hypothesis we expect all of the offspring to have a heterozygous genotype, and the offspring would all be scalloped†¦. The mode of inheritance for the scalloped gene is autosomal recessive. The genotype of the female parent is homozygous recessive. The genotype of the male parent is homozygous dominant. From the hypothesis we can expect the offspring to have heterozygous genotypes, but the offspring’s phenotype would be wild type†¦. The mode of inheritance for the scalloped gene is sex-linked dominant. The genotype of the female is homozygous dominant. The genotype of the male parent is hemizygous recessive. From this hypothesis we can expect all the female offspring to be heterozygous and all the male offspring to be hemizygous dominant. Both male and female offspring would be scalloped†¦.. Finally, the mode of inheritance for the scalloped gene is sex-linked recessive. The genotype of the female parent is homozygous recessive. The genotype of the male parent is hemizygous dominant. From this hypothesis we can expect all the females to have heterozygous genotypes and all the male offspring to have hemizygous recessive genotypes. In this prediction, all the male offspring would be scalloped, while the females would be wild type†¦.. The hypothesis that stated the mode of inheritance for the scalloped gene is autosomal dominant, and the mode of inheritance for the scalloped gene is sex-linked dominant predicted that all of the offspring are scalloped. To set up the reciprocal cross, the mutant gene was given to the male rather than the female from the first experiment and the female received the wild-type. The first hypothesis stated was that the mode of inheritance for scalloped is autosomal dominant. In this hypothesis the female genotype was homozygous recessive while the male’s was homozygous dominant. The offspring from this cross had heterozygous genotypes and expressed the mutant phenotype. †¦. The mode of inheritance for scalloped is autosomal recessive. In this cross, the male parent had a homozygous recessive genotype, while the female had a homozygous dominant genotype. The result of this was that all of the offspring had a heterozygous genotype and expressed the wild type phenotype. †¦ The mode of inheritance for scalloped is sex linked dominant. In this cross the female parent had a homozygous recessive genotype while the male had a hemizygous dominant genotype. The female offspring from this cross were heterozygous and expressed the mutant phenotype, while the male offspring had a hemizygous recessive genotype and expressed the wild type phenotype. †¦ The mode of inheritance for scalloped is sex linked recessive. In this cross, the female parent had a homozygous dominant genotype while the male parent had a hemizygous recessive genotype. The female offspring of this cross had a heterozygous genotype while the males had a hemizygous dominant genotype. All offspring expressed the wild type phenotype†¦. Each of the Punnett squares are possible outcomes of offspring phenotypes based on the genotypes of the parents. By comparing our results to that of the Punnett square’s we will be able to determine, through process of elimination, whether or not the mutation is a dominant or recessive trait and if it appears through an autosomal or sex linked chromosome. Based on the phenotypes of the offspring, we can infer the identifications of the parental genotypes.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Health and Environment in Abu Dhabi

Abstract There is a significant relationship between human health and the environment. There are various environmental factors that affect the health of the population. They include the quality of air, weather, seasons, temperatures, humidity, and vegetation (MacDonald Farah, 2012). Some health issues are specific to certain environmental conditions.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Health and Environment in Abu Dhabi specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As such, it is important to analyze these interactions in order to be able to anticipate health issues that may arise as a result of change in the prevailing environmental conditions.  Abu Dhabi has a desert environment. Summer is experienced June and September. At the time, the environment is extremely hot and humid. Temperatures may rise to an average of 380c. Sandstorms are also common in the city. Winter occurs between November and March. Conditions change drastically from hot to extremely cold (Davidson, 2005). Dense fog may be witnessed at times. January is the coldest month in Abu Dhabi, while August and July are the hottest. In this paper, the author analyses the data collected from Abu Dhabi in a study to determine the link between the environment and human health. The author provides a scientific description of the data represented in the figures generated using MatLab program. Analysis of Data The data for this section was sourced from SEHA. Reported cases of asthma in Abu Dhabi public hospitals Figure 1:  Cases of Asthma admission in Abu Dhabi, AlAin, and AlGharbia government hospitals between June 1st, 2011 and May 31st, 2013 Advertising Looking for critical writing on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The figure above shows the number of admissions for asthma per region. The three areas stated in the figure are some of the major municipali ties in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. They are Abu Dhabi, AlAin, and AlGharbiah. From the figure, it is clear that there are significant variations in the prevalence of this health condition in Abu Dhabi (Heinrich, 2010). Abu Dhabi records the highest cases of asthma within the Emirate. The figure stands at 10*104 (Heinrich, 2010). AlAin comes second with slightly more than 8*104 cases. Hospitals in AlGharbiah recorded the lowest number of patients suffering from asthma at 2*104 cases. Asthma is a chronic respiratory health condition. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways. As a result, it leads to bronchospasm. In some cases, it may lead to irreversible airflow obstruction. There are various symptoms associated with the condition. They involve constriction of the chest region and coughing. During asthma attacks, patients report shortness of breath. (Heinrich, 2010). The three municipalities whose data was analyzed have varying environmental conditions. The variation explain s the differences in number of asthma cases reported in the area. The city of Abu Dhabi has the highest number of incidences. The increased occurrence of the health condition in the area can be attributed to such environmental factors as poor air quality. The main reason for this is that the city is the region’s capital. As a result, most of Abu Dhabi’s commercial activities take place here. Consequently, there is a lot of air pollution resulting from gasses emitted by traffic within the city (Heinrich, 2010).  The city of Abu Dhabi also has a larger population than any other in the region (Heinrich, 2010). From the study, the researcher sought to establish the number of persons suffering from asthma, rather than their proportion. In this case, the figure indicated on the graph is not a reflection of the percentage of the population admitted in hospital for asthma attacks. The city has an expansive population. As such, the number of asthma cases reported is expected to be much higher than in other urban areas. In this case, it would be possible that the proportion of the population suffering from asthma in the city was much lower than that recorded in other cities in the region.  Incidences of asthma in hospitals in the AlAin region are also high. However, they are slightly lower than those in Abu Dhabi. The reason behind this is that AlAin is the second largest city within the Abu Dhabi Emirate region.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Health and Environment in Abu Dhabi specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The city is also second after Abu Dhabi in terms of population density. As a result, the number of asthma cases reported in the area would be expected to be higher than that of smaller urban areas in the region provided all conditions remain constant. Considering that the three cities are located in the same region, the environmental conditions are almost similar . As a result, the most logical explanation for the results represented in the graph would be that the variations are as a result of differences in population density. AlGharbiah region has the lowest cases of asthma in Abu Dhabi. The reason for this is that the environment is not as polluted as that in Abu Dhabi and AlAin. In addition, the city has the lowest population compared to the other two. The environment in the region is similar to that of the other two cities, Abu Dhabi and AlAin. Supposing that the proportion of the population suffering from asthma in the three cities was same, the city would still have the lowest number of admissions reported based on its low population density. Incidences of asthma cases through the year Figure 2:  Cases of asthma admission in Abu Dhabi city’s government hospitals between June 1st, 2011 and May 31st, 2013 From figure 2, it is evident that cases of asthma are reported throughout the year in hospitals and clinics around Abu Dhab i. At no one point was there zero cases of asthma. The reason for this is that the prevailing environmental conditions support the development of the condition. The weather in the city is often hot and humid. The humid conditions are explained by the fact that the region borders the sea. The hot weather aggravates matters by increasing rates of evaporation. Given that it is the region’s capital, a lot of commercial activities are taking place within the city. For example, manufacturing processes take place in all seasons (MacDonald Farah, 2012). The transport sector is also vibrant throughout the year. The commercial activities act as a source of environmental pollution, leading to cases of asthma throughout the year.Advertising Looking for critical writing on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is a fact that asthma cases are recorded all year round. However, it is important to note that some months record higher rates than others. The incidence of the condition is high in most parts of the year. However, the period between May and August has fewer cases. The region experiences summer at the time. Consequently, the weather is hot. There is no precipitation during these months (Heinrich, 2010). Cases of asthma gradually increase in the month of October. The number of continues to rise until the month of April the following year. The reason is the onset of winter. Temperatures tend to decrease during this period. Precipitation also takes place, leading to increased amounts of moisture in the environment. Combination of the two environmental factors promotes the development of the health condition. The cases then start declining until October when they start rising again. The trend is fairly constant over the years as a result of seasonality. Occurrence by age group Figure 3:  Admission by age group Figure 3 shows that asthma cases are more common among children than in adults. The number of admissions recorded decreases as one moves up the age group (Heinrich, 2010). People at the age of 0-15 years are at a higher risk of developing the condition than those who are older. The reason is that their immune systems are weak and are still undergoing development. Most of these individuals are also most likely to be treated following their first asthma attacks. They are getting exposed to environmental agents causing the condition, such as dust, polluted air, and allergens (which include pollen), for the first time. Their immune system has not encountered these agents before. As such, it is unable to respond to the invasion effectively. Asthma is also a genetic condition to some extent. At this age, genetic factors play a major role in the development of the health condition since the body’s immunity system is weak. Persons aged between 16 and 45 report few cases of hospital admissions. Most of these individuals have already encountered their first attacks and the condition has recurred following exposure to environmental agents that trigger the attack (Davidson, 2005). People at this age group are also mainly expatriates seeking employment opportunities in Abu Dhabi. The change in environment, especially the high humidity levels, leads to development of asthma. Individuals above the age of 45 have the lowest number of admissions. Their bodies have already adapted to the environment. The ones who suffer from the condition are also under medication. At this age, it is difficult for new infections to develop. Types of hospital encounter in relation to asthma Figure 4:  Encounter Type (outpatient, emergency, and homecare) Admissions to the hospital following the onset of asthma can be encountered in three different ways. They include outpatient, emergency, and homecare. Outpatient cases are the most common (Heinrich, 2010). Most of these encounters consist of people who have just developed the condition following exposure to environmental agents. At the time, the symptoms have not escalated. Emergency encounters are, on the other hand, mainly observed among persons who have developed the condition earlier. Exposure to environmental agents, such as pollen and dust, leads to mild attacks (Naish Leith, 2010). However, the number of these engagements is lower compared to clinic outpatient encounters. The reason is that the patients are already under treatment. The number of persons suffering from asthma in Abu Dhabi, and who are undergoing homecare, is lower than in all the other encounters. It consists of persons who have already adapted to the environment and are still under medication. Asthma cases by gender Figure 5:  Asthma cases by gender It is evident that both males and females develop the health condition (Heinrich, 2010). The reason is that genetic factors associated with the health conditio n are not sex-linked. However, cases of admission among females are higher compared to those among males, although the difference is minimal. The immune system of men could be slightly more efficient than that of women. However, the most logical explanation is that women are more susceptible to the condition compared to men. Temperature and Humidity (Humidex) Conditions in Abu Dhabi The data for humidex and temperature was sourced from ground measurements. The measurements consisted of 10 min resolution data of GHI, DNI, and DHI available over five stations in the UAE. Only data from Station 1 was used. The station is located in the suburbs of Abu Dhabi. It is also close to the coastline. Temperature readings Figure 6:  Temperature readings in Abu Dhabi Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors that have an impact on public health. Some health conditions develop rapidly under hot conditions, while others are associated with cold (MacDonald Farah, 2012). As a result, it is important to monitor the temperatures of a region in order to predict the nature of diseases. In Abu Dhabi, temperatures vary throughout the year as illustrated in figure 6 above. The city is especially hot between June and September. The rise in temperatures during this period is attributed to summer. Temperatures then start to fall beginning from the end of September to early November when winter sets in. The situation persists until March when temperatures begin to rise in anticipation of the summer season. Humidity levels in Abu Dhabi Figure 7:  Humidity levels Humidity is considerably high in Abu Dhabi throughout the year. The reason is that the region borders the sea. The air is saturated with moisture evaporating from the water body. The highest levels of humidity are recorded between November and March. The increase is attributed to the precipitation taking place during the winter season. There is low humidity between the months of May and September (MacDon ald Farah, 2012). The change can be attributed to the onset of the summer season, which is associated with little or no precipitation. Humidex Figure 8:  Humidex levels in Abu Dhabi Humidex is highly dependent on prevailing environmental temperatures. In Abu Dhabi, this figure varies throughout the year. It can rise to 550C in summer. However, it can drop to about 150C during the winter season (MacDonald Farah, 2012). Humidex rises with an increase in temperatures. The reason is that high temperatures lead to more evaporation. In addition, hot air can accommodate more moisture compared to that which is cooler. Vegetation Index in Abu Dhabi Vegetation index data was collected using space ‘remote sensing’. LANDSAT was used for these purposes. Fourteen green patches around the city of Abu Dhabi were selected to determine changes in the density of green color. A mean value for those 14 patches was computed. Green vegetation patches Figure 9:  Selected green patches The city of Abu Dhabi is located within a desert. However, there are small amounts of green vegetation. The density of green in the vegetation patches around the city is constantly monitored (MacDonald Farah, 2012). Monitoring is done through remote sensing from satellites. Ecologists in the region are able to evaluate the progression of vegetation throughout the year. Vegetation points in Abu Dhabi Figure 10:  Vegetation points in Abu Dhabi It is evident that Abu Dhabi has some vegetation. However, it occurs in form of patches spread across the region (Davidson, 2005). From space, the vegetation appears as small green patches. The reason why green vegetation is scarce in the region is lack of water. The situation is likely to worsen during summer. NDVI of green areas in Abu Dhabi Figure 11:  NDVI of different green areas in Abu Dhabi The acronym stands for normalized difference vegetation index. It assesses the green color within vegetation. The average NDVI for Abu Dhabi is about 0.36 (MacDonald Farah, 2012). However, the values fluctuate throughout the year. They are high during winter and low in summer. During winter, NDVI goes as high as 0.43. The reason is that there is enough water to support plants. During summer, the value drops to as low as 0. The value signifies the absence of green vegetation. The reason behind this is the drying up of vegetation. Air Quality Concentration in Abu Dhabi Air quality concentration (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, H2S, CO, O3) for the period between June 2011 and May 2013 was determined. The data for this section was obtained from the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi. The information was collected using air quality detention stations distributed across Abu Dhabi. Concentration of PM10 Figure 11:  Concentration of PM10 The presence of particulate matter (PM) in the environment may cause health problems. The threat is usually more serious when the particles are suspended in the air (Nash Leith, 2010). Small particles can be respired and cause allergic reactions, leading to asthma and other respiratory complications. PM 10 particles are fairly small. They are 10 micrometers across. They settle down on surfaces within a few minutes after suspension as a result of gravitational pull. Their concentration is high during summer. In Abu Dhabi, sand is the most common of these particles. PM2.5 Figure 12:  PM2.5 in Abu Dhabi PM 2.5 particles are smaller and lighter compared to PM 10. As such, they occupy less volume in the air (Pickett Bell, 2011). They are 2.5 micrometers in diameter. They do not easily settle on the ground. In addition, they may be suspended in the atmosphere for several weeks. Like PM 10 particles, they are more concentrated in the atmosphere during summer. During winter, they are absorbed in rainwater and settle, making their concentration low. NO2 in Abu Dhabi Figure 13:  Levels of NO2 in Abu Dhabi Concentration of nitrogen dioxide gas is fairly distributed throughout the ye ar. The gas is generated from manufacturing activities (Pickett Bell, 2011). It is heavier than air. However, it remains suspended in the atmosphere for long durations of time, especially during summer. Its concentration is significantly low during winter when it is dissolved in rainwater. In the process, it results in acid rain. SO2 in Abu Dhabi Figure 14:  Concentration of SO2 in Abu Dhabi Sulfur dioxide gas occurs naturally in the atmosphere. It is released from the earth crust by volcanic action and other processes. Its concentration in the air varies with time. Human beings have no control over its concentration (Ott Peters, 2008). The gas has an irritating smell and causes respiratory problems. H2S in Abu Dhabi Figure 15:  Concentration of H2S in Abu Dhabi Hydrogen sulfide gas is another component that affects the quality of air. It is present in Abu Dhabi’s atmosphere throughout the year (Ott Peters, 2008). The gas is naturally occurring and its production is not associated with human activities. Its main source in Abu Dhabi is natural gas. Considering that the region is one of the world’s major producers of natural gas, the component cannot be avoided. CO in Abu Dhabi Figure 16:  Concentration of CO in Abu Dhabi The gas is usually produced following partial oxidation of carbon substances (Pickett Bell, 2011). In this case, there is no enough oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. Most of the oxidation takes place during combustion. In Abu Dhabi, the gas is present in the atmosphere throughout the year. The main source is partial burning of fossil fuels, which are normally hydrocarbons, in manufacturing industries and automobiles. The gas remains suspended in the atmosphere for a short time. That is why its concentration is low. During the winter season, it is dissolved in rainwater, reducing its concentration in the atmosphere. O3 concentration in Abu Dhabi Figure 17:  Levels of O3 in Abu Dhabi Ozone gas also occurs naturally i n the atmosphere. Its concentration is relatively low. The reason is that it is unstable and is quickly converted into oxygen. It has a pungent chocking smell that irritates the respiratory system, causing health conditions, such as asthma. Conclusion There is a significant relationship between the environment and human health. People must understand this interaction for them to improve their quality of life. Asthma is one of the health conditions caused by environmental factors. It is mainly associated with humidity and temperature. The condition is common in Abu Dhabi. The environment of this region is seen as the major cause of the disease. The area is a desert and experiences frequent sand storms. The city also borders the sea. With the high temperatures experienced here, a lot of evaporation takes place, raising humidity levels. The resulting conditions are favorable for the development of asthma. Other environmental factors that lead to the health issues include the quality of air and vegetation. References Davidson, C. (2005). The United Arab Emirates: A study in survival. Boulder, Colo.: Lynne Rienner Publishers. Heinrich, J. (2010). Air pollution, asthma, and allergies in children. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 67(3), 290-291. MacDonald, J., Farah, Z. (2012). Environmental risks to public health in the United Arab Emirates: A quantitative assessment and strategic plan. Environmental Health Perspective, 120(2), 681-686. Nash, D., Leith, D. (2010). Ultrafine particle sampling with the UNC passive aerosol sampler. Aerosol Science and Technology, 44(1), 1059-1064. Ott, D., Peters, T. (2008). A shelter to protect a passive sampler for coarse particulate matter, PM10-2.5. Aerosol Science and Technology, 42(7), 299-309. Pickett, A., Bell, M. (2011). Assessment of indoor air pollution in homes with infants. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(2), 4502-4520. This critical writing on Health and Environment in Abu Dhabi was written and submitted by user Julissa C. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

republicans essays

republicans essays The Republican Party, since its first convention in Michigan in 1854, has had philosophy that has remained relatively unchanged. Its oath entices Americans to believe that "good government is based on the individual and that each person's ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized" How do the Republican philosophies hold up to the ideas of some of the political thinkers that we have discussed in class. In the selection to follow, I will examine the Republican's main philosophies and will describe how Rousseau would agree or disagree with their position. I will be using the Republican Platform of 1996 to aid in my discussion. Ideas that will be of focus will be the role of the government, property rights, and freedom of the individual.The Role of the Government "We are the party of small, responsible and efficient government... We therefore assert the power of the American people over government, rather than the other way around". The view of the Repu blicans across the Nation is that the role of government should be kept to a minimum. In this section, I will discuss certain views of the Party and how they would be accepted or rejected by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The Republican notion has been that less government is better. Rousseau's notion was that of extrication. He states that the fundamental political problem is "to find a form of association that defends and protects the person and the goods of each associate with all the common force, and by means of which each one uniting with all, nevertheless obeys only himself and remains as free as before" (Cahn, 367). The Republicans would agree with Rousseau's idea. They (Republican Party) state that the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution should be the basis for the role of government. The Tenth Amendment states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States re...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Things They Carried Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Things They Carried - Essay Example The burdens that the characters carry manifest themselves even before they arrive in Vietnam. In the story â€Å"On a Rainy River,† the narrator O’Brien explains the events that led him to Vietnam in the first place: â€Å"In June of 1968, a month after graduating from Macalester College, I was drafted to fight a war I hated† (44). As a pacifist, he did not believe in going to war, so he contemplated running away to Canada. With his opposition to the war, O’Brien felt that he could not carry the burden of participating in Vietnam; however, these personal burdens were not the only ones that were weighing upon him. He felt that by becoming a deserter, he would become a burden upon his family: â€Å"They carried the soldier’s greatest fear, which was the fear of blushing. Men killed, and died, because they were embarrassed not to. It was what had brought them to the war in the first place, nothing positive, no dreams of glory or honor, just to avoid t he blush of dishonor. They died so as not to die of embarrassment†(16). These motivations run contrary to the traditional motivations for going to war; he at no point considers going to war for patriotic reasons or for dedication to the ideals and causes of his country. Wanting to not disappoint his family, O’Brien decides that the burden of going to Vietnam contrary to his political beliefs was less of a burden than the ramifications of his draft dodging. Vietnam weighed heavily upon O’Brien, and he had not even been to the country yet. Among the necessities or near-necessities were P-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wrist watches, dog tags, mosquito repellent, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes, salt tablets, packets of Kool-Aid, lighters, matches, sewing kits, Military payment Certificates, C rations, and two or three canteens of water. Together, these items weighed

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Comparison and Differences between Date Positivism and Post-Positivism Assignment

Comparison and Differences between Date Positivism and Post-Positivism Concepts - Assignment Example Post-positivism is the exact rejection of the tenets that supported positivism. Having been coined after the original idea, post-positivism recognizes that the observable world has a connection between what scientists think and work. This implies that there is no difference between the scientific reasoning and the common sense reasoning. To verify observable phenomena in science, procedures are followed. This, therefore, means that in the scientific verifications, something beyond the measurable and observable, in this case, knowledge is achieved (Giddens & Sutton, 2010). To the sociology research today, the two concepts are important in that they guide the search for scientific answers. Whereas the positivist view of research holds that science should measure the observable in the search for truth, the post-positivist view of the same is that all measurements have an error and is fallible. This means that deeper inquiry is required to ensure that science holds steadfast the goal of getting it right about what is measured in research. The order perspective is based on the belief that the society is held close by shared principles and concepts. These concepts are responsible for the social consensus that is observed in any society. The cohesion and interdependence of the people in the society are a secured by the shared norms and beliefs (organic and mechanical solidarity). Conflicts according to this perspective arise from new perspectives that come to intrude the normal perceptions of beliefs and concepts. In the light of this perspective, structural approach to social work aims at maintaining the social prestige with little if any interference with the social structures and the related stability (Turner, 2012). The conflict perspective, on the other hand, is based on the concept of power and inequality in the society. As a result, the cohesion that exists in a society is unhealthy and not supposed to be maintained.

Monday, November 18, 2019

The Concept Of Property In The Philosophy Of The Enlightenment Essay

The Concept Of Property In The Philosophy Of The Enlightenment - Essay Example John Locke is considered one of the precursors of American democracy, and his political concept is based predominantly upon social contract theory and natural rights of human beings. He believed that the state should have legislative and executive power, as well as the right to decide whether to start military actions or not (the right for war and peace). However, it is very important that he refused to grant the state with the right to handle people’s lives and property: according to J. Locke, these two were the natural rights of people, and they could only be restricted if the security of other citizens was endangered. In Locke’s ideal state, therefore, the government could not take property from people, nor could it even collect different kinds of payments without previous agreement of the majority of people (or their representatives) to pay this money. Talking of freedom as the natural condition for all the citizens of his ideal state, John Locke stated that the main natural right of people (the right of property) should necessarily be secured using legal regulations, so that no conflicts arise. Locke believed that the political society is formed by means of concluding a "social contract", and as a result the government is formed which has to be responsible to people: "The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but to have only the law of nature for his rule. The liberty of man, in society, is to be under no other legislative power, but that established, by consent, in the commonwealth; nor under the dominion of any will, or restraint of any law, but what that legislative shall enact, according to the trust put in it." (Chapter IV (Of Liberty), Section 22) All in all, John Locke's idea of state was concluding this social contract that would restrict the freedom of people to a certain extent, but the right of property was viewed by him as the right that can by no means be violated. J. Locke believed that the reason why some people have more property than others is because though all children are born equal, in the process of development some of them get more knowledge and prove to have better abilities, and therefore the result of this labour (property) should not be alienated from its owner. it is very easy to conceive, without any difficulty, how labour could at first begin a title of property in the common things of nature, and how the spending it upon our uses bounded it. So that there could then be no reason of quarrelling about title, nor any doubt about the largeness of possession it gave. Right and conveniency

Friday, November 15, 2019

Broad Classification Of Work Motivational Theories Commerce Essay

Broad Classification Of Work Motivational Theories Commerce Essay The work motivation theories can be broadly classified as content theories and process theories. The content theories are concerned with identifying the needs that people have and how needs are prioritized. They are concerned with types of incentives that drive people to attain need fulfillment. The Maslow hierarchy theory, Fredrick Herzbergs two factor theory and Alderfers ERG needs theory fall in this category. Although such a content approach has logic, is easy to understand, and can be readily translated in practice, the research evidence points out limitations. There is very little research support for these models theoretical basic and predictability. The trade off for simplicity sacrifices true understanding of the complexity of work motivation. On the positive side, however, the content models have given emphasis to important content factors that were largely ignored by human relationists. In addition the Alderfers ERG needs theory allows more flexibility and Herzbergs two-fa ctor theory is useful as an explanation for job satisfaction and as a point of departure for job design. The process theories are concerned with the cognitive antecedents that go into motivation and with the way they are related to one another. The theories given by Vroom, Porter and Lawler, equity theory and attribution theory fall in this category. These theories provide a much sounder explanation of work motivations. The expectancy model of Vroom and the extensions and the refinements provided by Porter and Lawler help explain the important cognitive variables and how they relate to one another in the process of work motivation. The Porter Lawler model also gives specific attention to the important relationship between performance and satisfaction. A growing research literature is somewhat supportive of these expectancy models, but conceptual and methodological problems remain. Unlike the content models, these expectancy models are relatively complex and difficult to translate into actual practice. They have also failed to meet the goals of prediction and control Motivation Theory 1 Adams Equity Theory of Work Motivation The theory explains that a major input into job performance and satisfaction is the degree of equity or inequity that people perceive in work situations. Adam depicts a specific process of how this motivation occurs. Inequality occurs when a person perceives that the ratio of his or her outcomes to inputs and the ratio of a relevant others outcomes to inputs are unequal. Our Outcomes Our Inputs Others Inputs Our Outcomes = Others Outcomes = Equity Our Inputs Others Inputs Our Outcomes > Others Outcomes = Inequity (over-rewarded) Our Inputs Others Inputs Both the inputs and the outputs of the person and the other are based upon the persons perceptions, which are affected by age, sex, education, social status, organizational position, qualifications, and how hard the person works, etc. Outcomes consist primarily of rewards such as pay, status, promotion, and intrinsic interest in the job. Equity sensitivity is the ratio based upon the persons perception of what the person is giving (inputs) and receiving (outcomes) versus the ratio of what the relevant is giving and receiving. This cognition may or may not be the same as someone elses observation of the ratios or the same as the actual situation. If the persons perceived ratio is not equal to the others, he or she will strive to restore the ratio to equity. This striving to restore equity is used as the explanation of work motivation. The strength of this motivation is in direct proportion to the perceived inequity that exists. Research suggests that individuals engage in illegal behaviors to maintain equity in relationships, either with their employing organization or with other people (Greenberg, 1990). The theory was later expanded with the concept of Organizational Justice. Organizational justice reflects the extend to which people perceive that they are treated fairly at work. It identified three different components of justice: distributive (The perceived fairness of how resources and rewards are distributed), procedural (The perceived fairness of the process and procedures used to make allocation decisions) and interactional (The perceived fairness of the decision makers behavior in the process of decision-making). (Copanzano, Rupp, Mohler and Schminke, 2001). Critiques: Equity theory is descriptive and it reflects much of our everyday experience. As a theory however equity is only partial in analysis and as a predictor. There are many societal and institutional variables (inequalities) that we all navigate. The theory ignores peoples natural resilience, their competitiveness, selflessness and selfishness, their ethical dilemmas in decision-making and their passions. It does not adequately explain interactions in close relationships such as marriage or emotional labor where we may provide care to others at a burdensome cost of declining personal well-being and self-denial. Norms of equity and reciprocity are often discounted in close and romantic friendships or where there are deep family bonds. In the social exchanges of business, causal, or stranger relationships, there may be more of a dominant assumption that inputs are offered with the expectation of a like response. There is more of a formal contract of tangible and intangible reward. A promise unfulfilled, without proper reciprocity incurs a debt of honor. A promise is broken. In our community, obligations of reciprocal response operate. We are expected to apply the Golden Rule and to help where we can an act ably demonstrated by the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Social exchange theory assumes rational, calculated action involving an expected pay-off. We do not always act rationally. Many will not be as selfish as rational action may suggest. Indeed our reward may be the inner glow of respecting oneself and living to ones own values. Such altruism, albeit self-referential, does not sit easily under the assumptions of the rational, economic-person model. Implications It is necessary to pay attention to what employees perceive to be fair and equitable. For example: In my company, one of my colleagues was assigned to a project that required him to work during non business hours frequently. He worked three days at the office and two days at home in a week for a month and half. This caused others to start working from home during business hours. Allow employees to have a voice and an opportunity to appeal. Organizational changes, promoting cooperation, etc. can come easier with equitable outcomes. Managements failure to achieve equity could be costly for the organization. For example: One of my technically team members was not very competent. He took double the time to complete any give work when compared to the others. Management failed to take any action; instead the others were given more work. Eventually, even the competent workers took it easy to restore equity causing project delays. Motivation Theory 2 Vrooms Expectancy Theory of Motivation: Expectancy theory provides a framework for analyzing work motivation, which is eminently practical. It provides a checklist of factors to be considered in any managerial situation and it points to the links between the relevant factors and the direction, which these factors tend to follow in their interrelationships. (Tony J. Watson, Routledge Kegan Paul, 1986). Expectancy theory holds that people are motivated to behave in ways that produce desired combinations of expected outcomes. It can be used to predict motivation and behavior in any situation in which a choice between two or more alternatives must be made. (Kreitner R. Kinicki A., Mcgraw Hill, 7th Edition). Vroom gave the following equation of Motivation: Motivation (M) = Valence (V) x Expectancy (E) Valence stands for the preference of an individual for a particular outcome. Thus, when an individual desires a particular outcome the value of V is positive. On the other hand when the individual does not desire a certain outcome, the value of V is negative. The value of expectancy ranges between zero and one. When a certain event will definitely not occur the value of E is zero. On the other hand when the event is sure to occur the value of E is one. Since its original conception, the expectancy theory model has been refined and extended many times. The better know of all is the Porter-Lawler model. Although conventional wisdom argues that satisfaction leads to performance, Porter and Lawler argued the reverse. If rewards are adequate, high levels of performance may lead to satisfaction. In addition to the features included in the original expectancy model, the Porter-Lawler model includes abilities, traits, and role perceptions. Critiques: Vrooms theory does not directly contribute to the techniques of motivating people. It is of value in understanding organizational behavior. It clarifies the relation between individuals and the organizational goals. The model is designed to help management understand and analyze employee motivation and identify some to the relevant variables. However, the theory falls short of providing specific solutions to the motivational problems. The theory also does not take into account the individual differences based on individual perceptions nor does it assume that most people have the same hierarchy of needs. It treats as a variable to be investigated just what it is that particular employees are seeking in their work. Thus the theory indicates only the conceptional determinants of motivation and how they are related. Research studies have confirmed that the association of both kinds of expectancies and valences with effort and performance. The motivated behavior of people arises from their valuing expected rewards, believing effort will lead to performance, and that performance will result in desired rewards. The expectancy theory explains motivation in the U.S. better than elsewhere and therefore may not be suitable for other regions. Implications This theory can be used by the managers to: Â · Determine the primary outcome each employee wants. Â · Decide what levels and kinds of performance are needed to meet organizational goals. Â · Make sure the desired levels of performance are possible. Â · Link desired outcomes and desired performance. Â · Analyze the situation for conflicting expectations. Â · Make sure the rewards are large enough. Â · Make sure the overall system is equitable for everyone. Motivation Theory 3 Maslows Theory of Hierarchy of Need: Maslow believed that within every individual, there exists a hierarchy of five needs and that each level of need must be satisfied before an individual pursues the next higher level of need (Maslow, 1943). As an individual progresses through the various levels of needs, the proceeding needs loose their motivational value. The basic human needs placed by Maslow in an ascending order of importance can be summarized and shown as below: The desire to become what one is capable of becoming. These are the needs to be held in esteem both by oneself and by others. These are the needs to belong and to be accepted by various groups. These are the needs to be free of physical danger. The safety needs look to the future. These are the basic needs for sustaining human life itself, such as food, water, warmth, shelter, and sleep. Maslow in his later work (Maslow, 1954) said: 1. Gratification of the self-actualization need causes an increase in its importance rather than a decrease. 2. Long deprivation of a given need, results in fixation for that need. 3. Higher needs may emerge not after gratification, but rather by long deprivation, renunciation or suppression of lower needs. 4. Human behavior is multi-determined and multi-motivated. Critiques: Part of the appeal of Maslows theory is that it provides both a theory of human motives by classifying basic human needs in a hierarchy and the theory of human motivation that relates these needs to general behavior. Maslows major contribution lies in the hierarchical concept. He was the first to recognize that a need once satisfied is a spent force and ceases to be a motivator. Maslows need hierarchy presents a paradox in as much as while the theory is widely accepted, there is a little research evidence available to support the theory. It is said that beyond structuring needs in a certain fashion Maslow does not give concrete guidance to the managers as to how they should motivate their employees. Implications: The need hierarchy as postulated by Maslow does not appear in practice. It is likely that over fulfillment of anyones particular need may result in fixation for the need. In that case even when a particular need is satisfied a person may still engage in the fulfillment of the same need. Furthermore, in a normal human being, all the needs are not always satisfied entirely. There remains an unsatisfied corner of every need in spite of which the person seeks fulfillment of the higher need. A person may move on to the next need in spite of the lower need being unfulfilled or being partly fulfilled. Conclusion No single motivation theory can suffice in todays workplace. Each motivational theory has its pros and cons. A theory may get the highest performance from an employee but may not from another employee. The organizations workplace has changed dramatically in the past decade. Companies are both downsizing and expanding (often at the same time, in different divisions or levels of the hierarchy). Work is being out-sourced to various regions and countries. The workforce is characterized by increased diversity with highly divergent needs and demands. Information technology has frequently changed both the manner and location of work activities. New organizational forms (such as e-commerce) are now common. Teams are redefining the notion of hierarchy, as well as traditional power distributions. The use of contingent workers is on the rise and globalization and the challenges of managing across borders are now the norm. These changes have had a profound influence on how companies attempt to attract, retain, and motivate their employees. Yet we lack new models capable of guiding managers in this new era of work. As management scholar Peter Cappelli notes, Most observers of the corporate world believe that the traditional relationship between employer and employee is gone, but there is little understanding of why it ended and even less about what is replacing that relationship (Cappelli, 1999). I believe that the existing work motivation and job performance theories are inadequate to cater to the present era of such diverse workforce. New theories of motivation are required to commensurate with this new era.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Lady Macbeth :: Literary Analysis, Shakespeare

The play Macbeth was written by Shakespeare in the early 1600's. There have been many papers and many different thoughts about the play. This paper, though, is over who is the stronger character, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Macbeth is the weaker character of the play. The play is about a nobleman of the King of Scotland, Macbeth, who is told by witches that he could possibly become king if he did a terrible deed. They also showed his right hand man, Banquo, a prediction as well. That his bloodline will lead to kings. The deed that Macbeth has to commit is to kill the king and take his place. Macbeth tells his wife, Lady Macbeth, about the prediction the witches and she continues to encourage him until he does kill the king and scared off the king's sons so he can become king himself. He becomes king and the witches that showed him being king came around again and showed Macbeth another prediction. The prediction showed that Banquo's family will become king and will lead to more kings. Macbeth decides to kill Banquo and his son but his son gets away. One of the sons of the now dead king returns with an army and attacks Macbeth at his own castle. Macduff, one of the many people affected by Macbeth's rise to power, engaged Macbeth during the attack and beheaded Macbeth in the end. After the battle, Malcolm, one of the sons of the slain king, took power of Scotland and the play ends. Macbeth, at the very beginning of the play, demonstrated just how weak of a character he is. He lets the three witches who meet him at the start of the play continue to speak there poisonous, twisted words "Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more..."(1.3, 70-71). He lets their words fester in the back of his mind until he goes mad with greed. He also shows his weakness by listening and believing the words of the witches, which he knows are not to be trusted "Your children shall be king..."(1.3, 86-88). He tells his wife about the witches predictions, who then continues to press upon him the need to fulfill his, at that time, "destiny". Macbeth finally succumbs to the nags of his wife "Prithee, peace! I dare do all..." (1.7, 45-47). Throughout the continuation of the play, Macbeth continues to show his weakness and lack of a spine.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Critique of the Ramayana Modern Prose Translation Essay

In a just world, Mr. R. K. Narayan’s estate would be responsible for reimbursing seventeen-fifty, plus applicable taxes, to all those who purchased the Penguin Classics 2006 publication of his book, The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. Stated clearly on the back of the cover is the promise that R. K. Narayan â€Å"recounts [The Ramayana] with the narrative flair of a master novelist’’. The back cover lied. Narayan’s re-telling condenses the epic poem so much to the point of nearly listing a series of events. No matter the inspiration, Narayan’s The Ramayana is still a story, and should therefore be able to stand on it’s own as a captivating tale—with further literary research or expansion being used to enhance it’s appeal, not explain it. Arguably, the ‘narrative flair’ of this re-telling is little more expressive than unsolicited summaries found on the Internet, and without further literary aide or instruction, does not stand as a solid piece of literature. What is worse, is that instead of allowing a greater breadth of readers to relate and experience tale of the Ramayana, new readers are alienated by it’s convoluted atmosphere. While the task is grand, Narayan’s translation is not listed as an aide to a larger, more in-depth version; it is still a novel and as such needs to be able to stand strong in its own right when evaluated alone. People who have no prior knowledge of the original Sanskrit story, and who have not been raised with the Hindu epic as a part of their life, should be able to pick up this book, read it, and—regardless of how far the tale may go in global history—be able to enjoy one hundred and fifty one pages of literature, without having any prior knowledge, or requiring further research. Having more knowledge, and doing more research on the original epic tale should increase what readers are able to receive from the book, but it should not be necessary in order to understand it. As it stands, without knowing the original tale, new readers are left with very little literary flow and a patchy depiction of what is supposed to be a lush world. At one point, while Bharatha and Rama argue as to who should be the rightful king, their entire episode is related with: â€Å" The argument went on at a highly academic and philosophical level, the entire assembly watching with respect. (Narayan 60) That assertion does not express a deep academic and philosophical argument, but rather states that one was occurring; the reader doesn’t get to experience what transpired between the brothers, or garner any emotion from it. It goes on to almost quite literally depict the event with a he-said/he-said monotony: So be it; if I have the authority—then I confer it on you as the ruler,† said Bharatha at one stage. â€Å"On my command as the ruler, if you desire to think so, you shall be the King. † It went on thus. Rama went on repeating that there could be no word higher than that of a father; no conduct other than obedience to it. Throughout he referred to Kaikeyi in the gentlest terms and always as â€Å"mother†. (Narayan 61) The listed manner in which the plot is unfolded by Narayan’s re-telling is barely more narrative as a piece of literature than an excerpt from that of the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia: Bharatha refuses to profit from his mother’s wicked scheming and visits Rama in the forest. He requests Rama to return and rule. But Rama, determined to carry out his father’s orders to the letter, refuses to return before the period of exile. However, Bharatha carries Rama’s sandals, and keeps them on the throne, while he rules as Rama’s regent. (Wikipedia Contributors) There is very little more efficiency or flair in Narayan’s telling, and in fact, Wikipedia depicts the stages of the long tale with better clarity; if the prose is not going to be linguistically lush and evocative, it may as well be clear (Wikipedia is not only clear, but free of charge as well). It is of course not a simple task to undertake translating an epic poem from a rhythmic language, into prose with a language devoid of the same musicality. However, to the novice reader of The Ramayana, they would not know the difficulty of the task, and thus—however harsh it may seem— should not be a factor in the reviewing of the story as it stands alone. Narayan was by no means an incapable writer, and as winner of numerous awards and accolades—not the least of which being multiple nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature (Rajnish Wattas), he does not need defending that he has great ability as a writer, yet the bottom line remain that when it is stripped of further discussion, research, and introductions, The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic just does not stand on it’s own as captivating modern prose. With nearly each new episode of the tale, Narayan prefaces the action with even more listed information, take for example the introduction to the chapter of Vali: The characters in the drama that follows are Vali, Sugreeva, Hanuman, and Rama. The action takes place in the mountainous forest regions of Kiskinda, a kingdom ruled and inhabited by monkeys. In the Ramayana, the articipants are not only human beings, but many others from God’s creation, intelligent, cultured and with their own achievements of spirit as well as physique: Jambavan was a bear, Jatayu was an eagle, Lakshmana—Rama’s brother—was himself a human incarnation of the Great Serpent Adisesha in whose coils Vishnu rested. (Narayan 90) Again, the story is told by listing statements of what is going on. As with the landscape, and even the characters themselves, nothing is depicted in the story-writing of the prose, but stated, as if the entire epic was a news article being reported by Narayan, as opposed to a vivid history with grand escapades and extreme characters. By translating an epic tale from poetic verse into shortened modern prose, the objective is ultimately to enable a broader audience to relate to and appreciate a classic tale. Poetry is a secluded literary world that does not have the mass appeal that modern prose does; yet Narayan’s re-telling is too constrained and overwhelmed by the amount of story condensed into it. By trying to constrain the length of the story to allow for more readers to get through it, Narayan’s ‘master narrative flair’ seems lost, and the epic tale is a heavy list of events that merely occur on the page.

Friday, November 8, 2019

mary reilly essays

mary reilly essays The novel Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin took place in London in the Victorian stage. The story served as the diary of a housemaid named Mary Reilly recording events throughout her time employing at the household of Dr. Henry Jekyll. The other important characters consist of Edward Hyde, the antagonist of the story ; the servants in the house : Mr. Poole, Mr. Bradshaw, Cook, Annie; Mr. Utterson, the solicitor of Henry Jekyll and other different supporting characters. Ever since a child, Mary had had to go through many hardships due to her father being a drunk and abusing her. The diary started out with Mary recalling the time her father had put her in the closet with a mouse. The mouse ended up biting her to serious injuries and it was from then that she was departed from her father. With that, Mary started out her first lines in recording her life at Dr. Jekylls house. Mary right away interested him because unlike other servants she was not only observant and literate, she also had a constant tranquil view of the world around her. Mary began to establish a close relationship with her master as they had a lot in common. Mary also recognized the abnormal habit of her master, who usually spent hours and hours in his laboratory ( a small cabinet in the theatre across the yard) until after midnight and would come in sometimes just before dawn. Day after day, Dr. Jekyll gained his trust in Mary. The mystery began when Mary was sent on an errand to the house of Mrs. Farraday in Soho. After her second trip there, she was confused and frightened as she was shown a room full of blood and in that room laid a handkerchief on which her masters initials imprinted. Her masters explanation of all this confused her more as he said it was just an act of charity but this seemed contrary to what Mary felt. Subsequent to this, Master informed the household that he would be having an assistant, named Edward Hyde and he was to ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Ancestry of Amelia Earhart

Ancestry of Amelia Earhart One of the worlds most celebrated aviators, Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas on July 24, 1897. The daughter of a railroad company attorney, she lived with her maternal grandparents in Atchison until the age of 12. She then moved around with her family for several years, living in Des Moine, Iowa; Chicago, Illinois; and Medford, Massachusetts. Amelia saw her first airplane in 1908 at the Iowa State Fair, but her love of flying lay dormant until Christmas Day 1920, when her father took her to the opening of a new airfield in Long Beach, CA. Three days later, she took her first ride with barnstormer Frank M. Hawks. Amelia Earhart set several aviation records, including the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, before disappearing over the Pacific on an around-the-world flight in 1937. Learn about Earharts relatives with this family tree, which is organized by generation. First Generation 1. Amelia Mary EARHART  was born 24 Jul 1897 in Atchison, Atchison County, Kansas, to Edwin Stanton Earhart and Amelia Amy Otis in the home of her maternal grandparents. Amelia Earhart married George Palmer Putman, born 7 September 1887 in Rye, Westchester County, New York,  on 7 Feb 1931 in Noank, New London County, Connecticut. Amelia died after 2 Jul 1937 in on a pioneering flight around the world and was declared legally dead on 1 January 1939. Second Generation (Parents) 2. Edwin Stanton EARHART  was born on 28 Mar 1867  in Atchison, Kansas to the Rev. David Earhart Jr. and Mary Wells Patton. Edwin Stanton EARHART and Amelia  OTIS were married on 18 Oct 1895 in Trinity Church, Atchison, Kansas. After a brief separation during 1915, the Earharts reunited in Kansas City in 1916 and moved to Los Angeles, although  Edwin and Amy eventually divorced in 1924.  Edwin S. Earhart married a second time to Annie Mary Helen McPherson on 26 August 1926 in Los Angeles. Edwin died on 23 Sep 1930 in Los Angeles, California. 3. Amelia (Amy) OTIS  was born about March  1869 in Atchison, Kansas, to Judge Alfred G. and Amelia  (Harres) Otis. She died on 29 Oct 1962 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, at the age of 95. Edwin Stanton EARHART and Amelia (Amy) OTIS had the following children: i. Infant EARHART was born and died in Aug 1896.1 ii. Amelia Mary EARHARTiii. Grace Muriel EARHART was born 29 Dec 1899 in Kansas City, Clay County, Missouri and died 2 March 1998 in Medford, Massachusetts. In June  1929, Muriel married World War I veteran Albert Morrissey, who died in 1978. Third Generation (Grandparents) 4.  Rev. David EARHART  was born 28 Feb 1818 on a farm in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. David studied theology and was licensed by the East Ohio Synod in 1844, eventually serving seven different congregations in Western Pennsylvania, three of which he organized, and six for which he was involved in building the house of worship. In January 1845 the  Rev. David Earhart  assisted in organizing the Pittsburgh Synod and  was known for being one of the first Lutheran pastors in the state to use the English language almost exclusively.  He and his family relocated to Sumner, near Atchison, Kansas in early 1860 where they stayed until 1873. At that point, David and Mary returned to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and then later moved as he  served congregations in Donegal, Westmoreland County (1876) and Armstrong County (1882), also in Pennsylvania. Following the death of his wife in 1893, David moved to Philadelphia to live with his  daughter, Mrs. Harriet Augusta (Earhart)  Monroe. His final years then found him living with another daughter, Mary Louisa (Earhart) Woodworth in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, where he  died on 13 Aug 1903. David Earhart is buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, Kansas. 5. Mary Wells PATTON  was born on 28 Sep 1821 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania to John Patton and Harriet Wells. She died on 19 May 1893 in Pennsylvania and is buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, Kansas. Rev. David EARHART and Mary Wells PATTON were married on 16 Nov 1841 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania and had the following children: i. Harriet Augusta EARHART was born on 21 Aug 1842 in Pennsylvania and married Aaron L. Monroe about . Harriet died 16 July 1927 in Washington, D.C. and  is buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Atchison, Kansas.ii.  Mary Louisa EARHART was born on 2 Oct 1843 in Pennsylvania. She married Gilbert Mortiere Woodworth, who died in Philadelphia on 8 Sep 1899. Mary died 29 Aug 1921 in Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri.iii. Martin Luther EARHART was born on 18 Feb 1845 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, and died 18 Oct 1925 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.iv. Phillip Melancthon EARHART was born on 18 Mar 1847 and died sometime prior to 1860.v. Sarah Katherine EARHART was born on 21 Aug 1849 and died sometime prior to 1860.vi. Josephine EARHART was born on 8 Aug 1851. She died in 1853.vii. Albert Mosheim EARHART was born about 1853.viii. Franklin Patton EARHART was born about 1855.ix. Isabella Della EARHART was born about 1857.x. David Milton EARHART was born on 21 Oct 1859. He died in Ma y 1860. xi. Kate Theodora EARHART was born on 9 Mar 1863.2 xii. Edwin Stanton EARHART 6.  Judge Alfred Gideon OTIS was born on 13 Dec 1827 in Cortland, Cortland County, New York. He died on 9 May 1912 in Atchison, Atchison County, Kansas, and is buried in Atchisons Mount Vernon Cemetery, alongside his wife, Amelia. 7. Amelia Josephine HARRES was born in Feb 1837 in Philadelphia. She died on 12 Feb 1912 in Atchison, Kansas. Alfred Gideon OTIS and Amelia Josephine HARRES were married on 22 Apr 1862 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and had the following children, all born in Atchison, Kansas: i. Grace OTIS was born on 19 Mar 1863 and  died on 3 Sep 1864 in Atchison.ii. William Alfred OTIS  was born on 2 Feb 1865.  He died from diphtheria on 8 Dec 1899 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.iii. Harrison Gray OTIS  was born on 31 Dec 1867 and  died on 14 Dec 1868 in Atchison.3  iv. Amelia (Amy) OTISv. Mark E. OTIS  was born about Dec 1870.vi. Margaret Pearl OTIS  was born about Oct 1875 in Atchison and  died on 4 Jan 1931 in Germantown, Pennsylvania.vii. Theodore H. OTIS  was born on 12 Nov 1877 and  died on 13 Mar 1957 in Atchison  and is  buried in the citys Mount Vernon Cemetery.viii. Carl Spenser OTIS  was born about Mar 1881, also in Atchison. Sources: Donald M. Goldstein and Katherine V. Dillon.  Amelia: The Centennial Biography of an Aviation Pioneer. Washington, D.C.: Brasseys, 1997. Navy Ends Search for Miss Earhart,  The New York Times, 19 July 1937, page 1, col. 5. Goldstein Dillon,  Amelia: The Centennial Biography, 264.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Development of a measurement model for balance management Research Paper

Development of a measurement model for balance management - Research Paper Example They play an imperative role in motivating the goals of a development-oriented nation (Aaker 2001, p. 56). Additionally, there should be an integration of the tools through critical assessment of both qualitative and quantitative parameters as observed below. There are lots of fundamental links of culture, leadership and strategy in regards to the development of measurement. In other words, the aforementioned tools of development have direct ramifications on the aspects of balanced management especially in spurring the expansion of the economy. For instance, culture is an imperative objective when drafting plans for development oriented projects because it has a direct influence on people (Niven 2005, p. 124). On that account, a balanced scorecard is performance management tool of strategy that is in the form of a report. It is a semi-structured with support derived from design methods and other automation tools. For that matter, it functions in the tracking of duties and activities by workers to enable managers have a control in the actions of the organization. In other words, there is also a link on the context of personal refinement on the areas of education, lifestyle, ideals and national aspirations for future improvement. Therefore, this management tool has been key especially in the annual survey of performance-oriented firms such as Bain & Companies. Therefore, in terms of impacting on the development of the organization, it is crucial to note a few observations. For instance, a balanced scorecard inculcates the mixture of differing presentations that are both non-financial and financial. It has a direct correlation with development in the context of reforming the minds of the employees in balancing their income sheets. This suggests that factors such as traditional material culture of a society come in handy when defining the goals of development and the measurement success (Jacobson & Shepard 2008, p.156). Additionally, there are also other elements o f intangibles such as customs, language, dress code and even acquisition of technology that impacts directly on the balance scorecard on the management of a country. In contrast, culture also influences the strategies of development when stipulating the goals of a community through its leadership. In other words, there is a variable uniformity in the context of informational data imparted upon firms in influencing leading inputs such as physical and human processes. On the other hand, there is also the factor of culture gap strategy that entails a policy approach that affects development in several ways. For example, culture gap strategy plays a key role in affecting the operations of development measurement in the context of finding alternative solutions. Additionally, it brings harmony between the sociological context of the corporate firms and the concern of attaining the goal of a balance management. In other words, it is a grand folly in integrating the culture gap strategy in a society and its leadership in relation to the strategies stipulated. On that case, there is also an imperative need to evaluate the issues of development choices such as the GDP of a work group and inter-generational conflicts that affect the economy (MacKinnon 2012, p. 209). This suggests that cultural change should compliment with the development strategies set by the given leadership of the management in focusing for the future. Alternatively, cultural strategic gaps of development must also take into

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Elements of a business plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Elements of a business plan - Essay Example Elements of a business plan Starting a business enterprise is a process that requires concerted efforts in order for the initiative to be a success. As such, this report seeks to critically evaluate the reasons why it is important for a new start up business to create a comprehensive business plan. Basically, a business plan is an outline of a business idea which seeks to justify the reason behind starting that particular business. Internally, the business plan helps to shape direction upon which the organisation will operate and externally, it helps in linking with the stakeholders. In order to establish the significance of a comprehensive business plan in a start up business, it is imperative to begin by explaining the meaning of planning which is regarded as the key term in this discussion in order to gain a full understanding of the whole concept. â€Å"Planning includes defining goals, establishing strategy and developing plans to coordinate activities†. In the same vein, Bates et al (2006) concur with this idea when they state that planning which is concerned with generation of ideas is regarded as the starting point of establishing a business as well as managing it. In actual fact, before starting a business, one needs to determine in advance the goals to be achieved as well as to visualise likely result of the objectives for the business enterprise. Therefore, it can be safely said that planning is a process whereby objectives are decided upon and developing the plans to reach them as well as to coordinate other activities. Planning can be said to be very important in a business venture because it gives people in a particular organisation an idea of the direction in which business will be going. 2. Strategic objectives A comprehensive business plan is very important in every business given that it outlines the objectives of that particular business venture. Essentially, every business is in existence because of a purpose. In most cases, the major aim of business is to generate profits through revenue that is generated from its operations (Armstrong & Kotler, 2004). Basically, the objectives of the business venture are clearly stated in its mission statement and are emphasised in the vision of the organisation. The mission of the organisation clearly outlines the purpose of a particular business and this is where objectives are also stated. The vision of any business enterprise is to detail the plans as well as the measures that can be taken in order to achieve the set goals. This may not be possible without a comprehensive bu siness plan which details the measures as well as the steps that can be taken towards attainment of the set goals. 3. Market analysis Planning is very important because it gives the people in the organisation an idea of the direction in which the business is going (Bates, 2006). However, there are likely problems to be encountered during the operations of the business enterprise given that it operates in an environment that is characterised by various factors. As such, a comprehensive business plans details a critical analysis of the environment in which the organisation is operating. In this case, a SWOT analysis is very important since constitutes the comprehensive plan of the

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Kolbs cyclical learning theory Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kolbs cyclical learning theory - Assignment Example In the entire session, I was actively involved in varied chronological ideas with the major one involving lab analysis. Throughout the sessions, it was evident that more and more results were acquired, and each time the results differed. This was identified after each individual clearly demonstrated their results. Concrete experimentation consists of varied activities that can range from field works to lab sessions. In this sessions, everyone is committed to gaining the best results; a reason for having many correct answers for a similar question. Attaining different although acceptable lab results raised a lot of questions with most of them associated with credibility of the entire lab process. Although, I had numerous doubts, I decided to try and understand the results and the causes that resulted into the above facts. On putting more efforts and repeating the process several times, it became evident that these results would always vary, but accurate calculations using the data for each individual would provide similar results. This ensured that if the same lab sessions were repeated or rather taken in similar circumstances, but different periods, it was possible to anticipate the following results or actions. The reflective observation has instances when a learner concentrates and reflects on the experiences that occurred in the prior stage. Understanding the general principle in which the entire lab session, results and the analysis occurred proved incredibly challenging.

Monday, October 28, 2019

If One Is Truly Serious About Achieving Essay Example for Free

If One Is Truly Serious About Achieving Essay If one is truly serious about achieving the ultimate goal of human life by perfecting his spiritual inquiry, he must adopt a life style that is conducive to the cultivation of self-realizing knowledge. This life style can be beautifully summarized in the phrase simple living and high thinking. Here simple living is in relation to maintenance of the body, and high thinking is in relation to the aim of ones intellectual pursuits. In order to exist in this world it is necessary to maintain ones bodily existence, but as will be shown in later lessons, maintenance of the body is not progress towards the goal of life. Maintenance just allows one to perform the activity of existing in a particular body, which does not denote any accomplishment of a goal. This maintenance of the body involving mainly our activities of eating, sleeping, mating and defending is not in itself any great feat opportunity achievement. Even the animals are engaging in these activities of bodily maintenance. The cows also eat, the birds also mate, the hogs also sleep and the dogs also defend. Simply engaging in these activities of maintenance does not actually make one human. For this reason, one who is interested in achieving the real, permanent goal of life does not focus solely on these activities of bodily maintenance, but he rather focuses primarily on the path of perfection. This is why he adopts the process of simple living. The basic principle of simple living is accepting whatever is necessary for maintaining the body, so that we can use the energized body for higher philosophical pursuits directed towards our pure self identity. One only accepts that which is necessary for existence and does not take anything that is an unnecessary complication to life. In this way, by the process of living simply, one will be able to, if properly directed, arrive at the point of high thinking, the actual human essence. What exactly is the meaning of high thinking? High thinking entils the [continues].

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Cultural Imperialism Theory Analysis

Cultural Imperialism Theory Analysis What is the ‘cultural imperialism’ thesis and how valid is it today? Discuss with reference to relevant theory and examples. The best way to understand what cultural imperialism is, is by analysing its difference from the traditional modes of imperialism. This theory has been developed through a long line of historical events, especially ones that developed around the relationship of the west with the rest of the world and led to our contemporary society and whether or not this society is a big global culture due to cultural imperialism. In this essay I intend to explain the difference between imperialism and cultural imperialism, present the multiple forms it can be discussed and understood based upon and go through some historical events, important to define its concept. The second part of the essay will be more focused on the global perception of western media within non-western countries and several globalization and cultural globalization developments, in order to understand whether or not cultural imperialism is valid in our modern society, as far as these globalization developments are concerned. Imperialism, as a concept we have come across through history, is the policy of expansion of control or authority exercised in foreign entities as a means of obtaining and/or maintaining an empire (Hopper,2007, Ritzer,2011). This term is usually used to describe the political domination of one, usually stronger, nation to other countries, whether that domination is practised with direct territorial conquest or indirect methods of political and economic controlling. This political or traditional imperialism though is quite different from cultural imperialism, although the lines of distinction are usually blurred (Harvey,2003). Even though imperialism is usually used in conversations about politics or wars, cultural imperialism thesis describes the process within which a dominant culture penetrates the modern world system and how its dominating stratum, values and attitudes are spread to foreign cultures, creating unequal relationships between them, favouring the more developed and pow erful one (Hopper,2007, Schiller,1976). In other words, it is the concept within which certain dominant cultures, mainly western ones, threaten to overcome other more vulnerable ones (Tomlinson,1993). This term therefore is usually associated with globalization processes and deterritorialization, where culture seems to not necessarily be related only to geographical and social territories (Ritzer,2011). The fact that some cultures appear to be subordinate to others, within the concept of cultural imperialism is a natural social phenomenon which occurs at a later stage of a long historical chain of colonialism (Hopper,2007), that allowed western cultures to force their beliefs and values on areas, such as Africa or Asia, that were not traditionally inhabited by populations same as the metropolitan authority that conquered them. Since at some point in history West Europe controlled most of the world, they had easily penetrated societies for centuries, introducing the western civilisation to them and undermining their local heritages. All those undermined localities and cultures resulted to a modern world system, where West Europe does not rule most of the world anymore but has left its fundamental characteristics there, only to be re-enforced by the contemporary Trojan horse ‘for penetrating foreign cultures’, the media. After the Second World War and the end of the tradi tional European colonization, the two superpowers that emerged, the USA and the USSR, realised early enough their benefits from cultural imperialism and, more specifically, media imperialism to promote their authority along with their ideals. Media imperialism is the theory which suggests that smaller nations are in risk of losing their traditional cultural identities due to western mass media dominance (Ritzer, 2011). The USA’s use of cultural imperialism and the mass media then, empowered their position as the most powerful and, consequently influential, country in the world, enabling them to lead the way in terms of food or drink ( McDonalds, KFC, Coca Cola) or film and entertainment industry (Hollywood cinema). The promotion of American culture therefore has become another layer of cultural imperialism and the mere exposure of western media to other nations has created a sense of American superiority in the world, resulting to individual and traditional cultural identitie s to risk being forsaken forever (Hopper, 2007). Debates on media imperialism as a sub-category of cultural imperialism appeared first during the 1970’s when unequal media flows and absolute control over them by dominant nations increased over developing countries. By the time new and more powerful media appeared, during the 1980’s-1990’s, it became much more difficult for smaller nations to resist them and for local media outlets to survive (Boyd-Barret, 1998). This new form of imperialism did not only affect developing countries’ media but also the shaping of their local cultures, receiving also a lot of criticism over the years, since according to Ritzer, ‘it undermines the existence of alternate global media from developing countries, as well as their influence of the local and regional media’ (2011). Also, it considers the audience to be passive and ready to accept and interpret the same medium exactly the same way as everyone else in the world. This is problematic since audiences aroun d the world have many, big or small, differences between them which cause them to interpret things their own way. For example, The Simpsons is a very popular show throughout the world, translated in several languages and shown in many countries. However it contains various references of drugs, sex and drinking which make it difficult for the show to be shown as it is in every country, since references like that may cause offence in certain places, like Pakistan for example. That is why it is edited to be suitable for its target audience, which proves that audiences can interpret the same medium in lots of different ways. Another reason why media imperialism is criticised, is the fact that most media flows from developed countries to developing ones are controlled entirely by one company or owner, who decides what gets to be shown or gets censored. Those media therefore, could be very biased and untrustworthy and since they create a type of cultural dependency between the developed a nd developing countries, being biased means that the smaller nations would be completely controlled and exploited. Moreover, capitalism came to re-enforce media imperialism and the contemporary, capitalist driven system it creates as ‘the primary driving force behind cultural globalization’ (Ritzer, 2011). Despite the debates and arguments against media imperialism though, the existence of new global media which subsequently allowed several cultural characteristics to flow easily all over the world, creating a more global culture, is a fact. Culture, as in the shared sense of habits, traditions and beliefs of a country, society or a group of people (Cambridge Learner’s Dictionaries) is usually associated and defined within specific geographical barriers. For example, there is Cypriot culture in Cyprus, French culture in France and so on. The possibility though, that cultural and media imperialism create for a globalized culture to exist is mostly based on the deterritorialization theory. Based on this concept, the growing presence of social forms of control and involvement goes beyond the limits of a specific territory (Giddens, 1990). Deterritorialization therefore, is the transformation that occurs on local cultures from the impact the media and communications have on them, ca using them to no longer be as defined with local geography as they once were (Tomlinson, 2007). Deterritorialization then has become a general cultural condition, re-enforcing the idea that more and more cultures throughout the world are the same. Examples of instantaneous global communications, such as television or the internet, support the formation of a globalized culture, along with the English language considered to be the world’s global and information language. Another example of how traditional cultures can easily be derived from globalization and deterritorialization concepts, is how the residents of Fiji, particularly women, changed their traditional preferences of robust, full figure bodies and started dieting for the first time, resulting in health problems like anorexia or bulimia, after being introduced to television and western media in 1995 (BBC News). This influence of the USA or other western countries on smaller nations, as far cuisine, technology, busines s practises, political techniques, entertainment, fashion or food are concerned is known as Americanization or Westernization and is one of the effects of cultural imperialism (Hopper, 2007). Another theory is the cultural hybridization theory, which emphasizes on how the world seems to have become a smaller place and also on the interaction between the global and the local that has created new types of unique hybrid cultures that are neither global or local (Hopper,2007, Ritzer, 2011). In other words, it describes the ways in which different cultures create new forms and connections with each other, developing new types of cultures from the blending of their individual characteristics. A specific term about cultural hybridization came out of Roland Robertson’s (2011) work on the interaction of the global and the local and how the first, instead of eliminating the second, combines itself with it resulting to new forms of localities, based on the global. This term is glocalization and an example of it could be how internationally known companies slightly alter some of their products based on their locations and audiences. More specifically, Pringles’s flavour s in the USA range between original, salt or vinegar while in Asia you can find flavours such as seaweed or peppered beef. Due to phenomena like this and according to Ritzer (2011) ‘globalization leads to increasing sameness throughout the world’, resulting in cultural convergence, with the McDonaldization theory as a main example of it. McDonaldization theory was first introduced by George Ritzer in 1993 and uses the principles of the fast-food restaurant company as its model, to prove how some specific principles ‘are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society, as well as the rest of the world’ (Rtizer, 2011). With five principles, McDonaldization theory shows how the world can become more globalized, exactly the same way the fast-food restaurant became globally known and successful, with restaurants built in almost every country in the globe. The five dimensions, according to Ritzer, are efficiency, as in the way of finding the best possible method for accomplishing a task, calculability, which means emphasizing on the quantity rather than the quality of products, so that customers get more amounts of product in less period of time; predictability, as in the stereotypical way in which employees and customers are expected to behave in everywhere in the world and control, as in the con trolling or even replacement of employees by technology. The fifth dimension, is the so-called irrationality of rationality, which refers to when something that is normally considered to be rational is in fact exactly the opposite and sometimes can also be described as dehumanization, for the employees and/or the customers. These principles have Mcdonaldized many aspects of contemporary society, emphasizing the convergence even more. The modern trend of ‘speed-dating’ for example, is a McDonaldized way of the traditionally time-consuming process of meeting new people, since in this case potential partners gather up for short face-to-face meetings with each other. Also, the use of the Internet as the standard tool for the process of getting and exchanging information, making libraries more and more obsolescence is another example. Based on the aforementioned aspects of globalization and global culture in relation to cultural imperialism, there appears to be a general view that one cannot adequately grasp the relevance of globalized culture through the cultural imperialism thesis alone. That is because it oversimplifies the process of information flow, which is normally complex and unpredictable, by suggesting there is only a one-way flow of imperialism, from stronger nations to less powerful ones. Such a suggestion could not possibly be absolutely valid, especially nowadays, when more non-western countries, such as India, have started to grow into powerful, out-sourcing exporters, e.g. Bollywood movies (Hopper, 2007). It also overlooks the importance of the international relations between developed and developing countries, since the influence of the western media on non-western societies is somehow bound to them. Where those relations are not as good, then it is obviously unlikely that the influence of the me dia will affect the local population. This, in addition, is proven by the national media systems and protectionism applied by some European countries, like Canada and France as a form of rejection and protest against the American domination in the European film market. This form of resistance to Americanization is overlooked by the cultural imperialism thesis, as well as Stuart Hall’s (1973) encoding and decoding theory, which suggests that there are various different ways in which audiences can decode the same media text. To conclude, it is understandable that cultural imperialism is a very vague concept which can be understood in specific forms regarding specific contexts of imperialism, media and globalization processes. It establishes connections between developed and developing countries for print media, television, radio, film or consumer goods, creating a new form of imperialism in its core, the media imperialism, which allows western media and therefore culture to easily spread the information they want to convey the world and continue being a superpower. That makes cultural imperialism an expansion of cultural values re-enforcing a dominating ‘global’ culture through products or commodities diffused with cultural values that are strengthened by media imperialism. The media are after all a very important part of people’s daily lives. The cultural imperialism thesis though has created several debates and arguments over the years, about whether or not it is the right thesis to describe and evaluate our contemporary culture, as far as globalization processes are concerned. Due to all the critiques about how it overlooks important aspects of society, information flow and media theories in general, it is mostly considered to be a negative way of understanding media globalization and global culture and therefore it is not as valid as it seems to be in our contemporary society. Bibliography CAMBRIDGE Learners Dictionary 2007 Giddens, Anthony. The Consequences Of Modernity. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1990. Hall, Stuart. Encoding and Decoding In The Television Discourse. Birmingham [England]: Centre for Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, 1973. Harvey, David. The New Imperialism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003. Hopper, Paul. Understanding Cultural Globalization. Cambridge, UK: Polity, 2007. Lenin, Vladimir IlÊÂ ¹ich. Imperialism, The Highest Stage Of Capitalism. New York: International Publishers, 1982. News.bbc.co.uk,. BBC News | Health | TV Brings Eating Disorders To Fiji. N.p., 1999. Web. 30 Apr. 2015. Robertson, Roland. Globalization. London: Sage, 1992. Schiller, Herbert. Communication and Cultural Domination. New York: International Arts and Sciences Press, 1973. Oliver Boyd-Barret, Media and imperialism reformulated In Thussu, Daya Kishan(ed.) Electronic Empires: Global Media and Local Resistance. London: Arnold, 1998. Tomlinson, John. Cultural Imperialism. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. Tomlinson, John. Cultural Imperialism: A Critical Introduction. 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