Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Strategic Management Assignment

HANOI UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM —————-o0o—————- INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS Research in Motion Ltd. Tutor: Mr. Nguy? n Anh Quan Students: Ph? m Thanh H? ng M? u Minh Tuy? n Vu Ng? c Anh Class: Tutorial 3 Course: Strategic Management Date: 16/09/2009 Word count: 3, 261 words I. INTRODUCTION Besides external environment analysis, in order to craft a plausible strategy, the company has to understand itself as well, or in other words, to carefully evaluate its resources and competitive position. In this report, we look into the case of Research in Motion Ltd. RIM) to illustrate this point. Firstly, we will provide readers with background knowledge of the company, following by assessment of the company’s current strategy. Then, the SWOT analysis is executed, and the weighted competitive strength assessments is considered. Lastly, from the analysis, we provide the list of issues and problems t hat merit front-burner managerial attention. II. BODY 1. Company’s background: RIM was founded in 1984 by Mike Lazardis. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company also has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM provides platforms and solutions for access to time-sensitive information, including email, phone, Instant Messaging (IM), short message service (SMS) messaging, Global Positioning System (GPS), Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM is known primarily as the maker and provider of Blackberry wireless devices and e-mail services. It can provide users with a wireless extension of their work and personal email accounts, including Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise and many Internet service provider (ISP) email services. RIM has recently reached 14 million subscribers worldwide and had just over $6 billion in revenue. In early 2008, RIM was one of Canada’s largest companies with a market capitalization of $69. 4 billion. RIM had more than 100,000 enterprise customers and an estimated 42% market share of converged devices. Revenues were contributed mainly by handheld sales (73%), followed by service (18%), software (6%) and other revenues (3%). In 2007, 57. 9% of RIM’s revenues were derived from the US, 7. 3% from Canada and the remaining 34. % from other countries. RIM had over 270 carrier partnerships in more than 110 countries. In terms of product innovation, RIM has a wide range of product design and innovation awards, including recognition from Computerworld as one of the Top 10 Products of the Past 40 Years. 2. Assessment of company’s current strategy 2. 1 Company’s strategic approach: RIM’s strategy focuses mainly on differentiating its products from those of competitors in order to serve a niche market for business class. In terms of differentiation, the BlackBerry wireless platform and line of handhelds include e-mail, phone, IM, SMS, internet, music, camera, video, radio, organizer, GPS and a variety of other applications. BlackBerry’s small size, long battery life, and ease of use, made the product extremely popular with busy executives who valued the safe and secure delivery of corporate mail. In fact, organizations that relied on sensitive information, such as the U. S. government and large financial institutions, were early and loyal adopters of BlackBerry and RIM’s largest customers. RIM’s enterprise e-mail servers, which were attached to the customer’s e-mail and IM servers behind company firewalls, encrypted and redirected e-mail and other data before forwarding the information to end consumers through wireless service providers (see Exhibit 3). RIM had more than 100,000 enterprise customers and an estimated 42 per cent market share of converged devices as mentioned above. 2. 2 Firm’s competitive scope: RIM has a quite narrow geographic market coverage, mainly in the region of North America, with the US market contributing 57. % of RIM’s revenues, 7. 3% from Canada and the rest 34. 8% from other countries. The company competes in several industries, including wireless devices, software and service. In terms of revenue distribution, as mentioned above, handheld sales is in the first rank 73%, followed by service 18%, software 6% and other revenues 3%. 2. 3 Recent move position and performance: In terms of competing against rivals, RIM ’s strengths firstly lie in the ability to improve its products both in design and technology. For example, RIM had recently introduced the award-winning Blackberry Pearl and Blackberry Curve, which were a significant design from previous models and for the first time targeted both normal consumer and business professionals. RIM had a variety of product designs and innovation awards, including one of the â€Å"Top 10 Products† from Computerworld in the Past 40 Years. Recently, RIM has stepped up in advertising its product, like images from celebrities like Madonna and Paris Hilton holding Blackberry in their hands. Especially, US President Obama were sighting using Blackberry device. Also, RIM is very brave to open their target market to younger consumers instead of their usual business consumers by launching Facebook, partnerships with software developers to bring popular games such as Guitar Hero II to the Blackberry mobile platform. Another illustration is that just six months after launching Facebook for BlackBerry, downloads of the popular social networking software application had topped one million, indicating that younger consumers were gravitating towards the popular handhelds. All these actions suggest a more aggressive move to the consumer, or at least prosumer, smartphone space. What’s more, RIM is expanding the number of product and technology development facilities in locations such as Fort Lauderdale. Geographic expansion is an essential strategy, but it has its trade-off. We will talk more about this in the SWOT analysis. One of the key factor for RIM to win over competitors is in the field of R&D. RIM employed just over 2,100 people with different R&D areas of expertise: radio frequency engineering, hardware and software design,audio and display improvement, antenna design, circuit board design, power management, industrial design, and manufacturing engineering, among others. R&D efforts focused on improving the functionality, security and performance of the BlackBerry solution, as well as developing new devices for current and emerging network technologies and market segments. R&D had increased significantly both in terms of the total number of employees as well as the geographic scope of its operations. Since 2000, the R&D group had grown more than tenfold, from 200 to 2,100 people and expanded to two more locations in Canada. Additionally, by merging with competitors, RIM had over 270 carrier partnerships in more than 110 countries around the world. Through the Blackberry Connect licensing program other leading device manufacturers such as Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson could also equip their handsets with Blackberry functionality and other technologies. 2. 4. Evaluating the strategy: 2. 4. 1 From quantitative standpoint: †¢ In 2007 revenue increased by 98% from the previous year. †¢ Reached 14 million subscribers worldwide and had just over $6 billion in revenue (see Exhibits 1 and 2). †¢ Since 2000, the R&D group had grown more than tenfold, from 200 to 2,100 people, made up about 35 per cent of RIM’s 6,254 employees. Total headcount had also been growing in double digits over the last five years (see Exhibit 7). †¢ Low employee turnover rate and received â€Å"Canada’s 10 most admired corporate culture†. 2. 4. 2 Key indicators of how well the strategy is working †¢ Firm’s sale, market share and customers: 14 million subscribers in 2008, nearly double than in 200 7 with 8 million subscribers worldwide. †¢ $6 billion in revenue, doubling of that in 2007 (see Exhibits 1 and 2) †¢ 1/6 of the market share (Exhibits 8). RIM revenue compared with others: For 4 years RIM revenue increased 10 times more from $595 million to $6,009 million, while the leader Nokia almost double ( $46,606 million to $80,672 million), Motorola from $23,155 million to $36,622 million. Apple from $6,207 million to 24,006 mil and Palm from $838 million to $1,561 million. Overall, RIM had the fastest growing rate (Exhibits 6). †¢ As one of the first to market with two-way messaging, over the years RIM has continuously improve its design and technology with award-winning models like Blackberry Pearl and Blackberry Curve. Also, good money is being spent on investment in R&D to keep up with the change of the mobile industry. This creates a good image and reputation of the company to customers. 3. SWOT Analysis: 3. 1 Strengths: †¢ Product innovation: (a competence) The rationale of R & D Department at RIM is: â€Å"Communication Through Innovation†. ? Products that attract the attention of both consumers and business professionals. Originally built for busy professionals, BlackBerry had made considerable headway in the consumer market and become something of a social phenomenon. CO-OP program with the University of Waterloo. CO-OP supplies business and industry with experience and contacts, as well as the opportunities to apply and refine what is learned in class. †¢ World leader in Business Mobile Communications market: ? One of the only trusted phones for the business-class mobile e-mail. As mentioned above, BlackBerry integrate e-mail, phone, IM, SMS, internet, GPS and a variety of o ther, in addition to small size, long battery life, and ease of use; making the product extremely popular with busy entrepreuners. Accumulated wide range of product design and innovation awards, recognition by Computerworld as Top 10 products of the past 40 Years. RIM had more than 100,000 enterprise customers and an estimated 42 per cent market share of converged devices, and significantly higher market share of data-only devices, in North America. †¢ Secure delivery: ? Source code is one of their few technical assets which is highly protected and is a key role in the success of the company, delivering the safe and secure voice and data transmission on which the BlackBerry reputation was built. This can be considered as a distinctive competence of RIM. †¢ Strong working culture: RIM’s core competence. ? Company culture has contributed towards a lower turnover rate compared to larger companies, and more happy employees. They have flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work collaboratively. There are not a lot of process or the kind of bureaucracy. 3. 2 Weaknesses: †¢ Shortage of physical space at RIM’s Waterloo campus. It is considered as a hazard of a growing company since it is not going to be conducive for expansion. †¢ Internal resistance to expand R&D to locations outside of Waterloo. There are people here, even leaders and senior people, who said: â€Å"What? Products being built elsewhere? No! We can’t do that! Then we won’t have any control! † So, some of it is a cultural shift and a mind shift for the people that have been there and it is hard for them to let go and to be part of a really big company. 3. 3 Oppo rtunities: †¢ Economic situation: ? Many smaller firms and technology start ups are struggling financially. ? In light of the dynamic market situation, RIM needs to ensure that its investment in R&D keeps up with the pace of change in the mobile industry. Analysts predict an immense opportunity for smart phones starting in 2008-2009, which shipments reaching the billions by 2012. †¢ There are not many trusted alternatives for business-class mobile e-mail. RIM could be one of the world’s biggest handset manufacturers in the future. 3. 4 Threats: †¢ Global economic downturn recently caused a lot of difficulties for all companies, and RIM is not taken into the exception. †¢ Explosive growth and increased competition on the R&D team to develop new solutions in the global smartphones market. In 2007, Symbian Operating System designed for mobile devices held an estimation of 65 percent worldwide share of the converged devices, shipping 77. 3 million smartphones. The second position was given to Microsoft’s Windows Mobile OS with 12 percent while RIM Blackberry OS at 11 percent. †¢ Apple announced that it would be pursuing the business segment, as Microsoft and Google were also both trying. Apple’s innovation in its mobile user interface and new technology (thermal touch screen) has created a new trend in mobile phone usage. This prompted a lot of design activities among competitors. Key competitors have already expanded globally while RIM is just on the way to be a global player. As can be seen from the SWOT above, RIM has a lot of strengths compared with its weaknesses. Its main problems that need solving currently are the expansion of the head quarter in Waterloo and the frightful competitiveness between competitors since there are day-by-day changes in technology that is considered as the matter of life and death for every player in mobile industry. When RIM becomes a global cell-phone producer, it has to face with th e competition from giants such as NOKIA, Motorola, Apple, Palm, etc. . Weighted competitive strength assessment To do the weighted competitive strength assessment of RIM, we take 2 main competitors namely Apple and Nokia. In order to have a precise view, we would like to consider the competitive assessment merely in the biggest industry of RIM – smart phones. The 8 key success factors that most affect industry’s members to prosper in the marketplace are identified. Among them, qualified human resource and quality of the products are considered the most important, thus get the weight of 0. 2. These are followed by the innovation to create new product, which is given 0. 15 weight. Reputation/image, financial resources, technological skills and product security are all rated as of medium importance, hence having 0. 1 weight. Last comes the customer service capability with the weight of 0. 05. [pic] From the assessments, it is seen that RIM ranks higher than its two competitors in terms of product quality and product security. However, the company is not as good as rivals in other aspects. Therefore, all things considered, the firm has a net competitive disadvantage versus major competitors, with the weighted overall strength rating of only 6. 9 compared to Apple’s 7. 4 rate and Nokia’s 8. 5. 5. Strategic issues and problems that merit front-burner managerial attention After careful consideration of both industry and competitive analysis, as well as the evaluations of the company’s own competitiveness, we have come to the â€Å"worry list† that is further discussed below. This list points out strategic issues that the managers of Rese arch in Motion need to address and resolve so that the company can be more financially and competitively successful in the years ahead. ? How to recruit and retain qualified engineers: As mentioned above, R&D and engineering were the heart and soul of RIM. Therefore, the growth of the company is in close relationship with the development of its technological human resource. With the explosive growth of the firm, since 2000, the R&D group had grown more than tenfold, from 200 to 2,100 people. However, the industry is experiencing a scarcity in the labor market, especially for high-skilled workers, leading to fierce competition to attract talented individuals. †¢ In the specific situation of RIM, because of its centralization in Waterloo, the company relies heavily on the labor supply of the region. However, this resource is strictly limited. On the other hand, the enterprise also faces threats from other companies, such as Microsoft or Google, as Waterloo is regarded as â€Å" an incredible pool of talent†. †¢ Attracting outside talent to Waterloo was difficult given the competitive nature of the global software development industry. The city of 115,000 people might not be perceived by some candicates to be as attractive as other high-tech centers which were more cosmopolitan, for instance Silicon Valley, or Taipei, Mitaka, Glasgow. †¢ In software, breakthrough innovations often came from small teams led by a visionary. In other words, although new graduates were essential, to be ahead of the game, a good proportion of the incoming employees for RIM was going to have to be senior hires. In the dynamic wireless communications market, exceptional software developers were scarce. †¢ From another perspective, similar to other players in the telecommunication industry, it is RIM’s policy to maintain its R&D spending as a consistent percentage of total sales. R&D expenses are seen as a proxy for new product or service development, therefore used as a key indicator of future revenue potential. Human capital represented the bulk of R&D dollars and in fact, this rate is decreasing from 10. 59% in 2004 to 5. 99% in 2008. This is significantly low compared to rivals’ rate: Palm with 12. 24%, Motorola with 12. 09% and Nokia with 10. 20%. As a result, the need to increase the R&D employees is crucial to the development of the corporation. ? How to solve the shortage of physical space at RIM’s Waterloo: This is another problem that needs attention from managers of RIM. The expansion of physical space is essential to satisfy the current demand of organization’s people as well as facilitate the growing human resource. Whether to remain centered in Waterloo or expand existing geographies: Maintaining the centralization in its headquarter brings about various benefits, such as the nurturing of the corporate culture, or the control of technology together with core activities. In fact, the cryptographic and software source code of Blackberry on which the brand repu tation was built is considered uncompromised by the corporation. It is said by Chris Wormald, vice president of strategic alliences, that â€Å"Our source code is really among our few enduring technical assets. We have gone through extraordinary measures to protect it. We don’t give anyone any access under any circumstances. This vertical integration of technology makes geographic expansion and outsourcing of software development very difficult. † Therefore, intellectual property rights is strategically managed through a strategy that divided core platform development from product and technology development, with most of the core work still occuring in Waterloo. However, it is also concerned that without geographical expansion, the company can be left behind in its competition. How to maintain the unique culture while expanding the company: The culture at RIM headquarters was seen as one of its differentiators and was a key factor in RIM’s low employee turnover rate. The company has recently been recognized as one of â€Å" Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures†. This culture is described as flexible, adaptable and supportive, leading to the ability t o respond quickly to market opportunities of the firm. Compared to its competitors, RIM has a nice and dynamic environment, a place engineers like to work. Nevertheless, this unique culture is being challenged. The exponential growth of the company means the dramatic increase in human resource, and how to integrate the newcomers into RIM’s culture becomes an alarming question. Furthermore, when expansion of R&D is brought into consideration, internal resistance is also heard. People complained about changing in the strategy. So here a cultural shift for the people is required. ? How to compete with rivals in markets other than the North America: In terms of operating system, RIM Blackberry is ranked the third worldwide, with 11% market share in 2007, and the first in North America. In the same year, 57. % of RIM’s revenues were derived from the United States, 7. 3% from Canada and the remaining 34. 8% from other countries. Currently RIM had offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, however, it had only three wholly owned subsidiaries — two in Delaware and one in England. From this statistics, it can be seen that the main market of Blackberry is still North Amer ica. To compete successfully, RIM has to enhance its appearance and market share in other major markets as well. Expanding the global reach of Blackberry solutions is therefore a fundamental part of RIM’s strategy. III. CONCLUSION From the internal environment analysis, we draw a conclusion that RIM is pursuing a reasonable strategy of focus differentiation. Its trend to move toward the consumer market is wise, promising to bring more market share and profits for the company. However, because of its small size and limited resources compared to big players in the industry, it is somehow having a net competitive disadvantage. To further itself in the future, the company should enhance its strengths, minimize the weaknesses together with catching opportunities as well as eliminating threats. The worry list above should be considered carefully so that the company can be compete more successfully in the coming years. REFERENCE 1. Company Histories. â€Å"Research in Motion Ltd. † [Online] Available at: http://www. fundinguniverse. com/company-histories/Research-in-Motion-Ltd-Company-History. html [Accessed 20 August 2009]. 2. Pkaasish, 2008. â€Å"Research in Motion Ltd. Always on, always connected†. [Online] Available at: http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Blackbberry/132559 [Accessed 22 August 2009]. 3. 2008. â€Å"RIM Reviews in Waterloo, ON (Canada)†. [Online] Available at: http://www. lassdoor. com/Reviews/RIM-Waterloo-Company-Reviews-EI_IE9091. 0,3_IL. 4,12_IC2280158_IP4. htm [Accessed 30 August 2009]. 4. PATRICIA BOW, 2008. â€Å"BUSINESS†¦ not as usual†. [Online] Available at: http://www. alumni. uwaterloo. ca/alumni/pubs/magazine/spring09/business/index. html [Accessed 30 August 2009]. 5. Arik Hesseldahl, 2006. â€Å"BlackBerry vs. Redberry in China†. [Online] Available at: http://www. businessweek. com/technology/content/apr2006/tc20060413_266291. htm? chan=search [Accessed 30 August 2009]. 6. Innovation, 2008. â€Å"BlackBerry: Innovation Behind the Icon†. Online] Available at: http://www. businessweek. com/innovate/content/apr2008/id2008044_416784_page_2. htm [Accessed 1 September 2009]. 7. Singapore and Reading (UK), 2008. â€Å"Smart mobile device shipments hit 118 million in 2007, up 53% on 2006†. [Online] Available at: http://www. canalys. com/pr/2008/r2008021. htm [Accessed 2 September 2009]. 8. Wikipedia, 2008. â€Å"Smartphone†. [Online] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Smartphone [Accessed 3 September 2009]. 9. BlackBerry Nation Sample Chapter. â€Å"Chapter Two: The Birth of the BlackBerry†. [Online] Available at: http://blackberrynationbook. om/index. php/BlackBerry_Nation_Sample_Chapter#Financing_The_BlackBerry [Accessed 2 September 2009]. 10. Damian Francis, 2009. â€Å"Screw You Economic Downturn, We’re BlackBerry! †. [Online] Available at: http://www. popsci. com/gear-amp-gadgets/article/2009-02/screw-you-economic-downturn-we%E2%80%99re-blackberry [Accessed 6 September 2009]. Exhibit 1 Note: RIM Fiscal year ends in March (Fiscal 2008 is the year ending March 31, 2008) Source: RIM Fiscal 2007 Annual Report and Fiscal 2008 Press Release (April 2, 2008) Exhibit 2 [pic][pic] Exhibit 3 [pic] 1. BlackBerry ® Enterprise Server : Robust software that acts as the centralized link between wireless devices, wireless networks and enterprise applications. The server integrates with enterprise messaging and collaboration systems to provide mobile users with access to email, enterprise instant messaging and personal information management tools. All data between applications and BlackBerry ® smartphones flows centrally through the server. 2. BlackBerry ® Mobile Data System (BlackBerry MDS): An optimized framework for creating, deploying and managing applications for the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution. It provides essential components that enable applications beyond email to be deployed to mobile users, including developer tools, administrative services and BlackBerry ® Device Software. It also uses the same proven BlackBerry push delivery model and advanced security features used for BlackBerry email. 3. BlackBerry Smartphones: Integrated wireless voice and data devices that are optimized to work with the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution. They provide push-based access to email and data from enterprise applications and systems in addition to web, MMS, SMS and organizer applications. . BlackBerry ® Connectâ„ ¢ Devices: Devices available from leading manufacturers that feature BlackBerry push delivery technology and connect to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. 5. BlackBerry ® Alliance Program: A large community of independent software vendors, system integrators and solution providers that offer applications, services and solutions for the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution. It i s designed to help organizations make the most of the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution when mobilizing their enterprises. 6. BlackBerry Solution Services: A group of services that include: BlackBerry ® Technical Support Services, BlackBerry ® Training, RIM ® Professional Services and the Corporate Development Program. These tools and programs are designed to help organizations deploy, manage and extend their wireless solution. Source: http://na. blackberry. com/eng/ataglance/solutions/architecture. jsp Exhibit 4 [pic][pic] Source: http://www. rim. com/newsroom/media/gallery/index. shtml and Fortune, â€Å"BlackBerry: Evolution of an icon,† Jon Fortt, Sept 21, 2007, accessed April 7, 2008: http://bigtech. blogs. fortune. cnn. om/blackberry-evolution-of-an-icon-photos-610/ Exhibit 5 MOBILE TELEPHONE USERS WORLDWIDE (IN MILLIONS) [pic] Source: Created from data accessed from the Global Market Information Database, April 4, 2008, http://www. portal. euromonitor. com. proxy1. lib. uwo. ca:2048/portal/server. pt? control=SetCommunity&CommunityID=207&PageID=720&cached=false&space=CommunityPage Exhibi t 6 [pic] [pic] Note: Nokia 2007 includes Nokia Siemens. Source: Company Annual Reports. Exhibit 7 [pic] Source: RIM Annual Reports. Exhibit 8 Market share of mobile operating system 2008 [pic] Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Influence of Culture Versus Communication

First of all, defining â€Å"organizational culture is what employees perceive and how this perception creates a pattern of beliefs, values, and expectation (Matteson, 2002)†.Of course, any group or organization or human beings which gets together for a purpose has a kind of assumption invented, discovered or developed to learn and cope any issues/problems of external adaptation and internal integration that has a valuable to be thought to new members as a correct way to perceive, to think and to feel in relation to those issues/problems. At the other hand, communication is glue that holds organization together. Without this valuable interaction, nothing can be perceived, created and everyone in the organization would act as differently with no control for an unsustainable result. The two have a relationship because, for the organization to be effective, it has to have an effective communicator in the group who must understand not only general interpretation communication concepts, but also the characteristic of interpersonal communication within the organization or organizational communication. Since influencing is the process of guiding the activities of the organization members in the right and appropriate directions with effectiveness, there is ample coloration between both, the organizational culture and communication. Without the communication, nothing can be considered, encouraged, motivated, leaded, thought, understood and leaded. For and an appropriate organization. For a formal or informal culture within an organization, the input portions are: people, money, raw materials, and machines. The process seems to be the influence process where the consideration of the group, the motivation of the group, leading as managers to supervision, encouraging the group who after all understood through the communication.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Health and Resources PowerPoint Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health and Resources - PowerPoint Presentation Example This is because of poor eating habit where people eat according to hunger and not diet, and inadequate physical exercise. Inadequate physical exercise enables the body to loose excess energy. This leads to obesity because the body metabolic activities get interfered with. Heart problems are usually associated with eating habits as mentioned earlier. Americans like a lot of meat and wheat products. These form excess fats in the body, which are carried by the transport medium (blood). Upon arriving in the heart, the fats get deposited on the coronary arteries blocking them. The pumping effect of the heart increases to clear the way, damaging the vessels. This causes heart problems like hypertension. Cubing this menace is now a responsibility of everyone in the country. The government has to create and disseminate information through accessible information media that will see citizens through this cruel pandemic. This research paper will explore the details of diabetes, its history, cau se, effects, treatment and control. Diabetes is a disease characterized by excess sugar in the blood, in addition to the in the urine. This is to say that, a diabetic patient has excess sugar in either urine or blood. They exist in two types; type 1 diabetes majorly found in children and type 2 diabetes affects adults. Sushruta, Arataeus, and Thomas Willis are among the first people to treat diabetes. Excess urination and sweet taste of urine were the only symptoms known until proved that the sweet taste was the taste of sugar, by Mathew Dobson. In the early discoveries of this disease, the patients received death sentence. In late 18th century, Johann Peter Frank differentiated between diabetes mellitus and diabetes inspidus. In the late 18th century, Von and his colleagues discovered that pancreas played a major role in the regulation of blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone secreted by pancreas. It reduces excess sugar from the body. Thompson was the first patient of diabetes to

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Reflect and Professional Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Reflect and Professional Development - Essay Example Byrne (2006) asserts that weaknesses can hamper feelings which contribute to the ultimate failure of personal leadership development. According to the module, the strengths will enhance self-awareness, knowledge and skills development thus facilitating inter-personal skills development and conflict resolution when interacting with others. The module has made me aware of the personal empowerment process that entails identification of a power oriented goal that increases the effectiveness of social interaction. Canals (2012), is of the opinion that an individual must understand the leadership knowledge and skills and have self-efficacy. Self-efficacy entails taking actions to accomplish the personal goals and developing competencies that are essential in dealing with peers in a team. However, I acknowledge that the process of personal leadership development is dynamic and entails numerous skills that are essential in communicating, motivating and controlling individual emotions. After studying the module, I appreciate the importance of building a self-appreciation, sense of capability and self confidence. Personal leadership and empowerment ensures that individuals have a sense of responsibility that is crucial in outlining the personal life goals and aspirations which finally contribute to personal life fulfillment and happiness (Chambers, 2007). This paper will reflect on my personal leadership competencies development and my learning experience throughout the module. Personal leadership addresses various psychological and moral development of an individual that impact on the skills and competencies of the person as a leader (Ciarrochi and Mayer, 2007). This can be technically referred as the inner development of a person that leads to the outer development of the person as an effective leader. Farcht (2007) asserts that the key components of personal leadership include technical knowledge and skills, proper attitudes towards peers and psychological self-master y. According to the module, there are three areas of personal leadership knowledge that are essential. The knowhow areas include time management, group and individual psychology. Some of the basic skills that foster individual leadership development include problem-solving skills, goal-setting skills and ability to manage the team processes (Greene and Burleson, 2003). On the other hand, the right attitudes towards personal leadership development include appreciation, caring, service to others and interdependence. According to the module, developing the above right attitudes will lead to distinctive capabilities that allow the leader to share a common vision and create self-awareness that is essential in dealing with self-esteem issues. The module made me acknowledge the need to avoid defensive tactics especially while discussing emotive matters which is essential in ensuring effective communication (De Janasz, Dowd and Schneider, 2008). I encountered several successes and difficult ies during the learning process and personal leadership competencies development. I was organised and hardworking in this module, but I was able to gain trust of my subordinates without much struggle. I was able to maintain self-discipline in time management. However, I encountered difficulties in understanding cultural diversity and handling disappointment with my peers. I initially encountered

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Concussions in the NFL, an its affect on current and retired NFL Essay

Concussions in the NFL, an its affect on current and retired NFL Players - Essay Example To limit the number and severity of future injuries, the dual-prong strategy concentrates on increasing awareness of the dangers of concussions and of their symptoms, and of using advanced medical technology to better diagnose and treat injuries, and to create and evaluate novel treatment options. This study will look at the efficacy of the rules enacted by the NFL by taking a look at the concussions suffered before and after the enactment of these new regulations. Reason for the Study According to the Center for Disease Control, amongst the general population traumatic brain injury â€Å"is a contributing factor to one third of all injury-related deaths in the United States.† That’s roughly 52,000 deaths associated with the 1.7 million reported annual concussions (2010). Hypothesis The new regulations have been ineffective statistically in protecting players from neurological insult. Previous Research Currently, there are eleven players league-wide with reported concus sions and another eight listed with head injuries (Schefter 2009). There are an average of 1 ? to 2 concussions per game (Associated Press 2010). While the average concussion is the result of 95 g’s of acceleration to the skull, American football players experience of 103 g’s or more (Malinowski 2010). 2.

Friday, July 26, 2019

AICPA Ethics & COSO Framework for Internal Controls Essay

AICPA Ethics & COSO Framework for Internal Controls - Essay Example The first issue is about how Harold Potter gained employment and shares with Dumbledore Enterprise, a public company. Being supported by his uncle to gain entry to the company is not a serious issue. However, once he gained membership to the AICPA, there were implications that made his continuous involvement in Dumbledore risky. Section 101.01 states that a person should be independent in performance of professional services (Independence, 2011 para 1). This therefore means that once he was connected to Dumbledore as a previous employee and a shareholder, he would lose his independence and could not provide services for the company. Upon graduation, Harold decides to describe himself as 'Accountant' on his business card. Section 57 Scope & Nature of Services states that Members â€Å"...should observe the principles of the Code of Conduct in determining the scope and nature of services to be provided.† (Scope & Nature of Services, 2011 para1). There are issues with this descri ption because although he was qualified, he did not have the required level of experience to be considered a member. This therefore means that it was unethical for him to present himself as an accountant when he was not a full member. Section 191.65 forbids people to use the title CPA when they are not qualified members in Public Practice to use the designation of 'Accountant' without making disclosure of his capacity (Ethics Ruling, 2011 para 65). Clearly, Harold was not in public practice then so again, it was inappropriate to use the title of Accountant without specifying the scope of this designation. Using the Firm Name Aaron, Potter & Zzucker (3) For the sake of getting popularity and exposure in the phonebook, Harold decided to use the above name. According to Section 501.10 False Misleading or Deceptive Act in promoting or Marketing Professional Services members should not use false or deceptive means to promote their firms (Acts Discreditable, 2011 para11). Clearly, Harold Porter was working alone. There were no Aarons and Zzuckers in the firm who were CPAs. This therefore means that the use of the name was misleading. Further instruments in the Code of Ethics go against Harold in this direction. Section 502 prohibits members from advertisment, that is false, misleading and deceptive. Section 505.1 Form of Organization & Name says that members shall not practice public accounting under a name that is misleading (Form of Organization & Name, 2011 para 2). Providing Tax Services & Audit for Dumbledore (4) Although Harold did not have any experience in tax and auditing, he took the offer of his uncle to provide tax and auditing services for Dumbledore. There are two major components of the AICPA code which makes it unethical and potentially illegal for Harold to take these options. Section 201.2 Competence requires members to undertake professional services that they are reasonably expected to complete with professional competence (Competence, 2011 para2 ). Since Harold had never done tax and auditing before, it was wrong to do the books of a public company without any supervision because there was no assurance that he had the necessary professional competence. Section 57 Scope & Nature of Services states that members should observe the principles of the Code of Professional Conduct in

Who Owns History The Texas Textbook Controversy Essay - 1

Who Owns History The Texas Textbook Controversy - Essay Example The question on how history should be taught was brought to the limelight by the state of Texas. The Texas State Board of Education, in charge of the state’s curriculum, approved several controversial changes to be made to the textbooks in schools. The changes were included in the economic, social studies and history textbooks. These ‘improvements’ made by the education board emphasizes the Christianitys influence in the founding of America (Hutchins et. al. 652). The changes downplay the role of liberals and highlight the influence of conservative groups in American history. These changes, for the Texan board, seem minimal with no consequences on the American history, but the opposite is true. These small changes and tweaks in their curriculum seek to re-write the American history significantly for the students in Texas. Furthermore, the state of Texas is among the country’s biggest purchasers of History textbooks. This means that the changes in the Texan curriculum will slowly reflect in all schools throughout the country. They exclude the influence and existence of Thomas Jefferson, one of the country’s founding fathers. The Texan board excludes his influence on the Declaration of Independence and other vital legislation (Hutchins et. al. 653). Jefferson is not the only culprit of the Texan board; they further scrap off presidential runs of Ralph Nader and Ross Perot in their history books. There is a complete exclusion of the roles of Latinos and other races in America History. The changes implemented in the Texan History textbooks are endless, but it is heavily characterized by the conservative Christian influences. By changing and rewriting history of the state of Texas, the Texan board rewrote the world’s history. These changes made by the Texan board question the legitimacy of history and the appropriate way of teaching the subject. It is a universally accepted

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Management Case Study about iPhone Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management about iPhone - Case Study Example Jobs had the ability to create a lot of free publicity, thus giving Apple’s product launch a lot of attention (Isaacson 2011, p. 432). This marketing strategy ensured that people already wanted to own the iPhone long before it was launched. According to analysts, the attention Apple created for its new product resulted in the company pushing its sales from five hundred thousand to a million units within the first two days after its launch. Another reason for its success in the American market is its cut in pricing. Ten weeks after its launch, Apple made a significant cut in prices of its products that made the iPhone cheaper than other smartphones in its category. Other factors to the Apple’s success are the customer services at the Apple stores, Apple creating products that even its creators would want to own, the simplicity of Apple’s products and the ease to use, and Apple always aiming to be ahead of its competitors (Apple Inc.s iPhone 2008, p.4). When Apple first ventured into Europe, it was met with the same enthusiasm it had in the American market. According to analysts, the hype created when iPhone was launched in Europe, resulted in an enormous success represented by approximately three hundred and thirty thousand sales in only three months. However, Apple has not been able to capture the European markets as it has in America. Its failure is due to its inability to provide its customers with phones that could be operated by any mobile network providers. Apple’s competitors have the advantage of being able to provide this function to their customers. The shortcoming resulted in short-lived success (Cavusgil, Knight, Riesenberger, Rammal, & Rose 2014, p. 243). Apple’s marketing plan should be mostly focused on the younger generation. Although it is important to focus on all age groups, it is the younger generation who will be more open-minded to new technologies and devices.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Holding up general motors Issues in the fisher body case study Literature review

Holding up general motors Issues in the fisher body case study - Literature review Example Holding up general motors? Issues in the fisher body case study A classic case study in the economics of organizations, and pertinent to this discussion, regards the relations that prevailed between General Motors, Inc. and the Fisher Body Company, Ltd. during the 1920s. Accordingly, the first of accounts to be provided was by Klein et al, whose work – Vertical integration, appropriable rents, and the competitive contracting process – was to form the basis upon which all discussions were held. This was until Ronald Coase, presented his perceptions on the issue of transaction cost economics, through his 2000 work - The Acquisition of Fisher Body by General Motors. Through this work, Coase was to decisively criticise the then ‘prevailing perception’ on the relations between General Motors and the Fisher Body Company. His criticism was founded upon the grounds that the long held perspective was factually incorrect, providing critical input in support of his arguments. Regarded as the founding father of modern (contemporary ) transaction cost economics, his input and experience are thus considered critical towards effectively discussing the case under study. Of particular importance is his visit to the U.S, with specific focus placed upon the car manufacturer industry during the 1930s (Coase 2000, p. 16). General Motors and the Fisher Body Company case that occurred during the 1920s has significantly affected economic discussions and undertakings in the current world.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Republicans Warn Washington to Think Twice About Legalizing Marijuana Article

Republicans Warn Washington to Think Twice About Legalizing Marijuana - Article Example Nevertheless, various limitations appear in the Act, an instance that makes Congress retain substantial jurisdiction over the district. In addition, the Rule provides that Congress can enact laws for the District on any issue. Experts claim that the limitations in the enactment are meant to protect the capital of the federal government. However, I strongly find these encroachments rather annoying. Over the years, various attempts have been made to restrain the actions of Districts on issues pertaining to abortion and medical marijuana. However, it emerges that the interferences are platforms for politicians to make political statements meant to resonate with voters in their congressional districts. As such, the action fails to consider the fact that the city has its needs. The argument in question is not just the legalization of the drug per se; instead, it is about the power of non-resident congressional representatives of the District reversing decisions reached by the voters. I believe that the Capital is a unique region that plays a vital role in the functions of the government, an aspect that makes congressional oversight important. Nonetheless, it is imperative that congressional representatives should use the provided oversight powers appropriately and detest from overruling the district’s electorate decisions for individual political

Monday, July 22, 2019

African American Religion Essay Example for Free

African American Religion Essay Before Africans were brought to America during the slave trade, they had their own culture and society. They had their own language and dance. They also had their own religion. History tells us that the Europeans justified their abuse toward the Africans as helping them become more civilized because the Africans lifestyle appeared primal to them and not as developed and industrialized as theirs. What is often overlooked is that even though Africans were taken from Africa and Americanized and have been stripped of their religion, culture, language and even their name, the very essence of the African as a people did not go away. Some African American slaves rejected Christianity’s religion because they saw it as the â€Å"white man’s religion†. History tells us American Slave Masters abused the Africans by whipping them like animals and by treating them inhumane. The fact that these slave masters wanted the African American to worship their god was unacceptable for some because they could not fathom why they should worship a god who allowed people to be so badly treated. Some Africans accepted Christianity’s religion and faith by identifying with Jesus Christ, the son of God who according to the Bible was innocent of sin and yet he was beaten, bruised and crucified for the sins of the world. Some African Americans wanted to remain faithful to their heritage yet did not agree with the conjure practices. Seth Holly’s character is a good example of conforming to the economic prosperity of America which was founded by Christians. White Christians enforced Christian beliefs, values, and some practices based on the Euro American Christian interpretation of Christian text. Seth developed a kind of hatred for his own people proving that he has adopted the practices of white America in the early 1900s. â€Å"Niggers coming up here from that old backwoods†¦ coming up here from the country carrying Bibles and guitars looking for freedom. † Seth says. â€Å"They got a rude awakening† (6). Seth signifies the African American who resents assimilation to the white American culture. But, at the same time, he too attempts to connect with his heritage by simply allowing Bynum to live in his home and bless it with his conjures rituals. Seth also participates in an African dance ritual called the Juba. Bynum’s character is introduced by practicing conjure rituals. He cuts open pigeons and spreads its blood onto him as a type of cleansing to communicate with spirits. Bynum represents the African American who chose to remain faithful to the religion of his heritage. Others who have chosen the faith of Christianity view conjure rituals as evil, witchcraft, or demonic. Some African Americans wanted to remain faithful to their heritage yet did not agree with conjure practices anymore. Loomis walks in on the juba dance and goes into a trance after dinner at the boarding house. He had a vision of skeletons emerge from a body of water. â€Å"Loomis: I done seen bones rise up out the water. Rise up and walk across the water. Bones walking on top of the water† (53). Loomis recognizes through the vision, his state of ignorance to the knowledge that will lead him to the new way of thinking. Bynum serves as a supporting character reacting to Loomis’s trance. â€Å"Bynum: They walking around here now. Mens. Just like you and me. Come right up out the water† (56). Loomis’s trance and Bynum’s interpretation of it is a turning point in the story. The skeletons coming from the bottom of the sea in Loomis’s vision represent the slave ships, the disorientation experienced by the slaves during emancipation, and the confusion of his release from Joe Turner. Both Loomis and Bynum have tapped into their ancestral religion. The difference between the two is that Bynum represents the African who never renounced his religion and Loomis is the African-American who turned from conjure religion and converted to the faith of Christianity. After Joe turner took his life away from him, Loomis questioned his Christian faith and his identity. By walking in on the ancestral ritual of the Juba dance, Loomis literally walked into what he had actually been looking for, his religion, consequently, his ancestral identity and this is why he fell into the trance. Throughout the play conjures is encompasses four generations; Bynum’s father, Bynum, Loomis, and the neighbor boy Reuben. Reuben’s vision is of Seth’s mother by the pigeon coop, she encourages Reuben to release the caged pigeons. Wilson writes in a way that leads the reader to believe that Loomis needs to find his missing wife. Martha Pentecost is not the one who was lost; Loomis was the one who was lost, wondering around from town to town, searching. Loomis came into the state of belief when Bynum helped him translate his vision. That vision represented Loomis going back to his ancestral conjure religion. Loomis needed to find Martha Pentecost simply to say good-bye to her and their life former together. Up until this point of the story, I believed that Loomis needed to find his wife so they could live out the rest of their lives as a happy free family with their daughter. However, it is made pretty obvious this was never Loomis’s intentions. â€Å"That goodbye kept me out on the road searching,† Loomis says, â€Å"now that I see your face I can say my goodbye and make my own world† (90). Martha Pentecost, a woman of Christian faith, represents the African who assimilated into white America’s culture and Loomis needed to find her to say good-bye to her and the Christian faith. Martha stands by her Christian faith by accusing Loomis â€Å"you done gone over to the devil† (91). White man’s religion believed that conjure was evil or the way of the devil. Loomis finds it easier to reject her for her Christian beliefs. â€Å"Loomis: Great big old white man†¦your Mr. Jesus Christ. Standing there with a whip in one hand and a tote board in another, them niggers swimming in a sea of cotton† (92). Loomis proves with his statement, his version of a bible story that differed from other African Americans but was similar to that of the white man who believed that they were on a level below God and the African’s were beneath them, African’s were one third of a person. Loomis now believes that if African’s are going to be free then they have to take charge of their own destiny. Martha Pentecost represents the African American’s religion, she identifies that Loomis needs to â€Å"be washed in the blood of the lamb† (92) and â€Å"you done gone over to the devil. (91) Through class lessons I learned that African American slaves compared themselves with stories in the bible to instill hope of a life free from oppression, violence, and bondage. Jesus according to the bible was innocent of sin and yet he was beaten, bruised and crucified for the sins of the world. The hope of reigning in heave with Jesus is considered the ultimate reward for suffering life’s trials and tribulations. It is the faith of the African Americans who accepted Christianity religion. Blacks trusted in the Lord instead of man. America was Egypt in the exodus story and as long as the enslaving and oppressing took place America would face the same wrath as Egypt. â€Å"Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. † The bible was depended on in justifying and motivation rebellion for the blacks and used as a tool to keep blacks enslaved by the whites. African Americans used sermons, song, and prayer to convey and teach their message of travail and triumph of Israel. Some African Americans could not get past the treatment from the white people that called themselves Christians and as a result they rejected Christianity. Selig’s role suggests that the link between characters is the acquisition of material goods. Selig admits that his ancestors have always made their living pursuing African Americas; his great grandfather transported slaves from Africa, his father captured runaway slaves and returned them to their masters for a reward, and Selig locates displaced people for a fee. Selig attains his ecstasy through consumer capitalism, through the selling of material goods. African Americans are objects for exploitation and exchange in the new economy. He binds African Americans to the economic system, demanding payment of his services and products which necessitates subsistence labor by taking them from one construction site or work site to another, similar to a temporary employment agency today. You pay for an employee to work for some time, but Selig is getting paid by the person looking for work or a ride to a chance of freedom. Selig cannot find a person that has not purchased a dustpan from him because he keeps the names of his customers. Seth is determined to achieve material success, he has very little patience for African Americans migrating north looking for the same prosperity that he desires. Seth is very demanding of his patrons, insisting on advance payment in full, and is preoccupied with maintaining a respectable house. â€Å"It’s hard enough now without all that ignorant kind of acting. Ever since slavery got over with there ain’t been nothing but foolish-acting niggers. Word get out they need men to work in the mill and put in these roads†¦ and niggers drop everything and head north looking for freedom. †(5, 6) Seth wants to blend in with the white man’s world; therefore he keeps a link with Selig by negotiating the manufacturing and sale of dustpans. Seth does not have any idea of what it would be like to be a slave, as he was born free in the North and was educated. He demonstrates his education with his math calculation when dealing with the boarding house patrons and the quick notation of him letting Selig know that he is trying to overcharge him for the dust pan materials. Educational differences played a role in tension with Southern blacks, most of who were forbidden from learning to read, saw religion as a matter of oral tradition and immediate experience and emotion. Northerner blacks, stressed that one could not truly be Christian unless they was able to read the Bible and understand it. This play denies individual worth and identity for some of Wilson’s characters. To be defrauded of the products of one’s labor or to see that creation diminished, like with Jeremy and the guitar contest, is to be denied a reflection of individual worth and identity. If people have been separated from this truth of individual worth and identity through oppression their capacity to bond with one another, form friendships, or couples, families are undermined. Social alienation in Wilson’s characters are expressed in their stores of broken relationships, uncertainty, or suspicion that they feel toward one another. â€Å"Seth: Something ain’t setting right with that fellow, Bynum. He’s one of them mean-looking niggers look like he done killed somebody gambling over a quarter. †(20) Connection between oppression, alienation from self and inability to form bonds with others is displayed in the character of Loomis. Joe Turner’s ability to oppress Loomis carried a judgment of non-worth. â€Å"Loomis: He told me I was worthless. Worthless is something you throw away. Something you don’t bother with† (73) Turners judgment of worthlessness forced Loomis to accept the reality of the white man’s power; he was marked as â€Å"one of Joe Turners niggers and forced to forget his song. †(71) Being alienated from himself and displaced with his relation to the world, Loomis is unable to establish bonds with people around him. The oppression encountered by Wilson’s characters is material or economic, that oppression is spiritual as well in the capacity to deprive the individual of a sense of himself or his unique song. The reawakening of Loomis after his encounter with cultural wisdom is not the self discovery of an average African American but creation of a new source of cultural wisdom, a new African holy man. Wilson uses many metaphors throughout the play. The song is a metaphor for Loomis’s identity and the African American cultural identity. Music is a large part of African American identity, so it makes since that in search of one’s identity they are searching for their song. The boarding house serves as an inn for traveling folk, but the tenants actually receive a form of healing during their stay. Tenants get direction and guidance from Bertha and Bynum. The shiny man that Bynum is in search for signifies African American independence. The man that Bynum met on the road was an independent African American, just as Loomis was freed by his past when he cleansed himself in his own blood. â€Å"Bynum: Herald Loomis, you shining! You shining like new money! †(94) Loomis has dismissed that the blood of Christ can wash away his sins and make him the man he used to be, but by washing himself in his own blood he has sacrificed the old life to begin his new journey on his terms. Bynum’s shining man has been found, meaning his work is complete; he has passed his powers on to the next generation, Loomis. â€Å"They tell me Joe Turner’s come and Gone† is a song that is sung by Bynum, when I first read the story I thought that the meaning was came and now he is dead however, the second time I read the play I realized that it meant that Joe Turner has come and snatched the men and now he is now gone. August Wilson uses symbolism in the play as a very important part in conveying the meaning of the story. Wilsons use of symbolism is demonstrated through Mr. Wilsons use of the road, Martha Pentecost, and Herald Loomis. Symbolic importance is give to the word freedom. The word freedom has instilled hope into the lives of African Americans: during slavery, hope for the release from bondage; after emancipation, the right to be educated, employed, and to move about freely; twentieth century, social, political, and economic justice. Freedom has always stood for the absence of any restraint, because God made all men from his image. There are a number of characters that travel around searching for their place in the world. Mattie, mentions that she keeps on looking, seems like she just keeps starting over, I ain’t never found no place for me to fit. † (76) Reuben tells Zonia, when he finds out that she is leaving the boarding house in search of her mom, â€Å"when I get grown, I come looking for you. †(84) Jeremy does not seem to care much when he loses his job because, â€Å"don’t make me no difference. There’s a big road out there, I can always get my guitar and find me a place to stay. I ain’t planning on staying in one place for too long noway. † (64) Martha Reverend Tolliver moved the Church up north because of the trouble the church was having. When the Civil War finally brought freedom to previously enslaved African Americans, the task of organizing religious communities was only one element of the larger need to create new lives, to reunite families, to find jobs, and to figure out what it would mean to live in the United States as citizens rather than property. August Wilson’s play, Joe Turner’s come and Gone, examines African Americans search for their cultural identity following slavery. Bibliography Murphy, L. G. (2000). Down By the Riverside. New York: New Yourk University Press. Wilson, A. (1988). Joe Turner Come and Gone. New York: Penguin Group.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The Creative Development Of Ict Education Essay

The Creative Development Of Ict Education Essay Fine motor skills ICT involves using many of our fine motor skills from the obvious mouse control clicking and selecting shapes or areas on the screen, the new touch screens, keyboard buttons, phone buttons and touch screens and pushing buttons such as power switches. Gross motor skills interactive whiteboards provide good opportunities for use of gross motor skills as we have to reach up and down to make them work, and use whole bodies to reach certain buttons or selections. Consoles such as the Nintendo Wii involve a lot of gross motor skill action to play the games dancing, running, jumping, stretching, throwing and so on. Creative Development Most ICT can offer some kind of creative development from drawing pictures, shapes, and colouring in Paint applications on PCs, laptops and tablets. You have to choose from brush sizes, erasers, pencils, pens, colours. Older children could even do junk modelling with old computer equipment (electrical parts removed first). Increase confidence ICT products are interactive and children get instant reactions from them. Children are in control. Digital cameras provide instant pictures for them to see and talk about. A lot of learning is done through games so they are unaware and enjoy taking part. Shy children can sometimes react better to cameras and come out of themselves. Increases world knowledge Children constantly see adults using ICT every day, from televisions, microwaves, digital clocks and radios, computers, sat navs and so on. By using ICT themselves they are copying adults and can see themselves as part of the wider world. Interest and confidence in engaging with ICT in their many forms are necessary so that all of us are able to play a full part in society. (Stirling University) Mathematical development There are lots of maths games for ICT ranging from basic shapes to solving complex calculations all making learning fun. BugBots are a type of pre programmed bug which moves to given instructions such as left, forward, backwards. Language development again there are lots of languages games for ICT ranging from letter recognition to sentence structure to story writing as well as crossword games, wordsearches making it fun. Toy phones prompt children to talk and make conversations and in addition to this there are general discussions and learning to share and compromise. Construct a booklet which can be issued to parents which identifies safety concerns for children using ICT and how these concerns are being addressed in the child care setting. See separate attached document. Identify and describe various ways in which ICT can be used to support the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Reference should be made to the various types of ICT available, not just computers. Early Learning Goals Numeracy as mentioned before there are lots of maths games for ICT ranging from basic shapes to solving complex calculations all making learning fun. BugBots are a type of pre programmed bug which moves to given instructions such as left, forward, backwards. Other means of ICT teaching Numeracy skills are toy shop tills, toy phones and calculators which all have numbers and opportunities for number play/work. Literacy as above there are lots of languages games for ICT ranging from letter recognition to sentence structure to story writing as well as crossword games, word searches making it fun. Young children can learn to type their names, recognise the letters in their names. Touch screen tablets encourage the letter formation using fingers. Other means of ICT that Literacy can be incorporated into are toy phones or walkie talkies which prompt children to talk and make conversations, role play in shops with tills. Whiteboards offer interaction for the children in writing on a larger scale using pens or their hands. Physical Education ICT can be used for PE lessons, or physical activities in that the children can watch videos, CD Roms of various sports and activities and then try them themselves. Some games consoles have games on them where the children interact physically with dancing, running, jumping, throwing, batting, bowling and even skiing. Personal and Social Education ICT products are interactive and children get instant reactions from them. The children are in control which increases their confidence and in turn their understanding. Digital cameras provide instant pictures for them to see and talk about, as do camcorders. Shy children can sometimes react better to cameras and come out of themselves, noisy disruptive children can be calmer and more responsive when in control and getting instant reactions from ICT. and in addition to this there are general discussions and learning to share and compromise. Creative Development ICT can offer lots of creative development ranging from drawing pictures, shapes, and colouring in using Paint applications on PCs, laptops and tablets. The creations can be printed out onto paper to be kept for assessment or display purposes or proudly taken home. Knowledge and Understanding of the World ICT can give children a good basis of understanding the world around them videos, CD Roms, pictures, slideshows. Children can learn about other cultures, religions, countries and using web cams can even talk to other children in childcare settings all over the world or country. Identify the ways in which families can become involved in ICT including ways in which the childcare setting can promote its use. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.the use of ICT helps remove the boundaries between learning and experiences that take place in the home and at school (Teaching Expertise) In general IT literate parents are already in a good position to help their children become familiar with ICT around and outside of the home. They can already teach their children the basics such as using a mouse and keyboard, touch screen devices, games consoles, play phones all before they enter the childcare setting. ICT has been embedded into the Early Years Curriculum as a separate subject so it can offer new and further things to these children, as well as introduce the basics to those who dont have this advantage from home. Using digital cameras or camcorders children can record or photograph things at home that they may not be able to take into the childcare setting for safety or risk of loss reasons, and then talk about them once in the setting examples of this could be pets, precious things, clothes etc. Parents who are not IT literate can access free ICT courses at most local colleges or community centres. Classes include basic PC processing, using laminators, using digital cameras, introduction to interactive white boards. Most towns have internet cafes and computers for use in local libraries, some McDonald branches now even have iPads you can play whilst visiting! The childcare setting itself can offer email and text messaging services for newsletters, photos and essential messages such as closures or general reminders. Some settings even have cctv or webcams for parents to watch their children at play during the day from their home or work computers.

A Political Analysis For Coca-Cola Enterprise

A Political Analysis For Coca-Cola Enterprise Political analysis is refers to government policy such as the degree of intervention in the economy (Oxford, 2007). However, Coca-Cola is a very popular cola. It is a carbonated soft drink with non-alcoholic. So that, Coca-cola beverages was fall within the food category under Food and Drug Administration, also called as FDA or USFDA. The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United Stated Department of Health and Human Services, it also enforces other laws. In 2008 year, FDA had sent warning letter to Coca-Cola Company, the subject of the Coca-Cola Company is misleading that nutrition for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Therefore, the government is play important role in manufacturing on product in terms of regulations, such as potential fines to punish that companies do not meet a standard of laws. Political conditions for in international markets, including civil unrest, government charges and restriction on the ability. Sometimes they need to changes in law and regulations, such as changes in accounting standards, taxation requirements and environmental laws in domestic for foreign jurisdictions. Besides that, Coca-Cola Company also ability to penetrate developing and emerging markets to maintain their sales, such as North Asia, Eurasia and Middle Asia in 2005 Cokes sales increases around 11 percent, which also depends on economic and political conditions (Anonymous, n.d.). 2.3 Economic Analysis for Coca-Cola Enterprise Economic analysis included interest rates, taxation changes, economic growth, inflation and exchange rate (Oxford, 2007). In 2010 year, American has largest and most technological powerful economy in the world, with a per capital GDP of $46,900 (Geographical, 2010). However things changed. Contraction or negative GDP growth were defined by economist about that loosely recession. (Rex, 2001). When interest rates are lower, when economic stability Coca- Cola can loan money from bank to do investment in other product, technology or property. So that, when researching for new product would cost less the Coca-Cola Company will sell its products for less, people will spend to coca-cola will be more cause they would get cheap products from Coca-Cola. 2.4 Social Analysis for Coca-Cola Enterprise It includes the demographic and cultural aspects of the external marco environment. Changes in social trends can impact on the demand for a firms product and the availability and willingness to buy (Oxford, 2007). These factors affect customer need and the size of the potential market. In American, many citizens are practicing healthier lifestyle. Consumers from the age of 37 to 55 are increasingly concerned with nutrition causes they worry about their healthy from their food and beverage. It will continue to influence the non-alcoholic beverage industry by increasing the demand overall and in the healthier beverages. 2.5 Technological Analysis for Coca-Cola Enterprise Technology factors can reduce costs, improve quality with reduce minimum efficient production level and lead innovation to influence outsourcing decisions (Oxford, 2007). For Coca-Cola companies to effective the advertising, marketing and promotional programs. They make some products look attractive, such as cans and plastic bottles have increased sales for Coca-Cola as these are easier to carry and you can bin them once they are used. This helps in selling of the products. The international consideration At the company Coca-cola Company, all people are their competitive advantages to differentiate them in the marketplace (Caree, n.d.). They represent and help Coca-Cola Company build the worlds greatest brands and became well-known brands in the international market and business (Caree, n.d.). Recently, Coca-Cola Company has involves many activities in the international business. As we know that in November 16, 2010, Coca-cola India launches Nestea. Coca-Cola India proclaimed the brand of Nestea is the globally successful ready-to-drink iced tea in the country. Simply to define Nestea, Nestea is a brand of ice tea manufactured by Nestle and distributed by Nestle companys beverage department in the United States (Mahalo, 2010). Incidentally, Nestea is a brand licensed from Beverage Partners Worldwide (BPW) (Shilpa, 2010). The 50:50 joint ventures leverages the products manufactured by Nestle and the marketing initiatives of Coca-cola (Shilpa, 2010). In India, Nestea will be bottled in a plant in Andhra Pradesh (Shilpa, 2010). When Coca-Cola India joint ventures with Nestle, they consider quality of the product and also their future. According to Mr. Ricardo Fort, Vice President Marketing, Coca-Cola India, as a beverage company, our aim to be able to offer a beverage for every lifestyle and occasion, which also aids long term, sustainable business growth (IIFL, 2010). They are constantly to working on high-quality to their portfolio (IILF, 2010). In the journey of the joint ventures and expansion the brand of Nestea across the globe will face some problem in international business. One of the problems is relating to brand name. Brand plays an important role in the international business and also market. Cause a brand is the identity of a specific product, service or business. Concept of the brand is the personality that identifies a product, service or company and how to key constituencies. The Coca-cola logo is an example of widely-recognized trademark representing a global brand. When Coca-Cola Company acquired Nestle in India, the brand was well-known in the country. But the problem with the brand name acquisition is the likely fall in goodwill even, through there is local goodwill where the brand is used (Aswathappa, 2008). So the firm should consider the image they wish to create for their products to local or foreign (Aswathappa, 2008). Countries with higher levels of economic development tend to have a higher quality i mage for their Nestea then do less developed countries (Aswathappa, 2008). But image can change. In addition, there are always legal or cultural factors that force to alter the brand names under which it sells its product. Simply to define it, different places have different cultures. Firstly need to understand about cultural of other countries. Such as cultural is China is guan xi. So Indian cultural is defined by relatively strict social hierarchy. That they need to do the packaging, image and so on to attractive them with right cultural cause to make sure that Nestea is suitable for them and the global consumers. The growth of business Coca-Cola Company is a well-known company and also famous brand in the global. But they still require to establish to growth strategies based on their current performance in the industry and also and they want to development their soft drinks will be located in everywhere in the each country become more successful. As we know that the Coca-Cola Company is the worlds leading seller of soft drink, the best seller especially is coca-cola. It sells a range of product to meet a broad range of consumer needs. Once the company identifies there is need, Coca-Cola has to decide how it is going to meet this demand. Coca-Cola Company requires using that Adsoffs Product -Market Matrix. Firstly, we need to understand about Adsoff Matrix Product. The Adsoff Product/Market Matrix is a tool that helps businesses decides their product and market growth strategy and also to attempts to grow depend on whether it markets new or existing products in new or existing markets (Rabidbi, 2008). There are four main categories for selection; there are market penetration, market development, product development and business diversification (Rabidbi, 2008). Below table is after do analysis on the Coca-Cola Company: Existing product New product Existing market Market penetration Diet coke Product development Coca-cola Vanila Fanta Icy Lemon New market Market development Coca-cola share size 1.25 litre Bottle Diversification Winnie the Pooh Roo Juice Powerade Market penetration Market penetration is a business focuses on selling existing products into existing markets. This means increasing their income by, such as promoting the product (Marketing Teacher, 2010). However, the product is still same, do not have any change of the product, and they do not find any new customers and buyers (Marketing Teacher, 2010). This is the objective of higher market share in existing markets and also to secure dominance of growth markets. In Coca-Cola Company, situation of Diet Coke is under market penetration. Since being introduced in 1982 as a result of growing trend towards dieting and healthier living, Diet Coke has been a highly successful product for the Coca-Cola Company, selling millions of unit per year (Anonymous, n.d.). Throughout this time, Coca-Cola has constantly adapted aspects of the marketing mix for Diet Coke in order to continually match customer trends and fashions. Market Development Market development is a business seeks to sell its existing products into new markets. This means that the product not change, but it is marketed to a new places (Marketing Teacher, 2010). The market development is exporting the product to a new region, (Marketing Teacher, 2010). Two types soft drinks of Coca-Cola is under market development, there are Coca Cola Vanilla and Fanta Icy Lemon. Coca Cola Vanilla had successful launch in American, especially in Great Britain, this is because it is new Vanilla flavored version of the Coca-Cola Company (Anonymous, n.d.). Prior to doing so, Coca Cola carried out taste tests and developed the graphical look of the Diet Coke Brand. When they did this, they took great care to incorporate aspects of the Coca Cola brand, but still differentiating it so consumers would see it as an alternative to Coke. While Fanta Icy Lemon is a new flavor sparkling drink by Coca-Cola was a direct result of listening to consumers who called the companys Careline telephone service (Anonymous, n.d.). This business conducted taste tests prior to launch 2001 launch (Anonymous, n.d.). Product Development Product development is a new product into existing markets. This strategy may require the development of new competencies and requires the business to develop modified product which can appeal to existing market (Marketing Teacher, 2010). Coca Cola Share Size 1.5l Bottle is new product for the Coca-Cola Company. Desk research showed Coca Cola that a growing number of households contained 1-2 people, which led them to believe that a smaller version of the 2 litre family sized bottle would sell well to these groups (Anonymous, n.d.). In launching this product including simply sell existing brands such as Coca Cola, Diet Coke and others, Coke did need to alter the product itself, merely different aspects of the marketing mix (Anonymous, n.d.). Besides that, Coca-Cola has been developed to have vanilla,lime, cherry and diet varieties in the soft drinks market. Diversification Diversification is a new product in new markets. Related and unrelated diversification is two types of diversification (Marketing Teacher, 2010). Related diversification means that they remain in a market or industry with we are familiar, while unrelated diversification is where they have no previous industry nor market experience (Marketing Teacher, 2010). Winnie the Pooh Roo Juice and Powerade are new product into new market. Winnie the Pooh Roo Juice is target parents of children aged 2-5 years with a juice drink that was packaged in a fun and colorful manner (Anonymous, n.d.). They chose the characters from Winnie the Pooh for their universal appeal to children and made the product appeal to both children and their parents (Anonymous, n.d.). Brand of Powerade, Coca-Coal developed the energy drink Powerade in response to growth in the sport drink market (Anonymous, n.d.). Much research was carried out into potential competitors within this segment prior o the drink development and launch (Anonymous, n.d.). New venture As we know that Porters Five Forces tool is a simple but powerful tool for understanding about the power lies in a business situation and also to undertake a structural analysis of the soft drink industry coca-cola to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and also determine the competitive structure of a given market. In currently, Coca-Cola Company has a discussion with potential development partners to assist in pursuing some of these opportunities to further strengthen the model to another country. The companys goal is to double the program and became more famous in globalization. Brunei is a country best choice for Coca-Cola Company. This is because just a few soft drink industries located in Brunei. So, this is a good investment for Coca-Cola Company. Just simple research about Brunei, Brunei has a small rich economy that includes a mixture between foreign with foreign entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures and village tradition (Theodora, 2010). In currently, government in Brunei also has encouraged more foreign companies to invest in Brunei. Government of Brunei has makes some special offer to new businesses. If new businesses that are meet certain criteria quality for exemption of tax on profits for up to five years. (Travel Dojo, n.d.). In 2008, Coca-Cola saw growth in its licensing segment in Atlanta. For Brunei also will. I will suggest licensing is one of the entry modes into Brunei. In Coca-Cola Company has two licensing, there are in and out. Licensing in is a technology available to provides matters and improve their product, while licensing out is to provide other product out of non-alcoholic beverages (Frank, 2008). Bargaining power of Suppliers Supplier power is a mirror image of the buyer power. It more concentrated and controlled the supply, the more power it wields against the market. Firstly need to understand what the relationship of buyer to seller. This is very important between buyers to sellers. If there are relatively few suppliers compared to buyers since it will give them a lot of save cost and form of supply. Bargaining power of supplier plays important role for soft drink industry, Coca-Cola Company. They need ingredients from supplier to produce non-alcoholic beverages and bottles. Besides that, Coca-Cola Company can plan on switching cost. If in Brunei, Coca-Cola may attract more new customers. It may have new flavor in Brunei to attract consumers who stay in Brunei. This is because, different country may have different cultural with different flavor. Bargaining power of Customers Bargaining power is the ability to influence the setting price (Swathen, 2010). Scale and volume are important in this transaction. When Brunei has Coca-Cola Company, customers can buy coca-cola in bulk more cheaply than import and so has massive advantages. In Brunei, Coca-Cola Company may able to provide a very good deal if it is providing many places for many local authorities. In Brunei is a potential for the buyer to become a provider. This is because brand Coca-Cola is a famous brand. Simply say this technically known as backwards integration. In this case of Coca-Cola might set up their own selling network. In Brunei may be has loyalty consumers, Coca-Cola Company not need to waste a lot money in advertising to promote Coca-Cola. Selling of Coca-Cola will be increase. Coca-Cola Company just concentrate on their role of quality and service. Threat of New Entrants Simply to explain threat of new entrants is a function of both barriers to entry and reaction from existing competitors (Swathen, 2010). Besides that, power is one of the affected by ability of people to enter Brunei. In contrast, entry barriers exist whenever it is difficult or not economically feasible for an outsider to replicate the incumbents position (Porter, 1980b; Sanderson, 1998). Capital requirement is one the entry barriers. The capital cost of getting established in an industry can be so large as to discourage all but the largest companies. Following by switching costs, it refer to the one-time costs that buyers of the industrys output incur if they switch from one companys product to anothers. To overcome the switching cost barrier, new entrants may have to offer buyers a bigger price cut or extra quality or service. All this can mean lower profits margins for new entrants. But in Brunei, government has a special offer to new business, taxes are faced by them will be reduce. Threat of Substitutes Definition of threat of substitutes is the availability of a product that the consumer can purchase instead of the industrys product, such as the price of aluminum beverages cans is constrained by the price of glass bottles, steel cans and plastic containers. In todays society, beverages are essential for Mc Donald, restaurants and so on. In the soft drink industry the big providers are very similar and the cost of switching very small include for the contract, so that, Coca- Cola need to plan the cost of switching to substitute, such as Coca-Cola can try in Brunei to change another product to became more choice for consumers. Quality must maintain to become a substitute better, whether in new country to development. Competitive Rivalry Competitive rivalry is to help determine the extent to which the value created by an industry will be dissipated through head-to-head competition. In Brunei just has seldom soft drink industry. So that, jus t low costs to handle competitors to improve usage rates. But in Brunei will be slow to growth up in the market. Conclusion As a conclusion, an international business needs have prepare different report, cause it can make comparison with different country with another country. PEST, Porters 5 Analysis, and Adsoff Product/Market Matrix are play important to a business. 7.0 References List Anonymous, n.d., The Coca-Cola Company: Companies Histories, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 1 November 2010] Anonymous, n.d., History of Coca- Cola: The fathers of the Coca-Cola Company, [Online] Available at: http://www.angelfire.com/ca3/ETclanSETH114/cokehistory.html Accessed at: 1 November 2010 Anonymous, n.d., Coca-Cola History: The Coca-Cola Company has the worlds leading trademark with regards to softdrink sales, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 1 November 2010] Anonymous, 2010. Geographical Names: United Stated Economics 2010, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 2 November 2010] Anonymous, 2007. The Federal Reserve Board: The Federal Reserve System, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 3 November 2010] Anonymous, 2010. Mahalo: Nestea, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 3 November 2010] Anonymous, 2010. IILF: Coca-cola India launched Nestea, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 17 November 2010] Anonymous, n.d., Investor Relation: Coca-Cola Enterprise Inc. Report Second Quarter 2006 Results, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2 November 2010] Aswathappa. K., 2008. International Business, Third Edition, Tata McGraw-Hill, page 451-459 [Accessed 3 November 2010] Anonymous, 2008. Rabidbi: Introduction to the Ansoff Matrix, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 3 November 2010] Anonymous, 2010. Marketing Teacher: Ansoffs Matrix Planning for Growth, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2010] Anonymous, n.d, The Coca-Cola Company: Coca-Cola and Pepsi Look to Developing Countries to Maintain Sales, [PDF] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2010] Anonymous, 2010. Countries of the World: Brunei Economy 2010, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2010] Anonymous, n.d., Travel Dojo: Brunei Economy, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2010] Antenna, n.d., Case Study: Coca-Cola Enterprise, [PDF] Available at: [Accessed 2 November 2010] Caree, E., n.d, Women Leaders: A People Platform, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 3 November 2010] Frank, 2008. Industry Feature: Patenting of Coca-Cola, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2010] Mary. B., n.d., Investors: The History of Coca-Cola, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 1 November 2010] Oxford, 2007. Gillespie: PESTEL analysis of the macro-environment, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2 November 2010] Rex. N., 2001. CBS Market Watch: U.S. Officially in a recession, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 3 November 2010] Shilpa, S., 2010. Coke-Nestle JV enters the bottled iced tea market in India, [Online], Available at: [Accessed 17 November 2010]

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Comparing Lord Dunsany’s Two Bottles of Relish and James Thurber’s Secr

A Comparison of Lord Dunsany’s Two Bottles of Relish and James Thurber’s Secret Life of Walter Mitty â€Å"The Two Bottles of Relish,† by Lord Dunsany, written in 1932, tells the story of Smithers, a relish vendor and London resident, in his quest to sell his product, Num-numo and, along with his new roommate, Linley, solve the murder of Nancy Elth. The 1942 short story â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,† by James Thurber, documents the fantasies of ordinary man Walter Mitty as he attempts to escape his mundane life. Both Smithers and Mitty have low self-esteem and are ambitious in different ways, but they differ in imagination. Both Smithers and Mitty have low opinions of themselves and permit others to push them around. Smithers shows his feelings of inferiority when he readily admits, â€Å"I’m what you might call a small man and in a small way of business†(42). He acknowledges his low opinion of his work of selling relish when he says, â€Å" . . . it is quite easy to push . . . I wouldn’t have gotten the job if it weren’t†(42). Smithers concedes that Mr. Linley is superior when Smithers agrees to sleep in the hall to be out of Linley’s way and to do the leg work to get the clues so that Linley can solve the murder. Walter Mitty exposes his feelings of inadequacy as he remembers bungling the removal of chains from his tires and having to pay a mechanic to correct his mistake. He is totally managed by his wife which is proven when she orders him to buy overshoes, and when he protests, she continues to put him down by saying, â€Å" ‘Weâ₠¬â„¢ve been through that . . . You’re not a young man any longer’†(273). Mitty further demonstrates his inability to stand up for himself when he tolerates being given orders ... ...g†(52). Also, Smithers has all the facts that he needs to solve the murder after he goes to Unge, but his lack of mind’s eye prevents him from solving the murder. Mitty’s imagination allows him to escape into fantasy, and Smither’s lack of imagination keeps him ordinary. Smithers and Mitty feel inadequate and are ambitious in different ways; however, they differ greatly in their use of imagination. Smither’s characteristics result in an ordinary man; Mitty’s traits result in a man who arouses sympathy. Works Cited Plunkett, J. M. D. â€Å"The Two Bottles of Relish.† 1932. 21 Great Stories. Ed. Abraham H. Lass and Norma L. Tasman. New York: Mentor, 1969. 42-55. Thurber, James. â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.† 1942. 21 Great Stories. Ed. Abraham H.Lass and Norma L. Tasman. New York: Mentor, 1969. 272-277.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Emily Dickinsons Faith and Daisy Miller by Henry James Essay -- Henry

American writers and poets of the 19th century created literature to criticize and detail the imperfections of society. Emily Dickinson, who retired from contact with the outside world by the age of twenty-three in favor of a life of isolation, can arguably be considered such a poet. Her untitled poem "Faith" can be interpreted as criticism of the masculine-dominated society of her time and supports themes in Henry James's work Daisy Miller: A Study, which also criticizes societal expectations and practices. The first two lines of Dickinson's poem "Faith" read: "‘Faith' is a fine invention/When Men can see-," the capitalization stressing the words "faith," "when," and "men," suggesting that men can be trusted to believe what is right only when their vision is not blinded by things such as the prejudice and societal expectations. Winterbourne, the main character in Henry James's story Daisy Miller: A Study, is a representative of common 19th century masculine-dominated society of the elite, and a product of all the accompanying prejudices. It is therefore that Winterbourne cannot help but find some fault in Miss Daisy Miller, who he meets for the first time during a visit to Vevey and who "talked to Winterbourne as if she had known him a long time. He found it quite pleasant" (330). Before society forces him to find fault with Daisy, his instincts allow him to take pleasure in her company and to see her for who she truly is, simply "a person much disposed towards conversation" (329). However, it is not long before Winterbourne feels a need to place her within the rigid expectations proper to her class and gender. He begins to find her disposition towards conversation and acknowledgment to having a great deal of gentlemen's... ...some Italian" (363) for Winterbourne to recognize his mistake. Like looking through a microscope, the clues of Daisy's innocence are finally brought to light, into focus, and are undeniably evident. Faith failed Mr. Winterbourne, as he was unable to see past what society expected him to see, and it was only through hard facts and evidence-the testimony of the dying girl and the Italian man with whom she spent most of her time-that Mr. Winterbourne could finally accept Daisy as she was, truly a girl disposed to conversation and nothing else. He tells his aunt that Daisy "sent me a message before her death which I didn't understand at the time. But I have understood it since. She would have appreciated one's esteem" (364), meaning that Daisy would have liked to be thought of kindly and not labeled as someone or something she was not, and never gave evidence to being.

Personal Narrative: My Experience Teaching versus Learning Essay

Last semester I led a ninth-grade class room through a reading of Romeo and Juliet. I had little time to prepare for this unit of study, and had never formally studied or written about the play. I worked my way through each scene, preparing prompts and discussions that seemed relevant to the content of the play, to its connections to private and public social issues (both Elizabethan and modern), and to why the play was written in poetic form, or what the poet was trying to do with language. The play is rife with paradox, oxymoron, and ambiguity, so finding a focal point or common theme to unify the various lessons was difficult. However, as we approached the final act, everything that the students and I had explored in this play seemed to me to be pointing back to a line early in Act I, "Part fools! You know not what you do." Born into a world of contradictory and opposing forces of control, authority, and traditional obligations, a young person does not have the means to make judgments but is swept along on the tide of what others say must be done. If one's heart or conscience cries out for a different course, lack of experience and of developed judgment can be fatal. Role models are required who can model the skills of weighing the pros and cons, of balancing the heart and the head, of inquiring and seeking out knowledge before a final decision is made. Friar Lawrence spoke this lesson, but cryptically, through the metaphors of poison/medicine and haste/patience, yet he did not model the exercise of inquiring, balancing, and weighing before acting. It suddenly occurred to me that the wisdom that Friar Lawrence advocates but does not exactly inspire, is exactly the sort of wisdom that we were exercising in the classroom as we... ...ts' enjoyment of reading and writing and also their desire to participate in language arts. Another experience confirmed my belief that learning and teaching is not a one-way street in the classroom. Teachers are not the privileged literati who are desperately trying to inculcate knowledge into the uneducated mass of students. Teachers need to respect the human mind in any stage of development and accept the fact that they can learn things from someone who is not an expert in the field. The teacher is a learner, and the students are teachers. The study of Romeo and Juliet during my student teaching experience was a collective effort to examine and interpret eternally recurring human achievements, failures, struggles, goals and desires. I learned a great deal through reading and discussing the writing of the students, and I hope that they learned something from me.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

School Culture

Culture of a School: Interview and Reflection Paper Guidelines Ana Luna EDL505 Prof. Karen Clark 02/25/2013 * * Part One: Interview * To: Johnette Robinson * Owner and Director * Childlife Preschool 1. What is the school profile? (Urban, rural, etc. , grade level of students, number of students, number of students on free or reduced lunch (if applicable), ethnicity, number of students receiving special services and which type of special services, etc. The name of the school need not be revealed. ) * Childlife Preschool is located in an exclusive area of the city of Tampa,Carrollwood.Our school serves 110 children between the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years old. We have a very special racial diversity composed of 42 Hispanic, 9 Blacks, 38 Caucasians and 18 students from other ethnic groups (Indians, Brazilians, and Europeans). We have 51 children participating in the free lunch program provided by the government and 7 children participating in therapy (occupational, speech, psychology) an d EELP (Exceptional Education Learning Program). Is state testing mandated? If so, how do students in general perform?If not, what type of testing is used to determine overall student achievement? * Our Program VPK (voluntary pre kindergarten) is tested by a standardized test called VPK assessment. This test is sent by Florida Department of Education and must be administered three times during the school year. The results of this test reveal the academic, social and language skills of our students. In these tests the state requires us punctuation not less than 69, our school earned a punctuation of 81 for the 2011-2012 school year. This year we are working towards our goal of 90 to become a five stars provider.In what ways are students and staff acknowledged in the school? * Members of our staff and students are recognized as an essential part of our school. Teachers are evaluated annually and earn bonuses depending on their performance in the classroom. Students are recognized each month, the staff choose the students of the month are five children who have distinguished for their improvement, behavior and achievement their works are displayed in the hallway for the whole month in the office hallway and are rewarded with a free pizza sponsored by a local business.What types of extracurricular activities are offered for students? Do students of both genders and all ethnicities represented in the school participate? Are some activities more popular depending upon cultural background? * In our school we offer both karate and gymnastics programs that are offered by local businesses specializing in these areas. Students of all races involved in those activities. Which is considered the greater challenge, academic achievement or behavior? Is there a connection between the two? We take equally the challenge of academic achievement and behavior, it is important for us to fully develop both areas because our main goal as a preschool is to prepare the child to go to th e regular school. I definitely think there is a connection between academic achievement and behavior therefore both must be of equal importance in the teaching process. Our curriculum contains a wide section of social studies and social skills that target to develop the child's behavioral areas at par with the academic area.What types of professional learning have been offered to staff within the last year? * All our staff must complete at least 20 hours of continuing studies to improve their performance in the classroom. In the last year our school offered several classes like CPR, Exceptional Student Population, Classroom Management and techniques and other workshops offered by Florida Early Learning Coalition. All workshops are paid by the school. How are teachers encouraged to share with each other what they learn and do? Most of the teachers who took a course paid by the school must offer their peers a summary of the techniques they learned in class in order to expand knowledge . Every Thursday of the month we have a meeting in which separates a time for this purpose. Does the school administration engage in looking at school data with the staff? If so how is the data used? * The school administration is responsible for analyzing the data of testing and using graphs, charts and percentages discussed the results to improve those areas that need to be strengthened or improved.Is the staff in the school aware of the impact of culture on teaching and learning? Explain. * Our staff is trained on the importance of providing a multicultural environment for our children as these multicultural experiences will help foster social skills and adaptation that are very useful in everyday life and in the regular school. What types of culturally responsive instructional practices are used in the school? Do all teachers, some teachers, or a few teachers use these practices? At Childlife each classroom must maintain at least one multicultural area or include multicultural e lements in various learning centers. For example in the babies classroom they have soft dolls representing different ethnic groups and some soft books in different languages. In other classrooms with older students we have musical instruments from other cultures, pictures of other countries and clothes that represent diverse cultures that expose the child to different cultural experiences.These multicultural practices are part of our philosophy so each teacher must use these practices in the classroom. Are the school rules or expectations posted? Are they stated in a positive way? Are they taught to students? * The rules and expectations are posted in the parent handbook and in the employee handbook. The rules are adapted to children at every level and are mostly hung around circle time in the classroom with pictures that help children to understand the rules. Do students have a voice in the school?Do they help determine rules, plan activities, etc? If so how? * Preschoolers do not have much involvement in designing the rules or school activities because of their young age lack the maturity to this. However our activities are focused in the interests of our children who will participate in the activity. How are families and the community encouraged to participate? * In Childlife preschool we believe in the integrity of the family and community as an essential factor in the optimization of the teaching, so we encourage them to be part of our school.Some of the activities which we encourage parents and community to participate in the school activities are the open house, fieldtrips and celebrations. * Part Two: Interview Reflection The Philosophy of Childlife Preschool is to create a caring, positive atmosphere that will motivate children to learn and develop physically, socially and emotionally. It is our goal to help children discover the joy of learning and have the desire to achieve that will last all their lives. We are committed to guiding children to deve lop a positive self-concept to e successful in their future educational endeavors. That is why we must not ignore the interaction between cultures that is occurring in our society and in our school. It is important to include multicultural elements that expose the child to experiences that help to accept other cultures and live in the diverse society in which we live. Our director has trained and oriented the staff about multicultural dynamics that we need to perform in the classroom as part of preschool education that we provide to our children.The classrooms in Childlife multicultural preschool contain elements that help children understand diversity. Through continuing education workshops for teachers we also have had the opportunity to learn a lot about this topic and have enriched the educational environment with different multicultural elements. Technology also helped us a lot, although she does not mention it in the interview our classrooms were equipped with ipads in May all owing us to expand through the resources we use technology in the classroom including culture.The integration of extracurricular activities, community and parents are other elements that help to incorporate other cultures and enrich the educational environment with diverse knowledge and experiences. Childlife Preschool is a secure, loving environment where Parents and Teachers work together to encourage each child’s independent exploration of their world and promote their social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth.The â€Å"culture† of a school is an important aspect for Both students and staff because it helps to build a school that teaches tolerance, acceptance and adaptation to diversity. Our multicultural practices are part of our philosophy and we have helped to develop social skills that will serve the child in their daily lives and will serve in the future. The school is the first social institution to which the child is exposed so it is important to promo te a culture of peace, tolerance and acceptance in which every single child feel special and proud of his heritage and roots.