Assessment for Learning Essay

What is assessment for learning and how does it relate to a teaching assistant? In this essay I am going to compare and contrast the roles of the teacher and the learning support practitioner in assessment of learner’s achievement. I will also explain the difference between formative and summative assessment. I will say what the characteristics of assessment for learning are and explain the importance and benefits of assessment for learning and I will explain how assessment for learning can contribute to planning for future learning when carried out by the teacher and the learners and the teaching assistant. The differences between a teacher and the learning support practitioner are, the teacher is the lead role model in the classroom. The learner’s will take their lead from the teacher. He or she will set the lessons and the goals for learning. He or she is deemed as the role model. The lessons are planned by the teacher and planned in such a way that will help the lea rner’s progress and meet their targets. Once the target shave been met the lessons will move onwards. The teacher will set class assessments to find out where the learners are in terms of meeting their targets, and will continually assess the learner’s abilities be it through classwork, homework or end of term assessments. The learning support practitioner will support the teacher in the classroom. They should take their lead from the teacher. If the teacher wants the learning support practitioner to assess the children they may be asked to take small groups or individual children, and follow an assessment plan set for them. The learning support practitioner should also assist in the classroom and then feedback to the teacher on what he or she feels the learners did well or what they need help with. This will then help the teacher to plan the next lesson and set next steps for the learners. The difference between formative and summative assessments are:- Formative assessment is assessing as the learners learn, for example using open ended questioning to encourage the learners to give their ideas. Observing learners this gives a lot of knowledge as to how the learners work and it is usually done daily. Listening to learners this shows that the learners understand the work, and we can hear their ideas and methods, we can check their understanding by questioning them this shows what the children know and finally self-evaluation let the learners think about what they have learnt and encourage them to evaluate their own progress against their targets and  learning outcomes. Summative assessment is the formal assessments used by teachers to show where the learners are exactly and what has been learnt, for example end of term SAT’s or assessments. The results of these may be put onto the learners report and shared so that their new teachers, head teacher and parents will see how the learners have progressed. The characteristics of assessment for learning are, it informs and promotes all learners achievements. The students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning. This starts with giving the learners learning outcomes, making sure the learners receive feedback thi s in turn helps them to develop the skills needed to evaluate and self-assess their work. They will be able to recognise their own progress and achievements. This will start with students doing peer assessments, this is where learners will assess in order to gain the skills to assess themselves. The importance and benefits of assessments for learning are that there is a proven link that a learner who is more involved in their own assessment is more motivated to reach their targets. The learners want to reach the goals set and put in the more effort to do so. This is turn boosts self-esteem and motivation in learners. It also gives feedback to the right people, the teacher, the teaching assistant or the learning mentors, on how to best support the learners whether they be more or less able. Assessment for learning enables the learners to understand what they are doing, what they need to do, and how to go about doing it. How assessment for learning can contribute to planning for future learning carried out by:- The teacher, it will help the teacher to be able to plan for th e individual learner. It will help the teacher to pass on responsibility to the learner for their own learning and make sure that the learner is involved with their own learning goals. The learner will be more informed about their own targets and goals. It will help them to reach their full potential by getting them extra support where it might be needed. Learners will be able to self-assess their work which is a life skill, as adults we constantly assess ourselves on the things we do, as the learners gain more awareness it will boost confidence and help them ask for help. The teaching assistant will be better informed this will help to assist the teacher and learners alike. It will help to develop questioning skills and find out where a learner needs support. It may help to plan for less able students so that certain topics can be done again with added support, which  can then be fed back to the teacher. In conclusion assessment for learning is the ongoing assessing of learners, using a variety of meth ods. It helps the teaching assistant in many ways like how best to support learners. It gives teaching assistants the knowledge and capability to do their jobs to a high standard and support the class teacher with more or less abled learners. Burnham and Baker. (2010).Support teaching and learning in schools (primary). (pp104-106).Malaysia. Heinmann The department for children, schools and families. (2008).The assessment for learning strategy. Department for education and skills. (2004/05).Working together: teaching assistants and assessment for learning. Black and William. (1998).Inside the black box. Kings College. London.

Living In Two Worlds Essay

Living in two different cultures has its benefits an challenges. Although i was born in America, my parents emigrated to the u.s from mexico. They were only 18 years old when they stepped there first foot in the U.S The customs, traditions, and culture are almost the same as an American, but they are by far different. When my parents cane to the u.s they continued to perform their customs and hold on to some of their beliefs and as well there traditions. this has influences me in several ways. Although my family and I live in the u.s we follow the customs and traditions of my culture. I have learned two languages, spanish and english. Spanish was my first primary language, then english came along in 3rd grade. I eat variety of foods and celebrate different holidays that have to do with my religion and culture. For example, we celebrate cinco de mayo and â€Å"La Independencia De Mexico† Mexico independence Day and for our food tradition we make tamales, posole, birria, and mole. It is also a benefit because i get to celebrate with my family and have different foods and i get to learn new things about my culture. Family is really important in our culture; thats why we create family reunion twice a year. In our family we always look for each other, that’s one custom my parents taught me. It’s really fun when i get to interact with people that comes from the same culture as mines; in other words â€Å"Mi Gente† (my people). Sharing my culture with my friends or to other people is important to me. I feel that people should have a good understanding of who i am and what my culture is like. Even though this can be a major disadvantage there are many setbacks to being part of two cultures. In my culture for being the oldest from your brothers or sisters you have to look out for them and always set an example for them. They always come first and then comes yourself. Since my parents came from mexico the only language they know is spanish. They never tend to lear english. Therefor spanish became my primary language. It brought me many disadvantages in school, because i started learning english in 3rd grade. That’s why now in english class i some times have trouble writing it. In conclusion, living in two cultures is amazing. Everyday i enjoy my culture, i breath it, live it, and i love it. I have learned so many things about my culture, where i come from, but i still have plenty much to learn from it.

Information flows and financial management Essay

Information flows and financial management - Essay Example The first scenario is a simple procedure for adding a new project code to the system. One needs to enter the user name to get access into the production screen. To create a new project code, project code form has to be filled by entering all the required information. We can also confirm the submission of the project code and review the route log. There are some new features that are added in the KFS module. For instance Kuali automatically directs the routing of the eDocs for online approval. The built in Kuali Enterprise Workflow (KEW) sends documents to the users set up by the organization. There are also control points established to ensure that the system does not allow duplicate entries and displays appropriate error messages. The system also allows us to send ad hoc requests even after the product code is created which makes it easier for the end users. . The second scenario incorporates transferring funds from one account to another account using eDoc. To create a new transfer of funds eDoc, the description, account number and document overview field needs to be filled out. If invalid information is filled out, the application would indicate an error message. Once all the information is filled in, the eDoc can be submitted for Routing and approval. If the value is known to the user, it can be directly entered in eDoc otherwise the lookup icon is a very useful field which helps us search for the right values. There is another important KFS feature which allows importing of accounting lines from comma separated values (CSV). We can access the templates from accounting fields, fill in the data and add the accounting lines by attaching the template. My assessment of this system is that the KFS design includes a base system of general ledger, transactions, reporting and workflow hence this system can be adapted and customized to any institution as per the

Disseration Proposal Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Disseration - Thesis Proposal Example Fox (2005) opined in his book regarding the 1998 March survey, that 90 percent of Americans are concerned with the moral decline: 49 percent labeled it a moral crisis, and 41 percent labeled it a major problem†(p. xiii). He goes on to assert that ‘in 1998, we were becoming aware of the morale decline then the question that becomes paramount, why was nothing changed’? The year 2001 will undoubtedly go down in history as a period fraught with corporate malfeasance. The spectacle of senior leaders being led away in handcuffs may become one of the images that define the corporate misdemeanors of modern times. The corporate scandals in North America, including WorldCom, International Olympic Committee, Enron, Tyco, Qwest Communications International, Duke Energy, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, as well as sex scandals in the Catholic Church, have resulted in a loss of confidence in the management and leadership of these large organizations. Consequently, investors have become unnerved and the jolts have shaken international markets. It is no wonder that a CBS poll taken in the fall of 2002 finds that 79% of respondents believe questionable business practices are widespread and only fewer than one third thinks that CEOs are honest (Wallington, 2003). These corporations have all come into the limelight for the wrong reasons. As a result, the role of the CEO in ethical dilemmas has come under increased scrutiny. While ethical lapses occur at all levels of organizations, senior executives who fail to set high ethical standards and live by them become senior leaders within an organization that assume the belief to display high ethical and moral values in their conduct both within the organization and outside are not an important value. Yet, many instances have come to where they discard this significant aspect subjected to scrutiny and held accountable for the consequences of unethical practices, damaging the interests of employees, shareholders and the

Fine Art - Social Class as Seen Through Art from the Renaissance and Research Paper

Fine Art - Social Class as Seen Through Art from the Renaissance and the Great Depression - Research Paper Example But as both these periods introduced sea changes in the existing social patterns, the works of art of both these peiods were also a balancing act between hope and despair. Morover, they were a balancing act between the tastes of the dominant and the oppressed classes- more so the art of the great depression era. This is evident when the works of art of thes periods, as against the socio-economic backgrounds, are examined. During the renaissance art period, a fuedal social system was just about to transform into a capitalist society. But during the great depression, capitalism was already the norm though people were realizing for the first time in history, that all the hopes ensued by capitalism were after all not that real. The audience-Renaissance Art It has been observed that, â€Å"the art public of the Renaissance consists of the urban middle class and the court society of the residences† (Hauser, 6). This was because these groups in the society were the ones who had a say in matters of power. The working class consisted mainly of agricultural laborers and craftsmen who had no role in the political processes of the society. Art was unaffordable luxury for them. And the consequence of this situation has been that the renaissance art mostly catered to the elite and urban middle class tastes. ... evolving into middle class representations, the art of this period also developed itself into a preamble to capitalist views on life and creative expression. Renaissance art mainly decorated the mansions of kings and elites and also the wealthy churches (Woods, Richardson and Lymberopoulou). For example, Jean Hey was entrusted with the task of decorating the Bourbon Court of France (Woods, Richardson and Lymberopoulou, 14). The other side of this social phenomenon was that there was always a â€Å"level of material wealth that might afford one work of art but not another† (Woods, Richardson and Lymberopoulou, 14). And what naturally followed was that artists were prompted to create an elite class art under the aegis of their patrons. The audience-Great Depression Art When it comes to the art of the great depression period, the situation was totally opposite to what has been said above. It can be seen that â€Å"many artists became disillusioned with capitalism- the U.S. econo mic system- and turned to left-wing politics† (Damon, 14). And above all, many artists even used their art to support the proletariat class (Damon, 14). For example, Guglielmi, who was a renowned painter, was very much vocal in his support of the working class and his painting, ‘The Relief Blues’, showed a an urban family signing up to get relief funds from the government (Guglielmi). By following the path of realism, art could thus win a big audience including the working class and art became more appealing to the masses in this period. Murals, photographs and posters became popular and they created an interface between art and craftsmanship (Doss). The Artist- Renaissance Period In renaissance art, artists showed a tendency to revive the feudal values through rejuvenating classical art from

Computer Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Computer Science - Essay Example This often attacks the routers, servers, and firewall processing resources and thus limiting them. Normally, this type of DDoS attacks sent a lot of data which leads to an overload making the network bandwidth to be depleted. There is a reduction in the quality of service when there is an overload attack in a system. This is because the normal access is tempered with. This kind of attacks often sent large traffic attacks in form of TCP, UDP and other ICPM.Often people use technology forgery to escape the system monitoring. When the attacks are mixed with the malware exploitation, they cause leaking of the information and this may be dangerous. This illegal activity of information leakage will occur while fighting the DDoc attacks. This is vital as it is used in the financial institutions to prevent breaches and leakages of the information. Though the attackers may not be many, this attack is taken for specific roles such as canceling fraudulent transactions or accesses a vital database. (Chai, 2013)This often involves targeting application layer of OSI model.Normally, application layer data is sent to the attackers to disable their functions. Here, there is the involvement of a machine which in most cases are the agents. When the orders are received from the master machine which is controlled by the attacker, this agent will be involved in remitting the packets to a host who is a victim of the attack. The agents and master will then generate an actual attack message instructing the modus operandi to attack the network victim.

Managing Information Technology Globally (I need someone with a good Essay

Managing Information Technology Globally (I need someone with a good backgroud about IT and Database for this case analysis) - Essay Example Dell was the first in its competitors to think of online business and though leads best. It offers customer service for configuring dell products and with technical support view Internet same as it was once on telephones which reduces its cost price and increased its revenues. Dell successfully made a network of not only with customers but also with distributors and suppliers through e-commerce. Its sale automated functioning enhances the business strategies and Dell on its e-commerce establishment starts serving with e-business solution. E-business solutions were to offer customer the solution for their business by converting their business in virtual world as did by Dell. Though, Dell earned its revenues, more with the selling hardware devices and giving online customer services, in addition with, providing e-solutions to small organizations, incorporation with other software companies. 2. Characterize the distribution of decision-making responsibility at Zara, when it comes to how Zara's products are designed, allocated, and distributed How does this pattern of decision-making contrast with decision-making in traditional, hierarchical organizations (IT at Zera) Zara is responsible for its products for sale, and though developed a high-tech e-commerce site for its online business.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Research Paper Example Worried that she might have an allergic attack, she cleans the house every couple of hours, never seemed to be satisfied that she did it right two hours ago. This action continues throughout the day, leaving little or no room for her other activities that are equally essential (Mayo Clinic Staff). Typically, obsessive compulsive disorder makes a person go through repeated actions that mainly originates from having distressing thoughts. These thoughts make the individual do or perform a certain action that is done over and over again in order to pacify the stress and anxiety that he or she is feeling (NIH: National Institute of Mental Health). The obsessions which come about constantly are often unreasonable, quite disturbing and in fact have no actual basis. The individual who suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder eventually realizes that the obsessive feeling and thoughts he or she is currently having distorts reality; and they feel incapable to control them because they go thr ough the same motions again and again (Mental Health America). Trying to stop or ignore the obsessions only heightens the feelings of apprehension and distress; while doing rituals or compulsions give short-term relief from the stress and discomfort brought about by having obsessions. Unfortunately, having obsessive compulsive disorder upsets a person’s daily living schedules and activities because the obsessions and subsequent compulsions makes it hard to concentrate in doing the normal activities which the person was accustomed to. The rituals or repetitive actions takes hours to do, sometimes the whole day making it quite impossible for the individual with obsessive compulsive disorder little time to do something more productive. If obsessive compulsive disorder is not properly addressed overtime, it can have a negative impact on all the aspects of a person’s life (The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)). The theoretical causes of obsessive compulsive d isorder are biology, environment and inadequate seratonin. These causes are considered to be hypothetical since the true or actual cause of obsessive compulsive disorder is not fully known (Mayo Clinic Staff). Biology pertains to the study of plants and animals, which includes the normal chemistry and role of the brain in relation to the other parts of the body. It is contemplated by researchers that obsessive compulsive disorder is an end result of an irregular change in the normal working condition of the brain circuits, which may be due to an inadequate level of serotonin, a chemical messenger within the brain (Mayo Clinic Staff). The insufficient amount of such brain chemical affects the normal communication of brain parts that ultimately gives rise to the occurrence of obsessive compulsive disorder (Mental Health America). The environment is also said to contribute in the occurrence of obsessive compulsive disorder because of some behavior-related habits, which were acquired du ring the growing and developmental phase of a particular individual (Mayo Clinic Staff). The habits are generally inculcated from childhood to early teens where various factors that stem out of one’s surroundings are easily assimilated and are considered normal even if they are not within the norm or are socially unacceptable. Obsessive compulsiv

Business management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Business management - Essay Example The case, â€Å"eBay in 2002: The Challenges of Sustained Growth† analyse the business environment and the company’s strategic objectives through a combination of industry analysis, competitive analysis and a SWOT analysis and aim at identifying issues which needs attention. The case analysis will also provide brief recommendations in terms of strategies and tactics, which the company can deploy in achieving its strategic goals. In crafting strategies, to gain and maintain a sustainable competitive position in an industry, it is imperative that companies assess the competitive forces at work within the industry in which it operates. Porters Five Force Model can be a useful analytical tool in assessing the competitive forces operating in the online auction industry. The Five Force Model considers the competitive pressures arising from Threat of Substitutes; Rivalry among competing sellers in the industry; Substitutes potential of winning over industry customers; Supplier seller collaborations and bargaining as well as the Seller – Buyer collaborations and bargaining. For e-Bay the Threat of substitutes is coming from traditional models of auctioning, flea markets and classified ads. The retail online stores operated by individual companies also pose substitute products for e-bays product offering. Direct marketing can also be perceived as a substitute. Thus, it can be noted that this competitive force is high in the industry. Threat of new entrants is very high in the e-commerce business-scape. The setting up costs is relatively low and legislature is not tedious. The readily available software makes the process of setting up e-commerce sites ever easier. Since eBay launched its auction site in 1995, the number of auction sites has grown over 2750 by 2001.Thus, this competitive force too is high intensity within the e-commerce sphere. Rivalry among competitors – When rivalry among the competition is high in industries, the pressure on pricing

His work with the senate committee on Indian Affairs Essay Example for Free

His work with the senate committee on Indian Affairs Essay Senator Campbell can be considered as a politician who made the most out of his political assets and political positions so that he can make a difference and contribute especially to his own culture, tradition and heritage. Proof of how he pursued areas focused on his own culture is his efforts and success in becoming the first individual with Indian ancestry and heritage to act as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee . Senator Campbell was an important politician particularly in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. This particular committee was something that he served in as chairman for several different years. His first years serving as chairman for the Senate Indian Affairs Committee started on 1997 and ended in 2001. Before Campbell took this position, it was held by John McCain. When he left after his 2001 tenure was over, he was succeeded by Daniel Inouye, whom he replaced as chairman for the same committee after Inouyes term was over in 2003. From 2003 to 2005, Senator Campbell resumed his chairmanship of the committee, and when his tenure was over, it was McCain who replaced him. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum Another important contribution that Senator Campbell provided is through his role in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Campbell, who is a former policeman, has always publicly expressed how he is after the safety as well as welfare of the police officers. This is just one of the proofs of Campbells efforts to be able to contribute something to the United States police force. The National Law Enforcement Museum was created in 2000 during President Clintons term so that the public can be informed about the different aspects of police work and police life through the displays and features of the museum. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, on the other hand, is important as well because it honors those who are dead but served gallantly as a police officer, giving individuals a chance to get to know more the police officers serving for the US government and those who already served and died in the name of loyal service to the country and to the people . Both of these aspects are strongly supported by Senator Campbell. Because of his work and contributions to making this happen, it was eventually realized. Campbell served as a sheriffs deputy in Sacramento County. This part of his life attached him intensely to the police officers and to the life of a police officer. He empathized because he experienced things first hand. This empowered Campbell to personally lend a strong helping hand to legislations that can help the police officers and contribute to the development of police officers welfare. Actually, Campbells authorship of the National Law Enforcement Museum Act, which is also known as the Public Law number 106-492, was just one of the legislations that are focused on police officers since there are also the 2003 Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act and the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act . Laying all of the things he accomplished for everyone to see, the challenge, according to Campbell, was to follow his footsteps and continue the development of the efforts geared towards police officer safety and welfare .

Overview of the Pickle Industry in India

Overview of the Pickle Industry in India Pickles chutney is the traditional specialties product of India and has gained an important position in the Indian cuisine. They are eaten along with main course and provide tempting tastes. Pickles are prepared from Fruits and Vegetables and they supplement the food with vitamins and minerals. There are many types of pickles available in India like Chilly Pickles, Green Pickles, Lemon Chutney, Mango chutney, Gherkins, Mango Pickles, Onion Prpd/Prsvd and Tomato chutney etc. Indias Export of Pickles chutney was Rs. 250.62 Crores in 2007-08. The major market for Indian Pickles chutney are Russia, U.S.A, Belgium, Netherlands and France. Introduction, history overview of the companyJashn pickles was earlier known as boom pickles. Boom pickles was incorporated on may 15th 1989 in recent years had achieved tremendous success in india. But due to immense competition the company was not able to take quick decisions did not change its strategies in the competitive amrket. Eventually the goodwill of the company diminished the board of directors resigned. A new board consisting of 4 board members from the same industry were appointed. The new board suggested a change in name which was eventually agreed by the shareholders the company law approved of it. The determination hard work put in by the employees of the company paid off jashn pickles now have manufacturing units in all the zones viz north, east, west, south. The company retained its base in mumbai. Strategies adopted in indiaThe print media the idiot box helped us in achieving the required attention like the news of our comeback in the newspaper television channels. The billboards on the best buses in mubai, posters in the local trains on the ooh media service in railways helped us set our image in the minds of the people. A new strategy which is called the pique technique where you keep on repeating the name in full speed. This irritates a normal human being but at the end of the day the name registers in his mind. Need to go globalGlobalization is necessary for the following reasons: 1: profit maximization: the main moto of a business is to achieve profits. If we enter into a wider market the chances of profit increases what great opportunity to enter the foreign market after the success of your product in india. 2: stagnant or shrinking domestic markets: the pickle industry in india has grown very rapidly in recent times. A lot of manufacturers have come into existence which has shrinked the market for pickles in india. Although covering entire india is not possible as the scope is huge we have opted to go global. 3: foreign revenue: globalization is necessary to earn foreign exchange currency for the country as it is our duty to earn for our country. This will help us to achieve economies of scale. 4: reduce dependency on single market : as mentioned above, the competitors are increasing day by day in india. So to reduce the dependency on a single market we plan to go global in search of a much bigger market less competition. WHICH COUNTRY? It is the first time for jashn pickles to go overseas. After market research in many different countries we zeroed in on the united arab emirates (uae). The united arab emirates (uae) is a situated in the southeast of the arabian peninsula in southwest asia on the persian gulf, bordering oman and saudi arabia. The seven states, termed emirates, are abu dhabi, ajman, dubai, fujairah, ras al-khaimah, sharjah and umm al-quwain. The uae, rich in oil and natural gas, has become highly prosperous after gaining foreign direct investment funding in the 1970s. The country has a relatively high human development index for the asian continent, ranking 31st globally, and had a gdp purchasing power parity of $200.5 billion in 2009 according to the imf. The population of the country is 4,621,399. The currency in uae is dirhams (1 dirham = 13 inr). We will be targeting 3 of the 7 emirates I.E. Abu dhabi,dubai sharjah as our first target audience is indians these three emirates constitute a higher percentage of indians. WHY UAE? Indians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) constitute a large part of population of the country. Over a million Indian migrants are estimated to be living in the UAE (2000), who form over 40% of the total population of the UAE. A majority of Indians live in the three largest cities of the UAE Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Indian contact with the emirates that now constitute the UAE dates back several centuries, as a result of trade and commerce between the emirates and India. More recently, the UAE has experienced a tremendous increase in the population of Indians who, having migrated to the country as a result of opportunities in petroleum, construction and other industries, far outnumber the population of local Emiratis. While most Indian migrants support the manufacturing and transport industries, a sizable minority of migrants are involved in professional services and entrepreneurship. Relations between India and the UAE have traditionally been friendly, though recent incidents relating to the treatment of the Indian migrant labor force by companies in the UAE have been the source of friction between the two nations. Also UAE is the hub for exports in the gulf so it will be easier for us in the future to export in gulf countries. PRODUCTS IN UAE TRADITIONAL EXOTIC RECIPIES JASHN SPECIALITIES DIET PICKLES NON-VEG PICKLES Mango Pickled potatoes Cheese dips garnished with zatar Soya pickles Chicken pickles Lemon Pickled mushrooms Lemon marmalade Bitter guard pickles Prawn pickles Mix vegetable Pickled okra Strawberry Pickles Amla pickles Fish pickles Green chili Pickled chickpeas Lamb pickles Red chili Pickled lentils Eggplant Carrot Onions Garlic pickles AN ARTICLE ON PICKLES A report by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) stated that during the year 2000-01, total production of pickles was 13645.16 metric tones and in 2002-03 the country earned Rs 154.16 lakh through exports. The exports could be doubled if provided efforts were made to organize the pickle industry. However, by using little care and simple technology, pickles can be prepared and preserved for a long period, the report suggested. The finer aspects of pickle making can boosting export of this delicacy from India. In order to overcome bitter taste of pickles the report pointed out that spices should not be cooked for a long time and a low concentration of vinegar should be used. Strict hygienic practice and iron utensils be never used. The scum formation in pickles occurs when mild yeast gains entry into the pickles. The problem can be overcome by adding acetic acid. Regarding cloudiness in pickles, the report said this can be seen in onion pickles or where whole fruits or vegetables are the material for pickle making. It can be checked by using small and thin textured material for pickle making especially onions. Blemishes in pickles can be seen in case of onion pickles and is due to some kind of fermentation. Such defect can be prevented by using fresh vinegar at the time of curing. Good quality oil and spices should be used for getting best flavor in pickles. LEVELS OF A PRODUCT The CORE product is NOT the tangible, physical product. Thats because the core product is the BENEFIT of the product that makes it valuable to you. So with the car example, the benefit is convenience i.e. the ease at which you can go where you like, when you want to. Another core benefit is speed since you can travel around relatively quickly. The ACTUAL product is the tangible, physical product. You can get some use out of it. Again with the car example, it is the vehicle that you test drive, buy and then collect. The AUGMENTED product is the non-physical part of the product. It usually consists of lots of added value, for which you may or may not pay a premium. So when you buy a car, part of the augmented product would be the warranty, the customer service support offered by the cars manufacture, and any after-sales service. TRANSPORTATION IT IS SAID THAT ONE OF THE MAJOR LOGISTICAL BLABBER IS THE TRANSPORTATION. IN THE CASE OF JASHN PICKLES EXPORTING TO UAE IT IS NOT THAT DIFFICULT AS THE SEA TRANSPORT IS MUCH CHEAPER QUICK. OUR CONSIGNMENT WILL LEAVE FROM THE JNPT (JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PORT TRUST) IN NAVI MUMBAI TO JABEL ALI PRT IN DUBAI WHICH IS A FREE TRADE AREA. FROM THE JABEL ALI PORT OUR CONSIGNMENT WILL GO TO THE DEALERS IN DUBAI THEN TO THE WHOLESALERS THEN TO THE RETAILERS SUPERMARKETS OR RESTAURANTS FROM THERE FINALLY TO THE CUSTOMER. THE COST OF TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE HUGE AS THE IMPORT DUTY IN UAE IS JUST 5% THE UAE GOVERNMENT HAVE GIVEN US CERTAIN BENEFITS AS THE TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES IS VERY GOOD. MARKETING MIX FOR A COMPANY TO SUCCEED IN A GLOBAL MARKET THE 4 PS OF MARKETING SHOULD BE VERY CLEAR. PRODUCT PLACE PRICE PROMOTION PACKAGING A good package for pickles should have the following attributes: Aroma retention Excellent protection against light, moisture and oxygen Excellent seal integrity for containment Grease and oil resistance Acid resistance Good aesthetics and appearance Types of Packaging for Pickles Traditionally, the practice was to prepare pickles at home and store in ceramic or earthenware jars. Gradually over the years, pickles are manufactured and commercially marketed in the country, as branded products. In our country, still large quantity of pickle is sold loose. The shopkeeper displays various types of pickles in large glass jars, and weighs out desired quantity of pickle to his customers. The customer trusts the shopkeeper for the quality and not the brand name. However, gradually pickle packed in glass bottles under different brand names, appeared in the market and became popular. The trend started in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Glass bottled pickles are almost double in cost because of heavy packing and transportation costs. They looked hygienic and appealed to the brand conscious upper class. With the advent of plastics, pickles packed in HDPE (high density polyethylene) and later PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) jars were introduced. HDPE jars are usually used for packing 1Kilogram and more. They are opaque so do not provide visibility of the pickle, but are convenient, as they do not break in transit. The PET jars are transparent, with good eye appeal and safe for pickle. PC (polycarbonate) bottles are best for pickles but they are still very costly. Over the last few years, cost effective flexible pouches of co-extruded and laminated structures have replaced glass jars. The pouches could be flat pillow pouches or stand-up pouches, which have a good display value. They are light in weight and hygienic. However, in flexible pouches, the sealant layer selection is very critical, as the contact layer needs to be acid and oil resistant. Failure of seals or surface stickiness can render the pack ineffective and un-saleable. Initially, the flexible packaging of pickles commenced as a simple LDPE (low density polyethylene) pouch, which neither provided protection from oxygen nor did it give an effective heat seal, as LDPE is not compatible with oil, causing failure of pouches. Gradually multi-layered coextruded pouches and laminated pouches were introduced. The capacity of the pouches range from 200 grams to 1 kilogram. The pouches could be flat pillow type or stand-up pouches for shelf display. To sum up: For catering / institutional packs 5 or 6 kilograms HDPE or PET jars. 20 kg HDPE jarsare also available and used for the purpose For consumers 400/500 grams glass jars or PET jars For cost conscious housewives printed pillow or stand-up pouches For portion packs polystyrene or polypropylene injection moulded containers with flexible heat-sealable, peel able lids. PRICING THE PRICING OF A PRODUCT CAN BE BIFURCATED AS THE COST OF THE PRODUCT + THE DUTY + PROFIT MARGIN. KEEPING THIS INTO CONSIDERATION THE PRICE OF JASHN PICKLES ARE 500 Gms 8 dirham 250 Gms 4.25 dirham 1kg (catering pack) 15 dirham Traveler pack 50 phills Har din ek Jashn pack 11 dirham PROMOTION For people to know that your product exists in the market you have to show them that your producr exists. Ways of promoting a product is very common but a successful marketer is the one who does common things in an uncommon way. This was the thought behind our promotional strategies. Our promotional strategies include the basic promotional ways like print media, television ads in uae (channel 33) which is very famous in uae. Tie ups with knowledge city in dubai which is an education hub to make indians there feel at home by providing them pickles with their meals. The special variety in uae is zatar which is very famous in all the 7 emirates especially in abu dhabi, dubai, sharjah. We would be setting up tasting zones in hypermarkets where the customers can taste our product give them their feedbacks. During the dubai shopping festival we would be putting up a stall to encourage more customers to buy our product. We will be having the pickle pot fiesta which is an 8 hour live music funfare. Most people will think it is not feasible how will we get funds? We have an answer to that alsoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. We will be inviting all the companies to buy a stall in our pot fiesta srk who is the bramd ambassador of jashn pickles performing at the show the money generated will go in the breast cancer relief fund. Thus our pickle will be advertised social responsibility to an extent might also be fulfilled. We have also tied up with a microsite called language of flavors which will be putting up billboards which will have different ways of spelling jashn pickles. This will be a huge hit as it is something which no one has evedr done before. Future plansWe are planning to set up manufacturing unit in jabel ali as its a free trade area. We will also be concentrating on the remaining 4 emirates from there on to the other gulf countries. As per the competition, we have major competition with eicher ltd, pravin bedekar. Our next pitstop after gulf countries will be japan italy as the pickle industry there is not competitive the market is huge. Our aim of this discussion or argument is not victory over other competitors but it is just progress. Jashn pickles Global marketing strategy Name : hasan al mutawa Id : 200810728

Emotions Seen In of Mice And Men :: essays research papers

Emotions Seen in "Of Mice and Men" This essay will deal with the way emotions were used in the story of "Of Mice and Men". Not only friendship and loyalty between George and Lennie. Faith, hope, charity, love, hate, jealousy and indifference are among the other emotions that develops during the story between them and the other characters, and that shows us Steinbeck's way of character definition. In the beginning of the story, we think that everything between George and Lennie is a big friendship, but even them show other emotions during the story. Lennie shows his childish way of dealing with anything, desperation and fear when Crooks tease him, saying that George is hurt and is not coming back, and when he has the dreams of Aunt Clara and The Gigantic Rabbit. George shows indecision on how to deal with Lennie and when he's going to kill him. Both have a dream together. A faith in each other that make them think that they are different. They have a future. They have each other to look for them. When they arrive in the ranch we learn that the boss is a person that cares for people weaker than other. It's a kind of charity. When he thinks that Lennie is being sold, he goes to his side, try to help him. From Candy, we see love towards his dog that he had for so long and we see a guilty feeling for letting others execute him. Curly show hate and jealousy at the same time. Because he's not a big guy, he wants to fight all of them, and because he's always the winner (Just because he doesn't fight fairly), he is proud to tell everybody that he's the best. Slim is a man who shows a lot of emotions during the story. He shows us indifference to Curly and friendship towards Lennie, but when Lennie killed the woman, and George killed him, he's the only one who seems to know why he done that. Curly's wife shows us unhappiness with her marriage and with the way her life got into. Crooks has an important role in the story, showing us his feelings about prejudice and how he feels bad, because he is rejected by all.

Sexualy Transmited Diseases: Hemophilia Essay -- Genetic Bleeding Dis

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that slows down the clotting process of one’s blood. There are two types of the disorder: hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Both result in very similar symptoms, however, they are caused by different mutations of genes on the X chromosome. The way in which the disorder is inherited is known as an â€Å"X-linked recessive pattern.† Since males only have one X chromosome, one gene mutation is all that is needed in order to obtain hemophilia. On the other hand, females have two X chromosomes meaning that two mutations (on on each X chromosome) are required to inherit hemophilia. For that reason, it’s far more unlikely for females to have hemophilia than it is for males. Specifically, the genes which cause hemophilia A and hemophilia B are the F8 gene and the F9 gene respectively. Mutations in these genes trigger the production of abnormal versions or reduce the number of coagulation factors VIII or IX. Subsequently, these miss ing or scarce proteins are not able to aid in the blood clotting process which causes excessive and continuous bleeding. There are varying levels of the severity of hemophilia which are all dependent on the extent of mutation of coagulation factors VIII or IX (Hemophilia, n.d.). There is, however, another form of hemophilia that is rare. It is known as acquired hemophilia, and it is caused by one’s body producing specialized proteins (autoantibodies) that attack coagulation factor VIII. In this rare case, it is not caused by genetic mutation or scarcity. The body’s production of autoantibodies can sometimes be attributed to pregnancy, allergic reactions, cancer, or immune system disorders (Hemophilia, n.d.). Symptoms Someone that is affected by hemophilia would be prone to ... ... 19, 2014, from https://online.epocrates.com/u/2923468/Hemophilia/Basics/Epidemiology Hemophilia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2014, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hemophilia Hemophilia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemophilia/basics/symptoms/con-20029824 How Is Hemophilia Treated? (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2014, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hemophilia/treatment.html Inheritance Pattern of Hemophilia. (n.d.). In Hemophilia Federation of America. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.hemophiliafed.org/bleeding-disorders/hemophilia/inheritance/ The N-terminal Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domain in Factor IX and Factor X Represents an Important Recognition Motif for Binding to Tissue Factor*. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.jbc.org/content/277/5/3622

Scavengers and Nothing’s Changed. Two very different poems, written by :: English Literature

Scavengers and Nothing’s Changed. Two very different poems, written by two very different poets, both of whom write with regards to their own cultures, backgrounds and places of origin SCAVENGERS and NOTHING’S CHANGED Scavengers and Nothing’s Changed. Two very different poems, written by two very different poets, both of whom write with regards to their own cultures, backgrounds and places of origin – all of which are very different. What could these two poems have in common. Ostensibly, nothing. Scavengers is simply about the social divide between the upper and working classes, whilst Nothing’s Changed tells of a young man’s anger at being discriminated because of his colour. But after even the most shallow disection it is easy to see the connection between these two poems. Nothing’s Changed’s angry young man is obviously a victim of other peoples racial prejudice, but the two bin men of Scavengers are also victims of prejudice, looked down upon by the middle and upper classes because of their job, their financial situation, their parents. There’s your first shared theme. Then you got the second: hypocrisy. The hypocrisy theme runs strong in both poems. In Nothing’s Changed it’s that this poem takes place after a law had been passed against racial discrimination. Laws change. Attitudes don’t. There may not be a sign on the door denying the young boy entry, for it is an unwritten law that he is rebelling against. He is rebelling against the attitudes of the people inside the resturant. With Scavengers it is the entire American Dream that is called into question and shown up to be what it is: a lie. The American Dream is that anyone, no matter the class, creed or connections, can do anything, be anything. A person born into poverty and raised on the streets can rise to be president. All it takes is hard work, and you can be whoever you want to be. Which is, of course, a lie. The current president of the United States is a straight C student. In this country, he might have scraped into Sixth Form by the skin of his teeth. He might have got to be a office desk jockey for a paper merchant. But in the US, he’s the son of a former president, argo – he’s president. Of course, blood has nothing to do with it *please read with dripping sarcasm in mind*. The poem is quite clear in it’s message: The American Dream Is a Lie! Great Hemocracy? Great Hipocrisy. There’s another thing that connects the two poems. It’s the idea that many people in these unfortunate positions often hinder any sort of

Reflective Statements of Competence: Competency Essay

To maintain a commitment to professionalism. To maintain a commitment to professionalism in preschool classroom you should set a goal for yourself. My goal in my classroom is to set a standard of excellence with in the room and to commit myself to the growth and development of each child in offering a positive, kind, loving, and safe atmosphere. I have respect, not only for myself but, for my class, each child, and their families. I keep all parental information shared with me confidential. I also uphold all health and safety regulations and make children’s well-being my top priority. I also respect family diversity. This includes but is not limited to cultural differences, orientation, or economic status. I encourage individuality in children. I treat each child with respect and help them to build a positive self- image. Being informed is being ready to assist any child with any need they may have. I feel it is important to always stay positive and keep a smile on your face. Stay on top of new regulations for the school as well as updated laws and other developments within early childhood education. Always making sure to have information to help parents that have children with additional needs. I feel I am a kind and loving person and am genuinely concerned about the growth and development of each child entering in the class. I want to give them every opportunity to grow and learn in a safe environment. I love working and being around children not just in a group setting but also a one on one setting. I became an early childhood assistant teacher, because I enjoy working with preschool children. And looking forward to be a teacher. I enjoy guiding and watching them as they explore the world around them. Children are filled with curiosity. In class, I get the chance to say â€Å"It’s okay, you can do it!† all the time. I will maintain a commitment to professionalism by pledging to be a live long learner and to take advantage of the many opportunities to further improve my competence in early childhood education and development, and better understand the needs of families and the children in my care. I will use what I have learned through the education I have received to make educated decisions while working with young children and their families. I pledge to practice what I preach and perform to the best of my ability every day to  ensure that all children in my care will be receiving the appropriate educational foundation that all children need and deserve, and high quality care. I can only hope that my passion and love for caring and educating young children encourages others to find out what they’re truly passionate about, gain an education, and pursue what they love to do. I don’t think there is an occupation more fulfilling or gratifying than this. My deepest desire is to make a difference in the lives of the families and children I care for and pray that they go on to live happy, healthy, successful lives; partly due to the early educational foundation I had a hand in building

Leadership. Big Five personality traits Essay

After studying this chapter, you should be able to: 1. Define leadership and contrast leadership and management. 2. Summarize the conclusions of trait theories of leadership. 3. Identify the central tenets and main limitations of behavioral theories. 4. Assess contingency theories of leadership by their level of support. 5. Compare and contrast charismatic and transformational leadership. 6. Define authentic leadership and show why effective leaders exemplify ethics and trust. 7. Demonstrate the role mentoring plays in our understanding of leadership. 8. Address challenges to the effectiveness of leadership. 9. Assess whether charismatic and transformational leadership generalize across cultures. I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep. Talleyrand Private Equity’s Poster Boy If it’s true that â€Å"Nice guys finish last,† there is no better proof than Stephen Schwarzman, chief executive of the Blackstone Group, who says his mission in life is to â€Å"inflict pain† and â€Å"kill off† his rivals. â€Å"I want war,† he told the Wall Street Journal, â€Å"not a series of skirmishes.† And win in business he has. In 20 years, he has made Blackstone one of the most profitable—and most feared—investment groups on Wall Street, with assets approaching $200 billion. Though these are not easy times for any investment bank, Blackstone has largely avoided the pitfalls of subprime mortgages and mortgage-backed securities. Some of this strategy might be considered good fortune—Blackstone invests much more heavily in commercial than in residential real estate. However, some credit is due to Schwarzman’s foresight. As he notes, â€Å"We were cautious in the so-called golden age. We were the least aggressive of all the big firms in the first half of 2007. We were very concerned about the high prices of deals and the vast amount of liquidity fuelling the boom. . . . Things always come to an end, and when they do they end badly.† Not only is Schwarzman smart and driven; he likes  the attention his success has drawn. When he turned 60, his birthday party might have made Caligula blush. The affair was emceed by comedian Martin Short. Rod Stewart performed. Marvin Hamlisch put on a number from A Chorus Line. Singer Patti LaBelle led the Abyssinian Baptist Church choir in a song about Schwarzman. Who staged this event? Schwarzman himself! When Blackstone executives prepared a video tribute to him to be played at the event, Schwarzman intervened to squelch any roasting or other jokes played at his expense. Schwarzman owns residences in Manhattan (a 35-room Park Avenue triplex, for which he paid $37 million), in the Hamptons (a Federal-style house, for which he paid $34 million), in Palm Beach (a 13,000-square-foot mansion, which, at $20.5 million, is the slum of the bunch), in Saint-Tropez, and in Jamaica. â€Å"I love houses,† Schwarzman says. The New Yorker called him â€Å"the designated villain of an era . . . of heedless self-indulgence.† As you might imagine, Schwarzman is not the easiest guy to work for. While sunning himself at his Palm Beach estate, he complained that an employee wasn’t wearing the proper black shoes with his uniform. On another occasion, he reportedly fired a Blackstone executive for the sound his nose made when he breathed. Given his success, his lifestyle, and his combative personality, you might imagine Schwarzman is immune to the ridicule, resentment, and criticism he receives. â€Å"How does it feel?† he asked, and then answered his own question: â€Å"Unattractive. No thinking person wants to be reduced to a caricature.†1 As Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman shows, leaders often are not like other people. But what makes them so? Intelligence? Drive? Luck? A certain leadership style? These are some of the questions we’ll tackle in this chapter. To assess yourself on another set of qualities that we’ll discuss shortly, take the following self-assessment. In this chapter, we look at what makes an effective leader and what differentiates leaders from nonleaders. First, we present trait theories, which dominated the study of leadership up to the late 1940s. Then we discuss behavioral theories, popular until the late 1960s. Next, we introduce contingency and interactive theories. Finally, we discuss the most contemporary approaches: charismatic, transformational, and authentic leadership. But first, let’s clarify what we mean by leadership. Self-Assessment Library: What’s My Leadership Style? In the Self-Assessment Library (available on CD and online) take assessment II.B.1 (What’s My Leadership Style?) and answer the following questions. 1. How did you score on the two scales? 2. Do you think a leader can be both task oriented and people oriented? Do you think there are situations in which a leader has to make a choice between the two styles? 3. Do you think your leadership style will change over time? Why or why not? What Is Leadership? 1. Define leadership and contrast leadership and management. Leadership and management are often confused. What’s the difference? John Kotter of the Harvard Business School argues that management is about coping with complexity.2 Good management brings about order and consistency by drawing up formal plans, designing rigid organization structures, and monitoring results against the plans. Leadership, in contrast, is about coping with change. Leaders establish direction by developing a vision of the future; then they align people by communicating this vision and inspiring them to overcome hurdles. Although Kotter provides separate definitions of the two terms, both researchers and practicing managers frequently make no such distinctions. So we need to present leadership in a way that can capture how it is used in theory and practice. We define leadership as the ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals. The source of this influence may be formal, such as that provided by managerial rank in an organization. But not all leaders are managers, nor, for that matter, are all managers leaders. Just because an organization provides its managers with certain formal rights is no assurance they will lead effectively. Nonsanctioned leadership—the ability to influence that arises outside the formal structure of the organization—is often as important or more important than formal influence. In other words, leaders can emerge from within a group as well as by formal appointment. Organizations need strong leadership and strong management for optimal effectiveness. We need leaders today to challenge the status quo, create visions of the future, and  inspire organizational members to want to achieve the visions. We also need managers to formulate detailed plans, create efficient organizational structures, and oversee day-to-day operations. OB Poll: Confidence in Business Leaders Falling Source: Based on Edelman trust Barometer 2008 (http://www.edelman.com/TRUST/2008/TrustBarometer08_Final.pdf) Trait Theories Summarize the conclusions of trait theories of leadership. Throughout history, strong leaders—Buddha, Napoleon, Mao, Churchill, Roosevelt, Reagan—have been described in terms of their traits. Trait theories of leadership thus focus on personal qualities and characteristics. We recognize leaders like South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and American Express chairman Ken Chenault as charismatic, enthusiastic, and courageous. The search for personality, social, physical, or intellectual attributes that differentiate leaders from nonleaders goes back to the earliest stages of leadership research. Early research efforts at isolating leadership traits resulted in a number of dead ends. A review in the late 1960s of 20 different studies identified nearly 80 leadership traits, but only 5 were common to 4 or more of the investigations.3 By the 1990s, after numerous studies and analyses, about the best we could say was that most leaders â€Å"are not like other people,† but the particular traits that characterized them varied a great deal from review to review.4 It was a pretty confusing state of affairs. A breakthrough, of sorts, came when researchers began organizing traits around the Big Five personality framework (see Chapter 5).5 Most of the dozens of traits in various leadership reviews fit under one of the Big Five (ambition and energy are part of extraversion, for instance), giving strong support to traits as predictors of leadership. The personal qualities and characteristics of Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Group, make him a great leader. Branson is described as fun-loving, sensitive to the needs of others, hard working, innovative, charismatic, enthusiastic, energetic, decisive, and risk taking. These traits helped the British entrepreneur build one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world for products and services in the business areas of travel, entertainment, and lifestyle. Jason Kempin/FilmMagic/Getty Images, Inc. A comprehensive review of the leadership literature, when organized around the Big Five, has found extraversion to be the most important trait of effective leaders6 but more strongly related to leader emergence than to leader effectiveness. Sociable and dominant people are more likely to assert themselves in group situations, but leaders need to make sure they’re not too assertive—one study found leaders who scored very high on assertiveness were less effective than those who were moderately high.7 Unlike agreeableness and emotional stability, conscientiousness and openness to experience also showed strong relationships to leadership, though not quite as strong as extraversion. Overall, the trait approach does have something to offer. Leaders who like being around people and are able to assert themselves (extraverted), disciplined and able to keep commitments they make (conscientious), and creative and flexible (open) do have an apparent advantage when it comes to leadership, suggesting good leaders do have key traits in common. One reason is that conscientiousness and extraversion are positively related to leaders’ self-efficacy, which explained most of the variance in subordinates’ ratings of leader performance.8 People are more likely to follow someone who is confident she’s going in the right direction. Another trait that may indicate effective leadership is emotional intelligence (EI), discussed in Chapter 4. Advocates of EI argue that without it, a person can have outstanding training, a highly analytical mind, a compelling vision, and an endless supply of terrific ideas but still not make a great leader. This may be especially true as individuals move up in an organization.9 Why is EI so critical to effective leadership? A core component of EI is empathy. Empathetic leaders can sense others’ needs, listen to what followers say (and don’t say), and read the reactions of others. As one leader noted, â€Å"The caring part of empathy, especially for the people with whom you work, is what inspires people to stay with a leader when the going gets rough. The mere fact that someone cares is more often than not rewarded with loyalty.†10

Robin lane fox

It is an immense task to relate the story of the world’s most successful conqueror in 553 pages but Robin Lane Fox manages to narrate the tale of Alexander the Great in a way no other author ever has.A story that has been repeated over and over again, and every account of the life of Alexander the Great has many versions which is somewhat shrouded in mystery, with elements of ambiguity.Main Body:  Fox manages to find a completely new angle on the intriguing account of the history’s most enigmatic leader, putting aside mundane details and stiff diction used by historians and instead using the evidence and facts and enveloping them with all the energy, passion and vigor which the incredible account of Alexander’s life deserves.Born in 336 BC Alexander became the king of Macedonia at the age of 20, from there on he established an empire far greater then any other conqueror could ever even think of, he was the only military leader who was never defeated in any batt le. The book has all the dramatic and tragic elements to make it seem like a work of fiction but the historically accurate details and facts used by the author makes this book a reliable source for historical information.Fox really made a reader see what Alexander’s times was like and how the people belonging to his times were like, he plunges into the depths of this man’s desires in a desperate need to narrate to the reader what motivated this young King to conquer the world.The account of Cleitus’s murder by Alexander is an exceptionally well written part; Mr. Fox writes that â€Å"the gist of the taunts that resulted in his murder can still be recovered today†. The description in the book about various aspects of the surroundings whether it be nature or interiors is superb the author really wants the reader to experience the times and events of Alexander the Great.Every chapter narrates the famous battles and conquests making them even more interesting with myths and legends related to them. Fox not only gives the report of the events happening at that time but also comments on how they affected the later civilizations. He writes about the various events that took place during Alexander’s life and what changes his conquests brought about in the world.  However there are shortcomings in the book as well for instance the author does not analyze the militarily tactics, all historians agree that military tactics show the true brilliance of Alexander the great, also the battle of Granicus is described very briefly and the description accepted by most historians is rejected by Fox where he says that it never took place as is told, but Alexander and his army fought in an open ground on the other side of the river.Conclusion:Many readers may find this book lacking in insight to the military life of this great leader. Fox perhaps wanted to give the reader an insight into what kind of a person Alexander the Great was instead of wh at he accomplished, since he often got distracted from narrating the story and goes on to making his own assumptions.The book is not an easy read but it does present Alexander the Great in a completely new light.WORKS CITEDBook Rags â€Å"Alexander the Great by Robin Lane fox†, Accessed October 9, 2006, from:http://www.bookrags.com/

Glass Castle Essay

However, there are some far more substantial themes and symbols taking place within the novel. These themes require a little more critical thought, and aren’t directly delivered to the reader. One of these themes being the heavy emphasis placed on the glass castle, and also metaphorically what it signifies to Jeanette and her father, Rex. Through extensive deliberation and thought, the meaning of the glass castle becomes clear. It stands for the contrast between how Jeanette views her father, and how everyone else sees him. The idea of the glass castle in itself is the idolized version of Rex that Jeanette sees, while the reality of it never being completed, represents the views that everyone else has. Throughout the novel there are multiple instances that show the strong love and trust Jeanette feels for her father. A bond that remains strong, even when other member’s of the family have lost some of that trust. This contrast of emotions can best be described through various quotes given throughout the novel. â€Å"In my mind, Dad was perfect, although he did have what mom called a bit of a drinking situation† (Walls 23). This is one of the first occasions where the reader is introduced to the contrasting feelings about Rex that members of the Walls family have. Jeannette, despite already knowing that her father has a drinking problem at a young age, still feels that her father can do no wrong. This sets the scene for how most of the book develops, Jeannette idolizing her father, despite the slight disdain visibly felt by others. â€Å"We laughed about all the kids who believed in the Santa Clause myth and got nothing but a bunch of cheap plastic toys. Years from now, when all the junk they got is broken and long forgotten,’ dad said, ‘ you’ll still have your stars† (41). This is yet another example of the strong bond developed between Rex and Jeannette. However, it is important to note this quote is delivered at a time when Rex is still in relatively good standings with the rest of the family, besides just Jeannette. On that Christmas, even though he couldn’t provide his children with material gifts, he was still able to deliver a memorable gift, which the children could cherish for the rest of their lives. I swear honey, there are times when I think you’re the only one around who still has faith in me,’ he said. ’I don’t know what I’d do if you ever lost it. ’ I told him I would never lose faith in him. And I promised myself I never would† (78-79). This quote perfectly sums up the relationship Rex had with his daughter. It also further exemplifies th e acknowledged differences between how Jeannette feels about her father, and how the rest of the family feels. Even though Rex has let Jeannette down just as many times as Lori, or Brian, she is still able to somehow see past these faults of Rex’s. Throughout this novel the character’s general feelings on Rex sway dramatically. Even Jeannette’s feelings for her father are tried at some points. Yet through everything that happens she never truly loses faith in her father. Jeannette always maintains a sense of respect and love for Rex, despite the tribulations he has brought the family through. Even up to his last moments on his deathbed, Jeannette’s positive feelings for her father remain strong. This contrasted affection between what Jeannette feels for Rex, and what everyone else thinks, is what the glass castle really signifies.

Role of Knowledge Management in enhancing mgt. decision making in Lab Report

Role of Knowledge Management in enhancing mgt. decision making in Toyota - Lab Report Example Corporate management is now handling a global-scale brand of management, requiring a different kind of strategy, much distinct from traditional management. Advancement in technology is fast; innovations are applied every minute. There is what we call Web 2.0, or web-enabled infrastructure allowing business-customer and business-to-business interaction. This spawns databasing or shared repositories. The internet has revolutionized business functions and introduced countless innovations in the globalized world. Toyota Motors is a knowledge-based, global firm, leading the world in the car manufacturing industry. It has been the world’s leading car manufacturer, with branches worldwide, but recently a controversy has hounded its worldwide operations and colorful past, probably putting its leadership in the car industry in question. Problems over the hybrid Prius’ quality lapses that included braking problems and sticking gas pedals forced a global recall of 8.5 million vehicles, 6 million of them from the United States. Questions have arisen: how will Toyota resurrect from the ashes of a tainted hybrid Prius? Will it ever become the once glorious company which started its humble beginnings from a troubled Japanese economy? This essay will delve on the company Toyota, as a whole, and the particular technical aspect of its success – the introduction of knowledge management. For all of its successes, knowledge management played a key role in Toyota’s rise to ‘stardom’. Toyota has been on the forefront of car making because of an effective strategic and operational management coupled with an efficient and competitive workforce. Their strategies involve innovations in production, marketing, sales and promotions, and branding. But to top it all, it has been able to handle knowledge management like it is a part of ordinary business. In the 1950s Toyota was only a

Discuss the impact of industrialization in 18th century Britain Essay

Discuss the impact of industrialization in 18th century Britain - Essay Example This was an encouraging wave for everyone around as they started to invest more, search more, invent more and got involved in much more economic activities than the past history. During the 18th century, through industrialization, the average income increased to over 10-folds especially in Great Britain. This was due to the ingenious inventions of machine based manufacturing that put the manual labor to rest and saved time and animal labor. This increased the rate of mining, textile production and helped in revolutionizing iron making methods. This industrial growth helped in creating trade routes within the country and outside of Great Britain during the 18th Century. The industry of railways and roads then went on a boom as through steam engines that helped in having faster trade as well as elevated the production, which helped in creating more jobs and more income for the people of Britain. 1 As people mostly wanted to live near their jobs, the concept of Urbanization then occurred and housing started to become more modified and work oriented. As the communication structure through roads was still going under the industrialization phase, people needed to be near to their jobs for faster access and more productivity. Mentally and socially, industrialization had a larger impact. While British public was starting to grow the malnutrition was becoming a problem. With having life expectancy of 35 year before the industrialization era, this Malthusian trap was then soon recovered through better agricultural practice and the life expectancy was increased to 40-45 years of age. Socially the per capita income through many other jobs increased and people around Britain started to live a prosperous life as compared to the 17th Century. Now having better housing facilities as compared to when people lived in shanties and shacks, this changed the people who moved into the

Poverty and Debt in Third World Countries that directly or indirectly Essay

Poverty and Debt in Third World Countries that directly or indirectly work to the benefit of developed countries and how the principles of Catholic Social Doctr - Essay Example In year 2000, the Church celebrated the Jubilee Year in the context of an escalating global debt crisis, mindful of the terrible price that the world's poor were paying for debts contracted by their governments without their knowledge, much less their consent. They are still paying, with blood, sweat and tears, seven years after Jubilee, despite the global movement against this debt burden. Jubilee USA3 has already stated, "don't owe, won't pay!" But despite the defiance, in real life, the poor are still paying for debts of the rich, and will continue to do so as long as their leaders and governments bow down before dictates of powerful multinationals and multilateral agencies including the IMF, WB and WTO. This is one almost overwhelming obstacle that the global poor have to overcome to free themselves from immoral and illegal debts. The Church's social teachings consider us all as members of the human community that have the right to human dignity and common good. But at the same time the Church "takes sides" by proclaiming its preferential option for the poor, especially vulnerable sectors such as women, children, and the elderly. This is especially true regarding the issue of debt. The overwhelming majority of people in poor countries suffer when so much of their resources are automatically channeled to debt servicing, instead of being used to fight poverty, ensure the delivery of basic services and generate more jobs, to mention only a few much needed programs. International Debt 3 For the poorest of the poor, debt was and still is literally a matter of life and death. Of all continents, Africa is probably the worst hit by the combined blows of poverty and debt, two problems that feed off each other. Africa managed to score a few victories in improving the people's health and lives, only to slide back due to structural adjustment programs imposed by the IMF-WB as a condition to approval of more loans for poor countries. "While many African countries succeeded in improving their health care systems in the first decades after independence, the intervention of the World Bank and IMF reversed this progress. In Kenya, for example, child mortality was reduced by almost 50% in the first two decades after independence in 1963. Across sub-Saharan Africa, the first decades after independence saw significant increases in life expectancy, from an average of 44 years to more than 50 years. In the 1980s and 1990s, however, African governments had to cede control over their economic decision-making in order to qualify for World Bank and IMF loans. The conditions attached to these loans undid much of the progress achieved in public health. The policies dictated by the World Bank and IMF exacerbated poverty, providing fertile ground for the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious International Debt 4 diseasesConsequently, during the past two decades, the life expectancy of Africans has dropped by 15 years." 4 No Relief from Debt Relief Many people pinned their hopes on debt relief, specifically on the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which was set up for countries whose debts were quadruple their yearly export earnings that were usually channeled to

Differences between Mac and PC with Windows Essay

Differences between Mac and PC with Windows - Essay Example Because of their differences, people have had to make the right choice for the one to acquire. However, if granted an opportunity, I would opt for Mac. I prefer Mac to PC because it has features that distinguish it from the PC and appeal to me most. The first reason why I prefer Mac is because it is only manufactured by one company called Apple Incorporations. As a matter of fact, Apple is a well-established company that manufactures high-quality products. Apart from employing highly trained experienced professionals, it makes the right decisions based on rigorous researches. This makes its products more durable and valuable. Although they have higher initial costs, Macs are cheaper in the long run since they are made to last. In case of any breakdown, the company can be reached to offer the required repairs. However, this does not apply to PC windows whose software and hardware are manufactured by different companies. Even if they are cheaper to buy, PCs are prone to damages, incompatibilities and leggings. Worse still, in case of damages, no single company can accept to take responsibility, but instead, engage in a blame game. The other reason why can opt to buy Mac instead of Window PC is that it is much safer. Unlike Window PC, Mac is less popular with many people. This is mainly due to the fact that it is only manufactured by one Apple Inc. Besides, its security has been enhanced by the development of features such as MountainLion which has been exclusively developed to help in making it safe. This differs from Window PCs that have become vulnerable to dangers from viruses, malware, spyware and hackings from other people.  

Neurobiology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Neurobiology - Essay Example In this article, two types of behaviors, classical conditioning, and instrumental conditioning will be analyzed with the use of an example to enhance the understanding. Classical conditioning which is also known as Pavlovian conditioning was named after the person who made it famous. It is a type of conditioning which relates a stimulus that initiates the response known as unconditional stimulus with a response that does not initiate stimulus known as the conditional stimulus. Several articles have been written regarding this topic with scientists such as John Watson concluding that the conditioning explains every aspect of the human psychology. Classical conditioning became the basis for the development of the famous behaviorism theory used to explain different phenomena in the field of psychology to date. The theory of behaviorism has several assumptions that are all based on the classical conditioning. The first assumption is that the acquisition of behavior or rather learning takes place due to existence and interactions in a particular environment. The assumption contradicts the biological opinion that some characteristics of an individual or animal, in general, might be inherited from the parent. Shaping of the behavior takes place due to environmental forces. It is a point that can be related to adaptation for survival in a particular environment that is evident from the various examples if comparisons of behaviors of people in different parts of the world. The third assumption based on classical condition is that mental thoughts and emotions of an animal have nothing to do with behavior and character. A closer look at the three assumptions and one can clearly see the similarity whereby they all try to relate behavior and the environmental factors likely to affect the behavior of the animal. The classical conditioning theory can be divided into

Legislation, Health and Safety and Regulations Essay

Legislation, Health and Safety and Regulations - Essay Example In every organization, it is important that Health and Risk mitigation procedures follow a recursive procedure as shown in the figure below as this will ensure that necessary actions are taken to prevent and control the occurrence of accidents in the workplace. Figure 1: Health and safety in the workplace Source: http://www.snh.org.uk/uplandpathmanagement/img/imagex11.gif Telecom data centre has had the same H&S procedures for the last 10 years. As the new H&S manager, I intend come up with new procedures that will be beneficial to both the company and the workforce. This report will be passed on to the managing director for consideration. It will consider proposed alteration in two areas; Risk assessment and health and safety policies, which will be both beneficial to the company and the work force. First aid, accidents and ill health risk assessment, in addition to, health and safety policies, are two of the main areas that need to be reviewed, which will be both beneficial to the company and the work force. Policies never been renewed for the last ten years and therefore they have become obsolete. Their renewal will help shed some light to the board of directors on personal protective equipment, staff training and consultation, in terms of health and safety policies for both employees and the company. ... Therefore, the employers should make sure that their products are safe as well as provides information on safety precautions to be adhered to while using the products. However, the employees should take precautions for their safety. Telecom data centre has not renewed its first aid, accidents and ill health risk assessment, and health and safety policies for the last ten years and therefore, as the new manager of the company, I would recommend some of new procedures and indicate why and how the new procedures are more beneficial to the company and the workforce. Risk assessment The UK Health and Safety legislation clearly sets out duties of employers and other members of public as well as employees to themselves and each other. In other words, an employee is required to take precautions in order to reduce or avoid risks in the workplace. All employees should take look at the risks and take sensible measures on them. Risk assessment should therefore, be straightforward in workplace. T he Telecom data centre risk assessment policies are complicated and only deals with serious hazards. Both the employers and employees in the company have a tendency of not recording their significant findings on any risk assessments. Telecom data centre should therefore, assess all the risk in their work place and provide training to their employees. This is because, recently, the company has neglected this issue and no training programs are available for employees to learn about risks as well as prevent themselves. The UK law requires that employers should carry out a risk assessment in order to set up any emergency procedures as well as provide clear training and information to

Individual Case Study Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Individual Case Study Analysis - Essay Example Such problems arise between foreign exchange workers and local supervisors and organizations, with psychological, and personal value implications. The Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) from the UK, US and Canada have come into conflict with a supervisor and alienation from the staff at the Soto Board of Education, in the course of their service under the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. There are a number of contributory causes on both sides, having to do with the expectations and perceptions of JET participants and those of the supervisor. A lack of understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural differences, failure of group formation, and misconceptions in decision making processes, are sought to be remedied by supervisory support, program modifications, and clarification of expectations, intended to diminish the adverse effects of these circumstances. 2.0 Introduction – The Case Situation Kelly, a Canadian, had been working for six months at the Soto Board of E ducation office in Japan as an Assistance Language Teacher (ALT). She is one of four ALTs, the other three being from the US, the UK, and another from Canada. The main complaint of the four was the breach of their work contracts when the reduction of their vacation leave credits for those days they were ill, which should have instead been properly deducted out of their sick leaves. This event was only the most recent in a progression of other incidents, which generally involve the imposition by the group’s supervisor, Mr. Higashi, of his unilateral decisions on the working conditions and assignments of the four ALTs. Mr. Higashi’s orders were apparently inconsistent with the stipulations of the Contract of English Teaching Engagement under which the ALTs were employed, and were felt by them to be attempts to intimidate them into complying with the more onerous work ethic customary of the typical Japanese worker (Lewicki, et al., 2003). 3.0 Relevant decision and issues The relevant decision to be made is: What steps should upper management take to relieve the periodic tensions between ALTs and their Japanese supervisor and create greater symbiosis between them, in order to achieve the goals of the JET? The relevant issues to be discussed are the following: (1) Personal values and culture; and (2) Psychology of the JET supervisor (the decision maker) 4.0 Analysis 4.1 Requisite to comply with the JET contract At the outset, it should be clarified that Mr. Higashi may not arbitrarily assign absences due to illnesses to vacation leave credits because (a) Article 12 Section 1 of the contract defines the sick leave as the holiday properly for the purpose of illness or injury; and (b) vacation leave may only be granted upon the election of the JET participant (in this case, the ALTs); it should be applied for by the participant at least three days in advance, pursuant to Article 11 Section 2. Nowhere in the contract does it state that a supervisor may un ilaterally apply vacation leaves at his own discretion. The ALTs must therefore be

Agricultural Production in Ancient Civilizations Essay Example for Free

Agricultural Production in Ancient Civilizations Essay During the period of 500 C. E – 1000 C. E. ancient civilizations in North and South America and China cultivated and gradually moved from the hunting and gathering lifestyles. These civilizations drifted towards food collection and then farming. This approach, crops and attitudes toward agriculture varied with culture. With the Native Americans and the Ancient Chinese during 500 C. E – 1000 C. E. have both differences and similarities towards agricultural production. Document 1, tells of a story about how Maria Manuela de Cora (an Inca Author) passes along ancient legends. One that is called â€Å"Seeds† that says that one day the son of the sun kills a child that was made by the sun. The son of the sun got scared of the anger of his father and scattered about the world the pieces of his murdered brother. It tells that his body parts like his teeth grew corn. This would be a story about the creation of corn, why it was there and how. However, document 7 talks of an Ancient Chinese Legend. This talks more about that fact that if you took the weeds you could fertilize the farmer’s crops. With each story tells something to do with farming. How that one, thing is made or how to make their crops better. Document 5, is a diagram of a hunting scene and peasants working in a field in Ancient China. This illustration gave a reason for historians to track the development of tool- and weapon making in organization in agrarian and artisan production as well as the leisure activities of officials and the landed elites. With document 3 talks about Mesoamerican origins. Historians talk about that current archaeological evidence cannot pinpoint a single location where Indian agriculture began or determine precisely why the Indians became agriculturists. They did though have records that suggested that the cultivation and domestication of plants. With the painting and the records gave historians a better view of each hunting scene and peasants working in fields. During the period of 500 C. E – 1000 C. E. ancient civilizations in North and South America and China cultivated and gradually moved from the hunting and gathering lifestyles. These civilizations drifted towards food collection and then farming. With this approach, crops and attitudes toward agriculture varied with culture. With the Native Americans and the Ancient Chinese during 500 C. E – 1000 C. E. have both differences and similarities towards agricultural production. Showing that China was more into the facts then stories like Mesoamerica to explain the reasoning of agricultural in both of China and Native Americans.

Breakfast cereal market US & Canada Essay Example for Free

Breakfast cereal market US Canada Essay The US breakfast cereal market declined by 12. 5 % between 1995 and 2000 due to the changing lifestyles. The customers were in a hurry and started to go in for handheld breakfast options such as muffins, bagels or doughnuts. The figure below shows the state-wise distribution of the supply and demand for the breakfast cereal industry in United States. Fig – 10 Supply and demand of Breakfast cereal in US by state (Dept. Of Homeland Security, 2007, p. 16) US, as was seen earlier, is a major exporter of breakfast cereals. The figure below shows the top export markets for US origin break fast cereal. As can be seen from the figure Canada and Mexico are the biggest destination for these exports. Fig – 11 Top Export Markets for US origin Breakfast cereals (USDA, 2005, p. 12) Breakfast cereal market Europe As in US, cereals were not a part of usual breakfast menu in Europe. However, breakfast cereals have seen a growth in Europe in recent times. This is probably because cereals are increasingly being accepted in Europe as a health and convenience food. Following are the trends of five key markets in Europe: ? Germany – In Germany there was a trend of families eating together at the breakfast table. This trend is increasingly changing which is seen as an opportunity for the growth of small-pack or single-portion of foods. Breakfast cereal manufacturers’ trends towards product diversification would be extremely helpful in increasing this share. ? France – In France, breakfast is not traditionally a large meal. This trend is changing with the launch of particular breakfast cereal products such as those containing chocolate flakes or chunks which has led to an increase in the sales volume of breakfast cereals in the country. ? Spain – Spain is becoming increasingly health conscious because of the declining birth rate and ageing population. This has prompted the need for healthy eating which ahs automatically led to an increase in the sales of breakfast cereals in the country. ? UK – In UK too the trend is moving away from traditional breakfast which means that the sales of breakfast cereal ought to diminish. However the increased number of single person households and the number of people aged above 55 means that the need for convenience as well as health food is still there though the customer segment has changed. ? Italy – The breakfast cereal market in Italy has been always very dynamics with ready-to-eat cereals accounting for almost 98% of the market value. The target customer segment has been mostly women who are both health conscious as well as fast to eat. This means that the breakfast cereal market is not expected to reduce in near future. (Mintel, 2004) PART II INDIVIDUAL COMPANY REPORT: KELLOGG’S Introduction Kellogg’s brand is one of the most unique brands in the world. This is because it is one of the most famous breakfast cereal brands and along with being a market leader the brand as been around for as long as anyone can remember – to be precise since 1906. Kellogg’s was in fact responsible for bringing about a breakfast revolution in America from the initial heavy hot foods such as port of beef accompanied by starch items to cereals made from various grains. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with Will Kellogg’s familiar red signature on the box have become a staple of the American households since the 20th century. The paper presents the market analysis of this pioneering company. History Kellogg Company was formed when production of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes ® about a century ago. The company was started by John Harvey Kellogg, with only 44 employees in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1906. He named the company as Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company and named his younger brother Will K Kellogg as the president of the new company. The cartons of the company carried the bold and famous legend â€Å"None genuine Without the Signature – W. K. Kellogg† in simulated script. This Will Kellogg’s independent business career began at the age of 46. John Kellogg was unwilling to advertise the company’s products and wanted them to be used only for his patients (he was the head physician and supervisor at the Battle Creek Sanitarium which was a very well known health spa found by the Seventh-day Adventists). Will however wanted to market their products more widely with the result that one of the patients who tasted the flakes set out to reproduce them; the company which would later become the General Foods Corporation. The brothers clashed on this issue and Will Kellogg gained absolute control of the company. The company began production at the rate of 33 cases a day. Will aggressively promoted his company and product, with its first full-page ad in the Ladies’ Home Journal. In its first year the company shipped 175,000 cases of cornflakes, a number with reached more than one million by 1909. Within five years Kellogg’s Corn Flakes had found their way into the majority of kitchens across America with an advertising budget of one million dollars. Will Kellogg was know to use ingenious advertising campaigns which reflected a type of inspired commercial evangelism, perhaps rooted in his Seventh Day Adventists background (Ingham, 1983, p. 698-699). The worldwide expansion of the company began in 1914, and by 1938, it had plants in England and Australia. When WK Kellogg died in 1951, the company tried and succeeded in introducing several new products, the most famous of which was the introduction of Pop Tarts in 1964. Till 1979 the company saw increase in its market share, which declined in the period between 1979 and 1983 from 42 percent to 38 percent. The market itself had become mature showing only a 25 growth rate which was 7 percent a decade earlier. The company then started to diversify in to products such as nutria-bars and Rice Krispies, and by 1985 had regained its market share of 42 %. The 1990s saw a change in lifestyle where customers started turning away from breakfast cereals and went in for hand snacks such as bagel, muffins or doughnuts. General Mills started closing in the market share gap with Kellogg’s with successful product launches and in 1998 overtook declining Kellogg for the first time. , with a market share of 32% as against the 32% market share of Kellogg. However, Kellogg was still the world market leader with a net market share of 40% (Thomson Martin, 2005: 149-150) By the year 2001, Kellogg diversified into cookies with the acquisition of Keebler. Today, Kellogg Company employs more than 26,000 people. The products are manufactured in about 19 countries and sold in 180 countries across the world (Kellogg). Organization Kellogg has a huge network of global manufacturing and marketing units. The company manages this by dividing its operations into two segments United States and International. The International segment is further divided into Europe, Latin America, Canada, Australia, and Asia The company food choices include more than 1500 products that are manufactured in 59 facilities across the world (Kellogg).

Socio Cultural Impact Of Television On Youth Media Essay

Socio Cultural Impact Of Television On Youth Media Essay This study has analysed Socio-cultural Impact of Television on Youth. The purpose of this study is to find out the impact of television programmes on youth. As a communication technology, television has a great acceptance and is being used extensively in India. Television viewership is no more restricted to the upper and upper-middle class of India as it used to be a few years back. Being inexpensive and easy to access, television spread rapidly in India. It has become one of the common household commodities. Therefore, this study attempted to understand whether demography influenced the viewership patterns of respondents or not. Television provides a variety of local and foreign channels and helps people in selecting programmes according to their taste and choice. Therefore, the first part of this study explored respondents preferred channels and kinds of programmes, reasons for watching television, preferred time of watching and control over the remote. It justified the application of Uses and Gratification Theory. This theory identifies television consumption patterns according to needs and satisfaction of targeted segment. The gratification factor leads to the exposure of programmes which in turn can generate impact. Main part of the present research comes under the impact tradition. It demands discussion on theories based on observational learning and information processing emphasize lasting impact of exposure to media contents. Thus, the study also applies Cultivation Theory in terms of impact through exposure and Social learning Theory which says that viewers attend and learn from models which are attractive, powerful, rewarding and similar to themselves. They do not act immediately on what they learn from television. Instead, they store such knowledge to be used when their own circumstances elicit it. Hence, the framework of this research is based on the set of three theories i.e. Uses and Gratification Theory, Cultivation Theory and Social Learning Theory. These theories are discussed below in relation with the present study in brief. 2.1Uses and Gratification Utility Theory, often known as the Uses and Gratification Approach offers another way of explaining why people expose themselves to some communications and not others; why they perceive a fraction of these to which they are exposed and why they remember- correctly or incorrectly. Blumler and Katzs Uses and Gratification Theory suggest that media users play an active role in choosing and using media. Users take an active part in the communication process and are goal oriented in their media usage. Theorists say that media users seek out source that best fulfils their needs. Uses and Gratification Theory assumes that users have alternate choices to satisfy their needs (Griffin. 2000).55 Uses and Gratification Theory takes a more humanistic approach to looking at the media usage. The theory takes out the possibility that media can have an unconscious influence on our lives and how we view the world. The idea that we simply use media to satisfy a given need does not seem to fully recognize the power of media in todays society. 2.2 Cultivation Theory Cultivation Theory in its most basic form, suggests that television is responsible for shaping or cultivating viewers conceptions of social reality. The combined effect of massive television exposure by viewers over time subtly shapes the perception of social reality for individuals and, ultimately for our culture as a whole. Thus, cultivation research is in the effects traditions. Cultivation research looks at the mass media as a socialising agent and investigates whether television viewers come to believe the television version of reality the more they watch it. Gerbner and his colleagues argue that television drama has a small but significant influence on the attitudes, beliefs and judgement of viewers concerning the social world. The focus is on heavy viewers. People who watch a lot of television are likely to be more influenced by the ways in which the world is framed by television programmes than are individuals who watch less, especially regarding topics of which the viewer ha s little first-hand experience. Light viewers may have more sources of information than heavy viewers. 58 This study has used Cultivation Theory by George Gerbner as a guide in exploring the consequences. Under guidance of this theory, this study may be able to emerge as a new theory. Essentially, the theory states that heavy exposure to mass media namely television creates and cultivates attitudes more consistent with a media fabricated version of reality than with what actual reality is. The cultivation theory asserts that heavy viewers attitudes are cultivated primarily by what they watch on television. Gerbner views this television world as not a window on or reflection of the world, but a world in itself (Mc Quail. 1993: 100).59 Cultivation theorists are best known for their study of television and viewers and in particular, for a focus on the topic of violence. However, some studies have also considered other mass media from this perspective and have dealt with topics such as gender roles, age groups, ethnic groups and political attitudes. Cultivation theorists argue that heavy viewing leads viewers (even among high educational/high income groups) to have more homogeneous or convergent opinions then light viewers (who tend to have more heterogeneous or divergent opinion). The cultivation effect of television viewing is one of the levelling or homogenizing opinion. Gross considered that television is a cultural arm of the established industrial order and as such serves primarily to maintain, stabilize and reinforce rather than to alter, threaten or weaken conventional beliefs and behaviours (Boyd. Barrett. Braham. And Peter, B. 1987: 100).60 2.3 Social Learning Theory The principle understanding of social learning theory is tied the social context of learning. According to Bandura, behaviours and responses that are repeated, perceived as real, distinct, functional and salient are more likely to be attended to, thus more likely to be learned. When observing an event, which receives some kind of reward like social approval, pleasant experience and when the observer feels confident to perform, its symbolic imitation is facilitated. The social cognitive principle has been widely employed to explain in television effects on a variety of social issues such as aggression, ethnic stereotypes, alcohol, attitudes and behaviour. It also stresses the importance of viewers cognitive activities when consuming television messages (Bandura. 1977). 63 Socialization process of person is influenced by innumerable factors such as family, school, environment factors etc. Direct experience and participation are important parameters which shape the youths impressions of the perceived structure of their environment. Mass media, particularly television plays a crucial role in bringing the outside world into homes. As an important institution, mass media enters the socialization process of an individual. De Fleur and Sandra (1989) stated despite general in nature, social learning theory is particularly relevant to study the impact of mass communication because the description and portrayal of social life is a frequent subject in media contents. The most common (and pervasive) examples of social learning situations are television commercials. Commercials suggest that drinking a certain beverage or using a particular shampoo will make us popular and win the admiration of attractive people. Depending upon the component processes involved (such as attention or motivation), users may model the behaviour shown in the commercial and buy the product being advertised. Actions of characters in the audio-visual media can serve as a model for others to imitate. Modelling Theory is also useful for describing the application of general Social Learning Theory which explain how new behaviours are acquired by people from media portrayals. An individual observes a character, identifies him/her as a mo del and remembers actions of model and performs them when confronted with similar circumstances (DeFleur and Sandra. 1989).64 In light of all these theories stated above, it is important to mention that the researcher has formulated a combination of the three theories in order to assess what is the main reason of their watching, their preferred channels and programmes. While on the other hand, it has also measured what kind of impact are taking place in the lives of the sample under study? If there are some affects that are changing attitudes of youth under the study. Are these effects long-lasting or short term. Hence, the researcher intended to explore all this for which the base of above mentioned theories was most suitable and required. It was also assumed that the youth (aged18-25 years) are vulnerable to influences and tend to be inclined towards change. Youth would serve as a barometer to assess the influence of television. Hence, youth of age 18-25 were selected for the study to determine the degree to which their attitudes were influenced by television. Now, with the availability of the foreign channels, an important question arises: does a youths behaviour reflect what his/her has watched on the television screen? The impact of foreign television programmes on youth involves a number of indispensible factors such as interest in the programmes, viewing pattern, reasons for watching, attitude towards programmes and models of social reality that these programmes promote. The study aimed at finding out whether and to what extent television affect youth in Rohtak and Jhajjar districts. The researcher aimed at finding answers to questions such as what youth think about these programmes in terms of their preferences and relevance. Is there any restriction on youth for watching television channels? Whether they experience an impact of these programmes on their attitudes or not?