Macro and Micro Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Macro and Micro Analysis - Essay Example Biometrics technology has emerged as an effective weapon in this game, and identification of each and every individual entering a state and safeguard own territory from becoming a terrorist breeding ground or a target has become a foremost priority for the governments today. Singapore too has planned to embrace biometric technology in a big way with some pioneering measures and some hesitant ones. With its diverse demography, Singapore too needs to study implications of implementing this technology in contemporary security scenario in its neighbourhood. This study aims to analyse the relevance of using Biometric technologies in Singapore to collect, store and use this biometric information and personal particulars of its local residents and foreigners for security and other purposes. The two essential uses of Biometrics are verification and identification. While verification involves "one-to-one" matching to determine whether there is a match between the person's presented biometric and biometric templates in a database, identification involves "one-to-many" matching where available biometric is compared with a database to establish identity of a person. It could be positive, i.e. to establish biometric matching or negative, i.e. to establish biometric presented does not match with available database (Rosenzweig, Alane Kochems and Ari Schwartz, 2004). At present, there are about ten types of biometric technologies in use or under development. They are fingerprint scanning, iris scanning, facial scanning, voice recognition, hand and/or finger recognition, retina scanning, thermo scanning, signature recognition, keystroke dynamic recognition, and DNA comparison (Steve TAI, 2005). Some others being developed include hand veins, ear recognition, gait (way of walking), facial thermograms, odor and palm prints. The basic advantages for selection of biometrics technology include their uniqueness, permanence, collectivity, performance, acceptability and circumvention of techniques. The current preferred ones in Singapore are basic fingerprint, facial, and hand/finger scanning. STEPS ANALYSIS Now that we are aware of the basic characteristics of biometrics, let us now discuss the various pros and cons of implementing a system of recording and maintaining biometrics data. Social Aspects Following few aspects refer to social requirements of a society in regard to biometrics technology: Some quarters are apprehensive of likelihood of physical harm to individuals like ones due to unsanitary conditions of scans, danger due to secured items theft etc. Serious concerns about misuse, illegal tampering or selling of personal information in biometric data are also prevalent. The biometric information can be used in an unauthorised manner without consent of the individual causing personal or financial harm to an individual. Technology Technological aspects governing adoption of biometrics technology include the following concerns: For information security, preferred storage option should be reducing the biometric to a template than a stored image. While images are easier to encrypt,

The Virginal Conception of Christ Essay Example for Free

The Virginal Conception of Christ Essay The Virginal Conception is a vital aspects in Christian faith, this is also held by Muslims (Qur’an 3.47). Virginal conception is a miraculous, non-sexual manner. The Holy Spirit caused Mary to conceive God Incarnate without the help of a man. For some believers they believed that   Mary also gave birth to Jesus miraculously; He passed through her without wounding her or spoiling her physical virginity, But for some He passed through her in natural way- thus breaking her hymen and went thru birth pains. When talking of virgin birth, it means also, Virginal Conception (Virginitas ante partum), i.e. that Christ, one of the person in the Deity Incarnate, had no human biological father. The biblical basis of virginal conception of Jesus was prophesied in Genesis 3:15 and Isaiah 7:14. It came true in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:34-35. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) However, the possibility of a virgin birth is often questioned for the fact that, from a biological viewpoint, it is impossible for a human being to be born without a biological father and a mother. Also, some Christians do not believe in the Virgin Birth. Research by many groups, including Christian researchers, indicates that among both the clergy and the laity (in all branches of Christianity) a belief in central tenets of the faith such as Virgin Birth or bodily Resurrection is highly variable. Although they believe in the Virgin Birth, Muslims do not call Jesus Son of God, rather Servant of God. In the Quran, Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is consistently termed Isa ibn Maryam a matronymic- because, in Muslim belief, he had no biological father. Philosophical controversy In the wider sense, arguments for and against the Virgin Birth depend on fundamental philosophical assumptions: if one believes God does not exist, or if God exists but does not perform miracles, the Virgin Birth cannot have taken place in any traditionally accepted sense. While parthogenesis, a type of virgin birth where a female gives birth without the intervention of the male material, is known in nature, the resulting offspring must be female since the mother has no Y chromosome to pass on. Also, the process has never been observed in mammals. The Virgin Birth not only violates a naturalist philosophy, but also science based upon methodological naturalism. Alleged late appearance in the New Testament There are explicit references to the virgin birth in only two places in the New Testament: the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which are believed by many scholars to be amongst the later written parts of the New Testament. The apparently older Gospel of Mark, on which Matthew and Luke are believed to be partly based, does not mention the virgin birth, and some scholars also argue from grammar and style that the first two chapters of Luke, describing the virgin birth, were a later addition to the Gospel, which may originally have begun at 3:1: 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. At 3:1 there is an abrupt change of subject and the story begins again. Nevertheless, this is characteristic of many stories in the Gospels and the author of Luke may simply be beginning a new segment of his narrative. Arguments regarding the addition of material to a narrative (Redaction and Form criticism), especially when the material in question is present in the earliest manuscripts, have received significant criticism in the last 20 years and are now regarded as dubious by some textual critics. Double attestation The Virgin conception and birth is a tradition that fits within the criterion of multiple attestation, that is, the same event appears in two independent traditions (most scholars argue that the authors of Matthew and Luke worked independent of one another). For many historians, independent testimony is a significant evidence for the historical validity of a said event. Matthew and Luke are testifying to an event, the birth, about which there was a tradition, namely, that it resulted from a miraculous conception. That the conception itself was indeed miraculous appears to rest on a single attestation, that of the Virgin Mary. The attestation of the Angel to St. Joseph on the miraculous nature of the conception would not be accepted by many scholars as historiographically valid. Critics of the double attestation argument cite many inconsistencies between the accounts of Matthew and Luke regarding Jesus birth. According to Matthew, Joseph was forewarned of the virgin birth by an unnamed angel; in Luke it is Mary who is notified of this by the angel Gabriel. Matthew tells us that Joseph and Mary were residents of Bethlehem who moved to Nazareth after Jesus birth in order to avoid living under Archelaus: according to the better-known story in Luke the couple lived in Nazareth and only traveled to Bethlehem in order to comply with a Roman census. Luke mentions that Mary was the sister of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, has the new-born Jesus visited by shepherds, and mentions several long hymns uttered by various characters, such as Marys Magnificat. None of this is mentioned by Matthew, who instead tells us of the visit of the Magi, the massacre of the innocents by Herod, and the flight into Egypt. There are thus two rival explanations for the double attestation of Matthew and Luke regarding the virgin birth of Jesus: The virgin birth was a historical event, and the stories of Matthew and Luke are based on different aspects and witnesses accounts of it. Matthew and Luke both wanted to make Jesus fit prophecies from Hebrew scripture. Both authors were aware of the prophecies concerning virgin birth and Bethlehem, and therefore these elements of their stories match. But each author wove these prophecies into the overall narrative in a different way. For example, both authors had to explain how Jesus was born in Bethlehem when he was known to be from Nazareth (as mentioned in Marks gospel) and each came up with a totally different explanation. The double attestation shows only that the two witnesses are independent, although, there are some inconsistencies but it does not disqualify the truth of the case. Dispute regarding Isaiah 7:14 In the past two millennia, there has been controversy among scholars about the translation and the meaning of a small section of Isaiah. For many scholars, the crux of the matter is the translation of the word  : × ¢Ã—Å"מה, `almah which has been translated as young woman and as virgin. In Isaiah the word for virgin here is almah. Some liberals1 and Orthodox Jews claim that the word really means young woman, and this is reflected in Bible translations such as the NEB, RSV, NRSV, and GNB. Such people fail to explain why a young womans bearing a son should be a sign it happens all the time. The Septuagint translates it as (parthenos), the normal word for virgin.2 Later Jews, such as Trypho,3 Justin Martyrs (c. 160) dialog opponent, and Rashi4 (11th Cent.) have claimed that the Septuagint was wrong. Trypho claimed that almah should have been translated neanis (young girl) rather than parthenos.5 However, even Rashi admitted that the word could mean virgin in Song of Sol. 1:3 and 6:8. In the KJV, the word is translated virgin in Gen. 24:43 (Rebekah before her marriage), maid in Ex. 2:8 (Miriam as a girl) and Prov. 30:19, and damsels in Ps. 68:25. These verses contain all the occurrences of almah in the OT, and in none can it be shown that a non-virgin is meant. In English, maid and maiden are often treated as synonyms for virgin (e.g. maiden voyage). Vine et al. note that the other word for virgin, betà »lah, emphasizes virility more than virginity (although it is used with both emphases, too).6 It is qualified by a statement neither had any man known her in Gn. 24:16, and is used of a widow in Joel 1:8. Further evidence comes from clay tablets found in 1929 in Ugarit in Syria. Here, in Aramaic, a word similar to `almah is used of an unmarried woman, while on certain Aramaic incantation bowls, the Aramaic counterpart of betà »lah is used of a married woman.37 The Encyclopedia Judaica, while criticising the translation of almah in Is. 7:14 as virgin, also points out that btlt was used of the goddess Anath who had frenzied sex with Baal.8 In the King James Virsion of The Bible, a traditional Protestant translation, the verses in question run like this: 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. Some newer translations also use the word virgin: The New King James, The English Standard Version, The Contemporary English Version, Youngs Literal Translation, among others. Many modern translations concede that the word in the Hebrew does not mean virgin, including The Revised Standard Version, The New Jerusalem Bible, The Revised English Bible, The Good News Bible, The New Revised Standard Version, among others. This demonstrates that some Christian scholars, both Protestant and Catholic, prefer the traditional translation of the Hebrew in the context of Isaiah 7:14, while others do not. Skeptics argue that this is not a very clear prophecy of the birth of Jesus. In addition to the objection that Jesus was not in fact named Immanuel there are other problems: for example, (1) what does the butter and honey refer to? (One possible response to the butter and honey problem: it is a reference to one who, metaphorically, has eaten good meat his entire life in order to spit out the bad meat if it ever touched his lips. Note that the butter and honey reference is immediately followed by the comment on an ability to choose between good and evil; this may suggest that they are related.) (2) Why is Jesus, who was sinless from birth in the traditional Christian understanding, described as having to learn to refuse the evil and choose the good? and (3) This passage within the latter translations states clearly that the young woman within this prophecy is already pregnant with a child. This makes this prophecy about the coming Messiah Jesus very difficult to explain as the prophecy would have already been fulfilled during Isaiahs time. Some Christian aplogists have attempted to explain this problem of temporal context as: a) the latter translations are in error, and b) the latter translations are correct, but that the prophecy has a double-application for both Isaiahs time and the first century. Thomas Paine argued in the second part of The Age of Reason that Isaiahs prophesy (7:16) turned out to be false. He based his conclusion on the 2nd Chronicles (chapter 28) account of heavy defeat of Ahaz. Skeptics raise even greater questions about the translation of the first verse in this passage: 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, × ¢Ã—Å"מה (a `almah) shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Christian apologists respond that the passage is a double reference— a sign both to Ahaz that the alliance against him would be destroyed, and to the house of David as a whole that was threatened with extinction. This is shown by the Hebrew which uses singular you for the former and plural you for the latter. With the former, Isaiah reassures Ahaz that the alliance would be destroyed before his own son Shear Jashub, who was present (v. 3), would learn to refuse the evil and choose the good. Finally, there is archaeological evidence that Jewish speakers of Greek used the word parthenos elastically; Jewish catacombs in Rome identify married men and women as virgins, and some have suggested that in this case the word was used to call attention to the fact that the deceased was someones first spouse (although it is notable that this usage is from several centuries before the translation of the Septuagint [citation  needed]). Certainly, Jews stopped using the more explicit Septuagint translation as Christianity spread, and post-Christian Jewish translations into Greek use ÃŽ ½ÃŽ µÃŽ ±ÃŽ ½ÃŽ ¹Ãâ€š, neanis, meaning young (juvenile) woman, rather than parthenos. Possible borrowing from Paganism Some have argued that the Virgin Birth is a Christian borrowing from paganism The impregnation of mortal women by gods is common in pagan mythology. However, this is not technically virginal conception, since virginity is lost by definition when the sex act is initiated. Christian writers have noted that the obvious sex of the pagan myths is missing in the Gospels: Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. A pagan myth of virgin birth may also underlie the disputed verses from Isaiah: It all boils down to this: the distinctive Hebrew word for virgin is betulah, whereas `almah means a young woman who may be a virgin, but is not necessarily so. The aim of this note is rather to call attention to a source that has not yet been brought into the discussion. From Ugarit of around 1400 B.C. comes a text celebrating the marriage of the male and female lunar deities. It is there predicted that the goddess will bear a son The terminology is remarkably close to that in Isaiah 7:14. However, the Ugaritic statement that the bride will bear a son is fortunately given in parallelistic form; in 77:7 she is called by the exact etymological counterpart of Hebrew `almah young woman; in 77:5 she is called by the exact etymological counterpart of Hebrew betulah virgin. Therefore, the New Testament rendering of `almah as virgin for Isaiah 7:14 rests on the older Jewish interpretation, which in turn is now borne out for precisely this annunciation formula by a text that is not only pre-Isaianic but is pre-Mosaic in the form that we now have it on a clay tablet. (Feinberg, BibSac, July 62; the citation to Gordon is: C. H. Gordon, `Almah in Isaiah 7:14, Journal of Bible and Religion, XXI, 2 (April, 1953), p. 106.) This philological reasoning seems to raise four possibilities: virgin birth is a pagan concept that Christianity has 1) taken from contemporary paganism; 2) taken from pre-Mosaic paganism through Isaiah; 3) taken from contemporary paganism and justified from Isaiah, who took it from pre-Mosaic paganism; 4) produced independently of all forms of paganism, though sharing similar vocabulary. If pre-Mosaic paganism supports Isaiah, and Isaiah supports Matthew and Mark, paganism has anticipated Christianity, perhaps because God was preparing the way for Christianity or because, as some Church Fathers argued, the Devil was blasphemously imitating Christianity. On the other hand, if paganism does not underlie Isaiah, there are several possibilities. Perhaps virgin birth was invented separately, first in paganism, then in Christianity. Perhaps the idea of asexual conception was so different from the idea of conception through sexual intercourse with a deity that there was little or no borrowing in either direction. Or perhaps, despite the earlier date of the Ugaritic text, virgin birth existed first in Judaism, without any other instances than this one, and was borrowed by paganism. The obvious difficulty with this idea is that virgin birth was much more prominent in paganism, where it occurs in many myths in many different areas, than it was in Judaism, where it occurs (if at all) in a single verse late in the Old Testament. Nevertheless, the argument that virgin birth was a Jewish concept first borrowed by paganism and later incorporated into Christianity was first made by Justin Martyr in The First Apology of Justin, written in the second century. Justin also made this argument in his Dialog with Trypho, in which he debates with a Jew called Trypho: Be well assured, then, Trypho, I continued, that I am established in the knowledge of and faith in the Scriptures by those counterfeits which he who is called the Devil is said to have performed among the Greeks; just as some were wrought by the Magi in Egypt, and others by the false prophets in Elijahs days. For when they tell that Bacchus, son of Jupiter, was begotten by Jupiters intercourse with Semele, and that he was the discoverer of the vine; and when they relate, that being torn in pieces, and having died, he rose again, and ascended to heaven; and when they introduce wine into his mysteries, do I not perceive that the Devil has imitated the prophecy announced by the patriarch Jacob, and recorded by Moses? Justin was clearly not referring to any Ugaritic texts, as these texts were not known in his day; he was referring to Greek paganism. That the Devil is responsible for the similarities between paganism and Judaism is not generally accepted by modern scholars, partly because the Devils influence would be impossible to disprove. The Devil could not, for example, imitate Christianity or Judaism before either existed, without violating the generally accepted historical rule that a culture cannot be influenced by a culture that does not yet exist; even though in point of fact it is likely that if the patriarch Jacob existed, he was contemporary with the inscriptions at Ugarit. In a similar vein, it might also be argued that God had chosen to out-do these earlier human myths, all as part of his Plan. Christian writers point out that if in fact the writer of Isaiah intended to borrow the idea of a virgin birth from an older pagan tradition, we might expect to find Isaiah using more explicit language to indicate that a virgin was meant. However, if Isaiah had borrowed the story from pagans, he might be expected to speak in the same way as the pagans, and that is what he does, according to the scholar quoted, who notes the remarkable similarity of the Ugaritic and the Hebrew. However, Isaiah may speak the same way as the pagans simply because he came from a similar sociological and semantic context. If Isaiah received a new prophecy direct from God, on the other hand, he had no tradition to conform to, and he could have expanded the meaning to make it completely unambiguous. That he did not choose to make it unambiguous is thus an apparent difficulty for the Christian interpretation of the text, though the ambiguity could be seen as being intended, if one supposes that God had a dual purpose for the text (i.e., to serve one function in Isaiahs time and another function later). Isaiahs prophecy departs from the Ugaritic version of the virgin birth by having the female be entirely human, whereas in the Ugaritic culture, the virgin was another deity, on par with the male; but this is exactly what might be expected if the myth were borrowed from paganism, since Judaism has only one male deity; a female deity in a borrowed myth might thus conceivably become a female human. According to Origen and Tertullian, the Christian doctrine of the Virgin birth met with lively opposition and mockery from pagan groups. This testimony would seem to discount the suggestion of those modern revisionists who have posited that the pagan religions had a similar or identical tradition. The doctrine of the Virgin Birth is frequently confused with the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. The latter, taught by the Roman Catholic Church states that Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin. Mary, however, unlike many peoples views of Jesus, was conceived in the ordinary way: i.e. she had a human father as well as a human mother (whose names, according to Catholic and Orthodox tradition, were Joachim and Anna/Anne or Jehoiakim and Hannah in Hebrew). Whilst Protestant denominations adhere to the doctrine of the Virgin Birth, they do not adhere to the idea of Marys immaculate conception, nor of her perpetual virginity. References: Hagner, Donald-Matthew 2 Vols. (Biblical Commentary) Dallas; Word, 1993,1995. Luz, Ulrich. Matthew 1-7 Minneapolis; Augsburg Fortress, 1989. Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 1997. Keener Craig, A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 1999. Nolland, John, The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 2005 Raymond E. Brown, The Virginal Conception and Bodily Resurrection of Jesus, New York: Paulist, 1973 (pp. 21-68) Marshall, I. Howard. Commentary on Luke, Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 1978 Fitzmyer, Joseph. The Gospel According to Kuke I-IX (Anchor Bible) Garden City. Doubleday. 1981

Renting Versus Buying Essay -- Compare Contrast Home Ownership

Buying a home can be an exciting experience for anyone. However, in some cases you just might be better off continuing to rent your home. There are many advantages to buying a home. However, it is not for everyone and buying varies from individual to individual. Currently more people are leaning towards renting but this could change in the near future. When someone makes the decision to buy or rent a home they must consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. In buying a home the primary advantage is that you actually own it. You can do whatever you want with it. Also, you are building equity as the years go by. â€Å"People today have problems saving for their future† (CNN Money, 2014). However, when they buy a home, the money they put down for a down payment is an investment. When the person sells the home they get back the down payment and the amount the property has appreciated in value. When looking at the advantages of renting it is easy to see the disadvantages of buying for some people. Even though you don’t get the money back that you put into it, renting could be a more satisfying option for some. This is because renting allows for flexibility. The person can move wherever as soon as there lease is up. Renters may see buying as â€Å"a reduction in lifestyle, moving to a smaller place, and perhaps a less expensive neighborhood.† (CNN Money, 2014). For example someone who rents an apartment enjoys how the complex keeps up the area and all the amenities it has to offer, and it is in an upper class part of town. However, when they buy they looks all the benefits, they have to do maintenance themselves, and move to an area they don’t particularly like to fit their price range. So which is better? It jus... ...etrieved October 29, 2014, from http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/BuyorRent.htm This article explains how one should decide whether to buy a home or rent. Buying a home should be based on decisions of credit report, debt ratios, job stability or relocation, maintenance issues, and financial situation. It explains how not everyone should buy a house. Some people are actually better off renting. To rent or to buy? (2014). CNN Money. Retrieved October 29, 2014, from http://money.cnn.com/2014/10/29/yourhome/q_rent_or_buy/index.htm This article describes the disadvantages and advantages of buying or renting your home. It describes advantages of buying such as taxes and appreciation of the home. However, coming up with a down payment may be hard for many people. Renters may have less cost and more flexibility on when and where they can move to.

Impact of Standardized Testing Essay

There is a vast literature available concerning African American male student accomplishment and its relation to the accomplishment gap occurrence (Perry, Stelle, & Hilliard, 2003; Thernstrom & Thernstrom, 2003; Hrabrowksi, 1998; Ogbu, 1998; Patterson, 2006; Polite & Davis, 2001; Duncan, 1999; Freeman, 1999). Researchers and media channels explain the causes of African Americans continuously staying behind their White partners. Several provide limited allegations concerning African American male student accomplishment from either a past, sociological, or monetary view when deciding school achievement or failure. On the contrary, sufficient notice has not been granted to experiential and mixed methodological styles for assisting in advancing the debate concerning the provision of efficient resolutions toward narrowing the achievement gap that exists between African American male learners and counteracting deficit-model styles. In â€Å"Educating African American Males: Voices from the Fields†, the author Fashola (2008) and some other important academician researchers tackle this matter. The book is segmented in eight chapters, locating itself in many thematic areas that include social, ethnic, and past matters; school reform; primary, middle and high school experiences; structural analysis of manliness; institutional types of prejudice; and extra-curricular activities which assist in the promotion of affirmative self-confidence and analytical skills for African American males. Altogether, the providers enunciate the requirement of novel styles by demanding the educational commune to shift beyond conventional means of accomplishment and to comprehend the importance of social, past, ethnic, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and educational styles that add to the broadening of the achievement gap between African American males and their white partners. Cooper and Jordan (2003) tackle the issues of African American male student achievement and they do this by locating and investigating the past as well as the methodical impacts of prejudice and also by displaying the way institutionalized domination have a part to play in the broadening of the achievement gap. The authors assess the elements such as uncontrolled unemployment, poverty, and insufficient accessibility to health care as the possible elements of African American males not being franchised in the circumstance of school and community. The authors imply that an â€Å"intergenerational poverty† (p. 2) exists which disseminates a self-fulfilling prediction for several of African American males. Ogbu’s (1998) research allows for the contextualizing of such past injustices. It is implied that â€Å"the treatment of minorities in the wider society is reflected in their treatment in education† (p. 159). In his book Noguera (2003) assists in the contextualizing of few of the practical attitudes which are required for the comprehension of certain of the behavioral trends of African American males which have an impact on them in school. The author offers information and research which record the way they were marginalized and wronged by the schooling experiences in the capitalist educational frameworks. Text offers a qualitative study which looks for determining the part that educators have in the motivation of students; teachers can utilize this information to reassess and modify their educational and instructional practices and also to fulfill the requirements of African American males and at the same time provide with suitable scaffolding so as to assist the learners in meeting the academic standards. Along with this, Noguera also debates that the learners are to be taught and habituated so as to see that the academic institutions are advantageous to them and also that the anticipations for them are high. Noguera writes about the schooling experiences of African American males by assessing their accomplishment trends in public schools and tackling with their consequent detachment. He writes that Black males underperform on standardized tests and that they undergo much higher drop-out rates. Although Black males achieve much and their performance is good in the primary grades, they tend to underperform by the age of nine (Garibaldi, 1992). His recommendation is that the educators should be placing literary and language enrichment at the head of their instructional concerns. This is particularly important during their primary school times; supplementing with the talents allows for African American males to become self-sufficient, analytical thinking is principal for their general intellectual achievement or failure. Development of Problem An operational attitude to the tradition of schooling also offers a valuable contextual structure for the investigation of student â€Å"oppositionality† and â€Å"resistance† (Ogbu, 1998) as minor traditional features displayed by particular minority learners in reaction to their communal marginalization. The idea of identity and the way it is written either by a person or the community is made pertinent by the reactions of these marginalized learners and is a vital part of a sufficient hypothetical viewpoint on tradition. The academic achievement gap which is present between African American and White learners is a very urgent contest for the urban education in the United States in the present times. Generally, the rank and academic achievement of minority groups in science have been issues of concern in various areas (National Science Foundation, 1994; Atwater, 2000). In a wide-ranging assessment of the issues, Jencks and Phillips (1998) suggest that there should be an application of methodical and preserved research attempts targeted at investigating the causes for the low performance of particular minority groups. When discussing the achievement gap and displaying it as a challenge for the urban education, there has to be an emphasis placed on certain aspects of the urban schools which are responsible for the existent gap. In the United States, the fact that the majority of the Black students study in urban or inner city institutions is correct, and on the other hand White students normally study at suburban schools. It is possible that this factor is responsible for the achievement gap between the Blacks and the Whites and it provides with an urban/suburban aspect. Urban academic institutions are also different from the suburban ones in the accessibility of the study material and commune sources. Even though the fact that the suburban schools normally have much better sources in contrast to the urban schools is true, an exploration can be made in whether the resources that are accessible for the urban schools are utilized most advantageously so as to improve the student involvement and intellectual accomplishment. Even though standardized testing traditionally has been slackly connected to responsibility and student education, the association had been weak. The association between student education and high-stakes standardized testing became more distinct, and a rise in the utilization of the tests has reached classic magnitude following the introduction of the No Child Left Behind. The argument behind such a connection is that raised pressure to perform well on standardized tests, and also a series of incentives and penalties, will raise the student education and accomplishment. Impacts of such testing standards have broad results, not just on the current generation but also on the next generations of youth. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to assess the impact that standardized testing has on African American male students. The study aims to display the issues connected with the impact of standardized testing on African American males. African American males face discrimination and due to that they do not perform as they should in their academics. Innumerable researches have been conducted to examine African American youths’ academic results. There is relative concentration with a stress on the achievement gap between African American youths generally and also that of other ethnic categories, like the Europeans and Asian Americans. Several conceptual structures have been offered which propose the achievement gap in educational results is the outcome of societal-level discrimination which afflicts African Americans (for example, Fordham & Ogbu, 1986; Ogbu, 1987, 1994; Steele, 1997). In reality, several of the studies record the negative impacts of such macro system-level elements on the encouragement and intellectual accomplishment of African American learners (Howard & Hammond, 1985; Ponterotto & Pedersen, 1993; Steele & Aronson, 1995). Nature of the Study Social research can be deductive or inductive and each is applied according to the research type. Deductive approach refers to particular information that has been gained from a general theory. Through the theory the researcher gets the foresights concerning the happening. Deductive research is termed as theory testing. In the case when a research initiates with a theory and is following the hypotheses that the researcher has set to test, the approach is deductive. Deductive reasoning sets to work moving from the more universal to the more precise. Induction is usually described as moving from the specific to the general. Observations are used for inductive approaches. Inductive reasoning moves from the more specific to a broader generalization and theory. In this case there is quite some uncertainty involved and the conclusions are based on theories.

Pieces of April

Pieces of April Opening scene: Acoustic steel guitar sound track Close up of April in bed= implies not ready to get up â€Å"This is your big day we don't want to miss this opportunity' Bobby drags April from the bed, shoves her in the shower â€Å"No Bobby' Bobby starts making the food while April sits on the toilet saying â€Å"I'm coming† Costume- black eyeliner -black nail polish -tattoos -black boyfriend April is a rebellious person needs someone to help her (in life) egg- Bobby Meeting the family: No music No Joy in bed â€Å"JOY JOY' Tracking shot of father looking through the house for ‘disrupting' his family frantically looking for Joy both on and daughter Join in search Joy is found in the dark alone in the car (passenger seat) Miss en scene â€Å"everyone get ready' Joy is controlling.Starting to prepare Thanks Giving dinner: Bobby in control-stirring, reading packets (close up on Bobby's hands) April seems incompetent -drops turkey, can't cut onions, stuf fs whole celery in turkey â€Å"They're probably not even going to come† Cross cut to family â€Å"If not now when† mom) â€Å"What makes her think she can cook all of a sudden † (Beth) â€Å"April is the problem† (Beth) Everyone questions Joy about how she is feeling- we realize she is not well (two shots) Bobby shows all the stuff he brought: â€Å"Be careful they're worth more than you are† â€Å"how much did they cost† â€Å"They weren't cheap†¦. Accents†¦. † Mimi got yourself a deal† April throws them in the bin-still hurt by past experiences, broken relationship with her mother Food as a motif: April is cooking Thanks giving dinner Joy asks her mother â€Å"did you eat† as a greeting Family stops to buy a lot of donuts- Implies they will be hungry because April cant cook. They don't deserve decorations† (April) April rips up the place card when she writes ‘Mom' replacing it with ‘Joy show ing that he does not see Joy as her mom April is made to seem helpless- Bobby gets her up and ready -Bobby starts cooking – Bobby has organized the decorations -when April discovers the oven doesn't work the first thing she does is call out the window for Bobby-making mashed potatoes with uncooked potatoes April goes door to door in her apartment block looking for help (later this is an example of her resourcefulness â€Å"Some new piercing, some new ugly tattoos, we can experience the disaster that is her life and go home† Glimpse of hope/change â€Å"apparently this guy Bobby reminds her of me† the girls got problems†- implies that a young middle class girl has an easy life† When April reveals her mother's impending death the neighbors change the POP â€Å"one last chance to be with the people you love† â€Å"you don't get along do you† High angle shots of April Cooking the turkey: You haven't been back Believe it she prefers it that way I'm the first pancake† Discussing about what she is cooking stuffing from a box and cranberry sauce from a can enforces the idea that April cant cool (helpless) but also implies she was not cared for her by her mother We onto want to be early' Joy -choosing a different route to make the trip Worth' the time Group shot of April in between the neighbors in their kitchen as they rook and discuss their ‘nothing special' menu when April discusses her menu, she makes it seem too simple- really nothing special showing the contrast between the intent of making a special ‘last' family meal and not pitting much thought into it. â€Å"Have you done it before? † â€Å"Then it's not nothing† Being taught how to make cranberry sauce implies April has not had this type of experience with her own mother Aprils perseverance in trying to find an oven to chock her turkey shows her change in thought about having a successful ‘last meal'- this is also reinforced when they continue to have thanks giving when her family don't turn up Photo motif happy memories: â€Å"Since when was she in the picture? -taking a Christmas photo, fake smiles, ling delay, everyone there but April When Joy gets the family to stop and pretends she wants to talk to them about preparing for her death but instead mocks how bad she expects Aprils cooking to be â€Å"how each of you in your own way is going to handle(pause) discarding your uneaten DOD† -shows her need to manipulate/control her family Irony- Joy thinks April is a screw up but at the same time we see her eating Junk food, smoking dope and alluding to a very sexually promiscuous past. Neighbor Wayne talks about the care you need to take with cooking a turkey (he's annoying) while April is trying to take care with what she's cooking- she mocks him tick tock showing her meaner side (like her mother? Memories: 3 shot- Joy leans on Tommy's shoulders showing her closeness with her son Motif-> photogra phs (album)- Joy insists on slowing her mother the photos (that Timmy took) f her surgery (breast removal) â€Å"this is my favorite† (without breasts) Series of close ups: April putting food in oven putting up table setting table decorating the apartment black staircase shows she does expect her family to turn up â€Å"That you stop† -contrast between Joys look of illness and Beet's look of hurt at her mother's words- you feel sympathy for them both â€Å"Who are you?†¦ My daughter is kind†¦ † Dotted â€Å"not anymore† Joy â€Å"then I don't know you† Dotted Reflection â€Å"I am so critical† â€Å"why am I so hard (on Beth)† -Joy reflects on her relationship with her children â€Å"I can only think of one vivid beautiful memory'- turns out that all her good memories of April are really about Beth That makes Joy angry/panic forcing them to stop their Journey â€Å"Petulance, shoplifting, fire in the kitchen, flicking matc hes at Beth, using a lighter to trim Tommy's hair, the drugs. â€Å"no wonder I have cancer she's the cancer I cant have another bad experience Vive had too many bad experiences†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Insight into Aprils criminal past when she tries to break into Wane's apartment with a crow bar â€Å"Bad girl† (Wayne) When she discovers he has stolen a leg she attacks him uniform a bad girl a very bad girl† No I'm not† (sitting alone on the steps (high angle)) The meaning of Thanks Giving â€Å"the first year on their own was hard†¦ Really really hard† -implying this was true for herself as well â€Å"This one day where everyone seemed to know they needed each other†¦ They knew for certain they couldn't do it on their own. â€Å"- implying that this is true for April on this day.Retrieving the turkey salt n pepper shakers implies she wants to put the past behind her Have a fake turkey leg to replace the missing one implies that everything can be fixed Contrast- April excitedly descends the stairwell to meet her family â€Å"They're ere†¦. They're here† April sadly ascends the stairwell after seeing they have left (destroying her decorations as she goes) Resolution when Joy witnesses a woman leaving her young girl (abandoning her) in the bathroom (with her knickers still around her ankles) she realizes that she has been abandoning April all her life -she is at fault â€Å"Mom, mom† (echoes of the past) Freeze frame (still shots) of everyone having thanks giving together- no dialogue (nothing needs to be said) final family photo (with Bobby)= one last happy memory implying only happy memory before time ran out (sound of the camera sound)

Lawrence of Arabia and Imperialism

Lawrence of Arabia and Imperialism Free Online Research Papers We remember all the men and women who fought or sacrificed themselves in different ways in world war one. They are remembered for their bravery and determination to help our country. One man is remembered for more than that. He served his country well while trying to stand up for the little guy. T.E. Lawrence is remembered for his sacrifices and bravery while trying to help the Arab people. I think the film review, called â€Å"BFI Film Classics- Lawrence of Arabia† said it best when they stated â€Å"T.E. Lawrence remains one of the most appealing characters or ‘personalities’ in twentieth-century British history or one of its greatest poseurs†. Even though he loved his country he had a lot of sympathy for the Arabs and wanted what was best for them. This is shown in a spectacular movie called Lawrence of Arabia. This movie uses excellent characterization, along with good acting and directing, to help develop a strong theme about the power of imperialis m. The director shows us different points of view using one character, Lawrence. On one hand he is linked to European imperialism, and even helps it along because he knows what is going on the whole time with the French and the English wanting control over Arabia and he chooses to ignore it. On the other hand he is dedicated to the freedom of the Arab people. Lawrence feels torn between his homeland and its army, and his newfound comrades within the Arab desert tribes. All this helps us to understand the pressures on Lawrence. The major theme of this movie is that even a person with the best intention can let power blind them to what is really going around them. Such as when Lawrence knows what might be going on with the British in Arabia but the general makes him feel so important, this makes Lawrence believe in his own legend. His thirst for power and maintaining it is stronger than his thirst for justice of the Arab people. That is until he is captured beaten and suggestively raped. After this he knows he is not invincible as he once thought and he wants to quit but once again the general makes him feel like a hero again. This time he shows signs of doing it for the Arabs for a more justified reason. This Movie goes into great depth, it is very insightful and enjoyable to watch, and the theme is so easily interpreted. This movie was really a pleasure. As Stated by Kevin Jackson in â€Å"BFI film classics-Lawrence of Arabia†, â€Å"One cans help admitting to liking, and even admiring Lawrence of Arabia (1962)†. Lawrence and Brighten throughout the movie seem to be fighting on the same side for the same cause. Lawrence and Brighton actually happen to be foil characters with one another. Brighton happens to be a loyalist, who believes that his country is the best and there is no other better. He does what is best for the British army no matter what. Lawrence on the other hand is more sympathetic to the Arab people, and their culture and way of life. He even goes to say â€Å"The desert is your ocean. You may go where you please and strike where you please. This is how you have always fought you should not change it.† This scene is near the beginning of the movie when they are in Fesial’s tent. This scene shows us the foil between Lawrence and Brighton best. Lawrence argues with Brighton about whether or not they should fall back on Yenbo and become under the control and protection of the British army, or if they should take Aqaba. Brighton says â€Å"British and Arab interests are one in the same†. He is speaking of Arabia as if it were a British colony. They argue about if the Arabs need training or guns. Brighton states that Great Britain is a small country much smaller than Arabia and even smaller in numbers than most, but it is great because it has discipline and training. Lawrence agrees with king Fesial when he argues that the British are great because of their navy. This navy is their advantage over everyone else; Lawrence suggests that king Fesial use the desert as his advantage over the Turkish army. This goes against everything Brighton wants and this makes them character foils. Brighton even goes as far to call Lawrence a traitor to his country. Lawrence lets all the praise and power go to his head he falls for the same trick over and over again. He believes he is a prophet, the only man who can free the Arabs from their doom. Ultimately he believes what Jackson Bently has written him out to be. An example of this is when Lawrence returns to tell the general about their victory in Aqaba. The script goes like this: Lawrence-â€Å"We took Aqaba† General- â€Å"It isn’t possible† Lawrence- â€Å"Yes it is. I did it† Another example is when Jackson Bently is interviewing La wrence he asked him â€Å"What do these people have to gain?† He replies â€Å"Their freedom and I am going to give it to them.† Or when Arabs are looting trains and leaving for home because they have enough stuff, and leaving Lawrence with little men. He says â€Å"They will come and fight for me† or when he says â€Å"They will come for Dimaskis and I am going to give it to them†. All this is not entirely Lawrence’s fault. The General plays on his weakness for power by promoting him two ranks, to major, and announcing it to everyone in the game room. Even when he wanted to quit, the general made him feel like he was a very important part of winning the war and that they could not do it without him. Also Sheriff Ali makes him feel like he has ultimate power after he rescues Gasim from the desert, because he must execute him for killing one of the other tribesmen. Sheriff Ali makes him feel powerful by saying â€Å"You gave life and you took it † this makes him feel like he has the power of God himself because he is the only one who could do that. In this movie the director is very aware of imperialism and ultimately the racism toward Arabs. He uses it in this movie to help strengthen his theme, about British and French imperialism. The director also tries to suck us into the movie using the music to describe how Lawrence is feeling at the time and helps us to understand why he is feeling this way. The Variety Staff agrees with this statement in their article â€Å"Lawrence of Arabia† they say â€Å"Lean and cameraman Young have brought out the loneliness and pitiless torment of the desert with an artistic use of color and with almost every frame superbly mounted. Micheal Warre’s musical score is often overlooked but is always contributory to the mood of the film†. Eerie, even scary music is used when Lawrence is walking in the desert and comes to the conclusion to attack Aqaba by land. This lets us know how scared Lawrence is about doing this but he knows it is the only way. Another example is when Lawren ce rescues Gasim from the desert and the trumpets sound. This describes how Lawrence feels glad to be alive and how he feels like a hero. And he feels like he has gained some respect from Sheriff Ali. Throughout the movie sheriff Ali and Lawrence are character foils. The thing that is different about these two character foils is that by the end of the movie they switch into each other’s roles as the other’s foil. Toward the beginning of the movie sheriff Ali kills an Arab man in cold blood because he is drinking from his well. This man was Lawrence’s guide. While later or towards the end of the movie he feels sympathy for the Turkish army who is his enemy. While Lawrence at the beginning of the movie is furious with Sheriff Ali for killing this man they get into a huge argument. Then at the end of the movie Lawrence orders the slaughter of the Turkish army with no one left alive. This not only proves that they were character foils but also proves that they also switched roles sometime throughout the movie. Some saw T.E. Lawrence as a saviour. Others saw him as just a man, but people such as myself believe he was somewhere in between. He was just a man who wanted what was best for everyone but he had a dark side lusting for power. This flaw makes us realize he is just human and helps us to relate to the man. Throughout this movie the great acting, and directing made this movie enjoyable, but also helped to get an important theme across. While the effective characterization of Lawrence helped to strengthen it. Work Cited â€Å"BFI Film Classics- Lawrence of Arabia† Film Review, Nov2007, p124-124 Ceplair, Larry â€Å"Righting A Wrong: Paul Jarrico and the Correction of Blacklist-Era Screen Credits.† Cineaste, Fall2007, p30-33 Kemp Philip â€Å"Lawrence of Arabia† Sight and Sound, Nov2007, p93-93 â€Å"Lawrence of Arabia† Variety Movie Reviews, 12/30/1998, p1-1 Research Papers on Lawrence of Arabia and ImperialismWhere Wild and West MeetRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andQuebec and CanadaEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Assess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductBringing Democracy to Africa

Challenges for Coke Cola Essay Example

Challenges for Coke Cola Essay Example Challenges for Coke Cola Essay Challenges for Coke Cola Essay Among the vastly growing diversity challenges Coca Cola continued to face statewide and globally to preparing their workforce, understanding the culture and overcoming major crisis in Belgium was one of the most challenging. After a mass recall in mid 1999, in which, Children at six schools in Belgium had complained of headache, nausea, vomiting and shivering after drinking Coca-Colas beverages, leading to their hospitalizations. Most of them reported an unusual odor and an off-taste in the drink. Coca-Cola had to recall about 30 million cans and bottles, the largest ever product recall in its 113-year history. For the first time, the entire inventory of Coca-Colas products in Belgium was banned from sale. Coca-Cola sales did drop that year but with their valued effort to regain the public’s trust, measures had to be put in place. Coke’s workforce had to be better prepared, re-trained, and safety precautions were put in place so that things like this would not happen again. The expectations and desired outcomes were directed at upper management to find better ways to connect with the employees and launch new initiatives in the ever-fast changing market. Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) faced strong competition from other beverage companies and needed a way to work more effectively with its customers and partners. This required innovation and a new way of communicating within the corporation. In 2008, CCE acknowledged that the current communications platforms were no longer enabling the innovation and collaboration required to take it to the next level and compete in an increasingly demanding economic environment. The increasing presence of competition were resulting the declining revenues. CCE decided to implement a Microsoft-based hosted worldwide intranet with messaging and collaboration tools, which are accessible to all employees from any device, enabling employees to boost productivity and time with customers. These efforts were lead by the employee leadership head of the company and proved to be another step in the right direction. In a continued effort to prepare their workforce the employees had to take cultural diversity classes in order to learn and understand a different way of life in Belgium. Maximize Benefits CCE, Inc. needed a software system that would evolve as technology changed to help it remain a beverage-industry leader. The company also wanted to deliver merchandising solutions that reflect the differences across stores, as well as implement and maintain controlled quality checks on store-level Plano grams. Additionally, this beverage giant wanted to increase its productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in its Plano gram process. CCE Inc. aximized each benefit by streamlined planning and execution, optimized space and category performance, Increased category sales and profits through more intelligent decision making, delivered store-specific Plano grams that were grounded in shopper insights and store-specific data, Improved Plano gram consistency and accuracy, and Increased category optimization. Minimizing the Challenges Though there were many challenges to deal with and future challenges ahead, the present problems of dealing with water conservation, racial extortionist, were the major issues ahead. Water is the main ingredient in nearly every beverage that they make and without access to safe water supply their business simply cannot exist. Because of the critical importance of water not just to their business, but also to ecosystems, human health, progress and development, The Coca-Cola Company is focusing on conserving and protecting water for people, species and ecosystems throughout the world. Another challenge is deal with frivolous lawsuit from extortionist trying to cash in on the Mega Giant. In November 2000 Coca Cola became the second U. S. Corporation to cave in to racial extortion demands by disgruntled minority employees who only had to allege racial discrimination. For their efforts, they extorted at least $475,200,000 from Coke. Protecting themselves from litigious claims is still a challenge all major companies have to safe guard and the only way to truly protect their assets is through proper management quarterly training, policies and procedures acknowledgements, and safe working environments.

Color Change Chemical Volcano Demonstration

Color Change Chemical Volcano Demonstration There are several chemical volcanoes that are suitable for use as a chemistry lab demonstration. This particular volcano is nice because the chemicals are readily available and may be safely disposed after the eruption. The volcano involves a color change of the lava from purple to orange and back to purple. The chemical volcano can be used to illustrate an acid-base reaction and the use of an acid-base indicator. Color Change Volcano Materials goggles, gloves, and a lab coat or apron600 ml beakertub large enough to accomodate the beaker200 ml water50 ml concentrated HCl (hydrochloric acid)100 g sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)bromocresol purple indicator (0.5 g bromocresol purple in 50 ml ethanol) Make the Chemical Volcano Erupt In the beaker, dissolve ~10 grams of sodium bicarbonate in 200 ml of water.Set the beaker in the middle of of the tub, preferably inside a fume hood, since strong acid is used for this demonstration.Add around 20 drops of indicator solution. Bromocresol purple indicator will be orange in the ethanol, but will turn purple when added to the basic sodium bicarbonate solution.Add 50 ml concentrated hydrochloric acid to the purple solution. This will cause the eruption in which the simulated lava turns orange and overflows the beaker.Sprinkle some sodium bicarbonate on the now-acidic solution. The color of the lava will return to purple as the solution becomes more basic.Enough sodium bicarbonate will neutralize the hydrochloric acid, but it is best to handle only the tub and not the beaker. When you are finished with the demonstration, wash the solution down the drain with plenty of water. How the Volcano Works changes color the sodium bicarbonate HCO3- H ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H2O CO2

Macro Economics - summary A Better Way Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Macro Economics - summary A Better Way - Essay Example Another beneficial factor for the increase in productivity is reorganization of labour force that has led to â€Å"fulfilling wants that had been unmet or may be even unknown.† (Page 5). Reorganization from trade also helps in creating more efficient deployment of labour economy wide as resources are shifted to their best uses as the producers seek comparative advantage in market place (following Ricardian comparative advantage). Higher productivity also helps in increasing the state of employment in the economy because higher productivity promises higher profits implying higher income for people. Higher income means higher demand and so there will be increase in investment and more creation of jobs. Furthermore, higher productivity provides the worker with more leisure and there by an opportunity to enjoy whatever they earn. This march to livelihood was not achieved in one day. After achieving self sufficiency in food grain with the advent of electrical appliances for cultiva tion, agriculture became capital intensive and freed up labor made their plunge to the industrial sector, thereby preparing a base for the tertiary sector to flourish. But the trend in productivity has been choppy. This has been â€Å"due to business cycle upturns and slowdowns as well as longer-term economic trends.†(Page 8). To make the increase in productivity continuing it is important that improvement in technology continues. With more improvement in technology there will be much more improvement in productivity. Technological improvement would bring in more sophisticated technologies which would help in improving the quality of work, save time and thus help in bringing down the costs. Again trade also makes a powerful impact on the overall efficiency of the economy. Productivity gains from trade stands for the operation of open markets. Due to expansion in trade it has now become possible to produce goods in those

Reflection on seminar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reflection on seminar - Essay Example , relaxed posture, as well as the management ability that is associated with power sharing, delegation of essential work, and involvement of employees (PREMA KUMAR, 2010). On the other hand, the aspect of immediacy was employed to a greater extent. It has to do with the sense of attention and interest. It leads to moderation of other people either as being persuasive or competent. For instance; the use of the other individual’s name tends to provide a sense of existing togetherness. This kind of feedback that is directed towards other people enhances the feeling of closeness, hence boosting morale and cooperation to a greater extent. This is mainly applied by managers who are fond of walking around the working place and interacting with employees while listening to their feedbacks and proposals. Interaction management on the other hand was witnessed in a number of ways. It is a situation whereby each and every individual have a feeling of interchange contributions. Based on this perspective, group leaders provided adequate non-verbal and verbal feedbacks (PUCHTA & SCHRATZ, 1993). It comprised of the sense of trust, interrogations, involvement, among others. Here, it was learnt that effective managers often take the responsibility and initiative for any occurrence rather than reacting to various circumstances in the course of their occurrences. In line with this, we also valued the element of expressiveness as an interactive management model. It provided non –verbal and verbal actions that show some sense of interest, engagement, and openness. Active listening is a good example of this concept. The other perspectives involved the ability of adapting to other people’s view-points. There is a display of empathy, attentiveness and interests. Based on all these, we had a better stand-off in our group towards ascertaining on the humanistic model. It generally set out basis on the aspects of Openness, empathy, supportiveness, positivity, as well as equality.

DESIGN THE TRAINING PLAN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

DESIGN THE TRAINING PLAN - Essay Example In this respect, it becomes vital for the company to pursue training programs that work to the best interest of its operations. Enterprise architecture is characterized by technological diversity and dynamism in the industry context. Shifts in market needs create operational and performance gaps that have to be addressed for continued competitiveness in business. For this reason, enterprise architecture training at Intel seeks to foster creativity and innovation in the enterprise architecture department. Personal, professional, and company performance cannot be overlooked in the training context (Ilozor, Peter, & Graham, 2012). Whilst the key factor to consider when designing training plan for Intel is the enterprise architecture, the underlying effects on all the other departments in the firm cannot be ignored. To streamline the process, training will have to address emerging effects or implications to ensure that the set organizational goals and objectives are met. Essentially, tra ining at Intel targets enterprise architects. However, engineers and other technical professionals can be factored in if need be. The idea is to ensure that the exploitation of existing and emerging opportunities is characterized by creativity and innovation in technology. ... The training will address the extent to which enterprise architects, engineers, and operations group can exploit technology and processes reuse for enhanced organizational enterprise architecture. Design The training program needs to provide for the needs, interests, concerns, issues, and diversities that characterize the enterprise architecture workforce and the organizational setting at large (Intel Corporation, 2011). The program format, therefore, have to reflect these variables relative to the desired outcome. It is important to note that all the listed factors cannot be necessarily met an individual level. However, departmental and organizational goals and objectives have to be adequately met. Effectiveness and efficiency of the training process is also influential in the realization of the desired outcomes. Training format determination takes the following into account: Formulate and set the training ground in the organization. Identify the needs, interests, concerns, issues, and diversities that influence the training program. Assess the training issue(s) and set the expected training outcomes. Evaluate the current performance of the target group and align the result with the training program. Match training goals and objectives to the organizational business goals. Factor technological creativity and innovation in the training process. Consider the underlying gap(s). Execute the plan. Training duration and method of delivery have to be consistent with Intel’s position in the industry. Being a large player in the industry, a strategic approach to its training program is vital. In this respect, a progressive training delivery best suits Intel Corporation. Enterprise architecture encompasses practices that cannot change

The Rational Consumer Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Rational Consumer - Personal Statement Example The alternative I have for buying gasoline is use of other types of fuels and public means of transport. However, in substituting these alternatives with buying gasoline, I must incur an opportunity cost. According to Hussain (2010), an opportunity cost is the cost incurred when one turns from using a product to using its best alternative. In this particular case, the opportunity cost for buying gasoline is the inconvenience of using public means of transport and engine malfunctions due to use of other fuels. Due to this opportunity cost, I will not be able to turn to zero consumption in the short run. However, I might later turn to zero consumption by acquiring an engine specifically made to use other fuels. In the short run, when the price of gasoline increases, the expenses on other goods will increase especially for substitute of gasoline. The reason for this is substitution effect. Substitution effect is the relative change in consumption of a product as consumers substitute it with cheaper substitutes (Hirschey, 2008). As the price of gasoline increases, I would substitute it with its cheaper alternatives and thus the income I spend on those other goods would

Carbon fiber & glass fiber research (formula student car body) Coursework

Carbon fiber & glass fiber research (formula student car body) - Coursework Example Though the ribbons are primarily parallel on the surfaces of a carbon fiber, the inner layers of the fiber fold during a "hairpin† fashion. This is quite distinct to graphite in which the carbon sheets remain parallel. The great strength of carbon fiber is attributed to the interlocking and folding of ribbons (Mahrez, Mohamed & Katman, 2005). This means that the carbon atom sheets cannot slide past one another as in graphite. Carbon fibers are produced through controlled pyrolysis of organic precursors. Through the heat treatment of the precursor oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are removed and carbon fibers remain. Mechanical properties of carbon fibers are enhanced by increasing the orientation and crystallinity, and through reducing defects within the fiber (Moran, 2004). The most effective way to achieve this is to start out with a highly oriented precursor and then maintaining the high orientation in the stabilization and carbonization through tension. The two main applications of carbon fibers are in specialized technologies, that include nuclear engineering and aerospace and normal engineering which embrace engineering elements like bearings, gears, fan blades, cams and automobiles (Oribi Manufacturing, 2011). There are new applications of carbon fibers like rehabilitation of a bridge in building and construction, decoration in aviation interiors, musical instruments and automotive and also after-market transportation merchandise (Oribi Manufacturing, 2011). The conductivity of carbon provides extra new application in electronic industry. The table below illustrates a number of characteristics and applications of carbon fibers. Glass fiber is a flexible glass material. The basic building block of glass fiber is a mixture of silica sand and other ingredients like borates. Glass fiber in fabric gives the best combination of properties like high strength and fire resistance. Its

The Rational Consumer Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Rational Consumer - Personal Statement Example The alternative I have for buying gasoline is use of other types of fuels and public means of transport. However, in substituting these alternatives with buying gasoline, I must incur an opportunity cost. According to Hussain (2010), an opportunity cost is the cost incurred when one turns from using a product to using its best alternative. In this particular case, the opportunity cost for buying gasoline is the inconvenience of using public means of transport and engine malfunctions due to use of other fuels. Due to this opportunity cost, I will not be able to turn to zero consumption in the short run. However, I might later turn to zero consumption by acquiring an engine specifically made to use other fuels. In the short run, when the price of gasoline increases, the expenses on other goods will increase especially for substitute of gasoline. The reason for this is substitution effect. Substitution effect is the relative change in consumption of a product as consumers substitute it with cheaper substitutes (Hirschey, 2008). As the price of gasoline increases, I would substitute it with its cheaper alternatives and thus the income I spend on those other goods would

Crisis Within an Organization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Crisis Within an Organization - Research Paper Example The facts of the crisis shall first be set forth and laid out, including the facts which gave rise to the crisis and the facts relating to individuals in the organization and their response to the crisis. It shall discuss the extent to which the organization had a code of conduct or set of principles, statement of values, or policies in place in order to respond to the crisis. Finally, this paper shall assess whether the individual decision-makers within the organization acted in a morally responsible manner. In 2000, Toyota launched its ‘Construction of Cost Competitiveness for the 21st Century’ program which was meant to cut the costs of 180 key car parts by 30 percent, with the aim of saving about $10 billion by the year 2005 (Kim & Bailey â€Å"Article†). In February of 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a review of complaints on electronic throttle control malfunction on the Lexus ES300; the investigation was resolved without a finding of defect in the vehicle (Kim & Bailey â€Å"Article†). At about the same time, Private Insurer State Farm informed the NHTSA of some incidents on unintended acceleration in 2002 and 2003 Lexus ES300 and the Toyota Camrys (Kim & Bailey â€Å"Article†). By the end of the year, similar complaints added up to 20% of all unintended acceleration incidents in 2004. Another investigation by the NHTSA was conducted on August 2005 on the 2002-2005 models of the Camry, Solara, and Lexus E S300; and still no defect findings were found by the NHTSA (Kim & Bailey, â€Å"Article†). When global recalls on Toyota cars increased in 2006, Toyota head Katsuaki Watanabe issued an apology, citing quality glitches on some of its cars. Consequently, Toyota models were delayed for about a year (Kim & Bailey, â€Å"Article†). In March of 2007, another investigation by the NHTSA was initiated, this time on pedal entrapment concerns on the

Adult Learning Today Essay Example for Free

Adult Learning Today Essay Summary Adult learning has become the number one priority in everyone’s lives. The motivation and drive that is brought on by dreams and goals is phenomenal. Adult learners must be motivated to want to further their education. â€Å"Back in the 20th century various individuals, such as John Dewey, Eduard Lindeman, and Martha Anderson all pursued theories about Andragogy which was first used by Alexander Kapp in 1833† (Abela J, 2009). Andragogy means man and was used to describe the educational theory of the Greek philosopher Plato. Adults engaging in continuing education were studied in this theory. Andragogy assumes that â€Å"adults are independent, have various experiences, are motivated by internal drives, and integrate their learning into everyday life† (Abela J, 2009). It is easier to learn and teach when it is something that is well known. This article covers Andragogy learning theory because it is used now a day more than ever. The drive that keeps continuing education is oneself. The drive to motivation is based off of the Hierarchy of needs: self-actualization, esteem needs, social needs, safety needs, and physiological needs. The role of educators is the catalyst for motivation. It is easier to learn when the person teaching is knowledgeable and cares about the education aspects. However, reflection and motivation are insufficiently addressed by this concept. Learning activities should address the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to what is needed to become knowledgeable in retaining the information. Feedback when learning new information becomes an important role so that one may know whether the information is being comprehended as well as being retained for further use. Adults find motivation within the demands and desires of their lives, in providing for themselves and for their families, and in satisfying personal dreams and ambitions. Motivation may also come from inside a person or the surrounding environment. In everyday life as well as in the work aspects furthering education is the best way to stay up to date. Andragogy is a great theory and is used in everyday life more than realized. Reflection By looking into the reasoning behind all my motivation there are the answers I have always tried to find. What am I working towards? For who? I am an adult learner and motivation is key to my life and what I want out of it. Motivation is my drive to furthering my own education. Andragogy actually describes me perfectly. I am motivated, independent, and I apply all my knowledge to everyday life. It helps greatly when professors and educators actually work with you and help you better understand the information being taught versus just being a â€Å"teacher† for the money. I feel as if teachers online especially have lost sight of the education aspects. Left out from the summary Andragogy is a popular theory used in medical education. Theory works perfectly into my life even though I am a Business major; I also have the drive to help the elderly, so I am a certified nursing assistant. My professors have been there for me and helped me greatly. My learning style is independent much like Andragogy but, I also have to apply everything I learn into everyday life or I won’t be able to retain all the information given. Motivation is the key to anything you want to achieve in life and motivation is what keeps me going during the long work weeks and the long school hours. If one concept doesn’t work then move onto another concept until the learning style clicks. In this article the medical field and this adult learning theory works exceptionally well. Although this may be just another theory, it is of great importance to the adult learners furthering their education. We can better understand the world around us and how things are done if we understand how to retain the information given. As a full-time student, young mom, and full-time worker, online education has been more than helpful. It is my motivation to finish my associates, then finish out with my bachelors, and move forward to the next steps in my life. They say, â€Å"You can’t teach an old dog new tricks†, teach things the first time and use all concepts needed and you will soon achieve life goals. By furthering your education you may open up doors and opportunities you would not have gotten if you had not decided to go to school. Education is the best decision you could make for yourself as well as to make the world a better place by being educated. Works Cited Abela, J. (2009). Adult learning theories and medical education: a review. Malta Medical Journal, 21(1), 11-18. Merriam S (2008). Adult Learning Theory for the Twenty-First Century. Pg. 119.

Piracy in the International Film Sector

Piracy in the International Film Sector â€Å"these days, folks across the world chat a lot more about the excellent exploding market connected with what sort of web piracy improves within the last the recent past, some preceding experiments related to the particular honesty, behavior in addition to digital camera piracy. the research within this report will become by means of exploring the particular movements connected with motion picture market so that you can determine if your motion picture possesses commenced to be able to battle within the the recent past as the fee in addition to ease of piracy specifically the net piracy that will improved amongst people who have many different a long time. the net piracy will certainly divided in what exactly elements are actually helpful to anticipate along with effect the actual accomplishment of videos on this sporadic market, examines motion picture piracy, precisely how this takes place, plus the effects within the motion picture enterprise and lastly examines what exactly aspects of anti-piracy may be employed so that you can beat the actual propagate of piracy along with what exactly the industry may anticipate to accomplish†. â€Å"Within Nov associated with 1903, The truly amazing Coach Robbery grew to be the 1st story movie introduced pertaining to viewers in lots of theaters throughout Nj-new jersey (IMDB, 2008). Since then, the particular movie marketplace has grown in explodes along with range among the most often used pleasurable goods in the us, tugging more substantial viewers as compared to design parks along with main sports put together (MPAA, 2007; Vogel, 1998). Within 2007, the particular world-wide field workplace gross sales achieved $26. 7 billion dollars, a all-time substantial with the marketplace (MPAA, 2007). This kind of expansion in field workplace gross sales has occurred despite the current transfer in this market toward home movie with the advantage along with expansion associated with DISC technologies. At present, home video lessons take into account over 50% associated with studio profits while field workplace profits take into account with regards to 20% associated with studi o profits (MPAA, 2007; Vogel, 1998). Since marketplace received their best world-wide field workplace season previously in 2007 and this solely makes up with regards to 20% associated with profit, it really is obvious how the leisure organization will be thriving†. â€Å"Inside film market there are three methods consciousness may be lifted for that launch of the particular film: advertising by the distributing company, testimonials by critics, and also community word-of-mouth consequences. Together, several consumers help to make his or her binary decision to watch or maybe certainly not watch the actual film while using good quality and also curiosity regarding ads thought of, the actual discourse regarding well known or maybe nearby critics, along with the thoughts of the relatives and buddies with already thought of the actual given film. This cyclical relationship in between success and also consciousness implies that film manufacturers want to have the ideal promotion autos. Advertising and marketing is the just distributor-controlled aspect of the actual advertising clout†. â€Å"Tough unpredictability inside the movie industry of which witout a doubt is available, it seems like there are number of aspects that can produce points more difficult, still before 5 several years this MPAA has commenced to earnestly turn its care about the situation regarding movie piracy. This piracy regarding copyrighted supplies, which includes modified this songs industry since creation regarding Napster, has commenced to look at the obvious toll within the movie industry. At the moment, this MPAA puts most of its initiatives in the direction of anti-piracy action and understanding, showing a particular devotion as to the they will comprehend because major increasing danger towards the movie industry (MPAA, 2005). This 2005 report on piracy with the MPAA simply by LEK Visiting had been a report performed above 1 . 5 years which in turn surveyed 20, six hundred people in 25 places and experimented with approximate earnings losses depending on legitimate movie sale diminis hes because the consequence of fake versions being available. Given that this MPAA accounts the household package company income in with regards to $10 billion dollars and dangerous package company income in $17 billion dollars, this kind of maintain regarding $6. 1 billion dollars is often a massive recommended affect this industry’s achievements†. â€Å"Despite the fact that study on video piracy has become tied to most of the paperwork talked about preceding, a great deal of study has become performed in relation to copyright laws infringement inside songs marketplace. There are various classes to get realized from the battling songs marketplace as caused by piracy: particularly in which safeguard is crucial as well as answering and adjusting piracy in various methods is essential pertaining to intellectual property organizations when they intend on growing. The actual songs marketplace provides modified because of pirating, for instance, the widely used iTunes program permits people to be able to download personal melodies for $. 99. The actual flexibility given with the iTunes technique and also other identical songs accessing products and services get helped steer clear of the multiply associated with piracy. Nonetheless, your songs marketplace provides observed as well as documented the truly great deficits to be able to piracy, specially caused by net piracy as well as P2P hosting space. Despite the fact that a new correlation is available in between piracy pertaining to movies as well as songs, it is important to be aware your differences†. â€Å"In summary, this specific paper is not refuting which piracy is really a considerable dilemma inside the movie sector; this investigator realizes how significant this matter will be. That said, this rising price regarding tickets inside the package workplace shows deficiencies in fiscal work with film distributor’s behalves inside attempting to reduce the number of purchaser cutbacks to piracy. In addition, this impression regarding a myriad of piracy may not be because substantive because proposed by the MPAA, no less than, certainly not regarding this pace in which piracy will be launched. This kind of supports extremely true with regard to cam leaks, the location where the low quality on the video simply may seem to awareness this little movie purchaser . â€Å"Considering cam leaks have been available for 184 on the 185 films inside the Oscar Video Piracy along with Income Dataset, this film sector might want to give attention to battling anti-piracy inside fiscal phrases rather than just attempting to quit this, seeing as that they seem unable to stop piracy worldwide. On the other hand, this MPAA’s concerns with regards to screener leaks may be additional founded operational common sense, along with just before releasing screeners with regards to films film marketers may decide to take into account how not too long ago their own movie opened inside theaters. Needless to say, film marketers are usually loathe to pass by Oscar or Academy Give possibilities, yet the benefit of this esteem along with following involvement in this movie need to be weighed from the considerable chance for profit burning to piracy†. â€Å"References:- Vogel, H.L. (1998). Entertainment industry economics: A guide for financial analysis.New York: Cambridge University Press. Walls, W.D. (2005). Modeling movie success when ‘nobody knows anything’:Conditional stable-distribution analysis of film returns. Journal of Cultural Economics, 29(3), 177-190. Walls, W.D. (2008a). Cross-country analysis of movie piracy. Applied Economics, 40(4-6), 625-632. Walls, W.D. (2008b). Screen wars, star wars, and sequels: Nonparametric reanalysis of movie profitability. Working Paper. Retrieved January 15, 2009, from http://ideas.repec.org/e/pwa195.html#affiliation. Walls, W.D, Harvey, P.J. (2003). Laboratory markets in counterfeit goods: Hong Kong versus Las Vegas. Applied Economics Letters, 10, 883-887. Walls, W.D., Harvey, P.J. (2008). Digital pirates in practice: Analysis of markettransactions in Hong Kong’s pirate software arcades. International Journal of Management, 23(3), 207-216. Waterman, D., Ji, S.W., Rochet, L.R. (2007). Enforcement and control of piracy,copying, and sharing in the movie industry. Review of Industrial Organization,30(4), 255-289†.

Washintgon Irving :: essays research papers

In spite of Irving's seventeen years in Europe, his search for native themes led him to contribute importantly to portraiture of the American Indian. Although his firsthand observation of Indians was limited, he was liberated om the pioneer's need to justify Indian displacement. He was able to view Indians sympathetically, bringing the perspective of a worldly man to questions of civilization and savagery. In his first book, A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, by Dietrich Knickerbocker ( 1809), he satirizes pretentious historians and wittily deflates some shibboleths of American history. In Chapter Five Dietrich Knickerbocker pretends to justify the rights of European colonists to the land they "discovered." He succeeds, of course, in revealing the falsity and injustice of their claims. At the end of the chapter, Irving offers a Swiftian summary of colonization; this passage is reprinted below. In a more straightforward way, but not more devastatingly, Irving takes up the topic of displaced Indians again in two sketches added to The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., in 1820. In "Traits of Indian Character," Irving expresses succinctly that sympathy for wronged Indians implied in Knickerbocker's History: It has been the lot of the unfortunate aborigines of America, in the early periods of colonization, to be doubly wronged by the white men. They have been dispossessed of their hereditary possessions by mercenary and frequently wanton warfare, and their characters have been traduced by bigoted and interested writers. In this essay, Irving praises the Indians for courage and magnanimity, and explains their deep resentment of white injuries; he calls it "the dark story of their wrongs and wretchedness." In the next sketch, "Philip of Pokanoket,,, he brings together materials for the many nineteenth century treatments of Philip (most notably, Cooper's and Stone's). Irving's recognition of the heroism of this "true-born prince" in trying to save his people is in sharp contrast to earlier views of Philip as devilish. In these comic and serious meditations on history, Irving helped to establish the idealized Indian; he worked from secondary sources, the northeastern Indians having been conquered and displaced by the 1820s. But Irving's treatment of the Indian does not end with these books. In 1832 he traveled across Indian territory, and recorded his glimpses of western tribes in A Tour on the Prairies ( 1835). His most intimate contact with Indians was gathered through his acquaintance with a half-breed guide on this trip.

Saving Ourselves – Shark Hunting

Two-thirds of world’s surface is water, and over 80% of life on Earth lives in the ocean. Ocean plays a main role in regulating climate and feeding much of the planet. But in past a hundred years people were destroying the balance in the ocean and the ecosystem. One of the major activities is illegal shark poaching. Every year 30 to 70 million sharks are killed to support a growing worldwide trade in their fins and other products. Now, more than three hundred species of sharks are endangered. Shark-finning became a profits industry due to the increasing demand for shark-fin soup in Asia. â€Å"One pound of fin is worth more than $200US and the shark-fin industry is a billion-dollar juggernaut. †(Sharkwater) The shark-fin soup had been around for centuries, but only in the last two decades that it boomed in popularity. It is a symbol of wealth, and served as a sign of respect. Sharks-fins soup is a delicacy in Asia, which is utterly ludicrous given that the fins themselves are tasteless and merely add texture. Yong) And people believe that sharks don’t get sick as easily as other animals do. They also think they have magical power to heal and people can be stronger from eating shark-fins soup. The cartilage is also being sold as a cancer or arthritis treatment; however, here is no scientific backing to this at all. Over 90% of the shark population in the world is gone now, and soon there won’t be any left, if people keep killing sharks. (Sharkwater) Ev ery day people is just talking about saving pandas, elephants and bears, but here is no any international regulations to protect sharks. Why? It is because we’ve been told in our whole life, since we’re a kid, sharks are dangerous. We’re warned if we swim too far into the ocean. Most information of sharks that people hear about is from media. For instance, afraid of white shark is based on the movie Jaws, and the misconception is still floating around. However, the fact is sharks do not eat people, and they rarely bite human beings and hardly have really serious bites. Although in the odd case where someone dies, it’s usually because of the loss of blood, not because the shark ate the person. Sharkwater) Sharks kill 5 people each year, elephants kill 100. Even more people die from soda pop machines than sharks do. There is nothing like what we’re told. There is nothing like what we think. There is nothing like what we believe. â€Å"One animal that we fear the most is the one we can’t live without. †(Sharkwater) They’ve been here for more than 400 million years, 150 million years before the dinosaurs, when life had just begun on land. Sharks control the population below them, eliminating species that were easy prey and creating new ones. They are perfect predators that keep balance in the underwater world. The top predators are fundamental in controlling the structure and the functioning of the ecosystems. As we know, carbon dioxide is the global-warming gas and plankton converts it to oxygen, providing 70% of the oxygen we breathe on land. Without sharks to prey the animals at bottom of the food chain, they could grow out of control consuming the plankton that we depend on for survival. (Sharkwater) Life on land depends on life in the ocean, so do us. One the big reason shark poaching continues to go on is because we don’t see it. Because we don’t see people are poaching sharks, cutting off their fins and throwing them back into the ocean; without fins they can’t breathe, then die. Because we don’t see the corruption between the government and sharks-fin Mafia, hundreds of millions shark-fins were dried on the roof without any restrictions. Because we don’t see every day the shark population is declining, more than three hundred species of sharks face misfortune. We don’t like spiders and snakes but puppy and seals. Once we see sharks in a different light, we can change our mind. Stop illegal shark poaching and promulgated regulations is not only saving the sharks but saving ourselves as well. We’re not the god, we can’t shape the world. What we can do now is to call everyone to stop eating shark-fins, to against the illegal shark poaching, and to save the planet from ourselves and our future. Work Citied Sharkwater. Dir. Rob Stewart. † 2006, Film. Yong, Ed. â€Å"Shark-hunting harms animals at bottom of the food chain. † wordpress. com (2007): n. pag. Web. 14 Feb 2011. .

Academic Performance of College Students Essay

The lack of adequate background and/or preparation, among other things, causes many students to withdraw from college or to graduate with low grades, which often makes it difficult for them to obtain suitable jobs. This paper examines the academic performance and efforts to seek assistance for academic and related problems of undergraduate students at North Carolina A&T State University. To that effect, the grade reports of business and economics majors and responses to a survey of students enrolled in business and economics courses were qualitatively analyzed. See more: Foot Binding In China essay The results of the analyses indicated that many students experienced academic deficiency and did not seek assistance when faced with problems. The results also revealed that many of the students who sought assistance rated the services they received as ineffective and indicated their preference for school-level advisement services. The development of a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement center would alleviate these problems. Such a center, with a comprehensive and extended advisement and counseling program, will be more effective than university-wide services in improving student academic performance and marketability upon graduation. ********** Teaching, research and service are usually used as a yardstick to measure faculty contributions to higher education institutions. Major universities have long stressed the importance of research activities relative to teaching. Over the last two decades, many of smaller teaching institutions, including the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) where research activities were recognized only to the extent that they would keep educators and the knowledge they transmit to students current, have been under pressure to acquire external funds for scholarships, faculty development, and meeting accreditation standards (Fielding 1985). As these institutions, particularly the HBCUs, placed more emphasis on faculty research productivity, they are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between teaching and research activities. Nevertheless, most colleges and universities recognize that teaching is the ultimate goal of their institutions (Wiley 1993). The main factors considered for improving teaching effectiveness among other things, include teaching approaches and techniques and faculty availability for student assistance and advisement. However, students in higher education institutions must be motivated and committed to make reasonable efforts toward handling various activities, such as reading, written assignments, class discussion, presentation and examinations, effectively. Accordingly, the students’ commitment to attain a good education, their study habits and cooperation, their motivation and efforts to seek assistance, when needed, are equally critical for learning. Thus, since the provision and consumption of education service occur simultaneously, the students’ active participation in the process is a necessary condition to transform teaching to effective learning (Norales and Addus 2003). This paper assesses the academic performance and efforts of undergraduate students to seek assistance for academic and related problems at North Carolina A&T State. The paper (1) examines the academic performance and deficiencies of the students in terms of their overall grade point averages; (2) identifies the relative magnitude of student academic and related problems from freshman to senior classifications; (3) presents student evaluation of the effectiveness of advisement and counseling services available to students; and (4) recommends the development of a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement center to improve student academic performance and marketability upon graduation. Methods and Instrumentation The 1998 grade point averages (GPAs) of undergraduate business and economics majors were used to determine the levels of student academic performance and deficiencies, with the application of chi-square statistic test to the relevant data. The student grade reports (the most recent data available) were obtained from the North Carolina A&T State University’s School of Business and Economics. In addition, data from students were collected through a student survey of 2002. The sample for the student advisement and counseling effectiveness questionnaire consisted of students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University. The questionnaire items were designed to elicit responses from students to determine the magnitude of student academic and related problems, efforts to seek assistance to solve their problems, evaluation of effectiveness assistance they received, and preference for the location of advising and monitoring services within the University. The results of this study can be used as a source of data that can provide information on the curriculum effectiveness at North Carolina A&T State and other universities. Such data can assist educators in curriculum planning and development so that they can better meet the needs of students. Student Academic Performance and Survey Results The results of this study are based on the examination of the School of Business and Economics student GPAs and the student advisement and counseling survey of students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University. The results are centered around (1) the student academic performance levels and deficiencies; (2) the magnitude of student academic and related problems; (3) the students efforts to seek assistance to solve problems; (4) the student evaluation of effectiveness assistance received; and (5) the student preference for the location of advising and monitoring services. The following are the findings of the study based on student grade point averages and student advisement and counseling services questionnaire responses. Student Academic performance. The school of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&T State University consists of accounting, business administration, business education and economics and transportation/logistics departments. The distributions of grade point average of students enrolled in the School during the 1998 fall semester are presented in Table 1. For the data in the Table, the chi-square test statistic is significant. This indicates that grade distributions by classification are statistically different. Generally, the number of students with low grade point averages decreased from freshman to senior classifications. In other words, more freshmen maintained lower grades relative to seniors, and more seniors maintained higher grade point averages than freshmen. More specifically, the data indicates that, in the School of Business and Economics, 55% of freshman, 14% of sophomore, 16% of junior, and 6% of senior students maintained below 2. 00 grade point averages. The decline in the proportion of students with lower grades from the freshman to senior levels is an indication of either grade improvements, transfer from one program to another or withdrawal and/or suspension/dismissal from the university. In their senior year, 41% of students maintained a GPA of below 2. 50, 23% below 2. 25, and 6% below 2. 00. For all classifications, 53% of students maintained a GPA of below 2. 50, 39% below 2. 25, and 26% below 2. 00. The School of Business and Economics cannot afford to ignore 23% students who may graduate with a GPA of lower than 2. 25 and 41% below 2. 50, only to find it difficult to find professional jobs of their choice in their respective fields. Apparently, students need to be monitored, encouraged and assisted to play an active role in their pursuit to achieve their education and career objectives. Student Survey Results Of some 206 students who responded to the survey, 52% were female and 48% were male students. By classification, 10% were freshmen, 30% sophomore, 37% junior and 23% senior students. In terms of general fields of study, 68% majored in business and economics and 32% in other areas, including arts and sciences, education and engineering (Table 2). These figures suggest that the survey represents a balanced coverage on gender, student classification, and various fields of study. Magnitude of Student Academic and Related Problems: Of 154 who sought assistance, 52% were female and 48% were male students. By classification, 9% were freshmen, 30% sophomore, 37% junior and 25% were senior students (Table 3). The data in the Table is indicative of the fact that the number of problems faced by students generally declined from freshman to senior year of their study. Of 52 students who did not seek assistance, 52% were female and 48% were male students. By classification, 17% were freshmen, 30% junior, 37% sophomore and 19% senior students. A total of 56% who did not seek help were junior and senior students. The reasons indicated for not seeking assistance are that 19% did not have any problems, 17% did not have time to seek assistance, 19% did not know the availability of assistance, 14% did not believe such assistance would be useful, and 15% indicated a combination of the above factors (Table 4). Student Efforts to Seek Assistance: Out of 206 students who sought assistance, 60% consulted with their academic advisors and 30% with course instructors or respective departments. Only 4% indicated to have sought assistance with the University Center for Success (Table 5). Student Evaluation of Assistance Effectiveness: Of 154 students who sought help, 72% indicated that the assistance they were offered was effective resulting in grade improvements, enhanced self-confidence, remaining in major for the better, and changing major for the better. However, 28% indicated that the assistance they received was not effective at all (Table 6). Student Preference for Advising and Monitoring Services: Of 206 survey respondents, 147 (71%) indicated their preference for student monitoring and counseling services at school/college level (as opposed to counseling at the university level); and 92% indicated that they would seek assistance more often if such services were available at school/college level (Table 7). The Case for Academic Monitoring and Advising Center The findings of this study reveal that relatively low grades and high failure rates were maintained by upper level undergraduate students with the possibility of marketability problems. The findings further show that 28% of survey respondents said the assistance services they received were not effective. Another 28% of the respondents, of which 56% were juniors and seniors, did not seek help to resolve their academic and related problems. In addition, 71% of respondents indicated their preference for a school-level assistance services, and the overwhelming majority (92%) said they would seek help more often if such services were available at the school level. It follows that a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement center (AMAC), with a comprehensive agenda for student advisement and counseling, will be effective in improving student academic performance and marketability. The need for the AMAC is underscored by other studies. The main problems affecting student academic performance include inadequate background, working long hours, lack of time to study and seek advice, lack of time management skills, bad study habits and skills, and lack of self-confidence. Many students are also faced with various impediments in their pursuit of higher education and career objectives, including financial problems, family responsibilities, and social and extracurricular activities. Some of these activities do not only take away from the time needed for sleeping, attending class and studying, but they also cause considerable stress resulting in negative effects on academic performance as measured in terms of GPA (Womble 2001). The results of a survey of 239 university students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University indicated that most students did not have sufficient time to read the textbook and study, and that their absence from class was work related. The majority (56 %) of the students stated that they could not take lecture notes while listening, and 29 % said they could not understand the lecture (Norales and Addus 2003). Kelly et al (2001) classified college students into short sleepers (individuals who slept six or fewer hours a day), average sleepers (individuals with seven or hours of sleep a day), and long sleepers (individuals sleeping nine or more hours a day). They found that the individuals who represented long sleepers reported higher GPAs than the first two groups. Many students are admitted to a university as a result of their performance in examinations that do not demand the same preparation levels required to succeed in higher education. Thus, one of the main factors affecting the academic performance of college and university students is the lack of adequate preparation skills (Beswick and Ramsden 1987). Entwistle et al (1989) studied the academic performance of electrical engineering students and found that low course grades were associated with inadequate study skills, and that many students had not established adequate independent study strategies required to succeed in higher education. Eikeland & Manger (1992) looked into factors affecting student achievement, especially those factors related to high failure and dropout rates. The findings showed that organized study habits had a positive impact on self confidence during the students’ first semester, but such study habits did not have a direct effect on grades until as late as their fourth semester in college. In a survey of close to 350,000 students attending four-year public and private colleges, over 70 items related to the students’ educational experiences on the survey instrument were grouped into 12 factors. (1) The survey results indicated that out of these factors, public college/university students rated academic advising as the most important aspect of their educational experiences. Private college/university students rated academic advising second to only instructional effectiveness in importance. When students were asked to rate five items (2) comprised academic advising, both public and private college/university students rated the academic advisor’s approachability and the academic advisor’s knowledge about major requirements as strengths–meaning most important and most satisfying (Noel-Levitz 2003). In general, the success or failure in higher education are not explained by the student attributes or faculty teaching efficiency in isolation, but by the complex interactions between students and the learning environments they experience (Entwistle 1990). Thus, students are in need of comprehensive advisement, counseling and support services including time management, stress management, efficient study style, habits and skills, reading, writing, and lecture note taking skills, and other support services. These must help students enhance their capacity to master the relevant subject, self confidence, verbal and written communication, academic performance, and to be competitive and productive members of the community. Academic Monitoring and Advising Center The findings of this study, along with the discussion of relevant literature, suggest that a school-specific AMAC, with a comprehensive agenda for student advisement and counseling, will be effective in improving student academic performance and marketability. The primary purpose of the AMAC is to enhance student academic performance and produce marketable graduates by providing extended assistance and guidance to students in academic activities and related areas. At North Carolina A&T State University there are university-wide student support services, including the Center for Student Success (which is focused on student retention) and school-level academic assistant services. In addition, there are programs which are designed to mentor students with high academic standing, in collaboration with potential employers, to prepare them for the real world work environment upon graduation. However, many students who for various reasons fail to perform to their potential levels deserve to be uplifted through a similar program provided by the AMAC. Compared with university-wide academic counseling services available for students, the AMAC will be more effective for needy students can be given individual and unique attention suited to their specific needs by their respective schools. In addition to regular advisement provided by academic advisors, the AMAC will provide counseling services for students who fail to reach a minimum GPA of 2. 50 during each semester. To start with, such students will be able to discuss issues regarding specific courses and their course loads with an advisor from the AMAC, and receive advice on how to successfully manage their time and handle their course loads. Also, the AMAC if necessary, can suggest changes in course, course loads and schedule to help the students balance their time between school and work. As mentioned above, one of the biggest problems that many students have is lack of time and time management skills. If this problem is solved early, students will be able to maintain a more marketable GPA. The AMAC will continuously monitor students and evaluate their grades throughout each semester to insure that these students continue to do well in the school, and graduate within a reasonable period of time. Students who need assistance must be identified at the appropriate time and be given intensive advice and counseling. It will maintain a data base for all students in the School of Business and Economics with an overall GPA of 2. 50 or less. The data can be collected from student applications, academic records, and surveys (Seidman, 1996). The AMAC will coordinate its activities with university programs designed to provide remedial services to students with deficient backgrounds. It will refer students to other departments and and University support services for problems outside its responsibilities. Such intensive intervention will likely help not only improve academic performance, but also retain students and enable them to graduate with decent grades. Student participation in the AMAC’s program shall enhance their capabilities to improve their academic standing through sound advice and counseling which will positively influence their attitude toward learning and grades, time management skills and study habits. The AMAC will further facilitate development of university policies and programs designed to overcome academic deficiencies and encourage students to stay in school and achieve their academic and career objectives. Conclusions Academic advising is a very important aspect of students’ educational experiences in higher education. In order to enhance teaching and learning effectiveness, higher education institutions must listen to their students unique needs and priorities by assessing assistance services available to students. The results of such assessments can be used to develop targeted action plans for serving specific student population. The results of the analyses of data obtained from the School of Business and Economics grade reports and a survey of students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University, along with other relevant literature, imply that many college students need a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement services at an early stage of their college career. It is apparent that it becomes difficult, if not impossible, for junior and senior students to make meaningful grade improvements due to the short span of time available to them during their last years of study before graduation. This may pose a serious marketability problem for some of the graduates of these programs with low grades. In the real world of ever increasing globalization and more competitive job market environments, college students need to acquire higher skills and GPAs. The proposed AMAC is certainly a first step to guide needy students in this direction. References Beswick, D. and Ramsden, P, (1987). How to Promote Learning with Understanding. Working Paper 87:1. Melbourne: Center for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne. Eikeland, O. J. and Manger, T. (1992). Why Students Fail During Their First University Semesters. International Review of Education 38(5), 489-503. Entwistle, N. J. (1990). How Students Learn and Why They Fail. Paper Presented at Conference on Talent and Teaching, University of Bergen. Entwistle, N. J. , Hoursell, D. , Macaulay, C. , Situnayake, G. and Tait, H. (1989). Success and Failure in Electrical Engineering Courses in Scotland. Summary of a Report to the SED. Edinburgh: Department of Education and Center for Teaching, Learning and Assessment. University of Edinburgh. Fielding, G. J. (1985). Transportation Education, Part Two. Report of Joint Conference, Eno Foundation Board of Directors and Board of Consultants. Transportation Quarterly, 39(2), 207-233. Kelly, W. E. , Kelly, K. E. and Clanton, R. C. (others) (2001). â€Å"The Relationship between Sleep length and Grade-Point-Average among College Students,† College Student Journal. Noel-Levitz Research (2003). â€Å"Academic Advising Highly Important to Students,† www. noellevitz. com. Norales, Francisca O. and Addus, Abdussalam A. (2003). â€Å"University Students’ Learning Efforts,† Texas Business and Technology Educators Association Journal, Vol. VII, No. 1. Seidman, A. (1996). Retention revisited: R = E, ID + E & In, Iv. Journal of College Student Retention. 71(4), 18-20. Wiley, III, Ed (1993). Re-Emphasizing Teaching. Black Issues in Higher Education. Womble, Laura P (2001). â€Å"The Impact of Stress Factors on College Students’ Academic Performance,† Working Paper, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, N. C. ABDUSSALAM A. ADDUS Associate Professor DAVID CHEN Associate Professor ANWAR S. KHAN Professor Emeritus Department of Economics and Transportation/Logistics North Carolina A&T State University Notes. (1) the factors are: academic advising, campus climate, campus Life, campus Support Services, concern for the Individual, instructional Effectiveness, recruitment and financial aid effectiveness, registration effectiveness, responsiveness to diverse population, safety and security, service excellence, and student centeredness. (2) the items are: the academic advisor’s approachability, the academic advisor’s knowledge about major requirements, the academic advisor’s concern about the student’s success as an individual, the academic advisor’s assistance to set goals and work toward, and the clearness and reasonableness of major requirements. Table 1 Grade Distribution of Students in the School of Business and Economics by Classification, Fall 1998 Grade Range Classification Freshman Sophomore Junior No. % No. % No. % 3. 50-4. 00 20 6 46 19 20 10 3. 00-3. 49 26 7 44 18 32 16 2. 50-2. 99 45 13 62 25 45 23 2. 25-2. 49 33 9 33 13 33 17 2. 00-2. 24 37 10 28 11 34 18 Below 2. 00 200 55 35 14 31 16 Total 361 100 248 100 195 100 Chi-square: 278. 38 * Grade Range Classification Senior All No. % No. % 3. 50-4. 00 18 7 104 10 3. 00-3. 49 42 17 144 13 2. 50-2. 99 90 35 242 24 2. 25-2. 49 47 18 146 14 2. 00-2. 24 44 17 143 13 Below 2. 00 14 6 280 26 Total 255 100 1059 100 Chi-square: 278. 38 * Note: * Statistically significant at 5 percent probability level. Source: School of Business and Economics, NC A&T State University. Table 2 Profile of Survey Respondents Item Frequency Percent Gender (n = 206): Male 99 48. 1 Female 107 51. 9 Classification (n = 206): Freshman 21 10. 2 Sophomore 61 29. 6 Junior 77 37. 4 Senior 47 22. 8 Major Area Unit (n = 206): Business and Economics 140 68. 0 Other Areas * 66 32. 0 * Include Arts and Science, Education, and Engineering. Table 3 Distribution of Number Problems for Students who Sought. Assistance * (n = 154) Classification Number of Problems and Gender One Two Three Four Five Six Total Plus Classification: Freshman 4 1 3 2 1 2 13 Sophomore 16 4 7 9 8 2 46 Junior 14 14 12 6 4 7 57 Senior 6 7 14 7 3 1 38 Total 40 26 36 24 16 12 154 Gender: Male 19 15 15 11 8 6 74 Female 21 13 19 13 8 6 80 Total 40 26 36 24 16 12 154 * Problems include adding/dropping courses, choosing major, changing major, improving grades, time management, internship opportunities, personal problems which affect academic performance. Table 4 Distribution of students who did not Seek Assistance (n = 52)  frequency Percent of Total Classification: Freshman 9 17. 3 Sophomore 14 29. 9 Junior 19 36. 5 Senior 10 19. 3 Total 52 100. 0 Gender: Male 25 48. 1 Female 27 51. 9 Total 52 100. 0 Reason for not Seeking: Did not have problems 10 19. 2 Did not have time 9 17. 3 Did not know availability of assistance 10 19. 2 Did not believe it is useful 7 13. 5 Combination of last three 8 15. 4 Other reasons 8 15. 4 Total 52 100. 0 Table 5 Student Efforts to Seek Assistance for Academic Problems (n = 154) Assistance sought from Frequency Percent Academic Advisor 89 59. 7 Department/Course instructor 44 29. 5. University Center for Success 6 4. 0 SOBE resource Lab 3 2. 0 University Counseling Service 3 2. 0 Career Counseling 2 1. 4 Financial Aid 2 1. 4 Table 6 Student evaluation of Effectiveness of Assistance Sought (n = 149) Item frequency Percent Grade improved 13 8. 7 Enhanced self-confidence 4 2. 7 Remained in major 15 10. 1 Changed major for better 16 10. 7 Two or more of above 60 40. 3 No effect 41 27. 5 Table 7 Student Preference for Counseling/Monitoring Services Location (n = 206) Item Frequency Percent Prefer student Counseling at school level Yes 147 71. 3 No 44 21. 4 Indifferent 15 7. 3. Would seek assistance more often if Available at school/college level) Yes 92 44. 7 No 15 7. 3 Not sure 45 21. 8 Indifferent 54 26. 2 Gale Copyright: Copyright 2007 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Economic Scene Colleges Are Failing in Graduation Rates Top of Form Bottom of Form †¢ Share By DAVID LEONHARDT Published: September 8, 2009 If you were going to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years, you’d probably have to start with the Wall Street firms and regulatory agencies that brought us the financial crisis. From there, you might move on to Wall Street’s fellow bailout recipients in Detroit, the once-Big Three. Multimedia [pic] From the Most Selective Colleges, More Graduates Related The College Dropout Boom Economix: Which Colleges Are Doing Their Job? Reader Responses: Failing Colleges Readers’ Comments Share your thoughts and read responses to readers’ comments from David Leonhardt on the Economix blog. †¢ Read All Comments (113)  » But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee: public universities. At its top levels, the American system of higher education may be the best in the world. Yet in terms of its core mission — turning teenagers into educated college graduates — much of the system is simply failing. Only 33 percent of the freshmen who enter the University of Massachusetts, Boston, graduate within six years. Less than 41 percent graduate from the University of Montana, and 44 percent from the University of New Mexico. The economist Mark Schneider refers to colleges with such dropout rates as â€Å"failure factories,† and they are the norm. The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college, but only half of students who enroll end up with a bachelor’s degree. Among rich countries, only Italy is worse. That’s a big reason inequality has soared, and productivity growth has slowed. Economic growth in this decade was on pace to be slower than in any decade since World War II — even before the financial crisis started. So identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis matters enormously, and a new book tries to do precisely that. It is called â€Å"Crossing the Finish Line,† and its findings are based on the records of about 200,000 students at 68 colleges. The authors were able to get their hands on that data because two of them are pillars of the education establishment: William Bowen (an economist and former Princeton president) and Michael McPherson (an economist and former Macalester College president). For all the book’s alarming statistics, its message is ultimately uplifting — or at least invigorating. Yes, inadequate precollege education is a problem. But high schools still produce many students who have the skills to complete college and yet fail to do so. Turning them into college graduates should be a lot less difficult than fixing all of American education. â€Å"We could be doing a lot better with college completion just by working on our colleges,† as Robert Shireman, an Education Department official who has read an early version of the book, says. Congress and the Obama administration are now putting together an education bill that tries to deal with the problem. It would cancel about $9 billion in annual government subsidies for banks that lend to college students and use much of the money to increase financial aid. A small portion of the money would be set aside for promising pilot programs aimed at lifting the number of college graduates. All in all, the bill would help. But it won’t solve the system’s biggest problems — the focus on enrollment rather than completion, the fact that colleges are not held to account for their failures. â€Å"Crossing the Finish Line† makes it clear that we can do better. †¢ The first problem that Mr. Bowen, Mr. McPherson and the book’s third author, Matthew Chingos, a doctoral candidate, diagnose is something they call under-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into. They instead go to a less selective one, perhaps one that’s closer to home or, given the torturous financial aid process, less expensive. About half of low-income students with a high school grade-point average of at least 3. 5 and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. Many don’t even apply. Some apply but don’t enroll. â€Å"I was really astonished by the degree to which presumptively well-qualified students from poor families under-matched,† Mr. Bowen told me. They could have been admitted to Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus (graduation rate: 88 percent, according to College Results Online) or Michigan State (74 percent), but they went, say, to Eastern Michigan (39 percent) or Western Michigan (54 percent). If they graduate, it would be hard to get upset about their choice. But large numbers do not. You can see that in the chart with this column. In effect, well-off students — many of whom will graduate no matter where they go — attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates. These are the places where many students live on campus (which raises graduation rates) and graduation is the norm. Meanwhile, lower-income students — even when they are better qualified — often go to colleges that excel in producing dropouts. â€Å"It’s really a waste,† Mr. Bowen says, â€Å"and a big problem for the country. † As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working-class students. Instead, it appears to have fallen somewhat since the 1970s. What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer. Tellingly, net tuition has no impact on the graduation rates of high-income students. Yet it does affect low-income students. All else equal, they are less likely to make it through a more expensive state college than a less expensive one, the book shows. Conservatives are wrong to suggest affordability doesn’t matter. But they are right that more money isn’t the whole answer. Higher education today also suffers from a deep cultural problem. Failure has become acceptable. Students see no need to graduate in four years. Doing so, as one told the book’s authors, is â€Å"like leaving the party at 10:30 p. m. † Graduation delayed often becomes graduation denied. Administrators then make excuses for their graduation rates. And policy makers hand out money based on how many students a college enrolls rather than on what it does with those students. There is a real parallel here to health care.