The Benefits of Meditation

The Benefits of Meditation The importance of relaxation and meditation cannot be overstated. Not only is it good for the individual, but for the world as a whole. iThe new world view emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all phenomena, as well as the emboldens of the individuals and societies in the cyclical processes of nature (Capra 390). The systems theory provides that whatever is good for the individual, is good for the entire system of all ecology.Depak Chopra states that whatever is good for the ecology is good for the health of the universe, for all things are interrelated. He calls this quantum healing. For this reason, it is imperative that an individual takes responsibility to keep the body and mind in good health. One of the most pleasant ways to achieve this type of euphoria is through meditation and relaxation. Meditation can be achieved through yoga, relaxation techniques, Shamanic journeying, channeling, or exercise programs such as Tai Chi.The purp ose of all of these exercises is to increase the body's energy flow and to] ward off sickness and contagious disease (Weiss 352). Tai Chi is a program that moves energy through the body. It uses the idea of pushing outward, moving the bad energy out, which leaves room for the good energy to enter. If the body is not cleared of the bad energy, the good cannot enter. This is accomplished through proper breathing, as Lao Tzu stated. Proper breathing is facilitated by all of the aforementioned meditation techniques.Yoga is another style of body movement which works in the same manner as Tai Chi. Through a specific routine, the individual moves and cleanses energy, so that not only air, but blood and intelligence can flow freely throughout the mind and body. As satirist Adams, creator of the Dilbert cartoon has often said, one of the best ways to achieve what one wants out of life is by writing out or stating affirmations. The process he recommends, and which he attributes to his own suc cess, is the process of creative visualization.Shakti Gawain states that the benefits to be gained from this process of seeing yourself as having completed goals, brings physical health, a healthy self-image, good relationships, forgiveness and release, and success (Gawain 122-123). The advantage of visualizing the future is that the information visualized creates a steady message to the body, mind and soul about the exact goals it wants to pursue and receive. For this reason, it is a very powerful means of achieving goals.Shamanic journeying is also a hands-on approach, which entails relaxation to a repetitive drum beat or musical score, and a conscious intent to move a specific sickness (one at a time) out of the body. Shamanic journeying, much like a transcendental meditation on another plane, can be used to undo the past and move the ties that bind from the body, or it can be used to remove psychological dis-ease from the mind. Much like a physical manifestation of psychological treatment, the mind and body can be healed by Shamanic means within a very short period of time, however .In the past, most of this work was done by a Shaman or Medicine person, but today, the individual can take responsibility for this work (Newhouse and Amodeo 48-52). The important thing to remember when journeying are these lines from a poem by Nancy Wood: iAll of my life rolled out from my feet,i and iAt the same time I made a hole in the sky (Newhouse and Amodeo 50). This epitomizes the release and intake of energy. This same type of process is involved in channeling, a quiet form of relaxation which is a 20 minute process that recognizes the seven chakras and their relationship to the earth and sky points of the body.A channel opens all seven points to let energy flow down, up and out in order to cleanse, create and love. Through the lower chakras the energy cleanses down through the stomach (yellow), intestines (orange), and reproductive organs (red). Once these are clean, t he heart (green/pink) is opened, and from there the throat/voice (blue), vision/third eye (purple), and mind (purple) can be opened to the heavens for universal information and communication. In all cases, the meeting place in the body is the heart.When love is sensed and cleansed, it can then flow outward to everyone and everything in the immediate vicinity and the universe (Stevens 224-229). Not only does this heal the body, but it heals the universe and all that receive the cleansed outward energy. All of these processes are not only for the purpose of cleansing the body, mind and soul or for creating the world that an individual wants for himself or herself. They are means to effect changes in the universe. Worldwide group meditations are held to correct all kinds of ills on this planet.They are held nightly and on specific dates. The perception experienced by the participants is a sense of complete peace and also of sensation. Works Cited Capra, Fritjof. Holistic Health Holisti c Peace. in The New Holistic Health Handbook, Living Well in a New Age. Ed. Shepherd Bliss. Lexington MA: Penquin Books. (1985). Gawain, Shakti. iCreative Visualization. ,i in The New Holistic Health Handbook, Living Well in a New Age. Ed. Shepherd Bliss. Lexington MA: Penquin Books. (1985). Newhouse, Sandy R. M. A. Amodeo, John, Ph. D. Native American Healing. in The New Holistic Health Handbook, Living Well in a New Age. Ed. Shepherd Bliss. Lexington MA: Penquin Books. (1985). Stevens, Petey. iPsychic Healing. in The New Holistic Health Handbook, Living Well in a New Age. Ed. Shepherd Bliss. Lexington MA: Penquin Books. (1985). Weiss, Shandor. Tai Chi Chuan as a Healing Art. in The New Holistic Health Handbook, Living Well in a New Age. Ed. Shepherd Bliss. Lexington MA: Penquin Books. (1985).

25 Good Reasons for Hating My Brother Todd Essay

The plot of the story is about a boy named Emery listing throughout the story, 25 reasons why he hates his brother Todd. The story is told from first person by Emery. Emery is not an average 15 year old, he dresses like a forty year old and he is much more mature than his age and stands out from all the others. When the girl Emery likes, Jodi, gets partnered up with him she isn’t very happy about it till they go to Emery’s house and she sees Todd. Jodi immediately falls in love with him and Todd likes her too. Todd asked Emery if it was okay for him to ask out Jodi, and Emery says he doesn’t like her anyways. Then Emery gets mad and puts his head down on his desk and Todd makes sure if he’s okay. Emery’s older brother Todd does things to annoy Emery unintentionally but Emery thinks he’s doing it all intentionally. The things Todd does is what an average older sibling does, but Emery thinks its just Todd acting big. From Emery’s point of view, Todd is an annoying older brother who acts big about the things he can do. From the point of view the story is told, you can tell Todd isn’t the way Emery thinks he is, he makes sure it is okay for him to ask out the girl Emery likes. When Emery disliked that idea, he puts his head down, and Todd tries to comfort him. Emery makes the list not because he hates his brother Todd for the things he lists, but to make him feel better about Todd asking out the girl Emery â€Å"loves†. Emery is jealous of his brother Todd because he is so much better than everything than him and he is more popular. It’s a common rivalry between older and younger brothers. Todd actually cares about Emery but he always takes everything Todd does in a negative way. The moral of this story is that you can’t stay mad at your family members forever, family always sticks together.

Historical Report on Race

They were sold into slavery where they were considered property, had o rights, past down to the next generation, and etc. (Schaefer p. 177). Slaves had to follow many different codes and it shows how badly African Americans have suffered over the years. Slaves were controlled by fear and intimidation. When slaves did not follow the codes they were punished in many different ways. For example: whipped, beaten, imprisoned, hung, or etc. On top of that women also had to deal with rape and there was nothing they could do about it.In 1865 slavery was dismissed throughout the United States (Schaefer p. 180). Since then African Americans have experienced many other hardships. For example: discrimination, segregation, hatred, racism, and etc. It has not by any means been an easy going ride for African Americans. There have been many different political, social, and cultural issues or concerns throughout America's history, because of the color of their skin. There has been discrimination towa rds African Americans and has hindered them from performing the best that they can.There was laws created to help support oppression of African Americans. As time went by laws were passed to help Stop discrimination with the help of African Americans standing up against the discrimination that they were dealing with. For example: â€Å"in 1 955, a black seamstress Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus† (History 2014). This brought around a citywide boycott that helped put a stop to segregation. There are many organizations that have come about to help voice ways of preventing discrimination.For example: in 1942, James Farmer organized an organization called Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Core was created and to help end discriminatory policies through direct-action projects (Congress of Racial Equality 2014). These organizations helped start the beginning of the end of coordination, segregation, slavery, De cure segregat ion, and etc. Legislation meant to constrain race with prejudicial boundaries that enacted. For example: Jim Crow Laws or De cure segregation. Jim Crow laws were created to separate the whites and blacks.They were set in place to supposedly treat blacks as separates but equal (Schaefer p. 180). It separated the whites and blacks in many different ways. Blacks were not allowed to eat in the same restaurant, use the same bathrooms, stay in the same hotels, or go to the same schools. While they were enslaved there were slave codes that they had to follow. For example: they were not allowed to gamble, they had curfews, they could not own property, they could not marry, they could not have a weapon, or etc. (Schaefer p. 177).The united States made it very difficult for African Americans to become who they are in today's society. African Americans fought legislation in many different ways. They boycotted, ran away, or etc. , just to get away from the laws or to try and end the rules. Alth ough African Americans were beaten or arrested they still continued to stand their grounds to get what they deserved. The government also put into place a restrictive covenant. Racially restrictive covenants played a major role in contributing to residential segregation† (Ramose 1995). This covenant helped keep blacks from living in white neighborhoods.African Americans fought the system to overturn the covenant and to be able to live where ever they wanted. In 1963 President Lincoln put Emancipation Proclamation into effect. â€Å"Emancipation Proclamation freed all people that were held as slaves, but only was meant for the states that were involved in the Confederacy† (Schaefer p. 180). The thirteenth amendment stopped slavery all together, in every state. There have been many laws created to help stop discrimination wrought the United Stated. Not only for African Americans but also for other minorities. Historical Report on Race Krista Hanna Eth/125 Mr. Lew 18 February 2013 Historical Report on Race *I am writing as a Native American, a letter to my friend of a different culture. Dear Molly, I am writing in response to the letter you sent me, to answer questions and expand your knowledge about the Native American culture. First off let me start by saying that life wasn’t always grand for me. As a Native American, we learned to adopt our own way of live. We lived off reservations, and lived a more traditional way of life.A life that we thought was best for us and our kids to grow up in. We produced our own food, shelter and weapons and provided for ourselves in the most natural way possible. It wasn’t always easy though, and others seen more value out of our land and resources than us. I was forced off my land and had to adapt to the new peoples way of life. That in which they called a white society; this society created many acts in my life time in order to weaken our society such as those of t he Allotment Act and the Reorganization Act (Schaefer, p. 47, 2012). People of my cultural lived on reservations, we had learned to separate ourselves and adopt our own way of life and government. Native Americans had created their own nation and it caused and has caused a lot of tension between us and the U. S. culture. As a Native American, we were all about live the traditional way of life. There was value to our land and the resources that we used and the white people wanted and did take it from us.It seemed as if we were constantly at war with the white people so that we could protect what we thought was rightfully ours. They had created an act known as the Indian Removal Act, which was passed in 1830 (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). This opened more land for settlement and allowed people to come in and take over our reservations (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). In 1946, Congress had created the Indian Claims Commission (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). This was a good thing for us, or so we thought . It meant that finally our voice was going to be heard.There were three members apart of the commission, and they were given a five year deadline, but there kept getting extension after extension, until; in 1978 the whole thing was abolished (Schaefer p. 155, 2012). At times, it seemed as if maybe the government was trying to help us, that or they were trying to use us. In 1952, the BIA began programs, so that they could relocate young Native Americans to Urban areas and by 1962 they had created what was called the Employment Assistance program; also known as the EAP (Schaefer, p 157, 2012).Basically there primary goal was to relocate us by offering us better jobs opportunities that, that of the reservation could not offer. But this plan had soon backfired on them. By 1965, one-fourth to one third of the people in the EAP had returned home to their reservations (Schaefer p. 157, 2012). Today, most of our land has been taken from us and no longer exist. Native Americans themselves a re not being treated as badly as we were back then, but it’s the culture and our name that continues to be insulted. Schools have such a thing as mascots, and they create names for them.They use those such as the â€Å"Braves† or â€Å"Redskins. † Those names have a meaning to the Native American culture, it tends to bring up the past for us, and though there intentions may not be that of insulting us, some of us don’t like it too much. It hasn’t always been easy for us, and at times I wanted to give up. But everything seems to turn out for the better. I’ve learned that every culture and person has their own way of living and when someone sees a greater value of that person’s living then they have to have it.Things don’t always have to be that way; people can come up with their own greater value of living. Remember, you don’t always have to have someone else’s greater value to have a greater value of your own. Mak e an even better living for yourself than trying to take someone else’s. I hope you learned well from this letter and I wish you the best. Your Friend! Resources: Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Racial and Ethnic Groups (13th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Historical Report on Race Krista Hanna Eth/125 Mr. Lew 18 February 2013 Historical Report on Race *I am writing as a Native American, a letter to my friend of a different culture. Dear Molly, I am writing in response to the letter you sent me, to answer questions and expand your knowledge about the Native American culture. First off let me start by saying that life wasn’t always grand for me. As a Native American, we learned to adopt our own way of live. We lived off reservations, and lived a more traditional way of life.A life that we thought was best for us and our kids to grow up in. We produced our own food, shelter and weapons and provided for ourselves in the most natural way possible. It wasn’t always easy though, and others seen more value out of our land and resources than us. I was forced off my land and had to adapt to the new peoples way of life. That in which they called a white society; this society created many acts in my life time in order to weaken our society such as those of t he Allotment Act and the Reorganization Act (Schaefer, p. 47, 2012). People of my cultural lived on reservations, we had learned to separate ourselves and adopt our own way of life and government. Native Americans had created their own nation and it caused and has caused a lot of tension between us and the U. S. culture. As a Native American, we were all about live the traditional way of life. There was value to our land and the resources that we used and the white people wanted and did take it from us.It seemed as if we were constantly at war with the white people so that we could protect what we thought was rightfully ours. They had created an act known as the Indian Removal Act, which was passed in 1830 (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). This opened more land for settlement and allowed people to come in and take over our reservations (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). In 1946, Congress had created the Indian Claims Commission (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). This was a good thing for us, or so we thought . It meant that finally our voice was going to be heard.There were three members apart of the commission, and they were given a five year deadline, but there kept getting extension after extension, until; in 1978 the whole thing was abolished (Schaefer p. 155, 2012). At times, it seemed as if maybe the government was trying to help us, that or they were trying to use us. In 1952, the BIA began programs, so that they could relocate young Native Americans to Urban areas and by 1962 they had created what was called the Employment Assistance program; also known as the EAP (Schaefer, p 157, 2012).Basically there primary goal was to relocate us by offering us better jobs opportunities that, that of the reservation could not offer. But this plan had soon backfired on them. By 1965, one-fourth to one third of the people in the EAP had returned home to their reservations (Schaefer p. 157, 2012). Today, most of our land has been taken from us and no longer exist. Native Americans themselves a re not being treated as badly as we were back then, but it’s the culture and our name that continues to be insulted. Schools have such a thing as mascots, and they create names for them.They use those such as the â€Å"Braves† or â€Å"Redskins. † Those names have a meaning to the Native American culture, it tends to bring up the past for us, and though there intentions may not be that of insulting us, some of us don’t like it too much. It hasn’t always been easy for us, and at times I wanted to give up. But everything seems to turn out for the better. I’ve learned that every culture and person has their own way of living and when someone sees a greater value of that person’s living then they have to have it.Things don’t always have to be that way; people can come up with their own greater value of living. Remember, you don’t always have to have someone else’s greater value to have a greater value of your own. Mak e an even better living for yourself than trying to take someone else’s. I hope you learned well from this letter and I wish you the best. Your Friend! Resources: Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Racial and Ethnic Groups (13th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Historical Report on Race Krista Hanna Eth/125 Mr. Lew 18 February 2013 Historical Report on Race *I am writing as a Native American, a letter to my friend of a different culture. Dear Molly, I am writing in response to the letter you sent me, to answer questions and expand your knowledge about the Native American culture. First off let me start by saying that life wasn’t always grand for me. As a Native American, we learned to adopt our own way of live. We lived off reservations, and lived a more traditional way of life.A life that we thought was best for us and our kids to grow up in. We produced our own food, shelter and weapons and provided for ourselves in the most natural way possible. It wasn’t always easy though, and others seen more value out of our land and resources than us. I was forced off my land and had to adapt to the new peoples way of life. That in which they called a white society; this society created many acts in my life time in order to weaken our society such as those of t he Allotment Act and the Reorganization Act (Schaefer, p. 47, 2012). People of my cultural lived on reservations, we had learned to separate ourselves and adopt our own way of life and government. Native Americans had created their own nation and it caused and has caused a lot of tension between us and the U. S. culture. As a Native American, we were all about live the traditional way of life. There was value to our land and the resources that we used and the white people wanted and did take it from us.It seemed as if we were constantly at war with the white people so that we could protect what we thought was rightfully ours. They had created an act known as the Indian Removal Act, which was passed in 1830 (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). This opened more land for settlement and allowed people to come in and take over our reservations (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). In 1946, Congress had created the Indian Claims Commission (Schaefer, p. 150, 2012). This was a good thing for us, or so we thought . It meant that finally our voice was going to be heard.There were three members apart of the commission, and they were given a five year deadline, but there kept getting extension after extension, until; in 1978 the whole thing was abolished (Schaefer p. 155, 2012). At times, it seemed as if maybe the government was trying to help us, that or they were trying to use us. In 1952, the BIA began programs, so that they could relocate young Native Americans to Urban areas and by 1962 they had created what was called the Employment Assistance program; also known as the EAP (Schaefer, p 157, 2012).Basically there primary goal was to relocate us by offering us better jobs opportunities that, that of the reservation could not offer. But this plan had soon backfired on them. By 1965, one-fourth to one third of the people in the EAP had returned home to their reservations (Schaefer p. 157, 2012). Today, most of our land has been taken from us and no longer exist. Native Americans themselves a re not being treated as badly as we were back then, but it’s the culture and our name that continues to be insulted. Schools have such a thing as mascots, and they create names for them.They use those such as the â€Å"Braves† or â€Å"Redskins. † Those names have a meaning to the Native American culture, it tends to bring up the past for us, and though there intentions may not be that of insulting us, some of us don’t like it too much. It hasn’t always been easy for us, and at times I wanted to give up. But everything seems to turn out for the better. I’ve learned that every culture and person has their own way of living and when someone sees a greater value of that person’s living then they have to have it.Things don’t always have to be that way; people can come up with their own greater value of living. Remember, you don’t always have to have someone else’s greater value to have a greater value of your own. Mak e an even better living for yourself than trying to take someone else’s. I hope you learned well from this letter and I wish you the best. Your Friend! Resources: Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Racial and Ethnic Groups (13th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Current Issues in Corporate Reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Current Issues in Corporate Reporting - Essay Example Traditionally the focus was solely on the financial information for investment, but scenario has changed now. Corporate reporting does not only mean focusing on the value drivers in terms of financials, but on the non-financial aspects too (Mallin, 2009, p. 17). Corporate reporting process will keep evolving and improving according to the market condition and requirements. Companies have started getting the pressure from the regulatory bodies for developing meaningful disclosure and reports in order to present a transparent image before the stakeholders (Everingham, 2008, p. 1). This study is regarding the need for new approaches of corporate reporting and the problems that have been faced by the regulatory body in developing and producing such a framework. The new approaches were proposed to reflect the wider and long-term outcomes of decisions that are taken by the organization. Integrated reporting mainly focuses on the strategically significant requirements that would assist the firm in developing a strong competitive advantage. It will also assist in securing the credit and capital, build good business relationships, and help to develop strategies for competition. The stakeholders would be receiving an enhanced information source regarding the sustainability and quality of the performances of the company (Hopwood, Unerman, and Fries, 2012, p. 36-39). The integrated reporting has moved beyond the traditional silo approach of gathering and reporting information. In integrated reporting comprehensive assessment approach is followed, in which the company’s performance and values are presented in an inclusive manner, so that the investors has information other than only the financials of the company (Loska, 2011, p. 9). The comp rehensive approach requires understanding the strategy drivers of the company, identification of the key stakeholders and their explicit expectations, and implementation of different processes for obtaining the

Personal development plan Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Personal development plan - Coursework Example ked at (Huta Hegerfeld Environmental Works ltd) in the administration and human resources office as an administrator responsible for the company relationship and employment registration including visa requirements for non- Saudi employments. And recorded at the General Organization for Social Insurance and the Labour Office of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between (01-04-2005 to 31-12-2009). I worked as a volunteer at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments Dawas and Guidance related to the seaport for 4 Seasons of Hajj where I worked as a data entry clerk and did classification of the ships coming from abroad and pilgrims who came to perform the Hajj (2004-2008). Over the years, working with others in doing assignments, I have gained the ability to realize that team work leads to better results than individual work as long as all minds are set towards a common goal. My interest is in Law and politics. I admire the political scene of the western culture and I would like to integrate that with my traditional and religious belief to aid my country in progressing ahead, economically and politically. I want to start my own Law firm and be able to help the innocent from false imprisonment. This will also enable me to prove my worth and to develop both in terms of business and also in mentoring other young Lawyers who do not have the proper platform to practice Law. I would also like to work on my charisma, confidence, and assertiveness. This is especially important since to be able to lead, one must not only possess management skills but leadership skills as well. Socially, my perfectionist attributes affect my relationship with others and therefore I intend on developing into an easy going person. However, I cannot totally change my admiration for neat and smart work, I can only be more admissive to the fact that human is to error, and that not everyone is perfect. After all, some errors can be corrected or at the least minimized. I am planning on furthering my

Quality Analysis I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quality Analysis I - Essay Example Apple is also involved in the marketing of mobile communication and media devices with other peripherals and associated accessories (Lashinsky, 2012). Among the products produced by Apple Inc., the Apple personal computers have been one of the greatest successes that the organization has made in the past. The Apple Smartphones exhibit a number of qualities that put them way ahead of other competing organizations, within the stiff market arena. The qualities of Apple Smartphones that put them ahead in terms of competition from the many smartphone manufacturers include the unique operating software (OS), which has the ability to resist virus attack. Viruses are some of the greatest concerns of many smartphone users today, most especially in reference to data loss, which is one of the greatest problems that majorities of the users face today. Additionally, Apple Smartphones use very unique software that are never used by any other type of computer system, therefore, preventing the problem of software piracy, ideally, one of the greatest currently in the Information Technology industry (Lashinsky, 2012). In conducting a SWOT analysis for Apple Inc., it is clear that the greatest strength contributing to the organization’s success is innovation. Apple Inc. has been able to create unique products, which have brought the market forward, especially in terms of design and competition (Cruikshank, 2006). With products such as the Smartphones and the iPhones, the organization has been able to bring technology to the mainstream, enabling it build a brand name that beats all the rest in the market arena. Despite such great success, Apple Inc. has one great weakness in terms of its pricing. It is substantively clear that the prices of most of Apple’s products are very exploitative, with a majority of critics arguing that the organization only concentrates in gathering immense wealth in cash terms from its customers, without any little concern for theirs economic status

Human resource problems - Google Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Human resource problems - Google - Essay Example trying to find ways to improve its workforce performance this could be effective through smart hiring, Google has to investigate how to improve managers. Improper hiring may lead to everything that will follow to be less fine. They should seek for a way to recruit the best candidates. Going to the data to find the optimal number of those to interview to Identify top talent and not running them off too arduous of a recruiting process. It can be discovered that the group hiring barred too many personal preferences in the process and an algorithm reviews declined resumes to get outlined applicant and bring them back to the rotation. Also on the other hand Google should investigate the lifestyle of the candidate before recruiting them in the social media such as; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram among others to be sure of their public images and how they participate in them (Youndt, et al. 866). Since recruiting and training cost incur some of the significant costs to the corporate, it has to consider keeping the existing talent to make the system affordable route to success. Google has to do crunching of the numbers to recognize which employees are expected to leave so that they can preclude the unwanted abrasion. Through this, they could be able to improve retention by more than 35%. This will also enable the company to retain the excellent employees who have set good standards in their performance; through this the company may improve its quality of performance and even improve it as time goes by (Collins, et al. 745). Managing the top leadership team; the most effective ways of the best leadership which most of the employees prefer is through one-on-one coaching, personalized response and interest in the employee personally has a positive impact on retention and job approval. Managers are rated two times annually by their staffers to fill the Google data machine and make certain all is well. Also, the managers could treat the employees through giving them some

NO TOPIC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

NO TOPIC - Essay Example A case where a White man causes an accident and escapes probably because it was a girl child or a black person reveals a lot about the sociocultural standards of that time. Blacks and women had a narrow space in the society. However, the difference between the America of the past and the contemporary one today is really big in terms of sociocultural standards and perceptions (Donnelley 107-108). A salient theme of body hate comes out more clearly. The amount of time and energy that people take in trying to hate and hide some of their body parts that the perceptually deem faulty is surprising. It is possible to have a profound psychological turmoil when hit by a flaw on a conspicuous body part. Moreover, the media’s ‘campaign’ for perfection in their advertisements is the reason that makes people worry of very petty and insignificant problems. They tend to promote businesses by portraying a world of perfection and everyone would want to join their non-flawed worlds (Donnelley 109). Evidently, the author’s intent to practically explore and expose the real life problems that a girl child of that time went through has bee achieved. From the genesis of her problems to its progression until its end, the story is well developed by Alice

The Cover-up Most Important Facts Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 24

The Cover-up Most Important Facts - Case Study Example As that paper outlines, following the formal procedure for purchase of equipments whose costs are more than $ 50000 could have taken time and deprived the department of the short term returns and also the advantage of low cost of the equipment. Failure to ensure technical support however undermines the potential benefits. Another important fact to the case is Colin’s failure to disclose the decision and action that Jeff and he took and this identifies an ethical dilemma. Rose has been supportive to Colin and is good at offering advice. He is also Colin’s senior and Colin fears that possible disclosure would lead to his sacking even before arrival of corporate representatives. Continued concealment of their decision however means that he continues hiding costs until the corporate department knows about the issue. Another important fact to the case is Colin’s reaction to other people. He demonstrates harshness on his child and his wife complains of his over-commitment to work. Other people such as workmates could also be victims of Colin’s hyperactivity and this is an ethical issue as he could be subjecting people to unnecessary psychological harm . The reporte stresses that "in the situation, I would approach Rose and discuss the situation with him, expressing my sincere remorse. I would explain to him reasons for my failure to disclose cost of acquisition and expenses on the machine, contrary to reporting standards by IFRS 7 and identify morality of my action. According to utilitarian ethics, an act is only immoral if it leads to greater harm to a greater percentage of involved stakeholders and even though the purchased equipment has not been used in the organization, its use could benefit all involved stakeholders to identify morality of the decision."

Begging in India Essay Example for Free

Begging in India Essay Begging in India is a fashion, a compulsion, a profession, a privilege and a recreation. The number of beggars in India is much larger than in other countries. Our heads hang down in shame when we read description of this institution given by foreigners in a hateful manner. To the Westerners, India is a land of the mendicants and snake-charmers. Beggars are found in villages and towns, on roads, crossings and footpaths. But their favorite haunts are bathing Ghats, temples, religious or festival fairs, railway stations, trains and bus-stands. It is a big nuisance to be confronted by street beggars at all odd places. Like the God Almighty they seem to be omnipresent. You are waiting for a bus at the bus-stand or walking down a road with your friend, they appear from nowhere and start an endless volley of entreaties and blessings. They follow you close at your heels and keep pestering you till you give them some coins out of a sense of sheer disgust and helplessness. There are various types of beggars in India. The religious; beggars cluster round pilgrim centres and attract public attention by their wonderful feats. There are crippled and disabled beggars who remain lying on road-sides or at railway or river bridges arousing sympathy of the passers-by, making all kinds of pitiful gesture! ; There are beggars who are quite stout and able-bodied. Begging for them is not a necessity but a profession. They are idlers and rascals who are unwilling to earn their bread by hard work. They often operate in gangs and their leaders hold a bank balance that would be credit to an important business magnate. They are disguised as physically disabled or handicapped. They use as tools young women with new born babies or young children. Whenever they find an opportunity, they commit thefts and crimes, including kidnapping of children. At some places we come across modernized beggars dressed in suits. Such beggars lead a luxurious life in places of retirement. There are travelling beggars who are particularly seen in trains. The collect alms for orphanages, cow-shelters and widow-shelters, which exist only in their minds. Foreigners are their most privileged victims. Begging in India has developed into an art and a full-fledged profession. The practice of begging is the result of the poverty of the country and the deep-seated religious sentiments and superstitions of our country men. Unemployment, illiteracy, ignorance and ever-increasing population are other causes of begging. It cannot be denied that the distribution of wealth is not fair and the gulf between the rich and the poor is very wide. The rich and the well to-do accept extreme poverty and begging as a necessary feature of society. Religion seems to teach them that charity is the surest passport to heaven. Beggars, in themselves are problems and they create other social problems by kidnapping women and children; Sometimes, we begin to doubt the integrity of spiritually and morally high persons and ill treat them because pink clothes have become the common dress of beggars in India. Charity, in our country, enjoys religious sanctity. But it is conveniently forgotten that misplaced charity is good neither for the one who shows it nor for one to whom it is shown. It encourages idleness and in activity. It produces parasites and wastes a sizeable amount of human power. Laws should be legislated for abolishing begging and offenders should be severely dealt with. The government should be establish work-houses where able-bodied beggars should be kept and compelled to work. The people, in general, should be made conscious of the fact that beggars are the greatest enemies of the country and there should be country wide agitations against beggars. The crippled and disabled beggars should be maintained by the State, The disabled and diseased beggars and orphaned children and destitute women deserve particular attention from the State. There should be asylums and training centres for such people. Here they should first be treated for their ailments and then trained in different kinds of handicrafts and cottage industries. The success of some of the schools for the blind, the deaf and the dumb shows the true solution of the problem. In place of individual charity, funds and donation should be raised on a large and organized scale for the relief of these unfortunate people. Indeed, beggary if so intricately women into our way of life that, no matter how corrupt and scheming it gets, it shall continue to claim attention. If not from the educated, from the illiterate and the superstitious. Tragedy stares at us round every corner. Begging is one of the worst social evils that denegrade India in the eyes of the world. The earlier it is eradicated, the better it would be in the interest of our nation.

Education Essays Public Schools Education

Education Essays Public Schools Education Public Schools Education Abstract Public schools have always been a milestone of the social history of the United States. Despite arguments against them, many education researchers believe they still have an important place in the education process. Schools supervisors play an important role in education with a potential to extend their role in evaluation as needed in education reform. The aim of this essay is to provide a brief yet a comprehensive review on the arguments on public education, school supervision, and evaluation of education and school supervisors. Supervising and public schools Public education is a milestone in the US social history. The society is multicultural and ethnically diverse thus; public schools were an endeavor to create a consistent society, starting by young people, through providing a common prospectus coming up from the newly rising Anglo-American culture. The people of the US live a long dated democratic political tradition; therefore, they look at education as a key feature to the principle of equal opportunity. In addition, because of the capitalist economy is one with high competition, education becomes essential to success. Most Americans translate the phrase public education as run by elected civil authorities, and supported by taxpayers so these schools should provide free education. However, schools, by this definition, did not exist in colonial America. Thus, the roots of public education may have come from British Grammar schools, missionary (Spanish) schools in Mexico and Latin America, and possibly the underground secret (clandestine) schools of black slaves. Public education systems reflect the societys preconceptions, economic and political conflicts, and social ranking. Therefore, second to national defense, no government-provided service attracted the attention of the public in the US as education does (Encyclopedia of American Social History, 1993). Arguments on public education West (1994) looked at the history of public (government financed) education in both UK and the U.S, and came out with statements that disapprove the common notion the state should be the major supervisor and support to education. West (1994) showed that percentage of government spending on school education in UK was almost the same before and after schooling laws in 1830. The author inferred that measuring the educational output by the ability to read and write shows no large effect of government involvement. In addition, West (1994), claimed the ultimate development of the public education system was essentially the outcome of the endeavors of individuals managing it, motivated by self-interest. Thus, the result was to substitute, not to support and reinforce the earlier private education system. Young and Block (1999), summarized the arguments in favor of public education, they suggested four categories. The first argument for public education is the assertion that it produces large positive outcome irrespective of cost (economic argument). In other words, by public education rising generations benefit the society as a whole. Therefore, it is logic for the society to share in how to educate, disburse the cost of education, and does not pass on the process completely to private enterprises. In addition, increased economic productivity of educated people reflects on the productivity of the society. A second channel is that public education ensures the moral ideas, concepts, and beliefs the system needs to put in our children. This may not have a direct economic impact but its effect on crime rates, drug abuse and youth culture is evident if proper guidance and coaching are available. Second argument is that public education is necessary because parents may not be adequately educated to choose suitable schooling for their children (education argument). However, whether this argument is an advantage to the public system teaching the youth what the public body wants rather that what they or their parents want, remains open to discussion. This argument explains at most one generation of public education, after that this generation should be able to choose an education for their children. Third, the substantial resources of the government are what can provide proper investment in human capital. In addition, even if most parents can afford educating their children, however, the young generation cannot afford to pay education costs for themselves. A strong argument against a total private system of education (democratic argument) is it endorses and spreads inequality. Children coming from rich backgrounds should not superior education, and added chance of success, irrespective of their skills and abilities. The fact that family environment is a significant forecaster of school performance, increases the effect of this argument. The basic fact remains, since education is important for the public, public education should be available (Young and Block, 1999). School Supervision The rationale (philosophy) of school supervision: The basic objective for education is to provide an environment where all students can learn and eventually become successful and productive members of society.  There are six concepts to succeed as a leader of a school and be able to put this philosophy into action: vision, culture, management, community, ethics, and politics.   The choices to lead (supervise or coach) are the teacher’s response of vision of the education philosophy and aim, practical theories and are affected at the same time by the teachers personality and response to certain situations. Keeping this vision ensures that successful leadership leads to students achievements (Sergiovanni, 2006). Teachers should try to create a tailored plan for all students to ensure that meets everyone’s needs.   The classroom teacher’s must oversee this plan by frequent assessments.   These assessments will guide instructing the students to ensure making that progress for all students.   A supervisor must provide training for teachers, so they meet the eventual goal.   (Nanus, 1992). The culture of the school as a learning community depends on two essential understandings; first, the school is a place where all staff personnel are committed to the success of the school. Second, a learning community is one that accepts others and their differences, and is a community that establishes an environment of good morals as caring and mutual respect.   Developing a school culture is a necessity to develop a learning community. In this respect, supervisors represent the model behavior that sets the school culture (Rooney, 2005). The school community is not only the people within the school, it is the community outside the school related to and mixed up with the school students (as family and community businesses). Thus, the school leader must understand the needs of the community where the school is (Epstein, 1995). In managing resources, the school leadership must guarantee that all school sections receive satisfactory awareness.   A school leader must have a clear vision for student accomplishment and learning curve.   Teachers and support staff dealing with students must have a matching vision, as they are members of the school team. School ethics relates mainly to shared and common caring, respect and decency. The school leader must be an ethical role model for those in the school, and must display the spirit of standard morals and professional standards at all times.   The leader must be an example to respect, even-handedness, reliance, and integrity in all decisions.   This will promote the highest morals and ethics throughout the school personnel and gain parent’s trust (Sergiovanni, 2006). Supervisors and Education reform: In education reform, educational supervisors need to add concepts of coaching to the scope of their mission to be able to readjust the notion of educational supervisor. There is no clear definition to educational coaching, yet the term implies teaching, supervising, building, and following up the learning and skill development curve of students. This sounds similar in many ways to supervision, it is true there are connections between ideas and procedures of both terms. Van Kessel (2007) was more direct in describing the mainstay qualities of coaching. As described by Van Kessel (2007), coaching represents individualized, mutual effort, spotlights students’ progress, and focuses on results. Its center of attention is on developing solutions and not only on analyzing problems. It looks at objectives development and goal establishment in cooperation among the coach, teachers and students. It needs building up a methodical goal-directed process to advance goal achievement. Further, the coach should motivate student responsiveness to support learning and development. Finally, coaching focuses at stimulating self-directed and self-reflective learning, and at developing self-regulated progress to back unremitting change (van Kessel, 2007, English translation). Evaluation of education and school supervisors Formative-Summative evaluation: Defining formative assessment points to the assumptions and actions educators can take based on the results of an assessment; in other words, it is progression of plans and practices following an appraisal. Integrating the perception of formative assessment in education occurred over 35 years ago into the practice of education. In procedural terms, it means that students do not advance to the forecoming learning objective unless they pass an assessment in the present one. Finishing a specific learning unit, the teacher initiates an exercise based on a standardized teaching method. The teacher conducts an assessment for that unit, based on the students’ results; the teacher then classifies students into those who have mastered the unit and those who are not. For the unsuccessful group, the teacher employs diagnostic information collected from the assessment to apply corrective action usually in the form of directions to support the student’s weaknesses in understanding the subjects of the test. Thus, an essential point of formative assessment concept is that its main objective is to heighten students’ teaching (William, 2006). Formative assessment may take many forms (verbal, writing, small or focus group†¦) depending on the aims of evaluation and the students skills teaching aimed to develop (William, 2006). Summative evaluation, on the other hand, is a product (education) evaluation (Jeffs and Smith, 2005). It aims at evaluating the outcome and efficiency of an initiative, a process or a project (as education). Thus, it emphasizes on the aims and consequences of education. It seeks to clarify if a process working in a certain place can work in another place with the same conditions. In simple words, Summative evaluation is a way to decide the value of an education program at the end its activities. Thorough complete (comprehensive) testing or widespread all-inclusive (full-field) studies are the common methods of performing summative assessment. Its main use is to collect data on the effect of a running program in society for sometime (Jeffs and Smith, 2005). Role of supervisors as it relates to evaluation School supervisors perform three interlinking roles, they are control and assessment, providing support and offer guidance, and take the part of liaison (connection) officer between the higher education authorities and the school. The control function relates closely to inspection, and covers educational and administrative domains. This control function relates to evaluation of teachers and assisting staff. Support and guidance functions whether to teachers or student need knowledge of evaluation both formative and summative. Connecting schools with higher educational authorities is a form of upright liaison function; however, supervisors can also play a parallel horizontal liaison role spreading ideas and creating a school learning environment among the staff and students. There is an increasing awareness’ that supervisors role should extend to system evaluation because there is a need to education reform and increasing the quality function of the available schools (International Institute of Educational Planning (UNESCO), 2007) Conclusion My idea of a school supervisor entails belief, hope, and engagement in students’ interests. My belief is teacher supervision is more like coaching a team coming up with reliable and genuine ideas that can be signs of devotion and real hard work of teachers. I also believe in the important role public schools play in the society and that education reform should start within the school environment first. My hope is to be able to achieve the high expectations of a school supervisor in advancing students’ learning, share positively in teaching planning and processes, and fulfill my responsibilities in creating a caring and respectable learning environment. I can assess the students’ interests and needs as well as assess the quality of school supervision through performing continuous evaluation. I will also be able to recognize where I can improve the teachers performance and to prove professional endeavors that will help improving the process of public education. I will have my share in backing the commitments to the state law and policies of board of education as well as the district education guidelines documents. References Encyclopedia of American Social History (Volume 3) (1993). The American Religious Experience. Retrieved 10/06/2008, from Epstein, J. (1995). School/family/community partnerships: caring for the children we share. Phi Delta Kappan, 76(9), 701-712. International Institute of Educational Planning (UNESCO). (2007). Reforming school supervision for quality improvement: Module 2: Roles and functions of supervisors. Paris: IIIEP/UNESCO. Jeffs, T. and Smith, M. K. (2005). Informal Education. Conversation, democracy and learning (3rd edition). Nottingham: Educational Heretics Press. Nanus, B. (1992). Visionary leadership: creating a compelling sense of direction for your organization. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley Sons Inc. Rooney, J. (2005). School culture: an invisible essential. Educational Leadership, 62(5), 86. Sergiovanni, T. (2006). The principalship: a reflective practice perspective (5th edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Van Kessel, L. (2007). Coaching, a field for professional supervisors. Ljetopis socijalnog rada, 14(2), 387-432. West, E G (1994). Education and the state. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund Inc. William, D. (2006). Formative assessment: Getting the focus right. Educational Assessment, 11(34), 283-289. Young, A and Block, W. (1999). Enterprising Education: Doing Away with the Public School System. International Journal of Value-Based Management, 12, 195-207.

Construction Industry Benchmark Report

Construction Industry Benchmark Report Construction Industry Benchmark The Review of the UK Construction Industry Benchmark Reports The first and foremost major report that reviewed the performance of the UK construction industry was enacted in 1929 and several other reports had followed suite up till the present time (Cain, 2003). Due to the multitudes of problems plaguing the UK construction industry, the UK government had at different times assembled teams of expert to bestow a panacea and impeccable modus operandi on the UK construction industry. Consequently, the UK government keeps reviewing each reports year after years for an up to date solutions for the UK construction industry by learning from the limitations of each report and re-examining the non-conforming of the industry to the findings and recommendations of the reports. Cain (2003) notes that the inspiration behind all the reports were the client concerns about the impact on their commercial performance of the inefficiency and waste in the UK construction industry. This chapter presents the review of various benchmark reports and initiatives of the UK government and construction industry as a response and panacea to the problems and imbroglio prevalent in the UK construction industry. Fragmentation, inefficiency and adversarialism had led to unnecessary high construction cost and poor functionality (Cain, 2003). Preceding chapters have elucidated on these problems and succinctly explored the benchmark reports in emphasizing the need for the UK construction industry to shift from its adversarial position and embrace a more integrated approach. The reports also charged the construction client to embrace co-operation and teamwork for an enhanced relationship among the supply chain members. This chapter reviews different reports that had shaped and are still shaping the direction of the UK construction industry. The recommendations of the reports which are regarded as a universal remedy for the adversarial make up of the UK construction industry are well highlighted. The BDB initiative will be left out since it has been discussed in earlier chapters. Major reports will be dilated more upon such as the Latham report, Egan Report and the Strategic Forum for Construction (SFC) report. CONSTRUCTING THE TEAM (The Latham Report of 1994) One of the earliest reports was Alfred Bossom Reaching for the Skies report of 1934 and different other reports such as Simon report of 1944 and Barnwell report of 1967 came afterwards before the Latham report of 1994 (Cain, 2003). In 1994, Sir Michael Latham report came into being with audacious recommendations to provide panacea to the quandary besmirching the UK construction industry. The Latham report vital message was that the client should be at the core of the construction process (NAO, 2001). It recommended more standardised construction contracts, better guidance on best practice and legislative changes to simplify dispute resolution (NAO, 2001). Cain (2003) notes that various reports before the Latham report all failed to have any impacts on the performance of the UK construction industry because of the industry continued sightlessness to its shortcomings. The UK construction industry had long been fraught with adversarial relationships, process fragmentation and ineffective planning. The continued reliance on the aforementioned failings had made the UK construction industry to still be enmeshed in its precarious state. It was however surmised by Cain in 2003 that the Latham report came as a catalyst in dissuading the construction clients from their unfavoured disposition and charged them to lead the reform movement. The Latham report Constructing the Team wished-for an understandable action plan with timescales, scheduled people to implement its recommendations and consequently sought the views of contractors and key private and public sector clients (NAO, 2001). It charged both the private construction client and the UK government that its recommendations implementation onus is on them and recommended that the latter should commit itself to becoming a best practice client (NAO, 2001). The Latham report identified inefficiencies which indicated the need for partnering and collaboration among the players in the construction industry. Teamwork was also identified and the report acted as a precursor for more initiatives. The Latham report led to the creation of the Construction Industry Board (CIB). Government benchmark reports and initiatives such as the Levene Efficiency Scrutiny report of 1995; the Egan report Rethinking Construction of 1998; the National Audit Office (NAO) report Modernising Construction of 2001; the SFC report; Accelerating Change of 2002; the Guide to the Construction Best Practice Programme (CBPP) of 1998; The Construction Client Charter; and The Movement for Innovation (M4i) were all designed to move the UK construction industry in the right direction. In its conclusion it affirms that if all its recommendations were put into practice, the potential for the achievement of efficiency savings of 30 per cent over five years in total construction costs is highly discernible and realizable (NAO, 2001). While the whole of this chapter is devoted to the review of the key UK construction industry benchmark reports, this section succinctly outline the key recommendations of the Latham report of 1994. As earlier noted at the beginning of the chapter, the first key recommendation of the Latham report is the need for the construction client to accept the onus of the reforms in the UK construction industry. It specifically emphasized that government being one of the biggest procurer of projects should commit itself and be acknowledged as a best practice client. It charged government to improve the training of its workforce for the achievement of the industrys goal of value for money and establish benchmarking arrangements to provide pressure for continuing improvements in performance. The report also noted that the private sector construction client is the biggest procurer of project and they thus need a unison voice to effect changes and improve standards. It was noticed that there was no single focus for the private sector construction client and a need was however identified. The setting up of an organisation called the Construction Clients Forum was recommended to represent the private sector client and provide influential voice, with responsibility for promoting forward thinking on key issues. The creation of the organisation was considered a priority. The report recommended that the Construction Sponsorship Directorate of the Department of the Environment be designated by Ministers as the lead Department for the implementation of the reports recommendations. Secondly, adjudication was acknowledged as the impeccable way of dispute resolution which must be introduced within all the Standard Forms of Contract and be underpinned by legislation. It emphasized that the impeccable solution is the avoidance of disputes. However, dispute can still abound despite concerted efforts of prevention. The report reckons that if procurement and tendering procedures are improved therefore there will be reduction in the causes of conflict. Mediation/conciliation was also acknowledged as another route of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Thirdly, the report recommended that the CIC should provide a guide to briefing that would assist the clients. It was also recommended that it should be part of the contractual process that the client should approve the design brief by signing it off. Also it was recommended that DOE should coordinate and publish a Construction Strategy Code of Practice (CSCP) to inform and advise the client. The CSCP should be legible and decipherable and circulated through all the government agencies. Fourthly, the report recommends the inclusion of detailed advice in the CSCP to all public clients on the specific requirements for selective tendering of EU directives. NJCC code of procedure was recommended as the focal point for the numbers of tenders for single stage tendering. It advised that clients that are subject to EU regulation must do away with open tendering procedures. It also advocated that client that procures their project through design and build approach should proceed by the following tender routes (1) On a single stage basis, not more than three firms should be invited with one other name in reserve (2) When a project is of complex nature and substantial, a two stage tender should be employed subject to EU considerations (3) When it is envisaged that ground investigation cost would be incurred by tenderers, they should be allowed to pool such cost by the retainment of single firm of consultants acting on behalf of them all (4) It should be made known in advance w hen a very large and expensive scheme is to be undertaken that a reasonable proportion of expense incurred by unsuccessful tenderers will be paid back to them (5) Based on quality and price basis assurance should be sought from the contractors that their own professional consultants will be retained. It recommends the creation of a more standardisation and effectual forms of contract, which tackle matters of simplicity, justice, roles and responsibilities, risks allocation, dispute resolution and payment (NAO, 2001). Fifthly, partnering was advocated by Latham for fostering long term relationship. It emphasizes that competitive tendering process should be used in seeking the partnering arrangement for a specific period of time. The partnering arrangement should be based on mutually agreed and measurable targets for productivity improvements. Training was however not well considered by the Latham review but it advised that the issue should be examined as a matter of urgency by the industry and the government. It also recommends that the industry should move away from the established structure that the industry handles contracts and works with designers and equal opportunity should be given greater consideration. It recommends the creation of a single central public sector register of consultants and contractors (NAO, 2001). This has led to the creation of ConstructionLine which is a central qualification database of contractors and consultants run by a public/private partnership with a Government steering group (NAO, 2001). Lastly, the report notes that the industry has invested little in research and development and that the DOE should take urgent step and involves clients in its research strategy programme which should be properly monitored. It also recommends the acceptance of 30% real cost reduction by minister and the industry. It recommends that clear definition should be given to the roles and responsibilities of the project manager. RETHINKING CONSTRUCTION (The Egan Report of 1998) In 1998, the Sir John Egan report came into being. The Sir John Egans construction task force presented it to the then deputy prime minister. The former Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott commissioned the report in July, 1998 with the central message that the UK construction industry and its client can jointly act to improve their performance by applying best practices to improve the quality and efficiency of the service provided by the industry to its clients (AZoBuild, 2008; Construction Excellence, 2006). Cain (2003) notes that the basic distinction of the Egan report in comparison with other reports is its insistence on the extraction of best practice in supply chain management from other sector. It was commissioned as part of the Governments effort to improve the quality and efficiency of the service provided by the industry to its clients. The Egan report advocates the creation of a Movement for Change which would be a vibrant, motivating and non-institutionalised body of people who are an advocate of the upliftment of the UK construction industry (AZoBuild, 2008). It was also noticed that the report acted as a harbinger for cultural changes with outcomes such as the launch of M4i in November 1998 (AZoBuild, 2008). The report also emphasize that the industry needs to improve on their activities but it however believe the industry is capable of doing that (AZoBuild, 2008). Several demonstration projects were undertaken to exemplify the innovations advocated by the report which to public astonishment exceeded the reports targets in productivity, profits, defects and reduced accidents (AZoBuild, 2008). Demonstration projects are regarded as live construction projects that are either innovating or imbibing an element of best practice (Construction Excellence, 2008a). Lesson learnt from these projects are used in influencing the UK construction industry change (Construction Excellence, 2008a). The report stoutly consolidated the apprehension of clients at the high level of inefficiency and waste and similarly powerfully consolidated the earlier message of the call for integration (Cain, 2003). The report lucidly admitted that total integration of processes (design and construction) and the application of supply chain management are key to better value for end user client (Cain, 2003). Cain (2003) in his review of the Egan report averred that the report was highly critical of the UK construction industrys disinclination to the grapple of the benefits of greater commonality and standardisation of components and materials. It was revealed in the report that the industry had low profitability, too little investment in capital, research, development and training and that too many of the construction clients in the industry were not satisfied with what they are getting (Construction Excellence, 2006). Consequently, 5 drivers for change were identified by the report with 4 project process improvements and 7 targets for improvement, which are summarized in Fig.3.5 in the previous chapter. Egan recommendations also include the attainment of the UK construction industrys potential. The report notes that for this to be achieved the industry needs to shift from its present culture and structure of competitive tendering and replace it with long term relationships based on clear measurements of performance and sustained improvements in quality and efficiency (Construction Excellence, 2006). MODERNISING CONSTRUCTION (The NAO report of 2001) In 2001, NAO Modernising Construction report came into being with brave recommendations by summarising previous reports that had recently set the tone for the eradication of the quandary besmirching the UK construction industry. The reports provision includes an analytical appraisal of the factual effectiveness of the industry and the barriers that hamper improvement (Cain, 2003). The report is about how to modernise the procurement and delivery of construction projects in the United Kingdom that benefits the construction clients and the UK construction industry in general (NAO, 2001). It critically chastises the UK construction industry for its poor performance and the consequences this poses (Cain, 2003). The report is seen to be very influential in dissuading the construction clients and the construction industry to discard their old adversarial ways and imbibe the Egan best practice (NAO, 2001). In Cains review of the report, it was identified that the major impediments to improvement of the performance of the UK construction industry are (1) the separate appointment of the designers from the rest of the supply chain (2) limited application of value management (3) opposition to supply chain integration (4) inconsideration of the factual cost of construction processes and components (5) little single point responsibility in one hand of design and construction process (6) limited regards to end users needs and inconsideration of fitness for purpose of the construction (7) use by client of narrow and rigid specifications, which stifle innovation and limit the scope for value for money; and (8) less inputs of buildability. According to NAO (2001), the report is seen to be forward looking and underscores good practice being espoused by the industry which if widely applied could achieve much considerable improvements in construction performance achieving better value for money. It was noted within the larger spending departments and agencies estimate that by adopting new approach to procurement and management of construction, efficiency gains of over ÂÂ £600 million annually and improvement in the quality of construction was achieved (NAO, 2001). It was established that there is greater potential in the application of best practice that leads to improved profitability when comparison is made with the current industry average of one per cent of turnover (NAO, 2001). Furthermore, the report also shows that there is no provision of value for money in the acceptance of the lowest price bid in both the final cost of construction or the through life and operational costs (NAO, 2001). It was also noted that conflict and distrust which have contributed to poor performance have severed the relationship between the public sector client and the construction industry (NAO, 2001). The report emphasises the need for integration of the clients, professional advisers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers of materials in order to better manage risk and apply value management and engineering techniques for the improvement of buildability and the elimination of waste from the process (NAO, 2001). This integration will be bring greater concentration to achieving a better construction which meets end users needs at a lower through life costs (NAO, 2001). Integration has the propensity of reducing through life and operational costs which consequently leads to greater certainty of time and budgeted costs of project (NAO, 2001). The report also charged the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) to develop more sophisticated performance measures and provide more co-ordinated direction to initiatives to promote better performance by the construction industry (NAO, 2001). The report acknowledged the department collaboration with the construction industry in developing and promoting key performance indicators to measure construction performance such as (1) the operational and running costs of completed buildings (2) the cost effectiveness of the construction process (3) indicators for health and safety; and (4) quality of the completed construction. Lastly, the report emphasises the training of more staff for the effectiveness of the construction clients and the importance of partnering for the adversarial relationship that abounds in the UK construction industry (NAO, 2001). ACCELERATING CHANGE (The SFC Report of 2002) The first act of the then minister of construction, Brian Wilson MP were to announce the arrangement for the SFC and consequently the elongation of the Rethinking Construction programme for another two years which led to the publication of Accelerating Change in the year 2002 (SFC, 2002). In the ministers foreword for the publication, he was more impressed with the reports emphasis on creating a sustainable, customer focussed industry (SFC, 2002). He noted the best in the industry, with particular references to the Rethinking Construction demonstration projects, which showed that Rethinking Construction principles hold good in practice and deliver real tangible returns for clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and communities (SFC, 2002). The minister acknowledge that clients of the UK construction industry all want projects that exemplify superior whole life value and performance, excellent design and functionality, that are devoid of defect, delivered within budget and within the stipulated time (SFC, 2002). It was seen that the report did not come with something alien to the industry but it rather builds on and reaffirm the rethinking construction principles (SFC, 2002). The report presents better ways to tackle the hurdle to progress and identify ways to accelerate the rate of change (SFC, 2002). The chairman of the report Sir John Egan also emphasize his wish for the extinction of profligate and erratic process of lowest cost tendering as the main procurement route with its replacement with one where clients procurement is based on value for money against world class benchmarks and projects delivery by integrated teams of experts involved in continuous improvement in customer satisfaction, productivity, safety and value for money (SFC, 2002). Bruntland (1987) defines sustainability as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sir Egan further stressed that the inability of the rethinking construction report to fully explore sustainability as a core issue was deliberate (SFC, 2002). He noted that concept of pre-planning must come before planning for sustainability and that the ability of pre-planning a project through from start to finish is a pre-requisite to the design in sustainability (SFC, 2002). Our vision is for the UK construction industry to realise maximum value for all clients, end users and stakeholders and exceed their expectations through the consistent delivery of world class products and services (SFC, 2002). The Forum reckons that for change to be accelerated, three key drivers were identified to secure a culture of continuous improvement namely: (1) the need for client leadership; (2) the need for integrated teams; and (3) the need to address people issues, especially health and safety (SFC, 2002). However, integration is the key theme of accelerating change (SFC, 2002). All the following were accentuated by the forum as discussed below. Accelerating Client Leadership The report indicates that most construction clients in the UK construction industry have access to independent, expert advice for meeting their business or project needs. For clients to receive better solutions in meeting their needs, advices covering such as a range of procurement and management options, including environmental performance, operating and whole life costs are vital. Irrespective of the procurement option, the achievement of maximum integration of the team at the most favourable time should be considered as indispensable in order to make the impeccably explore all available expertise, and central to the delivery of best whole life performance and maximising client value from construction. The report notes that the construction clients should make use of integrated teams and long term supply chains and keenly participate in their creation. The report affirms that to ensure the adequacy, consistency and independence of the service, clients can expect a list of basic com petencies and a code of conduct should be made available. The construction industry has various codes of practice and codes of conduct that can assist in bringing about output in this regard. Accelerating Integrated Teams A study to be coordinated by the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group in consultation with the industry and Government was recommended by the forum. This should be carried out to examine the impact of insolvency law and practice on construction supply chains and make recommendations for change by July 2003. The proposals are designed to provide the trust necessary to reinforce collaborative working. The report emphasize that the UK construction industry must espouse supply chain management techniques presently in use in the manufacturing industry to increase productivity, reduce time, increase cash-flow efficiency and thus minimise risk. Accelerating Culture Change in People Issues It was noted that the construction industry engages 1.5 million people. The report reckons that for the UK construction industry to flourish, it needs excellent quality staff with skill, integrity, reliability and safety too carry out their defined roles. The report also notes that one of the challenges facing the UK construction industry is attracting able personnel and training and retaining them. It was also seen that the employment of wide range of people is imperative over the next five years with skills in design, engineering and all construction crafts with figures placed at around 370,000. Moreover, due to the besmirched public image of the industry attracting brightest people to the industry is seen to be harder since they do not see the activity in the construction industry to be fulfilling and rewarding. Consequently, the forum identified five areas for particular attention namely: (1) Health and safety; (2) Pay and conditions; (3) Recruitment; (4) Training and competence; and (5) Image. Cross-Cutting Issues While the report notes client leadership, integrated teams and tackling people issues as drivers for change, the report further notes several other issues that can act as enabling vessels or impediments to change (SFC, 2002). Cross-cutting issues such as (1) Design Quality: For a successful realisation of any construction project the investment in high quality design by an integrated team is considered vital. By the integration of design and construction at the front end of a project, majority of value can easily be created. Safety, reduction in defects and lower operating cost of a structure can be realised through integrated, high quality design; (2) Information Technology (IT) and the Internet: The introductions of IT and electronic business (e-business), as enablers into the construction sector have brought about a lucid transformation of many operations in the construction sector with greater propensity for more. Its benefits are significant for designers, constructors and building operators. It tends not to be that easier in deriving maximum benefits from its introduction. Through the wider use of the internet and electronic procurement (e-procurement) greater potential exists for the reduction of infrastructure cost. The extensive adoption of e-business and virtual prototyping involve the construction industry transforming its traditional methods of working and its business relationships. The most vital impediments to this transformation include organisational and cultural inertia, scale, awareness of the potential and knowledge of the benefits, skills, perceptions of cost and risk, legal issues and standards. However, considerable potential benefits still abounds such as efficiencies and skills development from knowledge management, economy and speed of construction, improved business relationships, product and process improvement and technology and entrepreneurship; (3) Research and Development (RD) and Innovation: Investment in RD is essential to innovation and continuous improvement. It provides value to clients and improves profitability; (4) Sustainability: Sustainability can be considered as a driver for change. Its embracement in the construction industry can lead to a safer and less lavish sector; and (5) Planning System:Â   A government reform in the planning system is well supported by the report. It considers a fair, transparent, timely and consistent planning system will help to eliminate waste promote responsible development. The forum reckons that if all these cross-cutting issues are properly managed and developed, they offer considerable opportunity of impacting on the pace of change (SFC, 2002). Charter Handbook (Confederation of Construction Client) Charter handbook was published by the construction clients forum. The charter handbook sets out the obligations that define a best practice client (Jones and Saad, 2003). It emphasizes the leadership role which the construction client needs to play for a rapid radical change in the UK construction industry (Jones and Saad, 2003). The handbook requires charter client to be at the front end of the drive for continuous improvement of cultural relationships throughout the supply chain with performance measurement used to provide proof of improvement (Cain, 2003). According to Cain (2003) the obligations of the charter client was listed by the handbook as follows: (1) yearly review and amendment as necessary their cultural change programme based on what has been experienced; (2) measure their respective performance in achieving their cultural change programme; (3) prepare a cultural change programme with targets for its achievements; and (4) monitor the effects of implementing their cultural change programme using key performance indicator (KPI) that suites the project. Jones and Saad (2003) note that it also requires the charter client to engage procurement processes that delivers the following improvements namely: (1) considerable reductions in whole-life costs; (2) significant improvements in functional efficiency; (3) a quality environment for end users; (4) reduced construction time; (5) improved predictability on time and budget; (5) reduction in defects; and (6) elimination of inefficiency and waste. Moreover, the handbook charged the construction client to consistently procure through integrated teams preferably in long term relationship (Jones and Saad, 2003). The handbook also emphasizes the importance of supply change management (Cain, 2003). Lastly, the handbook made it clear that consultants must be an integral part of both UK construction industry and the integrated supply chain (Cain, 2003). Movement for Innovation (M4i) In November 1998, the M4i came into being to implement, across the whole of the industry, the recommendations contained in the rethinking construction report (Construction Excellence, 2008b). The report came up with the proposition for the creation of a movement for change which would be made up of group of dynamic people inspired by the need for change (Construction Excellence, 2008b). Since the start of year 2004, it has been a part of the construction excellence (Construction Excellence, 2008b). Radical improvement in construction in value for money, profitability, reliability and respect for people, through demonstration of best practices and innovation was the main aims of the movement (Construction Excellence, 2008b). The report notes that benchmarking against M4i demonstration projects can considerably leads to excellent output or result (Construction Excellence, 2008b). The M4i demonstration projects have shown real benefits of best practice measures and innovations with over 180 demonstration projects being submitted by construction clients and contractors (Construction Excellence, 2008b). The report seeks to facilitate performance efficiencies to achieve sustained annual improvements of (1) 10% reduction in cost and construction time; (2) 20% reduction in defects and accidents; (3) 10% increase in productivity and profitability; and (4) 20% increase in predictability of project performance (Construction Excellence, 2008). All these are expected to be achieved through the following avenues namely: (1) product development; (2) project implementation; (3) partnering the supply chain; and (4) production of components (Construction Excellence, 2008b). The movement is involved in a range of services which include namely: (1) clusters; (2) working groups; (3) M4i board; (4) M4i teams; and (5) M4i clubs (Construction Excellence, 2008b). CONCLUSION There is no system or perhaps industry without its teething problems. Problems are encountered to be experienced and solved. Identifying areas of improvement is the first step in moving in the right direction. UK government and the industry have shown great concerns which have been yielding fruit even if it has not been of great measures. Subsequent chapters have deliberated on the besmirching situation of the industry which needs to be repa

Philosophy Statement :: Education Teaching Teachers Essays

Philosophy Statement Education is the window to the world. It can be possibly described as the eyes, the ears, the heart and the soul of every person who has entered a classroom. Why is education important? For me, it is important because it helps develop a student intellectually, socially, and emotionally. It encompasses a wide range of talents that is essential to the every day world. Education is a universal concept due to the fact that it is widely available to every child in the United State. However, that does not make education a success for every child. Ultimately, the success rate of education rests with a child’s teacher and that is what should motivate every teacher in the classroom. As a teacher, I plan to motivate my students using the following philosophies if essentialism, existentialism, and progressivism. The following use of these philosophies in my classroom can result in a positive and enlightening atmosphere in the intermediate and secondary level classrooms. Essentialism backs up the traditional role of teaching that many students will experience in the intermediate or secondary English classroom. I am a firm believer in this philosophy because it has been tried and tested throughout the years. In fact, it is the main philosophy that my teachers used in the classroom. I believe that all students come with a basic knowledge but need guidance from teachers. In fact, teachers are the core center of education in the essentialist classroom and they need to direct students in the areas of math, science, literature, English, foreign language, and history. As an English teacher, I plan to use essentialism in teaching the basic skills of grammar and writing and choosing appropriate literature that I believe will help students as they further their education. Also, the choice of literature will help students develop morally and socially. The nest philosophy that I plan to use is centered on the idea of existentialism because it focuses on a student-centered classroom. I believe that students should have a voice in their classroom and I plan to be democratic and allow students a limited amount of freedom and free will. In light of this philosophy, I plan to allow students freedom in selecting literature and the decision to evaluate their progress through book reports, presentations, and group work.

Global Pollution Essay -- Environment, Environmental Issues

Pollution is a growing issue in the world and is the major cause that contributes to many environmental problems. What is usually classified as pollution, what kind of pollution is present in the world, and what the people are doing to deal with this pollution issue in the world. There are several problems with world pollution that are associated with global warming and include waste disposal, water pollution, and air pollution. These things are usually caused by people on the planet who produce waste. This has been a growing complication and is (omit) now been taken as a serious issue. Solutions to these situations have been considered to keep the Earth and all the things in it. One of the situations that are involved with world pollution is waste disposal. There are many ways in which garbage or other materials are disposed of, which involves the most obvious solution, and the one most commonly used, is simply to bury those wastes underground, often in metal drums or concrete containers. This method of disposal has any several drawbacks, however. For example, drums and containers break open, leaking hazardous chemicals into the groundwater. People living near hazardous waste sites are then exposed to those chemicals in their drinking water, through food grown on the land, or in other ways. Since people of color and low-income people tend to live near hazardous waste sites far more often than do more affluent white people, hazardous waste disposal is a problem of special concern to those communities (Newton). Another way used to dispose of waste is through incineration. This method requires very close monitoring, since the ashes and smoke can still be just as hazardous as its physical form. Burning wastes at very high ... ...e environment that have had an influence on the habitats of many organisms. Most of these pollution incidents have a negative effect on both our environment and economy, which deals with how food is produced and how it is affected by pollution. Water has also been influenced negatively by the overcoming waste that is manufactured by people and certain businesses and when it is polluted by garbage, there is nothing that is done until it becomes a problem. Everyone in the world contributes to pollution, every single nation, person, and establishment, has some contribution to pollution. The only solution to the widespread of pollution can only be to produce better and more efficient ways of providing power for our everyday needs. The resources used mainly cause’s pollution, since every nation uses their own resources that (omit) have an influence on the environment.

Analyzing the role of Strategic Entrepreneurship in forming temporary Competitive Advantage that leads to Value Creation

Introduction Globalization and the rapid pace of development, combined with intense competition, have pushed firms to seek ways to survive and thrive in today’s highly volatile business environment. As such, entrepreneurs are primarily concerned with building competitive advantage and creating value for their firms. Recent studies point out the significance of strategic entrepreneurship as a way for businesses to develop a ‘more entrepreneurial orientation for sustained competitive advantage’ (Olusola, 2012). Strategic entrepreneurship essentially involves concurrent opportunity-seeking and advantage-seeking behaviors, which result in better performance of the firm (Ireland, Hitt & Sirmon, 2003). This research is interested in conducting a similar investigation and seeks to analyze the role of strategic entrepreneurship in forming temporary competitive advantage, which leads to the creation of value for the firm. Research Questions This dissertation is interested in determining whether firms, which engage in strategic entrepreneurship, are able to establish temporal competitive advantage in a dynamic environment, especially whilst competing with other firms and within the context of creating value for the firm. Below are the specific questions to be addressed in this dissertation: What benefits would a firm obtain by successfully employing strategic entrepreneurship in the current competitive market What temporary competitive advantage results from employing strategic entrepreneurship Does strategic entrepreneurship create value Aims and Objectives The primary aim of this research is to analyze the role of strategic entrepreneurship in building competitive advantage and creating value for the firm. Based on the research questions given above, the objectives of this dissertation are as follows: To find out the benefits of employing strategic entrepreneurship To understand what competitive advantages are the result of utilising strategic entrepreneurship To investigate whether strategic entrepreneurship creates value for the firm Rationale This dissertation will provide insights on the significance of strategic entrepreneurship, especially within the context of forming temporary competitive advantage, in pursuit of creating value for the firm. This research seeks to address some of the gaps in literature, such as understanding the balance between the opportunity-seeking behavior associated with entrepreneurship and the advantage-seeking behavior of strategic management (Hitt et al., 2011). Moreover, a Strategic Entrepreneurship Theoretical Tree will be utilized in order to analyze the various components of strategic entrepreneurship. The theoretical tree is created based from the different studies conducted on the subject. Literature Review (Preliminary) Strategic entrepreneurship is associated with firm’s objective of achieving superior performance through the simultaneous application of both opportunity-seeking and advantage-seeking activities (Ketchen, Ireland, & Snow, 2007). Various researchers have identified different components of strategic entrepreneurship, which can lead to superior performance of the firm. Ireland, Hitt & Sirmon (2003) proposes four dimensions for the successful implementation of strategic entrepreneurship: (a) entrepreneurial mindset; (b) entrepreneurial culture and leadership; (c) strategic management of resources; and (d) applying creativity to develop innovations. At the business level, value creation is usually reflected in the expansion and growth of a firm. Welter & Smallbone (2004) found that Institutional Economic Theory highlights the institutional embeddedness and path dependence of entrepreneurial behavior. This, in turn, influences the degree and nature of value creation for the firm. A number of authors have identified the factors that influence value creation and competitive advantage. Pongpearchan (2011, p.5) found that ‘operational innovation efficiency and business practice effectiveness have a significant positive effect on value creation excellence.’ On the other hand, Rindova & Fombrun (1999) argue that competitive advantage is a systemic outcome which develops as firms engage in processes that involve the use and exchange of resources, as well as the communication that occurs in these exchanges. Therefore, the fluctuations on the interpretations and evaluations of a firm affect its resources and its competitive advantage in the marketplace. Below is the model of the Strategic Entrepreneurship Theoretical Tree which will be used as the main theoretical framework of this research. Each of the components of this model is based on different studies. These will be discussed in more detail during the full dissertation document. Methodology This research will use quantitative research methodology in addressing the objectives of the study. Quantitative survey will be used in gathering data from respondents. Quantitative methodology is chosen for this study because it will allow the researcher to utilize the opinions of respondents in explaining the phenomena being studied. The survey will be administered to employees and managers of SMEs and large commercial firms in the UK to find out their views on the subject. The survey will asks questions such as how respondents perceive the role of strategic entrepreneurship in forming creative temporary competitive advantage; what are the benefits of strategic entrepreneurship; how can firms create value; etc. The target number of respondents for the survey is 100. In anticipation of the fact that some potential respondents might refuse to participate in the survey, around 175 to 200 questionnaires will be distributed to ensure that 100 responses will be gathered. The survey will be administered face-to-face, via post, though emails, and online. This is done to allow respondents to choose how they want to answer the survey. After data gathering is completed, statistical analysis will be used in analyzing the data. SPSS and Excel will be used as the primary software for analysis. References Hitt, M, Ireland, D, Sirman, G, & Trahms, C. (2011). Strategic Entrepreneurship: Creating value for individuals, organizations and society. Academy of Management Perspective. p.57-75. Ireland, D, Hitt, M, & Sirmon, D. (2003). A Model of Strategic Entrepreneurship: The Construct and its Dimensions. Journal of Management. 29(6), p.963-989 Ketchen, D, Ireland, D, & Snow, C. (2007). Strategic entrepreneurship, collaborative innovation, and wealth creation. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. 1(3-4), p.371-385. Olusola, A. (2012). Strategic Entrepreneurial Skills’ Influence on Small Businesses’ Performance in Oyo and Osun Western States-Nigeria. Research Journal in Organizational Psychology and Educational Studies.1 (6), p.345-352. Pongpearchan, P. (2011). Strategic entrepreneurship management competency and firm success: a comparative study of SMEs in auto and electronic parts in Thailand. International Journal of Business Strategy. 11(2). Rindova, V & Fombrun, C. (1999). Constructing competitive advantage: the role of firm-constituent interactions. Strategic Management Journal. 20(8), p.691-710.