Factors influencing older peoples food choices - 2281 Words

The older peoples food choices may be influenced by a number of Physiological, Psychological, Social and Economic factors. Lets look at some of these factors and why they affect the elderly food choices. Physiological factors: People who choose food because of physiological factors are usually because of: Hunger, Appetite or Satiety: Hunger is your bodys way of telling you that you need food. Appetite is the desire to eat, even when youre not hungry. Your senses, sight, smell and taste play a significant role in stimulating appetite. Satiety refers to satisfying your hunger or appetite. It can be described as a pleasant feeling of contentment after eating. The satiety is a matter of personal experience. So an older person might make†¦show more content†¦Beliefs strongly impact on food choices, particularly those religious people. Most religions have law or customs relating to food. Some foods are forbidden from being eaten, while others might symbolise an event. So older people might choose food based on their beliefs/religion. As an older person grew up they might have been told that for example Chinese food was bad for them. Its what they were told and what they believed in, so now 50 years on they might now know that this isnt true but they still sticking to their beliefs. Attitude: For example take a nice cooked piece of steak overed in mayonnaise. Theres no reason why this combination of food cant be eaten, but for most people it just wouldnt appeal to them. What you think and feel about how certain foods should be eaten, reflect your attitudes to food. Your attitude towards something can change, as you are expose to different foods. Take the old man who strongly believed in pealing and boiling vegetables instead of buying the already cut, half cooked ones. His attitude is strongly against frozen vegetables. He believes that no meal taste good unless cooked and prepared with your own bare hand, but if you put the frozen vegetables into a white sauce I bet he wont even know the difference. So by exposing the old men to different types of making foods his attitude could change. Emotions: Your emotions trigger what you eat. For example an old lady may live all alone and so canShow MoreRelated2. Understand the factors that influence children and young people‚Äà ´s development and how these affect practice.3286 Words   |  14 PagesUnderstand the factors that influence children and young people’s development and how these affect practice. 2.1 Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of personal factors. Personal factors are those which are part of the genetic make-up of a child (nature, not nurture). As such, they cannot be changed, although their influence upon development can be addressed to give children the best possible chance to achieve their potential. Personal factors influencing developmentRead MoreCuring Aging, Television, And Ear Fee Of Mississauga Essay2859 Words   |  12 Pagesdietary restriction, supplements, and exercise illustrate the complexity of attitudes. The mix of nutritional supplements might be possible to cure aging, but a heathy life style which getting sufficient exercise can slow down individual’s ageing. Influencing us is a great variety of vitamins, advertising, and social and human behaviors. As consequence, our attitudes towards ageing can help reduce ageing health risks such as cancers, heart issues or other age-related diseases. It is especially importantRead Moreunit 331 outcome 23600 Words   |  15 Pages Unit 331 Outcome 2 Understand the factors that influence children and young people’s development and how these affect practice. 2.1Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by range of personal factors. We know that things such as eyes and skin colour aswell as height are inherited. Some medical conditions and disabilities can also be inherited. These can affect the child or young person’s development and below is a list of how a medical condition can affect a childRead MoreChild Obesity Paper2748 Words   |  11 Pagesall children in the US are obese. About one in five children in the United States is now overweight! (Child Obesity Facts, 1999, para.2) Childhood obesity has lasting psychological effects, due to parental knowledge, lack of physical activities, and food advertisement; which has made obesity become a major health issue in many young childrens lives today. First, what is child obesity? The term child obesity means, â€Å"A child is between birth and puberty and is extremely overweight and has a body massRead MoreIdentify and Discuss the Nature of the Consumer Decision Making Process, Demonstrating the Role That Motivation Plays in a Consumer‚Äà ´s Decision Making. Outline How a Marketer Might Use This Understanding of Both the2834 Words   |  12 Pageslooking more depth into the role motivation plays in these decisions and the various theoretical model frameworks that are used in this process. The report will also outline how a marketer can use this knowledge to assist consumers in their purchasing choices and decisions throughout the report when applicable. The consumer decision making process Four views of consumer decision making The consumer decision making process is one that the consumer makes when making a purchase. There are differentRead MoreRepresentation Of The Body Image And The Mass Media Essay3221 Words   |  13 Pagesa teen/woman slouched on a sofa with pizza and a television remote in her hand, representing the ‘fat’ side of the argument, which then you look onto the next page and you see two girls with a bikini on riding skateboards These girls are obviously older than the average 16 year old intended reader, and the girls are both smiling which would suggest that their form of exercise is not only good for you but great fun as well. Young people reading, or even flipping, past this article would see these imagesRead MoreLevel 3 Childcare Unit1 Essay6759 Words   |  28 Pages Babies enjoy bath time. 6 months At this age babies have learnt many skills. They are more alert. Can lift their heads and turn them. They will reach out for things and explore them with their mouths. Many have moved on from milk to pureed foods and will use their hands to try to feed themselves. Physical Can lie on their tummies and can lift both their hands and feet up into the air and look like starfish. Cognitive Explores toys and objects with their mouths as well asRead MoreAdvertising: Modern Day Brainwashing Essay3202 Words   |  13 Pages Brainwashing and Mind Control are â€Å"best thought of as a series of techniques that are used over time to shape a person’s perception, cognition, emotions, decision making and behavior to such an extent that they have lost their freedom of choice† (Mind Control Today). These techniques, once in existence within authoritarian and totalitarian governments, are increasingly being practiced by advertising companies and mass media. There are extensive similarities among the political and economic standardsRead MoreUnderstand Child Young Person Development7660 Words   |  31 PagesAssignment Overview Introduction This assignment is intended to provide evidence of a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of children and young people’s development birth to 19 years. By completing all tasks within the assignment, the candidate will provide evidence that meets the Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria for Unit 022, Understand Child and Young Person Development. Tasks There are five tasks to this assignment. A Complete tables; Questions B Complete table; Report C ReportRead MoreHomosexuality and Ignorance Essay2509 Words   |  11 Pagesthey can be to their childrens lives. Often I have witnessed a child rejects a certain food; and when we asked the parents if they offer their child that food the parents explains they themselves do not eat the food or even they are allergic to the food themselves. In a rare case I encountered a young boy that would not drink Coca-cola also known as the â€Å"red can drink† because he believed that was the â€Å"other people’s drink†. It came as no surprise to me his youthful mind had only incorporated what he

The Climate Crisis Free Essays

The Climate Crisis Global warming: an increase in the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution. Given the definition it may not sound as scary as it actually is. The whole process of global warming is a science in itself. We will write a custom essay sample on The Climate Crisis or any similar topic only for you Order Now It may also be known as ‘the climate crisis’ because scientists believe that the occurrence of such extreme temperatures will bring our earth to turmoil. Almost) President A1 Gore irected an Academy Award winning documentary on the topic called ‘An Inconvenient Truth’. The film went into great detail on evidence that scientist have found about the effects of global warming. Awareness was the meaning behind Gore’s movie but the first step to helping ourselves is knowledge. The Sun plays the main part in the process of global warming. It shines its rays down on earth giving us heat and reflecting back up into the atmosphere. Kind of like when you shine light in a mirror, it reflects back at you. It has been discovered that the Sun’s magnetic field has doubled since 1900. This tells us that changes in the Sun have had a hand in the recent general warming of the earth’s climate. If the sun’s rays come down on earth and are trapped from going back into the atmosphere it causes the temperature to rise and therefore causes numerous issues with the climate and our personal health. Pollution is the main cause of global warming. It is defined as: the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. Some examples are Carbon monoxide, Sulfur dioxide, Chlorofluorocarbon, and Nitrogen oxide produced by big industries and car emissions. When there is an overabundance of pollution in the air the sun’s rays get trapped on earth because of something called the Ozone layer. The Ozone layer is the part of the Earth’s atmosphere which contains relatively high concentrations of Ozone (03). This causes the ozone to be like a blanket on top of the earth which then causes the temperature to rise. Drastic changes in the weather have been the cause of two storms killing millions of people in the last entury. Scientists behind Gore believe this is Just the beginning of things to come from global warming. They have discovered that since the earth is so hot the snow caps from the northern and southern poles are melting. This is causing our beaches to be washed away from rise in sea level. In the future it is predicted that the sea level will rise at least an inch per year. It may be inevitable but it isn’t completely unstoppable. When you think of the things like warm days spent on the beach, you should probably cherish them. Someday they may not be there for you to enjoy as your summer tradition. There are some ways you can help reduce the occurrence of the ‘climate crisis’ that you may not even know about. Changing a light bulb toa fluorescent light bulb will change 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Recycling and driving less also stop pollution therefore helping our ozone layer out. Global Warming may be something we can’t completely stop but we can certainly try to keep it within controllable limits. By ashleymariel 114 How to cite The Climate Crisis, Papers

Zymunt Bauman Essay Research Paper A Distinguished free essay sample

Zymunt Bauman Essay, Research Paper A Distinguished Man Zygmunt Bauman was born in Poznan, Poland in 1925. He moved to Britain with his married woman Janina in the 1950 # 8217 ; s, and took up a place as Lector at both the University of Warsaw and the University of Tel Aviv. He held several sing chairs before he became Professor of Sociology at the University of Leeds in Yorkshire from 1972 until his retirement in 1990. Bauman is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at both the University of Leeds and University of Warsaw ( www.sociologyonline.com ) . # 8220 ; He has been described by the British sociologist, Anthony Giddens as: # 8216 ; the theoretician of postmodernity he has developed a place with which everyone has to think # 8217 ; # 8221 ; ( www. sociologyonline.com ) . While heading the Department of Sociology at Leeds, Bauman brought great qualities of rational leading. # 8220 ; From the start he saw his undertaking as one of animating pupils, and among his academic co-workers advancing a collegial ambiance in which new academic undertakings were welcomed and free and unfastened treatment encouraged in an ambiance of common tolerance and apprehension # 8221 ; ( www.leeds.ac.uk ) . Since his retirement, Bauman and his repute has continued to profit sociology at Leeds. Zygmunt Bauman is a fecund author known for such plants as Legislators and Interpreters ( 1987 ) , Modernity and the Holocaust ( 1989 ) , and Postmodern Ethics ( 1993 ) . He is the writer of approximately 21 books, two more projected for the early 2000s, and of legion articles and reappraisals ( www.leeds.ac.uk ) . In 1990, Bauman was awarded the Amalfi European Prize, followed by the Adorno Prize in 1998. # 8220 ; Today he is described diversely as one of the 20th century # 8217 ; s great societal theoreticians and the universe # 8217 ; s foremost sociologist of postmodernity # 8221 ; ( www.leeds.ac.uk ) . Influences to Bauman # 8217 ; s Work Bauman # 8217 ; s logic can be traced back to his upbringing in the Polish Humanist tradition, where society was civilization. His most immediate instructors, Julian Hochfeld and Stanislaw Ossowski, viewed sociology as chiefly a service to the common adult male, seen at the same time as a merchandise and the manufacturer of civilization ( www.ub.es ) . Bauman finally learned to believe of civilization as the activity of structuring, instead than construction as a matrix of substitutions, which he adopted from Claude Levi-Strauss # 8217 ; theory. # 8220 ; He came to believe of civilization as bing entirely in its substitutions, in doing and unmaking differentiations, binding and untying connexions # 8221 ; ( www.ub.es ) . In an interview with Zygmunt Bauman published on October 25, 1999, Marian Kempny asked what the most of import influences on his rational development were. Bauman responded # 8220 ; If some # 8216 ; minute of disclosure # 8217 ; must be located, I guess the brush with Antonio Gramsci # 8217 ; s Prison Notebooks comes closest to the thought of such an event # 8221 ; ( www.ub.es ) . Bauman goes on to explicate that his background was largely in the Marxist theory, with all of its historical finding and solid constructions. Gramsci # 8217 ; s Hagiographas made him recognize that this stiff model # 8220 ; was really a fluid, liquid flow of cultural transubstantiations and such a point of view has opened up a wholly new attack to understanding and analysing societal world # 8221 ; ( www.ub.es ) . Bauman suggests, # 8220 ; Gramsci immunized me one time and for all against the na ve hope that cultural phenomena might be construed in footings of systems, constructions, and maps # 8 221 ; ( www.ub.es ) . There are two really different theories sing societal and cultural analysis- modernness and postmodernity. Zygmunt Bauman falls under the postmodernity class, so in visible radiation of this, it can be assumed that he writes in reaction to the modernist train of idea, therefore unwittingly act uponing him. The modernist statement is that # 8220 ; personal and cultural experience in the modern-day universe involves assorted tensenesss and ambiguities, the typical features of which involve contradiction, fluidness, and atomization # 8221 ; ( Elliott 1996, pp6-7 ) . They believe that our universe is experienced by people as both an exciting chance and a threatening hazard. Modernists want to make some kind of balance between security and hazard ( Elliott 1996, p7 ) . Postmodernism, on the other manus, # 8220 ; reacts against the fatigue of the modernist dialogue of hazard and uncertainness by trying to fade out the job all together # 8217 ; ( Elliott 1996, p7 ) . They believe that c ultural ambivalency can non be overcome, and that societal and cultural organisation can non be rationally ordered and controlled ( Elliott 1996, p7 ) . In the words of Bauman: Postmodernity does non needfully intend the terminal, the discreditation of the rejection of modernness. Postmodernity is no more ( but no less either ) that the modern head taking a long, attentive and sober expression at itself, at its status and its yesteryear plants, non to the full wishing what it sees and feeling the impulse to alter ( Modernity and Ambivalence 1990, p272 ) . Bauman believes that modern-day civilization exercises both postmodern and modern orders at the same time, which leads to Bauman # 8217 ; s cardinal thesis: # 8220 ; postmodernity as modernness without semblances # 8221 ; ( Elliot 1996, p22 ) . Bauman # 8217 ; s Theory Like stated above, Bauman believes that there exists a brotherhood between the modernist and postmodernist train of idea. He suggests that # 8220 ; postmodernity is modernity coming to age it is coming to footings with its ain impossibleness ( Elliot 1996, p5 ) . He believes that postmodernism a s a theory is non merely existent but necessary, and that it provides an account of the status of postmodernity ( Turner 1996, p305 ) . Bauman thinks that modernity’s greatest job is its permutation of amoral aims for ethically valued terminals ( Cohen 1996, p120 ) . Bauman suggests that modernness is about what is rational, and what is rational can turn into evil. One illustration of this was depicted in his research on the Holocaust, where he attempts to demo the true face of modernness. Bauman shows how in the decease cantonments everything was rationalized: Each measure on the route to decease was carefully shaped as to be calculable in footings of additions and losingss, wagess and penalties. Fresh air and music rewarded the long, ceaseless asphyxiation in the cattle passenger car. A bath, complete with cloakrooms and Barbers, towel and soap, was a welcomed release from lice, soil, and the malodor of human perspiration and body waste ( Modernity and the Holocaust 1989, p202-203 ) . The Holocaust, in Bauman # 8217 ; s point of position, shows the ambidextrous world of modernness, because this atrocious happening took topographic point in its thick: The mute panic pervading our corporate memory of the Holocaust is the gnawing intuition that the Holocaust could be more than an aberrance, more than a divergence from an otherwise consecutive way of advancement, more that a cancerous growing on the otherwise healthy organic structure of the civilised society ; that, in short, the Holocaust was non an antithesis of modern civilisation and everything ( or so we like to believe ) it stands for. We suspect ( even if we refuse to acknowledge it ) that the Holocaust could simply hold uncovered another face of the same modern society whose other, so familiar, face we so admire. And that the two faces are absolutely comfortably attached to the same organic structure ( Modernity and the Holocaust 1989, p7 ) . It is apparent to see that Bauman believes that modernist ground is non inherently good. It can be used for disgusting intents, and it can be an ally of immorality. Bauman is trying to reason that modernness is an semblance ; it is non a sensible, indifferent attack for society to follow. The holocaust is a perfect illustration of this imperfectness. Bauman suggests that we are caught between two tyrannies, neither of which will be able to measure constructively this # 8220 ; irreversible pluralism # 8221 ; ( www.sociologyonline.com ) . He thinks that intellectuals have to follow a new function if they are to take pluralism earnestly ; this function being that of transcribers. # 8220 ; Translators need to be present between the assorted traditions, civilizations, and doctrines which constitute the plural universe we live in they must develop a specialism of impacting positive communicating between different civilizations and traditions # 8221 ; ( www.sociologyonline.com ) . Bauman believes that interlingual rendition is both a necessary and a mundane accomplishment implicit in mundane communicating. Bauman # 8217 ; s Current Condition Zygmunt Bauman has had a batch of influence on many of his coevalss, as seen in the Hagiographas of such people as Elias, Horkheimer/Adorno, and Beck. He is a adult male of many talents- scholarly and literary, of the research worker and the instructor. Bauman has international celebrity that is good deserved and justly founded. Bauman # 8217 ; s work remains really of import to sociological theory as his ideas are ever traveling to interrupt new land. He is a adult male of great differentiation holding been awarded the Amalfi European Prize in 1990, followed by the Adorno Prize in 1998. Current sociological idea is grounded chiefly on Bauman # 8217 ; s theory, where he expresses an ethical peculiarity of the postmodern age: What the postmodern head is cognizant of is that there are jobs in human and societal life with no good solutions, distorted flights that can non be straightened up, ambivalencies that are more than lingual bloopers shouting to be corrected, uncertainties which can non be legislated out of being, moral torments which no reason-dictated formulas can comfort, allow alone remedy. The postmodern head does non anticipate any more to happen the all-embracing, entire and ultimate expression of life without ambiguity, hazard, danger and mistake, and id profoundly leery of any voice that promises otherwise. The postmodern head is reconciled to the thought that the muss of the human quandary is here to remain. This is, in the broadest of lineations, what can be called postmodern wisdom ( Postmodern Ethics 1993, p245 ) . Bibliography Bauman, Zygmunt. Culture as Praxis. Boston: Routledge A ; K. Paul, 1973. Bauman, Zygmunt. Modernity and Ambivalence. Cambridge: Civil order, 1990. Bauman, Zygmunt. Modernity and the Holocaust. California: Stanford University Press, 1989. Bauman, Zygmunt. Postmodern Ethics. Oxford: Blackwell, 1993. Best, Shaun. # 8220 ; Zygmunt Bauman ; Personal refections Within the mainstream of modernity. # 8221 ; The British Journal of Sociology. V49 p311, June 1998. Elliot, Anthony. Subject to Ourselves. Cambridge: Polity Press, 1996. Postmodernism: a reader. Ed. Thomas Docherty. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993. Social Theory. Ed. Bryan s. Turner. # 8220 ; The Nature of the Social # 8221 ; # 8220 ; Theories of Action and Praxis # 8221 ; by Ira J. Cohen. Oxford: Blackwell, 1996.

Symbolism in Battle Royal Essay Essay Example

Symbolism in Battle Royal Essay Paper Ralph Ellison, Battle Royal: Literary Analysis Symbolism – the artistic and deliberate use of representations in literary works – assists in presenting to audiences both explicit as well as implicit meanings of various concepts and entities. Authors, poets, and other composers thus make great use of this highly effective literary device as they seek to convey varied messages to audiences. To illustrate, through the ‘battle royal’ element within the Invisible Man novel, author Ralph Ellison makes use of this literary device to induce audiences to form varied connotative as well as denotative meanings. Specifically, the fact that the novel’s narrator, as well as his fellow classmates (all blindfolded), are engaged in a duel is very symbolic. To strike closer home, the blindfolded nature of the contestants has a deep symbolic denotative and as well as connotative meanings. On the connotative side, such a blindfolded situation demonstrates the ignorance that the parties, who are all Blacks, usually espouse. Conversely, by being engaged in a duel while blindfolded, the ten Black youths indicate that the Black population is generally backwards with regard to seeking to gain knowledge and understanding. In addition, by using this symbolic element, Ellison adds a further twist to the story’s overall meaning. For example, it is notable that the Blacks do not demonstrate any significant resistance towards the idea of facing off their fellow Blacks in a blind duel. It thus seems as though the Blacks are passive partakers of the humiliation that the Whites mete out on them. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Battle Royal Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Battle Royal Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Battle Royal Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In addition, it is important to note that the author employs a conventional symbolic element by describing the Blacks as being blindfolded. This is because blindfolds have the conventional meaning of implying lack of sight or understanding. All in all, in the Invisible Man novel, Ellison incorporates a conventional symbolic element, particularly; the author presents the Black contestants as being blindfolded to demonstrate their ignorance as well as their (the Blacks’) general apathy towards seeking justice, progress and development. For example, regarding the connotative implication of this symbolic element, by being blindfolded, the Black youths point to a general unwillingness of the Black community to agitate for positive change. For instance, it is very notable that the Blacks have seemingly agreed to be blindfolded, without any meaningful resistance, and then went ahead to engage in a duel. This viewpoint describes the Blacks as being people who are in some sort of comfort zone with regard to advocating for sociopolitical reforms regarding the plight of the Blacks. For this reason, the Blacks are seen as being a generally apathetic group of people with regard to seeking socioeconomic rights similar to those of the Whites. On the other hand, the denotative symbolic meaning of the blindfolded condition of the Black youths is that Blacks do not generally carefully ponder over most of their actions. For instance, it is without doubt that the duel that the Blacks are engaged in is very messy owing to the lack of the contribution of the important sense of sight. It thus follows that what the youths employ mostly as they duel is intuition and even mere guesswork. Similarly, Blacks are symbolically described as doing their things haphazardly through this symbolic element. In conclusion, Ellison’s Invisible Man novel’s ‘battle royal’ element uses the symbolic element of the dueling and blindfolded Black youths to explore certain Black qualities. For example, this depiction shows that Blacks generally lack a definite focus in their activities. Conversely, the general apathy among Blacks is demonstrated.

Free Essays on Rose O’Neal Greenhow

CIVIL WAR PASSAGE ANALYSIS Rose O’Neal Greenhow This letter from Rose O’Neal Greenhow to Colonel A. R. Boteler, dated July 20, 1863, reveals much about the social history of the Civil War, specifically the role of women during this period. Throughout history, women have always been thought of as inferior to men. When women are mentioned in the Civil War, most people only think of nurses and of women performing menial domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning. However, in the passage we can see that in some cases, women actually played major roles in determining the future of our nation. For instance, Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a spy for the Confederate Army, was accredited by the president of the Confederate Union, Jefferson Davis, with winning the Battle of Manassas. It is also believed that the secret message she delivered to General Beauregard caused him to ultimately win the battle of Bull Run. Her case is also unique because it is obvious that both General Beauregard and Colonel Boteler thought of Greenhow as more of an equal than was common in their time. In the letter, Greenhow tells us that Beauregard gives her a permit to visit Fort Sumter, an obvious indication of trust in the fellow secessionist. Also, the language that Greenhow uses throughout the letter to the Colonel implies that they were more than just colleagues supporting the same cause, but friends. Greenhow says to Colonel Boteler, "†¦the weather is delightful. I wish with all my heart that you were here†¦" and closes her letter with, "With my best regards believe me always your friend,". This informal language shows us that some women were as respected and revered as men during the Civil War.... Free Essays on Rose O’Neal Greenhow Free Essays on Rose O’Neal Greenhow CIVIL WAR PASSAGE ANALYSIS Rose O’Neal Greenhow This letter from Rose O’Neal Greenhow to Colonel A. R. Boteler, dated July 20, 1863, reveals much about the social history of the Civil War, specifically the role of women during this period. Throughout history, women have always been thought of as inferior to men. When women are mentioned in the Civil War, most people only think of nurses and of women performing menial domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning. However, in the passage we can see that in some cases, women actually played major roles in determining the future of our nation. For instance, Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a spy for the Confederate Army, was accredited by the president of the Confederate Union, Jefferson Davis, with winning the Battle of Manassas. It is also believed that the secret message she delivered to General Beauregard caused him to ultimately win the battle of Bull Run. Her case is also unique because it is obvious that both General Beauregard and Colonel Boteler thought of Greenhow as more of an equal than was common in their time. In the letter, Greenhow tells us that Beauregard gives her a permit to visit Fort Sumter, an obvious indication of trust in the fellow secessionist. Also, the language that Greenhow uses throughout the letter to the Colonel implies that they were more than just colleagues supporting the same cause, but friends. Greenhow says to Colonel Boteler, "†¦the weather is delightful. I wish with all my heart that you were here†¦" and closes her letter with, "With my best regards believe me always your friend,". This informal language shows us that some women were as respected and revered as men during the Civil War....

Aristotle In Virtue Ethics

Aristotle In Virtue Ethics Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, scientist as well as logician who lived between 384 and 322 BC. Aristotle is highly regarded as one of the famous thinkers in various fields such as political theory. He is an ancient thinker who was an effective contributor together with his teacher Plato. His desire and contribution started at an early age, at the time he was in school ‘in Plato’s academy in Athens’. He has moved places in search of philosophical and biological knowledge. He moved to places such as Asia and Lesbos. His life was known to have the greatest influence to his political thought. Through his travelling, he had various experiences in different kinds of political systems and hence gained a lot in the field of politics. Not only in history he also made an effective contribution to other areas such geography whereby he concluded that the earth was round instead of the earlier believe that it was flat. Aristotle contribution has been of great positive eff ect to man’s life and even in today’s community there are still his findings ‘which are applicable’. One of the many areas that Aristotle contributed and his contribution was noted ‘is the topic on virtue ethics? Briefly virtue ethics is concerned with traits of characters that are found to be essential for human flourishing. Virtue ethics emphasizes the role played an individual’s character and also the virtues that determine his behavior. It forms the basis to normative ethics ‘which the opposite of deontology’. According to Aristotle, happiness is referred is an activity, hence referring it a way of life and it is depicted on how we act and not how or whom we are. The general concept behind virtue ethics is that it looks into what the individual should choose to be rather than depending on the external factors to change a person. People have the power to choose what they ought to be rather than depend solely such as culture. Vi rtue ethics is currently one of three major approaches in normative ethics. It looks more into the moral character rather than duties and rules (deontology) or rather one that deals with consequences of actions simplified as consequentialism. According to Aristotle, virtue means excellence happiness whereby people can only be happy when they have fulfilled their basic function or purpose. People need to act well and practice reasoning. Aristotle divided virtue into intellectual and the moral virtues. According to Aristotle the highest target of all people is directed by happiness which he defined as continuous contemplation of the internal and external truth. This happiness is attained trough virtuous life as well as development of wisdom and reason. An individual needs sufficient external goods to ensure opportunity for virtuous action. Virtuous acts need mindful choice and moral reason or inspiration. However, moral virtue cannot be achieved abstractly but rather requires moral ac tion in any social environment. Both ethics and politic are close to each other as Aristotle refers to politics like a science of making the society in which people can have the good life as they develop their full potential. Despite the work of Aristotle, he tries hard to convince us what is virtuous. This has differed from the teaching from the modern moral philosophers. This is because he put very little effort on the moral development of individuals. For one to be a good person he needs to practice so as to gain the good habit and the virtue is a good state of soul that is acquired through habit of an individual.

Retail Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Retail Marketing - Essay Example A good marketing mix entails place, packaging, product, promotion and price. Strategy of retailing is always first drawn in a business plan. A business plan entails information about the objective and goals of the business. The plan always embraces research over who the business’s potential customers are as well as what their necessities. The plan should consist decisions on marketing mix style, such as how the customers will acquire the products. An efficacious retail company recognizes their market, the essential of considered location, and their customers. Competition in the retail business is sometime fierce, thus, such companies need the superlative micro marketing implements or factors accessible to analyze where to locate new stores inaugurate client profiles, and regulate preeminent marketing practices in order to treasure new customers (Berman, and Evans, 30-90). Some of the factors are explained in the following paragraphs. First factor is the retail pricing. In the industry of commerce retail pricing is denoted as psychological prices. In retail marketing, the prices are always fixed and exhibited on signs. This is because when prices are not displayed clearly, there can be price discernment. This is where the price for sale relies on the customers (Berman, and Evans, 30-90). ... Using of clients patronage, more or less constantly predicts the necessity for staffing for different function. Typically necessity varies extensively. Compliant staff exploitation to staffing necessities obliges a flexible workforce that can be available when required (Kappa, 90-9). Third factor is the transfer mechanism in retail marketing. It is tremendously vital for retailers to consider the means of delivering their products to their customers. There are various means of delivering goods to consumers: Counter services, it is mostly applied where products are not accessible to clients and must be acquired from the seller. This delivery service is mostly for small costly goods such as jewelry and controlled substances such as liquor and medicine (â€Å"Turning the Retail 'Showrooming Effect' into a Value-add†). Another means of getting goods to customers is through delivery. With this service products are shipped directly to clients home or at their work (â€Å"Retail Mar keting†). Telephone ordering is common nowadays either from television advertisement, newspaper, catalog or a local restaurant menu, for instant services such pizza delivery. Lastly is the door to door marketing, where the retailer travels with products for sale (Kappa, 90-9). Fourth factor of retailing is the customer services. This is the sum of deeds and components that permit the consumers to obtain what they desire from the retailer establishment. It is advisable for sales associates to welcome customers and make themselves available to aid the customers reach what they need (â€Å"Advance marketing strategies with ROI at every step†). When customers enter into the store, it is essential that the sales associate to make sure customers feel at home,

Managing Decision Making Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing Decision Making - Assignment Example    Literature Review & Summary of Research Findings- Simon's Model of Decision According to classical decision making theory, individuals need to gather information regarding the emergent issue, then search for plausible alternativeness which can be used in order to address the issue and then select the most optimal alternatives (Bechara and Damasio, 2005). But, Simon (1979) criticized the classical decision making approach by stating that model doesn’t correspond with real world decision dilemmas. One needs to understand the key steps in Simon’s decision making model in order to criticize or appreciate it in context to research works of different research scholars. Bechara and Damasio (2005) stated that there are three phases in Simon’s decision making model such as, 1- intelligence phase, 2- design phase and 3- choice. Intelligence Phase- in the intelligence phase, individuals formulate the problem or decision statement by comparing the current process status with historical data or reference points. In this phase, individuals gather information from external environment without knowing exact outcome of such information crunching. Design Phase- in this phase, individuals try to formulate the probable alternatives to address the decision statement by considering the gathered information from macro environment. Decision makers need to analyze the information collected from external environment in order to generate alternative approach to the problem statement. Choice- in this phase, individuals select the most feasible alternative in order to address the decision problem or take decision. Important thing to remember that, the most potential alternative to the decision problem might not be the most feasible one hence decision makers must take care while selecting potential choice. There is no doubt that Simon’s decision model is based on the concept of bounded rationality. Simon (1979) pointed out that rational decision making becom es difficult due to various reasons such as lack of knowledge about all the alternatives, uncertain events, inability to calculate consequences, lack of knowledge about the consequence of particular decision, human behavioural limits etc. Due to such shortcomings, rationality of any decision making is subjected to be bounded hence a decision cannot be optimized. Sent (2005) supported the bounded rationality model of Simon and stated that although rationality might be the goal for decision making but ability of the decision maker is limited due to cognitive (such as personal values, lack of computational ability, reflexes and lack of knowledge) as well as exogenous factors (uncertainty regarding the outcome of decision). DellaVigna (2009) stated that the concept of bounded rationality is very much pertinent in context to modern day business problems while Bromiley (2005) appreciated decision making model of Simon for its usability in investment decision making and behavioral economic s. However, there are other group of research scholars such as Campitelli and Gobet (2010) and Levinthal (2011) who criticized Simon’s decision making model for lacking in depth. Levinthal (2011) stated that decision makers need to create representation in explicit or implicit manner while making deductive reason

Financial Statements Essay Example for Free

Financial Statements Essay What does the Consolidated Statements of Earnings the income statement tell you about the company? Why is this statement important? What business decisions could be made using the income statement? What does the balance sheet tell you about the company? Why is  the balance sheet important? What business decisions could be made using the balance sheet? What does the statement of cash flows tell you about the company? What business decisions could be made using the statement of cash flows? What information is provided in the statements that will assist you in making these business decisions? What information is not provided that could assist in managerial decision making? Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Business Accounting Using Home Depot, Inc. 2008 Annual Report located in Appendix A of the text, Fundamentals of Financial Accounting , prepare a 1,050-1,750-word paper in which you answer the following questions: What does the income statement tell you about the company? Why is this statement important? What business decisions could be made using the income statement? What does the balance sheet tell you about the company? Why is the balance sheet important? What business decisions could be made using the balance sheet? What does the statement of cash flows tell you about the company? What business decisions could be made using the statement of cash flows? What information is provided in the statements that will assist you in making these business decisions? What information is not provided that could assist in manager Follow the link to get tutorial https://bitly.com/12BS8dD When you are traveling far from home for college, determine whether you should bring your vehicle or leave it home. In areas of high population, free parking spaces can be difficult to find. Also, if you have a car on campus, you will have to pay for regular maintenance as well as insurance and gas. Business Accounting Using Home Depot, Inc. 2008 Annual Report located in Appendix A of the text, Fundamentals of Financial Accounting , prepare a 1,050-1,750-word paper in which you answer the following questions: What does the income statement tell you about the company? Why is this statement important? What business decisions could be made using the income statement? What does the balance sheet tell you about the company? Why is the balance sheet important? What business decisions could be made using the balance sheet? What does the statement of cash flows tell you about the company? What business decisions could be made using the statement of cash flows? What information is provided in the statements that will assist you in  making these business decisions? What information is not provided that could assist in managerial decision making?

Public vs Private Education in Australia Essay -- essays papers

Public vs Private Education in Australia Every one in Australia wants the best education for the individual. The question is which one. Public or Private ? Education is one of the most important factors in determining what a person will become as a member of Australia's society. Because education is so important there are many questions that are asked for which is the better. The key terms for this topic are: Government School: one administered by the Department of Education in each State/Territory Non-government School: (private school) any school not administered by the Department of Eduaction, but including special schools administered by government authorities other than the State/Territory Education Department School: an educational institution which provides primary or secondary education on a full-time daily basis, or by radio or correspondence Over the past decade there has been a enrolment drift in education from public schools to private schools. In the year 2001 this enrolment drift has continued. In 1980 there were 78% of all students in public education, but last year there were less than 69%. There are a total of 2 248 275 students in public schools (ABS 12/02/2001). While Australia only has 69% of all students in public education, the United States and the UK have 90% of all students in public education. Over the past decade there has been a increase in enrolments at private schools.There has been a steady increase of enrolments in private education. In 1980 there was only 22% and in 1990 there was 28%, and in the year 2000 there was around 31% or 999 181 students in Australia attending a private school (ABS 12/02/2001). Year 12 retention rates across the board have had a continual increase. Year 12 retention rate: the percentage of full-time students of a given cohort group who continue from the 1st year of secondary schooling to Year 12. "The apparent retention rate of secondary students from Year 10 to Year 12 remained at the same level as the previous year at 74.4%. In 1990 the equivalent rate was 66.5%" (http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/ABS). The retention rates for public and private schools has not been as even. In 1985 the apparent retention rates for public schools was around 40% while private schools was around 65%. In 1995 public schools retention rates was around 66% while private scho... ...which the public schools can find to be very frastrating. Along with anything in Australia it has it's positives and negatives. To view these positives and negatives refer to appendix three. To view the positives and negatives for private schools refer to appendix four. More students in Australia today are moving away from public education and into private education because private education is perceived to offer more job opportunities for the individual. Bibliography: (2000),"Queensland Teachers' Journal",Protecting Public Education, 31 August 2000,p 6. Bagnall, D.(1999),"The Bulletin",Values-added education, Sydney,AVP Publishing Pty Ltd, 24 August 1999,pp 20-25. Commonwealth of Australia,(2001)."Australian Bureau of Statistics",Education and Training, http://www.abs.gov.au/ (16 May 2001). Commonwealth of Australia,(2001)."Australian Bureau of Statistics Book",Education and Training. Fordham, B.(2000),"Ninemsn",The great debate: public vs private schools, http://www.aca.ninemsn.com.au/stories/ 460.asp (1 May 2001). Gauci, J.(2000),"Kemp's bill rips off public education", http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2000/429/429p9.htm (13 May 2001). Public vs Private Education in Australia Essay -- essays papers Public vs Private Education in Australia Every one in Australia wants the best education for the individual. The question is which one. Public or Private ? Education is one of the most important factors in determining what a person will become as a member of Australia's society. Because education is so important there are many questions that are asked for which is the better. The key terms for this topic are: Government School: one administered by the Department of Education in each State/Territory Non-government School: (private school) any school not administered by the Department of Eduaction, but including special schools administered by government authorities other than the State/Territory Education Department School: an educational institution which provides primary or secondary education on a full-time daily basis, or by radio or correspondence Over the past decade there has been a enrolment drift in education from public schools to private schools. In the year 2001 this enrolment drift has continued. In 1980 there were 78% of all students in public education, but last year there were less than 69%. There are a total of 2 248 275 students in public schools (ABS 12/02/2001). While Australia only has 69% of all students in public education, the United States and the UK have 90% of all students in public education. Over the past decade there has been a increase in enrolments at private schools.There has been a steady increase of enrolments in private education. In 1980 there was only 22% and in 1990 there was 28%, and in the year 2000 there was around 31% or 999 181 students in Australia attending a private school (ABS 12/02/2001). Year 12 retention rates across the board have had a continual increase. Year 12 retention rate: the percentage of full-time students of a given cohort group who continue from the 1st year of secondary schooling to Year 12. "The apparent retention rate of secondary students from Year 10 to Year 12 remained at the same level as the previous year at 74.4%. In 1990 the equivalent rate was 66.5%" (http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/ABS). The retention rates for public and private schools has not been as even. In 1985 the apparent retention rates for public schools was around 40% while private schools was around 65%. In 1995 public schools retention rates was around 66% while private scho... ...which the public schools can find to be very frastrating. Along with anything in Australia it has it's positives and negatives. To view these positives and negatives refer to appendix three. To view the positives and negatives for private schools refer to appendix four. More students in Australia today are moving away from public education and into private education because private education is perceived to offer more job opportunities for the individual. Bibliography: (2000),"Queensland Teachers' Journal",Protecting Public Education, 31 August 2000,p 6. Bagnall, D.(1999),"The Bulletin",Values-added education, Sydney,AVP Publishing Pty Ltd, 24 August 1999,pp 20-25. Commonwealth of Australia,(2001)."Australian Bureau of Statistics",Education and Training, http://www.abs.gov.au/ (16 May 2001). Commonwealth of Australia,(2001)."Australian Bureau of Statistics Book",Education and Training. Fordham, B.(2000),"Ninemsn",The great debate: public vs private schools, http://www.aca.ninemsn.com.au/stories/ 460.asp (1 May 2001). Gauci, J.(2000),"Kemp's bill rips off public education", http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2000/429/429p9.htm (13 May 2001).

Career Assessment Examination Platform

Chapter 4 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data This chapter reviewed the analysis of the existing system that was used by the proponents, the development of the proposed system and software, the objectives of the proposed system and software, and the evaluation of the system and software products. Presentation of Data In developing the proposed study, the proponents gathered information through the use of the questionnaires. The respondents were asked to answer and give their opinion regarding the existing system assessment examination method.Profile of the Respondents. The respondent’s answer the interview in order to identify their knowledge on the existing system. The respondents are mostly highschool students of Baliuag University. The current process for the existing assessment examination method The current process is done by the admission office prior to the beginning of very semester. The examiner/applicant will fill up the application form manually and wi ll choose his/her desired course.Once the applicant has pass their application form to the admission office, the next step is he/she will take the assessment and after he/she took the assessment exam, he/she will wait for 15-20mins for the result of his/her exam. If they passed in their desired course the admission personnel will tell him/her that they passed in their exam. Tools/Instruments currently used in taking assessment examination method Tools and instrument are the basic necessities required to complete the examination.In a manual process of taking examination, pen, questionnaire and answer sheet are the main instruments used by responsible person such as the applicant. Once the applicant is done with answering the admission personnel will check it also manually and will compute it in an average grading computation. Problems commonly encountered in the existing system There are some factors that need to considered before the applicant will enroll in his/her desired course b e completed. It is possible, given the current method, that errors will not occur.The number one problem encountered is that the applicant is not suitable for the course he/she has chosen. This variable is commonly a human computation error because when manually done the computation of the assessment they cannot be indicate the suitable course for the applicant. Added features suggested for the improvement of the existing system Improving the assessment examination system will be beneficial to all people concerned, a reliable, efficient, accurate and user friendly will prevent the problems encountered in the existing system.A current and always uploaded database containing applicant information, the printed result of the exam and in what course the applicant will be fit in are some of the added features suggested for the improvement of the current system. This database must be a user friendly environment that provides all information that the applicant needed. Components of the Prop osed Software The following are the incorporated components in the proposed software, giving an overview of features and functions included to increase the usability and functionality of the software.General Features. The main function of the proposed software is assessment examination. Menu Driven. The software provides an onscreen list of available function through buttons which is organized in tabs for easier navigation. Button Driven. The system provides a list of choices for the user through the use of mouse and keyboard. User-Friendliness. The interface of the software is designed to be simple and easily access so that the users can use it efficiently. Software Functions. The main objective of the proposed software is to assess exam.Software Inputs and Outputs. The software inputs and outputs can be explained using Input-Process-Output, Visual Table of Contents and Class Diagram. (See Appendix †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ) Software Development This system development describes how the prop onents develop the proposed system by means of specifying the materials used, describing the implementation and stating how it evaluated. Specifications. The proposed system has been developed using the following software and hardware specification. | | | | | | | | | Design. The system was developed by the proponents using Visual Basic.Net and MySQL which show as the necessary information regarding the assessment examination. The system was designed using program flowchart, VTOC. Programming. The program was set in a computer to give a solution to the problem of the existing system. All the information that has been accumulated is applied in this system. The proposed system is programmed through the use of Visual Basic. Net. The coding part is where the entire design is transmitted into a programming language. Testing. The proponents tried to conduct a series of test in the system that was made if there are any data error or lack of information needed.Implementation of the Proposed Software The proposed software was designed and developed to know how each module of the system works. It is made through coding. The proponents assure that the software will run normally and free from errors. The test was conduct to avoid possible problems. After the system passes the entire test, it is time that the system will implemented that will guarantee users that the system is accurate, reliable and faster to use. Evaluation of the Software Product The proposed system should be evaluated to prove to feasibility for implementation.Many different evaluation approaches are available but the study will only focus on its technical and operational feasibility. Technically Feasibility. The hardware and software requirements of the proposed system are readily available at the marketplace. Windows XP and Windows 7 are Microsoft’s operating system that dominates the market and patronized by many users. Since the software hardware requirements to develop and operate the operate s the propose system can be easily obtained the proposed system is said to be technically feasible. Operational Feasibility.The operational feasibility includes projecting whether the system will operate and used once it is installed. With the prospective users expressing is need to develop the system, the proposed system was design to satisfy the expressed needs of the prospective users. To determine whether to developed proposed system has met user requirements, evaluation forms were given to target users. These forms were used to gather responses to the proposed system. The means given by the users are evidences that the proposed system is acceptable in them.

The Bicentennial Man

I would consider Andrew Martin that he became truly a human being. I think that Andrew has fulfilled the characteristics and personalities of a human being. These abilities are things that can only be observed in human, and these abilities are what makes human unique from other creatures. These abilities include consciousness, free will, emotions, feelings, mortality, and other things were all developed and possessed by Andrew. Although Andrew was made up of steels, it is not only the physical features that make us a human being. What more important is our inner features that make us human being; what a person thinks and expressing his actions determine his being. It is by expressing human freedom through his/her will that affirms his/her humanity. Andrew was able to learn and grows that made him fully understand what it is like being a human. It also portray that the used of â€Å"I† by Andrew that I think makes him truly a human being, it is because like what I’ve said he was able to assert his self and we all know that it is only human being who is capable of asserting oneself. In addition with that, it is Andrew’s will that defines his meaningfulness in becoming a human being. But we should also remember not to take for granted on our will; we must be responsible with everything we do, just like what Mr. Martin told Andrew after giving his freedom â€Å"you wish for freedom, you must accept the consequences†. It was Andrew’s will to obtain freedom and he must be responsible with it and accept the consequences.

Work Placement Reflective The WritePass Journal

Work Placement Reflective Introduction Work Placement Reflective IntroductionBibliography:Related Introduction This is a sample of the reflective diary kept during my work placement with Viridian Housing. The experiences accounted in this sample reflect those used in support of my critical review. A reflective diary is a private record of experiences throughout work placement. It is very important to use this diary to report thoughts, feelings and opinions rather than reporting on the factual events of the day.   A reflective diary is also important for keeping a record of both the positive and non positive experiences, as well as the achievements. The purpose of reflection is a means to be able to think things over or to visualize.   Reflection involves complex mental processing that discovers new ideas or inter-relationships between ideas.[1]   Accurate reflection will help us improve our decision-making, deal with issues in everyday work and social situations, discover new ideas and help understand ourselves better. There is a recurring theme with the tenancy checks and inspection visits that is very frustrating. I spoke to another tenant who is a long term tenant of Viridian. Invariably with the visits there will be small maintenance issues that need to be sorted out, however generally they have not been reported because they are minor and often aesthetic. In this case it was the issue of a window that was stuck shut. The tenant proceeded to tell me that there was a maintenance history, but that he would call one of the housing officers to sort it out, because that is the person they usually dealt with. Professionally this has no impact what so ever, as these things are recorded and can easily be dealt with. I found it frustrating however, because despite my position with Viridian, I feel that the tenants doubt my abilities and professional expertise. In this situation I remained calm and collected, as I suspect that this is a personal insecurity which will resolve itself with further experienc e in the field. I am also sure that there was no intention to undermine my position. I was proud that I was able to keep my composure despite feeling rather frustrated at the time. I spoke to one of my colleagues about it later that day and found out that this is a common thing with all housing officers. I was happy to learn this and am not dreading doing inspection visits as I was earlier in the day. An elderly lady came for a consultation after going to a number of housing organizations to attempt to get into a care facility. By the time she arrived in our offices she was at her wits end. Although the issue of finding accommodation for her is relatively simple and routine, I discovered that she really needed to just talk to someone that understood what she wanted and what she did not want. A lot of what she was complaining about had to do with housing organizations wanting to put her into a type of frail care facility, however this isn’t what she wanted. I feel like the respect that Viridian is always reinforcing in this industry really does have a place, as this lady clearly hasn’t been shown much respect and even though we have not helped her yet, she was incredibly happy and grateful at the end of the meeting. I am finding that so much about this position has to do with an attitude of respect towards to client. I do not think that one could succeed in this posit ion without the ability to build rapport with people and be friendly. I was proud to be a member of Viridian as the assistance that we can offer people in her situation, although not particularly unique, can make a huge difference in the lives of the elderly and disabled. I performed a tenancy check and inspection visit and was let into the property by who I assumed was family of the tenant. This was after significant problems in trying to gain access to the property and eventually after harassing the tenant for over a week, I was able to secure an inspection date and time. After having a look around the property it started to look a bit suspicious as it was clear that this family member was living in the property. After some questioning it became clear that the property had been informally sublet to this family member and that the actual tenant was now living somewhere else. Obviously illegal subletting has to be reported and the family member of the tenant will most likely be evicted from the property. I had mixed feelings about this, because she seemed like a very nice person who was going to bear the consequences of the mistake of the tenant. I felt very sympathetic towards her and going forward, I felt sad in having to report this to the housing officers. The matter was taken over by the housing officer that manages the property, however in subsequent reporting I found out that the matter has been settled. I was proud of my ability to be perceptive in this situation and follow my instincts. Although emotionally it was difficult to follow the rules, professionally this was a triumph as I followed my gut and in doing so discovered an illegal tenancy. There was an incident with an elderly couple that was occupying on the properties that had about three stairs throughout. Whilst in the office, I received a phone call from the husband informing me of the unsuitability of the housing for them because of the problems that the stairs caused. He then demanded that we find another house for them or see to it that there are the requisite ramps installed in the housing immediately. To that point I had not dealt with an issue like this, however I treated the matter as urgent and reported it immediately to one of my colleagues. The next day I received a phone call from the same man who was now irate that there had been no action taken as of yet and he shouted over the phone at me, not allowing me to speak. Whilst I understood his concern, I did not appreciate the disrespect shown towards me, especially since we had given him feedback on the issue and all things considered it was not urgent. I managed to stay calm during the whole conversatio n and tried to be as compassionate and understanding as possible. I calmly explained to him that we needed to get approval to install ramps in the property and there would be some delay. I was proud of myself for staying calm during that time as I was getting more frustrated as the man continued to rant at me. Moving forward, I learnt that when dealing with homes, people are always going to be upset, but as the professional you need to stay calm and do your job without getting angry or upset. There was an issue with a tenant that had a leaking roof that had allegedly been reported to the maintenance team. I checked the records and nothing was reflected. As there was staff training that week, I was alone in the office and the weekend was approaching. Not wanting the tenant to suffer any further water damage to her property,   I went about organizing a repair team to go to the house to fix it the next afternoon, however got a call from the contractor who was at the house saying the tenant had said that someone had been around earlier to fix the problem from Viridian. This was incredibly frustrating as now the contractor would be paid for nothing and it was a waste of my time, the tenants and the contractors. I cross checked with the maintenance team the following Monday when training was over and discovered that they had organized for the roof to be fixed, however due to training they had been unable to update the records to reflect this. I was very embarrassed that I had not first checked with the relevant housing officer, although at the time I felt that I was showing initiative. I feel like I learnt a valuable lesson through making this mistake that although showing initiative is encouraged, one must have all the facts of the situation before executing a plan. I had to explain the situation to the housing officer, who understood my mistake. I do feel however that there is some responsibility on the housing officer for not having updated the record, as it was clearly within my duties to have the maintenance issue sorted out and it is important to always update the files with the correct information at all times as these systems exist for exactly this reason. Although I was not formally reprimanded, I do feel that I was only part responsible. Nonetheless, I learnt a valuable lesson about communication between the different teams in Viridian and moving forward I shall ensure that I follow all protocol accordingly. Bibliography: Nolan, Y.,Moonie, N.,Lavers, S. (2005) Health and Social Care (Adults): S/NVQ Level 3, Essex, Heinemann Nolan, Y. (2005) Health and Social Care (Adults): S/NVQ Level 2, Essex, Heinemann. [1] Nolan, Y.,Moonie, N.,Lavers, S. (2005) Health and Social Care (Adults): S/NVQ Level 3, Essex, Heinemann

Employee Selection and Performance Measurement Essay

Employee Selection and Performance Measurement - Essay Example Therfore, Microsoft uses the content and construct validity approaches to select the most suitable applicants for a particular job. Microsoft conducts a thorough background check of each employee that it recruits. It does not employ discrimination in selection process as it uses the person-organization fit approach. Thus, it ensures that it is free from any legal or ethical issues that may arise from its human resource management activities. Furthermore, it fully ensures that all its online and offline interview questions are designed in a legal manner that encourage diversity in its workplace. Microsoft’s policies are designed in a way that they ensure that human resource activities including employee appraisal programs are employee friendly.In the knowledge economy the competitive advantage of a business is its human resources. This increases the challenges posed to the organizations to be selective and open minded in making their decisions regarding recruitment of employees and forming their strategies for their selection processes, choosing the most effective and relevant performance appraisal method and compensating and rewarding the employees accordingly. Both employee selection and their performance appraisal plays a critical role in the organizational productivity and profitability. The selection phase determines the right employees for the right job and performance appraisals determine their loyalty and therefore, retention in the organization for a long period of time. This report aims to examine the selection and performance appraisal program employed in Microsoft Corporation. I am familiar with the processes through which the employees are selected and their performance is measured in Microsoft Corp. Headquartered in Washington, USA, Microsoft is an American based Multinational Company having offices worldwide. It operates in a diverse range of industries including computer software, consumer electronics, digital distribution, computer hardwa re IT consulting, video games, online advertising, retail stores and automotive software. As of 2011, Microsoft employees 90,000 individuals around the globe. The report will conduct a literature review of the existing literature available on employee selection, performance appraisal methods used in practice and their legal or ethical implications. The report will next examine these practices in Microsoft Corporation and investigate strengths and any weaknesses existing in the current practice of the organization. In the end, the report will provide preliminary recommendations based on the analysis and provide a reflection of the study. 2 Processes Used for Employee Selection and Performance Measurement in Microsoft Corporation Bohlander, Carson and Kinicki (1992) argued that there is a misunderstanding in the world among the personnel

Critos Reason to Escape Prison Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critos Reason to Escape Prison - Assignment Example Crito believes that no one would believe that he actually gave out money for Socrates to escape, but Socrates declined and according to him, there is no any other disgrace than being considered as a person who values money compared to a friend. Crito’s reason for convincing Socrates to escape prison in order to avoid the death penalty is driven by the fact that he cannot believe that Socrates is justified in betraying his own life when he can be saved. Crito asserts that Socrates betraying own life is akin to betraying his own children (Plato, n.d.). This is because he is choosing to leave them when he can bring them up and play a role in educating them. He challenges Socrates by saying that nobody should bring forth children when they are not willing to persevere until the end to educate and nurture them into responsible people. Â  Socrates listens keenly to Crito before giving him reasons that counter his arguments. First and foremost, he tells Crito that he fears that Crito and his other friends may get into trouble with the informers for helping him escape. Additionally, helping him to escape will make them lose their entire or a huge part of their property; or they may even face worse evil. Â  In as much as Crito tries to convince him that they are willing to go to the extreme to ensure that he escapes, Socrates is exceptionally adamant. He gives Crito several premises and asks him whether he is right by saying that opinions of some people are to be valued and opinions others is not to be valued. In saying this, he was telling Crito not to value the opinion of people who will consider him as a person who values wealth as opposed to friendship (Plato, n.d.). According to Socrates, the opinions of such people are the ones to be considered as opinions that do not matter.

Contemporary Management Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Contemporary Management - Research Proposal Example In the face of a fast-paced business environment due to continuous technological advances the practice of management has been changing according to those changes. The emergence of new fads or fashions in management requires a scientific approach to determine the features of a sound management viewpoint. All of this implies that it is necessary to study contemporary management theories and tools in order to determine the validity of management in a global business scenario. The research project deals with the study of contemporary management theories and tools that can be helpful in the area of strategic management in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage for a global company that has to face a complex variety of challenges during the course of its everyday operation. The integration of the "naturalist" (Barnard) and the "rationalist" (Taylor) viewpoints can be very useful for approaching the integration of management with a new and valid insight. Management theories and tools come and go at a rapid rate. Most of them are fads, fashions or replications of forgotten ones without any scientific foundation of real and lasting value. ... The integration of the "naturalist" (Barnard) and the "rationalist" (Taylor) viewpoints can be very useful for approaching the integration of management with a new and valid insight. 2.0.- Literature Review 2.1.- Contemporary Management Theories and Tools. Management theories and tools come and go at a rapid rate. Most of them are fads, fashions or replications of forgotten ones without any scientific foundation of real and lasting value. This point is the source of a study by Chester Spell (2001). For instance, Spell argues that Management By Objectives (MBO) was described by Smitty in the 1950s according to Greenwood in one of his works published in 1981. Harvard Business Review also states that Drucker's MBO was studied by D. McGregor back in 1957. (Spell, 2001). In this research proposal it is aimed at studying management theories and tools that can pass the test of time. K. K. Naidoo studied the classical management writers to find Chester I. Barnard as an overlooked writer who integrates the "rationalist" and the "naturalist" schools of management thought. First, Naidoo enumerates the five principles of Frederick Winslow Taylor in his work from 1911 entitled "Scientific Management": "1.- Shift all responsibility for the organisation of work from the worker to the manager; managers should do all the thinking relating to the planning and design of work, leaving the workers with the task of implementation. 2.- Use scientific methods to determine the most efficient ways of doing work; design the worker's task accordingly, specifying the precise way in which the work is to be done. 3.- Select the best

Women in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice Essay

Women in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice - Essay Example Undoubtedly, Shakespeare is the most famous and well known playwright of the English language and Merchant of Venice is one of his most performed plays even though the focus of the play is often the character of Shylock, the character of Portia remains quite important since she represents the highest values that Christian virtue could appeal to during the times. In this manner, the female characters become significantly more important than their male counterparts who may show weakness and even a defeatist attitude (Sanders, 1968). Portia outshines the men in the play particularly with regard to virtue since she remains dutiful to the orders of her dead father even though her heart tells her to do otherwise. She is divinely rewarded when the man she loves makes the right choice with regard to the lead, silver and gold boxes. Like many other Shakespearean women, Portia becomes an important character despite the presence of other strong characters such as Anotnio and Shylock. Even though the position of women in shakespeare’s times was not one which could have made this a realistic play, the approach taken by Shakespeare certainly makes Portia the strongest character. Interestingly, Shakespeare was living at a time when the most powerful ruler in Europe was a lady who founded the British Empire as it took shape for centuries to come. While the Christian dogma at the time may have seen women to be fickle, fragile and weak, a ruler as a woman meant that the qualities of Portia were completely natural since she certainly displays kingly virtues of intelligence and mercy. There is certainly some social hypocrisy in this situation since women had little rights in society at the time and even Portia was not the mistress of her own destiny, yet she saves Antonio and even ‘forgives’ Shylock after she has won her case. Portia eloquently describes the qualities of mercy which is a Christian ideal and is something heroes would show to their

The Agenda Setting And Spiral Of Silence Media Essay

The Agenda Setting And Spiral Of Silence Media Essay Alan Crosbie, who is the Chairman of Thomas Crosbie Holdings, a large Irish media player said in his speech  commented on new media there is a tsunami of information coming from new media some of which has the capacity to destroy civil society and cause unimaginable suffering. Let us try and understand why Media holds so much power. Significantly Media has had a dominating influence over peoples lives and opinions since time immemorial. A classic example of convincing people of ones beliefs was during the Nazi Regime. The entire nation was convinced of the Nazi ideologies through getting the entire media channels either under the governments control or having censorship rights over the privately owned ones. This resulted in patriotic and nationalistic sentiments being instilled in songs, movies and even the news was censored to suit the ideology of the Nazis. The world as we see and know of around us is through the media and is hence is a second-hand reality portrayed to us by the media owners of the society. This becomes highly ominous in face of the fact that the entire world media is owned by about 9 Conglomerates only. Hence when there is a plethora of news bytes available, the news that reaches us is what the Media channels think newsworthy. And this is just a percentage of the world news that is present around us. This ability to influence which issues, persons and topics are perceived as the most important of the day is called the agenda-setting role of the mass media McCombs, 2004. The origin of the Agenda Setting Theory happened when Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw (1972), professors at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill used the presidential elections of the United States of America in 1968 as a live study to investigate the relationship if existed between the important issues of the public and that between the priority issues of the mass media.   McCombs and Shaw were able to determine the degree to which the media, in Bernard Cohens words, tell us [(the public)] what to think about. Agenda setting theory has two levels to it. The magnitude of media coverage the particular article gets How the article or object in question has been covered First Level Agenda deals with the issues present on the public, political and media domain. This is the most important area of the agenda setting research where media is seen as a highly influencing factor to the public and political issues. Second level agenda setting is more closer to framing. McCombs in his study discussed how second level agenda setting is more specific to the attributes that define the object in question. Balmas and Sheafer (2010) argued that the focus at the first level agenda-setting which emphasizes medias role in telling us what to think about is shifted to medias function of telling us how to think about at the second level agenda-setting. The similarity between second level agenda setting and framing is that they both are related with how a particular issue is portrayed, with mildness or with sensationalization. They are generic and not the issue or object specific. However they differ on the account of intensity, since framing is a higher degree or an ext ension of second level agenda setting. Spiral of Silence Spiral of Silence originates from understanding the Asch experiment (1958) and the Milgram experiment (1963). Asch experiment was a study on conformity. This basically measures how much other people get pressurized into changing their opinion or falling in line when people more powerful or in more volume than them do so. Other reasons for conforming are to not be isolated from the mass and be liked by their peer groups. The Milgram experiment tested the effects of punishment and hence understood the concepts of Obedience and Authority. These experiments prove that mass or volume opinions have a huge impact on individual opinions. The Spiral of Silence theory was created by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann (1974). Public opinion is the dominant opinion which compels compliance of attitude and behavior in that it threatens the dissenting individual with isolation and the politician with loss of support. In the words of  its  originator  Elisabeth  Noelle-Neumann: observations  made  in one context the  mass  media spread to  another  and  encouraged  people  either  to proclaim  their  views  or to  swallow  them  and  keep  quite  until ,in a  spiraling  process,  the one  view dominated  the  public  scene  and  the  other  disappeared  from  public  awareness as  its  adherents  became mute  ,  this  is the  process  that  can be  called  a  spiral  of  silence. This basically emphasizes on how when an individual feels they are in a minority, out of numerous fears and insecurities, they feel it better to be a part of the popular and mass opinion and hence an issue even if relevant if doesnt have anything to do with the majority will spiral into silence. The silence of a person, who differs from the majority, spirals upwards thus forcing other people to stay silent. theory09a-789436.gif Strengths Explains why the people remain silent when they find themselves to be the minority. Explains the influence created by media over the crucial issues. Explains why people prefer to withhold their true feelings. Rather than take the risk of being isolated Explains how the spirals of silence solve the societal conflicts. Limitations Does not apply completely to the field of media as the aspects of fear of isolation reprisal does not hold true in the virtual world. Questions the transparency in quantifying the majority the minority. Co-relation between Agenda Setting and Spiral of Silence According to Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, the spiral of silence and the agenda setting theory go hand in hand. She believed that media plays a major role in forming public opinions. Therefore the masses shape their opinions in accordance with the media and according to her, media is the strongest bridge between these two theories. We can support the above point with the help of an example. During the Nazi period, Hitler was convinced that German race is far superior than anyone else on this planet. He made an extensive use of the media tools available at that time to convince the people about the same. Some people believed this but there were a lot of them who did not believe in this concept of German superiority. Although they did not believe, none of them raised their voice because of the fear of the Nazi regime and the fear of isolation. They convinced this case. Examples of Agenda Setting Theory The role of media in shaping public opinion about The Iraq War The marketing effort by the Bush administration to gain support for the invasion of Iraq began to get into full swing by the fall of 2002. When Condolezza Rice, then National Security Advisor to the President, was asked a question on the case of preemptive war in a CNN interview, she said- We know that he [Saddam] has the infrastructure, nuclear scientists to make a nuclear weapon. And we know that when the inspectors assessed this after the Gulf War, he was far, far closer to a crude nuclear device than anybody thought, maybe six months from a crude nuclear deviceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦There will always be some uncertainty about how quickly he can acquire nuclear weapons. But we dont want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud. Even the President made similar remarks about Saddams WMD program less than a month later on 7th October, 2002, America must not ignore the threat gathering against us. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof-the smoking gun-that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud. These and other such statements marked the beginning of what the Center for Public Integrity called, false statements, in their 2008 report titled, Iraq-The War Card: Orchestrated Deception on the Path to War. The number of false reports increased tremendously towards the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003, so did the general perception about Saddams nuclear program, suggesting a strong case for media agenda-setting. Future of Agenda Setting Theory With the introduction of the horizontal media and the internet, people have the option of following what they want without anyone forcing an opinion on them. The change in the technology and media has led to several changes in the agenda setting theory. This change is called as Agenda Mending which talks about the personal agendas of individuals vis-à  -vis their community and group affiliations  . This means that individuals join groups and blend their agendas with the agendas of the group.   Criticisms Agenda Setting Theory does not take into account the personal interests of an individual. Any issue considered salient by the media does not necessarily has to be important for the people. This theory uses a very scientific approach, therefore its not able to stand the test of scrutiny as humans are very unpredictable.

Swot analysis of the english national opera Essay -- essays research p

SWOT analysis of the English National Opera   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  STRENGTHS The product is definite. Although there are many different titles of shows and ways of performing Opera, on the whole the customer knows, when attending a performance, what to expect. Accessibility is improving. Through recent more widespread distribution of Videos/DVDs and CDs – in well known music stores. Also through Touring and Open-air Opera and to some extent educational workshops and talks, the English National Opera (ENO) has improved accessibility socially, geographically and physically. On a social level, Opera can be taken to the people, giving it a new and more innovative image therefore creating interest throughout a more widespread number and class of people. Thus allowing Opera attendees to begin to be stereotyped in a different way, which in itself improves accessibility to those who believed they simply were not of a high enough class to attend Opera. On a geographical level, people no longer need to travel to the only venue of the ENO – The London Coliseum, and on a physical level, the new Coliseum has full disability access and also have improved orchestra pit and stage doors from the workshop, allowing even more fantastic set designs to be constructed. Offer a varied range of performances all year round. The ENO have a full schedule of shows throughout the season. John Nelson, a board member said that this is a very positive thing as if there is a regular turnover of performances and events people can get into the habit of attending’. Communication links between interested parties are solid. Within the Opera ‘circle’ communication is frequent. The ENO has a long list of ‘friends’ and mailing recipients with whom there is frequent contact and updates about events, up and coming performances and invitations to preview nights, the opinions surveys regarding all aspects of the ENO are often posted to the ‘Friends of the ENO’. This regular contact makes people feel as if they are involved and play a role in the success of the Opera House. Price elasticity. Seat prices vary greatly so that more people can afford to attend the Opera. Typically those from social classes A and B attended the Opera, and this was partly to do with the cost of tickets. The ENO have made an effort to change this and have introduced more variable ticket pricing. For example... ...opportunities that may help to boost income. Reduction in government funding. Due to the increasing diversity and number of other Art forms in need of support and the ‘excessive amount upon which Opera Companies have begun to rely on government subsidy’ (Arts Council), the government has reduced it funding for Opera Companies. Although the ENOs funding has seen less of a cut than others, it has still been reduced. Growing statutory responsibilities of local authorities. Increased responsibility to finance other areas of local interest means the local authority has almost halved its financial support for the ENO in the last six years. Expensive legalities related to producing Opera. The increasing costs of insurance and applying to health and safety regulations is a threat to the future of the ENO. Bibliography Arts Council England (2002), http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/. UK: The National Lottery Commission Davies, Anita (2003), OPERA Cultural Trends. UK: Policy Studies Insitute English National Opera (2001), http://www.eno.org. UK: Emapdigital Thanks to- John Nelson, member of the Board of Directors of the English National Opera Company.

Comparing Gotma to Siddhartha Essay

Siddhartha and Govinda both begin their journeys searching after the same goal, to find themselves and attain nirvana. They travel many of the same paths but each thinks differently in their situations. But while Siddhartha eventually reaches Nirvana, Govinda does not because he never learns to absorb what is around him and learn from life like Siddhartha does but mistakenly tries to find peace through other peoples lives. Even from the beginning you can see distinct differences in the mind set between Siddhartha and Gotma, one as a thinker and one as a follower. Siddhartha had grown uneasy in his state as a Brahman’s son. The riches of his lifestyle babied him too much and blocked him from the real world. He wanted to go off on his own and experience and find himself. Siddhartha is a Scientific thinker, his brain is always wanting and explanation and continues to ask questions and at this point his maturing mind is starting to doubt the Brahman and Hindu ways. The repetitious ways of the daily prayers and rituals seemed an unreal way to finding nirvana. Something that never changes cannot lead higher, it always stays at the same level. So when a group of samanas passes through town he joined their lead, wanting to experience their lives and to learn from them. Everyone was shocked at his decision; Govinda knew not what to say, and Siddhartha’s father became enraged at first thought, but later admits something very important to Siddhartha. â€Å"You will go to the forest and be a samana. If you find salvation in the forest, come and teach me salvation. If you find disappointment, then come back and let us once more sacrifice to the gods together.† His father has never reached the goal he has sought after his whole life, even now as an old man, and he understands that Siddhartha must leave for himself. The next morning Siddhartha leaves early and finds his friend, Govinda, waiting to go with him. This is the first true sign of Govinda’s misconception of how to find himself. Govinda only goes because his friend thinks it will be good. He did not think over in his mind and decide if it was truly right for him. So they wandered and learned from the samanas. Siddhartha had learned self-denial and meditation but started to doubt if they were progressing anywhere in their search for salvation. The Samana teachings were nothing more than trickery, magic and self- control all of which can be taught. None of these qualities would lead even a step towards salvation because you are never learning something new; it is purely a way to keep your mind occupied and content. He even compares drunkenness to the samana teachings. It is just another escape, a way to leave yourself and forget all life’s pains. Even their samsara leader had never attained nirvana so how would they ever get there either following him. Word comes of a great man, Gotma, who had reached nirvana. Surprising to Siddhartha, Govinda decides to seek out the illustrious one. Although Siddhartha has his doubts he is curious and travels with Govinda to listen to the Buddha. After hearing the teachings of the Buddha the simple and accepting Gotma immediately joins as his disciple. But Siddhartha comes to a realization here. He knows that the Buddha has reached nirvana but sees the difference between teaching and experience. The teachings of the Buddha were not for him, they were for the suffering, the weak, a comfort zone which numbs people from the harsh realities and allows them to live in a false contentment. Even the Buddha himself knows this; he is just trying to help the masses that are not as clever as Siddhartha. Siddhartha now sees that experience is the only way to gain knowledge and goes out into the world to try it all. For many years of his life after he tries many new lives. From Kamala, a young courtesan, he learns about Physical love. He learns to become a merchant and indulge in the pleasures of a wealthy life. He lived on many years like this and grows old and worn but finds it is all a false happiness. After everything he obtained he is still discontent. The women, clothes, wine; all do nothing for the mind. He abandons it all and runs away into the forest and falls asleep beside the river, wishing to die. Here he meets Govinda again for the first time since he had joined the Buddha. And Siddhartha saw that Govinda had not changed. Govinda was still blindly following in Buddha’s steps, doing the rituals and living under his ways. Vasuedeva the ferryman is very important to developing Siddhartha. He never tries to teach Siddhartha but hints at where to look. Vasudeva says that it seems as though the river has spoken to him and suggests that he stay with him beside the water. It is through Vasudeva that he realizes the symbolism of the river to life. Life is always flowing, changing but always there and continuing on. Even later on when Siddhartha gains and loses his son he again sees the cycle of life in the river. In grief for his loss he cries into the river and catches a glimpse of his reflection. In it he sees himself, his father, and his young son. Siddhartha sees the pain that his father must have felt when he left as a boy is the same as when his own son ran away. Although he tried otherwise, the same trials and pains he left behind are recurring again and again. He finally sees the true cycle of life. Siddhartha comes to realize that the whole world, everything, is one. We are born of our mothers, live our lives and eventually die, then decompose in the dirt. Trees grow up from the dirt and produce fruit, which is eaten by man and animals alike. The air we breathe is recycled and breathed back in by plants. Everything is made of the same particles that have been around since the beginning of time. The world is constantly changing: destroying, creating, and reforming every molecule into something new. So we are a part of that, apart of everything. Rebirth is made within yourself and what you choose to change. Siddhartha experienced many lifestyles all of which he learned from and his decisions to move forward and change was his renewal. And in the end he comes to see that you must let go of your self and your needs completely and love and appreciate everything because it is all one. Govinda appears once more when he asks the ferryman, now Siddhartha, to take him across the river. Once Govinda realizes it is Siddhartha he presses him to know too how to Nirvana. Siddhartha tries to explain that you cannot search for nirvana it must come to you. Nirvana is not one thing but everything you experience in life and if you are trying only to find nirvana everything around you will be missed and wisdom and understanding cannot be found. But even after Siddhartha’s speech Govinda did not understand, he still could not comprehend what Siddhartha was trying to convey. Nirvana cannot be reached only through writings and other teachings. These things can lead you down the path but it can bring you only so far because it is all feelings and discoveries that others have achieved through their own life. Writings can only convey part of the message because you cannot produce in words your experience and have another understand every aspect of the way you felt. That is how your mind dealt and reacted to that situation. Can you tell someone exactly how good jamoca almond fudge ice cream is? They can tell you how it tasted to them, but can they interpret the exact sense it will have on your tongue? Can you truly understand how much you would like it unless you have tasted some yourself? Some may think it’s too strong, some may not like almonds, some might like vanilla better, and everyone will have their own opinion and slight difference. Life is the same way. Govinda never reached his goal because his whole life he was searching in others lives. First he followed Siddhartha with the Samanas then leaves the samanas by his own choice, only to follow another. And in the end he comes back to Siddhartha with one last desperate plea to try and understand. He never learned anything about himself because he was blinded by the belief that someone else could show him how. Everyone must decide for himself or herself what they do with their life, for following only leads you down another minds path away from your own awakening.

Ece Curriculum

Early Childhood Education: The Curriculum That Matters Most Stacie Emery ECE 311 Prof. Carly Davenport November 21, 2011 * * * * Early Childhood Education: * The Curriculum That Matters Most Introduction As times change, it seems that education must change as well, to fit the ever-changing needs of our youth. For children of any age, education is a complex thing, but so very important for each of them to succeed in anything they do. California State Standards imitate the National standards for educational values. Each child has a right to quality, formal and age appropriate education. Even before Pre-K, children will begin absorbing mass quantities of information. This will continue for the rest of their lives, but the quality of the information given early on, will determine how each child will use it. Curriculum in Math, Fine Arts, Sciences and Literature has been developed in many astounding ways. The evaluation of educational standards has also opened new ways to teach these subjects, and more, in ways that an entertaining yet educational context. Along with educational standards, many theorists have studied the many stages of a child’s development. Psychologist Jean Piaget (1896-1980) introduced four stages that a child goes through from birth to a child’s development past eleven years old. The four stages presented by Piaget can help educators make the most out of every child’s educational experience. Jean Piaget Although Piaget’s developmental theories focus mainly on the development of only children and do not address learning behaviors, understanding the stages could be crucial for some educators. Piaget emphasized that each stage can be reached at different times, meaning they are not concrete and develop only in the age range specified. The development could fluctuate due to learning disabilities or poor educational opportunities, however most children will go through each stage. Sensorimotor This is the stage of development from birth to about age two. The child begins to learn object permanence. Much of the infant’s learning is through each of the senses. Children at this stage can be characterized by extreme egocentrism, meaning the child has no understanding of the world other than his or her own point of view. Preoperational The preoperational stage focuses on children aged two to around seven years of age. Children in this stage can mentally represent events and objects, and generally engage in symbolic play. They can be quite egocentric; everything is about â€Å"me†. This is also around the time a good amount of children begin some form of formal schooling. Concrete Operational At about age seven until around eleven years old, children go through the concrete operational stage. Piaget considered this stage to be a major turning point in the child's cognitive development, as it marks the beginning of logical or operational thought. Formal Operational At about eleven years of age, the child enters the formal operational stage. â€Å"As adolescents enter this stage, they gain the ability to think in an abstract manner, the ability to combine and classify items in a more sophisticated way, and the capacity for higher-order reasoning. (McLeod, Simply Psychology) Educational Standards National Standards According to the NAEYC, the following is strived for: * â€Å"take informed positions on significant, controversial issues affecting young children’s education and development; * promote broad-based dialogue on these issues, within and beyond the early childhood field; * create a shared language and evidence-based frame of reference so that practitioners, decision makers, and families may talk together about key issues in early childhood education; * influence public policies; stimulate investments needed to create accessible, affordable, high-quality learning environments and professional development; and * build more satisfying experiences and better educational and developmental outcomes for all young children. † (NAEYC, Standards) California Standards California Standards are very similar to the National Standards, however very much more detailed. The CAEYC website states, â€Å"OUR MISSION The California Association for the Education of Young Children is dedicated to advancing excellence throughout the early care and education profession. OUR VISION CAEYC envisions a respected professional workforce providing developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive, high-quality, early care and education for all young children achieved through research, education, professional development and advocacy. OUR EXTERNAL VALUES †¢We believe that quality, early care and education in the lives of young children enables them to reach their full potential. †¢We believe that appropriate systems of early care and education are an indispensable part of a community's infrastructure. We believe that a well-informed community will advocate for the resources necessary to improve the quality of life for their children. †¢We believe that quality, early care and education is provided by well-trained professionals who understand a child's developmental needs and possess the competencies necessary to reach their potential. †¢We believe that providing quality, early care and education is the result of lifelong learning where theory, standards, and practice are shared routinely and openly among professionals, government and public officials, as well as parents. We believe in valuing the diversity that exists within our profession. †¢We believe in building positive partnerships with organizations that share our principles and seek to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to serve young children and their families. †¢We believe that quality, early care and education is provided by professionals that respect and understand the emotional, physical, social and cognitive needs of young children and their families. †¢We believe that our ability to affect positive change in the profession occurs when we join together creating a unified voice. (CAEYC, Overview) Fine Arts Definition * Fine Arts are defined as creative and visual art; an activity requiring great skill or accomplishment: â€Å"the fine art of persuasion†. Standard Reasoning * Fine Arts in the classroom can be beneficial to both the teacher and the student. The arts include music, painting, photographs, etc. Allowing the child to express themselves will open up their minds to think beyond what is physically in front of them. As an educator, teaching a class of children to draw a picture will only show the child to draw. If thought is put into the project, such as having the child draw a picture of what they will be when they grow up, will get the child to think outside the box. This expansive thinking creates a more satisfying educational experience for the child. Mathematics Definition Mathematics is defined as: the abstract science of number, quantity, and space; the mathematical aspects of something: â€Å"the mathematics of general relativity†. Standard Reasoning Mathematics can be a complex topic at any age. Teaching a child numbers can be challenging yet rewarding. The complexity and challenge of the subject generally comes when a child has difficulty grasping the concept. Creating songs about multiplication tables or silly rhymes for addition problems can create a more relaxed environment. Children generally need to feel confident that they can complete a math problem without feeling inferior. Giving any child the ability to work through a complex math problem will not only gain that experience, but it will help them when they get older. Science Definition Science is defined as a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws. It can also be categorized as a systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation or any of the branches of natural or physical science. Also as knowledge, as of facts or principles; knowledge gained by systematic study. Standard Reasoning Science covers a wide range of topics. Mathematics can be a range of problems with probability answers. Science makes those possibilities concrete. Science helps prove theories, which are just opinions, with evidence to show that there is no probability if the answer being correct, because the proof shows that it is. Science in an early education classroom exposes children to biological changes in the environment and basic changes that the child goes through. At the younger ages, science should be kept entertaining because if it is not â€Å"fun† children tend to turn away from the concept. Reading Definition Reading is the action or practice of a person who reads. To read is to look at carefully so as to understand the meaning of something written, printed, etc. , to read a book; to read music. Standard Reasoning To teach a child to read is to give them a gift of imagination and development of creativity. Reading to a child, starting at a young age has proven to assist in the development of language skills as well as social skills. In the classroom, reading is required for most tasks. Children need to be able to read the problem they are trying to solve, or read a section of a book to discuss, even reading instructions on the board from the teacher. Educators alike all strive to promote reading as one of the number one activities a child participates in. Many communities will partner with education institutes to promote reading outside of the classroom as well. Language Development Definition Language development is the process by which children come to understand and communicate language during early childhood. Standard Reasoning Language development starts at birth. As the child ages, the understanding of certain words becomes clear. Many children learn â€Å"no† early on. Language development is very important for social interactions as well as being able to understand the teacher and the learning process. Recognizing when the language development is delayed is crucial for a developing child. Getting that child the assistance he or she needs early on will determine that child’s willingness to participate and learn all together. Educators strive for appropriate pronunciation of new words as well as practice and use of familiar ones. This will encourage grammar and eventually sentence structure. Conclusion * Although times have drastically changed, the importance of education has not. The entire Nation as well as each state has created standards for educating our youngest counterparts. Their letters and numbers will still be taught, be there are new ways to teach them and make it so our children want to go to school. Making education exciting will create the passion desired by educators to ensure that our children succeed. * References California Association for the Education of Young Children Standards. 2007-2010) Overview California. Retrieved from: http://caeyc. org/main/page/navabout Eliason, C. F. , Jenkins, L. (2008). A practical guide to early childhood curriculum (8th ed. ). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards. (2009) Standards and Guidelines. Retrieved from: http://www. naeyc. org/positionstatements/standards Simply Psychology. (2009) McLeod, Saul. Jean Piaget. Retrieved from: http://www. simplypsych ology. org/piaget. html