A critical analysis of the role of popular culture in creating and maintaining learning across British society

In the following study I will be examining the way that popular culture has affected British public in relation to learning. I will be first examining previous times and the ways in which popular culture has influenced people over time. I will be concentrating on the effects that music and advertising has had and shaped society over time, and the methods these mediums have used to achieve this. Throughout the last century British culture has been dramatically transformed through popular culture, the development of major corporations, the changing methods of the current governments of the time, and the development of methods that popular culture can reach the public, all contributing to an extreme alteration in the way society as a whole behaves. Before the industrial revolution, popular culture was based on the agricultural year and around religious festivals for example, harvest, plough Monday, Easter, Christmas etc.) There was no division of the classes. Everyone joined together in recreation and entertainment. In the nineteenth century however, there was a considerable change. A sharp rise in urbanisation meant people flocked to the cities away from the agricultural areas to the industrial centres. There was therefore a massive decline in the meaningfulness of the agricultural festivals. In the city there was a physical separation of the classes, the working classes living tightly together in houses built specifically to house workers. There were far fewer public holidays as the agricultural ones were regarded as obsolete. There were fears about the amount of control the rich had over the working classes, as there was in the church. The working classes saw how they were treated by the Church Of England in the city very different to what they were used to. Many theories arose about the church and how it was corrupt. A man called John Leicester believed the Church to be corrupt and began his own church. The Methodist church, derived from the Czech Maravian Church. Methodist churches have no icons, statues, or grand features such as stained glass. Many working class people became Methodist due to the supposed corruption of the Church of England and its discrimination against the poor. This caused worry among the upper classes that the working classes could rise up against them. At this time, Irish Catholics were brought over from island to dig the canals. With them they brought the Irish Catholic faith. The Irish were regarded as extreme underclass and were very poor, therefore Catholicism was regarded as a religion for the poor. Yet another new faith for the working classes. There was increased fear of revolution as the inventions of new non-conformist churches happened. More and more controls and legislation were applied to prevent the uprising of the working classes. The Age of Interference The worries that the upper classes had of a possible revolution caused them to impose many rules on popular pursuits such as cricket and football. There was also a move to open parks and museums and other recreational facilities to distract the working classes not only from drinking and riots, but political movements and uprise. There was also a bought of middle-class pursuits invented such as Thomas Cook Holidays. Advertising Advertising is very easily exposed to the public. Advertising is available in a large variety of mediums, television being a main outlet, radio, posters, billboards, signs, newspapers and more, a more recent method being the internet. All of these things we come into contact with everyday. A very effective medium for advertising is the radio. This reaches people while they are doing other things, like driving or working, unlike television, which people only see when they have specifically sat down to watch it. Roland Barthes (1950-1980) studied semiotics, which is the study of signs and how we interpret them. He said that we receive subliminal messages through adverts without knowing it, this in turn making us want to buy the product/service. Roland Barthes dismantled images, the most known example of this being a picture of a black French Cub Scout saluting, and used his three levels of deconstruction to find hidden meaning to the image. This can be applied to images and advertising we now see today. Phallic symbolism was and still is used today within advertising, especially on television and is found to be extremely effective. The Cadbury's Flake television commercial is a prime example. But of course, a few hundred years ago, television would not have been about and advertising would have been restricted to other mediums. Before the industrial revolution, posters or leaflets would have not worked because there was mass illiteracy at those times because of the lack of education facilities available to the general public. After the revolution though, there was more education available to both children and adults of the working classes. But what is ‘working class.'? Karl Marx was the founding father of communism and is referred back to consistently when definitions of social class are made. Born in Germany in 1818, Marx lived in France, Belgium and London. He was an associate of Engels, with whom he devised the Communist/Economic Determinist Theory. This stated that there are two types of people. The Proletariat (who by efforts produce wealth) and the Bourgeoisie (the owners of factories and profits who exploit the proletariat). In 1847 Marx attended a meeting in London, the groups aim being ‘the overthrow of the bourgeoisie and the domination of the proletariat.' In this, Marx was willing the working classes to rise up against the bourgeoisie. Marx had many followers, an important one being Gramsci. Gramsci was born in 1891. A believer in Marxism, joining the Communist party in 1921, he was an avid supporter of all of Marx's proposals, but he thought that his theories were too focused on economics and take into account the other factors enough, with culture being a crucial example. The Gramscian model was called the hegemony model. Through this, Gramsci said that the upper classes use a form of propaganda to suppress revolution of the working classes. He claimed the working classes would begin to resent how much power was had over them and revolt. At that point, the powerful people would stop the revolution by giving the rebels a little of what they demanded to curb them. For example, there was a move to encourage people to read more political literature. Communists used this to provoke revolution through leaflets and articles. The Government automatically put a large tax on all forms of literature, resulting in an underground illegal press. Within time though, the government lifted the tax and promoted the reading and publishing of cheap magazines, which distracted people from the political literature, therefore no one read the communists provocations. So, Marx's ideas had been supported and followed by many, but the revolution they all predicted and encouraged never happened. Why? The working classes never revolted because the industrial revolution meant increased prosperity to all. Marx expected more solidarity among the working classes than there actually was and this stratification meant that revolution was never fully supported. Education at this time was limited. Children would attend Sunday schools and learn to read. There were also ‘Bell Schools' in which educated pupils would teach each other. These children would then go home to their (probably illiterate) parents and read to them, thus the parents learning as well as the children. Better education meant new technology was being developed. The printing press was introduced in the late 1860s, this resulting in many forms of writing being freely available. Not only news, but entertaining stories like ‘Penny Dreadfuls' that became very popular among the working classes. The Education Act of 1870 meant that education was available to all people whatever their class all over the country. Mass literacy ensued and more and more reading materials were being produced to entertain and inform. Literacy has had a massive effect on the way we live and how we learn and the availability of education is so huge compared to those a hundred years ago. Although mass literacy was an extremely important development in our culture and its effects are colossal, there are other ways in which popular culture affects learning in societytoday. Advances in education meant more technology was being invented. Music was becoming more and more inventive as time went on because of the new ways of producing it and publicising it. The advent of music halls was a very important step in social development. Before the industrial revolution, the workers would often drink habitually throughout the days while working the land. When they moved to the cities and worked in the factories, obviously drinking was not tolerated. Urbanisation meant that all had more money to spend because of their pay in the cities, therefore more money to spend on alcohol. This meant that the workers would come home and drink the equal amount they would have over the day while on the farms, in one evening. Drinking created social decline, causing a large spread of violent drunken behaviour, rape, domestic abuse, child negligence etc, prompting the authorities to provide evening entertainment for the working classes, to prevent the boredom and the need to drink. Thus, the music halls were born. Music halls were popular all over Britain, and drew in both the working classes and the upper classes to shows involving many different types of people singing patriotic songs or amusing acts, often by women. A famous example of performer was Vesta Tilley. Tilley would often impersonate men, mainly ‘pencil pushers', the middle-class men who worked in offices and the like. Tilley would dress in drag, and impersonate and ridicule these type of people, much to the amusement of the working class people who often detested these type of people. Tilley's most famous song was ‘Burlington Bertie'. As WW11 began, music changed within society. Patriotic songs like ‘Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag' and ‘Jerusalem' were very popular as was all uplifting nationalist music at the time. The Frankfurt School This was a group set up in 1923 mainly made up of Jewish intellectuals threatened by the Nazis. With beliefs similar to Gramsci's they believed that the working classes had been ‘pacified' into accepting capitalism by ‘Commodity Fetishism' (the creation of false needs. The most famous three members of the Franfurt school were arguably Adorno (1903-1969), Max Horkheimer (1895-1973) and Herbert Marcuse (1898-1979). Adorno devised many theories concerning popular culture, many of which are still used today. In Dominic Strinati's work An Introduction To Theories Of Popular Culture, features a quote from Adorno giving his view on popular culture and the way in which it is used. ‘In all its branches, products which are tailored for the consumption by masses, and which to a great extent determine the nature of that consumption, are manufactured more or less according to plan†¦ This is made possible by contemporary technical capabilities as well as by economic and administrative concentration. The culture industry intentionally integrates its consumers from above. To the detriment of both it forces together the spheres of high and low art, separated for thousands of years. The seriousness of high art is destroyed in speculation about its efficacy; the seriousness of the lower perishes with the civilisational constraints imposed on the rebellious resistance inherent within it as long as social control was not yet total. Thus, although the culture industry undeniably speculates on the conscious and unconscious state of the millions towards which it is directed, the masses are not primary but secondary, they are an object of calculation, an appendage o f the machinery. The customer is not king, as the culture industry would have us believe, not its subject but its object'. (Adorno. Strinati D. 2004..) This indicates the belief that the authorities within the culture industry shape culture in Britain through the search for profit. Adorno believed that the power lay within the culture industry and its products encouraged compliance and consensus. Adorno was very interested in music. Classically trained, he used is knowledge in the field and compared it with the modern music of the time. Popular music was completely different to the classical style he had be taught. He said that in popular music, ‘the beginning of the chorus is replaceable by the beginning of the innumerable other choruses†¦.. every detail is substitutable; it serves its function only as a cog in a machine.' Adorno maintained that this is different to in classical music where the music provides ‘a musical sense from the totality of the piece and its place within that totality.' Adorno believed that popular music was in no way creative or intuitive, merely ‘to please the masses.' At the time of Adorno, dramatic changes in popular music were happening. The 1950s brought about the uprising of the ‘teenager'. Artists such as Buddy Holly were idolised, American music being a strong upcoming force at this time. Musicians used not only their music to sell their records, but their appearances and attitude also. The rapidly altering types of music were a big worry to the government of the time. Many complaints were filed against many album covers and performances. Elvis for example was filmed from the waist up so his rotating hips were not broadcast! There were calls to ban many songs and particular album covers, like the cover of the Mamas and Papas album ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes And ears', in which the band are shown in a bath together fully dressed. Record companies were forced to sign less ‘controversial' bands like The Monkees. Music has developed dramatically since. Bands such as The Clash promoted rebellious attitudes towards authority, as did the Sex Pistols, whose song God Save The Queen was banned by Radio One upon its release. A recent band who follow this theme are Anti-Flag who's most famous song ‘Fuck Police Brutality', is a blatant attack at the authorities of the country. Bands such as these are now very popular, their songs and attitudes being imitated by its listeners. These attitudes have spawned a variety of fashions, often involving the wearing of black hoodies, piercings and coloured hair. This is seen as a statement against society, a rebellion against conformity. Artists such as Eminem have come under serious criticism, charged with endorsing drug use and bad language. Emiem alone has been blamed on numerous occasions for behavioural problems children have allegedly developed after to listening to his records. One child committed suicide in the early nineties, his death blamed on Eminem's music. An alternative fashion trend has been born from black music, specifically rap. This involves the wearing of tracksuits, trainers, large gold chains and caps. Although this is merely a way of dressing, this type of outfit is often perceived by the general public as disruptive, indicating the person is a troublemaker, often being turned away from particular institutions for example clubs on account of their dress. Snoop Dogg, an American rap artist at the Live8 concert recently swore repeatedly both during his songs and between them, all at about lunchtime in front of millions of people both at the gig and watching on television around the world. Criticised heavily for this, he received a massive fine from the organisers of the event and forced to publicly apologise. Some claim that music such as his is very damaging to children and should not be released, let alone promoted. The governments of today are more lenient when allowing records from such bands to be released, but parental advisory stickers are put on if there is but one expletive within the record, and this means the record can not be sold to persons under the age of fifteen. With the invention of music videos, there have been many complaints concerning the content. A lot of modern music, especially music of black origin like r'n'b releases videos involving sexual scenes. This has caused outrage and has forced many videos to be scrapped completely, edited or blurred when shown. For example, the punk band Blink 182's video for the song ‘I Miss You' released in 2001 involved scenes of lesbianism and voyeur. These scenes were edited out, then the video was eventually taken off the television because of the amounts of complaints received about it. A very famous and recent example of prohibition by the government involving music videos is the infamous ‘Crazy Frog' song by Axel F. The video showed an animation of a frog dancing. The frog was naked and, although no distinctive genitalia were present, the Advertising Standards Committee received thousands of complaints from parents stating it was too explicit to be shown before watershed. The video was then edited, the aforesaid area blurred and allowed to be broadcast only after watershed (9pm.) The actions of governments when looking at the way they manipulate the music industry can be clarified when looking at Gramsci's hegemony model. The definition of hegemony by Gramsci: ‘A cultural and ideological means whereby the dominant groups in society, including fundamentally but not exclusively the ruling class, maintain their dominance by securing the ‘spontaneous consent' of subordinate groups, including the working class. This is achieved by the negotiated construction of a political and ideological consensus which incorporates both dominant and dominated groups'. (Strinati, D 2004). This definition indicates to us that the authorities according to Gramsci, prohibit the uprising of the lower classes through bowdlerization, restrictions and censorship. This is apparent when looking at popular music, and the radio. Radio Caroline was a pirate radio station set up in the 1960s by a group of people who rebelling against the strict control the government had over the music broadcast on the radio. To stop prosecution, Radio Caroline was broadcast from the sea off the shores of Britain so as to avoid breaking the law. Radio Caroline broadcast rock'n'roll, and music genres that the younger audiences would appreciate, music which was censored and restricted by the government, receiving little airtime. The government retorted by making the listening to Radio Caroline illegal, but this was ineffective, so they produced a new radio station called Radio One. This was obviously still controlled by the government, but played the popular music that Radio Caroline did. This is a strong example of hegemony, showing how the government changes its policies to give the impression that the public have got what they wanted, but still having that underpinning control. I conclude that popular music has had and continues to have massive influence on society today. Music such as ‘Jerusalem' around the time of the world wars was uplifting and gave people hope in the terrible times they lived through while the war was happening. In the 1950s, music changed dramatically and brought about certain fashion trends, some seen as damaging, but overall just another cultural change. Nowadays, music is less regulated, but we are still prevented from listening to particular types of music at certain ages, indicating the continuation of censorship enforced by the government. Hegemony in music is very apparent, a prime example being the banning of Radio Caroline and the censorship involved in the music industry today. I feel society has developed through music, as new music is born; new technology to improve it follows and so on. Music brings joy and entertainment, a medium through which thoughts are expressed and ideas are publicised. I feel that the censorship of music is meaningless, because as we develop as people, we can learn to accept maybe aggressive lyrics or offensive videos and tolerate them as just another part of someone's culture. Through music we learn and to censor our music is to stifle our growth as human beings.

Ophelia Foreshadowing

Queen Gertrude In-depth My impression of Queen Gertrude is that she is easily manipulated. Just after king Hamlet was murdered by king Claudius she easily fell for Claudius. Gertrude is a person that only thinks about her self and only thinks what she wants. She marries Claudius because she has to or eles she wouldn’t have the power of being called a queen of Denmark. She remarried so quickly one because she is easily manipulated so Claudius took her in because she would be moaning over king Hamlet.She also remarried so quickly because she wants power and she would have to marry Claudius to get it. Her role women portrayed was that women didn’t have power during the time and women didn’t have as much rights as men had. She lies to herself and people around her to keep herself safe. In the bedroom scene is finds out that Claudius killed King Hamlet but she doesn’t do anything about it. Her loyalties lie on herself because she only wants to protect herself a nd has to lie to do that. Ophelia ForeshadowingOphelia is the daughter of Polonius and whom Hamlet loves. Her role in the play was to be Hamlet's girl in the play. There was some foreshadowing that led to the dead of Ophelia. In the beginning of the play Hamlet starts to act a little crazy with meant Ophelia was gonna be treated differently. If Hamlet didn’t go crazy and mad , it wouldn’t have made Ophelia depressed making her kill herself later on in the play. Another foreshadowing of Ophelia deaf would be after Hamlet breaks her heart and then killing her father Polonius c

Lena Baker vs Annette Lyes

The Lena Baker and Anjette Lyles are two-court cases that are very questionable in court decision. Lena Baker shot and kill Ernest B. Knight who had remove her from her home and locked in a the gristmill. Baker was sentenced to Death. Anjette Lyles was a woman who murder four people Ben F. Lyles Jr who was her first husband, Joe Neal Gabbert who was her second husband, Julia Lyles who was her former mother in law and Marcia her daughter. She was sentenced to the State Hospital for the Insane in Milledgeville. Georgia's In Lena Case, the Judge put to gun on the stand to intimidate the court to give him the verdict.Her trail lasted less than day. Even with the right to fast and speedy trail in my opinion that was to fast for the defense to cast enough doubt in any juror mind. The Judge gun influenced the jury to give him the verdict he wants. Those two alone is enough for a mistrial. The Governor granted Lena a sixty-day reprieve so that the Board of Pardons and Parole could review the case. In January 1945, the board denied clemency. Baker's execution date was rescheduled for March 5, 1945. She was taken to Reidsville State Prison on February 23, 1945.Sixty years later the state of Georgia accounted that it had made a mistake and that Lena Baker should have been sentenced to a lesser serious crime. I think that the death should be removed from the books because innocent people are sentenced to death each year. The Death pleanty here was unreasonable everyone knew what was happening was wrong but still happened. In the Anjette case, her poison four people . Anjette plan these murder out and commit them. She had her trail and was sentenced to death. She would have been the first white woman sentenced to death and people were not happy about that.The governor step in and appointed a sanity commission consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, and medical doctor to examine Lyles. The conclusion the team presented to the Board of Pardons and Paroles was that the pri soner was insane. The Board commuted her death sentence, and Lyles was sent to the State Hospital for the Insane in Milledgevillethe Insanity plea in this case was unreasonable everyone knew what was happening was wrong but still happened. took form Document by Mr. Sutton Word for Word. 2005 took form Document by Mr. Sutton Word for Word.

Managing Financial Resources and Decisions 2 Essay

Managing Financial Resources and Decisions 2 - Essay Example Not only this, cash budget also assists the financial manager about the cash balances at the beginning and closing of any period. In case if the business wish to make any non-routine expenditure, cash budget can help in meeting this cause. In case of any cash shortages, overdraft facility from the bank can be arranged in or order to meet the necessary expenditures of the business. b) In order to calculate the price per batch of the ice creams the individual cost per batch in terms of material, labour and overheads are estimated. Direct material and labour calculations are relatively simpler than factory overhead. For factory overheads, the cost of service department is absorbed into the cost of factory departments and apportioned on the basis of floor area in sq. m. Factory overhead rate is then computed in order to calculate the factory overhead per batch. The total cost of producing a batch of ice creams is found to be $371. Therefore, the selling price of the batch should be in between $500 and $600 range giving a profit of at least 25%. d) The following is the investment appraisal calculation in which the appraisal of the new project is made. NPV, IRR, Payback, and ARR are calculated in order to check out the viability of the project. From the above calculations, it can be observed that all the investment appraisal techniques reflect that the project is not viable at all. The initial investment of the project, which is $4,000, cannot be recovered in the project’s life. Negative Net Present Value also shows that the project will not enhance the overall cash flows of the company. Internal rate of Return is also quite negative, which suggests that the project is unable to provide healthy returns to the shareholders. Accounting rate of return is also negative which means that project will not increase the overall income of the

International Sales Contracts & Carriage of Goods by Sea Essay

International Sales Contracts & Carriage of Goods by Sea - Essay Example This essay will dwell on two terms of sale: the CIF and FOB. It will discuss their distinction and how Incoterms 2010 affected these terms of sale. It will attempt to find out which of these two terms is viable to the 21st century traders. C.I.F and F.O.B : Their Distinct Characteristic and how they work The terms C.I.F. and F.O.B are two abridged business terms. Both are used in international trade covered by carriage of goods by sea. The term C.I.F is an abbreviation of Cost, Insurance and Freight. If the Contract of Carriage contains price quotation on C.I.F, it presupposes that the seller will shoulder the payment of cost of crating and packaging, insurance and the freightage. Here, the carrier is considered an agent of the seller. The ownership of the goods is retained by the seller throughout the trip and passes to the buyer upon reaching the point of destination and the cargo is discharged in favor of the buyer.1 C.I.F requires the seller of the goods to arrange for the carria ge of goods by sea to a port of destination and provide the buyer the documents necessary to obtain the cargo from the carrier. 2 According to Villanueva the insurable interest is with the seller and the taxes are not due as the sale is deemed perfected only upon reaching point of destination.3 One of the significant features of a CIF contract lies in the performance of the bargain, which is to be fulfilled by the delivery of documents and not by actual physical delivery of goods or shipment by the seller according to the case of Manbre S. Co. Ltd. v Corn p. Co. Ltd. 4 The Term F.O. B. is the abbreviation of the terms of sale Free On Board. Here, if the contract of carriage contains price quotation with FOB, the seller is presumed to comply with the obligation to deliver the goods to the vessel. The one responsible for payment of the freightage is the buyer and the vessel or carrier is an agent of the buyer. Hence, delivery to the carrier is delivery to the buyer. Under this term, t he buyer acquires ownership over the goods upon delivery by the seller to the carrier. The buyer here now has insurable interest and the sale has been considered perfected upon delivery to the vessel.5 The term FOB, which is one of the popular commercial terms, is commonly used and misused. Though frequently used to describe inland movement of cargo, it is specifically refers to ocean or inland waterway transportation of goods. 6 In both CIF and FOB, there is intervention of the carrier. Both terms also use bill of lading, which is a document of title that denotes ownership of cargo or goods, which can only be transferred by endorsement. The carrier issues this document whenever the carrier ships merchandise, goods or cargo. 7 Responsibilities and Duties in CIF and FOB Contacts Compared One of the differences between the CIF Contracts and FOB Contracts lies in the following areas: In CIF, the insurable interest is with the seller while in FOB, the insurable interest is with the buye r. Another important difference between FOB and CIF contract is that, FOB contract specifies the port of loading, however CIF contract specifies the port of arrival.8 The difference between the two terms of sale pertains to the rights and duties of the seller and buyer. The primary duty of the seller in FOB contract is loading. 9 And the buyer specifies the vessel on a port nominated by the buyer and on which the goods are to be

Legal unit3 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Punitive Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Punitive Law - Essay Example There are three fundamental ways in which punitive damages promote justice. Firstly, punitive damages discourage an individual, agency or a company from cutting the corners or displaying gross negligence. Punitive damages provide the concerned parties with adequate incentives that they may utilize to produce such goods and services that are safe for their clients. When the vendors know that there is a possibility of implication of large monetary penalties against the production of defective goods and services, they tend to improve the quality of their work and thus, promote public safety. Secondly, punitive damages encapsulate a very important punishment function. Punitive damages tend to hold the individuals, agencies or companies accountable for their acts when they cause harm to individuals in the society either by gross negligence or intentionally. Punishment is essential in order to forbid people from committing the same crime in the future. Where there is accountability, there is responsibility and peace. Punitive damages impose larger awards upon the guilty in order to make them take the charge seriously and amend their ways accordingly. Thirdly, punitive damages assume a compensatory function. They play a big role in compensating for the intangible harms. Punitive damages are estimated with a view to providing the incentives that are required to commence the civil suits that are desirable for the society. In the circumstances when compensatory damages are not enough a reward for the promotion of commencement of legal action by the sufferer, and yet there is great need of admonishing the behavior of the defendant, incentives do the job well. Punitive damages serve the purpose by becoming the source of required incentive for the initiation of the action. Justice is thus, indirectly promoted as the people working against the public good are affected. Punitive damages not only encourage civil suits, but also promote socially desirable safety levels, and thu s promote justice. This claim is grounded in the perception that levels of safety are not adequately generated by basing the safety decisions’ cost-benefit analysis upon the price needed to compensate the sufferer. Payment of punitive damages and the costs associated with the compensation of the sufferer gives rise to a cost-benefit analysis that is conducive for the generation of adequate levels of safety for the sufferer. Quite often, it so happens that the benefit given to the defendant as a result of the loss-causing incident does not weight equal to the harm that the plaintiff has caused. Therefore, if increase in the levels of safety has to be the reference for the establishment of justice, punitive damages play a big role in promoting justice in the society. Opponents of the punitive damages say that punitive damages should be terminated because they are too large for companies to bear particularly in the contemporary age of financial crisis. This is not a valid argume nt against punitive damages because if the amount of punishment is belittled, individuals, agencies and companies who are charged with the damages would not take the charges seriously and would continue with their unethical practices considering the charges, a necessary cost of running the business. Larger

Discuss and evaluate the social, physical and psychological needs of Essay

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Sense and Sensibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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International business discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

International business discussion - Essay Example Gambling generates many revenues for the hotel. The hotel has a brand of jet called CotaiJet. The brand transport many customers to the hotel. Furthermore, the hotel focuses more on entertainment content. The management is aware that entertainment lures many Chinese people. It is their basis for success. The hotel has created more hotel rooms and theatres. The management has increased the size of the arena that hosts entertainment performers. It has created the worlds largest casino, where gambling is the main activity. The management does not want to advertise casinos in China. They want to develop an emotional connection between the customers and the hotel. It will leave an effect on them, and they would forever return to the hotel. The hotel boosts of its entertainment content. The hotel hosts filming award shows, traditional boxing and often bets on Chinas hit television. The management wants to satisfy every market segment. The hotel has emphasised on retail strategy. The strategy has seen the hotel increase the size of the retail segment. The hotel has opened additional phases of the hotel. It would help in attracting more customers (Tracy,

Army Values Essay Example for Free

Army Values Essay In the US Army we are taught to live up by the 7 ARmy Values. They are broken down to us in the acronym LDRSHIP. Loyalty Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S Constitution, the Army and other soldiers. Duty Fulfill your obligations. Respect Treat people as they should be treated. Selfless Service Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates above your own. Honor Live up to the army values. Integrity Do whats right legally and morally. and Personal Courage Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). All 7 values have an impact on each other, and are integral part of ones moral standing. In my personal opinion, Loyalty means being a person that other’s can count on. That when the time comes, you will be there to do what needs to be done. You will be true and faithful to them no matter the outcome. If that loyalty is not observed by both parties involved however, then that sense of loyalty may eventually change or even fade. Duty to me is accomplishing a task that needs to be done, no matter how much you’d rather be doing something else. Whether you love it or hate it. The task is there to be done. If one does not fulfill their duties on a regular basis, then those around them have to pick up the slack, and any sense of loyalty begins to become tarnished. Everyone wants to be respected. It’s in our nature, but in order to obtain respect, first of all†¦.one has to respect oneself. Second, one has to show respect to others in order to gain respect from them. If one doesn’t show respect to someone, that person may often feel slighted and lose.

Enlightenment Period and the Scientific Revolution Essay Example for Free

Enlightenment Period and the Scientific Revolution Essay The relationship between the development of the Enlightenment Period and the Scientific Revolution was that the Scientific Revolution was an aspect of the Enlightenment on a whole. The Scientific Revolution helped in the process of the Enlightenment by bringing new advances in areas such as Nicolas Copernicus and his new theory that would soon discarded the old geocentric theory that placed the Earth at the center of the solar system and replaced it with a heliocentric theory in which the Earth was simply one of a number of planets orbiting the sun. Another great advancement during the Scientific Revolution was in the field of astronomy. Johannes Kepler proved the orbits of the planets were elliptical, but was unable to come up with an effective model of the solar system. That was left to Galileo, who in 1630 published his Dialogue on the Two Chief Systems of the World, in which he supported the Copernican, or heliocentric theory of the universe, and denounced the Aristotelian system, which maintained the geocentric theory. Galileo supported his claims with elaborate evidence derived from the study of physics. Also the achievements made in mathematics and physics were revolutionary. In the form of the development of algebra, trigonometry, the advance of geometry and the linkage of form and motion with quantifiable numeric values undertaken by Rene Descartes. Armed with these tools, the science of physics began to advance rapidly. The primary concepts changing social mores marked the beginning of the Enlightenment, as individualism, which stressed the importance of the individual and his rights as a citizen. Relativism, which was the concept that different ideas, cultures, beliefs, and value systems had equal merit. And rationalism, which was the conviction that using the power of reason, humans could arrive at truth and make progress toward improving human life. These views gained widespread adherence in the wake of the Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, the weakening of traditional religion, and the decline of monarchical rule. All of these trends served to prepare Europe for the Enlightenment period. One key achievement during the Scientific Revolution was John Lockes writings of the (Second Treatise on Civil Government) Lockes writing argued that a government run by the people was the beast system for us to live by. Lockes writings remain as fresh and popular today as when he wrote them in 1688. Another key achievement during the Scientific Revolution was Sir Isaac Newtons theories on astronomy that went a step further and formulated an  accurate comprehensive model of the workings of the universe based on the law of universal gravitation. Newton explained his theories in the 1687 revolutionary work called simply the Principia. This work also went along way toward developing calculus. The difference in the perspective of Catholics and Protestants during the Enlightenment was very little. Both cults felt that any idea or ideals that might elevate man to a level of self realization or thinking that might deviate from that of the church views was both dangerous and unholy. In response to this, the church ordered genocide and mass torture upon those who it deemed outside of gods word. Do you think that there are similar cultural or religious barriers against scientific discovery today? All I can say is this. Despite scientific and physical truths of dinosaurs and the Ice Age, masses of people refuse to believe that the earth in older than a few thousand years But then, they also worship blindly to a silent god. Works cited. (1) Western Humanities Vol. II fifth edition (2) (The Panorama of the Renaissance) Edited by: Margaret Aston, Abradale Press (3) Various internet research sites.

Fire Fighters Community Heroes English Language Essay

Fire Fighters Community Heroes English Language Essay Firefighters are a symbol in a community of hope and protection. They are there whenever you need them for most happenings. To be a firefighter means you have to be fearless and show tremendous courage. I believe I have the great amount of courage that is required. Courage however is not the only characteristic required to be a firefighter. To be a firefighter you must also be selfless and have an enormous awareness of the community. I choose this job because I feel it most fits my personality and since I was a child wanted to become a firefighter. I intend to learn the requirements and amount of training that is needed to be a firefighter. I have talked to many firefighters that work for the Melbourne Fire Department and they basically told me that this job is not easy. It requires a strong mental balance and you must keep your cool in stressful situations while dealing with that fire around them. Also they explained to me that this job is not just a normal job. It has long and irre gular hours that most cannot deal with. There is a benefit to those long hours though. If you accumulate enough hours and work more than your supposed to they are required to pay you overtime which can put extra cash in your pocket every pay check. While exploring jobs I encountered many jobs that interested me. But one I seriously considered was being a teacher. I would inspire to become a math teacher. I am very skilled at math and have a can do attitude. The only reason I did not choose this job as a primary career was because it required too much schooling and it didnt pay enough. In between my shifts I would like to be a substitiute teacher. To have the requirements for applying to be a firefighter is not hard. Most have a high school degree, but you can go to a community college and get an associates degree in fire sciences and be over-qualified for the job, which increases your chance for employment. Some colleges even have 4-year degrees in fire engineering. As of lately, many of the new firefighters are going to those universities that offer such educational opportunities, to acquire those degrees, then applying for the job (BLS). To officially become a firefighter is a long process. First your application must be chosen. If your application is chosen then you are required to go to a training facility for a couple weeks and be schooled about firefighting techniques, procedures, and codes. When at this training you will learn how to use equipment such as: axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, ladders, and other fire fighting and rescue equipment. After attending the training and passing it, you will be placed on a probation period. Some fire departments have accredited apprenticeship programs that can endure up to 4 years. These programs merge strict instruction with on-the-job training while under the supervision of an experienced fire fighter. One thing all departments have in common is that in order to become a firefighter you must be a certified emergency medical technician. To become an EMT (emergency medical technician) you must apply to a training seminar. To apply you must have a high school degree. The re is no need for further educational schooling to have your application selected. There are three levels of training; Basic, Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic. Most departments accept the lowest level. If you are employed at a larger department, like in a big metropolitan area, they may require you to have a paramedic certificate along with the EMT training. This means you are to take the most advanced level of training. Some of the departments add the EMT training into their fire schooling, but others may allow an employee to do it on their own time and give them a year to do so. Many fire departments would like for their firefighters to go to the training sessions supported by the U.S. National Fire Academy (BLS). Departments either reimburse the employee for the training or give them a higher pay because of their advanced training. Along with all of the certification involved, you must take a written exam, physical exam, and a medical exam. The physical exam tests you in: stamina, coordination, agility, and strength. The medical test consists of a drug screening and examination of body. Employees may be randomly drug tested at anytime during employment. Those who pass all the tests with the highest scores have the best chance of being hired (BLS). The skills required to become a firefighter is a long and dreadful list. You must have these skills: mental alertness, self-discipline, courage, mechanical aptitude, endurance, strength, and decision making skills. Decision making is an important skill because you are constantly under a lot of pressure and in life and death situations. If you dont make a decision quickly you could find your self dead or one of your co-workers trapped inside a burning building. I believe I have those qualities to become a firefighter. I have performed acts of those qualities in pressure situations when I was the head of a group of challenged individuals. A person who is suited for this job must have personality traits that benefit the department and not him. For example someone who is not a team player and has no teamwork can put himself or his team in danger if he does not communicate properly or adequately. Someone who has a good sense of teamwork, can lead his team through a burning building by pro perly communicating and having a sense of awareness about the surroundings. Also a firefighter must have respect because while he is on duty he is living with his crew and must respect their persons and their personalities. To be a firefighter means a lot in a community. It means you are the protector of all those whom live in the community. Teamwork is essential to any team that is functional and well-working. I can exhibit a great deal of teamwork while at work and in my community. Being a firefighter is not a good way toget rich quick. Being a firefighter is more of a morally awarding job. The average earnings of a firefighter are $41,600 in local government, $41,070 in the Federal Government, and $37,000 in State governments (BLS). As you can see it is more promising if you work for a local government. You can earn more than your salary though by working overtime. They can earn overtime by working more shifts to cover minimum staff levels and working during special occasions such as natural disasters and national emergencies, i.e. September 11th. There are many levels of employment in a fire house: Fire chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant fire chief, Battalion chief, Fire prevention/code inspector, Fire captain, Fire lieutenant, and Engineer. They all make different levels of pay but the highest if the Fire chief. At the highest level of pay he can make at most $95,271. The minimum salary for a fire chief is $73,435. The base level in a fire house is an Engineer. The maximum base salary for an Engineer is $56,045. The minimum salary is $43,232 (BLS). The benefits for a firefighter are very nice. They usually are given medical and liability insurance, vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays. In addition to these benefits, they dont even have to pay for their equipment. The local, federal, or state governments pay for them. They are covered usually by pension plans that allow them to retire after 25 years and receive half pay. This also covers them if they are disabled while working. The reason they receive such good benefits is because the heath hazards involved in the job are limitless. They are constantly dealing with smoke which can cause asthma or lung cancer. The most common killer of firefighters is the heart attack. The risk of having a heart attack increases 100 times when a firefighter is battling a blaze. 32% of firefighter deaths by heart attacks happen while at a fire scene. Being employed as a firefighter can be a difficult thing if you are looking to be employed by a federal or state government. About 90% of employments of firefighters were by local governments. This means that if you are looking to become a firefighter you should apply to become a firefighter in your local community. There is however competition. Volunteer firefighters are the trained firefighters enemy. They work for free and take the positions of a schooled firefighter. In the next ten years there is expected to be a 12% increase in firefighters (BLS). This means that competition isnt slowing down anytime soon. In fact it is only getting stronger seeing that the newer, younger firefighters are becoming better schooled and getting degrees. Most of the increase will come from the conversion of volunteer firefighters to paid firefighters. The competition for this job will never go away due to that fact that the number of applications outweighs the number of positions available. A typical day for a firefighter starts at 8 a.m. They then change into their uniform to relieve the on duty personnel. They check their gear before they do anything else. Once they have checked their gear thoroughly they then prep the fire truck and ready their gear in case of action. During the day they will respond to many calls. While on duty a firefighter must have one-hour of completed physical activity. Every house has gym equipment in it for that reason. They may be called to do other services such as: fire hydrant inspection, car seat installations, and planning for fires. A firefighters usual shift last about 24 hours. They do many odd jobs and respond to many emergency fires. Through my research I have realized I am well suited for this job. I have learned that it take guts and a lot of courage to do this job. Also that it is not only just fires you deal with. You may deal with medical emergencies and hazardous spills. Being a firefighter is a tough job but I believe that I have the nerves to deal with such a stressful job. Not may people can do this job effectively. I believe I can. I have concluded that firefighting would be a dream job of mine because one of my many passions is fire. I am obsessed with fire and its properties. It is very dangerous but being a firefighter would train me to become a certified professional fire handler. I would like to in the future experience the rush a firefighter gets when he/she gets a call and is on the go. It must be confusing feeling, focused yet nervous. In my future I am going to be a firefighter/substitute teacher. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17695966/ns/health-heart_health/ http://www.job-employment-guide.com/firefighter-average-salary.html http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos158.htm http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm http://www.vbgov.com/vgn.aspx?vgnextoid=75ceede97c04c010VgnVCM1000006310640aRCRDvgnextchannel=72fdfd67f3ad9010VgnVCM100000870b640aRCRDvgnextparchannel=60ddfd67f3ad9010VgnVCM100000870b640aRCRD

Radio and Media Policy :: essays research papers fc

Some may ask why care about the radio and media (radio) policy? Because the radio shapes our views on the issues that we care most about. All our opinions are formed by information — and while some of that information may come from personal experience, we get much of what we know from the (radio). There must not be a deregulation; it would be detrimental to us all. Toomey’s argument is that radio is a community resource that is being misused, and she is a making a call to action for people to get involved with restoring that resource. According to Billboard Bulletins, one of the most important arguments presented by those opposing the deregulation, a letter signed by 30 major recording artists was sent to Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The letter is in response to probable FCC plans to eradicate remaining cross-ownership rules. The letter warns Powell that further deregulation of the radio industry will have a negative impact on access to diverse viewpoints and will impede the functioning of our democracy. The artists say that previous radio deregulation has backfired, resulting in reduced marketplace competition, reduced programming diversity and the homogenization of play lists, reduced public access to the airwaves for local programming, and reduced public satisfaction with listening options.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Deregulating the industry will decrease the amount of market place competition. There is little proof that any deregulation of the industry has ever lead to increased market competition. Common sense says that there is really no way decreasing the number of competitors on the market will increase competition. According to the Chicago Maroon this possible deregulation stands to abolish six key rules on media ownership limits, including a newspaper/television cross-ownership rule (no firm can own a newspaper and TV station in the same market), a cap on radio ownership (no firm can own more than 8 radio stations in a single market), and a cap on TV network ownership (no firm can own more than one of the four major TV networks). Removing any or all of these rules would likely unleash a huge wave of consolidation of commercial media firms and make our schlock-driven and commercially-saturated mass media yet more schlock-driven and commercially-saturated. There can only be few who want this deregulation to take place, the owners and shareholders of these billion dollar companies who want to fill their pockets even more full.

Double Indemnity :: essays research papers

Double Indemnity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before I start my paper I would just like to say that it was the best film yet! In this movie Walter Neff went through a huge transformation. He went through one that would change his life dramatically.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Walter Neff at the start of the film was an honest hard working man. He spent eleven years selling insurance and loved every minute of it for the most part. While Walter was going through his papers he must of noticed that Mr. Dietricson’s auto insurance had run out. After trying to contact him several times he decided to drive over to the house. As he stood in the door way there she was, a beautiful blonde standing in a towel. This was the beginning of his problems. The two sat down in the living room where they went over the insurance. Eventually, Walter started to hit on her, but that didn’t last to long. Mrs. Dietrichson said that it would be better if he cam back another day to settle the insurance problem when her husband was around. Walter returned to his office and a message was left from Mrs. Dietrichson asking if he could come by tomorrow afternoon. This is where her plan went into action. Mrs. Dietrichson flirted with Walter and acted like she had feelings for him. After they see each other a few times Mrs. Dietrichson talks about how she is hit and how she wishes her husband were dead so that Walter and she could be together.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since Walter was an insurance sales man he knew a lot about the business and cases. Walter planed out a perfect death that could never be considered murder. He would kill Mr. Dietrichson before his trip on the train. Then he would have Mrs. Dietrichson meet him down the tracks where he will jump off. Quickly Mr. Dietrichson’s body will be placed on the tracks to make it seem like he fell off and died. This went very smoothly except for one thing a man was sitting in the back of the train before he jumped off so there was a witness. Mrs. Dietrichson manipulated Walter just so she may be able to get rid of her husband and get a lump sum of money.

International Development Ethics Essay -- Ecology Ecological Environme

ABSTRACT: I discuss the nature and genesis of international development ethics as well as its current areas of consensus, controversies, challenges, and agenda. A relatively new field of applied ethics, international development ethics is ethical reflection on the ends and means of socioeconomic change in poor countries and regions. It has several sources: criticism of colonialism and post-World War II developmental strategies; Denis Goulet's writings; Anglo-American philosophical debates about the ethics of famine relief; and Paul Streeten's and Amartya Sen's approaches to development. Development ethicists agree that the moral dimension of development theory and practice is just as important as the scientific and policy components. What is often called "development" (e.g., economic growth) may be bad for people, communities, and the environment. Hence, the process of development should be reconceived as beneficial change, usually specified as alleviating human misery and environmen tal degradation in poor countries. The Nature of Development Ethics National policymakers, project managers and international aid donors involved in development in poor countries often confront moral questions in their work. Development scholars recognize that social-scientific theories of 'development' and 'underdevelopment' have ethical or as well as empirical and policy components. Development philosophers and other ethicists formulate ethical principles relevant to social change in poor countries, analyze and assess the moral dimensions of development theories and seek to resolve the moral quandaries raised in development policies and practice: In what direction and by what means should a society 'develop'? Who is morally responsible for bene... ...n, MA: Lexington Books. Nussbaum, M. and J. Glover (eds.) (1995) Women, Culture and Development, Oxford: Clarendon Press. ______ and A. Sen (eds.) (1993) The Quality of Life, Oxford: Clarendon Press. O'Neill, O. (1993) "Ending World Hunger," in T. Regan (ed.) Matters of Life and Death, New York: London: Allen & Unwin. Segal, J.M. (1991) "What is Development?" in C.V. Blatz (ed.) Ethics and Agriculture: An Anthology on Current Issues in World Context, Moscow, ID: University of Idaho Press. Sen, A. (1984) Resources, Values and Development, Oxford: Blackwell; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Streeten, P. with Burki, S.J., Haq, M., Hicks, N., and Stewart, F. (1981) First Things First: Meeting Basic Needs in Developing Countries, London: Oxford University Press. Streeten, P. (1994) Strategies for Human Development, Copenhagen: Handelshojskolens.

Barrier is something Essay

Unit 18 What is barrier? A barrier is something that gets into the way or stops another thing from happening. As we all know, communication is an extreme complex progress. And if one person finds it hard to understand subject or to write or even speak effectively about it, that person cannot be sure that his/her meaning has been received exactly. This loss of meaning which may block communication is often called Barrier. There are 3 main ways in which communication can be blocked: 1. If a person cannot see, hear, or receive the message 2. If a person cannot make sense of the message 3. If a person misunderstands the messages 1. Person cannot see, hear, or receive the message. Visual disability Hearing disability Environmental problems –(noise) Speaking from too far 2. Person cannot make sense of the message. Different language are being used, including sign language People using different terms, such as slang internet or text jargon One of the speakers has physical or intellect disability, such as memory loss or learning Dysfunction. 3. Person misunderstands the message. Cultural difference: different cultures interpret non-verbal and verbal and humour, in different ways Assumptions about people: assumptions about race, gender, disabilities etc. can lead to stereotyping and misunderstanding Emotional Difference, very angry or very happy people may misinterpret what is said think about sarcasm Social contest: conversation and non-verbal messages understood by close friend may not be understand by strangers. Physical barriers A physical barrier to communication Is something in the surrounding that stops the person from communicating with other. For example if the place where the conversation is held may be noisy. Impairmentsvc Some people will haveimpairments that can stop them from communication for example if they are unable to see,hear,or talk. Emotional factors Emotional factor can affect the way we communicate with others for example, lack of support /lack of trust, afraid,feeling happy,feeling sad,low self-estee/ or over/under confident. Different language Some people may not speak the same language as you and therefore you may have difficulty understanding each other Jargon Jargon is when people use technical words. The use of jargon can be confusing for other to understand.

Concern of a child in you care Essay

A) There are many different sings, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that may cause concern of a child in you care, some signs may be Unexplained bruising or burns that keep recurring Wearing heavy clothing even in hot weather Bald patches of hair Running away from home, many times Fear of medical examination Aggression towards self (self-harming) and others Fear of physical contact Some signs you may notice with neglect could be that the child is always tired or hungry, asking for food or falling asleep as soon as they come to the setting, has poor hygiene and untreated medical problems. b) Children may get bullied for many different things, whether that be because of their sexuality, race, gender, a disability and more. Some ways children may get bullied could be Physically This may be pushing or shoving them, hitting, kicking and others forms or violence and even threating to hurt them. Verbally This would be name calling and insult, persistent teasing and spreading rumours – it’s important that people think about what they say before they say it, they may think that they are being funny but sometimes the victim won’t see it as being funny. Emotional bullying This could be not speaking to them, when I was as school I remember a lot of my peers use to give each other silent treatment over something little. This form of bullying is very common with younger ages. Furthermore it could include tormenting and humiliating someone. Cyber bullying This way off bullying is becoming more and more common, many children start having the latest technology from a younger age and aren’t always thinking about what they are saying behind the screen to their friends, and what they are doing. Cyber bullying is deliberate way of making someone upset The effects of bullying may be different from person to person but can stay with them for a life time, effecting there confidence, they may also have low  self-esteem and feel isolated from their peers, not be able to achieve as well as they could, in serious cases some children have even taken there life’s because of bullying. It’s important that anyone who works with children has a way of dealing with bullying and is aware of settings policy. C) If a case of bullying is reported or suspected the steps that should be followed would be All known/reported cases of bullying will be investigated by class teacher or member of senior staff Parents of the victim will be questioned about the incident or talk about their concerns Bullies/bully may be asked to make a genuine apology or their parents may be informed about the behaviour of their child After each case is dealt with, it will be watched carefully to make sure there is no recurrence. D) When I was younger, I use to have to wear glasses, I got picked on quite a bit for wearing them, I would get called ‘four eyes, nerd, blind’ and many more days. I remember one day I refused to go to school because I was fed up off getting bullied for wearing glasses, I told my parents what had been happening and why didn’t want to go to school or wear my glasses. They phoned the school to air their concerns and where asked to go for a meeting with the head of year, they was reinsurance that the incident of this will be taken care of and told ways of encouraging me to go back to school, the school even gave me help with dealing with the people. The school listen to what I had to say and my parents, and the problem was quickly dealt with.

Modern Technology Essay

Information technology is playing an increasingly important role in the work and personal lives of citizens. Computers, communications, digital information, software – the constituents of the information age – are everywhere. There is though, a considerable number of people that are really concerned about the changes that modern technology implies, stating that it embodies potential risks to social values, freedoms, and relationships and this is what Sherri Turkle also states in her Forbes magazine article ‘Can You Hear Me Now? . I must agree with Turkle’s point of view that technology, along with all the positive aspects it brought into people’s lives, it also brought loneliness and sameness of lifestyle because of this abusive way people got to use technology nowadays. But as opposed to Turkle’s and millions of other people’s fearful thinking that mankind is developing too intimate relationships with machinery; I would say that this can be absolutely controllable. While it is true that the future of technology is only limited by our imagination, people have to learn that no matter how developed technology might get, the basics of a better life are self-esteem, respect for the others and willingness to self-educate and build up a strong character. According to Dictionnary. com,’ technology is the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science’. Commonly, technology can be defined as the science applied to practical purposes. It can be argued that modern technology makes life easier and more dignified for most of people. The first and the major advantage is that medical science is very progressive and vastly available. Without the needed technology a lot of people would struggle with their health. In addition it saves many innocent lives. The point is to spread it and reach with medicine help to the poor nations of the Third World. Secondly, the advanced technology improves industry by making it more effective and, what is vital today, safer for environment. Moreover when we look at TV, personal computer, mobile phone or internet for instance, it is quite obvious that all these inventions have been made in the last 20 years. Thus the speed of improvement is huge and unpredictable. We can get the fastest ways of communication through modern technology which ties humanity together like a nervous system ties the parts of an organism together. Today we are connected with every other human being on the planet in a way people never have been before this leading to globalization through diversity, a very powerful current which is really to consider nowadays. On the minus side there is weaponry which is the inseparable issue of the new technologies. Hence the main problem is the proper use of this knowledge. Nevertheless, weapon engineering propels and provides a huge advance. Also, the industry despite highly developed machinery pollutes the globe. On the other hand while many people live in horrible conditions and famine governments spend a lot of money on developing weapon industry. Is it the right way? Modern technology should prevent social disproportions and not add up even more. Technology entered our lives over a relatively brief period of time with little warning and essentially no preparation. Many who currently use information technology have only a limited understanding of the tools they use and a probably correct belief that they are underutilizing them. This is why most of the people pay more attention first to their interlocutors coming through the modern gadgetry considered a more elevated audience; the ‘real’ ones have come to fill just a second position. This is where Turkle’s fair point comes when she describes these people’s feelings – ‘Being put on pause’ this is the impression we get when the one we are engaged with in a conversation answers his cell phone or replies to an e-mail or a text message. Another example of the modern technology taking over the unprepared people is the virtual lives they build and end up becoming addicted on that up to a certain point where it can even become dangerous for themselves and the ones close to them. Millions become someone else every day, lying about their age, gender, occupation or appearance. If you can be anything, you might as well be who you wish you were rather than what limits you in the real life. So if someone decides they like their online persona better, and decides to spend as much time in that persona as possible, living virtually – are they crazy? These games are addictive by design, and a lot of people get sucked into a virtual world existence, at the expense of their real life happiness. And surely a large part of the attraction is this ability to live an alternate, and in many ways, happier existence. But this can get really dangerous when it comes to children and adolescents as they may discover ‘world in the Second Life’ as Turkle puts it in might be much easier and funnier and they can develop serious issues n forming their character and personalities. And the negative effects technology can have on children are numerous: less physical movement, lack of attraction towards reading, no sense of responsibility. With parents buying their children cell phones and expecting them to call as often as possible showing them actually how little they trust them, this only adds up to children’s developing a lack of responsibility and a sense of dependence, as Turkle puts in and I agree. The time of self-reflection at adolescence is taken over by ‘quickly communicating a state over the cell phone or through an instant message and emoticons’ (Turkle) leading to a new dependence in their early emotional lives. Another point that Turkle makes is that technology leaves less or no time at all to sit and reflect of ourselves uninterrupted and I agree with that. Unless we are really strong as to put away or turn off all the technology around us we cannot get a moment with ourselves as all this machinery can be very distracting. Nowadays, when the rapidness of development and research is so impressive, it is easy to think about the advantages of modern technology. It is obvious that we are close on an era where technology is limited only by our imagination. Therefore the most frequently asked question is: Does technology go the right way and will it save or ruin our civilization? I believe that we can just let ourselves carried along with it or we could impose on ourselves in being more aware of the disadvantages also and try to control it.

Mission and Vision Statements Essay

It often reflects the values and beliefs of top managers in an organization. A mission statement is the broad definition of the organizational mission. It is sometimes referred to as a creed, purpose, or statement of corporate philosophy and values. A good mission statement inspires employees and provides a focus and direction for setting lower level objectives. It should guide employees in making decisions and establish what the organization does. Mission statements are crucial for organizations to prosper and grow. While studies suggest that they have a positive impact on profitability and can increase shareholder equity, they also support that almost 40 percent of employees do not know or understand their company’s mission. Not only large corporations benefit from creating mission statements but small businesses as Photo by: sellingpix http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 1 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM well. Entrepreneurial businesses are driven by vision and high aspirations. Developing a mission statement will help the small business realize their vision. Its primary purpose is to guide the entrepreneur and assist in refining the planning process. By developing a strategic plan that incorporates the mission statement, entrepreneurs are more likely to be successful and stay focused on what is important. The mission statement encourages managers and small business owners alike to consider the nature and scope of the business. Business Week attributes 30 percent higher return on several key financial measure for companies with well-crafted mission statements. COMMON ELEMENTS While mission statements vary from organization to organization and represent the distinctness of each one, they all share similar components. Most statements include descriptions of the organization’s target market, the geographic domain, their concern for survival, growth and profitability, the company philosophy, and the organization’s desired public image. For example: Our mission is to become the favorite family dining restaurant in every neighborhood in which we operate. This will be accomplished by serving a variety of delicious tasting and generously portioned foods at moderate prices. Our restaurants will be clean, fun, and casual. Our guests will be served by friendly, knowledgeable people that are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. This mission statement describes the target market, which are families and the geographic domain of neighborhoods. It clearly states how it expects to be profitable by offering excellent customer service by friendly, knowledgeable people. When defining the mission statement it is important to take into account external influences such as the competition, labor conditions, economic conditions, and possible government regulation. It is important to remember however, that mission statements that try to be everything to everybody end up being nothing to anybody. http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 2 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM Companies should have mission statements that clearly define expected shareholder returns and they should regularly measure performance in terms of those expected returns. If the major reason for a business’s existence is to make a profit then it stands to reason that expectations of profit should be included in the organization’s mission. This means that management should reach a consensus about which aspects of the company’s profit performance should be measured. These might include margin growth, product quality, market share changes, competitive cost position, and capital structure efficiency. A mission statement sets the boundaries for how resources should be allocated and what strategic and operational goals should be set. The mission statement should acknowledge the company’s strengths and then inform employees where to direct their efforts in order to take advantage of those strengths. Before writing a mission statement organizations should take a look at how they are different from the competition, whether it is in technology, image and name brand, or employees. It can often be thought of as a recipe for success because it not only defines the organization’s accomplishments but it also provides employees with directions to help them develop plans and look for opportunities for improvement. The organization defines what is acceptable behavior through the mission statement. Values and beliefs are the core of a strong mission statement. For example: Quality and values will secure our success. We will live by our values, have fun, and take pride in what we do. Our values are to maintain a work environment where people enjoy coming to work, to serve our guests and exceed their expectations, and to be profitable and result oriented. This mission statement is simple and straightforward. It does not, however, specify the products or target market. The mission statement also provides meaning to the organization by stating not only what goals the company wants to achieve but also why it wants to achieve these goals. It is not effective unless it is challenging and forces workers to establish goals and means to measure the achievement of those goals. A mission statement should inspire employees and get them involved in the organization. It has been called the glue that holds the organization together through shared values and standards of behavior. A mission statement should be relevant to the history, culture, and values of the company. Many statements refer to the social responsibility of the organization. For example, a company can show their concern for the community in the following: http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 3 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM To be involved as good corporate citizens wherever we are around the world. We will treat customers and distributors with honesty, courtesy, and respect. We will respect and preserve the environment. Through all of this we will prove to be the worldwide leader in industry trade. One important issue in organizations today is the concern with diversity. While it is not a traditional point included in mission statements, more and more companies are including it because of the globalization of the economy and the increased diversity of the workforce. Before writing a mission statement, leaders in the organization must have an idea of what is in store for the future. This vision is the foundation for the mission statement. The vision provides a strategic direction, which is the springboard for the mission and its related goals. A vision statement differs from a mission statement. Vision statements are a view of what an organization is striving to become. For example: To bring back to neighborhoods all over America the importance of family unity. We will view ourselves as a family so these attributes will be carried over into our service. They guide an organization into the future while mission statements are a reflection of the present. Because vision statements are a glimpse into the future, they are often not realized for several years. Organizations go through many changes and can face times of confusion and uncertainty. Changes are not always expected or easy, so a well thought out vision statement will help everyone stay focused and meet the organization’s goals. Some examples of well-known companies’ mission statements: Wal-Mart: â€Å"To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the same thing as rich people. † 3M: â€Å"To solve unsolved problems innovatively. † Walt Disney: â€Å"To make people happy. † Historically, these may have seemed arrogant. But consider the outcome of the following mission statements from each company’s early days: Ford Motor Company: â€Å"Ford will democratize the automobile. † Sony: â€Å"Become the company most know for changing the world-wide poor-quality image of Japanese products. † Wal-Mart: â€Å"Become a $125 billion company by the year 2000. † http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 4 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM WRITING A MISSION STATEMENT When creating a mission statement there are a few simple guidelines that can be followed. It is important to remember the basics so the mission statement stays simple and straight to the point. Some researchers agree that it should be kept to between 30 and 60 words, while others believe it does not necessarily have to be that brief. Some organizations have mission statements that are only one sentence, while others are a paragraph. An example of a mission statement that is limited to one sentence is â€Å"Our business is selling houses and our mission is total customer satisfaction. At a minimum, each mission statement should answer the following three questions: (1) What are the opportunities or needs the organization addresses? (2) What does the organization do to address those needs? and (3) What principles and values guide the organization? In other words, defining the organization’s purpose, business and values. Avoiding jargon and buzzwords will keep the mission statement clear and easy to understand. It should be universal and simple to comprehend for all employees in the organization. It should be unique and identify the organization. A mission statement is often what sets one company apart from the competition. It should outline the organization’s competitive advantages and differentiate it from everyone else. Specific products/services offered as well as markets or customers should be included. Also a general business definition, behavioral standards, and desired competitive position can be added to a strong mission statement. EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT It is often helpful to allow company-wide input when creating a mission statement. This â€Å"bottom up† approach results in greater commitment to the organization and a better understanding of the organization. Employees from throughout the organization can help identify the core values of the company. In order to encourage employee participation, many companies have created competitions inviting employees to submit suggestions. Cash prizes are sometimes provided as an incentive for creative and inspirational statements. Some companies find it useful to invite customers to assist in writing a mission statement because they can provide an honest perspective. Another option is to review mission statements from other companies. This can help provide ideas as the writing process begins. It is important to keep in mind that there will be a draft process involved in creating the mission statement. Employees can often provide invaluable insight on how to improve on each draft. In the end, the mission statement should reflect the personality of the organization. Thus, each company should be creative and unique in developing its own statement. Creating a mission http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 5 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM  committee that consists of members of management, frontline employees, and customers is another way to begin writing a mission statement. The major benefit of this strategy is the inclusion of all areas of the organization to ensure that everyone is represented. Another benefit is that employees will be more willing to work toward accomplishing the mission if they know they had a vo ice in its creation. A â€Å"top down† approach can be effective in smaller organizations or even sole proprietorships. There is less time involved in creating a mission statement when it comes from the top. Also, many times frontline employees and lower level managers lack the insight necessary to see the big picture. They may not be able to conceptualize the entire organization and therefore miss important aspects of the business. Participation may not always be a good option for small businesses. In small businesses that are started by entrepreneurs the mission statement is generally a vision of an individual and therefore may not be negotiable. When the mission statement comes from upper management, employees are more assured of the organization’s commitment to the statement. A word of caution should be noted when deciding whether to adopt a â€Å"top down† approach or a â€Å"bottom up† approach. If the mission statement is to be created with a wide variety of input from both employees and customers then it will take longer than a â€Å"top down† approach. There must be a sharing of views and ideas with compromises made. A consensus should be developed without the problems associated with groupthink. There is always the possibility that too much compromise will distort the mission statement and the end result is something different from the original intent. The â€Å"top down† approach is not always effective because it rarely consults employees when making important decisions. Therefore, although it is the fastest route to take it isn’t always the most effective. While the mission statement should be able to change with the times it is also understood to have a certain degree of permanence. As new businesses begin to grow and hire more employees the mission statement should provide a strong sense of stability and a clear definition of the culture. A mission statement is worthless unless it has the support of the employees in the organization. It will only be successful if each employee commits to its success and internalizes it. Once the statement is completed it is extremely important that the organization not put it on the shelf to collect dust. It should be shared with the entire company. The introduction of the mission statement should come directly from top management in order to set the example. Organizations should be creative in making employees aware of the mission statement. Placing it strategically in locations where employees gather will increase awareness and remind them of the goals of the http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 6 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM organization. Videos outlining the details of the new mission statement are often useful; however, it is critical that employees have the opportunity to discuss the statement with members of management. Setting up meetings with members of management and frontline employees can often help uncover areas where the company does not meet the standards set by the mission statement. Communicating the mission statement to customers will make them feel valued and important. It can be sent to customers in a mass mailing or posted on signs in areas those customers frequent. It sets forth the goals of the organization so customers know what to expect when doing business with the company. SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps an organization match its internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis is important and useful in creating and executing the organization’s mission statement. Often the best strategies for accomplishing the organization’s mission are revealed through the SWOT analysis. The best strategies are those that take advantage of strengths and opportunities, offset threats, and improve weaknesses. Organizations should first begin by reviewing internal strengths and weaknesses. When analyzing an organization’s strengths it is important to identify distinctive competencies or strengths possessed by only a few competing firms. These distinctive competencies often become the competitive advantages that are included in the mission statement. Distinctive competencies can be found in financial resources, quality products and services, proprietary technology, or cost advantages. Organizational weaknesses are skills and capabilities that prevent an organization from implementing strategies that achieve its mission. They can be problems with facilities, lack of a clear strategic direction, internal operating problems, too narrow a product line, weak market image, or the inability to finance changes. The next step is to identify external opportunities and threats. Organizational opportunities are circumstances in an organization’s environment that if capitalized on will result in above normal increases in economic performance. Examples of opportunities are related to the possibility of adding a new product line, increasing market growth, or diversifying into related products. Threats are viewed as circumstances that give rise to normal or below normal economic performance. They can be found in the ease of entry of competitors, increased sales of substituted products, demographic changes, slowed market growth, or increased competition. EVALUATION http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-State ments. html Page 7 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM Evaluation of the mission statement is necessary to ensure the organization is meeting its goals. If needed, new goals may have to be created in order to accommodate changes in the organization. It may be time to reevaluate what the organization is doing or where it is headed. This is a good time to think about entering into new areas or to begin doing things differently by rewriting part or all of the mission and vision statements. In evaluating an organization’s performance, management must look at several different aspects of the organization. First, managers need to determine if the organization’s plans are clearly linked to its mission statement and related goals. Plans should be developed for both the short run and long run. Secondly, assigning jobs that are directly related to the achievement of organizational goals will help ensure they are attained. The goals should be communicated clearly so employees understand what tasks need to be carried out and what the rewards will be. Finally, when evaluating individual performance, the information gathered should be recent and compared to established standards. Mission statements are often difficult to evaluate because they are written in a somewhat abstract form. They are, many times, not directly measurable and vaguely worded. Figure 1 presents an example of how mission statements can be measured from the top of the organization to the bottom. Strategic goals are directly tied to the organization’s mission statement and apply to the organization as a whole. Tactical goals are departmental goals that support the strategic goals. Finally, operational goals are written at the individual level. Each one of these makes it possible to measure the organization’s mission statements. An organization’s likelihood of accomplishing its mission is increased as it creates strong and measurable goals at each level. It is not necessary that the mission statement be measured in quantifiable terms. It may also be measured qualitatively. For example, â€Å"We will answer all of our customers’ questions and if we don’t know the answer, we will find out. † While this is not a quantitative statement it can be measured by monitoring customer service calls and setting operational goals for employees that revolve around follow up and thoroughness. Mission and vision statements give organizations a focus and a strategy for the future. According to Bart and Tabone, they have become the cornerstones of organizations. They contribute to organizations’ success and can lead to increases in productivity and performance. They do not have to be reserved for the entire organization—each department or division can benefit from developing a mission statement, as long as they are not in contradiction to the company’s overall mission. Preferably, an individual department’s mission links it to the fulfillment of the overall http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 8 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements – strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM company mission. Mission statements for functional Figure 1 departments provide the same benefits as they do for the entire organization. In conclusion, mission statements provide a sense of direction and purpose. In times of change and growth they can be an anchor and a guide in decision making. The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages and challenges when looking at the potential for increases in profitability and returns. Defining an organization by what it produces and who it satisfies are major steps towards creating a sound and stable mission statement. Setting a company apart from the competition is probably one of the biggest advantages. SEE ALSO: Strategic Planning Failure ; Strategic Planning Tools ; Strategy Formulation ; Strategy Implementation ; SWOT Analysis Amy McMillan Revised by Deborah Hausler FURTHER READING: Bart, C. K. , and J. C. Tabone.

The 6 Things You Should Do the Summer Before Senior Year

As seniors’ acceptance letters pour in and they begin to make their final college decisions, the concept of senior year and all that accompanies it is  probably heavy on many juniors’ minds. The late November to early January application deadline most schools impose is likely already looming large on juniors’ schedules, and while the prospect of being at the top of the social hierarchy is exciting, the additional responsibilities that accompany club or sports team leadership can be nerve-wracking. Whether you feel like you’re not quite ready to be a senior or that senior year couldn’t come fast enough, there’s no denying that it can be one of the most challenging years of students’ high school careers. Balancing college applications with the academic and extracurricular demands of senior year can be tricky, but it’s easier if you take steps over the summer to make sure you start off prepared. Armed with our list, you’ll enter senior year ready to take on the world. It’s important to note that most college applications don’t even open until late summer. The Common App, for example, is available to students beginning August 1st. In general, we at don’t recommend students start their applications before this point. Though it may seem like the deadline is approaching fast, unless you’re applying ED or EA , you have still have half your senior year remaining before your apps are due — a lot can change in that time. You may have additional awards or activities that you want to add to your application, and even your essay topics might change significantly. With all this in mind, you can probably afford to hold off on churning out rough drafts of essays or filling in the activities section for a few weeks. However, this isn’t to say you can’t start seriously considering the sort of information you might include on your application, particularly what you’ll write your essay on. Personal essays are one of the most important components of your application, especially at schools who boast holistic admissions , and writing a killer essay can be your key to success. For this reason, it’s smart to start brainstorming for potential personal statement ideas over the summer. If you can start the school year with a clear idea of what you want to write on, not only for the Common App but for supplemental essays as well, you can save yourself a lot of time and grief later on. Thinking about which activities and honors you want to list on your application is also a good way to prepare for senior year. The Common App only allows for students to describe 10 activities; others, like the University of California application, allow even less (the UC app provides 5 spaces). Consider not only which extracurriculars are most ostensibly impressive, but also those which you’ve spent the most time on or have the most intrinsic value to you. Determining which extracurricular activities have been most meaningful to you can also help you narrow down what to write about for â€Å"Which extracurricular activity listed on your application has meant the most to you, and why?† supplement questions, which are a staple on many top schools’ applications. We’ve already written about the importance of summer activities , but just to be safe, we’ll state it again: it’s to your great advantage to utilize summers for activities like service projects, research opportunities, internships, and more. Not only do you have more free time in the summer to devote to extracurricular activities you probably couldn’t fit into your schedule during the school year, you also have the freedom to travel and branch out beyond the extracurriculars that would normally populate your schedule. In addition, staying busy over the summer before senior year demonstrates your motivation and work ethic to colleges — you have to be pretty diligent to stay cooped up in a lab all summer while the sun shines. Summer can be a great time to prepare for the final few standardized tests you need to take. If you haven’t gotten your dream score on ACT/SAT, SAT IIs, etc., now is the time! Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. Summer before senior year is an excellent time to tour the colleges you’re considering applying to. For a West Coaster with Ivy League aspirations , or a New England student who dreams of Stanford or UC Berkeley, summer provides an opportunity to travel across the country (or for international students, across the ocean!) without worries about homework assignments or missed school days. Many colleges provide programming for prospective students over the summer, where students can take classes, attend seminars, and stay in the dorms at the college of their dreams. While applications for these programs are competitive and are due months before the summer begins, well-prepared students get the opportunity to experience life as a student at the college of their choice. Many of these programs also provide financial aid to students for which paying for the programs poses a financial difficulty. Of course, your college list is extremely malleable — you can decide not to apply to a school the day before the application is due, or realize your dreams for attending a college 5 days before their due date. Though making changes to your list is common and inevitable, it certainly does simplify things if you’re able to come up with as complete and final a version of your college list as possible early on. Finalizing your college list in advance can help you avoid a slew of annoyances, like paying to send test scores to a school you don’t even end up applying to, or rushing to think of a unique and engaging essay topic in the final hours before the application is due. Put the thought in and do the research early, and you’ll be thanking yourself later. Senior year is a whirlwind of essays, formal dances, late nights, and acceptance letters; to the unprepared student, jumping head first into the madness can be daunting. However, if you follow our tips for a successful pre-senior year summer, you can start your final year of high school with ease and kiss college application stress goodbye. For more information about extracurriculars and summer activities,