Memory, Thinking, and Intelligence

Psychology defines memory as an organism’s ability to encode, store, retain, and retrieve information that it has acquired through an interaction with its environment. This includes both the internal and the external environment. Human memory is categorized into three different types: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory is the memory utilized in the time interval of 200-500 milliseconds after something has been sensed by the individual. Some of the information that is processed in sensory memory may be transferred to short-term memory where it can be stored for a longer duration of time, from a few seconds up to a minute. However, the capacity of short-term memory is limited. Long-term memory, on the other hand, has a greater capacity for storage than sensory or short-term memory. The length of time for which information can be stored in long-term memory is also prolonged and limited only by the individual himself or herself. Different models of memory show different ways by which information reaches these three types of memory. However, there is a generally agreed upon process by which memory, in general, is formed and created. The general process by which memory is created in an individual’s mind involves three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Initially, an individual must first come into contact with something via the different sensory receptors. The sensation acquired fro the environment is then encoded by the memory system. This simply involves the transformation of the information from one form to another that is more compatible with the memory system. Information about space, time, and frequency can be processed during this stage either automatically or through effortful processing. After a specific type of information is encoded, it undergoes the next step of the process: storage. Storage involves the holding on to the encoded information. A more permanent record is created and kept in one of the three classifications of memory, depending on whichever is more applicable to the type of information that is being processed. After memory is stored, it is now made available to the third step called retrieval. Retrieval is simply the act of taking the memory out of its storage in order to use it for a specific function as deemed necessary by the individual. Retrieval may involve the reversal of the encoding process. This means that the stored information may be transformed back into a sensory form. The encoding of memory can be enhanced through a variety of techniques. One such technique involves the assignment of meaning to the perceived object. Likewise, encoding may be impeded if the object sensed is ambiguous or unclear in nature. Encoding is also more effective when more senses are used. The greater amount of sensory information a memory has linked to it, the more meaningful its encoding. The storage of memory also encounters impediments. One of the greatest impediments is decay,which involves the loss or fading of memories through time. Interference is another impediment to the storage of memory, both in short-term and long-term. This simply pertains to the fact that the presence of some information prevents other information to be stored. In proactive interference, storage of previously acquired information disrupts the storage of newly acquired information. Retroactive interference, on the other hand, involves the disruption of storage of old memories due to the storage of new memories. Time must be given for the consolidation of memory into long-term memory before allowing other information to be stored. Interference and decay effects can also be lessened through constant practice of memory enhancing strategies such as repetition of the information. This is also called maintenance rehearsal. Elaborative rehearsal can also enhance storage in that it links the given memory to other stored memories. Retrieval is also made easier with a greater amount of links with the memory to be retrieved to other memories. This allows for more memory cues to be used in order to reach that piece of information. Thus retrieval can be enhanced with the use of priming, mnemonic strategies, and retrieval practice. Retrieval is easier when in the form of recognition as opposed to recall. This is because recognition makes use of the information itself as the retrieval cue. Decay in long-term memory is simply the decay of the link of the stored information and the retrieval cue. This decay is one of the causes for forgetting. Information that never reaches the long-term memory is also forgotten easily as a result of the limited duration and capacity of both sensory and short-term memory. Faulty encoding and storage in long-term memory may also lead to forgetting. Also, faulty retrieval cues might lead to an inability to access data that is there but not actually linked to the â€Å"search words† used to reach it. Other reasons for an inability to remember a piece of information may be distraction, wherein the individual’s attention is misdirected, and repression, wherein the motivation to retrieve the information is lacking or the system itself has closed off the memory due, for example, to trauma and the like. The act of forgetting may also by physiological and psychological in nature. This is seen in cases of dementia and amnesia. There may be defects in the memory system or in the individual’s physiological make-up and these defects are the underlying cause for the inability to recall. Memory and its counterpart, forgetting, are complex topics that involve numerous concepts and models. It is only through a clear understanding of both that one can truly achieve a more efficient memory system that is less prone to the risk of forgetting. Reference Myers, David G. (2004). Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers

Characteristics of Revenge Tragedy

The revenge play or revenge tragedy is a form of tragedy which was extremely popular in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. The best-known of these are Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy and William Shakespeare's Hamlet. The genre was first categorised by the scholar Fredson Bowers.Contents:Origins, conventions, and themesHistory.Influence.Film.References.Origins, conventions, and themesThe only clear precedent and influence for the Renaissance genre is the work of the Roman playwright and Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger, perhaps most of all his Thyestes. It is still unclear if Seneca's plays were performed or recited during Roman times; at any rate, Elizabethan and Jacobean playwrights staged them, as it were, with a vengeance, in plays full of gruesome and often darkly comic violence. The Senecan model, though never followed slavishly, makes for a clear definition of the type, which almost invariably includes A secret murder, usually of a benign ruler by a bad person.A ghostly vi sitation of the murder victim to a younger kinsman, generally a son A period of disguise, intrigue, or plotting, in which the murderer and the avenger scheme against each other, with a slowly rising body count A descent into either real or feigned madness by the avenger or one of the auxiliary characters An eruption of general violence at the end, which (in the Renaissance) is often accomplished by means of a feigned masque or festivity A catastrophe that utterly decimates the dramatis personae, including the avenger Both the stoicism of Seneca and his political career (he was an advisor to Nero) leave their mark on Renaissance practice.In the English plays, the avenger is either stoic (albeit not very specifically) or struggling to be so; in this respect, the main thematic concern of the English revenge plays is the problem of pain. Politically, the English playwrights used the revenge plot to explore themes of absolute power,  corruption in court, and of factional concerns that applied to late Elizabethan and Jacobean politics as they had to Roman politics.HistorySome early Elizabethan tragedies betray evidence of a Senecan influence; Gorboduc (1561) is notable in this regard. The â€Å"hybrid morality† Horestes (1567) also offers an early example of the genre.[1] Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy, however, is the first major example of the revenge plot in English drama. First performed 1587 and subsequently published in 1592, The Spanish Tragedy was a popular smash so successful that, with Tamburlaine, it practically defined tragic dramaturgy for a number of years.Refitted with additions by Ben Jonson, it found performance intermittently until 1642. Its most famous scenes were copied, transformed, and—finally—mocked; the play itself was given a sequel that may have been partially written by Kyd. Hamlet is one of the few Shakespeare plays to fit into the revenge category; indeed, it may be read as a figural, literary response to Kyd, wh o is sometimes credited with the so-called ur-Hamlet with which Shakespeare worked.As regards revenge tragedy, Hamlet is notable for the way in which it complicates the themes and deepens the psychology of its models. What is, in The Spanish Tragedy, a straightforward duty of revenge, is for Prince Hamlet, both factually and morally ambiguous. Hamlet has been read, with some support, as enacting a thematic conflict between the Roman values of martial valor and blood-right on the one hand, and Christian values of humility and acceptance on the other. Some academics would also argue the Othello could fit into the category of revenge.A more purely Jacobean example than Hamlet is The Revenger's Tragedy, apparently produced in 1606 and printed anonymously the following year. The author was long assumed, on somewhat unconvincing external evidence, to be Cyril Tourneur; in recent decades, numerous critics have argued in favour of attributing the play to Thomas Middleton. On stylistic groun ds, this argument is convincing.The Revenger's Tragedy is marked by the earthy—even obscene—style, irreverent tone, and grotesque subject matter that typifies Middleton's comedies. The play, though it lacks a ghost, is in other respects a sophisticated updating of The Spanish Tragedy, concerning lust, greed, and corruption in an Italian court. Caroline instances of the genre are largely derivative of earlier  models and are little read today, even by specialists.InfluenceA number of plays, from 1587 on, are influenced by certain aspects of revenge tragedy, although they do not fit perfectly into this category. Besides Hamlet, other plays of Shakespeare's with at least some revenge elements are Titus Andronicus, Julius Caesar, and Macbeth. Other revenge tragedies include The White Devil, Hoffman,The Changeling, The Duchess of Malfi, The Atheist's Tragedy, The Revenger's Tragedy, The Jew of Malta, The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois, The Malcontent, Antonio's Revenge, The Du ke of Milan, The Maid's Tragedy, Valentinian, The Bloody Brother, ‘Tis Pity She's a Whore†, The Maid's Revenge, and The Cardinal.Thomas Pynchon's novel The Crying of Lot 49 contains an extended parody of the Jacobean revenge-play formula, titled The Courier's Tragedy and written by the fictitious Richard Wharfinger. Most of the action is simply described by the narrator, with occasional snippets of dialogue. In Edward Gorey's masterpiece, The Unstrung Harp, the protagonist, the novelist Mr Earbrass, sees a performance of Prawne's The Nephew's Tragedy, a fictional revenge play performed, â€Å"†¦ for the first time since the early seventeenth century, by the West Mortshire Impassioned Amateurs of Melpomene.†

Book Report The Corona Project by Curtis Peebles

CORONA Project: Curtis Peebles, the first US spy satellite, provides readers with new decoding information on how the first American satellite was used for information gathering. Through his book Corona Project: America 's First Spy Satellite, the author provides details on the birth of the satellite program by observing the Corona project from the late 1940' s until project declassification and project exhibition. information. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Curtis Peebles starts with the basics and makes it easier to understand somewhat complicated programs by building readers' knowledge about what is currently shown in the text. It is not just a corona project. From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, Peebles led readers to the government sector to undertake an internal review of the decision-making process of the President and other major public directors. One of the most impressive parts of this book is reference to Peebles' long-standing personal memos and dialogue by project personnel. A hand-held snapshot collected by the author, depicting individual engineers and other persons involved in the project. More personalized accessories for project related personnel Curtis Peebles provides readers with new decryption information on how to use the first US satellites for information gathering. Through his book Corona Project: America 's First Spy Satellite, the author provides details on the birth of the satellite program by observing the Corona project from the late 1940' s until project declassification and project exhibition. information. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The main driving force of the project came from the launch of Sputnik I. As the Soviet Union seems to be far away, the authors explain how the project was robbed by the Air Force. They did not use WS - 117L for the development of corona satellites and handed the duties to the CIA It was. The goal that Peebles break the history of Corona project was achieved. I have foun d that this information is very rich and sometimes a bit overwhelming, but it is not difficult to understand. From various camera lenses to the overall success of the Corona project, the author has successfully demonstrated the detailed history of the project and the tasks performed by the satellite. As an image analyst, I found that the information provided by the satellite function is completely attractive. Only one runway can be identified from the start of the plan, and just ten years later you can count the aircraft on the runway. The big achievement of this project over the 12 years is definitely improved resolution from 40 feet to 6 feet (though it will be 2 feet). This kind of progress, nearly 300% improvement has never been experienced in such a short time.

The Homeric Hymns Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Homeric Hymns - Essay Example It is understood that children born out of wedlock tend to have difficulty in committing to a married life. Dionysos name means he was born twice and this signifies that children born without parents tend to end up not getting married. The other narratives of Hymns to Apollo show that Women especially mothers have control over their sons. It is a known fact that sons and their mothers do have a maternal connection that is strong and cannot be easily separated (Rayor 28). The connection between Apollo and life in the current society is that men have a weakness towards pleasing women. The other lesson we learn from the Greek mythology through the Homeric Hymns is that of sibling rivalry. Apollo and Hermes were brothers who competed against each other and their problems were solved by the gods. Their rivalry connects to the current society whereby people close to us and whom we trust often end up betraying us. For instance, politicians are famous for praises but they end up betraying a lot of people (Athanassakis 64). We also learn that gods are often happy when praises are extended towards them on different occasions. The most important lesson and connection is learnt through the Hymns to Demeter. These hymns bring out the connection of life and death whereby when a person dies his soul continues in immortality. The disappearance and emergence of Persephone from time to time shows the dynamism in today’s life in the society. Moreover, it shows the connection between life and death in that when people die their soul continues to live in immortality. Topic 2 Spiritual transformation is a practice that was mostly undertaken by different individuals at different times. Due to this people had to practice some spiritual practices to change the world. The main practice of spiritual transformation is the act of changing the way people work during different times. Spiritual transformation as explained by Carl Jung looks into the spiritual changes that a person unde rgoes as a result of an external event occurring that affects an individual religious beliefs. The major transformation that occurred to Demeter was when her child was kidnapped by Hades. This event led to Demeter changing her behaviour leading to the death of many people. When Demeter daughter was captured and raped by Aidoneus, she became very furious (Rayor 90). Although, she did not hear the screams of her daughter but only the echo of her during her capture, this caused a lot of worries to her. Since Demeter was the god of agriculture her faith and trust in the other gods waned. As a result, she decided to punish the people by sending a winter that caused a lot of destruction towards humankind. Demeter felt betrayed by Zeus since the god did not reveal that he was aware of her daughter’s abduction. Zeus had the knowledge of Persephone whereabouts but he did not reveal this to Demeter and hence she visited the earth and she refused to return to Olympus (Athanassakis 32). Demeter visited the earth to look for her daughter and this event transformed her behaviour. Demeter’s transformation was brought about by her daughter’s disappearance and re-appearance. Demeter descended upon the earth as a result of hearing about her daughter’s disappearance into the earth. Her transformation saw people worship her on earth so as to please her and spare her wrath from the people.

Origami Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Origami - Math Problem Example For a dodecahedron, at least 3 different colors are required, as a dodecahedron cannot be properly colored in less than 3 colours. It is advisable to draw the planar graph of a a dodecahedron when planning the 3-edge coloring. "It is always quite puzzling to try to make use only 3 colors of paper with no two units of the same color touching. Each unit corresponds to an edge of the planar graph, so this is equivalent to a proper 3-edge-coloring of the polyhedron." (T.Hull, 2006) During the nineteenth century, Sir William Rowan Hamilton who was a mathematician from Ireland, invented a puzzle known as 'Around the World.' The concept behind the puzzle was to label the vertices of a regular dodecahedron according to the names of various cities of the world. Hamilton's puzzle can be solved by beginning from any given city (i.e. any vertex) and traveling around the world from one city (vertex) to another. This entails that one moves along the edges of the dodecahedron in such a manner that each other city is touched only once before going back to the original vertex or starting point. This solution to Hamilton's puzzle is known as a Hamilton cycle/Hamilton circuit. Thus, a Hamilton circuit can be said to be a path in the dodecahedron which starts at a vertex, touches every other vertex, in the dodecahedron, and then returns to the original starting point without touching any single vertex two times. A Hamilton circuit in the planar graph of a dodecahedron References J.A.Gallian (2006) Contemporary Abstract Algebra. Houghton R.A.Brualdi (2004) Introductory Combinatorics. Prentice Hall T.Hull (2006) Project Origami-Activities for Exploring Mathematics. A K Peters

History Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History - Coursework Example Therefore, they came up with strategies to counter these problems (Bentley et al, 67). Efforts of the classical societies resulted into a dramatic increase in most of the world’s religions. This was facilitated by the development of roads- a mode for transport and communication of goods and services. Likewise, sea route of transportation was also developed as a trade route. This led to trade and interrelations between individuals of diverse localities. These links lead to the worldwide movement of goods, people, diseases and beliefs. Beliefs founded were all connected to a supreme supernatural being. The beliefs include; Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. These trade routes were advantageous and also disadvantageous. The con was the development of diseases and epidemics which were deadly. This led to the disruption of the classical society (Confucius, 27). Discussion: comparison of Persian and Chinese empire. The Persian and Chinese empires were two significant historical em pires. There was a successful reign within the centuries due to the emperor bodies imposing the Machiavellian principals in both empires. The leaders used anyway to maintain peace and order within the reigning locations. This method of administration persisted for many centuries in the two discussed emperors. The Chinese empire also known as the Han dynasty was created by Lui Bang in 201 BC. He used the Machiavellian principals in administration. He linked the pre- Qin emporium and the Qin dynasty domineering emporium. This aided in the expansion of the empires in aspects of economy, population and culture. The Chinese empire is historically significant due to accomplishments made. The accomplishments included; paper invention, compass invention, advancements in science and technology, steel manufacturing and seismograph development. This empire had a strong military command; this enabled its expansion in Korea, northern Vietnam, and Southern China. This empire also developed routes which were primarily used for the delivery of silk to the Roman Empire. The trade routes were build up along Central Asia, further expanding to India, and finally in Persia (Steele, 8). Another historical landmark of the Chinese empire is the establishment of a tributary organization system comprising of local powers; to enforce peace and unity. The collapse of this dynasty was as a result of its lack of strength in facing internal conflicts concerning imperial relatives, military generals, scholar officials and government advisors. This misunderstanding led to a gradual fall of the empire from 100 AD. This resulted in the central government assuming authority, corruption developed in the bureaucrats, and land owners ruled their properties as they wanted. This led to a disruption of the Machiavellian principals and an end to the Qui dynasty. The states the Han dynasty had authority over were able to overthrow it. The Persian Empire was inclusive of several empires that ruled Iran f or a number of centuries. The Archaemenid Empire

Knowledge and Talent Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Knowledge and Talent Development - Essay Example The effectiveness of employees, as designed in the HR strategies, is a crucial component in achieving positive business outcomes. Every company has a comprehensive and structured set of techniques that an organization adopts in order to improve quality, efficiency, and reliability of their goods and services. These strategies are all geared towards making the organization globally competitive and adhere to the established standards and best business practices. This approach cuts across all departments, employees, suppliers and the clients of the organization. Talent development and knowledge management are geared towards improving the performance of both the employees and organization. According to Garavan Et al (2012), talent developments are activities that ensure the rightful management of the human resources. Talent development in organizations has progressed in line with changes experienced in the world such as globalization, technology, and culture. Talent development leads to efficient systems that result in job satisfaction, effective career growth, increased motivation, and organizational commitment of the employees. As a result, this leads to the creation of a favorable working environment build on trust and relationship where employees are able to make proper and informed judgments. Knowledge and Talent Development According Herzberg’s Hygiene theory on employee motivation, employees experience job contentment when they fulfill career growth and needs (Lunenburg & Ornstein, 2012, p. 16). When employees exhibit a strong desire to be part of a particular organization, they are willing to exert high levels of their efforts on behalf of their organization. Employee satisfaction plays a pivotal function in increasing the productivity of employees. Motivation commits the employees to work passionately in order to gain promotion, new skills, more remuneration, and benefits. The employees of an organization need to be provided with the necessary infor mation, training, mentoring, and coachin

Employee Engagement in Sainsburys Supermarkets Dissertation

Employee Engagement in Sainsburys Supermarkets - Dissertation Example The Nature of Employee Engagement Increasingly, employees have been faced with more, and more exacting, demands by their employers in the workplace. As a result, employee health and satisfaction have suffered as work life has proceeded to encroach upon personal and family life. Employee health and satisfaction have begun to deteriorate, fostering an escalating cynicism and mistrust by the employee against the firm. In return, corporations have given little in return, rendering most jobs staid and frustrating, something employees would have resigned from long ago were it not for the paycheck. According to Flade, more than 80% of the workforce in the UK have expressed a lack of commitment to their jobs, resulting in an untapped reservoir of potential energy that organizations could, with the proper approach, tap to improve productivity while fostering greater employee satisfaction. When employees are unhappy about their jobs, their disinterest and apathy become a hindrance to their smooth and competent performance on the job, and may impact negatively on the firm’s productivity and profitability. It is for this reason that employee engagement, has been developed as a tool for the proper and productive motivation of employees. Kennedy and Daim state that employee engagement is taken by many to signify the â€Å"management of discretionary effort†. Employees are so situated that they would choose to act in furtherance of their organization’s goals, because their own goals are identified with it.

Choose a suitable topic for this paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Choose a suitable topic for this paper - Essay Example Facebook is the only alternative to all other social portals like AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Gmail, Hotmail, Flickr, YouTube, and MySpace, etc. and provide its users a single login ID for all their social interaction needs (Bilton, 2012). While on the other hand, Twitter also provides its user with chat and messaging facilities to stay connected with each other. Twitter is more like an open forum for all where anyone can make their network and connect with each other to share their views. Twitter also allows its user to follow anyone unless the user blocks the other user. Generally Twitter is considered as blogging platform. Both of the websites are pure communication tools in which users can easily update their views and status and can also get quick response from their network. These social websites are also use for marketing purpose and many of the individuals and companies get effective results by promoting their products (Bilton, 2012). In Facebook, it is easier to find friends and family as compared to Twitter. Facebook also suggests its users to find friends by matching their personal attributes and preferences with others, while Twitter does not give suggestions for friends; in fact, users have to find their friends themselves. In Facebook, users are fully equipped to control or to expand their networks but the permission is required from other users to become friend with them. In Twitter, a user can follow other members and for that no permission is required, however, when one user does not want to be followed by another he or she can easily block each other (Bilton, 2012). In Twitter, one user can be followed by everyone and anyone can comment and share their views with all their followers, whereas in Facebook user is only restricted to its own network of friends and communities and can only share their views among them. Facebook allows its user to share images and videos and to comment on these videos and images. On the other hand, there is no such

Micro economics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Micro economics - Term Paper Example Aside from stocks and bonds, other investment instruments are mutual funds, stock options, and other financial derivative securities, which are briefly defined and described here. A stock is ownership of a corporation represented by shares that are a claim on the corporation’s earnings and assets (Downes, John & Goodman, Jordon Elliot, p. 556, Barron’s Educational Series). The price of a stock is the equivalent of the present value of all future dividends; it is also the present value of a dividend stream for the number of years it would have been held, plus the present value of the anticipated price of the stock after that time period (Block, Stanley B. & Hirt, Geoffrey A., p. 284, McGraw-Hill Irwin). Common stocks entitle the shareholder to received dividends in stocks and bonds, and to vote in the election of directors and other matters taken up at shareholder meetings or by proxy (Downes, John & Goodman, Jordon Elliot, p. 556, Barron’s Educational Series). The stock market is the general term referring to the organized trading of securities through the various exchanges and the over-the-counter market (Downes, John & Goodman, Jordon Elliot, p. 563, Barron’s Educational Series). It is likely that the role played by the market in gathering and disclosing information may be more important for large firms because their stocks are traded more often and are followed by many analysts (Demirguc-Kunt, Asli & Maksimovic, Vojislav, p. 49, Finance & Development). Small firms may not benefit as much from stock market development, at least initially, because their access may be limited by high fixed issuance costs (Demirguc-Kunt, Asli & Maksimovic, Vojislav, p. 49, Finance & Development). Even the stock of small firms that are listed on an exchange may not be traded as often as the stock of larger firms, since it

Importance of International Trade Essay Example for Free

Importance of International Trade Essay The buying and selling of goods and services across national borders is known as international trade. International trade is the backbone of our modern, commercial world, as producers in various nations try to profit from an expanded market, rather than be limited to selling within their own borders. There are many reasons that trade across national borders occurs, including lower production costs in one region versus another, specialized industries, lack or surplus of natural resources and consumer tastes. One of the most controversial components of international trade today is the lower production costs of developing nations. There is currently a great deal of concern over jobs being taken away from the United States, member countries of the European Union and other developed nations as countries such as China, Korea, India, Indonesia and others produce goods and services at much lower costs. Both the United States and the European Union have imposed severe restrictions on imports from Asian nations to try to stem this tide. Clearly, a company that can pay its workers the equivalent of dollars a day, as compared to dollars an hour, has a distinct selling advantage. Nevertheless, American and European consumers are only too happy to lower their costs of living by taking advantage of cheaper, imported goods. Even though many consumers prefer to buy less expensive goods, some international trade is fostered by a specialized industry that has developed due to national talent and/or tradition. Swiss watches, for example, will never be price-competitive with mass produced watches from Asia. Regardless, there is a strong market among certain consumer groups for the quality, endurance and even snob appeal that owning a Rolex, Patek-Philippe or Audemars Piguet offers. German cutlery, English bone China, Scottish wool, fine French silks such as Hermes and other such products always find their way onto the international trade scene because consumers in many parts of the world are willing to foster the importation o f these goods to satisfy their concept that certain countries are the best at making certain goods. One of the biggest components of international trade, both in terms of volume and value of goods is oil. Total net oil imports in 2005 are over 26 million barrels per day (U.S. Energy Information Administration figures) (Note: Imports include crude oil, natural gas liquids, and refined products.) At a recent  average of $50 per barrel, that translates to $1billion, three hundred million, PER DAY. The natural resources of a handful of nations, most notably the nations of OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, are swept onto the international trade scene in staggering numbers each day, and consumer nations continue to absorb this flow. Other natural resources contribute to the movement of international trade, but none to the extent of the oil trade. Diamonds from Africa, both for industrial and jewelry use, wheat and other agricultural products from the United States and Australia, coal and steel from Canada and Russia, all flow across borders from these nations that have the natural resources to the nations that lack them. Despite complaints about trade imbalances, effects on domestic economies, currency upheavals, and loss of jobs, the reality of goods and services continually crossing borders will not go away. International trade will continue to be the engine that runs most nations. Information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not be interpreted as financial advice. This does not represent a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Please consult your financial advisor.

SWOT Analysis: Case Study of Dell

SWOT Analysis: Case Study of Dell Introduction Dell is one of the largest manufacturer and distributor in the world. Dell was found in 1984 by Michael Dell, while he was a student of the University of Texas. In the beginning the Michael dell used to purchase the computer part of wholesale and collected in his house before they sell it to the customer in the cheaper price than the other retailer shops. In the beginning that he used to order them directly from the Internet and delivered to the customer. At that time, Dell has direct sales strategy favourable to the customer and Dell. This strategy helps to get information from the customer and create and maintain a good relationship between company and customer. Dell had become a biggest seller of the computer in the period 1980-to1990. In 2009, Dell has the third position in the world. Dell is known for selling good quality in cheaper price. This cost leadership strategy has been very successful and it really competitive advantage to compete with other PC companies such as IBM, Toshiba, Sony and Compaq. Dell is not limited with only one product the range of product as a data storage device, television, notebooks, etc.. The species also sells product is manufactured by others. Dell is today well known company in the world. SWOT analysis (S)trengths: Dell is worlds largest manufacturer of PC. Profit for the 3 months up to and including July 2005 were of more than $ 1 billion, a growth of around 28%. For the last few years has its position as the market leader (it took it is Hewlett-Packards rivals). The Dell brand is one of the most well known and reputable computer brands in the world. Dell cuts the retailer and delivers directly to the customers. It makes use of information technology and customer relationship Management (CRM) approaches to data-capture capabilities on its loyal users. So a customer a generic PC model, setting, and then items added and upgrades until the PC is kitted out from the specifications relating to the customer. Parts of suppliers, never through Dell. PCS are assembled with the help of relatively cheap labour. You can even keep track of your order by contact with the customer service team, based in India. The finished product than with the customer by courier. Dell offers full control of the supply chain (W)eaknesses: The company has such a huge range of products and components of many suppliers from a large number of countries, there is the occasional product recall that lead to some embarrassment to Dell. In 2004, Dell had to remember 4.4 million laptop adapters because of a fear that they could overheat, electric shock, or cause a fire. Dell is the author of a computer, not a computer manufacturer. The purchase of a number of manufacturers of concentrated high-tech components. This is a huge advantage in terms of business activities, as a result of which Dell to focus on marketing and logistics, the company depends on a number of major suppliers and, to a certain extent, is locked in for a period of time (i.e. not in a position to switch from the delivery costs, the lack of major suppliers in the world). (O)pportunities: Dell performs a diversification strategy by the introduction of many new products to its range. This has primarily aimed at good as peripherals such as printers and toner, but now also included LCD televisions and other non-computing goods. So Dell compete iPod and other consumer electronics brands. Dell is making and selling cheap cheap PC computers to retailers in the United States. The PCs are generic and not to be recognized as being from Dell when the consumer make a purchase. Rebranding and rebadging for the retail trade, although a departure for Dell, the company offers new market segments and attack with the marketing costs. (T)hreats: The biggest problem for Dell is the competitive rivalry, which in the PC market worldwide. As with all brands of cost effective, retaliation of competitors and new entrants to the market potential threats. Dell resources from the far East countries where labour costs are low, but there is nothing stopping competitors do the same thing-even sourcing the same or similar components of the same or similar suppliers. Please bear in mind that Dell a maker of PC, is not the manufacturer of the PC. Dell, global marketing and operations, is exposed to fluctuations in the currency markets of the world. Although it is a very lean organization, place orders some time ahead thanks to their size or the value. Changes in exchange rates could leave the company exposed to potentially lose in parts of the supply chain. Target group Dell the target group consists of major corporate accounts, medium and small businesses and consumers company. In order to comply with any other customer segment by the direct model adopted Dell. To be successful, Dell has to ensure that it produces the correct computers that meet the customers, and take advantage of the possibilities that are available. Accent has been placed on the industry-laptop, Dell wants to produce the next generation notebook platform that will continue its activities in the future, it should look on the current trends in the industry and how they could the next generation of laptop. Mobility is becoming more and more influence on the world and the markets that Dell will function. Therefore, the implication of this trend is associated with the laptop that Dell would produce to be lighter and smaller. The Internet is becoming a necessity in the daily lives of people. Due to this trend, and the impact of mobility at the same time would be Wi-Fi Internet access is a potential demand. Dell marketing objectives Accomplished by global marketing strategy Measurable and quantifiable Within a time limit The target group can be Realistic and achievable Sales, profit, market share Marketing strategy of dell Dells strategy collapse profit margins in the PC market, a serious development for the competitors who are not keeping pace. Dell is the pricing of the machines rather than as high-tech products, but more on airline tickets, and low-margin raw materials. DELL has a tight competence with other major computer vendors such as Compaq and HP. social factors also affect the business environment from Dell. Computer companies have to recognise that in the Chinese culture, people are still not sure about credit card sales because of the huge cost of computers in China. Companies, need to invest in activities from door to door or face to face to get consumer confidence and consumer confidence in the company and the product. Dell has also the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS). DELL is focused on product design, transport, and so on. As part of DELL of ISO 14001 EMS, the organisation objectives where the goal is to improve the performance of the internal business environment in a c ontinuous improvement processes that are used to successes in the entire company. Dell has its brand name than ordinary computer products expand by making use of its reputation as an e-commerce leader positioned. In the year 2000 Dell began to redefine itself if the company that you are familiar with the operation of e-business. It has the online sales expertise shared with a number of large customers as they have their own e-commerce capabilities. Dell is certain forces of competition in terms of information technology as the EDI tool provides a very effective possibilities in reducing the costs and the close link between Dell and Dell with its subcontractors with its customers. DELL started selling its own brand of portable computers, called the Axim, at discount price which may be regarded as a promising and CEO, Mr Michael Dell highlights how the Dell success lay in making it as easy as possible for someone to buy a computer. There are a number of applications that are currently being used by Dell and they are crucial for the core activities of business Dell and the DELL direct that its operational factors for success. Some applications that are currently being used by DELL that are valuable, but not for some critical success factors. Business scored card from Dell It is a strategic planning and management system that is used extensively in Business and industry, Government and non-profit organizations around the world to bring activities to the vision and strategy of the Organization, improve internal and external communication and monitoring the performance of the organisation of the strategic objectives. It is caused by Drs. Robert Kaplan (Harvard Business School) and David Norton performance measurement framework that strategic performance of non-financial measures added to the traditional financial metrics give managers and executives a more balanced view of organizational performance. While the company scorecard phrase was coined in the early 1990s, the roots of this approach are deep and the pioneering work of General Electric performance measurement reporting in the 1950s and the work of the French process engineers (which the Tableau de Bord literally, a dashboard of the performance counters) are included in the beginning of the 20th century. Business scorecard evolved from the early use as a simple performance measurement framework a complete strategic planning and management system. The new business scorecard transforms an organizations strategic plan of an attractive, but passive document is in marching orders for the Organization on a daily basis. It provides a framework that offers performance measurements, but helps planners identify what needs to be done and measured. It enables executives to really to carry out their strategies Role of Business Scorecard The scorecard is a system where the imposition of measures on the basis of the priorities of the strategic plan. Offers the most important business drivers and criteria to motivate managers to develop and implement processes that will contribute to success in the future instead of dwelling on historical performance. By requiring that the four perspectives, it offers a richer, more holistic vision of the organisation The benefits of the approach of the balanced scorecard measurement performance are: Gives the full picture of the employee if the organizational performance . It helps users to determine the critical success factors and performance indicators. Strategic review or analysis of the organizational capabilities and performance. On the other hand, refer to the entire organization on the some of the key things are needed to make the breakthrough performance. Integration and the performance and the efforts at the lowest level in the Organization to achieve outstanding performance. Implementation plan for dell The new business model includes the creation of three units worldwide: large enterprises, the public sector and small and medium-sized enterprises. Each group will apparently be entrusted with important leading global responsibility and industry. Function in the past two years, we have significantly improved our competitiveness, our supply chain, our expanded and Dell introduced to more people in more places than ever before, stated CEO Michael Dell. We have laid the foundations for the transition from a global company that regional level in order for companies are organized that is truly global. Dell also noted that the above amendments were influenced by customers who faster innovation and worldwide standardised products. Requirements of the customer are increasingly defined by the use of technology rather than where they use. That is why we are allowing ourselves to be limited by geographic boundaries to solve their needs, Dell added. Dell the so-called restructuring plan has led to large-scale redundancies in a number of locations, including Ireland, who expect to losses of more than 2,000 jobs in Limerick. The pending job losses will be prompted to enter the local TÃ ¡naiste and Minister of Defense communicate with Mr Michael Dell the significant benefits that the operation of the company, the Limerick City and the region brings. While Dell is likely to continue with the cuts, the company continued internal treatment of exactly what its new strategy to its operations in Limerick means and promised to share the details on staff and to the Government, as soon as it is in a position to do so

Background and Future of Quantity Surveying

Background and Future of Quantity Surveying This written report will critically discuss the role of the Quantity Surveying in the short form named QS within the contemporary built environment. Before discuss or considering about what is the changing role of Quantity Surveyor is in the future, the background of the Quantity Surveying is worthwhile to have a review. The traditional roles and evolved roles of Quantity Surveryor will be briefly discussed. Least, the responsibilities of Quantity Surveyor will be carried out too. Background to the Quantity Surveying Quantity Surveying (QS) profession has been experienced significant change over the past decade in terms of the scope and types of services provided both within and outside of the construction industry. All the changes have been occurs in response to changing clients or industry demands, IT (information technology) developments and increased level of competition of services. As the technology and Architecture buildings are constantly developed, Quantity Surveyor(s) played an important role in both public and private sector. Thus, how many people know about who is Quantity Surveyor? What is the Quantity Surveying profession is in nowadays? What are Quantity Surveyor do for? By according to QSBC (2009), stated that Quantity surveyors are the profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier Measurer, Quantity Surveyor is a specialist tradesman (often a guild member) who always prepared standardized schedules for a building project in which all of the construction materials, labour activities and the like were quantified, and against which competing builders could submit priced tenders. Because the tenders were each based on the same schedule of information, they would be easily compared to find the most suitable candidate. QSBC (2009). Furthermore, Seelay 1997 stated that a Quantity Surveyor is fully professional trained, qualified and experienced in dealing with the basic problems on behalf of the employer. Quantity Surveyor is essentially a cost expert or as a cost controller whose prime task is to ensure that the project is kept within the agreed budget which has been signed in contract document, and important is to make sure that the employer obtains value for money. (Seeley, 1997 pg.40.) Moreover, QSBC (2009) also discussed that, Quantity Surveyor is a professional who are usually working within the construction industry. The role of Quantity Surveyor is to manage and to control the costs of the particular construction projects and may be involving the use of range of management procedures and technical tools to achieve the goals. From difference sources, there is difference method to interpreted or discussed of roles of Quantity Surveyor. And then, the definition of the role of Quantity Surveyor should be known. By referring to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 1983a, pg.1) which stated that In the 1971s report, the role of Quantity Surveyor was defined as ensuring that the resources of the construction industry are utilized to be the best advantage of society by providing, inter alia, the financial management for projects and a cost consultancy service to the client and designer during the whole construction process. In addition, the distinctive competence of the Quantity Surveyor is a skill in measurement and valuation in the construction field in order that such work can be described and the cost and price for the particular project can be forecast defined, analyzed, planned, under controlled and accounted for. Quantity Surveyor A Quantity Surveyor is key professionals in the construction sector or industry. Quantity Surveyor(s) always act as a cost Engineer, cost Planner or cost Controller. A Quantity Surveyor is specializes in estimating the value of the construction project works. Quantity Surveyor(s) will use their skills to do the taking off quantity of the propose building, and determine the cost of building work ranging from small refurbishment works through to assessing the value of multi-million money construction project. Quantity Surveyor(s) normally works with Developers, Architects, Contractors, Building Proprietors and works with Government Bodies and Agencies. Addition, Quantity Surveyor(s) can be involved in cost planning, cost management, Contract Administration, project procurement, feasibility studies and the asset financial management. The purpose of Quantity Surveyor is to lower down or minimize project cost and maximize the value on a given proposed project. By either increasing value for money to a developer or end user client, or increasing profit margins for the main contractor or subcontractor, Quantity Surveyor whilst still achieving the required standards specified under the agreement, within contract program. Construction cost, construction management and construction communication are all key problems area for an employer or client who has commissioned and important building or engineering project. Thus, a professional trained, qualified and fully experienced Quantity Surveyor whose expert in dealing with these problems is needed. An experienced Quantity Surveyor(s) will accomplish their objectives in a variety of ways and largely guided by their experience; however more tangible factors also play a part such as a carefully selected procurement strategy, use of terms and conditions of contract and negotiation skills. Furthermore, the role of a quantity surveyor played is to manage the costs relating to building projects. This may include new builds, renovations or maintenance work. From early design costs to final figures, Quantity Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of the project and enhance value for money whilst ensuring that the project meets all legal and quality assurance requirements. Quantity Surveyors are involved at various stages of the construction process, typically prior to construction, during construction and following completion of the works. Prior to Construction Stage During Construction Stage Post Construction Stage Preparation of Feasibility Studies Provision of cost control services during construction Determination of the final project cost Estimating to define projects budgets/ amount Assessment of the contractors progress claims Preparation of tax depreciation reports for investors and property owner Analysis of the effect of design changes on the project budget Assessment of variation and delay claims Expert witness reports to assist in the settlement of building disputes. Cost planning to refine the budget as the design documents develop Procurement of subcontractors and labour to carry out the specialist trade works Preparation of Bills of Quantities to assist in the tender process Negotiation and settlement of accounts Monthly forecasting and cost reporting Monthly negotiation and agreement of payments for works carried out Table 1: Construction stages involved by Quantity Surveyor(s) Role of Quantity Surveying The Quantity Surveying profession in the United Kingdom has largely developed over the last century. It has grown to such an extent that it forms the second largest division in Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). As building works increased in volume and complexity, the employers became not satisfied with the method adopted for settling all the cost of the construction works and recognized the advantages of employing an independent Quantity Surveyor who would prepare and produce out an accurate bills of quantities (BOQ) to be priced by tendering contractor(s). And also employers will seek for the Quantity Survey who would measure and value any variations that might occur during the construction works progress. The common role of quantity surveyor(s) is to manage or be able to the costs relating to the particular propose building projects. This may include new builds, renovations or maintenance work. From early design costs to final figures, quantity surveyors seek and to be ensure to minimise the costs of the project and enhance value for money whilst ensuring that the project meets all legal and quality assurance requirements. Quantity surveyor duties typically include: Conducting feasibility studies to estimate materials, time and labour costs Preparing, negotiating and analysing costs for tenders and contracts Coordination of work effort Advising on a range of legal and contractual issues Valuing completed work and arranging for payments Traditional Role of Quantity Surveying/Surveyor Based on HKIS stated thatAs a tradition, estimating, preparation of tender documents, tender analysis, contract documentation, valuation and variation, and all quantity surveying related works of infrastructure projects are always handled by civil engineers notwithstanding that majority of these works are actually handled by quantity surveyors under the supervision of civil engineers. In the building works, the traditional role of handling these works by architects had been changed to become the role of quantity surveyors, and the Government and Private Forms of Building Contract were changed to recognize such QS role. However, in the infrastructure works, such QS role is still with the civil engineers as stated in the Government Form of Civil Engineering Works (HKIS, 2008). Ashworth and Hogg (2007) stated that the traditional role of Quantity Surveyor is still practiced on small to medium sized projects. It can be described as a measure and value system. Quantity Surveyor should prepared using a single price method of estimating, produce bills of quantities for tendering, measure the progress payments base on the work and prepare final account on the basis of the tender documentation. The traditional role, which is still practiced by some, also can be described as measure and value system. Approximate estimates of the initial coasts of building are prepared by using a single price method of estimating and where this cost was acceptable to the client then the design was developed by Architect. Quantity surveyor will prepared and produced bills of quantities (BOQ) for tendering purposes. The work would be measured for weekly/monthly/half yearly for the progress payments and a final account will be then prepared on the basis of the tender documentation. On traditional roles, Quantity Surveyor will conducting single rate approximates estimating to the particular project. Furthermore, Quantity Surveyor also will take part into cost planning in the management team and giving advice in cost planning. In addition, Quantity Surveyor will also giving client advice on procurement, advise measurement and qualification on the project taken. The most significant roles or services which provided by Quantity Surveyor are do taking off, preparation of tender document and produce bills of quantities (BOQ). During construction period, Quantity Surveying should giving advice on cost controlling to ensure that the amount and agreed budget for the proposed construction project is still under control. This is important to not make client to facing any financial problems. By during the construction progress period, interim valuations and payment all prepare by Quantity Surveyor. Quantity Surveying will go to construction to do interim valuations to evaluate the work progress on site. After the evaluation, thus Quantity Surveying will prepare the interim progress payments for client. Interim payments thereafter will be claims by contractor. Besides, Quantity Surveyor also will be advise in client financial statements. Preparation of final account, agreement and the last settlement of contractual claims will be fully produced by quantity surveyors. Evolved role of Quantity Surveying/Surveyor Today, not only is the Quantity Surveyor generally regarded as indispensible on any major building contract, and often on civil and heavy engineering as well, but Quantity Surveyor also now being appointed as project manager, to take control of the proposed project from inception to completion and to coordinate the work of the design team and the main contractor and subcontractors. RICS (1983a) also pointed out that the Quantity Surveyors expertise had been further developed after 1971. For the construction project, Quantity Surveyor(s) are involved in the field of manpower planning, resources control and in assessing the effects of time. The filled of contracting, civil and industrial engineering construction, mechanical and electrical engineering services, and project management and control also relate to the Quantity Surveyor. That means the role of the Quantity Surveyor is extended in 1980s. The Quantity Surveyor involve complex resource procurement and management processes, besides deal with complex construction contracts; provides the basis for a disciplined and well managed approach to projects. In response to the potential demise of bills of quantities, Quantity Surveyor(s) began to exploring potential roles for their services. Procurement, a term no longer used until the 1980s, became an important area of activity, largely because of the increasing array of options that were available. As a Quantity Surveyor in evolved roles, QS should improve the quality of service and the matching of the known resources to suit for the requirement of clients. By referring to Seeley (1997) stated that the Quantity Surveyor not only regarded building contract and often as project manager on civil and heavy engineering contracts to control the project from inception to completion and coordinate with other parties to take over the works. Quantity Surveyor is an important member of the design team in both the public and private sectors to advising employers and architects on the probable costs of alternative designs. Thus, Quantity Surveyor will be more active and act more roles and character in evolved method. Future roles of Quantity Surveyor The industrys client has become increasingly concerned about the services provided. They have examined traditional contractual procedures, have found their lacking and have sought to create new services more appropriate to their needs. In general, they have been looking for results and improved value for money.

Television and Fun :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A few decades ago television consisted of a small number of channels, today however there are more different channels than one can watch in a full day. Because a media company’s number one goal, like every other corporation, is to earn the largest profit possible, media companies use segmentation to target niche audiences. Moreover, fragmentation—the large increase in the number of channels—has also created niche audiences. So, what’s the big deal with fragmentation and audience segmentation? By creating niche audiences, both fragmentation and segmentation make advertisers’ jobs easier. For instance, if a company wants to advertise toys, then the company will buy airtime on the network Nickelodeon; since Nickelodeon has children’s programming. The creation of niche audiences produces certain social questions about free will and freedom of speech; because audience groups are created and constructed. The following paper wil l examine two cable networks, Comedy Central and Oxygen, to determine the effects of such programming.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First off, Oh! The Oxygen Network aired the film Whale Rider on the night of Monday, April 5, 2004. The following will be an analysis of the advertisements that were shown from nine to ten o’clock, and thus one can determine which audiences were targeted. Whale Rider is a film about a young Maori girl that wants to be the next leader of her tribe, but is at the same time shown resistance from her grandfather. Paikea, the young girl, wants to participate in the training sessions conducted by her grandfather; but her grandfather is old fashioned and doesn’t believe that a girl can become the chief. Paikea knows that she is destined to be the next chief and gets in trouble a number of times for her relentless attempts at trying to participate in the exercises. The movie has a subplot dealing with the relationship between Paikea and her father, but the film mainly revolves around Paikea’s struggle to prove herself worthy to her grandfather Koro. E ven though Paikea is much better than the boys at performing the ceremonial exercises, her grandfather is blinded by his prejudice. The film ends with a herd of whales being attracted to Paikea and getting stranded on the beach. Koro finally accepts Paikea’s destiny when she risks her life by riding on the back of a whale to direct them back to the ocean. The advertisements that were aired during the film included weight loss products—such

The Burden in The Things They Carried by OBrien Essay -- Things The

The Burden in The Things They Carried by O'Brien   In "The Things They Carried," O'Brien made reference to the Vietnam war that was closely associated with the physical, psychological, and emotional weight the soldiers beared.   The overall method of presentation of this story incorporated many different outlooks on the things the soldiers carried, dealt with, and were forced to adapt to.   In addition to this, O'Brien showed us the many reasons why and how the soldiers posessed these things individually and collectively and how they were associated directly and indirectly.   The strong historical content in "The Things They Carried" helped emphasize the focus of the story and establish a clearer understanding of details in the narrative and moods of the war itself.   From this, we are able to draw conclusions and assumptions to the events as it relates to the Vietnam war.   Three areas that "The Things They Carried" established and elaborated were the youthfulness of the Vietnam soldiers, their language and thought pattern s, and the actual tangible and intangible things they carried.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During Vietnam, soldiers were selected to be bought in to fight by draft.   Many families lost their youth through this process that would immediately force young boys to leave home and train for war.   I found an intriguing website that will tell you according to your birthdate, if you would or would not have been drafted during that time period. (Go)   In O'Brien's narrative, he portrays the soldiers as being young.   In the opening of the story, we immediately see a young man, First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, who is deeply in love with a college girl.   On page 13, we find out that he is only twenty-four.   Throughout the story we find many hin... ...page 15, O'Brien describes that the men carried the whole atmosphere.   On page 15, we are made aware that they carried diseases, parasites, infections and many other ailments.   Page 15 elaborates on how the soldiers carried the land itself.   They carried ghosts, their lives, eachother, pressures, and often the burden of just being alive as explained on page 19.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "The Things They Carried"   helped recognize particular aspects of the war as it associated with the soldiers and their lives individually and collectively.   Through his story, O'Brien described the overall mood of the war and the soldiers involved.   "The Things They Carried" posed many aspects and angles of the burdens the soldiers packed during throughout the war as well as the emotional stress that was associated along with it. O?Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. NY: Broadway Books, 1998.

Essay --

Furniture design is particularly dependent on trends. During a period of time, the design or general appearances of furniture design changes over the course of history which was influenced by architectural style. Therefore, there are many different types of furniture design available in the market nowadays including wall kitchen cabinets. Most wall cabinets are simply for storage but nowadays, people require durable, sturdy, long lasting yet affordable furniture with improved functionality. At present, in order to have the above mentioned qualities dictated by changing customer demand it is necessary to develop new types of furniture with improved functionality. The desire in furniture style to create new designs or different appearances led to the development of new manufacturing methods and materials used. The design and material of furniture have to meet the customer and manufacturer requirements (Petutschingg & Ebner, 2005). Kitchen cabinet is among the most important items for a home. Cabinets are available in many varieties of styles and design and are mainly used for storage...

Philippine Education from Past to Present

Education From Past to Present Education in its general sense is a form of learning in which knowledge, skills, and habits of a group of people are translated from one generation to another. Filipinos have been through different changes in economic and social aspect. We are taught on our Philippine History the colonization of Philippines from powerful countries such as Spain, Japan, and America.We credit some Filipino lifestyle to them, most especially to Americans who taught us to be wise and introduce some basic learning ideas. During the Pre-Colonial Era, the educators were the Babaylan and Katalonan who both looked upon the society possessing wisdom and knowledge on spiritual practice. The type of education that was taught to the people was based on beliefs and spiritual practice. When Spaniards came, it was the most tragic century ever recorded in Philippine History.Although during their time, they implemented a systematic and institutionalized kind of education. We suffered gre at grievances from them. After three hundred and thirty-three years, here comes the Americans and saved us from the hand of Spaniards by treaty of Paris. The establishment of the system of education in the United States of America in the Philippines was under the context of a wide collective struggle to topple down the marks of colonialism left by colonizers.Meanwhile, the Americans established and administered how schools and colleges like Siliman University. Nothing has much changed during the Japanese colonization. Since the American system of education still prevailed. If I compare the educational system before and today, there is a lot of difference. It is more productive and technology makes it easy, but we should not forget the Educational system before, because it win always be part of our life and it made a big help until now.

Ilm Developing Yourself and Others

Know how to identify development needs 1. 1 Identify own learning style(s) and the learning style(s) of another team member To identify the learning and development style of myself and a team member we both completed a Multiple Intelligence (MI) test developed by Howard Gardner. After completion of the test on myself I have discovered that I have a learning style of Logical – Mathematical, with a majority score of 37, closely followed by Interpersonal with a score of 32, (see Appendix 1). People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognising patterns and logically analyse problems.These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships and patterns. Characteristics of Logical-Mathematical Intelligence are: * Excellent problem-solving skills * Enjoys thinking about abstract ideas * Likes conducting scientific experiments * Good at solving complex computations The conclusion of the test does not come as a revelation to me . As I am the Finance & HR Manager with an accounting qualification this examination confirms my knowledge and learning style as being logical thinking with ability to evaluate and solve problems.During the course of my career and training aspects I believe that I learn and develop in a methodical and analytical way. I execute mathematical calculations, detecting irregularities and patterns, creating resolutions to issues that have been identified, plus producing a strategy to achieve successful working systems within my role. After completing the MI test myself I then requested a member of my team (Jane Doe) to complete the same learning styles questionnaire to see what type of style they were. On completing the questionnaire she scored equally n 3 areas; Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical and Intrapersonal, (see Appendix 2) People who are strong in linguistic intelligence are able to use words well, both when writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at wri ting stories, ability to learn languages, memorizing information and reading.They tend to learn best by reading, taking notes, listening to lectures, and by discussing and debating about what they have learned. The characteristics of Linguistic Intelligence are as follows: * Good at remembering written and spoken information * Enjoys reading and writing Good at debating or giving persuasive speeches * Able to explain things well * Often uses humour when telling stories Individuals who are strong in intrapersonal intelligence are good at being aware of their own emotional states, feelings and motivations. They tend to enjoy self-reflection and analysis, including day-dreaming, exploring relationships with others and assessing their personal strengths. The characteristics of Intrapersonal Intelligence are: * Good at analysing their strengths and weaknesses * Enjoys analysing theories and ideas * Excellent self-awareness Clearly understands the basis for their own motivations and feeli ngs 1. 2 Use a simple technique to identify own development needs and the development needs of another member of the team To identify any development needs that would enhance my current skills and abilities I decided to complete a development needs analyses in the form of a SWOT analysis (Strengths; Weaknesses; Opportunities; Threats). Strengths: * Very organised and meticulous with excellent prioritisation skills * Always willing to help others, friendly and approachable * Ensures protocol is followed by me and others at all times * Quick learner *Conscientious * Finance / Accounts * Excellent communication skills with all levels of people| Weaknesses: * Expect others to be very tidy and meticulous like myself * Sometimes try to take on too much work, as I don’t like to say no * Forget people have different learning speeds * Perfectionist * Health & Safety management * Management training| Opportunities: * Work closely with the Director of Support Services * ILM Course * Job Opportunities * Network meetings with other business managers * External / Internal training| Threats: * Funding for courses due to funding cuts * Unexpected things in personal life * Out of comfort zone * Policy Changes| I then requested for a member of my team (Jane Doe) to carry out a development needs evaluation by completing a SWOT analyses. Strengths: * A willingness to learn * Always happy to help others * Quick learner * Can work at a quick pace * Good IT skills (Excel / Word)| Weaknesses: * Not always very confident with others * Need to have confidence in my answers, so I don’t need to check I am doing things correctly * Stress easily under pressure * Works too quickly at times and make trivial mistakes|Opportunities: * Take work from others to learn new roles * Study AAT * In-house training with colleagues. Shadow colleagues to learn new roles * Read policies / bulletins / news to keep up to date with rules and regulations * Customer Service courses| Threats: * Not enough time to learn new tasks due to busy office environment * Not enough funding to pay for training * Training too expensive to pay from personal income * Confidence| After completing the SWOT for me and Jane the following development needs were identified: * Myself – Leadership & Management Training; HR development training; Health & Safety development * Jane – Customer Service Training; AAT Qualification; In-house training to improve skills. 1. 3 Identify potential barriers to learning. After considering the DELTA model and barriers to learning I have found that there are potentially a various number of barriers that Jane and I face. I have listed the potential barriers below: My Self Time /Workload – Work is extremely busy and the amount of work is exceptionally high, therefore to take time out of work to attend training would mean work could suffer, get backlogged and deadlines missed. * Personal Commitments – This is due to home life being very busy and possibly not having time to complete studying on an evening or weekend. * Resources / Funding – due to funding cuts with the LA, the school has had to reduce budgets therefore depending on the costs of courses there may be no funds available to pay for training. Jane Faulkner * Time / Workload – Work is extremely busy and the amount of work is exceptionally high, therefore to take time out of work to attend training would mean work could suffer, get backlogged and deadlines missed.Costs for AAT training is expensive and she is unable to afford the full costs from her personal income * Confidence / Fear / Self-esteem – Jane is very quiet and shy, and she feels very uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings and may shy aware from learning. * Personal Commitments – This is due to home life being very busy and possibly not having time to complete studying on an evening or weekend. * Mobility / Transport – Jane doesn’t drive t herefore if a course is some distance she may have difficulties getting there. * Resources / Funding – due to funding cuts with the LA, the school has had to reduce budgets therefore depending on the costs of courses there may be no funds available to pay for training. 1. 4 Explain how barriers to learning can be overcome.There are a number of solutions for Jane and I to be able to overcome the barriers to learning that was mentioned above: 1) Time / Workload – Some courses/training aspects are important and workload should not be a reason for not attending any coursers. Jane and I need to ensure workload is organised and prioritised, and possibly get other staffs assistance to ensure work load does not get behind. 2) Expensive Training Costs – Contribution or full costs of any training development should be paid for by the school or at least a contribution towards the costs if the training will benefit the school and improve Jane and the service she provides th e school. 3) Confidence / Self Esteem – Put Jane at ease and give her ownership of and pride in what she can do.Also have regular progress reviews in order for her to measure her personal achievements and progress. 4) Personal Commitments – Undertake training through the school day or provide time off in lieu if the training is beneficial to the service we provide. 5) Funding – Free training may be available, if very beneficial to the school funding should be located. 6) Transport – Training can be provided in local colleges or at school, therefore there would be very little travel required. Jane would be able to get local public transport and costs would be reimbursed by the school. Section 2: Know how to develop self and others to achieve organisational objectives 2. Briefly analyse learning/development options to meet need(s) of self and another member of the team. After studying and analysing the SWOT analyse and appraisals completed earlier in the ye ar, I have identified various learning opportunities for Jane and I. After undertaking my appraisal in December 2011 it was identified that I required further training on leadership and management of others. I felt that this was a significant area to develop as I had never received any training on managing staff, yet I have line managed several numbers of staff over the years. I am now currently undertaking the ILM Effective Management course. Another area that I found to have a weakness in is Health and Safety Management.I currently line manage a member of staff who has the responsibility for the Health and Safety of the school, pupils and staff. I currently have limited knowledge in this area and believe that this is an important area to improve to ensure I can manage the member of staff and her role efficiently. The member of staff is currently attending a diploma course in Health and Safety, which was organised by me through school. I have also arranged for myself to attend a 2 day workshop on Health and Safety within the workplace. A further area for development for me is HR & Recruitment policies and procedures. As a HR manager I feel that I have not received adequate training relating to HR Law, rules and regulations and Recruitment policies.I also feel this is the same for my team that manages the day to day processing of personnel matters, including contracts, sickness, maternity leave and much more. I have therefore arranged a one day seminar with a HR Adviser from OMBC to talk to myself and the team on HR & Recruitment policies and procedures to develop my team and I. Through Jane’s appraisal completed earlier this year and the SWOT analyses I feel that a vital area for development is her confidence with people, including staff and pupils. With her lack of confidence this sometimes affects her customer service, therefore I have arranged for a customer service course to be done at the school so Jane and 14 other staff receive training in this remit.Also to improve her confidence within the work place I ensure I give her tasks that encourages her to leave the sanctuary of the office and work with other colleagues in the school. Another development for Jane, which she is keen on is to commence her AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification. This is an expensive course and I have arranged for the school to contribute funds towards the costs of this course. Jane will also be attending a one day seminar that I have arranged in relation to HR and Recruitment policies and procedures. She currently works in the Finance & HR office and all staff come into the office asking questions in relation to contracts, pay, special leave, recruitment and I feel this is an area for her to develop.I have also arranged for some training to be provided to Jane, by me, on the payroll system so she can learn how to process timesheets, unpaid leave, and sickness pay. Again this is another vital area for Jane to develop i n to enable her to progress in the future in her career. The development of my needs and the needs of my team are always connected to the service provided to the school and to improve their professional development. 2. 2 Identify support mechanism for the development of self and another member of the team. For me, Jane and all other members within my team there are a number of significant support mechanisms in place. These are: * Annual appraisals where discussion on past progress and future development takes place. Termly (3 times a year) 1:1 meets take place to discuss any issues, training requirements, any difficulties they may be facing. * Monthly team meetings providing updates, and any questions, queries or ideas the staff may have to improve service or themselves. * Termly www. ebi (what works well & even better if) feedback from staff in relation to the office or themselves. * Regular in-house training provided by me to improve necessary skills for their development of t hemselves and the team. *Flexible working arrangements if necessary. * Engraining a whole school Continuous Professional Development (CPD) attitude and constantly reminding staff that school funding is available for self-development. 2. Prepare a development plan to achieve a learning objective either for self or another team member. The below table has been extracted from the staff appraisal which is completed every year and referred to throughout the year to review and monitor the development of the staff members development. Development Need| Development Action. | Approx. Cost| Measure of Success (Training Outcomes)| Evaluation Outcomes (Individual Outcomes)| Who to take action /By| Customer Service training to improve confidence and service| Arrange training course to come to school and provide training for 15 staff (including Jane)| ? 800 for 15 staff| Jane to attend and complete course. Improvement to Jane’s customer service| Line ManagerCourse booked for March 2013 ins et day| AAT Qualification training for work and self-development| Oldham College contacted and course information, dates and costs sent out to me and Jane. Jane to commit to 2 evenings per week at college| ? 1200 approx. for 1st year. This is a 3 year course. | Jane to attend course over the year and enrol for year 2. | To improve knowledge of basic accounts, improve self-confidence with attending college. | Line Manager & Jane Doe. Information obtained by December 2012. Funding secured by February 2013. Enrol during August 2013. | HR & Recruitment Training| HR Adviser from OMBC contacted by Helen Sharples.They are to provide training in the school conference room for HR team| Free| Jane & other HR staff member to attend one day seminar| To improve knowledge of HR/ Recruitment policies and procedures for whole of the team| Line ManagerNovember Inset training day. | 2. 4 Describe a method that could be used to monitor the development of self and another member of the team . One method that can be used to monitor the development of people, myself and team members is an appraisal system. This is what is currently used in my place of work. The main objective of an appraisal system is to review performance, potential and identify training and career planning needs. Performance reviews give managers and employees opportunities to discuss how employees are progressing and to see what sort of improvements can be made or help given to build on their strengths and enable them to perform more effectively.They are also used to look back on what has been achieved during the specific period and agree objectives for the next year. By using the appraisals system this can help to improve a team member’s job performance by identifying strengths and weaknesses and determining how their strengths can be best utilised within the organisation and weaknesses overcome. They can help to reveal problems which may be restricting employees’ progress and causing i nefficient work practices. As a manager I appraise my team on an annual basis setting target and development needs. In their initial or annual appraisal the staff member and I talk about how they wish to develop and progress within their role and the team.The areas of development are then discussed to ensure training is provided, either in-house or an external provider, to meet the development needs. Target dates are then set to ensure the training has commenced or completed before the next appraisal. Throughout the year I monitor the progress of the team member on a regular basis to ensure they are developing as discussed and no issues have come up. When monitoring I review their targets through 1:1 meetings which are done every half term. At the end of the 12 month period the training and development of the person is reviewed and assessed to ensure the training has had a beneficial impact on the person and the service the team provide. They cycle then commences again with a new se t of targets for the next 12 months are agreed.

Environmental Factors in Colombia Essay

Organizations are not isolated of what happens in the environment outside them, they face uncertainty in dealing with events in the external environment and they have to adapt to new changes regarding customers, government, economic conditions and technology. It is very important for organizations in Colombia to become aware of their environment because assessing it could make them more competitive and allow them to adapt and survive in the market, but the uncertainty Colombia in terms of globalization, technology, knowledge, demand, etc. is making organization to rethink about strategies and new ways to do business and to address all of the factor in the external environment. The factors causing organization complexity in Colombia are addressed by Daft, they are both internal and external: industry, human resources, raw material, markets, international, government, sociocultural, economic and technological factors. For example, in Camacol (Cà ¡mara Colombiana de Construccià ³n) the lack of legal stability threats development opportunities in large cities and scares away national and international investors. It makes necessary that the rules established for projects are maintained and are not changing every day, that’s why head directors in Camacol proposed to the government new ways to manage the permissions and monitor the decisions taken by majors in areas adjacent to Bogotà ¡. (Paà ­s, 2014). This is important for the construction sector because its development brings with it the increase of an important set of activities in industries and related services, contributing in this way to increase employment and to the satisfaction of an important set of needs of the population, in this case, the access to housing services. Nowadays we can not talk about uncertainty avoidance or external environment without talking about globalization, reducing borders and forcing businesses to prepare increasingly for indulging in different markets, ensuring its validity in the market. To achieve this, it is necessary for organizations  to adopt new strategies of growth, market penetration, creation of own responsibilities, coordination and adaptation of the products to various markets according to their needs. Many organizations that have been integrated into international markets have found the need to modify their products or strategies to meet the needs of its customers, because the factors that determine the environment change. For example Juan Valdez, have found the need to deal with government regulations in different countries, and lately with the entrance of a new competitor in Colombia, also they had to change its technology processes to transform coffee to sell it in every store and to make it more efficient and effective, reducing costs; this kind of changes not only help businesses in Colombia but in all countries the organization is in. Also there are International Organizations in Colombia that have adapted their processes to Colombia’s complex environment and have succeeded CEMEX is the tangible proof that the competitiveness in a globalized world is the result of a set of factors, a clear direction, state-of-the-art technology, human capital, good financial management, investments in infrastructure, etc. , and, between them, the actions taken in the aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility have given the company a significant competitive advantage. A really important factor for any organization is the human resource and sociocultural. In Colombia the labor movement that happened in 2013 and remained in 2014 called â€Å"Paro agrario† not only affected the government laws and relationships but also affected organizations that use raw materials produced in the rural sector. This represented a huge challenge for business managers, because of the workers demands. Not addressing this kind of problems with contingency plans would have caused major loss of profit, suppliers and market. The human resource sector is one of the most important factors in the external environment because it concerns employees, suppliers, customers, and mostly any kind of relationship made by the organization. On the other hand the sociocultural sector demands organizations to be more greener and environment-friendly that’s why supermarkets such as Éxito, Jumbo, Carrulla and Olà ­mpica offer recyclable plastic bags, because they know those bags are used by customers as garbage disposals that later on go to sanitary landfills. Also, Coca Cola in Colombia and Postobà ³n have develop new bottles and recyclable packaging that use less plastic and take up less space in the trash, they have also launched campaigns to recycle these containers giving benefits to consumers, with picking machines or donations to NGOs. Main telecommunications operators such as Tigo, Movistar, Claro, Une and ETB have been influenced in a big way by the environmental complexity because they are not only influenced by new demands of customers, they are also influenced and have to be prepared for the unpredicted changes such as: new regulations about communications, contracts and share; competition in services, offers, products; the way business are made with international and national companies in order to have competitive advantages, also by advertising its products nationally; offering new technological services and products in competitive prices. This organizations face tremendous complexity in Colombia, that’s why they keep studying the environment they are in and offering customers new products every time, meaning that in order to them to stay in the market they need to pay more attention to the external environment to run processes internally, this is a good example of a dependence on high uncertainty-com plex environment. Studying external environment is as important as the internal environment because one can change the other, also because there is where the needs are, where the consumers are and what they want to pay to meet their needs. Also in the environment are the obstacles to the company, such as the products of competitors, and the actions to have market share. Also the requirements and restrictions that the company must meet, all of that can influence the processes a company has, because a company is nothing without the interaction with the outside environment, and now is more important to be aware of that thanks to the globalization. Bibliografà ­a Paà ­s. (25 de 08 de 2014). â€Å"Esa incertidumbre no aguanta†: Camacol. Recuperado el 09 de 2014, de Revista Dinero: http://www.dinero.com/pais/articulo/proyecciones-para-sector-construccion-colombiana-2014/200196

The Code Of Ethics In Advocacy

The term advocacy has been used in various contexts such as in legal mechanisms as well as in social services. Yet, the notions on advocacy have a common ground – that is it pertains to an act made for the benefit of other person. By such definition, advocacy can really be used in different circumstances. For example, in courtroom sessions, the prosecution lawyers advocate the legal rights of their client. Obviously, advocacy is used to define how lawyers want to voice out the need of their client for the upholding of the latter’s right.Advocacy can also be seen in services offered by social workers. The social workers act in behalf of unfortunate individuals who wish to improve their social inadequacies. What Advocacy Is? As defined by Neil Bateman, advocacy refers to an act of pleading in support of another person. This implies that the central focus of the concept of advocacy is not the advocate but the subject of his advocacy – that is the achievement of the need of his client. Yet such pleading does not necessarily mean that the advocate would plea for mercy.Such is done by means of conversing logical arguments in order to establish the necessity of the advocacy (Bateman, 2000). In effect, the main thesis in the definition of advocacy is that it is done to uphold the welfare rights of those people who are socially marginalized. The function of the advocate then is to make it clear to the other party that there is a need for the betterment of these marginalized people. Furthermore, the concept of advocacy wants to clarify the distinguishing terms associated with the very concept of â€Å"client (Bateman, 2000).The most common expression use to denote the latter is customer. However, people who define advocacy thinks that it would become very discriminating on the part of the client to say that he is a customer which also means that he is a â€Å"service-user. † Yet that is the very thing that is happening. Nevertheless, these pe ople would like to change such connotation by saying that client are not mere service-user but a partner of the advocate himself. By that, it is ore appropriate to call them as â€Å"partners† and not service-users (Henderson & Pochin, 2001).The Need for the Code of Ethics in Advocacy As mentioned earlier, the main theme of advocacy lies on the idea that the advocate is doing his effort for the sake of another person. Hence it must be clear that the advocate is not acting for his own interests but for the betterment of the welfare of his client. This must be observed for the reason that advocacy would lose its essence if the object of advocacy is defeated by the idea that the advocate is only doing it for his own sake.Moreover, advocacy is intended to create a very profound relationship among the advocates and the clients themselves. In the first place, there is a need to establish an open communication on the part of the client and the advocate in order to fully address the former’s grievances or demands (Henderson & Pochin, 2001). And in doing so, the advocate is required to have a moral sense so as to become aware of the feelings and other concerns of his client.For example in a case of a rape-victim, the advocate should be careful enough not to make actions that are offending to his client. Though he is the latter’s advocate, it does not allow him to trespass his client’s personal concerns such as privacy. More often then not, the advocate and the client made an agreement in which the limitations of one another are set. Such agreement is made to make sure that the advocate would not go beyond limitations. In addition, John Weafer viewed advocacy as that which empowers those people who are not motivated or capable to speak for themselves.Empowerment means that the advocate is supporting the welfare of his client to the point that he is fighting for what is the most advantageous thing for his client. The advocate stands for the ne ed of the client. Hence it is needed that the advocate has the same view and principle regarding the case of his client in order to avoid future moral dilemmas that may impair the realization of a particular advocacy (Weafer, 2003). Also, Weafer argued that in advocacy, the advocate is making negotiations with the other side (other party) in behalf of a person who is socially marginalized.The promotion of the welfare rights of those people who are left out (also known as the marginalized sector of the society) is the underlying principle behind the concept of advocacy (Weafer, 2003). It is to be noted that there are people who do not have access to certain information that has concern with their welfare. The task of an advocate is to make this information accessible and open to their clients so as to get their full reactions and demands. Thus, the code ethics that the advocate must follow includes that above all things, the advocate must maintain the same position as what his client has.Secondly, the advocate must never use the need of the client as means for his own success or for his own interests but always treat such as the end (as how Kantian puts it). Next, the advocate must always seek the permission of his client for all the relevant things that concern his client before he uses it as one of his means to pursue the advocacy. Lastly, the advocate has a duty towards his client to inform him about the development and progress of the advocacy. Irish Report: Voluntary Hospice Movement in IrelandThe advocacy to increase the number of hospices in Ireland as well as to improve the facilities in established hospices has been the most current movement in Ireland. According to the report, the advocates of the hospice movement demand to increase the services rendered by the hospices as well as to advance the in-patient facilities (Hospice/Palliative Care in Ireland). Such is being raised by the advocates to ensure that ill-people would receive greater and better a mount of treatment.By such advocacy, the Irish government has started to give full attentions on the establishment of hospices all over the country as well as on the development of hospice services. Although the state has promised to allocate funds for the advocacy on hospices, the government is asking for a partnership with the volunteer bodies and organizations so as to maintain the monitoring and advancement of hospices. The advocacy has become an extensive campaign that necessitated the consideration of founding hospices in whole Ireland. ConclusionTo sum up, advocacy pertains to the act of supporting or doing something in behalf of others. The main core of the concept of advocacy revolves on the idea that it is done for the benefit of other not for own sake. Acting for the sake of other people requires the advocate to become morally aware of his actions and purposes in order to protect the interests and the original need of his client. The code of ethics mentioned in this paper will give moral standard on how an advocate shall act in the pursuit his objective – a particular advocacy.