Should Games be Used for Education Purposes in the Classroom Research Paper

Should Games be Used for Education Purposes in the Classroom - Research Paper Example Today, educators are faced with varied alternatives on the method of teaching students. One such alternative is the use of video games in the learning process of a child. This paper will discuss the both the advantages and disadvantages of using video games for education purposes with the view in mind of coming to a conclusion as to whether or not games should be used for education in the classroom. According to Munoz, Kevitt and Lunney, unlike the traditional tutoring which depends on the subject taught and the knowledge and experience of the lecturer, educational games and virtual learning environments (VLEs), give the students the topic which they need to learn and at the same time they are able to attain the skills needed to manage the VLEs (Munoz, McKevitt and Lunney 2). They went on further to say that whereas traditional learning poses a problem in adaptability to the pace of each student; VLEs are able to adjust easily to each student’s pace. Bouchaut, Cig, et al concl uded that VLEs enriches a student’s education because of its â€Å"potential benefits in engagement, attitude, and learning intensity as well as increased collaboration, healthy competition, and detailed learning discussions† (Bouchaut, Cig and Dekker 9). Moreover, they stated that the â€Å"virtual world will help transform the classroom into a vibrant, energetic, and crucially learning focused place where students will actually want to learn more† (9). ... Having discussed the benefits gained from using VLEs, it is important to also look at the other side of the coin. A major drawback presented by critics of video games being used in education is the possibility that students might get too consumed by the games, thereby losing track of the real purpose which is to educate. Some even fear that it may cause addiction among students which will result in more time spent in front of the computer (Bakar, Inal and Kagiltay 2). Another disadvantage of using video games in teaching is that not all games are appropriate to the learning process (Bakar, Inal and Kagiltay 5). The probability of a mismatch between the game content and the educational curriculum exists (Munoz, McKevitt and Lunney 4). Appropriateness is not only concerned with the subject being taught. It is also concerned with the grade level of the students where the games will be used. Proponents of using video games say that its use increases motivation among students but this poi nt is contradicted by other educators who believe that it may also lead to problems in motivation because students have different likes and preferences (Bakar, Inal and Kagiltay 5). What may be a motivator for one student may turn out to be boring for another. The financial issues attached to using video games in the classroom are also major concerns of most schools. If they decide to use the VLEs, a huge part of their budget will have to be invested in computer systems which can accommodate the latest software available. Training of teachers is also inevitable which means additional costs for the schools. To close one’s eyes to the existence and usefulness of video games in the education of the current crop of students is

Implications of Information Technology in Developing Countries Essay Example for Free

Implications of Information Technology in Developing Countries Essay The survival and growth of organizations in an increasingly turbulent environment would depend upon effective utilization of information technology for aligning the organizational structure with environmental preferences and for creating symbiotic interorganizational structures. How can IT help the organizations in responding to the challenges of an increasingly complex and uncertain environment? How can IT help the organizations achieve the flexible organization structure? These are the topics that remains to be a matter of question for many developing countries. Although Information technology is still a . black box . technology for developing countries, it is largely applied in industrialised countries to the disadvantage of the majority of developing countries. This paper will try to illuminate the aspects and the impact of Information Technology in managing organizational change and its implications for developing countries. 1. Introduction The rate and magnitude of change are rapidly outpacing the complex of theories. economic, social, and philosophical on which public and private decisions are based. To the extent that we continue to view the world from the perspective of an earlier, vanishing age, we will continue to misunderstand the developments surrounding the transition to an information society, be unable to realize the full economic and social potential of this revolutionary technology, and risk making some very serious mistakes as reality and the theories we use to interpret it continue to diverge..-Arthur Cordell(1987). We have modified our environment so radically that we must modify ourselves in order to exist in this new environment..Norbert Wiener(1957) The survival and growth of organizations in an increasingly turbulent environment would depend upon effective utilization of information technology for aligning the organizational structure with environmental preferences and for creating symbiotic interorganizational structures. How can IT help the organizations in responding to the challenges of an increasingly complex and uncertain environment? How can IT help the organizations achieve the .flexible. organization structure? These are the topics that remains to be a matter of question for many developing countries. This study will try to illuminate the aspects and the impact of Information Technology in managing organizational change and its implications for developing countries. 2. Aspects of Information Technology Information technology (IT) may be defined as the convergence of electronics, computing, and telecommunications. It has unleashed a tidal wave of technological innovation in the collecting, storing, processing, transmission, and presentation of information that has not only transformed the information technology sector itself into a highly dynamic and expanding field of activity creating new markets and generating new investment, income, and jobs- but also provided other sectors with more rapid and efficient mechanisms for responding to shifts in demand patterns and changes in international comparative advantages, through more efficient production processes and new and improved products and services (e.g. replacing mechanical and electromechanical components, upgrading traditional products by creating new product functions, incorporating skills and functions into equipment, automating routine work, making technical, professional, or financial ser vices more transportable). The development of IT is intimately associated with the overwhelming advances recently accomplished in microelectronics. Based on scientific and technological breakthroughs in transistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits (chips), micro-electronics is affecting every other branch of the economy, in terms of both its present and future employment and skill requirements and its future market prospects. Its introduction has resulted in a drastic fall in costs as well as dramatically improved technical performance both within the electronics industry and outside it (Malone and Rockart, 1993). The continuous rise in the number of features on a single micro-electronic chip has permitted lower assembly costs for electronic equipment (each chip replacing many discrete components), faster switching speeds (thus faster and more powerful computers), and more reliable, smaller, and lighter equipment (fewer interconnections, less power and material). Similar dramatic falls in costs occurred in the transport and steel industries in the nineteenth century and in energy in the twentieth, associated with the emergence of the third and fourth Kondratiev cycles, respectively. The potential effects of microelectronics are thus very far-reaching, for its use in production saves on virtually all inputs, ranging from skilled and unskilled labor to energy, materials, andcapital. All sectors of the economy have been influenced by the development of IT applications: information technology opens up greater opportunities for the exploitation of economies of scale and scope, allows the more flexible production and use of labor and equipment, promotes the internationalization of production and markets, offers greater mobility and flexibility in capital and financial flows and services, and is frequently the precondition for the creation of innovative financial instruments. Information system developments are constantly being applied to increase the productivity, quality, and efficiency of finance, banking, business management, and public administration. In manufacturing, and to some extent in agriculture, many processes have been automated, some requiring highly flexible, self-regulating machines, or robots. The engineering industry has been transformed by computer-aided design and three-dimensional computerized screen displays. The pace of technological change in IT will most likely accelerate the already observable growth in the interdependence of international relations not just economic or financial, but also political and cultural. National economies have become more susceptible to the effects of policy decisions taken at the international level, and domestic economic measures are having increased impacts on economic policies of other countries. World markets for the consumption of similar goods are growing, and so are common lifestyles across national borders. The advance of telecommunications and computerization has recently enabled large companies to use information systems to transmit technical and economic information among numerous computer systems at different geographical locations, subjecting widely dispersed industrial plants to direct managerial control from a central location; this affects the international division of labor and production and international trade, changing the patterns of industrial ownership and control, altering the competitive standing of individual countries, and creating new trading partners. It is the integration of functions that confers on information technology its real economic and social significance. More than just a gradual and incremental technological evolution leading to improved ways of carrying out traditional manufacturing processes (i.e. simply the substitution of new technologies for existing systems and the rationalization of standard activities), IT offers the opportunity for completely new ways of working through systems integration. Rather than applying one item of new technology to each of the production functions now performed at distinct stages of the production process, i.e. design, production, marketing, and distribution (in what could be called stand-alone improvements or island automation), having evolved in to new technologies, i.e. Enterprise Resource Planning systems, IT offers the possibility of linking design to production (e.g. through programmable manufacturing, measuring, and testing equipment responding to the codification of design), planning and design to marketing and distribution (e.g. through a variety of computer aids and databases that sense an d collect changing market trends), production to distribution (e.g. by automatically incorporating orders and commissions by customers and suppliers into the production process), etc. The complete integration of all these production subsystems in a synergistic ensemble is still more a long-term trend than a reality, but use of automated equipment to link together individual items of equipment belonging to hitherto discrete manufacturing operations has already made IT a strategic issue for industry. More technical advances are expected soon in the automation of telecommunications and the linkage of computers by data transmission that will enhance the possibilities of systems integration. Such programmable automation, or computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), has the capability of integrating information processing with physical tasks performed by programmable machine tools or robots. CIM offers radical improvements in traditional problem areas confronting manufacturers, such as: reduced lead time for existing and new products; reduced inventories; more accurate control over production and better quality production management information; increased utilization of expensive equipment; reduced overhead costs; improved and consistent quality; more accurate forecasting; improved delivery performance (Miles et al., 1988). These features characterize information technology as a new technological system, in which far-reaching changes in the trajectories of electronic, computer, and telecommunication technologies converge and offer a range of new technological options to virtually all branches of the economy. Moreover, IT forms the basis for a reorganization of industrial society and the core of the emerging techno-economic paradigm. The reason for the pre-eminence of the new technological system clustered around information technology over the equally new technological systems clustered around new materials and biotechnology is the fact that information activities of one kind or another are a part of every activity within an industrial or commercial sector, as well as in our working and domestic lives. Almost all productive activities have high information intensity (some involve little else, such as banking or education). Further more, along with the premier of internet technology and e-business architectures; powerful concepts like inventory control, supply chain management, customer relationship/service management, and management resource planning through the internet under the name of Enterprise Resource Planning have enabled IT to be capable of offering strategic improvements in the productivity and competitiveness of virtually any socio-economic activity. Other than industrial or commercial sectors, information technology is also applicable in education sector and in public institutions. Thus, Information Technology is universally applicable. Probably only a fraction of the benefits derived from information technology-based innovations have so far been reaped and the rest remain to be acquired in the next decades. The shift towards systems integration to capitalize the full potential benefits of IT requires considerable adaptations, learning processes, and structural changes in existing socioecon omic institutions and organizational systems. The tradition in most current organizations is still to operate in a largely disintegrated fashion, reminiscent of the Ford-Taylorist management approaches that dominated the fourth Kondratiev cycle: high division of labor, increasing functional specialization/differentiation and de-skilling of many tasks, rigid manufacturing procedures and controls, long management hierarchies with bureaucratic decision-making procedures and a mechanistic approach to performance. Under these conditions, use of IT is restricted to piecemeal technology improvements. By contrast, information technology-based systems offer organizations the opportunity of functional integration, multi-skilled staff, rapid and flexible decision-making structures with greater delegation of responsibilities and greater autonomy of operating units, a more flexible and organic approach enabling a quick adjustment to changing environmental conditions. (Piore and Sabel, 1984.) But this means that information management skills require the ability to make choices about the optimal arrangements for particular situations: unlike earlier generations of technology, IT offers not a single best way of organization but a set of more or less appropriate alternative organizing, staffing, and managing options that may be adopted in different organizational contexts. There is no determinism in the way information technology influences the socioinstitutional framework. Therefore, organizational innovation is a crucial part of the requirement for firms to adapt to survive (Miles, 1988). Unfortunately, this is true for all the institutions as well. Further, it is even more dramatic for the organizations in developing countries because of not being able to properly adapt to this so-called .black-box. technology. No matter how frustrating it is interpreted for these countries, IT still has significant impact on their development. Although socio-economic structure of these countries resists organizational or institutional changes, the complex interrelations between these changes and information technologies have significant implications for the way IT does and will affect the societies and economies of developing countries. As a matter of fact, the negative and positive potential impacts of IT on these countries are a matter of great controversy among economists and politicians. The main short term issues usually discussed are the potential erosion of the comparative advantages of low labor costs, particularly in relation to assembly facilities, and the effects of automation, particularly on internal markets and international competitiveness. Implications of information technology for those countries hold great importance. 3. Implications for Developing Countries The first direct effect of the micro-electronics revolution was the location of production for export in third world countries. While production of mainframe computers continued to be located largely in industrialized countries, production of smaller computers and of microelectronic devices, more subject to price competition, was shifted to low-wage locations, mainly in East Asia, where countries presented low wage costs as well as political stability, a docile labor force, and government incentives. Location of production for local and regional consumption followed, but the countries concerned were mainly middle income: three quarters of US investment in third world micro-electronic industries was concentrated in 11 countries, namely the four Asian dragons, India, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia (Steward, 1991). Export-oriented investments in these countries were associated more with direct foreign investment from larger firms in industrialized countries than with firms producing for the local market; on the other hand, licensing was more associated with smaller firms (Tigre, 1995). The automation of production decreases the relative importance of labor-intensive manufacturing and cost of labor, thereby eroding the competitiveness of low labor costs. For instance, automation led to a sharp decrease in the difference between manufacturing costs of electronic devices between the United States and Hong Kong: in manual processes, manufacturing costs were three times higher in the United States, and the introduction of semi-automatic processes made the difference practically disappear (Sagasti, 1994). Equally, the expansion of automation in Japan has contributed to a reduction of Japanese investments in the Asia/Pacific region involving firms in electronics, assembly parts, and textiles (Sagasti, 1994). The trend to increasing systems optimization and integration is most likely to induce large producers in industrialized countries to bring back a significant share of their production located in developing countries (offshore production). This movement has been called comparative advantage reversal. As integration increases, with functions previously obtained by assembling pieces being incorporated in the electronic components, value-added is pushed out of assembly processes into the components themselves and upwards towards servicing. In addition, the growing technological complexity of electronic devices increases the value of the parts manufactured by firms located in industrialized countries The amount of value-added obtained in offshore assembly has thus been constantly decreasing (Sagasti,1994). Global factories constructed in locations of least cost, often at a considerable distance from final markets, were economically worthwhile because labor was one of the major determinants of costs. Technology and rapid responsiveness to volatile local markets are becoming more important components of competitiveness. The reduction of product cycles due to the growing resistance to obsolescence of programmable machines and equipment has led to a concentration of manufacturing investment in capital-intensive flexible manufacturing, further adding to the erosion of the comparative advantages of developing countries. The assembly of systems will probably continue in some developing countries that have adopted protective legislation for local production targeted at particular market segments (e.g. Brazil), although this is changing very rapidly (Steward, 1991). The types of equipment produced under these circumstances are used largely in internal markets and are hardly competitive on the international level; they tend to be far more expensive than comparable equipment available abroad, and often their installation and use are also more costly because of expensive auxiliary installations, under-use, and lack of management skills. Nevertheless, they may at least provide the country with the capacity to follow the development of information technologies more closely. In other countries, assembly of equipment is taking place from components bought practically off the shelf, but as the level of hardware integration and the amount of software incorporated into the chips (firmware) grow, valueadded will be taken away from the assembly process, reducing or eliminating its economic advantages. The introduction of microelectronics requires certain new skills of design, maintenance, and management, as well as complementary infrastructural facilities such as reliable telephone systems and power supplies. Deficiencies in these factors prevent the widespread adoption of information technology in developing countries (Munasinghe et al., 1985). The more advanced developing countries, with a wider basis of skills and infrastructure and a more flexible labor force, may be in a better position to adopt IT and to increase their productivity and their international competitiveness. But the less developed countries, with inadequate skills and infrastructure, low labor productivity, and lack of capital resources, will find it difficult to adopt the new technologies; they are likely to suffer a deterioration in international competitiveness vis-Ã  -vis both industrialized and the more advanced developing countries (Stewart et al., 1991). Quality, too, requires an adequate level of skills, infrastructure, and managerial know-how that is generally lacking in developing countries. This greatly reduces the synergies, number of options, faster responses, and more informed decisions that can be implemented in the firm by the optimization of the systems performance. In turn, the composition of the labor force existing within firms located in industrialized countries will further improve their systems performance and further reinforce the advantages derived from automation. The proportion of the labor force employed in production is constantly decreasing in the industrialized countries, implying that performances at the systems level and innovation, not manufacturing, are becoming the key to profit, growth, and survival (Sagasti, 1994). Like biotechnology, information technology is a proprietary technology, vital technical information regarding design engineering specification, process know-how, testing procedures, etc., being covered by patents or copyrights or closely held as trade secrets within various electronic firms from industrialized countries. Many companies in the software area do not patent or copyright their products because it entails disclosing valuable information, and firms are generally reluctant to license the more recent and advanced technologies. Therefore, technology transfer takes place mainly among established or important producers, hindering the access to developing countries. Moreover, the main issue facing developing countries is not so much the access to a particular technology but to the process of technological change, because of the dynamism of this process. Sagasti implies this issue in the book The Uncertain Guest: science, technology and development (1994) that recent trends in int er-firm relationships seem to indicate that this access takes place essentially through the participation in the equity of the company holding the technology.

Pete Rose :: essays research papers

Peter Edward Rose was born in Cincinnati in 1941. He said that when he was growing up he rooted for the Cincinnati Reds just like every other kid in the area. In the summertime of most of his childhood years he played baseball constantly. He also played in high school, however he thinks that he was a better football player than a baseball player in school. He said that he liked to play football more because many people would attend the games, and not many showed up for baseball. "You could throw a bomb into the stands at our (high school) baseball games, and you wouldn't kill anyone". If it wasn't for Pete's uncle, who was a scout for the Cincinnati Reds, he would never nave played baseball. His uncle saw him play in high school and signed him to a contract with the Reds farm system. Pete started out at the class "A" level. He rose up quickly making the starting roster for the Reds opening day team in the same year, 1963. On opening day Pete said he wasn't nervous at all until about 10 minutes before the game. It hit him that he was now starting for the Cincinnati Reds, when not more than a year ago he thought football was his life. He walked in his first at bat, on 4 straight pitches. He said it wasn't because of nerves though, he just didn't want to swing. He got his first hit in the majors three games later, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 	Pete played with the Cincinnati Reds from 1963 to 1978, and then he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in Philly from 1979 to 1983, and then he went to the Montreal Expos for 1984. He stayed only one half year in Montreal, having a desire to retire in his hometown Cincinnati. He played his final two and a half years, 1984-1986, in Cincinnati, and then he retired. He then went on to become the Reds manager from 1987 to 1989. 	During his career Pete Rose was called "Charlie Hustle" because of the way that he played. He played a "blue-collar" game of baseball, running out everything, and diving headfirst into bases with regularity. Few players can or will ever match the passion that Pete Rose played with. Rose was the leadoff hitter for Cincinnati's "big red machine" which was a force in baseball in the 1970's.

Improving Writing Needs Essay

Similarly, there had been many studies that seek to show on how to improve the overall capabilities of individual writing particularly among international students. One example is the contribution of Petersen wherein she addressed the needs of international students as far as writing is concerned. She made emphasis on the idea of reaching out and helping international students cope with the challenges of writing. â€Å"If all of us give common messages to international students, making our expectations explicit, we may be able to help them reach higher levels of proficiency in American academic English sooner. † (Petersen, 2008) One of the challenges presented by Petersen as far as student writing is concerned involves international students’ difficulty in coping with timed writing assignments and essays. â€Å"As the complexity of the thinking involved in the task increases and the processing time decreases, grammatical and syntactical forms the student can normally control tend to break down. † (Petersen, 2008) Due to this, the teacher must create effective strategies to enhance writing but at the same time maintaining the challenge of time constraints in the activity. This is just one of the problems elaborated by Petersen in her article. By being constantly aware of these challenges and anticipating the occurrence of the problem, teachers and educators can have an active and firm stand in increasing the competency of international students in the realm of writing. Enhancing Reading Skills Another important facet in the facilitation of education is reading. For students to fully acquire and develop the skills that are given to them in the classroom, effective reading must be made. However, this may seem to be a problem of international students as the pace and degree of learning is halted or slowed due to several constraints. Due to this, teachers must create active scenarios that will enhance student reading capabilities particularly among international students. The study of Brassell and Furtado examines the way vocabulary can serve as a hindrance in the development of better reading for non-English students. These barriers can serve as an impediment for learning and enhancement of information. â€Å"Many barriers prevent English as Second Language learner from grasping new vocabulary, but one of the biggest challenge is the minimal time teachers devote to vocabulary instruction. † (Brassell and Furtado, 2008, p. 110) Several facets of the English language remain to be difficult for international students to understand. By actually helping international students become aware of these and minimizing such occurrence inside the classroom, they can be able to adopt, enhance and develop their reading skills which are necessary in their education. â€Å"Beyond providing students with lots of interesting books, teachers should facilitate a variety of vocabulary activities for their students. † (Brassell and Furtado, 2008, p. 115) Conclusion With these, personal involvement may be a good approach in further enhancing the realm of developing reading and writing skills. International students deserve extra care and attention for they are still adjusting to the current trends of the educational environment. â€Å"Student perceived issues do not always match educator-perceived issues; nevertheless, eliciting information from the students allows them to become part of the solution. † (Lee, 1997, p. 100) It is therefore necessary for every teacher and educational institution to create efficient and effective scenarios that will cater to the needs of international students. By doing these things, the welfare of international students are taken into consideration. Different methods and schemes may have been in place, the action now goes back to educational institutions and teachers to actively take part in the process of developing skills needed by students to actively combat the challenges brought about by society. References Arkoudis, S.(2006) Teaching International Students: Strategies to Enhance Learning in Centre for the Study of Higher Education. [online] Retrieved May 12, 2008 from http://www. cshe. unimelb. edu. au/pdfs/international. pdf Brassell, D. and Furtado, L. (2008) Enhancing English as a Second Language Students’ Vocabulary Knowledge in The Reading Matrix. 8 no. 1 [online] Retrieved May 12, 2008 from http://www. readingmatrix. com/articles/brassell_furtado/article. pdf Koffolt, K. and Holt, S. L. (1997) Using the â€Å"Writing Process† with Non-Native Users of English in New Directions for Teaching and Learning. no. 70 Retrieved May 12, 2008. pp. 53-61 Lee, D. S. (1997) What Teachers Can Do to Relieve Problems Identified by International Students in New Directions for Teaching and Learning. no. 70. Retrieved May 12, 2008. pp. 93-102. Nelson, G. L. (1997) How Cultural Differences Affect Written and Oral Communication: The Case of Peer Response Groups in New Directions for Teaching and Learning. no. 70. Retrieved May 12, 2008. pp. 77-85 Petersen, L. (2008) Writing Needs of International Students. Retrieved May 12, 2008 from http://www. cgu. edu/pages/949. asp

Fitt’s and Posner’s Phases of Learning Essay

Describe â€Å"Fitt’s and Posner’s† phases of learning and explain how you would structure practises to enhance a performance In this essay I will explain Fitt’s and Posner’s phases of learning and how I would structure practises to enhance performance. By practising a skill we can become better. Fitts and Posner theories were that everyone has to go through stages of learning, known as the cognitive, associative and autonomous stages of learning. Depending how good a person is at a particular sport, they will fall into a certain category. An example of this is Wayne Rooney. At a young age he was introduced to football and played amateur football from a young age, becoming one of the youngest strikers in football history. However by learning a skill in sport involves the development of skills by practice. An example of this is shooting practise – you can only become good by practising to kick the ball in between goalposts. Until a person becomes confident enough that they score a goal, they will naturally fall into the next category. The three stages of learning can be divided into two main categories; associationists and cognitivists. Associationists views learning of a sport as the link of particular stimulus and particular responses. Cognitivists see it as a function of the brain, where we learn through the understanding and knowledge of the sport. There are 3 stages of learning according to Fitts and Posner. They are: Cognitive v Associative v Autonomous Cognitive This is the initial stage of learning and is essential if the learner is to process successful through the other stages and is to move a stage where the skill can be performed. The cognitive stage involves formation of a mental picture of a skill. The most efficient way is from a demonstration, which allows them to see the key requirements and to work through the performance mentally. Visual guidance is one of the best ways to make others understand, and so that the person learning can see the correct method to perform the skill. They will then attempt to perform. Success rate is usually 2/3 out of 10. The cognitive stage initially concentrates more on the skill, rather than the game. There is a lack of control and consistency. Trial and error is also a key way to learn. Reinforcement of this can be by giving positive feedback. Questions will arise when learning skills of a sport if the skill is not correctly learnt. The learner will be confronted with some very specific, cognitively oriented problems. Examples of this are, â€Å"How do I score?† â€Å"What is the aim of this game?† â€Å"If so, where are the positions for players?† If the mental picture is not correct the skill will not develop. It is important that the coach explains very thoroughly what is required of each athlete. Associative Learning at the associative stage means that the skill is becoming more consistent, but there are still some errors. The simple element of the skill has been grasped however the performer still refers back to the mental picture. The performer can begin to detect errors and begin to realise his/her mistakes. Feedback should encourage a ‘feeling’ of a well performed skill. This means that the performer will begin to enjoy the sport. Success rate is 5/7 out of 10. Verbal guidance is essential as it is used in the associative stage. Some people never exceed this phase. An example of this is a semi-professional shot-put thrower. Some performers return to the cognitive stage to refer to the mental image of the skill. Also, some professional players return from autonomous stage to the associative stage if they have an injury – they need to work hard and rise up to the expected standard of an autonomous performer. Autonomous Learning at the autonomous stage is where the skill is done without conscious thought. The movements of the performer are fluent, consistent and athletically pleasing. There is an advanced stage of learning where the elements of the skill have become part of long term memory and are automatically produced in response to a an appropriate stimulus. The skill is automatic. The attention of the performer focuses on the next movement, for example tactics. Consistent practise is required to reinforce being at the autonomous stage. Success rate is 9/10 out of 10. In tennis for example a player would be able to perform a serve whilst contemplating what their opponent will do next, rather than being focusing on the technical side of the serve. Not all performers reach the autonomous stage in all skills. For those who do, if practise is not maintained revision to the associative stage will occur. Closed skills such as throwing events can be finely tuned so that a high level of performance can be produced. â€Å"Learning in its simplest form is the development of a position where we can’t perform a skill to a stage where we can perform it.† Knapp, 1973 The quote means that learning is a more or less permanent change in performance brought about by experience. Knapp is suggesting that once something is learnt, it remains with us, thus supporting the statement: Once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget’. Learning in sport involves the development of skills through practice, hence the saying: ‘Practice makes perfect’. Fitts & Posner recognised that as we learn, we do not move directly from â€Å"can’t† to â€Å"can†. They suggest that the learning process is sequential – we move through specific stages/phases as we learn. These stages are hierarchal, in other words each stage must be passed through before the next one is achieved. Ivan Pavlov was a scientist who conducted experiments on the response of dogs. He taught them that when a bell was rung, the dogs would learn to understand that it was time to eat. These findings link into Fitts and Posner’s phases of learning because a particular response with a stimulus can give a great benefit to sports performances. This approach can be used to mentally prepare the athlete for the sport. The player may be taught switching into the ‘zone’ whilst walking onto the pitch. However in order to achieve this, the player would need to gradually progress to that level of conditioned stimulus. In order to teach and improve somebody’s skills at a sport, I would structure a 6 week Personal Exercise Programme (or PEP). A PEP would help improve the skill of the performer, and help the learner to enhance their performance. This way the performer can test to see how long it takes him to master one specific skill. As a trainer I would encourage the performer and give feedback and give a clear understanding to the performer what they are doing right and wrong. Doing something wrong doesn’t mean its negative feedback it would just acknowledge the performer on how to improve, becoming more successful. I would ensure that the performer practices the skill consistently and monitor any improvements in their ability. In a professional football match I would help keep the players to the standard that is required by making them do drills as a team. Warm-ups are essential as they prevent muscles getting damaged. I would also make sure that the stamina of the players is always high; this can be achieved by the Cooper run. In a tennis match the athlete must be able to complete a full match. There are no substitutions so the athletes’ stamina must be high. By hitting a ball for a long period of time every other turn there must be a large amount of upper body strength. In order to help the athlete achieve this, the coach should set the athlete physical training such as sprints, press-up, sit-ups and bicep curls. Technique is needed when serving, volleying; as being able to retain balance quickly is essential. An example of this is Andre Agassi. â€Å"†¦he focused more on physical conditioning than in the past and became one of the fittest players on the tour. His upper-body strength allowed him to bench press 350 lb (159 kg), which helped him retain pace on his shots late into a match, as well as adding to his serve power. He had remarkable endurance and rarely appeared tired on court.† Golf is a sport where the athlete has to be very concentrated on the game. Having a perfect technique allows one to compete to a high level. In order to help raise concentration levels the coach must remove all apprehension and put the athlete in a confident frame of mind. To help an athlete raise concentration before a game the coach could give the athlete a structured diet. Junk food will slow down the concentration rate. Tiger Woods had a bad putting strike so he went home and perfected it. â€Å"Well, that’s one of the worst putting weeks I’ve had in a long time, very frustrating. When I get home I am going to practise until I get it right.† References: * Advanced P.E for Edexcel – Heinemann * http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/pavlov/readmore.html. * http://www.answers.com/topic/andre-agassi * http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=410149

How does Willy Russell make the audience sympathise with Shirley Valentine Essays

How does Willy Russell make the audience sympathise with Shirley Valentine Essays How does Willy Russell make the audience sympathise with Shirley Valentine Essay How does Willy Russell make the audience sympathise with Shirley Valentine Essay In this essay I will be exploring how Willy Russell, the author of the playShirley Valentine, makes us sympathise with his main characters. Russell himself comes from a working class background and was born in Liverpool which is where half the play was set. He started of as a hairdresser and from here he got an insight into womens life .He started to attend night class on drama and this is where he picked up his love for script writing. After this he began to write comical songs and then he began to write scripts.His first play Blind Scouse was premiered at Edinburgh festival and then in 1990 he wrote Shirley Valentine. Kitchen sink drama deals with working class people and their everyday lives, and this is related with Shirley as this play deals with her everyday life. Kitchen sink drama relates with Shirley Valentine in many aspects and this play may be influenced by kitchen sink drama. Therefore, Russells past experiences of him growing up in a feminine hou sehold has influenced this play by being the basis of Shirleys aspects on life. It also concerns working class lives, social problems and relationships.Willy Russell invite us to feel sympathy for Shirley by portraying her as a person with many hopes and need unrealised. For instance, how she is treated by her husband almost like a slave, how she is treated by her daughter who took her for granted, how she was treated by her intolerant teachers and finally the fact that she was born into a lower class.I believe that Russell is successful at making his readers feel sorry for her and in doing so he becomes a supporter of female rights.Russell writes the play with characters trapped in realistic social situation. The title sequence and opening scenes help to establish Shirleys character, by demonstrating atmosphere background and expressions. Moreover, there is a lot we can deduce from images. Firstly there are sketches in the opening of the film which instinctively grabs the audiences attention towards the main motif of the film, from the continuous references referred by Shirleys point of view, to the implication of Shirleys incompleteness as a person. Similarly, The colour schemes used in the images are blues and purples which symbolises a connotation of sadness and depression, also the colour white indicates plain/ emptiness, these visual devices show a replication of the Shirleys life as a whole. Shirley has an unsociable life and that builds up to her being a woman with a lack of confidence. Shirley is portrayed as a sad house bound woman, forgotten, not appreciated nonexistent, and a woman with a loss of identity. A girl is born to fly; This is shown as a metaphor, as she is supposed to be free but is trappedDrinking through the day, indicating that she is bored, lonely and doesnt have a very good social life: Theres a woman three doors down the road talks to her microwave! Wall, whats the world coming to? When Shirley drinks through the day, it shows tha t she is really quite depressed and that the alcohol actually took her away from the dull predicament that she was in. This appears to have been quite common in housewives during the 1980s. By 6 oclock, Shirleys in the kitchen preparing Joes dinner and talking to the wall, Do you know what i would like to do wall This clearly shows that she is desperate and using the wall to replace her absent social life, and perhaps the lack of communication that has now built up between her and her husband.A married couple painting their kitchen. They are playful and loving. Willy sets the atmosphere as a happy one. Shirley has a high self a steam and she is enjoying herself with Joe. The language used in the first extract is in a rude manor but its playful as they are young and happy. He uses words like you little bugger and youre a bloody head case. Some people may find this offensive but I think it sets a joyful scene. The language is appropriate and funny. Russell uses the swear words to a go od quantity, enough to not get too rude and enough to have a laugh about. There is a bit of word play used as well like when Shirley says here, Van Gogh and Joe replies this is for you moaning Lisa this shows that they are young, happy and free.Willy Russell allow the audience to hear Shirleys true thoughts. Flashbacks are used to reveal events from her school days and early married life. It is through these techniques that we observe Shirleys world and transformation. The main titles at the start of the play show the audience the rough outlines of the play. The actual script starts of with fifteen or more drawings of Shirley Valentine doing a series of domestic activities. From here we realize how overlaid and domesticated Shirleys life is. At the start of the play Shirley is found expressing her thoughts to the wall. This establishes the exact feelings of loneliness Hello wall (shown by Shirley talking to the wall) and desperation of someone to talk to. Within the first few pages the audience see Shirley talking to the wall quite frequently so therefore we form the opinion that Shirley and Joe have a lack of communication.It has become a one sided relationship between them with Joe demanding what he wants. Shirley can still remember though vividly what their relationship used to on holiday with her. Shirley can not imagine going away on holiday on general principles and she can not see herself as being independent. She feels guilty how Joe would cope if she went away for two weeks, leaving all the cooking and cleaning for him to do! Jane eventually convinces Shirley to accompany her on the holiday. Shirley and Jane leave in the day and they get on the plane to leave for Greece. When Joe gets in from work he finds a note attached to a Greek tourist poster pinned on the door saying gone to Greece, be back in two weeks. The first additional scene takes place at Joes work. A medium sized factory with workers in it. Joe walks in front of a moving forklift truck w ith his head facing the floor and nearly gets run over by it. Travelling to Greece is the way in which Shirley rediscovers herself and becomes truly liberated.One of the ways in which Russell encourages us to sympathise with Shirley is through the characters that she interacts with.Shirleys most dominant feeling through-out the play is that of powerlessness. Joes marriage starts off as a good marriage where they are both pleasant to each other and Joe is speaking in a admirable way. This is demonstrated in the play when Shirley has a flashback of her early marriage years, when she and Joe are decorating the house and they end up in the bath together. Joe says to her I love youShirley Valentine . The word love is powerfully emotive and also says her name which suggests that he is thinking carefully about who she is. The fact that he loves her as a individual woman. This shows that Joe was kind and loving towards Shirley at the beginning of their marriage. This is what Joe is trying to do in the scene when he uses words from his early marriage. Joe says: You little bugger. This shows that Joe is using his head to try to get Shirley to come back.Her best friend Jane and challenges her reality. Shirley follows her dream Id like to drink a glass of wine in a country where the grape is grown. Sittin by the sea just sippin wine and watching the sun go down. The audience see Shirleys character develop. Shirley starts off very unsure of herself but Jane gives her the confidence despite Joes criticisms to be independent and make decisions for herself. This is also highlighted when Shirley buys a bikini. With my stretch marks? Id get arrested for bringin the human form into disrepute. Before she would not have had the confidence to wear it. Shirley follows her dream. Throughout the play Willy Russell conveys the truths using Shirleys conversations with the wall and the rock. Hello wall and voice-overs. This helps the audience understand Shirleys character and what she i s thinking.Joe is key to understanding Shirleys unhappiness as he has lost his sense of fun. This is also supported by Millandras unreasonable demands and lack of respect for her mother. When Millandra returns from living away from home, she disregards Shirleys feelings and claims that her mother should be grateful for her return. She demands her mother to bring the Telly upstairs and when Shirley comes upstairs with a cup of cocoa Millandra asks her to go down and get another spoonful of sugar This shows us how she treats her badly as a slave and with no respect.When Millandra hears that her mother is going to Greece, she is disgusted by the shame that it will bring her. She talks about two middle aged women going to Greece on their own . She analyses that Shirley is doing something wrong. She is used to her mother doing everything for her and has no regard for her needs. This emphasised how many of Shirleys needs are not met and in turn makes the audience sympathise with her. Marjorie is an old peer of Shirley from her school days. In Shirleys eyes Marjorie was very smart, favoured by teachers and had really good grades. She appeared to be very friendly and open minded even though she was of higher class. Shirley always wanted to be like her. When Shirley was at the school she was humiliated by the teacher who said; Oh, Shirley, do put your hand down. You couldnt possibly know the answer . She felt as if it was an attack on her lower class. She thought that those of higher classes have better start and chances in live. However after many years when she meets her again she realises that she became prostitute. In the 80s the social roles were becoming less fixed. Shirley was still under impression that your class decides who you are. That is why the revelation of Marjorie shocked her. For example I just cant believe it. You. A Hooker. Honest, Marjorie? It changes her way of thinking. It makes her aware that anything is possible. Theaudience can see that there is hope for her, but at the same time cannot help but feel sorry for her for all those years she has lost.

Are You Certified Essays - CompTIA, Professional Certification

Are You Certified Essays - CompTIA, Professional Certification Are You Certified The impact of technology in our lives has grown exponentially over recent years. The demand for better, faster, more productive software and hardware equipment has increased the need for more experienced and better qualified IT (Information Technology) specialists. These IT professionals must possess a degree of knowledge and expertise that sets them apart from others in their field. One way industry has set the standard in recruiting such specialized individuals is certification. Certifications are offered in a variety of specialty areas. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer is one of many certifications offered by Microsoft (MCSD). The MCSD is in the area of coding, analysis, debugging and testing of applications. Another is A+ Certification sponsored by CompTIA that certifies the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry. A more prestigious certification is the Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert, which yields one of the highest salary compensations but is also more difficult to obtain. These aforementioned certifications are only three of the several offered by Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Oracle. So what if these certifications are well known to the industry; so what if the companies that are known and respected worldwide back them. Are they the big deal that everyone claims they are? The answer to that is yes, and for several reasons. Becoming certified can enhance job opportunities, assert proof of professional achievement, and increase salary probability. Certification is a practical means of assessing skills and experience. According to KB Learning Centers, Inc., Many employers give preference in hiring applicants with certification. They view this as proof that a new hire knows the procedures and technologies required. For people new to the industry, certification can be used to measure their standing and provide a starting point for building their professional careers. It is also true that many employers and human resource officers will view certifications as a deciding factor between several applicants. For those who are already in the industry certification can help career advancement and compensation. These professionals are recognized for specialized knowledge in their choice of specialty areas. Certification may be a plus to seasoned veterans when an employer awards job advancements and promotions. Employers are looking for ways to assure they hire qualified people to administer computer networks and design custom applications . Becoming certified is also recognized proof of professional achievement. Membership in a distinctive peer group made up of fellow professionals. These individuals have dedicated huge amounts of time and effort in preparation for the certification exams. Often, when being considered for additional in house or vendor training, certification may be required as a prerequisite, so employers will offer advanced training to those employees who are already certified. As the general public learns about certification, customeivity, plus minimize network downtime. Information Week's Emily Kay notes that Companies that don't support certification spend nearly $14,000 more dealing with network downtime and PC support costs. according to IDC. According to a recent survey by Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group of 1,442 CIOs, seven out of ten companies worldwide are having difficulty in finding the skilled IS staffers they require. And, more than 80% of those surveyed said they expect their client/server expenditures to increase in the following year. So, companies that support employee certification can operate their networks more effectively, plus take advantage of the cost savings that come with improved efficiency. Now more than ever, professionals need certification and corporations need individuals with certification. Statistics say you'll make more money MCP Magazine has produced salary surveys for three years, tracking the average salaries of Microsoft Certified Professionals. The verdict - MCP's make more than their non-certified counterparts (of comparable age and experience). The average salary of MCP's increased over 10% from 1996 to 1997. But network administration isn't the only reason to become certified. Because NT has been gaining steam in the corporate world, so have the Back Office suite of products - SMS, Exchange, SQL Server, as well as Web-enabled products like Internet Information Server and Merchant Server. These products offer enterprises a turnkey solution to many IT needs, and these enterprises need people who know them inside and out. Having certification on your resume greatly increases your marketability to your current, or to a potential, employer. Why Become

Three Conferences That Created the Dominion of Canada

Three Conferences That Created the Dominion of Canada About 150 years ago the three British colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island were considering the possibilities of joining together as a Maritime Union, and a meeting was set in Charlottetown, PEI for September 1, 1864. John A. Macdonald, then Premier of the Province of Canada (formerly Lower Canada, now Quebec, and Upper Canada, now southern Ontario) asked if representatives from the Province of Canada could also attend the meeting. The Province of Canada contingent showed up on the SS Queen Victoria, which was well supplied with champagne. That week Charlottetown was also hosting the first real circus Prince Edward Island had seen in twenty years, so accommodation for the last-minute Conference delegates was a bit short. Many stayed and continued discussions on board ship. The Conference lasted for eight days, and the topic rather quickly switched from creating a Maritime Union to building a cross-continent nation. The discussions continued through formal meetings, grand balls, and banquets and there was general approval for the idea of Confederation. The delegates agreed to meet again in Quebec City that October and then in London, United Kingdom to continue to work on the details. In 2014, Prince Edward Island commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference with celebrations all year long, across the entire province. The PEI 2014 Theme Song, Forever Strong, captures the mood. The Quebec Conference of 1864 In October 1864, all the delegates who had been present at the earlier Charlottetown Conference attended the conference in Quebec City, which simplified getting an agreement. The delegates worked out many of the details of what the system and structure of government for the new nation would be like, and how powers would be shared between provinces and the federal government. By the end of the Quebec Conference, 72 resolutions (called the Quebec resolutions) were adopted and became a substantial part of the British North America Act. The London Conference of 1866 After the Quebec Conference, the Province of Canada approved the union. In 1866 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia also passed resolutions for a union. Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland still refused to join. (Prince Edward  Island joined in 1873 and Newfoundland joined in 1949.)  Towards the end of 1866, delegates from the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia approved the 72 resolutions, which then became the London resolutions. In January 1867 work began on drafting the British North America Act. Canada East would be called Quebec. Canada West would be called Ontario. It was finally agreed that the country would be named the Dominion of Canada, and not the Kingdom of Canada. The bill got through the British House of Lords and the House of Commons quickly, and received Royal Assent on March 29, 1867, with July 1, 1867, the date of the union. Fathers of Confederation Its confusing to try and figure out who the Canadian Fathers of Confederation were. They are generally considered to be the 36 men representing the British colonies in North America who attended at least one of these three major conferences on Canadian confederation.

The Automobile Manufacturing Industry in China Essay - 2

The Automobile Manufacturing Industry in China - Essay Example As the Chinese continue to invest significant capital in research and development as well as the acquisition of existing foreign-owned automobile manufacturing companies, it is clear that China has the potential to rival Japan as a global industry leader. The results of a survey administered to 100 randomly selected individuals from Beijing, China confirmed the hypothesis that China’s automobile manufacturing sector is positioned for considerable growth. Millions of Chinese with the financial means will be purchasing automobiles in the years to come. The Chinese government continues to invest in highway infrastructure in support of the anticipated growth in the number of automobiles. A large number of competitors in the Chinese automobile industry is welcomed news for consumers. The product variety and vehicle quality are both excellent and the fierce competition for customers will moderate prices well into the future. Primary research was conducted utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. The respondents were 100 randomly selected local residents of Beijing, China. This method was selected for several reasons. First, a self-administered questionnaire allows the researcher to collect significant amounts of data in a relatively short period of time. Second, the data are easily coded and analyzed. Third, this method is accepted for its high level of accuracy in drawing conclusions related to the research hypothesis. In addition to primary research, secondary sources were utilized to support the findings in this study. Chapter three provides a comprehensive overview of the research methodology. In applying Porter’s Five Forces and Diamond models to the Chinese automobile manufacturing industry, the analysis is quite revealing. Utilizing the five forces approach, it is clear that Chinese automobile manufacturing firms do not enjoy a strong competitive advantage because there are so many companies in the market.

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 100

Assignment Example In the Andean groups extended their kingdom by creating an overarching political state and integrating its empire into a single order to secure its subjects and increase area for natural resources. The Anasazi, Mesoamerica, developed an economy on beans, squash, and maize. Their success in adapting these crops allowed the formation of large villages and resulted into vast cultural life in underground buildings known as kivas. Inca constructed roads that facilitated military troop movements, trade, and administration. Mesopotamia is considered the cradle of civilization; it was the located in the Fertile Crescent. Mesopotamia was located at convergence of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers that produced fertile soils; hence, irrigation was practiced. Sumerian came up with cuneiform script for communication. Egyptians started an agricultural economy with centralized society. Egyptian states had urban development and monarchies. Egyptians are recognized for surgery, barge transport, and mathematics. In addition, they are widely known as their pyramids. The Harappan civilization is credited with the introduction of decimal fractions. Small societies were nomadic in nature while vast empires settled along riverbanks on the same land hence showed the concept of ownership. Large empires increased their security since they were located at the same point from other small societies. Large empires encouraged specialization for example artisan, craftsmen, traders, and farmers who produce surpluses; small communities did not support these activities. Governments came in place to maintain specialized labor and surpluses production in agriculture, and to maintain the new culture. The government provided services like roads to the merchants, unified people in villages. These governments started taxing in form of surplus from farmers. Belief systems were created in order to bring order into the society because of political

Reflection on Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reflection on Ethics - Essay Example This automatically creates an ethical dilemma: if Mark does not buy his girlfriend a present, she will be disappointed in him. On the other hand, if he buys, she will be happy but not for long as she might learn about the incident and rebuke him. Mark will also live in guilt and at its worst; it might metamorphose to a nasty police case. In the health sector, there are ethical problems. Everyone knows the problems that arise with medical techniques such as artificial insemination, organ transplants, plastic surgeries and other techniques. In most cases, when faced by moral dilemmas, people may apply existing guidelines, for instance those passed by an ethics committee, an existing statement of policy or â€Å"common sense," â€Å"rules of behavior† or mostly â€Å"the way things are done† (Leer 206). What we apply to solve ethical dilemmas is not considered in many cases, what matters are the paths which we will take to solve those problems. More often than not, our environment plays a major role on our standards. This environment includes our families, culture and our own internal reflection. Culture comprises of religion, customs, etc. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality. This branch has instinctively played a major role in our decisions. Based on the philosophy, there are models of moral theories which exist. However, moral theories such as the right theory (moral rights), utilitarianism and theory of justice are of more influence on our lives. The right theory considers the respect to be accorded to every individual member of the society as well as their fundamental and basic rights. However, critics of this theory say that it does not take responsibility of the costs and benefits of getting respect for another’s right. Hence, most people tend to say that â€Å"your rights end where mine begin." This loophole does not make this theory very appealing. The individuals who subscribe to the theory of justice as their moral

Global Network Strategies (Geography of Transport Systems) Essay

Global Network Strategies (Geography of Transport Systems) - Essay Example However, this does not mean that regional and national centers will cease to exist. Some products still require a three-tier distributing that consists of regional, national as well as international centers. Network structure is adapted in order to meet the requirements of IFT demand. This can adapt numerous forms operating at various scales. There are various strategies employed in distribution networks. The choice of one strategy over the other mainly depends on the nature of the cargo and the environment it is operated from. They include point to point distribution, corridor structures of distribution, hub and spoke networks, fixed routing networks and Flexible Routing networks. This is usually used when there is need for satisfaction of specialized and specific one time orders. This often leads to the creation of empty return problems and less than full load. This structure requires minimal logistics but the efficiency is compromised. A good example of point to point network is the point to point transportation system. This system transports containers from one location to a second address. It consists of a transport channel, propeller, operator, numerous containers and an operative communication. The controller is configured to receive instructions for transport between the locations. The controller instructs the operator, who then communicates with the propeller. The propeller moves the cargo to move from the first location to the second. It is important to have a way to between two addresses by use of a channel type system with containers moving rapidly and directly between start points and finish points. It is also important to have a way of monitoring the movement of the cargo in the system and rerouting cargo should there be any delays arise in any section of the system as well as any other complications. Moreover, it is vital to have a system which can allow various container sizes. This is what point to point distribution network offers. The size of the containers can be selected. This helps in meeting traffic and cargo constraints. A system to transport cargo within various containers from the first address to the second consists of various tracks between these addresses to engage and support plurality of the containers. The invention of point to point transportation enabled cargo transportation by the use of containers. Corridor structures of distribution These usually help in linking services, like land bridge that connect container trains to seaboards, with high density agglomerations. Loading and unloading of traffic along the corridors can be done at local and regional distribution centers that act as sub hubs in the distribution system. This is especially applicable in large transport and logistics companies (Rodrigue et al, 2006). Hub and spoke networks These have come with high throughput distribution centers and the emergence of air freight distribution. These are in great favor of parcel services. This structure is only possible if the hub is capable of handling big amounts of consignments where time is important. It requires logistics that are extensive since efficiency comes from the terminal of the hub. A main distribution cente

Political development and the international political system Research Paper

Political development and the international political system - Research Paper Example Martinussen (1997) found that political development is essential to process inputs into such outputs that can be implemented for the benefits of the society. Any country needs development of a proper political system in order to run the government institutions in an appropriate manner because it is very difficult to manage those institutions without having a well-structured political system. Such countries face political decline where there are no signs of political development because political problems cannot be solved easily without development of a proper political system in a country. Kingsbury (2007) found that political development reflects a process of change that is away from archaic political forms, such as feudalism, through to authoritarian or oligarchic political systems, or on the extreme end, a totalitarian or parasitic form of government (p.17). Bringing democracy in a country and then strengthening the roots of democracy is one of the main motives of political develo pment. The main goal of political development is human freedom, which is vital for pursuing capabilities, and realizing rights (Kingsbury, 2007, p.17). Political development not only results in implementation of laws but also brings considerable changes in the social and political dimensions of a society. Political development is also necessary to strengthen the economic system of a country. It is because there is a strong link between the economic development and political system of a country. Political development involves such characteristics and variables, which not only changes the attitudes of the political culture but also carries out considerable institutional reforms. Models of political development play an important role in setting the dimensions of a desired political system. There is no single model for political development. The two models presented by the political development literature include unilinear and monolithic models. Both of these models provide assistance i n the proper political development in a country. Is Democratization Equivalent to Political Development? Democratization is one of the trends in modern political science and it can be a transition from an authoritarian political regime to a democratic political regime. â€Å"Democratization is important because of one of the most widely (but not universally) accepted trends in international relations, known as the democratic peace† (Hauss, 2003). Democratization is not equivalent to political development because democratization is a process by which a country adopts a democratic political regime whereas political development refers to the concept of developing a political structure for implementation. Hauss (2003) states, â€Å"There is less agreement among political scientists about how that process occurs, including the criteria to use in determining if democratization has, in fact, taken place†. â€Å"Democratization relates specifically to a programmatic agenda of state reform promoted by transnational actors† (Burnell, 2006, p. 24). Political development means to form an authoritarian, oligarchic, totalitarian, or parasitic type of government whereas democratization is the transition of autocratic form of government into a democratic regime. Political development is very broad concept related to development of a political attitudes and values in order to form a political system whereas democrati

Global Network Strategies (Geography of Transport Systems) Essay

Global Network Strategies (Geography of Transport Systems) - Essay Example However, this does not mean that regional and national centers will cease to exist. Some products still require a three-tier distributing that consists of regional, national as well as international centers. Network structure is adapted in order to meet the requirements of IFT demand. This can adapt numerous forms operating at various scales. There are various strategies employed in distribution networks. The choice of one strategy over the other mainly depends on the nature of the cargo and the environment it is operated from. They include point to point distribution, corridor structures of distribution, hub and spoke networks, fixed routing networks and Flexible Routing networks. This is usually used when there is need for satisfaction of specialized and specific one time orders. This often leads to the creation of empty return problems and less than full load. This structure requires minimal logistics but the efficiency is compromised. A good example of point to point network is the point to point transportation system. This system transports containers from one location to a second address. It consists of a transport channel, propeller, operator, numerous containers and an operative communication. The controller is configured to receive instructions for transport between the locations. The controller instructs the operator, who then communicates with the propeller. The propeller moves the cargo to move from the first location to the second. It is important to have a way to between two addresses by use of a channel type system with containers moving rapidly and directly between start points and finish points. It is also important to have a way of monitoring the movement of the cargo in the system and rerouting cargo should there be any delays arise in any section of the system as well as any other complications. Moreover, it is vital to have a system which can allow various container sizes. This is what point to point distribution network offers. The size of the containers can be selected. This helps in meeting traffic and cargo constraints. A system to transport cargo within various containers from the first address to the second consists of various tracks between these addresses to engage and support plurality of the containers. The invention of point to point transportation enabled cargo transportation by the use of containers. Corridor structures of distribution These usually help in linking services, like land bridge that connect container trains to seaboards, with high density agglomerations. Loading and unloading of traffic along the corridors can be done at local and regional distribution centers that act as sub hubs in the distribution system. This is especially applicable in large transport and logistics companies (Rodrigue et al, 2006). Hub and spoke networks These have come with high throughput distribution centers and the emergence of air freight distribution. These are in great favor of parcel services. This structure is only possible if the hub is capable of handling big amounts of consignments where time is important. It requires logistics that are extensive since efficiency comes from the terminal of the hub. A main distribution cente

Assignment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Assignment - Coursework Example The energy can entirely be derived from the ocean and wind currents to produce electricity. The whole idea here is prudent as it can save the non-renewable energy into extinction. Reactive loading control is an optimal control approach entailing the adjustment of the primary converter dynamic parameters to ensure that all frequencies absorb maximum energy. These primary converters includes, inertia, the spring constant and the energy absorbing damping. Optimal power absorption dictates that the rate of kinetic energy radiated from the device be equal to the energy absorption rate and the primary converter feels no reactive force in such a scenario (Drew, Plummer and Sahinkaya). This control is important in widening of the wave energy converter (WEC) efficiency range on each side of the resonant range. On either side of the resonant frequency the spring of the device goes into a deflection caused by the wave force, or the overall frequency is reduced by accelerating the inertia. Reactive loading control also cancels some of the undesirable inertia or stiffness by introducing a phase shift into the power-take-off (PTO) force (Drew, Plummer and

Employment Relations Essay Example for Free

Employment Relations Essay Introduction: This essay will discuss the two different management approaches towards to the recent industrial action taken against Lend Lease and identify what differentiate the two approaches. The second part of the essay will provide an argument of how applying these approaches from the upper management could potentially change the outcome of the industrial action against Lend Lease. Body: Pluralist approach: The characteristic of pluralist approach is to satisfy various interests and aspirations within their employees. The organization power was diffused among the main negotiating groups within the company in such a way that no any party will dominate others. Pluralism approach is open about employment relationships as it allows the creation of a potential structural opposition to be raised, as well as allows the workplace to generate certain conflicts with the organization. By doing so, it will prevent public interest conflict as well as to suppress the inappropriate use of power from the upper management. However, the weakness of pluralist approach is that it relies on the negotiation and bargaining process when there are disputes incurred between the management and the workforce, if in the event of the dispute cannot be resolved it will resorts to the use of law. Management in pluralist approach should not prohibit any ideas or expectations of blind obedience from the employees. Their goal is to reconcile conflicting views and keep the conflict within an acceptable range, so the conflict does not destroy the organization. Unitarist approach: The characteristic of unitarist approach are regarded that the whole organization shares a common purpose and are united in the achievement of common goal. The role of management in unitarist approach has the ability to provide leadership and expected to have good communications, while employees should be loyal to the organization and to carry out the work organised by management as directed. Worker Unions are considered competitive and is believed to destroy the loyalty and the commitments of the employees hence it is not welcomed by the managements. However, the weakness of unitarist approach is that it fails to recognise the needs of different interests between employees, and assumed that decisions made by managements are rational and contain within the interest of all employees. Unitarist approach believes that conflicts in the workplace is not inherent, in fact, it is a communication failure between the organization and the employees. For example, on the 24th July, the workers for Lend Lease has decided to walk off the site and start the 48 hours strike after the breakdown in the negosiation of better pay and condition. This shows that the employees are not accepting how the management’s lack of awareness of their needs. On the 25th July, ACTU published a media release stating the issues between Lend Lease and its employees, and suggested that Lend Lease should consider a fair working environment and pay for its contractors and sub-contractors, given that Lend Lease has made almost half a million worth of profits last year but failed to provide a fair working condition to its workers. This media release shows that the Union are trying to attract social awareness by publishing public release and in the hope of forcing Lend Lease to re-negotiate their terms. On the 27th July, CFMEU has escalated the issue to a national level and the Union has set up a picket at the Barangaroo construction site. This action has caused Lend lease sites in lockdown across the country, as stated by one of the employee Brain Parker â€Å"The company is not currently bargaining in good faith† The above event shows that if Lend Lease has followed the pluralist approach, the action may be able to be under control as Lend Lease will act by considering the words and the issues rose between the management and the employees and can act accordingly to the issue. However, according to the examples shown, Lend Lease seems to have been following the unitarist approach which has in fact, escalated the conflicts between the management and their employees as shown in the article published by green Left. The article mentioned that Lend Lease did not made a sincere approach to the negotiation and offered something that the Union consider as â€Å"a joke† which did not loosen the tension but added more stress on top of it. Identify which one of the approaches provides the better explanation. Explain your reasoning. Based on the industrial action that has been taken against Lend Lease, it shows that Lend Lease was first using the Unitarist approach to their employees by not willing to negotiate with their new proposal. This has than created an enormous negative impact on both the social and the company as the projects were likely being delayed due to the industrial actions. Conclusion: In conclusion, Lend Lease would have been able to avoid the industrial actions by having a dynamic management approach on their worker base on different situation. This essay shows how in appropriate management style could create such impact on both the social media and the company itself.

Change Management at British Airways (BA)

Change Management at British Airways (BA) This report identifies the Leadership Theory and The Change Management with its impact on British Airways. It clearly outlines the external and internal factors which the new Chief Executive, Willie Walsh, has to consider in order to successfully drive the company forward. In this report different change models are explained as well as the reasons for the change. Leadership Theory: Leadership is actually a process of social influence for the accomplishment of a common task in which one person enlist the aid and support of others. Alan Keith of Genentech states that, Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen. According to Ken SKC Ogbonnia, effective leadership is the ability to successfully integrate and maximize available resources within the internal and external environment for the attainment of organizational or societal goals. All above leadership definition and scholars views about leadership interpret that leadership is a unique quality which works in uniting different people on the same point and plate form to win the certain goals and objects. Different theories including power, vision and values, behaviour traits, charisma and situational interaction, intelligence were evolved by the students of leadership. For centuries the search for the characteristics of leaders has been in progress. The early detection of significance of the leadership was the basis of this search and the theory that leadership is embedded in the characteristics that few individual seize. This thought that leadership is based on individual characteristics is called Trait Theory of Leadership This view subjugated experimental and theoretical work in leadership for centuries. Between 1940-1950 reviews of these studies provoked researchers to consider different view for the definition of leadership. There are various models for the theories of leadership. MODEL 1: This model comprises of three effective styles of leadership: Authoritarian leadership style: This style gives the criteria of leadership style in which the working environment is managed by the leader using the strong directives, instructions and controlling actions by enforcing the rules. Democratic leadership style: It is very important style through which leaders take such actions which are collective, interactive and responsive. Laissez-faire leadership style: Let the things and tasks be done by the followers as they want is the essence of this style. The leaders give liberties but no guidance and framework to the followers to perform actions and accomplish the task themselves. MODEL 2: This model bears the great characteristics, the task versus interpersonal. INTEPERSONAL -ORIENTED STYLE OF LEADERSHIP: According to Clark, Donald, 2005, there are certain characteristics of this style of leadership. It offers the style of leadership that gives the opportunity to the leaders to ask the followers for opinions and suggestions and motivate the followers. The leaders give much priority to the thoughts, ideas, and the feelings of the followers. In this style the leaders give liberties of free communications. They have good listening skills and not much oral communication TASK- ORIENTED STYLE OF LEADERSHIP: According to YUKL.G, 2002, the task oriented style of leadership has certain characteristics: In this style, the leaders distribute information. The leaders do not pay attention to the ideas, thoughts and the feelings of others. The rigid sort of communication is exercised. Related to performance, the demands are made by the leaders. In this style written communication works. Model 3: There are four important theories of leadership in this model that are acted upon by any organization to update the business and for extensive management decisions. Michigan leadership studies. Ohio state leadership. McGregors theory X Y Blake and Macaneses leadership study. Importance of leadership skills in 21st Century The leaders of the 21st century are finding it hard to manage the progressively more multi faceted and constantly fast paced nature of the businesses. Engrossed in the unpredictable markets, leadership failures continue to rise even among highly eminent CEOs. Leaders have always developed their skills through, training courses, seminars and coaching-and attaining 21st century leadership skills are no different. In business management, leadership plays a successful role in identifying strengths and weaknesses of an organization and utilize them efficiently to accomplish the goals and objectives set by the organization. Other than decision making, leader has to encourage and lead his team on the road to success. 21st century leaders have many roles to perform due to changing trends in markets, cajole organizations, numerous stakeholders and splited job where they persistently face tradeoffs in focus, energy and time. With a new set of leadership qualities a blended 21st century leadership style is rising: Their leadership style matching to a complex, fast-moving technology based business Skilled in oral communication is a key element of good customer service Articulating a convincing future vision Guiding different groups of people to deliver business goals Cutting unnecessary overheads today while building for tomorrow. Bringing new perspectives and confronts threats without being overloaded Searching for new solutions outside conventional areas Open-minded and inquisitive about their environment To take advantage of new market opportunities organizes the company Works across boundaries and view business as a networks for communities To maximise sustainable growth uses partnerships and collaboration Have the ability to identify and define problems, invent and implement solutions, and trail and assess results. Another key to success is good personal management, self motivation, and career development skills are critical. Irrespective of whether a company is running with ten people or with ten departments the importance of leadership is obligatory. These leadership skills play a vital role in increasing the competence of the available resources and achieving the set goals of an organization. Organizational Change Management: Change management is defined as, to prepare, commence, recognize, organize, and stabilize change processes on both, corporate and personal level There are two types of changes: 1. Organizational Change: It is more steady and evolutionary approach and is based on the hypothesis that it is possible to ally company objectives with the individual employees objectives. This is rarely possible in actual practice 2. Reengineering Change: Known as business transformation or corporate transformation. It is the more fundamental form of change management, since it challenges all elements of processes or structures that have evolved over time. CHANGE MODEL: Bechard and Lewin introduced the most famous and important change model in 1951 and 1969. In 1980 Quinn and Lewian further explained this task. LEWIN: According to Lewin 1951, the introductory methods to manage the change are as follows: Unfreezing, existing attitudes are supported by the change in the present equilibrium. New responses can be developed according to new information. Refreezing, by introducing new responses in the personality concerns, can stabilize the change. THE FIELD FORCE ANALYSIS is the only methodology observes change suggested by Lewin that involves: The transition to the future state is affected analysing the driving forces. The differentiation between driving and restraining forces is necessary. Measures should be taken to give rise to critical driving forces and diminish critical restraining force (Martin, 2006). In order to conclude the need and capability of Organizational change management should begin with the identification of the current circumstances, deep understanding about leadership skills, group dynamics, and creative marketing. RESISTANCE TO CHANGE: May be external or internal. EXTERNAL: External resistance defiantly affects the process of change. The cultural, social and political environment all resist to change. Effective Communications with various stakeholders explaining them the reasons for the change (why?), the benefits of successful implementation (what is in it for us, and you) as well as the details of the change (when? where? who is involved? how much will it cost? etc). INTERNAL: At the time of implementation of change, organization can face some resistances to change internally from the workers like: Lack of knowledge Deficiencies in training Fears to lose something. Absence of trust. Communication problems. Normally, people perceive change processes in seven typical stages. Introduction: This report reviews the understanding of the concept of Organizational Change and its long term effect on the organization with regard to changes brought in British Airways British Airways is the fourth largest and one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. Leadership qualities and its unique culture helped in the growth of the company. Chief executive Bob Ayling, brought changes in the company without its employees support. At the time when BA was making record profit he thought change was necessary as some long term decision were to be made. He brought the change by outsourcing departments like engineering, information technology and maintenance to developing countries and by raising the morale of the staff by introducing training programmes and establishing hotel for the staff at Heathrow airport. Our aim is to be benefiting the customers, employees and shareholders, and to fulfil our commitments to the society. (http://www.guardian.co.uk). Background of British Airways British Airways aims in bringing people together by taking them wherever they want to go. This apply not only to the 36 million passengers that travel with them but also to their employees.Inspite of having challenges over the past few years the company is very competitive travel industry. They believe that they have firm strategy which keeps them moving forward. Based in London at Heathrow Airport British Airways PLC is the leading intercontinental airline in the world. Being UKs sole network carrier globally it serves 95 million people a year approximately to 550 destinations in 97 countries using about 1000 planes and 441 airports. British Airways feels proud in providing full range of services to their customers whether they are in air or on ground. British Airways A Snap shot 1916: Establishment of Predecessor Aircraft Transport Travel Ltd. 1919: Worlds first scheduled international air service was inaugurated 1933: Establishment of service to India and Singapore. 1935: The merger of three smaller airline companies forms the basis of British Airways. 1939: British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) was formed by the union of British Airways and Imperial Airways and also nationalized. 1949: BOAC imbibe British South American Airways (BSAA) 1958: Successful completion of first jet trans-Atlantic service. 1962: Supersonic transport (SST) is build by BOAC and Air France agreement to commit funds. 1967: Second around-the-world route is established by BOAC. 1974:Company is restructured under the British Airways name 1976: The first SST Concordes service was inaugurated simultaneously by British Airways and Air France. 1987: Privatization of British Airways. 1987: British Airways buys British Caledonian (BCal). 1988: Marketing alliance of British Airways with United Airlines that two years later collapses. 1992: 44 % of USAir Inc is purchases by British Airways. 1998: Between British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Canadian Airlines, Qantas and American Airlines One world global alliance is launched -a group that grows to eight members. 2000: Opening of British Airways London Eye observation wheel; in its first year of operation 3 million people ride the wheel. 2006 and 2007 award of the year for SKYTRAX and OAG airline. 2007 award of best airline based in Western Europe. 2007 best trans-Atlantic airline award. 14-03-2008 at a cost of 403 billion pound Heathrow terminal 5 was opened to be used exclusively by BA. Additional Details Public Company Frequent Flyer Programme: Executive Club Premier (Invitation) Key People: Willie Walsh (CEO) Tense Relationships :Virgin Atlantic, Formed 1984 Employees: 65,157 Sales: Â £9.278 billion (US $13.151 billion) (2001) Stock Exchanges: London New York Frankfurt Munich Ticker Symbol: BAY (London); BAB (New York) NAIC: 481111 Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation; 481112 Scheduled Freight Air Transportation; 56152 Tour Operators Changes in British Airways: To improve the future of the organization and reputation against the competitors British Airways chairman and board of directors decided to downsize the organization. The changes were totally revolutionary and dominantly strategic. Vast resistance was faced by British airways from department of labour and development, local and environmental NGO and unions both internally and externally against these changes. As BA marketing value changed at 15% due to fierce competition with other international airlines they had huge pressure to bring this change. The change started in 2005 by changing its top management and appointing Willie Wash as CEO. The main focus to change is followed: Reduction in cabin crew Internal and external change. Financial losses. Drop in profit. Increased Competition. Loss of Market Share. Technological Development. Cultural change. Vision of change The vision of British Airways is One Destination seeks to ensure our customers fly confident that, together, we are acting responsibly to take care of the world we live in. Mission to change In its words: British Airways is aiming to set new industry standards in customer service and innovation, deliver the best financial performance and evolve from being an airline to a world travel business with the flexibility to stretch its brand in new business areas. (http://www.britishairways.com) Objectives of change To face the global economic and market environment give new ideas and innovation to the individuals so that they are competitive. Changing internal and external culture of the organization Offer good services to the passengers Introduction of the continental food. According to market conditions introduction of new technology and packaging. To have profound effect on the character and personality of the BA individuals give them comprehensive knowledge of managerial and technological skills. To increase the productivity of the units fabricate leadership qualities in individuals. Creating a positive and dynamic learning environment to bring a paradigm shift. The hub for the introduction of MBA programme by BA was that the knowledge and training should be thoroughly applied within the organization and future growth and development of the employees should be related to this training. Strengths of Change in British Airways: Before change a clear and set objectives are there. Specific issues and problems were focused in planning and involvement. Before introduction of new technology collection of data and marketing survey was done. Every employee got incentive in the shape of Golden handshake and transfer in other units by downsizing strategy. According to market demand introduction of new technology. Weaknesses of Change in British Airways Identification of the problems that were surfacing in the organization. In some areas lack of policy direction. Need of cross functional communication Long distance between communication chain like the decision-making unit and the primary sources of information. Senior executives were over worked Power structure was weak. Top management was difficult to reach. Decentralized structure Lack of sufficient training. SWOT Analysis of BA: (S)trengths: Well-established brand name British Airways gained loyalty and trust from the customers. With strong international alliances BA has a global geographic exposure with excellent communication. BA took full advantage of technological development through innovative culture e.g. online sales, drive thru check in. Purchase of the new fleet and the appropriate aircrafts to make travelling comfortable for the passengers gave BA advantage over their competitors. (W)eaknesses: Soaring debts are still BA main concern. Events like 2001 Iraq war and 2005 terrorist attacks had negative effect on BA due to its reliance on the international air travel and this threat still persists. Job cuts may have negative effect on the BA as previous experience with the cost -cutting exercise resulted in understaffing and 2004-2005 industrial actions. Exposure of the rule that adult male passenger cannot sit next to the child led to sex discrimination allegation against BA. Unions threatening to go on strike against downsizing. BA was declared by AEA as the worst airline for lost and delayed baggage due to clogging of belt carrying bags and malfunction of baggage handling system. Worst airline for the arrival and departures of the short and medium haul flights. In 2007 Heathrow as voted worlds least favourable airport as it being overcrowded and subject to delay. Shortage of the staff car park space due to non availability of space Delays in getting to work due to long queues for security check up. (O)pportunities BAs online customer base expanded further by the growth of internet worldwide. As customers expectations are raising value added and innovative flight services will attract more customers. Opening in 2020 of a third short runway and sixth terminal will benefit BA and make Heathrow a global gateway. (T)hreats BA market share is under threat from the low cost airlines which continuously enjoy strong growth and power in the market. Fluctuations and continuing growth of the fuel prices pose another threat to BA. Customers are still vigilant of the threat of repeated terrorist attacks. More companies are focusing on high quality in their strategy plan which increases competition in low cost airline market. Conclusion: Organizations decision making both informing and enabling strategic direction should be fully incorporated in the Change management approach. Organizations history, readiness, and capacity to change forms the realistic review for the management change. British Airways is one of the leading international airlines in the world. The organizational Change brought by the British Airways were effective not only in introducing modern technology but also improved the performance of the airline. To defeat the competitors BA introduced different options for its customers and tried to stabilize its position in the airline market. By encouraging its employees through different incentives tried to improve their skills and knowledge which is beneficial not only for them but also for the organization.