Layoff and Strategic Downsizing Decisions Essay

INTRUDUCTION Downsizing is a permanent reduction of workforce through layoffs and other means. Organizations usually downsize to save payroll costs and prevent bankruptcy during tight economic conditions. Downsizing, when done right, makes the organization more efficient, lean, and mean .On the other side, a faulty approach to downsizing can cause the organization to run the risk of losing key talent and intellectual capital, and becoming dysfunctional by breakdown of hierarchies and systems. The criteria adopted for who stays and who goes largely determines the success of the downsizing intervention Many organizations, especially traditional ones, in a bid to ensure impartiality and objectivity adopt the LIFO or â€Å"Last in First Out† principle whereby those who joined the organization last become the first to leave. The rationale of making seniority the basis of downsizing is that newer employees have spent less time in the organization and are less committed or acquainted with the fin er nuances of its running. Also, the organization would have invested lesser time and resources training such employees compared to older employees. other organizations make the combination of competence and performance, or the ability to do required tasks well, the basis of retaining an employee during downsizing. A fresh performance appraisal should precede downsizing, or the last appraisal can be the basis for determining who goes and who stays. Those at the bottom of the appraisal list usually get the layoff notice first. While making performance the primary selection criteria for downsizing and restructure is apparently a just and equitable method, two major concerns remain The soundness and objectivity of the performance appraisal method adopted. A poorly designed performance appraisal method that does not assess the true indicators of performance might churn up a wrong list, causing the danger of the organization dispensing with true performers and retaining people who cleverly mask or cover up their in efficiencies. Whether the performance or competence ofthe employee remains relevant for the organization. The expendability of the person to the organization is another sound basis for determining the selection criteria for downsizing and restructure. This approach primarily considers the value added by the employee to the organization more than any other factor. Regardless of the performance of an  employee, an employee might remain critical for the functioning of the organization, or conversely not needed. For instance, with technology taking roots, most companies do not require specialist stenographers or typists, no matter how skilled or efficient they may be in their work. Similarly, closing down the marketing arm of the business and outsourcing the marketing effort might lead to the lay-off of all marketing executives, no matter how skilled or successful they may be. Organizations would, however, do well to identify people with good generic skills, and the right attitude and commitment, and retain them in other jobs even if the jobs they remain competent in become irrelevant to the organization. The commercial interests of the organization notwithstanding, legal considerations play an important role in determining who goes and who stays during downsizing. The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) requires employers to give employees, state and local officials a 60 days’ notice to mass layoffs when reducing their workforce by 33 percent or more, or laying off 500 employees within a 30-day period. WARN further requires employers of unionized employees to give the union 60 days’ notice before lay-off of their members, and provide individual notice to non-unionized employees. DEFINITION OF DOWNSIZING Downsizing occurs when a company permanently reduces its workforce. Corporate downsizing is often the result of poor economic conditions and/or the company’s need to cut jobs in order to lower costs or maintain profitability. Downsizing may occur when one company merges with another, a product or service is cut, or the economy falters. Downsizing also occurs when employers want to â€Å"streamline† a company – this refers to corporate restructuring in order to increase profit and maximize efficiency. Downsizing results in layoffs that are often followed by other restructuring changes, such as branch closings, departmental consolidation, and other forms of cutting pay expenses. In some cases, employers are not fired, but instead become part-time or temporary workers (to trim costs). ACTIVITIES OF DOWNSIZING It undertaken to improve organizational efficiency, productivity and competitiveness that affect the size of the firm’s workforce the costs and  the work processes. DOWNSIZING STRATEGIES: There are 3 types of strategies. These are below: 1.workforce reduction: 2.work redesign 3.systematic change 1. Workforce reduction: Typically a short term strategy aimed at cutting the number of employees through such programs as attrition, early retirement or voluntary severance packages and layoffs or terminations. Whils a number of these approaches allow for a relatively quick reduction of the workforce, the problem is that their impact is often short term and in many organizations. 2. Work redesign: Often a medium-term strategy in which organizations focus on work processes and assess whether specific functions, products and services should be changed or eliminated. this strategy which is frequently combined with workforce reduction, includes such things as elimination of functions, groups or divisions. 3. Systematic change: Long term strategy characterized by changing the organizations culture and the attitudes and values of employees with the ongoing goal of deducting costs and enhancing quality. By its very nature this strategy takes considerable time to implement. RESTRUCTURING HOW COMMON IS WORKFORCE REDUCTION AND?: The issue that comes up regularly involves how common workforce reduction in Canada. In a national study of major Canadian organization conducted in 1992 and in 1998, it was found that 56% of respondents permanently reduce the workforce over two year period ending in 1992, while 50% cut the number of employee during two year period prior to 1997-1998 about 31% of employee reduced in both 1992 and 1998 5% precent of organization did not engage in workforce. Three recent studies found 45% of participants reported that their organization permanently reduced workforce in two years. Among  organizations reducing the workforce average reduction was around 15% of the workforce. Similarly, when investing how the workforce reductions were carried out; combining the result from the studies revealed that about 355 of reductions were by attrition, 45% by voluntary severance or early retirement; and 40% by layoffs. Compared 1990s, these results suggest that organization s are relying less on layouts and more voluntary services. WHY DO ORGANIZATIONS DOWNSIZE? There are several reasons why organizational decide to downsize the workforce. Some of the factors most commonly mentioned include the following: Declining profits Business downturn or increased pressure from competitors Merging with another organization, resulting in duplication of effort Introduction of new technology The need to reduce operating costs The desire to decrease levels of management Getting rid of employee â€Å"deadwood† Simply put, many organizations engage in downsizing because managers believe that cutting people will result in reduced cost (with cost being more predictable than future and improved financial performance. In addition, labour cost is often seen as easier to adjust relative to other expenditures. Although executives often perceive that reducing the number of people in the organization will lead to lower overhead cost, reduced bureaucracy ,better communication, improved decision making, increased innovative activity and higher productivity, there is considerable evidence that workforce reduction programs often fail to meet their objectives, as has been observe by Cascio: Study after study shows that following a downsizing, surviving employees become narrow-minded, self-absorbed, and risk averse. Morale sink, producing drops, and survivors distrust management. Some organizations drastically reduce the workforce and employ a severe reduction strategy despite increasing demand and a favourable competitive enviroment.This development, which has been mentioned by HR managers in personal interview, may be due to a variety of reasons, including a decision to follow the lead of other firms engage in cutback management and increase awareness of the need of operate in a lean and mean  fashion. THE DOWNSIZING DECISION: For many organizations, going through a downsizing is a very painful and difficult experience. A 1994 article Business week profiled Robert Thrasher, executive vice-president at Nynex and the individual responsible for cutting labelled the â€Å"corporate assassin†. In speaking about downsizing Thrasher commented. This is tough, ugly work. The stress is palpable .I’m vilified throughout the company .that’s tough thing to carry around. â€Å"More recently, Robert Burtlon of Moore Corporation, when discussing his role in a cost cutting plan at a previous company, stated.† I don’t get frustrated any more. I just fire people.† Too often, organization embarks on a downsizing program without careful consideration of whether there are feasible alternatives to downsizing. Studies after study reveals that many downsizing are not well planned frequently ignore the linkage between downsizing and the strategic direction of organization, and underestimate the impact of downsizing on the organization and its human resource. ALTERNATIVES TO DOWNSIZING: Downsizing can be a costly strategy for organization to pursue and as a result, it is desirable to investigate whether alternatives to downsizing exis.In a number of instance, organizations discover that pursuing different alternatives to downsizing may eliminate the need to reduce the workforce or allow for a less severe downsizing strategy. Some of the alternatives include: 1. Cutting no personnel costs (e.g, through energy conservation, planned capital expenditures, leasing of capital equipment, reductions in travel or club memberships) 2. Cutting personnel costs (e.g, through a hiring freeze, job sharing, a reduction in work hours, reduced benefits, and wage concessions) 3.Providing incentives for voluntary resignation or early retirement Although this list is not complete, it emphasizes the need to consider other ways to manage costs within an organization One organization, road communications inc, asked each member of its staff to take one week of unpaid leave during the summer months. According to senior partner mia wedgbury , it let us keep our core team together while reducing cost. And  it went over well with the staff because it precluded layoffs. another organization acxion corporation cut the pay of each employee earning more than 25000 dollar by 5% but also gave the employee the option to by company stock that would be matched one-foe one by the firm INPLACEORMENT AND OUTPLACEMENT ISSUES: Outplacement Issues .Inplacement Refers To A Career Management Approach Inappropriately Placed Workers Into a Restructured organization ,while outplacement focuses on the provision of a program In Examining The Downsizing Decision, It Is Necessary To Consider Both Inplacement And of counseling and job-search assistance for workers who have been terminated. In making career management decisions, organizational decision makers may opt for an inplacement program or termination with outplacement In a survey of Canadian manufacturing firms completed in 2000, organizations that had gone through downsizing were asked to report on the benefits they provide to displace workers. These results are provided in figure11.2 .The most common benefits were severance pay, continuation of employee benefits, outplacement retraining assistance or family counseling PLANNING FOR DOWNSIZING: If downsizing is essential, the key issues that need to be considered: Determining how many people will lose their job and who will be let go (ie. based on seniority or performance) Determining how reduction will be carried out. For example, to what extent will the organization use attrition, early retirement or voluntary severance programs and layoff or termination. Its possible to consider the approach to workforce reduction from the perspective of employee? As indicated in figure 11.3,the approaches to workforce reduction vary in the degree of protection to employees and the cost to employee Determining the legal consequences. For example organizations often ignore or are unaware of legal requirements when downsizing the workforce .some areas of law to be aware of include the law of wrongful dismissal,employment  standards legislation, trade union law ,existing collective agreement provisions, and human right legislation. for instance, there may be a very narrow line between voluntary and involuntary termination, and with the termination of older workers, there exists a possibility of an age discrimination claim Designing current and future work plans .this issue represents a key challenge for the organization and is frequently neglected Implementing the decision. Implementation includes such elements as severance payments, outplacement counseling, the communication of the termination decision, timing if the decision, issues, and communications with remaining employees Performing follow-up evaluations and assessment of downsizing effort Figure 11.3 Approaches To Workforce Reduction Workforce Degree of Reduction protection to Implementation Approach Example Employee Time Attrition Hiring Freeze High Show Voluntary Early Retirement Redeployment Voluntary buyout Work sharing Involuntary Transfer Redeployment Demotion Imposed job sharing Layoff with Retraining Assistance job counseling Advance notice Layoff without Termination Low First Assistance No advance notice No Severance PROCESS OF DOWNSIZING: There are 6 processes. These are below: 1. Develop an RIF team to plot initial strategy. 2. Plan the goals and timing of the RIF. 3. Perform an overall workforce analysis. 4. Review employment policies, individual contracts of employment. 5. Ensure compliance with the Worker. 6. Special considerations for unionized employers. 1. Develop an RIF team to plot initial strategy: Nobody likes the prospect of a downsizing – especially employees who may feel particularly vulnerable to being laid off – and the mere mention of the word can trigger widespread hysteria and morale problems. At the early stages of the initial strategy phase, a company should limit discussion of downsizing to a trusted core of high-level management personnel and consultants. For large companies considering large-scale layoffs, the RIF team ideally should include the chief financial officer, the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, a senior-level human resources or employee relations executive, an upper-level payroll specialist, an employment law attorney, and a public relations consultant. 2. Plan the goals and timing of the RIF: The first task is to determine the magnitude of savings that need to be realized from a layoff. This task is part of an overall cost-cutting plan, which could implicate other costs and expenses in addition to those related to personnel. Second, the RIF team should consider ways to realize the desired savings, such as subcontracting; consolidation of divisions, operating units or functions; the sale of the company or a work unit; and shutdowns. 3. Perform an overall workforce analysis and an analysis of each proposed termination: The most complicated and difficult aspect of the RIF process is determining which employees will be laid off. The most common legal challenges to layoffs are administrative charges and lawsuits premised on discrimination based on age or other legally protected characteristics. Accordingly, it is crucial for an employer to be able to give legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for every termination decision. Those reasons need to be easy to articulate and logically consistent. 4. Review employment policies, individual contracts of employment, separation benefits and stock-option agreements under which affected employees may claim rights or benefits: The RIF team should perform a due-diligence review of potential liabilities and verify whether, by policy or contract, the company has limited its ability to lay off employees. Likewise, where a collective bargaining agreement or policy dictates a priority for reductions in force, or â€Å"bumping rights,† such procedures should be examined. The company should also review policies and agreements to determine eligibility for severance benefits and accrued benefits such as paid time off, vacation or sick leave. 5. Ensure compliance with the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification (WARN) Act: Generally, employers with 100 or more employees are subject to the WARN Act. Covered employers are required to give 60 days’ advance written notice of a â€Å"plant closing† or â€Å"mass layoff.† A â€Å"plant closing† is defined as the permanent or temporary shutdown of at least one facility or operating unit that results in an employment loss of 50 or more employees at a single site of employment. A â€Å"mass layoff† is a loss of employment at a single site of employment that affects at least 50 employees and one-third of the covered employer’s work force. a loss of employment of 500 or more workers at a single site of employment. Special considerations for unionized employers: The National Labor Relations Board maintains that, with certain exceptions, employers must bargain with employee representatives over the effects of  layoffs stemming from entrepreneurial decisions such as closing a plant or transferring bargaining-unit work. In the case of layoffs that do not constitute a business closing or a transfer of bargaining-unit work, employers generally must bargain over the effects of such decisions and, depending on contract language, the very decision to lay off employees. ADJUSTING TO JOB LOSS: Workers who have lost their jobs frequently experience tremendous pain. As well, job loss can be very difficult for family members. Furthermore, many downsized employees are very bitter and angry with their former employer. A U.S. study of downsized workers revealed that 67% would never work for their former company again, 54% would not recommend that others purchase the organization’s products or services, and 11% considered going to the media and talking about their layoff experiences. One can start adjusting to job loss by using a little psychology. There have been a lot of studies done on how to deal with loss. Psychologists have found that people often have an easier time dealing with loss if they know what feelings they might experience during the â€Å"grieving process.† Grief doesn’t usually overwhelm us all at once; it usually is experienced in stages. The stages of loss or grief may include: Shock — you may not be fully aware of what has happened . Denial usually comes next — you cannot believe that the loss is true. Relief then enters the picture for some, and you feel a burden has lifted and opportunity awaits. Anger often follows — you blame (often without reason) those you think might be responsible, including yourself. Depression may set in some time later, when you realize the reality of the loss. Acceptance is the final stage of the process — you come to terms with the loss and get the energy and desire to move beyond it. The â€Å"acceptance† stage is the best place to be when starting a job search, but you might not have the luxury of waiting until this point to begin your search. While some people may see a job loss as a challenge which opens up new opportunities, most associate job loss with strong negative emotions. It is important to know that it is natural to have some negative feelings (especially at first) after a job loss, and that most people experience  them. Here are some feelings and experiences that you may have after losing your job: Loss of professional identity: Professionals identify strongly with their careers. Unemployment can often lead to a loss of self-esteem. Being employed brings respect in the community and in the family. When a job is lost, part of your sense of self may be lost as well. Loss of a network: The loss may be worse when your social life has been strongly linked to the job. Many ongoing â€Å"work friendships† are suddenly halted. Old friends and colleagues often don’t call because they feel awkward or don’t know what to say. Many don’t want to be reminded of what could happen to them. Also, when work and social activities mix, such as with company picnics and dinner parties, the job loss can be hard for all family members who participated in such activities. Emotional unpreparedness: Those who have never been unemployed may not be emotionally prepared for job loss and may be devastated when it happens. It is natural and appropriate to feel this way. You might notice that some people you know don’t take their job loss as hard as you have taken it. They might be more prepared for this time of uncertainty. Studies show that those who change jobs frequently, or who are in occupations prone to cyclic unemployment, suffer far less emotional impact after job loss than those who have been steadily employed and who are unprepared for cutbacks. A number of organizational interventions and practices have been identified as helping previously employed workers adjust to job loss and secure new employment. They include the following: Advance notification of layoffs, which gives employees time to dent with the reality of job loss and to seek future employment. Severances pay and extended benefits, which provide an economic safety net. Education and retraining programs, which give individuals time to acquire marketable skills. Outplacement assistance to inform employees of new job opportunities and to improve their ability to â€Å"market† themselves. Clear, direct and empathetic announcement of layoff decisions. Consideration of HR planning practices that represent alternatives to large scale layoffs. There are some benefits of losing a job: Time to reflect Grow new ideas, direction and career plan Get out of a job that was substandard Spend more time with family and hobbies

Rhetorical Appeals Essay

A pet is defined as a domestic or tamed animal or bird kept for companionship or pleasure and treated with care and affection. Some people believe that pets are the most loyal friends you will ever have. Anyone who owns or has previously owned a type of pet, whether it be a dog, cat, fish, rabbit, or anything else, understands what it is like to have something so innocent depend on you. When purchasing a pet, you are taking on the responsibility of nurturing and caring for someone other than yourself. I chose a commercial by the ASPCA that raises awareness about animal abuse. The goal of the ASPCA is â€Å"to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.† I chose this commercial because I am an avid animal lover and I have both a dog and a cat at home. They are a part of my family, and I would never let anything bad happen to them or mistreat them. The thought of poor animals being abused or neglected for no reason at all disturbs me beyond belief. Why would someone choose to purposely abuse an innocent creature who has no way to defend itself, and has done nothing wrong? I do not understand people who do this. Through this essay, I want to state the reasons why I was attracted to this commercial and how it swayed me to support the association. Additionally, my goal for this piece is to represent how rhetorical appeals can be used not only in writing, but also in media. Even though this commercial is most likely geared more towards animal lovers, it does an excellent job of grabbing the attention of viewers who may not have a strong connection with animals in their own lives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eXfvRcllV8 ************** Rhetorical Analysis through Animal Cruelty Imagine that you are walking through the mall and notice the pet store on your way to the nearest Macy’s. In the window of the pet store you see two healthy, happy, golden retriever puppies waiting for someone to come take them to a permanent home. You are in awe of how adorable they are. Unfortunately, you cannot afford a puppy right at that moment, so you move forward with your errands at Macy’s. Later that day, as you are driving home, you drive through a neighborhood that is in poor shape. Out in the front yard of one of the houses, there is a fenced yard with a somewhat large dog standing in the grass. As you drive by, you notice that the dog is extremely skinny and you can see the dog’s rib cage through its skin. Also, the dog seems to be limping around the yard. Twenty minutes later, you finally arrive home and the image of the poor dog is still in the back of your mind. You think to yourself how anyone could possibly treat an innocent animal that way. In 2006, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) created a commercial starring famous singer/song writer, Sarah McLachlan, to raise awareness towards animal abuse and to raise money to help the thousands of mistreated animals in the United States. The commercial starts out with clips of abused animals and slides with facts about these animals, and then moves on to Sarah McLachlan giving a speech about the society and how it would be beneficial to donate money to the foundation. All three of the rhetorical appeals (pathos, ethos, logos, and kairos) are used in this commercial in order to sway the opinion of viewers towards being against animal cruelty and helping to save the lives of countless animals. The first two rhetorical appeals used in the ASPCA commercial are pathos and kairos. They are demonstrated in multiple ways throughout the commercial. The first emotional appeal that viewers will notice is the somewhat sad music in the background, which is Sarah McLachlan’s â€Å"Angel†. Just listening to this song will evoke sadness. This is because the lyrics of the song are mildly depressing, and an example of this would be the lyrics â€Å"You’re in the arms of the angel, may you find comfort here.† These lyrics are symbolic towards the commercial because the ASPCA would be considered the angel, and the animals who are saved by the foundation would be able to â€Å"find comfort† when they are rescued. The next element in the commercial is the slideshow of pictures and videos of abused animals that plays along with McLachlan’s song. These pictures show many different types of animals that have been physically abused and malnourished. The melancholy music, along with these images, cause viewers to feel for the animals and want to help them. Thus, using pathos to cause the viewers to lean towards helping these innocent creatures, instead of ignoring the issue. Kairos is used in the way that everything in the commercial has perfect timing. The music immediately starts playing, which effects viewer’s emotions. Every element of the commercial comes in at the perfect time and is organized in the right way to persuade viewers. Ethos is the next rhetorical approach used in persuading the viewers to help the ASPCA and to stand against animal-related violence. Famous singer/song writer, Sarah McLachlan, is featured in multiple ASPCA commercials and is a strong supporter of rescuing animals in need and helping to raise awareness about animal abuse and neglect. In the video, she is petting a yellow lab, giving the impression that she is an animal lover and wants to help them. Also, the music playing in the background is Sarah’s song referenced above, which adds sincerity to the commercial. â€Å"Angel† was not written specifically for the commercial, but because the meaning of the song is relevant to the ASPCA’s cause, it was used. Viewers who see a celebrity such as her representing this organization may be more inclined to donate to the ASPCA. Although, some might question whether or not McLachlan is an expert on the subject and if the information she gives is credible. Towards the end of the video, she says â€Å"that for just $18 a month, you can save many animals from their abusers.† Through this statement, she causes viewers to feel like they will make a difference and become heroes, if they donate their money. By emphasizing the price, McLachlan wants convey to viewers that just a small amount of money, can go a long way in helping the foundation. This is a prime example of ethos because McLachlan uses her music fame to encourage the audience to support the organization, even though she is not an expert concerning animal abuse. Logos is the final rhetorical approach that ASPCA uses in their anti-animal abuse commercials. Certain facts are listed in order to show that this organization has made a difference in order to rescue animals that are abused and/or neglected. However, these facts cause the logical appeal to be weak because they are quite broad and non-specific. For example, the commercial stated that in the last year, thousands of animals were rescued. Then, it continues to say that for thousands of other animals, help came too late. This statement proclaims that there is a large number of animals who need to be rescued and/or helped, but it does not give specific statistical evidence as to exactly how many animals are in need. The amount of animals listed that need rescued may seem exaggerated, because there is not a specific number given. Also, it could seem like a rhetorical fallacy. For those who need these facts in order to be convinced of an argument, this may cause the viewer to lose interest or not believe the information in the commercial. In conclusion, I chose this ASPCA commercial primarily because of the way it appealed to my emotions. I was immediately drawn in while watching it and could not look away. The strongest rhetorical element for this commercial is pathos because of the strong emotional relation it creates. Ethos is equally represented in the commercial as well because of the celebrity reputation of Sarah McLachlan and her starring role in trying to convince viewers to help out the ASPCA through donation. Kairos is also well embodied through the element of excellent timing, and how each part of the commercial fell into perfect rhythm. Logos is the weakest rhetorical appeal represented because the facts listed are not detailed and quite general. Accordingly, I would argue that this commercial is extremely effective in showing the general public the seriousness of animal abuse. And because of this, viewers are more inclined to contribute to the association.

American Films and Backhoe Operators

Case Analysis Jim worked as a laborer for a gas utility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. When the opportunity came to apply for a backhoe/front-end-loader operator job, he was excited. Three people applied. To select the one who would get the job, the company asked each of them to go out and actually work on the backhoe for a day. Jim felt his chance for the job disappear because he had never even driven a tractor, let alone used a backhoe. When he went out, he did not know how to start the tractor.One of the other backhoe operators had to show him. He managed through the day, and to his surprise, did better than the others. He was given the job. On his first day at the new job, one of the other backhoe operators showed him where to check the hydraulic fluid and said, â€Å"These old Masseys are foolproof. You will be okay. † Jim taught himself how to dig a hole by trial and error. He initially believed that the best way was to fill the bucket as much as possible before lifting it out o f the hole and emptying it.He would wiggle the bucket back and forth until it was submerged and then curl it. When it came out of the hole, the earth would be falling off the sides. This job was not so difficult after all, he thought. He cut through his first water line about two weeks after starting his new job. Going into a deep, muddy hole did not make the crew happy. After Jim cut through his third water line, the crew chief pulled him aside and said, â€Å"You are taking too much earth out with each bucket, so you don’t feel the bucket hitting the water line; ease up a bit. Water lines were usually six to eight feet down, so Jim would dig until about four feet and then try to be more careful. It was then that he pulled up some telephone lines that were only about three feet deep. Realizing that more was involved in operating a backhoe than he first had thought, he sought out Bill Granger, who was known to have broken a water line only twice in his 15 years. It was said that he was so good that he could dig underneath the gas lines—a claim that Jim doubted. Bill said, â€Å"You need to be able to feel any restriction.The way to do that is to have more than one of your levers open at the same time. Operating the bucket lever and the boom lever at the same time reduces the power and causes the machine to stop rather than cut through a line of any type. † Jim began to use this method but still broke water lines. The difference now was that he knew immediately when he broke a line. He could feel the extra pull, whereas in the past, he found out either by seeing water gushing up or by hearing the crew chief swearing at him. He was getting better. Jim never did become as good as Bill Granger.In fact, two years later, he applied for another job as gas repairperson and was promoted, but the training as a gas repairperson was not much better. Case Questions 1. What are the potential costs to this lack of training? Why do you think the company operated in this manner? 2. What type of training would you recommend: OJT, classroom, or a combination? Describe what the training might entail. 3. What type of training environment would you provide? 4. Who would you get to do the training, and why? 5. Would you consider purchasing a training program for backhoe operators? Provide your rationale.

Global Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

Global Marketing Strategy - Essay Example according to Oviatt & McDougall (1997) has also become easier through advancement in telecommunications, video conferencing as well as satellite technology. The location and logistical system of the country, its wide strategy of innovation and the proper organisation between the private and public sector creates a very friendly environment for companies that intend to operate in the country. In addition, good culture on creativity, coordination as well as reliability, exceptional economic conditions and a leading technology sector in terms of agro-food, the country is capable of providing the most important incentives for innovation and a choice for the business (Van der Meer 2007). Netherlands is suitable for the business since the country has a developed, prosperous and outward looking financial system that has recognition for having very stable industrial relations, modest rate of inflation and satisfactory equitable distribution of income in the country. Historically, government intervention in business activities has been very low. In addition, the workforce in the country is well educated, trained, flexible and highly motivated to produce the highest level of profitability in business operations. Above all, language barrier is not a serious problem since the country is one among the main multilingual in the globe (Arndt & Kierzkowski 2001). Having more than ten percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and more than twenty percent of the industrial exports, whole food is among the most profitable sectors in the country. The government recognises the whole food as one of the most important sectors in the country. The sector is one among those, which gets a priority from all private as well as public stakeholders with a combined strategic planning that aims at achieving social, sustainable as well as economic targets. The whole food chain, right from the seeds to the consumer, has an extremely strong appearance in the country (Tansey & Rajotte 2008). In

Exploring Professional Ethics in Accounting Dissertation

Exploring Professional Ethics in Accounting - Dissertation Example This paper illustrates that the number and the fiscal enormity of the corporate scandals and collapses of the late 1990s and early 2000s have inspired numerous theories about what went wrong, where the fault lies and with whom. Business points to the accounting profession whose mission is to audit the financial presentations of management and issue an opinion about the relative fairness of that presentation as whole. The accounting profession has pointed to the changing business environments and the conflicting demands that it has placed on the profession. The accountants have evolved from their role as the â€Å"watchdog† employed by ownership in the 19th century British corporate model to their own multinational corporations themselves representing the independent audit and attestation role, the tax advocacy role, a management consultative role, as well as the provider of many primary accounting and reporting services for clients. The pressures of business and market demands on independent public accountants as well as the conflicting roles that they are called upon to perform has led the profession to defend itself with a sorry â€Å"my clients made me do it† defense. The United States government has responded to these corporate scandals with the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This Act contains the most significant reformation of accounting and public reporting standards since the Securities Act of 1933 and the subsequent Securities Exchange Act of 1934. (Thomas, 2004). Intrinsic to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is the restructuring of public accounting firms that removes the confusion in the role required of the public accountant. In addition, however, the Act has mandated requirements of corporate ownership itself in the form of appropriately trained members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of each public firm restoring much of the responsibility for management’s deeds to owners. However, as Thomas (2004) states, t here are also significant mandates in ethical behaviors of both industry and public practitioners. But critics of and from both sides all seem to agree that the academy ultimately has an important responsibility of its lack of ethics education to those paraprofessionals in its business and accounting programs. Ghoshal (2003) stated that â€Å"faculty members need to own up to their own role in creating Enrons. It is their ideas that have done much to strengthen the practices they are all now so loudly condemning†. It is reiterated by Merritt (2003) who stated â€Å"to clean up ethics in corporations, you have to start at the beginning of a career. Business school, that is.† These quotes are a representative criticism of business and accounting faculty members offered by many in the literature and popular press. It is that criticism of the academic programs and their teaching faculty that has inspired significant activity in business programs to incorporate ethics into the curriculum. 1.1 Background of the Study The demands for improvement in the ethics education of students preparing to enter the fields of both public and corporate practice have become strident as the reality of business and accounting standards are increasingly at odds with each other. The accounting profession is required to legitimize itself in a way that will restore public confidence in its primary mission. The perception of the role of the CPA according to the Securities Exchange Commission as well as the general public is to serve as a trustworthy guardian of the public interest regarding the proper presentation of financial reports of publicly traded companies. In fact, Briloff (2002) referred to the SEC requirement for an independent auditor’s attestation of companies’ financial statements as an exclusive â€Å"franchise† to the profession. However, in turn, that franchise obligates CPAs to fulfill their

Refusal Memorandum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Refusal Memorandum - Essay Example Although, the problem was to meet the customer demand due to the stiff competition in the construction company business, the business has been effectual and hardworking for last few years. The high competition in the market contributed much in fashioning the new program that we hope will help to reduce this problem, and assist in developing skills that will advance the relationship with other business. Our aim is to look for good helpers enthusiastic to work with us to provide superior services to our client without any political interference from external sources. The main principles of the Dawson and Engels are to be economically beneficial to the community and not to participate in the political activities that can influence productivity of the company or give an unconstructive impression to our colleagues. The motives of the CNV are worth implementing into our company, but some ideas such as protesting in military decisions and peace camps can be politically threatening to Dawson and Engels. The connotation of the program is to give a positive result to the volunteers endeavors and not to highlight negative intentions of our program, that why CNV effort will not be integrated into Dawson & Engels program. The Center for Non-violence viewpoints was exceptionally remarkable, and we appreciably value your participation. However, we would like you to come up with some more suggestion that can be fundamental to both companies without putting any of us at risk. The company entirely supports our employees’ effort and encourages you and any other willing participant to contribute in the volunteer opportunities available in Dawson & Engels Company that will benefit the society. From: Lauren Bernoskie, Meaghan Gaynor, Ting Wang To: Adina Sanchez-Garcia Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 11:21 AM Subject: Case Analysis Dear Ms. Sanchez Garcia, Analysis is a tool that concentrates mostly on the fundamental features of the practice. It shows that our standpoints cont ribute to certain views about the business, our partners and ourselves. The analysis include discussion of views in which, through our use of language, we are not capable of not only displaying who we are, but also how we want people to understand our principles (Paltridge, 2006). The program analysis commenced when our group lied down different proposals from the best volunteers option of Dawson & Engels program. Our group was chosen to give a systematic way of selecting the best volunteers who will take part in the company program in the community. The task was hard, but we were after the productivity and the superior image of the Dawson & Engels, that why we first selected the major areas that was necessary in the analysis. After we were through with highlighting what was fundamental in our analysis, and what we thought was necessary to write a refusal memorandum to the volunteers, we started our analysis from listed point for appointment and refusal requirements. The analysis in tended to discuss why CNV, one of the volunteers in our program, was not an appropriate support for the program. Meaghan who was a member in our group concluded that the CNV was not suitable because their focus would bring a political threat to the company. He pointed out that since the main principles of the company are to maintain peace to the community at all the cost, the founders would not

Introduction to Economics Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Introduction to Economics Assignment - Essay Example Free Market Economy is also characterized by the rights of individuals to buy and hold private property (Lipsey & Chrystal 2003). This characteristic is an incentive for both buyers and producers. It allows both buyers and producers to make bold and brave decisions. Since producer knows that he can own land, capital and other factors of production, he invests money into the system. Buyers also know that they can acquire goods, property or other thing of value now and can either consume it or store it for future consumptions. This moves the wheels of the economy and leads to equilibrium quantity demand and quantity supplied in the market. It also leads to price adjustments in the economy at a point where the motives of the buyers meets the motives of the sellers or producers. This is also called market creation or market searching. Market searching is the process when the market is trying to adopt or settle at the equilibrium price. Eventually market settles down at equilibrium becaus e in over priced market supply is greater than demand which eventually leads to price going down. If the market is under priced demand is going to be higher than supply and this will result in price hike and eventually equilibrium will be reached. Free Market Economies encourage the process of market searching through market forces working without any intervention from government or other control factors. (Brue & McConnell 2006) Adam Smith also pointed out an interesting phenomenon in the system. He laid the foundations for the concept of â€Å"Invisible Hand† in the free market economy. He was referring to the fact that everything changes in response to the movement in prices. In essence, he was telling the world that in order to achieve their own motives, buyers and producers end up doing good for the system. This interesting fact can be explained in the following example. When a person earns income in this system, he spends it on his necessities, needs and wants. The money spent in the economy changes hand and transfers from the hand of the person spending the money to the producers of goods and services wanted by that person. This encourages producers of these goods and services to employ more resources and produce more goods and services. This leads to employment generation in the economy and when people are employed they tend to invest and save more. This leads to further employment generation and the cycle continues. The focus in this example is on the trickledown effect in the Free Market Economy. Many countries where the socialism dominated previously have realized the importance of Free Market Economic System and are opening up themselves for more private investment and encouraging the development of private entrepreneurs that will provide the impetus for high economic growth rates. The debate here is not about how good or bad the free market system, but it is more about why aren’t countries adopting the model of free market economy in its perfect sense. Even USA is not a totally Free Market Economy. Government controls and regulates the economy in the United States of America as well. The reason for this is simple. Extremism in any system is bad. If a system is totally dominated by private sector without any government regulation of the economy, then there are chances that private businesses might exploit the resources, consumers and the environment. This would lead

History J4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History J4 - Essay Example During the period that Ogier wrote his letters, the Ottoman Empire was trying to expand its territory. The Janissaries were dressed in robes that went down to their ankles and cowls which they used to cover their heads. Their main role in the Ottoman Empire was to secure the empires borders and protect it against any invasion. Ogier also states in his letter that they were used to protect the Jews and the Christians from mob violence. They also helped maintain law and order in the empire as Ogier states that they protected people from outrage and wrong. The empire had 12,000 Janissaries. People in and without the empire are terrified of the Janissaries (Foster and Daniel, 1881). The Janissary was made up of Christian boys who were subjected to strict rules and discipline. In their empire expansion activities, the Ottoman Empire took slaves. These slaves were either sold or recruited into the elite army known as Janissaries. They were mostly chosen from Balkan and Anatolian Christians. Jews and boys of Turkish origin were not recruited into the Janissary. Janissaries were recruited from the children of Christians who had been enslaved by the Ottoman Empire. Since the empire was Islamic, the Sultan was not allowed to enslave Muslims hence their exclusion from recruitment into the Janissary. The Janissaries were recruited under strict conditions; they were not allowed to keep a beard, to marry and only be soldiers and nothing else. They were recruited every 5 years and were taken in by Turkish families and taught Turkish, its customs and the rules of the Islam faith. They were mainly sought because the Sultan could not enslave Muslims, so the Ottoman Empire so urced them from their Christian subjects. Due to their strict training, the Janissaries were disciplined. Ogier writes in his letter that patience, self-denial and thrift enabled the

DB Reply 2 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DB Reply 2 - Coursework Example The HR in any organization is thus required to ensure comfortable working environments for individuals in this two categories. The identification of poor performance is an integral part of government policy. In various workplaces, there should be a known way to measure performance. While dealing poor performance, the supervisors are required to be careful so as to ensure there is no discrimination. The HR is therefore required to point out the various instances of poor performance before reprimanding the employee. The equal pay act requires that men and women in the same work description receive equal pay. This includes both the salary and the bonuses. Many women have experienced discrimination in their work area because of their gender. Any individual identified to have violated this act should be sued. This is important since all the employees should be considered because of their skills and not the gender. The welfare of the employees is the core duty of the HR. They should ensure equity and transparency in the work place. This will help give employees the motivation to keep performing well in their various

Knowledge in American History Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Knowledge in American History - Term Paper Example These amendments were pivotal in the history of African Americans and along with the 20th century Civil Rights movement constitute the most crucial periods in terms of freedom for African Americans. Even as the Constitution guaranteed rights to African Americans there was still a substantial amount of resistance, particularly at the hands of Southern states. This era saw the rise of the Ku Klux Klan as a means of oppressing African Americans. The Klan would engage in acts of terrorism, including house burnings and murder, as a means of intimidating African Americans. The Civil Rights Act of 1871 was put in place to restrict ethnic violence in response to the Ku Klux Klan movement (Stevens, 2001). During this period ‘black codes’ were also enacted as a means of attempting to oppress the recently freed African Americans. These acts were enacted by some Southern states as a means of continuing to restrict the rights of African Americans through controlling employment, their right to own firearms, or act as jurors in trials of white individuals. With the Civil Rights Act of 1866 these acts were repealed (Stevens, 2001). With the added control over employment and the plentiful agricultural land in the Southern regions, African Americans began engaging in sharecropping activities. Sharecropping occurred on land that was previously used as a plantation. In these instances, African Americans would rent small plots of land from the plantation owner to harvest their own crops. During this period there were also extraordinarily high illiteracy rates among African Americans, with a reported 70% illiteracy rate in the Southern states (Stevens, 2001). In response, this era also witnessed the emergence of some of the first schools for black... This term paper mostly focuses on the period of American history, in which African Americans led their fight for equality in civil rights, in knowledge and opportunities. The researcher follows and examines the historical progression of African Americans throughout five distinct periods in American history spanning from 1865 through the present era. In the term paper, it’s clear that throughout the eras examined by the researcher the United States experienced significant historical progress in regards to the social and cultural position of African Americans. Unit One examines the Reconstruction period and how African Americans fought to achieve rights and prosperity in the wake of the Civil War. Unit Two of this term paper follows this progression as Southern states attempted to counteract black progress through enacting Jim Crow laws that would remain in place until the second half of the twentieth century. Unit Three explores the continued oppression of blacks through Jim Cr ow laws, as well as the Great Migration wherein great amounts of individuals migrated north to escape this oppression. The Great Migration consisted of the migration of over five million African Americans from the Southern to Northern States. Unit Four of the term paper examines the substantial progress made during the Civil Rights Movement. Finally, Unit Five examines this progress as African Americans made gains in achieving political office and experiencing employment gains. President Kennedy and Martin Luther King were mentioned in this part.

Earth's Lithosphere Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Earth's Lithosphere - Essay Example All these calamities are associated with changes in climatic conditions across the world. Scientists have not rested in imploring the cause and the solutions of these tragedies. For that case, this paper will discuss the concepts of greenhouse effect and global warming and their collective effects on the climate of the world. The paper will also pay specific focus to Wabash watershed and longitudinal effects of greenhouse and global warming on this surrounding. Introduction Greenhouse effect refers to a situation whereby temperatures of the earth increases due to reflection of terrestrial radiation by green gases found in the atmosphere. Global warming refers to the increase in earth’s temperature occasioned by the accumulated heat on the atmosphere of the earth. Greenhouse effect and global warning are interdependent considering that global warming occurs as a result of greenhouse effect. When the greenhouse gases reflect back terrestrial radiation on the atmosphere of the ea rth, the surface of the earth gets warmed more rapidly there increasing environmental temperature. Greenhouse effect in line with global warming has caused unrest among the scientists to the potential threats that are related tom the two environmental principles. Scientists have since discovered those long-term greenhouse effects will insurrect the temperatures of the earth thereby resulting to unfavorable climatic changes. In the views of Oxlade (2006), greenhouse effect is caused by the presence of particular natural green gases in the atmosphere of the earth. Scientists discoveries unveils that the presence of the natural green gases (carbon dioxide and water vapor) in the atmosphere is significant to the relative temperatures of the earth. The natural green gases are the ones that trap terrestrial radiation in mild form, which in turn maintains the temperatures of the earth. Absence of such gases in the atmosphere would result to low temperatures that would be insignificant to l ife of human beings and other organisms (Oxlade, 2006). However, the main bone of contention and center of controversies arises from the increase in volume of these gases in the atmosphere and the associated risks. Maslin (2007) ascertains that human activities since the beginning of industrial revolution have escalated the volume of the gases in the atmosphere, which in turn has resulted into global warming. According to Maslin (2007), human activities that involve burning of carbon fuels have tragically increased the concentration of carbon dioxide and other gases like nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere. Maslin (2007) elucidates that accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere and their merger with atmospheric moisture has resulted into the formation of perceived partial blanket that reflects back long wave radiation from the surface of the earth. Excess accumulation of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has also contributed into depletion of the ozone layer that made of thr ee elements of oxygen gas responsible for the absorption of toxic solar radiation. Oxlade (2006) demonstrates that increased rate of deforestation has is one of the uncontrolled human activities that have led to increased levels of chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. It is scientifically approved that trees and green vegetations found on the surface of earth play a critical in the absorption of carbon dioxide gases. Depletion of trees and natural vegetations will therefore lead to

Relationship Between Religious Beliefs Essay Example for Free

Relationship Between Religious Beliefs Essay ‘The relationship between religious beliefs, religious organisations and social groups is complex and diverse. Different groups have different needs and priorities.’ To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view? Statistics show that women have a greater participation rate in religious organisations than men. Women are more likely to express a greater interest in religion, to have a stronger personal faith and believe in life after death. They are more likely to involve themselves in religious rituals and worship, for example, attend religious services and lead a more religious life generally. There are many sociological explanations as to why women are more religious than men. Firstly, Miller and Hoffmann suggest that gender socialization means females are brought up to be more compliant, obedient and nurturing than males. They state that women are more involved with feelings, co-operation and caring for others. However, Walter and Davie see women as more exposed than men, to the ups and downs and changes of life. This is because of their biological involvement through childbirth, and through their greater participation in paid caring jobs, for example as teachers, nurses, social workers. Davie suggests that these factors give women a closer association with birth and death than men, and these are also central issues for many religions. They make women more aware of the helplessness of human life, and more familiar to the spiritual dimensions for human existence. Women are also more likely to turn to religion as a result of feeling deprived; they are more likely to experience poverty, family problems, less self confidence and less power. This means they turn to religion for comfort, particularly in religious sects and new religious movements which provide theodicies explaining their feelings, as well as solutions and support. Status frustration may be experienced by some women, who lack personal fulfilment or status as a result of being restricted to the home by the constraints of housework and childcare, or are in unsatisfying lower-middle-class jobs, which are mainly done by women. Religious participation, particularly in religious sects or new age cults, may help to overcome or compensate for this. Due to women staying at home for child care or having part time jobs, some would argue that this allows women to have far more spare time to be able to attend religious groups, therefore increasing their attendance. Statistics show women’s attendance to religious organisations are higher than men’s, however some Marxist  feminists such as Bevoir and Bird argue that religion is used to oppress women. The view that religion has negative consequences for women is conveyed in the study by Bevoir, who sees religion as patriarchal and oppressive. She supports the Marxist perspective and suggests that religion is oppressive and serves to control and reimburse the second class status given to woman. Which is similar to Marx’s viewpoint on the polerteriants who believe religion gives women a false belief that they will be compensated for their suffering on earth by equality in heaven. This argument suggests that religion is patriarchal therefore it is inevitable that it will end up having negative consequences for women. According to feminists there are countless example of patriarchy which have been used to control and later oppress women. Places of worship show this as they often segregate the sexes. An example of this is the Jewish synagogue in which women are placed behind screens separate from the men who in turn are situated in the main centre space. This highlights the marginalisation between the men and women. Although there are some rising female readers of religion, scriptures were first and foremost written and interpreted by men and it is men that are the head of the churches in Islam and Catholicism. This could mean that many values and ideologies such as wearing the Burka, beatings, female circumcision and bans on contraception may have been misinterpreted for men’s gain and passed on through generation to generation. May religious women are still not permitted to become priests or are only allowed to work themselves up to a certain level before they hit a religious ‘glass ceiling’, identifying where they want to be, but not being able to reach it due to the constraints set upon them. On the other hand, there are views to suggest that women are no longer oppressed in religion. For example, many cults are run by women and Paganism, from which many New Age religions originate, remains the most female-friendly approach to religion with a strong feminist element, where God is a mixture of male and female, and strong female leadership is common. Individuals seem to develop a greater attachment to religion as they grown older. Religious belief is lowest among those under 34, and highest among those over age 55. Young people are not only less likely to participate in mainstream religious activity than older people; more than half of them say they don’t regard themselves as religious at all, as shown in such studies as the British  Social Attitudes survey and the European Values study. There are three main reasons as to why older people might be more religious than the younger generation. The first being disengagement. This means that as people get older, they become detached from integrating mechanisms of society, such as participation in workplaces through paid employment. Older people may face increasing social isolation as partners and friends die. Participation in religious organisations provides a form of social support in this situation, and a network of people to relate to. The second is religious socialization, where older people are more likely to have a greater emphasis places on religion through the education system and socialization in the family when they were younger. Lastly, ill health and death. Older people tend to be faced with declining health, and death looms on the horizon. These are the very things that religion concerns its self with. The aging process and disengagement from society may therefore generate an engagement with religion for comfort, coping, meaning and support. Young people are less religious in terms of their expressed religious belief in surveys and their participation in mainstream religions, however this may be because these are simply being expressed in new, private ways which are difficult to record in surveys. Lynch suggests that young people may be running away from conventional ideas of religion as they can now go ‘spiritual shopping’. This involves an increasing exposure and accessibility to a diversity range of religious and spiritual ideas. This has encouraged new ways of exploring religion and spirituality. Young people may be choosing to take of their religion, of whatever faith or mix of beliefs, as a private matter. Davie expressed this in the words ‘believing without belonging’. This is where individuals may have a belief in something, however they do not chose to practice this belief. Secular spirituality and the sacred, Lynch suggested that young people may not have lost all religiosity , but that is simply finding new forms, many of which are associated more with the secular and non-religious world than with religious as it is currently understood by most people. Pragmatic reasons also mean there are a range of possible more practical or pragmatic explanations for the decline of religious belief and commitment amongst young individuals. Leisure activities have become a much bigger part of life, and shops and pubs all open for very long hours, including Sundays. Young people have more demands on their time and they may  simply have more interesting ad enjoyable things to do.

Consumer behaviour regarding luxury product consumption

Consumer behaviour regarding luxury product consumption From guilt-free fair-trade products and free-range eggs, to cruelty-free shampoo and chemical-free paint, a revolution seems to be occurring in wealthy capitalist societies. And this is happening not at the margins of society but at its heart, in the shopping centers and homes of ordinary people (Lewis and Potter, 2010). Mainstreaming of ethical concerns around consumption is on the rise and companies are extending their fair-trade range over more products, in a bid to catch the ethical consumer. But is this phenomenon also apparent in luxury product consumption? The discussion in this paper is aimed towards analyzing the role of ethics in the luxury industry where consumption, to much extent, is based on hedonistic values. It is also quite uncertain whether luxury brands actually target ethical consumers. The role of ethics in luxury product consumption is complex and thus requires an intricate analysis. This paper will initially discuss about ethical consumerism as a whole. Comparing and contrasting various research studies and surveys; it will present the current global trends in consumer behaviour. Moving into the luxury sector, it will analyze the values and motivations behind luxury product consumption and examine if sustainable development can co-exist with luxury products. Finally, it will highlight some of the steps big luxury groups such as BVLGARI, LVMH and Versace are taking to integrate ethics into consumption by working on issues such as animal welfare, child labour, education and environmental protection. The question arises whether these measures motivate consumer behaviour de facto. This paper will demonstrate that consumer motivations behind luxury purchases are hedonism and social recognition, rather than ethical values. Purchase of a product that concerns a certain ethical issue such as human rights, animal welfare, child labour or environment protection can be termed as ethical consumption (Doane, 2001). In general, ethical consumption is reflected when a consumer feels responsible towards society and expresses these feelings by means of his or her purchase behaviour (De Pelsmacker, Driesen and Rayp 2005). Consumers can translate their ethical concerns by either buying products that contribute towards ethical concerns or by boycotting products that are unethically produced. Ethical consumers are therefore aware of the consequences of production, consumption and disposal, and expect companies, producing the products they buy, to conform to ethical standards. Recent studies indicate that consumers increasingly care about ethics while purchasing regular household goods and are willing to pay a premium for socially acceptable products (Auger, Burke, Devinney and Louviere, 2003). For example, they prefer to buy fair-trade coffee, organic foods, products free from child labour and legally logged wood. The Edelman Goodpurpose consumer survey (2010) shows that 86% of global consumers believe that business needs to place at least equal weight on societys interests as on businesss interests. According to the survey, emerging markets have taken the lead consumers in Brazil, India, China and Mexico have outpaced their peers in the west in purchasing and promoting brands that support good causes. Hence, there is cultural variation in behavioural intentions, but the group of consumers most interested in socially responsible products is growing across the world. The Edelman study also suggests that after 4Ps Product, Price, Placement and Promotion, Purpose is the 5th P of marketing. In order to retain their customer base, marketers need to understand and act on the social issues that matter to their customers and are a best fit to their business. Whilst a lot is indicated about increasing socially conscious consumer attitude, it does not reflect in actual consumer behaviour. Research indicates that a consumer attitude towards making ethical purchases is more positive than behaviour (De Pelsmacker, Driesen and Rayp 2005). For example, Cotte and Trudel (2010) demonstrate that 44% consumers indicated an intention to change their buying behaviour to consume ethical products, however only 18% actually did. General ethical attitude or even surveys intent on measuring consumption ethics are almost completely unrelated to actual behaviour since there is pressure to answer in a socially desirable way (Auger and Devinney, 2007). So consumer purchasing behaviours are not nearly as high as these attitudes would predict (Carrigan and Attalla, 2001) and consumers will buy responsible products only if quality, performance and prices are equal (Deloitte, 2008). This ubiquitous attitude behaviour gap is due to various factors. It may be the consumers perception of having to compromise on attributes such as convenience and quality of the product they value (Roberts, 1996) or could be the lack of knowledge about the firms ethical behaviour. Consumers are more aware of a firms unethical behaviour and rather have little knowledge about its ethical initiatives (Carrigan and Attalla, 2001). Another reason is widespread consumer scepticism and cynicism (Roberts, 1996). Marketers who try to oversell their firms offering as better on socially conscious dimensions, risk being accused of what is now called green washing (Cotte and Trudel, 2009). Hence, the most important factors affecting buying decision are still price, quality, convenience, and brand. Therefore, there is clearly a lack of conclusive and empirical evidence that consumers will pay more for socially responsible products (McWilliam and Siegal, 2000), but at least there seems to be a constant effort by both consumers and companies to be ethically conscious in consumption and production respectively. There is a trend towards more consumer activism with respect to the social behaviours of organizations, especially large and well-known multinational corporations (Auger, Burke, Devinney and Louviere, 2003). Despite the ethical markets strong growth, consumers have blasted Nestlà ©, Coca-Cola, Cadbury, McDonalds and Tesco for failing to do enough to champion ethical values, according to new market research (Britton, 2010). But traces of such efforts can rarely be found in the luxury sector. It is observed that for higher priced products, only those consumers, who have a strong favourable attitude towards charity, are ready to pay the premium (Anderson and Cunningham, 1972) . In order to verify this behaviour, it is important to explore the motivations behind luxury purchases. Analyzing consumers perception of luxury products, a survey conducted by Synovate (2009) demonstrates, 35% people feel that luxury is everything over and above what is needed and 17% associate luxury as a lifestyle. Whether consumers define luxury as a feel of cashmere on their skin, the joy of time to spend as per their wish or the pleasure of showing off their success, actually depends on where they live. For example, in developing countries like India and Brazil, luxury is about flashing your wealth with big designer logos, its away of life. Whereas in countries like France, where people are certainly hedonistic, and enjoy the small pleasures like a good smell, or the softness of a scarf, and of course cooking and eating, luxury is about making them feel good and not about flaunting a brand. Luxury purchases are motivated by hedonistic values associated with instant gratification (Szmigin, Carrigan and OLoughlin, 2007). These values stimulate a consumer to purchase a $3500 Louis V uitton bag whose function is the same as a handbag at $250. Essentially, at the core of luxury consumption are three key motivations: indulgence, exclusivity and status. Danziger (2004) highlights two reasons behind buyer behaviour to solve problems and to make them feel good. She classifies consumer purchases into 4 categories Utilitarian, indulgences, lifestyle luxuries and aspirational luxuries, each motivated by different values (represented at the ends of each axis in fig.1). Utilitarian purchases include items such as blenders, food processors and microwaves, which essentially focus on practicality. Indulgences represent lifes little luxuries that provide emotional satisfaction and which consumers can buy without guilt. Cosmetics, entertainment products, games and costume jewellery are appropriate examples. Lifestyle luxuries are luxury cars (Mercedes, BMW), designer clothes (Armani, Ralph Lauren), Watches (Rolex). They are extravagant and provide material satisfaction, along with the prestige and image conferred by the brand. And finally there are aspirational luxuries that have no practical need and are purchased largely for the pure joy of owning them. Theses include Art, antiques, vintage collectibles, yachts, fine jewellery, etc. Consumers buy these items to make a statement about them in society, express their values, interests and passions. Fig1: Consumer purchase categories and motivations behind each Having discussed that a consumer buys anything to satisfy a concrete need, in purchasing luxury items, the act of consuming, rather than the product itself, satisfies this need (Danzigner, 2004). In fact, tracking the roots of luxury product consumption and marketing, we find it to be based on sheer unethical values (Sylvester, ND). Back in the 1840s in Manchester England (The worlds richest city then), the cotton mill owners were at the top of the social ladder and usually showed off their wealth at dinner parties where they served wine instead of beer and the wealthier class served champagne. For the most affluent class this was a problem as champagne was no longer exclusive. As a solution, the French marketers, keeping the product unchanged, created a much more expensive drink called vintage champagne. The rich mill owners were flocked to it. Hence, within a few years, the world was buying more bottles at higher prices. The anecdote above is a good example that shows how the concept of luxury is based on un-ethical selling and consumption, of which marketers are well aware. This view is supported in the 21st century as marketing strategist, Sergio Zyman (2000), provides in his book, the end of marketing Marketing is how to sell more things to more people more often for more money. In fact, French marketers are the leaders in marketing luxury brands and even the puritan roots and guilt dont prevent them from behaving in unashamedly elitist ways and producing items that no ordinary person will ever be able to afford. Marketers are concentrating their efforts on selling things that people dont need, but want. Different values that motivate consumers to make a low value purchase as compared to a luxury purchase. Empirical evidence suggests that materialism is negatively correlated with consumer behaviour, i.e. unethical behaviour is associated with greater amounts of materialism (Barrett, 1992 cited in Muncy and Eastman, 1998). The more materialistic consumers might be willing to bend ethical rules to gain possessions and when faced with an ethical choice, the acquisition of the goods may begin to take primacy over ethical values (Muncy and Eastman, 1998). Thus, the factors that may cause a person to be more materialistic may also cause him or her to be less ethical. In fact, marketers may have self-interest in encouraging materialism. Even if we consider that some people do behave ethically while purchasing luxury products, their decisions are not necessarily dependent on ethical values. People, while shopping in public, like to be seen as altruistic and thus are more likely to choose green products, that maybe expensive and low quality but benefit the environment (Griskevicius, Tybur and Van den Bergh, 2010; Telegraph, 2010). So their purchases are often motivated by status, especially when these products cost more relative to non-green products. The Toyota Prius is a prime example of a self-promoting mobile billboard for environmentalist beliefs. A compact hybrid Sedan with moderate features and performance, considered a Green product due to high fuel efficiency. In a survey, 40% of hybrid owners indicated that they bought a green car as an alternative to a traditional luxury car such as a BMW (Griskevicius, Tybur and Van den Bergh, 2010). Yet, the top five reasons why the Prius was so successful and environmental conservation was last on the list (Maynard, 2007). The number 1 reason was, that it made a statement about the consumer, a statement that the owner cares about the environment. So consumers are willing to spend on ethical products but at the cost of earning a public status or reputation. In the privacy of ones home, luxury and comfort is still the winner (Griskevicius, Tybur and Van den Bergh, 2010). Having discussed that hedonism and materialism as motivators of luxury purchases, it is evident that sustainability and luxury are quite incompatible terms. To drive a Rolls Royce, a Bentley or a Mercedes S Class would radiate a message that the owner couldnt care less about gas overconsumption and the warming of the atmosphere (Kapferer, 2010). Luxury is about excellence: more than any other, luxury brands guarantee zero risk. Now there are more and more pressures from lobbies and animal defense groups to forbid testing skin care products on animals. But without testing, the brand cannot ensure that its product is harmless for consumers. If all fashion luxury brands adopt a minimalist look, they would lose all capacity to differentiate and thus lose their integrity. Elliott and Freeman (2001 cited in Belk, Devinney and Eckhardt, 2005) found relatively high price elasticity of demand for products made under bad labour conditions but low price elasticity for products made under good conditions, implying that companies can potentially lose from having their products identified as being made under bad conditions but have little to gain from marketing their products as being made under good conditions. Modern revelations of how Prada and Dolce Gabbana bags were being stitched by clandestine Chinese workers in workshops-costing a mere à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬20 to produce, have signaled the need of ethical behaviour in manufacturing, in order to retain customers. Luxury brands are advancing fast to meet the demands of sustainable development. Some brands are actually working on philanthropic endeavors, but their motive is not quite clear. For example, since 2009, BVLGARI has raised more than 6 million Euros to support Save the Childrens quality education programs and are hosting several special events to support quality education for the worlds neediest children (Bvlgari, 2010). LVMH has been auditing its carbon imprint since 2004 and has taken as a managerial motto the four words: renew, recycle, reduce, and review (Kapferer, 2010). The same holds  true for Tiffany. Dior (LVMH) gets their handbags made in Italy (excellent leather suppliers and their know-how that produces less CO2 than if it was made in China) and the leather comes from bio farms. Versace has an Art Unites initiative where the brand makes one-of-a-kind handbags out of each work of art drawn by a child. The bags are sold for about $250 through its global boutiques and all p roceeds go to childrens foundation or other charities. Having analyzed the extent to which consumers value ethics in the luxury sector, as well as explored the same issue from the perspective of the luxury companies, one can conclude that that people care more about ethics if the people around them can recognize them for doing so. There is a big attitude behaviour gap that demonstrates that consumers still make important purchase decisions on the basis of price, quality and durability of product rather than ethics. Thus, the intentions of both consumers and producers are to some extent unethical in its roots and motivated by further recognition to be doing whats right rather than for the outcome and effect of those ethical decisions on the people that they are benefitting. What is evident is that firms have realized that need of ethical conduct to retain its customers if not gain more.

Communicating within the Learning Disabilities | Reflection

Communicating within the Learning Disabilities | Reflection

Jurassic Park Essays -- essays papers

Jurassic Park The author is Michael Crichton, and the book is The Lost World. Many people have read this book, along with its predecessor, Jurassic Park, and many people have been enthralled with the thought of living dinosaurs in the 20th century. â€Å"What if the dinosaurs did not become extinct? What if they still exist?† (The Lost World takes off a couple years after the first book. A separate island is discovered, an island where the dinosaurs were actually created. There are two different research groups sent to the island. One to observe the dinosaurs in the wild and the other to bring them back for research purposes. The fighting starts from there. What many people don’t know, is that these books, along with countless other Crichton works, contain many of the same themes. One of these themes is that Technology will backfire if it is taken for granted. Also, he says that power corrupts those who possess it. Chaos and randomness rule the world. Nothing can be predicted, and nothing is as it seems. Last and not least, mother nature sits above all else. Technology plays a key role in many parts of society in today’s world. Computers run everything from huge assembly lines to the light switch. Some hard-core proof that technology will backfire is the Year 2000 bug (Y2K). The Y2K bug will make many computers not work properly, and in many cases, they will shut down completely. The problem stems back some 50 years, to when the first computers were being ma...

Communication Encourages Learning Essay -- Education Teaching Papers

Communication Encourages Learning The classroom needs to be an open forum in which students and teachers are allowed and encouraged to share opinions and experiences. When this communication breaks down the learning environment also fails. I remember being in the first grade and one of the students in our class was trying to say something to the teacher. Obviously this was not a real stimulating conversation as we were only in the first grade. When the student started talking the teacher became irritated and told the student to stop talking. The student tried again to say something to the teacher, at this point the teacher went ballistic yelling and screaming for the class to be quite and not talk. This teacher proceeded to place the student in the corner to punish her, when the student again tried to say something to the teacher, the teacher tied her to her chair and ordered everyone in the room to stay silent. Observing this display had an enormous effect on all the people in that room. We as students felt that we did not have anything of value to say, and therefore should not speak up. We also learned a fear of reactions that may come by expressing what we had to say. Fortunately since this experience I have not encountered another such teacher, and have had teachers who have gone out of their way to encourage class discussion. I think it is also important for teachers to be aware of the games students are playing. My sister and I can both remember being in grade school and playing game like the farmer and the dell, in this game kids stand around in a circle and one student calls other students into the circle to be a part in the song. The problem with this is that the kids who are quite or shy tend to get left out, and ... ...icate is in the classroom, where they spend most of their time. If people can communicate with each other, and have an understanding that not everyone will agree, then they will be much more productive in life. They will be able to get their point across while at the same time hearing another point of view. This skill is imperative to survival in our growing and changing society. WORKS CITED Cheney, Lynne V. "PC: Alive and Entrenched." The Presence of Others. Comp. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins, 1997 112-123. Hooks, Bell. "Keeping Close to Home: Class and Education." The Presence of Others. Comp Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins, 1997 85-96. Rose, Mike. "Lives on the Boundary." The Presence of Others. Comp. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins, 1997 97-111

History of the PC :: Essays Papers

History of the PC â€Å"If one thinks about it, it is truly remarkable how far the technology has advanced since the first digital computer was introduced in 1946. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was designed and built at the University of Pennsylvania. It weighed 30-tons and took up 1500 square feet of floor space. The first computer developed in Europe was the EDSAC (Electronic Delay-Storage Automatic Computer). This machine was built at Cambridge University in 1949. What characterized these earliest machines is that the switching and control functions were handled by vacuum tubes. This feature typifies what is termed the first-generation of computers. EDSAC had one feature that ENIAC lacked. Within the computer was stored the instructions to control the machine and the data to be operated upon. This was the first of the stored program computers. The first commercially available digital computer was the Sperry Rand UNIVAC I. This was sold to the Bureau of the Census and put in place in 1951. In the late 1950's the bulky and hot vacuum tubes were replaced in computer designs by smaller, more reliable solid state transistors. The use of transistors as the basic component of computer design characterizes what is known as the second generation of computers. 1963 brought about the start of third-generation computers. Solid-logic technology (SLT) enabled the development of the integrated circuit (IC). ICs allowed the placement of as many as 664 transistors, diodes and other associated components on silicon chip less than one eighth of an inch square. We are now in the midst of the fourth-generation of computers. Characterized by continued miniaturization of circuitry, such developments as large-scale integration (LSI) and very large-scale integration (VLSI) have enabled the current crop of machines to have a level of power and speed that was almost unimaginable 20 years ago. Now on to the history of the microcomputer. The first commercially available personal computer was the Scelbi-8H that went on sale in March 1974. The machine was designed around the Intel 8008 microprocessor, a less powerful 8-bit design than the later 8080. A machine in kit form with 1K of memory sold for $440.00. About 200 of these machines were sold in kit form and assembled. Half were the Scelbi-8H hobby machines, the rest were Scelbi-8B business computers, which were released in April 1975, having as much as 16K of memory. The first commercially successful microcomputer was the MITS Altair 8800 designed by Ed Roberts.

A Wanderlust Blueprint for Taipei and Taiwan

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan, and is known perhaps most prominently for its famous landmark skyscraper, Taipei 101. There's a multi-level shopping mall adjoined to the tower, containing hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants, and clubs. Being the bookworm that I am, I visit Page One first, a huge bookstore with both Chinese and English books. After that, I decide to treat myself to a shopping spree – after all, I am on vacation. When I'm through, I decide to visit the observatory on the 89th floor. I'd read somewhere that the observatory elevators here are the fastest in the world, capable of traveling from the fifth floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. I squeeze into a crowded elevator and set my stopwatch. Exactly 37 seconds later, the doors open with a ping. Wow. Maybe I can get one of these for my apartment. Then I hear the tour guide informing a group of Japanese tourists that each elevator costs US$2.4 million. On second thought, I think I'll scratch that idea. Simply put, the view is amazing. There's no other way to say it. I take advantage of the fact that the observatory offers a full, undivided, 360 degree view, and take several panorama pictures. I dally at the gift shop for a couple of minutes, inwardly debating whether or not I should spend NT$1500 on an I'VE BEEN TO TAIPEI 101 t-shirt. In the end, I purchase it anyway, after managing to convince myself that NT$1500 is not that expensive for a souvenir shirt. I proceed to visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It's an incredible monument that was erected in the memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. The whole thing is surrounded by a park and a large square, in which both the National Concert Hall and the National Theater are located. I set off for the National Concert Hall, but to my dismay, am told by the lady at the ticket office there that there are no performances scheduled today. Disappointed, I decide instead to walk the expanse of the park. There are large lakes with loads of fish in them, and I buy several handfuls of fish food from a nearby vending machine. It's fun to throw the food in and watch all the fish swarm together like bees towards pollen. Afterwards, I decide to head to Shihlin Night Market. I take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station, past Taipei Main Station, to Jiantan Station. The journey takes me about 20 minutes. I swear I'm in love with the transport system here. It's fast, it's cheap, and it's so clear. There are English announcements and notices all over the place. I've only been here for a couple of days, but the system is so easy to understand, I feel like an old-timer already. It's crowded at Shihlin Night Market, and I find myself travelling down what I would describe as the main alley. Shops of every kind line the two sides, and there are smaller alleys that branch off. The sheer amount and variety of products being sold are quite dazzling, as they range from clothes, novelties, and cosmetics, to toys, electronics, and food. I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the wide audience that Shihlin receives, but I am, sort of. I've seen families with young children, big groups of laughing teenagers, middle-aged couples holding hands, and older people shuffling around. I've also spotted some foreigners, who, like me, probably just want to experience what the infamous Shihlin Night Market has to offer. I have to say, I'm quite impressed. I didn't expect this place to present any sort of entertainment for small children, but I must've passed at least 20 games of miniature hoops, ring toss, small pinball machines, and catch the turtles/ fishes by now. I sit down at a small table in a food stall, and tentatively order a plate of chou dou fu – stinky tofu; apparently it's a Taiwanese specialty. Two minutes later, a plate of steaming hot tofu is set in front of me. To my surprise, it's actually pretty good. Maybe tomorrow, I'll work up the nerve to try tian je – frogs' legs.

Western Education Romans

ED 6000 Philosophical Foundations in knowledge Beginning Questions ? ? ? ? ? 2-3 sentence responses foundation of your ism paper reflects your current stance/ doctrine 30 minutes keep a copy for your final personal philosophical system paper Scriptural focussing Deut. 61-9 Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the manuf lickurer your divinity fudge has commanded me to give lessons you, that you cleverness do them in the shore up where you be going over to give birth it, so that you and your son and your grandson might concern the LORD your God, to keep entirely His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the years of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Scriptural focus on Deut. 61-9 Israel, you should listen and be prudent to do it, that it may be advantageously with you and that you may multiply greatly, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a demean flowing with milk and hvirtuos oy.Hear, O Israel The LORD is our God, the LORD is one Scriptural focus Deut. 61-9 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your somebody and with all your might. These words, which I am dominate you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your dwelling and when you walk by the way and when you deception d aver and when you rise up. Scriptural Focus Deut. 61-9 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall hold open them on the doorposts of your ho phthisis and on your gates.A recital OF westbound l piddleing ? Big Ideas ? ? ? What argon the enduring principles that ingest stood the test of conviction? To what extent are the principles being employ in today s classrooms? number the big ideas that you have experienced in today s classrooms and or those that should, from your perspective, be a part of current nurtur eal practice. A level OF westward precept ? Hebrews ? ? longest recorded western level readingal activity of religion and moral learn A annals OF occidental didactics ? Greeks ? ? ? ? ? ? city-state civilization based on thraldom achieve elegant leisure ignity of the citizen letters, music, gymnastics conscripted military service A account statement OF Hesperian educational activity Romans ? ? ? patricians, plebeians, freed men and slaves piety, courage, honesty, dignity, self-restraint A tarradiddle OF westbound grooming ? Christian ? ? ? change of heart discover peace and growth in body, mind, and flavor underground schools ? A HISTORY OF WESTERN reproduction Renaissance (New Birth) ? ? Seven idle arts ? trivium grammar, rhetoric, and dialectic or logic ? quadrivium arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music Renaissance Man da Vinci ? oastfulness, individualism and a resentment toward part A HISTORY OF WESTERN learning Reformation (1 500-1750) ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? educated class advocated emend Germany-moral indignation England-remove wealth from the church Geneva-strictly theologicals England became more often than not Protestant back to the basics grammar/ recite Inquisition court of heresy Heliocentrism (Copernicus) A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Jan Amos Comenius (1592-1627) ? developmental stages ? infant, electric shaver, youth, adult ? Orbis Pictus 1653-54 the maiden picture defy for school childrenA HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? The purpose of education is that which each gentleman desires for his sons, virtue, wisdom, breeding and learning. I pop virtue as the first and nigh necessary. I put learning last, specially if I tell you I cipher it the least part. Some Thoughts Concerning commandment, p. 147. fast one Locke (1632-1704) A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION John Locke (1632-1704) ? ? Tabula Rasa ? There would be no problem, if the piece intellect were even, and like a circus sheet of paper with no compose on it. A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION United States Old Deluder daystar Act (Massachusetts 1647) ne chief project of the old deluder, Satan, to keep men from a knowledge of the Scriptures, as in designer times by keeping them in an unknown tongue, so in these latter(prenominal) times by persuading from the use of tongues A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION . it is therefrom ordered, that every township in this jurisdiction, subsequently the Lord hath sum upd their number to l thousand, shall then forthwith appoint one within their town to teach all much(prenominal) children as shall resort to him, to write and read, whose wages shall be paid any by the parents or masters of such children, or by the inhabitants in general.A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? enlightenment & Revolution (1750-1830 ? Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) ? Romanticism ? Emile ? On statement ? The Social Contract A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) ? ? The child pass on come to understand the world by means of creative play facilitated by the use of geometric objects (labeled by Froebel as gifts ) in which pure form is dominant. 1840 Pedagogics of the Kindergarten A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? maria Montessori (1870-1952) ? 1896 University of Rome s first charwoman physician graduate 1912 Montessori Method scientific Pedagogy ? If one fails to learn, there is a natural punishment that takes place as a loss of the consciousness of our own place and greatness, which constitute the quality of manhood. A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? maria Montessori (1870-1952) ? ? ? The classroom must(prenominal) be a prepared environment The classroom must always contain stimulating apparatus, objects, toys, and belles-lettres in order to capture the child s inner drives to be active. crude periods A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? John Dewey (1859-1952) ? ? ? ? psychologist, philosopher, educator, affable critic and political activist Progressivism moral relativism applied evolutionary theory to ? biology ? geology ? anthropology A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? John Dewey (1859-1952) ? devotion is learned within a social context by observing stamp down rules, which emerge from shared experience. ? Values are defined through use of the scientific order as one selects a choice of action and how it will essence self, others, the community, and the environment. A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION Catholic Church (1929) ?Every method of education founded, wholly or in part, on the denial or forgetfulness of accredited sin and grace, and relying on the sole powers of mankind nature, is unsound A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Such, generally speaking, are those innovational systems bearing various names which compendium to a pretended self-government and unhinged freedom on the part of the child, and which go down or even suppress the teacher s authority and action, attributi ng to the child an sole(prenominal) primacy of initiative, and an activity independent of any higher(prenominal) law, natural or divine, in the cipher of his education.Catholic Church (1929) A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Scientific or Logical Positivism (1950-1967) ? ? ? purpose of education national development stand against the threat of communism ? U. S. Department of Education ? ? ? professorship Jackson sign-language(a) legislation that created the first Department of Education in1867 (non-cabinet level) that lasted less than a year President Charter signed Public Law 96-88 The Department of Education Organization Act in 1979 Reagan completed it as a cabinet-level agency in 1981 A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Burrhus Frederic Skinner (1904-1990) ? ? ? operant behavior teaching machines Beyond Freedom and Dignity A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Multiculturalism & closed-door Schools (1980-1990) ? Mortimer Adler (1982) ? ? ? The Paideia Proposal An edu cational Manifesto liberal, non-specialized education without electives or vocational classes three purposes ? ? ? use leisure time well earn their living ethically teach mint to be responsible citizens in a democracy ? A Nation at Risk (1983) ? ? ? internal Commission of integrity in Education The Imperative For Educational ReformIf an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on the States the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war. As it stands, we have allowed this to happen to ourselves A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? We have even squandered the gains in learner achievement made in the shake up of the Sputnik challenge. Moreover, we have dismantled essential sponsor systems which helped make those gains possible. We have, in effect, been committing an act of unthinking, one-party educational disarmament. A Nation at Risk (1983) ? A Nation at Risk (1983) ? ? ? ? strengthen graduation requiremen ts quin new basics English, mathematics, science, social studies, and computing device science adopt higher and mensural standards for academic performance significantly increase time students spend engaged in learning Strengthen the teaching occupation through higher standards for preparation and paid growth ? A HISTORY OF WESTERN EDUCATION ? Standards (1998-present) ? ? ? ? schoolman Content Standards for Students No Child Left Behind Academic Performance Indicator (API) scores National Board for Professional Teaching Standards