Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Ethics And Character Analysis Interviews - 1677 Words

Ethics and Character Analysis Interviews Introduction Many law enforcement officers in the United States are good, dedicated and committed to serving the people by protecting them and their property. In most cases, however, we hear news of police officer involvement in criminal activities or unethical behavior such as theft, robbery, abuse of authority and excessive coercion. The indication of police using force against suspects and committing crimes does not appear favorable to the public because people have entrusted them for their protection. Therefore, to address and effectively reduce crime, practitioners in the criminal justice system at the federal, state, and local levels must maintain high ethical standards in their practice. To†¦show more content†¦According to my interviewee SA Robinson, ethics and character are important in law enforcement as they play a significant role in building public trust which is critical in addressing crime in the country. Public confidence gets lost when police officers and other law enfor cers engage in criminal activities and unethical behaviors. Loss of public trust towards the police undermines interactions and communication between the police and the people. The trust loss, in turn, hinders the police from obtaining relevant information from the public that would help them address crime. The SA also stated that ethics plays a critical role in guiding an officer’s interactions with criminal suspects (Banks, 2009). According to Mr. Conyers, when asked the same question, he gave a criminal case scenario where ethics plays a critical role. The plot involves a police officer who apprehends a person carrying illegal weapons like guns in his car. According to the 6th Amendment of the US Constitution, a person accused of criminal activity has a right to a fair trial as well as have an Assistance of Counsel (lawyer) during the hearing of the case. In this case, the government appoints a lawyer for the accused if he or she cannot afford one. Based on ethical standards, the police should not threaten or assault the offender in any way. Instead, the police should arrest the suspect regardless of ethnic or religionShow MoreRelatedBernie Madoff s Compliance Department1071 Words   |  5 Pageshave in place a system for implementing these basic measures: conduct intake, screen for scope, assess seriousness for the allegation and conduct risk and legal analysis, assign the matter to investigators, develop a n investigation plan, assemble and review relevant documents, notify employees and others to be interviewed, conduct interviews, document the investigation, reach a conclusion, communicate with management, and close the investigation. How should the compliance department determine theRead MoreEthical Perceptions Of The Focus-Group Interview713 Words   |  3 PagesParticipants The participants for the focus-group interview consisted of solicitors working in the liability department at a London based law firm. I initially planned to conduct one-to-one interviews, although it was proven difficult to meet with them due to their own work constraints. Thus, I decided to achieve the best results by arranging a group interview, allowing all the solicitors to be together and discuss the topic at hand. This was a strength of the project as I could collect more dataRead MoreWhat I Have Learned About Research1270 Words   |  6 Pagesrespondent. The second way is to use an interview format. The interviewer will ask the questions individually and write down the respondents answers in a personal verbal interaction. Both the questionnaires and interviews can be presented to respondents in several ways. One downfall to the interview approach is called interview bias. Interview bias means that there can be some type of stigma placed of the interviewee because of the per son administering the interview. Interviewer questions such as demographicsRead MoreThe Use Of Brutality And Persuasion1626 Words   |  7 PagesThe use of brutality and persuasion in interviews by Police. In this case analysis it will discuss the purpose of interrogatory deception when conducting interviews, ways in which it is used, some of the current debates over the practice, and examples of theories to explain corruption and brutality. The number one priority that should be thought about prior to any form of interrogation Interviewing is the suspect’s rights and privacy are to be respected. However in some cases police have failedRead MoreA Research Study On Data Analysis938 Words   |  4 Pagesresearch for the study will be driven by using tools such as excel spreadsheets and data analysis software that provides a quality control and accuracy for the results obtained from the participants. The researcher will be utilizing two elements of data analysis validity according to Creswell described by Sampson, J (2012), congruence and accuracy: †¢ Congruence involves providing a rational that shows how the data analysis method for qualitative research and fits the questions being asked or the hypothesesRead MoreThe Reprehensible Story Of The Enron Corporation1680 Words   |  7 Pagestheir substantial contradictory actions against not only basic ethics but Enron’s published Code of Ethics. Outlining the reputation of Enron, Kenneth Lay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in a foreword within Enron’s Code of Ethics stated, â€Å"to be proud of Enron and know that it enjoys a reputation for fairness and honesty and that it is respected.† Even though Kenneth Lay spoke to the company as a whole on manners in ethics and good conduct, it was he and a number of other high placedRead MoreThe Code Of Ethics Of The Society Of Professional Journalists1054 Words   |  5 PagesThe Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists is organized around fourth principles: to seek the truth and r eport it; to minimize harm; to act independently, and to be accountable. Each of them considers a list of normative guidelines to orient the ethical decision-making process within a newsroom. In any case, the SPS’ orientations are framed by a utilitarian approach to ethics: Due to the voluntary character of the code, the Code attempts to advising more than requiring and, inRead MoreThe Social Of Social Media1641 Words   |  7 Pageswhat other employees are saying about the company and also what they felt about the interview process. If I see any derogatory remarks I keep a mental note, therefore if given an interview I may bring it up without raising any red flags or listening to hearsay. For example, if a company is interested in you they may begin to look on social media networks, and google searches to find out information about your character, qualifications, skills, and any criminal records. I don’t feel employers shouldRead MoreEthics And Ethics Of Strategic Management1324 Words   |  6 Pages Ethics in Strategic Management Jory J. Authement Franklin University BSAD 495 – F1FF: Business Administration Capstone July 31, 2015 â€Æ' Ethics in Strategic Management Introduction Ethics is usually an afterthought for most when evaluating their own actions, this is even holds true for most companies. Before discussing specific ethical situations from within StilSim Personnel. It would be prudent to first have a clear understanding of the definition of ethics. Trevino and Nelson, defines ethicsRead MoreRecruitment And Selection Of Steve Jobs1233 Words   |  5 Pagesstaffing strategies because they are the framework for the entire process (Heneman III, Judge, Kammeyer-Mueller, 2012). The staffing policies and programs segment concentrates on the support and core staffing activities including planning, job analysis, recruiting, and selection (2012). Each component is important in the preparation and execution of a recruiting process. Figure 1 (Heneman III, Judge, Kammeyer-Mueller, 2012, p. 22) Recruiting Process Mistakes EWI’s high turnover and candidate

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Life And Writings Of Edgar Allen Poe - 2061 Words

Elton Truss ENGL 2306 2A1 Mrs. Sizemore 8 April 2017 The Life and Writings of Edgar Allen Poe One of the most remembered and well known American writers of the 19th century, Edgar Allen Poe is known for his gothic elements and the way he could portray the phycological state of the people in the stories. Examples are his short stories The Raven, Tell-Tale Heart as well as his poems like Annabel Lee. But this paper is not about any of those. No, this paper is to look at how the events in his life shaped and influenced the stories he wrote. Edgar Allen Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts to David and Elizabeth Poe. It was not very long after, in 1810, Poe’s father David Poe, Jr left the family and died later that†¦show more content†¦From the very beginning, Poe’s life did not have an easy start. There were many traumatic moments in his formative years. His father’s leaving and dying, and not even a year later, his mother dies of tuberculosis. But what is interesting about the â€Å"Tamerlane and Other Poems† is that it is under the name Bostonian. It is safe to say that Poe did not want his foster father John Allen to know what he was doing. At same time, he was publishing this collection of poems under a different name, Poe had enlisted in the army under the name Edgar A. Perry (Other Poems) In the poem, â€Å"Tamerlane† (1827) Poe writes about a distant land were a conqueror named Tamerlane is out on a quest for stature and renown. Poe has four them es in the poem. They are love, death, beauty, and pride. Along the way, the hero ages and, when he is near death, regrets the love he pushed aside during his quest. When he gets back he begins to rethink his choices and visits home again. He finds it is not home anymore, and that he has only despair and a broken heart (Tamerlane). Most biographers believe that the poem was about Poe’s broken love affair with Sarah Elmira Royster (Tamerlane) when he went off to achieve stature and renown at the university. But, when he got back, he found that his home was no longer home. That it was â€Å"Despair-/ A kingdom for a broken- heart† which may represent his heart when he found out that Sarah was engaged to another man. AfterShow MoreRelatedThe Life and Writings of Edgar Allen Poe853 Words   |  4 Pagessentiment (Poe). This quote shows how Edgar Allan Poe’s perspective was very different compared to other writers during that time. Poe was an American short story writer, poet, critic, and editor who was famous for his cultivation in mystery and macabre. His success in his works may or may not have been because of his emotional and mental problems. Edgar Allan Poe was a writer whose works represent his own unique style, how his emotional instability affected him, and what happened in his life. Poe hasRead MoreEdgar Allen Poe: A Delirious Mind1058 Words   |  5 PagesEdgar Allen Poe is one of the most descriptive writers known today. His works have been intriguing people since he began writing. The depth Edgar puts into his characters and settings is something people crave. The mysterious aspects of his stories immediately seize the readers’ attention. Edgar Allen Poe’s writing depth was affected by his drug and alcohol abuse. Edgar Poe was born on the 19th of January in 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts to Elizabeth and David Poe (Quinn 30). Both ElizabethRead MoreEdgar Allen Poe and His Work Essay1480 Words   |  6 PagesEdgar Allen Poe and His Work Outline I. Introductory Paragraph I.1. Thesis statement I.2. High points II. First Paragraph II.1. Brief history of life III. Second Paragraph III.1. Edgars Writing Style III.2. Examples IV. Specific poems and short stories IV.1. Examples V. Conclusion Paragraph V.1. Restating thesis statement V.2. Restating high points of the paper Edgar Allen Poe was one of the great writers of this world. He created several poems and short stories of aRead More Edgar Allen Poe1501 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe was a great writer and made many contributions to the works of literature. He is known as the father of the American short story and also the father of the detective story. To understand Poe’s literary contributions, his early life, literacy life, and works must be examined. Each aspect of his life revolves around the other. Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. He was born to a Southern family who belonged in a traveling companyRead MoreEdgar Allen Poe And Nathaniel Hawthorne1705 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Romanticism Era, Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, how real-life events affected their writings, and how their professional careers affected their writings. Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 19,1809 to two traveling actors (Poe s Museum). Poe was the second of three children. He had an older brother, William Henry Leonard Poe, and a younger sister, Rosalie Poe. Before Edgar was three years old, both his parents had died (Poe s Museum). Poe was then taken inRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe Influences709 Words   |  3 Pagesbefore age three, lost both of his foster parents, and later lost his wife, but instead of letting loss ruin his life, he became one of the most influential American writers ever. He is Edgar Allen Poe. Poe was an expert writer in the dark Gothic style. He once said, â€Å"Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality. Edgar Allan Poe’s Life influenced his life because of people claiming he was insane, due to many of his dark and scary stories, loss of his wife, fosterRead MoreThe Great Stories By Edgar Allan Poe1238 Words   |  5 Pagesthe new Ame rica was popular among the people. Poets during this time liked to write about adventure and new pristine worlds untouched by man. Edgar Allan Poe on the other hand used his own style of writing, that used dark symbolism and complex plots to excite the readers. Having seen death and understanding the feeling it brings, Poe had an easy time writing the great stories/poems that we know today. In the years of 1835-1845 the United States was in the process of expanding their nation andRead MoreEdgar Allan Poes Sorrows1033 Words   |  5 Pagessorrows. Edgar Allan Poe is considered one of the greatest of his time. He lived with his parents No sooner than his father had left his mother passed. She died from tuberculosis at the mere age of twenty four. Poe and his siblings were by her side until her last breath. He later became the dependent of John Allan of Richmond, Virginia hence Allan being Poe’s middle name. The Allans were quite fond of young Poe as they had no children. Frances Allan was very motherly and nurturing towards Poe whichRead More Edgar Allen Poe Essay709 Words   |  3 PagesEdgar Allen Poe Edgar Allen Poe: A Brilliant Writer Edgar Allen Poe was one of the most brilliant writers of the nineteenth century. His short stories and poems consist of horror, mortality, romantic struggle, and psychological concept. Poe’s tales labeled him as a master in his study of instability of self-control, the restrain of emotion, and access of feeling. His literary works were based on his personal background; therefore, many have similar characteristics. Read MorePoe: An Analysis of His Work862 Words   |  4 Pages The Portable Edgar Allen Poe, edited by J. Gerald Kennedy, is a phenomenal compilation of works from one of Americas greatest writers of the nineteenth century. Published in 2006, the book contains short stories, poems, and letters, written by Edgar Allen Poe. Full of lies, hope, revenge, and guilt, the stories in this assemblage are suspenseful and convey powerful messages. Of all the amazing stories that comprise this anthology, â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart†, â€Å"The Black Cat†, and â€Å"The Pit and the

Monday, December 9, 2019

Managing Dynamic Environments Organization

Question: Discuss about the Managing Dynamic Environments Organization. Answer: Introduction: In order to ensure the success of an organization it is necessary to hire the right people and training those people in the appropriate manner. Organizational change is said to take place when there is a change in the structural framework of the organization or emergence of new cultural factors within the enterprise. Now in order to cope up with this organizational change the need for an organizational change manager becomes inevitable (Townley, 2014). Hence it is also very important for the organization to hire and place an organizational change manager to make sure that the changes within the organization are properly implemented and the employees on the other hand are adapt to these changes rapidly. Need for hiring the person: As the new business environment is evolving with the passage of time the businesses as well as the entrepreneurs will be required to reframe the process of managing the factors associated with the day to day operations. In the modern day to day workplace change has now become a very common factor. In order to facilitate this change it is necessary to possess a wide range of skill sets, a huge knowledge base and capabilities and by utilising these entire skills one can ensure the increase in competitive advantage of the organization (Berman et al., 2015). Before recruiting a change manager it is necessary to consider the basic needs of a change manager. A change manager will focus on the business planning, strategic framework of the business and thereby deliver operational flexibility and increased competitiveness of the organization. Another key aspect that every changing organization should keep in mind is the difficulty associated with implementing strategic changes within the orga nizations that already possess well established management and long held structures (Akter, 2015). The change managers are recruited to manage all these issues and ensure a proper change management within the organizations. The Person- Organization fit: Here in this case Person Task Fit approach will not be considered instead Person Organization Fit approach will be used. In case of the person task fit, at the primary stage it is checked whether the person is fit for the task or not and accordingly the job requirements are set. The workstations are designed to fit with the workers without any opportunity of adjusting it with the changes in its organizational structure. For the selection of a change manager it is necessary to use person organization fit (Gatewood et al., 2015). This is because an organizational change manager is supposed to deal with the changes within the organization as a whole not only in the context of the task. Therefore, person organization fit will be considered for this instance. The person organization fit is defined as the compatibility between employee and the organization compatibility between these two is established by the ensuring the mutual needs are served by these two (Alvesson Sveningsson, 2015). Selection techniques used: Different types of selection methods are used for filling up different types of positions. Choosing the appropriate technique will help an organization to recruit the appropriate person for the position. The selection technique is chosen on the basis of skills, attributes and the knowledge essential for that position (Brown Osborne, 2012). In this case the most popular selection technique will be used as the traditional technique of selection is easy to conduct and the attributes of the persons could be determined more easily by this method. In this process, at first the written applications are assessed, panel interviews are conducted and referee reports are checked. However, it is not sufficient to take the recruitment decision only based on the selection techniques, there are some excellent methods such as the work samples of the applicant should also be considered. It will help to determine the appropriate skills of the employees (Brown Osborne, 2012). Recommendations about removal of the employee: In order to recommend the company about the dismissal or removal of employees from the organization it is suggested that the organization should take into account the performance of the employees. Based on certain parameters of performance set by the company officials and the alignment of the person with the vision and mission statement of the company, it should be evaluated whether that person is valuable for the organization or not. If the person is adding some value to the company it will not be worth to terminate the employee, however, if that employee is retained it can be expected that that person will contribute in increasing the competitiveness of the organization. Reference List: Akter, S. (2015). Recruitment selection process of Interspeed Marketing Solutions Ltd. Alvesson, M., Sveningsson, S. (2015).Changing organizational culture: Cultural change work in progress. Routledge. Berman, E. M., Bowman, J. S., West, J. P., Van Wart, M. R. (2015).Human resource management in public service: Paradoxes, processes, and problems. Sage Publications. Brown, K., Osborne, S. P. (2012).Managing change and innovation in public service organizations. Routledge. Gatewood, R., Feild, H. S., Barrick, M. (2015).Human resource selection. Nelson Education. Townley, B. (2014). Selection and appraisal: reconstituting.New Perspectives on Human Resource Management (Routledge Revivals), 92.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Solving the Climate Change Crisis through Development of Renewable Energy

The climate change caused by human activities is one of the major challenges facing the planet today. It is regarded as the world’s greatest threat to the environment and human population. Effective mitigation measures are needed to counteract this man-made climate change. Measures developed should rescue the population from the growing effects of the climate change crisis.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Solving the Climate Change Crisis through Development of Renewable Energy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The direct connection between the climate threats and critical economic situation in the energy industry can be observed. Today, the USA is dependent on the foreign sources of energy to meet the country’s energy needs, and this fact influences the economy negatively. The situation of empowering the country with creating the additional sources of energy can contribute significantly to gaining t he definite economic stability and responding to the problem of the climate change. Thus, the threats of the climate change can be overcome with references to resolving the economic crisis with the help of orientation to the new sources of renewable energy, which can be discussed as beneficial from the perspectives of the impact on the environment and saving the costs. The development of the new sources of renewable energy is the first step to diminish the effects of the economic crisis experienced in the country. The orientation to creating new approaches to receive the necessary energy with accentuating the rapid and large investments in the industry can contribute to the economy’s revival in a quick and sustainable way. The accents should be made on replacing the energy technologies that rely on expensive carbon based fuels with up-to-date technologies that use such renewable and sustainable energy as wind, sun, and natural heat of the earth. This measure will give the USA an opportunity to fulfill the Project Independence of producing 100 per cent of its electricity from carbon-free sources, which was proposed by President Nixon thirty five years ago (Gore 302). From this point, the solution of the economic crisis associated with the energy issues is based on developing the effective strategies to use new technologies in creating the renewable energy. The government can propose the nation the effective solutions to the issues of economic crisis, energy crisis, and climate change with references to emphasizing the advantages of the new energy resources. According to Gore, large amounts of energy can be generated with the help of the geothermal hot spots, wind farms located in deserts and using the concentrated solar thermal plants in deserts (Gore 302).Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Furthermore, the production of electricity from the rene wable energy resources such as the sun, wind, and natural heat of the earth is a viable way through which the nation can reduce its carbon emissions. The other promising measures include transporting renewable electricity from the rural areas to the urban areas. This can become possible by planning and constructing a unified national smart grid. In addition, the United States has a high oil consumption rate and a high percentage of fuel is used in transportation, mostly by individual drivers (Zuckerman 323). Thus, transport industry consumes huge amounts of fuel, and this industry can use energy hybrids and operate the renewable electricity. From this perspective, plug-in hybrids would help solve the problem of storing electricity. Moreover, vehicles could be charged during off-peak energy hours (Gore 303). The active usage of the renewable energy resources can be discussed as the advantageous strategy not only from the point of the economic benefits but also from the perspective of reducing the negative impact of the environment. The threat of the climate change is caused by the carbon dioxide emissions, which pollute the atmosphere as a result of the intensive industrialization and extreme usage of coal and oil as the main sources of the energy (Gore 303). That is why, creating new ways to overcome the economic and energy crises with the help of using the renewable energy, the government contributes to diminishing the air pollution with the carbon dioxide and resolving the problem of the climate change. Furthermore, the dependence on the oil and coal resources intensifies the country’s dependence on the foreign nations and their energy resources. Thus, high dependence on foreign oil could make the economy fall behind as a huge amount of money is spent each year. It is important to note that the wealth of the nation depends much on the oil countries of the Middle East. Consequently, dependence on the foreign oil also puts the nation at a high risk as i t faces a dangerous vulnerability when the world becomes unable to access oil from the Middle East (Zuckerman 323). However, considering definite economic factors, researchers are inclined to discuss the possibilities to use the renewable energy resources to overcome the industry’s crisis as rather ineffective. Thus, Zuckerman states that â€Å"no combination of solar, wind, ethanol, biodiesel, or anything else will allow us independence in the foreseeable future† (Zuckerman 323).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Solving the Climate Change Crisis through Development of Renewable Energy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, the United States alternative energy approaches have the little government support in comparison to gas, oil, and nuclear power lobbies, and this makes it difficult to invest in the production of electricity from the renewable energy sources (Zuckerman 324). Nevertheless, the re are the ways to cope with the problematic situation successfully. The long-term support for the renewable energy demand has to be increased so as to diversify the energy mix in the USA. Such measures as procuring renewable electricity from large scale projects, introducing new incentives, performance-based incentive rebates and feed-in tariffs could increase support for using the renewable energy (Zuckerman 325). Furthermore, the development of renewable energy sources will call for the large capital to provide support for businesses interested in this field and encourage private investments. The orientation to the renewable energy and implementation of the definite transformations in the industry will enable the nation to tackle the issue of the climate change and saving the planet and the human population along with contributing to the economy’s development. There are various benefits that can be obtained from deploying renewable energy sources. More job opportunities wi ll be created for the American workers, the more secure and diverse energy supply will be achieved by reducing exposure to high fuel prices, and the healthy and clean environment that is free from high amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful green house gases will be created. It is necessary to help the country achieve its long-term environmental, security and energy benefits of the renewable energy, support the development of transmission and development of broader interstate carbon trading as well as development of stronger RPS targets. Such measures will provide the nation with the opportunities to obtain quick benefits of the renewable energy as well as create the necessary demand for this kind of energy. Works Cited Gore, Albert. â€Å"The Climate for Change†. Writing and Reading across the Curriculum. Ed. Lawrence Behrens and Leonard Rosen. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2011. 301-303. Print. Zuckerman, Mortimer. â€Å"Stop the Energy Insanity†. Writing and Reading acr oss the Curriculum. Ed. Lawrence Behrens and Leonard Rosen. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2011. 322-325. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This essay on Solving the Climate Change Crisis through Development of Renewable Energy was written and submitted by user Camila Harvey to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Clear sky Essays

Clear sky Essays Clear sky Essay Clear sky Essay The advert has a linear narrative and uses iconography through out, with the use of various images to suggest meanings for whats going on. At the beginning of the ad, for the first second or so everything seems normal as you see Britney walk towards her room, but then suddenly everything goes in to slow motion and the sound changes from diagetic to non diagetic as you suddenly hear a heart beat. The sudden change in sound happens as the two characters eyes meet, showing that theres some sort of immediate attraction between the two, initialising the main story of the advert. Slowly the sound of a brass instrument can be heard as the tension builds up. The physical attraction between the two, even in separate rooms can be felt by the viewer just with the music alone. The close ups on Britney and the slow motion used as she moves towards the door, emphasizes the attraction she has towards the guy, but in a way is too shy to go all the way. As the music continues to intensify with the introduction various string instruments as well as the continuation of the sound of a beating heart, various images flash across the screen, together adding their own meaning to the advert itself. Many different meanings and reasons could probably be given for them but some are more obvious then others. The first sequence of shots outside of the main setting in the hotel room shows a dark night sky as red lightning streaks through it before quickly changing to a shot of Britney, sort of looking through the few clouds in a clear sky. It could be interpreted that she has possibly just got out of a bad relationship, or was being held back by something and can now finally see the light, see what actually lies in front of her. The next sequence of shots goes from a hand running down the glass from with in a shower, quickly changing to a sped up shot of lilies blooming. The meaning behind this can simply be seen as shes washing away her past before venturing in to a new, fresh relationship. As the scenes continue to flash across the screen at a much quicker pace, they are basically using images to suggest the start of an intimate relationship between the two main characters in the advert. The dream like images of the two having sex with each other emphasises this even more. With the background music intensifying and the speed of the distant heartbeat starting to race, it pumps up the atmosphere for the audience, building their curiosity as to what the whole advert is trying to sell and what would happen next. As finally the music reaches is peaks it rapidly fades away to leave you with a mixed shot of both characters stepping away from the door, too nervous to actually take it that one step further, leaving the viewer then in a sort of exhausted like state, the camera then zooms in on Britneys face before fading out the entire shot in to a completely black screen. Thats when a voice over can actually be heard, pulling the viewers attention back in as finally the product is revealed. A shot of it against a black background makes it stand out to the viewer, together with the actual name of the product tells the audience what it is and what it looks like so that they know what to look for in shops. With the only words spoken throughout the whole thing being Do you dare? and the excitement built up all the way through, will make the viewer feel like they need to feel that themselves and believe that to get this fragrance they will experience it. The use of psychologist theories is used throughout the entire advert and manages quite successfully to persuade the viewer that its something they need. All around a well thought out advert to achieve the aims desired.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Ancient Calendar

The Ancient Calendar Be quiet! The Roman calendar is the most perfect yet devised. It has twelve months.Except when it has thirteen, as this year.And all of these months have either thirty-one or twenty-nine days.Except Februarius, which has twenty-eight. Only this year, according to you, it has only twenty-four.~ Steven Saylor Murder on the Appian Way, p. 191. Early farmers couldnt simply look at a wall calendar to see how many days until the last frost date. However, knowing there were approximately 12 moon cycles between one spring and the next, they could calculate how many lunar phases remained before planting season. Thus was born the concept of the 354 day lunar calendar, a concept eternally at odds with the approximately 365.25 day solar year. Blending time derived from the motions of the rotating earth, the earth revolving around the sun, and the moons passage as the earths satellite is hard enough, but the Mayans had 17 cosmological calendars, some of which go back ten million years and require the services of astronomers, astrologers, geologists, and mathematicians to figure out. Introduction to Mayan Calendar Terminology provides simplified information on some of the cycles and glyphs used in the Mayan calendars.~ From Mayan Calendar Terminology (1) The position the planets is vital to many calendars. At least once, on March 5, 1953 B.C. at the beginning of Chinese calendar time all the planets, the sun and the moon were in alignment.~ Source (2) Even our calendar system calls on this relationship with the planets. Names for the days of the week (although the Teutonic Woden, Tiw, Thor, and Frigg have replaced the Roman names for deities of related prowess) refer to various celestial bodies. Our 7-day week began under Augustus. [See table below.] According to Calendars and Their History, calendars permit us to plan our farming, hunting, and migrating activities. They may also be used for prediction and to establish dates for religious and civic events. However accurate we might try to make them, calendars should be judged not by their scientific sophistication, but by how well they serve social needs.~ From Calendars and Their History (3) Calendar Reform disagrees. Its author thinks its high time for reform. Our Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1751 by an act of Parliament, uses basically the same months Julius Caesar established 2 millennia ago, in 45 B.C.~ From Calendar Reform (4) Julian Calendar Reform Caesar faced an unreliable lunar calendar system based on a distrust of even numbers. The original first month, Martius, had 31 days, as did Maius, Quinctilis (later renamed Julius), October, and December. All the other months had 29 days, except the last month of the year, which was allowed to be unlucky with only 28 days. (The Aztecs, too, considered certain days of their xihutl calendar to be unlucky.) Finding, over time, that their calendar didnt correspond with the seasons of the solar year, the Romans, like the Hebrews and Sumerians, intercalated an extra month whenever the College of Pontiffs deemed it necessary (as in the passage from Murder on the Appian Way). Caesar turned to Egypt for guidance with the difficult Roman calendar. The Ancient Egyptians predicted the annual Nile flooding on the basis of the appearance of the star Sirius. The period between was 365.25 days less than an hour wrong in five years. So, abandoning the Roman lunar calendar, Caesar set alternating months of 31 and 30 days with February having only 29 days except every fourth year when February 23 was repeated.~ Source (5) Why the 23d? Because the Romans didnt yet count from the beginning of the month, but from before it. They counted how many days before the Nones, Ides, and Kalends of each month. February 23 was counted as six days before the kalends of March the old beginning of the year. When it was repeated, it was referred to as bi-sextile. What Was the Format of the Roman Fasti Calendar? Gregorian Calendar Reform Pope Gregory XIIIs major changes were algorithms to calculate movable feasts and a new system of leap years that got rid of leap years in years that are divisible by 100 but not 400. Pope Gregory also deleted ten days from the 1592 calendar year in order to accommodate a shift in the equinox. When Did We Switch From the Roman Fasti Calendar to the Modern? A variety of calendars culminate around the year 2000. Calendar Convergence shows the common end of calendar cycles from the Hopi, the Ancient Greeks, the Early Egyptian Christians, the Mayan, and the Indian Vedic tradition. Planets Alignments in 2000 shows an alignment of the seven planets on May 5, 2000.~ From Calendar Convergence (6) and Planets Alignments (7) U. Glessmer. The Otot-Texts (4Q319) and the Problem of Intercalations in the Context of the 364-Day Calendar in:Qumranstudien: Vortraege und Beitraege der Teilnehmer des Qumranseminars auf dem internationalen Treffen der Society of Biblical Lit., Muenster, 25-26. Juli 1993 [Hans-Peter Mueller zum 60. Geburtstag]. Schriften des Institutum Judaicum Delitzschianum; Bd. 4. Ed. H.J. Fabry et al. Goettingen 1996, 125-164.~ From ANE discussion (8) References ([URL www.resonate.com/places/writings/mayan/calendar.htm ])([URL iNsci14.ucsd.edu/~fillmore/blurbs/calendars1.html ])([URL www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/mayan-calendar.html ])([URL www.webcom.com/tsh/ngs/ca/day1.html ])([URL astro.nmsu.edu/~lhuber/leaphist.html ])([URL ECUVAX.CIS.ECU.EDU/~PYMCCART/CALENDAR-REFORM.HTML ])([URL www.pcug.org.au/~dfry/calendar.html ])([URL physics.nist.gov/GenInt/Time/ancient.html ])([URL www.mm2000.nu/sphinxd.html ])([URL www.griffithobs.org/SkyAlignments.html ])([URL www-oi.uchicago.edu/OI/ANE/OI_ANE.html ]) Table of the Days of the Week dies Solis Sun day Sunday domenica (Italian) dies Lunae Moon day Monday luned dies Martis Marss day Tiws day Tuesday marted dies Mercurii Mercurys day Wodens day Wednesday mercoled dies Jovis Jupiters day Thors Day Thursday gioved dies Veneris Venuss day Friggs day Friday venerd dies Saturni Saturns day Saturday sabato    Related Resources Julius Caesar Calendars Maya Calendar Round Intercalation Gregorian Calendar Julian Calendar

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Business Model Innovation Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Business Model Innovation - Dissertation Example Dawnay and Shah states seven principles for policy-makers around Behavioural Economics as follows: "1.- Other people's behaviour matters: People do many things by observing others and copying; people are encouraged to continue to do things when they feel other people approve of their behaviour. 2.- Habits are important: People do many things without consciously thinking about them. These habits are hard to change -even though people might want to change that behaviour, it is not easy for them. 3.- People are motivated to 'do the right thing': There are cases where money is de-motivating as it undermines people's intrinsic motivation, for example, you would quickly stop inviting friends to dinner if they insisted on paying you. 4.- People's self-expectations influence how they behave: They want their actions to be in line with their values and their commitments. 5.- People are loss-averse and hang on what they consider 'theirs'. 6.- People are bad at computation when making decisions: They put undue weight on recent events and too little on far-off ones; they cannot calculate probabilities well and worry too much about unlikely events; and they are strongly influenced by how the problem/information is presented to them. 7.- People need to feel involved and effective to make a change: Just giving people the incentives and information is not necessarily enough." (Dawnay and Shah, 2005). Looking for rational explanations about how the markets work is a widespread concern of many business agents. Yahoo! is not the exception. PCWelt.de (2006) reports the following trends in the research efforts of this Internet giant: "Yahoo Inc. is researching areas such as... Governments and societies that bet on the market system become more materially prosperous and technologically powerful. The lesson usually drawn from this economic success story is that in the overwhelming majority of cases the best thing the government can do for the economy is to set the background rules - define property rights, set up honest courts, perhaps rearrange the distribution of income, impose minor taxes and subsidies to compensate for well-defined and narrowly-specified "market failures" - but otherwise the government should leave the market system alone†. Following their logic about prices in a competitive marketplace, they argue along the next lines of thinking: â€Å"The main argument for the market system is the dual role played by prices. On the one hand, prices serve to ration demand: anyone unwilling to pay the market price does not get the good. On the other hand, price serves to elicit production: any organization that can make a good, or provides a service, for less than its market price has a powerful financial incentive to do so. What is produced goes to those who value it the most. What is produced is made by the organizations that can make it the cheapest. And what is produced is whatever the ultimate users value the most.† (Bradford DeLong & Michael Froomkin, 2000). Bradford Delong and Michael Froomkin favor early movers and adopters in the market, especially in the highly competitive business environment that the world driven by technological innovations of today is experiencing.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Journal for Notorious Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Journal for Notorious - Essay Example The viewer is waiting for a close-up of the principle character but has to look for the woman in the crowd. It is also necessary to add that Alicia appears as an elegant woman pertaining to the high society. In this case, the director remains ‘faithful’ to this image and the woman appears as the same elegant lady in exquisite gowns throughout the entire movie. When it comes to Devlin, he appears as the ‘mysterious’ Mr. Right. He is sitting in the forefront and only his silhouette is seen. The viewer observes numerous things happening in the room. For instance, the couple is dancing, other people are sitting. It is clear that Alicia is interested in the Mr. Silhouette. The viewers are bound to focus on the mysterious man and wait when his face is seen. It is possible to note that the degree of anticipation is greater when Devlin’s silhouette appears. When it comes to the character’s costumes, he is always elegant and elaborate. 2. The viewer starts caring about the two leading characters when they are on the board of the plane taking them to Rio. Devlin tells the news about Alicia’s father (which is really intimate) and she shares her feelings about her relationships with her father as they used to be. She opens up her heart and it is clear that she is a good person just like Devlin is. It is also clear that the two are destined to be together though this idea comes to the viewers’ mind during the first scenes of the movie when Alicia meets Devlin at the party. 3. Hitchcock sets a romantic and somewhat dramatic tone to the film. There are elements of a comedy but the overall mood is rather dramatic. It is especially vivid in one of the final scenes when Devlin saves Alicia and tells her about his love. There is always a reminder of the war or spy secrets and duty or some plot. More so, the principle female character’s life has been rather tragic and it is not clear whether there will be a happy end for her. She is

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Non-cash expenditure Essay Example for Free

Non-cash expenditure Essay CASE 1 The effectiveness of the conceptual framework for the Financial Accounting Standards Board is high. Unfortunately, its effect to outsiders is limited. As already stated, the conceptual framework will aid in the setting of accounting standards. However, only internal persons of the Financial Accounting Standards Board are involved in the standard setting process. Therefore such yardstick will only beneficial to them, because outsiders like accountants will have to abide with the standard issues. Indeed it is a normal trend that standards issued are adjusted in the future due to industrial factors that they omitted to consider or did not tackle properly. An argument in favor of the conceptual framework with respect to outsiders is that it enhanced the credibility of financial statements through the issue of objectives and concepts in such framework (Foster M. J. et al 2001, p 2). CASE 2 a) The cash basis of accounting is based on the premise that a transaction is recorded once cash inflow or cash outflows arises on cash and cash equivalents (Randall H 1999, p 247). On the contrary the accrual basis of accounting is based on the concept that revenue and expenditure are recorded once incurred and not when the cash receipt or payment arises (Randall H. 1999, p 191). For example, if license of a motor vehicle of $1,200 is paid in the beginning of November and the financial year-end is 31st December. Under the cash basis $1,200 is deducted. However, under the accruals basis only expenditure of $200 is recorded representing the expense incurred in November and December. b) The bank should always lend money in good faith. That is the money ought to be lend to persons who are financially capable to repay it in a given time frame. We should bear in mind that the money lent by the bank is coming from the depositors’ funds, which have in turn trusted the bank with their money. A fundamental principle of the code of ethical conduct of professionals states that the decisions taken by such parties should deter from providing harm to other parties and ought respect the rights of others (Association of Accounting Technicians 2007, p 7). Therefore if the bank manager of Ernest Banks knows that if the financial reports of the firm at hand are prepared on an accruals basis, which will eventually lead to lower profits. There is the risk that the financial ability of the company to pay the interest and capital commitments concerning the loan diminish. They should therefore take remedial action in order to mitigate such risk and thus safeguard the resources entrusted by depositors. c) The problem at hand identified in the previous question necessitates that the owner is informed of this issue as soon as possible. They ought to explain that the cash balance reported in the monthly bank statements does not represent the actual profit made by the business enterprise. Such illustration should be made in light of the weaker financial ability of the company to pay interest and capital commitments on the present loan that the firm will face in the nearby future. Since the business is experiencing growth there is still potential for the firm to mitigate the problem at hand. This stems the importance of informing the owner of such issue, who will take remedial action to solve it. However, the bank should refrain from providing specific solutions, since liabilities may arise if such solutions do not solve or possible even worsen the present financial performance of the company. CASE 3 1) The net increase in cash and cash equivalents originating in the cash flow statement is different from the net income portrayed in the income statement due to the different principles followed that where contrasted in the previous question of the former case. The reason for such disparity stem from a number of factors. For example, in the cash flow statement only the cash received from cash sales and debtors is recorded. In the income statement, all the sales incurred are taken into account. Similarly the cash payments for purchases, expenditure and to creditors are shown in the cash flow statement. However, in the income state all expenditure and purchases incurred in that time frame are taken into account (Lewis R. et al 1996, p 317). Non-cash expenditure like provision for depreciation and provision for slow moving stock are deducted from the profit figure. These are omitted from the cash flow statement since they do not represent cash outflows. Further more, capital expenditure incurred and paid during the period is recorded under the investing activities of the cash flow statement. This even though incurred is not portrayed in the income statement, but is recorded in the balance sheet due to its materiality and long-term effect. Hence it will affect cash flow but not net income. This thus clarifies the reason why the net income of $100,000 significantly differs from the actual cash flow balance depicted in the cash flow statement. 2) The operating cash flow, which eventually portrays the cash inflow or outflow from operating activities is very important for the organization, since it should the net cash generated/lost from the firm’s operations. From the differences noted previously it is important that a company not only makes profit but also generates sufficient cash from its operations to be able to meet its financial obligations (Weetman P. 2003, p 185-186). The operating cash flow should be considered as the lifeblood of the firm. Without cash from the operating activities the firm cannot operate for long. It is therefore important that a consistent net cash inflow from operating activities is shown in the financial statements. 3) The sources of cash flow that can be replaceable by new growth are long-term debts that mature and are taken back to finance new growth prospects. Fixed assets classified under investing activities can also be renewed once they finish their possible economic benefits by purchasing similar or better ones. Redeemable share capital, both ordinary and preference can also be renewed by another issue of such finance instruments (Lewis R. et al 1996, p 321). 4) The first basic solution of improving cash flow in view of the cash issue outlined is by focusing on sales and inventory management. By increasing the inventory turnover and diminishing the money tied up in stock by reducing stock levels can be useful remedies in order to free up some cash and enhance the liquidity of the James Spencer Corporation. Cash sales can also be boosted through the introduction of cash discounts. It is also pertinent that present debtors are properly chased by the credit control department to ensure that cash is collected on time (Bernabucci B.2005). Financial managers can also alleviate cash by reducing the debtors collection period through effective credit control policies and procedures put in practice and increase the creditors collection period from the present and potential suppliers. The factoring services provided by factor companies can be another viable solution to enhance cash flow from debtors. Factoring basically comprises the forwarding of a debt to a factor company at a reduced rate than the face value of such debt in exchange of a cash receipt of that account receivable (Ccassociates). For example a debtor of $10,000 of Company A is transferred to a factor company at 85%. Company A will receive $8,500 from such account receivable and then it is the responsibility of the factor company to collect the $10,000 from the trade debtor. James Spencer Corporation can also cushion its cash by either opting for an overdraft facility or increasing the present overdraft. This will act as a buffer against any unforeseen events that may weaken the cash flow of the firm. Even though bank overdraft is payable on demand by the bank, such debt medium is extremely flexible. This is due to the fact that the company can utilize how much of the debt it seems fit (Washington State University). For example if the overdraft facility is of $50,000, the company may take only $20,000 of such overdraft. References: Association of Accounting Technician (2007). Professional Ethics. Berkshire: Kaplan Publishing. Bernabucci B. (2005). Improving you Cash Flow Problems, Entrepreneur. com (on line). Available from: http://www. entrepreneur. com/money/moneymanagement/financialanalysis/article79084. html (Accessed 15th November 2007). Ccassociates. The Factoring Solution (on line). Available from: http://www. ccassociates. com/factoring_solution_accounts_receivable_factoring_explained. html (Accessed 15th November 2007). Foster M. J. ; Johnson L. T. (2001). Why does the FASB have a Conceptual Framework? Financial Accounting Standards Board (on line). Available from: http://www. fasb. org/articlesreports/conceptual_framework_uti_aug_2001. pdf (Accessed 16th November 2007) IAS 17 (2000). Leases. London: International Accounting Standards Committee. International Accounting Standards (2000). Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements. London: International Accounting Standards Committee. Lewis R. ; Pendrill D. (1996). Advanced Financial Accounting. Fifth Edition. London: Pitman Publishing. Washington State University. Short Term Sources of Finance (on line). Available from: http://cbdd. wsu. edu/kewlcontent/cdoutput/TOM505/page36. htm (Accessed 15th November 2007). Weetman P. (2003). Financial and Management Accounting. Third Edition. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Employment :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Empluyment Many years ago, it wasn’t hard at all to keep employees loyal and happy in their work. That was because the man of the house was mainly the sole provider for a wife and two to three kids. All they basically wanted was security and to be a happy family. It’s not so easy in today’s modern world where an employee has so many more options. I will discuss how we manage to keep employees loyal and satisfied in their jobs at our company. The role of the manager is very wide, expansive and covers several different areas all at once. Our managers act as something similar to a press secretary in that they escort visitors and play tour manager of course, they also handle all the human relations tasks such as hiring, firing and motivating the employees under their charge. So far as relational roles they also act as liaison due to the fact that much of the information they use they acquire from the employees. Our manager’s act in several other roles with the information they receive. As a monitor in that they attempt to predict what to expect of competitors. Secondly, as a disseminator because much information has to be relayed to employees either by the manager or through some sort of media. Thirdly, with visitors they tend to act as spokesperson, also. Managers have to make many decisions in our organization because we try to avoid micromanagement, Due to the avoidance of that micromanagement the manager tends to act as entrepreneur sometimes because they are making decisions that will affect the organization as a whole. Secondly, they act as police somewhat in that they need to settle disputes between employees. They handle the acquisition of supplies, also, whether it is personnel, physical supplies or monetary resources. Lastly, our managers also need to act as negotiators because they may need to sacrifice something important out of their own team to gain an important piece of equipment from another team. The organization plays a very large role in motivation and morale employees need to know that when they come to work everyday they won’t have several different tasks thrown at them throughout the day. This reflects totally as to how the individual reacts towards the organization. We combat this â€Å" Hey, you!† effect in our organization with a couple of methods.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Philips vs. Matsushita: A New Century, a New Round Essay

1. How did Phillips become the leading consumer electronics company in the world? Philips started its business in 1892 in Eindhoven with its basic product, a light bulb. The company focused on only producing light bulbs at the beginning, and could therefore specialize and create significant innovations. The rapid growth to being the leader in industrial research, helped to broaden its product line. During the post war era Philips gained success and the company was able to adapt to country-specific market conditions. This helped Philips expand to other countries and also generated in a broadened sales volume. Phillips also developed National Organizations (NO ´s) in different countries, which helped to serve other markets more easily. NO ´s were after the Second World War helpful to distribute products to the customer while taking care of specific customer needs as well as country and market needs. This greatly increased self-sufficiency. The company ´s change to a multi-national company in the 1930s was also a specific point why Phillips was the leading cons umer electronics company. How did Matsushita succeed in displacing Philips as No. 1? Matsushita focused its competitiveness in high quality, low cost, and standardized products during the 1970s and 1980s. Also they had rapid product and process innovation and their company wanted to focus on exporting sales to world markets. Matsushita represented 40% of appliance stores in Japan as they capitalized greatly on their broad line of 5,000 products by opening 25,000 domestic retail outlets. This resulted in a direct access to market trends and consumer reaction as well as an increase in sales volume. Being the first Japanese company to adopt a divisional structure gave each division of the company a clearly defined profit responsibility. This structure created a small business environment to maintain growth and flexibility. It also generated competition amongst divisions. Matsushita’s global organizational model centralized the product and process innovation and then the development and manufacturing of the  products were the product division’s responsibi lity. What were its distinctive competencies and incompetence? Philips competencies: Ability to adapt in Local market conditions, strong national organizations, employee centric values, 14 product divisions (PDs), and NOs built their own technical capabilities and product development Philips Incompetence: No Economy of scale in manufacturing, many technological innovations, but its ability to bring products to market was weak. Difficulties in reorganizing the company when dealing with its growing problems. Matsushita competencies: Broad line of Products, Centralized structure, Fast follower’s strategy Matsushita incompetencies The tough leadership, Lack of resources for new development, inability to compete with other companies that outsourced to low cost factories. Why is the change so hard for both Matsushita and Philips? What recommendations would you make to Gerald Kleisterlee? And to Kunio Nakamura? The change was hard due to the difficulty of changing a company with a strong history and culture without changing the companies’ core values. As the changes were radical and made the companies change to a new way of acting and thinking, the companies had a hard time following and adapting to these changes which altered the core of the companies. Recommendations for Philips: As Philips success initially was in developing new products, though they were not able to successfully introduce them in the markets, this is an area they should exploit further. Also in this area they have capabilities that competitors do not possess. They need a better relationship and coherence between the NOs, PDs and the head quarter to be able to successfully introduce new technologies and products to the market. Also they need to make the whole company adopt the product and not just parts of it. Once they achieve a better coherence they can concentrate on improving their corporate marketing strategy to better position the new products. As Philips is a decentralized company they should work on being more towards a centralized company. They should also not give up its value proposition of being a ‘technology developer and global marketer’, which could be the result of outsourcing the majority of its production. Recommendations for Matsushita As Matsushita had a centralized organization, which was a large disadvantage and a reason for slow market responsiveness, they should work towards a more decentralized organization. Matsushita will need to anticipate on the globalization of the market, so that they are capable of sustaining their competitive advantage in low-cost production. To strengthen their position they need to focus on coherence between subsidiaries and headquarters.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Medea Monologue Evaluation

The monologue I was given was an extract from the play ‘Medea. I played Medea. My director (Mark) and I started with a read-through of the script, even from the first read-through we decided the main theme was that we wanted to show her need for revenge. We the realised this was from the same play that we watched last year. We used this to come up with that themes needed such as her still being in love with Jason. We used units and objectives to the scene into sections. From different sections we got different units, some parts should show a very vulnerable side then others showed anger and love. We realised this was a script needed different levels of emotion and having the ability to change your emotion very quickly was key. We decided to focus on her unrequited love for her husband (Jason) who divorced and betrayed her. Also the anger that she held towards him because of the betrayal needs to be strong. She needed to be quite hard and strong but vulnerable at some points. Once we had cracked the themes and character personality we started do proper rehearsals. I rehearsed by myself to learn my lines and come up with some ideas on how to perform it. Then in school we tried the different ideas and different ways to say each line changing as we go. I sub-texted each line and brought it in so again we can see what she is really trying to say with each line. This made us change how I said the beginning of the script. We hot-seated with different partners’ and the question really made me think. It made me want to show that she still loved Jason but hated him too. Our class did an exercise when we had to be stuck in a lift with as our character with other characters. This was eye opening too, just how much of a strong facade Medea put on to try and mask her feelings. The set was just a simple chair in the middle of the stage. We wanted simplicity so people could focus on the dialogue. The costume again wasn’t complex but purple velvet toga (because she is a Greek princess); this was to show her royal roots. The rehearsal with Mr. Borrill was what turned it around because he told me what to focus on, what parts are meant too be strong and what parts are meant to show weakness. It definitely helped me develop how I wanted the audience to see Medea in the last few days before the performance. The day of the performance arrived. I used emotional memory to get me into the mood just an hour before and I think this really helped in the believability. I think it is one of my best performances; I felt like I connected with audience and used my projection well. I had just enough tension filled moments and I used the silence well. My main fault is my staging, I should’ve moved around more and that is something we focused on in rehearsal but I think my nerves didn’t want me to move. I used props well, when I used it as a symbol of different things such as one represented Jason. I think it was a very good performance other than the staging. I was proud of myself

Thursday, November 7, 2019

beethoven3 essays

beethoven3 essays There resounds a proverbial question, If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear, does it make a sound as it falls? Capricious as this query may appear I have had occasion to entertain just such a notion when, as a youth, I found an exploratory journey down a deep woods path abruptly halted by the greeting of an enormous fallen tree. The colossal obstacle lay across my path and presented itself a motionless, silent guardian that protected that which lay beyond from my further intrusion. What a monumental disturbance must have been witnessed by the forest as this giant came crashing down! I wondered how the tree came to be there in the first place or what of the countless forms of life that had sprang forth from its protective purview over the decades of the trees history. I wondered what might have led to the demise of the strong anchoring system that had so obviously sustained the uprightness of this tower for so long. Not to mention what a scurry for life itsel f must have taken place by the multitude of creatures that were no doubt within the danger zone as tons of falling wood rushed earthward. Notwithstanding the magnitude of this event and the obvious lasting effects that resulted, I still wondered if the falling tree had made a sound? When the life of Ludwig van Beethoven first encroached upon my path, much the same sensation was experienced. No doubt I had heard of the composers name, but then so had I foreknowledge of trees, both fallen as well as standing ones. However, what of this particular composer. Had I ever entertained conversation with him? Had I known of his particular work, achievements, or failures? What difference had been made by this long extinguished life, at least where I was concerned? So here I stood. Yet another fallen giant before me in an apparently posture of complete silence leaving me to contemplate what, if any, true sound had b...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Profile of Gangster John Dapper Don Gotti

Profile of Gangster John 'Dapper Don' Gotti The following is a profile of John Gotti, the former godfather of the powerful Gambino family. Born: October 27, 1940, in Bronx, New York Childhood Years At the age of 12, his family moved to a rough part of Brooklyn, New York.Gotti dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began his full-time involvement in street gangs and petty crimes. 1960 - 1969 In his mid-twenties, he became associated with the Gambino Family and became close to Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. Gottis specialty at that time was hijacking freight trucks at Kennedy Airport.On March 6, 1962, Gotti married Victoria DiGiorgio, by whom he had five children: Angela (born 1961), Victoria, John, Frank and Peter.In 1969, he was sentenced to three years in prison for hijacking. 1970 - 1979 In 1973, he participated in the killing of James McBratney. McBratney was one of three kidnappers and murderers of Manny Gambino, nephew to Carlo Gambino.John Gotti was convicted of the murder and sentenced to seven years in prison, two of which he served before being released.Once out of prison, Gotti moved quickly up the ranks, for his part in the McBratney murder. During that same time, dying Carlo Gambino appointed Paul Castellano as his successor.Now a capo, Gottis loyalty laid with his mentor, Neil Dellacroce, and it was well known the Gotti felt Gambino should have appointed Dellacroce as his successor and not Castellano.Around 1978, Gotti was named a capo and continued to work in top ranks under Dellacroce. 1980 - 1989 Personal disaster struck the Gotti home. John Favara, a friend and neighbor, ran over and killed Gottis 12-year old son, Frank. The incident was deemed an accident. Four months later, Favara vanished, never to be seen again.In February 1985, Castellano and five Family bosses were indicted in the Commission Case. Castellano was also was faced with the news that his mansion was wiretapped and conversations were overheard which resulted in some of Gottis crew getting indicted for narcotic trafficking.During that same time, Castellano gave Thomas Bilotti the capo position, which put him and Gotti on the same level. It was said that once Dellacroce died, Bilotti would be named Underboss, putting him in the position of Godfather in the event Castellano went to prison.Faced with the prospect of life in prison, many worried Castellano might turn coat.In December 1985, Dellacroce died of cancer. Two weeks later Castellano and Bilotti were shot to death in Manhattan. Gotti Becomes Godfather of the Gambino Family With Castellano, Bilotti and Dellacroce all gone, Gotti took control of the largest Mafia family in the nation, setting up his headquarters at the Ravenite Social Club.In 1986, Gotti was charged with racketeering but managed to elude prosecution.Over the next few years, Gotti became a media hound. He paraded in his expensive suits and coats for the media, who always seemed to be there ready to take his picture.The press nicknamed him Dapper Don because of his charismatic charm and good looks, and Teflon Don because charges against him never seemed to stick.Gotti demanded that the Family capos and soldiers come to the Ravenite to show their respect to him. This compromised many of them by exposing them to television coverage, a fact that late came back to haunt some of them. Gottis Downfall Begins After bugging the Ravenite Social Club, the FBI eventually managed to get an RICO (Racketeer-Influenced Corrupt Organization Act of 1970)Â  case against him because of over 100 hours of tape that implicated him and others in racketeering schemes.Underboss, Sammy the Bull Gravano, after hearing Gotti saying derogatory things about him, turned coat and partnered with the government to testify against Gotti.Gravano confessed to 19 murders but received complete immunity for his testimony against John Gotti. His nickname Sammy the Bull then changed to Sammy the Rat. Gravano was given only a five-year sentence and then entered the Witness Protection Program.Gotti and several associates were arrested in 1990. Gotti was convicted by a jury in the United States District Court in New York on April 2, 1992, for 14 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, loan sharking, racketeering, obstruction of justice, illegal gambling, and tax evasion. John Gotti Jr. was acting boss for Gotti while he was in prison. Gottis Prison Years His time in prison was not easy. He was sent to an older federal penitentiary at Marion, Illinois, where he was kept in a solitary-confinement cell 23 hours a day for nine years.June 10, 2002, after battling cancer for several years, John Gotti died at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.A large funeral was held in New York City, where many members of the Gambino Crime Family came to pay their final respects to their fallen leader. The Aftermath It is said that John Gotti, Jr. is now the head of the Gambino Crime Family.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Disease Outbreak Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Disease Outbreak Report - Research Paper Example Information about the location of the scene and the characteristics of the affected persons should be included. This would involve checking the credibility of the hypothesis. This is done by comparing the hypothesis with the established facts concerning H1N1 disease. Another common method for checking credibility is by testing the hypothesis. This prevention strategy focuses on health education. It is aimed at preventing the H1N1 disease from infecting the people in question. It is done by giving passive and active immunization. It is also achieved by teaching people on how to maintain a healthy diet and the right weight (Gordis 2009). This level of H1N1 disease prevention focuses on treating the disease. Promotion in detection and screening is done at this level. It targets the population that is at risk. Screening of newborns can as well be applied. In order to overwhelm the H1N1 disease and get it treated before many are infected, the disease must have had a period enough for it to be detected before the onset of symptoms. The screening to be performed must be good. It should be sensitive such that this infected test positive. Maximum care should be taken so that it does not give false negatives or positives. The screening method should also be affordable and easy. It should remain painless and reliable as much as possible. Who is to be screened and how often it is to be done should also be worked out (Gordis 2009). The effectiveness of screening for H1N1 is measured by its potential, to decrease the mortality and morbidity of the disease. Correlational studies examine the trending of disease-specific mortality over a determined period of time. Cohort studies and case control are also used to evaluate the screening with volunteer and length-time bias being the major shortcomings. Conducting random clinical random trials can also be employed (Buettner

Friday, November 1, 2019

Devil Wears Prada case study (Leadership) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Devil Wears Prada case study (Leadership) - Essay Example She has a team of employees under her including a senior and a junior assistant and has authority to hire or even fire. This power is only as a result of the leadership position and could have been lost if Jacqueline had taken over her position as Nigel revealed to Andy when they spent the night together in Paris at the fashion show event. Andy is simply a junior assistant to Miranda and acts according to how Miranda wants as well as fulfilling all the chores dictated by her as well as by Emily who is the senior personal assistant. Her position demands being respectful and an individual who can be trusted and relied upon. Her power is therefore personal and specifically known as referent power (Fairholm 25). Her ability to handle situations is not only proven when she delivers the â€Å"book† but when she got the advance copies of the Harry Porter Novel for Miranda’s children and even had them delivered to where they were. Miranda’s holding of both powers in the 2006 film and trying to juggle both and succeed in them has benefitted her career but negatively affected her family. She is too busy with both powers to be able to juggle family life as well. The argument Andy overhears between Miranda and her husband when she went to deliver the â€Å"book† as well as the confession of a pending divorce by Miranda to Andy is an indication that all is not well and all because of the power base. Andy’s power has benefitted her as her trust from Miranda due to her work and diligence has made her land a job in The New York Mirror magazine. This is her dream job as she wanted to work in a newspaper or magazine as a reporter or writer and this has finally happened all because of her power base. Her relationship with her boyfriend Nate seems to have suffered when she cheats on him and he gets his dream job in Boston as a sous chef. Nigel seems to be the stirring all the problems for Miranda advocating for her to be eliminated and Jacqueline to

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Analysis of Steve Jobs as an entrepreneur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of Steve Jobs as an entrepreneur - Essay Example This study will look to analyse Steve Jobs as an entrepreneur by evaluating him with Saras D. Sarasvathy’s work on ‘Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise’. The study by Saras D. Sarasvathy (2003) was done with an endeavour to seek an answer to question related to the fact that ‘what makes a successful entrepreneur’s brain different from the average person’ (Young Money, LLC, 2011). The main findings of the study were related to ‘process elements of entrepreneurial expertise’, ‘principles of entrepreneurial expertise’, and ‘effectuation: the logic of entrepreneurial expertise’ (Sarasvathy, 2003). The conclusion that Saras D. Sarasvathy derived from her research was that most successful entrepreneurs generally rely on the factor of ‘effectual reasoning’. It means that they primarily define their goals based on the choices as well as the means they are provided with. Successful entr epreneurs are observed to be brilliant improvisers. They generally do not start their business venture with tangible goals, but they look to constantly assess situation to find ways to make most effective utilisation of the available resources. They look to use their personal strengths in order to develop different goals extemporaneously.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Definition Of Parental Involvement

Definition Of Parental Involvement 2.0 Introduction Research is made in order to inform people with new knowledge or discovery. Jancowicz (2000:159) knowledge does not exist in a vacuum and you work only has value in relation to other peoples work. Thus for a research to be credible, it should be supported by other works that have spoken about the same topic; therein the importance of the literature review which Hart (1998) defines as: The selection of available documents (both published and unpublished) on the topic, which contain information, ideas, data and evidence written from a particular standpoint to fulfill certain aims or express certain views on the nature of the topic and how it is to be investigated, and the effective evaluation of these documents in relation to the research being proposed. The ability to carry out a literature review is an important skill for any researcher. It will provide the latter with a context in which to place the research with respect to what has already been researched about the topic whereby the researcher will get an up to date account and discussion of the research findings about the particular topic. 2.1 Parental Involvement 2.1.1 Definition of Parental Involvement Parental involvement is believed to be an important strategy in the advancement of the quality of education. Parental involvement as such may be defined in different ways. According to Althoff (2010) parental involvement refers to the amount of participation a parent has when it comes to schooling and her childs life. (Abdullah, Seedee, Alzaidiyeen, Al-Shabatat, Alzeydeen, Al-Awabdeh, 2011) define parental involvement as the activities occurring between a parent and a child or between a parent and teachers at school that may contribute to the childs educational outcomes and development. NCLB (2001) described parental involvement as regular participation of parents, a two-way process, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities including: Assisting their childs learning; (b) Being actively involved in their childs education at school; (c) Serving as full partners in their childs education and being included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child; and (d) The carrying out of other activities such as those described in section 1118 of the ESEA Section 9101(32). Liontos (1992) mentions recent beliefs about parents and families that schools should consider when involving themselves in the education to their children: 1) All families have strengths, 2) parents can learn new techniques, 3) parents have important perspectives about their children, 4) most parents really care about their children, 5) cultural differences are both valid and valuable, and 6) many family forms exist and are legitimate (pp. 30-31). 2.1.2 Family Involvement Regardless of how they are able to demonstrate their investment, the notion that families play a very important role in creating a school that provides a nurturing and safe environment for their children is becoming widely accepted (Epstein et al., 1997). Families provide the social, cultural, and emotional supports that youth need to function well in school. Schools provide opportunities for childrens positive interactions with significant adults and other adolescents to enhance their home experiences and to support their continued development and related learning (Comer Haynes, 1991). According to Davies (1991) parental involvement shifts from parent focus to family focus, family to community agencies, school to home/neighborhood setting, eager parents to hard-to reach families, teachers/administrators agendas to family priorities, and deficit view of urban families to emphasis on inherent strengths of families. He further explains that even though non-traditional families are much more common nowadays than they were in the 1950s, alternative family structures are effective and should be recognised by the school. The paradigm Changing Definitions of Parental involvement according to Davies(1991) is as follows: from Parent Focus to Family Focus; from school to home or neighbourhood setting; from eager parents to hard to reach families; from teacher/administrator agenda to family priorities; from deficit view of urban families to emphasis on inherent strengths of families. Davies (1991) mentioned that non-traditional family units are getting more common, but the alternative family structures are effective and should be recognised as they do impact in the education and performance of students. 2.1.3 Types of parental involvement Fan and Chen (2001) in their meta-analysis found that researchers commonly conceptualised parental involvement as having multiple dimensions. Research conducted over a number of years have proved that there are numerous types of parenting practices associated with positive school-related academic and social competencies. These are: (a) parental participation in school-related activities, for instance monitoring homework and attending parent-teacher association meetings (Desimone, 1999; Keith et al., 1993; Steinberg, Lamborn, Dornbusch Darling, 1992); (b) parental encouragement of positive school behaviors (Atkinson Forehand, 1979; Barth, 1979; Kelley, 1952; Schumaker, Hovell, Sherman, 1977; Seginer, 1983); and (c) parental expectations for achievement and attainment (Ainley, Foreman, Sheret,1991; Fan Chen, 2001; Scott-Jones, 1995; Seginer). Similarly, Epstein (2001) has distinguished six types of parental involvement namely: parenting; communication; volunteering; home tutoring; involvement in decision-making; and, collaboration with the community. Epsteins model presents family, school and community as overlapping spheres of influence, the congruence of which is of considerable importance for the optimal development of children. 2.2 The effect of parental involvement on childrens achievements It is generally believed that the parents do play an important role in the education of their children and there is now an extensive research literature indicating that parental involvement is advantageous for children of all ages (Cox 2005; Desforges and Abouchaar 2003; Eccles and Harold 1993; Epstein 2001). Research has shown that one of the most promising ways to increase students achievement is to involve their families (Chavkin, 1993; Henderson Berla, 1994). Herbert Walberg (1984) found that family participation in education was twice as predictive of academic learning as family socioeconomic status. Establishing partnerships with families has many benefits for schools and families, but Epstein says, the main reason to create such partnerships is to help all youngsters succeed in school and in later life (1995, p. 701). When parents participate in their childrens schooling, students may experience more academic and social success. Epstein (2001) suggests that parents who are informed and involved in their childrens school can positively impact their childs attitude and performance. Drawing a causal link between parental involvement and student achievement is challenging; much of the research on parent involvement and student performance is therefore correlational (Scott Stein Thorkildsen, 1999). Although the impact of parental involvement is dependent on a number of contextual variables, there are many advantages attributed to parental involvement. Involvement at home, especially parents discussing school activities and helping children plan their programs, has the strongest impact on academic achievement (Sui-Chu Willms, 1996; VanVoorhis, 2003). Researchers have also found that parent-child discussion about school helps improve academic achievement and reduce problematic behavior (Epstein Sheldon, 2002; McNeal, 1999; Sheldon Epstein, 2005). McLaughlin and Shields (1986), for example, reported that parents can contribute to improved student achievement through their involvement in (a) the selection of appropriate reading materials, (b) targeting educational services, and (c) the use of particular pedagogical strategies. Clark (1983) found a correlation between achievement in reading and mathematics and the number of books at home. Parent involvement is absolutely essential to student achievement in school and in life say (Campbell Glasgow, 2010). The overwhelming studies and research indicate that there are indeed positive academic outcomes stemming from parental involvement with benefits beginning in the early childhood throughout adolescence and beyond (Henderson Mapp, 2002; Patrikakou, Weisberg, Redding, Walberg, 2005). Buchmann and Dalton (2002) suggest a possible linkage between differences in institutional contexts of educational system and variation in the effect of parental involvement on childrens educational outcomes while examining variation across 12 countries in the effect of mothers and peers attitudes toward academic performance on educational aspiration among middle-school (lower secondary school) students. The comparisons across 12 countries indicate significant variation in the influence of parental attitude on childrens educational aspiration across countries with different structural features of educational system. 2.3 Factors affecting Students Academic Achievements The students performance or academic achievement plays an important role in producing the good quality school leavers who will become good manpower for any country. There are actually numerous factors that affect the performance and achievement of students. Parents influence their childrens academic achievement (Spera, 2005). High family socioeconomic status, positive parenting practices, positive aspects of parents personality, and high marital quality are associated with school success (Harold, Aitken, Shelton, 2007; Heaven Newbury, 2004; Robertson Reynolds, 2010). Children whose parents who actively promote learning in the home more positively engage in relationships outside the home and in learning (Marchant, Paulson, Rothlisberg, 2001), perhaps because these parents help children approach learning environments more positively. The premise that home environment risks, such as negative parenting (Clark, Dogan, Akbar, 2003), a chaotic household (Brown Low, 2008), parents low educational attainment or income level (Davis-Kean, 2005), and single-parent family structure (Zill, 1996), are correlates of poor academic functioning is also well supported. According to a report on Monitoring Learning Achievement (1999) the Determinants of childs performance were identified to be as follows: Socio-economic status of the childs family had a very strong impact on achievement at school. (b) Parental education level and parents opinion about education were decisive factors affecting performance of the children at school. (c) The child who had access to learning through technology and through materials at home was more likely to do better at school. (d) Pupils who had a positive attitude to school and teachers as well as those who used English to communicate performed better on the tests. (e) Children who had more experienced teachers at school and who were more frequently assessed became better learners. 2.3.1 Student Demographics and Students Achievement Students from ethnic minority backgrounds and low income families are more at risk for poor school outcomes and are becoming an increasing share of the student population. Many studies have linked the educational disadvantage of minority students to a combination of out-of-school factors, many of which center on family characteristics, such as poverty and parents education. Linn (2005) says that prior achievement or other relevant characteristics of the student body may help to explain current levels of achievement while (Carlson, 2002; Ponisciak Bryk, 2005) point out that when large scale assessments are used as the sole measure of accountability, the characteristics of the schools clientele are confounded with change that is directly attributable to the effectiveness of the school producing biased estimates of school effects. Children coming from middle-class family may have a head start given their higher social position and income may lead to better quality housing, more availability of books and study facilities at home such as their own room, internet access facility as well as the ability to afford private tuition. According to the University of Mauritius study on private tuition (1989), children from better off families take more tuition than students from poor families and they tend to perform better. A better measure of a schools effect on student achievement should account for the nature of students in the schools as well as the characteristics of the schools themselves. For example the correlation according to Sirin (2005) between socio-economic status and achievement tends to be approximately 0.30 at the student level. When aggregated to the school level, the correlation between socio-economic and academic achievement is approximately 0.60 (Sirin, 2005), though that correlation has been estimated to be even higher (0.73) in an earlier meta-analysis (White, 1982). 2.3.2 School Leadership and Students Achievement Studies have revealed that strong leaders are critical to successful learning environments (Briggs Wohlstetter, 2003; Hallinger, Bickman, Davis, 1996; Haycock, Jerald, Huang, 2001; Jesse, Davis, Pokorny, 2004; McGee, 2004; Muijs, Harris, Chapman, Stoll, Russ, 2004; Murphy, 2004; Scribner Scribner, 2001; Snipes, 2004; Yau, 2002). There are different characteristics of strong leaders that have been mentioned in the literature: Leaders have a clear vision for their schools that is continuously communicated to school staff and parents (Cole-Henderson, 2000; EdSource, 2006; Jesse et al., 2004); they have high expectations for all students (Cole-Henderson, 2000; EdSource, 2006; McGee, 2004; Scribner et al., 2001); and they are able to translate their vision and expectations into concrete goals for teachers by aligning curriculum with state standards and standardized tests (EdSource, 2006; Education Trust, 2003). 2.3.3 School Systems and Students Achievement In many countries, including Mauritius to some extent, school systems are tracked where students are assigned to different school types based on their prior performance. These tracks range from purely academic tracks to vocational tracks and prepare students for different educational and labor market destinations (Marks, Cresswell, Ainley, 2006; Reyes, 2010). In general most secondary school systems maintain a distinction between academic and vocational education. The specifics may be different from place to place, but in most countries academic education prepares students for college or for a university whereas vocational education prepares them for immediate entry into the labor market (Shavit, Blossfeld 1993). Schools may be involved in the socio-economic inequalities in education in a number of ways. Wealthy families can afford a superior education for their children by sending them to fee-paying private schools. In countries with tracked school systems, the allocation of stude nts to the more academic school tracks may be biased towards students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. 2.3.5 Parental Involvement and Students Achievement Studies on the influence of parenting on school outcomes have mainly focused on specific parental practices such as involvement in their childs education, mostly in relation to academic achievement and rarely in relation to school dropout (McNeal, 1999; Rumherger, 1995). Studies conducted among specific grades and subject areas support the contention that parental involvement can influence students academic achievement regardless of the students age or subject. For example, Stegelin (2003), Wirtz Schumacher (2003), and Hertz-Lazarowitz Horovitz (2002) focused on early childhood education and literacy, noting a link between families who engage in literacy activities at home and their childrens success with reading and writing. Henderson and Berla (1994) say that the most accurate predictor of a students achievement in school is not income or social status but the extent to which that students family is able to create a home environment that encourages learning; express high but not unrealistic expectations for their childrens achievement and future careers and become involved in their childrens education at school and in the community. There exists an extensive research literature indicating that Parental Involvement is advantageous for children. This includes home-based Parental involvement such as listening to children read and supervision of homework as well as school-based Parental Involvement such as attending parent education workshops and parent-teacher meetings. The effectiveness of both home-based and school-based Parental Involvement in facilitating academic achievement has been reported by several reviews and meta-analyses of the literature (Fan and Chen 2001; Henderson and Mapp 2002; Jeynes 2005, 2007; Pomerantz, Moorman, and Litwack 2007). Mariaye (2008) has found that higher levels of education of parents are often related to better provision of financial resources, thus leading to achievement of children. 2.4 Barriers to parental involvement Though there is much importance attached to parental involvement it is still being ignored in many schools. Lazar and Slostad (1999) believe that parents are willing to get involved in the education of their children, but the negative perceptions of parents persist because teacher education programs do not educate teachers to work with parents. Foster and Loven (1992) also shared that the major explanation for this, according to researchers, is the fact that very little attention is given to preparing teachers to work with parents and other adults (Lazar, 1999, p. 207). According to Lazar and Slostad, (1999) the way parents viewed their roles was shaped by the circumstances and norms of particular cultures and their beliefs about their own effectiveness as teachers or tutors. Epstein (1991) found out that teachers had doubts whether they could motivate parents to become more involved even though they thought that parental involvement would improve students achievement. Teachers lack the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to collaborate with families leading to a weak school-family partnership (De Acosta, 1996; Epstein Dauber, 1991; Foster Loven, 1992; Greenwood Hickman, 1991; Midkiff Lawler-Prince, 1992; Williams,1992). Major barriers to parental involvement in schools include the school environment, school culture, time constraint, changing demographics and employment patterns, and the lack of teacher preparation in involving parents in their childrens schooling (New Skills for Schools, 1997; National PTA, 1997). 2.5 Overcoming barriers to parental involvement Strategies for overcoming barriers to parental involvement in schools include overcoming time and resource constraints, providing information and training to parents and school staff, restructuring schools to support family involvement, bridging school-family differences, getting external supports for partnerships, meeting families basic needs, providing flexible times and places for parental involvement, and helping staff communication with parents (The U.S. Department of Education, 2004; Family Involvement in Childrens Education October 1997). The various barriers to Parental involvement can be categorised by adapting Epsteins (2001) framework of overlapping spheres of influence focused on the three areas of family, school and community. 2.5.1 Parents beliefs about Parental Involvement Parents beliefs about various issues can act as barriers to effective parental involvement. Firstly, the way that parents view their role in the education of their children is crucial. Parents who believe that their role is only to get children to school, which then takes over responsibility for their education, will not be willing to be actively involved in either school-based or home-based parental involvement. Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler (1997) reported that this attitude is more prevalent in some communities and national cultures than others, but that there is considerable variation within these. For example, Clark (1983), in his research on high achieving students from low-income black families, found that what distinguished the parents of these students from others at the school was that they believed that they should be involved in their childrens education, by both supporting their learning at home and interacting constructively with schools. Clark found that parents of high a chieving students had a greater belief than the other parents that they could effectively help their children to do better at school. 2.5.2 Parents perceptions of invitations for involvement One other potential barrier to parental involvement is parents perceptions of the level of explicit and implicit invitations for involvement. According to Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler (1997) when parents think that Parental Involvement is not valued by teachers or schools they are less likely to get involved. Thus, parents perceptions of invitations from schools are considered crucial in developing effective parental involvement. Epstein (2001) has found that parents are most effectively involved when teachers actively encourage them to get involved. Eccles and Harold (1993) believe that teachers with positive, facilitating attitudes toward involving parents encourage more parents to become involved and increase the effectiveness of parental involvement. When parents perceive that teachers are not open to involve them, there tends to be a major barrier to parental involvement. Similarly, when schools are welcoming to parents and make it clear that they value parental involvement, the s chools develop more effective parental involvement than schools that do not appear inviting to parents. Secondary schools are often seen by parents as large bureaucratic organisations which are not welcoming to parents, which is considered to be one of the reasons why there is a tendency for higher levels of parental involvement in primary than secondary schools (Eccles and Harold 1993). 2.5.3 Parents Level of Education Parents level of education will influence their views on whether they have sufficient skills and knowledge to engage in different aspects of parental involvement (Green et al. 2007). For example, parents who have not completed secondary school themselves may be diffident about helping their children with homework once the latter get to secondary school. Also, parents who do not have a university degree may feel in some ways inferior to teachers who they know are better qualified than them and therefore be reluctant to work closely with the teachers. In general, children of parents with higher levels of education perform better, on average, on assessments of student achievement. 2.5.4 Parent current life status Family circumstances can be major barriers to parental involvement. For example, single parents and those with young families or large families may find it difficult to get involved in education of their children because of their responsibilities. Parents work situations can also be a factor. When parents are unemployed money could be an issue as they may not be able to afford a car or to pay babysitters in order to get to school meetings. For parents with jobs, whether both parents work and the kind of jobs they have may be issues. When both parents work they will have less time to devote for both home-based and school-based parental involvement. Similarly while some jobs allow little flexibility for taking time off for school-based parental involvement, other jobs may leave parents too tired at the end of the day to help children with homework (Catsambis 2001; Green et al. 2007). 2.5.5 Class, ethnicity and gender There exist also barriers regarding to class, ethnicity and gender of parents that account for the difference between rhetoric and reality in parental involvement. Reay (1998) suggests that it is those parents who possess cultural capital which matches that generally valued by schools. In contrast, working-class parents, although they possess their own undervalued cultural capital, are aware of the difference between the cultural capital they possess and that of teachers. Reay (1998) concludes that, for working-class families, home-school relationships are about separateness, whereas for middle-class families they are about interconnectedness, and this difference shapes their respective attitudes towards parental involvement. The barriers related to ethnicity and culture also play an important role. According to a report by Koki and Lee (1998) some of the issues involved in parental involvement for parents in New Zealand who have come from the Pacific Islands. They make the point that it is impossible to understand these issues outside of the context of the history of Pacific education and cultural tradition, but the reality is that parental involvement programmes typically pay scant regard to these issues. 2.5.6 Learning difficulties and disabilities The performance of at school can be both a barrier or facilitating factor for parental involvement. According to Eccles and Harold (1993) when children are struggling with their school work, due to learning difficulties or disabilities, then parents are generally more inclined to be active in parental involvement activities. Many authorities on special needs education consider that involving parents is an essential aspect of effective education for children with disabilities or learning difficulties (Hornby 1995; Seligman 2000). The involvement of parents is required for the process of implementing individual education programmes and this facilitates parental involvement for many parents whose children have learning difficulties or disabilities. But this is not always the case as there are many possible areas for disagreement between schools and parents of children with learning difficulties or disabilities, which can then act as barriers to effective parental involvement. For instan ce, when parents consider that their children can achieve more academically or when teachers want more support from parents in backing up at home what children are working on at school (Seligman 2000). 2.6 Strategies to involve parents To achieve more parental involvement, the school or teachers can help to adjust to parents work schedules, interests, and special abilities to involve them in their childs education 2.6.1 Parenting Parents can be involved in their childs schooling in many ways. One way teachers can get these parents involved is by providing them information about parenting practices. Parents with children with behavior problems are interested in learning about specialised reinforcement and discipline techniques that can be applied in their home. Research has shown that students who are disruptive in schools are also disruptive at home (Walker et al., 1995). Teachers can be useful by providing suggestions on how to teach specific skills at home. Parents who learn new parenting skills and teach their child at home are making positive contributions to their childs education. 2.6.2 Communication Encouraging parents to communicate with the school about important information about their child is another way parents can be involved. Darch, Craig, Miao, Yu, Shippen, and Peggy(2004) recommend that teachers ask parents to discuss their childs behaviour at home, his or her attitudes about school and learning, and whether there are home problems impacting the childs behavior at school. It is helpful if teachers ask parents about their expectations about their childs performance. 2.6.3 Volunteering Darch et al.,(2004) also suggest that one role that some parents can play is to provide instructional or management support in the classroom. For example, parents can be tutors for their own child or other students in the classroom. Also, parents can serve by grading papers, participating in field trips, and reading to groups of students. The advantages of including parents in these activities are many. Parents visibility in the classroom can be helpful in managing children. Also, if parents can provide instructional support, the improved learning performances of students will have a positive impact on their classroom behavior. 2.6.4 Instruction According to Darch et al, (2004) parents can also be involved in their childs school program by providing instructional and management support in their homes. Teachers may ask parents to allocate time for their childs homework, provide instructional support for academic assignments, and carry out home-based reinforcement programs. For parents to effectively take this role, they must be willing to participate and must have skills to implement home-based programs. However, as Hoover-Demsey and Sandler (1997) point out, many parents do not see the importance of taking an active role in their childs education. Thus, teachers must provide parents with clear guidelines on how they can be helpful at home and, if necessary, information on how to implement instructional and management strategies at home. An advantage of these activities is that the child is provided extra instruction at home that leads to more successful learning and motivation in the classroom. 2.6.5 School-Wide Involvement Teachers can suggest to parents that they be involved in school-wide activities. (Darch et al., 2004). The goal is to link parents to activities beyond their childs classroom: parents can be involved in PTA meetings, school-wide parent advisory councils, volunteer to work in the school office, and participate on a school-wide discipline committee. The advantages of linking parents into school wide activities are obvious. The presence of parents throughout the school is related to higher levels of student achievement and decreases school-wide disruptive behaviors. Parents involved with school-wide activities become more supportive of teachers and school policy. 2.7 How do schools involve parents? According to Hanke (2006) lack of parental involvement is due to lack of helpful information to parents. Emails, phone, letters, newsletters and personal contacts can be made by schools to reach out to parents. If schools communicate with parents regularly and consistently using the various means, the gap between school and parental involvement will be reduced. Based on the recent report on the Commonwealth conference on education (2012) the technology is available for ICT to be the foundation for change in education provisioning: from the classroom to the ministerial committee room; from the way teachers relate to their students, to the increasing of parental involvement in schools. Students expectations and achievement will increase if involvement are identified by Epstein and associate (1997): parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making, and collaborating with the community. Reenay and Vivian (2007) have explained that even though the invention of new technologies has made it easier for schools to reach out to parents (through emails, cell phones and internet websites), the use of traditional methods in communication has been found to be an effective way for schools to communicate with parents, but this has been limited in use b