Leader profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leader profile - Essay Example At the age of 16, he moved to Detroit to pursue his passion of building machineries (Ford & Crowther, 1922). After a lot of hurdled and failures, he was finally able to start up with Ford motors. Henry Ford’s vision was to bring about a car which was so cheap that everyone could afford to drive it and was also very easily and cost effectively repaired and fixed (Ford & Crowther, 1922). He translated his vision into his T car model which proved to be a great success. Today Ford Motors is a well-known brand with having stakes in other very famous brands as well, like Mazda and Aston Martin. Its headquarters are located in Michigan. Ford is ranked the second-largest automaker being US based and attains a fifth position globally for being the largest auto maker in Europe. Ford Motor Company has taken a lot of environmental initiatives in order to pursue their corporate social responsibility (Sorenson & Williamson, 1957). They have manufactured and made compressed natural gas vehic les, ethanol (flexible fuel) vehicles as well as electric and hybrid electronic vehicles. The position which Ford Motor Company enjoys luxuriously is only because of the vision of one man, Mr. Henry Ford. As a leader, he gave importance to giving value to workers along with maintaining a high level of self belief in them (Sorenson & Williamson, 1957). He always ensured to pay his workers high, which is why he was able to attract all the talent from all over the world towards is company (Sorenson & Williamson, 1957). Henry Ford understood that the only way to enhance the true potential in us is to understand the importance of work. He observed that work is an indispensable part of us as human beings and our achievement as individuals will come only as a result of us using our true working potential (Sorenson & Williamson, 1957). This is the main reason why he never thought of requiring, as for him life was work and work was life. The leadership style of Henry Ford was that of a trans formational leader. It is said so because he was able to articulate his vision with the action plans of his subordinates. Not only this makes him a transformational leader, he was also always very proactive then reactive (Sward, 1948). He was undoubtedly a charismatic leader which is completely shown by his desire to make a car which was affordable for each and everyone (Sward, 1948). The basic four traits which form the basis of a transformational leadership style are to be able to influence credibility, to inspire subordinates towards motivation, to address people with intellectual stimulation and lastly to have individualized consideration. Henry Ford had perfectly and completely mastered these four traits (Sward, 1948). Ford was always very motivation towards his workers and believed that people when happy and satisfied can be much more productive than people who are not happy an =d satisfied. He used to pay double wages than that of the market along with other rewards, incentiv es and bonuses (Sward, 1948). He also reduced the working hours a day for his workers so that they remain mentally and physically fresh. All this added to make Fords dream into a reality and the

Analysis of Business Groups in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Analysis of Business Groups in China - Essay Example Research has uncovered that business groups are so successful in China due to the fact that they provide influence in changing the infrastructure for capital procurement, such as building incentive for lenders to assist business growth, and also giving the country the ability to effectively compete against traditionally-structured conglomerates internationally. Utilising two specific examples of successful business groups in China, this report recommends that China continue to embrace business groups as a key competitive advantage over other nations across the world. Findings indicate that Chinese business groups improve social welfare and also enhance the economic strength of a developing Eastern economy. There is no evidence provided showing a detriment for ongoing operations of important Chinese business groups. An analysis of business groups in China Introduction Business groups are found virtually everywhere in Asian nations. Business groups are defined as â€Å"a group of lega lly independent firms, which operate in many different markets, bound together by enduring formal and informal connections† (Khanna and Yafeh 2005, p.332). There are typically three different types of business groups: vertically-controlled groups (or pyramidal in design), horizontally-controlled groups and informally-bounded groups that are connected with a common social tie or a singular sense of business mission or identity. Business groups in China differ substantially from the traditional conglomerate business structure commonly found in Westernised nations. Whilst the conglomerate business structure is rather standardised, meaning a typical combination of two or more established companies operating under a single parent company, the business group structure involves a group of independent companies sharing a singular managerial relationship (Khanna and Yafeh 2005). Business groups have accounted for approximately 60 percent of China’s total industrial, national out put (China Statistical Yearbook 2000). Hence, there is ample evidence that business groups have been monumentally important in creating new and self-sufficient markets, established industrial and supply infrastructures and also raised beneficial capital necessary to build an industrial and commercial empire in the country. Based on all research findings, business groups in China are highly advantageous economically, commercially and socially and should continue to be adopted by this developing nation. The development of business groups in China Between the 1970s and 1990s, emergence of Chinese business groups continued to escalate. In a country where the government plays a significant role in regulating and controlling business practices, Chinese government officials realised that the country was not advancing, in terms of competitive business output, to the rest of the developed world. In response, the government began to evolve its industrial policies in an effort to support incre asing global business competition. The end result of this liberalisation in governmental business regulation established many different, large business groups that were formed, primarily, through the inheritance of large industrial plants carried over from the previous command economy (Nolan 2001). It was through governmental policy changes that large business groups were formed, sustaining adequate capital and production resources that began to put China on the proverbial map toward becoming a powerhouse of international competition. Why is the intervention of the government between the 1970s and 1990s important to understanding the potential benefits of Chinese business groups? China maintains, as a developing nation, a very feeble and under-developed legal system and a rather

The stages of early reading development

The stages of early reading development The sequence of teaching phonic knowledge and skills should be such that children should have every opportunity to acquire rapidly the necessary phonic knowledge and skills to read independently Rose (2006), Independent review of the teaching of early reading, paragraph 86, page 28. The model below demonstrates the mechanism for early word recognition by using phonic rules of language and the memory of known words. However, as I often observe in class, pupils can read words but are often unaware of their meaning and so cannot fully comprehend or absorb knowledge from a text.(relates to Q10) http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/images/clip_image006_0002.jpg Rose (2006), Independent review of the teaching of early reading, paragraph 50, page 86 Children tend to develop comprehension skills by first building an expansive vocabulary of words and their meanings through repeated exposure (visual or auditory) to a wide range of words. By understanding words in context with one another the reader can understand the meaning of the text. Comprehension occurs as the listener builds a mental representation of the information contained within the language that a speaker is usingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the listeners general knowledge and level of cognitive development will have a bearing on the comprehension of the message. To generate an accurate mental representationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the listener has to process the language and the concepts. Rose (2006), Independent review of the teaching of early reading, paragraph 61, page 88 In 1998 the Searchlights Model describing reading was introduced as a way of explaining how a reader processes and comes to comprehend a text. The Searchlights model was incorporated into the National Learning Strategies framework (relates to Q3 and Q15) and designed to provide a simplified way to understand the teaching of reading. It formed the basis for much of the theory of reading which was to follow. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmeduski/121/12102.gif Rose (2006), Independent review of the teaching of early reading, paragraph 2, page 73 The model indicates that a text is read by use of four areas of knowledge which act as searchlights to illuminate the text. However, the model indicated that all searchlights were of equal use and deficiency in one area would be compensated for by ability in another. Later findings indicate that both good language understanding and accurate word recognition are required if a reader is to understand the text. Clays model builds on and modifies the Searchlight model by identifying the four cues required for comprehension as phonological (the sound of the oral language), syntactic (sentence order), visual (graphemes, orthography, format and layout) and semantic (text meaning) (Clay, 1985; Clay and Cazden, 1990). Clay highlights that each of these cues are necessary to facilitate reading and understanding of text. Good readers have developed a number of strategies which focus on unlocking meaning of the text whilst poor readers have very few strategies to cope and they tend to have a lack of integration with the text. With the aid of an increasing pool of research into the cognitive processes of reading, the Simple View of Reading indicates the most recent description of understanding of a text. There are two necessary components which must be fulfilled to allow a child to read; Word Recognition (including understanding and pronunciation of words) and Language Comprehension (including understanding sentences and texts) The two elements are interdependent and often facilitate the other e.g. word recognition does not guarantee understanding of those words (ergo nor the text), whilst comprehension is useless without word recognition. Understanding sentences then provides the reader with context to recognise words which follow and subsequently the meaning of the text. The two components of reading have four outcomes in this model by Gough and Tunmer 1986. http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/images/clip1.jpg Rose (2006), Independent review of the teaching of early reading, paragraph 31, page 81 This simple view of reading helps teachers to understand where there students are on the model and what strategies need to be applied to increase their capabilities in either or both areas to help them become good readers. To develop word recognition skills the teaching of phonics is important. Synthetic phonics is taught because our written system is alphabetic, so to be able to read you must first learn the alphabet and the single or combination of letters sounds (spoken letters sound). Children should then learn how to (i) segment words into their component sound to enable spelling and understand the meaning of words and (ii) the complementary process of blending sounds to read words in a process known as synthesis. Success here is clearly impacted by the childs recognition and understanding of the letters of the English alphabet and their corresponding pronunciation as a sound. It is equally important to teach and repeat high frequency words which cannot be sounded-out using phonics; this allows the word to enter the sight memory word bank. To develop language skills, the best ways are through speaking and listening activities, so that students have an opportunity to hear and speak words and understand their meaning in the context of the discussion, increasing their vocabulary and language skills. Considering the above, the Rose review 2006 provides a number of recommendations for best practise in teaching children to read which can be categorised into 5 main area (relates to Q14,15), as follows; Best practiceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The national strategies framework sets out guidance for the development of childrens speaking and listening skills and should be used as a guide for best practice should be expected in the teaching of early reading and synthetic phonics. Quality teaching of phonics would enable the student to develop the ability to decode and encode which is critical to reading and writing/spelling. Phonics work should be cross-curricular using all the strands speaking, listening, reading and writing. Cross curricular phonics teaching also aids students in accumulating a greater stock of words. The teacher must be able to assess progress and react accordingly to maximise the development of each child as an individual with individual needs. The Early Years Foundation Stageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Parents should be encouraged to read with their child before their child enters EYFS. Phonics should be taught from the age of five and should be a multi-sensory approach which captures pupils interests, is delivered in a motivating way by a competent pedagogue capable of reinforcing learning. Greater significance should be placed on word recognition and language comprehension as the key components of learning to read (as a development of the Searchlights model). The EYFS and the National Literacy Framework must work together to create a progressive continuous programme for delivery of phonics which is transportable throughout all years. Intervention if a child struggles to read, including those with SENà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. If a child is experiencing reading difficulties, it is important to check whether they have a sight or hearing problem which makes learning more complex. Provision of intervention should follow the Primary National Strategy three wave model for students with literacy difficulties. The first wave involves effective inclusion of all students with quality first teaching especially in phonics, wave 2 covers extra intervention to make sure that the student is working at age related expectations with small group intense phonics groups, wave 3 individual interventions make sure that students with extra needs are accommodated e.g. school action and school action plus. It is important to ensure that pupils are not excluded from the main learning goals and progress made during intervention sessions is maintained. Strong leadership and management should be provided in tandem with high staff competency, in terms of subject knowledge and skillsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Head-teachers and staff should make sure that phonics is given a priority within the planning for early teaching to read; staff training should be compatible with this ethos. Staff training must make sure that the phonics programme is delivered to a high standard. To aid this, a head of literacy with specialised knowledge would be beneficial. Passing on knowledge in this way improves phonics teaching overall, is cost effective (due to a dilution of course costs) and allows a specific individual to monitor for consistency of phonics teaching. Those who manage the school should be responsible for instilling an effective continual professional development programme for all staff. With phonics in mind they should oversee the consistency of phonics delivery and provide feedback to improve practice. Management must also monitor pupil progress and instil teaching policy which benefits all pupils by ensuring that they are able to achieve realistic learning goals. Furthermore, Rose suggests that initial teacher training should provide a demonstration of the need to focus on early-years phonics to bring about reading. When observing phonics in my base school I have found that children are grouped by ability for all sessions, with smaller intense groups provided for EAL children. The planning and teaching is undertaken in line with the Letters and Sounds resources in the following way (relates to Q25): First you review and revisit the previous weeks letters and sounds to ensure retention; sometimes the teacher will review the first 100 words using flashcards which the children race to read as many as they can in a minute. Next a new sound is taught, the teacher models how to write the sound and explains the phoneme family (other letter combinations with the same phonetic sound). Practise the new sound by first modelling the writing of a word using the subject sound and then instructing children to write different words which contain that sound. Applying the sound just learned, the teacher writes a sentence (normally something funny) which pupils are asked to read and write their own if time allows. This provides an understanding of the word in context (process two of Simple View of Reading). To bring about word recognition and comprehension the key features of the Simple View of Reading I have observed a number of methods in school; Children are given reading books to take home and practise reading with parents; comprehension and reading accuracy are checked before a child is allowed to change their book. Children are also encouraged to activity use the library facility to take home an extra book they wish to read themselves. This is to encourage them to foster the attitude that being able to read brings many benefits. Daily phonics lessons, taught according to the method described above. Children are given spellings to learn which relate to the phonics they are learning about. Guided reading groups are done regularly to teach the children how to decode and comprehend texts. The children are encouraged to sound out words to find the phonemes when spelling and reading. I have observed many sessions of phonics teaching which have been taught well by effective teachers. This has had a clear benefit to the children being taught and will allow them to become competent readers, an essential skill for success as an adult and fulfilment of the ECM goals which I should strive to satisfy for all pupils in my care. I will draw on the high quality teaching I have observed to provide such quality teaching. The simple view of reading provides a clear framework for success in teaching children to read. Considering Gough and Tunmers (1986) model in relation to a childs ability will allow me to modify my teaching to the needs of each child (relates to Q29). An on-going commitment to understanding research into the best ways for children to learn, and its effect upon best practice, will allow me to deliver teaching which caters for pupils for whom I am responsible. Unfortunately there has not been any indication from the current government regarding their opinion o f and for Literacy teaching. With this in mind, I will carry on with the phonics that I have started to teach. It is clear that I must plan Literacy sessions to include phonics lessons and build on the early learning provided by EYFS teachers. This should be undertaken in collaboration with parents as it is clear that reading from a very early age is most influential upon the childs ability to understand and grasp new knowledge i.e. a successful reader will find future learning easier. My planning and delivery must harness this ethos and the benefits of reading be highlighted to pupils. To allow pupils to gain this benefit, I must create an environment in which I can deliver content in an interesting way which captures the interest of pupils. This environment should also foster a welcoming feedback (relates to Q27) process to allow children to highlight areas where they are struggling and know that help will be provided; learning is best undertaken as a collaborative process by all involved. Bibliography and Reference list Clay, Marie M. (1985). The Early Detection of Reading Difficulties. Third Edition. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. (ED 263 529) Clay, M., Cazden, C. (1992). A Vygotskian interpretation of reading recovery. In L.C. Moll (Ed.), Vygotsky and education: Instructional implications and applications of socio-historical psychology (pp. 206-222). New York: Cambridge University Press. Gough, P. B. Tunmer, W. E. (1986). Decoding, reading, and reading disability. Remedial and Special Education, 7, 6-10. Rose, J (2006). Independent Review of the Teaching of Early Reading. Annesley: Department for Education and Skills.

Animal Farm, by George Orwell :: Animal Farm Essays

Hypocrisy on Animal Farm   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm, the animals possess many traits that humans portray such as emotion and physical qualities and activities. The novel withholds many examples of hypocrisy among the animals. These acts of hypocrisy originate from the animals hatred for the humans, which eventually transforms them into humans in an animal form and the major downfall of Animal Farm. These acts of hypocrisy are primarily summoned by the pigs in many different fashions including the higher equality, the ban on human characteristics and activity and the basis of â€Å"four legs good, two legs bad†. The higher equality of certain animals was a major contribution to the general act of hypocrisy that takes place on Animal Farm. During the beginning of the novel, all the animals are equal and happy, but once the pigs gain total control, they decide to change the rules. : â€Å"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.†(90). This is hypocritical due to the sudden change of the animal’s views. During the beginning of the novel, all the animals are equal and agree upon equality as a group. After a while, the pigs begin creating rules that help to provide and advantage themselves. After the pigs make this statement, the other animals begin to see that Napoleon and his committee are very similar to their previous owner, Mr. Jones. While the pigs are living the simple life of relaxation, the other animals are doing slave labour to ensure that humans do not regain control of Animal Farm and ensuring that they don’t not lose control of their o wn lives. Another ac of hypocrisy located in the novel, deals with the ban on human appearances and human activity. During one of the first meetings after the rebellion, the animals make the rules clear and state that they will apply it to every animal on the farm. : â€Å"No animal must ever live in a house, or sleep in a bed, or wear clothes, or drink alcohol, or smoke tobacco, or touch money, or engage in trade.†(6). Despite the rules agreed upon by the animals at the starting of the novel, the pigs decide to become more like the humans and gain complete control over Animal Farm. Things at first seem pretty reasonable, like the learning to read and write, but when the pigs begin wearing clothes and compromising with the neighbouring farm owners, the animals become suspicious of their motives.

Personal Development and Lifelong Learning Sector

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Leisure Profile Assignment

My personal philosophy towards life and leisure is founded in the belief that one should seek out those moments, events, people and attitudes that bring happiness to one’s life. I believe in spending time with the ones you love and the ones who love you in return as it is these people who help shape your reality, attitudes and life in turn. Since the truth is that no one cares if you are miserable except yourself, I make sure to surround myself with people who enrich my life; those who uplift me and help bring me higher and strive to better myself. I believe it is important to take time to do activities that one loves doing. It doesn’t matter whether these activities are enjoyed alone, with friends or with family, just getting out and doing these activities is beneficial to one’s state of being. When a person takes time to do those things they love, a contentedness results and regardless of any hurt, pain, stress or struggles, they are able to enjoy themselves in that moment. I believe attitude contributes a lot to one’s state of mind and also one’s physical being. All of my life experiences, good and bad alike, have taught me a lot and have helped me grow into the person I am today. I try to remain positive no matter what situation I find myself in. A major driving force in my life is my family. I am a firm believer that one of the most important aspects in life is family. I have a two year old daughter who has changed my life in a positive way and feel truly blessed to have her in my life. Life has changed since her arrival but it her presence that gives me that extra push to stay focused on my goals and on those aspects of life that really matters to me. If you had asked me what my personal philosophy toward leisure is 3 years ago, it would have been completely different to what it is now but with all my life experiences, knowledge learned and knowledge shared I can now say that while I am a young, I wouldn’t change a thing. Definition of Leisure In our lecture notes leisure is defined as any activity or state of mind experience that is freely driven or happens spontaneously during work time, obligation time, and/or discretionary time; and is permissible by the norms of society and is culturally specific, meaning that it is derived according to the values, traditions, or more of a specific way or lifestyle of a particular cultural group(s) and Canada as a whole. (Karlis, 2004) My definition of leisure is a similar one. I believe that leisure is the freedom to do those activities you desire to do with your free time. Leisure time is the time away from work and/or work related activities. It is the time and freedom from your responsibilities, whatever they maybe, and it varies for each individual. Leisure time encompasses those activities that help in reducing and relieving stress and those activities that result in positive contribution to an individual’s health. Every individual lives a different life and lifestyle thus the way a person spends their time will be different. One individual may enjoy spending time with the important people in their life, while another may enjoy participating in activity’s that he/she enjoys partaking in alone and/or with those important people in their lives. Any activity that brings a sense of happiness or joy to an individual’s life is leisure. My Leisure Activities As I am now a mom, my leisure activities have changed since 2009, they are family orientated and child friendly activities. I do not have the freedom to do everything and anything I would like however I have adapted and made changes to my life that result in fulfillment to both myself and my daughter. I do my best to ensure that both my daughter and I enjoy ourselves in whatever activity I choose for us to partake in. I am lucky that my daughter plays well both alone as well as in those moments where she has the opportunity to play with other children. I, along with most mothers, want my daughter to be happy, however I believe that in order for her to be so, she needs a happy mom. With this in mind I try to take advantage of my alone time while she is in daycare and when she is asleep at night. In January, my daughter and I moved from Thompson, Mb. and her da (my spouse) stayed in Thompson to work. With this change in our lives our activities are usually consist of just her and I. We consider ourselves lucky when family comes to visit and take as much time to soak in these times when they do occur. My activities I enjoy with my daughter: * Visiting and playing with the extended family we do have here in Winnipeg (Cousins, both my age and her age) * Swimming for fun I try to take Mila to McDonald’s Play place once a week (while she does this I get time for myself to drink tea or catch up with a friend or family member) * We go for runs together and since she loves being outside I push her in the stroller and bundle her up nice and warm. * In the summer time we go to different parks, long walks/wagon rides to get ice cream or a slush, and/or go to the bea ch * Watch movies together and cuddle * We Skype and Facetime a lot with our close family who are located in Thompson, Mb. * When her dad is visiting, we enjoy any activity so long as we are together * Family trips and traveling Dinner with family and friends * Read books, make crafts, color, and paint My activities: * Workout at my gym, go for a run or swim by myself when I can * Participating in a group workout class; group spin, yoga etc. * I like to go for a tan and relax after a hard workout * Going for tea and dessert with friends * I enjoy shopping with my close friends and family * Getting dressed up and going dancing with my girlfriends * Dinner and alone time with my boyfriend when he is in town * I enjoy Facebook and social networking * Getting my hair colored monthly Catching a movie with my boyfriend or friends Activities I do most often The activity I try to do the most is to go to the gym. I aim at going 5-6 times per week for about one hour and half to two hours and afte r a hard workout I enjoy a relaxing tan however as I am aware this can have long term effects on my health I do this only twice a week. The activities I do the most with my daughter would be: watching movies together, reading books (especially at bedtime), and Skyping and/or Facetiming with our family in Thompson. As we miss our family, it is important to us to have regular contact with our immediate family. My Favorite Activity/Why? I am a certified personal trainer and thus my favorite activity which promotes happiness and balance in my life is my time at the gym. My aim during my workouts is to try to target every major muscle group. One of my fitness goals is to compete in a fitness competition within the next year. During my workouts I always workout with a friend, this enables me to time to work on our shared fitness goals and also provides me with social time where I can catch up with my girlfriend(s). Previously, when I resided in Thompson, my favorite activity was working out with a friend and/or my spouse. I enjoy running and swimming and I like to change up my workout routine. I have found that participating in group spin class with other people who have similar fitness goals has been both beneficial and motivational to me. Working out and staying active is therapeutic and very important to my well-being. It improves my overall self-esteem and frame of mind and I have a fun time doing it. My favorite activity to do when my spouse is here visiting us is simply going out for dinner. I enjoy being able to sit down together, the one on one time and of course a good meal. It is those times that I am most thankful and feel blessed for everything that I have. Motivation My daughter and my family are the driving forces that motivate me. The reason I moved here in January was to pursue a Kinesiology degree and I can say with honesty that it has been the hardest and most stressful thing I have done in my life. I left my comfortable lifestyle, my spouse, my family, and my friends in Thompson, Manitoba so that I could better my life and my daughter’s life. This experience has made me a stronger person and I am thankful for every opportunity I get for myself to grow as an individual. I am always writing down my goals and ambitions and I re-evaluate these every two to three months, doing this helps keep me focused and motivated on what I want for my life. My goals vary from what I want in a year’s time, five years time, and what I’ll accomplish in ten years time. I have education goals, fitness goals, and relationship goals with my spouse, and my daughter. Being a good mom is my main priority and is very important to me. My daughter deserves to be happy and I want to provide a good life for her, this is why she is the reason I stay focused, organized and goal orientated. Satisfaction I get so much pleasure from my leisure activities. When I work out, I feel happy, healthy and strong. As a mom my daughter needs me to be all those qualities that it takes to be a good mother to her. It is time I take time to myself to â€Å"not worry about being a mom† and all â€Å"the mom† responsibilities I have taken on in the past two years. I feel great about myself as a mom and a person and feel I am capable anything I put my mind too. This attitude helps in all aspects of my life. The time I spend with my daughter and my spouse together as a family creates the ultimate happiness in my life and I feel blessed to have them. My family has been through a lot of up’s and down’s and I know we are a strong family unit. Constraints Constraints in our lecture notes was defined as barriers, inhibitor’s, obstacles, or restraining factor’s – perceived or real – that influence (preclude or limit) an individual’s participation, frequency, intensity, duration, quality, or freedom of choice in leisure activity. E. L Jackson, 1988) Having just moved here in January, away from my spouse and other immediate family, has been a constraint, both to my physical well-being as well as to my emotional well-being. I have found that being on a student salary with my daughter is very constraining of both time and money. All of these obstacles limit the activities that my daughter and I can do a s we are limited by when, where and how often we can carry out our work and leisure activities. With a budget in mind this creates more barriers as I cannot afford a babysitter. I find that I do not have as much freedom as I did when I lived in Thompson, where my family was available to babysit at a moment’s notice. When I lived in Thompson, my spouse and I had 1 household and I was able to work. Being able to work enabled me to to afford a new vehicle, get my hair done when I wanted or shop online as I pleased. Things are different now, I am in a new city, in a new home (additional household), and I really have to watch what I spend my money on now. If my daughter is sick I miss school, a workout, or have to cancel any prior plans I had. I also am unable to work since I cannot afford a babysitter. Ultimately, deciding move was a large constraint to my personal, leisure and financial life but it will be beneficial when I’m done school. What I can do to remove constraints Being a mom on my own, my daughter does take up a lot of my time. I try to find activities we can do together, and as she gets older I know she will be able to participate in more activities. I go to the gym when she is at daycare and if I want to go on the weekend my gym has a daycare where she enjoys it too. If I want to go for a run I simply put her in her stroller and off we go together. If I want to go for tea with a friends we go to McDonald’s where Mila can play and where I am able to socialize. When her dad does come to visit I am able to get my free time in to do whatever I want. My daughter’s grandparents live in Lac Du Bonet and they are also willing to take her once in awhile. I believe if you really want something you can make it happen and with a few adaptations you can make any situation work. My daughter isn’t going to be two years old forever so I’m going to enjoy the time we have now together. Stress in my life My current major stress issues are trying to get my finances in order. I have car payments and monthly rent and utility payments. This is my first time living on my own and is also the first time living alone with my two year old daughter. This change was a scary change not just for me but for her as well. Another major stressor in my life is my relationship with my spouse. Our relationship has been an on and off relationship and not the healthiest relationship either. I have lost weight as a result of being hurt and stressed out, my education has suffered and my relationships with my other family members and friends have suffered. Another contributor of stress in my life is raising my two year old daughter by myself and with everything combined it can be overwhelming at times. Activities that reduce my stress When I upset or need time to myself I really enjoying swimming or going for a long run to help clear my head and sort out my thoughts. If I need to talk to someone about something I usually workout with a good friend so I can get a workout in and another person’s perspective on my current problem or issue, whatever it may be. After a good workout I always feel great and it helps me to remember to think positive regardless the situation. I believe everything will always work out for the better in the end and it usually does. My mom, sister, and close friends are always a phone call away so it is comforting to know I can phone them and they will be there for me no matter the situation or problem. Positive thinking while I’m engaging in any activity I enjoy is a great way for me dealing with stress and life in general. I always try to surround myself with positive people; people who are going to lift me higher and who help me cope with stress. When I am frustrated I cry, I have found that crying is a great release and that after doing so I always feel better. Rather than viewing crying as a weakness I view it as a strength, it takes more to admit one is overwhelmed than it does to always pretend to everything is ok and if it results in a happier me then it must be positive. Activities that reduce my stress: * Working out with a close friend * Running or swimming alone * Talking to a close family member or close friend * Going for a tan * Going for a long walk with my daughter * Watching a movie and cuddling with my daughter * Crying when frustrated How can I use Leisure differently to reduce Stress? I feel that I have a good overall balance of how I control my stress. Managing stress is all about taking charge; taking charge of my thoughts, my emotions, my schedule, my environment, and the way I deal with my problems helps me cope with stress. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun, plus the strength to hold up under pressure and meet life’s challenges head on. I admit that there are moments where I may crack under pressure but I’m human and it is completely normal to have these moments. I know that I can improve on my time management when it comes to my daughter and my education time. I think that partaking in a yoga class once a week will help improve my stress levels. Also finding more free community family programs will be beneficial for daughter and me as well. It will help us to meet more families who may possibly be in a similar situation as us. The influence of my Cultural background on my Leisure I am of Metis background, my mom is aboriginal and my dad is from Nova Scotia. My mom is a residential school survivor and raised me and my siblings the western Canadian way. We do not practice aboriginal culture and tradition. While I have participated in smudging before and I have been to a few pow wow’s, I can’t say that my cultural background has contributed to my leisure in a large way.

Agoraphobia essays

Agoraphobia essays Grocery Store Disease Agoraphobia is a widely misunderstood disease. Agoraphobia has a couple of definitions because it is very complicated and difficult to understand. It is the fear of open spaces. It is also the fear of being in situation where a person can experience anxiety and begin to panic. People with agoraphobia may also have panic attacks if they are in a situation they consider to be difficult or embarrassing. Agoraphobia begins to develop when people start to avoid situations that are related to anxiety. People sometimes become housebound because they are always so nervous and paranoid and are scared to get out and possibly be stuck in a situation that they relate to anxiety. Some people with agoraphobia try to go out and have a normal life but it can be very difficult because they are so busy trying to hide their discomfort. Agoraphobia is an extremely severe anxiety condition that leads to avoidant behavior. Agoraphobia was commonly known as the Supermarket Disease before people began to learn more about it (Sharon Matt). The reasoning for that was because many women were having these unusual panic attacks in the middle of grocery stores. There are many typical situations where people have theses attacks. Shopping, driving, traveling, leaving town, and social gatherings are a few of the situations that bother those people with agoraphobia. They also fear large places like malls, theaters, parks, and grocery stores. Visiting the doctor and being on a bridge can make a person feel trapped (Sharon Matt). People with agoraphobia will worry that they will not be able to get to a place that they consider to be safe. Some people experience nervous feelings so regularly that it is more a feeling of discomfort rather than a feeling of panic. They fear going anywhere or doing anything where they have had panicky feelings before. They avoid these situations and places and they sometimes get depr e...

Does Blended Learning Accelerate Student Growth Essays

Does Blended Learning Accelerate Student Growth Essays Does Blended Learning Accelerate Student Growth Essay Does Blended Learning Accelerate Student Growth Essay Does Blended Learning Accelerate Student Growth? How effective is the blended learning at Rocky Mount Prep in accelerating student learning? Since Rocky Mount Prep needed to increase the student learning, they devised an innovative process in school setup so that some improvement can be achieved. The school has used NWEA MAP data as assessment tool data model, which helped the teachers to make an informed decision while addressing needs for the learners. Results revealed that blended learning contributed to overall growth at every grade level, a factor believed to be as a result of improved learning experienced among student. According to a survey performed at Rocky Mount Prep, it was clear that teachers were averagely satisfied hence acceleration of learning could not be achieved fully. Furthermore, a study indicated that teachers were not even fully prepared to be actively involved in the implementation of blended learning and less acceleration of learning. Besides, according to information collected from respondents, as a strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of learning, it was noted that a positive feedback was achieved. English and history, science, and business communication were mostly associated with improved learning when blended learning was applied. Evaluating the scale of satisfaction with blended learning in accelerating student education, it was clear that approximately 82% was satisfied while 18% held a neutral level of satisfaction. On the other hand, it was found out that blended learning was a reliable resource for learning, hence, an assurance of improvised learning processes. This is because it enhances better memory for already learned materials. Besides, blending learning is a good example of regular practice while executing activities such as solving equations and multiplication of facts. Lastly, blended learning leads to student-led learning, which is appropriate for them to learn at their convenience. This leads to proper learning activities such as project-based learning. What are staff perceptions of blended learning program at Rocky Mount Prep and its effects on accelerating student learning? Staff, especially teachers stated that they were not well-prepared to fully implement blended learning. They believed that blended learning could only achieve better results if students are ready to acquire skills and cooperate fully. For example, according to responses, when teachers were asked if they would like to teach in a blended format, 55% were probable while 45% were definitely. For the teachers who were for blended learning, they believed that high chances of interaction were realized due to the availability of more knowledge in websites. Also, they advocated for blended learning because students utilized online programs, which helped them to be active participants in the class. On the other hand, teachers who stated that the experience somewhat increased believed that interaction between them and learners was decreased. The biggest cause of interruption was disruption from outside environment. Other teachers never like this type of learning since a level of participation fell leading to poor learning amongst students. According to a survey about interaction, 40% recorded better results, 10% about the same and 50% worse. All in all, blended learning is virtually important since immediate feedback, proper record keeping and quality face to face interaction can be achieved. Besides, there is active participation of learners and overall development of learners. Hence for such reasons, this type of learning should be encouraged and practiced in schools.Lastly, the staff should be encouraged to cooperate so that student growth and improvement of learning can be realized.

Battle of Talas River - Background

Battle of Talas River - Background Few people today have even heard of the Battle of Talas River.  Yet this little-known skirmish between the army of Imperial Tang China and the Abbasid Arabs had important consequences, not just for China and Central Asia, but for the entire world. Eighth century Asia was an ever-shifting mosaic of different tribal and regional powers, fighting for trade rights, political power and/or religious hegemony. The era was characterized by a dizzying array of battles, alliances, double-crosses and betrayals. At the time, nobody could have known that one particular battle, which took place on the banks of the Talas River in present-day Kyrgyzstan, would halt the Arab and Chinese advances in Central Asia and fix the boundary between Buddhist/Confucianist Asia and Muslim Asia. None of the combatants could have predicted that this battle would be instrumental in transmitting a key invention from China to the western world: the art of paper-making, a technology that would alter world history forever. Background to the Battle For some time, the powerful Tang Empire (618-906) and its predecessors had been expanding Chinese influence in Central Asia. China used soft power for the most part, relying upon a series of trade agreements and nominal protectorates rather than military conquest to control Central Asia. The most troublesome foe faced by the Tang from 640 forward was the powerful Tibetan Empire, established by Songtsan Gampo. Control of what is now Xinjiang, Western China, and neighboring provinces went back and forth between China and Tibet throughout the seventh and eighth centuries. China also faced challenges from the Turkic Uighurs in the northwest, the Indo-European Turfans, and the Lao/Thai tribes on Chinas southern borders. The Rise of the Arabs While the Tang were occupied with all these adversaries, a new superpower rose in the Middle East. The Prophet Muhammad died in 632, and the Muslim faithful under the Umayyad Dynasty (661-750) soon brought vast areas under their sway. From Spain and Portugal in the west, across North Africa and the Middle East, and on to the oasis cities of Merv, Tashkent, and Samarkand in the east, the Arab conquest spread with astonishing speed. Chinas interests in Central Asia went back at least to 97 B.C., when the Han Dynasty general Ban Chao led an army of 70,000 as far as Merv (in what is now Turkmenistan), in pursuit of bandit tribes that preyed on early Silk Road caravans. China also had long courted trade relations with the Sassanid Empire in Persia, as well as their predecessors the Parthians. The Persians and Chinese had collaborated to quell rising Turkic powers, playing different tribal leaders off of one another. In addition, the Chinese had a long history of contacts with the Sogdian Empire, centered in modern-day Uzbekistan. Early Chinese/Arab Conflicts Inevitably, the lightning-quick expansion by the Arabs would clash with Chinas established interests in Central Asia. In 651, the Umayyads captured the Sassanian capital at Merv and executed the king, Yazdegerd III. From this base, they would go on to conquer Bukhara, the Ferghana Valley, and as far east as Kashgar (on the Chinese/Kyrgyz border today). News of Yazdegards fate was carried to the Chinese capital of Changan (Xian) by his son Firuz, who fled to China after the fall of Merv. Firuz later became a general of one of Chinas armies, and then governor of a region centered at modern-day Zaranj, Afghanistan. In 715, the first armed clash between the two powers occurred in the Ferghana Valley of Afghanistan. The Arabs and Tibetans deposed King Ikhshid and installed a man named Alutar in his place. Ikhshid asked China to intervene on his behalf, and the Tang sent an army of 10,000 to overthrow Alutar and reinstate Ikhshid. Two years later, an Arab/Tibetan army besieged two cities in the Aksu region of what is now Xinjiang, western China. The Chinese sent an army of Qarluq mercenaries, who defeated the Arabs and Tibetans and lifted the siege. In 750 the Umayyad Caliphate fell, overthrown by the more aggressive Abbasid Dynasty. The Abbasids From their first capital at Harran, Turkey, the Abbasid Caliphate set out to consolidate power over the sprawling Arab Empire built by the Umayyads. One area of concern was the eastern borderlands - the Ferghana Valley and beyond. The Arab forces in eastern Central Asia with their Tibetan and Uighur allies were led by the brilliant tactician, General Ziyad ibn Salih. Chinas western army was headed by Governor-General Kao Hsien-chih (Go Seong-ji), an ethnic-Korean commander. It was not unusual at that time for foreign or minority officers to command Chinese armies because the military was considered an undesirable career path for ethnic Chinese noblemen. Appropriately enough, the decisive clash at Talas River was precipitated by another dispute in Ferghana. In 750, the king of Ferghana had a border dispute with the ruler of neighboring Chach. He appealed to the Chinese, who sent General Kao to assist Ferghanas troops. Kao besieged Chach, offered the Chachan king safe passage out of his capital, then reneged and beheaded him. In a mirror-image parallel to what had happened during the Arab conquest of Merv in 651, the Chachan kings son escaped and reported the incident to Abbasid Arab governor Abu Muslim at Khorasan. Abu Muslim rallied his troops at Merv and marched to join Ziyad ibn Salihs army further east.  The Arabs were determined to teach General Kao a lesson... and incidentally, to assert Abbasid power in the region. The Battle of Talas River In July of 751, the armies of these two great empires met at Talas, near the modern-day Kyrgyz/Kazakh border. Chinese records state that the Tang army was 30,000 strong, while Arab accounts put the number of Chinese at 100,000. The total number of Arab, Tibetan and Uighur warriors is not recorded, but theirs was the larger of the two forces. For five days, the mighty armies clashed. When the Qarluq Turks came in on the Arab side several days into the fighting, the Tang armys doom was sealed. Chinese sources imply that the Qarluqs had been fighting for them, but treacherously switched sides midway through the battle. Arab records, on the other hand, indicate that the Qarluqs were already allied with the Abbasids prior to the conflict. The Arab account seems more likely since the Qarluqs suddenly mounted a surprise attack on the Tang formation from the rear. (If the Chinese accounts are correct, wouldnt the Qarluqs have been in the middle of the action, rather than riding up from behind? And would the surprise have been as complete, if the Qarluqs had been fighting there all along?) Some modern Chinese writings about the battle still exhibit a sense of outrage at this perceived betrayal by one of the Tang Empires minority peoples. Whatever the case, the Qarluq attack signaled the beginning of the end for Kao Hsien-chihs army. Of the tens of thousands the Tang sent into battle, only a small percentage survived. Kao Hsien-chih himself was one of the few who escaped the slaughter; he would live just five years more, before being put on trial and executed for corruption. In addition to the tens of thousands of Chinese killed, a number were captured and taken back to Samarkand (in modern-day Uzbekistan) as prisoners of war. The Abbassids could have pressed their advantage, marching into China proper. However, their supply lines were already stretched to the breaking point, and sending such a huge force over the eastern Hindu Kush mountains and into the deserts of western China was beyond their capacity. Despite the crushing defeat of Kaos Tang forces, the Battle of Talas was a tactical draw. The Arabs eastward advance was halted, and the troubled Tang Empire turned its attention from Central Asia to rebellions on its northern and southern borders. Consequences of the Battle of Talas At the time of the Battle of Talas, its significance was not clear. Chinese accounts mention the battle as part of the beginning of the end for the Tang Dynasty. That same year, the Khitan tribe in Manchuria (northern China) defeated the imperial forces in that region, and Thai/Lao peoples in what is now Yunnan province in the south revolted as well. The An Shi Revolt of 755-763, which was more of a civil war than a simple revolt, further weakened the empire. By 763, the Tibetans were able to seize the Chinese capital at Changan (now Xian). With so much turmoil at home, the Chinese had neither the will nor the power to exert much influence past the Tarim Basin after 751. For the Arabs, too, this battle marked an unnoticed turning point. The victors are supposed to write history, but in this case, (despite the totality of their victory), they did not have much to say for some time after the event. Barry Hoberman points out that the ninth-century Muslim historian al-Tabari (839-923) never even mentions the Battle of Talas River. Its not until half a millennium after the skirmish that Arab historians take note of Talas, in the writings of Ibn al-Athir (1160-1233) and al-Dhahabi (1274-1348). Nevertheless, the Battle of Talas had important consequences. The weakened Chinese Empire was no longer in any position to interfere in Central Asia, so the influence of the Abbassid Arabs grew. Some scholars quibble that too much emphasis is placed on the role of Talas in the Islamification of Central Asia. It is certainly true that the Turkic and Persian tribes of Central Asia did not all immediately convert to Islam in August of 751. Such a feat of mass communication across the deserts, mountains, and steppes would have been utterly impossible before modern mass communications, even if the Central Asian peoples were uniformly receptive to Islam. Nonetheless, the absence of any counterweight to the Arab presence allowed Abbassid influence to spread gradually throughout the region. Within the next 250 years, most of the formerly Buddhist, Hindu, Zoroastrian, and Nestorian Christian tribes of Central Asia had become Muslim. Most significant of all, among the prisoners of war captured by the Abbassids after the Battle of Talas River, were a number of skilled Chinese artisans, including Tou Houan. Through them, first the Arab world and then the rest of Europe learned the art of paper-making. (At that time, the Arabs controlled Spain and Portugal, as well as North Africa, the Middle East, and large swaths of Central Asia.) Soon, paper-making factories sprang up in Samarkand, Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, Delhi... and in 1120 the first European paper mill was established in Xativa, Spain (now called Valencia). From these Arab-dominated cities, the technology spread to Italy, Germany, and across Europe. The advent of paper technology, along with woodcut printing and later movable-type printing, fueled the advances in science, theology, and history of Europes High Middle Ages, which ended only with the coming of the Black Death in the 1340s. Sources: The Battle of Talas, Barry Hoberman. Saudi Aramco World, pp. 26-31 (Sept/Oct 1982). A Chinese Expedition across the Pamirs and Hindukush, A.D. 747, Aurel Stein. The Geographic Journal, 59:2, pp. 112-131 (Feb. 1922). Gernet, Jacque, J. R. Foster (trans.), Charles Hartman (trans.). A History of Chinese Civilization, (1996). Oresman, Matthew. Beyond the Battle of Talas: Chinas Re-emergence in Central Asia. Ch. 19 of In the tracks of Tamerlane: Central Asias path to the 21st Century, Daniel L. Burghart and Theresa Sabonis-Helf, eds. (2004). Titchett, Dennis C. (ed.). The Cambridge History of China: Volume 3, Sui and Tang China, 589-906 AD, Part One, (1979).

Mergers and Acquisitions Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9500 words

Mergers and Acquisitions - Dissertation Example The aim of the study is to reveal the impact of merger and acquisition on the performance of companies in UK which will be achieved by analysing the financial performance of sample companies involved before and after M&A. The study will analyse the financial statements of randomly selected companies before and after merger so as to reveal the true impact from such merger or acquisition. The study begins with an introduction and initial discussion of background followed by a detailed literature review. The research methodology is designed so as to facilitate analysis of secondary data collected from reliable online sources. The findings section discusses the research findings which is then analysed so as to critically analyse the research findings with research objectives and to what extent does the findings answer research questions. After the interpretation of findings, the research finally ends with conclusion and recommendations. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Chapter 1: Introductio n 6 1.1. History and Background of the Research 7 1.2. Objectives of the Research 8 1.3. Aims of Research 9 1.4. Research Problem and Research Questions 9 Chapter 2: Literature Review 10 2.1. Types of Mergers 11 2.2. Motives for mergers 12 2.3. Empirical Studies 16 2.3.1. Event Studies 16 2.3.2. Accounting Studies 16 2.3.3. Clinical Studies 17 2.3.4. Executive Surveys 17 Chapter 3: Research Methodology 17 3.1. Research Problem 18 3.2. Primary Research 19 3.3. Secondary Research 19 3.4. Data Collection 20 3.4.1. Primary Data Collection 21 3.4.2. Secondary Data Collection 22 3.4.3. Justification of Secondary Data Collection 22 3.5. Sampling and Sample Size 23 3.6. Data Analysis 23 Chapter 4: Findings of the Research 24 4.1. Overview 24 4.2. Financial Statement Analysis of Companies BEFORE Merger and Acquisition 25 4.2.1. Performance Analysis of Acquirer Company - Barclay Plc (Before M&A) 25 4.2.2. Performance Analysis of Acquired Company - Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc (Before M&A) 30 4.3. Financial Statement Analysis of Companies AFTER Merger and Acquisition 35 4.4. Results of Findings 40 Chapter 5: Analysis of Findings 42 5.1. Brief Overview of Findings 42 5.2. Reasons for Merger 43 5.3. Consequences of M&A 45 Chapter 6: Conclusion 46 Chapter 7: Recommendations 48 References 53 Appendices 57 Table 1 – Financial Statements of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (Before Merger) 57 Table 2 – Financial Statements of Barclays Plc (Before Merger) 58 Table 3 – Financial Statements after Merger and Acquisition 59 Chapter 1: Introduction In today’s world the primary objective of a firm is to survive the cut-throat competition and one way to do that is to make more profits and add value to shareholders’ wealth. The ladder of success for any firm is ‘growth’ which can be achieved either by expanding existing resources or introduction of new products and services. Another way of achieving growth is through merger and acquisition (M &A). The former is also known is organic growth where the firm uses its own resources (retained earnings, reserves and surplus, or equity capital) for financing growth. The later is also known as inorganic growth where the acquirer firm buys the assets and liabilities of the target(s) as on a given date (Sherman, 2010, p.1). Thus, M&A are external growth strategy that gains popularity mainly

Ethical Issues in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Ethical Issues in Business - Essay Example The company Q seems to have three issues, first being the company’s closure of a few stores in the high crime rate areas, secondly the company sells organic products at a very high margin and thirdly the company refuses to donate the day-old products which are ultimately thrown away. The company has recently ceased operations in the high-crime rate areas due to losing money in those stores. The company adopted the policy of leaving the area where problem aroused rather making an effort to improve the situation. If the company had chosen to continue its operations it would have increased the security to deal with the losing money which would have some what affected the areas security too and might have lowered the crime rate. On the other hand by closing the store the company caused problems to the customers who might have relied on the store for easy shopping. The closure must have also impacted the overall revenues of the company. The company should have continued operating i n those areas and spent a little more on the security issues which will not only benefit the customers and the people of the locality but will also be profitable for the company. The company has recently started selling the much demanded healthy products. The company seems to take the advantage of the demand of these products and has offered very limited amount of products at very high margins. The company seems to look at its own profits and is exploiting the customers by selling the products at a very high price. This attitude is unethical and the company should sell these healthy products at competitive prices so that everyone can afford the health conscious food. By lowering prices and offering more products the company can increase its revenue and have more satisfied customers.

Memphis City school system & Shelby county school system a Term Paper

Memphis City school system & Shelby county school system a consolidated school system for or aganist - Term Paper Example School consolidation has been visualized as a means to resolve various rural issues. However, the application of this concept has also resulted in many potential complications along with solving issues, as discussed in this paper. Public perception of consolidation: Early educationalists, policy makers and reformers consented that unionization of schools was the fundamental requirement of the industrialized society. Their mutual consensus led them to speak in favor of the formulation of a centralized and increasingly urban educational model (Kay, Hargood, and Russell, 1982). However, not many parents in the present age favor the practice. This is because they want their children to be given due attention by the mentors, and want the educational environment to be conducive for good learning and academic growth of the children. My personal perception of consolidation: I personally am against the consolidated school system as it adversely affects the educational system and the learnersà ¢â‚¬â„¢ tendency to gain knowledge. People today are highly conscious and possessive about the quality of education their children are provided with in schools. Consolidated school systems crowd the classes with students. ... People generally hold a view that if the charter gets surrendered, it would consolidate Memphis City School and Shelby County School into one unit. Shelby County School has been running a successful academic record and has been managing and administering its system rationally. On the other hand, the Memphis City School is currently going through a crisis. Memphians have to pay a lot of tax, and the record is not up to the mark. The following SWOT analysis depicts the potential consequences of this consolidation. SWOT analysis of the consolidated school system: Strengths: Memphians may see a relief from the double taxation, who have to pay the taxes first for the county and secondly for the city. The City would find a relief from the payment for Memphis City School. MCS would hence, be able to save $78 million every year (Memphis, 2011). Weaknesses: MCS has a poorer record as compared to SCS. It might have to compromise upon many decisions that SCS would propose because of its inferio rity. There is likelihood of emotional distress in the Memphis students because of this union. Opportunity: Memphis schoolchildren would have equal opportunity of education as enjoyed by other schoolchildren that live in suburbs. The kids will have facilities as per their individualistic needs irrespective of their place in city or the county. The consolidation would keep the Shelby County School from acquiring the district status of a special school. If SCS acquires that status, it would separate the Memphis students from those in the suburbs and also, reduce tax base for the Memphis City School, which would potentially raise the tax for taxpayers in Memphis. The consolidation would prevent that from happening. Threats: There is an increased likelihood of frequent encounters

Reading response Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Reading response - Article Example Poets like Yang Wanli (1127-1206) saw the natural environment as an art image brushed using paper and ink. This is the main reason for the utilization of visual images in the poems (Ortiz 257). The Cambridge illustrated history of China is attractive and historically significant. The author applies an integration of economic events and political history, through adequate analysis of; wide cultural changes, political institutions, demographics, religious history, and intellectual history. The author also adequately illustrates the western and the Chinese different perspectives on the past. The songwriters and thinkers were very anxious due to the inability of the Song government to realize adequate military dominance. The individuals who showed the threats of the northern neighbors did not adequately recommend the utilization of foreign styles. They strongly stressed Chinese cultural identity. Han Yu did not embrace Buddhism in china, because it was not Chinese or indigenous (151). Shie Jie explained that it was not appropriate for the Chinese to abandon their ancestors and the sacrifices provided to them. The controversial issues related to Chinese culture loyalty were ana lyzed by the song painters and also poets by the depictions of common stories of women of Chinese origin, forced to reside with the barbarians (Ebrey 150). Three Thousand Years of Chinese Painting describes diverse painting approaches; Neolithic petroglyphs images, early silk paintings, paintings of the landscape through the twelfth century literati, and the present day hand strolls. Chinese paintings always illustrates the abilities of enthralling. The book effectively studies the Chinese painting history that covers approximately three thousand years. The book applies several images of Chinese paintings to show historical trends of paintings. The

Case summary Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case summary - Assignment Example Most customers could find their way in since they have in mind that all the items they may wish to have are available hence increasing the number of customers thereby making huge profits. The cool music system in supermarket industries makes customers to feel much entertained while carrying out their shopping. However, almost all supermarket industries provide their customers with a wide range of items at their points. This enables most customers to find their way in. Trader Joe came up with a unique way of promoting his business nature by producing products which were not offered initially by other supermarkets such as black rice, whole bean coffees and sprouted wheat bread. Trader Joe later offered an extensive line of the private label items with brand names such as Trader Ming’s, Trader Jose and Trader Joe among others. All the labels were bearing the name ‘’Trader’’. This is an indication that he didn’t want to lose this title and popularity. On the other hand, Trader Joe stores could be found in old trip malls locations which maintained footprints. However, the nature of the prices was favorable and most of the customers could find their way in more especially during busy Saturday morning. Trader Joe also was paying his staff members more than what they were expecting including the retirement payments. Such offers could act as motives to the workers hence could make them to work open heartedly during their time of work. Trader Joe also organized the firm to offer health care benefits to all part time employees (Nicholas 67). Despite all the success, Trader Joe services attracted some imitators such as the Tesco which was the third largest retailer launched some small nearby markets in western United States. The firm drew some concepts which created competition between them (Nicholas 59). Trader Joe on the other side did not invest in technology within the store.

Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Anthropology - Essay Example Each and every country has its own culture and an own environment for its civilians. Similarly every area in which the people are living has also defined its own culture. This article would further examine the culture of two different tribes in two different countries, one belonging to the northern areas of Pakistan while one belonging to the country named Iran. It would define as to the culture followed by these tribes is the same or not. Thull is the name of a place which is located in the northern areas of Pakistan. The people of this area are extremely conscious about their values and culture. The people living in Thull take most of their cultural activities from the tribes of Pathans. These pathans are people with strict rules of culture and activities. They strongly follow their religion and are extremely conscious about their honor. Similarly the people of Thull have great respect for their culture. Here not only the people are following their culture properly but are also respecting it for its ethics. Similarly another area known as Zargos in Iran comprises of a group of people known as Bakhtiari are bound to their culture. These people like the clan of Thull are extremely conscious about their traditions and culture. The clan of Bakhtiari follows their ancestors from a very long time in all their actions. Like their ancestors the Bakhtiari clan migrates to different places in different seasons. They not only take their herd of sheep with them but also take their family which includes women and children during their migration. This migration is done in the winters and summers mostly. While on the other side the people of Thull do not indulge in the activities of migration. They live in the only space they are given and earn their living through the agricultural systems. However there is similarity found in the culture of these two tribes as both of these tribes earn their living

Case summary Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case summary - Assignment Example Most customers could find their way in since they have in mind that all the items they may wish to have are available hence increasing the number of customers thereby making huge profits. The cool music system in supermarket industries makes customers to feel much entertained while carrying out their shopping. However, almost all supermarket industries provide their customers with a wide range of items at their points. This enables most customers to find their way in. Trader Joe came up with a unique way of promoting his business nature by producing products which were not offered initially by other supermarkets such as black rice, whole bean coffees and sprouted wheat bread. Trader Joe later offered an extensive line of the private label items with brand names such as Trader Ming’s, Trader Jose and Trader Joe among others. All the labels were bearing the name ‘’Trader’’. This is an indication that he didn’t want to lose this title and popularity. On the other hand, Trader Joe stores could be found in old trip malls locations which maintained footprints. However, the nature of the prices was favorable and most of the customers could find their way in more especially during busy Saturday morning. Trader Joe also was paying his staff members more than what they were expecting including the retirement payments. Such offers could act as motives to the workers hence could make them to work open heartedly during their time of work. Trader Joe also organized the firm to offer health care benefits to all part time employees (Nicholas 67). Despite all the success, Trader Joe services attracted some imitators such as the Tesco which was the third largest retailer launched some small nearby markets in western United States. The firm drew some concepts which created competition between them (Nicholas 59). Trader Joe on the other side did not invest in technology within the store.

When we were Soldiers Essay Example for Free

When we were Soldiers Essay The Randall Wallace movie â€Å"When we were Soldiers† is a factual account of Vietnam War but with specific Hollywood aspects which one finds in majority of movies. The move takes you back to the year is 1965 and Lt. Col. Hal Moore leading the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry. The battle takes place at the La Drang Valley called The Valley of Death. This film allows the viewer to see what fighting and the what the war zone was really like in Vietnam as they experience one of the most violent battles in U. S history. The film uses images in a very important way to convey historical truth as to what really happened at Vietnam. The film uses graphic images to portray what the battle scene was really like. It shows how the American troops were outnumbered and how they were fighting literally within feet of the enemy. The images in the movie that we seen are as close to as what it was really like, because there was a photographer there taking pictures during combat. The pictures that the photographer shot during battle helped us visualize what the battle scenes were really like and the pain and anguish that soldiers went through when fighting. The images of soldiers dying during combat and the reality of the battle helps to portray the bloodiness of the battle. Some black and white photographs of the actual battle scene in 1965 were in the film so that the viewer could see real images of the battle and what soldiers had to go through to survive the combat. One problem with most Hollywood films about war is that they make war seem more heroic than it actually is. The producers of this film managed to keep that false sense of wanting to fight in a war to a minimum. The images and the plot allow the viewer to really see what is going on in the battle. The producers show how gruesome the battle really was and the small heroism there actually was in a war. The grim fighting conditions that soldiers endured while fighting in Vietnam made many Americans want to stay out of war as it was a horrible place to be. This film had a couple of weak spots in the plot. One thing was that it never really talked about why we were going to Vietnam to fight in a war. It barely touched on the subject about the controversial issues that surrounded the United States into entering this war. The battle at La Drang Valley was one of the first battles in the Vietnam War, and the American public knew little about our position in Vietnam until this battle had taken place. When this battle broke out there was no hiding our position any longer. The American public would now know that we were at war with northern Vietnam. Another part of the plot that I thought was bad was the life on the home front. I feel as the producers used Hollywood at the home front a little too much. The films most dramatic scene involving the Armys failure to properly deliver the telegrams of regret is ruined by a number of wives crying through screen doors. Also when the husband comes home he rings the door bell to provide a false sense of sorrow only to see him standing there to greet his wife and family. This hurts the films authenticity but makes up for it when the battle scenes resume. Another part of the film that was poor was the timeline of events that happened. In the movie it seemed as if the battle only took a few days where in reality the battle took over a month. It is a little bit confusing because when it returns to the home front it seems that time is going by but, when on the combat zone it is like the battle took a couple of days and then everybody left to go home. In reality the battalion that the film was following left the combat zone to another battalion and they returned back to base. The film is important because it takes a look at the first battle of Vietnam and how under equipped, out numbered and ill informed our troops really were. When they first step foot onto the battle scene they undertake heavy fire from the enemy and realize that they may be in over their heads. They never suspected that they had such great numbers in their military. The amount of casualties was tremendous, after the first day of fighting thousands of bodies lay on the battle field.

Causes and Effects of Gravity

Causes and Effects of Gravity Ahmed Emad Hassab Elnabi Gravitational Force â€Å"’You may hate gravity, but gravity doesnt care.’ Clayton Christensen†. This Harvard teacher was directing this quotation to students like me because it is a force that cannot be viewed. Gravity is a field force exerted by an object to attract another object towards its center. In a simplified manner, it is an intangible, non-contact force that cannot be seen, but is existent between all objects. Gravitational force in a mathematical perspective is the mass of an object multiplied by gravitational acceleration. It is one of the fundamental forces of the universe that maintains planets, solar systems and galaxies. In the last couple of centuries, gravity became understood through Galileo, Brahe, Kepler, Newton and Einstein. Before the last 300 years, some only superficially understood gravity and others neglected the concept of having a field. In ancient times, civilizations believed that the skies and systems were held by divine power. Over they years, loads of scientists and philosophers tried to explain such a ‘magical’ phenomenon. In 1610, Galileo created a modern telescope. He used it to observe different planets’ behaviors. He focused on Earth and Venus; consequently he realized that they both revolve around the sun in a similar pattern. Therefore, he concluded that there’s a force that causes this spectacle. In the same time existed Kepler and Brahe. Kepler used Brahe’s astronomical data to conclude that planets revolve around the sun in an elliptical motion and that Earth has the same orbits around the sun; thus, he discovered that gravity creates seasons. Then, came the father of physics and creator of laws of motion, Isaac Newton. He was one of the first to ex plain the theory of mutual interaction, through his law of Universal Gravitation. It states that any and every two bodies in the universe attract each other with a force directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportion to the square of the distance between them. Thus objects like Newton’s apple is pulled to the earth and vice versa; the earth and planets are pulled towards the sun and vice versa. Finally, Albert Einstein, who is the most renounced genius, proposed a new theory. He said that gravity is the result of space and time being bent, general theory of relativity. He also theorized that enormous masses alter space and time because they deflect light, thus creating gravity. Skeptics denounced his theory, but time proved this theory right when astronauts went to space and found out that a clock is quicker away from earth. There are many misconceptions about gravity because there are many different explanations to it. First, people think that gravitational force doesn’t exist between humans, but it does exist between every object in the universe. However, the gravitational pull by earth is much stronger than the force exerted by humans because of its huge mass. Second, some thinks that gravity occurs through a mixture of gases, the air. However, gravity occurs between planets and suns, where there is no air, vacuum. Third some think that gravitational acceleration (a=f/m) in free-fall decreases because of the force of gravity of other objects. However, air pressure causes this occurrence but gravitational acceleration is constant at 9.81 m/s. Fourth, people claim that we are supposed to be pulled to mars or the moon also. On the other hand, they don’t take into consideration the factor of distance and that earth is we are too far from the moon or mars. Fifth, some say that there is no gra vitational force between Pluto and Earth. This is not true because gravitational force exists between all the objects in the universe. No matter how minute it can be, it is never zero. Sixth, a person might claim that his mass changes on the moon, but mass is constant; it is weight that changes depending on the gravitational pull. Seventh, one would think that we must be pulled to the Earth’s core since that is stated in Newton’s law of universal gravity. However, Newton also said in his third law that the Earth’s floor has an equal and opposing force to the gravitational force. Finally, one could claim that there is no gravitational force exerted on bacteria since they float. This statement is false because its mass is insignificant, gravitational force exerted by Earth on them is very small that it seemingly doesn’t affect them. Gravity has a very strange nature since Isaac Newton and Albert Einstien explained it in different ways. They both agreed on some fundamentals. First of all, Gravity is a field force because it is a contact force that occurs without objects physically touching. For example, the Earth pulls a ball towards the ground without touching it. Moreover, they both agreed that gravity is of extreme importance, in which it holds planets in solar systems and solar systems in galaxies. Isaac Newton theorized that gravity is the tendency of an object to be pulled towards the center of another object. Newton proposed the equation that the force of gravity equates to the mass of an object multiplied by the gravitational acceleration. On the other hand, Albert Einstein explained gravity as the bend in space and time created by a huge mass, so other objects that come near, fall in the dip or orbit in one of the levels of the dip. He proposed the equation of the gravitational force equates to the gravi tational constant multiplied by mass of object one times the mass of object two, all divided by the square of the radius. One other point that all scientists that understood gravity agreed on is that the range of gravity is infinite. There are many misconceptions about its range because the thought of infinite is tough for all humans. However, there is a force of gravity between any two masses. For example gravity exists on an atomic level and on a intergalactic level. There is an infinite amount of uses of gravity. On Earth, it keeps humans, animals and plants in the atmosphere stuck to the Earth’s surface. Also, gravity plays an important role in maintaining our spine’s shape because its God given strength is just right to neither make the spine neither rough nor soft. Furthermore, gravity keeps the Earth at a certain distance form the sun, so we would have suitable weather conditions to survive. Also, it pulls rain and flowing water downwards for us to drink water. Finally, it has a huge effect on the macro-organisms. Gravity keeps moons around their planets, planets around their stars; it keeps all systems in their galaxies and keeps galaxies in their clusters. Therefore, we have passed through many stages to understand such a strange phenomenon. Many scientists and thinkers had their say like Newton and Einstein. They proposed different theories but all had the same fundamental, which is that gravity observed everywhere we look; it can be clearly seen on a macro-level, but it is existent between everything in the universe. Finally, there are many applications and misconceptions of gravity because of its unbounded nature. As Albert Einstein once said, â€Å"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.† This is the scientist’s code, which explains the constant advancements in science, chemistry and physics, and it will infinitely continue as people continue trying to ask the right questions. Works cited Chapter 5. Cohen Physics 131. N.p.: Cohen, n.d. N. pag. Print. http://www.esu.edu/physics/cohen/phys131/textbook/cohen_ch5.pdf> Gravitational Force. Gravitational Force. PHY, n.d. Web. 19 Nov.2013. http://www.phy.syr.edu/courses/tutorials/FreeBody/Gravity/Gravitational.Force.html>. History of Gravity. History of Gravity. WISC, n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. http://www.physics.wisc.edu/museum/Exhibits-1/Mechanics/GravPit/index_HistGrav-2.html>. Thompson, Hobbie, and Sarah Havern. Gravity. Gravity. Stanford, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. http://www.stanford