Social Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Social Science - Essay Example The average teenager of the 21st century has turned sexually active much earlier than his predecessors. Premarital sex, it would seem, is increasingly a way of life for youth; even if it comes with the risk of pregnancy, abortion, AIDS, sexual diseases and mental conflicts. How does it begin and how does it end? Pre-marital sex in the far distant past was defined as sex with one person, which ultimately resulted in marriage. In today’s context however, premarital sex leads to month long relationships. Sex with many men/women before finally finding someone to ‘settle down with’ is the norm. Alcohol and drugs are some factors for sex that takes place on campus. There are other reasons too. The peer pressure to indulge in premarital sex is one. And then there is the internet, supplying our teenage world with all the sexual material it needs. Pornography, chat rooms, and a zillion other sites are distributing sex freely. Porn is easily accessible these days with the Internet, the Cyber cafes and the VCD parlors doing brisk business with pirated CDs. A random survey of ten of these parlors revealed that most of the business in some of the shops comes from the porn CDs’ rather than the regular movie CDs. Judging then from the popular sentiments, today’s youth believes that premarital sex is not a crime. Technology has brought in a sexual revolution. The Internet helps access so much of material on sex. All for free. This I think has contributed to the sexual awareness. There is also a lot of misinformation around.   Sex is one of the most powerful forces in our lives and we repress it at our own cost. If you let people do what they want to do, they will have sex. Period. The only exception is if people have a biological problem or have been thoroughly brainwashed, to withhold sex until marriage. Premarital sex is a huge problem in society today; the numbers are staggering.

Unit 1 Project Overview Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unit 1 Project Overview - Coursework Example ronments namely; people, staffing and management,IT and communications, human resources development and training, materials, manufacturing and production, materials, manufacturing and production etc. and anything else which requires planning and managing within businesses. In recent past, British Airways hired a new managing director. When this managing director started, he realized that the firm was not effective and was wasting valuable resources. To make the company more cost-effective, this managing director resolved to reshape the entire company. He noticed that the best approach to do this was via a change methodology management plan. Methodically, the firm started reducing its employees. However, before this was done, via his change management leadership, the managing director gave the organization the reasons for the reorganization and privatization of the firm so as to prepare them for the impending change. Therefore, through leadership and communication, managing director directed his organization through a tough time that could have been harmful without effective change management resistance communication (Burke, 2013). One constraint in this environment that would affect the success of the project is lack of enough resources to pay the workers being laid off. The other constraint is communication deficit – where project manager fails to provide appropriate information to enough people, along with the lack of a structure or culture for effective communication. 2) Reflect on the various roles discussed dealing with how project managers respond to change. Describe an instance involving change, in which you should have or did model the way as a project manager. Explain what you learned from this experience. The British Airways is ineffective and is wasting valuable resources. To return the company to profitability, as the company project manager who is responding to this change I have to decide to change the entire company. This can be achieved

Is Alcoholism A Disease?

Is Alcoholism A Disease? This paper explores ten published articles that report about alcoholism. There are two sides: alcoholism is a disease or not a disease. Most of articles agree with a statement alcoholism is a disease. However, some argue that alcoholism is just a treatable addiction and a choice. Also, people think alcoholism was named to help people recognize alcoholism is a serious problem. It can be compared to diabetes in a equal way that over eaters have a reaction to food and alcoholics to liquor. It is time to examine what the alcoholism really is and explains the reason of the result for people who believe that alcoholism as an addiction, not a disease. Alcoholism: Is Alcoholism a Disease? One of the serious problems in the United States is alcoholism. It is the concept of drinking a large amount of an alcoholic beverage and those people who cannot control themselves become alcoholics. Alcoholics should learn how to manage themselves from alcohol to live healthy and to avoid alcoholism. Alcoholism can cause bad habits and it may build to a more serious health problem later such as cancer. Some people argue that alcoholism is a disease concept and other believes alcoholism is a choice. According to Hobbs, the debate on whether alcoholism is a disease or a personal conduct problem has continued for over 200 years (2000). Now, lets discover what alcoholism really is. What is Alcoholism? To intelligently talk about the topic of whether alcoholism is a disease, the definition of alcoholism is necessary. When people talk about disease, they use the following three terms: disease, disorder, and syndrome. Mitchell (2001) explains the definition, symptoms of alcoholism and important way of recovery from alcohol. People who drink and do not become addicted to alcohol wind up suffering more devastating with the abuse of alcohol. According to Gorski, many experts and laypersons disagree about whether alcoholism is a biological disease or merely a bad habit (1998) but he argued that most alcoholics undoubtedly suffering from a biological disease and should to be treated accordingly by the management industry. Mitchell (2001) defined alcoholism as alcohol dependence syndrome and a disease characterized by loss of control, cravings, tolerance, and physical dependence. Glatt (1976) also said in Jellineks view, of his sense because physiopathological changes were involved: the lo ss of control and the inability to abstain varieties. These definitions are founded from Glatt (1976). Loss of control is the inability of stop drinking once it has begun. Craving means a strong need or urge to drink and tolerance is the require drinking greater amounts of alcohol to get high. Physical dependence means withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms were identified before the 20th century and people have been researched ever since. Alcoholics frequently are aware of the disrupting effects that they cannot or not willing to give up the strong physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. Mitchell further states, alcoholism is a treatable disease, the sooner a person is able to acknowledge a need for help, the better are his or her chances for recovery (2001). However, there is no guarantee people will quit drinking but will prove to struggle with alcohol in their everyday life. Alcoholism is a Disease Due to the alcoholism being defined as a fatal and continual disease characterized by physical dependence, tolerance, and pathological organ changes, it is a disease. The disease is many times fatal and progressive. Disease is characterized by uncontrollable over drinking, and alcohol use regardless of any consequence. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explained, the craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water and an alcoholic will continue to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems (2008). Equal to other diseases, alcoholism is considered to be chronic. According to Gorski (1998), there are few different types of alcoholism. In the modern day, Dr. Benjamin Rush medical researcher studied alcoholism. The idea was discover an alcohol related syndrome of medical problems as a disease. His explanation of the symptoms was unfinished though. However, the inquiry began a procedure of alcoholism medical examination as a disease. In the middle of 1950, the medical examination concluded with the Yale and Rutgers schools of alcohol studies projects. These projects finally ended in a great significant part of information which created a convincing argument that alcoholism was in fact a disease. Congress of the United States seemed to be convinced and created the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to implement treatment programs all over the country. Overall, many people treating alcoholics never went back to the original source which clearly demonstrated an understanding of alcoholism; they divided alcoholism into five different subtypes: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon. Not all of alcohol problems are with the disease of alcoholism. These definitions are from Gorski (1998). Alpha alcoholics normally depend on psychological but without physical. Beta alcoholics are not physically addicted to the alcohol but related to physical health problems like liver damage. Gamma alcoholics are both physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. Delta alcoholics are also physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol but drinking intensity does not increase. The epsilon alcoholics are same as the periodic alcoholic, one may have a period of relapses and a binge stays for a long time. Overall, gamma, delta, and epsilon alcoholics are disease. In past three years, the disease concept of alcoholism reviewed by Jellinek. According to Jellineks topology, gamma, delta, and epsilon alcoholisms met the criteria for disease. Therefore, not all but some of alcoholisms are consider as a disease. Alcoholism contains symptoms and the danger of increasing alcoholism is influenced by his or her genes and by lifestyle. According to Pace (2001), Dr. Charles Lieber treated a patient for pancreatitis and a heart problem. If the patient did not experienced from the alcoholism for years, he would not have these problems in his life. Doctors definitely could seek the medical consequences, even though the patient has been through treatment. Dr. Lieber always explains about the metabolism of alcohol to his patients. There are many different ways of breaking down alcohol used by the patient when alcoholic develops to alcoholism. We know that alcohol is eliminated from the body through the liver, which breaks down the alcohol to carbon dioxide and water. A normal liver cell produces two main enzymes. One is called alcohol dehydrogenase; it breaks the alcohol down to acetaldehyde, which is a poison. A good liver takes that acetaldehyde and with the help of a second enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase, further oxidizes it, breaking it down with a very complicated metabolic process, to carbon dioxide and water. Thats how the normal liver breaks down alcohol. As long as this system is working there is no problem. (Pace, 2001) Dr. Lieber explained that the enzyme is produced by the nucleus of the liver cell, cytochrome, when anyone develops alcoholism (Pace, 2001). Cytochrome allows the liver to break the alcohol faster but the enzyme produces infinite number of the acetaldehyde which is very toxic to the liver and cannot clear from the body. As the result, not enough second enzyme is available to continue the process of breaking alcohol. Therefore, alcoholics should be educated of how alcohol affects their liver. Patients should realize that they are having metabolic defects which affect their livers due to alcohol. Once a liver loses the ability to breakdown, nobody can put it back to a workable liver. The brain is another organ in our bodies that is very involved with alcohol. According to Waldo, when alcohol or other addictive drugs are introduced into a body predisposed by inherited genetics to addiction, permanent biological changes occur in the brain (2000). Nerve cells that drive messages to the brain about feelings, thoughts, and learning are obstruct by alcohol. Also, alcohol interrupts the neurotransmitters that lead to brain shrinkage and it causes increased tolerances like aggressiveness. Animal studies showed that many brain chemicals intake depletes and those chemicals causes feeling of pleasure. Alcohol looses the chemicals that cause depression and stress at the same time. The imbalance of chemical in the brain may be responsible for alcoholism. Swartzwelder, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, said alcohol may retard teenagers mental growth (2001). Because teenagers brains are vulnerable, still growing and developing, alcohol is especially dangerous to them if they drink alcohol in that age. Many people believe that the brain stop developing after the birth but the newest research founded the result that the brain keep develops during adolescence until the age of twenty. In experiments of studying brain circuits, alcohol was effective to brain even after the age of twenty. Alcohol was effective on the function of a brain chemical which is critical for mental function. Therefore, alcoholics should understand how unique and important their brains are for themselves and everyone else surrounded them. However, instead of calling it a brain disease, it is more than that because the whole body is affected. For example, if anyone is drunk, his or her cerebellum gets interfered because of alcohol. Some of long-term effects are going on the nervous system. Hepatoma is very widespread on the alcoholic; colon and liver cancer are rare primary diseases. Therefore, Pace is saying that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ alcoholism is a disease that affects not only the brain but also the liver, stomach, kidney, intestines, and pancreas (2001). Alcoholism is not a disease Some people argue that alcoholism is not a disease. Dreyfus said, alcoholism was originally termed a disease in order to help people understand that it is a serious problem for which they should seek help (2003). Now, it is overused to the extent in the world that alcoholics wrongly assume that they have ill physically and require medical help to overcome alcoholism. The following research showed that alcoholism is a choice. According to the Baldwin Research Institute in the following viewpoint, the disease concept, alcoholism is based on fraudulent research and has no scientific basis. This theory has been spread by an alcoholism treatment industry that earns billions of dollars from treatment programs, insists the institute; however, it actually creates a reduced chance of sobriety for alcoholics. In reality, alcoholism is a choice; the best way for alcoholics to recover is to take responsibility for their alcoholism. The BRI is a nonprofit organization that conducts research and develops programs to facilitate recovery from problems associated with alcohol and other drugs. (Baldwin Research Institute, 2007) In addition, science and history proved that the disease of alcoholism is pure speculation. America medical professionals and culture embraced the concept of disease and they related it to all credible behavior from alcohol abuse to lecturing. However, the disease concept was a panacea. Therefore, researchers founded that alcoholism is a choice. According to Fingarette, the alcoholic is a tragic figure and deserves our compassion but the idea that alcoholism is a disease is a harmful myth (2001). The most persistent myth of the disease concept of alcoholism is that when a sober alcoholic gets a first drink, the effect causes a physical inability to quit. This is totally wrong. Alcoholics were deceived on what they are drinking. Those people who drink alcohol in reality, but were think that their beverage was non-alcoholic, got no effort to drink much. None of them drank uncontrollably even after they got alcohol. There is few myths related alcoholism. Hanson explained several myths about drinking alcohol and causes of alcoholism in the following. According to Hanson, alcohol is the cause of alcoholism (2008). The fact is that the governmental alcohol agency clarified, alcohol does not cause alcoholism and he continued. If alcohol causes alcoholism, then all of drinkers would become alcoholics. Additionally, the members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are people who born in alcoholic who never caused by alcohol in their lives. In fact, anyone cannot become an alcoholic without alcohol but the members of Alcoholics Anonymous said that most people born and die alcoholics without having had any of alcohol. Thus, Hansons viewpoint is that alcoholism may present to someone who never had alcohol but alcoholism is a disease that caused by alcohol. Another myth is about the brain cells. Hanson explained the myth: alcohol destroys brain cells. In fact, the alcohol does not destroy brain cells. Alcohol is related with improved mental (cognitive) functioning. Therefore, those myths explained by Hanson might confuse everyone. However, alcohol originally brings bad health overall and one fact that people should know is that alcohol historically used for antiseptic, medicinal, and analgesic properties. Further, people who have emotional difficulties were saying the effects are sick and suffering from calling it a disease. Alcoholism and compulsive overeating are diseases like diabetics react to sugar in a same way as overeaters have a reaction to all kind of food and alcoholics to alcohol. Therefore, the individuals must carefully watch for intake. If people do not rigidly care the respective diets, they will get dire results. For example, if a person does not monitor for food intake, then there will be a chemical imbalance that might take to unmanageable health. Therefore, the theory explained that over eater is not normal but rather a person has a disease, is sick. The diabetic disease is something that the bodys failure to produce sufficient insulin. It is not the individuals fault to continue on the diabetic diet. It is manner of the bodys metabolizing alcohol which may be the disease, leading to the need for dietary control, the substance abuse, and abstinence. There might be a chemical or biological basis for compulsions; the disease model does not count as the compulsive behavior itself. It is accountable for the specific substance. Conclusions Numerous number of scientists and organizations continued work on alcoholism over two hundred years to find out what it is. Some people say that alcoholism was originally named a disease to help people recognize that it is as serious problem in the world for which alcoholics should seek help; however, alcoholism is an alcohol dependence syndrome and a disease characterized by loss of control, cravings, tolerance, and physical dependence. If a person cannot control the amount of drinking alcohol, he or she will get to alcoholism. Alcoholism brings very affective health problem to alcoholics. The brain disease may occur because there are important nerve cells that may destroy due to alcohol. The liver is another organ that is related to alcohol. In fact, not only the brain and liver may devastate, alcohol will spread out into the whole body and an alcoholics health will get worse overall. Alcoholism is a treatable disease though but alcoholics should realize having the alcoholism and s tart the treatment as soon as possible to have an excellent result. Therefore, there is no guarantee that people will deny drinking alcohol but the treatment probably will confirm to struggle with alcohol. Because alcoholism is increasing in the world and causes bad health, everyone should endeavor to prevent people who are reaching alcoholism. The disease concept of alcoholism needs to be over. All the alcoholics should take the best treatment for themselves to make the alcoholism not exist in the world anymore.

Essay --

Education is closely associated in determining a person’s life chances. Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a critical part in higher education today in America. Socioeconomic status (SES) refers to the ranking based on occupation, income and other social components like education. The inequality in college enrollments and degree completion has been a major concern in our society. The students’ SES seems to actuate the opportunities and the achievement they will fulfill in postsecondary school. Sociologists tend to acknowledge that social course is still an important aspect in today’s society. Also, it affects our life chances and choices. Education contributes to income attainment and occupational prestige. Moreover, there is an inequality between men and women from contrasting social backgrounds in terms of education, particularly in college. Education serves as a ladder to success and social mobility. In America, students from low socioeconomic status (SES) families have always been a part of the nation’s higher education and are few in number. Socioeconomic status has crucial effects on students and their performance in college. The subject of SES and how it affects college education has been debated for decades. The social ranking is parallel to whether one will succeed in college. SES insinuates more immense impact on low SES students than high SES students. Low SES students are deprived in schools due to the lack of academic environment and limit their chances of academic success in school. Those circumstances cause low SES schools to be low compliant and impose the notion that only determined and flexible students can avoid low academic achievement. Low SES students are said to be â€Å"similarly u... ...and men. Mention history of gender inequality: how history affect our society. â€Å"Let’s not forget about the history of Women’s Rights. Women are not mentioned in the Constitution†¦ There are natural differences in men and women; Women are viewed weaker and are expected to stay home, take care of the family. Also, might want to squeeze in a little detail about the role of Economics in our society. Accomplishment in college of students from different socioeconomic background varies. If the social deprivation decreases, low SES students should have similar experiences and accomplishments. Social backgrounds continue to negatively affect their college achievement if low SES students have different outcomes or lower achievements (Walpole viriya.net 2003). Different opportunities are brought about by differences of resources and status (Linkon diversityweb.org 2008).

Research Plan Essay

Background of the Study Solid waste management is increasingly seen as a major issue in the country due to high rates of urbanization and increasing per capita solid waste generation with greater affluence (Petnamsin, et al., 2000). A major component of solid waste is resin based plastic. Plastics posses many properties such as water resistance and long life, that makes them perfect candidates for packaging. Unfortunately, the properties that make this product suitable for packaging also are the major cause of the environmental problems related to packaging. Given the wide use of plastics, the magnitude of the environmental problem is large and long terms. The choices for dealing with this waste are limited as incineration of plastic polymers invariably results in the generation of toxic emissions (Srorith, et al., 2000). The only visible solution is to bury the material in landfills. However, this approach is also limited because of the resistant nature of plastic to biological degradation. Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is a popular fruit-crop that is widely grown in tropical areas. Often, its seeds are discarded because of the preferred well-flavored yellow sweet bulb for consumption. The seeds have high carbohydrate and protein content, hence, an abundant source of starch (Kurian, 2010). Starch is identified as a key natural product for the production of biodegradable plastic (Pranamuda, et al., 2006). Based on the above information, the researchers decided to do research work on starch-based biodegradable plastic from jackfruit seeds. Henceforth, there is a need to establish the additive property of starch from jackfruit seeds as scientific basis for its use in the production of biodegradable plastic. Objectives of the Study The study will aim to find out if jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.  seeds can be a main component in the production of biodegradable plastic. Specifically, the study will 1. determine the efficacy of starch from jackfruit A.heterophyllus Lam. seeds at varying concentrations as additives in the production of biodegradable plastic. 2. compare the mechanical properties between the produced biodegradable plastic from starch of jackfruit A.heterophyllus Lam. seeds, and commercially prepared plastic, polyethylene in terms of tensile strength, flammability, soil biodegradability and air test. 3. compare the effects of acids and bases and organic solvents between produced biodegradable plastic from starch of jackfruit seeds and commercially prepared plastic, polyethylene. Hypotheses of the Study The following hypotheses will be put forward: 1. There is no significant difference in the efficacy of starch from jackfruit seeds at varying concentrations in the production of biodegradable plastic. 2. There is no significant difference on the mechanical properties between the produced biodegradable plastic from starch ofjackfruit seeds and commercially prepared plastic, polyethylene in terms of tensile strength, flammability, soil biodegradability and air test. 3. There is no significant difference on the effects of acids and bases and organic solvents between produced biodegradable plastic from starch of jackfruit seeds and commercially prepared plastic polyethylene. Significance of the Study The results of the study would be beneficial and helpful to the manufacturing plastic industries because it would relieve negative effects of overproducing plastics. By changing its raw materials and components, commercial plastic may be improved so that it would become biodegradable while retaining its good quality. Moreover,this component from starch of jackfruit seeds would help in the natural decomposition of plastic raw materials. Thus, a convenient way of minimizing waste management problem in the country, more so, the high demand for plastics would give the world the hazard of garbage problem, therefore, utilizing starch from jackfruit seeds as component in the production of biodegradable plastics would be the relative answer. Scope and Limitations of the Study The study will focus only on the starch-based biodegradable plastic from jackfruitA.heterophyllus Lam. seeds. It will be conducted at the Physics/Chemistry Laboratory of Antique National School, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique from July 15, 2011 to September 30, 2011. The variables to be evaluated will be the effect of starch from jackfruit seeds at varying concentrations for the production of biodegradable plastic; the mechanical properties between the produced biodegradable plastic from starch of jackfruit seeds and commercially prepared plastic, polyethylene in terms of tensile strength, flammability, soil biodegradability and air test;the effects of acids and bases and organic solvents between the produced biodegradable plastic from the starch of jackfruit seeds and commercially prepared plastic, polyethylene. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) will be used as statistical tools to identify the significant differences among treatment means and their interactions at 0.01 and 0.05 levels of significance, respectively. Definition of Terms Biodegradable.A substance or property of the produce plastic in the study that can be broken down into simpler substances by the activities of living organisms for decomposition.  Plastic. An end product obtained mainly as a result of the study using starch from jackfruit seeds as main component mixing with other components for biodegradable formation. Starch. A complex carbohydrate extracted from jackfruit seeds and used in the study for the production of biodegradable plastic. Polyvinyl Alcohol. An odorless, colorless, tasteless, thermoplastic synthetic resin used in the study that is soluble in water and insoluble in common organic solvents.  Glycerol. A simplest trihydric and commonly called glycerin in commercial  form that is used in the study for the production of biodegradable plastic. CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE After cutting talahib pulps into very small pieces, they were combined with different chemicals such as polyvinyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, glue, and glycerol to produce biodegradable plastics with different amounts of talahib pulp. (Valdez, 2009). A study determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of biodegradable plastic. Results confirmed that cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its worth (Romero, 2007).  It was known that starch-based packaging materials are produced from extrusion or compression technology and have been developed as a substitute for polystyrene in producing loose-filters and other expanded items. The type of starch and synthetic polymer as well as their relative proportions in the blends may influence the properties of the resulting plastics (Sriroth and Sangseethong, 2003). Some physicochemical and rheological properties of jackfruit seed flour and starch, isolated from the flour were investigated. The flour had good capacities for water absorption and oil absorption. Flour from jackfruit seed was prepared by dry milling. It is high in protein and carbohydrate contents. The flour has good water and oil absorption abilities (Tulyathan, 2002). The range of possible applications for starch plastics is restricted by their sensitivity tomoisture and water contact and high water vapour permeability. The biodegradability of starch plastics largely depends on the biodegradability of the copolymer. High copolymer content can adversely affect biodegradability due to the complex interaction of starch and polyester at the molecular level (DegliInnocenti&Bastioli, 2002). Starch is unique among carbohydrates because it occurs naturally as discrete granules. This is because the short branched amylopectin chains are able to form helical structures whichcrystallize. Starch granules exhibit  hydrophilic properties and strong inter-molecular association via hydrogen bonding due to the hydroxyl groups on the granule surface (Daniel et al., 2000). Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is a popular fruit-crop that is widely grown in the Philippines and other tropical areas. The ripe fruit contains well-flavored yellow sweet bulbs which are consumed fresh or processed into canned products and seeds embedded in the bulb. Seeds make up around 10-15% of the total fruit weight and have high carbohydrate and protein content and are normally discarded or steamed and eaten as a snack or used in some local dishes. As fresh seeds cannot be kept for a long time, using them as source of starch is advisable (Bobbio et al 1978). Based on the above review of related literature, there is a need to conduct a study on starch-based biodegradable plastic from jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. seeds and because in all studies, nothing has been mentioned about jackfruit seeds as component of biodegradable plastics. CHAPTER 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS The flow of processes on starch-based biodegradable plastic from jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. seeds is shown in Figure 1. Collection and Preparation of Research Materials, Tools and Equipment The researchers will collect three (3) kilograms of jackfruit seeds from the source for two (2) days before the conduct of the study. These will be brought to the Physics/Chemistry Laboratory of Antique National School, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. Technically grade ethanol, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and sodium hydroxide, ammonia, distilled water, chlorine, polyvinyl alcohol, epoxydized soy bean oil, and glycerol will be obtained from chemworks, Inc.Jaro, Iloilo City prior to the conduct of the study. The other materials and equipment needed will be mortar and pestle, grinder, beakers, alcohol lamp, rolling pin, aluminum foil, stirring rod, molders, spring balance, double beam balance, tray, plastic cups, graduated cylinder, stopwatch, and hot plate. Research Procedure/ Experimental Design Three (3) kilograms of jackfruit seeds will be rinsed and washed in running water and will be air-dried for twenty-four (24) hours at room temperature. After air-drying, the seeds will be peeled manually. Then the seeds will be cut into smaller pieces and ground using an electric grinder. The ground jackfruit seeds will be added with water following the ratio 1:2, one (1) liter of distilled water to two (2) kilograms of ground jackfruit seeds. The mixtures will be placed inside the beaker for decantation for three (3) hours. After decantation, the supernatant will be discarded and the settling material will be collected and placed in an evaporating dish for the starch sediments to settle. This will be sun-dried for five (5) hours to let the water evaporate completely. After the evaporation process, the collected starch sediments will be ground using mortar and pestle until it will turn into powdered form. The produced starch will be weighed and placed in a sterilized container ready for experimentation. Measured amount of the water and jackfruit starch based on different treatments will be mixed and boiled using a hot plate at eighty (80(C) degrees Celsius until it will form into a sticky paste. After removing the starch-water mixture from the hot plate, the rest of the materials will be added such as polyvinyl alcohol, epoxydized soya bean oil, and glycerol. After mixing all the materials, the mixture will be heated again using a hot plate at a temperature of one hundred eighteen to one hundred twenty (118-120(C) degrees Celsius for seven (7) minutes. Then it will pass through a rolling pin and transferred to containers for sun-drying process until the plastic will be formed. The plastic will be cut into strips (3 cm wide by 5 cm long) for mechanical property, effects of acid and base, and organic solvents tests, respectively. The experiment will use five (5) treatments with three (3) replicates each. The duration of the experimental activities will be seventy-eight (78) days that will begin on July 15, 2011 and will end on September 30, 2011. The five (5) treatments that will be used in the study are as follows. Treatment A = 100 grams starch + 100 grams water + 100 grams polyvinyl alcohol + 2.5 grams epoxydized soya bean oil +10 grams glycerin Treatment B = 75 grams starch + 100 grams water + 100 grams polyvinyl alcohol + 2.5 grams epoxydized soya bean oil +10 grams glycerin Treatment C = 50 grams starch + 100 grams water + 100 grams polyvinyl alcohol + 2.5 grams epoxydized soya bean oil +10 grams glycerin Treatment D = 25 grams starch + 100 grams water + 100 grams polyvinyl alcohol + 2.5 grams epoxydized soya bean oil +10 grams glycerin Treatment E – Control – Commercial plastic (polyethylene) Gathering of Data The cut samples of the produced biodegradable plastic will be subjected to the following tests: Flammability Test. The strips of the produced biodegradable plastic and commercial plastic with the same dimensions will be completely burned using alcohol lamp and the burning time will be noted. Soil Biodegradability Test. The plastic strips will be stapled to a piece of cardboard and will be buried in a can of soil. The strips will be unearthed after a week and the final dimension will be recorded. Tensile Strength Test. The plastic strips will be hooked to a spring balance and will be pulled until they will tear apart. The reading of the balance when the plastic strips will break will be recorded. Effects of Strong and Weak Acids and Strong and Weak Bases.The plastic strips will be immersed in concentrated strong/weak acids and strong/weak bases for thirty (30) minutes. Changes in length, width, and appearance will be noted. Organic Solvent Tests. The plastic strips will be immersed in a bottle of  chlorinated water/ethanol. The bottle will be sealed so as to isolate its contents from the external environment. After a week, their final dimensions will be noted.

Contributing Factors to Low Performing Students

Contributing Factors to Low Performing Students In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts major in Guidance and Counseling CHAPTER 1 Introduction Students are facing with many issues in their lives, and because of the competing things for your attention, it’s hard to concentrate on studying. Studying can seem very boring when compared to any other exciting activity. You may even prefer doing non-sense things rather than to study your lessons.Too many people treat studying as the thing to do when you get around to it or have some spare time, too many people look at studying as necessary task, not an enjoyment or an opportunity to learn. ( Grohol, 2006 ) Studying is important in our lives, especially to the lives of the students. Each student as unique individual has different abilities, approaches, ways of thinking, interests and ways of studying the lessons. These individual differences have significant influences on ones learning style and acqui sition.Each student has different methods and ways of studying and these methods are sometimes helpful but some are not as effective as the others. (Oppapers, 2010) http://www. termpaperwarehouse. com/essay-on/Study-Habits-Chapter-1/82775 Students’ low performance in school is not without consequences to either the students themselves or the school system. Problems like difficulty of adjustment to school works, distance of parents, rebellion against authority, feeling of basic inferiority and financial difficulty are often manifested by underachievement in school.However, these variables have contributed to the success or failure in the four year stay in high school but are perceived in different perspectives by the individual learners (Soberano, 2000). Bar-On and Parker (2000) stated that the school is a social environment with many demands on social competence. The young people who fail to get along with their peers in the classroom are likely to be perceived as distractibl e or even disruptive, thus affecting their performance and progress in school.Family relationship is considered to be an important factor in student life. Schneiders indicate that from the very start it is the family and particularly the parents, who ensure the satisfaction of basic physical and psychological needs on the basis of which intense and lasting ties are ordinarily established. The close affinity between youth and the home has significant implications for personality development. As the evidence indicates, the personality development of teen-agers is to an important degree a measure of home and family influences.As pointed by Franken (Batingal, 2007), â€Å"children growing up in a positive family atmosphere, whose parents are involved in their schooling tend to develop better self-regulation and also do better in school. † However, irresponsible, unstable job of parents and lack of financial and moral support to their siblings has resulted the student’s low esteem, less motivated in their school performance. Moreover, expertise of knowledge of the teachers in his field of studies and effective classroom management plays a significant factor of the student’s academic performance and achievements.Since given the best teacher in terms of knowledge ability and potentials, if he lacks the ability to control his students in the classroom, teaching cannot be effective and thus, no learning will take place (Acero, Javier, and Castro, 2007). Individual characteristics such as age, sex, and parents’ educational attainment are important factors in achieving better education outcomes. Adolescents encounter varied obstacles during their entire school life. Academic performance is affected by the characteristics of the learner’s environment.One of which is, living environment, whether one lives in the home or in the lodging/boarding house show an effect on the academic performance of students. Graceda (Soberano, 2000) discusses that the impact of the types of residential arrangement and some important factors, like I. Q. , parents’ relationships and socio-economic status of the family correlate in each residential arrangement indicates lower academic performance. On the other hand, adolescent peers also affect how well and how much they learn. Peers provide models that can encourage or discourage learning. However, by and large, peers have harmful effect on grades.Over half the students’ surveyed said that they did not talk about school work with their friends. In fact, merely 1 in 5 said he or she did not do as well as possible for fear or earning the disapproval of peers (Rathus, 2001). The major findings of the study from National Center for Education Statistics, compared with students with friends who showed little interest in learning, those with friends who cared about learning had better educational outcomes–they were less likely to drop out of school and more likely to be enro lled in an academic program, graduate from high school, and continue their education after graduating.On the other hand, students with friends who were interested in having sex, drinking, and using drugs experienced less desirable educational outcomes. These students experienced a higher rate of dropping out of school and a lower rate of being enrolled in academic programs, graduating from high school, and pursuing postsecondary education (nces. ed. gov).

Practice Creative Writing With These Prompts

Practice Creative Writing With These Prompts You need to write a story for your creative writing class? Would you like it to be a horror story, a suspense, a romance or a sci-fi one? Whatever genre you choose, here are some creative writing prompts for you: Your Biggest Fan This one is straight out of the book Misery by Stephen King where a deranged fan kidnaps and tortures her favorite writer. How can you put a twist on a creepy, invasive fan that will make peoples skin crawl? The Reader Takes Part in the Action Why not write a book where the narrator slowly falls in love with the reader? How would you describe that? Haunted House Is there a creepy old house in your neighborhood that nobody wants to walk past? Are there steep stairs leading up to it like in Psycho? Maybe its a mystery who lives there as nobody is ever seen going in or out, yet theres always a candle in the window at night? What finally brings you to an encounter with the house? A dare from your friends? Did your cat escape and run into the scary house and you have to find it? What do you see when you enter? Vampires, Monsters and Zombies Then there are the traditional monster and zombie stories where bloodthirsty supernatural beings invade a town and start a killing spree. Where are you when this happens? How do you escape? What scenes of horror do you witness as you run for your life? Alternative Dreams The kids usually dream of becoming ninjas, astronauts, cowboys. Instead, they grow up to become bankers, accountants. Imagine the alternative reality, where a little boy wanted to be a lawyer whereas had to become an FBI agent. How would the story evolve? Ghosts These can be some of the scariest stories. Someone has died, but their spirit wont leave. How do you come into contact with this ghost? How do things develop? In the beginning, you merely sense something strange, but as time goes on, the ghost becomes more and more invasive in your life until you find yourself possessed by it! How do you fight the ghost? With a priest? Why is it tormenting you? How can you put it to rest? What is its story? Another Kind of Death In this universe, the dead dont just become limp corpses. They function just like regular bodies, just without a soul. How do they interact with those alive? Why not break the clichà © and make zombies good this time? The Forgotten You awake and start getting ready for work, you go downstairs and no one in your house knows who you are and your pictures have vanished. What do you do first? How do you make your loved ones remember you? Buried Alive As in The Raven where Poes fiancà ©e is buried alive slowly, how could you write this theme to evoke the terror of feeling the earth cover you while youre still alive? Does your victim escape? How do they do it? Who put them there in the first place and why? Accident Sometimes there doesnt have to be a villain for the story to be terrifying. What if you were in an accident, a car crash, or are hanging from a cliff? How do you overcome the situation and make it out alive? Bring on Some Sci-Fi You have invented an A.I system that integrates with a human body to automatically provide adjustments that will allow you to evolve and better your life. You are the first person to test new technology out. What adjustments do you think will be made? A great idea is always vital for a successful story. Pick one of the above or think of one yourself and go ahead, start creating! Got some incredible prompts youd like to share with others? Write them in the comments!

Management Empowerment Essay Example

Management Empowerment Essay Example Management Empowerment Essay Example Management Empowerment Essay Example Empowerment has been used all over the world by different groups of people. That is why it has been used as a major topic of discussion in this essay. Women, for instance, have empowered themselves by learning a lot through social networking sites. Here, they are exposed to so much information about an environment around them. In the year 2013, women started an online campaign with a hundred of advocates opposing various pages on Facebook that was spreading hatred towards them. Their plea was successful since the pages were brought down. During and after colonialism, the blacks in America were able to empower themselves. They claimed the employment, as opposed to slavery, so that they could entirely depend on themselves. This made them confident in themselves. They were able to claim for their independence. This shows that empowerment is used all over the world. This is a main reason as to why it has been used as a basis of this essay. It has been discussed in all aspects to ensure t hat it is thoroughly discussed. At the end of the essay, recommendations have also been made as to how this concept of empowerment can be used to make the world a better place. Empowerment is used by various people in the world on different arenas. The term can be applied to mean giving power and authority to people who previously have not had it. The reason for this is that they may do and make decisions by themselves. This word can also mean giving the permission to certain people to do something. The different forms of empowerment that exist are economic, political, cultural, human, and social ones. Empowerment of people has caused great changes in the society around us. They are very important. It is because when one is given the authority, he/she is able to influence major decisions in their environment as well as dictate a course most activities are going to follow. Management Empowerment Does It Work Some discussions may not make any sense to some groups of people. It is because they might seem to be not important and irrelevant to their current positions. However, a discussion of issues and the determination of their importance should not be based on the perspectives of an individual. Instead, it should be based on the general knowledge, the sense that the issue makes as well as the past experience of the same. It is the cause why the following part of the essay has been provided. Apart from discussing the issue itself, there is a need to discuss its importance. Over the years, it is clear that the definition of empowerment has always changed. Some scholars claim that it may mean licensing, warranting, or commissioning. It causes a lot of attention from scholars that are also interested in the issue. Firstly, it is essential to talk over the importance of this issue in the business world, with reference to the meanings that have been outlined above. These meanings basically symb olize enabling and permitting people to conduct certain activities. It excludes a definition that mentions power. The world includes a lot of people that are seeking for employment. It is because everybody wants to finish the studies and get a well-paid job. The reason behind this is that most education systems train their students on the importance of advancing in a basic career. Therefore, the only real power that people receive from such systems is the education itself ( Hugman Smith, 1995). Through a research and experience, it is clear that the most financially successful people are in the business world. It is because it is a world that has the ability to permanently transform the financial lives of individuals. It is especially in such a way if they are interested in the same. Nevertheless, there are a lot of issues that go along with the starting of businesses. One challenge is legislation. There are a lot of people whose efficiency and potential to do business are limited by the laws in their respective countries. For this reason, there is a need for the world’s governments to analyze the way in which this can be rectified. Empowerment is a key issue, when it comes to this. Any government that has the intention of growing its economy should be willing to invest in empowerment. It is where they give their employees an ability to perform most of the activities that they intend to, especially in business. Therefore, the business context is one that needs a mass ive use of empowerment in any nation. Secondly, oppression is a universal issue. There is the oppression of marginalized groups all over the world. It has been witnessed in most nations for a long period of time. People being supposed to be inferior are oppressed, in terms of the rights and privileges, which they may be pending to get from their respective countries. Nevertheless, there usually the time comes when some individuals in the groups that are being oppressed decide that it should not happen any more. It is especially when they come to learn about their rights. It is another place where empowerment comes into equation. In some contexts, power is not given. Instead, it is taken. For example, the countries which fight for their independence take their power, as opposed to them receiving it from a third party. For this purpose, it is correct to state that individuals have the ability to empower themselves. It is especially if it is an only alternative. The fact that the issue of oppression is a universal one makes it one of the most important problems in the society today. It is because it affects a large number of people. Therefore, the relevance and importance of discussing this topic cannot be undermined. In organizations, whether profit making or not, the importance of empowerment still comes out. It has been the case for a long period of time. Every employee as well as a member of any organization has the own abilities. It means that every one of them gains a different level to which their performance can be expected to reach. However, this essay does not need these variations to be put into the equation. There is a need to put all these factors constant, in a bid to keep the discussion pure. Assuming that all the employees had the same potential, it would be right to make them remain in the positions they have been put on. However, when they are not considered to be different, according to their abilities, the whole new difference is made. Actually, it is a vital difference, owing to the fact that this is an actual situation on the ground. There are some employees that have the ability to perform certain duties more than others. It may have several implications. If an employee perf orms a duty perfectly, it may mean that this employee is mainly suited for this duty. However, if a worker does not perform the obligation well, they may be unsuited for the same. It does not have the meaning that they have to be sacked. A need for any company to separate employees from leaders exists. Some employees do not have the ability to perform specific roles in an organization. However, they may be good managers of other employees. Therefore, the only thing that limits their potential is the lack of empowerment. It is, yet, another area that should be thought of, when empowerment is a major topic of discussion. Religion is another point that requires a lot of empowerment issues. It is because there are some religions that are undermined in some countries. For this reason, governments as well as the leaders of these religions should strive to ensure that they empower these religions and ensure that there is the freedom of worship in their countries. Therefore, the safety of people from different religions creates the importance of empowerment. Gender inequalities have also been witnessed in some places of work as well as positions of power. It is another area where empowerment has been of the utmost importance. The areas to which empowerment applies cannot be exhausted in this essay. It would require a completely new book, owing to the global value that it carries. For these reasons, it is clear that the empowerment concerns the life of almost each person in the world. Therefore, it is an extremely vital and important topic of discussion (Hugman Smith, 1995). Knowledge and Issues Relating to Empowerment Empowerment of people in various sectors is important as well as useful in many ways. It reduces oppression of certain discriminated groups of people. Initially women in the community were not allowed to participate in various activities in the economy. It is because the work was considered to be male oriented. The acceptance of women in these works has caused a great change in the economy. So many inventions have been made from that time and a high productivity noted since there is a great increase in the workforce in the economy. This has caused gender equality between both genders (Martin-Crawford, 1999). Previously men used to look down on women and abuse them because they had seen them as useless and only parasites that depended on them in every way. Women also have gained confidence and talked out when they were oppressed in any way. Empowerment also helps people gain a lot of confidence in them. It ensures that they can be actively involved in decision making processes. Disabled people may be disregarded in terms of their potential and ideas. It is because they are considered to be weak and inferior. The research has proven that a great majority of these people being so disregarded are of the great potential once put to work. This proves that once all of disabled people in a society are utilized the productivity of a place would greatly increase. On the same note, the youth, for a long time, has been disregarded and put on a sideline in our societies. It has caused the idle youth to indulge in illegal and demoralizing activities that destroy most of young lives. Due to these slapdash behaviors, an unreliable generation is created. Hence, the future of our economies is wrecked. The research has shown that the creation of employment for the youth has lead to a great decrease in drug trafficking and drug addiction among young people. Immoral behavior such as prostitution is also seen to decrease drastically in these societies (Wing, 1996). Initially accessing the information about medication and various ailments was a very arduous task for the people being outside the medical profession. Through such a user friendly website as Medline Plus in the United States, patients get a lot of information regarding various ailments. Most of them get appointments with their doctors from the Internet. Various types and names of certain drugs are available online where patients get to learn how to use, on the side effects of these medications, and what to do in case of missed doses. They do not look for a specialist to advice on this. The gaining of information from Medline Plus by citizens of the United States has built their confidence greatly. The research has proven that most people who seek medical advice are those who have gained the information and may know what they are possibly suffering from. Most people who are not enlightened on these data shy away from seeking medical health resulting to their conditions becoming worse (Martin-Crawford, 1999). The empowerment of people in the society who have the unknown potential has brought about a lot of changes in our community today. Some citizens take an advantage of the fact that they are given the power to air out their views and use this freedom to falsely accuse the people of leadership. They frame them with their bad personal motive to bring leaders down. It has caused a fall of a great number of leaders being so unfair. Finally, the state is being left with poor leaders who perform poorly leading the people to their downfall. Wars are also seen to emerge since there are those who fight for justice against the corrupted and unfair ones. These fights sometimes result to great losses and sometimes to numerous deaths. The police, on the other hand, are given the power to shoot whichever suspect of greave crimes they are sure of. It is seen to bring down so many wanted criminals (Lee, 2001). However, it has been witnessed that innocent blood is shed by careless policemen who do not care about civilians in their way to get the suspects. Rather a lot of people have already been killed in result of these carelessness, some are left permanently disabled. Although empowerment is helpful, it can produce counter results if not carried out in the right manner. The empowerment of women has brought about great positive changes in the economic growth. It has also come with negative effects. A lot of attention has been paid to the women that some men are leaving in a sideline to suffer. So many organizations have been put up to help and protect women in case of abuse while so little has been done for men. At most homes, women take an advantage of their position in the society to abuse their husbands. So much energy and recourses have been focused on creating jobs for the youth today. As a result, some sectors in the economy have been neglected. Health sectors are one of neglected areas where no developments are implemented. It results to poor services in hospitals and misinformation of patients that leads to a great increase of a mortality rate. In the United States, education sectors are also one of neglected sectors where funds that are su pposed to pay teachers and sponsor students lack. It has caused a great rate of unemployment of teachers and a great rate of school drop outs. Most of them cannot afford the high school fees (Horrell Johnson, 2008). In the United States, patients have gained a lot of information from Medline Plus. It is good and very helpful to them. Most people gain confidence to consult doctors from the information they acquire. This information has, however, brought about negative results too. Most people think that they have enough information to determine the disease they are ailing by looking at the symptoms they have. It has resulted to people administering the wrong medication to them, since the disease they think they have is not real. A large number of people have died or caused a permanent malfunctioning of some parts of their bodies. It is for consuming unwanted substances in their bodies. There are other ways, in which empowered people have used their power to a great disadvantage. This is due to the lack of the proper information and advice on how to deal and handle their newly acquired power. Therefore, it is vital that empowerment is done for the right people and the acquired power used wisely. I t is because power has an ability to build or destroy (Pastor, 1996). Application of the Knowledge on Empowerment There are so many people with the knowledge on empowerment in the society today. These people should make it their obligation to educate the others in the society suffering due to the lack of knowledge about their potential and a place in the society. They should also strive and mobilize people to put up self-help groups where people with the same gift come together and start businesses based on their gift and talent. One can also start up an organization where people can seek advice on how to start up businesses. Though the difference made by individuals may seem so insignificant, it changes a lot after some time. Its effect is gradual but very necessary (Houtzagers, 1999). Empowerment of employees also enhances a good exchange of ideas among the employees as well as an employer. Therefore, it brings up better ways to manage organizations. It is because the employees feel free to communicate their views and suggestions, since they also participate in a decision making process of the organization. Empowerment of people in the society is also very important. The empowerment that they may question their leaders about also helps in improving the productivity in the society. The leaders of these places always strive to give their best in all their work. It is to impress them and make sure that they are not thrown out of their current power positions (Blanchard Randolph, 1999). Once a person in an oppressed group gets knowledge on how they can empower themselves, he or she is able to lead the others to fight for their rights. Most oppressed races only need an enlightened individual to lead them to a better life by only claiming for their rights. The people like Audrey Henderson are an example of people in the society. They have dedicated so much in helping people exploit their potential, hence, empowering them. All over the United States, she has initiated so many projects and overseen that they are successful, especially in Chicago. She has connected so many industries to international standards that their progress is so high and notable. It is a live, specific and realistic example of how people can use empowerment as an instrumental tool to make the lives better of other people around them. Audrey proves that this is not an issue that only exists on paper. Instead it can be applied on an actual ground and yield better results than most of the activities considered productive for any organization. It is just one in a million examples of how people have used the tool of empowerment. They have applied it for increasing the productivity of their various organizations (Pastor, 1996). New and high quality products have come up in the market due to the introduction of new and better ideas in the market by the youth. Their vibrant and energetic young people are always moving to make and create better products that will have a wide market and a very high demand. Therefore, it is clear that empowerment should be applied on a younger generation. It is because they are always the ones with the least power and influence. It causes them to have limited abilities, according to the capacities that they are asked to serve. Administrators of organizations and nations should give the youth a chance to show their capabilities (Turner, 1996). This is an endeavor that can ensure a complete success of different organizations in the world. It may as well guarantee that there are many creativities as well as the generation of new ideas all over the world. It gains an ability transforming the whole global market into a successful venture to people from all walks of life. Few of of the most essential people all over the world are not recognized for their work. This research has taken much interest to discuss them. The people that ensure the security of individuals are surely in this list. The army and police of some countries are unable to carry out their work well since they are not allowed to carry out some practices. It limits them and makes them inefficient in their work. Some of these activities they are not allowed to do is to short once they identify a suspect of greave crimes. Some of the police even die while being in the line of duty and avoiding mistakes of shooting the wanted suspect. Allowing these policemen to carry out their duty by shooting once they are sure of the suspect will really help in making them more efficient. It will protect them from unnecessary deaths (Houtzagers, 1999). Implications of the Issues Studied on OB, Organization, and Stakeholders The past experiences as well as the deductions that may be created from the various materials that were used may be of great value in the development of issues in this research. However, the most important part to the society is that of application. The needs to guarantee the applications of the issue to organizational behavior, organizations, as well as the stakeholders of these organizations, exist. This is in a bid to show the relevance of the same one to the present world. First, it is important to note the fact that the general productivity of an organization is improved by the use of empowerment (Lee, 2001). The organizational behavior of the company whose employees are frequently empowered is proven to be excellent and efficient for their set purpose. The research that has been carried out above has proved that the gifting of members of an organization with an opportunity to perform higher duties increases their productivity. It is because it boosts their ego, doubles their ef forts, and increases the work that they have to do. It could seem to be a bad thing to the employees. It is because it represents more work. However, the promotion has to be accompanied by a better pay. Therefore, this employee feels more appreciated and gives his or her best to the organization. It is conclusive to say that the general workforce of any organization is increased through the empowerment of employees (Turner, 1996). Apart from employees, there are other stakeholders in the organization. For example, there are partners, business associates, suppliers, customers as well as many others. When empowerment occurs in the organization, it shows the need that the company places in the enablement of people that may seem to be inferior to others. It is an act that cannot be hidden from the world. Therefore, it can be an important tool in boosting the name of the company. Many the international companies and also the local humanitarian organizations would like to be associated with the same company. It is because it shows the respect it has to humanity on a public platform. For customers, it is clear that they would also be some of beneficiaries of empowerment. It is because the productivity of the organization is increased. It means the increased utility in the goods that the customers receive. This utility is in terms of the value of products, a method of delivery as well as the time, in which the product is delivered to customers. Therefore, any customer would wish to continue the association with this organization (Hugman Smith, 1995). Thus, it is evident that many stakeholders of the company stand to benefit from all the efforts that the organization would undertake to empower its employees. Apart from organizations, it is clear that other groups of people around the world support benefiting from the power of empowerment. Experience as well as expert advice has proven this to a large extent. There are people, businesses, groups, and organizations that have given a credit to the power of empowerment. They have always used it in their day to day activities. However, there are others that have not yet discovered the miracles that can be performed by the same. These are the persons for whom this part is meant. All successful firms should use this as a tool to achieve greater heights. Governments around the world should seek to empower their citizens. Where it is not possible, the citizens should choose to empower themselves. A lot of ways exist, in which persons can empower themselves. The formation of empowerment groups is also vital in ensuring that all involved are given the power that they need to reach certain heights. With the achievement of this, the general productivity in most areas of the world can be increased. It would mean fewer and fewer problems. Such issues as hunger and famine would be the things left in the past. It is because the world has leant of a great value for empowering people.

Appositives and Descriptions

Appositives and Descriptions Appositives and Descriptions Appositives and Descriptions By Mark Nichol Writers easily confuse an appositive (a descriptive word or phrase that is equivalent to a person, place, or thing that is named) with a phrase that simply describes a person, place, or thing named, or create confusion by incorrectly wording or punctuating an appositive or a description. The following sentences demonstrate various types of such errors. 1. My name is John Smith, product manager for Global Tetrahedron. This construction creates the impression that â€Å"product manager for Global Tetrahedron† is part of John Smith’s name. That part of the sentence must be made distinct from the main clause as the basis of a separate independent clause (â€Å"My name is John Smith, and I am product manager for Global Tetrahedron†) or the subject must be reworded so that the sentence generically identifies John Smith rather than specifying what supposedly constitutes his name (â€Å"I am John Smith, product manager for Global Tetrahedron†). 2. Jane Jones, president of World Wide Widgets announced that the company will consolidate its product line. The phrase â€Å"president of World Wide Widgets† is an appositive of â€Å"Jane Jones† (Jane Jones is the president of World Wide Widgets, and the president of World Wide Widgets is Jane Jones), so one must be set off parenthetically from the other: â€Å"Jane Jones, president of World Wide Widgets, announced that the company will consolidate its product line.† 3. Jeb Bush’s presence in the race and his fund-raising potential werent enough to dissuade fellow Floridian, Senator Marco Rubio, and more than a dozen other Republicans from entering the race. Inclusion of a comma between a descriptive phrase and the noun or noun phrase it describes, as shown here, is a rampant uncorrected error that encourages even more writers to make the mistake. The problem is the resemblance of a simple descriptive phrase such as â€Å"fellow Floridian† to an appositive phrase such as â€Å"a fellow Floridian,† which is parenthetical and therefore expendable without sacrificing comprehension or completeness. However, â€Å"Fellow Floridian† cannot be excised from the sentence, nor can â€Å"Senator Marco Rubio,† which has been treated as an optional parenthetical. To resolve the problem, delete the parenthetical commas (but also delete Senator, which competes with â€Å"fellow Floridian† as a descriptor) or simply insert a before â€Å"fellow Floridian† (and retain Senator): â€Å"Jeb Bush’s presence in the race and his fund-raising potential werent enough to dissuade fellow Floridian Marco Rubio and more than a dozen other Republicans from entering the race† or â€Å"Jeb Bush’s presence in the race and his fund-raising potential werent enough to dissuade a fellow Floridian, Senator Marco Rubio, and more than a dozen other Republicans from entering the race.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:12 Signs and Symbols You Should KnowTaser or Tazer? Tazing or Tasering?List of 50 Compliments and Nice Things to Say!

The Challenges for Inclusive Education in China Essay

The Challenges for Inclusive Education in China - Essay Example Poor human resource management in the form of teachers lacking necessary qualifications and motivation and absence of required teamwork all contribute to halfhearted attempts at inclusive education. Administrative Challenges Malinen (2013) shows some interesting trends with regard to inclusive education in China. For instance, Malinen (2013, p. 6) reveals that almost 60% of Chinese children with disabilities already study in mainstream schools. However, this optimistic figure is based on a disability assessment system that is based on functional disability such as visual, hearing, language, intellectual, physical and mental disability. On the other hand, the WHO categorizes disabilities along cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation domains. Thus, the performance of inclusive education in China appears deceptively positive. Some legal and social challenges include the difficulty of children of economic migrants to large cities getting admitted to schools in the cities. The large classroom sizes, rote learning and an assessment system based on competition rather than teamwork also make it difficult to implement inclusive education. Malinen (2013) also notes that teachers spend little time in planning lessons for inclusive classrooms. The UNESCO (2003) report also reflects similar views such as the inadequacy of the curriculum to meet the diverse learning needs of inclusive classrooms. Inclusive schools are often inaccessible to scattered populations which also pose a strong challenge. Chen (n.a.) also notes the problem of large classrooms for inclusive teaching to take place. The dearth of effective teaching aids further complicates the situation for teachers, who are inadequately trained at times. Poor school management... This paper approves that a conceptual paper on inclusive education by UNESCO validates the findings of Zhu and Wang by identifying some of the same barriers to inclusive education. The report highlights the challenge posed by socio-economic factors such as inadequate educational facilities and inequalities bred into the educational system. Poor human resource management in the form of teachers lacking necessary qualifications and motivation and absence of required teamwork all contribute to halfhearted attempts at inclusive education. This paper makes a conclusion that the main challenges to inclusive education in China are administrative and cultural. School administrations are struggling to equip inclusive schools with well-trained teachers while parents of children with special learning needs need to appreciate the importance of inclusive education. Resources need to be invested in teacher training, curriculum development and making inclusive schools accessible to the target populations. The current curriculum and teaching methodologies are inadequate for meeting the learning needs of students. The Chinese government seems to be making inclusive education a major priority; however, cooperation from local governments is also essential for these efforts to be effective. Moreover, once general consciousness that inclusive education is beneficial for the whole society is raised, the prospects for inclusive education in China are likely to become much brighter.

Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9000 words

Motivation - Essay Example The study ash been able to answer all the research questions and has achieved the objectives of the study. The study concludes that the factors of motivation do not differ across generations. They have remained constant and include good wages, leadership roles, appreciation, recognition, achievement, job security and interesting work. Both derive intrinsic motivation from the work, responsibilities and these enhance their self-esteem in both cases. The difference lies in the expectations of the Yers fueled by the difference in the social environment in which they have grown up. This generation is ambitious and looks for quick career progression. This enthusiasm and expectation has to be recognized by the managers. They even prefer better communication with their managers and want to take leadership roles. Even though they receive salary as per industry standards, they aspire for more. Many have conceded that they are at their present jobs for lack of better alternative. This demonstr ates lack of motivation. Thus, the managers have to identify unique characteristics and talent at the time of recruitment and clarify the job roles so that the employees do not join under false impressions. They would not start their career with expectations that may not be fulfilled. Thus, the managers have the responsibility to establish psychological contract with the Gen Y to achieve enhanced performance through job satisfaction and employee motivation. The study concluded by providing the limitations to the study and making recommendations for further study in this area. The workforce today comprises of different generational cohorts such as Generations X, Y and baby-boomers that differ from each other. Generation Y is a highly pragmatic generation of workers and to accommodate their concerns endless rounds of corporate restructuring takes place (Amble, 2003). The young workers are full of enthusiasm and are keen to acquire skills and talents that would make them attractive to

Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 26

Communication - Essay Example Juveniles have unique qualities which influence how the message should be delivered to them, these include: poor communication skills particularly the listening aspect of it. Most members of the group cannot listen to and comprehend court directives about behavior. Some juveniles, especially those in employment should have their employer being part of the solution, especially by enforcing compliance (Mark & Gamez-Rugama, 2015). Other juvenile offenders do not comprehend what is required of them due to insufficient education. As such, using simple language for communication will improve their compliance with the rules of engagement. There are many potential challenges in communicating the message to juveniles, these include: firstly, a negative attitude adopted by juveniles perceiving their neighbors or government agents as too hard-nosed and hell-bent on their destruction to listen to or follow their directives. Secondly, insufficient education and knowledge in juveniles usually complicate their understanding of what is right for them and their subjective thoughts (Haggard, 2014). Lastly, their young brains and weak personality may create unnecessary distractions and or lack of consistency in their responses to questions or issues directed to them, hence their erratic behavior. These weaknesses require constant support to them and monitoring of their moves, which would be costly if not impractical (Haggard, 2014). As Mark and Gamez-Rugama (2015) said, I would revise my approach in the video by adopting simpler, more personalized communication strategies such as mentioning names. I would also: capitalize on the mode of communication which is most effective for each individual, such as using gestures or non-verbal styles for disabled juveniles; use communication techniques which build effective relationships with juveniles so that they can develop a feeling of

Representation of the Feminine in American Feminist Cinema Essay

Representation of the Feminine in American Feminist Cinema - Essay Example The film "Rebecca" shows how women who strayed outside the lines of pre-defined social roles were generally demonized by society, which includes opposition from other women who are comfortable in fulfilling their traditional roles, but occasionally worshipped by other women who longed for freedom of being. The film captured Rebecca’s loss of identity as a woman who is expected to live according to traditional norms of behavior, handing down this mindset to succeeding generations as a continuation of the old ways and old ideals, despite their personal desire for the freedom to express their individuality. In a sense, the film showed that in their uphill quest for freedom, women had to go through several barriers imposed by gender and social tradition. This landmark film established the base for similar Hollywood films against which subsequent cinematic outputs would be compared. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1966) demonstrated in a clearer manner the feminist stirrings of American cinema. The depiction of women in Martha combined the traditional - stay-at-home and career-less daughter of a well-known university professor who married a loser - and the modern - childless but with an imaginary child, aware of her sexuality, cursing and nagging her husband in public, and flirting openly with a young married guest in front of her husband and the guest's wife. In contrast to other portrayals of women in the past, the film signified a certain degree of equalization between the sexes. Elizabeth Taylor's Academy Award as Best Actress for her portrayal as Martha in a film laced with profanity and feminine sensuality that shocked audiences at the time may have marked a turning point as it showed that a woman could be the mistress of her destiny. Some two decades later, Desperately Seeking Susan (1981) seemed to move towards closing the loop as it directly addressed the concepts of female voyeurism and female desire. It starred the 1980's icon of the fun-loving material girl (pop star Madonna) and featured a young woman obsessed with another young woman whom she had never met, and although there is a strong element of lesbian criticism involved, there is little indication that the women are true lesbians. A psychoanalytic approach to the film necessarily excluded the possibility that the desire inherent in the film is not for the female body but is instead a desire for the 'other', an idealized fantasy life believed to be lived by this other. This film introduced different viewpoints raised regarding its message that addressed the concept of the feminine directly, making it an ideal framework for studying how femininity is reflected in modern cinema

Lessons Learned Book Review on Colin Powell Essay

Lessons Learned Book Review on Colin Powell - Essay Example The first challenge he faced was the investigation of the My Lai Massacre. Later, Powell's assessment was alledged to be a whitewash. But this is one of the many instances where Powell's image has been exploited to serve the irresponsible behaviours of the Administation. Powell mentioned in his autobiography that he is haunted by the nightmare of the Vietnam War (Powell, 1995). From 1987 to 1989, Powell was Ronald Reagan's last National Security Advisor while retaining his Army commission. In 1989, he joined Eisenhower and Alexander Haig. During that time he faced 28 political and military crises, like the invasion of Panama in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and earned the nickname, "the reluctant warrior". Militant about defending the "hardwon civil rights legislation of 1960's, General Colin Powell made famous the so-called Powell Doctrine, as part of the attitude to be considered while considering the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The Doctrine asserts that when a nation is engaging in war, all resources should be brought into action to affect an overwhelming force against the enemy. The questions that Powell Doctrine centers on are the issues of national security based on a clear and attainable objective fully analyzing the risks and costs, the full utilization of all non-violent policies, a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement, the consequences of American government action, support received from the American people on any particular action, and the presence of international support. Leadership is the art of accomplishing more that the science of management says it possible. (Harari, 2002) Leadership connotes an interrelationship of power - the power to give vision to others, and not just be a frontrunner. In the Leadership Character ModelSM developed by Robert Turknett and Carolyn Turknett in 2005 in their Decent People, Decent Company: How to Lead with Character in Work and in Life, they prescribe Accountibility, Responsibility and Integrity as some of the characters of a leader. Powell too, practiced people-based leadership that gave him an edge. A leader, as Powell believed and practiced himself, must challenge the status quo of all traditions. (Harari, 2002). Effective Leadership is a true test of character, and Colin Powell's life has been a testimony to this. In the study of his 35 years of military experience, we find a galore of instances where Powell used the basic human emotions of trust and belief in order to get over tricky situations. Powell rarely proposed military intervention as the first solution to any dispute, and instead advocated compromise. In the 2000 U.S. Presidential Election, Powell served as the key foreign policy advisor to the Bush campaign. After September 11, this public icon played a crucial role in taking up a single-handed leadership to enhance America's relationship with international countries. In an interview by O'Rourke of the Atlantic Unbound, Powell says: I'm considered the multilateralist-multilateralism means finding areas of compromise. Our nation also rests on a non-zero-sum concept. It was intended that Congress work by finding compromise, and from compromise you achieve consensus. Without compromise, you never get to

An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK Dissertation

An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK - Dissertation Example Accordingly, no marriage could be solemnized of those persons who are under the age of 21 years. Disobedience of laws will be a punishable offence and will result in punishment of 14 years in jail. However, the Jews and Quakers were exempted from this law. Jews and Quakers were not restricted according to the Marriage Act of 1753 to obey the law of appearing in churches for marriage purpose. Anglican churches were also specified for nonconformists and Catholics. The condition of marrying in a specific church was removed by the Parliament through Marriage Act of 1936. The Act in question made it possible for non-religious people to marry in the registrar office in their respective towns and cities (Barlow 2005). In response to a move for equal citizenship, the Parliament in the year 1929 cut down the age limit to 16 years for either sex. This limit is still in vogue. The Civil Partnership Act, which was passed by the Parliament in the year 2004, allowed the young couple to follow the same legal rights and obligations as allowed to the couple of elderly ages (Barlow 2005). This paper analyzes the issue of forced marriages in UK and their implications within UK by evaluating some available literature and by scrutinising some law case examples. In the end, Supreme’s court’s stance related to forced marriages will be given along with a conclusion. We all know that there is a clear distinction between the Forced marriage and the arranged marriage. The forced marriage by way of coercive methods whereas the arranged marriage with the consent of all matrimonial stakeholders. Both sorts of marriages come to limelight in the domestic and the international print and electronic media. Because of inherent domestic violence inflicted upon women in any location or in any country of the world. Forced marriages are characterized by domestic violence in whatever form it is, abuses, and coercive methods and last but not least the threats. (Wilson, 2007). Overview A t horough review of the currently published survey report indicates approximately ten million girls below the age of eighteen years get married every year. As per the calculation it comes to one girl every three seconds. The statistics of such marriages are a) 833,333 girls in a month b) 192,307 in a week c) 27, 397 in a day and d) 19 in every minute. If we look at the picture of developing world, we find one out of five girls married by the age of eighteen years. One out of seven married before attaining the age of fifteen. The situation in African and the Asian countries is other way round. In the mentioned regions, the statistic of early and forced marriage is around sixty percent. What to talk about Child brides in South Asia and Saharan country of Africa where the percentage of early forced marriages went up to 46 and 38 percent respectively. In Europe including Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine, the highest rate of early and forced marriages are 17 percent, 14 percent and 10 percent r espectively. The situation of early and forced marriages in England and France is not quite different of the mentioned countries where 10 percent of the adolescent’s marriage happened at the mere age of 18 years. However, in many countries of the world where the legal marriage is not determined, marriages are being happened at a very lower age of 18 years. Take the example of Central African and the Republic of Congo where the legal age of An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK Dissertation - 2 An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK - Dissertation Example Accordingly, no marriage could be solemnized of those persons who are under the age of 21 years. Disobedience of laws will be a punishable offence and will result in punishment of 14 years in jail. However, the Jews and Quakers were exempted from this law. Jews and Quakers were not restricted according to the Marriage Act of 1753 to obey the law of appearing in churches for marriage purpose. Anglican churches were also specified for nonconformists and Catholics. The condition of marrying in a specific church was removed by the Parliament through Marriage Act of 1936. The Act in question made it possible for non-religious people to marry in the registrar office in their respective towns and cities (Barlow 2005). In response to a move for equal citizenship, the Parliament in the year 1929 cut down the age limit to 16 years for either sex. This limit is still in vogue. The Civil Partnership Act, which was passed by the Parliament in the year 2004, allowed the young couple to follow the same legal rights and obligations as allowed to the couple of elderly ages (Barlow 2005). This paper analyzes the issue of forced marriages in UK and their implications within UK by evaluating some available literature and by scrutinising some law case examples. In the end, Supreme’s court’s stance related to forced marriages will be given along with a conclusion. Argument Forced marriages are threatening for UK because according to thinkers and researchers, they come under the category of abuse and violence, therefore, suitable legal steps should be taken to stop this form of abuse. This paper scrutinizes the history of forced marriages and analyzes the issue and its implications within the UK. Research Methodology The research methodology suitable for completing this paper is qualitative method in which, an in depth literature review is conducted to analyze the issue of forced marriages in UK and the processes involved. Along with a literature review, case law exampl es are also incorporated to gain an overview of the problem and possible solutions. Therefore, as a research methodology, qualitative form of researching is used and a literature review and case law analysis is conducted to find answers to the research problem. Literature Review Marriages can be performed before authorized registrar. Priests of churches in England and Wales are authorized to conduct marriages in the local parish. Study of marriage history of England, reveals that since inception of Marriage Act 1753Â  till 1837, it was the prerogative of Church of England to conduct marriages except the marriages of the Jews and Quakers. The marriages of other faiths can be held by the Registrars. Marriage Act 1949 overtook previously passed acts of marriage. The 1753 Act required presence of two witnesses at the marriage ceremony coupled with minimum marriageable age (Dnes & Rowthorn 2002). The marriages of royal family are conducted under Royal Marriages Act of 1772. According to the mentioned act, the British Royal family were required to take the permission of the ruler if anyone of them wants to get married under twenty five years of age. Marriage Act 1836 eliminated the royal family in passing the act as a separate act was passed for them in terms of marriage (Dnes & Rowthorn 2002). Forced Marriage in the United Kingdom Forced marriages

Lessons Learned Book Review on Colin Powell Essay

Lessons Learned Book Review on Colin Powell - Essay Example The first challenge he faced was the investigation of the My Lai Massacre. Later, Powell's assessment was alledged to be a whitewash. But this is one of the many instances where Powell's image has been exploited to serve the irresponsible behaviours of the Administation. Powell mentioned in his autobiography that he is haunted by the nightmare of the Vietnam War (Powell, 1995). From 1987 to 1989, Powell was Ronald Reagan's last National Security Advisor while retaining his Army commission. In 1989, he joined Eisenhower and Alexander Haig. During that time he faced 28 political and military crises, like the invasion of Panama in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and earned the nickname, "the reluctant warrior". Militant about defending the "hardwon civil rights legislation of 1960's, General Colin Powell made famous the so-called Powell Doctrine, as part of the attitude to be considered while considering the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The Doctrine asserts that when a nation is engaging in war, all resources should be brought into action to affect an overwhelming force against the enemy. The questions that Powell Doctrine centers on are the issues of national security based on a clear and attainable objective fully analyzing the risks and costs, the full utilization of all non-violent policies, a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement, the consequences of American government action, support received from the American people on any particular action, and the presence of international support. Leadership is the art of accomplishing more that the science of management says it possible. (Harari, 2002) Leadership connotes an interrelationship of power - the power to give vision to others, and not just be a frontrunner. In the Leadership Character ModelSM developed by Robert Turknett and Carolyn Turknett in 2005 in their Decent People, Decent Company: How to Lead with Character in Work and in Life, they prescribe Accountibility, Responsibility and Integrity as some of the characters of a leader. Powell too, practiced people-based leadership that gave him an edge. A leader, as Powell believed and practiced himself, must challenge the status quo of all traditions. (Harari, 2002). Effective Leadership is a true test of character, and Colin Powell's life has been a testimony to this. In the study of his 35 years of military experience, we find a galore of instances where Powell used the basic human emotions of trust and belief in order to get over tricky situations. Powell rarely proposed military intervention as the first solution to any dispute, and instead advocated compromise. In the 2000 U.S. Presidential Election, Powell served as the key foreign policy advisor to the Bush campaign. After September 11, this public icon played a crucial role in taking up a single-handed leadership to enhance America's relationship with international countries. In an interview by O'Rourke of the Atlantic Unbound, Powell says: I'm considered the multilateralist-multilateralism means finding areas of compromise. Our nation also rests on a non-zero-sum concept. It was intended that Congress work by finding compromise, and from compromise you achieve consensus. Without compromise, you never get to

The Heart and Mind in Decision-Making Essay Example for Free

The Heart and Mind in Decision-Making Essay I chose â€Å"Dear Diary: My Heart is racing to buy a car† to reflect and it seems interesting to me because it is one of the very unusual and common human trait to decide upon the conflict between calls from heart and mind. This is a situation which almost every human faces one day or the other. Jamie had an average financial background though when he saw his dream car he was moved to an extent that he thought of sacrificing his professional and personal needs to live his dream owning a red Mustang with powerful engine sound. It is always challenging to decide upon the conflict that arises because of intuition and logic. I believe a good and influential leader is one who can firmly decide upon the conflict between intuition and logic and takes decisions in interest of oneself and the group of people he is leading. The decision may also be influenced by the values and behavior of particular leader. There should be a sense of balance between two calls which has to be looked upon with all perspective. I was in same dilemma as Jamie when I passed my secondary exam and I was supposed to choose major between math and biology in higher secondary. To overcome the confusion upon the choices I took help from my dad and logically we concluded that I should take math as major and look for career in engineering. The second concept which was underlined throughout the case was that though he was aware of both the pros and cons of buying of both the cars but he tried to seek help from others in deciding rather than sticking to his own decision. A good leader should have the right attitude to seek suggestion upon his/her decision if he/she is being acted upon heart versus mind conflict. A successful leader also seeks suggestion from peer groups for answers. To conclude I believe that mind analyses things logically and strives to arrive at a decision. If the analysis leads to confusion then ask your heart as it is as logical as our mind is. Information is constantly exchanged between them and the decision making depends on a lot of logic in most of the cases. If the mind adds subtracts, the heart multiplies and divides! No wonder the saying listen to your heart when in confusion may holds well at times.

Personal Development Plan in Childcare

Personal Development Plan in Childcare Over the four years I have been working at various different settings as a student volunteer which include the following Private Day Cares, Primary Schools and Nursery Schools. Studying Early Childhood has given me, amongst other things, a broad knowledge of child development. It has given me an opportunity to reflect upon my own learning styles and professionalism and explore legislation, theories and research materials. I have devised a Skills Audit (See Appendix One) where I have chosen categories (taken and adapted from the UCLAN Employability Framework) to assess and grade myself against which I will be evaluating my strengths and weaknesses against the competencies. Leadership Ability Shows ability to innovate and shows initiative however lacks confidence to motivate other and shows some evidence of leadership. (See Appendix 1) Leadership is about vision and influence therefore Rodd (1998) says that Leaders are able to balance the concern for work, task, quality and productivity with concern for people, relationships, satisfaction and morale. (Isle-Buck.E: 2003). Although I am not a leader but a student volunteer I believe that this is my weakness as I havent been able to establish leading other colleagues and promoting their development and taking their views into account. However I could say that I am a leader for children as I provide for them, allow them to take part in decisions and take into account their views and needs for them to develop their knowledge and understanding further in a fun experience. Organisation Planning and Prioritising Abilities Capable of managing time effectively; demonstrates self motivation/self management, showing some level of increased confidence in planning and carrying out arrange of tasks. (See Appendix 1) Time Management could be described as Getting the most benefit from time, using it wisely and efficiently (Day, 1999). This could include avoiding wasting time on tasks that are unnecessary. However managing my time successfully ensures that I leave myself time to alter or make improvements on assignments as necessary without causing me too much concern or missing a deadline. Being able to organise myself and my priorities it enables me to approach each day in a positive manner and at ease. On the other hand I could say that a weakness of mine is planning at the moment as I have been working in a Year 1 class with the National Curriculum (NC) and have now moved down to a Reception class where the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is used. The EYFS is used differently to the NC when planning so it will take me some time to get used to this procedure taking into account this could be a goal for me to achieve. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Always clear and accurate, high standard of presentational skills. Is able to communicate with people ant all levels and shows confidence in how they communicate to meet others views. (See Appendix 1) Communication skills are important and the way you communicate with others too. Parents and other colleagues find it easy to approach me as I have developed a good understanding with them. As mentioned in Sadek, E, (2009: 72), If the people whom you are communicating usually experience their transactions with you as positive, affirming to their self-esteem and productive for them personally, they will usually come back for some more. Being bilingual helps the setting that I am volunteering in at the moment. This is entirely due to the fact as children from Asian backgrounds that attend the school out of which some children and parents have English as an Additional Language. For example if children are struggling to understand what the teacher is saying to them in English, the teacher as ks me to translate to the child in their home language (Urdu/Punjabi). This then enables the child have a clear understanding of what the teacher is expecting or wants them to do. Therefore over the years my self esteem/ motivation and confidence have built up and I enjoy what I do during my days at the school enabling me to provide stimulating activities for them to enjoy and learn. Miller.L, (2005: 28), states that Communication within early years settings is fundamental and as Rodd (1998) suggests: Working in an early years setting, whether it is large or small, involves many interactions between adults and other adults and between adults and children. Team Working Abilities Reasonable evidence of working as part of a team and shows evidence of interacting and begins to contribute ideas or concerns with other team members. (See Appendix 1) Whalley, M (1994: 171) Reminds us that working as a team is a process not a technique, while Rodd (1998: 116) states that teamwork relies on open communication, democratic organization and effective problem-solving skills. (Dryden.L: 2005). I have worked within teams and sometimes find it at ease to interact and sometimes I lack confidence in contributing when in large groups as I feel I might be saying a comment or contributing unnecessary ideas. However this is something that I could develop upon. I occasionally share concerns with the staff if they are necessary regarding parents or children. Reflection Shows significant ability to evaluate and identify key learning of self and others. Shows clear understanding and knowledge of how to use and aid reflection within learning. (See Appendix 1) The work of David Kolb studies the way in which people learn and looks in particular at experiential learning. Experiential learning describes the cyclical pattern of learning from experience through reflection and conceptualising to action, and back to experiencing once again (Wallace, 2001). Relating this to my own learning, I experience on a day-to-day basis the challenges and joy of working with children. I then reflect on the things I have learnt and how they correspond with my studies and the theories. By reflecting on my learning styles and the way in which I approach my work, I have been able to improve my techniques to ensure I am making the most of my time and energy. However reflecting on my learning with other team members has been beneficial too as it has supported me to change or de velop my learning further. As stated in MacLeod Brundell. I, et al, (2008), Pollard and Tann (in Fisher, 2001:199) suggest that reflective practice, professional learning and personal fulfilment are enhanced through collaboration and dialogue with colleagues. Problem Solving Occasional critical thinking and decision-making skills with some interpretation of major factors and understanding choices. Some evidence of testing different options and implementing the chosen solution. (See Appendix 1) Being able to think critically takes time and practice to master. Brookfield has described critical thinking As a useful and positive activity. The word critical often suggests finding fault. However, critical thinking can examine an idea or concept by looking at the positive as well as negative aspects (Day, 1999). For example, during my working day I am able to reflect upon and evaluate current activities that I have done. Likewise in my studies, I am able to look at pieces of researches or articles that have been produced by different authors and occasionally be able to analyse and reflect upon them but I feel that I am lacking some confidence in critical thinking as sometimes I describe rather than analysing the texts. However I am able to reflect on them by gi ving my views and opinions as well as making links to other articles and/or theorists. Continuous Professional Development I recently started working part time in the summer holidays at a Childrens Play Scheme Centre as a Mobile Team Worker. My role was to go to various settings and provide fun activities for children aged 5 12 to enjoy in their holidays. Before attending work I was offered to go on training courses alongside other new colleagues which included First Aid Training and Safeguarding Children. Whilst on the Safeguarding Training the information that was being told was already fresh in my mind as I had completed a module on Safeguarding Children. Within the module we discussed relevant and up to date legislations as well as how to proceed and take action on how to deal with children and families where abuse is identified. However this training course was not beneficial for me I think as I knew the relevant information already bearing in mind that it was a beginners course to Safeguarding. First aid training was a period over two days where I and other colleagues joined in discussions and practical activities. I enjoyed this training session and found it a valuable asset to learn. It showed me how to proceed when in difficult situations such as a baby not breathing, cuts and scabs, bleeding and vomiting etc. I learnt what procedures to follow to get a result and if the situation was not able to be dealt with how to deal with the situation then too. We worked as a team to assess different situations and cases, I thought this was good as each team member would get to talk to each other and communicate effectively and help each other if one wasnt sure how to proceed. Overall the First Aid training session for me was a worthwhile session that I had been too. Critical Analysis of Professional Development What is professional identity? It can be described as the relationships between social structures and individual agency between notions of a socially constructed and therefore contingent and ever-remade self, with dispositions attitudes and behavioural responses, which are durable and relatively stable between cognitive and emotional identities (Day et al, 2006:601) Since the launch of the Every Child Matters (ECM) document in 2003 regarding the Victoria Climbie Enquiry and the succeeding of Childrens Act 2004, it could be argued that childcare services have had a rapid change for everyone involved within this field for example teachers, practitioners, doctors, social workers, health visitors and the police etc. In August 2006 the local government published its response to the national consultation on the future of the childrens workforce. Within this context the governments response was to outline how people working within the early years workforce will provide a major contribution to improving childrens achievements as well as supporting parents and families in giving their children as many possible life chances they can achieve. Every Child Matters: Change for Children has the outcomes that we desire for all the children to achieve their full potential in. This change has gone some way to creating the role of the Early Years Professionals (EY Ps). An EYP will have the qualifications and experience needed to take on a leadership role in a childcare setting, and provide quality care and education for children. (Nursery World:2009). CDWC (2006a: 2) state that EYPs are seen as agents of change dedicated to improving practice in the early years sector. (Nurse: 2007). Alongside ECM, the Government launched a ten year strategy to improve services for children. The Childrens Workforce Development Council (CWDC) was set up in 2005 so that they would support the performance of ECM. The CWDCs role is to join together the way different agencies work together to bring consistency to the way children and young people are listened to and looked after. They state that we are the voice of employers and we make sure their concerns, experiences and views directly influence workforce reform. The CWDC supports people who work with children, young children and their families in the sectors including the early years, social work, social care, the welfare sector and young people. The ECM website quotes: The ten year strategy aims to provide a sustainable framework for high quality integrated early years and childcare services for all children and families (Every Child Matters: 2009). The word sustainable is a vital point here. In order to continue providing good qu ality service, there needs to be a continuous program of training in order to provide settings with professionals for future generations. Sustainability could be described as meeting overheads and provide a quality, accessible and affordable service that is relevant and needed in the community. Although sustainability is important sufficiency also plays a vital role too which can be described as having the means to provide childcare that meets the requirements of the community, showing awareness of the needs of parents who work or are in training. The Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) was first introduced in 2006 a graduate professional. EYPs are highly trained graduate leaders, with up-to-date knowledge and understanding of early years sectors regarding child care and development, as well as having qualifications that are recognised. This enables the EYP to share their high levels of practice and knowledge with other members within the team. This essential role within the early years plays a vital role in supporting childrens well being and development for them to succeed which has become evident within recent years. This has been emphasised a great deal in the Childrens Plan (2007) within the early years sector. Anning and Edwards (2006: 51) describe professional identity in the EYP role as a way of being, seeing and responding, responsively and flexibly maximising the learning potential of every aspect of Early Years practice, particularly in building on the childrens own ideas, preferences and interests (Carr: 2001). The EYPS is the on the same professional level as with teachers who have a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). CWDC (2006) states that it is important to consider that the two qualifications are both professional statuses but are based on different set of skills and knowledge. On the other hand newly qualified teachers (NQTs) are provided with support, personal mentoring, effective career development etc, as well as the opportunity to follow up by Continuous Professional Development (CPD) structure within the school year. They also have the opportunity to work effectively and focus on the highest levels of learning and pedagogy. In contrast EYPs have none of this support available to them at the current time. The pay for the EYPs is minimum as well as no structures or guidelines around conditions of service, support requirements, or ongoing CPD to maintain and build skill-levels. (Aspect: 2008). There are a number of questions which immediately rise from this, as Nurse, (2007) mentions that there is serious debate about the link between the EYPS and QTS, not only because it cuts across many current employees allegiances to particular professions but also it affects the lives of children and families as well as those who will work in the field in the future. Since the launch of the EYPS in 2006, the Government has provided around  £250m in funding through the Transformation Fund. This enabled students to apply for money to fund a degree in Early Childhood Studies. A further  £305m was made available through the Graduate Leader Fund to help transform the early years workforce  and deliver the Ten Year Strategy for Childcare (Every Child Matters: 2008) To gain the EYPS each candidate should be able to demonstrate and achieve 39 standards which will enable them to meet the requirements for EYPS. These standards fall under the following six categories: Knowledge and Understanding, Effective Practice, Relationships with Children, Communication and Working with Partnership with Families and Carers, Team Work and Collaboration and Professional Development. These six categories when working with children from birth to five which the 39 standards fall under are to be achieved by each candidate that chooses to do the EYPS. Most of the standards that are created are an effective way of meeting the requirements to enhance professional development as well as meeting the needs of children and their families. For example in the category Knowledge and Understanding, Standard 1, The principles and content of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to put them into practice revolves around the practitioners. This standard enables the practitioner to enhance their knowledge of the EYFS and how it is to be used to provide effective provision for the children within their setting. Without the knowledge and understanding of the curriculum practitioners will be unable to provide the up most best for children in their care. Another example can be from the category, Professional Development, S38 Reflect on and evaluate the impact of practice, modifying approaches where necessary and take responsibility for identifying and meeting their professional needs. This enables the practitioner to develop on their weaknesses which will allow them to provide opportunities in development where necessary to enhance their professional development. Taking into account practitioners should note that EYPS is not a qualification but it is a new status which recognises a students knowledge and skills as a practitioner and a professional leader (Moyle: 2007). CWDC (2010) stipulates that the role of the EYPS enables practitioners who are working with children aged birth to five to demonstrate the excellence of their practice and their ability to lead practice. The government proposed that the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) should be delivered by a skilled early years and childcare workforce, professionally led and with a strengthened qualification and career structure. On the other hand the EYFS also enables to improve on their practice and support their professional development by the recommendations which are stipulated in section 1 of the EYFS Practice Guidance. (DfES, 2007b: 5) This links into the EYP Standard S33, as Nurse (2007: 144) states that this standard stresses the important link between reflection and professional development, the more skilled you become in evaluating the effectiveness of your own practice, the more you will be able to identify opportunities to enhance and develop your own expertise and knowle dge. The EYFS is the curriculum for 0-5 year olds that was introduced in 2008 which took place of the Birth to 3 Matters (2002) and the Foundation Stage (2000) Curriculums. It is a single quality framework to support childrens learning and development. For practitioners and EYPs, the EYFS has presented many challenges, its main effect is to recognise each child for its individuality as well as recognising the childs strength to improve and plan their future continued learning. Therefore the governments aim was to have a graduate EYP in all children centres by 2010 and in every day care setting led by an EYP graduate by 2015 with two graduate EYPs per setting in the disadvantaged areas. The childcare sector has, until recent years, been overshadowed somewhat by formal education. The Government has now recognised the importance of delivering a quality service for children aged Birth to 5 years, delivered by professionals trained and experienced in the field of early years (Whalley:2008). Th is recognition could partly be due to the increasing number of children attending a full-time setting and the emphasis on helping a child reach their full potential early in life. Once the EYP has qualified they can choose to either work in the childrens centre which provides early education which is integrated with health and family support services. By 2010, the government proposed that they will have at least 3,500 centres across the country which will be available and accessible to everyone (Every Child Matters: 2009). However other career paths are available for EYPs to follow than work in Children Centres for example Private Day Cares, Early Years Advisors etc. In conclusion there are no arguments that the EYPS cannot work or indeed it isnt a good idea apart from the lack of low pay and conditions Pugh et al (2010:206) stipulates that the new initiatives that the government have outlined promise a better future for the early years workforce and consequently a better future for children as well. Personal Development Plan Target:  In order to apply for PGCE I need to achieve Science GCSE Grade C or above Short Term Goal:  Arrange to attend classes in the following year 2011. Long Term Goal:  Achieve Science GCSE by 2012. Target:  Complete BA (HONS) Early Childhood Studies Short Term Goal:  Complete formative assignments and receive feedback to develop upon. Long Term Goal:  Complete and pass all summative assignments by summer 2011. Target:  Study and research a wider selection of articles and texts to support my degree work Short Term Goal:  Study and make notes of course books and recommended reading for each module. Download relevant articles and information from the Internet related to my assignments. Long Term Goal:  By 2011 I will be able to judge my success by my improved knowledge and ability to read critically. Target:  Build on my self esteem and confidence. Short Term Goal:  Take sessions on how to build confidence and self esteem by taking counselling. Long Term Goal:  Be able to share and contribute ideas with confidence. Target:  To experience working with children between the ages 0-5 years. Short Term Goal:  Attend nursery sessions to see how staff teaches. I will also be attending training sessions for the Early Years Foundation Stage to increase my knowledge and understanding. Long Term Goal:  By September I will work in a nursery class and work alongside children from 0-5 years and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Target:  To develop an understanding of the concept of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Short Term Goal:  I will attend training sessions for the Early Years Foundation Stage in the summer. Long Term Goal:  By September I will have an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and will be working alongside it. Target:  To work alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage and develop how to use it for an observation. Short Term Goal:  I will attend training sessions for the Early Years Foundation Stage in the summer to understand the concept of this curriculum. Long Term Goal:  In September I will be able to use the outcomes of the Early Years Foundation Stage to observe and assess set children and this will be able to help me build up their personal profiles. Target:  To work alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and have some training done. Short Term Goal:  By summer 2011 I will have attended some training sessions and have developed skills for the Early Years Foundation Stage so that I can use this curriculum as I am working with under 5s. Long Term Goal:  In September 2012 I will be working with children under 5s using the Early Years Foundation Stage and will be able to adapt to the changes Target:  To work alongside other professionals within the setting. Short Term Goal:  By Easter I will have acknowledged which professionals are working within the setting and understood their role Long Term Goal:  By September 2011 when I work in another class where there are special needs children or other children with specific needs I will be working alongside with them with the child. References Aspect, (June 2008), Early Years Professionals: Making the EYP project a Success Daly, M, Byers, E and Taylor, W, (2004) Early Years Management in Practice, Heinemann Day, C (1999) Developing Teachers: The Challenges of Lifelong Learning, London: Routledge Falmer Day.C, Kington.A, Stobrt.G and Sammons.P, (2006), The Personal and Professional selves of Teachers: Stable and Unstable Identities, British Educational Research Journal, Volume 32, No 4, August. Dryden, L, Forbes, R, Mukherji, P, Pound, L, (2005) Essential Early Years, Hodder Arnold Every Child Matters (March 2008) Graduate Leader Fund further information on purpose and implementation Every Child Matters, Department for Children, Schools and Families, [On-line] http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/deliveringservices/workforcereform/earlyyearsworkforce/ [Accessed 22nd November 2010] Every Child Matters (2009) Early Years and Childcare Every Child Matters: Change for Children [On-line] (Updated 15th February 2009) Available at: http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/earlyyears/ [Accessed 22nd November 2010] Isle-Buck, E and Newstead, S (2003), Excellence in Childcare: Essential Skills for Managers of Child-Centerd Settings, David Fulton Publishers Macleod-Brundell, I and Kay, J, (2008) 2nd Edition, Advanced Early Years Care and Education, Heinemann Miller.L, Cable.C and Deveruex.J, (2005), Developing Early Years Practice, David Fulton Publishers Ltd: London Moyles.J, (2007), Early Years Foundations: Meeting the Challenge, USA: Open University Press Nurse. AD, (2007), The New Early Years Professional: Dilemmas and Debates, Routledge Nursery World (6th March 2009) Nursery Management: Editors View Nursery World, [On-line] Available at: http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/887566/Nursery-Management-Profiletrue-vocation/6 March 2009 [Accessed 22nd November 2010] Pugh.G and Duffy.B, (2010), Contemporary Issues in the Early Years, 5th Edition, London: SAGE Publications Sadek, E and Sadek, J (2009) Nursery Management, 3rd Edition, Nelson Thornes Ltd Wallace, S. (2001) Teaching Supporting Learning in Further Education, Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd Whalley.M, Allen.S Wilson.D, (2008), Leading Practice in Early Years Settings (Achieving EYPS), Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/eyps CWDC (2006) Early Years Professional Status http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/eyps/standards [Accessed 22nd November 2010] http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk [Accessed 20th December 2010] Appendices Appendix One Leadership Ability Organisation Planning and Prioritising Abilities Communication and Interpersonal Skills Example A leader who provides for self and others working alongside them. Communication and decision making skills to involve and take views from colleagues. Time management (punctuality, meeting deadlines), self management and self motivation, interpersonal skills like confidence, awareness of life-long learning and planning for future development. Oral, Written, Visual, PowerPoint and other forms of delivery; communicating academically and professionally choosing forms of delivery, structure and language appropriate to audience; leading discussions and responding to feedback. 1. Poor communication. Inability to consider others views before making decisions and unable to play a positive lead role. Little or no use of evidence of using time effectively, attempting to improve self motivation and self-management or to develop confidence in planning and carrying out a range of tasks. Inadequate no real consideration of audience and has tendency to be in accurate. Shows little or no evidence of communicating effectively with others and has difficulty conveying information in any form. 2. Good communication skills but lacks initiative in playing a lead role as well as the planning and organisation. Occasional evidence of using time effectively; basic self motivation evident with limited development of confidence in planning and carrying out a range of tasks. Staring to show and use good communication skills however lacks confidence in communicating with others and has difficulty presenting to people at all levels. 3. Shows ability to innovate and shows initiative however lacks confidence to motivate other and shows some evidence of leadership. Good attempt at using time effectively, some evidence of self-motivation/self management with some improvement in confidence in planning and carrying out a range of tasks. Reasonable presentation and generally accurate in content rarely has difficulty in making a point starting to show confidence in what they are doing and the way they are communicating with others. 4. Beginning to show confidence in motivating others and providing support for the staff. Shows clear evidence of leadership ability. Capable of managing time effectively; demonstrates self motivation/self management, showing some level of increased confidence in planning and carrying out arrange of tasks. Always clear and accurate, shows high standard of presentational skills. Is able to communicate with people ant all levels and shows confidence in how they communicate to meet others views. 5. A strong leader who shows self motivation and motivates others too considering their views and needs. Is confident in making the right decisions. Manages time highly effectively; demonstrates consistent self motivation and self-management and an increased confidence in planning and carrying out a range of tasks. Shows a strong ability to give a complete and concise account of a situation, either orally or written. Is able to communicate effectively with parents and others in a wise manner and confident.Skills Audit Team-working Abilities Reflection Problem Solving Example Understanding and developing a role in the team and showing its effectiveness by working with, listening and encouraging the development of others which may also include leadership skills, group ideas and resources. Understanding own learning (learning styles, awareness of how one develops and appropriate use of C.I analysis and journals) Recognition that people learn differently and see things from diverse perspectives. Decision-making skills, critical thinking sustained and applied analytical skills, negotiation skills, managing change and risk, testing different strategies and choosing most appropriate solution. 1. Inability to interact within a team and shows little or no evidence of participating within a team by sharing ideas and concerns. Has no evidence of evaluating/identifying of key learning experience of others and self. Lacks the understanding and knowledge of reflection Shows no evidence of critical thinking and decision-making skills with little or no evidence of appreciation of major factors and no evidence of how to handle choices solution implemented without considering alternative options. 2. Shows some evidence of interaction and motivation within a team. Occasionally listening and working with others but lacks confidence in sharing ideas and concerns. Adequate evidence of evaluating/identifying of key learning of self and others. Tends to use reflection as a tool simply with little understanding and knowledge. Acceptable critical thinking and