Intersectional Analysis of Bend It Like Beckham

Intersectional analysis of Bend it Like Beckham. For this assignment, to make an intersectional analysis I decided to watch a movie. After searching and thinking for a while I picked the movie Bend it Like Beckham, since a lot of elements in this movie are applicable on my own life and I really could relate to one of the characters in the movie. As the title of the movie already implies, it is about football and takes place in England. Jesminder is a Sikh, Indian girl from a very traditional Indian family. She is not interested in fashion, boys and her looks; the only thing she is interested in is football.One time when she is playing in the park with her friends, who are all boys, Jules sees Jesminder play. Jules is an English, white girl who plays football. Jules askes if Jesminder wants to join the team, but Jesminder’s parents do not agree. She joins the team anyways and this causes a lot of friction in her own family. Parminder Nagra, who is in her real life also a member of the Sikh religion, plays Jesminder. She grew up in England and from an early age on she wanted to become an actress. Her parents wanted her to finish her education first before she was allowed to start acting.Bend it Like Beckham was her breakthrough film and got her a role in the popular TV-show ER. Keira Knightley is the actress who plays Jules in the movie. She is a white woman, born and raised in England. She started acting at a very young age. Bend it Like Beckham was also her breakthrough movie and she has played in countless of popular movies since, for example Pirates of the Caribbean, Love Actually, Pride and Prejudice. The director of the movie, Gurinder Chadha, is a woman from Indian decent, who is also a member of the Sikh religion, was born in Kenya but grew up in London.She studied journalism and ended up working as a reporter for the BBC and quickly realized she wanted to direct movies and documentaries. Most of her films focus on the differences between Indian an d English families and the inequality between them, mostly in a negative way for the Indians. Bend it Like Beckham is one of her most famous works. After describing the movie contents, the main actors and the director, I am going to apply intersectional analysis to this movie. Before starting the intersectional analysis the term intersectionality needs to be explained.Kimberle Crenshaw was the first person that mentioned the theory of intersectionality. This theory is a study that focuses on the different biological, social and cultural categories that define someone’s identity and place in society. All these categories are in relation with each other, for instance gender, class, race and sexual orientation combined define your place in society and sadly also the way people treat you. These so called axes all influence each other, there is not just one aspect that defines our place in society.Combinations of all the axes, the starting point of intersectionality, contribute to social inequality, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, but also religion-based discrimination. According to this theory the person who would be the most accepted is a white, straight male from a higher class. A black, gay woman from a lower class would take the lowest position in society, while a white, gay woman from lower class would stand above her, and a white, straight woman from lower class would even take a higher position in society.Now that I explained the theory of intersectionality I can apply it to the movie, but before I do that, I would like to make a point about football-movies in general, and also a point about the lead actresses of the movie. After watching this movie I decided to search for other movies about football. There are over hundreds of movies that focus on men’s football in one way or another, a team, the fans, a coach, but only a few movies, a total of seven, focus on girls that play football, and Bend it Like Beckham is the only one with the foc us on a girl who is not white.This shows that football is a sport that is still very gender-based, despite the fact that in the Netherlands alone already 120. 000 girls play football. Also race plays an important part, because all the other movies about girl’s football focus on white girls, while I know from my own experience there are a lot of girls from different races who play football. I myself played football for seven years, and I played in a team where half of the girls were non-whites. I will focus on this later on.The second point I would like to make is that despite this movie is the breakthrough for both main characters, Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, Keira is way more successful than Parminder. I researched both their filmographies, and Keira got a lot of movie offers after this movie, while Parminder’s only offer was a role, not even a leading role, in the TV-show ER. Parminder played in a few small movies, and in every single one of them the focus w as on her racial background, while Keira Knightley got very divers movie offers, from playing a pirate to an historical person. The fact hat the role offers for both women depend on their race shows that in this case Parminder has a lower position in the society. She has very limited choices to pick from, while Keira has, because of her white skin-color, more choices. With that being said I can focus myself on the movie itself. This movie really focuses on gender and ethnicity, but sexual orientation is also a big part of it. Football is still seen as a men’s sport, and these girls in the movies are automatically a minority because they play football. I myself have encountered the same problems as these girls.I am a white, straight girl living in a western country, but when I told people, that I played football, their reaction was always: ‘a girl who plays football? That is so weird! ’ And without their knowledge of my sexuality, quite often people assumed I was a lesbian because I played football. Without knowing any axes of my life, I was automatically put in a lower position, just because I am a girl who played football. This also is seen in the movie. Jules has short hair, wears baggy clothes and plays football, and her mother overhears a conversation between Jules and Jess about love, but she misinterprets it and thinks Jules is gay.The mother is very upset about her daughter being gay and when Jules tells she is not gay, the mother is very relieved and then says there is nothing wrong with being gay. Even though she says that, she is still happy her own daughter is in fact not a lesbian. This shows certain stereotypes towards girls that play football, have short hair and wear baggy clothes. Football is such a gendered sport that it automatically leads to sexism, thinking girls who play football must be lesbian because they play a men’s sport.Lesbianism is also seen as something less good than being straight, seeing the mother i s relieved her daughter is not a lesbian. The coach of the team, a young, straight white man is ashamed to be the coach of a girl’s team. He had to stop playing football due to an injury, and he wanted to do something with football. He ended up coaching the girls team, but he has never told this to his father because he is afraid his father will get angry because ‘they’re just girls’. This also shows the gender-based thinking towards girls, but intersectionality becomes even clearer when race gets involved. When Jesminder first joins the team, the eaction of the coach is that he has never seen an Indian girl play football, and he is angry with Jules for bringing her to the team because he expects her to not be able to play football, because she is an Indian girl. He says this without even seeing her play. She turns out to be the best of the team. Without knowing anything about her he places her in a lower social position than white girls, just because of h er race, and he already places himself above girls. During a match a girl from the opponent calls Jesminder names, a specific word being used is ‘Paki’, which is a swearword used towards people from Indian decent.Even though it’s a girl who calls Jesminder this and probably has experienced the same gender and sexism problems as the other girls in this movie, she still places herself above Jesminder in the social hierarchy, only because Jesminder is from a different race. A different scene that shows the lower position of Jesminder is when her parents want her to focus on school instead of football. They literally say she needs the highest grades possible for a good future because her chances for a good job are smaller than the chances of an average white girl, whose chances are again smaller than those of a white boy.This sentence alone shows her chances of a good future are gender and racial based. The class she will belong to when she’s an adult depends on how good her job is, which again depends on her gender and race. This thus shows that women who are not white almost automatically end up in the lower classes of the society. A white woman has more chances to end up in a higher class, but still has fewer chances than a white man. Jesminder would make more chances for a good job if she were an Indian boy, because then only race would be a problem, while in her case it’s race and gender.As I said, in my own football team were a lot of non-white girls, and all of them, at least they parents did, belonged to the lower class, while the white girls in my team, including myself, were from a higher class than they are. There is one point in the movie where the lower position of the male is seen. Her best friend, a boy named Tony, confesses to her he is gay, but she must promise him she will not tell anyone about this. In the Indian religion it is not acceptable to be gay, that is his reason not to tell anyone. But if he would be o penly gay, his position on the social ladder would get lower, because he would be gay, Indian man. If Jesminder would be from a different ethnicity I do not think it would have made any changes for the movie. The main point is that a white skin colour in the western world means a higher place in society than any other skin colour. If Jesminder had been a lesbian it would have placed her even lower on the social ladder. This also applies for Jules, she is a white, straight female, so she is quite privileged in general, but I think if the director had made her a lesbian, the stereotypes towards girls that play football would be even clearer and also show more struggles of women in a society.Sexuality does play a part in the movie, since Jules’ mother thinks she is a lesbian, but yet she turns out to be straight. I think this movie really shows the importance of using intersectuality when it comes to determining someone’s position in the society. The struggles of girls th at play football to be accepted playing a men’s sport and overcoming typical stereotypes are shown, just as well the struggles of an Indian football-playing girl being accepted in the western society. This movie shows that football is still a very gendered sport and that a girl’s choice to play football influences her position.Gender, race and sexuality play an important part in this movie and combinations of these axes are shown really well. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Internet Movie Database, ‘Bend it Like Beckham (2002)’, http://www. imdb. com/title/tt0286499/? ref_=sr_1 [ 2 ]. Internet Movie Database, ‘Parminder Nagra’, http://www. imdb. com/name/nm0619406/bio [ 3 ]. Internet Movie Database, ‘Keira Knightley’, http://www. imdb. com/name/nm0461136/? ref_=tt_cl_t2 [ 4 ]. Internet Movie Database, ‘Gurinder Chadha’, htt p://www. imdb. om/name/nm0149446/? ref_=tt_ov_dr [ 5 ]. UCLA School of Law, ‘Kimberle W. Crenshaw’, http://www. law. ucla. edu/faculty/all-faculty- profiles/professors/Pages/kimberle-w-crenshaw. aspx [ 6 ]. E. Midden, Transnational feminism lecture, 12 February 2013. [ 7 ]. E. Midden, Transnational feminism lecture, 7 January 2013. [ 8 ]. Internet Movie Database ‘movies about soccer’, http://www. imdb. com/list/Rt0kVvuG_IA/ [ 9 ]. Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond, ‘vrouwenvoetbal’ http://www. knvb. nl/competities/amateurvoetbal/vrouwen) [ 10 ]. K.Crenshaw, ‘Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics’, University of Chicago Legal Forum (1989) 59. [ 11 ]. G. Wekker, and H. Lutz. , ‘High winds on a cold Plain’, Botman, Jouwe and Wekker, (eds. ) Caleidoscopische Visies, (2001), 2-4. [ 12 ]. K. Crenshaw, ‘Demarg inalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex’, 65. [ 13 ]. G. Wekker, and H. Lutz. , ‘High winds on a cold Plain’, 8-9. [ 14 ]. E. Midden, Transnational feminism lecture, 12 February 2013. [ 15 ]. G. Wekker, and H. Lutz. , ‘High winds on a cold Plain’, 14-16.

Example a Level Psychology Experiment Essay

Hypothesis – there will be a significant positive relationship between the scores on a memory test and scored on a test to predict your chance of being a millionaire Null Hypothesis – there will be no significant relationship between scores on a memory test and scores on a test measuring the chances of becoming a millionaire and any relationship is due to chance Method: Design – the method of the experiment was a correlational study; this was used in order to see whether there was a relationship between the scores on a memory test and scores on a millionaire test. The experiment used co variables, which were the score on the memory test and score on the millionaire test. Controls – in order ensure the test was reliable the extraneous variables needed to be controlled. Standardised instructions were used as a control to give all participants the same instructions during the experiment, which meant that the experimenter did not affect the communication of the instructions by changing them for each participant which reduces the amount on experimenter bias. A further control that was used was using anonymous data by assigning each participant a number to record that data on a table, rather than using individual’s names. Participants – the target population for the experiment were young people in the Gosport area of each gende r. The sampling method was an opportunity sample of 10 students aged 17-18 both males and females (2 males and 8 females) at Bay House Sixth Form from an A Level Psychology class and the researcher was a Psychology teacher at Bay House Sixth Form. Apparatus and Materials – the materials used for the experiment were a list of 34 words created by the researcher that were projected onto the board, paper and pens provided for the participants to record the number of words they remembered, a watch to time the one minute period of remembering and writing down the words, an online questionnaire to measure likelihood of becoming a millionaire at bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/surveys/millionaire1/index.shtml Procedure – the participants were firstly given an explanation of the research and what the study would entail for them. They were them given the equipment they required to complete the memory test whilst remaining anonymous and were given standardise instructions by the researcher of how to complete the test and the rules of the research. The participants were then shown the list of 34 words to memorise by projecting the list on the board and where given one minute to memorise as many words as possible. The words were then hidden and the researcher projected instructions to the participants to write down all the words they remembered and they were given one minute to do so. The number of words memorised were recorded by the researcher by assigning each participant with a number and they stated out loud their score. The participants were then asked to move to a computer room to complete an online survey to test their likelihood of becoming a millionaire, after they completed the questionnaire the participants had to record their score next to their memory score on a board. The participants were then debriefed by the researcher. Ethics – there were few ethical issues in the experiment as informed consent was gained by the researcher to ensure the participants were given instructions and the aim of the research. Therefore, there was no deception in the research and so the integrity of the study was intact during the memory and millionaire tests. Furthermore, all the participants were over 16 and so there was no need for the researcher to obtain parental consent for the study. Participants were also given the right to withdraw before and during the research, therefore the participants were not pressured to take part or complete the study if they were not comfortable with the terms of the research or what the data was being used for. However, there may be ethical issues regarding the wellbeing of the participants during the research as the study may have caused stress or anxiety in the participants when completing the memory or millionaire tests because they may feel the pressure to do well in each test, although the research was anonymous and so this may have reduced the amount of stress caused by the study. Scatter Graph for Data: The scatter graph shows that there is a weak negative correlation between memory test scores and millionaire test scores, which means that it does not necessrily prove our hypothesis that there will be a significant postive relationship between the two co variables. Therefore, the hypothesis needs to be rejected and the null hypothesis can be accepted as the null hypotehsis reflects what our results show on the scatter graph. The graph can also help identify outliers, as the partipant that scored significantly higher on the memory test and lower on this millionaire test could be regarded as an outlier as it does not follow the pattern of the other data found from the research. Evaluation: Design – the design that was used in this research was correlational, which is good as allows us to identify if there is a relationship between two co variables as well as allowing research to be conducted that cannot be done in a lab experiment as is would not be viable. However, correlational studies do not show cause and effect between the two co variables and so it cannot be stated that having a good memory will cause a person to become a millionaire in the future as it could just as easily be that being a millionaire causes a person to have a good memory. Sample – the sample that as used in this study was very small, as only 10 people took part in the research; also the participants were psychology students. Therefore due to the small sample and the specific type of participant the results may not be able to be generalised to the wider population. Furthermore, gender may have been an issue with the sample as there were only 2 males, whereas there were 8 females, therefore there was not an equal mix of each gender and so the results cannot be generalised. Tests – the tests that were used in the study were a memory test created by the researcher and an online questionnaire to predict that chance that the participants would have of becoming a millionaire. The memory test was good as it used standardised instructions, meaning that the test was more reliable as the same instructions were shown to all participants at the same time, which reduces the amount on researcher bias and means that participants can query any confusion they have. Moreover, the standardise instructions mean that there is high control in the research and so the results are reliable. The millionaire test may have had some issues as the closed questions that were used may have not provided an applicable answer, resulting in participants answering questions incorrectly which may have an effect on the results.

The United States as an Empire Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The United States as an Empire - Research Paper Example An empire is defined as an extensive group of countries under the umbrella of a single supreme authority and mainly controlled by an emperor or an empress. An empire exercises control and influence over an expanded territory beyond its original boundaries while maintaining military posts or bases throughout the world. To maintain the control, an empire conducts wars of aggression on foreign lands and goes to an extent of offering protection to other countries as well. As a way of serving the less fortunate people from other countries, an empire accepts them into its realm as unskilled laborers. The United States is well endowed with powers that do not match any other nation. The absence of serious threats to the American security that gives the United States control over foreign policy choices. Lack of military threat gives the U.S opportunities for global outreach. The military capabilities enable the U.S to support its outreach ends. The U.S military has never been challenged by an y country. For instance, in the year 2012, the U.S military spending was bigger than any other spending of other influential military powers like China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, Italy, and Brazil all combined. This is why the U.S dominates military globally, keeping international deployment at the present level, and tackling international missions successfully (Buzan 2004, p.9). Even before the Americans were free, they already had intimations of greatness. The French and the Indian War demonstrated that the U.S forces were of significant size as per the eighteenth century standards, especially their armies on the North American continent. The Anglo-American victory determined their western boundaries and further gave them the confidence of rendering superpowers over other governments.

CV Portfolio Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

CV Portfolio - Personal Statement Example My resultant aptitude towards the applied sciences leads to the development of certain core skills 1 with notable strengths in the Academic and Self Management Areas while my Communication and Interpersonal skills leave much to be desired. My structured thinking and "fluid" learning abilities allow me to research, accumulate, synthesize, analyze, organize, and interpret large amounts of information, information which once coupled with my problem solving and organizational abilities allows me to creatively and innovatively resolve most or all forthcoming challenges. My major weakness, probably due to my somewhat introvert character, lies in my weakness to actively communicate and effectively interact with my immediate and not so immediate surroundings. I am well versed in written communication and the use of information and IT systems tools and services, but am at a disadvantage when it comes to associating with co workers and students, and presenting orally my thoughts and conviction s. Although I am fluent in several languages and do adapt quickly, this ability to change and move from my comfort zone can only be done on an individual or personal basis; I should have great difficulty in adapting as part of a team and I believe that my presence in a team would impede the performance of the said team. This apparently has to do with my perceived introversion and my individualistic "Apollonian" nature; since "No Man is an Island" this has to be dealt with if I am to be successful in any future endeavors. My background, influencers and resultant core skills point me in the direction of the Pure and Applied sciences in general, and the field of engineering in particular. I believe that my strong abilities in the areas of mathematics and physics as well as my ease of learning and strong problem solving skills will allow me to become one of the top performers in this field, specifically Communications Engineering. I am not sure that I would call this an aspiration. I guess my aspirations have to do more with making a descent living and have enough time on the side to be able to do the things I've never done: Play sports, learn music, adventurous travel, write, indulge in good cuisines and fine wines, and generally fill my life's portrait with vivid colors instead of shades of gray. My basic strategy is to use my existing aptitudes as a tool, a medium and a catalyst to increase and maintain at an acceptable level my standard of living in order to enrich that part of me that has seemingly been ignored these past years: My "Dionysian" Self. I firmly believe that the above strategy will allow me to develop fully as a person and lead a balanced and full life, and to maintain through continuous development an impressive and excellent career, while simultaneously leading a full and happy life unaffected by the dreary grayness of today's mechanized world. KENNY'S SKILL ASSESSMENT FORM 5 = Fully proficient; 4 = Very Comfortable; 3 = Average/OK; 2 =Needs

Literature & Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literature & Gender - Essay Example Moreover, Abbandonato quarrel that The Color Purple rewrites canonical male texts, but she does not talk about Walker's redrafting of the story of Philomela. Likewise, though critics such as Trudier Harris, Keith Byerman, Wendy Wall, Mae Henderson, and King-Kok Cheung have talk about Celie's attainment of private and public languages, none of these opponents has scrutinized Walker's reconfiguration of linguistic elements of the legend of Philomela. Unlike the original mythic text, as well as the novels of Morrison and Naylor, Walker's text gives Philomela a voice that productively resists the aggressive patriarchal dedication of male will onto a silent female body. Yet Walker does more than just allow Philomela to speak inside the confines of patriarchal dialogue. Furthermore, Walker's novel revises the myth of Philomela by creating a heroine's text that reconfigures the metaphorical state of affairs of sender-receiver-message and articulates Celie's progress away from a survival as a victim in a patriarchal plot toward a linguistic and narratological occurrence as the novelist/subject of her own story. Walker's novel also rewrites the myth during its formation of an option discourse that allows for the appearance of both mannish and female subjectivity --a language of the sewn that remove from the violence of patriarchal power, of patriarchal conversation. No doubt, Celie's skills as a seamstress together get back and refigure the myth of Philomela, for different Philomela's tapestry/text, Celie's sewing functions as an option line of attack of language that moves her away from aggression and persecution and into self-empowerment and prejudice. The novel also intentionally conflates the pen and the needle, thereby deconstructing the binary oppositions among the masculine and the womanly, the spoken and the silenced, the lexical along with the graphic. Moreover, Walker's reconfiguration of the legend of Philomela thus turns over the master dialogue and the master description of patriarchal society. In Walker's hands Philomela's speech turn out to be the gadget for a radical change of the individual as well as a dissident deconstruction of the power structures that undergird together patriarchal language and the patriarchal globe itself. If we analyze then we come to know that the Color Purple is about Celie's life. In the opening of the novel, we find out that Celie was raped by her father. We also learn that Celie's mother is ill and is incapable to take care of the family. Celie is forced to cook and spotless for her family. Celie imagine two children since of her father's incessant raping. She never sees her children and considers that her father killed them. After interpretation this novel, I understand that black women in the late 1800's and early 1900's had a extremely hard life. I had always typecast black woman throughout that time to be similar to Aunt Jemina. I have learned that black woman throughout the 1800's had to be strong and brave just to make it during the day. To stay alive a lifetime they had to look inside themselves to gather the

Strategic Management and Leadership (2) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Strategic Management and Leadership (2) - Essay Example The company also has a wide portfolio of brands which are primarily designed for the EU markets like Saab, Opel and Vauxhall. GM also sold its US brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and Hummer in these markets. The shrinking consumer market as well as tougher credit situations worsened the situations for GM, and it had to seek the US government’s aid for bailout. As a part of the emergency aid, GM had agreed to a string of efficiency measures, which included selling off loss making units like its Europe division and closing down some other brands. GM initiated the sell off process of GM Europe, but backed out later as Opel, its marquee European car brand, is a critical component of its global development strategy (Vlasic, 2009). GM was heavily influenced by political factors both in the US and also in Europe. As it filed for bankruptcy protection in US and for government aid, it had to succumb to government pressure and accept a string of harsh measures that resulted in a major worldwide restructuring of its operations. In case of its European unit, it faced stiff opposition when it tried to close it manufacturing facilities in Germany and UK. Going forward, GM had to take into account political factors when it shortlisted possible suitors for the European unit. The world recession brought GM to its knees to the extent that it had to file for bankruptcy protection in US courts on June 1, 2009. In the year ending 2008, GM absorbed a 21% decrease in sales in its strongest market, North America and a relatively modest decrease of about 6.5% in the European market. However, these shrinks were partially offset by the growing markets of South America and Asia. The recession had a cyclical and vicious effect on GM’s US sales. With decreased availability of credit, there was a reduced off take of vehicles from dealers. In addition, increasing job losses due to recession meant lesser number potential

Sustainability analysis of urban agriculture in Beijing, China Research Paper

Sustainability analysis of urban agriculture in Beijing, China - Research Paper Example The agricultural sector is the main stage for producing food worldwide. Historically, agricultural production has managed to satisfy the food demands from a rapidly increasing population. However, the scenario at present is totally reversed. There is an apparent decrease of food supply leaving over 1 billion people hungry. Jiang stated that the International Fund for Agriculture Development projected that the food supply will need to increase by 60% to sustain mankind . The dilemma on food production can be tightly connected with the increasing rate of urbanization. The rapid growth of the world economy and exponential increase in the world population may be considered as some of the reasons for the increasing urban areas. Associated with this change is a large shift of human activities towards the urban areas with significant effects on the agricultural sector. In 2008, the rural population has been exceeded by the urban population for the first time. The world’s urban popula tion as projected by the United Nations will continue to grow by more than a billion people between 2010 and 2025, while the rural population which is viewed to be the agricultural producers, will hardly grow at all. The insignificant growth in rural areas can suggest that the proportion of the global population may not suffice the demands of increasing population not producing food (Satterthwaite et. al. 2809). One way to increase the food availability especially on cities is through urban agriculture as an alternative for conventional agricultural food production in rural areas. This method of food production can be done both in urban and peri-urban areas where it is expected to be integrated into the economic and ecological system (RUAF Foundation par. 1). One of the countries that have enormous population in urban areas is China. According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics 2009, the number of urban residents in China had already reached 622 million - a population w ell over twice the size of the entire U.S. but still just 47% of China’s total (Kwan par.1). Around the many very large and fast-growing cities in China, Beijing is one of the cities wherein intensification of agricultural production is taking place at an accelerated pace (Wolf et. al. 142). In this regard, it is reported that the country will push forward urbanization in an active and stable manner, focusing on gradually transferring farmers qualified for urban household permits into cities (â€Å"China expects urbanization rate to be at 51.5% by 2015† par. 2). This opens the opportunity for China to adopt urban agriculture. In fact, Beijing has an increased adoption peri-urban agriculture since 1950’s. The technology proved to sustain some non-staple foods such as milk and vegetables and improved the quality of food available as opposed to quantity in the city (Jianming 40). Despite of the good news that urban agriculture brought to the food supply chain, one must also examine its sustainability. As part of the world’s intensification of agriculture to increase productivity, maximum concern must be placed for the long-term environmental and economic sustainability (Gilis par. 3). It has been defined by Gold (par. 4) of United States Department of Agriculture that sustainability in agriculture involves the long-term integrated system of plant and animal production that will â€Å"satisfy human needs, enhance environmental quality and natural resources based on agricultural economy, efficiently use of nonrenewable resources and on-site resources, sustain economic viability and enhance the quality of life of farmers and society as a whole.† This paper aims to analyze the existing urban agriculture and its contribution to the development of the region. The impact of practicing agriculture in urban areas of Beijing, China will be assessed based on the economic, social and environmental aspects as its sustainability

Leader and organizational behavior Research Paper

Leader and organizational behavior - Research Paper Example I maintain that I am the ideal candidate for this job because I am sufficiently educated and possess the adequate qualities that would help me greatly in filling this position. A typical Vice President of Operations of a company as large and progressive as yours would be entitled to be a committed worker. I understand that the duties include creating and upholding the vision and overall direction of the company, and supervising and evaluating the work of other top position-holders, such as department directors, operations managers. Moreover, a Vice President would play a crucial role in the approval and laying out of the day-to-day operations of the company, aiding and assisting subordinates should the need arise while identifying potential areas of improvement. In addition, at times, a Vice President could be required to coordinate with the directors of different departments. Lastly, a Vice President would, of course, be required to analyze a company’s overall performance by reviewing financial statements, customer feedback and sales and activity reports. In general, a good Vice President of Operations would have to be sharp and in control of the operations at hand while maintaining a cohesive work environment to maximize productivity and eliminate internal conflicts. If I were to be awarded this position, I would be fully committed to being hard working and dedicated to the company and, in particular, to my job. In my experience, I have learnt that I work best in demanding conditions by being organized from the get-go and assigning myself goals and aims from the beginning of the project (Smith, 1992). I have found that goal setting helps me greatly because it allows me a sense of focus as opposed to being distracted by unnecessary objectives that should not be given precedence. Simply put, lacking a goal could disperse my attention over all the possible, yet needless, objectives in a certain circumstance. Moreover, because it has been found that the mo re challenging the goal, the greater the motivation to achieve it, I believe my work quality would improve dramatically as I would be more inclined and persistent to work harder. Furthermore, setting goals would help me in using my time more productively by allocating it to the pressing tasks at hand (Wilson, 2008). In addition, I would be using my resources most efficiently (with the least waste) to productively aid the company. I believe setting goals helps in personal growth, all the while motivating you to work harder and more diligently to strive for what you set out to achieve. Setting targets for myself would show me clearly the vision I aim to uphold and would push me harder and harder until I successfully achieve it. For someone in a position as demanding as that of Vice President, some direction is necessary. I feel that setting goals such as being prompt with my work, or being thorough in my reports would better motivate me into becoming a good Vice President for the comp any and would give me a sense of confidence once these goals are realized. In the past, I have worked for various companies and have had to deal with demanding circumstances such as rushed deadlines, miscommunications in the chain-of-command, and conflicting behavior of coworkers and lack of

Strategies for Building Successful Leadership Research Paper

Strategies for Building Successful Leadership - Research Paper Example Moreover, to be a successful leader, I must be of high integrity, which simply means doing what I say and behaving in a way that I expect the team to behave. Basic Leadership Skills to Succeed As with any other job, resisting the work of leading makes it difficult to be effective and makes it impossible to find fulfillment or enjoyment in whatever an individual does. Therefore, lacking the desire to lead makes an individual unwilling to perform the work that pertains to a leader of a team. If a leader does not like the work he or she performs, chances are that the leader is not inspired to lead others to perform the tasks. In such a case, a leader is unable to reach his or her potential as a leader unless the leader works for an organization he believes in, as my uncle’s business. Commitment to the organization’s mission and vision is crucial since the first leader of the organization, who is my uncle, had a mission and vision about the company functions, service and ch anges that the company would bring to the industry. My uncle had to hire other people who could share his vision and believe in the mission of the organization; therefore, as a leader, I would have to coach newly hired employees to help them learn what would move the organization toward its objectives. In an ideal world, each employee works as if fulfilling the organization’s vision and mission were his or her personal goal; however, we do not live in an ideal world, hence as a leader, I have the task of remaining committed to and promoting the company’s vision and mission. Integrity is a crucial trait for a successful leader and it involves being true to one’s word, being authentic in actions and speech and demonstrating a behavior that a leader needs employees to emulate. Similar to other leadership skills, integrity requires practice and involves an effort to honor an individual’s word each time as well as remaining an example to employees even when un der stress or when having a personality conflict. As a leader, the gains of integrity are enormous in comparison to the harm that can result from lack of integrity within the workplace. To develop integrity as a leader, three areas that are essential and demand concentration include sincerity, consistency, and substance. For a leader, sincerity involves accepting responsibility for my commitment and striving to achieve them, being honest about my limitations, accepting responsibility for my mistakes and telling the truth. Consistency for leaders involves demonstrating this feature of integrity by treating employees equally, following through on promises and working as hard as, or even harder than, other employees. A substance in integrity refers to what I am regarding work relationships and includes keeping private employee information private and doing what is right for the team and not merely for me (Reina D. & Reina M., 2006). Successful leaders are entrepreneurial and, therefore , able to recognize opportunities and organize resources to tap into the advantages of the opportunity.  

Mcmaster Children’s Hospital Essay Example for Free

Mcmaster Children’s Hospital Essay â€Å"Mcmaster Children’s Hospital is a caring for our future, one child at a time. † It was distinguished as one of the hospitals who provided the best care for patients and is also awarded with Profiling Excellence in Family-Centered Care in 2008. Aside from receiving various awards and recognition for the quality of their services it is also one of the largest pediatric hospital in Canada and ranked second busiest in Ontario. It also has 40 pediatric clinics with diverse specialization which can treat illness of almost any kind. It is like a one stop shop wherein all that you need in child care treatment, child care specialists and medicines are all there. In addition, it has also specialization on child care disorder. Because of its size and specialization a number of clients and patients can be accommodated immediately once they approach the lobby area. Superior care can be given to children because of it advocates the â€Å"inherent worth of youth and children†. Another characteristic of Mcmaster that set it aside from other hospitals is that it does not surpassed the opinion of patients (the youth and the children) as well as their families in deciding for their welfare. Before deciding for a certain treatment and the like they consult first the concern people. As it is best for children it is also recommended for babies because of its newly installed intensive care units for neonatal. It best fits pregnant women for the superior caring of their unborn children because it can give thorough care to the pregnant women beginning from pre-natal stage to post-natal stage. As it advocates innovation, one may experience an extraordinary hospital treatment because of its innovative facilities. As it advocates quality service, a patients, clients, or visitors are surely to experience a comfortable stay in the hospital. The nurses and medical practitioners are all very accommodating and are very helpful in any way possible. For the families, the Mcmaster hospital is an absolute safe alternative haven for your children and relatives who happened to visit or to be confined in the hospital. All of the staff has proper identification and name tags, likewise, the patients, have identification bands. In case that someone needs assistance whether in rooms or bathrooms, call bells are available to inform nurses. As for the hospital’s organization, the structure is formal with moderate degree of bureaucracy. The decision making process is participative, with the patients, clients and residents as partner in decision making. Although, the Mcmaster organization is generally stable and the functions can be considered as highly effective and efficient there are also some improvement that can be done to the organization for superior achievement of goals and better-quality satisfaction of customers. First, the Mcmaster organization may opt to post more and detailed information on their websites regarding their facilities and services. The customers can generate more information and knowledge about their services if this can be done. Another change that can be implemented is the adaptation of modern medical record technology. Several years ago, technology adaptation in medical recording has hailed a tremendous welcome from medical practitioners and health care providers. The goal of this is to ensure a secure exchange of health matter information through out the national system. The basic assumption of the electronic medical record directive is to secure accessibility to patients’ health information, whenever and wherever needed. Improving the quality of service requires a change in the system that will also bring forth efficiency which is the very heart of the so called EMR. The modern way of recording can be more protective for patients’ information. It will serve as a tool in promoting a more secure environment. Even the staff is assigned to l00 patients; he/she will be able to enjoy a hassle free recording because of the automatic commands in computer that will speed up the process unlike the manual recording. The EMR will help decrease errors in medical recording. The medical attendants to patients’ time will be also increase because there is no longer need for checking on the time consuming paper records and correcting on the misreported patients information and diagnoses.

Efficiency of the Anti-HPV Vaccination Campaign

Efficiency of the Anti-HPV Vaccination Campaign Was the anti HPV vaccination campaign sufficiently organized? Abstract The fight against cervical cancer through vaccination and screening brings an important long-term benefit in controlling and decreasing this type of cancer. The purposes and objectives of the research were followed by a questionnaire composed of 6 questions that follows the awareness on primary prevention through vaccination of cervical cancer, of 484 parents whose children were recommended to get vaccinations. The results highlighted that although people did not know the benefits, contraindications, possible adverse reactions, and also the international use of the vaccine in a big number, they participated in taking a decision about vaccination of their own children anyway. The faulty organisation of these campaigns bring prejudicial actions of the vaccination campaigns, generally by forcing people to take decisions without the adequate information. Introduction The increased incidence of the neoplastic disorder occurrences, the high rate of their complications, their medical-surgical emergency appearance that they have and last but not least , the high cost of the treatment and the likelihood of recurrence that are aspects that highlight the medical world. Therefore, in recent years, efforts have been directed towards determining the precise pathogenesis, detection of the risk factors and the application of effective methods of prevention[1-4]. There are two elements of the application of effective prophylaxis against cervical cancer screening, through early identification of dysplastic changes and vaccination, which together lead to a cumulative reduction in the risk of cervical cancer up to 94%, fact that is calculated on advanced mathematical models . [5] The fight against cervical cancer has an advantage represented by the discovery and involvement in the etiology of this type of cancer: Human papilloma virus infection (HPV). The knowle dge of one of the etiological factors of this condition can lead us to implement an effective prevention strategy that brings significant long-term benefits in controlling and decreasing number of cases of cervical cancer. Because vaccination actions need to have a significant impact on the population, it is necessary to fulfil two conditions: first, vaccination should include a larger number of people and secondary, the existence of a competent immune system in people vaccinated, enabling the production of a effective titer of antibodies anti HPV.[6,7]. At the same time, the success of a vaccination campaign can be reflected in the number of people who approved the vaccination and is even more successful if there was a full and proper public information about the importance of this medical act that is performed.[8] The purpose and objectives of the research The research is aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of primary prevention by vaccinating for cervical cancer of people, that, at a certain point, were put in position to take a decision for administering it to their children or not. Material and Methods To accomplish this work, we developed a number of 6 questions grouped in a questionnaire, which was applied to a sample of 484 people, respectively parents of schoolgirls in grades V-IX, in January June 2010. The questionnaire was used to collect data relating to the information held by the interviewees on the primary prevention of cervical cancer vaccination. The batch included people of the city of Brasov, from General School no. 12 and from Nicolae Titulescu High School, but also from the rural areas from the General School of Hălchiu and General School of Satu Nou. The respondents were chosen randomly, every third person being selected from the ones that attended the parent meetings of those years. At the beginning of the meeting, people were instructed on how to properly complete the questionnaire. Initially 492 questionnaires were completed, of which we selected 484, 8 of them being excluded for various reasons (incomplete, unclear, unlysed). Results Characterization study group From the sample studied, 308(64%) were female and 176(36%) remaining were males, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. STRUCTURE OF THE ANALYSED GROUP BY GENDER The average age of the group is 45 years, with minimum 30 years and maximum of 60 years. Framing parents in the age groups mentioned in the questionnaire can be viewed in Figure 2. Figure 2. STRUCTURE OF THE ANALYSED GROUP BY AGE Most parents of students in classes V to IX have elementary education, respectively 310 of them, and only one third have completed high school. The remaining 16 have a university degree. Graphical format depending on education level is found in Figure 3. Figure 3. STRUCTURE OF THE ANALYSED GROUP BASED ON THE EDUCATION LEVEL Of the 484 people surveyed, 246(51%) of them are from urban areas and 238(49%) in rural areas, aspect illustrated in Figure 4 Figure 4. STRUCTURE OF THE ANALYSED GROUP BASED ON THE DOMICILE The results of the completed questionnaire In taking a decision, it is extremely important to understand the action and the purpose of the action, so the answers on this issue in the perspective of parents are shown in Table 1 and Figure 5 Table 1. THE GOALS OF VACCINATION IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF PARENTS Regarding the awareness of the parents about the international use of the vaccine, 291(60,1%) of the respondents were not informed about it and 3(0,6%) parents have failed to respond to results, results found in Figure 6. Figure 6. THE AWARENESS OF THE PARENTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL USE OF THE VACCINE Regarding the knowledge of the benefits of vaccination of the parents surveyed 148(30,5%) responded affirmative, 321(66,3%) negative and 15(3,2%) gave no response, these issues are exposed in Figure 7. Figure 7. KNOWLEDGE OF THE BENEFITS OF VACCINATION Contraindications and adverse reactions following vaccination, after evaluating the results of the questionnaire were listed as respondents as: unknown by 392(81%), known by 89(18%), and three parents(1%) who avoided to respond as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8. KNOWLEDGE OF CONTRAINDICATIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS A further question is aimed to outline a personal assessment on the perception of the level of knowledge on the subject of the anti-HPV vaccination. Most people surveyed, precisely 412 parents(85%) admitted that they do not have enough information to take a decision on HPV vaccination, 72(15%) felt they possess the necessary knowledge as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9. THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE ANTI-HPV VACCINATION The last question was aimed at identifying the number of respondents who would recommend carrying out the vaccination of their children. 256(53%) of the respondents refused vaccination, while 222(46%) took part in the vaccination campaign, 6(1%) of them abstained or failed to respond, aspect illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 10. THE INTENTION OF CARRYING OUT THE VACCINATION OF THEIR CHILDREN Discussions The evaluation of the responses of the parents of the schoolgirls classes V to IX have highlighted a clear disparity between the quantity and quality of information held by them in respect of the anti-HPV vaccine and the decision, often unfavourable to participate in the vaccination campaign. The lot that was questioned consisted predominantly of women (64%), the average age of the group is 45 years, half residing in rural areas and half in urban areas. The aim of vaccination was found to protect against a deadly disease and vaccine testing in a proportion of 42% and 46%, which reveals from the beginning that the true objective of performing a vaccination campaign, namely the protection of persons target is unknown by the public. Moreover, for the respondent it is unknown that before marketing a vaccine and releasing it to the general public, there are carried out numerous clinical studies beforehand, whose results support or on contrary, they preclude the type of vaccine widely targeted populations for whom it is addressed. To not neglect the view of 10% of the respondents consider that it is strictly a business of the Ministry of Health. The fact that the vaccine is already used internationally is only known by 39% of its respondents. Knowing this was a beneficial aspect by example, illustrating the fact that other countries administers this vaccine for several years. The knowledge of the characteristics of a vaccine and related benefits, contraindications and / or possible side effects associated with vaccination could cause people to whom it is addressed pertinent to make a decision in favour of or against its implementation. The group to whom questions were addressed regarding this issue, has shown that up to 66% did not know the beneficial aspects of implementation of the vaccine and 81% were not informed of any contraindications and side effects that may occur. The questions were intended to highlight if the population that was asked to take a decision to consider vaccination that is sufficiently informed or not. 84% of respondents admit they do not have sufficient arguments for or against vaccinations. The last question was aimed to highlight the proportion of people who recommend vaccinating their own children in the context of knowing more or less the vaccination aspects. Interpretation of the results highlighted that 53% of the people do not wish to participate in the campaign. Conclusion In general, the aspects of vaccination are little known and this is more clear in the context of a fast ongoing campaign with lack of adequate information by any means (media, fliers, specialists). The group surveyed demonstrated that although they did not know the benefits, contraindications, adverse reactions possible, the international use of the vaccine, in a big proportion , they participated in taking a decision about immunizing their children. The success of such campaigns are ensured only through a rigorous organization involving all those entitled (specialists, family physicians, media) that provide pertinent information related to all aspects associated to the medical vaccination so that the decisions (positive or negative) are being acknowledged. In the opposite event it is a guaranteed failure, parents are forced to take important decisions about the future health of their children, without having minimum knowledge related to vaccination. Paradoxically, the majority of th e parents surveyed refused vaccination, although they acknowledged that their decision is not based on medical reasons. A organisation like this one may have faulty remote effects and in time to see an increase that is more accentuated (because it is already manifesting) and the refusal of vaccinations in general.

Much Ado About Nothing Essay: The Importance of Word Choice :: Much Ado About Nothing Essays

Much Ado About Nothing:   The Importance of Word Choice  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      The choice of words used by the characters in Act 5, Scene 1, of the play, Much Ado About Nothing, clearly presents the characters emotions and constructs their characters for the audience. In contrast to his confrontation with Claudio and Don Pedro earlier in the scene, where he is reduced to begging them to hear him out ('My lord, my lord!'; Act 5, Scene 1; l. 106 ), Leonato's speeches are marked with a stateliness and self-assurance, as he has been fortified with the knowledge that his righteous indignation is justified. He is stern and dominates the scene, barking orders 'Which is the villain?' (l. 260), 'Bring you these fellows on.' (l. 333), and using the conversation to entrap, as Claudio and Don Pedro did to him during the aborted wedding: Art thou the slave that with thy breath hast killed mine innocent child?. No, not so, villain! Thou beliest thyself. Here stand a pair of honourable men; A third is fled, that had a hand in it. I thank you, princes, for my daughter's death. His true purpose is manifested to the audience in the way he addresses the prince and Claudio: this time he doesn't bluntly insult them, but uses more subtle language - 'Record [Hero's death] with your high and worthy deeds. 'Twas bravely done, if you bethink you of it.'(l. 270-271) - because he intends to perform one last deception, to get Claudio to marry Hero, so his strategy must be to play on their guilt, not to antagonize them: '.since you could not be my son-in-law, Be yet my nephew. And so dies my revenge' (l. 288-289, 293). He seems to see himself as the rightful patriarch, restoring order - '.This naughty man Shall face to face be brought to Margaret, Who I believe was packed in all this wrong, Hired to it by your brother.' (l. 298-301) - and his speeches have an air of stateliness and dignity (all are in verse), as well as an air of busyness, exemplified in the orders he gives, lines 280-294: Possess the people in Messina here How innocent she died; and if your love Can labor aught in sad invention, Hang her an epitaph upon her tomb, And sing it to her bones, sing it tonight. Tomorrow morning come you to my house. The emotion of earlier in the scene seems to have been spent - this meeting can be seen as Leonato's personal revenge, restoring his authority and reputation: his fatherly concern about Hero's reputation is no longer necessary, her name is merely an instrument to shame the princes.

Free Hamlet Essays: Deceit and the Downfall of Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Deceit and the Downfall of Hamlet Deceit is a major cause of the downfall of Hamlet. This is demonstrated in three instances in the play. First, Polonius spies on Hamlet while he is talking privately with his mother Gertrude. Second, Claudius sends Hamlet away to England. Finally, Laertes and Claudius scheme to kill Hamlet. The first way that deceit leads to the eventual downfall of Hamlet is Polonius' spying. In Act III, scene iii, Polonius decides to help the king by spying on Hamlet and his mother when he says, "My lord, [the king] he's going to his mothers closet. Behind the arras I'll convey myself to hear the process." (III; iii; 28 - 29) In Act III, scene iv, Polonius gets his chance and listens to a conversation between Hamlet and his mother, hoping that Hamlet would confide something in his mother that could be used against him. Unfortunately for Polonius, Hamlet hears him behind the curtain, and (thinking that Polonius is actually a spying King Claudius) immediately stabs and kills him. This event contributes to Hamlet's downfall because Claudius is able to use it as an excuse to send Hamlet away to England. Officially, the king sends Hamlet away, "for thine especial safety," (IV; iii; 37) with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern because the murder might earn him some enemies. Privately though, Claud ius plans to have Rosencrantz and Guildenstern go with Hamlet to convey a message to the King of England that Hamlet is to be executed. In addition, by sending Hamlet away, Claudius is protecting himself because Hamlet is, "loved of the distracted multitude [the public]." (IV; iii; 4) So, if Hamlet were to show the people that Claudius had killed Hamlet's father, then they might believe him, and as a result, overthrow and kill Claudius. Thus, the downfall is that Claudius wants Hamlet dead. In addition, if Claudius' plan works, then Hamlet dies and his father’s death would not be avenged. So, if Polonius had not spied on Hamlet and Gertrude, Hamlet would not have killed Polonius and thus, Claudius would not have a good enough excuse to send Hamlet away to England. Fortunately for Hamlet, Claudius' deceit fails. This deceit, however, still does contribute to the eventual downfall of Hamlet. Aboard the ship to England, Hamlet discovers Claudius' message being sent by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet explains later, "Groped I to find out them, [Rosencrantz and Guildenstern] had my desire, fingered their packet, and in fine withdrew.

I am comparing the play; ‘Teechers’ by John Godber, to the play that I :: Drama

I am comparing the play; ‘Teechers’ by John Godber, to the play that I recently took part in and helped to write; ‘The Victim’. The plot of our ‘The Victim’ and ‘Teechers’ I am comparing the play; ‘Teechers’ by John Godber, to the play that I recently took part in and helped to write; ‘The Victim’. The plot of our play- ‘The Victim’- is based around bullying and domestic violence. The main storyline is about a young schoolgirl called Jess moving to a new area and a new school. She is singled out by the other people at the school and a group of girls begin to bully her. Her home life isn’t much better though- Jess’ mum is a schizophrenic and abuses Jess both verbally and physically. Jess copes with the stress of it all at first but then it starts to depress her and she thinks about committing suicide. The bullies carry on tormenting Jess and a nasty trick is the final straw. Jess goes home and tries to find comfort in her mum who rejects her, this leads to Jess taking an overdose. Although the plot of ‘Teechers’ is a lot different to the plot of ‘The Victim’, the basic setting is quite similar: ‘Teechers’ is also set in a school and modern day life. ‘Teechers’ vigorously evokes life at a modern Comprehensive, using the format of an end-of-term play to sketch a drama teacher’s progress through two terms of recalcitrant classes, cynical colleagues and obstructive caretakers until he departs for the safer waters of a private school. The play runs the gamut of emotions, mostly humour, to portray the main themes of the play. The play to an extent comments on the flaws of the education system: the title it self is a political statement, instead of being spelt 'teachers' its spelt ‘Teechers’, almost a comedic dig at the 'system' which has failed to teach the pupils correctly. In our play the main themes are bullying, domestic violence and isolation, but references are also made to suicide, mental illness and fitting in. We used these issues because they are things that teenagers in particular may experience and so the audience could maybe relate to the play. By choosing to explore these issues we may also raise awareness of things like bullying and domestic violence and help people to understand the issues involved. Therefore by using these themes we made the play more personal to the audience and more emotional; therefore they may enjoy the play more and feel more involved. The themes of ‘Teechers’ are quite different to the themes stated

Soundtrack of My Life

Zachary Smith English 1100 Soundtrack of my life Music is one of the greatest and most influential devices that we as humans deal with on a day to day basis. It plays such an important role in our lives and helps build character without us ever thinking twice about it. In today's society there are so many types and genres of music that you can find a song for any type of mood that you're in. Music has the power to bring thousands of people from opposite walks of life together.When I stop and think about the songs that bring up the best memories it creates a wide spectrum of genres. Ranging from Garth Brooks the â€Å"Thunder Rolls† to classical Ave Maria, to Bone Thugz N Harmony and Sweetish Rock band by the name of Volbeat. The list of songs to come not only have personal stories behind each and every one of them, but they also tell a timeline from my earliest memories as a child growing up with three older brothers, to the highs and lows of being a teenager in high school, a nd to spending a year in Afghanistan.  Like read about memories? Read also  Flashbulb memory!Being the youngest of 4 boys growing up I didn't get to make a whole lot of decisions for myself, and to be honest I didn't really care I just rolled along with whatever Jake, Kyle, and Nate wanted to do. Growing up in the country and living on a farm we naturally became conditioned to listening to country music. At that time Garth Brooks was the country artist hot on the scene. I can remember watching some of his music videos on TV and thinking that he was the coolest guy ever. One of my greatest memories with my brothers is Garth Brooks had a live concert on TV and all of us boys decided to put on a concert of our own.We all ran to the garage and grabbed instruments that could be used as guitars and drum sticks and then raced through the house, meanwhile ignoring moms yelling of â€Å"no running in the house,† and then back down stairs as fast as we could for the start of the co ncert. As the concert went on my brothers and I were jamming away on our fake musical instruments when the song â€Å"Thunder Rolls† came on. I can vividly remember watching Garth Brooks walking on stage, and at the start of the song it was pouring down rain and lightning flashes were oing off everywhere and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. As a kid I sat there awestruck with amazement watching his every movement believing he was in an actual thunderstorm. Seeing Garth Brooks standing there soaking wet from head to toe has left a forever image in mind that I will always associate and think of when I listen to his music. Growing up as a young boy I could remember that whenever I would be in the car or somewhere near a radio station, mom would always have country music playing and I believe that's where I get my love for country music from.On the flip side with dad, he introduced me to the world rock. Great artist such as Guns N Roses, Lynyrd Skynard, and AC/DC. The song f rom the classic rock genre of music that has really stuck with me is â€Å"Free Bird† by Lynyrd Skynard. â€Å"Free Bird† was my getaway song, the song that put me at ease whenever I needed to relax from the stressful life of young boy, because mom didn't pack my lunch right or I couldn't go play with my friends. As we all know, these are troubling times in a young boys life and â€Å"Free Bird† was always there to bring me back down to earth.In the short 10 to 15 years that I have been able to really comprehend what music is, there have been very few songs that have really given me goose bumps. Once again a country artist by the name of Toby Keith came out with a song in 2003 entitled â€Å"American Soldier. † As every young boy does, they think and will argue about having the coolest dad in the world, but no, really I do. I can remember sitting in my parents' bedroom late on Sunday nights and just wait for my super hero dad come walking in, in his black and green army uniform with his dark as night glistening combat boots.Seeing him walk through that doorway would be the highlight of my weekend. In Toby Keith's song he describes the â€Å"American Soldier† by saying † I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong, I just work straight through the holidays and sometimes all night long, You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door, hey I'm solid, hey I'm steady, I'm true down to the core. † To me those lyrics perfectly portray what I see in my dad, so every time I hear that song I can't help but think about him and get goose bumps again.By the time high school rolled around I had made it through my embarrassing boy band phase and found myself listening to the likes of NAS, Kanye West, Outkast, and my absolute favorite Bone Thugz N Harmony. Every day after school let out my brother Nate and I would meet up at his green 94†² Ford Ranger with pins in the hood, dents in the d umpers, and scrapes in the siding, as we headed to another day of soccer practice. While on the way we would blast our Bone Thugz and pathetically attempt to try and rap along.We used the lyrical talent of artist like Outkast, Kanye, and Bone Thugz to get is ready for another sweat pouring, muscle aching, tiresome practice. Just to turn around and to do the exact same routine again the next day. For many young adults, college can be a confusing time in their lives. My first go around at college Lil Wayne was the new biggest coolest artist on the scene and rap was becoming ever more popular. Instead of flocking toward the rap music like most college kids did at the time, I moved in a different direction.A direction that you normally don't find among the young college scene, and that was toward classical, opera, and piano music. Even till this day I can't pin point exactly what it is about classical, opera and piano music that intrigues me so much. I think that part of my attraction t o this style of music is that I find it very relaxing and mind calming. There have been numerous covers of â€Å"Ave Maria†, and my favorite would have to be done by Franz Schubert. This is where the start of my new appreciation of music began.It wasn't until I listened to Franz Schubert singing â€Å"Ave Maria† that I really listened carefully and opened my eyes to the pure God given talent and beauty of her voice and I found that immensely more satisfying to listen to instead of something that would of been created in a studio. Now I currently enjoy listening to musicians like Michael Buble' and Norah Jones and have gained an appreciation for the artists who use their true vocal talents. Furthermore, during my first stint in college I joined the military and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.The life of a soldier is pretty single and strait forward. You wake up and go to work. Whatever you want to do before and after work is up to you, so like most soldiers I used some of my free time to go to the gym and workout. Everyone has that genre of music or artist that will get them pumped up and ready, like most soldiers, I get wound up by loud, fast pace music that gets that red fluid inside me boiling. Through a fellow soldier I was introduced to a Swedish metal group called Volbeat, which I surprisingly enjoyed because it is the complete opposite style of music that I enjoy.For the remainder of the deployment when I visited the gym, Volbeat and Avenge Sevenfold served as my constant to get me through my workouts. No one knows what our futures will hold. We have no idea what kind of trials and triumphs lie awaiting us. One thing that we can bank on is music. Music is one of the very few constants that pass by from generation to generation. A world without music would be a creature that I would never like to see. When we scour the caverns of our brain some of our greatest memories are associated with music.I'm a firm believer in that everything hap pens for a reason because it shapes the type of person we are today. The same thing applies with music. Looking back over my life, there was a phase for each type of genres of music that I listened to. In my 23 years, my musical interest have ranged from country, to boy band, to rock, to classical and metal and I don't think I would be the exact way I am today without having all of those music genres in my life. In 23 years I have created so many great memories through music and I can only hope that God blesses me with another 23 years to make more memories.

Components of Knowledge Systems

Components of a Knowledge Management System A Knowledge Management System (KMS) refers to either a technology-based or non-technical interconnected group of functions that have behaviour that enables or facilitates either (or a combination of) the discovery, capture, integration, sharing or delivery of the knowledge required by an organisation to meet its objectives. It can comprise a part of a Knowledge Management initiative or strategy to improve the utility of an organisation’s intellectual capital. A knowledge management system is inherently a soft open system. This means that boundaries are permeable and difficult to position.What may be useful to one person in one part of an organisation may be useless to someone else in another department. Any knowledge management initiative must therefore establish clear achievable goals that deliver benefits to the organisation, or a sub-set of the organisation, and take into account user and stakeholder requirements. The key principl e is that it must be useful and solve a problem. A successful knowledge management system is founded on a clear understanding of: ? ? ? ? ? what the organisation considers to be organisational knowledge; what the organisation’s knowledge goals are; here knowledge resides in an organisation, and its form; what knowledge components must be managed; and finally the absolutely central role of people in any system. The essential components of a Knowledge Management System can be seen in the model at Figure 1. Figure 1. Components of a Knowledge Management System The following table describes the components of a KMS. Component Description 1. Strategy A KMS should be part of a strategy that identifies the key needs and issues within the organisation, and provide a framework for addressing these. 1. 1. ProblemA problem or opportunity facing the organisation needs to exist. W hat particular worldview justifies the existence of a KM system? (What point of view makes this system meaning ful? ) 1. 2. Purpose / objective A KMS should have an explicit Knowledge Management objective of some type such as collaboration, sharing good practice or the like. 1. 3. Policy Any KMS should be linked to an organisational policy 1. 4. Governance Any KMS must be managed properly and a governance framework that articulates roles and responsibilities is a necessary part of a KMS. 1. 5. CultureThe culture, values and beliefs of the people within an organisation affects the way in which they may be receptive to a KMS. 1. 6. Risk W hat are the risks within an organisation to the success of a KMS? 2. Actors People are central to any KMS and there are different participants with differing backgrounds and experiences. There are a number of roles to carry out a range of activities involved in an effective KMS. 2. 1. Owner W ho owns the business process and has the authority to abolish this system or change its measures of performance? 2. 2. Source W ho/what currently holds the knowledge and where does it reside? . 3. Clients W ho are the beneficiaries of this particular system? (Who would benefit or suffer from its operations? ) 2. 4. Managers W ho is responsible for implementing this system? (Who would carry out the activities which make this system work? ) 2. 5. Enablers W ho else needs to be involved to make the knowledge system work such as IT administrators or HR support staff 2. 6. Boundary Spanners Those people who connect workgroups in the organisaiton 3. Infrastructure Most KMSs will require some form of infrastructure to enable the system to function. 3. 1. FacilitiesW hat facilities are required to support the KMS function? 3. 2. Equipment W hat equipment is required to enable the KMS to function effectively? 3. 3. Repositories W here will the KMS store any information or knowledge? 3. 4. Instruments There may be a series of instruments, tools or templates required to support the capture, creation and sharing of the corporate knowledge . This might also inc lude directories, taxonomies or ontologies. 3. 5. Software Any software solutions that enable or comprise the KMS 3. 6. Networks The social or electronic networks that enable a KMS . 7. Hardware Is there are requirement for any additional hardware 4. Functionality KMSs are developed to support and enhance knowledge-intensive processes, tasks or projects of e. g. , creation, construction, identification, capturing, acquisition, selection, valuation, organization, linking, structuring, formalization, visualization, transfer, distribution, retention, maintenance, refinement, revision, evolution, accessing, retrieval and last but not least the application of knowledge, also called the knowledge life cycle. 4. 1. LogicA KMS may be based on some underpinning logic or conept 4. 2. Business rules Any system requires business rules to control the operation of the system. 4. 3. Transformation W hat transformation does this system bring about? (What are the inputs and what transformation do th ey go through to become the outputs? ). There should be an transformation mode identified: Socialisation – Transfer / sharing Externalisation – Knowledge capture Combination – Business Intelligence Internalisation – Knowledge Delivery 4. 4. Integration Does the KMS need to integrate with any other system? 4. 5. TailoringA KMS should sense the response of the client to the user of the KMS and preferably be able to adjust the mode, complexity, order and extent of the interaction being experienced by the client. 4. 6. Administration W hat administration is required in order to support the KMS? 4. 7. Reporting W hat reporting is required to support the management of the KMS? 4. 8. Procedures W hat processes need to be documented into procedures to be able to apply appropriate controls and guidance to support the KMS? 4. 9. Content Management W hat content management functionality is required to support the management of the KMS? 5.Delivery 5. 1. Mode Any KMS requires the delivery or facilitation of knowledge or a knowledge management service. Synchronous Technique – Same Time, Same Place Asynchronous Technique (AT) – Different Time, Same Place Distributed Synchronous Collaboration (DSC) – Same Time, Different Place Distributed Asynchronous Collaboration (DAC) – Different Time, Different Place 5. 2. Facilitation A KMS must have an interface where people interact with the system. This could be a facilitator or utilise technology via Visual, Audio or Experiential/tactile modes to facilitate the interaction of the user/client with the system. . 3. Style The effectiveness of a KMS can be enhanced through the adoption of a style that is consistent with the culture of an organisation. Style sends important messages to a client about the KMS. 5. 4. Techniques Delivery of a KMS may require the application of skills and techniques in order to be successful. 5. 5. Access Control A KMS should identify and target clients to enable appropriate personnel and lock out inappropriate personnel. 5. 6. Accessibility A KMS needs to be accessible to people with physical restrictions or a disability 5. 7. PersonalisationA KMS should be able to be personalised to suit the client 6. Content Some KMS will hold content to enable the system to function. 6. 1. Lifespan Content may be static, dynamic or compiled on the fly (mash-up) 6. 2. Authoring The content within a KMS needs to be effectively authored/prepared in a form that is usable to the client 6. 3. Publishing A publishing process and model needs to be in place to authorise and control release of content 6. 4. Validation and referencing of Source Content needs to be obtained from authentic sources and the sources need to be identified and verifiable. 6. 5.Stewardship of the content Ownership/stewardship of the content is important as a management process to ensure the effective delivery and utilisation of the KMS 6. 6. Review and update Any content held by a KMS should be subject to a review and update protocol. 6. 7. Security Any classified content held by a KMS must be adequately protected. 6. 8. Taxonomy Content held by a KMS may need to be sorted into an appropriate structure to enable easy discovery and use. 6. 9. Catalogue Any content held by a KMS may require cataloguing in order to better manage the information. 6. 10. Version ControlAny content held by a KMS should be subject to version control. 6. 11. Disposal Any content held by a KMS that is no longer relevant or valued should be disposed of. 7. Continuous improvement A KMS should be regularly reviewed to ensure that it is meeting the objectives identified in the strategy and requirements. 7. 1. Feedback Feedback on the utility of a KMS is important to identify issues that need to be addressed. 7. 2. Performance management A Performance Management sub-system should include: Indicators, Levels/Measures, a collection process, analysis and reporting. 7. 3. Review and AuditThi rd party review or audit of the effectiveness of a KMS may be appropriate. 7. 4. Benefits Realisation Management of the KMS is required in order to ensure that the benefits are being realised and the organisation is achieving the objectives it set out to meet in the development and implementation of the KMS. References and Further Reading Durant-Law, G. , The Essential Components of a Knowledge Management System | Knowledge Matters. Available at: http://www. durantlaw. info/essential-components-of–knowledgemanagement-system Langton, N & Robbins, S. (2006). Organizational Behaviour (Fourth Canadian Edition).Toronto, Ontario: Pearson Prentice Hall. Maier, R (2007): Knowledge Management Systems: Information And Communication Technologies for Knowledge Management. 3rd edition, Berlin: Springer. Shelley, A, The Organizational Zoo – Resources. Available at: http://www. organizationalzoo. com/resources Snowden, D, Cognitive Edge. Available at: http://www. cognitiveedge. com/b logs/dave/2009/09/defining_km. php Standards Australia, AS 5037-2005 Knowledge management – a guide Tiwana, A. , 1999. Knowledge Management Toolkit, The: Practical Techniques for Building a Knowledge Management System, Pearson Education.

Characters of the Lord of the Flies

A group of boys have been stranded on an isolated tropical island, after escaping from their shot – down plane. A large disfigurement was created in the untouched jungle, symbolizing the first of man's destruction on the island; it was not going to be the last. The first characters we meet are Ralph and Piggy. Ralph who represents democracy and order, whilst Piggy represents intelligence and social order. They realize that the island is uninhibited and that civilization does not exist, and if it did it would be on their terms. This excites them and so they explore the island, until a conch is found. The Conch is symbolic of common sense and discipline. Its beauty strikes us when Ralph and Piggy find it, but it is forgotten as they put it to use to call the other survivors. Leaders are elected and rules are set but for how long will they be kept? Friendships deteriorate as leadership is questioned. The rules of home dictate their initial behavior, as all the boys respond to how they have been nurtured. Ralph is a twelve-year-old boy archetypal, very British boy, whose father is in the navy. â€Å"You could see now that he might make a boxer, as far as width and heaviness of shoulders went, but there was a mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaimed no devil.† At the beginning, Ralph is insulting and unfriendly to Piggy, to whom he feels superior and so acts like it. Ralph is excited about not having any grown ups around and shows his delight by standing on his head. At this stage, Ralph has no responsibilities and so is free to do as he wishes. He does not seem panicked or worried that they won't be rescued as he has total faith that his father will save them. Ralph is elected leader and is very reasonable. Also, because he attaches no importance to being a chorister or prefect, he can be intolerant of jack. Ralph is very dependent on piggy, however boring he finds him; it's because of his logic and mature thoughts that attract them together. Ralph enjoys having meetings; it reminds him that he is the leader and that he got elected and has responsibilities. Ralph is slowly realising that it is fun to have no grow up's around, but they need to be rescued. Ralph and jack's friendship starts to deteriorate, Ralph is being sensible whilst jack is only thinking about having fun. Ralph starts to feel despondent about ever convincing the boys of the importance of building shelters. He is impatient with the littlun's and sought's help from jack. † You wouldn't care to help with the shelters, I suppose?† But there is no point as Ralph soon realizes. Ralph and jack are really beginning to fight and this foreshadows future conflicts. Ralph is outraged and angry when they miss a ship, which could have rescued them. When Ralph first arrived on the island he had no worries, it suited him being in charge but as time went on he became paranoid and scared. He carries civilized values, which enable him to be strong when he needs to be. Jack is first seen marching the choir, he treats them with authority. He is arrogant and unpleasant, not what his singing uniform suggests. â€Å"Inside the floating cloak he was tall, thin and bony: and his hair was red beneath the black cap. His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness.† Jack becomes in charge of the army, which he is content with, as he loves adventure. He is unsympathetic to Simon when he faints because of the heat; he see's him as weak and is unimpressed. When a pig is first spotted, Jack cannot bring himself to kill it and is angry with himself. â€Å"I was choosing a place, Next time.† His desire for violence, his bloodlust is still held in check by the rules of society. At the meetings, rules are set, Jack is excited and thinks the rules do not apply to him as he is a chapter chorister and head boy. Jack shows signs of belligerence when he argues with Ralph about the fire signal, he is becoming power hungry. During the chapter Jack becomes solely concerned with hunting and cannot see the necessity of other things that can keep them alive. â€Å"I'd like to catch a pig first† â€Å"He snatched up his spear and dashed it into the ground. The opaque, mad look came into his eyes again.† Jack has become a hunter, he is slowly losing his human characteristics and becoming a predator. Jack conceals his real identity when he paints his face. The mask enables him to deny who he is and frees him to behave as he wants. At one point he looks at his reflection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger.† Jack changes friends as well, him and Ralph have totally different ideas and priorities, whilst Piggy just annoys him. Jack becomes friends with Roger and they are evil together. When Jack hears of their chance of rescue, he is not bothered and had to remember what rescue was, instead he is proud as they caught their first pig. Jack starts up a ritual chant, he is very much in control and is bloodthirsty. His personality is overcome by power and he loses his name, this is not the Jack we saw at the start of the book. † I cut the pigs throat,† said jack proudly. † Can I borrow yours Ralph to make a nick in the hilt?† The perfect prefect becomes the perfect savage. † He was a skinny, vivid little boy, with a glance coming up from under a hut of straight hair that hung down, black and course.† Simon is one of the choristers. Although regarded as â€Å"Queer† and † Batty† by the boys, Simon is friendly and helpful. Simon is very aware of his surroundings, which is seen when he goes on the expedition with Ralph and Jack. He describes a certain bush as†¦ â€Å"Candle Buds† Showing his fragility and spiritually. He is patient with the littlun's and would rather pick fruit than kill and pig. Simon's actions present him as an intrinsically good, peaceful and caring character, in contrast with others. Simon is the only one who goes off on his own and does not seem to be afraid of the forest. He is intuitive, introspective and different from the others. The secret place that Simon finds displays the islands vibrancy and life. â€Å"Holding his breath he cocked a critical ear at the sounds of the island.† Simon is the outside the hunter mentality and the leader mentality. He exists in terms of his sensitivity to what is outside him. Like a clairvoyant, he repeatedly tells Ralph: † You'll get back to where you came from.† He is positive in that aspect, however he feels the sand is a bad one and is evil. Although Simon is different and unafraid unlike most of the other boy's, his mysterious nature makes him interesting and unusual. During the first four chapters we see him close up and be on his own more than at the beginning when he went exploring and was helping the others. The changes were soul and gradual. † His feet left prints in the soft soil and the creepers shivered throughout their lengths when he bumped them.† † Simon turned away from them and went where the just perceptible path led him.† The character of Piggy is firmly grounded in reality by his nickname, which immediately conjures up a physical image of him. â€Å"He smeared the sweat from his cheeks and adjusted the spectacles on his nose.† Piggy meets Ralph first, and immediately we see that they are very different people. Both their backgrounds determine this, but still they have to depend on each other. From what we know Piggy is an Orphan who lived with his aunt who owned a sweet shop. That explains his size. † I used to get ever so many sweets. As many as I liked.† However clumsy Piggy seems, he is actually very intelligent and when he found the conch, he engineered it so Ralph got the credit for it. He looks up to Ralph and has a lot of respect for him. He rejoices when Ralph smiles at something he said and misinterprets it as friendliness, whilst Ralph finds him boring and dull. From the beginning, Piggy is seen as an outsider. He is ridiculed, sneered at and continually teased, whether it is his appearance or his asthma. The group holds countless meetings when they arrive and Piggy becomes an interpreter. He is good-natured and is kind to the younger ones, he responds to how his aunt would. â€Å"Acting like a crowd of kids† † I bet it's gone tea time.† Piggy naively believes that if only they were to behave like grown-ups all would be well, and they would be saved. He becomes a mature figure who becomes uneasy and worried when the boy with the birthmark disappears. Piggy is averse to most of the other boys, who he thinks are acting like little children, they are children but piggy see's the responsibilities as the adult figure. When rules are laid down, piggy follows then and expects the others to as well, he always is desperate to hold onto the rules of society which are slowly deteriorating in the others. The rules which Piggy had at home dictate his behavior on the island. In conclusion to my essay, We see how young boys would react to being stranded on a deserted island with no adults, and no rules of society to dictate how they should behave. Through this essay we have seen the obvious changes in the boys characters and the consequences and effect on the other boys. I have studies the main four characters looking how they have influenced eachother and how they reacted to living on an lsland. Jack who's arrogance made him become savage and bloodthirsty for power and meat. Ralph who's care free ways changed when he has elected chief. Piggy who left his naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve ways behind and spoke up for him self. Simon changed but very gradually and sutally. If they had stayed on the Island for much longer I am sure that Jack would have become more powerful as his tribe would fear him and so agree with everything he did. However Ralph would not have survived as Jack would not have allowed it. All these represent individuals and how they changed during the first four chapters of Lord of the flies.

Freytag Pyramid of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare Essay

Lysander and Hermia, Demetrius and Helena, Titania and Oberon, Pyramus and Thisbe 1) Exposition: Lysander and Demetrius both want Hermia’s hand in marriage – Lysander because of love, Demetrius because of the position and power it would afford. Demetrius wants to marry Hermia to gain her father’s favor, along with his power and position. Helena is in love with Demetrius, who will not give her a second look. Titania and Oberon are angry with each other, jealous over each other’s fascination with Theseus and Hippolyta respectively. Pyramus and Thisbe cannot be together and can only whisper through a wall. 2) Inciting Incident: Hermia’s father orders her to marry Demetrius or commit herself to a nunnery forever. Helena finds out Hermia and Lysander are running away. She tells Demetrius so he will forget about Hermia and give her a chance. Bottom and gang steal away into the wood to practice for the play. Oberon casts a spell on Titania that she would fall in love with the first thing she lays eyes on. Pyramus and Thisbe lovers agree to meet in the dark of night at Ninny’s tomb. 3) Rising Action: Hermia and Lysander plan to run away into the wood. Demetrius follows Hermia and Lysander into the wood to retrieve Hermia. Helena follows Demetrius into the wood desperate to make him love her. Bottom and gang steal away into the wood to practice for the play. The lion approaches and scares Thisbe, who runs off. 4) Climax: Oberon orders Puck, to put a love spell on Demetrius so that when he awakens he will fall in love with Helena. Puck mistakes Lysander for Demetrius and puts the spell on the wrong mortal, who subsequently falls in love with Helena. Puck attempts to rectify his mistake by putting the spell on the correct mortal, Demetrius, who instantly falls in love with Helena. Titania first sees Bottom and falls in love. Pyramus arrives to find Thisbe’s mantle torn and bloody. 5) Falling Action: The two men fight over Helena while Hermia watches in horror. Hermia and Helena begin to fight. Oberon begins to feel bad for the poor mortals he has cast his spells upon. Pyramus believes Thisbe is dead. 6) Resolution: Puck applies the remedy to Lysander’s eyes while he sleeps, returning his love to Hermia. The lovers awake, Lysander and Hermia in love and Demetrius and Helena in love (though not knowing exactly why). Oberon removes the spell from Titania, who draws back in horror at the sight of bottom next to her. Believing Thisbe to be dead, Pyramus stabs himself and dies. 7) Denouement: The four lovers come together with the consent of everyone and watch a play of a Romeo and Juliet-style love story. The lovers ponder the meaning of love through the tragedy of the play, the mystery of what happened in the wood looming over them. Shakespeare concludes with an epilogue by Puck, the wood fairy, apologizing for any offense for their play with the mortals. Titania and Oberon celebrate Theseus and Hippolyta’s marriage, finally happy with each other. Thisbe finds Pyramus dead and kills herself. The lovers are finally together in death.

Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Culture - Essay Example Culture nowadays are somewhat adopted from previous generations but it is now being diversified as globalization in this world is prevailing. Because of the diversity that exists in the world today it has been found that culture from one country is spreading to the other country. Moreover with the help of media and electronic means different forms of culture in one society are being adopted by the other society (Sklair 1995; Harris 2009) In cultural studies the concept of culture is being widely used to denote a society as a whole. A society is recognized from the language or symbols that it uses and all this is formed by the culture that is adopted. Language is a way through which people can communicate easily and can use it to express feelings which otherwise cannot be expressed. Gestures are also a part of the culture that a society possesses and these gestures vary according to different societies. An example of language variation in culture can be seen by comparing two different countries which have totally opposite cultures. An American society for example may include people speaking English, Latin and French whereas on the other hand a society from the third world country of Pakistan would normally use the languages of Urdu, Sindhi and Punjabi (Harris 2009). Here language can be used to denote the culture of these two societies which have been learned from one generation to the next. Culture is not a revelation from God but is rather learned and adopted from the previous generations. It is seen that a child born in the third world country of Afghanistan can move to United States and adopt the culture there irrespective of the fact that he was born in Afghanistan. A process through which culture is transferred from one group to the other by generation is known as enculturation. Mostly this culture is adopted after seeing elders and media which is now playing an important role in spreading culture of the society. It is seen that culture is not specified to a single group of the society but it is spread all over a single society. A society in United States would include people who know all the gestures and language which is being used widely in it. In other words the culture in these societies is shared amongst different people of different ethnicity (Hannerz 1992). Ethnicity not always forms a culture but here again it can be said that ethnicity of an individual plays an important role in the adoption of culture. An individual born in the jungles would know the symbols and language used in the jungles only whereas an individual born in the city would know the culture of the city. In cultural studies it can be helpful to analyze a culture before giving out a conclusion on the people belonging to that culture so that their way of living is clearly known to the anthropologist (Cohen 2004; Sklair 1995). Culture cannot be compared to the behaviours of the individual living in the society as behaviours of an individual depend on the indivi dual himself. An individual can learn culture but his behaviour about certain things are crafted by his own will. It has also been noted that cultural studies can never remain the same because of the changing nature of the culture. Culture can be formed or adopted by different kinds of actions. Women who previously wanted to become home workers now prefer to be workers. In other words culture can be

Nestl's ERP Odyssey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nestl's ERP Odyssey - Essay Example They chose to use part of the new program as Y2K code fixes, thus adding a deadline. Then they went on to set an arbitrary date for completion of the whole project. They did not inform managers of what was happening. They did not assess how the project was going, once it was under way. It is hard for me to think of any more ways they could have doomed their own project from the start! They really had it all covered! First, the Swiss company assembled a team of executives from the various departments: finance, purchasing, etc. The article refers to them as "the key stakeholders" (The Proposal section, para. 1). These people devised their plan to reshape the worldwide corporation in its every facet, business systems and computer systems. The problem with that was they did not include anyone who was actually using the current system. The key stakeholders had many lofty plans, but no real way to make it happen and lacked the knowledge needed to do so. Next, the stakeholders decided that, since Y2K was looming, they would include code fixes in the first part of the rollout. This rushed the huge undertaking. Because they were in such a hurry, they forgot, or overlooked, the fact that their systems needed to be integrated with each other so all the departments could communicate. Sales, for instance, could not communicate discounts to the billing department that they had promised certain customers. The stakeholders set an arbitrary end date for the whole project. With a snap of the fingers, it would be done! If only things worked that way. They should have developed a detailed implementation plan, figured out how long each phase would take, then projected an end date that could be fluid depending upon how things went. I think this part of the fiasco stems, in part, from failure to involve people who were using the old system in the planning, and partly from being caught up in those lofty ideas of remaking the company. Once they had their plan and decided what types of software to purchase and from whom, the stakeholders failed to let manager in on it. Managers that are left out of the loop are not happy managers. They were not cooperative and, in fact would have been unable to cooperate if they had wanted to, since they did not know what the plan was or how it would be implemented. I can only imagine how the workers below management level felt. I am sure there was enough anger and confusion for everyone. The employee turnover rate skyrocketed. Finally, the stakeholders made no plan to assess the huge project once it was in progress. They totally missed needed adjustments to their plan, apparently thinking it was perfect from the start. There were rollout date issues, training issues, and budgetary issues. In summary, I think these very important people, with a very important idea to reshape the company, concentrated so hard on their plan that they forgot to use the most valuable company asset of all: their employees. The people who do the day-to-day work of the company, the ones that know how to make the business hum, were entirely left out. The stakeholders had their heads so high in the clouds that they could not see that their feet were not touching the ground. Once the company put someone in charge who had a grip on reality, a touch of humility, and a practical vision of how the whole should work, things started to turn around. It seems ridiculous to me that the stakeholders did not include the people who worked for