Education in practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education in practice - Essay Example In working with my protg I tried to apply the knowledge I received while getting acquainted with the principles of teaching and learning developed by the most prominent of the contemporary theorists of the psychology of learning. According to the social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, people learn through the observation of others. Bandura (1977) states: "Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action." (p22). This theory is supported and developed by the social cognitive theory, which emphasizes the importance of beliefs, expectations and self-perception in the learning process. Social cognitive theory distinguishes between enactive and vicarious learning. Enactive learning is learning by doing and experiencing the consequences of your actions (self-regulation of behavior, goal directed behavior, self-monitoring), while vicarious is learning by observing othe rs.(Bandura, 1977). Considering the mechanism of training process described in this theory I used the vicarious learning strategy, giving my student the opportunity to observe how my colleagues and I are dealing with the difficulties we have to face, and introducing her to the problem-solving strategies we are using. I also emphasized the importance of self-control of the learning process for my protg, encouraged her to analyze the outcomes of it and plan it so that she would be able to complete all the needed academic work at a proper level, thus using the enactive learning strategy. According to the Jean Piaget's theory, one of the constructivist perspectives of learning, there are 2 sides of adaptation, adjustment to the new environment - assimilation, which is fitting new information into existing schemes, and accommodation stage, when he/she is altering existing schemes or creating new ones in response to new information the environment provides him/her. According to Piaget cognitive structures change through the processes of adaptation.( Brainerd, 1978) I tried to facilitate the adaptation process for my student, that's why I asked my colleagues to welcome her, explained them that she was coming there to learn, in the student role, and not as just another pair of hands. When my protg finally arrived I explained her I also was learning, and emphasized we had to work in collaboration and negotiate rather than building a mentor-student relations. To help the assimilation process to pass smoothly I introduced the student to the methods of our agency. Abraham Maslow said that humans had the hierarchy of needs, ranging from lower-level needs for survival and safety, to higher-level needs for intellectual achievement and finally self-actualization. According to his studies the higher level needs appeared only when the lower-level needs were satisfied.(Maslow, 1970). It is obvious that when a human being enters a new environment he/she is feeling himself/herself unprotected and endangered,

Keeping the Lights On the Tanks Full Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Keeping the Lights On the Tanks Full - Essay Example This value shows that the current generation highly depends on crude oil and that life would be almost impossible if the use of crude oil products is stopped. Is this the case? This paper looks at a variety of options that we can use as a substitute to the use of oil. Before we take a look into this topic it is good to ask a very simple question, â€Å"can there be any positive effect on the alternative change of using crude oil products as our main source of energy or can it just worsen the situation?† Taking a walk around my neighborhood, I noticed that there are so many oil refineries. The one question that I asked myself is the cost that it takes the oil manufactures to erect and maintain such large industries. From the information that I collected, it is estimated that it cost over $20 million to erect an oil refinery site and even more to maintain it. Is it not an obvious fact that all these are transferred to the consumer and not the oil manufactures? It means that all these costs are incorporated into the prices of the oil and the consumer is forced to pay for it. This is just a simple example of how expensive oil is to the common man (Cothran 54). If an alternative could be made such that the source of energy does not have to depend on large refineries such as the ones set aside for the oil refinery then in turn we would reduce the prices of energy tremendously. For example let’s take a look at someone using a generator to provide electric energy to his family and another using solar energy. The one using solar energy will have to use just a few dollars for installation while the other would have to be buying diesel like every day. This shows that crude oil products are expensive and there are other sources of energy such as solar energy that are less expensive and that can provide us with more energy as compared to the crude oil energy (Behrens 78). Never has it ever been recorded that people fright for cooking oil that is made from natu ral vegetables. However from the movie it is also evident that oil cost us a lot of lives to import and export. Take a look at the bombing of the twin towers (Fuel). This is just an example of how much pain we aver to go in order to maintain the oil energy that flows into our market. We have to do a lot of things in order to get oil, we have to create enemies and at the same time use force and even soldiers in order to get and maintain the oil that we use. If we didn’t depend on oil then there would be no enmity between the US and Iraq or any Arabian country. However due to our dependency on oil we have to get exposed to terrorists and at the same time have our people killed as we kill others as well so that we can maintain our energy at all times. If we used bio diesel instead of the regular diesel, then there would be no fight for energy as every nation would be able to produce its energy. This means that bio-diesel apart from being cheap and readily available will bring mo re peace to the world as compared to the fights that are seen by oil and the lots of lives that we have to lose because of the fights for oil energy (Behrens 78). If we used clean coal as our source of energy then there would be less pollution to our environment. Before the world was a better place to live in. people could swim anywhere, and eat most of the fish that comes from almost all the waters.

The Evolution Of The Piano Music Essay

The Evolution Of The Piano Music Essay Since the dawn of man music has been played, enjoyed and practiced, and through its practice the instruments used have changed greatly. Throughout the years the piano has changed greatly and as a result many different types have been created, with the creation of new pianos famous artists have chosen to use them for their styles of music, pianos have been used in many genres of music as a result of their various types and the sound produced. The first instrument that relates to the piano is called the Dulcimer, it is considered to be the ancestor to early versions of the piano due to its similar qualities. The dulcimer is played by striking hammers on a series of strings tuned over a flat soundboard. The first actual piano was called the clavichord the first models were build around 1400 but wasnt made popular until three centuries later in the music of Bach when a key is pressed, a vertical brass strip is lifted toward a pair of strings. The virginal which is a small Harpsichord (or instrument whose strings are plucked) was the next advent in the piano; it was louder than the clavichord but lacked u buts dynamic variety. Although originally created in Italy the Spinet was perfected in Britain around the late seventeenth century, the jack mechanism plucks the strings just as the virginal, but the wind shape permits longer strings, increasing the size and expanding the range to as much as five octaves. First created in the fifteenth century, the Harpsichord reached its peak in the period of Bach and Handel. The Harpsichord has longer strings and sounds louder than the clavichord although it has the shape of the modern grand piano. Around 1709, Bartolommeo Cristofori built several instruments in the harpsichord shape but with hammer mechanisms surprisingly like the modern piano action. Because players could control soft and loud which was impossible on plucked keyboard instruments, Cristofori named this instrument the Pianoforte. During the time of Beethoven around the eighteenth century piano builders began to extend the keyboard. Two other important developments were the escapement action for faster repetition of notes and the damper and soft pedals. Pedals were often added to produce exotic effects. During the eighteenth century, many builders tried to apply the upright from to the pianoforte. In 1800 the first satisfactory uprights were invented. The square grand piano was originally designed by German builders around the seventeenth century, they tried to apply the cristoforis pianoforte to the traditional rectangular shape of the clavichord. The Square piano was popular until the late eighteen hundreds an d early nineteen hundreds. During the nineteenth century the piano continued to become more powerful and responsive. Some of the greater improvements were the double-repetition action of the Sebastien Erard which allows very rapid repetition; and the full cast-iron frame developed by Alphaeus Babcock. These developments are the basis for todays modern pianos. The pianos of today incorporate the best qualities of early instruments. Cross stringing which is a way to achieve greater richness of tone by passing more strings over the center of the soundboard. The sostentenuto or middle pedal was introduced in the late nineteenth century, permitting greater musical coloring. The Baroque period, or the time between 1600 and 1700 where new styles if art and architecture flourished in Europe, there where several great musical artists who became known as famous composers. Several of the composers where George Fredric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach. George Fredric Handel was born the son of a barber; Handel ditched a career in law to pursue his love for music. Skilled at the organ, he wrote several church pieces before he acquired a job from prince Ernst of Hanover as a court musician. Not much is known Antonio Vivaldi. But it is know that he wrote many pieces for the church, about 640 all together. He also taught music at several schools. But near the end of his life he lost support and contacts and died an poor man. Johann Sebastian Bach came from a long line of musicians but was the first to become famous outside of his home town. Bach was extremely particular about his music. Often times he would destroy his compositions that he didnt f ind worthy, because of this many of his pieces been lost. His work was very unique, and his use of intertwining melodies and the fugue are trademarks of his genius. During the classical age many advancements where made in the art of music and as these advancements where made new great composers rose to take advantage of them. Joseph Haydn began his career in music at a very young age he had a wonderful singing voice. Eventually his voice broke and his singing career ended, afterwards he switched his focus into composing music. In 1790 he moved to Vienna which he made into the nexus of classical music and taught young composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is considered to be the prince of classical music. Has countless pieces of literature, movies, musicals and plays dedicated to him. He wrote his first symphony at the age of 5 he toured Europe with his father and sister as a novelty act but eventually he grew up and the novelty was gone. From there forward his natural skill at music carried him and as a student of Haydn and Mozart he blossomed into a top notch opera writer, which was his only source of income for many years. His later teaching career was not enough to support him and he died a poor man. Ludwig von Beethoven was not near as talented as Mozart but became known as another child prodigy. At the age of 14 he was given the role of assistant teacher and organist. He received tutoring from both Haydn and Mozart. Although he had a good childhood at the age of 19 his life quickly took a turn for the worse with the death of his mother, he was then left with the role of supporting his entire family. As a result of his troubled youth he became a very disturbed and angry person, this was portrayed in his music which was fiery and emotional. Felix Mendelssohn was born into a rich and musically talented family and as a result was introduced into music at a young age. He was very talented and his music was very popular at there time of writing. His piano concerto in G minor And My Heart will go on is considered to be the most played concerto of all time. His music for the play A Midsummer nights Dream in addition to its popularity during its time is still played at modern weddings. Mendelssohn often played pieces by Bach and is credited with bringing back popularity to his music. Johannes Brahms lived during the romantic age but wrote classical music. At the beginning of his carreer he played mostly in bars and as a result he gained the knowledge of many dance tunes. Once Mendelssohn graduated from playing in bars and brothels he started serious composing he was considered a genius for h is music. During the romantic era many changes where made to the way the piano was used. Frederic Chopin was one of those artists, his pieces for the piano the piano where groundbreaking and pushed the limits of what the piano was thought to be capable of. Is innovations completely changed how the piano was treated in music. Franz Lizt was another is considered to be one of the most talented pianists the world has ever seen. His concerts where often completely sold out. Because of the way he played he often has a second piano prepared incase he broke the first one. The piano in its various forms have been used throughout time as entertainment for many cultures. As a result of its popularity and interest from innovative artists it has changed greatly, and more modern variations are used in many genres of music.

History of Web Based Learning :: Internet Computers Technology Essays

History of Web Based Learning Most students canÏ€t wait to graduate high school and move on to college. They canÏ€t wait to get away from home to experience new things. What happens if a student canÏ€t afford college or they just arenÏ€t ready to leave home? How do you complete a Masters or Doctorate program at the age of 51 with three children? This is where web-based learning comes into play. When people think of web-based learning, they tend to picture a man talking you through the computer. That is what I believed until my sister decided to get her master degree online. She worked like a dog; writing papers, attending mandatory chats online, watching videos, and implementing lessons into her classroom. It was not the easy ride that I believed. The emergence of powerful computers has rekindled the hope that machines might act as teachers and make learning easier. Each person learns in his or her own way. No matter what, people need to actively participate to absorb knowledge. Web based learning has a history that isnÏ€t just sitting back watching the computer monitor. Computers can only make knowledge acquisition more interesting or less expensive or both. This is why the student who canÏ€t afford to go to college can take some courses from home. Also, many people simply canÏ€t learn in a classroom environment. Using the web gives the learner a change of pace that makes learning fun. Many forty to fifty years olds may feel very uncomfortable walking around on a college campus. They may be seeking career changes and the Internet allows for the anonymity that is not available anywhere else. Web based learning does not have to take place solely on a college campus. Many elementary and secondary school teachers may assign web projects because à ¤since its ease of use makes the Internet trivially accessible to pupils with no prior knowledge of computers, programming or even networking, making it more tempting for teachers to take advantage of it. My teachers did not utilize the web that often, but when they did, I enjoyed it be cause it was a change of pace.

Assignment 1 Trends in the Workplace Essay

Predict three (3) human resource functions that are likely to be affected by the implementation of an MRP system. Propose two (2) ways in which you as a human resource manager can help the organization carry out this change successfully. As material resource planning (MRP) involves the initiation of the automation of planning needs for resources, ordering materials, and scheduling tasks to be completed on the shop floor; it is to be expected that certain functions of human resources will be directly affected with the implementation of the MRP system. The first of these would be job analysis which is the process of getting detailed information about the job and job design which involves defining the way work will be performed and the tasks involved in completing those requirements. Obviously the shift from manual process to automation will change the standards for certain task requirements and necessitate the assessment of standards of performance. This leads directly to the affectation of a second human resource function of training and development. Training and development will become a priority as the MRP system will require dedicated orientation to introduce the systems to the employees. This will need to be a well planned undertaking for information, disclosure and inquiry response. Skill development will also need to be provided to prepare the users of the new systems for the task the implementing of automated systems can cause unrest in a business setting so it is important that employee relations and communications be kept transparent making this the third human resource function to be affected as the MRP system is implemented. Two ways in which human resource managers should be prepared to implement this change successfully is to first be fully vested in the resource that is human capital. Human resource managers should be prepared to identify those individuals who have the skill set to complete the transition for the prescribed tasks by clearly stating the task, its objectives and setting realistic goals and attainment periods. Secondly, human resource managers are to make sure the employees progress matches the goals that have been set forth. This is performance management and is critical in a transitional period. Determine three (3) human resource skills that would be important for success in leveraging the new MRP system. An undertaking of the magnitude of the MRP transition will require the use of many human resource management skills. The most important of these skills is the ability to effectively communicate. This includes written communication skills, oral communication skills and both verbal and non verbal skills and active listening can be included here as well. Critical thinking will be needed to make decisions for situations that may arise during the transition as well. Lastly, a strong sense of judgment and decision making abilities will be required. There will no doubt be times human resource managers may be called upon to make instant decisions or implement changes in an effort to complete the transition as complex issues arise. These times will require an aggressive approach to meet the quality and standards of the business. Based on the planned growth of the organization, predict three (3) factors that might impact the organization’s ability to hire new employees that possess the technical skills needed to perform a job. One factor that may have an impact the organizations ability to hire new employees that possess the desired technical skills for the performance of a job is initially recognizing the need to hire or promote a current vacancy. A second factor is determining the relevance of the current job description and whether it is in full alignment with the now automated position. This might require a simple review of the current job analysis paying close attention to the level of skill required for completing the task. Finally, a clear identification of the duties and responsibilities should be presented in order to solicit an eligible workforce. . References Essentials of human resource management. S. Tyson. Elsevier. 2008. 464. Human resource management: contemporary approach. Textbook. J. Beardwell, T. Claydon. Pearson. 2010. 710 p. Whitehill. A. M. Japanese management: tradition and transition. Publisher, Routledge, 1991.

Elderly Drivers Informational Essay

Informational Essay Currently there is an extremely important issue that the public should understand more about due to its enormous impact on many citizens. This issue pertains to the safety concern surrounding the elderly while operating a motor vehicle past the age of 70 years old. This debate whether old people should be allowed to drive is often brought up by younger drivers, the reality is that all able bodied people who are physically and mentally healthy should be able to drive but as we grow older it is inevitable that our health will decrease.There are many different arguments on this subject and seems to be a widely spoken debate amongst road users regarding each of their opinions on the possible changes to be made addressing this concern. We can examine the argument by first generally summarizing each side of the argument and their position with supporting evidence of each sides common claims. One of the most common claims made by advocates for the elderly drivers are as following even though the initial licensing procedures vary greatly in the United States.However, those who tend to favor the allowance of elderly citizens to drive on their own, likely believe it is an insult to senior citizens ability to drive and do not support the newly suggested regulations in order for any citizen over the age of 70 to be considered for their license renewal. Most states generally allow license renewal if there are no suspensions on the driver’s license and may require appearing in person. Aside from the general requirements previously stated there are two aspects of the license renewal process that seem to vary substantially among states.Which are the length of time between renewals as well as some additional requirements that may possibly be imposed on older motor vehicle operators. Such legal requirements currently exist in 28 states as well as the District of Columbia who, specifically states that an applicant shall not be required to retake the wri tten exam or road test based solely on advanced age. This regulation is imperative in exemplifying current licensing laws in the other states and their positions held regarding this matter. Some of the more southern states even allow certain privileges or rewards for elderly drivers.For instance, in both Oklahoma and Tennessee, the license renewal fees are reduced for drivers that are 60 years of age or older. Tennessee in particular also permits current drivers past the age of 65 and over to retain a driver’s license which will be indefinitely valid without an expiration date. The laws created by these states contribute to the increase in older drivers and supports their rights. The ability to drive represents a freedom and independence from relying on anyone else, and allows us to feel self-sufficient and capable.It is the belief of many that older drivers should be allowed to drive without any verification of his/her competency and that the elderly should be able to operat e a vehicle independently at their own discretion on the road and renew their driver’s license, without first screening for safety requirements. A survey conducted on www. surveycentral. org, showed a 76. 5% majority of those surveyed in a research study voted that older people should be able to drive if they can pass a driving test.The parties who wish to not enforce further driving laws pertaining to elderly people also believe that a loss of mobility to an elderly person tends to diminish their sense of independence and self-confidence leaving them feeling stranded or alone and ultimately leads to a decrease in the overall quality of life. The author Liisa Hakamies-Blomqvist in her essay â€Å"Older Road Users† supports this position with statistical evidence and research when she reports the following statement: â€Å"Older drivers do not have a higher accident risk than others.They do however have a higher risk of being injured or killed in accidents because of w ith their age there is increasing physical frailty†( Hakamies-Blomqvist, 1997). The license renewal of the elder drivers may pose a problem among older citizens who will soon be approaching this age of evaluation, that are not likely to be cohesive with this proposal for various reasons. The fact that they are soon approaching this period in their life as they are getting older, and certain rights are undoubtedly being taken away from them with mandatory evaluations/examinations can be seen as a human rights issues.However, the main concern held in this matter lies in the safety and well-being of all vehicles including passengers and drivers. According to a recent study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, based on data from 1999-2004 displays statistics to support the claim that laws should be enforced and can be seen in the following surprising fatality rates for drivers: â€Å"Which begin to climb after age 65, and from age s 75 to 84, the rate of about three deaths per 100 million miles driven is equal to the death rate of teenage drivers.Even worse for drivers 85 and older, the fatality rate skyrockets to nearly four times higher than that for teens† (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2004). Various statistics show similar results when comparing fatalities and crash rates involving elderly drivers and is a concern for many people. This concern is exemplified by the following statement by Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association. It's a huge problem, and we really don't have any solutions to it yet,† â€Å"We need to keep moving on it and try to find solutions as quickly as possible†(Harsha, 2004). This is a continuing problem and will only increase in severity as the boom of newly aged senior citizens grows rapidly, and will inevitably be driving on the road with us. This seems like an issue we should be addressing as citizens, however we have n’t been able to come up with any compromise or solution to resolve this problem as of yet.As far as seeing a visible improvement in statistics from any changes made in this effort seem that the only measure scientifically proven to lower the rate of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving elderly drivers is to require the seniors to appear at motor vehicle departments in person to renew their licenses. Research demonstrates that senior citizens who drive are involved in more fatal car accidents than any other driving age group. However, while senior drivers do pose a risk, losing the right to drive may also possibly lead to isolation or depression.Even though many states have implemented various restrictions on senior drivers in an attempt to fix the problem, there have been no successful results overall regarding this issue and so far all attempts seem to be inadequate to fully address the issue and resolve this situation. Therefore, the current challenge that seems to be f acing the community regarding transportation safety is how to provide the elderly with the easy mobility that they are used to having, while at the same time focusing on safety as a main priority.

Ionic Radius Trends in the Periodic Table

Ionic Radius Trends in the Periodic Table The ionic radius of the elements exhibits trends in the periodic table. In general: Ionic radius increases as you move from top to bottom on the periodic table.Ionic radius decreases as you move across the periodic table, from left to right. Although ionic radius and atomic radius do not mean exactly the same thing, the trend applies to atomic radius as well as to ionic radius. Key Takeaways: Ionic Radius Trend on Periodic Table The ionic radius is half the distance between atomic ions in a crystal lattice. To find the value, ions are treated as if they were hard spheres.The size of an elements ionic radius follows a predictable trend on the periodic table.As you move down a column or group, ionic radius increases. This is because each row adds a new electron shell.Ionic radius decreases moving from left to right across a row or period. More protons are added, but the outer valence shell remains the same, so the positively charged nucleus draws in the electrons more tightly. But, for the nonmetallic elements, ionic radius increases because there are more electrons than protons.While the atomic radius follows a similar trend, ions may be larger or smaller than neutral atoms. Ionic Radius and Group Why does radius increase with higher atomic numbers in a group? As you move down a group in the periodic table, additional layers of electrons are being added, which naturally causes the ionic radius to increase as you move down the periodic table. Ionic Radius and Period It might seem counterintuitive that the size of an ion would decrease as you add more protons, neutrons, and electrons in a period, yet, theres an explanation for this. As you move across a row of period of the periodic table, the ionic radius decreases for metals forming cations, as the metals lose their outer electron orbitals. The ionic radius increases for nonmetals as the effective nuclear charge decreases due to the number of electrons exceeding the number of protons. Ionic Radius and Atomic Radius The ionic radius is different from the atomic radius of an element. Positive ions are smaller than their uncharged atoms. Negative ions are larger than their neutral atoms. Sources Pauling, L. The Nature of the Chemical Bond. 3rd ed. Cornell University Press, 1960.Wasastjerna, J. A. On the radii of ions.  Comm. Phys.-Math., Soc. Sci. Fenn.  vol. 1, no. 38, pp. 1–25, 1923.

Remember When essays

Remember When essays Remember when... we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of drive by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat!!!!!!!!!!! This is a quote by Shau Marie, a woman from Wisconsin talking about the way discipline has changed over the years. She was more afraid of what her parents would do you her than being sent to her principles office. Strict discipline is a thing of the past. Things have changed since then. Some people would say for the better, but I would say for the worse. Ask anyone on the street if the modern day family has changed and most of the people asked would say yes. The family has changed and one of the main changes is discipline. It has gone from very strong and strict to almost non-existent. We need to incorporate some of the strict old-fashioned upbringing and discipline used in the past with the new ideas of today. Some of the most important and basic aspects of the discipline of the past were fear and respect. If we establish these same values in the children of today they will in return show respect and appreciation to those around them. Fear was one of the ways to discipline children in the past. Fear is defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. It is a known a fact that a person who thinks him/her is in danger that they will do anything to get out of it. One of the ways that a parent or teacher would install this fear is by threatening the child. A threat could be as simple as a verbal warning or as harsh as a belt or switch being shown. A mild way of carry out this type of discipline would be a simple verbal warning or guilt trip. They can both cause remorse and fear when done sparingly. If used often, they tend to loose their effect. An example of both of these would be If you...

Cause And Effects Of Smog Pollution Environmental Sciences Essay

Cause And Effects Of Smog Pollution Environmental Sciences Essay Smog pollution is a major problem that this planet is suffering from everyday. It has affected our homes, weather, and health. It is a very dangerous situation for us if we do not do anything about it. Smog pollution is caused by chemicals, automobiles, factories and corporations. The greatest thing we can do as a society is try to find a way to help prevent and stop smog pollution. If the people on this planet do not do anything to stop smog pollution we are going to have a BIG problem and it will hurt us in the future. We need a plan and we need to put a stop to smog pollution. The American Lung Association (ALA) has been trying to find ways to help stop and prevent smog pollution from hurting us and the environment. If we can just do our part and find a way to prevent this problem from getting any bigger, it will benefit us all. We all have heard of smog pollution, but do we really know what it is. Smog pollution has many causes that can be hazardous and dangerous to our health a nd well being. The term smog pollution is also known as photochemical smog. It is formed by the interaction with sunlight with different types of chemicals in earth’s atmosphere (Oblack). The main component of smog pollution or photochemical pollution is ozone. Ozone is in the earth’s stratosphere, which the shields the earth from dangerous UV radiation from the sun. The problem with ozone is when it touches down on the earth’s surface it can be very dangerous and can cause serious health problems for people on the planet (Oblack). The ground level ozone is made by the emissions of automobiles that put nitrogen oxide into the air, which is caused by the vehicle’s exhaust fumes (Oblack). The organic components from the fumes combined with the ozone and fume evaporation that combines with sunlight, causes smog pollution on the planet (Oblack). Many people try to find ways to help avoid smog in a more planet friendly environment, so some people use substitut es for their everyday use. There is just one problem with that, and that is the sun. Many people don’t understand that sunlight and warm climates cause pollution. For example, places like California, Florida, and Arizona and even North America are some of the most polluted places in the country (Oblack). Another problem that causes an increase in smog pollution is the increased usage of fossil fuels for industrial, heating, and of course transportation purposes (â€Å"All that smog†). Also, cutting down, burning trees, and disposing of agricultural and organic waste can also lead to emissions of smog pollution and harmful problems for the planet (â€Å"All that Smog†). Sunlight mixed with different types of dangerous chemicals (secondary pollution) also makes it difficult to stop smog pollution from occurring on the surface of the planet (â€Å"All that Smog†), which creates another big problem. Climate is a major factor for the cause of smog pollution. M any places in the world can try to be more environmental friendly to help save our planet. Some people ride bicycles instead of driving cars. Other people try to reduce their use of using fire to warm themselves. The only problem that these people cannot get away from is something that they cannot control, and that is the sun. California is ranked in the top 10 most polluted areas in the United States. Ozone pollution that is caused by the sun has a major affect on this planet. Smog and air pollution is having a serious impact on the environment and can condemn all ecosystems (â€Å"seirraclub†). The reason why the sun causes so many problems is because the ozone layer that is supposed to protect planet earth is practically destroyed. Without the protection, the sun is able to shine radiation onto the planet and is the main reason for many health issues that people go through every day. Issues like skin cancer, radiation poisoning, and sun burn are having fatal affects on peo ple. This type of pollution not only harms humans, but it can also harm wild life and the environment. Smog can harm different plants, which can lead to damaging consequences. Because the plants are damaged, it makes it hard for plants to make and save food for themselves in their living environment (â€Å"seirraclub†). In addition, the sun and smog can destroy leaves and plants it would make many of the plants vulnerable to getting diseases. And, they cannot defend themselves from different types of bugs and insects that can cause a huge decrease in plant life (â€Å"seirraclub†). Smog pollution is a yearly problem for places like Texas, Georgia, Florida, and many other southern and sunny parts of the world, but there is also a big increase in smog pollution in the summer (â€Å"seirraclub†). This is caused by strong sunlight that burns the earth’s surface. However, the one thing that is helping smog pollution is all of the problems that are on this plan et. All of the power plants, automobile emissions, industrial, and chemical vapors are other causes of pollution (â€Å"seirraclub†). Climate changes are part of the problem as well. Within the months of June, July, and August, it makes it harder to try and control the smog pollution, due to the sun. This planet has gone through billions of years of evolution. It survived dinosaurs, the ice age, and the black plague, but because of smog pollution this planet might not be able to survive this new attack.

DragonflyHelm Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

DragonflyHelm - Assignment Example s beauty of the samurais who were wealthy, the armor they used was tailor-made to their specifications while utilizing a variety of materials that ranged from various forms of metal, silk, leather and lacquer. The iconic part as far as Japanese armor is concerned is the head protection that is comprised of fierce-looking facemasks and stagy helmets that are intended to underscore the superhuman image of power of the person who wears it. In Japanese culture, the dragonfly is taken to symbolize martial success as a consequence of the similarity of the term â€Å"victory† to â€Å"dragonfly† in the Japanese language. The dragonfly is a periodic representation that is linked to the late summer through to the early summer season. In general, in Japan, the dragonfly is a representation of strength and happiness as well as courage while regularly appearing in arts and literature, especially haiku (Mitchell and Lasswell 30). Additionally, in ancient mythology, Japan was referred to as Akitsushima that means â€Å"Land of the Dragonflies†. In creating the symbolism with the dragonfly, its back wings are comparatively larger than its front ones and this signifies that times will get better in the future. The nymph, which is the larval stage of the dragonfly feeds on mosquitoes, and this is considered as they action of the young people in the society stopping evil even before the evil begins. Additionally , the dragonfly stops utilizing gills and begins breathing normal air as soon as it gets into contact with it, and this represents quick adaptation to harsh conditions. The Kabuto helmet that is shaped like a dragonfly was made in the seventeenth century in Japan using various material including lacquer, silk, Iron, wood and leather as well as pigments and papier-mà ¢chà ©. Even though the artifact is famous as far as Japanese culture is concerned its artist is not known. High-ranking members of the Japanese society utilized embellishments like this so that they could be located

E-Commerce - Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

E-Commerce - Case Study - Essay Example Since each party has their own case against each other discussing the cases between parties separately for a better understanding of the issues shall be the norm of this paper. At the end of each case an advice will be given from my contemplation of the merits of each of the case. This case study involves A (Alfred), B (Bert), C (CDE Corporation), Freegames, and Freepcgames portal. Freepcgames is a portal that is involved in providing free computer game programs to its subscribers who pays a monthly subscription fee. Freegames is the local company that represents Freepcgames. It should be noted that Freepcgames.com is a portal registered in the United States. From the facts of the case it is not apparent if the use of Freegames or Freepcgames is a registered trademark or company brand name. Several parties each with their own interest and culpabilities have brought legal actions against one another to protect their rights and legal interests. I shall evaluate the merits of each case between the protagonists and the legal anchors if possible shall be used to provide a solid base for the critical analysis. In some cases I shall provide advice on what charge and the basis of the charges to bring the other party to court. There will be instances wherein I will be providing legal advice or defence for Freegames, since for all intents and purposes Freegames, is my client in this simulated legal situation. The legal advice provided herein remains a theoretical exercise and shall be a hyperbolic representation of an actual legal advice that may be provided to resolve legal issues for Freegames in the future that relates to the instant issues. A (Alfred) vs. Freepcgames.com From the facts of the case it is evident that the whole problem started with Alfred’s use of his company’s resources for personal gain. His case against Freepcgames,com for the recovery of his money shall not prosper because the case arose from his own negligence. A, agreed to the terms and condition of Freegames at the onset and therefore any problem arising from the use of his username and password combination is his responsibility. It should be noted that â€Å"Duty of Care†1 in order for Tort to settle against Freegames the claimant should have his hands dry and clean. Washing his hands of his own culpability and assigning blame to Freepcgames contrary to the tenets of the law and it is against the ambit of human morality. Lord Atkin has set down the test when ‘duties of care’ arises in the following details of Donohue v Stevenson. â€Å"You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour. Who then, in law is my neighbour? The answers seems to be – persons who are closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in my contemplation as being so affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions which are called into q uestions†(per Lord Atkin [1932] AC 562 at p 580) It should be noted, that the username, password combination is the established means in which the identity of a person transacting business in the internet is established. With the express understanding of the user or customer of any internet based commercial entity that his username password combination is in fact his identity as far as this internet based commercial entity is concerned. A, therefore is not only expected to be more prudent in

The Ethical Aspects Of The Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Ethical Aspects Of The Engineering - Essay Example This will mean that I need to keep abreast of the technicalities that keep on changing with the passage of time, and the trivial issues that even though are not very useful to know but finding information about them is not a bad thing after all. This is one of the significant elements of my understanding as far as the engineering discipline is concerned, and how I need to move ahead with the changing time dimensions (Kettunen, 2000). Similarly, I must also be well-equipped of the diverse fields of health and safety, because they play a dire role in educating the people regarding the engineering aspects. The environment-related premise is also fundamental towards knowing where and how changes need to be brought in and how these could be resolved to achieve an amicable result all the same. In the same vein, I must also be well-informed of the various legalities that bring a form of genuineness to the whole dynamics of engineering and how electrical engineering is covered from a number of different angles. I believe knowing all these aspects is of immense importance for me because these will help me to grow and develop my means beyond a certain level. What is even more significant is my understanding of the attached links that come in close association with the field of engineering and how engineers at large are provided benefits by the different rules and policies. Since the field of electrical engineering is closely related to risk, identifying the same will only help the engineer to grow beyond a certain level (Johnson, 2004). This will be the basis of his eventual development within the field of electrical engineering. I am sure that if I commit myself wholeheartedly towards this task, much success will come about in the coming times. If I am aware of the looming dangers that haunt my understanding of the engineering field, I will be at par with the very best in this business. This will make me feel at ease with the dangers that haunt the electrical engineers on a consistent basis. Also, it will allow me to inculcate similar measures to the people who are around me or who work along with me. This will make me feel content with what I am doing professionally and how I am growing up and advancing beyond certain means. The professional world of engineering is indeed a very exciting one as has been proven with due research and evidence of study basis. The ethical documentation of an engineer is all the more pertinent to understand since he has to go through the human interaction basis within his work tasks that make him stay one step ahead of his processes at all times. This is indicative of how well he comprehends the nuances of work and what kind of challenges he has to face on a proactively consistent basis. What is even more interesting to note is the fact that engineering in itself is such a platform from where many success areas can be tapped, and more so when the discussion centers on the premise of bringing about development within t he human interactions with gadgets, electrical appliances and so on. What this suggests is an understanding of many different things, and not just which focus on electrical engineering realms alone.

Quality Function Deployment - Carry out a QFD assessment. & Submit a Essay

Quality Function Deployment - Carry out a QFD assessment. & Submit a completed 'House of Quality' diagram to show the results - Essay Example The first brick or building block should give us some information about what our target audience wants. Analyzing performance of our hand held battery operated drill among the target audience of small business operators they gave us answers in deep expecting â€Å"Voice of the Customer† that main features they require from a hand held drill are time of operation before it needs recharging, its weight as they have to carry it and hammering speed if they need to drill into concrete. (Akao, Yoji., 1990) They were not concerned about other features like durability, parts and service availability, warranty, price or maintenance so we did not have to group customer wishes into smaller groups in a way of affinity or a tree diagram. In our next step we encounter Planning Matrix at the right side of QFD house modeled matrix. Its function is many-fold as it quantifies the â€Å"Voice of the Customer† and allows for its adjustments with the issues concerning the design team. (Gibs on, J., 1995) First we need to get our customers rate how important is for them chosen requirement that we found asking them on the left side of the house. (Gaucher, E., Coffey R., 1993) We can gather this information by questionnaires where customers can rate how important the feature is for them on a scale from 1-5 or 1-10 or we can use analytical hierarchy process by combining two features and asking them which one means more to them. The second method requires a little more work on our side. At the same time when we already have a customer willing to cooperate we should also ask if she/he can evaluate his satisfaction with our product and some competitors products as a whole and by separate features. Once done and statistically measured this number are basis for comparison and calculations of Planned Satisfaction Rating, Improvement Factor, Sales Point, and Overall Weighting. Our customers gave us Feature Importance rating of 4.5 for ability to work longer without recharging 2.7 for having hammering ability and 1.8 to be light to carry around. They marked our product with 3.6 for battery life, 1.8 for easy carrying and 3.1 for hammering ability. Competitor A and B got the following marks respectively: battery life 3.2 and 2.9, easy to carry 2.9 and 3.7, and for hammering ability 1 and 4.4. (Akao, Y., 1990) Our guys from technical department added a column for Planned Satisfaction Rating at 4 for battery life, 2 for easy carry and unchanged for hammering ability. Thus improvement factor for battery life came at 1.4, for easy to carry feature at 1.2 and unchanged 1 for hammering ability. We thought that battery life could be our next sales point so we added additional 1.5 weights to it from sales perspective. (Cooper, R., 1993) The third building block oh the â€Å"House of Quality† matrix consists of technical requirements recognized as the Voice of the Company. (Gibson, J., 1995, p.8) QFD team here identifies all measurable characteristics of the pr oduct as they relate to customer wish list. A line can be added here that shows whether we need to increase or decrease the feature as decrease to make it lighter or increase to make it last longer. In our case we noted battery life increase requirement and weight decrease requirement while we think that we are on the money with one hammering speed. In the middle section of the â€Å"House of Quality† matrix we assign different weights to relationships. This is rather subjective and may lead to wrong

International Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

International Management - Case Study Example The Chinese market compares favorably in terms of skills, flexibility as well as hard work while compared with the American market. Besides, the company enjoys ease of management of supply chains in China when compared with the same in America and this enables rapid access of the products across different part of the world. The Chinese government offers subsidies as well as streamlining regulations in order to boost manufacturing industries, which is favorable to Apple Company. However, the main threat that the company faces while operating in China is the threat of having more labor demands as labor organizations gain ground in improving employees’ welfare, which implies increased costs of operations through higher wage bills, which subsequently lowers the company’s profitability (Anon, 34-35). Among other obligations that the Apple company must meet towards its customers is the design and creation of high quality products which will ensure customer value and which will meet health standards for the welfare of the customers. Besides, Apple Company is obliged to increase persistently in research undertakings in order to keep improving on products offered to the customers.On the other hand, Apple Company is obliged to ensure value for shareholders investments through continued profitability. This explains the efforts that the management puts towards ensuring that the company runs profitably and ensuring that costs are minimized as possible while increasing sales. Finally, the company is in contract with Faxconn Company for assembly of the products and is therefore obliged to keep the company running through continuous supply of raw materials. Apple Company must also ensure that terms of contract between itself and Foxconn are honored. On the other hand, Foxconn have an obligation to the apple company in ensuring that high quality products are assembled and ensuring

Critically assess the changing relationships between TNCs and nation Essay - 1

Critically assess the changing relationships between TNCs and nation states, comparing their respective roles, objectives, flexibility and power - Essay Example In a recent attempt, globalization has been described as â€Å"a process that encompasses the causes, course, and consequences of transnational and trans-cultural integration of human and non-human activities† (Al-Rodhan and Stoudmann, 2006). Information technology (IT) has played a very important role in the globalization of economies across the world. Improvements in information technology from the early 90’s and the growth of disruptive internet technology, computer hardware and software have made it easier for both business enterprises and common people to access information. It has turned the world into a small global village. Improvements in technology have brought down the cost of doing business by all sectors of the economy and contributed in their efficiency gain. Information technology has made it easier for companies to restructure their business practices by modifying their inventory management system and â€Å"just-in-time† production technologies. Nation states have been described as a state which has the basic function of creating a cultural self-identity based on the strength of its national identity. It has been argued that the very creation of the nation state is a type of an invention that signifies a combination of nation and a state. A nation state is connected in terms of its nationality, social and cultural aspects and a strongly organized political system that works in best interest of the nation. The role of the nation state has changed considerably in the era of globalization. In the modern era, the role of the nation state has changed from that of a chief political organization. In the present times they are adapting themselves to become the singular units that can meet the needs of its local people at a time when world economies are integrating strongly. In a research that has been conducted by Zhou (2011) it has been highlighted that sovereignty of nation state has become more complex, conditional and

International Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

International Management - Case Study Example The Chinese market compares favorably in terms of skills, flexibility as well as hard work while compared with the American market. Besides, the company enjoys ease of management of supply chains in China when compared with the same in America and this enables rapid access of the products across different part of the world. The Chinese government offers subsidies as well as streamlining regulations in order to boost manufacturing industries, which is favorable to Apple Company. However, the main threat that the company faces while operating in China is the threat of having more labor demands as labor organizations gain ground in improving employees’ welfare, which implies increased costs of operations through higher wage bills, which subsequently lowers the company’s profitability (Anon, 34-35). Among other obligations that the Apple company must meet towards its customers is the design and creation of high quality products which will ensure customer value and which will meet health standards for the welfare of the customers. Besides, Apple Company is obliged to increase persistently in research undertakings in order to keep improving on products offered to the customers.On the other hand, Apple Company is obliged to ensure value for shareholders investments through continued profitability. This explains the efforts that the management puts towards ensuring that the company runs profitably and ensuring that costs are minimized as possible while increasing sales. Finally, the company is in contract with Faxconn Company for assembly of the products and is therefore obliged to keep the company running through continuous supply of raw materials. Apple Company must also ensure that terms of contract between itself and Foxconn are honored. On the other hand, Foxconn have an obligation to the apple company in ensuring that high quality products are assembled and ensuring

How American Sugar Buys Protection Essay Example for Free

How American Sugar Buys Protection Essay 1. The US General Accounting Office (2002) estimates that the sugar program cost domestic sweetener users about $1. 5 billion in 1996 and about $1. 9 billion in 1998. Can you validate this statement by using Probit and Tobit analysis. 2. What diagnostics are generally (multicollinearity and normality? ) run on Tobit and Probit? Do the diagnostics method differ for binomial and multinomial (say trinomial) probit? 3. â€Å"Sugar takes into account the potential influence ( power) of a party in allocating its contributions†- Explain the statement. Also give examples to prove your explanation. 4. There exists a relationship between campaign contributions and the state a Senator represents—Explain this statement and use Probit and Tobit analysis to prove your answer. Reference: US General Accounting Office (2002). Sugar Program: Supporting Sugar Prices Has Increased Users’ Costs While Benefiting Producers, GAO/RCED-00-126. http://faculty. washington. edu/belas/543/GAOSugar. pdf. http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/12_december/08/todd_making.shtml

Implications of Human Resource Department Becoming Strategic

Implications of Human Resource Department Becoming Strategic The human resource management is a coherent and much strategic way of managing companys highly valued assets, who the people working in an organization and either individual or collectively ensure the attainment of the organizational goals and objectives. The terminology human resource management and human resource have taken over the place of personnel management, as an explanation of the procedures involved in the management of people in any organization. HRM simply implies to the process of employing individuals, develop their abilities, using them, maintaining them and make their compensation. Through research, a number of articles have been produced proposing certain HR activities that are much linked to strategies of businesses. Furthermore, recent studies have started looking at determinants of human resource practice from the strategic point of view, (Beaumont, 1991). The Role of theory in SHRM Since SHRM exist in an applied nature, it is much significant that the field uses theoretical models that provide room for prediction and understanding the impacts of HR activities in the functioning of a company. It is just till recent that, that the most inadequacies of SHRM, was the lack of theoretical basis that is much strong, that allows the viewing of HRM functioning in larger companies. According to Zedeck and Cisco, (1984), the matters of HRM are part of a system that is much open, and research lacks theories, unless put under broader organizations contexts. Concerning the SHRM dependant variables, it has been stated that, it will be very significant to develop articulated personnel theory that draws from the human resource management. This field instead of having theories, it is characterized by descriptive typologies in place of good theories. The writings in the field of SHRM are just concerned with real advices of empirical data. The SHRM is described as plethora of stat ements since the field lacks proper theories, (Hill Jones, 1998). Though there has been an explicit proposed connection between business strategies and the practices of HR, strategic intent has been viewed as being one determinant of such like practices. Some theoretical models leave out business strategy as a HR practice determinant. By concentrating on determinants that are not as an effect of proactive decision making, it has been argued that SHRM has to look into political and institutional determinants of the HR activities, to the extent of predicting and understanding decision processes of SHRM. The coordination of slate of HR deeds towards some strategic ending has been hindered by the political and institutional forces. Strategic theories of HRM From the time of strategic introduction in the management field, industrial companies strategists have mainly dependent on single frame work of SWOT analysis. The main assistance to the strategy, literature has been centred on portions of these competitive advantages models. It has been argued that SHRM entails two key functions, namely; management of competence and management of behaviours. Competence management entails factors that companies does not ensure its employees have needed skills in execution of some strategies. This take into consideration negotiations with external workers for the attraction, selection, retention and the usage of employees with required skills, knowledge and capabilities for the execution of the strategic business plan. Competence acquisition refers to the practices like selection that ensure organizations employees have the much competence required. Competence utilization involves activities that use latent skills that in the previous strategy had been seen unnecessary. Retention of competence on the other hand refers to the strategies that aim at the retention various competences in the company via the reduction of turnover and continuous training. Lastly, displacement of competence entails practices that target the removal of competencies that are seen not to be necessary for the companys strategy, (Charles Jones, 1998). Management of behaviour on its side, once employees with needed skills and competence are brought in the organization, they work collectively or individually to ensure that they are giving support to the strategy of the organization. Behavioural control on its part entails practices like performance appraisal and systems of pay that looks forward in controlling behaviours of workers, to ensure that they are in line with companys goals. Strategies of coordinating behaviours entail appraisal and organizational development practices that coordinates behaviours across employees to support the strategy of the organization, (Fombrun, Tichy, Devanna, 1984). Snells model of control theory model emphasizes on the importance of coordinating various HRM practices. On the other hand, it explicitly recognizes the imperfect nature of making decisions in SHRM because of bounded uncertainties. Other models assume that environmental and strategic competencies and the real competencies and behavioural responsibility are much important in achieving the strategy. Good HRM activities that elicit such like competencies and behaviours are exactly known in this model. In cybernetic sense, control theory is a dynamic model of continuous environmental monitoring and internal alterations. The HRM activities and adjustments that correspond, these activities whenever outcome tends to move away from the desired system. The agency cost theory model has been connected to the human resources through bureaucratic costs concept. These costs are transaction costs that that are mostly associated with human resource management in a given hierarchy. In this, the HRM activities allow the measurement of contributions that are unique. They also provide enough rewards for personal performances. The agency theory has been used in explaining determinants of things like systems of compensation, (Peter John, 2003). Due to the fact that transaction cost model has been used in strategic management literature, it is now also possible to apply theoretical framework in finding a relation between strategy and SRHM. It might look intuitive that strategy of a company can have an impact on the work nature. To the level that work nature changes, to either have more or less uncertainties. The types of HRM systems are important to monitoring inputs, manners, and even the output changes. This framework provides theoretical foundation for looking at the reasons that makes different strategic decisions giving rise to different HRM activities, (Porter, 1985). Academic Theory Over the last 20 years, empirical studies have been done to find the connection between the HRH and the performances of the organization. Strategic human resource entails three strands of work; Best fit, Best practice and Resource Based. The idea of best practice suggests that the adoption of some best practices in Human Resource management results in better organizations performances. It has been argued by (Pfeffer, 1994) that there exist seven best practices that can be used to attain competitive advantage through individuals and profit building by placing people first. They include employment security, selective hiring, information sharing, intensive training, self-management teams, high pay and reduction of status differentially. Best practice is to be implemented in bundles hence difficult to identify which is the best, as shown by (Elwood et al 1996). Research has shown that best fit argues that HRM improves performance where there exist close vertical fit between HRM practices and the strategies of the company. This enhances coherency between HR people processes and the external market. There are many theories on the nature of this vertical integration. Lifestyle models explain that the policies and practices of HR can be mapped on the on the stage of organizations development. The competitive advantage model, takes the views of porter about the strategic choice and places arrange of HR practices onto the firms choice of the competitive strategies. The configuration model provides a sophisticated approach which advocates for close examination of the firms strategy so that appropriate HR practices and policies can be determined. On the other hand, this method assumes that organization strategies can be identified- many firms exist in a state of development and flux, (Legge, 1989). Recent studies have shown that resource based view forms the foundation of modern human resource management. It concentrates on the internal resources of an organization and how they usually contribute to the competitive advantage. The uniqueness of such resources is preferred to homogeneity. The HRM has the central responsibility of to develop human resources that are rare, valuable, effectively organized and difficult to copy and or substitute. Generally the HRM theory explains that that, the objective of human resource management to assist organizations meet their strategic goals by maintaining and attracting employees on top of effectively managing them. HRM ensures a fit between the firms employees management and overall firms strategic direction, as concluded by (Elwood et al 1996). Strategic Human Resource Evaluation Over the years, companies have realized that workers are needed to be looked upon as competitive advantage. As an impact, the HR department is developing from carrying out simple administrative issues, to being strategic partners. The department has been given the responsibility of ensuring that company objectives have been attained. This development needs new methods of defining and assessing the successes of HR development. It is not sufficient to measure it basing on traditional operational methods of internal efficiency. Due to this, the department of HR, need to value of their strategic participations (Angel, Elizabeth, 2003). Years back, HR department used to measure their achievements by looking at how busy they were, the number of employees recruited or even interviewed among other things. This measure depicted HR practices as being administrative functions required to execute practices t5hat are related to personnel. This HR functioning conception has really changed as companies have started realizing the potential competitiveness of their employees. A large number of organizations are putting in much effort in designing practices of HR that give room for the development of the strategic value of their employees. This approach that is on the way coming, SHRM, calls for the expansion of HR role that involves strategic on top of administrative functions. To change the centred HR also needs the development of new methods of defining and assessing the Hr duties, (Porter, 1985). The modern functions of HR, includes four major complimentary duties. The first role is excellence in administrative work; this role is much significant due to its immediate way of participating in to the efficiency of the organization, and usually helps in building the credibility that is much needed in assuming other influential roles. Secondly; the duty of HR, professionals have to know that employees are champions in all the ways. By recognizing the value of committed, and motivated, the HR has to play his or her critical roles of advocating employees. The department of HR is supposed to be the voice of employees in management discussions, on top of which, the department has initiate programs that airs issues and employee concerns and issues. The two additional roles that modern departments of human resource management are these concerned with the strategic partner, and an agent of change. Since the department is a strategic partner, it calls for continuous evaluation of the alignment between modern practices of HR and the business goals of the organization. It also calls for continuous effort in designing policies and activities that ensures that this alignment is maximized. The professionals in HR have to assist in determining the current culture of the company. Also the structure has to change towards the direction that supports strategy of the company. At the same time, the department of human resource needs to play the main role in management and implementation such like changes that have been established. By assessing potential sources, of resistance to these changes and the collaboration with line managers in ensuring that they overcome these hindrances. The roles that were mentioned earlier, about administrative expertise and champions of employees, are considered day-to-day and operational nature. On the other hand, the duties of strategic partners and agents of changes, stands in for the developing strategic dimensions of the duties of HR. in a similar fashion, the duties of administrative expertise, and the deal of strategic partner with the operations, whilst the champions of employee and agents of change duties concentrates on individuals, (Angel, Elizabeth, 2003). This turn that is taking place in strategic HR functions, makes one to have expectations of observing trends that are parallel in the manner in which the department of HR evaluates its own performances. On the other hand, traditional measures, indicates the degree of operation efficiency, the effects of specific programs of HR, on the strategic objectives of the firm have to be assessed too. This new changes are based on deliverable individuals not on variables that are dabbles. The Department Of HR Challenges in Becoming Strategic Partners Avoiding strategic plans on top of Shelf, though many strategies have been written, only a few have been acted upon. There have been the creation of many visions, but only a few have been realized. Comparing the missions that have been expounded, but only a percentage has been executed. Becoming a member of strategic partner, have a meaning that explains the turning strategic statements into a set of companies action. The process of overcoming SPOTS challenge, calls for professions in HR to forces issues of an organization into strategic discussions, before deciding on the issues that are strategies. The department of HR is supposed to facilitate diagnosis of the organization, which in brief explains on how aligned strategies of business are to the culture of the organization, (Humanresourcesdegreeonline, 2010). Another challenge is the creation of a balanced scorecard. The idea of balanced scorecard has been in existence for long time; however, its application is the one that has been made popular. A scorecard that is much balanced centres on serving many stakeholders, and can be total index in assessing the executive. Conclusion The implications of the human resource department becoming strategic clearly show that there is a change from personnel management to HRM. The implications of department show that the utilization of human resource at different times has played an important role making the department to become strategic. The aspects of human resource management have been designed in a way that it concurs with the needs of surrounding in which changes to SHRM. The basic aspects of SHRM, is rooted on assumption that the human resource strategy can in one way or the other assist in attaining business strategies but also vindicated by it, (Nadeem, 2009). This concepts validity rely on the extent at which it is assumed that individuals create added value, and as a result, there is need for them to be handled as a resource that is much strategic. SHRM is real only when translated into theoretical models and then implemented through personnel strategies. Human resource department needs a shift towards a macr o-point of view, to apply to the broader part of the organization. In fact, there need to be commitments on high quality in the company, which then will become more productive in the firm. Basing on the same point, a stronger leadership group is needed in the department for the exploration of both human and non-human resources.

Odyssey, Learning About Himself :: essays research papers

In the Odyssey, written by Homer, Odysseus learned a lot about himself and what he had to do to become a better overall human. The adventures he goes on, I think, opens his eyes to a world in which he thought he was invincible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With the Odyssey, Odysseus learned a big lesson in humility. The greatest example of this is in the last five books or so within the story. He has to dress, act, and live like a beggar in order to regain everything he had lost. While he was a beggar, the suitors treated him horribly. Antinous, leader of the suitors, was the worst of them all. He was the first to mistreat Odysseus and planned to kill Telemachus. He was also the one that would abuse him physically and verbally for some time to come. Also, if that weren’t enough, he planned a boxing match for Odysseus to be in to watch him get beat up. All this was happening and the other suitors were most likely following their leader in whatever he was doing. Odysseus had to control himself the whole time this was happening. If he had lost his temper, the suitors would have killed him, his son, and most likely taken over the kingdom. That didn’t happen though. Odysseus learned self -control and humility. He may not be perfect at it, but going through all the humility made him a better man. Along the same topic, he was a king going through this humility. It would be one thing for a peasant to go through it, but a king? This made it even harder for Odysseus. He had rank above all the suitors and could rightly kick them out of his kingdom. Instead he waits for the right time and kills them all. The â€Å"pre-journey† Odysseus would of thought of himself invincible and probably would have died trying to get his kingdom back.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Along the same line as humility comes pride. Odysseus had more pride and cockiness than any of the characters I have read about this semester. He didn’t seem as bad in the Iliad, but the Odyssey really showed him in a different light. He had to swallow his pride when he had to come back to his home and get it back. Just in the fact that he came back at all was pride swallowing. He lost all of his men.

Classroom Behavior Essay -- essays research papers

Would you be surprised to learn that in today’s classroom children sometimes aren’t learning due to behavioral issues? Teachers are attempting to teach classes in which students can be disruptive, disrespectful and defiant. Classrooms are often overcrowded which adds to the frustration of the situation. Teachers are often tempted to take the easy way out, using antiquated strategies that will usually not help the child to learn. In fact, some types of punishments can actually cause the child to become even more rebellious. The child can experience a sense of worthlessness after being punished again and again. Children do not act out because they are â€Å"bad.† They act out in the hopes of receiving some kind of response or reward. In the past, children who acted out were classified as â€Å"bad kids† therefore were isolated or punished and often wound up slipping through the cracks of the educational system. Recently, some teachers have been attempting to help the behaviorally challenged child. Instead of isolating, punishing, labeling or ignoring a child, with work we can help them to become a part of the class. Teachers also have the power to help the child who would have once been considered a â€Å"lost cause† to learn. Many researchers have worked on learning about the causes of behavioral problems and possibly more importantly, have suggested some solutions to the problem. Behavioral theorists include B.F. Skinner, E. Thorndike, and William Glasser to name a few. Although their research and theories go by different names they all have one thing in common. All o f the above theorists are, in effect, saying that we are not going to change the child’s behavior by changing the child. We must change our reaction to the behavior in order to change it. The idea that bad behavior should not be rewarded is a basic concept. When one rewards any kind of behavior, bad or good, that behavior will continue. Children are especially quick to catch on to what kind of behavior will get them the result that they desire. B.F. Skinner, a behavioral theorist, says that â€Å"when a particular Stimulus–Response (S-R) pattern is reinforced (rewarded), the individual is conditioned to respond.† Skinner’s theory is known as Operant Conditioning (Skinner, 1950-71). Although it seems basic or common sense it is easy to forget that each behavior displayed addresses a need. That need may be attention... ...t every student will understand or grasp every lesson. The important thing to remember is that the student who tries needs to be rewarded too. When using the reward system, teachers need to make the result that we desire the same result that the child desires. This is very tricky. William Glasser’s â€Å"having fun† need comes into play here. The lessons have to be fun for the student that participates. On the other hand the student who is disruptive or refuses to participate should be uncomfortable due to his or her â€Å"attitude.† The norm should be participation and appropriate behavior. If teachers continue to try different strategies in the classroom and pay attention to the theorist’s research and suggestions, they will find that there are less children falling through the cracks of the educational system. References Boeree, George C. (1998). Abraham Maslow. Personality Theories http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html. Boatman, Andrew Mclain. (1998). Educational Theory Handbook. http://www.theshop.net/aboatman/edtheory.htm. Skinner B.F. Operant Conditioning. 1950-1971. http://tip.psychology.org/skinner. Thorndike, E. Connectionism. (1913-1928). http://tip.psychology.org/thorn.html.

Family Ties, Family Lost

The short story of Faulkner depicts the reality of life that is applicable to our world now. In most, if not all, societies, sons and daughters are below the level of the parents because they are younger and less experienced in life. Children are expected to obey their parents because parents know what is right and what is best for their families. After all, they have lived longer. Twinned with this obligation to obey their parents is the children’s duty to be loyal to the family.Blood if thicker than water, they say. Ties that bind the family are of a different kind, something that is not easily broken. In fact, his being a civil war veteran sealed the cuffs on his family. His wife could not say anything about his barn burning ways and neither can his sister. If the older people cannot stand up to Abner, there was no way that his son, Satry, can stand up for his own either. The way Abner Snopes had tied his son, Satry, to their family is not something that should be admired.A bner had so much influence over his family, especially over his son, that Satry cannot make a decision for himself. Blind adherence to the principles of obedience and family loyalty had tied him so tightly that when the time came that he was about to stand up for what he believed was right and moral, it was too late. His father was already dead. The last part of the story actually reminded me of the movie American History X, wherein the older brother was a convicted white supremacist who heavily influenced his younger brother.When the time came that the older brother was trying to reverse every single thing that he had taught his younger brother, somebody kills his brother. But even if he was too late, I admire the courage of Satry to leave behind the place that imprisoned his principles and to face the world on his own. In a sense, his father’s death was the baptism of Satry into the realities of the real world: that blind adherence to family can only get you so far and that at the end of the day, it is your principles, in Satry’s case justice, that will take you through this world.Parents will always have influence and power over their children, in the same way that Abner had so much influence of Satry. But it must be conceded that there should be a balance between the parents wanting what is best for their children and what the children think are the core principles and beliefs in their life. It is enough that the parents try to teach their children but at the end of the day, every single decision must be made by the child. After all, it would be the children who would live their lives and not their parents.

Grapes of Wrath: Book and Film Comparison Essay

John Steinbeck was an American author of twenty-seven books, including sixteen novels, six non-fiction books, and numerous short stories. Steinbeck is widely known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden and the novella Of Mice and Men. Born in Salinas, California in 1902, Steinbeck spent most of his life in Monterey County, the setting of much of his fiction such as the novel Cannery Row, a novel depicting the canning Co in Monterey at the time. He attended Stanford University between 1920-1926. Steinbeck did not graduate from Stanford, but instead chose to support himself through manual labor while writing. Being part of the labor force during this time greatly influence many of his novels. Steinbeck’s first novel, Cup of Gold, was published in 1929, and was followed by The Pastures of Heaven and, in 1933, To a God Unknown. Steinbeck married Carol Henning in 1930 and lived with her in Pacific Grove, California. He spent much of his time in Mont erey. Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962, and died in New York City in 1968. The Grapes of Wrath, is written by Steinbeck and published in 1939. Steinbeck does an excellent job in this novel by capturing a significant event in history, the Dust Bowl, which displaced millions of Americans. The agricultural industry changes and bank foreclosures forced tenant farmers of the land they’ve live on for generations as depicted in the novel with the Joad Family. As the novel opens, Tom has returned home after serving a jail sentence. The Dust Bowl has decimated the region; foreclosures have forced the farmers off the land. Tom and the a retired preacher Jim Casy decide to accompany Tom’s family to the promise land of California where work is plentiful and wages are high. Things however are not the way they’ve been told. The constant inflow of displace tenant farmers has dramatically increased the demand for work while also deflating wages. Upon arrival, the Joad family are purposefully made to feel unwelcome. Desperate for work, they submit themselves to the abuse from the Californian employers. The Grapes of Wrath exhibits several American themes such as of hard work and self-determination. This realist novel is really the first literature to shed light on life during the Dust Bowl. The book won the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for fiction. In 1940, a film adaptation is made.  Its directed by John Ford. The screenplay was written by Nunnally Johnson and the executive producer was Darryl F. Zanuck. This film is loosely based on the movie with countless differences, including an entirely different ending. As the film progresses, it veers further and further away from staying true to the novel. Overall the film brought an interesting interpretation to the novel and even introduced some of its own ideas and themes. The movie won Oscars for best director and best actress (Jane Darwell as Ma Joad) and was nominated for five others, including best actor for Henry Fonda and best picture. The book and film of Grapes of Wrath contrast in numerous ways. Since that book is so long, dozens of scenes have been excluded from the film so that it keeps the audience’s attention. The film excludes all of the inner chapters, short stories that depict what it was like during the great depression. Some inner chapters are merely stories that represent something much bigger. The lack of inner chapters removes Steinbeck’s political references to events occurring during the time. Both book and movie fulfill the title’s symbol. At first the grapes represent promise: the fertile valleys of California, but then, they represent the wrath of the migrants as they realize that they have been lured unjustly to the West. Survival now becomes a challenge. One thing that the film did that the novel didn’t is it used flashbacks as scene in the scene where Muley Graves is explaining to Tommy and the Reverend how him and his family helplessly watch their house destroyed by a tractor. This is displayed in an obvious manner when looking at the John Ford’s movie made for the classic book The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck. Although both texts follow a similar story line, a stronger rhetorical message is delivered to the audience in the book compared to the movie. Both the book and the movie portray parallel themes, however, specific illustrations in the book both strengthen and sensitize the meaning derived from the text, making it easier for the audience to fully grasp the emotion of the story. These specific illustrations found in the book include the diction used in dialogue, the apparent division between the rich and the poor, the importance of unification as a family, and the benefits of being resilient. While these ideas are touched upon in the movie, they are included in a more passive fashion, taking away from the dominance of the  message.

Rationale – I have decided to study the gender-oriented issue of conjugal roles in the family

I have decided to study the gender-oriented issue of conjugal roles in the family. This area of sociological interest came about when we looked at family life and the symmetrical family. Another reason for my interest in this is it is still an issue despite all the changes such as sex discrimination, and even though feminists have raised the issue it seems that there is still not equality in the allocation of domestic tasks between husband and wife. The Lancaster Regionalism Group found an increase in men's participation but not in the unpopular chores, while Alan Warde suggests that the nature of household tasks varied between couples. From this evidence I derived my hypothesis â€Å"Men do help around the home but do not make an equal contribution†. Primary research will be used and will take the form of a diary. For my variables my sample size will be ten married / cohabiting couples. Both male and female will be in full time employment aged between 30 to 40, as I have access to these respondents. They will be chosen using a snowballing method. A quantitative method will be used to measure the time spent on tasks around the home, and the nature of tasks performed. CONTEXT. The issue of the domestic division of labour was raised by feminists like Ann Oakley in her study â€Å"The sociology of Housework† in which she argued that housework should be taken seriously as a type of â€Å"work†. Other feminists have developed this theme and looked at ways in which women experience inequality in the home. My first source is drawn from the Lancaster Regionalism Group's investigation into the household division of labour in Northwest England in 1988. This concept â€Å"domestic division of labour† is crucial because it relates to my aim. The â€Å"domestic division of labour† describes the way in which household tasks are allocated in the home. These researchers found that husbands tend to do a very much larger proportion of tasks concerned with the home such as car maintenance etc. However the women do the vast amount of domestic chores. The Lancaster researchers examined the popularity of different household chores. They wanted to test whether the male or female partner was likely to get the unpopular job. From their list of 20 tasks ironing, washing clothes and dishes were chosen as the most disliked chores. Although men had last washed the dishes in 23% of households, only 5% had done the ironing and 3% had last cleaned the dishes. The least pleasant of all tasks cleaning the toilet was last done in 81% of households by women. The Lancaster Regionalism Group concluded that there was some evidence that attitudes had changed but the actual pattern of behaviour remains much the same as it was in the earlier generation. The Lancaster Regionalism Groups work links in with my own hypothesis because the study found an increase in men's participation but not in the unpopular chores. Secondly there is the feminist approach to the domestic division of labour. The feminist Ann Oakley argued that the social scientists who claimed it was natural for women to take a caring role in the family e.g. perform household tasks had been tricked by their own prejudices into assuming what it meant to be a woman. Some contemporary sociologists have taken Stoller's argument and suggest that women take on more domestic responsibilities in any given household because it is seen as culturally appropriate feminine behaviour. Therefore it is difficult to discover whether the sharing (or not) of domestic tasks can be seen as a true measure of â€Å"equality†. My third source is drawn from Gershunys study on domestic division of labour. He measured changes in the domestic division of labour by looking at the use of time in the household. He investigated the dual burden hypothesis, which states that even when women take up professional work, they continue to carry on the domestic work. Gershuny found that over the period of 1974-5 to 1987 the husbands of working women continued to do less than half the total paid and unpaid work done by their spouses. However in some types of household's men did contribute equally and husbands share of work had risen. This source is relevant to my hypothesis because the source concludes there is evidence to show that men were taking on more mundane tasks as done by women, but such tasks continued to be the female's responsibility. My next source is the article † Domestic divisions of labour† by Alan Warde.The source concerns the aspect of women's two roles, their conventional responsibility for housework and paid work. According to the study where wives are involved in paid employment they spend fewer hours, on housework where men seem to be doing more. Nevertheless, women still do a greater share of domestic work. There is a strong gender division of tasks, with women doing routine household jobs. The article concludes that the traditional patterns remain very much in evidence and the rate at which men are learning to do female tasks may be slower than that at which women are learning to do male tasks like plastering etc. This source is relevant to my study because selected tasks between husband and wife remain much the same, women doing more housework and men doing painting etc. My final source is once again on the domestic division of labour by Madeleine Leonard. The article suggests that housework remains women's work. Research shows that there is a clear gender division of labour in housework tasks just like the Lancashire Regionalism group found in their study. This source is relevant to my study because it suggests that even though men are making a contribution when it comes to chores they are still not doing an equal share. These studies suggest that, despite much greater equality for women there is still an imbalance of responsibility when it comes to household chores. However my own research may suggest otherwise. Methodology Three main areas need to be covered for this research. Firstly, there needs to be a way of measuring the amount of domestic labour performed by females and males in the present day family groups. I have decided to measure who does what around the home. Secondly I will be measuring the tasks done with others and the time spent on chores. The principal research method I will use will be a diary, as I believe this is a more original method for this research. Not only will this method give me a greater validity but also an insight into the issue. I also hope it will identify trends within my sample group about the amount of housework performed. Using the diary method will also enable me to replicate Wilmott and Youngs approach, as they too used a diary method in their study of the â€Å"symmetrical family† where they asked respondents to keep a diary detailing the hours spent on paid and unpaid work. My sample will consist of 10 couple's aged between 30 to 40 who are all employed. They will be chosen using the snowballing method. Using this method offers a wide range of advantages for example it will enable me to obtain a relevant sample without having a sampling frame. The diary method will involve asking my respondents to keep a strict diary recording and detailing the amount of domestic labour they performed throughout the day, as well tasks done alone and the time spent on chores. When using these method respondents would need to keep this diary for up to a week. The diary will offer the opportunity to let the respondents record their account of the domestic labour performed without causing any bias, and so it will be a more reliable source. An example of sociological research that has used a diary method is Wilmott and Young's study of the symmetrical family where they asked respondents to keep a diary detailing the hours spent on paid and unpaid work. Another study example where a diary method has been used is Ann Oakley's study on the sociology of housework. Oakley asked respondents to keep a housework diary, revealing for the feminist debate the hard work and long hours housework demands. The advantage of using the diary method is qualitative data can discover peoples meaning and interpretations and can often also be examined systematically to identify patterns by using content analysis. This approach is favoured because it is free of values and scientific. Another advantage of using the diary method is it is a more reliable source when it comes to ethical issues, as respondents will not be influenced when recording the amount of work performed & will not reveal aspects of their lives they wish to remain hidden. One of the other reasons why I decided to use the diary method is it does not limit the resource-based area of time and money. The diary method will enable me to collect informative, relevant and original data whilst remaining within practical constraints. The diary method reflects two major methodological disadvantages selectivity and it is typical. The selectivity issue is a problem because the respondent will decide what is included not me the researcher. This could lead to irrelevance and inaccuracy & a difficulty in comparing data from different respondents. However to over come this disadvantage I will divide the diary into three categories to specify what sort of things to include. However this solution may too be a disadvantage as I am using a qualitative method this may lead to bias because I am imposing a framework on the respondent. The second disadvantage is typical because I do not know the amount of confidence I can have in the usualness of the day recorded. Most people's lives follow regular patterns but if my diary period of ten days is untypical then my picture as the researcher will be distorted. EVIDENCE. Despite the progress made by women in the twentieth century, which has brought about a substantial amount of change and has put an end to inequality and discrimination between sexes in many areas, women have still not won the battle of equality between men when it comes to domestic work in the home. When talking about work, it can be assumed that this refers to paid employment. However there is one job which is performed full time by women more than men, which is housework or domestic labour. My research concludes that domestic work done by women is hardly ever recognised. For instance respondent A had done more hours of domestic work in a week compared to her husband respondent k (refer to appendix). From my diary I can estimate women spend an average of fifty hours a week on housework which is far more than most people spend in paid employment. Men seemed to be doing less than this amount of domestic work compared to their wives, in some days doing less than half what they consider to be housework or related tasks. I have found from my diaries that housework is still seen as the main responsibility of women even though both partners are working in full time paid employment. It is still women who take on the main responsibility for housework from all the ten couples who took part in my experiment. My findings show that women still have an unequal role with men in the homestead. Much of this inequality arises because the central role of women is still seen by a male dominated society as that of housewife and mother. For instance a similarity I found in my study was that nearly all the female respondents who took part carried out similar tasks over one week such as cleaning the toilet, cooking and hovering etc. Whereas the male respondents tasks where also similar for instance gardening and painting etc. This may suggest that many jobs are still seen as men's job and women's job. This compares with the Lancaster Regionalism Group's study. This study showed that 80%of women were responsible for general domestic duties such as cleaning the toilet and only 31% of men took full responsibility for work to be done in the homestead. This tells me about my aims that many full time working women have two jobs in comparison to the men's one job. My own findings reveal that although a wide range of jobs and opportunities are available to women the main role of a woman's life is expected to be that of housewife. Although out of the 10 couples who took part in my experiment only 2% shared the responsibility of housework equally. This compares with Gershuney's study because he found that in some types of households men did contribute equally. The only difference, which was clear in my study, was that attitudes to domestic chores are changing. Respondents k and L(refer to appendix) were doing tasks such as cooking, making the tea etc all tasks done by women out of the other couples who took part in my experiment. This for instance compares to Gershuney's study because he found men were taking on more mundane tasks as done by women. The process of conducting my research went well although I would make a number of changes if I were to carry the experiment out again. For instance I decided that half an hour would be suitable and a long enough space of time for respondents to record the tasks done. I now think that this time period was not suitable, as this was too short. People may spend longer than half an hour on certain tasks such as hovering and so this may not have been recorded in the diary. I believe that forty-five minutes would have been a longer space of time. However if I had decided to choose to go with more than forty five minutes than respondents may not choose to record tasks that take them less than five minutes for example putting the rubbish out. After carrying out the experiment the ten couples who took part said they found it difficult recording what they thought was a task. Questions raised from the respondents included would walking the dog and taking the kids to school be considered a task?. To overcome this problem I could list about twenty tasks such as hovering, and other possible variations on a cover sheet and attach it to the diary and instruct respondents to record only the tasks on the cover sheet. I found that some respondents were recording gardening, and painting etc the problem with this is some people may choose to do gardening or painting as a hobby so these can not be recorded as chores. Again using a cover sheet could solve this problem. From my diaries I found that men were spending only half an hour on tasks when doing it on there own. However when they recorded tasks done with others they were spending more time on tasks of up to an hour. This shows that women obviously take more time on domestic chores whereas even though men are doing there bit the time taken is much shorter. By comparing all the diaries from males I could see that the tasks done by men were very similar such as changing a light bulb or fuse. This was also the case with women all the tasks done by them over the week was also very similar such as cooking, changing the linen etc. This shows me that there is a gender division when it comes to household tasks. The main role of a women's life is still to be that of a housewife, having dinner ready on the table, cleaning the house etc although men are doing there part in the domestic sphere but just not enough compared to men. This compares to the study of † Back to the future† by Madeline Leonard. She found that housework by large remains women's work, and this more than any other factor accounts for women's continued exploitation in the home. In her study she found that women are responsible for cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing, while men do jobs such as gardening and home maintenance. The key findings of all my primary research include that although it is true that women have made a huge progress, total equality in the home is still a myth. The battle of the sexes when it comes to domestic tasks has still not met its equilibrium although evidence from my research suggests that attitudes are changing slowly. EVALUATION & FINAL CONCLUSIONS. The sampling problems apparent in my research were that there were problems finding an equal number of working class and middle class couples. Consequently my sample was mainly working class. This problem simply reflected the facts of the type of domestic work that I the researcher was looking for. There may have been a need to adjust my hypothesis or the sample characteristics because it was too broad. My sample was reduced to ten couples because when I went round to respondent's homes they were not in. To overcome this problem I the researcher could have made the diary worth while for the respondents in order to motivate them to take part. I now believe that the sample I chose to use was not representative. This is because only ten couples took part. The couples in the survey were mainly working women and men and so may not be representative of professional men and women. There is no indication in the data that a range of different types of couples, e.g. working class, members of ethnic minorities, etc was sampled. The strengths of my research are that I focused on the comparative approach by using the snowballing method for example the way the couples were randomly sampled. The representatives of the sample, especially the equal sexes ratio. All diaries were handed out to respondents in their home because of the anonymity of the diaries. The weaknesses of my research were that the respondents might have thought the research was official and feel threatened by it, and so refuse to co-operate with it etc. Therefore the responses may not therefore reflect the truth, despite anonymity. The respondents were not supervised when they were filling in the diary and in reaction, some respondents may not have co-operated fully, experience of self reports tell us that people have a tendency to exaggerate, lie, not take surveys seriously. I did explore the issue in sufficient depth because my secondary data was appropriate to draw a suitable hypothesis. My secondary data was derived from a range of sources: social studies review, the Lancaster Regionalism Group etc. These all gave me an official picture of the domestic division of labour situation. The sources of data that I have collected are the most effective in relation to my aims. However other methods of data collection might have been possible for instance a large-scale survey of the population could be conducted of the workload shared between husband and wife in general. I could include questions on women's role as housewife which operationalise in various ways positive and negative attitudes towards them. Interviews could be conducted with husbands, which would measure their attitudes and their perception of social attitudes towards housewives. A content analysis could be carried out on newspaper coverage of the role of women in the home. My choice of method did affect my results for example by using the diary method I was able to control variables via using a snowballing sample. It is seen to have high reliability because it is easily repeated. Other sociologists can verify the data obtained by using the same standardised diary and similar samples. It is also seen as objective because the sample population is randomly rather than deliberately selected. During the diary schedule I did attempt to operationalise the concept domestic division of labour etc in such a way that it was not judgmental of the couples. I used my personal theoretical perspective and related this to my choice of method for instance the couples could have been interviewed together, although a more interesting variation that I chose was to use a diary method. This method was chosen so that they could record the amount of domestic tasks done separately. I was then able to compare data to get a gender version of the amount of tasks done. My experience of carrying out the research compares to the interpretivists. Firstly, the task of the researcher is to investigate how those taking part in the study interpret the world around them. In order to do this, the sociologist has to get inside their heads and see the world through their eyes. This is called â€Å"verstehen† and is an attempt to empathise with those being studied. Second, interpretivists emphasise validity seeing the world as it really is. Validity played a great importance in my chosen method because I was trying to find out how domestic tasks were shared so seeing the world as it really is. Third, cause and effect relationships are impossible to construct because people socially construct social situations and the interpretations people give to certain situations often vary. I found this to be the case in my research between couples. I do think my results are presented in the most effective way. As my chosen method was qualitative I was not able to produce any statistical data however my diaries were in columns with appropriate headings. To study this research further people could develop the idea of helping around the home by using Wilmot and young's assertion that the family is still symmetrical. Also people could research whether women actually want to be helped when it comes to household tasks even though feminists argue that the family is still an exploitative arrangement for women. CONCLUSION My hypothesis read†¦ † Men do help around the home but do not make an equal contribution† I can conclude that my hypothesis was correct because I found from my diaries that women are still doing more than there fair share of domestic work compared to men. This is the case because the extensions of traditional domestic roles of housewives and mothers are still in which women continue to be socialised these include serving and waiting on people, catering for them and cleaning and clearing up after others. These are all jobs women traditionally did and still do in the home. Such jobs include primary school teaching, low-grade catering work, working as shop assistants, supermarket shop fillers, secretaries' etc. For example secretaries often serve their (usually male bosses), organise the office in the workplace to make things easier for them, making tea and coffee and clearing up after their meetings. Primary school involves childminding, catering involves cooking etc. Women have limited career opportunities than males for a number of different reasons. There is the gender stereotyping at school and the wider gender role socialisation process in the home and in the work place. This is similar to the article † Back to the future† by Madeleine Leonard who found that this gender role socialisation process in the home made women continue to see housework as an important part of being a â€Å"good wife and mother† and are satisfied with the unequal domestic division of labour.