Leader Profiling – Leadership – Golda Meir

Golda Meir’s Determination, loyalty, integrity and conscientiousness were major leadership traits that will always be respected in the Jewish community. She was described as the â€Å"Iron Lady† of  Israeli politics  years before the term became associated with British prime minister  Margaret Thatcher. Former prime minister  David Ben-Gurion  used to call Meir â€Å"the best man in the government†; * Determination: the desire to get the job done (Northouse, p. 25) Golda Meir was determined to overachieve and protect Israel’s interests throughout her life, even throughout her childhood she organized a fund raisers to pay for her classmates’ books.Another display of determination was entering politics, a male dominated field, and being praised by her subordinates for her decisions. She was determined to lead a change and always sought after leadership positions. â€Å"Although she was born in Russia and educated in the United States, where she trained as a teacher, she arrived in Palestine when she was in her twenties and lived on a kibbutz. She immediately became active in the newly-formed Histadrut trade union movement† (Butt, 1998) * Loyalty – Golda Meir’s loyalty to Israel cannot be questioned.With her family fleeing Russia where she was born in 1898, to begin a new life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There she developed a passionate commitment to form a Jewish state. She worked tirelessly by raising money and used her gifts of charm and oratory to promote the cause of an independent Jewish state. * Integrity – the quality of honesty and trustworthiness. (Northouse, p. 25) Golda Meir saw integrity as the currency of Israel’s survival (Burkett, 2008). The way Golda spoke with her followers and involved them in decision making built a high level of trust and honesty within the Israeli government.Meir led by example; she practiced the same morals and beliefs that she preached. * Conscient iousness – the tendency to be thorough, organized, controlled, dependable, and decisive (Northouse, p. 27). Golda Meir’s conscientiousness was shown during her academic career, where she graduated as valedictorian. Moreover she has shown her control, dependability, and hard work On May 10, 1948, four days before the official establishment of the state, Meir traveled to  Amman  disguised as an Arab woman for a secret meeting with  King of  Transjordan  at which she urged him not to join the other Arab countries in attacking the Jews.Golda Meir had many of the traits associated with a transformational leader, such as idealized influence, charisma, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Golda Meir led by the rule of dedication to her country and her personal concern for all people are legendary. Whatever Golda Meir did, she did for the people, always listened to her followers and wasn’t intolerant of opposing views, she considered all options and whenever she had to make a decision she consulted with her team.Since Israel was established to be a Jewish state, she worked to improve the lives of her people; she created a vision for the young state to ensure that Jews across the world learned of her vision and take the necessary steps to achieve it. Meir was the leader Israel needed in a time of crisis, she was charismatic with exceptional rhetoric skills, and both attributes are crucial to political leaders. â€Å"†¦transformational leadership results in people feeling better about themselves and their contributions to the greater common goal† (Northouse, p. 00) Indeed Jews across the world migrated to Israel in hopes of living in Golda Meir’s overall vision of the state of Israel. Golda Meir’s ability to lead the people to their common goal while keeping a unified nation, not becoming power hungry, and always keeping what’s best for the country first, are the main goals and achievements of an ideal transformational leader.SOURCES http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/events/israel_at_50/profiles/81288. stm http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Golda_Meir Golda Meir: The Iron Lady of the Middle East: The First Woman Prime Minister in the West, Eleanor Burkett, Gibson Square Books Ltd; (2008)

Human Resource In Disneyland Essay

What extent do you feel it is useful to distinguish between different â€Å"levels of analysis† (i.e. global, regional, national and organizational) in understanding IHRM? Provide examples as appropriate. With the ever-increasing economic activities and inter-connections with other countries, the international integration is obvious. (Coase, 1937)IHRM is now confronted with different issues toward the cross-cultural configuration which the political, economic, social and legal systems among different countries are involved.(Mendenhall, M, 2000) Different levels of analysis can provide a framework for analyze and evaluate the IHRM practice, resource allocation or leadership style in making response to the internationalization process. For the global level analysis, it is based on the geocentric approach which is perceived as a worldwide stance which the best policies and the most qualified individuals to staff the operations.(Dowling and Schuler, 1990) Because of the increased complexity and operation scope with global operations, good understanding can benefit the multinational organizations in finding the most appropriate employees for the job. Nevertheless,lack of knowledge transfer and information flowmay be incurred from the complex global setting. Market information, cultural-dimensions and demographic issues are hard to obtain, especially in predicting the data from universal trend.(Sparrow, 2009) For example, Disneyland isdifficult to assess the flow of customers as leisure industry is of great seasonal variation. (The Walt Disney Company, 2010) Regional level analysis is based on the regiocentric approach on a particular geographic region. IHRM mangers can have the right and independence on making decisions as well as developing regional staffs. (Dowling and Schuler, 1990) For instance, HSBC is likely to develop the regioncentric approach to recruit personnel within a specific region like Europe, Asia, and India. (HSBC, 2010) National level analysis is based on the polycentric approach which the subsidiaries are treated as different national entity which is involved with some degree of autonomy. (Dowling and Schuler, 1990)According to Hofstede’s research, different cultural distance may be incurred from the operation in host countries. (Hofstede, 2001) This socio-cultural barrier is likely to fail the business. A polycentric approach is closely related to local responsiveness which brings advantages to the coordination between subsidiaries and increases cost efficiency.For  example, the world’s largest furniture retailerIKEA adopts the polycentric approach in Chinawhich is managed by host-country national. Employing local Chinese as managers to avoid inter-cultural management is performed withinIKEA’s operations in China. (China Daily, 2010) Organizational level analysis is based on ethnocentric approach which strategic decisions are made at the parent organization. (Dowling and Schuler, 1990) Managers can hence implement the strategy at a lower labour cost in favour the organizational goal. Overall, different level of analysis can be implied from operational requirement, strategic coordination or business systems. Distinguishing the level of analysis between one another cangreatly benefit the strategy formulation and implementation. (439words) References: China Daily, 2010. ‘IKEA to double stores in China’, Available: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2010-12/16/content_11711019.htm (Accessed: 2011, March 10). Coase, R., 1937. The nature of the firm. Economica, 4, 386-405. Dowling, P. and Schuler, R., 1990. International Dimensions of Human Resource Management, PWS-Kent. Hofstede, G., 2001. Culture’s Consequences – Comparing Values, Behaviors. Institutions and Organizations across Nations. Second Edition. London: Sage Publications. HSBC, 2010. ‘HSBC Holdings plc: Annual Report and Accounts 2010’, Available:http://www.hsbc.com/1/PA_1_1_S5/content/assets/investor_relations/hsbc2010ara0.pdf (Accessed: 2011, March 5). Mendenhall, M, 2000. Mapping the terrain of IHRM: a call for ongoing dialogue, Paper presented at 15th Workshop on Strategic HRM, Fontainebleau, France, and 30 March-1 April. Sparrow, P., 2009. Handbook of international human resource management: integrating people, process and context. United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. The Walt Disney Company, 2010. ‘Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Financial Report and Shareholder Letter’, Available: http://amedi a.disney.go.com/investorrelations/annual_reports/WDC-10kwrap-2009.pdf (Accessed: 2011, March 2).

Neuroscience of personality

This paper will deal with the question of whether or not neurosciences and neuroanalyses would provide scientists and researchers with a clue about one’s personality, and why one does the things that he does. Can neuroscience provide an answer to how psychological capacities develop and function in the social world? The paper will also talk about the fact that the nervous system of the human being is confirmed in one’s personality, and that today, it is possible to tackle personality as a scientifically backed concept, rather than as a philosophical mystery that nobody can really comprehend.Neuroscience of personalityMost scientists and psychologists alike feel that personality, and the study of human personality and behaviors occupies a strange and lowly position among the annals of human psychology, despite the fact that the topic of ‘personality’ and ‘traits’ crops up quite often during the course of even a normal conversation between two ad ults.As a matter of fact, the study of personality changes even induces disdain among some individuals, perhaps because of the extremely subjective nature of the subject, and also because of the historical tendency to describe the structure of personality rather than the intrinsic nature of personality. However, with the development of neuroscience over the years, it may possible at last for the study of personality to undergo a ‘scientific makeover’, and to study the human brain through imaging, in the hope that the molecular genetics causing variations in human neuro-transmission would be able t provide an idea into the most pressing questions that exist today on human personality.   (Pickering D Alan, Gray A Jeffrey (1990)The question here is whether or not neuroscience would be able to provide the answer to the critical issue of the manner in which a typical human personality develops and functions in the social world. Caspi, Berr and Elder (1989) provide importan t research on the relationship that exists between personality and socio economic conditions, and one interesting example was the personality changes observed in people who happened to grow up during the years of the Great Depression.Most of these people exhibited a tendency to temper and great anger, aggression, short temperedness and so on, and further research revealed the astonishing fact that economic outcomes during one’s childhood would influence one’s personality through the years, and one would show ill temper if one had been economically deprived during one’s childhood. This would also influence their occupational status as they matured, and it was found that those individuals from higher class households would in all probability enjoy a higher occupational status when they were adults, while those who grew up in a deprived atmosphere would display a lower occupational tendency when they were older.Recent research has revealed the fact that within a so cial situation, a human being will at first interpret the situation, before he responds to it, and this in itself would explain the ways in which his psychological capacities develop and function in the social world, rather than a study of the anatomy of the brain as in neuroscience. The importance of a particular social situation may differ from one individual to another, and it is important to remember that many situations do not have a fixed meaning; the meaning would depend on the person within the context.Take for example a situation in which a person tells jokes: while it may be fun for one person, it may be an anxiety provoking situation for another, while for another; it may be some sort of competition. Those personality theorists who work within a psychoanalytic, behavioral, and trait-theory context may find that they are able to successful identify certain principles of personality functioning that would transcend the social circumstances in which the individual finds hims elf, in much the same way that a biologist may make an attempt to identify the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology that would transcend social circumstances. (Pervin, Cervone and Oliver (n.d.)Katherine Kalliel states that in their book ‘Neurodynamics of Personality’, authors Grigsby and Stevens discuss the commonality to be found between personality development and neurosciences and neurodynamics, and she also states that the authors offer the opinion that â€Å"personality reflects the emergent properties of a dynamic, hierarchically ordered, modular, distributed, self-organizing functional system, the primary objective of which is the successful adaptation of the individual to his or her physical and social environment†. (Kalliel, M Katherine Ed.D (2000) This would bring one back to the question, â€Å"Can there be neuroscience in personality?†The answer, in all probability, appears to be ‘Yes’ in today’s situation and gi ven today’s modern research and growing interest in the subject. In my own family, this may well manifest itself in my behavior at times of stress. While it is wide knowledge that stress would cause numerous health problems in an individual, like for example, elevated blood pressure and a suppression of the immune system, it is with the help of neurosciences that this aspect of human behavior has been analyzed, and a solution found.Today, when I feel my stress coming on and increasing because of a particular situation, and I am able to feel my personality changing as a result, I can believe that neuroscience has helped me cope with a situation over which I may have no control, but for the knowledge that it is my own behavior that is elevating the stress levels in my body, and that it is I who must learn to control it successfully. (Navasaria, Neha (1998)This in effect is what neuroscience has been able to achieve, in its research on human personality and on personality change s.References1.Pickering D Alan, Gray A Jeffrey (1990) Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research Google Book Search Retrieved on January 14, 2008http://books.google.com/books?id=2s_c4uMgM-YC&pg=PA277&lpg=PA277&dq=neuroscience+of+personality&source=web&ots=q8kc8JFVgO&sig=tsuXQ7TNbkq9_yJKRnWC5M5vSjM2. Pervin, Cervone and Oliver (n.d.) Theories of Personality Retrieved on January 14, 20083. Kalliel, M Katherine Ed.D (2000) Neurodynamics of Personality American Psychiatric Foundation Retrieved on January 14, 2008http://www.psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/52/6/8474.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Navasaria, Neha (1998) The Understanding of Behavior and the Brain Serendip Retrieved on January 14, 2008http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro98/202s98-paper1/Navasaria.html

Single-sex Schools Offer Higher Quality of Educational Experience to Essay

Single-sex Schools Offer Higher Quality of Educational Experience to Students than Coeducational Ones - Essay Example The English being the pioneers of educational systems, many countries looked up to them for benchmarks that they could follow for their own education systems. This is how the trend of single-sex schools emerged. It entered the United States and stayed there till the late 19th century, but as the aspect of modernization is predominant there, single sex schools are now scarce, being limited to only private communities and some catholic schools. With the change in the overall psyche of the people worldwide, and women empowerment being one of the major game changers for education system, the women were accepted as equals everywhere. This demanded that they are educated at the same level as men to be able to compete with and support them in different walks of life. Women were no longer confined to households and humanities education and this started the trend of co-educational environment. Co-education, like the name suggests, refers to an educational setup where men and women are educate d equally. In contrast to single-sex schools, both the genders get to interact with each other, work together and maintain friendships with each other. In a world where social skills are imperative to get anywhere, co-education allows both the genders to be equipped with such skills. They tend to be more socially comfortable and possess positive interpersonal attitudes. There have been several studies to gauge the effect of the education system on both the genders. The identical outcomes of almost all researches conclude that academically, girls fare well in single sex school and boys do well in a co-educational environment. The reasons are not clear so far but the general perception for such a conclusion is that the comparison of... This report approves that the counter arguments in case of co-education cannot be ignored. Like mentioned earlier, the comfort level of each gender within an environment of their likeness is higher and allows them to develop accordingly. There is a positive aspect to it, but the real world is not so. In practical life, humans are bound to interact with, live with, and socialize with the opposite gender. Thus, they should be equipped with the societal attitude that is necessary for such a setup. Where the success of female students cannot be argued in single sex environment, their presence in a co-educational environment makes it less disruptive and relationship with the facilitators is generally better, also honing them for the real world. This essay makes a conclusion that the counter arguments mentioned above are just some of the many that have been highlighted over the years. No research has given solid results regarding which schooling system is better. The quality of education imparted is also dependent upon the curriculum covered, teachers, facilities etc., and gender mix cannot be the only determinant for the quality of education being imparted at an institution. Though, in today’s world, socializing and interaction has become a key trend all over. It is imperative that students are made to study in an environment that teaches them gender equality and acknowledgement of the other’s presence. They should be abreast with the expected societal norms and this is possible only if they have not been restricted to mingling amongst the same gender.

Personal statement on going to graduate school for speech pathology Essay

Personal statement on going to graduate school for speech pathology - Essay Example I am fascinated and want to become a professional. I am confident that as a person I am suitable for admission to the program since, in addition to the interest and motivation, I am highly dedicated, patient, and love to work with children in every way. It is also as a result of this tremendous love for children and for working with them, that I have been exposed to the levels of speech disorders with which many of them are challenged and the need to be appropriately trained and certified in order to effectively assist them and persons associated with them, and to address their needs. I am aware of the fact that the field is not a superficial one as the issues to be addressed are profound and varied, ranging from the sociological, to the biological and economic, if not political, to name a few. However, I am capable of successfully pursuing graduate studies in this area because I have successfully completed undergraduate studies with a GPA of 3.0, and I have scored 700 on my GRE. Besides, I know that studying at the Masters level requires a lot of research, independent work, and a higher level of thinking and analysis. The student at this level must be self-directed, and I know that I possess such capabilities.

Character Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Character Analysis - Assignment Example Amir has a great friend Hassan and a wealthy father. He greatly adores his father. In his first year of friendship with Hassan, he is joyful about the friendship and values Hassan very much. However, things begin to change and jealousy, cruelty and the power struggle are witnessed. Amir’s mother died while giving birth to him (Hosseini 12). He therefore lives with his father who means everything to him. He comes out as someone who has a great lack in his life because of the death of his mother. He also feels somehow responsible for the death of his mother. As a tribute to her dead mother, he throws himself into writing and poetry. Things start changing for the worse when Amir starts believing that his father also holds him responsible for the death of her mother. Amir starts getting jealous with Hassan because of the attention that Hassan is receiving from his father, Baba. Amir admires Baba very much, but Baba does not seem to have time for him. Lack of ‘manliness’ seem to be the reason for the behavior and attitude of Baba towards Amir. Baba cannot understand how his son cannot stand up for himself. All the tension finally comes to breaking point when Amir wins a Kite –fighting tournament and Baba finally shows him some love (Clapsaddle 3). This does not however end the jealousy and cruelty he bears towards Hassan because of the affection Hassan gets from Baba. Amir shows his disapproval of Hassan by not helping him when he is raped by Assef. He goes ahead to accuse Hassan of theft and this leads to Hassan being thrown out of Baba’s house. When Amir and Baba arrive in the USA, he no longer views his father as legendary father. To him he is now just a normal father. America allows the young man to forget the betrayals and power struggles he had with Hassan in Afghanistan. Amir now starts to take care of his father. He goes ahead to meet a Saroya who he

Project Management Organizational Structures In Aerospace Research Paper

Project Management Organizational Structures In Aerospace - Research Paper Example It is not, however, just the practices and knowledge coding capabilities of the project manager that determine success, it is how the project manager adapts within different organizational structures when working on a project. This essay highlights the dynamics of the three different types of project management organizational structures, emphasizing the potential advantages and disadvantages of each structure. The role of the project management office within a matrix organizational structure receives special prominence in analysis. Describing the Three PM Organizational Structures The first organizational structure analyzed is the functional structure, one that is primarily found within companies that sell standard products. In the aerospace industry, this structure is common when there is a very high volume of production output and where there is a single core product that drives the basis of manufacturing. The functional structure individuals that maintain the same technical expert ise are placed into functional groups, for example a team of engineering specialists, which are responsible for handling activities associated with their level of skills and responsibilities toward meeting the objectives of the business mission (Gido & Clements, 2012). The types of businesses that utilize a functional structure are those that have dedicated research and development teams, such as Johnson & Johnson, where functional experts are grouped into expert laboratories where group members share the same skills, competencies and technical capabilities. In the functional structure, there is generally a main executive leader that governs the entire division (such as engineering or marketing) by which divisional managers maintain reporting responsibility. For instance, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering management report to the Vice President of Engineering with no other additional tiers of hierarchical control in the functional model. The next organizational structure analyzed is the autonomous project organizational structure, a structure found in a business that works with a variety of projects that have varying characteristics, different needs for specialist work, and where there is no standard project framework that will guide the projects in which the company operates. For example, a company may contract the project-oriented company for a multi-million dollar project that will require three years to complete that involves engineering experts, installation specialists, or special manufacturing requirements. Because this type of business maintaining a functional structure is working on many different projects concurrently, it will be necessary for some specialist groups to work autonomously until a specific aspect of the project has been completed by which the specialist groups maintains responsibility for completion. Resources in the autonomous project organizational structure are allocated permanently until this port ion of the project has been completed and the specialist group is then managed by a project manager that oversees the administrative function of the group. These partially-autonomous groups only provide support to the project until their unique responsibilities have been completed and then another functional group continues forward until all

A response to the reading Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

A response to the reading - Essay Example As the story starts, the reader cannot discern the intention of the author and one might take offence with the language that sounds discriminatory to one of the races in the world. However, the author’s intention is to highlight the issue of self-preservation in the world and draw attention to a race’s view of another race. While doing this, the author managers to use humor in a distinctive way that makes the reader enthusiastic. All along, the author uses themes and leaves the reader with questions regarding their worldview on both diminutive and abstract aspects of life. Through the interior lives of the characters in the story, the author manages to illustrate the differences between world viewpoints that were dominant in a culture and their fundamental difference with the lives of those affected. Concisely, the author successfully illustrates the meaning of being human in an audacious and prudent approach. In this case, the story delivers a mix of the interaction of past mistakes, successes, new beginnings, and the regrets that individuals live by as the innermost being defines their

SPECIFIC MORAL ISSUES (DEATH PENALTY) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

SPECIFIC MORAL ISSUES (DEATH PENALTY) - Essay Example In total, there have been approximately 345 executions within Massachusetts, including 26 convicted of witchcraft. Until 1951, murder in the first degree called for a mandatory punishment of death. In 1951, the law was changed to allow the jury the discretion to recommend against a death sentence after considering mitigating circumstances - in which case the sentence would be life imprisonment -unlessthe murder was committed in connection with a rape or attempted rape, in which case the death sentence was mandatory. In 1968, voters expressed disapproval with this trend in a non-binding referendum, voting 49 to 31 percent in support of continued use of the death penalty. During the 1970's and 80's, a series of judicial rulings eventually eliminated the death penalty altogether under Massachusetts law: In 1972, the US Supreme Court decision of Furman vs. Georgia, threw out Georgia's death penalty as cruel and unusual, citing the arbitrary and capricious manner in which it was administered, and leading to capital statutes throughout the country being overturned. For Massachusetts, this meant that the discretionary death penalty for murder was nullified, but the mandatory death penalty for rape-murder was left intact for the time being (Cf.Commonwealth v. Harrington, 1975). On October 28, 1980, the SJC ruled inDistrict Attorney for the Suffolk Dist. v. Watsonthat a new capital statute signed into law by Governor Edward King the previous November (c. 488, Acts of 1979) was unconstitutionally cruel for all the reasons laid out inO'Nealand their opinion of the proposed 1977 bill. On November 2, 1982, voters approved by referendum (54 to 35 percent) an amendment to Article 26. The amendment, Article 116of the Massachusetts Constitution, states that: No provision of the Constitution... shall be construed as prohibiting the imposition of the punishment of death. This completed the amendment process, which had been initiated in 1980 by legislators acted quickly to draft another new death penalty bill. On December 15, 1982, the House and Senate passed legislation providing for capital punishment for first-degree murder. The bill was signed into law (c. 554, Acts of 1982) a week later by Governor King and went into effect on January 1st. This 1982 statute was invalidated by the SJC on October 18, 1984 in the case ofCommonwealth v. Colon-Cruz. While the death penaltyper sewas no longer forbidden by the Constitution, this particular statute improperly encouraged defendants in murder cases to plead guilty rather than face a jury trial, thus avoiding the possibility of the death sentence, and violating the right against self-incrimination and the right to trial by jury. Massachusetts has remained without a valid death penalty law ever since. Subsequent attempts to reinstate the death penalty have failed: By the time of theColon-Cruzdecision, Michael Dukakis had become governor again. Throughout these two terms, a nearly evenly divided legislature never passed a bill - which the governor would have certainly vetoed. In 1991, William Weld became governor. He, and every governor since, argued for death

Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Immigration - Essay Example Meanwhile, New York Times writer Alan Dershowitz commented that he actually favors a national ID card, for it will not only give citizens better protection and security especially from terrorism, but will also benefit illegal immigrants given that they will soon be given legal status by the government and be issued such IDs (Dershowitz n. p.). In this case, I personally think that the SB 1070 is unconstitutional and that it violates human rights, given that this law actually encourages racial profiling by the state police, given that they can actually search and arrest immigrants which they suspect not having the proper documents at hand. In addition, I also think that the proposed national ID card is actually harmful to immigrants, given that it will seriously impair every person’s right to privacy. Works Cited Dershowitz, Allan. â€Å"Why Fear National ID Cards?† www.nytimes.com. New York Times, 2001. Web. 26 April 2011.

Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing Management - Essay Example A primary marketing research is needed. What does the customer want, what kind of product, which price is he willing to pay for the particular product and how is this particular customer group going to be approached. Who is the customer, what are his habits, what kind of media does he watch. Why should the customer prefer our business instead of the competitor's. How does s/he like to be served. The answers of these questions will provide the company with valuable info which will help it to gain sustainable competitive advantage. The business London Bites (a takeaway sandwich and snacks shop) is not an innovative one, it does not sell anything exceptional so the customers will not come to it without some efforts from the business side. It also works in a market which is at the maturity stage of the life cycle i.e. competition is intense and there is a strong need for differentiation. This differentiation can be achieved through customer focus. The steps needed to be done for the customer focus are the following: customer research, the information of the research will help to develop the product range and finally customer satisfaction is checked and corrective actions will be taken. Due to its nature, London Bites can go even further and adapt the personal marketing orientation approach i.e. ... Ancillary services like food home delivery should be offered. Due to its nature, London Bites can go even further and adapt the personal marketing orientation approach i.e. the product offerings will be designed for individual customers e.g. offering a wide range of sandwiches that could be prepared in front of the customer based on his/her own preferences. 2. How market segmentation can help this business to operate more effectively Market segmentation is when we divide the market into smaller groups. This is done because all people in the market are not the same. These smaller groups we call them segments. People of each segment are similar to each other i.e. in their preferences, attitudes etc. Due to these similarities it is believed that people will respond the same way to a particular marketing strategy (4Ps). A segmentation in order to be successful it require the segment to be homogeneous and the different segments should heterogeneous among them. The segments have to be stable, measurable, identifiable, accessible and actionable. The segments should also be large and profitable. The variables used for segmentation are the following: geographic (region, climate etc.), demographic (age, gender income, socioeconomic status etc.), psychographic (life-style, personality etc.) and behavioral (benefit sought, product usage rate, brand loyalty etc.) When we combine numerous variables in order to understand in-depth a market segment this is what we call depth segmentation. Market segmentation helps the business understands customers better and therefore target the most profitable and the easier for the business to serve and position the products accordingly. This way i.e. by selecting careful the customers, know their preferences and address to

Appiled Arts Essay Example for Free

Appiled Arts Essay Although we now tend to refer to the various crafts according to the materials used to construct them-clay, glass, wood, fiber, and metal-it was once common to think of crafts in terms of function, which led to their being known as the applied arts. Approaching crafts from the point of view of function, we can divide them into simple categories: containers, shelters and supports. There is no way around the fact that containers, shelters, and supports must be functional. The applied arts are thus bound by the laws of physics, which pertain to both the materials used in their making and the substances and things to be contained, supported, and sheltered. These laws are universal in their application, regardless of cultural beliefs, geography, or climate. If a pot has no bottom or has large openings in its sides, it could hardly be considered a container in any traditional sense. Since the laws of physics, not some arbitrary decision, have determined the general form of applied-art objects, they follow basic patterns, so much so that functional forms can vary only within certain limits. Buildings without roofs, for example, are unusual because they depart from the norm. However, not all functional objects are exactly alike; that is why we recognize a Shang Dynasty vase as being different from an Inca vase. What varies is not the basic form but the incidental details that do not obstruct the objects primary function. ?Sensitivity to physical laws is thus an important consideration for the maker of applied-art objects. It is often taken for granted that this is also true for the maker of fine-art objects. This assumption misses a significant difference between the two disciplines. Fine-art objects are not constrained by the laws of physics in the same way that applied-art objects are. Because their primary purpose is not functional, they are only limited in terms of the materials used to make them. Sculptures must, for example, be stable, which requires an understanding of the properties of mass, weight distribution, and stress. Paintings must have rigid stretchers so that the canvas will be taut, and the paint must not deteriorate, crack, or discolor. These are problems that must be overcome by the artist because they tend to intrude upon his or her conception of the work. For example, in the early Italian Renaissance, bronze statues of horses with a raised foreleg usually had a cannonball under that hoof. This was done because the cannonball was needed to support the weight of the leg. In other words, the demands of the laws of physics, not the sculptors aesthetic intentions, placed the ball there. That this device was a necessary structural compromise is clear from the fact that the cannonball quickly disappeared when sculptors learned how to strengthen the internal structure of a statue with iron braces (iron being much stronger than bronze). Even though the fine arts in the twentieth century often treat materials in new ways, the basic difference in attitude of artists in relation to their materials in the fine arts and the applied arts remains relatively constant. It would therefore not be too great an exaggeration to say that practitioners of the fine arts work to overcome the limitations of their materials, whereas those engaged in the applied arts work in concert with their materials.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research Introduction This work is to present the case study as a research approach, showing that its characterization is not an easy task, due mainly to its many different approaches and applications. It highlights its increasing importance as a research tool, exploring its origins, meanings and delineation as an investigation methodology. In order to demonstrate its application, it indicates its most common advantages and constraints, stressing the important role played by the researcher, who must be careful about generalizations, striving constantly for scientific rigor in the treatment of the subject. The case study method is considered a kind of qualitative analysis (GOODE, 1962) and has been considered, according to Yin (1994, p. 10): the weaker brother of the methods of Social Sciences. But despite the weaknesses and limitations, the case study has had widely use not only in social research, but also as a modality research, with applications in many other areas or in disciplines that has a strong orientation to legal practice and administration, besides being used for the preparation of theses and dissertations. The main objective of this work is to present the case study method as a research approach and to consider issues relevant for the conduct using this method, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered in light of the kinds of problems and questions to be answered. Case study can accomplish many of the same goals as other methods. For example, the case study can be exploratory (create new knowledge), constructive (solve some problem), or confirmatory (test a hypothesis with empirical evidence). The case study can also use either a primary (the researcher collects the data) or secondary (the researcher uses someone elses data) approach. In the view of Yin, à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"the case study represents an empirical research that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, and includes a method comprehensive, with the logic of planning, gathering and data analysis.à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  Can include both single case studies as multiple, as well as quantitative approaches and qualitative research. (Yin 1994 p.23), help us, he says, to understand and distinguish the case study method to other research strategies such as the historical method and in-depth interview, the experimental method and survey. The method often is presented as being more appropriate for exploratory research and particularly useful for hypothesis generation and this may have contributed to complicate the understanding of what the study method cases, how it is designed and conducted. (Yin, 1994) According to different authors, the case study has originated in medical research and psychological research, with analysis in detail of an individual case that explains the dynamics and pathology of a given disease. With this procedure it is assumed that one can acquire knowledge of the phenomenon studied from intense exploration of a single case. Besides the medical and psychological, it became a major methods of qualitative research in human and social sciences. Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research Cast in a narrative format, descriptive case studies can make complex science and technology projects accessible and interesting to a non-scientist audience. The potential scope of the case study format is flexible and broad, ranging from brief descriptive summaries to long, detailed accounts. Using a storytelling approach, the evaluator may present the genesis of ideas, explore what happened and why, give an account of the human side of a project, explain goals, explore project dynamics, investigate particular phenomenon, and present outcomes in their complexity without being subject to the confines inherent in most other evaluation methods. The freedom to collect multiple kinds of information makes the case study method useful for exploring ideas and constructing theories about program or project dynamics. Despite its advantages, the case study method is traditionally considered to have several major limitations as an evaluation tool. Descriptive case studies are qualitative and unreliable. And, whether qualitative or quantitative, case studies typically relate to single projects, or, at best, small clusters of projects, such that their results usually cannot be generalized to the entire portfolio of projects. Noting that distinguished scholars frequently use case study as a method of analysis, Yin, in his landmark book on case studies, asks, If the case study method has serious weaknesses, why do investigators continue to use it? (Yin, 1994) Among the possible explanations Yin considers are that people are not trained in the use of other methods, or, for governmentally sponsored research, that the difficult permission procedures required for surveys and questionnaires have made their use a bureaucratically hazardous affair, leading researchers to the case study method, which is relatively unencumbered by restrictions and requirements. Identifying three types of case studies à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory, Yin argues that the case study method qualifies as a serious research tool. He states, In general, case studies are the preferred strategy when how or why questions are being posed, when the investigator has little control over events, and when the focus is on a contemporary phenomenon within some real-life context. (Yin 1994 p.1) One of the biggest disadvantages to using the case study method has to do with external vs. internal validity. Using the case study method, the researcher often does not have control over certain variables and events and, therefore, cannot control them as the researcher could in a lab experiment Consequently, the researcher using the case study method must be content that his/her findings may only be applicable to similar cases. What the case study gains in internal validity, it loses in external validity. Construct validity is especially problematic in case study research. It has been a source of criticism because of potential investigator subjectivity. Yin proposed three remedies to counteract this: using multiple sources of evidence, establishing a chain of evidence, and having a draft case study report reviewed by key informants. Internal validity is a concern only in causal (explanatory) cases. This is usually a problem of inferences in case studies, and can be dealt with using pattern-matching, which has been described above. (Yin 1994) External validity deals with knowing whether the results are generalizable beyond the immediate case. Some of the criticism against case studies in this area relate to single-case studies. However, that criticism is directed at the statistical and not the analytical generalization that is the basis of case studies. Reliability is achieved in many ways in a case study. One of the most important methods is the development of the case study protocol. The secondary data is data previously gathered and recorded by other researchers. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using secondary data for research purposes. One of the most important advantages is the fact that a research can be built on previous research using required experience and knowledge. Moreover, secondary data are usually much cheaper than primary data and very often is freely provided. In addition to this, the collection of secondary data can be extremely rapid due to high-tech information accessibility and other media. However, the disadvantages of secondary data are equally very important and it must be gathered and used carefully. In most cases such data have been taken during past research with a specific target and this may not link with other research. Therefore, the circumstances under which secondary data have been created should be examined in detail; otherwise it has no value at all for further research (Zikmund, 2003). When a researcher uses this kind of data he/she should be aware of the time period these data refer to. Another disadvantage of secondary data is that researchers sometimes give different definitions for the same problem making the estimation of the final research result confusing. In addition, there can be many other difficulties when using secondary data. The researcher has to know extensive details about the process which has produced the data, such as the samples that have been used and whether the process has taken all the necessary into account. In many cases, adequate information is very difficult to be found or even impossible (Zikmund, 2003). Quantitative data also has advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is that it is numerous and it is easily understood. Furthermore, the results are subjective. This means that if it is a result of a large sample, this result can be generally applied and it is scientific. Another great advantage is that quantitative data is considered as reliable. This means that if a researcher repeats research following the same process, he will find the same results. A major disadvantage of this kind of data is that they are narrow. In other words, it represents a reality without providing any explanation for the result. In a way, it gives picture of the symptoms and not the real problem. Qualitative data also has advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is that produces more in-depth, comprehensive information. It emphasizes the importance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found. Use subjective information and participant observation to describe the context, of natural setting, of the variables under consideration, as well as the interaction of different variables in context. A major disadvantage of this type of data is that the very subjectivity of the inquiry leads to difficulties in establishing the reliability and validity of the approaches and information. It is very difficult to prevent or detect researcher induced bias. Its scope is limited due to the in-depth, comprehensive data gathering approaches required. In conclusion this work presents some discussion of case study in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. Case studies are considered valuable in research as they enable researchers to examine data at depth analysis. As an alternative to quantitative or qualitative research, case studies can be a practical solution when a large sample population is difficult to gain. Although case studies have various advantages, in that they present data of real-life situations and they provide better understandings into the detailed behaviours of the topics of interest. The case study method, like all research methods, is more appropriate for some situations than others. When deciding to use this method of research, an investigator should keep in mind the dangers and criticisms that are usually made to the method in question and must take precautions and care necessary to avoid them or minimize their consequences. Nevertheless, the Case Study Method offers significant opportunities for the researcher; it may facilitate the study of many cases that wanted to be investigated. This method, as well as qualitative methods is useful when the phenomenon being studied is large and complex, where the body of knowledge is insufficient to support the proposition of causal questions, and where the phenomenon cannot be studied outside the context where it naturally occurs. The researcher must use the designated data gathering tools systematically and properly in collecting the evidence and need to define its object study, the type of research focus, control that the investigator has over actual issues, and the focus on contemporary phenomenon rather than historical and, from there, build a research process, limiting the universe to be studied. Throughout the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. A common point among several authors (GOODE, 1962 and Yin, 1994) is a recommendation for great care when the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. Like all research has advantages and limitations of its application, and deserves the care needed when the search for generalizations. Case study method has always been criticised for its lack of rigour and the tendency for a researcher to have a biased interpretation of the data. But despite the criticisms, weaknesses and limitations, the case study has had widely used in all areas. However, its importance is undeniable as an instrument research and the study should be located in academic discussion. External validity reflects whether or not findings are generalizable beyond the immediate case or cases; the more variations in places, people, and procedures a case study can withstand and still yield the same findings, the more external validity. Techniques such as cross-case examination and within-case examination along with literature review help ensure external validity. Reliability refers to the stability, accuracy, and precision of measurement. Exemplary case study design ensures that the procedures used are well documented and can be repeated with the same results over and over again.

Greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change

Greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change Introduction Climate change is the consequence of any kind of adjustments in the climate system. Change in climate is caused by fluctuations in the factors that influence climatic patterns. This phenomenon has become one of the greatest environmental threats and risks that the world is facing. Persistent human activities such as driving cars, farming, deforestation, and industrialization result into production of greenhouse gases. These gases gather in the atmospheric space, and trap the heat from the sun. This is what causes climate change manifested through global warming and other processes. The effects of disruptive changes have led to catastrophic events like storms, droughts, rise in the sea levels, and floods (Kammen Casillas 2010, p. 1181). Climate change is majorly caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Most of the intervention efforts meant to mitigate the impacts of climate change thus target human activities that contribute to additional emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Letcher ScienceDirect 2009, p. 67). Therefore, renewable energy has been considered as one of the leading solutions to climate change. Provision of ‘carbon-neutral sources of power, heat, transport fuels and renewable energy options has been considered by environmental scientists as a great move in the right direction. The objective is to enact a transition from high to low carbon economy. Although the renewable energy sector is quickly changing, climate change crises dictate that the energy system be drastically transformed. This will help in combating the dangers that are associated with global warming that threatens to slump the global economy in the face of globalization and industrialization. Roggema (2009, p. 211) cited air pollution caused by transport and power sectors of the economy have been a great threat not only to the human health but have also shifted the climate systems. Prospective Interventions to Address Climate Change Crisis Climate change as an environmental problem is essentially a problem caused by the extreme utilization of fossil energy. Agriculture, changes in land use, cement production and use of chemicals all contribute to the emission of the greenhouse gases (Roggema 2009, p. 234). However, 70% of the global warming/climate change problems is caused by unsustainable use of fossil fuels. Therefore, in order to deal with the problems related to climate change, there has to be a shift from use of fossil fuels at home, in the industries, transport and generally the entire sectors of the economy (Roggema 2009, p. 203). In order to avert the challenges associated with climate change, saving of energy is essential. Electricity, automobiles and carbon emissions are the main causes of problems related to climate change. The regular incandescent light bulbs should thus be changed and replaced with the energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs which are more efficient and energy saving. The emissions that result from automobiles like motor vehicles, motorcycles should also be reduced (Letcher ScienceDirect 2009, p. 154). Climate change has been caused by human activities such as deforestation in search of more space for agricultural activities. Therefore carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere continues to rise. Being a greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide has contributed to the rise of global temperatures. Roggema (2009, p. 183) cited that human activities that encroach to the environment should thus be limited to prevent further crises associated with global warming. Traditional methods of conservation of forest ecosystems should be embraced to preserve the ecosystem and mitigate the effects of climate change (Tracy 2010, p.353). Therefore reforestation should be encouraged so that the greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are reduced from the atmosphere. Farming activities that promote environmental hazards such as soil erosion should thus be limited and replaced with farming approaches that are environmentally custodial. Industrialization is the major contributor to climate change. This is because of the emission of the greenhouse gases like Nitrous Oxide and Carbon dioxide (Tracy 2010, p. 354). In order to avert climate change challenges there should be focus on change in the energy used in the industries from the dirty to clean energy. Climate change scientists have advocated for the use of renewable energy as the solution to the climate change problems that are caused by the use of environmentally hazardous fuels like coal and nuclear energy in the industries in the global economy (Tracy 2010, p. 355). Climate Change and the options for Renewable Energy Human activities and natural environmental processes are all responsible for climate change. Natural causes include volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, changes in the earths orbit and solar variations. An eruption of volcanoes throws out great volumes of sulphur dioxide, water vapor, dust, and ash into the atmosphere (Wengenmayr 2008, p. 141). The large volumes of gases and ash have the ability to influence climatic patterns by increasing the planetary reflectivity leading to atmospheric cooling. The aerosols are produced by volcanoes also affects the purity of air in the atmosphere. These contribute greatly to climate change. The oceans currents are considered a great threat to the climate stability. The currents release great amounts of heat across the planet. Besides, the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere can produce El Nino. The oceans determine the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. This implies that changes in the ocean circulation greatly affects climate and significantly contributes to the climate (Wengenmayr 2008, p. 231). Climate change has been caused by human activities. MacZulak (2010, p. 9) cited that this is majorly through the burning of fossil fuels, changes in the land use, and industrialization. With industrial revolution of the 19th century, fossil fuels have been used to support industrial processes. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas have been great energy supplies for the industrialized economies. However, these sources of energy have contributed to great emissions of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These are responsible for climate change (MacZulak 2010, p. 8). Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has increased because of human activities such as deforestation and agriculture. Methane is released through oil drilling, mining of coal, leaking gas pipelines, landfills and waste dumps (MacZulak 2010, p. 9). These greenhouse gases cause great increase in the climate change and are significantly responsible for global warming. The greatest cause of climate change and global warming however is the burning of the fossil fuels. These fuels cause emission of greenhouse gases into the earths atmosphere leading to depletion of the ozone layer and global warming (Twidell Weir 2006, p. 143). Options for Renewable Energy The term renewable energy is used in reference to the energy resources that occur naturally in the environment and can always be re-used after the initial function. Examples of this energy are the solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.   Rivers, biomass and garbage are also considered as renewable energies (Abid, Crawford Davoudi 2009, p.167). Renewable energy is the future of the earths energy needs. However, in order to effectively combat climate change-related challenges, the global mean temperatures have to be kept below two degrees Celsius. This calls for prior planning and transformation of the industrial sectors use of energy. Renewable energy has the potential decreasing the use of fossil fuels that are to blame for most of the problems associated with climate change (Abid et al 2009, p. 169). Renewable energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy, and the bio-fuels are increasingly being used as energy alternatives. With the climate change and its crises, such form of energy has the advantage of energy security since the fossil fuels will be depleted as a result of climate change. Climate change is largely a consequence of anthropogenic activities such as burning of the fossil fuels, industrial processes, deforestation and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It is estimated that the power sector by itself contributes about 40% of the total carbon emissions (Abid et al 2009, p. 297). This can only be altered by shifting to the use of renewable energy. Climatic impacts such as tsunamis, droughts, wildfires, floods, storms, heat waves and tornados are consequences of climate change (MacZulak 2010, p. 8). However, according to the climate change specialists, clean air policy that includes use of renewable energy can substantially mitigate the negative impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuels. Renewable energy technologies are considered to be the most potential mitigation for greenhouse gases. In the steadily growing awareness on the importance of environmental protection priorities, renewable energy is considered appropriate in the mitigation of climate change effects (Chiras 2007, p. 67). Renewable energy is the alternative to the climate change crises since it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions and pollute the air as is the case with the fossil fuels. Chiras (2007, p. 17) indicated that biomass energy for example, has been used as an alternative for fossil fuels so as to conserve the environment. It is considered a greenhouse gas neutral since its combustion releases no more carbon dioxide than was absorbed during growth period of the organic material. Biomass fuel also contain little sulphur and low combustion temperatures. This limits the formation of nitrogen oxide which is a greenhouse gas dangerous to the environment (Abid et al 2009, p. 269). Responding to Climate Change The transport industry is driven mostly by petrol. This causes emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide combines with other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and cause global warming. In order to deal with this menace, there is need for countries to invest in energy efficient technologies like plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and new technologies such as hydrogen cars (Abid et al 2009, p. 297). This has the potential of reducing petroleum emissions of greenhouse gases into the air. Further, there is need to shift from air and truck transports to electric rail transport that reduces emissions significantly. Industries should shift from the fossil fuels to use of bio-fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel fuels should be used in the gasoline engines in the industrial economies. Abid et al (2009, p. 169) cited that electric vehicles can contribute into reduction of dangerous gases into the atmosphere especially if the energy is produced through the renewable energy sources. In order to deal with climate change and environmental crises associated with it, elimination of waste methane is required. Methane is considered to be one of the strongest greenhouse gases that are responsible for the climate change problems. Waste methane should thus be dealt with responsibly. This is through careful handling of oil wells, landfills, coal mines and the waste treatment plants (Chiras 2007, p. 17). This will provide a net greenhouse gas emission benefits. Biomass as a source of bio-energy can be used to capture carbon. Biomass traps carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When biomass is decomposed through combustion, carbon is released as carbon dioxide. This is the process involved in the carbon cycle. Biomass fuelled power plants result into a net-negative carbon dioxide emission. This implies that there will be less carbon in the atmosphere will be trapped through the technology and reduce greenhouse gases that are a threat to the environment (Abid et al 2009, p. 169). The adoption of renewable energy technologies is strategic in addressing the problems associated with climate change and global warming (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 113). From 1970s and 80s, development agencies have promoted small-scale renewable energy technologies. This includes the use of biogas, cooking stoves, the wind turbines and solar heaters in the industrializing countries. In the large scale developing countries have responded to climate change through the use of ethanol in the transport sector. This is especially the case in Brazil. In India, biogas is being used in households for lighting and cooking. Grid connected power in India and hydropower are being used in India and Nepal respectively as renewable sources of energy and safe energy for environmental conservation (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 119). Naturally Sustainable Renewable Energy As oil reservoirs and oil wells in the world run dry due to extensive exploitation and use in the energy sector, there is also an outcry in the environment that is caused by their consequences. Renewable energy sources include geothermal energy, solar, hydroelectric, biomass and wind energy (Chiras 2007, p. 233). These forms of energy have been considered to be the most environmental friendly because they dont produce high levels of greenhouse gases and other substances that are not environmentally friendly. The challenge that these forms of renewable energy have is sustainable use. Hydroelectric power uses the movement of falling water to run the turbines. Unlike other sources of energy, hydroelectricity does not depend on the fuels like natural gas or petrol to run the engines. This makes it more environmentally friendly. Besides, it is more sustainable with the sustainability of the environment so that water capacity of the dams is not interfered with. It uses the natural progression nature to generate electricity (Chiras 2007, p. 117). Hydroelectric power does not produce direct waste that pollutes the environment. It is thus considered to be environmentally sustainable (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 114). The carbon dioxide levels produced by hydroelectric power plants are considerably very low. This is however only produced during the construction stage of the plants and not in the operational phase of the plants making it environmentally friendly. As a renewable source of energy, hydroelectric power does not need the use of fuels to run the turbines. The use of petrol in the production of hydroelectric energy is not existent. This implies that when the price of the fossil fuels rises, the hydroelectric plants are often not affected. This makes it a sustainable and reliable source of energy when compared to other sources of energy (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 116). It also means that the consumer price of this form of renewable energy is fairly constant. In terms of sustainability, hydroelectric power stations last longer than the energy plant stations that are powered by fossil fuels. They are generally easy to maintain and pose no much threat to human life and property. Hydroelectric energy plants contribute to conservation of the environment. In the countries where great investments have been done in the hydropower such as Bhutan, environmental stewardship and custodianship is encouraged. Ehrfeld (2009, p. 119) cited that since it depends on water, a lot of forest conservation and reforestation is encouraged. This helps in the reduction of the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. The human activities that contribute environmental degradation are also reduced through investment in the hydroelectric power plants. Climate change is caused by human activities that tamper with the environment. However, when a country invests in the hydroelectric plants, environmental conservations efforts are boosted. With the conservation of the water catchment areas and the forests, hydroelectricity becomes a very sustainable and reliable source of renewable energy. As it produces clean energy through environmentally friendly approaches, it also helps in the protection of Mother Nature (Ehrfeld 2009, p.121). International Agreements and Government Interventions in Climate Change Various intervention efforts have been made at the community and individual levels to combat climate change and to reduce the negative effects of human activities on the environment. However, much is still needed to be done especially at the inter-state and governmental level. One of the efforts that the governments from the industrialized countries are making in the mitigating climate change is through the Kyoto Protocol. The focus of the protocol is in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions especially from the industrialized countries by 2012. The developed countries have the responsibility to reduce their emission of greenhouse gases from their large industries. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change. The Kyoto Protocol intervention targets reduction of carbon in the atmosphere (Karlsson, Lund, Mathiesen 2010, p. 488). This is through emission trading, clean development mechanism and the joint implementation. These strategies target reductions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The countries that are signatories are thus investing in renewable energy technology options in the industries. The UK government considers climate change as a priority. Its approaches include targeting households to help in energy saving and strengthen renewable energy adoption. Civil society, community and private organizations are also strengthened through grants to help in generation of renewable heat from the renewable sources (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 115). The industrialized countries are re-focusing investments towards generation of renewable energies that are environmentally friendly and are sustainable. There is thus need to encourage less use of fossil fuels and more investment in the bio-fuels. Improvement of energy efficiency is a good government strategy for dealing with the climate change problems. Reduced use of energy implies reduced production of carbon dioxide. Karlsson et al (2010 p. 501) cited that this calls for more efficient vehicles, motors, appliances and industrial processes. Besides, development of renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, hydroelectricity, and biomass should be encouraged to reduce the consequences of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The transport sector should reduce gasoline consumption. The trucks, cars and buses use almost half of the oil in the United States. There is therefore urgent need for investment in electric and fuel-celled vehicles so as to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide. Transport policies should also encourage less driving of single-passenger vehicles in order to reduce greenhouse emissions (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 115). Human activities that involve land use are largely to blame for destruction of the environment. Governments should focus on developing agricultural policies that discourage environmentally hazardous practices and activities such deforestation and other human activities that are dangerous to the environment. Climate change has negatively impacted on food security. In order to therefore fight poverty, climate change must be addressed through agricultural activities and policies that are environmentally friendly (Kammen Casillas 2010, p. 1181-1182). Conclusion Climate change is greatly caused by human activities more than the natural processes. Industrialization and agricultural activities are largely responsible for the production of greenhouse gases that promote global warming and other consequences. These threaten wildlife and human existence and as such should be addressed. Renewable energy is the potential rescue of the environment from the negative effects of human activities. Governments and countries thus need to use less of fossil fuels and invest more in renewable energy technology options. These include hydropower, geothermal, wind energy and other reliable sources of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.

The US Border Patrol :: Immigrants Immigration

The US Border Patrol The U.S. Border Patrol is the organization that polices the entry of illegal immigrants into our country. The official mission of the United States Border patrol is to protect the boundaries of the United States by preventing illegal entry, and by detecting, interdicting, and apprehending illegal aliens, smugglers, and contraband. Today, the United States Border Patrol consists of 21 sectors. Each sector is headed by a chief patrol agent. There are 145 stations located throughout the continental United States, and in Puerto Rico. The Border Patrol controls the border by land, sea, and air. The Border Patrol has jurisdiction across all United States borders and at least 25 miles off the border. The Border Patrol agents are responsible to check factories for illegal workers. As of September of 1995, the Border Patrol had 530 agents. The Border Patrol's efforts may be sufficient but many people believe that there are many problems in the methods of the Border Patrol. First, many people think that all of the equipment is costing the taxpayers too much. An estimation by TIME magazine states that in California alone, $400 million is spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants. CNN says that the care of illegal immigrants in one hospital in Jacksonville, Florida costs taxpayers $44.5 million. A Federal Government estimate says that $1.6 billion dollars is spent on the education of illegal immigrants each year in California alone. Just think of how much money is spent on illegal immigrants across the country. Now this is just the cost of the immigrants that get through the border patrol. These costs could be greatly lowered if the Border Patrol would do its job. Let alone the cost of the illegal immigrants that manage to get through the Border Patrol, the Border Patrol alone is costing plenty. In an overview, some people believe that we are spending too much money on the border patrol, considering that they simply are not doing their job. We are giving them so much money to get the latest equipment, but still people are getting through. The people in favor of the Border patrol have the basic idea that, yes, the Border Patrol used to be ineffective, but now due to many improvements in federal money, manpower, and technology the Border Patrol is very effective. They say that the reason for all the illegal immigrants in the U.S. is due to when the Border Patrol was not as effective as it could or should be. The US Border Patrol :: Immigrants Immigration The US Border Patrol The U.S. Border Patrol is the organization that polices the entry of illegal immigrants into our country. The official mission of the United States Border patrol is to protect the boundaries of the United States by preventing illegal entry, and by detecting, interdicting, and apprehending illegal aliens, smugglers, and contraband. Today, the United States Border Patrol consists of 21 sectors. Each sector is headed by a chief patrol agent. There are 145 stations located throughout the continental United States, and in Puerto Rico. The Border Patrol controls the border by land, sea, and air. The Border Patrol has jurisdiction across all United States borders and at least 25 miles off the border. The Border Patrol agents are responsible to check factories for illegal workers. As of September of 1995, the Border Patrol had 530 agents. The Border Patrol's efforts may be sufficient but many people believe that there are many problems in the methods of the Border Patrol. First, many people think that all of the equipment is costing the taxpayers too much. An estimation by TIME magazine states that in California alone, $400 million is spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants. CNN says that the care of illegal immigrants in one hospital in Jacksonville, Florida costs taxpayers $44.5 million. A Federal Government estimate says that $1.6 billion dollars is spent on the education of illegal immigrants each year in California alone. Just think of how much money is spent on illegal immigrants across the country. Now this is just the cost of the immigrants that get through the border patrol. These costs could be greatly lowered if the Border Patrol would do its job. Let alone the cost of the illegal immigrants that manage to get through the Border Patrol, the Border Patrol alone is costing plenty. In an overview, some people believe that we are spending too much money on the border patrol, considering that they simply are not doing their job. We are giving them so much money to get the latest equipment, but still people are getting through. The people in favor of the Border patrol have the basic idea that, yes, the Border Patrol used to be ineffective, but now due to many improvements in federal money, manpower, and technology the Border Patrol is very effective. They say that the reason for all the illegal immigrants in the U.S. is due to when the Border Patrol was not as effective as it could or should be.

Comparing Don Juan and Jack Worthing Essay -- Literary Analysis

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and Don Juan by Lord Byron are two distinctive pieces in British literature. In both stories, the male characters take center stage. The character of Jack Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest and Juan in Don Juan share many similarities. Both men are from the upper class, both take an avid interest in the opposite sex, and both are controlled by the women in their lives. The difference between these two characters arises in their outcomes and may stem from the fact that each author is from a distinct literary era. Lord Byron’s work is associated with the Romantic movement, a movement concerned about bringing genuine characteristics to the forefront in order to break barriers between classes. In Don Juan, Juan, after having an affair with a married woman, is sent off to travel by his mother—possibly so he does not have to face society after such a scandal. His affair and subservience shows he is weak. Despite his aristocracy, Bryon shows Juan as a flawed character in order to make him relatable to all classes. Oscar Wilde’s work is considered part of the late Victorian era, a period that was all about appearances. At the end of The Importance of Being Earnest, Jack blackmails his way into marrying a girl of equal status, Gwendolen. This act shows that he is manipulative—everything he does is for his own benefit. Jack is shown to be to concerned about his own appearance and does not care who he hurts in the process. Each author describes each male character’s outcome in relation to the literary movement he was connected to. One similarity Jack and Juan share is that they are both from the upper class. In Don Juan, Lord Byron provides the au... ... Works Cited Craft, Christopher. "Alias Bunbury: Desire and Termination in The Importance of Being Earnest." Jstor.org. University of California Press, 1990. 19-46 Web. 1 May 2012 Clubbe, John. Keats-Shelley Journal Vol. 24. 1975. 152-55. Print Lauber, John. â€Å"Don Juan as Anti-Epic† Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 Vol. 8, No. 4, Nineteenth Century (Autumn, 1968), pp. 607-619 Lord Byron. â€Å" Don Juan.† The Norton Anthology of English Litearture. 8th ed. Vol. D. New York. Norton. 2006. 670-697.Print "Romanticism." The Free Dictionary. Farlex. Web. 30 Apr. 2012. â€Å"Sigmund Freud Quotes." Sigmund Freud Quotes (Author of the Interpretation of Dreams). Goodreads Inc. Web. 01 May 2012. Wilde, Oscar. â€Å" The Importance of Being Earnest†. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 8th ed. Vol E. New York. Norton. 2006. 1698-1740Print.

Business Ethics: BA Credit Cards for Illegal Immigrants

Is the grant of a loan as well as issuance of a credit card to illegal immigrants ethical, moral or legal? Is Bank of America justified in ignoring the ethical, moral and legal issues of granting loans and credit cards to illegal immigrants? What could have been the more superior reasons for granting loans and credit cards to individuals without Social Security cards and who are in fact illegal immigrants? The need for new markets for loans and credits Just like any banking institution, the mad scramble for means to increase revenues can take a number of means including unethical, illegal or immoral means.While the interest of bank management is primarily to generate revenues to meet their compensation package for the expertise provided; shareholder value is similarly a strong interest on the part of the corporate board to prioritize revenues. Even labor would seek new benefits and salary adjustments to meet the increasing cost of living. Thus, the commonality of purpose in generatin g and increasing revenues is tempered by conflicting interests, resulting to further maximization efforts.This optimizing and maximizing strategies under a tightening competitive environment encourages corporate profit takers to identify new sources of revenues. Here, the groupthink syndrome starts to set aside ethical, moral and legal issues. (Jaksa & Pritchard, 1994) Credit cards and loans provide the vast opportunities for revenues for banks in the form of membership fees, interests, penalties, service charges, legal fees and other finance terms that mean only one thing: revenues and more revenues for the credit card issuer.In some instances, the law even protects the issuing bank and condones its usurious practices through hidden charges that suddenly appear in the card billing. In some instances, states criminalize credit card defaults. Interests are often compounded monthly at a basic rate of 3 to 5 per cent per month which translates into 60 per cent annually without even con sidering any form of penalty, service charges and other fees. Many cards even automatically increase the credit limit to keep the credit card user paying merely the minimum interest and leaving the principal to accumulate as means of sustaining revenues on interests alone.The cash payback period for credit card issuer can average at less than two years with the credit card user almost permanently now tied to the principal that now hardly diminishes with the gamut of fees and charges coming. Even US President Barack Obama is concerned about this. (Feller & Aversa, 2009) The consequences Thus, credit cards are often aggressively marketed both to prime and subprime clients with varying fees. With the hundreds of different cards vying for market share, card issuers will not stop at creating markets for new issuances; and consumers take pride in having more and more credit cards in their wallets.What then made the illegal immigrants or those without social security number a bright prospe ct for credit cards or loans? What opportunities and risks do credit card issuers face in this sector? Why are the requirements limited to the fact that only those with checking accounts during the last three months and without history of overdrafts are qualified? (Feller & Aversa, 2009) Illegal immigrants need liquidity to live in the United States and credit cards provide the liquidity vehicle to cope with the American dream.A large number of illegal immigrants find jobs, even odd ones, to survive; hence their capability to earn the means to live is strong and that their struggle to temporarily live even as an undocumented alien is considered a transition to ultimately becoming a permanent resident, as an immigrant or even as a US citizen. The need hence, to establish a credible record is considered necessary to become an honorable citizen later. This sector is reasonably a good credit risk considering their need to stay safe from the clutches of the Immigration and Naturalization Service by keeping payments updated.In general, this form of self-regulated discipline enhances the credit worthiness of illegal immigrants. On the other hand, even if person ultimately defaults and get caught by the INS, illegal immigrants are often forced to stay in the United States while his credit card case is pending. Thus, the chance that he is able to extricate himself from credit card liability might provide him time to await any form of amnesty to regularize his status. Thus, it is probably based on these market characteristics that Bank of America took the risk of identifying this sector as a good credit risk.In fact, the Bank pilot-tested the credit card in selected areas and probably, the expansion binge to make it nationwide is a concrete indicator that it has become a reasonably good prospect for business. Business, especially banks has a way of getting in despite the ethical, moral or legal issues. In uncertain times, generating revenues more than the need for ethic al, moral or legal constraints is a more primordial philosophy of management. Here again, groupthink in the organization attempts to rationalize such policy.The Bank can anyway afford to employ or hire topnotch lawyers to fight any form of charge of illegal transaction with illegal immigrants. But is it really illegal to issue credit cards to illegal immigrants? If it is not, isn’t it that what the law does not prohibit, it allows? Perhaps, the government will only be able to assert its role in the credit impasse if Bank of America seeks government intervention to collect from past due credit card users. Otherwise, credit card transactions are can be considered global instruments that know no political boundaries. Is it unethical to issue credit cards to illegal immigrants?Banks transact business on a global scale. If the illegal immigrant is issued a credit card in the United States, will it still be unethical or illegal or immoral in the event that if the person returns to his home country and uses his credit card therein? The global market has enabled banks and the credit card issuer to conduct businesses that transcends political boundaries. Thus, if Bank of America issues a credit card to a citizen of another country while he is in that country, then travels to the United States and overstays his visa, will it then be illegal, unethical or immoral to use the card?Is it not that the usurious and unfair practices of card issuer in charging usurious rates and the fine print trap, might be more of an unethical practice in the industry than issuing the credit card per se? Will not Bank of America in fact be helping the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) with issuing a credit card which effectively gets information from the illegal immigrant making the latter more vulnerable to apprehension by the INS? ConclusionThe issue of credit cards being issued by Bank of America to illegal immigrants can be taken from the context of purely business purpo se – to generate revenues. However, the ethical dimension that can be extracted from the case is the absence of ethical ascendancy on the part of Bank of America to contribute to the strengthening of the good governance, transparency practices and exemplary conduct of legitimate processes in the way revenues are generated.In the same way that employers of illegal immigrants are made to answer for the question of hiring these undocumented people in compliance with Immigration Laws. Thus, what right will Bank of America invoke to protect itself in the event of payment default by the illegal immigrant if it seeks protection from the law which discourages such transactions in the first place? The Bank undeniably wants the best of both worlds in this case.In addition, the groupthink syndrome in Bank of America that led to the adoption of this marketing strategy is, as usual, laced with that groupthink rationality. This makes use of the â€Å"we feeling, the illusion of morality, invulnerability with the moral, ethical and legal tone of such group rationalization and consensus leads to the excessive taking of risks without individual ethical responsibility. Hence, anyway one looks at the marketing strategy, the issue of ethics, morals and legalities can never be ignored. Has the Bank ran out of meaningful philosophy?Reference list Feller, B. & Aversa, J (2009), Obama pledges protections for credit-card users, the Associated Press; retrieved April 10, 2009;Website: http://news. yahoo. com/s/ap/us_obama_credit_cards Jaksa, J. & Pritchard, M. (1994), Communication ethics: Methods of Analysis. Western Michigan University, Belmont, CA; Wadworth Publishing Company. Malkim , M. (2007) Bank of illegal aliens in America, retrieved April 19, 2009; website: http://michellemalkin. com/2007/02/13/bank-of-illegal-aliens-in-america/

Prison Health Care Essay

Health care is a major issue. The issue of health care, no matter who views, takes on many perspectives, however, the point of view of prison is a another world of its own. Federal and state laws in place states that correctional facilities and/or prisons must provide prisoners with medical facilities that would oversee their medical needs. This paper will identify a governmental agency that regulates prison health care, the impact on health care, the duties the agency carries out, this agency’s regulatory authority in relation to health care and the processes for accreditation, certification and authorization. The Federal Bureau of Prisons The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is an agency created on May 14, 1930. Its main headquarters is in Washington, D.C. The BOP is a subdivision of the United States Justice Department and is responsible for the administration of the federal prison system. Its sole purpose is to provide more open-minded and compassionate care to those who are federal inmates with the United States prison system. As time passed and laws were changed, The BOP’s responsibilities grew and by the end of 1930, the agency operated 14 facilities for well over 13,000 inmates (Federal Bureau of Prisons, 2015). By 1940s, the BOP grew to having 24 facilities with over 24,000 inmates. As a result of Federal law enforcement efforts and new legislation that altered sentencing in the Federal criminal justice system, the 1980s brought an  increase in the number of Federal inmates. According to the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, â€Å"established determinate sentencing, abolished parole, and reduced good time.† During the 1990s, the population doubled as efforts to combat illegal drugs and illegal immigration contributed to a significant increase in conviction rates. To present date, the population continues to increase with Federal prisons reach a current population of over 210,000. Impact on Health Care To control rising costs of health care, since the early 1990s the BOP implement initiatives aimed at providing more efficient and effective inmate health care (Efforts to Manage, 2008). These on-going initiatives included assigned most inmates to institutions based on the care level, installing an electronic medical records system that connects institutions, implementing tele-health to provide health care services through video conferencing, and implementing a bill adjudication process to avoid costly errors when validating health care related invoices (Efforts to Manage, 2008). Since the early 1990s, BOP has attempted to increase efficiency and economy of health care delivery to prisoners through various cost containment initiatives, such as restructuring medical staff, obtaining discounts through quantity or bulk purchases, leveraging resources through cooperative efforts and other governmental entities and even privatizing medical services at selected facilities (Containing Health Cost for Inmate Population, 2008). Duties of the Federal Bureau of Prisons The mission of the BOP is to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community based facilities that are safe, humane, cost efficient and appropriately secure and that provide work and other self-improvement opportunities to assist offenders in becoming law abiding citizens (Federal Bureau of Prisons, 2015). This agency is responsible for providing medically needed health care to inmates in agreement with federal and state laws. One of the most negative aspects of the BOP is it is responsible for carrying out all judicially mandated federal executions, including lethal injection of inmates who have been sentenced to death for a crime they have committed (Federal, 2015). This agency maintains the lethal injection chamber of a prison before, during,  and after an execution, making sure that the lethal injection is set up appropriately. The structure of the BOP is made of several divisions with board of directors. Inmates are confined in facilities spread out across the United States. Each facility reports to a regional office, which provides close oversight and support to that site. At the headquarters, national programs are developed and functional support is provided to the entire agency by division (Federal Bureau of Prisons, 2015). Regulatory Authority: Accreditation, Certification and Authorization Accreditation is necessary for prisons as it contributes to making the prisons operations, policies and procedures clear as well as increase the accountability of those operating the prisons. Accreditation provides and verifies the standards that an organization is required to meet. The American Correctional Association (ACA) performs the function with regard to the general operational activities of the correctional facilities (Hamilton, 2015). The American Correctional Association developed national standards for safe, effective, and professional operation of the correctional facilities. These standards are essential guides to policies and processed that protect the health and safety of prisoners and facility staff. These standards are regularly revised by a 20 member committee. Revisions are based on court decisions, and governmental agency practices and experiences (Hamilton, 2015). Although participation in the accreditation process is voluntary, many correctional facilities ask to be accredited. As these agencies ask for accreditation the ACE sends the appropriate standards material, a manual policy and procedure, and compliance checklist. At this point, a regional manager is appointed to serve as an adviser. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care accredits all of the BOP’s and health service units and medical referral centers. Many correctional facilities are also guided by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) standard without seeking accreditation. The accreditation process is a difficult and challenging one, especially those seeking new accreditations. It is the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community  based facilities that are safe, cost efficient and secure. Each facility reports to a regional office and this agency is spear headed by a Board of Directors. Each region has functional support and provided the entire agency by each division.

Dr. Stragelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Essay

â€Å"Dr. StrangeLove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb† was directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1964. Irreverence and satire are used many times in this film. Serious events are often portrayed lightly or made humorous. An example of this is the scene where Mandrake finds the codes to recall the planes, but doesn’t have the right amount of change make the call on the payphone. The whole world depends on whether or not he makes the call, but all the audience does is shake their heads and smile. This is an example of irreverence because the situation is dire, yet the people don’t seem worried or willing to help. Black humor was used in the schene in the plane where Major Kong stops to put on his cowboy hat. I thought this was an example of black humor as well because instead of doing something else more productive, he decides to go put on his cowboy hat. Another instance of black humor is when they find lipstick and chewing gum in the military survival kit. The use of black humor causes the tone of this film to be funny with a grim, serious undertone. Many parts are funny, but then you remember this is based on real events and things people were actually scared of happening once. An example of irony in Dr. StrangeLove is when there is a dogfight between two American troops, and a sign that says â€Å"Peace is our Profession† is shown. Then the General tells his troops to â€Å"shoot first and ask questions later†. This is clear example of irony because the sign says peace, but there is fighting. Another example of irony is when the General was very casual about putting the base on lockdown. There could be a nuclear war breaking out, but he doesn’t seem to be worried at all. The use of irony makes the tone of this film have a mocking tone. My favorite scene in the film was when General Ripper is talking to Mandrake about water. He tells Mandrake â€Å"on no account will a commie ever drink water†, that they only drink vodka. I like it because I find the generalizations the General makes funny, and how he keeps going on and on about water without really having a point. I think Kubrik’s purpose in writing this film was to illustrate the idea of mutual destruction. The film achieved this, and also let people laugh about a very real and scary situation.

Agricultural Tools Essay

Farmers in Medieval times did not have tractors or farm machines as we do today. All that a farmer needed was a horse or ox, a wife and a plough. The mould-board plough was invented after the fall of the Roman empire by Slavic tribes. This complicated device was made out of metal and wood. The design allowed six or more oxen to pull the plough which was used to break up ground, or heavy, clay burdened soils. The second invention was the horse collar. The old horse tackle was useless because an animal could not use its full strength. The new horse collar did allow horses to use their full strength when pulling a plough, or heavy loads. This created a big increase in the horse population, as the horse was more versatile a beast of burden than the ox. In later years people discovered the 3 field system from trial and error. The 3 field system was the system where a field was left fallow for a couple of years, depending on the quality of the soil, while two other fields were planted with crops. Farmers would then rotate fields leaving a different field fallow so that it could rebuild its fertility.

The Importance of Play and the Cognitive Development of Children

The Importance of Play and the Cognitive Development of Children Marlene Joy M. Cepeda Western Governors University Abstract The focus on academic success and high assessment scores has led many educators and administrators to perceive play as an unimportant part of a child’s development. But play does lay a good foundation developmentally for children. Through each different types of play, a child develops the necessary skills in order to succeed. When children are given opportunities to play, they develop the connections and experiences they will use to help them succeed academically.Since the No Child Left Behind Act was created in 2001, schools have shifted their focus onto academics and achieving high scores for standardized tests. This focus on academics has led many administrators and parents to perceive play as unimportant for children ages birth and five years old. Even though play may seem unimportant to those outside early childhood education, it creates a solid fou ndation for the child’s cognitive development and future academic success. In 2001, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the No Child Left Behind Act that would change the way schools addressed academics.Schools had to focus on ensuring all students were able to perform and were meeting the state academic standards. Kysilka (2003) wrote â€Å"the purpose of the No Child Left Behind Act was to hold schools, local educational agencies and States accountable for improving the academic achievement of all students and identifying and turning around low-performing schools that have failed to provide a high-quality education to their students, while providing alternatives to students in such schools to enable the students to receive a high-quality education† (Kysilka, 2003, p. 00). Since schools and administrators are being held to a standard, parents are looking at these scores to see if the child succeeds or fails. The focus shifting primarily on aca demics means the time for play is cut short during school hours if not completely removed. More recently, due to state and national emphasis on proficiency text performance, even the small segments of social pretend play time that have been allowed (if not encouraged) in school, such as kindergarten â€Å"choice† time and recess breaks are disappearing (Bergen, 2002).Bergen (2002) writes â€Å"the press for â€Å"academic readiness† through concentrated and direct teaching of alphabet, number, color, and other skills is now affecting the amount of time allocated for play in preschools† (Bergen, 2002, Challenges and Policy Directions suggested by Recent Research, para. 1). Kindergarten classes now are focused on ensuring their students are prepared academically. Instead of allowing the child to develop naturally, schools are now primarily emphasizing on the academics. Kindergarten students are no longer being taught the basics, like the alphabets, colors, or numb ers.Kindergarten students are now taught to read simple words and do more reading and writing in class. Three- and four-year-olds are now expected to engage in far more early writing and reading activities than ever before (Almon, n. d). Kindergarten programs in the U. S. focus so strongly on teaching literacy, numeracy, and other academic subjects that many children no longer have time to play in kindergarten (Almon, n. d. ). Play time has become unimportant in the schools. Educational psychologist Anthony Pellegrini writes â€Å"for many children, the opportunities for such freely chosen play are narrowing† (as cited in Bergen, 2009, p. 28). Pellegini continues â€Å"much of their play time at home has been lost to music, dance, or other lessons; participations on sports teams (using adult defined rules); and afterschool homework or test preparation. At the same time, many schools especially those considered to be poor performers, have reduced or eliminated recess† ( as cited in Bergen, 2009, p. 428). In the first 5 years of a child’s life, play is crucial for development more so than ensuring that the child understands the ABCs or the colors. Children develop problem solving skills when faced with a challenge in a game or with the object they are playing with.Children must think about what to do in order to overcome a particular obstacle or challenge. In the process children also use language skills to voice out frustrations, concerns, or questions to help them understand the situation they are experiencing. In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated â€Å"free and unstructured play â€Å"is healthy and, in fact, essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them manage stress and become resilient†Ã¢â‚¬  (as cited in Warner, 2009 p. 1).The Zero to Three Organization (2004) writes â€Å"children are naturally curious beings who are motivated to mak e sense of the world around them. The brain is the only organ that is not fully formed at birth† (Zero to Three Organization, 2004). The Zero to Three Organization (2004) also states â€Å"during the first 3 years, trillions of connections between brain cells are being made† (Zero to Three Organization, 2004). A child’s relationships and experiences during the early years greatly influence how her brain grows. Since children are still developing before age 5, it is imperative that they are allowed to develop naturally.Allowing children to experience play early will help them form those experiences and connections and lay that basic foundation before they begin school. While play may not be regarded as important as the academics to succeed, it plays a vital role in the cognitive development of children. Jean Piaget developed a theory about the cognitive development of young children. Piaget understood through his own observation that children learn logic and reaso ning through manipulation of their environment (Dodge, Colker, Heroman, & Bickart, 2009).Children manipulate the environment through play. Through play, children learn thinking and problem solving skills and understand how the world around them works. Sara Smilansky had created categories of play and described the skills children were learning through each type of play. Smilansky distinguishes four types of play: functional, constructive, dramatic or pretend play, and games with rules (Dodge, Colker, Heroman & Bickart, 2009). When children are actively exploring their world, using their senses and their bodies, this would be described as functional play.This particular play begins when children are babies and are learning about their world. It is during functional play children begin to make those connections of memories to objects in the present. For example when a baby has learned to hold a rattle, they in turn continue to do this action for every other object they can grab. Funct ional play is a form of play in which children use their sense and muscles to experiment with materials and learn how things go together (Dodge, Colker, Heroman & Bickart, 2009). As children grow and develop so does the basic understanding of how things work in the world.Children build upon the skills already learned and find they can create and build new things. These skills are developed through constructive play. Children learn how certain objects fit together through organizing objects, stacking objects, or simply creating something new with those objects. Allen and Marotz describes â€Å"the cognitive process includes mental activities such as discovering, interpreting, sorting, classifying, and remembering. All interactions that children experience during their daily activities contribute to their cognitive development† (as cited in Guam Early Learning Guidelines, 2005, p. 21).Children, ages one year and older, are very observant and can imitate the things they see in t he world around them. Using their imagination, children place themselves in different settings, like the doctor’s office, or a school, or even the house. Rubin describes â€Å"role enactment is the highest form of symbolic play† (as cited in Umek & Musek, 2001 p. 56). How children use imagination is often based on past experiences. According to Piaget, â€Å"assimilation is when children bring in new knowledge to their own schemas and accommodation is when children have to change their schemas to â€Å"accommodate† the new information or knowledge.This adjustment process occurs when learning, as one is processing new information to fit into what is already in one’s memory† (as cited in Powell & Kalina, 2009, p. 3). This play called dramatic play can occur when the child is by themselves or with other children. In dramatic play children typically take on a role, pretend to be someone else, and use real or pretend objects to play out a role (Dodge, C olker, Heroman & Bickart, 2009). Children, ages three to four years old, begin to understand certain things have to be done a certain way.They learn that there are rules and guidelines that must be followed not only for reasons of safety, but the safety and well-being of others. This lesson can be taught to children, ages three to four years old, through games with rules. Some games require lots of movement and lots of room; dodge ball, kickball, musical chairs. Some games can be played on tables with a small number of people; bingo, Uno, go fish. Through this type of play, children not only use their muscles, both big and small, but they learn to communicate with their friends or teammate in the game.Children also learn to respect the others when it is their turn and learn to follow the rules. This type of play requires the children to use many of senses, teach them to play well with others, and respect everyone who is playing the game. There are two broad types of games with rules -table games and physical or movement games. Both require children to control their behavior, both physically and verbally, to conform to a structure or preset rules (Dodge, Colker, Heroman & Bickart, 2009). When children are not given the opportunity to play, they may not learn many of skills that are associated with play.Gould had written â€Å"humans, as specialists in non-specialisation, have survived not through rigid and narrow ways of behaving, but through adaptive qualities of quirkiness, flexibility, and unpredictability and sloppiness. † â€Å"These are the essence of play† (as cited in Lester, 2010 p. 16). The ability for children to play is tied to the ability to being creative and imaginative. The skills of being creative and imaginative can be lost or forgotten if children are not able to exercise these skills. Almon (n. d. writes â€Å"given the importance of play for children’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development, the demise of p lay will certainly have serious consequences during childhood and throughout children’s lives† (Almon, n. d. ). Almon (n. d. ) explains â€Å"indeed, there is growing concern about what kind of society we are creating if a generation of children grow up without play and the creative thinking that emerges from play† (Almon, n. d. ). To many outside the early childhood education, play may seem unimportant.Laying the basic foundation for success, play is an integral part of a child’s growth. Children gain many benefits through play. Not only do the children develop social skills through interactions with other children, but they continue to develop their thinking and problem solving skills. The manipulation of the world around them through play helps create those lasting memories and allows for connections of the past experiences to be tied to the experiences of the present. References Almon, J. (n. d. ). The Vital Role of Play in Childhood. Retrieved from ht tp://www. aldorfearlychildhood. org/article. asp? id=5 Bergen, D. & Fromberg, D. P. (2009). Play and Social Interaction in Middle Childhood. Phi Delta Kappan, 90(6), 426-430. Bergen, D. (2002). The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development. [Supplemental material]. Early Childhood Research & Practice, 4(1) Retrieved from http://ecrp. uiuc. edu/v4n1/bergen. html Dodge, D. T. , Colker, L. J. , Heroman, C. , & Bickart, T. S. (2009). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. (4th ed. ). Washington, D. C. : Teaching Strategies, Inc. Early Childhood Care & Education Committee. 2005). Guam early learning guidelines for young children ages three to five. Mangilao, Guam: The Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services. Kysilka, M. L. (2003). NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND. Curriculum & Teaching Dialogue, 5(2), 99-104. Lester. S. (n. d. ). Children’s Right to Play: An examination of the importance of play in the lives of children worldwide. Working papers in early child hood development, No. 57. Bernard Van Leer Foundation. Power, K. C. , & Kalina, C. J. (2009). Cognitive and Social Constructivism: Developing tools for and effective classroom.Education, 130(2), 241-250. Umek. L. , & Musek, P. (2001) Symbolic Play: opportunities for cognitive and language development in preschool settings. Early Years: Journal of International Research & Development, 21(1), 55-64. Doi:10. 1080/09575140020022689 Warner, L. (n. d. ). â€Å"You’re It! †: Thoughts on Play and Learning in Schools. Horace, 24(n2) Zero to Three Organization. (2004). Getting ready for school begins at birth [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www. zerotothree. org/child-development/social-emotional-development/gettingreadyforschoolbeginsatbirth. pdf