Second Language Learning - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1304 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Teaching Essay Type Review Did you like this example? A Brief Literature Review and Self-reflection on the Critical Period Hypothesis Introduction Is there really an ideal age at which second language learning should begin? Is there only a slim chance for an adult learner to master a second language? These thought-provoking questions arising from the Critical Period Hypothesis, as well as the interesting phenomena relating to the hypothesis that occurred during my life as a teacher make it the focus of discussion of the essay. The Critical Period Hypothesis: A highly debatable issue One prominent proponent of the Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) was Eric Lenneberg (1967), who based his hypothesis on neurological development. He explained that there is a maturation process called cerebral lateralization, during which the brain loses its plasticity as it gradually matures. This process, starts at around two, is supposed to be completed at puberty, after which it is very difficult or even impossible for a learner to successfully acquire a new language. The CPH has been widely discussed in the area of second language acquisition (SLA) and has aroused much controversy. The CPH is most closely linked to the acquisition of the phonological system. As put forward by Scovel (1988), it is not possible for learners beyond the age of 12 to attain a native-like pronunciation though they might be able to master the syntax and vocabulary of a second language. A similar view regarding phonological attainment was propounded by Flege and Fletcher (1992, p.385). They concluded from their studies that a foreign accent first emerges at an age of L2 learning of between 5 and 8 years, which probably implies, in the domain of phonology, that the critical period ends even earlier than what Lenneberg proposed. This coincides with later studies conducted by Krashen (1973), who claimed that lateralization is completed at around age 5. Mark Patkowski (1980) conducted a study on how the age factor is related to the acquisition of linguistic features other than accent. The findings further supported the CPH as the results indicated that the age factor is very important in a sense that it limits the learners development of a native-like mastery of various linguistic features of a second language. Jacquline Johnson and Elissa Newport (1989) also carried out a study relating to the rules of English morphology and syntax and found that those earliest starters got the highest scores on the grammaticality judgement test. Despite some clear evidence t hat supports the CPH, a remarkable research undertaken by Catherine Snow and Marian Hoefnagel-Ho_hle (1978) provided evidence against it. The findings revealed that both adolescent and adult learners could surpass the children learners by making enormous and rapid progress in a wide range of language knowledge. White and Genesee (1996) also revealed in a grammaticality judgement task that late starters are able to achieve near-native proficiency. Robert Dekeyser (2000) done something along the line of Johnson and Newport and found that adult and children might have different way in learning language. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Second Language Learning" essay for you Create order Insights gained from the CPH: A Self-reflection Taking into account what I have explored from the literature review, I do believe that the evidence for CPH is somewhat mixed, especially when I reflected upon the L2 learners I taught in a secondary school in Hong Kong. In all my years of teaching, I have had a chance to teach a fairly large number of L2 learners who are immigrants from the Mainland. They are of diverse backgrounds in terms of age, gender, financial condition, etc. Very importantly, not all of them started learning English at the same age. There are a few cases which impressed me most. Two girls who first came to Hong Kong at the age of 17 joined my S4 class. Both of them started learning English at the age of around 12 when they were in the mainland. What was so remarkable was that both of them could write very fluently with highly accurate grammar and a variety of sentence patterns. Their performance in writing and reading even surpassed their local counterparts who started taking up English in kindergar ten. This can somewhat be taken as counter-evidence to the CPH. Both girls revealed that they had an extraordinary strong motivation to improve their English and to catch up with their classmates. These social-psychological factors did play a part in their success of L2 acquisition. As discussed in Lightbown (2006), learners beginning at primary school level might not have an absolute advantage over adolescent learners in attaining greater proficiency in the long run. This is especially true when learners, confining to a classroom setting, receive just a few hours of training every week. Interesting enough, despite extra tutorials to improve the girls oral skills, they carried a rather strong foreign accent. In fact, they do speak Cantonese (a different dialect) with an accent, let alone English, a language which is far different from their mother tongue. This seems to support findings demonstrating that it is very unlikely for late starters to attain native-like pronunc iation. Conclusion As an experienced and sensible teacher, I believe that one should not constrain ourselves too much in any one of the theories or models. If a teacher is a true believer of the CPH, it would somehow affect their expectation on their students who are beyond the puberty period. This in turn would also lead to a lower expectation of the students themselves even though they are not aware of the fact that their teachers assume that they have already gone beyond the optimal period of learning a second language. Instead we should be flexible and reflective enough to cater to our learners needs and facilitate their learning regardless of their age. Though I am convinced that the age factor does play a part in affecting SLA, I concern more in how I could adjust my teaching methods to suit the needs of learners at different ages. It is no doubt that the hypothesis should not be oversimplified and overgeneralized and to be indiscriminately applied to our students because second lan guage learning is a really complicated process in which a lot of factors can be intermingled to affect how successfully a person can learn a second language. To conclude, there has been no overwhelming evidence showing that young learners have absolute superiority over their adult counterparts. Despite the difference in the research findings, there seems to be a general consensus that there are a number of factors interacting to affect SLA, and it is possible that late learners might achieve success in SLA, most likely via a different route from children learners, as discussed by Krashen (1975); (Dekeyser 2000). I believe it is also due to this reason that a lot of other factors cognitive, psycholinguistic and socio-cultural that come into place as to how a learner acquire a second language. References Lightbown, P. Spada, N. (1993). How Languages Are Learned. Oxford University Press Robertson, P. (2002) The Critical Age Hypothiseis, The Asian EFL Journal (On-Line) https://www.asian-efl-journal.com/marcharticles_pr.php Flege, J.E. and Fletcher, K.L. 1992, talker and listener effects on degree of perceived foreign accent. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 91, 370-89. Daniels, D. and Moos, R.H. (1990). Assessing Life Stressors and Social Resources among Adolescents: Applications to Depressed Youth. Journal of Adolescent Research, 5, 268-289. Erikson, Erik H. (1980). Identity and the life cycle. W.W. Norton Company, Inc. Hall, J.A. (1987). Parent-Adolescent Conflict. An Empirical Review. Adolescent, 22, 767-789. Montemayor, R. (1986). Family Variation in Parent-Adolescent Storm and Stress. Journal of Adolescent Research, 1, 15-31. Ormrod, J.E. (2000). Educational psychology: developing learners (3rd ed.). London: Prentice Hall. Rice, F.P. (1993 ). The adolescent: Development, relationships, and culture (7th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. The concept of critical period was initially introduced by Wilder Penfield and Lamar Roberts (1959). As summed up by Hong and Morgan (2005), they proposed that the relatively higher plasticity of a childs brain, as compared to that of an adult, enables a child to learn a language more easily.

Beowulf vs. Eaters of the Dead - 1645 Words

Great Literary Epics of the Past The Roman conquest of England in 43 AD, coinciding with the introduction of Christian values, the alphabet and writing utensils was the start of a new Era. Missionaries sent by the Roman Pope to England influenced the pagan values of the native Britanie, as exemplified in their literature. Anglo-Saxons, whom contributed the features of a literary Epic, were torn between pagan beliefs and Christian values as their predecessors had been. The first literary Epic, Beowulf, illustrates the struggle between these two ideologies, as well as contributes the sought after values of heroism. The Eaters of the Dead also demonstrates this struggle between cultures, playing off Beowulf in theme. Excalibur, the Arthurian†¦show more content†¦The story line soon takes off when the reader finds Fadlan is forced to play the role of the thirteenth warrior in a quest to destroy the terror that plagues these people. Being a common man of middle age, the protagonist fears for his life so refuses the position of greatness- only to have it thrust upon his as Beowulf did. I protested I was not a warrior. Verily I made all the excuses and pleadings that I could imagine might have effect upon this rude company of beings. I demanded that the interpreter convey my words to Buliwyf, and yet he turned away and left the hall, saying this last speech: ‘Prepare yourself as you think best. You shall leave on the morning light. As weeks pass Fadlan is forced to do battle with the Northerners, for, as he sees it, either course of action may end in death, so why not go forth in battle. Growing more accustom to the brutish ways of the Vikings, Fadlan soon sinks into their lifestyle, feeling proud of himself in battle, as well as partaking in the Northerners- once discomforting Ââ€" openness of sexual pleasures. Though adapting to much of the Viking way of life, Fadlan continues to express his fears openly, only to overcome it faced with his most feared obstacle- heights. Also it is true that I was much aggrieved at the prospect of climbing down the cliff. Verily I felt in this manner: that I should rather do any action upon the face of the earth, whether to lie with a women in menses,

Compare Theodore Roosevelts Square Deal with Woodrow free essay sample

Though Wilson seemed to have many more acts in ACH category, mostly economic), he only acknowledged these few areas, unlike Roosevelt who acknowledged a whole array of areas such as labor, economy, politics, consumer protection, and environmental conservation. The Progressive Era was the time period after the depression of the sass and before World War l. During this time the united States was going through a period of social change and political tumult.The American Society embarked on a Journey of many reforms as a response to the diverse tensions and pressures presented by industrialization, urban growth, and ethnic tension. The roots of this reform clearly lay in the depression of the 1 sass (1893 to 1897). The depression traumatized the problems in society, and raised the possibility of more violent upheavals if reform was not instituted. Major areas needing reform were poor public facilities, tax favoritism, corruption, environmental reform, and urban reform.This was a period of self-examination and renewal; it was a healthful contribution to the nations history books. Even if the new regulatory agencies direct primaries, municipal reforms and conservation legislations may not have made all wrong things right, they were able o make some significant change for the better. These new laws and commissions act had alleviated many citizens and had established the principle of governments responsibility for the general welfare of the various elements of the social order.The progressive era was a further demonstration of the united States success with democratic capitalism; it showed the society ability to change itself for the better without a revolution. The most important legacy of the progressive era was the example it set for gradual measured reform. (Gould, 1-10) During the Progressive Era, there were two prominent Progressive Presidents each tit his own policy for progression out of the nasty and crude elements that plagued politics, the economy, and society In general. Theodore Roosevelt was the first Progressive President; he was renowned for bei ng a strong president with a strong personality.He was outraged at the Injustices experienced as a small business oppressed by a big business, or a worker by a boss, or the forests by the Industrial greed of this era. Roosevelt was sympathetic for the Individual who suffered the sympathetic for those without the opportunity to speak up for their rights, but rather is love for Justice was what fueled him more. He sought to reform these problems under his policy known as the Square Deal. The purpose of the Square Deal was expressed in this statement of his the labor unions shall a square deal, and the corporations shall have a square deal. Essentially he meant that there should be equality of opportunity, and Justice to each individual, or corporation despite their background, status or size. The second major Progressive President was Woodrow Wilson. He wasnt known for a very strong personality rather he was renowned for his strong sense of conviction. Wilson believed that national identity and character branched out from the liberty of petty capitalists to release their energies and develop the economy. He felt the emergence of these new monopolistic style trusts were endangering this process by cutting of entire industries to newcomers.He also felt that members of certain big businesses and certain unidentified political bosses had formed a small oligarchic alliance; this small group of men controlled the government and the economy, while the true freedom began to slide away. Thus his policy was known as New Freedom. Under the New Freedom he sought to store power to competition among small corporations rather that regulate large monopolies. Roosevelt Square Deal and Willows New Freedom were policies that they used to help improve American economy, society and politics.However Roosevelt tried to reform many areas, Willows focus of reform was mostly economic. (Gould, 97-100) (Staunchness, 62,81 16, 127) (Whitehall, 162) A major part of both policies was the breaking up and regulating of trusts. Roosevelt never wanted to dissolve or destroy the large corporations rather he saw them as necessary parts of American life. However he felt that these companies must be mounded tightly to strict moral standards. Roosevelt followed the idea of rules of reason which was the policy of busting bad trusts, leaving good ones alone.He was the person who would decide which trusts were good and which ones were bad. He earned the name of trustees when he had filed a suit against the Northern Securities Company (which was followed by 43 other cases). This was Roosevelt first case, in which he filed a suit against a large corporation for the purpose of trust busting. The Northern Securities Company was a large holding company that was formed by railroad and banking interests. In 1902 Roosevelt trust busted them by claiming that they violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in holding money against the public good, thus the court ruled to dissolve the company.In two later cases he also attacked the Standard Oil of New Jersey and the American Tobacco Company. He left many of the larger companies that were serving the public good alone, but he had dissolved many other large companies that were monopolistic and never really served the interest of American well being or economy. In 1903 he persuaded Congress to form a Department of Commerce and Labor. Along with a Bureau of Commerce, which old investigate and regulate business practices. In the 1905 case of Swift vs.. U. S. The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was further strengthened under Roosevelt.He wanted to strengthen it because he wanted to make railroad legislature stronger, especially for the farmers who were at the mercy of railroad middlemen. Thus he wanted to strengthen the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Under the Oilskins Act (1903) he was able to make rebates illegal. Under the Hepburn Act (1906) the ICC was given the power to inspect books, fix maximum rates, disallow free passes to legislators, put burden of proof on business instead of ICC, and allow exultation of pipelines. Wilson felt that he stood for regulated competition while Roosevelt stood for regulated monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission Act, which as instituted to promote free and fair trade competition created the Federal Trade Commission. It investigated economically unfair business practices and it regulated and attempted to rectify these practices. The commission regularly generated statistics of economic and business conditions, and offered them to the public. Another Major step towards trust busting under Wilson was the Clayton Antitrust Act. The Clayton Antitrust Act was designed to clarify the Sherman antitrust Act in terms of new economic issues that had arisen in this new era.The practices such as local price-cutting and price discrimination were made illegal. Both Wilson and Roosevelt attempted reform of he corporations, however Wilson attempted to totally break up large trust, while Roosevelt felt they were necessary if they had and special benefits towards society. (Gould, 97-100)(Conclusions, 62,81 , 1 16, The Square Deal and New Freedom also addressed the issue of taxes and tariffs, with a keen interest in better outcomes for the average person rather than the wealthy en. During Roosevelt Presidency the tariffs were generally high.Under Wilson a prominent tariff was the Underworld-Simmons Tariff, which reduced the previous tariffs to about 29 percent. It also included a graduated income tax, which later was made legal via the constitution as the sixteenth amendment, this made up for monetary loss. Wilson, noticed that it followed his principle of New Freedom, thus he heavily advocated it. The Supreme Court originally declared the income tax, as unconstitutional, however it was later ratified as the Sixteenth Amendment. This new rower was first used in the Tariff Act of 1913, which had set the tax of corporate income at 1 percent.It also levied a 1 percent tax on all rich families. The Income tax has been greatly increased, as the tariffs have been lowered. The tariff and tax reform was greater during Willows Presidency than Roosevelt Presidency. (Gould, 97-100) (Staunchness, 62,81 16, 127) (Whitehall, 162) One of the most notorious aspects of the Industrial Revolution was the increasingly worsening condition for laborers within the work place, and also deprivation of certain rights (fair wages and work hours). During the Roosevelt Presidency a major labor relation movement was the 1902 Coal strike.The strike was led by John Mitchell led 140, 000 out on strike for 20 percent pay raise, 8 hour day, and union recognition. Roosevelt decided that he would arbitrate the dispute, the workers agreed to this, however the owners did not. Roosevelt finally threatened to use the military and take over the mines, and the owners finally agreed to let Roosevelt arbitrate. In March of 1903 Roosevelt made a settlement, the workers and owners agreed on a 9-hour day, a 10 percent raise, but no union recognition. However these coal companies were also encouraged to raise the prices to compensate for the costs of raises.This was the first time that the federal government didnt arbitrate on the side of management; rather it treated both sides as equals. Labor reform was also a part of the New Freedom Policy. The Keating-Owen Act of 1916 (inspired by The Bitter Cry of Children by John Spares) prohibited the interstate transportation of products made by children (attempting to induce the practice of keeping kids under 14 out of the labor force). Though law was never passed it showed growing recognition for the need of hill labor laws and regulation.

Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages

Thesis Statement This report evaluates the Wal-Mart Stores. Thus, it explores the Company in terms of its low-cost strategy, product diversity and the high number of large physical stores. Using these capabilities, Wal-Mart has and continues to lead in the retail industry.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The report, therefore, evaluates how these capabilities have enabled Wal-Mart to realize its mission of helping people save money to live better. This mission continues to drive everything that happens at Wal-Mart. Customers continue to trust the everyday low price strategy through which they are able to save their money. Wal-Mart’s Cost Advantage Supply Chain Advantage Wal-Mart successfully implemented an efficient supply chain management strategy in all its operations. Through this, the Company is able to lower cost of products while providing a highly competitive pricing for its consumers. Additionally, the efficient supply chain management strategy enables Wal-Mart to offer its customers the products they need where they need them. In purchasing, the Company managers use the system to find products they will sell and look for suppliers. Thereafter, they procure products from suppliers at low prices to meet Wal-Mart profitability goals. The Company establishes long-term partnerships with suppliers so that it can get large quantities of products at lowest possible market prices. The focus is on buying from cheaper domestic suppliers. Operations managers then use forecasts to determine customer demand for products. These products are then supplied to various distribution centers to meet customer demand and needs. Here, Wal-Mart lowers inventory carrying costs. On the other hand, the distribution function ensures that products move from manufacturers to the Company stores before getting to the customers. Be sides cutting down costs for inventory and product transportation, the Company drastically reduces the time taken to transport these products hence eliminating system inefficiencies. There is efficiency in Company operations, as well as the distribution strategies achieved through having stores in large cities close to each other. â€Å"Every distribution center supports 90 to 100 stores in a 200-mile radius† (Wal-Mart). This lowers distribution costs incurred by the supply chain department.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Besides, the Company uses technology to make sure integration of the supply chain. Wal-Mart has embraced technology as a strategy to have a competitive edge in the highly competitive retail industry. For instance, through innovation, the Company has revitalized its supply chain lowering costs and pass resulting savings to its product consumers. Trau b in his article titled â€Å"Wal-mart Used Technology to Become Supply Chain Leader† says that Wal-Mart achieved this by use of a supply chain management system in its operations. For instance, the Company uses technology in forecasting customer demand accurately while tracking and predicting inventory levels within various stores. Moreover, technological innovations have enabled Wal-Mart to create transportation routes that are highly efficient hence lowering costs (Walmart Stores 9). With information technology, the Company tracks product movement until they are finally delivered into its stores. The efficiency in the supply chain system helps Wal-Mart save money with benefits being passed on to consumers in terms of low product prices. Any investor would enjoy having a strategic alliance with a company having such an excellent supply chain management system in place. I highly recommend Tech-Shield to invest in Wal-Mart. Low Manufacturing Cost Given that Wal-Mart controls most of the activities in the retail industry, it is a key business partner to its suppliers. Wal-Mart has a lot of control over the market. For instance, if Wal-Mart was to switch from doing business with other suppliers, this creates a scare among existing suppliers. Currently, the Company has partnered with over 3,000 suppliers (Wal-Mart Stores). The Company purchases goods in large quantities from its suppliers. Additionally, all suppliers have transparent production and delivery system to enable Wal-Mart track delivery of products. In order to cut costs, the Company has set up its own distribution channels hence eliminating a need for wholesalers (Rosenfeld). On the other hand, most manufacturers’ survival in the industry depends on the ability of Wal-Mart to market their products.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For this t o happen, they have to play within requirements that Wal-Mart puts on the table. This has given the Company the audacity to bargain for products prices helping it acquire them at low prices. To ensure low costs, Wal-Mart advises suppliers to locate in countries with low production costs. For instance, Wal-Mart imports most of its products from its manufacturers in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh (Clifford). Grocery suppliers have had to offer their products at low prices to maintain their partnership with Wal-Mart (Geller and Wohi). Wal-Mart has been able to lower costs through a low wage strategy to its workers (Berfield). Low cost benefit consumers of all income groups as they are able to buy products at affordable prices. Wal-Mart, being a leader in the retail industry, significantly benefits from economies of scale. These are as a result of an outstanding system that the Company enjoys in terms of developed distribution channels and system, brand name, huge financial capital and l ocation of stores. Given that new entrants require huge capital investments to compete with the Company, most of them keep off. Additionally, given its good financial returns annually, Wal-Mart enjoys a cost advantage over rivals in the industry. For instance, customers looking for quality products at low prices shop at Wal-Mart. Nevertheless, large suppliers like Coca Cola do have more bargaining power compared to smaller ones. With such a good strategy to lower Wal-Mart’s manufacturing costs, Tech-Shield should think about entering a strategic alliance with Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s Product Diversification Strategy Wal-Mart continues with its commitment to offer quality goods and services to customers at the lowest market prices as they believe that they are in business to serve customers. â€Å"Customers are the reason why we’re in business. And when we exceed their expectations, we’re at our best† (Walmart 2012 Annual Report 3). Moreover, Wal-Mart h as a workforce of more than 2 million serving over 200 million customers in its 10,000 retail units in over 27 countries.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The workforce has been vital in helping Wal-Mart achieve its mission, as well as grow its business.Using its mission of â€Å"Save Money, Live Better† (Wal-Mart Stores 1), Wal-Mart continues to serve its customers by offering quality products at lower prices compared to rivals in the industry. Here, focus is on delivering value and quality to customers. Furthermore, Wal-Mart endeavors to help its customers buy commodities at affordable prices. Through this, Wal-Mart helps to improve the situations of people in the communities it operates. This mission has been embedded not only in the Company’s business, but also in its culture to impact every part of Wal-Mart. This includes Wal-Mart’s shareholders, workforce, customers and the communities where it operates. Through a product diversification strategy, Wal-Mart offers a range of products to its customers. This is through its various formats like supermarkets, hypermarkets, retail stores, discount stores, supercen ters, restaurants among others (Walmart 2012 Annual Report 6-10). The range of products includes groceries, jewelry, toys, pharmaceuticals, books, household essentials, health care products, cell phones, electronics, home appliances, office equipment (Wal-Mart Stores) among many others. Here, Wal-Mart virtually has everything in their stores. Matters of product quality and quantity in the retail industry are crucial when it comes to purchasing decisions that customers make. Product diversity gives Wal-Mart a competitive advantage as customers can find any product they need at the various stores. Tech-Shield would definitely look to invest in such a company. Wal-Mart Store Size and Location Wal-Mart internationalized its operations in 1991. This saw the Company embark on an expansion strategy to meet customer needs beyond the United States. Since then, the Company has been able to start operations in 27 countries. In order to serve its customers better, Wal-Mart partners with over 80 0,000 associates operating more than 5,500 stores (Wal-Mart Stores). The mission behind the expansion strategy is ensuring every community has a store. Besides, the stores are large enough to ensure customer convenience during shopping. â€Å"Retail centers range in size from 8,900 square feet to 110,000 square feet. Its wholesale stores range in size from 35,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet† (Reuters). Most of these stores are close to each other, as well as the warehouse. The warehouse system where it locates close to stores reduces Wal-Mart overhead hence the costs of production. In another move aimed at ensuring customers conveniently access its products, Wal-Mart came up with â€Å"Neighborhood Market stores† (D’Innocenzio). These small stores within neighborhoods increase product sales while helping Wal-Mart remain competitive in an industry where rivals have dollar stores and drug chains. Points of Correlation The low price strategy has enabled the C ompany offer quality products to customers. Through various strategies, Wal-Mart is able to lower costs and pass on the savings to its customers. For instance, it works closely with suppliers to lower transportation costs. On the other hand, the Company does not use wholesalers in its operations hence enabling it to lower costs. Through integrating information technology into its supply chain system, Wal-Mart tracks product movement until it reaches its stores. In this case, inventory costs are drastically reduced. Besides, the Company offers quality products in large quantities through its stores in over 27 countries. Moreover, these stores are large enough for customers to shop conveniently. Wal-Mart has a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage its relationship with customers. The Company aims at creating a better customer experience with its customers so that they enjoy shopping at the retail chain. The Company values its customers with a believe that they are th e number one boss. Customers are hence interested in shopping at Wal-Mart because of the wide range of quality products offered at lowest market prices. Wherever a customer is, they can walk to a Wal-Mart store and get whatever product they need. Consequently, customer needs are met by having a range of products sold at lower prices compared to what other retailers in the industry. An investment is Wal-Mart is worthy given the cost advantage strategy, product diversity, and global presence of the Wal-Mart brand. Conclusion From the evaluation, I would recommend to Miguel that Tech-Shield should consider investing in Wal-Mart. The Company has huge growth potential given its high market share. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for Wal-Mart to seize and continue with its dominance in the retail industry. For instance, diversify of Wal-Mart offers crucial areas in which Tech-Shield can be a partner through strategic alliances. The low cost advantage helps Wal-Mart increase its market share. As such, it is a great opportunity for Wal-Mart to leverage through economies of scale plus the various cost cutting mechanisms in place. On the other hand, investing in Wal-Mart is a way through which Tech-Shield can increase its market share and venture into other business ventures. Therefore, I would not hesitate to recommend that Tech-Shield invests a significant capital into Wal-Mart through a strategic alliance. Works Cited Berfield, Susan. â€Å"Are American Taxpayers Subsidizing Wal-Mart’s Low Wages?† 3 June 2013. Bloomberg Businessweek. Print. Clifford, Simon. â€Å"Walmart Plans to Buy American More Often.† 15 January 2013. The New York Times. Web. CNN Money. Global 500. 23 July 2012. Print. D’Innocenzio, Ann. â€Å"Wal-Mart plans to open small stores faster.† 10 October 2012. Associated Press. Print. Geller, Martinne and Jessica Wohi. â€Å"Analysis: Wal-Mart’s price push tests manufacturers’ prowess.â₠¬  6 March 2012. Reuters. Print. Reuters. Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N). 2013. Print. Rosenfeld, Herman. â€Å"Challenging Wal-Mart. Globalization, Supply-Chain Dominance and Sweatshop Labour.† 13 March 2007. Global Research. Web. Traub, Todd. Wal-mart Used Technology to Become Supply Chain Leader. 2 July 2012. Print. Walmart 2012 Annual Report. 50 years of helping customers save money and live better. Annual Report. Arkansas: Wal-Mart Stores, 2012. Print. Wal-Mart. 2013 Global Responsibility Report. 31 January 2013. Print. Wal-Mart Stores. Our Mission: Saving people money so they can live better. Global Sustainability Report. Arkansas: Wal-Mart, 2013. Print. Walmart Stores. Walmart 2011 Annual Report. Building the next Generation Walmart. 1 January 2011. Web. This essay on Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages was written and submitted by user Xavier Davenport to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Dissertation Service

Dissertation Service Dissertation Service Dissertation Service Our time is running out, our time is running out These words by English musical band Muse are no more than a song, but for some students they are becoming a horrifying reality. Indeed, time goes by too fast, how is your dissertation progressing? If you are stuck with your dissertation, maybe it is high time to address a dissertation service. Do not worry, you are not alone in your trouble. Luckily, our experienced writers are ready to provide you with any kind of dissertation writing assistance. Why do people decide to contact a dissertation service? The reasons for this are many:Lack of time. With your busy schedule it is impossible to devote about 2 hours to writing your dissertation every day. Sometimes to be able to devote time to dissertation writing you have to sacrifice something. It is difficult to choose between your studies and part-time job, isnt it? Not enough sources. Your topic may turn out to be not well explored, and you might have failed to find the needed amount of material. Problems with your supervisor. Your supervisor rejects your work time after time and you do not understand why.This list may be even longer, as many students have troubles of their own. Many problems, one solution. When you choose to address our dissertation service for assistance, you may relax and forget about your anxiety, as the fate of your dissertation is in reliable hands. Each of our dissertation writers is an expert in a definite field of science. We have been working with our dissertation writers for some years on end, that is why we know you can rely on them. A qualified writer from our dissertation service will send you definite chapters of your dissertation on the interim deadlines, so you will be able to see the progress. In the process of dissertation writing you will contact your writer, you will always know on what part of your dissertation the writer is working at the moment. We guarantee that our dissertation expert wil l deliver your dissertation by the time specified by you. When you order a dissertation from our dissertation service, be sure that your dissertation will be free of plagiarism. This means that your university dissertation will be 100% unique and authentic. So, why keep worrying and losing your precious time? Order your dissertation now and you will forget about your problems.

Is AP Psychology Hard 5 Key Factors Discussed

Is AP Psychology Hard 5 Key Factors Discussed SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Before you sign up for any AP class, it's helpful to get an idea of whether you’ll be able to handle the workload (and the exam!). AP Psychology is a popular AP class that is offered at many schools, so you might have the chance to take it at some point in your high school career. But is AP psychology hard? Or is it a walk in the AP park? I’ll tell you which factors go into judging the difficulty of an AP class and examine what they tell us about the AP Psychology class and exam specifically. What Factors Go Into Determining the Difficulty of an AP Class? There are several components that we need to consider to get a clearer picture of how hard AP Psychology is overall. Here's what I'll be looking at in this article: Factor #1: Passing Rate The number of students who score a 3 or above on the AP exam can be a good indication of how difficult the class is. If a very high percentage of students earn passing scores, it may mean that the class is less challenging. It may also mean, however, that the class attracts higher-achieving students who are extremely well-prepared and tend to do better on tests across the board. That’s why, in addition to score averages, we'll also consider the perceptions of students and the actual difficulty of the content. Factor #2: Percentage of Students Who Earn a 5 Another important piece of statistical data that is slightly different from the passing rate is the percentage of students who earn 5s (the highest possible score) on the test. A large percentage of students may pass, but if only a small group earns 5s, it may mean that true mastery of the course material is hard to achieve. Even students who get 5s haven’t always fully mastered the material considering the fact that scoring a 5 on many of these tests only means answering 60-70 percent of questions correctly. Factor #3: Content Difficulty The actual content of the class is, of course, a critical factor to consider in investigating the difficulty of an AP class. Even if many students pass the exam, the class may be challenging because of the amount of ground it covers or the complexity of the material. Factor #4: How Students Perceive the Class Another critical factor in judging the difficulty of AP classes is the way students view them. As I mentioned, classes with high pass rates and high 5 rates may simply be courses that attract extremely hard-working students. Even if they ace the class and the exam, it doesn’t necessarily mean they found the material to be easy. They’re just willing to work through subjects that are hard for them. Student feedback can give us a different perspective on the difficulty of an AP class. Factor #5: When Students Take the Class This is a factor that impacts perceptions of the class and exam. If students tend to take the class earlier in high school, they're more likely to say that it’s difficult. If they take it their junior or senior year, they're more likely to feel comfortable with the material since they’ve gotten used to the workload in high school and may have already taken other AP classes. In the next section, I’ll go through all of these factors for both the AP Psychology class and exam to give you a better idea of their overall difficulty level. Time to put all the pieces together. Eventually, if you smoosh them together hard enough, a complete puzzle will materialize. What Do Statistics Say About the AP Psychology Exam? Let’s look at the passing rate and 5 rate. The passing rate for the AP Psychology exam is 65.6 percent, which is right around average compared to other AP exams. In comparison, AP Calculus BC has an 79.8 percent passing rate (one of the highest), and AP Environmental Science has a 47.7 percent passing rate (one of the lowest). The passing rate statistics would lead you to believe that the AP Psychology exam has a medium difficulty level as compared to other AP exams. The 5 rate for the exam is 21.2 percent. This 5 rate is towards the upper range of the spectrum as compared to other AP exams. There are only 11 AP exams that have 5 rates higher than AP Psychology, compared to the 20-30 with lower 5 rates. This might make you think that the test is on the easier side. But which is it? What does this really tell us? Interpreting these statistics means striking a difficult balance. Paradoxically, sometimes AP tests with high pass rates are actually more difficult. Since the subjects themselves are challenging (and have a reputation for it), they only attract the most motivated, well-prepared students. Similarly, AP tests for easier subjects might have lower passing rates because these classes attract less motivated students who don't always prepare thoroughly. Low pass rates can also happen on extremely popular tests where the number of students taking the test has increased rapidly, but their average level of preparation has declined due to the uneven quality of AP classes. Since AP Psychology is in the middle range of score statistics, we might initially assume that it has a medium level of difficulty in comparison to other AP tests. However, because AP Psychology is also one of the more popular tests, the 5 rate and passing rate could actually indicate that it’s much less difficult than your average AP test. In most other cases, popular tests have 5 rates that are skewed lower than the 5 rate for the AP Psychology exam. Taking all of this information into account, signs point to AP Psychology being one of the easier tests. The fact that it only has two free response questions (as compared to eight on a test like AP Biology) and that most of the material can be mastered through simple memorization also support this conclusion. Only two free response questions WAHOOO Is the AP Psychology Content Difficult? AP Psychology covers many different topics, but the content itself is not that difficult. The class focuses on teaching students about terms and theories that come from a relatively short period of history. Since the breadth of the content is not as wide as it is for other AP classes (for example, a class like AP Biology), teachers have the luxury of moving the course along at a more leisurely pace. You can also rely mostly on memorization to do well in the class, as opposed to in-depth analytical skills or advanced problem-solving strategies. As long as you know what the terms mean and are familiar with major psychological theories, you'll probably know the answers to most AP Psychology questions. There's even some room for interpretation in your answers to free response questions. If a question asks you to describe how certain psychological terms could relate to a scenario, there will be many different ways to earn points. Overall, the content for AP Psychology is manageable for most students. Compared to other AP classes, it's significantly less overwhelming and complex. Do Students Think AP Psychology Is Hard? Another factor to consider is how students perceive AP Psychology. This can depend heavily on the teacher and the way the class is taught, but the nature of the material itself also plays a significant role. In general, the perception of AP Psychology leans toward the class and test being easier than most other AP classes. Speaking from personal experience, I thought the AP Psychology class and test were the easiest of any AP class I took in high school. Many students who weren’t in any other AP classes took AP Psychology, and they did just fine in the class and on the test. It’s a lot of memorization of terms and theories and psychologists, but the way you’re asked to use that knowledge on the test and in the class isn’t necessarily highly complex. You just need to have a basic understanding of the definitions of terms and be able to apply them to different situations. The breadth of the material covered also isn’t as wide as some other AP classes. My guess is that the only reason the 5 rate isn’t even higher on the AP Psychology test is because many students don't prepare adequately. They may underestimate the test because AP Psychology classes are typically easier than other AP classes. Also, students who don’t take many (or any) other AP classes frequently take AP Psychology just to get an AP their transcripts. The test is definitely on the less difficult side, but the passing rate remains about average because so many kids take it, and many of them aren't adequately prepared. AP Psychology is also commonly taken during junior or senior year when students are more prepared for college-level material. This could be part of the reason students percieve the class as being relatively easy. By junior year, many high school students have taken other AP classes and can compare their experiences in those classes to their experiences in AP Psychology. Dude, I hear you get to watch movies every day in AP Psych, and you don't have to do, like, any work. Will AP Psychology Be Hard for You? Whether AP Psychology is difficult for you depends on how the class is taught at your school and what your strengths are as a student. Here’s what you should do to figure out if you're in for a challenge: #1: Ask Previous Students, Guidance Counselors, or Teachers About the Class The best way to learn whether the AP Psychology class taught at your school will be difficult is to ask people who either know about the class or have been through it themselves. If you're friends with any older students or have siblings, ask them what they thought of the class. You might even ask your current teachers to see how they feel about AP Psychology and if they think you’d be able to handle it. Your guidance counselor will also be familiar with your school's AP Psychology class and how students similar to you have fared in the course. This is a good way to judge whether the class is disproportionately easy or disproportionately hard in comparison to the actual AP test. It’s nice to know beforehand if you’ll need to do extra preparation for the test on your own to make up for a deceptively easy course. #2: Determine Whether Psychology Is Your Kind of Subject You should also think about whether you tend to succeed in classes that require similar skills to AP Psychology. AP Psychology is memorization-heavy, so you'll probably do well in it if history or biology classes have been your strong suit in the past. You might find it more challenging if you’re not great at memorizing facts and instead gravitate towards classes where the ability to use logical reasoning takes precedence over memorization (like math). #3: Consider Your Schedule If you’re taking a bunch of other difficult classes, you might not want to add AP Psychology into the mix. Even if it’s a relatively easy class at your school, you’ll still have to devote some study time to it, and taking an additional class could stress you out too much. AP Psychology could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. And YOU'RE THE CAMEL. Conclusion: So Is AP Psychology Hard? After considering all the factors, I would say that AP Psychology is not hard in comparison to other high-level classes. There isn’t a huge amount of material to cover, students usually report that the class is easy, and the exam is less demanding and complex than many other AP exams. This doesn’t guarantee that the class won’t be challenging for you (every school is different, and so is every student), but the amount of work required will probably be less than most other APs, and the most important skill you’ll need is memorization. Make sure that you don’t under-prepare for the exam, especially if your class ends up being especially easy. As long as you don’t let your guard down too much, AP Psychology should be a manageable class for you overall! What's Next? What are some topics you might cover in AP Psychology? Get a taste with our discussion of Stockholm Syndrome and whether or not it's real. If you're curious about the difficulty levels of other AP classes, read this article for an overview of how challenging the AP program is in general. You should also check out this article that lists the average scores for all AP tests. It will give you a better idea of which classes are right for you and how you might structure your schedule going forward. One of the benefits of AP is the ability to earn college credit. Learn more about how AP credit works at colleges. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Grounding for the metaphysics of morals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Grounding for the metaphysics of morals - Essay Example can only be achieved when individuals in a community act in such a way, as they would expect others to act towards them thus resulting in a free community with members serving their purpose. In such a community, each individual lives by the same set of rules that he applies to others (the law is applied universally and there are no exceptions). As a result, each individual acts as the law and at the same time cooperates harmoniously with others to achieve autonomy. This he called the kingdom of ends which has law as its formal ordering principle. A categorical imperative whereby any action commanded should be done because it is the right thing and not because the action will be rewarded should be incorporated. Members of a community should not be the subjects to the rule of law but the lawmakers because of the universal way by which they act. Any member can impose on another member a law that they would impose on themselves and not treat another as a means to an end rather as an equal entity. Morally, one is required to conform to the rule of law freely to enable the community to be self-regulating and enable the members to be free. Any action that is unjust is deemed

The Protection of Animal Rights According to Carl Cohen Research Paper

The Protection of Animal Rights According to Carl Cohen - Research Paper Example Carl Cohen is a professor of philosophy. He is well known for his prominent contribution in philosophy. Carl argues that animals have no rights. He says that animals are not part of a community of moral agents. He continues to mention that animals are incapable of answering on moral issues. These animals, therefore, do not and can not have rights. Cohen’s views use of animals in lab experiments as not a violation of animal rights. The reason being they have no capacity to make moral claims. Cohen asserts that, although animals have no rights it’s, our duty not to cause unnecessary suffering to animals. Before we preside further, we should have a clear definition of rights and duties. A Right is a potential claim, practised in a moral community. Duty is a social obligation to perform something for legal or moral reasons. These definitions will help in building a defence case against Carl’s argument that animals don’t have rights. According to Carl, for one to have moral claims he or she must have autonomy. The demand for moral claim shows that you have a right. This implies that if you lack autonomy, you don’t have rights. This view lacks truth in it. The argument brought by Cohen is that some humans lack rights, for example, the Senile. The right of someone should be the duty to others. For example, if you have a right to privacy it would be the duty of your neighbour not to interfere with your privacy. In a world where people who have duties and not adhere to them, the people have no rights. It should be noted that the duty of someone does not entail the right of another.

Writing and Descriptive Papers Essay Example for Free

Writing and Descriptive Papers Essay If you do not know anything about descriptive essays you should certainly look for descriptive essay examples, which you can find online, as well as at Professays.com. Why should you look for such examples? Those students with little writing experience can be somewhat puzzled by a descriptive essay. Thus, an essay example will offer much valuable information, regarding both essay form and contents. The first thing you can learn is descriptive essay topics. Then you can pay attention to essay structure and outline. There are also special words and word combination used in descriptive essays. You will learn how to write an introduction and conclusion, as well as how to compose a persuasive essay body. A descriptive essay may be considered one of the simplest although deeply involving essays. It seems that there is nothing easier than writing a description, whether it be a description of a person, an event, a feeling, a thing, or an experience. However at times descriptions may be rather difficult to develop, especially for those writers who have problems with imagination or formulation of their thoughts. A descriptive essay is designed to offer readers involving and vibrant experiences and it has to achieve this goal with the help of observations and expression of feelings and memories but not through simple description of facts. The topic for a descriptive essay may be any, connected with any field or aspect of people’s life, activity, or experience. But while the theme offered or chosen may be simple it is possible to use imagination and contemplate it from an unusual angle. Associations may help in such cases, and unconventional thoughts may allow creation of a very original paper. The theme is to be as narrow as possible – thus the writer will have a possibility of focusing on its detailed and accurate description. Descriptive Essays The structure of such an essay is similar to many others – it should include an introduction, a main part and a conclusion. However there are certain peculiarities which set a descriptive essay apart from other types of written papers. In the introduction there usually is a presentation of the topic of discussion, and here the description evolves from general concepts/feelings/experiences/memories to more specific ones. The main body will include the exact background and a description of the topic the writer wants to discuss. In the process of developing such an essay it is vital to add as many details as possible, to try and express the slightest shades of feelings and emotions – such being the case readers will have a chance to feel the same and see the situation through the eyes of the writer. In the conclusion the description is to be summarized and driven to the logical end in order for readers to see the point of the description. Descriptive essays are not hard to write, but producing one that has all the perfect edges is a task very few can master, besides ProfEssays.com. If your essay has been purchased here, do not shudder with sheer ignorance when somebody questions you about such essays. Here, the aim is to not just provide you with essays that approach the zone of excellence, but to also equip you with a few skills. Firstly, study the essay you have bought for patterns, expressions, and style. This analytical study will inevitably teach you invaluable lessons and techniques. Once you are through with the style, penning factual descriptions will seem like an entertaining creative task. The pleasure that can be derived from sitting down and writing about all that falls in your observations is simply overwhelming. Often, you will have a good enough reason to want to jot down your reflections, even if for simple creative play. Realising this reason will ultimately strengthen your language and imbue it with colourful expressions. Sometimes, if you are too fastidious about your descriptive essay mirroring your perspectives, you may want to individualize your purchased essay with personalized expressions, which is a very positive indication of the interest you take in your work. ProfEssay.com boasts of a staff of well-educated and qualified writers whose work is virtually always compliant of writing styles even if concocted in limited time. Ergo, when you alter or introduce ideas, make sure you do not tamper with the professionalism, the style or the technique adopted. Working haphazardly will mar your presentation and grades. So a quick pointer: a factual description must always:

AIDs :: Free AIDS Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A.I.D.S   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A.I.D.S., also known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a disorder of the body’s immune system. In A.I.D.S. the body stops producing some of its important natural defenses against disease. Victims often die from disease of infections they cannot fight. A.I.D.S is the result of an infection known as HIV, human immunodeficiency virus. A person with HIV gradually loses function of their immune system, becoming less able to fight off common colds and virus, thus eventually leading to death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  HIV was first revealed in the early 80’s in homosexual men. Infection with HIV does not necessarily mean that a person does have A.I.D.S. A person can be HIV positive for years without developing illnesses that are associated with the A.I.D.S. disease. HIV is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the immune system. Cells known as T-Helper cells are disabled and killed during the course of the infection. These cells play an important part in the human body because they signal other cells to perform their special functions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The AIDS epidemic is growing very rapidly among minority populations and is a leading killer of African American males.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  HIV can be transmitted by contact with infected blood, most often by the sharing of drug needles or syringes contaminated with blood containing the virus. The risk of contacting the HIV virus from blood transfusions has decreased since earlier years. Now all donated blood is screened for any signs of the HIV virus. HIV is spread most commonly by having sex with someone who already has the virus. The virus can enter the human body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sex.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Almost all HIV infected children get the HIV virus from their mothers before or during birth. A drug known as AZT can reduce risk of transmission of the virus from mother to child. The virus can also be transmitted when an HIV infected mother nurses her child with infected milk.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Once HIV enters the body it infects many cell and replicates itself rapidly. Two to four weeks after the person is infected with the virus, they begin to suffer flu-like symptoms. HIV also is spread through contact with infected blood. Before blood was screened for evidence of HIV infection and before heat-treating techniques to destroy HIV in blood products were introduced, HIV was transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Laboratory studies reveal that saliva has natural properties that limit the power of HIV to infect. Research studies of people infected with HIV have found no evidence that the virus is spread to others through saliva such as by kissing.

Speech: Adolescence and Higher Risk

The amount of teenages getting pregnant around the age of 15-17 is quite concerning . Although most Teenage Pregnancies are unintentional . It still means there are chances of them becoming pregnant. At the same time,Teenage Pregnancies associate with social issues. Finally they come to a time when they need help and support. Well , My name is Taylah and by now you should know my speech will be about Teenage Pregnancy. Firstly most teenage pregnancies are unintentional.Women of all age may have unintended pregnancies , but some groups , such as teens are at a higher risk. A lot of teenagers who become pregnant sometimes wish they weren't . This happens because they either dont want to be parents or they know it's not the right time. By the time they find out they are pregnant they start stressing out because it was never meant to happen and also because they dont want thier parents to know or to find out. Teenage Pregnancies associate with social issues , such as lower educational le vels and higher rates of Poverty.This happens because when they are pregnant they drop out of shcool and just worry about their baby. Although they are unemployed they go on a benefit which is when money is given by the goverment. Why do the young mums still lead a poor life inspite of money given by the goverment ? Well , they lead poor life because they dont think about the future , instead they spend all their money on their child. They don't save up any money and they keep buying things for themselves and their child. Finally they come to a time when they need help and support with their child.They need support with their child so they live a happy life and they need support from their family so that they dint get stressed out and start abusing their baby,and they also need help with buying the right items such as nappies ,food,clothes e. t. c. In conclusion,Teenage Pregnancy need to decrease as it is making NZ look very bad because the rate of Teenage Pregnancy is the highest i n NZ as compared to other countries in the world. In the end I would like to say that teenagers should stay in school and study so that they have a brighter future and can give a very dignified life to their families.

Productive and Counterproductive Behavior Paper

Productive and Counterproductive Behaviors Paper * * University of Phoenix * Instructor Julie Wilson * November 14, 2010 * * * * * * * * * * * * Productive and Counterproductive Behaviors Paper * Organizations strive to achieve one main goal and that is to be productive. No business wants to go under or stay in the same position year after year not growing. One does not have to really know the definition of productive and counterproductive because the word its self say plenty. To me, productive behavior says achieve goals and completing tasks. Counterproductive says just the opposite.This paper will analyze the relationship between productive and counterproductive behavior in organizations. The paper will define productive and counterproductive behavior; describe the impact that productive and counterproductive behaviors have on the job performance and the overall performance of an organization. I will also recommend strategies to increase productive behavior and decrease counterprod uctive behavior in organizations. * Productive behavior is defined as employee behavior that contributes positively to the goals and objectives of the organization (Jex & Britt, 2008).Productive behavior is the type of behavior just about every organization wants to have in their employees. Productive behavior types are those who want to achieve tasks and work great with the other employees to achieve those tasks. Counterproductive behavior can be defined as a type of behavior that goes against the organization in achieving goals. Example of counterproductive behavior is late for work, procrastination on assignments, and not returning on time for breaks so that some one else can take theirs. Productive behavior and counterproductive behavior relate to each other because they involve people. Productive behavior is most likely to have a positive impact on an organization. Productive behavior type employees tend to complete more tasks in shorter time or meet the deadline proposed b y management. Productive behavior affects the organization in accomplishing goals. The organization performance for productive employees will show in maybe revenue. In an organization, counterproductive behavior has a negative impact. The job performance from an employee who has counterproductive behavior shows up poorly in evaluation, tasks, and in revenue.The impact counterproductive behavior has on the organization can affect the organization. A company loses money to pay employee who does no work on the clock. A counterproductive employee can turn productive employees into counterproductive employee because of their lack of motivation some might be influenced easily. * There are many strategies management to increase productive behavior and decrease counterproductive behavior. To increase productive behavior management can reward those employees for their job performance. This will help keep up the motivation for productive employees.By offering incentives, employees will be qui cker to complete tasks in an overall productive and effective manner. To decrease counterproductive behavior, management needs to look at the employees they can help and those who are not up for change. The best solution is just to terminate the employee who is not up for change, so that this behavior does not become contagious. A proficient way to minimize the amount of counterproductive behavior is to make sure that employees understand that there are penalties for nonproductive behavior in an organization.By allowing employees to comprehend the negative effects of counterproductive behavior, an organization is making the fact that a counterproductive behavior is unacceptable aware to the entire employee staff. This should make employees who normally exemplify counterproductive behavior more aware of the negative effect they are having on the organization and that there are consequences for their negativity. * In conclusion, most organizations have two types of behaviors. The type s of behaviors are productive and counterproductive behavior.The two types of behaviors are noticeable in the workplace. The one working, come into work on time, first to arrive last to leave, and excited about work is the employee exemplifying productive behavior. In order for an organization to be successful, management has to choose which behavior to uphold in the work place.References Jex, S. M. , & Britt, T. W. (2008) Organizational Psychology. A Scientist-Practitioner Approach (2nd ed. ). : John Wiley & Sons. * * . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Nuclear essays

Nuclear essays Even from the beginning of civilization, mankind has taken nature and the environment totally for granted. Nature was something that was feared, and considered to be God's gift to mankind, and that man can use it as his disposal. Since the earliest civilizations, mankind has chopped down trees, hunted animals, and fished to survive. However, this was necessary for survival, as any animal would need to do. This was in the very beginning, and the world population was low. However, as mankind's population increased, we put more and more of a strain on the earth's environment. Especially during the past several hundred years, mankind has totally ignored the safety and stability of the earth. During the industrial revolution, the mass manufacturing of products became more and more efficient as the demand became more nad more efficient; however, in order to do this, many factories had to be made. People dumped toxins into rivers. They chopped down and cleared massive stretches of forests. These factories not only manufactured goods but pumped out pollutants at alarming rates. Those that continued to ruin and decimate the health of the environment were totally blind to their actions, and had even less knowledge of the consequences of them. Despite this, in recent years people have become aware that the environment is in danger, and are taking action to remedy what was done in the past and to prevent further harm to the environment. As a result, many peope are finally beginning to realize that mankind cannot dominate and control nature, but must cooperate with it in order to survive. Even in recent years, there are many concerns that threaten our world. The explosion of population growth around the world has introduced many new problems, many of them currently without solutions. The containment of both water and soil has become a major concern. Sewage and other dangerous toxins have polluted our lakes, rivers and oceans; many of these ...

Teaching English Classroom Management Skills H1

Teaching English Classroom Management Skills H1 Classroom management in the ESL / EFL classroom can be challenging at times because of a number of variables in English classroom management. However, one key element of classroom management remains the same: The desire to communicate in English. This article discusses the challenges of classroom management that occur in one form or another in most ESL / EFL settings. Also provided are a number of suggestions to deal with these issues. There is also an opportunity for teachers to learn from each other by contributing your own experiences in classroom management, as well as tips for effective classroom management. Classroom Management Challenges Common to Most ESL / EFL Settings 1. Classroom Management Challenge: Students find it difficult to participate because they dont want to make a mistake. Classroom Management Tips: Give examples in (one of) the native languages of the students. Youre sure to make some mistakes and use this as an example of willingness to make mistakes. This classroom management technique should be used with care because some students might wonder at your own language learning capabilities. Break students up into smaller groups rather than conducting discussions as a large group. This approach can lead to more classroom management issues if the classes are large - use with care! 2. Classroom Management Challenge: Students insist on translating every word. Classroom Management Tips: Take a text with some nonsense words. Use this text to illustrate how you can discern general meaning without having to exactly know each and every word. Conduct some consciousness raising about the importance of context to language learning. You can also discuss how babies absorb language over time. 3. Classroom Management Challenge: Students insist on being corrected for each and every mistake. Classroom Management Tips: Establish a policy of correcting only those mistakes that are relevant to the current lesson. In other words, if you are studying the present perfect in that particular lesson, you will only correct mistakes made in present perfect usage. Establish a policy of certain activities which are correction free. This needs to be a class rule so that students dont begin correcting each other. In this case, youll have another classroom management issue on your hands. 4. Classroom Management Challenge: Students have varying levels of commitment. Classroom Management Tips: Discuss course objectives, expectations and homework policies at the beginning of each new class. Adult learners who feel this is too demanding can make their objections known during this discussion. Do not go back and repeat information from previous lessons for individuals. If you need to do a review, make sure that the review is done as a class activity with the objective of helping the entire class. Adult English Classes - Learners Speaking the Same Language 1. Classroom Management Challenge: Students speak in their own language during class. Classroom Management Tips: Use a donation jar. Each time a student speaks a phrase in his / her own language, they contribute to the fund. Later, the class can go out together using the money. Give students some of their own medicine and shortly instruct in another language. Make a point of the distraction this causes in class. 2. Classroom Management Challenge: Students insist on translating each phrase into their own tongue. Classroom Management Tips: Remind students that translating places a third person in the way. Instead of communicating directly, each time you translate into your own language you need to go to a third party in your head. There is no way you can keep up a conversation for any length of time using this technique. Take a text with some nonsense words. Use this text to illustrate how you can discern general meaning without having to exactly know each and every word. Conduct some consciousness raising about the importance of context to language learning. You can also discuss how babies absorb language over time.

Fame asylum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fame asylum - Essay Example With only 2 weeks to teach his band how to sing in English, get them to learn how to dance, and get them whipped into perfect condition for their London South Bank performance. After an exhaustive search, his band â€Å"Asylum† was finally formed. Its members were David, Long, and Aaron. Now. lets get to meet the band members and their reason for seeking asylum. David is a just a simple Nigerian who has problems with commitment. Originally from Nigeria, he came to the UK 2 years ago after his mother died and he was hounded out of his village. He is currently a resident of Birmingham. He feels like the church is his life and his life will end if the church is taken away from him. This is a connection he developed because it was his church that helped him flee persecution in his village by giving him a chance to come to England. He never knew his father and he has no relatives in the UK so he took a huge chance in coming over to the new world where he would have to overcome loneliness. He never thought about going back to Nigeria despite the loneliness because he wanted to stay away from that sad area of his past. With only $5 to spend on food and clothing everyday, he leads the hard life but he is quite happy with his current lot in life. As Richard put it, â€Å"Things must be pretty bad at home for him if he considers this an improvement. † Long on the other hand, left Vietnam 3 years ago (at the time of filming) with his father who was trying to escape the repercussions of being a political dissident in his home country. They traveled across Asia and Europe in a lorry in order to make their way away from Vietnam. The father and son were separated during their journey and Long found himself quite alone in the UK, never again having heard of or seen his father since the traffickers separated them during the trip. What keeps him going everyday is the hope that he will be allowed to stay legally in the UK

Education Literature Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education Literature Questions - Assignment Example A well planned and methodological teaching incorporates all the relevant information and beyond. It is also thought provoking and interactive to incite thinking and application aptitude in the students. In today's' scenario where an exponential rise in technology is mounting, freedom must be given to students to come up with their thoughts and views. Such a balance between structural framework and innovative thoughts, coming out of freedom or open discussion is important not only for local knowledge but also for public knowledge. A constant interaction with the students enhances teaching skill of the teacher as well (as in the case of Crouse). 2) How was the knowledge created or generated? According to Crouse, students and teacher work together in a manner to formulate a curriculum. It is a phase of learning for both, the teacher as well as the student, where the teacher understands how to enhance skills in order to generate better understanding in students while the children enrich their understanding towards the subject. Teacher could improve teaching by being thoughtful and by finding out ways where students grasp and learn well. Appropriate teaching methodology, clear, coherent and lucid explanation generates understanding for the subject. However, in order to impart appropriate knowledge to the students it is essential that the teacher must recognize their level of understanding and awareness of students. Moreover, a psychological implication is also essential. One parameter of classroom research cannot be implemented in diverse cultural environments, as culture of the geographical region also plays an imperative role in classroom studies. Some of the developing nations do not promote interactive studies which hampers the cognitive development of the students and potential and skills of the students remain underdeveloped. The cultural background of some nations of Asia do not promote female education. Thus, females in these nations remain underprivileged a nd contribute little to the growth and progress of their children and hence the nation. Generating understanding, awareness and knowledge therefore, directly relates and depicts cultural predisposition which plays pivotal role in knowledge creation and generation. 3) Was it shared with other practitioners? How? Crouse appears to consider knowledge generation as both the rationale of education and theme of her own research and shared these ideas with various researchers including Marilyn Cochran-Smith (2010). With the technological advances and availability of resources, internet accessibility, awareness is generated at a rapid pace. Findings in education, research and technology could be easily shared across the world. The world is now connected and sharing information is just a click away. B. Topic:- Classroom Studies: Why it should be counted as research? Ref. Lytle, S.L., Cochran-Smith, M. (1992). Teacher research as a Way of Knowing. Harvard Educational Review,62(4), 447- 474. C lassroom teaching involves direct interaction between teacher and the students, a face-to-face interaction. During this interaction the expression and explanation of the teacher is of paramount significance. The depth of knowledge of the teacher and explicit explanation needs constant

Best war ever Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Best war ever - Essay Example How to make this Planet Earth heaven-like? The answer is simple and straightforward. Eyes full of understanding, hearts full of love and the life that refuses conflicts-enough, these alone are enough! But when the war is declared, the objective of the country involved in the war, is to win the war, no matter how it wins! The advanced technology was brutally used in World War II, and it served very well, the ultimate purpose of any war—to win the war, to end the war and to secure peace! The main objective of the war-related technology is to win the war with minimum casualties. Technologically, America was superior on all counts than its enemies in war. It helped to contain and defeat its foremost enemy, Japan. To start with, â€Å"Japan’s naval technology and fighting methods, innovative in the beginning-stages of the war, quickly lagged behind the Allies. Japan lost naval air-battles because its ships and planes did not have the radar.†(Adams, p.62) Air-power dominated during II World War. There was not much difference in their roles like reconnaissance, bombers, fighters and ground-support though each area was technologically far advanced. Some additional roles were seen for the aircrafts in WW II. Airlift the fighting forces and move quickly high-priority supplies, strategic bombing, targeted bombing of the civilian areas to hamper enemy industrial production and inflict casualties to destroy the morale. At the beginning of the war aeronautical warfare played limited role and little success was achieved. But actions at Pearl Harbor, the South China Sea, Taranto, and the Coral Sea changed the complexion of the war. America had the decided advantage in technology. â€Å"For many, including a majority of survivors from the era, the war years have become America’s golden age, a peak in the life of society when everything worked out and the good guys

Team And Leadership Effectiveness In The Workplace

Team And Leadership Effectiveness In The Workplace Leadership is defined as the process of influencing the activities of an individual or a group in efforts toward goal achievement in a given situation. In essence, leadership involves accomplishing goals with and through people (Hersey and Blanchard, 1993). Leaders envisage the future; they motivate organisation members and impart values-whether they are concerned for honesty, hard work, quality and taking calculated risk or concern for customers and employees. It seems there is no common definition of leadership , perhaps it is because the leadership concept is complicated and fuzzy. According to Robert Tannenbaum, Irving R. Weschler and Fred Massarik leadership is defined as interpersonal influence exercised in a situation and directed, through the communication process, toward the attainment of a specialized goal or goals. Leadership is about showing the way, by going in advance, and influencing the behaviour of others. It refers to introducing new business behaviour, practices, o r technologies, which demonstrate that sustainable development is possible (Sommer, 2003) Todays business leaders have identified two important factors that could drive success in organisations of world class cadre- continually enhancing performance by becoming faster, better and more effective, and including all employees in Performance improvement can be achieved only by enhancing the processes within an organisation. Since the processes are created and operated by the people, the only way to enhance performance would be through people. Therefore continuous effective improvement depends on the capability of managers to guarantee that each and every one becomes involved in enhancing performance, work efficaciously in teams in order to analyse processes, and study problems to implement solutions. Leadership Under the leadership of Mr. Narayan Murthy, the ex-chairman of the Infosys, the company has ended up being one of the most successful IT companies in the world. Infosys Technologies Ltd is one of the leading IT companies In India and worldwide. It is now a global leader in the Next Generation of IT and Consulting. Starting in 1981, Infosys witnessed its corporate success in a short time. Although the company started functioning almost twenty five years ago, it is in the recent times that it experienced strong growth. Ever since it started the company has had a remarkable growth in terms of revenue. Revenue in 1994 was only US$9.5million but in 2005 Infosys revenue touched US$2billion which was only half this revenue in 2004. There is a saying that Great companies can neither be built nor their greatness sustained without great leaders, the above results clearly proves that Mr. Murthy is one such great leader who lead the company to the success path. According to the Hay group review, a global management consulting firm, of 1249 leaders from prominent organisations functioning in the Indian market, about 60% create a de-motivating climate and do not employ those who can lead. It also found only 18% develop an engaging climate that promotes high performance. So today it is so very much necessary for many organisations to create motivating climate and engage people who can lead effectively. The successful organisation has one major attribute that sets it apart from unsuccessful organisations: dynamic and effective leadership (Hersey and Blanchard, 1993). Infosys took an initiative in this direction and opened Infosys leadership institute where it intends to grow leaders. The Leadership development program at Infosys Leadership Institute targets to produce a collective pool of leaders and shape them to take on present and future challenges in business. The Infosys Leadership Institute offers a wide range of organisational and individual development sessions to expound business problems. At Infosys they believe that a good leader can be only one who uses all different styles of leadership with one of them usually dominating and a bad leader is one who sticks to one style. At Infosys it is not that only the top management gives suggestions to support its vision and manage agility, uncertainty and ambiguity at all circumstances. Courtesy: http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/swami_lalita-161501-infosys-leadership-ob-education-ppt-powerpoint/ The leadership believes in taking valuable suggestions from its young achievers in the company. The Chairman diagnosed that young achievers in the company were wavering to come forth with their ideas. These people had a great value to add to the company but could not give in to the discussions feeling in secured of infracting hierarchy. Mr. Murthy communicated to be open minded and encouraged the young achievers to speak. He found that the suggestions and thoughts given by them had a lot of substance and can significantly help the company. The leaders at Infosys are so very much adaptable, bothered significantly over the above issue they built a leadership institute where they can develop and groom leaders from its promising employees irrespective of the hierarchy and provide them the opportunity to help build the company. Today many organisations are facing talent problem, where people are being rushed into activities they are unaware of or assigned to jobs for which they have inadequate preparations. Due to the phenomenal growth of India in last 5 to 10 years people were getting promoted before their time and these people held a wrong perception of empowerment. Even though they had the authority, they lacked in terms of experience and credence to be true leaders. If organisations have to maintain conservative growth estimates, much of todays leaders need to motivate the employees who work for them. If not able to successfully motivate, it would be difficult to keep employees sticking around long enough to progress them into competent leaders. So it becomes very important to have motivating climate in any company in order to enhance its own performance. According to Hersey and Blanchard(1993), in leading or influencing there are three competencies of Leadership: Diagnosing-being able to understand the situation you are trying to influence, Adapting-being able to adapt your behaviour and other resources you have available to meet the contingencies of the situation, Communicating-being able to communicate in a way that people can easily understand and accept. The soul of leadership competencies in Infosys rest in their vision statement which reads as: We will be a globally respected corporation that provides best of breed business solutions, leveraging technology, delivered by best in Class people. To achieve their vision, leadership competencies have been marked along four dimensions: Work, people, technology and business. Each of these is further exaggerated into smaller functional terms in the graphic shown below. Courtesy: http://www.thehindu.com/businessline/praxis/pr0304/03040380.pdf The Infosys leadership institutes primary goal is to assist the company to counter the explicit challenges of now and in the future. They believe that by improving the quality of leadership they can handle its phenomenal growth, with stand the complexities of the market and swiftly changing environment, and through thought leadership they can develop higher customer value. Courtesy: http://www.thehindu.com/businessline/praxis/pr0304/03040380.pdf At Infosys in order to increase their quality of leadership they use a Nine pillar model of leadership development. At Infosys, for leadership development these nine pillars are functional elements. For the development of leadership competencies at discrete level each pillar has its own distinct importance. 360-degree appraisal: It is method of consistently collecting data about an individuals performance and potential from a broad range of co-workers. This may include the manager, direct reportees, peers and both internal and external customers. It is an organised method of gathering and processing data and gives the employee an opportunity to express on his valuable information. The response received from 360-degree feedback is used as a foundation to direct the person in gaining new skills and improving existing skills all arranged to the leadership competencies model. Development assignments: They are a traditional and powerful form of leadership development. Potential employees are allowed to have experience in various functions through Cross functional assignments and internal job rotations. Development assignments help an employee to gain practical leadership skills outside their zone of experience. Development relationships: Mentoring is viewed as a developmental relationship in the framework of leadership development. In order to transfer and share knowledge and experience, one-on-one relationships in work scenes are facilitated. This mentoring for leadership program is functional and learning from this course will be utilized to refine and broaden the element of leadership development throughout the organisation. Leadership skills training: It is a process by which individuals in the organisation go through a sequence of learning interventions on matter relevant to leadership. A Leaders teach series was formed in which the board of directors including the chairman, the Managing director, and the Chief Executive Officer hold a workshop with help of leadership institute faculty for the development of future leaders. Feedback Intensive program: These are comprehensive behavioural interventions based on informal and formal feedback taken from people that the individual interfaces with. These programs are structured in a way that individuals give and receive feedback in an environment that is non-threatening and could generate a workable plan for goal setting for progressive professional and personal development. Action Learning: It is a real time experience which is time based used to crack systematic, unresolved and real organisational problems. It is termed as a pragmatic process directed at producing a resolution a problem that has been identified by the organisation and a workable plan is designed for goal setting and strategies for progressive development to attain them. Systematic process Learn: It is an intervention that will enable individuals to view the organisation as system in whole which consists of many interacting sub systems. It is intended to yield plan for continuous advancement in systematic processes and details as to how a participant will initiate such an improvement. Community Empathy: The organisation holds a fundamental belief the social conscience requires to be nurtured and improved in each of its potential leaders. And the value of this community empathy aligns with the above fundamental belief. The Infosys leadership holds an ambition to opportunities for potential candidates on a regular structured basis to enrol themselves in cause outside the company that contribute to good of the less fortunate. Infosys culture workshop: These workshops are intended to help individuals to understand the purpose processes and the core values in ambience of leadership development. These workshops have been designed to in a way that allows expansive interaction among the individuals leading to strengthening of the Infosys culture and ensuring enough authorization to assure adherence to the culture of the company. Leadership traits: According to Warren Bennis, leaders should empower their organisations to develop an environment where people feel important, competence and learning matter, people are part of the team, and work is interesting. Leaders should also be creating an environment where standard matters and dedication to work enthuses effort. According to Huczynski and Buchanan, a charismatic leader holds the following characteristics: Visioning- providing a luxurious and extraordinary total dining experience that delights customers, empowering- giving staff a voice, showing confidence and trust, allowing staff to influence what they do, experiencing high standards,energizing- communicating vision, making staff feel part of something special, aiming for perfection, excitement, joy, passion in the work. The transactional leader a leader who treats relationships with followers in terms of an exchange, giving followers what they want in return for what the leaders desires, following prescribed tasks to pursue established goals( Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007) Transformational leader- a leader who treats relationships with followers in terms of motivation and commitment influencing and inspiring followers to give more than mere compliance to improve organizational performance( Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007) Traits that are found most often to be feature of successful leaders as per Yukl are: Assertive, cooperative, dependable, decisive, dominant, persistent, energetic, self-confident, willingness to assume responsibility, tolerant to stress, alert to social environment, adaptable to situations, achievement oriented and ambitious. Empirical research studies suggest that leadership is a dynamic process, varying from situation to situation with changes in the leader, the followers and the situation. Because of this, while there may be helping or hindering traits in a given situation, there is no universal set of traits that will ensure leadership success (Hersey and Blanchard, 1993) Team Work: Teams that can bring and stick employees together to investigate problems to implement solutions would be one of the best ways to increase productivity and product quality. And teams which can continually improve can be considered as powerful tools any organisation can use to ensure employees remain firmly focussed on meeting business goals and customer needs. Employers emphasis the significance of employees working as a team and apprise for people who hold the quality to work in such a way. Team work comes into consideration when there is a need to utilize different strengths of employees and goodness of cooperation. Principles of team work: Understanding the team is very important, as a team member he/she should know the following things: Roles and responsibilities operations of a team advantages of working as a team for individuals(motivation, job satisfaction, pride, external qualification) advantages of working as a team for the organisation (improved results due to increases in quality and productivity) Probable disadvantages of teams(Conflicts, domination) Working relations: Characteristics of a good team member Different working relationship problems with members and colleagues in other groups Team and leadership activities in order to improve team work success Team activities: The team should contribute to constant improvement activities, brainstorm activities, performance reviews, team briefings, problem resolution sessions, question and answer sessions, and team and individual appraisals. The team should be reading and contribute to team boards. The team should use internal network systems or e-mail to support communication. The team must keep displays and visuals updated. Leadership activities: Setting team objectives and goals, action planning, and recognising achievable business targets. Distribution and monitoring of team members, deciding on employee role and responsibilities, team work-load prioritization to make sure targets are met efficiently and effectively. Supervising the team performance against the objectives and goals, managing ineffective and poor performance, encouraging and motivating team members, developing a cohesive work-team through teambuilding approaches, analysis the training needs, creation of skills matrix, mentoring, team and individual appraisals, communication and consultation with management, peers and sub-ordinates and subject specialists, successfully managing conflict and tensions, grievance and disciplinary procedures. Conclusion: This paper shows the leadership in Infosys, one of the most successful IT Company in the world. Mr. Narayan Murthy, the Ex-chairman of the company has been a true leader and shows what a brilliant visionary he is. Under his leadership the company has grown tremendously within twenty five years of its existence. At Infosys they believed that a good leader can only be one who uses all different styles of leadership with one of them usually dominating. At Infosys, in order to improve the quality of leadership a leadership development program was initiated by opening the Infosys Leadership institute. This leadership Institute offers a wide range of organisational and individual development sessions to expound business problems and targets to produce a collective pool of leaders and shape them to take on present and future challenges in business. In order to achieve their vision, leadership competencies are marked along four dimensions of Work, people, technology and business. The Infosys believe that by improving the quality of leadership they can handle its phenomenal growth, with stand the complexities of the market and swiftly changing environment, and through thought leadership they can develop higher customer value. The Nine Pillar model of leadership development is used to improve the quality of leadership and as a consultant I would suggest the other company to use the Nine Pillar model as a basis to develop a similar model to improve their quality of leadership. About the team work it is now evident that it comes into consideration when there is a need to virtue of cooperation and use various strengths of employees. By understanding the principles of team work, and the team and leadership activities to be carried out properly could result in improvement in teamwork success.