Thursday, October 31, 2019

Israel & US aid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Israel & US aid - Essay Example The United States policy aims at promoting trade and cooperation with other nations. However, the United States has gone through economic downturn while the Chinese communist government has been rising rapidly (China Times, 2011). China is the greatest creditor to the United States and is uncomfortable with a single country’s global reserve currency. China believes the US should cut spending on social security and military. According to People’s daily, Beijing was angered by the decision to downgrade the US debt by S & P. The Chinese stepped up criticism against the United States and complained of the scheme of worldwide currencies that has been subjugated by the US dollar. The primary reason is the desire for Beijing to protect its financial interests (McGrego, 2012). According to a Chinese official Xinhua, the mounting dept and opinionated battles with US have dented the illustration of US overseas. The Chinese officials asserted that the US must cease its addiction to debt and learn to live within its means (China Times, 2011). This shall ensure safety of the Chinese assets in dollars. According Jamil, Beijing is unhappy with the checks subjected to the Chinese investors in the United States. China accuses the united states of checking the political background of Chinese investors. One of the Chinese officials, Wang, criticized the united states of discrimination and overspending on military at the expense of the economy (UPI, 2012). The Chinese policy aims at protecting its international interest like increasing its military presence and military budget. The United States has been opposing increased military spending in China. China is exerting influence in places it never affected before. For decades, China did business with regimes like Iran and Sudan which were unfriendly to the United States (McGregor, 2012). Presently the Chinese are doing business with America’s closest allies. China surpassed the United States to become the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Organizational Change Essay Example for Free

Organizational Change Essay Given the complex nature and competitive environment under which modern organizations operate ,the way forward for organization is to adopt strategies ,methods and practices which enable them to be ahead of their competitors. Recently global ,political and economic events such as liberations of economics,arising cost of productions ,global economic downtown ,the many competing and substitute products in the market and the spill over effects of the terrorist attacks in America, have led many organization to retrench adopt stringent cost cutting measures and to think of appropriate measures of attracting the largest number of consumers and secure a leading market share in a given industry . To remain competitive, modern organization should aim at uniqueness and superiority in all spheres of their operations ;in technology ,work procedures ,good and services ,approaches to the various management function of planning ,organizing,staffing , directing and controlling . These changes are only possible through creative and innovative thinking . The survival and continued relevance of organizations in the market place therefore depends on the strategies and survival tactics evolved by these organizations to respond to changes in the operating environment. One of the greatest challenges facing organizations therefore is the management of change in a manner that encourages pro activity and ensures continued relevance . Organization change can be defined from various perspectives . One commonly used definition of change is alteration of existing activities ,change can also be defined as innovative; the basic sense of introducing something new in the organization. Organizational change in the sense of improvement therefore refers to activities aimed at strengthening organizational performance such as new technology, work policy ,procedure,product,work attitudes and structural design . Creativity is the process through which a change can be introduced in an organization. It refers to the generation of new ideas into a real product ,service or method of production . Organization change ,creativity and innovation through creative ideas most be capable of being implemented. A creative ideas work therefore be useless unless it is innovative . Organizational change may be necessitated by pressure from outside or within the organization Cole G. A. 1996), Management Theory and Practice says that external forces for change are those forces which operate from outside organization,These include ; forces of competition ,for example competitors changing their strategies and other methods of operations; economic forces such as poor economic performance may require new cost cutting measures; political and legal forces such as passage of new laws by the government . Economic liberalization policy which no longer affords protection to local firms may require them to adopt new methods in products strategies in order to remain in competitive in the face of the inflow of foreign goods. Technological forces,for example,new technology of a firm obsolete ;social cultural forces such as change as in societal norms,values and altitudes should be accompanied by corresponding changes in goods and services. For example, a changes in taste require that a company must change quality levels,feature of existing products and services or introduce a completely new product in the market;physical forces like change in weather and climatic patterns,for example,adverse weather effects may require a company to adjust its production program. This may be due to shortage of essential agricultural based raw materials. Other external forces for change may be;creditors changing their lending policies which would mean that companies must work harder than before;trade unions imposing new conditions on matters affecting employees;consumer protection organizations insisting on specific quality standards hence the need to be quality sensitive;consumer insisting on quality and efficient services other than low prices or fees charged. Internal forces for change include;existing procedures which have become irrelevant and the existing structures which are too rigid hence the need for flexible structures;centralized systems of authority which is no longer effective after major organizational growth and expansion ;negative working attitudes by workers which need to be changed through new policies,rules and procedures,existing technology which may be obsolete and the organization has to adopt the new technology for it to improve efficiency and the competitive edge against other competitors;existing products and services which are no longer competitive in the market;existing training program which have become irrelevant in light of changes in work methods and technology;existing compensation policy which is not motivational such as automatic salary increment not based on merit. Anew compensation method for example payment by results may be adopted or introduced in the organization n facing up these internal triggers for change,management have to plan how they will respond to them. Some potential changes will have been announced well before hand and in these cases planning is taken care of pro actively . Koontz and Weirich (1995)Management:A global perspective, defined a change agent as any person or a group of people who may identify and recommend the need for change in an organization . Examples include, a committee set by the management, a task force, board of directors,shareholders,managers or individual employees. An employee for example may identify a difficulty or a weakness in the existing work procedures and suggest change to the management. If the change is rather insignificant and may not affect the final results,an employee may just implement such a change without a further consultations. Organizational change may be introduced in a planned or in reactive manner. A planned change is introduced pro actively when the organization identifies the need based on the benefits believed to come from change without disrupting operational processes. All change will incur some direct costs,for example,equipment costs,relocation costs,recruitment costs and possible redundancy payments. There will be also indirect costs such as communicating the changes to employees ,providing appropriate training and temporarily redeploying key managers and staff on change projects. An organization should also consider what might be the costs of not introducing the proposed changes. The resources required are identified in advance,employees trained or prepared accordingly adequate measures put in place to deal with the effects of change such as resistance to change. A reactive change on the other hand is normally introduced in an abrupt manner through a piecemeal approaches. A company waits until the pressure for change becomes too much and simply reacts through measures which can lead to immediate solution of a problem. For example, when there is cut throat price competition , a company may wait until it finds it unavoidable to reduce its prices when it is not able to survive in the market by maintaining its prices. According to Lewin Schein model , a model propounded by Kurt Lewin and Edgar Sshein,German Management theorists ,change can be introduced in an organization through the following steps:unfreezing that is,identifying the need for change and making it clear to employees how the organization will benefit by changing the status quo;change the transition period in the change process when employees abandon the old practices and adopt the new practices or change from the old to new attitudes ;refreezing which are the measures taken by the management which would ensure that employees sustain or continue with the changed attitudes or behavior. Emotional support,encouragement or financial reward may be provided. Through positive reinforcements ,new practices become the accepted ways of doing things in an organization. One of the principal ways in which organization can bring about planned change is by means of organization development. Organization development is a strategy for improving organizational effectiveness by means of behavioral science approaches,involving application of diagnostic and problem solving skills by an external consultant in collaboration with the organizational management. Organization development is an organization wide process,it takes an essentially systems view of the organization;it utilizes the techniques and approaches of the behavioral sciences that is psychology and sociology;it also involves the intervention of an external third party in the shape of a change agent trained and experienced in behavioral science application in the work situation. Organization development is aimed at organization effectiveness that is,it is something more than management development ;it is concerned with changing structures and decision processes as it is with changing peoples behavior. Organization development is about change and this change can be painful especially when it involves peoples attitudes ,beliefs and self image. The organization development is utilized when the senior management of an organization come to recognize that the key components of the organization system are not working harmoniously together. There is no one best way of introducing and designing an organization development program in an organization. It first takes a preliminary stage whereby the senior management team discusses the scope and implications of an a organization development with the change agent. This includes discussion about the aims of a possible program and the means by which it might be achieved. It also includes a consideration of the possible implication for the organization arising from the implementation of a program;it then define the nature of the relation ship between the change agent and the organizations management that is,whether the change agent is to play the role of an expert , a catalyst for new ideas ,educator or some other agreed role. If the agreement is reached about the idea of commencing an organization development program then it goes to the next stage of analysis and diagnosis where the change agent usually takes the initiative by designing appropriate methods for obtaining relevant information for example,interviews and surveys and by proposing a strategy for putting these into operation with the full backing of the management team. The information obtained should clarify the problems facing the organization,and build up a picture of staff attitude and opinions as well as supplying some important suggestions as to how the problems would be solved. On the basis of information received,the management team and the change agent agree their diagnosis of the situation . The management team in close collaboration with the change agent agree on what are the aims and objectives of the program. These aims could be to improve profitability ,secure a share of new market ,improve staff motivation or other desired improve ment. To these ends,specific objectives would be useful,such as to achieve the restructuring of the company along matrix lines over a period of say , one and a half years and obtain the full commitment of all the management staff to an open and democratic style of leadership or to reduce substantially the number of customer complaints about after sale service. The organizations problems have been analyzed ,a diagnosis of the overall situation has been made and agreement has been reached about the aims and the objectives of the exercise,it then behooves a moment of planning the content and the sequence of activities designed to achieve the aims of the programs. Much of the tactics in the planning stage will be influenced by the change agent whose skills and expertise knowledge in behavioral matters will be brought to bear on the manner of introducing the various organizational development activities. These activities will be examined more closely in bits noting the progression. Once the plans have been put into action,it is very imperative that they should be monitored at frequent intervals by the management and the change agent. Difficulties and misconceptions are bound to occur and these must be noted as soon as possible and dealt with quickly. If a particular activity is having adverse results,it will have to be amended or even dropped from the programs. From time to time more substantial reviews of the progress towards the aims and objectives of the exercise will be required ,and this often leads to comparing the results against the benchmarks which are the objectives of the whole change process. In light of the major review it is possible that some important revisions of the aims may be important for which further series of plans will be necessary. The success of any organization development concerning change process in an organization depends largely on the part played by the change agent. The change agent is at the core center of the entire organizations development process. If the change agent is not able to build a firm relationship between himself and the management team concerned,or if he fails to establish his credibility with a range of other groups,his chances of obtaining a sense of commitment required in the whole process are so low. Conversely,if the gains trust and respect both as a person and as a skilled adviser, then he stands a better chance of achieving his own contribution to the aims and the objectives of the program. The roles of a change agent are a multiple ones. These roles range from the highly directive,leadership type of roles to a non-directive counseling role. In the first place,he prescribes what is best for his clients and on the other hand ,he will reflect issues and problems back to his clients without offering any judgment to himself. Qualities of intellect and personality are also important with the change agent in particular the ability to listen and to apply rational approaches to problems and situations;also a mature outlook in terms of awareness and acceptance of personal strengths and weakness. Abilities required are not only those associated with behavioral science knowledge but more general skills such as interviewing skills,presentation skills and the ability to establish and maintain comfortable relationship with a wide cross-section of people. This combination of attributes suggests that a change agent will not always be readily available. It takes a certain kind of character to be able to make the contribution to joint problem solving and decision making that is required in the organization development. The most significant benefits of an organization development program obviously depends on the needs of the organization at the commencement of the program. Organization development enables an organization to adapt to change in away that obtains the full commitment of the employees concerned that is,it instills a mind of change in the employees minds where they perceive themselves as apart of the whole process of change ;organization development can also lead to organization structures that will facilitate employee cooperation and the achievement of tasks in that it brings about the issue of critical thought and mind development whenever the employees swaps between the jobs and the ranks unlike when the the employees would on a p[articular job and role until the retirement hence change brings about new challenges to the employee which eventually turns around the status quo and implement the policies of an enterprise into improvement of services;it also release the ;latent energy and creativity in the organization by way of specialization;it provides opportunities for management development in the context of real organization problems and the way to solve them by involving all the parties concerned including employees in the decision making process;it may also stimulate more creative approaches to problem-solving throughout the entire organization. Finally,change increases the ability of the management groups to look as teams and this will eventually lead to the achievement of longterm goals of the company. Resistance to change has been associated with the change and accepted as a major element of any change process. No matter how change may benefit the organization and individual employees,there will always be a tendency to resist it. Stower J.  F (2000) Management,says that change may result from fear of the unknown ,for example,potential difficulties or uncertainties which may come along with a new method or a procedure;fear of losing power,prestige or status that is fear of perceived inferiority complex towards the subordinates;fear of losing job related opportunities such as promotion or lack of care growth;failure to understand why a change is being introduced due to poor communication;perpetual differences between individual employees ,managers or work groups;fear of losing a job or going for further training when computerization program is to be undertaken or a major change are to be introduced through business process re-engineering . The management should device ways of reducing some of the resistance to change in an organization such ways as;conduct an education and communicate effectively with employees on the need and benefits of change;involve employees in planning the change process ;negotiate with employees or departments which are likely to resist changes ;introduce change in piecemeal manner and provide emotional support including time off during the most difficult period of the change process;selectively use information which gives emphasis on positive aspects of change. Employees likely to resist change may also be co-opted or assigned new positions created during the change process. In order to create an environment in which people think creatively and develop suitable ideas for change ,the management of an organization should take the following measures;develop an acceptance for change,employees must think strategically and believe that change is inevitable for the organization survival;provide a clea r objectives and freedom to achieve them. Organization members who are given clear objectives would be stimulated to meet them . Their creativity will have a purpose and direction ;a conducive environment for creativity is enhanced if individual have the opportunities to interact with members of their own and other work groups. Such interaction encourages team spirit ,exchange of useful information,free flow of ideas and fresh perspective on problems,also make it clear in word and deeds that the management welcomes new ideas. Managers who closely supervise every action of subordinates encourage them to follow orders rather than to experiment with new ideas. Because of tough competition ,resource scarcity and high equipment costs,the only way to ensure survival in any industry is change through creativity and innovation. Any idea that leads to more efficient and effective operation should be explored and implemented,hence a new idea may be a boon in an organization.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Two Wheelers In India Marketing Essay

Two Wheelers In India Marketing Essay Riding a two wheeler gives once a felling of freedom and enjoying the natural beauty. In India two wheelers are generally preferred because of their compact sizes affordable process, low maintenance and easy loan repayment. If we see Indian streets they are generally filled up of two wheelers. The  trend  of  owning  two wheelers  in India is  due  to  a  variety  of  facts.  One  of  the  chief  Ã‚  is  poor  public  transport  in  many  parts  of  India.   Additionally,  two-wheelers  offer  a  great  deal  of  convenience  and mobility for  the Indian  family. India is the third largest producer of Two wheelers in the world it come just next to Japan and China. In last few years the the Indian two-wheelers industry has got spectacular growth. Two wheeler industry in India has a small beginning in early 50s. The Automobile Products of India (API) started manufacturing scooters in the country which was later taken over by Bajaj Auto. Although various government and private enterprises entered the fray for scooters, the only new player that has lasted till today is LML. The motorcycle segment of India was initially dominated by Escorts175cc bike and Enfield 350cc bikes. In mid 80s the two-wheeler market was opened to foreign competition. And the then market leaders Escorts and Enfield were caught unaware by the onslaught of the 100cc  bikes of the four Indo-Japanese joint ventures. With the availability of fuel efficient low power  Ã‚  bikes, demand for this swelled which results in Hero Honda then the only producer of four stroke bikes(100cc category), gaining a top slot. The first Japanese motorcycles were introduced in the early eighties. TVS Suzuki and Hero Honda brought in the first two-stroke and four-stroke engine motorcycles respectively.   TVS Suzuki and Hero Honda initially started with assembly of CKD kits which later on progressed to indigenous manufacturing. In the 90s the Japanese motorcycles has brought in major growth for motorcycle segment , which grew at a  rate of nearly 25% CAGR in the last  five years. The motorcycle industry had a smooth ride in the 50s, 60s and 70s when the Government has prohibited new entries and controlled capacity expansion strictly. In 80s the industry saw a sudden growth and a peak volume of 1.9 mn vehicles. The entire automobile industry saw a drastic fall in demand in the year 1990 which resulted in decline of demand by 15% in 1991 and 8% in 1992, resulting in a production loss of 0.4mn vehicles. Hero Honda showed a marginal decline in 1992 and all the major producers suffered from recession in Fy 1993-1994. The reasons for recession in the sector were high input costs , incessant rise in fuel prices and reduced purchasing power of the people due to significant rise in gen eral price level and credit crunch was there consumer financing. Later with development of economic situation, sales of  two wheeler increased increased.   In the last eight to ten years, the two-wheeler  market has witnessed a shift from scooters to motorcycles. Particularly in the rural areas, consumers have started preferring sturdier bikes to withstand the bad road conditions. Key Factors affecting sales of Motorcycles: The various factors which effect the sales of motorcycles are Petrol Prices- As they determine the running cost of the vehicles so change in the pricing policy of Government of India will have an impact on two wheelers sales. Improvement in disposable income certainly play a multiplier effect on the demands of consumer durables. Ease on the availability of credits will leads to increase in demand of two wheelers. Key players in  the Two-wheeler Industry: There are many two-wheeler manufacturers in India the major players are as follows: Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) -Bajaj Auto Ltd (Bajaj Auto) and -TVS Motor  Company Ltd (TVS) Kinetic Motor Company Ltd(KMCL),     Yamaha  Motors  India  Ltd(Yamaha), Royal Enfield Ltd (REL) and Honda Motorcycle Scooter India (P) Ltd  (HMSI). Various bikes models: 100 cc bikes segment: The bikes in this segment are generally simple and are not much expensive and their main target customers are middle income people. These bikes consume less fuel as they have 100 cc motor and they are suitable for travelling longer distance. The bikes in 100 cc are most rightly can be said as value for money. The various competing bikes in this segment are : -Bajaj Discover  100, Bajaj Platina 100, Hero Honda Passion Plus, -Hero Honda Splendor Plus and Yamaha Crux TVS STAR City We are going to compare the following mentioned models: Bajaj Discover  100 Hero Honda Splendor Plus Yamaha Crux TVS Centra Bajaj Discover 100 Brand Name Bajaj Discover Parent Company Bajaj Auto Category Motorcycle Sector Two-wheeler Automobile Tagline/ Slogan Discover India with the power of 1 litre USP It give good mileage Brand Ambassador Evolution: Bajaj Discover is a motorcycle brand owned by Bajaj Auto in India. It was launched in 2004 and since then it was a huge success in two wheeler segment and can be rightly called commuters bike. It has a 2nd generation DTS- Si four stroke engine. Discover provides high power and high torque which is able to produce up to 7500 rpm and torque of 5000 rpm. Bajaj has launched 100cc Discover DTS-Si which has 2nd generation engine and provide an average of 75km/hr on road speed in city and 83km/hr on highways and being termed as long distance Bike. It has 5 transmission gears to provide constant transmission. The Bajaj Discover DTS-Si will be available in four colour i.e red, blue, deep black and green. Bajaj Discover DTS-Si 100cc has unmatched durability as all the other Discover  bikes in india. Some of the premium design features of this motorcycle are LED tail-lamp, alloy wheels and an all black presentation with attractive chrome styling elements. This newly launched Bajaj two-wheeler is packed to deliver unmatched performance through polycot piston with the sturdy Discover format and yielding complete comfort varied features like ergonomically designed seats.   Features: Electric start system Longest wheelbase in the entire segment Full DC electrical system Auto choke that helps in easy starting Nitrox suspension that makes riding comfortable even on rough roads Maintenance free battery along with charge indicator 5 speed gear box Target Segment: Bajaj Discover is mainly targeting the lower middle class people who look value for money and need a bike that give good mileage and look stylish. Target Group: Youth of middle class in age group of 25-35 years. Positioning: A bike that can be used for exploring new avenues. SWOT ANALYSIS OF BAJAJ DISCOVER SWOT Strength 1.Strong brand name and huge market   2.Excellent distribution through franchisees   3.Most reliable for Indian roads as it requires low maintenance 4.Good mileage Weakness 1. Focuses on just mileage Opportunity 1. Expansion in rural and tier-2 cities   2. Innovations in technology Threats 1. New entrants   2. Competitors   3. Low cost bikes Hero Honda Splendor Brand Name Hero Honda(Hero MotoCorp) Splendor Parent Company Hero Honda Category Motorcycles Sector Two-wheeler Tagline/ Slogan Yaari ki Gaadi; Desh ki dhadkan USP A bike with low maintenance and good mileage Brand Ambassador The largest bike manufacture of country Hero Honda has got super rich and best selling bike in its stable that is  Hero Honda Splendor, the total variant of the brand are 4. Hero Honda has recently upgraded its  Hero Honda Splendor  Super model and the new bike is priced at Rs. 45950 in Delhi. Hero Honda launched its flagship model  Hero Honda Splendor  in the year 1994 and it bring name and fame to the company instantly since the launch. Only after a gap of 6 years,  Hero Honda Splendor  was declared World No. 1 largest selling single two-wheeler model. The basic model of the  Hero Honda Splendor  was having only standard equipment only but technology was mind-blowing as a result the bike made records after records of selling. In the year 2003, Hero Honda upgraded the basic model of  Hero Honda Splendor  and launched a revamped version named as Hero Honda Splendor Plus which also saw a big success. The company announced to sell the basic and improved model side by side but discontinued the former silently after sometime. Now only  Hero Honda Splendor  Plus version is available in market. The  Hero Honda Splendor  Plus is powered by an air cooled, 4 stroke, single cylinder OHC engine with 97.2 cc of displacement. The engine produces peak power of 7.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and churn peak torque of 7.95 Nm at 5,000 rpm. It uses world class suspension and brakes which can be called as the USP of Hero Honda bikes in India. The new avatar of  Hero Honda Splendor  sports alloy wheels, pass light, helmet lock and handy indicators switch. The company further revamped the  Hero Honda Splendor  brand and launched Hero Honda Splendor Super in the year 2005. It is a bigger machine than its predecessors. The bike is loaded with 125cc, 4-Stroke OHC, Single Cylinder, Air Cooled engine which churns maximum power of 9 bhp at 7,000 rpm while belts out 10.35 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Other modifications on this bike include, self start, bigger engine, wider wheelbase and bike weight. The latest offering in the Hero Honda stable is Hero Honda Splendor NXG which was launched in the year 2007. Basically the bike was designed and launched targeting youth thereby more graphics, self start, alloy wheels and sporty look. For the first time in Hero Honda history, it added self start option, after a year of the launch, to an entry-level bike along with black alloy wheels. In addition to this, ne generation Pro Series Engines is incorporated in the  Hero Honda Splendor  NXG. Apart from these, the bike is equipped with new generation digital CDI unit, new design carburetor with TCIS, Halogen bulb Trapeziodal, MFR in headlamp and new style graphics. The bike is again an entry-level bike which comes loaded with 4 stoke, single cylinder OHC, air cooled 97.2cc engine. The engine develops a peak power of 7.8 bhp at 7,500 rpm and generates 8.04 Nm of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. Hero Honda Splendor Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy The  Hero Honda Splendor  series bikes are known for their superb mileage and low maintenance. The  Hero Honda Splendor  Plus gives around 65-70 kmpl. It has got 11 litres of fuel tank capacity along with 1 litre of fuel reserve.  Hero Honda SplendorSuper can give around 63-68 kmpl of mileage. The maximum fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Whereas  Hero Honda Splendor  NXG has 9.5 litres of fuel tank capacity and 1.8 litres of reserve and you can expect around 70-75 kmpl of fuel economy in city. The all new  Hero Honda Splendor  Pro offers a mileage of 60-70 kmpl in the city roads. The fuel tank present in the new  Hero Honda Splendor  Pro is of 11 ltrs with I ltr of fuel reserve. Hero Honda Splendor Colors The  Hero Honda Splendor  Plus comes in 8 hues like Excellent Blue, Hi Granite Blue, Black With Purple Stripe 1, Black with Purple Stripe 2, Black with Purple Stripe 3, Black with Silver stripe, Cloud Silver and Candy Red. The body colour is painted at fuel tank, front cowl, side panels, rear panels and front fender. Target Segment: Target are the lower middle class people who want bike that give good mileage and look stylish. Target Group: Youth of middle class in age group of 25-35 years. Positioning: A motorcycle for making friends in life. SWOT Strength 1.Strong brand name and huge market   2.Excellent distribution through franchisees   3.Most reliable for Indian roads as it requires low maintenance   4.Good mileage Weakness 1.Focuses on just mileage and no power Opportunity 1. Expansion in rural and tier-2 cities   2. Innovations in technology Threats 1. New entrants   2. Competitors   3. Low cost bikes Yamaha Crux Brand Name Yamaha Crux Parent Company Yamaha Category Motorcycles Sector Two-wheeler Tagline/ Slogan Aapke irade sa mazboot; Yes Yamaha USP Bike which has good mileage Brand Ambassador The  Yamaha Crux  is a 106  cc, single-cylinder  four-stroke  motorcycle made by  India Yamaha Motor. The Crux is designed for Indian and neighboring markets. Its upgraded version is known as the  Yamaha Libero G5. Unlike Libero G5, Crux has round head lights. Although it shares the same engine with Yamaha Libero, Crux is targeted towards the lowest end of the low end segment (100  cc segment) A different version of crux known as crux r was introduced with the same specifications but rectangular headlights. But after it could not make a considerable sales, the production was halted. Yamaha Cruxs 106cc, 4-stroke engine, Strong Frame, attractive style, multi-reflector lights and long seat makes it the comfortable durable 4-stroke commuter bike on the Indian roads. Yamaha Crux is the popular bike with attractive features available in India at affordable price. The mill of the  Yamaha Crux  delivers a top power of 7.6 PS at 7,500 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 7.85 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Yamaha CRUX gives excellent durability that everyone loves it. Crux can carry heavy loads or passengers with smooth move. Yamaha India said that Yamaha Crux will meet all requirement of biker. Lets talk about the  Yamaha Crux price in India  with features and specifications. Yamaha Crux Features 130 dia drum brake. Adjustable shockers. Advanced air cooled 4 stroke engine. Attractive looks. Chrome plated fender. Multi-reflector tail light and head light for better visibility. Target Segment: Middle-class people who want a bike that is stylish and gives a good mileage. Target Group: Youth of middle class in age group of 25-35 years. Positioning: A strong bike which encourages a strong life. SWOT Strength 1.Huge market   2.Excellent distribution through franchisees   3.Good mileage Weakness 1.  Limited market share compared to other leading brands Opportunity 1. Expansion in rural and tier-2 cities   2. Innovations in technology   3.More brand visibility. Threats 1. New entrants   2. Competitors   3. Low cost bikes TVS CENTRA Brand Name TVS CENTRA Parent Company TVS Category Motorcycles Sector Two-wheeler Tagline/ Slogan Inspiration in motion USP Good mileage Brand Ambassador TVS Centra, introduced by TVS Motor Company, is miles ahead than others with its VT-i engines, which digitally control ignition timing, and temperature sensors for optimum fuel efficiency. Its unique friction reduction technology and fuel wastage reduction system is capable of consistently delivering superior mileage. Stunning muscular lines on the fuel tank along with stylish and contemporary body graphics render it a wind-chiseled look. Completing the look is the trapezoidal MFR headlight for excellent visibility. Designed according to bio-mechanics principles, TVS Centra is one of its kind in the category. And last but not the least, the 5-step adjustable rear shock absorbers help to make your ride smooth on any kind of road Like all TVS Motor Company products, TVS Centra too has been engineered and designed keeping in mind extensive customer feedback and changing customer needs. TVS Centra will be the first motorcycle in India that will bundle price, mileage, maintenance, style, reliability, power, ruggedness and ride comfort making it truly a value for money personal transportation two-wheeler. Those who want all these performance attributes in a commuter motorcycle at a great price, nothing will beat the TVS Centra for all the advantages it offers. TVS Centra is built around to give a mileage that will offer atleast 10 per cent more than any other motorcycle in the country, today. It will be powered by 7.5 Brake Horse Power (Bhp) at 7250 RPM making it the most powerful motorcycle in its class. TVS Centra will also be known for its nimble handling and riding comfort enabling easy maneuvering even in busy city traffic. Its contemporary style with big muscular tank and well-rounded looks with a horizontal engine and superior ergonomics will mark a new standard in the popular segment of two wheelers. It will come with Econometer to keep a check on the mileage / power ratio, wide and skid free seat and Utility space. TVS Centra Features Advanced air cooled 4 stroke engine. 110 dia drum brake. Adjustable shockers. Attractive looks. Digitally controlled starting. Target Segment: Middle-class executives. Target Group: Youth in age group of 22-35 years. Positioning: SWOT Strength 1.Huge market   2.Excellent distribution through franchisees   3.Good mileage Weakness 1.  Limited market share compared to other leading brands Opportunity 1. Expansion in rural and tier-2 cities   2. Innovations in technology   3.More brand visibility. Threats 1. New entrants   2. Competitors   3. Low cost bikes

Friday, October 25, 2019

Electronic Communication and the Negative Impact of Miscommunication Es

Electronic communications, improve efficiency and productivity, but poorly written emails can cause internal strife, low morale, and loss of clients. Effective written communication will enhance internal communications as well as external communications. The ability to write effectively is a core skill that all employees, no matter what their title is, should master. If the content of an email is unclear, grammatically incorrect or is full of typos, the email will cause misunderstandings and the possible loss of business. A chain reaction of emails or letters will occur, questioning the next course of action and clients will undoubtedly believe that we will treat them with the same carelessness we took in creating that correspondence. Case in point, a letter was recently sent to one of our clients misquoting our fees, a second letter was sent to the client correcting the fee, but was addressed to the wrong person. We have since lost this client. Jonathan Hershberg, president of Opus Associates, a communications training developer based in New York, states, "If I get an e-mail that's full of errors and I know nothing else about you," Hershberg says, "there's no reason for me not to think you'll handle my business in the same way you handled that writing.† (Moerke, A, 2004) We have seen an example of this kind of writing. A benefit distribution memo was created for the wife of a deceased participant. The salutation of the letter addressed the deceased, not the wife. Correspondences regarding death benefits require special attention. Correspondence should never be addresses to the deceased. All writers should use the method of prewriting, brainstorming, writing and organizing, revising for style, and proofreading to produce memos, letters, emails, and reports The suggested percentage of time spent on each writing step is as follows: (Jaderstrom, Miller, and Office Pro June 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prewriting 12.5%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Brainstorming 25.0%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Writing and organizing 25.0%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Revising for style 25.0%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Proofreading 12.5%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emails are less formal then letters or memorandums; and the authors of emails tend to abbreviate words and use slang to get his or her meaning across quickly. This may be acceptable for communication inside the company, but it will confuse external clients. John Patrick, President of Attitud... ...ding and spellchecking the content before sending to our internal or external clients. The clients will notice the change in the professionalism of our writing. Overall, the outcome can only benefit the company and its employees. References Crainer, Stuart, Dearlove, Des, Across the Board (2004) Making yourself Understood – The New Language of Business, 41, Issue 3, Retrieved September 28, 2004 from the EBSCOhost database Jaderstrom, Susan, Miller, Joanne, Office Pro (2004) - Writing with Purpose Business Source Premier , 64, Issue 5 Retrieved September 28, 2004 from the EBSCOhost database Moerke, Amy, (2004) Business Writing Brushup Sales & Marketing Management, 156, Issue 5 Retrieved September 28, 2004 from the EBSCOhost database Shea, Gordon F, Training & Development, (1992) A Case for Clear Writing, 46 Issue 1, p63, Retrieved September 28, 2004 from the EBSCOhost database Hudson Valley Business Journal (2001) Email underlines need for better business writing skills,. 11, Issue 26 Retrieved September 28, 2004 from the EBSCOhost database Reed Business Information Ltd. Personnel Today, (2004), p18, 2p Retrieved September 28, 2004 from the EBSCOhost database

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Music and Crime

Music and crime are two very distinctly different but related things. Music has effects other than providing pleasure to listeners. On one hand, music may affect emotions in such a way that it may trigger a person to justify a criminal act. On the other hand, it can also help suppress a potential criminal’s emotions, which may possibly prevent crime from happening. For most people, classical music is that which usually has a positive effect. It may calm the violent instinct that is deep within a person, especially those who have no other means to release these instincts.   Thus, classical music may have a negative effect on crime. Music and crime can be correlated through an individual’s mood. The mood that music inherently suggests is usually reflected in one's thoughts. To clarify, crime may be usually driven by a person's mentality, while music can influence one's thinking.   In some forms of music, there are seemingly subliminal messages that may cause a variety of effects for different personalities. The subliminal messages that could influence a person can be a contributing factor in crimes (Cooper). However, other forms of music, like classical music, are popularly believed to have positive effect that can prevent potential criminals from committing crimes. For instance, some studies also show that classical music has the effect of keeping the violent instinct down.   This can be attributed to the kind of slow, meditative and soothing quality that classical music has in trying to deal with certain elements, such as brute force and violence. It can bring back gentle and tender memories of a person, which would most likely result in bringing out the gentle emotions that a person might have hidden deep inside of him (Partenheimer).This can have the unexpected effect of eliminating the kind of violent instinct that leads to crime.   For instance, in West Palm Beach, Florida, authorities found that playing classical music in the streets have lessened the criminal incidents in the said street (USA Today). Everyone is subjected to music with embedded messages.   There are kinds of music that seems harmless and innocent that may actually influence one to commit crimes if it has an embedded negative message.   This occurs because people have different levels of comprehension; these negative messages may unconsciously encourage them to commit crimes. If a person was exposed to music with a positive message, like that of classical music, the person that might have been previously inclined to commit crimes will be persuaded to gently stop committing crimes.   Moreover, a person's mood can also be influenced by music.   Basically, it works in the same way subliminal messages do. However, it only targets more of the emotional side of a person (Wilson). People who might have been in the mood for violent acts or criminally prosecutable actions will be very reluctant to engage in these kinds of acts if there is a big emotional weight pressing their feelings. This is the power that classical music has; it is capable of influencing the kind of mood that a person has. Classical music may help encourage resistance for criminal thoughts that will prove to be beneficial to one's psychological state. Classical music has the kind of ephemeral quality that the human mind cannot possibly comprehend in all its subtleties.   For this reason, the mind cannot actively stop the kind of influence that music exerts. The human mind unconsciously follows the lead made by the kind of music it is exposed to since the sounds are not hindered by simple syntax of human language. The kind of wordless but emotionally tangible quality that is inherent in classical music takes it straight to the inner workings of the human emotion. There is nothing but the defenseless inner self or ego that bears to receive the kind of message that the music has.   Since classical music transcends the usual human emotional barriers through its capability to affect emotions, the person's thoughts and mood is usually affected as well.   In turn, it also strongly influences the actions of the person. Classical music is powerful because it targets the basic emotions that can influence a person’s intention to commit crimes. In addition, classical music can influence a person in a relatively peaceful or positive way.   Even if there are various reasons behind criminal or deviant acts coming in many forms, all of them are at least connected to some emotions as part of the underlying reasons hidden deep in the part of the human psyche. Classical music, which has an unfathomable effect on the human psyche, can highly influence a person’s decision to commit a crime. In conclusion, classical music is conducive to positive emotions; therefore, it has a negative effect on crime because it triggers a positive effect on one's emotions and thinking.   The effect of such musical forms and the mood it represents has the capacity to diminish a person's violent instinct, as well as to keep criminal thought at bay.   In this way, classical music can be instrumental in preventing crimes. Works Cited â€Å"Classical Music on West Palm Corner Deters Crime.†Ã‚   USA Today. 8 July 2001. The Associated Press. 22 March 2008   Cooper, Candy. â€Å"Subliminal Messages, Heavy Metal Music and Teen-age Suicide.† San Francisco Examiner. 29 September 1989. 5 March 2008 â€Å"What are subliminal effects?† World of Mouth Experiment. 2007. 5 March 2008 Wilson, Stephanie. â€Å"The effects of Music on Perceived Atmosphere and Purchase Notions in Restaurant.†(Abstract). Psychology of Music 31.1 (2003): 93-112. 5 March 2008 Partenheimer, David. â€Å"Violent Music Lyrics Increase Agreesive Thoughts and Feelings, According to New Study.† APA. 2003. 5 March 2008 â€Å"Classical Music on West Palm Corner Deters Crime.†Ã‚   USA Today. 8 July 2001. The Associated Press. 22 March 2008 < http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/07/08/music.htm>      

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

animal farm though shant come to harm Essay

animal farm though shant come to harm Essay animal farm though shant come to harm Essay Napoleon in Animal Farm is a dictator. This is shown by his propaganda made by squealer and his portraits and use of violenceAnimal Farm is an allegorical and dystopian novel by George Orwell, published in England on 17 August 1945. According to Orwell, the book reflects events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalin era in the Soviet Union.[1] Orwell, a democratic socialist,[2] was an outspoken critic of Joseph Stalin and, especially after experiences with the NKVD and the Spanish Civil War, he was actively opposed to the controversial ideology of Stalinism.[3] The Soviet Union, he believed, had become a brutal dictatorship, built upon a cult of personality and enforced by a reign of terror. In a letter to Yvonne Davet, Orwell described Animal Farm as a satirical tale against Stalin "un conte satirique contre Stalin",[4] and in his essay "Why I Write" (1946), he wrote that Animal Farm was the first book in which he had tried, with full consciousness of what he was doing, "to fuse political purpose and artistic purpose into one whole". The original title was Animal Farm: A Fairy Story, though the subtitle was dropped by U.S. publishers for its 1946 publication and subsequently all but one of the translations during Orwell's lifetime omitted it. Other variations in the title include: A Satire and A Contemporary Satire.[4] Orwell suggested the title Union des rà ©publiques socialistes animales for the French translation, which recalled the French name of the Soviet Union, Union des rà ©publiques socialistes sovià ©tiques, and which abbreviates to URSA,

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Power of the Declaration essays

The Power of the Declaration essays Power and The Declaration of Independence There are many abstractions in the Declaration of Independence. These abstractions such as: rights, freedom, liberty and happiness have become the foundations of American society and have helped to shape the American Identity. Power, another abstraction that reoccurs in all the major parts of the Declaration of Independence plays an equally important role in shaping American Identity. One forgets the abstraction of power, because it appears in relation to other institutions: the legislature, the King, the earth, and the military. The abstraction of power sets the tone of the Declaration, and shapes the colonists conception of government and society. Power in the Declaration of Independence flows from distinct bodies within society such as the King, the legislature, the military, and the colonists. The English Dictionary defines power as, the ability to do or effect something or anything, or to act upon a person or thing. Throughout the ages according to the dictionary the word power has connoted similar meanings. In 1470 the word power meant to have strength and the ability to do something. Nearly three hundred years later in 1785 the word power carried the same meaning of control, strength, and force, power to produce an effect, supposes power not to produce it; otherwise it is not power but necessity. This definition explains how the power of government and social institutions rests in their ability to command people, rocks, colonies to do something they otherwise would not do. To make people pay taxes. To make the rocks form into a fence. To make the colonists honor the king. The colonialists adopt this interpretation of power. They see power as a cruel force that has wedded them to a king who has a history of repeated injuries and usurpations. The framers of t he Declaration of Independence also believe that po...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Price Of Vengeance Essays - Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible

The Price Of Vengeance Essays - Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible The Price Of Vengeance Authority. Can it be abused? Abagail and the other girls in the play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, strongly abused their position of power. Through the authority of the girls in the court, the Witch Hysteria came about in Salem. Because of the Witch Hysteria, false accusations of witchcraft were placed on members of the community in a form of vengeance from previous misunderstandings. Vengeance was seeking itself in Salem. Mary, why do you send your spirit on me? The Witch Hysteria in The Crucible was the cause of all the problems, which will be further examined in the very near future. Abagail and the girls began to cry Witch after Reverend Parris discovered them dancing in the woods early one morning with a fire and a kettle full of some sort of brew. As dancing was strictly forbidden, especially around a fire, a subtle thought of witchcraft was aroused in Salem. Reverend Parris was ecstatic about losing his ministry because he believed he was not well liked by the towns people. Parris was enraged at Abagail for her and the girls actions in the woods as his daughter Betty lay in bed, so called witched. Abagail and the girls dancing is discovered (Abagail is a servant who is in love with her former employer, John Proctor, who is married to Elizabeth. John Proctor committed adultery with Abagail. She was released from the Proctor home soon after). False accusations all begin at that point, a critical point in the play. As Abagail accuses Tituba of making her dance and drink blood, and revealing whom Parris and Hale think is the link to the Devil in Salem, Abagail is given a very extreme power, a power that will be greatly abused. Abagail and the girls begin accusing innocent people of witchery for their own personal gains. Vengeance and desire, not witchcraft, are the causes of these false accusations. Reverend Hale and John Proctor state this throughout the play, numerous times. Men and women of the town such as Ann and Thomas Putnam are seeking vengeance through the Trials, Goody Putnam for her lost children and Thomas for the children and his land disputes with Giles Corey. The girls are in love men and boys of the town, and that is what they are trying to gain from these inaccurate accusations. As these false accusations are made, Dansforth and Parris believe the girls, despite Reverend Hale and John Proctors objections, but Dansforth does not want to reverse his previous guilty verdicts, because it could tarnish his name as a court judge in a sense. As a result, Proctor is accused of witchcraft, and is sentenced to hang unless he confesses. He refuses to confess to lies. As a result of the hysteria of a town, false accusations came about, vengeance was carried out and 19 people were hanged, all because power was put into the wrong hands. John Proctor and 18 other people lost their lives, their freedom, the common rights of man because authority refused to believe the truth and was caught up in the hype.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Nursing education System Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nursing education System - Assignment Example The theoretical part of nursing education introduces nurse students to the healthcare environment and what their duties and responsibilities as nurses. When it comes to practical training, the objective is to equip nurses with hands-on skills and experience that allow them to execute the required duties and responsibilities. In this respect, nursing is a critical component of the health system infrastructure. The bid to enhance healthcare system is subject to the influence of many different factors. Successful health systems capitalize on the availability of human resources, which in this case include all healthcare practitioners. This makes nurses a critical part of the success story therein. In enhancing health system infrastructure, one of the primary goals is to ensure that nurse-patient ratio remains favorable to the welfare of the general population. What this means is that nursing is just as important as any other healthcare aspect. The requirements of entry into nursing practice vary from one country to another. In the United States, nursing education and practice entry programs are divided into four levels, namely: hospital-based diploma, associate degree at hospital-based level or at community college level, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree or higher (Shulman, 2009). The first three levels are mostly common as entry point requirements while the last one is relatively less common. States play a major role in regulating nursing in the United States. Every State has its own approaches and mechanisms of regulating nursing practices. Amid state-level regulation, the American Nurses Association plays a fundamental role in the healthcare setting. This association works with state governments in matters of funding, continued competence, and nursing education advancement (Hawkins, 2011). The primary goal of nursing regulation is to ensure that nurses are not only responsible and accountable, but

Friday, October 18, 2019

Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Case Study - Essay Example E.ON has shown good business sense when it adopted some serious almost desperate measures to control emissions for which its employees and their non operation actions were responsible. Employees cannot be restricted where daily work related operations are concerned. However when it comes to daily non-operations activities, the firm wants to ensure that its employees are seen as environment-caring souls. Thus E.ON has come up with a series of actions that is meant to reduce emissions and these measures include giving up expensive cars, car pooling, use of company’s hybrid cars and even preferring public transport or bicycles. E.ON understands that UK is currently facing an emission crisis. In a desperate attempt to reduce CO2 emissions, UK is planning to close almost one third of its power plants in next 12 years. By 2020, UK wants major reduction in emission to achieve a 60 percent reduction by 2050. Increasing concentrations of ‘greenhouse gases’ from human activities arc expected to cause a significant change in the earth’s climate. This may have important consequences for the environment of the UK. The main gases involved are carbon dioxide (CO2 ), methane (CH4 ), nitrous oxide (NO), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ozone (O3 ). These gases absorb outgoing infra-red radiation which has been reradiated from the earth’s surface. Observed global temperature increases over recent years are consistent with estimated increases caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations. Although a molecule of CO2 is less potent than molecules of other greenhouse gases, the quantity of emissions is relatively so large that CO2 is the major contributor to global warming. Under its Climate Change Program, the UK is committed to reducing CO2 and CH4 emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Total UK emissions of CO2 fell by 7 per cent, and of CH4 by 15 per cent, between 1990 and 1995, largely reflecting the decreasing use of coal in

Can teachers support creativity and imagination in children Essay

Can teachers support creativity and imagination in children - Essay Example Therefore, teachers play a huge role in moulding the personality and character of the child and hence make substantial contributions in encouraging imagination and creativity in a child. Though, the substance of this prose will examine as to how teachers can spur creativity and imagination young children. Creativity is a highly important aspect of a child’s educational endeavours because through creativity the child helps to identify himself as a unique person and is conducive to a healthy personality development of the child. Creativity is the process of innovating and focuses on how people use new methods and ideas in order to find alternative and fresh solutions to a particular problem. The United Kingdom National Advisory Committee’s report in 1999 focuses a great deal on the importance of creativity. (Morris, 2006) The report describes and defines creativity as, â€Å"First, they (the characteristics of creativity) always involve thinking or behaving imaginatively . Second, overall this imaginative activity is purposeful: that is, it is directed to achieving an objective. Third, these processes must generate something original. Fourth, the outcome must be of value in relation to the objective.† Their definition of creativity clearly demonstrates the strong association with the imaginative and creative process within a child. (Morris, 2006) In simplistic terms, creativity embodies imagination, purposefulness, originality and the outcome must be of immense value and opens up the world to new opportunities and experiences. It is important to know the role of creativity in the society that focuses so much on creativity therefore, the process of learning greatly involves the child thinking in a lateral manner. Creativity is good for the child’s self-image and his identity so that he knows how to set himself apart from the crowd and make his own mark in this dynamic world. Creativity and imagination has become a highly important aspect in the educational sector and there are number of programs that are designed to help teachers out in order to encourage their students to become more creative and imaginative. The United States creative classroom is another example of how people from all around the world understand the need for the child to be creative and imaginative. The project was developed by Project Zero in collaboration with Disney Worldwide Outreach and together they worked to develop materials and a variety of methods to help the child become more creative. Their main objective was not only to help the teachers understand the importance of spurring creativity and imagination in the child. (Mayer, 2005) The American project further added to the definition of creativity given by UK National Advisory Committee report, they stated, â€Å"Although most people might look for signs of creativity in the appearance of the bulletin boards, student made projects, centres and displays in the classroom, I feel the tru ly creative classroom goes way beyond what can be seen with the eyes. It is a place where bodies and minds actively pursue new knowledge. Having a creative classroom means that the teacher takes risks on a daily basis and encourages his/her students to do the same.†

Reflection & Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection & Application - Essay Example For a given effective conflict there are two kinds of communication that enhance it. This includes unproductive communication and constructive conflict communications. Unproductive conflict communication is seen to be negative; this can hurt individuals, destroy relationship and also can undermine the possibility of resolution. Unproductive conflict communication is well understood in three stages. The early stage, here is the foundation of conflict and it is seen that there is disconfirm between the individuals who are in conflict. At this phase individuals tend to listen poorly as others will be selective as they will be keen on the points they want and ignore the rest. There is a negative climate and both parties assume that their partners are sorry. If Husband say, â€Å"I want us to move into a bigger house this is congested.† The wife reply, â€Å"that’s trash.† This shows that the wife disconfirms his husband view by giving a negative answer. Also we have the middle stage, it’s where the negative climate is already set and it has a lot of interruptions which disrupt the flow of the chat most frequently. The parties start to flashback the past events which they encounter. In this case the Husband may say that the wife is irresponsible she fears more duties and that’s why he found house dusty yet the wife was there not to clean .She also mean in that she fear to spent more in case they move in a bigger house. Lastly we have the later stage there is counterproposals as individuals are seeking to find solutions to the problems and due to limited time and energy each person pushes to have his or her view taken. None wants to accept the others proposal. The Husband proposes, â€Å"May we can get enough accommodation for any visitors who come by,† The wife proposes, â€Å"may the visitors could be accommodated in the servant’s quarters. The constructive conflict communications on the other hand creates supportive,

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Managerial Decision Making essay 8 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Managerial Decision Making 8 - Essay Example Most researchers explain analogical thinking as the process of remembering a situation of the past and abstracting information from the same in order to develop better understanding of the present situation (Foreman & Selly, 2001). The purchasing decisions of individuals are influenced by analogical reasoning. It is considered as a technique which shoppers use to increase the satisfaction regarding the purchased commodity or service (Foreman & Selly, 2001). Last week when I was purchasing a mobile handset, I adhered to the information that was provided to me by the store keeper. Instead, if I had used my own analogical reasoning, perhaps I could have made a better purchase. Through analogical reasoning I could have analyzed my previous experiences with different brands. Analogical reasoning could have also helped me to consider and match my needs with the offerings of the product and chose more wisely. Biased behavior is a common issue faced in the daily lives of most individuals. Biasness refers to supporting a particular theory, an individual or to think in a particular manner without being rational. Biasness from others may arise out of different reasons such as lack of knowledge, attachment with particular individuals or the lack of familiarity with certain situations. Biasness may often cause individuals to take wrong decisions (Frame, 2012). Biased thinking may also arise out of individual heuristics. Heuristics is the process of taking decisions quickly without analyzing the same in depth or logically. Such an effect leads to the generation of cognitive biasness. Biased judgment can also arise out of wishful thinking. Wishful thinking and beliefs of individuals may act as suitable motivations for biased decision making. Understanding other people’s biasness is an important aspect while working in teams or while taking decisions collectively. This helps in understandi ng the motive behind their biased thinking. Once the motive is

Marketing Management Campaign Research Proposal

Marketing Management Campaign - Research Proposal Example For this reason, different marketing concepts have been developed in order to enable a company to have a better way of increasing its profitability and market shares. It has also been argued by a lot of marketing managers that developing a proper marketing management campaign - particularly the implementation of market segmentation, the proper positioning of the products and services in the market as well as targeting the chosen markets, is the key to increase the consumer choice in terms of consumption categories. For the purpose of this study, the researcher will examine and evaluate whether the said argument is acceptable or not. First, the researcher will discuss the importance of marketing strategy in terms of increasing the number of consumers' choice in terms of consumption categories. In line increasing the consumers' choice, the researcher will analyze the importance of product positioning and targeting its selected market with the use of the traditional marketing mix known as the 4 P's (price, product, promotion / marketing communication, and place / market distribution). In line with the importance of product positioning on increasing the consumer's choice in the market, the researcher will also discuss the impact of marketing communication mix or promotion and the integrated marketing communication in product positioning. Prior to the conclusion, the researcher will discuss whether consumers today have more choice in the market in terms of selecting a preferred product and services in terms of the current market environment. Impact of Marketing Strategy to the Success of the Business Sales and profitability is the heart of each business. Since all humans have specific needs and wants with regards to a product and services, the study of marketing is focused on addressing the different needs and wants of its target consumers. It is wrong to believe that the study of marketing is focused only on selling and advertising. Since consumer product preferences are usually guided by marketing concepts such as the value of products and services, cost, customer(s) satisfaction and market distribution, marketing managers continuously find new ways to develop and establish a good relationship with the target consumers by increasing the number of consumers' choice in terms of

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Reflection & Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection & Application - Essay Example For a given effective conflict there are two kinds of communication that enhance it. This includes unproductive communication and constructive conflict communications. Unproductive conflict communication is seen to be negative; this can hurt individuals, destroy relationship and also can undermine the possibility of resolution. Unproductive conflict communication is well understood in three stages. The early stage, here is the foundation of conflict and it is seen that there is disconfirm between the individuals who are in conflict. At this phase individuals tend to listen poorly as others will be selective as they will be keen on the points they want and ignore the rest. There is a negative climate and both parties assume that their partners are sorry. If Husband say, â€Å"I want us to move into a bigger house this is congested.† The wife reply, â€Å"that’s trash.† This shows that the wife disconfirms his husband view by giving a negative answer. Also we have the middle stage, it’s where the negative climate is already set and it has a lot of interruptions which disrupt the flow of the chat most frequently. The parties start to flashback the past events which they encounter. In this case the Husband may say that the wife is irresponsible she fears more duties and that’s why he found house dusty yet the wife was there not to clean .She also mean in that she fear to spent more in case they move in a bigger house. Lastly we have the later stage there is counterproposals as individuals are seeking to find solutions to the problems and due to limited time and energy each person pushes to have his or her view taken. None wants to accept the others proposal. The Husband proposes, â€Å"May we can get enough accommodation for any visitors who come by,† The wife proposes, â€Å"may the visitors could be accommodated in the servant’s quarters. The constructive conflict communications on the other hand creates supportive,

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Marketing Management Campaign Research Proposal

Marketing Management Campaign - Research Proposal Example For this reason, different marketing concepts have been developed in order to enable a company to have a better way of increasing its profitability and market shares. It has also been argued by a lot of marketing managers that developing a proper marketing management campaign - particularly the implementation of market segmentation, the proper positioning of the products and services in the market as well as targeting the chosen markets, is the key to increase the consumer choice in terms of consumption categories. For the purpose of this study, the researcher will examine and evaluate whether the said argument is acceptable or not. First, the researcher will discuss the importance of marketing strategy in terms of increasing the number of consumers' choice in terms of consumption categories. In line increasing the consumers' choice, the researcher will analyze the importance of product positioning and targeting its selected market with the use of the traditional marketing mix known as the 4 P's (price, product, promotion / marketing communication, and place / market distribution). In line with the importance of product positioning on increasing the consumer's choice in the market, the researcher will also discuss the impact of marketing communication mix or promotion and the integrated marketing communication in product positioning. Prior to the conclusion, the researcher will discuss whether consumers today have more choice in the market in terms of selecting a preferred product and services in terms of the current market environment. Impact of Marketing Strategy to the Success of the Business Sales and profitability is the heart of each business. Since all humans have specific needs and wants with regards to a product and services, the study of marketing is focused on addressing the different needs and wants of its target consumers. It is wrong to believe that the study of marketing is focused only on selling and advertising. Since consumer product preferences are usually guided by marketing concepts such as the value of products and services, cost, customer(s) satisfaction and market distribution, marketing managers continuously find new ways to develop and establish a good relationship with the target consumers by increasing the number of consumers' choice in terms of

Volvo Cars Essay Example for Free

Volvo Cars Essay 1) Why had Volvo lost its way in the years leading up to the takeover? Volvo started to manufacture and export cars to foreign countries since the mid-1950s. The company set up plants in Torslanda, Sweden, in 1964, followed by plants in Belgium and the Netherlands. Before Volvo was sold to Ford Motor Company in 1999, they had a joint-venture partnership with Pininfarina SpA of Italy. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 2, 2007, pp. 9-11) Volvo is a premium brand; with market shares of 1.5% and 0. 6% in the EU and US respectively (Wang 2011). Volvo faces competition and threat from Premium brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi, who have increased product offerings. While the competing premium brands increase their product offering, Volvo markets 10 models under Brand categories S, XC, C and V. This gives the competing premium brand an advantage over Volvo, therefore enabling them to grasp a bigger market share then compared to Volvo. The company’s market shares are further threatened by the growing invasion of the Asian car manufacturers. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). During the recent years, a rise in cars manufactured by the Asian market has been affecting the automobile industry. Asian car manufacturers have the advantage of producing cars at the cheaper cost compared to cars from the US and EU regions. This enable them to export cars to foreign market at a cheaper rate. Thus, apart from competing premium brands, Volvo faces increasing competition from emerging Asian car manufacturers. One of Volvo’s major competitor, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz car division have implemented a strategic initiatives to run the cost down and revenues up by reduction in costs of materials, fixed cost, improved efficiencies and overall improvement (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: Competitor analysis, 2007, pp. 6-8). In comparison, Volvo’s high cost of premium cars is a result of cars being made in Sweden and then imported. â€Å"This makes the Volvo brand cars expensive when compared to the others, which enjoy strong regional production and distribution operations.† (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). Volvo is also affected by the increasing prices of steel, and other raw materials which eventually threatens the company’s margin and profitability (Volvo Car Corporation: 2006 company profile edition 2, 2006, pp. 12-13). When compared to Asian car manufacturers, the competition enjoys cheaper labor costs and plant facilities that have been set up in the developing countries. Apart from export costs and increasing prices of raw materials, Volvo also has to take account for their higher labor cost when compared to the Asian Market. Volvo did not show growth in the market share, making it a small player. Volvo’s markets were generally focused on the US and the Swedish markets. However, other EU countries have shown growth. The recent years have also shown growth in the Chinese market. Volvo have less market exposure compared to the other premium brands as well as the Asian brands. â€Å"Volvo has been losing money for a continuous period of 4 years† (Wang, 2011, p. 24). The reduction in sales is the major reason for Volvo’s financial problems. Volvo was hit financial crisis in second quarter of 2006 making a loss in the global operations. After the losses, Volvo decided to cut costs in all areas, this was the reason behind the reduction in employees. â€Å"Tough currency exchange rates and an aged product line have hammered Volvo revenues, forcing a second round of employee cutbacks† (Rechtin, 2006, p. 3). After the financial problems, Ford decided to sell Volvo. Volvo have been affected by the growth of its competitors and their market expansion, eventually leading to its fall. 2) What are the risks for Geely in trying to turn around a premium brand such as Volvo? This acquisition has been the subject of heavy speculation by the media, as it went against the norm of the acquirer being better off than the acquired. The first risk that Geely being a Chinese company and Volvo being a Swedish company will face is that the, differences in work culture and environmental culture would be prominent. The Swedish and the Chinese are very different in terms of work and environmental cultures. The risk of Geely trying to impose Chinese culture upon the Swedish based company might impact the merger negatively. One such internationally criticized union was Daimler’s acquisition of Chrysler. It was reported that, â€Å"this clash was intrinsic to a union between two companies which had such different wage structures, corporate hierarchies and values† (Finkelstein, 2002, p. 4). While Daimler established a hierarchical company with a chain of command, Chrysler was team-oriented. Differences also existed between the products begin offered. While Chrysler had car models which displayed reliability for competitive prices, Daimler-Benz had cars offering quality at any cost. Geely-Volvo also have differing products; Volvo being recognized for its quality, safety and premium brand, Geely, on the other hand, produces lower, cost effective range of cars. Integration of the two companies would be risky as it would be difficult to merge management styles. Using an example from the Daimler-Chrysler union, Chrysler was known for â€Å"its assertiveness and risk-taking cowboy aura, all produced within a cost-controlled atmosphere.† (Finkelstein, 2002, p. 5), while Daimler is known for its German engineering, quality and precision. Similarly, Volvo is known for its’ quality and safety. â€Å"Over the years Volvos design and production have been closely integrated with Fords, so much so that it will take years to unstitch them† (Devolving Volvo, 2010). This poses as a challenge for Geely to be able to manage Volvo from its’ style of management that has been adopted from Ford. â€Å"Acquirers often under-estimate the scale of integration.† (Pearson, 2013). BMW acquired Rover without completely estimating the scale of integration that would be needed. â€Å"BMW acquired Rover in a hurry, and never got to grips with the business before selling it at an estimated loss of Euro 4.1bn.† (Pearson, 2013). Geely might run the risk of not completely understanding the scale of integration that would be required and the type of business model that is adopted by Volvo. Without understanding the type of company Volvo is, Geely might make the same mistake as BMW. In order to overcome this, Geely will need to develop strong leadership skills and the scale of integration between the two companies needs to be effectively evaluated and implemented in order for this merger to bear fruits. Had BMW looked at the operations and business model adopted by Rover, they would have had a better understanding if Rover’s Problems. BMW would have been better equipped to handle Rover’s problems, similarly, if Geely has a better understanding of Volvo’s operations it will be able to direct it towards success. Another such risk is in the investment that Geely would have to make in order to make Volvo profitable again. â€Å"Turning around Volvo Car needs a large amount of input which will definitely burden Geely in the initial investment period.† (Huihui, 2012, p. 41). Volvo would need a considerable amount of investment if it is going to overcome the reasons it failed in the first place. Volvo needs to broaden its product offerings and increase its market exposure if it is going to compete with other premium brands. Geely and Volvo differ hugely in terms of Cost structure. Geely, being the owner of Volvo, will need to invest heavily in Volvo cars to maintain its quality, premium brand name and its cost structure. Geely on the other hand, will be able to make cars with lesser cost and sell it at a more affordable price. Geely needs to be able to understand the difference in the cost models. Geely will have to overcome differences, invest heavily and be a strong leader in order to make this a profitable take over. 3) In your view, was the purchase of Volvo a brilliant strategic decision, or a mistake? Explain. Based on my view the purchase of Volvo was a good strategic decision made my Geely. Geely has a lot to gain from this take over. One advantage is its access to Volvo’s technologies and expert knowledge on the international automobile industry. Geely will have access to Volvo’s expertise on medium-sized vehicles, the indoor air quality and especially safety. Volvo owns advanced skills on a large range of technology, and is renowned for its safety features. Geely can use this technology to its competitive advantage to improve the quality of its product in the domestic market and international market. Geely has been facing difficulties as it could not meet the safety and emissions standards in those areas. (Wang, 2011). Apart from access to Volvo’s intellectual property rights, Geely will have also gained access into Volvo’s global marketing network and supplier base. Geely is very ambitious and keen to enter the American and European markets. It can now use Volvo’s network and supply chain to access the international market. The use of the same supply chain will also help Geely minimize its cost, and be more efficient. Volvo is a renowned premium brand, however as discussed above, it lacks market exposure and a diversified product offering base. With proper leadership and management, Volvo can boost its profit and market growth. If Geely is able to provide a good leadership and guidance, it would be able to enjoy the profits that Volvo, as a premium brand, would offer. Volvo, already being an established brand, would only require good marketing, expansion and cost reduction strategy. Geely can reapthe fruits of a globally established brand with much ease. Geely has made acquisitions that can also benefit Volvo. â€Å"The first acquisition happened in 2009 when Geely paid AUS$58 million for purchasing Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), an Australian transmission company.† (Wang, 2011, p. 19). This acquisition of DSI, could be used to help both Geely and Volvo benefit from advanced in-house transmissions that can be produced cost effectively and gain a competitive edge on their competitors. Volvo can gain advantage from Geely offering a more Ccost effective production line. Volvo now has the capability to set up manufacturing plants in China, which will inevitably help them in cost reduction. Volvo can use Geely’s supply chains in China, which will encourage growth in the Chinese market. Geely is said to â€Å"repurposing a nearly completed Geely plant in south-western China to make Volvo cars—part of a turnaround strategy† (Shirouzu, 2010). By using China to manufacture cars, it can be cost effective on it supply chain, as well as cost effective labour. However, on the other hand, this strategic decision might backfire. As discussed above, Geely is taking a big risk by taking over a Volvo. A premium brand like Volvo would require large investments towards their manufacturing to ensure quality, as well as towards market expansion and diversification in product offering. Geely will also have to take into account the investment it would have to put towards research and development. The challenges Geely will have to overcome to make this an effective decision is â€Å"Geelys lack of global stature, as well as its past reputation for making low-end vehicles, could be a drag on Volvos reputation† (Shirouzu, 2010). While Volvo is considered as a premium brand, acquisition by a small Chinese company might tarnish the Volvo brand name. One of the more successful alliance is of the French Renault and the Japanese Nissan. The two companies faced similar problems likes culture differences, language barrier and financial situation. However, the objective adopted by this alliance is â€Å"to establish a powerful automotive group and develop synergies while conserving the corporate culture and identity of each brand† (Wang, 2011, p. 41). Taking an example from this, Geely and Volvo would need to develop a successful strategy if it has to overcome their differences. I believe, the strategic decision can be an effective one, provided Geely demonstrate good leadership qualities as well as develop an effective strategy in order to ensure profitability from both, Geely and Volvo.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Analysing Translation Studies English Language Essay

Analysing Translation Studies English Language Essay Nida points out that it is wrong to speak of a Theory of Translation because translating is essentially a technology which is dependent upon a number of disciplines. Every translator or interpreter uses a number of different theoretical models and implications, drawing on several disciplines. It is for this particular reason that the translation of the same text is not uniform when it is performed by several translators. Translation is the process and, as a process, it should be viewed from so many different perspectives (Nida 1991, p.20), including the writers intent, changes in reading preferences, diversity of source and target cultures, numerous nuances of the source text, and stylistic features of the text. As not all aspects can be transferred from the source text into the target text, the translator carefully chooses these aspects, analysing the text within a certain context and relying on certain theoretical concepts taken from relevant disciplines. For instance, as translati on revolves around the knowledge of two languages, it is necessary for the translator to delve into the essence of linguistics and assess the source text from the linguistic viewpoint, identifying the differences in two linguistic systems (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.7). In this regard, a Theory of Translation, according to Malmkjaer (2005, p.22), should be subsumed under linguistic theory. The linguistic theory of translation develops diverse methods and techniques of translation which are either optional or obligatory (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.8), and these methods help translators transfer the meaning from the source text into the target text. Likewise, sociolinguistics provides valuable insights into the use of theoretical concepts of translation in practice and the ways in which societies employ language in interpersonal relations (Nida 1991, p.25). The translator who draws on sociolinguistics when translating from one language into another pays special attention to extralinguistic and paralinguistic aspects of the text. A text (or a speech) can be properly translated only if the translator (or the interpreter) is able to draw parallels between the content of a text (or a speech) and extralinguistic and paralinguistic codes used by the writer (or the speaker). Knowledge of extralinguistic and paralinguistic codes also allows the translator to bring together the content and form and thus deduce a more exact meaning of a text. As such, a Theory of Translation within sociolinguistics helps the translator fill the gaps in the process of decoding messages sent by the writer to the reader. Cultural studies develop a theory of translation that resists dominant target-language cultural values so as to signify the linguistic and cultural difference of the foreign text (Venuti 1995, p.18). The cultural theory of translation complements the linguistic theory of translation by placing the text within the socio-cultural context. In light of this, the juxtaposition of the linguistic theory of translation and the cultural theory of translation allows to establish the systematic relationship between linguistic structures at the textual micro-level and social, cultural, historical conditions of text production and reception (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.13). Delving deeper into the essence of translation, scholars have also found out that the meaning of the text has relevance to three crucial components the writer, the message, and the reader (Riccardi 2002, p.84; Armstrong 2005, p.44). The more information the translator has of the writer, of the exact message, and the intended reader, the more accurate translation he/she will produce. This recognition has paved the way to the advance of the hermeneutics of translation (Munday 2001, p.163). As Kin Yuen (2001, p.334) acknowledges, the structure of translation was discovered by modern hermeneutics. The development of the structure of translation by hermeneutics provides conclusive evidence that a Theory of Translation is a misnomer for other disciplines. It is hermeneutics that has equated translation with interpretation, thus rejecting the assumption that translation is a simple reproduction of the text in the target language (Kin Yuen 2001, p.335). The translator does not reproduce the text in another language; he/she interprets it, adhering to certain norms and theoretical concepts. A Theory of Translation can not be regarded as a separate discipline or science because a separate discipline needs its metalanguage to create specific theoretical concepts; yet a Theory of Translation employs metalanguage of the above mentioned disciplines to formulate definitions and concepts. For instance, the linguistic theory of translation operates with such concepts as overt translation, covert translation, equivalence, communicative translation, and adaptation (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.8), while the cultural theory of translation uses such terms as domestication, foreignisation, and resistancy (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.12). As a result of the lack of metalanguage, a Theory of Translation has no agreement on the central concepts (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.6). When speaking of a Theory of Translation, scholars use such categories as intersemiotic translation and interlingual translation (Gentzler 2001, p.1), thus explicitly emphasising the fact that the translation t heory stems from such disciplines as semiotics, linguistics, and the philosophy of language and that it is only a model which is used to bring up questions for the research. As a model, a Theory of Translation relies not on sound theoretical conception but rather on assumptions and hypotheses; as such, a Theory of Translation is limited and can not be regarded as a valid equivalence for the mentioned disciplines. A Theory of Translation moves along the vicious circle; it has to be drawn on reliable data from the research. Yet the research can not be conducted if theoretical concepts are not formulated. As the essay has clearly shown, there is no such a thing as a Theory of Translation; while this term is used in academic sources, it is more correct to regard a Theory of Translation as a misnomer for such disciplines as linguistics, sociology, sociolinguistics, hermeneutics, philosophy of language, psychology, narratology, semiotics, stylistics, literary history, and cultural history in view of the multifaceted nature of translational phenomena (Malmkjaer 2005, p.21). As the acquired evidence demonstrates, it is not a mere question of wordsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ there [is] a deeper meaning behind these terminological hesitations (Lambert, 2006, p.77). A consolidated Theory of Translation has not been built yet; instead, as Schaffner and Wiesmann (2001, p.6) put it, there is a multiplicity of different approaches, each of each focuses on specific aspects, looking at the product or the process of translation from a specific angle. All these theoretical approaches to translation embedded in v arious disciplines are not necessarily exclusive, but rather complementary (Schaffner and Wiesmann 2001, p.13). To subsume a Theory of Translation into a separate discipline or science, it is necessary to develop a metalanguage specific to it and, using this metalanguage, formulate new concepts and definitions which will generate a unified Theory of Translation.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Star Wars :: essays papers

Star Wars Star Wars is a great example of excellent sound quality in a movie. There are dozens of different sound effects that make this movie a classic. The most commonly overlooked piece of audio in a movie is the character’s voices. The voices in Star Wars play a large part of the movie. Each character has a distinct voice and a distinct way that they speak. Darth Vader has an extremely deep voice and speakes in long draw out words, to help show how evil he is. Han Solo has a rugged sounding voice and is very direct when he talks. Han is considered to be a tough guy who likes to be a loner, yet he has a sidekick. Luke Skywalker has a soft, young sounding voice to show how inexperienced he is. CP-30 is a robot who has human qualities and has a crackly voice that shows how nervous he is and how much of a wimp he is. Other aliens in the movie in the movie make weird noices that have to be translated at the bottom of the screen. Another common sound effect used in the movie is lasers. Lasers are used in the fight scenes that take place with the space ships. The sound effects of the ships themselves are incredible and the sound when they get hit get hit by a laser really grabs the attention of the viewer. Other sound effects include the sound of the light sabers that Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader use. They make a vibrating sound, which is supposed to help its glowing visual effect. They also make a sound that is similar to the sound a bug zapper makes when a bug hits it. The light saber also makes a nosies when specific noise when it is swung and misses its target The score to the movie is also very important. The entire score is instrumental. It is all orchestral music. The music helps to intensify certain sences with loud interludes and then can be very soft in other parts to create a calm environment. Overall this is movie has excellent sound quality. Casino There are many specific sound effects used in the movie Casino. There is the sound of a crowded room and people gambling in the casino. There are sounds of machines hitting the winning combination and people celebrating the money they just won.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Home Rule :: Essays Papers

Home Rule It all took place between the 1870's and 1920's. Home rule was a huge part of the political life in Ireland, which meant that the Irish Parliament would be restored for most issues, but the British government would still cover many important areas (Conflict 3). The term Government Association started to be used very frequently; Isaac Butt was the gentleman who founded this association. In 1873 this became known as the Home Rule League and in 1874 a general election was held where fifty home rulers were elected to the Home Rule party also known as the Irish Parliamentary Party (Irish 29). Butts' goal was to get both Protestants and Catholics to support Home Rule as a movement targeted towards giving Ireland a federal government within the United Kingdom. Butt was not an aggressive leader and the people of Ireland did not feel he was fulfilling his job completely. A man by the name of Charles Stewart Parnell challenged Butt and became the leader in 1880 (Charles17). The British people began to think that the Home Rule would lead to the separation of Ireland and Britain. Parnell realized that the people did not like the British Rule and this is what caused them to support Irish nationalism. In 1880 Parnell won the support of the Fenians and the Irish Republican brotherhood that wanted total separation but were willing to compromise and accept Home Rule. In 1881 the second Land Act gave the "Three F's" which the Land League had demanded. Fair rents would be fixed by judges appointed by the government, fixed tenancies would have to be agreed between tenants and landowners (avoiding evictions), and free sale of his lease would be permitted to a tenant who wished to give up farming. Gladstone and most of the Liberal Party conversed to the Home Rule cause in 1885, and this is when the conservative party opposed Home Rule and threatened some kind of defense on the United Kingdom (Gladstone 6).

Friday, October 11, 2019

Learning Enviroment and Its Effects on Student Academic Performance in Integrated Science Essay

In Nigeria, secondary education is the education children receive after primary education and before the tertiary stage. Consequently, the broad goals of secondary education are geared to prepare the individual for useful living within the society and to progress to higher education (Federal Government of Nigeria, 2004). The school at this level is established so that students can learn in order to be able to transmit knowledge from one generation to another for the continuity and well-being of the society. Learning as a hypothetical construct can only be inferred from observable behavior. Psychologists usually define learning as a relatively permanent change in behavior due to past experience or the process by which relatively permanent changes occur in behavioral potentials as a result of Experience (Gross, 2010) In fact, secondary school education is an investment and an instrument that can be used to achieve a more rapid economic, social, political, technological, scientific and cultural development in the country. The role of secondary education is to lay a solid foundation for better academic performance of students in their pursuit of university education and in other higher institutions with the aim of producing competent manpower for the growth and development of the nation. Recent trends in this tier of education in Nigeria show poor academic results from our children. The preponderance of mass failure in the final examinations conducted by various examination bodies (WAEC, NECO NABTEB) has led to the hue and cry by all and sundry over students’ poor academic performance. It is clear that this tier of education is now seriously threatened by total near collapse as evident by students’ abysmal performance in 2011 examination results in Nigeria. Dissenting groups have passed the blame of students’ poor performance on teachers, parents and government policy somersault. According to Aremu and Sokan (2003), and Aremu and Oluwole (2001), secondary school students’ poor performance may be hinged on students because of their low retention, parental factors, association with wrong peers and motivation. Previous research evidence showed that poor academic performance at the secondary school level of education is a product of teacher, school and the home environment. According to Morakinyo (2003), the falling level of academic performance of secondary school students is attributable to teachers’ non-use of verbal reinforcement. Also the home environment or family background of learners affects their academic performance (Ajila & Olutola, 2007) The sharp decline in the academic performance at various levels of our educational system in Nigeria is largely attributed to the poor conditions in our educational institutions. These include lack of modern instructional technology, poor classroom conditions and lack of adequate training programmes for teachers. Similarly, classroom learning environments and school factors exert some dominant influence on learners, since man is a product of his environment. The importance of learning environment to a successful academic achievement cannot be overemphasized. The learning environment includes school location and physical buildings, laboratory equipment, library services and materials, instructional aids and effective classroom management. Intelligence is not the only determinant of academic achievement. Learning environment affects the academic achievement of a student. According to Basque and Dore (1998), learning and teaching environment ought to implement six functions: inform, communicate, collaborate, produce, scaffold and manage. They added that conceptually speaking, the learning environment refers to the whole range of components and activities within which learning happens. Learning environment that is free from barriers or distraction such as noise, gas/smoke pollution and so on, will promote students’ concentration or perceptual focus to learning (Sprinthall, 1987). Similarly, the entire unattractive physical structure of the school building could demotivate learners to achieve academically. This mismatch promotes poor academic performance. Danesty (2004) stated that dilapidating building lacking mental stimulating facilities that are characterized with low or no sitting arrangement, will also affect students’ learning. Class size has also been identified as a determinant of academic performance. Schools with smaller class size perform better academically than schools with larger class size. Kraft (1994) in his study of the ideal class size and its effects on effective teaching and learning concluded that any class size above forty (40) has negative effects on students’ achievement. Generally, good teaching is best done in classes with small numbers that allow for individual attention. Teachers do make a difference to motivate students in learning, working in tandem with parents who are the first teachers to children. Noordin, Azizi, Jamaludin, Shahrin and Zurihanmi (2010) opined that teachers can make school life miserable or appealing by filling the classroom with excitement and hope. Students will continue in their learning and even search for more knowledge under the leading of enthusiastic teacher (Wlodkowski & Jaynes, 1990). Atkinson (2000) found a positive relationship between teachers’ motivation and the students’ performance. The availability and use of teaching and learning materials affect the effectiveness of a teacher’s lesson. The use of a variety of media increases the probability that the students would learn more and that young children are capable of understanding abstract ideas if they are provided with sufficient materials and concrete experience with the phenomena that they are to understand. Adu and Olatundun (2007), Adediwura and Tayo (2007), and Star (2002) suggested that effective teaching is a significant predictor for students’ academic achievement. In short, poor academic performance of students has been linked to poor teachers’ performance in terms of accomplishing learning tasks (Ofoegbu, 2004; Asikhia, 2010). The home environment or family background of students affects their academic performance (Ajila and Olutola 2007; Nzewuawah, 1995; Ichado, 1998). The home environment sharpens the child’s initial view of learning. Parents’ beliefs, expectations and attitudes about education have a profound early impact on students’ conceptions of the place of education in their life. ` Children in poverty often face problems at home and at school that compromises their learning (Ceballo and McLoyd, 2002, Evans and English, 2002). At home, they might have parents who do not set high educational standards for them, who are incapable of reading to them, and who do not have enough money to pay for educational materials and experiences such as books and trips to zoos and museums. They might be malnourished and live in areas where crime and violence are a way of life (Santrock, 2004). The home environment is as important as what goes on in the school. The home factors include: parental involvement in children’s education, how much parents read to young children; how much television children are allowed to watch; and how often students change schools. Phillips (1998) also found that parental education and social economic status have an impact on students’ achievement. Students with parents who were both educated tended to achieve at the highest levels. Income and family size were moderately related to achievement (Ferguson, 1991). Thus from the analysis of academic achievement, home environment (including family income) and educational activities, it can be concluded that home environment and educational activities explained the greatest amount of variance (Peng and Wright, 1994; Kamaruddin, Zainal, Aminuddin and Jusoff, 2009) The performance of secondary school students in science and non-science subjects in NECO, WAEC and JAMB calls for proper investigation. Student low performance in those subject can be traced back to the effect of their learning environment. Although, several scholars have proposed various factors responsible for the poor performance of students, few research have been dedicated to the correlation between student learning environment both at school and home and academic achievement of students. Thus, this study addressed those learning environment factors that hinder student from performing better in integrated science. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of learning environment on secondary school student academic performance in integrated science. Specifically, the study will; Examine 1.How do secondary school students perceive the quality of learning environment in relation to their academic performance? 2.How do secondary school students perceive teachers’ teaching methods in relation to their academic performance? 3.How do secondary school students perceive parents economic status in relation to their academic performance? 1: How do secondary school students perceive the quality of learning environment in relation to their academic performance? Ho 2: How do secondary school students perceive teachers’ teaching methods in relation to their academic performance? Ho 3: there is no significant difference between class size and student academic performance in integrated science?