Analysis of American History X Essay

In this assignment, I was challenged to find important historical and cultural connections of the film American History X and analyze the important rhetorical of my findings. I went about choosing American History X by placing a poll on Facebook listing out the films that I had any slight interest in considering for this assignment and American History X won by a landslide. I was actually somewhat disappointed, because I wanted to do The X-Files, but I chose to stick to my promise and go with whatever text won. I watched American History X some years after its release in 1998. Although, I know I must have watched it sometime after I got out of high school because at the time of its release I was 12 years old and with the amount of violence in that film I know I did not watch it with my parents. From the little memory I had of the film from the first time, I could only recall that American History X had a lot to do with white supremacy and racism, that Edward Norton played the lead ro le and that the kid who played in the first Terminator was his brother and was all grown up. I hesitated watching the film again for quite sometime because I knew I would need to dedicate a solid two hours of mental energy towards it. One could argue that I was merely just procrastinating; however, I benefitted from having done so because future class discussions provided a foundation for how I could study the film. After reading about and discussing in class the topic of approaching a text organically, I decided to implement that mentality and view the film as objectively as non-object individual can. It is difficult to say whether it was that approach that ultimately led to my findings in the film, or if I would have discovered them anyway since it was my second time viewing the film. Everyone can appreciate that after the second and third time of watching any film you begin to pick up on things you missed the first time. In either case, I found the movie to be incredibly eye opening and I enjoyed having to research the history surrounding the film and, ultimately, the state of the nation during what was my childhood. American History X is a film that depicts a traditional white family in the mid 1990s, but spot lights the two brothers’ journeys into maturity. The movie focuses on the older brother Derek, played by Edward Norton, and how Derek’s Neo-Nazi associations in his life greatly influence his younger brother Danny, played by Edward Furlong. Fueled by rage of his father’s death, the film opens with a scene of Derek brutally killing three young black men who were attempting to steal his father’s truck. Derek is then sent to prison for 3 years during which time his younger brother Danny begins to follow in Derek’s footsteps with the Neo-Nazi organization. The movie flips between black-and-white scenes of the past and color scenes of the present. The black-and-white flashbacks attempt to illuminate Danny’s perception of Derek’s past life while intermittently presenting how Derek overcame is his own hatred. The color scenes portray the present and highlight the effects the hatred has had on the entire family. Overall, the movie critiques on not only the effects of urban racism and bigotry, but a lso the how minds of young people are so impressionable. The film even succeeds in creating a sense of sympathy for characters that are typically hated, Neo-Nazi racist skinheads, and paints them not as foolish, uneducated racist bigots, but instead as misguided intelligent human beings. On the surface the film discusses racism, violence, and bigotry, but upon closer examination I found a deeper message within the film. Watching it a second time, I realized that this film is really emphasizing the lack of critical thinking skills in young people, particularly in teenagers and young adults and how impressionable their minds are. Then, upon further research related to those very topics it touches on in the film, I discovered that the entire movie itself actually harbors an obscure form of racism that was reflected in many movies throughout the 1990s. Needless to say, even in today’s society we deal with these same issues of racism and intolerance for other people’s beliefs. However, within the most recent years it has evolved to focus more on the gay, lesbian and transgender community. History certainly can be seen as repeating itself as many of the arguments that gays and lesbians make regarding their civil rights and discrimination almost mirror the same arguments made back in the 1960s during the civil right movement. Reverend Dr. Phil Snider made this connection so blatantly clear in his speech that went viral on YouTube that he gave before the Springfield City Council of Missouri just a few weeks ago. In his speech, Dr. Snider cleverly took quotes directly from speeches given by white preachers in favor of racial segregation in the 1950 and 1960s and merely substituted select words and inserted ‘gays and lesbians’ (â€Å"Preacher Phil Snider Gives Interesting Gay Rights Speech†). I think the twist of his speech highlights the main issues regarding any form of racism and discrimination and they most certainly could be applied to the issues of racism that America faced in the 1990s. The 1990s was saturated with debates over, court cases involving and numerous media outlets centering on the issues of racism and affirmative action. In May of 1992, Newsweek printed an article entitled â€Å"The Crossroads of Shattered Dreams† that summarized the conflicts of racism in the early 90s stating, â€Å"white[s] charge that affirmative action is unfair†¦blacks respond that it was unfair for them to be starved of opportunities by 300 years of slavery and discrimination.† That same year, the verdict of Rodney King’s case outraged the black community and sparked riots lasting six days with over 2,000 people injured and 55 people killed (â€Å"Riots Erupt in Los Angeles†). In March of 1996, the three white law school candidates charged that they were unfairly discriminated against and rejected for entrance into the school for less qualified minorities in the famous case Hopwood v. Texas Law School (â€Å"Hopwood v. University Texas Law School †). Just prior to the release of American History X in 1998, California enacted Proposition 209, which amended the state’s constitution to ban preferential treatment of any persons based on race or gender in public sector education, employment, and contracting (Parker). All of these enormously impactful events and numerous others shaped much of the discrimination that occurred in the 1990s. In fact, sociological research confirms â€Å"discrimination is more often the result of organizational practices that have unintentional effects† or predispositions â€Å"linked to social stereotypes and does not so much stem from individual prejudices† (Tomaskovic-Devey). Nevertheless, the culmination of these types of incidents led to a demand for Hollywood to â€Å"headline positive characters of color† (Hughey 549). Producers and directors felt pressure to make-up for their own history of racist filmmaking and, consequently, this also gave rise to the development of a veiled type of racism within films referred to by Hughey himself as the â€Å"cinethetic racism†(550). Cinethetic racism in the 1990s was typically found in films that have a black character whose purpose in the film is to support the white protagonist. Typically this black character, coined the â€Å"magical Negro† by Hughey, was portrayed as the voice of reason, or having some other type wisdom, within the film and who selflessly helps the white character achieve his goals. â€Å"These films rest on friendly, helpful, bend-over-backwards black characters that do not seek to change their own impoverished status, but instead exhibit a primordial, hard-wired desire to use their magical power to correct the wrongs in a white world† (Hughey 556). The concept expressed in this quote is clearly evident in the film American History X during the many scenes of Derek in prison working in the laundry room with Lamont, a friendly black prisoner who attempts to befriend him. Eventually Derek is able let down his guard and the future interactions between them usually consist of Lamo nt humorously explaining how things work within the prison. There is one scene, however, that does somewhat contradict this concept of a â€Å"magical Negro† and, instead, causes Derek to experience a form of guilt. This contradiction is depicted in the scene of Lamont and Derek working in the laundry room and Derek very genuinely asks Lamont why he is in prison. Lamont explains how he was sentenced for assault on a police officer because he accidently dropped a TV on the officer’s foot that he was trying to steal. Derek initially resists and jokingly asks Lamont to tell the truth, but Lamont insists that he did not assault the police officer and only dropped the TV on the officer’s foot. This is the pivotal moment within the movie that shows Derek’s guilt and sympathy for the first time towards a black person. I think this is the most important scene throughout the entire film because it gives the audience exactly what they want: they want to see Derek experience this epiphany and for him to recognize how he has perpetuated discrimination against black people. But it does not take very long for the film to revert right back into the traditional cinethetic racist ways. In Derek’s last interaction with Lamont, the audience learns that during Derek’s stay within prison Lamont was protecting him from further beatings and rape after Derek chose to no longer affiliate with the Neo-Nazis within the prison. That scene ultimately preserves the concept of the â€Å"magical Negro† and that black people have this underlying desire to serve to the needs of white people. I liken this idea of cinethetic racism to what actors refer to the subtext of a script. Normally, the subtext refers to the underlying motives of a particular character, but this concept of cinethetic racism is like the â€Å"subtext† of an entire film. â€Å"Of greatest critical concern is how [magical Negro] films advantageously shore up white supremacist and normative orders while ostensibly posturing as an irreverent challenge to them† (Hughey 553). On the surface it appears to be a film that tries to defeat racism, but ironically there are hidden agendas that completely go against the moral of this story. Just as magical Negros are a disguised form of racism found in American films in the 1990s, there were also disguised forms of racism going on politically throughout the nation, more specifically in California. During the 1990s, racism and civil rights disputes were approaching the heights they reached in the civil rights era of the 1960s. However, after many decades of affirmative action policies attempting to right the wrongs minorities faced and with California experiencing an economic downturn, many whites became less tolerant of minorities receiving preferential treatment through affirmative action programs (Alvarez). Now the whites are claiming they were discriminated against in a form of â€Å"reverse discrimination.† What I find so interesting about the idea of â€Å"reverse discrimination† is that it implies that discrimination only naturally goes in one direction: whites against minorities. And, furthermore, that there will always be a certain level of racism, as if to suggest that there is a threshold for which it is acceptable, but also that it is the responsibility of the majority, white people, to keep it in check. Yet the moment any form of racism or discrimination is felt against whites, it is completely intolerable and demands political action. It was the supporters of Proposition 209 that argued that current affirmative action programs led public employers and universities to reject applicants because of their race, and that Proposition 209 would â€Å"return [us] to the fundamentals of our democracy,† as summarized in an article capturing the main arguments of Proposition 209 entitled â€Å"Prohibition Against Discrimination.† With in the same article it preached, â€Å"let us not perpetuate the myth that ‘minorities’ and women cannot compete without special preferences†¦vote for fairness not favoritism.† The fairness of Proposition 209 has been hotly debatably ever since it was enacted in 1997, but I think the dinner scene with Derek and his father in American History X most succinctly sums up the mindset of the many supporters of Proposition 209. The scene opens with a dinner table conversation between Derek and his father about the material he is learning for his English class. His father than expresses his distaste for such material with the following monologue: â€Å"All this stuff about making everything equal†¦ it’s not as easy as it looks†¦you gotta trade in great books for black books now? You gotta question these things Derek. We are not just talking about books here, we’re talking about my job. I got two blacks guys on my squad now that got their jobs over a couple of white guys who actually scored higher on the test. Does that make sense? They got their job because they were black not because they were the best? America’s about if you do your best you get the job†¦not this affirmative blacktion crap†¦.it’s nigger bullshit.† This dinner scene perfectly exemplifies the concept that 1) the moment whites feel they are being discriminated they instantly raise the red flag and 2) that â€Å"discrimination is more often the result of organizational practices that have unintentional effects [†¦] and does not so much stem from individual prejudices,† as I stated earlier. Another aspect that I find so interesting about American History X was how writer David McKenna was able to pull directly from real life situations to add dialogue into this screenplay. McKenna and Edward Norton actually rewrote a portion of the script quoting from Governor Pete Wilson’s speech advocating Proposition 209 in 1995 (Goldstein). More importantly, it was used in a scene where Derek is trying to energize a group of young skin heads before they vandalize a grocery store owned by minorities. I find it so ironic that the character of a racist Neo-Nazi was reciting actual words from a speech promoting the removal of affirmative actions polices that were, allegedly, intended to reduce discrimination and increase equality. When I discovered this tidbit of information I was completely blown away. I had no idea how closely this movie reflected real problems going on in society in the 1990s. McKenna’s use of Pete Wilson’s speech is clearly an example of art ref lecting reality, but Pete Wilson’s speech was not the only source from reality in which McKenna got his inspiration. McKenna grew up in Southern California, where the film story takes place, and personally witnessed bigotry and racism (Bruce). From his encounters and extensive research, McKenna decided that the point he tried â€Å"to make in the script is that a person is not born a racist†¦[McKenna] wanted an accurate portrayal of how good kids from good families can get so terribly lost† (Bruce). Personally, I think McKenna succeeded in having that be the main message of the film: the impressionability of a young mind and that all behaviors are learned. The film simultaneously follows Derek’s upbringing and how he becomes involved in the Neo-Nazi organization and how his involvement with that group greatly influenced his younger brother Danny. The dinner scene I detailed above is the key scene from McKenna’s screenplay that supports the idea that racism is a learned behavior stemmed from outside organizational practices. However, despite how well received the movie was and the numerous nominations Edward Norton received for his performance, that is not the original message the director intended. Tony Kaye was the director of American History X and, ironically, he also turned out to be a major competing persuasive force throughout the entire film making process. Kaye battled with directors, producers, writer David McKenna and Edward Norton himself claiming that New Line Cinema never allowed him to create his vision of the film going as far as to take out full page ads in trade magazines bashing the film and even requested to have his name removed from the film entirely and replaced with the pseudonym â€Å"Humpy Dumpty† (Goldstein). In a statement made shortly after the film’s release, Kaye contended that Edward Norton edited a majority of the film in order to increase his screen time in the film and that the producers did not allow Kaye an â€Å"opportunity to present a black voice to provide depth and balance to the film† and furthered that he wanted the film to be an â€Å"homage to free speech and responsibility† (Leinberger). I think the main reason why Kaye’s original vision never made it to the film was because it clashed so much with McKenna’s original message. McKenna wrote the film based off of his personal experience witnessing acts of racisms in Southern California in throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Whereas, Kaye is not only much older than McKenna, but grew up in United Kingdom and had only been living in the United states for a few years before he got involved in the film at all, and, therefore, did not quite have the same outlook for the script (Topel). It should also be noted that this was Kaye’s first feature film and his previous directing experience came from extensive work with TV commercials and music videos (Goldstein). And while McKenna himself may not have been directly involved during the filming process, as most writers are not, I think Edward Norton and the producers all believed in and followed McKenna’s vision because of how much it related to the struggles that America was facing at that time. This is not to suggest that Kaye’s vision for the film was wrong, but that producers have to consider what the audience wants and expects to see. From studying American History X, I have learned how racism evolved in a very peculiar fashion. As racism, specifically towards black people, became less and less accepted by whites over the last 150 years, certain segments of society seemed to find ways to continue a small, but undeniable level of racism since it was no longer socially acceptable among the general population to outwardly express it with for instance, lynching. Racism and discrimination has certainly come a long way over the last sixty years, but it has definitely not been eradicated. In fact, some would argue that now whites are beginning to experience a type of â€Å"reverse discrimination† due unforeseen effects from affirmative action programs. In regards to American films however, one would have to sit down personally with directors and producers of 1990s films to determine if they intentionally created these magical Negro characters in order to perpetuate racism. Aside from the fact that it is highly unlikely that anyone would ever openly admit to that, I personally think that cinethetic racism and the magical Negro were just an unintended consequence of a fad that was going on throughout Hollywood at the time, the fad being to have black people portray certain qualities of wisdom and â€Å"magical powers† within films. In either case, it is very curious that a movie such as America History X meets the qualifications for cinethetic racism. In my opinion, for a film that was intended to enlighten the audience of the problem of racism in America, yet ultimately perpetuated a veiled version of it, could no more flawlessly fit into this concept of cinethetic racism. Also, the argument of whether or not reality reflects art or if art reflects reality is just as frustrating to argue as whether the chicken or the egg came first. But in the case for this film, I would contend that American History X, art, is reflecting reality. In fact, the notion behind cinethetic racism and the magical Negro tie in so neatly with the arguments for Proposition 209 and Gov. Pete Wilson’s speech that it is just uncanny. With a closer look into both, one can see that each share their own masked form of racism veiled as though whites are helping minorities. Art was imitating the subversive racism that was occurring in r eality. As an actor myself, I think it is unfortunate for director Tony Kaye that, for whatever reason, he was not able to get his original vision of the film produced. I think because of the numerous racially historical events that were occurring the 1990s that producing a movie which centered on the freedom of speech around racism as Kaye originally intended, was the last thing any audience wanted to watch in a theatre. All in all, I think film did a fabulous job highlighting historical events and attitudes going on throughout society during the 1990s, despite the fact that the film may be perpetuating racism at a subversive level. Works Cited American History X. Dir. Tony Kaye. Perf. Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. New Line Cinemas, 1998. Film. Alvarez, R. Michael, and Lisa G. Bedolla. â€Å"The Revolution Against Affirmative Action in California: Racism, Economics, and Proposition 209.† State Politics and Policy Quarterly 4.1 (2004): 1-17. Sage Publications, Inc. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. Bruce, David. â€Å"Racism in America=Hating Others.† American History X: A Hollywood Jesus Film Review. HollywoodJesus.com, n. d. Web. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . Goldstein, Patrick. â€Å"Courting Trouble.† Edward Norton Information Page. N.p., 13 1998. Web. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Hopwood v. University of Texas Law School†. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012 . Hughey, Matthew W. â€Å"White Redemption and Black Stereotypes in â€Å"Magical Negro† Films.† Social Problems 56.3 (2009): 543-77. www.jstor.org. University of California Press, 2009. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . Leinberger, Gisela. â€Å"Film Director Tony Kaye Makes Statement at Berlin’s Brandenberg Gate; Director of ‘American History X’ Speaks to Film’s Issues.† PR News Wire. N.p., n. d. Web. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . Parker, Beth H. â€Å"The Impact of Proposition 209 on Education, Employment and Contracting.† ERA: Prop 209 Impact. Equal Rights Advocates, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. . Preacher Phil Snider Gives Interesting Gay Rights Speech. Perf. Rev. Dr. Phil Snider. Www.YouTube.com. YouTube, 13 Aug. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Prohibition Against Discrimination or Preferential Treatment by State and Other Public Entities. Initiative Constitutional Amendment..† California’s 1996 General Election Web Site! . N.p., n. d. Web. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Riots erupt in Los Angeles.† 2012. The History Channel website. Oct 21 2012 . Tomaskovic-Devey, Donald, and Patricia Warren. â€Å"Explaining and Eliminating Racial Profiling.† Contexts. American Sociological Association, 2009. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. . Topel, Fred. â€Å"Interview with Lake of Fire Filmmaker Tony Kaye.† About.com Oct 21 2012. Whitaker, Mark. â€Å"A Crisis Of Shattered Dreams.† Newsweek. 5 1991: 1. Web. 19 Oct. 2012..

Socioecological National Smoking Strategy Australia Health And Social Care Essay

The damaging effects of smoke are good known, and go on to be one of the most evitable causes of sick wellness and decease in Australia. Smoking is a planetary wellness issue that affects all states worldwide. ( Naidoo and Wills, 2005 ) . Tobacco usage has a negative consequence on the immediate user every bit good as the other individual exposed to the fume, therefore the demand to command its usage and supply a supportive environment to enable persons to discontinue. ( Naidoo and Wills, 2005 ) . Health publicity provides a possible agency to accomplish this, as it attempts to better the wellness of persons and the community through wellness instruction, community engagement and coaction, sometimes taking to environmental and societal alteration ( Maben and Macleod, ( 1995 ) , as stated by Piper, 2009 ) . The Ottawa Charter ( WHO, 1986 ) sees wellness publicity beyond the person and the health care system, it requires a co-ordinated action between the authorities, societal and econo mic sectors. In other words, wellness publicity at one degree seeks to act upon healthy life style and better life-skills of the person, it besides ensures a corporate addition by act uponing statute law and policies towards environmental, socio-economic position, employment and occupational wellness at another degree ( Piper, 2009 ) . This paper focuses on the social-ecological theoretical account and relates it to the national baccy scheme which was introduced in Australia since 1999 to better the wellness of all Aussies by extinguishing or cut downing exposure to tobacco in all signifiers and to forestall jobs that can ensue from the usage of baccy ( The National Tobacco scheme, 1999 ) . The cardinal aims for the model was to better the control of baccy through community action, promote surcease of baccy usage, bound publicity and modulate baccy and eventually cut down environmental exposure to tobacco fume ( The National smoke Strategy 1999 ) . The debuts of the National smoke strategic model lead to the execution of smoking policies in public topographic points including the work topographic point. Smoke policy at public topographic points is intended to protect smoke and non-smoking citizens from the consequence of environmental exposure to baccy ( Bauer et al, 2005 ) and to promote tobacco users to discontin ue every bit shortly as possible. It is besides thought to cut down the injury that can be associated with go oning usage and dependance on baccy and nicotine. Smoke-free policies have been shown to deter people from smoking, cut down coffin nail ingestion, addition desire to discontinue and the likeliness of existent surcease ( Bauer et al, 2005 ) . The scheme was a comprehensive attack introduced by the authorities across all societal groups based on two warranting factors. These were that, bulk of persons who smoked were non making so based on free and informed picks. Peoples frequently say smoking is a personal life manner pick, this ignores the tobacco users apprehension of the wellness hazard, worlds of dependence and the fact that a batch of people start depending on baccy at a really immature age ( National baccy scheme, 2004 ) . The habit-forming nature of baccy compromises the person ‘s ability to do an informed pick. Second, the usage of baccy imposes a significant cost on the person, households, concerns, taxpayer and the community as a whole ( National baccy scheme, 2004 ) . Harmonizing to surveies long term tobacco users die prematurely from bosom diseases, with most of them within the ages of 50 and 60 ( National baccy scheme, 1999 ) . they may besides endure from clogging lung diseases, shot and other stultifying long term status which can cut down mobility taking to cut down quality of life ( National Tobacco Strategy, 2004 ) . Smokers besides spend a batch of money on baccy merchandises instead than they spend on goods and services which could hold been more good to them and their households. How the scheme was to be achieved The first measure was to present a comprehensive control scheme on baccy merchandises, by increasing monetary values and altering societal attitudes to baccy usage through ordinances and difficult striking runs. Government policies introduced regulated selling, publicity, gross revenues, revenue enhancement and packaging of baccy merchandises ( the national smoke scheme, 2004 ) . These ordinances made baccy merchandises less low-cost, nevertheless available to grownups who use them, but non extremely seeable and non sold to kids. It besides mandated equal and effectual consumer information on baccy merchandises in the media and at the point of sale. On the other manus, quit smoke and smoke free runs, services on handling baccy dependence schemes, community support, instruction, research, rating, monitoring and surveillance every bit good as work force development were strengthened ( the national smoke scheme, 2004 ) . They besides addressed issues around societal determiners of welln ess and trim plans towards the demands of deprived groups. This was to personalize the hazards of smoke and to increase the consciousness of effectual therapies and contact inside informations for services ( National smoke scheme, 2007 ) . The authorities policies besides ensured that all Australian tobacco users in contact with the wellness attention system were identified and advised to discontinue, and that all tobacco users probably to hold trouble retreating from tobacco-delivered nicotine have entree to back up and allow and effectual pharmacotherapy ( National smoke scheme, 2004 ) . The policies were besides aimed at attempts to forestall consumption by kids, and to guarantee that the community is intelligent about smoke. It was besides to cut down societal disaffection, which, along with many other negative effects, is associated with uptake and continuance of bad behaviors including smoke, and to put in baccy control as a cardinal scheme for forestalling and cut downing societal disadvantages in the communities ( National smoke scheme, 2004 ) . To extinguish exposure to environmental baccy fume, at work, indoors and in public topographic points ( including out-of-doorss where mobility is limited ) , and to understate it in residential establishments, the policy meant ‘no smoking ‘ ( entire prohibition ) within these premises. As countries where smoke is allowed provide small or no protection from environmental fume ( National smoke scheme, 2004 ) . Smoke free workplace policies by contrast virtually extinguish exposure to tobacco fume during working hours. They besides help tobacco users in those workplaces to cut down the sum they smoke each twenty-four hours and increased their opportunities of successfully discontinuing ( National smoke scheme, 2004 ) . Such policies dramatically affect societal norms about smoke. In legal powers which introduce smoke free Torahs, fewer kids take up smoke and Numberss of tobacco users and Numberss of coffin nails consumed decrease comparative to legal powers without such Tora hs ( National smoke scheme, 2004 ) . Social-ecological Model as a Background Model for the model The footing of this model can be construed from the social-ecological theoretical account where a alteration in the environment and policies causes a alteration in person ‘s behavior. The social-ecological theoretical account recognizes the interlacing interaction between the person and the environment ( Healthy Active Oregon, 2003 ) . It besides focuses on reorientation of organisations and policy alteration ( Elder et al, 2006 ) . It is non a individual policy or theory but a instead wide overarching construct that brings together several different Fieldss of research ( Stokols, 1996 ) . Although the person is responsible for keeping a life style that improves wellness and reduces hazard, the societal environment in which the person lives mostly determines behavior ( Healthy Active Oregon, 2003 ) . A barrier can therefore signifier in a manner that can forestall the community as a whole in accomplishing behaviour alteration ( Healthy Active Oregon, 2003 ) . Harmonizing to Winett ( 1995 ) some wellness publicity plans have non been effectual due to failure in acknowledging the consequence of environmental-related factors on health-related behavior. He hence suggests the integrating of theoretical accounts for behaviour alteration with plans affecting persons, groups, organisations, community and institutional degrees of engagement ( Winett, 1995 ) . Hence the societal ecological theoretical account suggests a more comprehensive attack of non merely the person ‘s duty of health-risks behaviours, instead it targets the single and socio-economic factors ( Piper, 2009 ) . The theoretical account is categorized into intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, organisational and public policy as schemes for advancing wellness ( McLeroy et al. , 1988 ) . Intrapersonal The intrapersonal degree of the theoretical account is based on psychological theories of alteration, where it utilizes the mass media, social-marketing, instruction and development of accomplishments to alter wellness related attitudes, addition cognition and advance ego regard ( McLeroy, 1988, Piper, 2009 ) . This degree implies that the proximal cause of behavior or mechanisms for alteration of behavior prevarications with the person and non the environment ( McLeroy, 1988 ) . And in the model this was traveling to be achieved by shiping on difficult hitting smoke free runs and ordinances which will be targeted at altering perceptual experiences and bettering cognition of the person, with the hope of giving a behaviour alteration. After the person had been made aware of the hazards and the health-related issues that occur as a consequence of smoke, it is up to them to take either to smoke or give up smoke. However at this degree there can be emotional and expressive feelings that people experience particularly in the context of wellness related behaviour alteration ( Davies and Macdowal, 2006 ) . Some persons may truly lose the wagess from smoke and the fond regards they have antecedently developed to smoking while still admiting the benefits of smoking surcease ( Davies and Macdowall, 2006 ) . There is so the feeling of ennui, defeat and choler as they loose the sense of making something and deficiency of the company, this is the point where the person is likely to get worse and travel back to smoke ( Davies and Macdowall, 2006 ) . Hence separate smoke surcease plans that acknowledges and run into the specified demands of persons should besides be developed. There is therefore the demand for services like the quit aid lines and reding installations to back up the person who wants to give up smoke. This scheme has been recognized in the model to help the person to get by. The social-ecological theoretical account identifies this and hence does non merely concentrate narrowly on the person but besides other societal factors and webs which all comes together to help the person to get by and alter behavior. Interpersonal This deals with the person ‘s societal webs such as household, friends, neighbors and contacts at work, the psychosocial theory underpins this degree. The purpose is to alter societal norms and better societal web and support ( Piper, 2005 ) . These are seen to hold direct influence on the individual. The importance of this degree is that about all behaviors happens in a societal context, and behaviors in these context tend to be accustomed, hence it takes making things otherwise to interrupt these wonts ( Davies and Macdowall, 2006 ) . Therefore the intercessions to be designed demands to change the signifier of bing societal webs ( McLeroy, 1988 ) . Particularly they should be designed to modify societal influences which are likely to back up and keep unwanted wellness related behaviors and strengthen those that influence wellness positively. ( McLeroy, 1988 ) . It besides involves learning the person on how to manage interactions with others as they continue to prosecute the ir new ways of get bying without smoking ( Davies and Macdowall, 2006 ) . Mentioning to the model it was aimed at foregrounding the consequence of baccy fume on households and besides prevented kids acquiring entree to baccy and other baccy merchandises. It besides hopes to act upon cultural, societal and economic factors that influence uptake and uninterrupted usage of baccy. Discontinuing smoke may non be an easy thing to make nevertheless with a supportive, good informed, good and strong societal web the person should be able to give up and be cognizant of how and where to seek aid. Community A community is said to be intelligent when it has equal information to be able to do an informed determination on baccy usage ( National baccy Strategy, 1999 ) . In the community, information such as how to acquire aid and quit, the difference between the usage of baccy and dependence, the consequence of baccy fume on the environment, the benefits of discontinuing at any age and sooner than latter and on a whole, the consequence of baccy on the society should be easy accessible ( National Tobacco Strategy, 1999 ) . It is a good known fact that information entirely does non take to behaviour alteration by persons in the community ( National Tobacco Strategy, 1999 ) , otherwise 22 % of the Australian population will non go on to smoke regardless of the sum of information available on the hurtful consequence of smoke ( Egger et al,2005 ) . For communities to derive control over baccy use the scheme was focused on planning and execution of community based programmes for commanding baccy, by supplying equal resources for a scope of smoking surcease services in the communities. Local powers such as Community leaders, parents, schools and young person organisations are all motivated to acquire involved ( National Tobacco Strategy, 1999 ) . Health publicity at this degree is about authorising the community through community development, alliance and conflict direction schemes ( Piper, 2009 ) . Stokols ( 1996 ) defines ecology as the survey of the association between beings and their environment, and puts this in the position of wellness publicity in the community, where the focal point is shifted from the person ‘s wellness related intercessions unto that of the community working together in the environment in which they live in. this reflects a more socio ecological orientation of wellness publicity which is a castel lation of the person, community and the constructions around ( Stokols, 1996 ) . Organizations Intervention at this degree involves organisational procedures, manner, leading, civilization, practises and inducements to better health-related behavior or enable behavior alteration ( McLeroy et al. , 1992 ) . A big part of most people ‘s lives are spent in organisations such as work and establishments, these organisations have an influence on the person ‘s health-related behavior ( McLeroy et al. , 1988 ) . In the context of wellness publicity, administrations particularly those affecting worksites give entree to a big group of people and offer the chance for societal support and behavior alteration, peculiarly when the behavior is a societal norm ( McLeroy, 1988 ) . This degree in the model means the execution of a entire smoke prohibition policies backed by jurisprudence in the work topographic point and public topographic points by employers and persons of authorization. The mark of wellness publicity is non the organisation or the establishment itself but the employees and persons who are likely to be institutionalised ( McLeroy, 1988 ) . Organizational alterations are indispensable in an ecological model where a long-run behavioral alteration is supported, and a requirement for institutionalisation of wellness publicity ( McLeroy, 1988 ) . Public Policy State capacity and substructure, including clear leading and dedicated resources, are indispensable to the development and execution of a strong strategic program that includes the designation and riddance of tobacco-related disparities ( CDC, 2007 ) . Tobacco control plans need to further the motive to discontinue smoking through policy alterations and media runs every bit good as through advancing quit line services ( CDC, 2007 ) . The authorities at this degree will be responsible for patroling policies which are put in topographic point to implement the ordinances and limitations on baccy usage and its publicity. Some surveies have shown that execution of authorities policy to censor smoke has worked really good. For illustration a survey which evaluated the consequence of smoking prohibition at a jobsite by Borland et Al ( 1999 ) , found out that, workplace smoking prohibition contributed to a decrease of coffin nail ingestion. There was no grounds to propose that heavy tobacco users who were deemed as the most addicted compensated the greatest during java and tiffin interruptions. This could propose that the fuss of go forthing the workplace to smoke was an hindrance taking to a decrease in ingestion ( Borland et al, 1990 ) . It besides implies that including institutional and public policies in wellness publicity can accomplish an appropriate behavior alteration because non merely will the person have to postulate with the incommodiousness but besides the possibility of interrupting the jurisprudence and holding to confront the effects, farther deters persons from coffin nail ingestion. The smoke prohibition, as mentioned earlier, Was a authorities scheme to advance a healthy state. So in this instance employers are merely utilizing their substructure to implement a authorities scheme. Evaluation of the Model One cardinal advantage of the socio-ecological theoretical account is that it has the ability to integrate schemes of wellness publicity by utilizing behaviour alteration and environmental betterment in a wide theoretical frame work ( Stokols, 1996 ) . It besides highlights a cross-level scrutiny of health-related jobs and proposes an appropriate interventional scheme by incorporating two or more systematic degrees ( Stokols, 1996 ) . For illustration: organizational, personal or community degrees that allow practicians to analyze both persons and cumulative visual aspect of wellness jobs and how it affects intercessions at all the different degrees ( Stokols, 1996 ) . Hence the unsighted musca volitanss that can non be identified by other theoretical accounts, due to concentrating on merely a fix determiner of wellness or either the person or the environment is avoided as attending is given to an interplay of factors at both single and other comprehensive degrees ( Stokols, 1996 ) . However, the social-ecological theoretical account is non without its restrictions. First, intercessions designed based on the social-ecological theoretical account require incorporation of different Fieldss of cognition. It besides involves the coordination of different sectors in the community. It hence becomes practically impossible to implement such plans ( Stokols, 1996 ) . Therefore, this method should be regarded as lone portion of the theoretical account that can be actively implemented and that the remainder is merely inactive. It is hence logical to inquire whether the social-ecological theoretical account is excessively inclusive in trying to embrace so many factors and taking the focal point off from the person and in consequence doing the single feel less responsible. In practise, it is of import to allow the single feel they are non on their ain by offering support. However, it is of import for the practicians, to non take duty off from the person. Decision In decision, the socio-ecological theoretical account identifies human behavior to happen in extremely organised constructions which can hold a great impact on the wellbeing of the person ( Stokols, 1996 ) . Behaviour alteration can be achieved by act uponing the physical, environmental and the societal interactions of the person, though this may non be ever so, however, the social-ecological position of wellness publicity is more likely to accomplish a higher impact as it uses a multi-disciplinary attack.

Auditor Independence Revisited

1. The main rationale of an audit is to offer company shareholders with a proficient, self-sufficient view regarding if the yearly accounts of the corporation reveal a correct and reasonable view of the fiscal situation of the corporation and if they can be trusted. Independence is the major way through which an auditor shows that he can carry out his job in an objective way (Reynold, Deis, and Francis, 2014).   The auditor has to be independent from the customer corporation, in order that the audit estimation will not be persuaded by any link among them (Umar and Anandarajan, 2014). The necessity for independence comes up because in a lot of cases consumers of financial reports and different third parties do not have adequate details or understanding to know what is enclosed in a company’s yearly reports. Therefore, they trust the auditor’s independent review (Gul, Jaggi and Krishnan, 2010). By Sally becoming the CFO, she can influence the opinion of auditors on whether the financial reports of the corporation are properly made or not. As Sally hosted the dinner, there has been non-appearance of independent acts. It is necessary that the auditor not only performs independently, however appears independent also. In case an auditor is actually independent, however one or additional aspects propose otherwise, this could possibly bring about the ending that the audit report does not signify an accurate and reasonable analysis. Independence in appearances will lessen the chance for an auditor to proceed otherwise than independently, which finally attaches trustworthiness to the audit report (Paterson and Valencia, 2011). 2 . Since Sally has taken the post of Financial Controller in this year at Madeira 3 of the threats, are: Anandarajan, A., Kleinman, G. and Palmon, D. (2008). Auditor independence revisited: The effects of SOX on auditor independence. International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, 5(2), pp.112-125. Blay, A. and Geiger, M. (2012). Auditor Fees and Auditor Independence: Evidence from Going Concern Reporting Decisions*. Contemporary Accounting Research, 30(2), pp.579-606. Gul, F., Jaggi, B.L. and Krishnan, G.V. (2010). Auditor independence: evidence on the joint effects of auditor tenure and nonaudit fees. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 26 (2), 117–142. Paterson, J.S. and Valencia, A. (2011). The effects of recurring and nonrecurring tax, audit-related, and other nonaudit services on auditor independence. Contemporary Accounting Research, 28 (5), 1510-1536. Reynold, J.K., Deis, D.R. and Francis, J.R. (2014). Professional service fees and auditor objectivity. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 23 (1), 29–52. Umar, A. and Anandarajan, A. (2014). Dimensions of pressures faced by auditors and its impact on auditors’ independence. Managerial Auditing Journal, 19 (1), 99-116.

How do infrastructures shape cultures of consumption Discuss with Essay

How do infrastructures shape cultures of consumption Discuss with reference to either waste, transport or energy system - Essay Example The components and theories pertaining to the infrastructure associated with product or service are important factors which affects the culture of consumption. In this essay various aspects which would affect the culture of consumption especially those associated with the infrastructure is being analysed and dealt in detail. The peculiarities in the features along with the theories associated with the infrastructure have substantial impacts on the psychology of consumption. The culture of consumption is largely associated with the infrastructure in connection with the product or service. Understanding the linkage between them is however challenging. This is because the consumption culture is subject to change in accordance to the change in values associated with life and also on the technological requirements of the consumers. It is also important to understand the dynamics of social change in connection with the changes in values of life. The Three Cs including Comfort, Cleanliness and Convenience are the complexes of practice are supposed to be factors which causes change in the theories of consumption. (Elizabeth Shove, 2003). These complexes of practice are hugely associated with the infrastructure. This proves the relation of infrastructure with the culture of consumption. These theories becomes of increased relevance as the consumer society is becoming more and more aware and conscious about these practices. The connection of these factors with the value of their life and its long term effect on the society and the environment is well understood by the consumers these days. In this context, it won’t be wrong to state that the industries of today have to address more responsible consumers. (Elizabeth Shove, 2003). Sustainable resource management is one key factor associated with the infrastructure. The management and linkage of the natural resources associated with

Digital Media - Critical Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words - 1

Digital Media - Critical Perspectives - Essay Example What then is information society? The most common definition of information society emphasizes on technological innovation. The term refers to society where the creation, distribution and use of information are the most important aspects of economic, cultural, technological, occupational and spatial activities. An information society idea can be contrasted in societies where economic strengths lie in industrial or agrarian base. The tools of information society are computers and telecommunications as opposed to ploughs showing that information societies represent highly industrialized societies (Webster, 2005:10). The concept of information society originated from the Japanese social sciences in the early 1960s. the Japanese version of the term (joho shakai or johoka shakai) came from a conversation between Kisho Kurokawa, a famous architect and Tudao Umesao, a renowned historian and anthropologist. The first debut of the term in a written text was in a study published in 1964 by Jiro Kamishima. Since then, the term has been widely used throughout the world. Therefore, it is important to understand the term information society from the five definitions including technological, economic, occupational, spatial and cultural aspects (Lyon, 1998:3). The technological definition of information society focuses on technological innovations and the effects that the innovations have on information technologies in different sectors of society. The major aspect here is that the cost of using computers has become cheap and helped in their application in different fields. This definition provides one important aspect of information society. Technological innovations are among the most visible indicators of new times and considered as an aspect representing the concept of information society. The technological innovations include personal computers,

The effects of the US 1965 Immigration Act Introduction and Annotated Essay

The effects of the US 1965 Immigration Act Introduction and Annotated bibliography - Essay Example To accomplish this it restricted immigration on the basis of how many existing proportions of the population there already were. The 1965 Act, however, set an annual limit to no more than twenty thousand from each country, regardless of how many peoples from that country already occupied the United States. By 1968 the annual limitation to any country from the Western Hemisphere was set to one hundred and twenty thousand immigrants, and visas were given on a first come-first serve basis. The equalization of immigration policies resulted in a shift in immigration from European-Asian immigrants, to Central-South American immigrants. Immigration also doubled from 1965-1970 and then again from 1970-1990. This flux of immigrants not only changed the ethnic makeup of the United States, but with the introduction of so many to the U.S workforce it also shifted the male earnings inequalities. This prompted congress to pass the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) and the 1990 Immigra tion Act, in an attempt to stabilize the influx and the economy.

Grand Inquisitor and Jesus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Grand Inquisitor and Jesus - Essay Example The temptations were turning stones into bread, casting himself from the temple and the angels of God would come and save him before getting to the ground and being given the authority and power to rule all the kingdoms of the earth (Fyodor 29). The inquisitor says that Jesus rejected all this in favor of freedom. He believes that the majority of humans cannot handle this freedom given to them and that giving human’s freedom to choose prevents them from redemption, hence living them to suffer. The inquisitor feels that Christ was wrong to reject each temptation. He feels that he should have turned stones into bread since men will always fallow those who fill their stomachs. Casting himself from the temple would have proved his goodness in the people’s minds following him forever and governing all the kingdoms would guarantee their salvation. Jesus then kisses the inquisitor on his bloodless aged lips instead of responding to his accusations. The inquisitor releases him and tells him never to return (Amy 16). This finally shows the inquisitor’s sympathetic

Short Story fiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Short Story fiction - Essay Example After leaving Red Sammy’s place, Grandmother throws a tantrum in order to be taken to a plantation nearby that she had known long ago. Bailey agrees to divert into the way in which his mother shows him. The grandmother realizes she has lost all recollection of the plantation. They drive back when they fail to trace the plantation. Grandmother’s cat jumps out of its box and lands on Bailey’s shoulder. Bailey loses control of the car and off the road. The car flips and plunges into a ditch. Just then, another car approaches them, and three men climb out. These men are The Misfit, Hiram, and Bobby Lee. The grandmother recognizes the Misfit, and he is unhappy with the fact that somebody recognizes him (Kilcourse 73). Grandmother tries to flatter the Misfit, but as it turns out, he is the hard-to-please kind. He orders Bobby Lee and Hiram to take John Wesley and Bailey into the forest. A moment later, Bobby Lee and Hiram shoots and kills them in cold blood. Grandmothe r fears for her life and she resorts to her Christian faith for the hope to live through the moment. The Misfit puts on Bailey’s shirt that Bobby Lee and Hiram have brought to him after killing Wesley and Bailey. Grandmother pleads with the Misfit not to kill her and advises him to pray to Jesus. In a matter of seconds, the Misfit shoots the grandmother thrice in the chest. Hiram and Bobby Lee come back from killing The Mother, June Star and the baby. The Misfit remarks that there is no pleasure in life (Kirk 39). Analysis of A Good Man is Hard to Find The title of the book, A Good Man is Hard to Find, points to Red Sammy Butts in the moment he conversed with grandmother while at The Tower. Mistrust of others is a theme that is consistently evident in O’connor’s book. In their conversation, Red Sammy Butts and grandmother confirm this. They reckon that it is hard to trust anybody in the world. Red Sammy recounts how he allowed two men to take gas on credit, and he laments ever having to be good to people (Robillard 52). Grandmother believes that there is not even a single soul on earth that can be trusted. This contradicts the Christian faith to which the grandmother is a strong believer. In this book, O’connor presents the reader with two clashing moral codes. Both grandmother and the Misfit have beliefs and perceptions that guide their conduct. A moral code is a collectivity of people’s behaviors, and beliefs thought of as reasonable and acceptable. The rightness of a person’s moral code is subjective. At a glance though, one would not help but notice how the Misfit’s code is erroneous. Grandmother’s code is also contradictory and unconvincing (Hardy 48). It is clear that grandmother’s moral code derives from what she thinks is good. For example, she emphasizes the importance of looking like a lady, depicting that she is more interested in appearance than in substance. She subtly deceives Bailey and the whole family without remorse. Despite her claim of Christian piety, she cannot even remember to pray when in a crisis. She even dares to question the divinity and power of Jesus. On the other hand, the misfit is consistent and apt in following his moral code. The Misfit believes that punishment is always bigger than the wrong done, and in the end, the wrong done does not receive the emphasis it deserves. It is clear that religion baffles the Misfit. Whilst the grandmother took faith blindly

Integrated Marketing Communication Project Essay

Integrated Marketing Communication Project - Essay Example The designed questionnaire was taken to the chosen set of respondents who were necessarily consumers who had purchased an Apple product. In response to a question on the main aspects that influences brand evaluation by the customers it was observed that the main aspects that influences them particularly in the customer segment of Apple was quality. Customers often perceived a product on the basis of product features and reputation of the brand as they felt it added value to their social status as well. A certain section of the respondents also stated the importance of price as a crucial aspect while undertaking a purchase decision. The survey findings also stated that brands that become a hit with the consumers are normally those that have a good brand image. This brand image is built mainly on the basis of product attributes, service quality and reputation of the brand in the market. Quality is one area that seems to have been the most important factor stated by the respondents as main criteria that makes brands popular and hit in the market. The respondents stated that brands that had a good reputation with quality standards as well as customer service were more likely to be the chosen brand by the customers. It was perhaps for the reason that most of the respondents felt that quality and product features were the most important criteria for decision making by the customers. In the course of the survey it was also found that brand image also depended on the business profile of the organization. Brands like Google and Apple score high with regard to brand image by virtue of the robustness of their business mod els. The survey also revealed that customer service as well as the marketing communication strategy also plays a major role in the development of brand image of an organization as most respondents felt that the manner in which an organization communicated with the customers had a very lasting and comprehensive effect on the overall positioning and brand image of an organization. In response to a question on the ways customers evaluate as brand it was observed that most customers used a cost benefit analysis to analyze a brand. Most of the respondents were of the view that if the cost of a product tends to satisfy their demands then they perceive it to be a good brand. In addition to this respondents also stated that product features and additional facilities like loyalty points, rewards and bonuses also played a major role in the perception of brands among the customers. In summation it was found that most of the respondents stated the importance of the elements of the marketing mix as the essential

Importance of Management Essay Example for Free

Importance of Management Essay Management  is a universal phenomenon. It is a very popular and widely used term. All organizations business, political, cultural or social are involved in management because it is the management which helps and directs the various efforts towards a definite purpose. According to  Harold Koontz, â€Å"Management is an art of getting things done through and with the people in formally organized groups. It is an art of creating an environment in which people can perform and individuals and can co-operate towards attainment of group goals†. According to  F. W. Taylor, â€Å"Management is an art of knowing what to do, when to do and see that it is done in the best and cheapest way†. Management is a purposive activity. It is something that directs group efforts towards the attainment of certain pre determined goals. It is the process of working with and through others to effectively achieve the goals of the organization, by efficiently using limited resources in the changing world. Of course, these goals may vary from one enterprise to another. E. g. : For one enterprise it may be launching of new products by conducting market surveys and for other it may be profit maximization by minimizing cost. Management involves creating an internal environment: It is the management which puts into use the various factors of production. Therefore, it is the responsibility of management to create such conditions which are conducive to maximum efforts so that people are able to perform their task efficiently and effectively. It includes ensuring availability of raw materials, determination of wages and salaries, formulation of rules amp; regulations etc. Therefore, we can say that good management includes both being effective and efficient. Being effective means doing the appropriate task i. , fitting the square pegs in square holes and round pegs in round holes. Being efficient means doing the task correctly, at least possible cost with minimum wastage of resources. Management can be defined in detail in following categories : Management as a  Process Management as an  Activity Management as a  Discipline Management as a  Group Management as a  Science Management as an  Art Management as a  Profession 1. It helps in Achieving Group Goals   It arranges the factors of production, assembles and organizes the resources, integrates the resources in effective manner to achieve goals. It directs group efforts towards achievement of pre-determined goals. By defining objective of organization clearly there would be no wastage of time, money and effort. Management converts disorganized resources of men, machines, money etc. into useful enterprise. These resources are coordinated, directed and controlled in such a manner that enterprise work towards attainment of goals. 2. Optimum Utilization of Resources   Management utilizes all the physical amp; human resources productively. This leads to efficacy in management. Management provides maximum utilization of scarce resources by selecting its best possible alternate use in industry from out of various uses. It makes use of experts, professional and these services leads to use of their skills, knowledge, and proper utilization and avoids wastage. If employees and machines are producing its maximum there is no under employment of any resources. 3. Reduces Costs   It gets maximum results through minimum input by proper planning and by using minimum input amp; getting maximum output. Management uses physical, human and financial resources in such a manner which results in best combination. This helps in cost reduction. 4. Establishes Sound Organization   No overlapping of efforts (smooth and coordinated functions). To establish sound organizational structure is one of the objective of management which is in tune with objective of organization and for fulfillment of this, it establishes effective authority amp; responsibility relationship i. e. who is accountable to whom, who can give instructions to whom, who are superiors amp; who are subordinates. Management fills up various positions with right persons, having right skills, training and qualification. All jobs should be cleared to everyone. 5. Establishes Equilibrium   It enables the organization to survive in changing environment. It keeps in touch with the changing environment. With the change is external environment, the initial co-ordination of organization must be changed. So it adapts organization to changing demand of market / changing needs of societies. It is responsible for growth and survival of organization. 6. Essentials for Prosperity of Society   Efficient management leads to better economical production which helps in turn to increase the welfare of people. Good management makes a difficult task easier by avoiding wastage of scarce resource. It improves standard of living. It increases the profit which is beneficial to business and society will get maximum output at minimum cost by creating employment opportunities which generate income in hands. Organization comes with new products and researches beneficial for society. What is the Importance of Management in Business? â€Å"Some underestimate the importance of management in business but the latest researches have shown that it is certainly not the case. The input of the labor, capital and raw materials can never become production without the catalyst of management. A business cannot survive without management because management is its means of support. Management is concerned with acquiring maximum prosperity with minimum efforts. Management is essential wherever group efforts are required to be directed towards achievements of common goals. In this management conscious age, the significance of management can hardly be over emphasized. It is said that any thing minus management amounts to nothing. There is no more important area of human activity than management since its task is that of getting things done through others. Some underestimate the importance of management in business but the latest researches have shown that it is certainly not the case. The input of the labor, capital and raw materials can never become production without the catalyst of management. Management is a dynamic life-giving element in an organization. In its absence, the resources of production remain underutilized and can never become production. In fact, without efficient management, no country can become a nation. Business is basically a group activity and management plays an important role in making it more effective. The group as a whole cannot realize its objectives unless and until there is mutual cooperation and coordination among the members of the groups. Management creates teamwork and team spirit in an organization by developing a sound organizational structure. It brings the human and material resources together and motivates the people for the achievement of goals. The available resources of production are put to use in such a way that all sort of wastages and inefficiencies are reduced to a minimum. If the managers in any business are not considerate and good at their job, nothing worthwhile can be expected of the subordinates. The motivation level of the employees is directly related to good management. Management creates and maintains an environment conducive to higher efficiency and performance. A business enterprise operates in a constantly changing environment. Changes in the business environment create risk and also provide opportunities for growth. A conducive and encouraging environment is indispensable for any business and sound management makes it possible easily. Negative Aspects of Technology Introduction The history of technology is as old as human life. This is because the usage of technology came into existence when the humans existed. Technology had a great progress since ages that is from mastery of fire by man to computers, rockets, electronics etc which shows the 21st century achievements. The technologies that evolved in the past and even now made our lives comfortable. People are totally dependent on technology. Technology helps in speedy development and changes. According to a dictionary the definition of technology is given as â€Å"the sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization. (Technology, 2012). This shows that technology usage has become as part of our life. These technologies include computers, cell phones, emails, video conferencing and even the basic things like microwave oven and fridge. Technology has become important in every aspect of our life. It changed our way of life in both positive and negative ways. Over past decade, there are many new techno logies that have evolved and there is much advancement in the existing technologies. Technology separates individuals from reality. Problem The advancements in technologies have made our lives comfortable but there is a great negative impact of the technology in our lives. There are many factors that supports that technology has adverse effects on society. Technology is not always green. While new and rapidly advancing knowledge will surely become a dominant force shaping the future of mankind, experts tells that advancing technology always brings side effects. This is because humans modify nature to meet their needs and wants. So scientists feel that the development of technology is causing harm to the environment. Technologys Negative Impact on Business Technology has positive affects on global business. The Internet makes it possible for people to communicate easily with associates in other countries. Ecommerce makes it possible for consumers to purchase almost anything from almost anywhere. And the flow of information is fast and often free once you have paid for Internet access. However, technology also has negative impacts on business. Business Relationships Internet technology such as chat rooms, Skype and other software has made it possible to hold meetings without all parties being physically present in the same place. A drawback is that meeting with somebody over the Internet is much less personal than meeting face-to-face. Internet technology in business decreases the personal aspect of business relationships. Business people used to network in restaurants and on golf courses. Today, the lack of physical proximity decreases brainstorming and other communications that use a personal touch. Employee Morale Installing monitoring software in the workplace sends the message to employees that the company does not trust them, according to research done under the aegis of professor Howard Besser while teaching at New York University. Giving employees responsibility, trust and respect boosts their morale and productivity. Showing them that they are not trusted and must be recorded decreases morale and worker productivity. This is true regardless of the actual reasons for installing monitoring software, according to the same research. Spam Spam refers to unwanted and unsolicited email messages. Spam is widespread and has negative impacts on business, according to the article Impact of Information Technology on Global Business published by Purdue University. Wading through spam email is a waste of time, and spam filters can only do so much. Users of spam filters must then check for necessary email messages diverted incorrectly as spam. Brick and Mortar The popularity of ecommerce has had a negative impact on brick-and-mortar retail stores. Smaller stores are finding more and more difficult to compete with both Internet businesses and larger retail stores. For example, small community bookstores must compete with Amazon. com as well as large stores such as Barnes ;amp; Noble that sell in person and online. Sometimes the smaller stores end up going out of business.

Comparison Of Persistence Framework Computer Science Essay

Comparison Of Persistence Framework Computer Science Essay Compare and contrast the following persistence frameworks: Java Persistence API (JPA), Hibernate and Java Database Connectivity. What improvements were made in EJB3.1 and JPA2? Include topics of scalability, security, connection pools, connection factories, entity management, transactional context, query languages, ORM, JCA, JNDI, the DAO-VO design pattern and specifically persistence layer(s) on a distributed n-tier enterprise platform in your discussion. Java Persistence API (JPA) JPA is an abstraction above JDBC that makes it possible to be independent of SQL. The main components of JPA are: ORM: Object relational mapping is a means to map objects to data stored in relational database [1]. JPA uses annotations and/or XML descriptor files to map POJO based java objects to relational database tables. CRUD: An entity manager manages lifecycle of JPA entities. It performs database related operations like create, retrieve, update and delete. JPQL: Java persistence query language allows writing CRUD queries using an object oriented query language. JTA: Java Transaction API provides transactions and locking mechanisms while accessing data concurrently. Callbacks and listeners: They hook business logic into the life cycle of a persistent object. Hibernate Hibernate is an Object relationship mapping framework. Hibernate helps in mapping POJO Java classes to SQL database tables. It has the power of significantly reducing development time. Hibernate uses annotations and/or XML (mapping) descriptor files to map the POJO Java objects in the application domain to relational database tables. Hibernate implements polymorphism and inheritance. Hibernate generated SQL maintains the portability of the application to all SQL databases. This HQL (SQL) allows create, retrieve, update and delete operations on POJO. This framework allows development of persistent Java classes which includes object oriented features like encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and collections frameworks. Hibernate Query Language (HQL): This is an extremely powerful query language similar to SQL. HQL is an object oriented SQL. Like SQL using tables and columns, HQL uses classes and properties. This means HQL uses object models for relational operations. Hence, it is less verbose as compared to SQL. JDBC JDBC is a standard java API for accessing relational database used for persisting state. It connects to database executes SQL statements and gets result. JDBC can also be used in a distributed environment. JDBC makes connection with an underlying data source using Connection Interface. It uses following mechanisms for connections: DriverManager This class is the management layer of JDBC. DriverManager loads any JDBC 4.0 drivers when an application makes connection to a data source as a part of its initialization. Other JDBC drivers must be explicitly loaded. DataSource DataSource can be a legacy database, file system or some other source of data. It is preferred over DriveManager as it allows the underlying data source to be apparent to the application. The two important extensions of the DataSource interface are as follows: ConnectionPoolDataSource The connection pool names are configured in JNDI. They support caching and reusing of physical connections in a way improving application performance and scalability. XADataSource XAdataSource uses XAConnection objects internally. It establishes physical connection with the database using the given user name and password. The connection thus obtained can be used in distributed transaction. Session bean and JDBC: Java architecture implementing session beans along with JDBC, any persistence request is delegated to the JDBC tier by the session bean. Upon request, the session bean calls JDBC layer to obtain a reference to object of type javax.sql.DataSource  interface. The DataSource type object serves acts as a resource manager factory for  java.sql.Connection  objects (as outlined by JDBC specification) that implement connections to a database. Once a  Connection  object is retrieved, the following business logic and persistence code (reads, updates, looping resultset, transaction commit/rollback etc.) are JDBC code. JDBC drawbacks Java applications initially used the JDBC API to create/read/update/delete/ data into relational databases. The JDBC API makes direct use of SQL statements to perform data persistence activities (create, read, update, and delete). When JDBC code is implemented in Java classes, the business logic gets tightly coupled to the Java class. The JDBC embeddable java code relies on SQL, which is not uniform across databases. Thus the code is tightly coupled to one type of database and hence difficult to migrate. Transactional Support: By default, JDBC drivers work in auto-commit mode, where each database SQL (read, update) is an atomic transaction. It is very easy to disable auto-commit, execute SQL in batch mode (multiple queries/updates) and then commit or rollback the transaction. DAO-VO A typical DAO (Data Access object) provides an interface that describes its contract with external interfaces. This outlines a series of methods for data persistence (CRUD operations). Generally a DAO is defined with a base interface and its methods are implemented by entity classes. A VO (Value object) is a simple POJO to transfer the data across various tiers of Java architecture. JDO For every method Persistence Manager is obtained, a transaction is fetched, and operations are executed. By availing attach/detach and fetch-groups, persisted objects are made available outside the DAO layer in a seamless way. Hibernate and JPA JPA acts as an adapter over Hibernate. JPA provides the entire API to interact with Hibernate. In a way JPA acts as an abstraction between the java code and Hibernate. In such a architecture it is easy to replace Hibernate if need be. JCA Java EE Connector Architecture (JCA) is a Java-based technology solution for connecting application servers and enterprise information systems (EIS) as part of enterprise application integration (EAI) solutions. While JDBC is specifically used to connect Java EE applications to databases, JCA is a more generic architecture for connection to legacy systems. What improvements were made in EJB3.1 and JPA2 Improvements in EJB 3.1 With EJB 3.1, there is no need to define home/local interfaces. Now EJB can be defined simple with an annotation. Singleton beans were introduced with EJB 3.1. Singleton beans can be used for shared data at application level. Asynchronous EJB calls are now supported with @Asynchronous method-level annotation. Packaging and deployment can be directly done in a war file. Session beans with a local view can be accessed without a separate local business interface. EJB Timer Service enhancements are also included to support scheduling jobs; Stateful Session Bean timed objects and deployment-time timer creation. Embedded container: A new embeddable API is available for executing EJB components within a Java SE environment (for unit testing, batch processing, etc.). EJB Lite: This definition of a lightweight subset of functionalities can be provided within Java EE Profiles (such as the Java EE Web Profile). Portable JNDI name: The syntax for looking up EJB components is now specified. Example: A Stateless EJB @Stateless public class CustomerEJB { @PersistenceContext(unitName = customerPU) private EntityManager em; public Customer findCustById(Long id) { return em.find(Customer.class, id); } public Customer createCust( Customer cust) { em.persist(cust); return cust; } } Improvements in JPA 2.0 Collections of basic types. Collections of embeddable. A persistent ordering is now maintained using the @OrderColumn annotation. Orphan removal that allows removal of child object when parent object is removed. Pessimistic locking has also been introduced along with optimistic locking. Foreign key mapping were introduced with JPA 2.0 for unidirectional one-to-many relationships. Improved support for maps (java HashMaps). Criteria query API which allows queries to be constructed in an object-oriented manner. Improvements in JPQL syntax. JPA 2.0 allows nesting of embeddable objects into other embeddable objects and has entity relationships. JPA 2.0 Example: @Entity @NamedQuery(name = findAllCust, query= select c from Customer c) public class Customer implements Serializable { @Id @GeneratedValue private Long id; @Column(name = cust_name) private String custName; public Customer() { } //à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.Get and set methods @Override public String toString(){ StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(100); sb.append(id : );sb.append(id);sb.append( ; ); sb.append(custName : );sb.append(custName);sb.append( ; ); return sb.toString(); }

Jason Caminitis Its Like 1984 All Over Again :: Its Like 1984 All Over Again Essays

Jason Caminiti's It's Like 1984 All Over Again "Most people have written this book off as a good science fiction work." Says Jason Caminiti, writer of the 1984 critical essay, "It's Like 1984 All Over Again." What he refers to is the public's reaction to 1984, a novel discussing the government's involvement in personal affairs. Caminiti believes that the book holds truer to modern times than people believe. Although there may be no Ingsoc, telescreens, Newspeak, or even helicopters darting in and out of windows, the government still has their own wicked methods of controlling and monitoring American society. Modern technology has just helped accomplish this feat. Caminiti explains how everything acts as a monitoring tool, from the Internet to the Social Security System, and even ID cards for schools and college campuses. "Our government is taking steps towards this type of Orwellian society all the time." He realizes. Jason Caminiti is right. 1984 is not just some nondescript science fiction novel, but a reflect ion on life today. Before the criticism on Jason Caminiti's critical essay, "It's Like 1984 All Over Again" can be distributed, a few unclear terms must be defined. A telescreen is a technological advancement, allowing "Big Brother" to peer into the homes of those who have them (And in 1984, they are mandatory.) The telescreen watches, day and night, and can never be shut off, and can also communicate back. Big Brother is the elusive government in 1984, never seen, only heard of. The Ministry of Truth is the office where Winston, an Outer-Party member works. Ministry of Truth is an ironic title, for all that the Ministry of Truth does is lie to people, changing facts and hiding facts. That's not truth at all, but deceit instead. A prole is another term from 1984, and is short for "prolitariat" or "prolitarian". Proles are pleasure-seeking human beings, representing the lower class of society. The government rarely concerns themselves with prolish matters. Lastly, the V-Chip is not a term from 1984, but a modern day invention. Advocated by former United States president, Bill Clinton, the v-chip is supposed to be used by parents to help block out any questionable material on television.

Femininity In Greek Myth Essay -- essays research papers

Is femininity in mythology? Yes because there is a division between men and women in mythology. Biology tells us that we are two different people. Men and women see the world in different ways. Women are passive, intuitive, submissive, and subjective. Women value love, communication, beauty, and relationships. Men are aggressive, rational, dominant, and objective and they value power, competency, efficiency, and achievement. The ways we see the world are different because we are either man or women. We are also similar as well as different. This paper will discuss the how women/goddess are viewed in the works of â€Å"Works and Days†, â€Å"Theogony† and â€Å"Hymn to Demeter.† And see that these women/goddess similar to real life women. In the Works and Days, women are seen as beautiful things and men strong and fighting creatures. Zeus, the king of gods, had Hephaestus fashion a woman endowed with everything, which he called Pandora. Pandora is described as a sweetly seductive female and her name refers to the gifts that all the gods give to mankind. She is made as a tempting snare for Epimetheus. She was sent with an urn full of plagues as a gift to Epimetheus. Pandora opened the jar and out came all the plagues and finally hope. This woman reminds men that not all-beautiful things are good and can be a pain in a man’s side. This lesson can be true for the world today. Women are not all sweetly seductive but they can be a real pain in the ass, especially for their boyfriends. In the Th...

space probes :: essays research papers

Deep Space Probes 1 Have you ever considered life on other planets, or maybe galaxies that we have never heard of? Thanks to space probes these dreams may become a reality sooner than u think. In the past years there have been many space probes launched and even more discoveries made by them. These probes are helping people to better understand our solar system and everything it. They are also helping to make many new discoveries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What exactly is a space probe? A space probe is an unmanned space vehicle that is designed to explore our solar system and everything in it by using very high-tech instruments. Some common instruments that you will find on a spacecraft include magnetometers, radiometers, cameras that are sensitive to infrared and ultraviolet light, and tools that can detect micrometers, cosmic rays, solar winds, and gamma rays. Space probes study structures in our solar system for various reasons. They use onboard computers to send data back to Earth. In order for these space probes to actually reach space, they must be launched with enough energy to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. Space probes are not designed to return back to Earth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the past years, many space probes have been launched for many different reasons. They have visited all of the planets in our solar system besides Pluto. The earliest space probes to be launched in the United States were the Mariner Series. They investigated Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The Mariner II flew within 35,400 km of the surface of Venus. (1) It sent information back to Earth about Venus’s atmosphere, rotation period, and information on its magnetic field. Mariner 10 has been the only space probe to reach Mercury so far. Another space probe, Helios I came within (1)Amazing Spacecraft 2 47 million km of the sun. (1) The Luna II and III space probes landed on the surface of the moon and took the first photos of the far side of the moon in 1959. Another space probe called the Pathfinder was launched on December 4, 1996 and made a successful landing on Mars in July of 1997. Other space probes to reach Mars include the Mars Pathfinder and the Mars Global Surveyor. A few other past space probes include the Voyager II, which is the only space probe to reach Uranus, The Venera VII, which was the first space probe to space probes :: essays research papers Deep Space Probes 1 Have you ever considered life on other planets, or maybe galaxies that we have never heard of? Thanks to space probes these dreams may become a reality sooner than u think. In the past years there have been many space probes launched and even more discoveries made by them. These probes are helping people to better understand our solar system and everything it. They are also helping to make many new discoveries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What exactly is a space probe? A space probe is an unmanned space vehicle that is designed to explore our solar system and everything in it by using very high-tech instruments. Some common instruments that you will find on a spacecraft include magnetometers, radiometers, cameras that are sensitive to infrared and ultraviolet light, and tools that can detect micrometers, cosmic rays, solar winds, and gamma rays. Space probes study structures in our solar system for various reasons. They use onboard computers to send data back to Earth. In order for these space probes to actually reach space, they must be launched with enough energy to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. Space probes are not designed to return back to Earth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the past years, many space probes have been launched for many different reasons. They have visited all of the planets in our solar system besides Pluto. The earliest space probes to be launched in the United States were the Mariner Series. They investigated Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The Mariner II flew within 35,400 km of the surface of Venus. (1) It sent information back to Earth about Venus’s atmosphere, rotation period, and information on its magnetic field. Mariner 10 has been the only space probe to reach Mercury so far. Another space probe, Helios I came within (1)Amazing Spacecraft 2 47 million km of the sun. (1) The Luna II and III space probes landed on the surface of the moon and took the first photos of the far side of the moon in 1959. Another space probe called the Pathfinder was launched on December 4, 1996 and made a successful landing on Mars in July of 1997. Other space probes to reach Mars include the Mars Pathfinder and the Mars Global Surveyor. A few other past space probes include the Voyager II, which is the only space probe to reach Uranus, The Venera VII, which was the first space probe to

The Truth Will Set You Free

Isaiah Houston Mrs. Dempsey English 3, Period4 October 15, 2012 The Truth will set You Free â€Å"Honesty is the best Policy†- Benjamin Franklin. Ever since we were young our parents, teachers and mentors have told us that we should be honest with ourselves and each other. When people lie and act deceitful it will eventually catch up to them. I think that the lies people tell will start to pile up and weigh down your conscience. A prime example of this is in Arthur Miller’s play, the Crucible, when John Proctor hides his affair with Abigail and it continues to haunt him.In Arthur Miller’s the Crucible, he uses John Proctor’s character to illustrate that the truth will put one’s mind at ease and he/she will be set free. With witch trials going on, lies are eminent and they overshadow the truth. People are getting accused of witchcraft for the wrong reasons. The good names of all the respected citizens and being ruined and there’s little to not hing they can do about it. Proctor finds out that his wife Elizabeth is being accused by Abigail, the young lady he has come to know, and he sought revenge against her.John Proctor prepares to face his demons head on and come out with honesty. In order to save his wife, Proctor comes out and admits himself as a lecher in court in order to further convict Abigail and free Elizabeth. Proctor tells the Judge, â€Å"I have known her, sir. I have known her† (page 110). Saying that statement, Proctor crossed the threshold into a more open and honest life. He feels relieved to have the burden of his guilt lifted. By telling the truth Proctor feels free for one of the first times in his life. People can truly be considered honest when they’re willing to put their good name on the line.Once he comes out as a lecher, John Proctor puts his good name on the line and lifts the guilt off of his conscience. The good names of all the respected citizens and being ruined and thereâ€⠄¢s little they can do about it. In the midst of pleading his case Proctor tells the Judge Danforth, â€Å"I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name ? you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one† (page 111)! Judge Danforth is skeptical about believing Proctor so it is up to John to make a convincing case as to why charges on Elizabeth should be dropped.Proctor has all his cards on the table by relying on Mary Warren’s testimony and is willing to ruin his good name for the sake of his wife and friends. From the beginning of the play up to this point people can tell that there has been a change of behavior in John. He seems more aware and selfless when it comes to the feelings and needs of other people. On his mission to save Elizabeth John is joined by his friends Giles Corey and Francis Nurse whose wives have been charged with witchcraft as well.It almost seems like a lost cause until they find out that Mary Warren is aware of Abigail’s lies and she is reluctant to testify on their behalf. But once they get to court Mary Warren betrays them because she cracks from the peer pressure, to maintain the lie that Abigail is telling. Mary Warren soon enough sides with Abigail and Proctor is convicted of wizardry. At this point, no one in Salem is safe, they are all in danger of being convicted or accused of witchcraft. Proctor, even though he was convicted, has a chance at freedom for him and Elizabeth.But that freedom would require him to lie and put flaw on his good name. Eventually Proctor refuses to further dirty his name and was put to death along with all his innocent friends Martha Corey, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey. Upon his deathbed his wife Elizabeth now free and says, â€Å"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him† (page 145)! Personally I think that Elizabeth can speak for everyone when she says that John has made right with everyb ody and has a clear conscience as he goes to his grave. People can truly be considered honest when they’re willing to sacrifice yourself for others.In Arthur Miller’s the Crucible, he uses John Proctor’s character to illustrate that the truth will put your mind at ease and set you free. When you lie and act deceitful it will eventually catch up to you. Like when Abigail tells all her lies and they eventually catch up to her, causing her to flee Salem. A prime example of this is in Arthur Miller’s play, the Crucible, when John Proctor hides his affair with Abigail and it continues to haunt him. Ever since we were young our parents, teachers and mentors have told us that we should be honest with ourselves and each other. â€Å"Honesty is the best Policy†- Benjamin Franklin.

Review of BPR methodologies

This paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of using a methodology in the context of BPR. It also provides a critique of existing BPR methodologies which erved as a basis for the development of the CONDOR BPR methodology. The paper also presents the main points of the implementation of this methodology to three European construction companies. What can a methodology offer to the BPR field? According to Preece and Peppard (1996), a methodology is simply theory put into practice aiming at dealing with real world situations.According to Valiris and Glykas (1999) a BPR methodology should provide ‘ ‘a consistent set of techniques and guidelines which will enable the business process redesigner to reorganise business ctivities and processes in an organisation†. The use of a methodology is essential for a number of reasons. First, a methodology provides a means of codifying experience, knowledge and ideas, in a form that not only can be easily applied, but also ca n be evaluated and tested. Second, a methodology offers a certain level of organisation, and facilitates planning and monitoring.In BPR initiatives, a methodology enables the organisation, on the one hand, to have a clear picture of its current processes along with their associated problems and, on the other, to design the new state of these processes. In addition, by following a certain methodology, BPR re-engineers† have the opportunity to monitor and evaluate the progress of the re-engineering effort. Third, a methodology enables those who are involved or affected by the BPR to understand their tasks and clarify their roles.A BPR methodology which is clearly defined and explained to those who are leading the BPR work can facilitate the communication between them, and serve as a kind of ‘ ‘contract† in which all the parties understand their responsibilities and are, therefore, able to monitor the overall process re-engineering progress. Finally, adoption of a methodology allows a standard set of required skills to be identified and developed. Key skills required for BPR include process modelling, organisational development techniques, and skills to deal with resistance to change.There are, however, a number of problems related to the use of a methodology. One important reason which explains the reluctance of developing and using methodologies or models in the BPR context is that the widely accepted methodologies are based on how the business processes should change and how the organisation should adapt itself in this change, rather than on the evaluation of urrent practices and on the codification of successful practical experiences (Simsion, 1994).Moreover, the BPR literature search reveals that there are an increasing number of successful re-engineering implementations and case studies using BPR methodologies. Although each business situation has some unique characteristics, an appropriate methodology will need to allow tor assessme nt and re-use ot existing successful approaches and practical experiences. In addition, a methodology hides the danger of restraining creativity and innovation. The latter are crucial elements in he radical thinking during the re-engineering process.By encouraging those who are involved in the reengineering process to comply with the requirements of a given methodology, there is a potential risk of restricting the opportunity of optimising the results according to the level required by the methodology (Simsion,1994). Critique of existing BPR 239 240 In conclusion, there are many advantages and disadvantages regarding the use of a specific methodology or model in the re-engineering initiative. Each side demonstrates equally important arguments that affect the organisation.The lternative to using a methodology in an attempt to minimise the negative consequences is not anarchy but a contingency approach tailored to suit the objectives and needs of every organisation or business sector, building on basic principles of planning and monitoring as well as on previous successful working practices. Critique of existing BPR methodologies and models The are many BPR methodologies and models available, and most of them pursue a similar path and exhibit commonalities in key areas (Butler, 1994).Today, an increasing number of methodologies, models and tools taken from other disciplines re available in the market, claiming that they are suitable for BPR initiatives. Ruessmann et al. (1994) reported the results of their research, claiming that BPR methodologies are based on a synthesis of techniques drawn from other disciplines and methodologies such as soft systems, total quality management (TQM), benchmarking, and organisational development. According to a I-JK BPR methodology survey summary findings (Archer, 1996), the number of stages involved in BPR approaches varies greatly, despite the fact that they do present key similarities.

Nature vs. Nurture in Language Development

What is Language? Language is a tool we have been using to understand and develop our thinking. We have been: Learning about the thinking of others by reading Expressing our own thinking through writing Exchanging ideas with others by speaking and listening Thought and language can contribute to clear, effective thinking and communication. Language is a system of symbols for thinking and communicating. At 5 years of age human is expected to have; Articulated speech, Vocabulary of more than 6000 words and Observe grammar rules.An Average speaker is expected to have; 150 words per minute, 20,000 and 40,000 alternatives and error rates below 0. 1%. There are two theories concerning Nature or Rationalism in Language and these are the Nativism and Child Talk model of Chapman et al. (1992). In the child talk theory the child’s needs will enable him to formulate speech based on his past experiences. Nature or rationalist theory is based on the following study by prominent people in h uman history: 1. PLATO knowledge and understanding: * innate * biological * genetically * common nature . Rene Descartes (1596 – 1650) Ideas existed within human beings prior to experience. * God * ability of the environment and the mind to influence and initiate behavior * reflex action (unintended behaviors) 3. Kant (1724-1804) â€Å"A priori† knowledge as illustrated below. 4. CHOMSKY The Nativist Perspective: Human beings are born with an innate capacity for language. Universal Grammar * An innate property of the human mind * Growth of language is analogous to the development of a bodily organ * Abstract that it could not be learned at allPrinciples of UG: 1. Language is innate 2. Our brains contain a dedicated special-purpose learning device that has evolved for language alone. * domain specificity, autonomy or modularity Nurture states that knowledge originates in the environment and comes in through the senses. This theory is called Empiricism defines as the imp ortance of sensory experience as the basis of all knowledge. Empiricism is otherwise known as the doctrine that says sense experience is the only source of knowledge, a belief that experience alone is the source of all knowledge.Empiricism is essentially a theory of knowledge which asserts that all knowledge is derived from sense experience. It rejects the notion that the mind is furnished with a range of concepts or ideas prior to experience. Three principal British philosophers who are associated with empiricism are John Locke (1632-1704), George Berkeley (1685-1753), and David Hume (1711-76). in philosophy, a doctrine that affirms that all knowledge is based on experience, and denies the possibility of spontaneous ideas or a priori thought. Empiricism (greek from empirical, latin experientia – the experience) is generally regarded as being at the heart of the modern scientific method, that our theories should be based on our observations of the world rather than on intuit ion or faith; that is, empirical research and a posteriori inductive reasoning rather than purely deductive logic. Other basis of empiricism are: 1. ARISTOTLE * Truth and knowledge to be found outside of ourselves by using our senses. 2. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) * Emile: the hero learns about life through his experiences in life 3.John Dewey (1859 – 1952) * Structured experience matters and disciplinary modes of inquiry could allow the development of the mind. 4. Edward Thorndike (1874 – 1949) STIMULUS – RESPONSE * people learned through a trial-and-error approach * mental connections are formed through positive responses to particular stimuli * learning was based on an association between sense impressions and an impulse to action * structure the environment to ensure certain stimuli that would ‘produce’ learning 5. Psychologist B. F.Skinner (behaviorism or associationism) 3 needs for language formation: * time * opportunity * com puting power Skinner further explains that learning is the production of desired behaviors without any influence of mental processes. Programmed learning is positive reinforcement for â€Å"correct† responses Let us now bridge the gap between nature and nurture. Learning is a developmental cognitive process, human create/construct knowledge. There are three theories involved in this process; constructivism, progressivism and language acquisition theory.We will discuss first constructivism , the following diagrams will show us. Diagram 1: Psychologist Jean Piaget proposed two kind of interaction: * Simple interactions: putting together * Emergentism: adding more to what was put together The first box shows simple interaction while the second box shows emergentism. Diagram 2 shows us how the brain is constructed with interaction to the environment. Diagram 2: Vygotsky (1896 – 1934) states that all learning occurs in a cultural context and involves social interactions.The zone of proximal development (ZPD)learn subjects best just beyond their range of existing experience with assistance from the teacher or another peer to bridge the distance from what they know or can do independently and what they can know or do with assistance (Schunk, 1996) â€Å"scaffolding† that help students learn in systematic ways. This is illustrated further illustrated in diagram 3. To Piaget there are three element involved in interaction the structured environment, the senses and the brain. Vygotsky added one more element nother human being that makes now the elements of interaction four namely structured environment, the senses, another human being and the brain. Diagram 3: Second theory in bridging the gap is Progressivism which emphases on both experience and thinking or reflection as a basis for learning explore, discover, construct, and create. Emergentist (Tomasello & Call, 1997) said that there is something innate in the human brain that makes language poss ible, something that we do with a large and complex brain that evolved to serve the many complex goals of human society and culture.A new machine built out of old parts, reconstructed from those parts by every human child. ( contrast to domain specificity ). Diagram 4 will show us people cannot create something from nothing. People can create but from something already there. The picture on the left is the nurtured face while the picture on the right is the natural face. Diagram 4: LAD THEORY ( Language Acquisition Device ) Chomsky regards linguistics as a subfield of psychology, more especially the cognitive psychology.The Language Acquisition Device: Chomsky argues that language is so complex that it is almost incredible that it can be acquired by a child in so short a time. He further says that a child is born with some innate mental capacity which helps the child to process all the language which he hears. This is called the quot;Language Acquisition Devicequot; (LAD). Chomsky a nd his followers claim that language is governed by rules, and is not a haphazard thing, as Skinner and his followers would claim. We must remember that when Chomsky talks about rules, he means the unconscious rules in a child's mind.A child constructs his own mental grammar which is a part of his cognitive framework. These rules enable him to produce grammatical sentences in his own language. Chomsky does not mean that child can describe these rules explicitly. For instance, a four or five year old child can produce a sentence like, I have taken meal, he can do that because he has a ‘mental grammar' which enables him to form correct present perfect structures and also to use such structures in the right or appropriate situation. Language learning Input Mental grammar Is an (own rules) Innate ability LADGrammatical Output sentencesChomsky suggests that the learner of any language has an inbuilt learning capacity for language that enables each learner to construct a kind of per sonal theory or set of rules about the language based on very limited exposure to language. John Watson / Behaviorism A branch of psychology that bases its observations and conclusions on definable and measurable behavior and on experimental methods, rather than on concept of ;quot;mind. â€Å" Behaviorism is a psychological theory first put forth by John Watson (1925), and then expounded upon by BF Skinner.Attempting to answer the question of human behavior, proponents of this theory essentially hold that all human behavior is learned from one's surrounding context and environment. Diagram 5 shows the imitation process * Children start out as clean slates and language learning is process of getting linguistic habits printed on these slates * Language Acquisition is a process of experience * Language is a ‘conditioned behavior’: the stimulus response process * Stimulus – Response, Feedback – Reinforcement Diagram 5:SUMMARY Rationalism ( Bloomfield & Noam Chomsky ) states the nativist or innateness where children must be born with an innate capacity for language development. Children are born with an innate propensity for language acquisition, and that this ability makes the task of learning a first language easier than it would otherwise be. The human brain is ready naturally for language in the sense when children are exposed to speech, certain general principles for discovering or structuring language automatically begin to operate.Constructivism ( Jean Piaget ) proponent of cognitive theory which introduced that language Acquisition must be viewed within the context of a child’s intellectual development. Linguistic structures will emerge only if there is an already established cognitive foundation. The earliest period of language learning (up to 18 months), relating to the development of what Piaget called ‘sensory motor’ intelligence, in which children construct a mental picture of a world of objects that hav e independent existence.During the later part of this period, children develop a sense of object permanence and will begin to search for the objects that they have seen hidden. This is further emphasized by Vygotsky in his socio-cultural approach to knowledge. Another theory by C. A. Ferguson (1977) known as the Input Theory claiming that parents do not talk to their children in the same way as they talk to other adults and seem to be capable of adapting their language to give the child maximum opportunity to interact and learn. REFERENCES:Pinel, JJ (2011) Biopsychology; Eighth Edition, Allyn& Bacon. Nature versus nurture – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Nature_versus_nurturePowell, K. (n. d. ). Nature vs Nurture – How heredity and environment shape who we are. Retrieved from http://genealogy. about. com/cs/geneticgenealogy/a/nature_nurture. htmPowell, K. (). Nature vs Nurture – how heredity and environment shape who we are. Retrieved from http://genealogy. about. com/cs/geneticgenealogy/a/nature_nurture_2. htm