Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Educational Paradigms and Models Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Educational Paradigms and Models - Assignment Example Also, students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to engage in complicated paths in school, for example, restarting or repeating their programs due to economic issues. They may also be forced to defer their enrollment in school due to financial difficulties. This may have a negative impact on the number of students in the school and the performance of the school in general. Moreover, students from poor families suffer from poor nutrition because they cannot afford meals that contain a balanced diet. As a result, their memory and attention during instruction may be affected, thus leading to a decreased intelligence quotient score than students from wealthy households (Darling-Hammond, 2010). The Effects of Moral Order Factors on Schools Moral order factors in schools may be attained using several approaches. One strategy is to establish a code of conduct that will highlight rules of action for every condition. Such a code requires a procedure of execution. The mor al order factors under this approach will require schools to have a standard-setting authority. In addition, schools will be compelled to have control systems and agents to the people who are required to abide by these regulations. Also, the individuals who are subjected to the code of conduct will be required to seek more detailed rules or norms for each and every specified case which will be encountered in the school. In addition, the moral order factors will require being continuously moderated to meet the changing situations in the school environment. Moral order factors will also empower and enable people to individually make the right choices and pursue the required way of life, even at the cost of sacrificing their instantaneous desires. Additionally, moral order factors will require a distinctive frame of reference for moral education in schools. Consequently, this will lead to high attachment to school enhanced, school attendance and performance, and elevated commitment to schooling. The Effects of School Board Leadership on Schools School board leadership has a number of effects on schools. School board leadership leads to satisfactory leadership and management of the schools. The board of a school holds the school accountable for its performance. The school board leadership is also active, and this has a positive impact on the development and work of different schools. In addition, a school which is led by a school board has a positive impact on its members of staff. School board leadership makes the principal give sound leadership making all members of staff committed to both the school and to further development. As a result, learning and teaching become satisfactory. Also, school board leadership makes the principal firm, inspirational and focused. This motivates the staff to meet the learners’ educational needs and make significant progress. A highly experienced school board may also offer unlimited advice for the progress of the school a nd support the initiatives executed by the principal (Fullan, 2010).  Ã‚  

Monday, October 28, 2019

Sallust and the Fall of Rome Essay Example for Free

Sallust and the Fall of Rome Essay Sallust also said â€Å"at home they lived frugally and never betrayed a friend†. This means they were always kind and never betrayed anyone. This was all before money became a factor. Sallust could see that Rome was becoming greedy and started to care only about money and knew Rome was going to collapse. He said â€Å"as soon as wealth came to be a mark of distinction and an easy way to renown, military commands and political power, virtue began to decline†. This was before the actual fall of Rome but it was absolutely correct. Rome began to fall apart over money and never went back. They ended up fighting themselves over money and that allowed others to take over. Sallust also said â€Å"such men, it seems to me, have treated their wealth as a mere plaything: instead of making honorable use of it, they have shamefully misused it on the first wasteful project that occurred to them†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . This sums up how the thought of money as a toy and used it on the first thing they saw. This greed made Rome fall. Rome was the greatest empire of its time but all things come to an end. Some things ended with war or disease but Rome fell because of the greed of the people there. Greed never leads to anything good and this is probably the best example of that in history. Sallust was completely right when he predicted the fall of Rome over money but no one listened and that was the end of Rome.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Witches, Supernatural, and Evil in Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

The Witches and  Evil in Macbeth    No discussion of evil in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth would be satisfactory without considering its’ most famous symbols of evil: the coven of witches whose interactions with Macbeth play such a vital role in his thinking about his own life. Banquo and Macbeth recognize them as something supernatural, part of the landscape but not fully human inhabitants of it. They have malicious intentions and prophetic powers. And yet they are not active agents in the sense that they do nothing other than talk and offer visions and potions. The witches have no power to compel. If we are to explore the significance of these witches we must do so by treating them as vital poetic symbols in the play, essential manifestations of the moral atmosphere of Macbeth's world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most obvious interpretation of the witches is to see them as manifestations of evil in the world. They exist to tempt and torment people, to challenge their faith in themselves and their society. They work on Macbeth by equivocation, that is, by ambiguous promises of some future state. These promises come true, but not in the way that the victim originally believed. The witches thus make their appeal to Macbeth's and Banquo's desire to control their own future, to direct it towards some desirable ends. They have no power to compel belief, but they can obviously appeal strongly to an already existing inclination to force one's will onto events in order to shape the future to fit one deepest desires.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Banquo's importance in the play stems, in large part, from his different response to these witches. Like Macbeth, he is strongly tempted, but he does not let his desires outweigh his moral caution: But 'tis strange, And oftentimes to win us to our harm The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles to betray's In deepest consequence. (1.3.120-124)    Macbeth cannot act on this awareness because his desires (kept alive by his active imagination and his wife's urging) constantly intrude upon his moral sensibilities. Hence, he seizes upon the news that he has just been made Thane of Cawdor, using that information to tell him what he most wants to believe, that the witches tell the truth. This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Define personality & motivation

Personalities are usually described as how introverted or extroverted someone is. And introvert is someone who is usually more quiet and thoughtful whereas as an extrovert is someone who is more loud and excitable. If you are either introvert or extrovert it often affects the types of sport you like e. G. And introvert character would usually play something Like tennis as it's a sport they can play as one and not In a team, an extrovert person would usually Like team sports more such as football and rugby. Introverts enjoy sports with more concentration, precision with intricate skills.Introvert characters are usually more self-motivated. Extroverts tend to enjoy sports which are faster paced, exciting and where you need a lower concentration. These are usually team sports and they tend to be motivated by others around them. Extroverted people are often Involved in sports which require a degree of aggression. There are 2 types of aggression: Indirect aggression – this means ta king out your aggression on an object. Direct aggression – The aggression is in the direction of another player. It involves physical contact such as a rugby tackle or in wrestling or boxing.Essence's theory – The Essence's theory was thought of by a German man who Identified two dimensions f personality which act as continuous, with an individual's personality falling anywhere along the two lines, as shown below These two dimensions are stable/unstable and introverted/extroverted. For example, if an Individual Is introverted (shy of social contact) but stable, they are likely to be reliable, calm and controlled. An extroverted (enjoys social affiliation) unstable individual is likely to be tough, aggressive and excitable. Rationality, there are 3 different types of body types; Stepmother – these are people with a tall slim figure, Sheldon thought these people tended to be more Self- unconscious, tense, private (keeps to themselves), and introverted. Endomorphis m – these people are shorter and are a bit fatter, Sheldon thought these people were more tolerant, sociable and relaxed. Monochromes – these are people who have broad shoulders and are more muscular, Sheldon thought these people were more extrovert, assertive, and are risk takers.The Giordano theory (trait theory) – this theory is split into to 2, there are 2 types of people Type A and Type B. Type A – these are more introvert people which enjoy their own company, they have a strong desire to succeed, they like control, often suffers tress and are never happy with what they have (they always want more). Being a type A person will benefit their performance if they are doing a sport which involves only themselves. Type B – these tend to be more extrovert people who are more laid back and happy with what they have, they're less competitive and often work at a slower pace.They do not enjoy control and they're able to relax easily. Being a type B perso n will often benefit them if they're playing a team sports and where they can have the help of others. Motivation – a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. There are several theories to do with motivation, these include; The attribution theory – a belief required overtime that one has no control over events and that failure is inevitable / out of their hands. It's a feeling of hopelessness.There are 3 attribution categories these are stability, locus of casualty, locus of control. These 3 categories all go two ways. Stability – you can either be stable or unstable. Locus of casualty – you can either be internal or external. Locus of control – the person can either be in control of themselves or out of control of themselves. Athlete's that attribute their performance outcome to stable internal factors such as effort and ability and to factors under their control are more likely to achieve in sport.Athlete's that attribute the ir performance outcome to unstable-external factors such as luck and difficulty and to factors out of their control are more likely to fail in sport and as they have no goals set out for themselves. Intrinsic motivation comes from within the body, therefore it will be the performer driving themselves to be better. Intrinsic people tend to be able to overcome tasks eave goals set out for themselves to keep progress and maintain motivation. They will have a feeling of pride and enjoyment in their performing the skill.I believe it's better for a performer to be intrinsic because its they are driving themselves to better, they want to be better, therefore they will get better. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of the performer. These are things which can encourage the athlete to perform and fall into two groups: Tangible rewards: These are physical rewards like medals, trophies and money. These should not be used as much with young athletes o avoid a situation where winning a priz e is more important than competing.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Argonatica

The epic poem highlights the hero Jason, and his quest for the Golden Fleece. According to the myth, Jason and fifty other renowned members of Greece set out for the fleece so that Jason could earn back his father's kingdom. Jason is a particularly interesting hero because he often displays qualities of an efficient leader. This is distinct compared to other heroes, such as Hercules, who are better known as warriors rather than leaders.Apollonius' epic would lay the groundwork for the works of Gaius Valerius Flaccus and Virgil. The Golden Fleece was the item which Jason, with the help of the Argonauts, was forced to retrieve. The origin of the Golden Fleece begins with Phrixus and Helle, the children of Athamus, and the goddess Nephele. When Athamas remarried, the children's stepmother, Ino, became Jealous of them and plotted to get rid of Phrixus and his sister. Ino persuaded two messengers to say that that the oracle required the sacrifice of Phrixus to restore ertility to the fiel ds.Before Phrixus could be sacrificed, however, Nephele sent a golden ram which carried both children off through the air. Helle fell into the Hellespont, but Phrixus arrived safely at Colchis, where he married the daughter of King Aeetes. Phrixus sacrificed the ram to Zeus, and gave its pelt (the Golden Fleece) to Aeetes. Aeetes placed the fleece in an oak tree, where it remained. Then Jason's Father Aeson, was driven from power and killed by his brother Pelias. Jason death is aked and the child is sent away to be taught by the centaur Chiron.Jason returns later to reclaim his throne. However, an oracle warns Pelias that he will die at the hands of one of his relatives and that he should be wary of a man wearing only one sandal. Pelias informs Jason that he would give up his throne if Jason would set out and retrieve the Golden Fleece. The Argonautica begins as Jason is assembling a crew for the Argo. The Argo was the boat which was built by Argos for the Journey. It was slightly l arger than most ships at the time. In many ways the author Apollonius does not highlight the true heroism of Jason.Jason, through the author's description, does not appear as heroic as he really was. The definition of a Greek tragic hero is a man who is neither a pure man nor one who receives his fate as a result of his wickedness, but because of some mistake. From this it can be derived that the tragic hero must be both mortal, and human, and one who receives his fate as a result of error rather than as retribution. In both these instances Jason is a tragic hero ecause he is neither a perfect man nor a terrible man and he dies as a result of mortal mistakes as opposed to retribution.In the case of Jason, his tragic flaw is being too dependent on others. Jason tragic end begins as a result of Medea, who kills Pelias and forces Jason to flee his father's former kingdom after the Journey. Medea then kills Jason's sons and flees after Jason married another woman. Apollonius does not me ntion this part of the myth in his epic. In this way the true entirety of the definition is not fulfilled by the epic. Argonatica By Ibeaulieu

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Use and Abuse of Antibioti essays

The Use and Abuse of Antibioti essays What is an antibiotic? What is this miracle drug that everyone talks about? There is a lot about antibiotics that we should all be more aware of. The word antibiotic actually means anti-life. The most common definition that we use for an antibiotic is: any substance produced by a microorganism that harms or kills another microorganism. There are many different kinds of antibiotic substances, most of them are natural products that certain bacteria and fungi (molds) produce and send outside of their cells. About 90% of the antibiotics we use today, are originated from bacteria. However there are a couple of antibiotics that were created from scratch in laboratory. These totally synthetic antibiotics are designed to inhibit some process previously identified to be completely unique to bacteria, and necessary for the bacterium to remain alive. Bacterium in the wild suffers a constant competition for available nutrients. Therefore if they can develop a substance that can cripple or annihilate their competitors then they have an advantage. So, even though these microorganisms do not have the ability to decide what substance to produce, through several mutations and additional events, they are capacitated to compete and consequently to survive more readily within their environment. We use antibiotics for a different purpose, of course, to help us kill harmful bacteria that cause us infection and disease. Scottish physician Alexander Fleming rediscovered in 1928 what Ernest Duchesne, a French Student, had initially discovered in 1896; the first and most famous fungus, Penicillium, which conceived the first identified microbial antibiotic, penicillin. Commercial methods for penicillin for human use were only developed in 1941 at the time of World War II. Howard Floerey and Ernst Chain made a major effort to try to make penicillin available to all of the British, U.S., and other allies in...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Russias Approach to Peacekeeping Resembles Neo-imperialism †Government Essay

Russias Approach to Peacekeeping Resembles Neo-imperialism – Government Essay Free Online Research Papers Russias Approach to Peacekeeping Resembles Neo-imperialism Government Essay Russian peacekeeping operations have been described by McNeill as â€Å"intervention disguised as peacekeeping missions† (1997). In the early nineties there was a large body of writers arguing that post-Soviet Russian peacekeeping operations were aimed at expanding Russia and consolidating a powerbase throughout the region and subduing the newly independent states of the Transcausas and Central Asia. This essay examines this argument in relation to two case studies of Russian military intervention, Moldova and Tajikistan. The accusation by McNeill that Russian peacekeeping amounts to little more than self-interested military intervention is one that must be rejected upon further analysis of Russian operations as is demonstrated below. After examining the situation it becomes clear that Russia is pursuing a foreign policy that is far from unilateral and self-serving and no different from what any other state would do in a similar situation. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the USSR resulted in a huge shift in the structure of international relations, with balance of power shifting from a bipolar system to a unipolar, or multipolar one depending on one’s point of view (Krauthammer 2002; Huntingdon 1999). This change in the global system and the demise of the USSR caused a large debate in the Russian Federation (RF) about what should constitute its new foreign policy in the post-Cold War era (Shakleina 1995: 83), both in relation to states of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and at a global level. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the severe economic crisis in Russia, it lost its place as a world superpower, having neither the military, economic or political strength to maintain such a position. The post-Cold War world has been characterized by ethnic tensions and regional conflicts, with civil and regional wars becoming the norm, for example the disintegration of Yugoslavia and conflict in Somalia (Nikitin 1996: 83). The greatest concern amongst policy makers is the stability and survival of the RF, threatened both internally and externally by ethnic conflicts. Rejecting the idea of having a concrete doctrine, the first Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation (RF) Kozyrez, instead claimed that Russia would adopt a flexible definition of its national interest, based on â€Å"reactions to specific situation[s]† (ibid.). During the early nineties policy makers involved in foreign policy were restricted in both numbers and outlooks, causing policy making to be a confused and fragmented area of the Russian government (Arbatov 1993: 8). Following the break-up of the USSR, there was no mechanism in place to deal with issues of collective security until 1996 when the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) agreed on guidelines, though this was after all the conflicts had started (Yermolaev 2000). Five points of justification for military action by Russia have b een identified by Holoboff: it must contribute to maintaining Russia’s position as a great power; protect ethnic Russians; prevent the spread of instability; secure Russian geopolitical interests and finally that it coincides with nationalist opinion (1994: pp156-157). For all the rhetoric of Russia as aspiring to play the role of regional hegemon by the West, it is difficult to see how these foreign policy aims are any different to most other states. This view is backed up when examining the examples of Russian intervention/peacekeeping. For the purposes of this essay the main focus will be upon the Yeltsin years, as it was during this era that all of the RF’s peacekeeping operations in â€Å"near abroad† were initiated. The term â€Å"near abroad† is used by Russian policy-makers to refer to the states of the FSU: the old Soviet Socialist Republics (SSRs) of Central Asia, the Baltic and the Transcaucas (Aldred Smith 2000). The CIS was formed in 1991 in the final days of the Soviet Union, and was intended to be mainly an economic group, though there were also plans to develop it as a defense organization as well. However as with most groups of this nature it merely reflected existing power relationships, with Galeotti describing it as a â€Å"gigantic fig-leaf†, which Yeltsin could use or ignore as he chose (1995: 150). Critics of Western security policy could argue that in this respect it differs little from the US domination of NATO or the UN. The â€Å"near abroad† is not qu ite synonymous with the CIS as the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have so far refused to join. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, 25 million ethnic Russians and 5 million Russian speakers found themselves living in the new states of the near abroad outside the boarders of the RF (Tolz 2001: 242). This diaspora has had a significant impact on Russian politics regarding the near abroad, especially in relation to peacekeeping operations (Kolsto, 1993: 198). As with most political concepts, the term â€Å"peacekeeping† has many different interpretations and meanings, resulting in states adopting differing interpretations regarding what can be classed as â€Å"peacekeeping† operations. This is one of the main issues of difference between Russian foreign policy and Western foreign policy, both in theory and in execution. Three key differences between the Russian and Western conception of peacekeeping have been identified by Nikitin (1996: 92). Firstly Russia has acted under a reduced mandate in all operations in the FSU. Instead of operating through the UN, it has been enough to have discussed peacekeeping with both, or even one of the conflicting sides and then only to agree in principal, rather than a full plan. Secondly there is no commitment to using military forces from a neutral party with no interests at stake in the conflict so as to avoid accusations of impartiality or the use of â€Å"peacekeeping† as a t ool for strategic gain (ibid.). The RF has believed that in several of conflicts detailed below that it is acting in a neutral position, as is not directly one of the two sides involved, however the many ties and linkages between the states of the FSU (Arbatov 1993: 7) make true neutrality impossible between any of the CIS states. Thirdly international observers should work separately, rather than alongside peacekeeping forces. Fourthly Nikitin argues that Russia is more concerned with peace-enforcement operations, rather than peacekeeping (1996: 92). These differences in policy help to account for some of the accusations of a neoimperialist agenda. Intervention has a range of definitions, from economic and political coercion by peaceful means to full scale military involvement in another sovereign states’ affairs (Halverson 1994: 76). The idea that Russia operates totally without regard to world opinion and without caring about UN legitimacy is is shown to be false on examination of the evidence. In 1994 Yeltsin claimed that the norms and principals of international law would be the basis of Russia’s foreign policy (Nikitin 1996: 86). Yeltsin also sought UN recognition that the FSU be accepted as part of the Russian sphere of influence and that she should be granted â€Å"special powers as guarantor of peace and stability in the regions of the former Union† (Yeltsin cited in Galeotti 1995: 180). This attempted to give international legitimacy to Russia pursuing an adaptation of the Monroe Doctrine, giving it free reign in its â€Å"backyard†. However this rhetoric was greatly weakened by Russia n actions in Eurasia contributing greatly to much of the instability (ibid.). In addition Holoboff argues that this was based on little more than Yeltsin trying to bolster public support for him by demonstrating that his sympathies lie with Russian’s in the near-abroad rather than with the West (1994: 170) Since 1990 Russia has been involved in four main â€Å"peacekeeping† operations in the area of the FSU; Moldova (1992), Georgia/Abkhazia (1992-), Georgia/South Ossetia (1992-) and Tajikistan (1992-) (Fleitz 2002: 117) and Chechnya within the RF (1994-). These have all been conflicts of secession based on ethnic, rather than political differences. Many of these conflicts were based on tensions that were suppressed in the USSR as the communist government attempt to unite all the ethnic groups of Russia and the CIS region under the banner of the socialist state (Treninl 2000). Yet the Soviet Union was in many ways a continuation of the Tsarist state, and Russians continued to dominate, especially in the SSRs, where ethnic Russians and Russian speakers were privileged over local ethnic groups. The idea of the Soviet Union as the union of many different nationalities was also predominantly the idea of Russians alone and many non-Russians in the outlying republics had a strong r esentment towards Moscow (Kolsto 1993: 198). Russian peacekeeping in these regions has differed greatly from Russian support for UN based missions, for example in Bosnia and Angola where Russian observers supported the UN missions (Yermolaev 2000). Reasons for Russia’s different approach to the near abroad are considered below. Russian peacekeeping operations in the Transdniestria region of Moldova have been one of the most controversial, due to the lack of adherence to international standards in peacekeeping. Following the independence of Moldova from the USSR in 1990 there were fears amongst the Russian section of the population that Moldova would seek to reunite with Romania (OSCE 1994: 1). The major ethnic group in Moldova are the Romanians, accounting for 65% of the population, in comparison Russians account for only 13% (Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2004). In response to the adoption of Romanian as the official language protests developed in the Transdniestria area, resulting in the declaration of a â€Å"Transdniestrian Moldovan Republic† (OSCE 1994: 2). This area had a high level of communist sympathies and a low level of Romanians, with the result that the â€Å"elected† communist government was sympathetic to Moscow. Problems were caused by the Russian 14th Army, led by the hard-line conservative Major-General Lebed, openly siding with the secessionist opponents of the Moldovan government (Holoboff 1994: 163). The 14th Army also supplied weapons and training to civilians during the conflict, in contradiction of all peacekeeping norms (OSCE 1994: 4), though whether this was done officially or not is unknown. The conflict started in December 1991 and it was not until July 1992 that a peacekeeping mission was discussed amongst the CIS states. Originally it was agreed that a CIS peacekeeping taskforce consisting of troops from Ukraine, Romania, Belarus, Russia and Bulgaria would be sent if the Moldovan government requested (OSCE 1994: 3). This initiative failed however as the other states backed out, leaving Moldova with little option but to accept the Russian plan of peacekeepers from Russia, Moldova and Transdniestria. Moldova eventually secured OSCE observation and assistance in 1994. However, even up the present day the Russian 14th Army re mains in Transdniestria, more than 1000km from the Russian border (ibid.) The former republics of Central Asia have been the other main hotspot of instability which the RF has become involved in peacekeeping operations and provides a useful comparison to operations in Moldova. Peacekeeping operations were started in Tajikistan in October 1993, following the bloodiest stage of the Civil War (Nikitin 1996: 91). The civil war started following the break-up of the Soviet Union and was between the Moscow backed communist government and a lose coalition of tribal and regional clans, some of them Islamic fundamentalists. Tajikistan’s location made it vulnerable to Islamic fundamentalism, a situation which has worried both the nearby authoritarian and largely secular former SSRs as well as Moscow (Vasilyev 1996: 69). Fears of a â€Å"domino effect† resulting from the Islamization of one of the former Republics are prevalent both in Moscow and in neighbouring states (Splidsboel-Hansen 1997: 1503; Holoboff 1994: 165). The most distinctive feature of Russian peacekeeping in Tajikistan has been its more multinational dimension and presence of a CIS mandate. In 1993 the heads of the CIS agreed to send a multinational peacekeeping force, consisting of military contingents from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajiks themselves (Nikitin 1996: 91). Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan later changed their minds, and Russia provided most of the troops eventually. Support from CIS states outside of the region was also non-existent; Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova all refused to send troops. Russian troops were used to seal the â€Å"transparent† Afghan border to prevent the movement of weapons and drugs and mujahidin. In 1994 a UN peacekeeping mission, UNMOT, was despatched to supervise the ceasefire and to stabilise the country (Taylor 2002). By the time of the UN’s involvement support from CIS states other than Russia amount to little more than a token effort (Shakleina 1995: 103) The two above case studies arguably demonstrate little in the way of a neoimperialist foreign policy pursue by the RF under the guise of peacekeeping. Certainly Russian conceptions of peacekeeping have differed from traditionally accepted ones in many ways, however there is no strong evidence that Russia is embarking on a deliberately expansionist policy. Firstly in both cases there has been an eventual acceptance of the need to involve supranational bodies, in Moldova the OSCE and in Tajikistan the UN, which is hardly consistent with the idea of an expansionist state seeking to further its own regional gains. Russia also assisted with peacekeeping in Abkhazia and Nagorno-Karabakh somewhat reluctantly and at its own expense (Holoboff 1994: 168) In none of the cases has Russia acted unilaterally with no consultation, there has been no Afghanistan or Hungarian type operations in response to perceived security threats. Russia has found it hard to act multilaterally when states in the CIS refuse to send troops to backup their declarations. One of the main reasons for CIS states refusing to send troops is that it would be of no benefit to their state, for example this was the reason given by Turkmenistan for refusing to send troops to assist in Tajikistan (Brown 1996: 237). Russia has also had to step in when other states outside the region have refused assistance. The UN initially refused to become involved in the conflict in Abkhazia as conditions were â€Å"not ripe† (Ivanov 1996: 78) for UN involvement, as a result of the bloodshed Russia was forced to step in and provide the framework and troops for peacekeeping, again out her own pocket. Secondly there appears to be a development of Russian policy as it becomes used to a new concept, for example the adoption of a CIS doctrine on peacekeeping. Peacekeeping formed only a very limited feature of the Soviet Union’s foreign policy, instead preferring to see conflicts in a more black and white approach such as its support for national liberation movements, for example in Angola. Thirdly Russia’s approach to its neighbouring states seems more concerned with guarding its own borders and preserving its security. Refusing to allow places such as Tajikistan to become Islamic fundamentalist states represents a prudent, rather than expansionist foreign policy, especially when considering the large level of non-Russian Muslims in the Central Asian states and the destabilising effect this would have on Russia proper. In addition to these factors the RF has also not installed puppet regimes in either of these conflicts, or any of the other ones which it has been inv olved in, signifying a major break in policy from the days of the Soviet Union. In many ways the shedding of the outlying SSRs in Central Asia has been a benefit to the RF as she would no longer have to economically support them or use troops to resolve ethnic and tribal conflicts (Smith 1999: 49). Regardless of its long lineage, the new RF is less than 15 years old as a democratic state; as such it must be expected to take some time to develop its foreign policies. Certainly in light of recent US/UK actions in Iraq and Afghanistan it is hard to accuse the RF as being alone in pursuing an â€Å"imperialist† agenda. A more accurate description I would argue is that the RF is adopting a Monroe Doctrine-esque strategy and that policies in Central Asia and the Transcaucas are more readily comparable to US actions in Latin America than any of the â€Å"classic† European Empires such as the British or French. Russia’s actions in Moldova and Tajikistan appear to have very limited geostrategic benefits for the RF, for example it would not be in Russia’s interests to have another Kaliningrad. It would be incorrect to view them as altruistic peace-orientated acts, though is peacekeeping ever without some form of hidden agenda? The Central Asian states are also dependent on Russia to a large extent to provide security for them. Following the dissolution of the Union, the Central Asian states wanted a common CIS defence force to provide security, removing the financial burden on their already weak economies (Brown 1995: 235). When this failed to happen they became dependent on Russia for training, equipment and enforcement in times of crisis (ibid.). This further weakens the case for the neoimperialist argument, making Russian activity seem more like an â€Å"empire by invitation† than imperial aggrandisement. CIS member states have also been unwilling to provide the military personal needed for peacekeeping operations, resulting in Russia bearing the burden unilaterally, despite CIS approval, for example in Tajikistan (Yermolaev 2000). It is also too early yet to see whether hostility will emerge at a governmental level to Russian involvement in Central Asia. A criticism by Holoboff of Russia’s peacekeeping operations is that despite Russia’s official democratic status, Moscow has supported hard-line communist governments numerous times (1994: 165). This is implying that Russia has not changed her old ways, yet how many authoritarian and repressive governments has the West supported in favour of ones they believe will be more hostile? A good example is the estimated $3bn worth of aid the US has given to Pakistan, despite being ruled by an unelected military junta that came to power in a coup d’etat (Kux 2003). This aid is being given as a reward for Islamabad’s support for the US’ war on terror, even though Pakistan has provided a large level of support for Islamists in the past, has an active nuclear weapons programme, a poor human rights record and a hostile foreign policy towards India over the Kashmir region, which may yet degenerate into nuclear war. When compared to examples like this, Moscowâ⠂¬â„¢s realpolitik foreign policy of supporting corrupt or repressive regimes almost looks as if it is just following international norms. Since the â€Å"war on terror† was declared by the US, criticism of Russia for its activities in suppressing Islamist fundamentalism has been lessened, especially in Chechnya (Csongos 2001). Criticism against Russian actions in the region have subsided in recent years as Moscow has been transformed into an ally of the West in the â€Å"war against terror†. It is also likely that it has become apparent that the â€Å"old Russia† of the Cold War has disappeared, and that there is no longer the political will or capacity for future large scale conflicts with the West. Russia has even been criticised for not having an active enough presence in Transdniestria in order to prevent the proliferation of the large amount of ex-Soviet weapons located there (Warrick 2003). Vasilyev concludes by claiming that Russia’s peacekeeping operations are not motivated by a â€Å"neo-imperial ambitions† but by a rational calculation of Russia’s security interests; without peace and stability on its borders Russia will find it difficult to achieve its full economic potential (1996: 80). I would support his conclusion with reference to the lack of unilateral action taken, the acceptance of outside mediation and support and the very real need for Russia to secure itself as evidence for the strength of this conclusion. Bibliography Books Fleitz, H. (2002) Peacekeeping Fiascos of the 1990s (Praeger: London) Galeotti, M. (1994) The Age of Anxiety (Longman: Harlow) Raevsky, A. Vorob’ev, I. N. (1994) Russian Approaches to Peacekeeping (UNIDIR: New York) Smith, G. (1999) The Post Soviet States: Mapping the Politics of Transition (Arnold: London) Tolz, V. (2001) Inventing the Nation: Russia (Arnold: London) Edited Books Brown, B. (1995) â€Å"Security and Military Issues in Central Asia† in Parrot, B. ed. State Building and Military Power in Russia and the New States of Eurasia (M.E. Sharpe: London) Halverson, T. (1994) â€Å"Disengagement by Stealth: The Emerging Gap Between America’s Rhetoric and the Reality of Future European Conflicts† in Freedman, L. ed. Military Intervention in European Conflicts (Blackwell: London) Holoboff, E. (1994) â€Å"Military Intervention: The Russian View† in Freedman, L. ed. Military Intervention in European Conflicts (Blackwell: London) Nikitin, A. (1996) â€Å"Peace Support Operations on the Territory of the Former Soviet Union† in Carlton, D. et al. eds. Rising Tension in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union (Dartmouth: Aldershot) Shakleina, T. (1995) â€Å"Russian Policy Toward Military Conflict in the Former Soviet Union† in Parrot, B. ed. State Building and Military Power in Russia and the New States of Eurasia (M.E. Sharpe: London) Journal Articles Arbatov, A. (1993) â€Å"Russia’s Foreign Policy Alternatives† International Security Vol.18:2; pp5-43 Huntingdon, S. (1999) â€Å"The Lonely Superpower† Foreign Affairs Mar/Apr99, Vol. 78:2; pp35-60 Kolsto, P. (1993) â€Å"The New Russian Diaspora: Minority Protection in the Soviet Successor States† Journal of Peace Research Vol.30:2; pp197-217 Krauthammer, C. (2002) â€Å"The Unipolar Moment Revisited- United States World Dominance† The National Interest Winter 2002 McNeill, T. (1997) â€Å"Humanitarian Intervention and Peacekeeping the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe† International Political Science Review Vol.18:1; pp95-113 Splidsboel-Hansen, F. (1997) â€Å"The Official Russian Concept of Contemporary Central Asian Islam: The Security Dimension† Europe-Asia Studies Vol.49:8; pp1501-1517 Online Sources Alder, K. Smith, M. (2000) â€Å"Imperial Ambition or Humanitarian Concern? Russia and its `Near Abroad† jha.ac/articles/a025.htm Accessed 25/5/04 (Journal of Humanitarian Assistance) Csongos, F. (2001) â€Å"Russia: U.S. Says No Deal With Moscow† cdi.org/russia/173.html##1 (Centre for Defense Information) Accessed 27/5/04 Kux, D. (2003) â€Å"Looking at US aid to Pakistan† mideasti.org/articles/doc146.html Accessed 28/5/04 (Middle East Institute) Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia (2004) http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761566942/Moldova.html#s4 Accessed 25/5/04 (Microsoft) OSCE (1994) â€Å"Transdniestrian Conflict: Origins and Main Issues† osce.org/moldova/documents/files/background.pdf Accessed 25/5/04 (OSCE) Taylor, R. (2002) â€Å"Tajikistan: Time to Reflect† http://articles.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1309/is_4_39/ai_96951759 (UN Chronicle: Dec.2002) Accessed 26/5/04 Treninl, D. (2000) â€Å"Peacekeeping in the Former Soviet Union: Lessons for Africa† iss.co.za/Pubs/Monographs/No46/Peacekee.html Accessed 26/5/04 (Monograph) Yermolaev, M. (2000 â€Å"Russias International Peacekeeping and Conflict Management in the Post-soviet Environment† iss.co.za/Pubs/Monographs/No44/RussiasPeacekeeping.html Accessed 31/5/04 (Monograph) Newspaper Articles Warrick, J. (2003) â€Å"Dirty Bomb Warheads Disappear: Stocks of Soviet-Era Arms For Sale on Black Market† Washington Post 7/12/03 washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp- dyn?pagename=articlecontentId=A41921-2003Dec6notFound=true Accessed 31/5/04 Research Papers on Russia's Approach to Peacekeeping Resembles Neo-imperialism - Government EssayAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Assess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropePETSTEL analysis of IndiaRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andTwilight of the UAWThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationOpen Architechture a white paperBringing Democracy to AfricaInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

Sunday, October 20, 2019

10 Potassium Facts (K or Atomic Number 19)

10 Potassium Facts (K or Atomic Number 19) Potassium is a light metallic element that forms many important compounds and is essential for human nutrition. Here are 10 fun and interesting potassium facts. You can get more details about potassium on the potassium facts page. Fast Facts: Potassium Element Name: PotassiumElement Symbol: KAtomic Number: 19Atomic Weight: 39.0983Classification: Alkali MetalAppearance: Potassium is a solid, silvery-gray metal at room temperature.Electron Configuration:  [Ar] 4s1 Potassium is element number 19. This means the atomic number of potassium is 19 and each potassium atom has 19 protons.Potassium is one of the alkali metals, which means it is a highly reactive metal with a valence of 1.Because of its high reactivity, potassium is not found free in nature. It is formed by supernovas via the R-process and occurs on Earth dissolved in seawater and in ionic salts.Pure potassium is a lightweight silvery metal that is soft enough to cut with a knife.  Although the metal appears silver when its fresh, it tarnishes so quickly that it normally appears dull gray.Pure potassium usually is stored under oil or kerosene because it oxidizes so readily in air and reacts in water to evolve hydrogen, which may be ignited from the heat of the reaction.The potassium ion is important for all living cells. Animals use sodium ions and potassium ions to generate electric potentials. This is vital for many cellular processes and is the basis for the conduction of nerve im pulses and stabilization of blood pressure. When not enough potassium is available in the body, a potentially fatal condition called hypokalemia can occur. Symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat. An overabundance of potassium causes hypercalemia, which produces similar symptoms.  Plants require potassium for many processes, so this element is a nutrient that is readily depleted by crops and must be replenished by fertilizers. Potassium was first purified in 1807 by Cornish chemist Humphry Davy (1778–1829) from caustic potash (KOH) via electrolysis. Potassium was the first metal to be isolated using electrolysis.Potassium compounds emit a lilac or violet flame color when burned.  It burns in water, just like sodium. The difference is that sodium burns with a yellow flame and is more likely to shatter and explode!  When potassium burns in water, the reaction releases hydrogen gas. The heat of the reaction can ignite the hydrogen.Potassium is used as a heat transfer medium. Its salts are used as a fertilizer, oxidizer, colorant, to form strong bases, as a salt substitute, and for many other applications.  Potassium cobalt nitrite is a yellow pigment known as Cobalt Yellow or Aureolin.The name for potassium comes from the English word for potash. The symbol for potassium is K, which is derived from the Latin kalium and Arabic qali for alkali. Potash and alkali are two of the potassium compounds k nown to man since ancient times. More Potassium Facts Potassium is the 7th most abundant element in the Earths crust, accounting for about 2.5% of its mass.Element number 19 is the 8th most abundant element in the human body, accounting for between 0.20% and 0.35% of body mass.Potassium is the second lightest (least dense) metal after lithium.Three isotopes of potassium occur naturally on Earth, although at least 29 isotopes have been identified. The most abundant isotope is K-39, which accounts for 93.3% of the element.The atomic weight of potassium is 39.0983.Potassium metal has a density of 0.89 grams per cubic centimeter.The melting point of potassium is  63.4  oC or  336.5 K and its boiling point is  765.6  oC or  1038.7 K. This means potassium is a solid at room temperature.Humans can taste potassium in aqueous solution. Dilute potassium solutions taste. Increasing the concentration leads to a bitter or alkaline flavor. Concentrated solutions taste salty.One lesser-known use of potassium is as a portable oxygen source. Potassium superoxide (KO2), is an orange solid used to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide in respiration system for submarines, spacecraft, and mines. Sources Haynes, William M., ed. (2011). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (92nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.Marx, Robert F. (1990). The history of underwater exploration. Courier Dover Publications. p. 93.Shallenberger, R. S. (1993). Taste chemistry. Springer.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Google Inc. use of the BCG Matrix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Google Inc. use of the BCG Matrix - Essay Example The paper presents an overview of Google and its core businesses, and goes on to undertake a strategic audit of the company making use of the BCG Matrix as well as the SWOT Analysis and the PESTEL analysis in a strategic audit aimed at identifying strategic issues facing the company and at making recommendations to get the company on a path to growth. The paper presents a critical analysis of the main issues that were surfaced in the strategic audit, and also undertakes a critical assessment of the BCG Matrix itself. The critical assessment of the BCG Matrix surveys various perspectives on concept, undertaking a comparison and contrast of those perspectives, and weighing in on the relevance of the BCG Matrix in modern times and in the present context of its use to undertake the strategic audit on Google. This latter exercise also looks at the suitability of the BCG Matrix versus other tools and frameworks for undertaking a strategic audit in general and for undertaking a strategic au dit of Google (Taggart and Harding, 1998; Google, 2013; Reuters, 2013). Finally, the critical audit and the critical assessment of the main issues that were surfaced in that critical audit, together with the critical assessment of the BCG Matrix itself, are all used to come up with strategy recommendations for Google to grow moving forward. ... e from the twin perspectives of concepts and frameworks used on the one hand and Google’s business perspective on the other (Google, 2013; Reuters, 2013; Smith, 2002; Spee and Jarzabkowski, 2009; Ioana, Mirea and Balescu, 2009; Doole and Lowe, 2008, pp. 282-283; Armstrong, 2003; Hall and Saias, 1980, pp. 160-161; Zeithaml and Zeithaml, 1984). II. Company Overview Google Inc. is a technology company that operates on a global scale. The company details itself as a firm that focuses on key business segments and areas of technology, and these revolve around search, hardware products, products for the enterprise, operating systems for mobil e and other computing platforms, and online advertising. Google is present in more than 50 countries and territories, and reaches its audience through the use of 100 different languages around the world. The hardware business is primarily represented by Motorola, which caters to two distinct business segments consisting of the Home segment and the Mobile segment. Mobile is about mobile devices and corollary services and products tied to mobile. Android is the popular mobile computing platform that Google owns and licenses for free to device manufacturers. The Home business segment on the other hand keys in on digital television and the use of related access devices and services. Its Enterprise business consists in the provision of software platforms and services centered on Google Apps, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Earth, and a host of related platforms and cloud-based services that cater to vertical industries such as education, government, and business.

Friday, October 18, 2019

You choose Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

You choose - Essay Example These emissions are from deforestation or from burning fossil fuels that tend to trap the heat that is meant to eventually escape from earth. (Archer, 2012). The Earths climate is often caused by the first 6 miles or so of the atmosphere. It contains most of the matter that make up the atmosphere (Weart, 2003). A close study of this layer shows how thin it really is. In fact, if one were to view Earth from space, the main part of the atmosphere would seem to be only thick as the onions skin. It is through the realization of this fact that makes it even more evident to make an assumption that human beings can change the climate. The greenhouse effect is one of the major factors that cause global warming. Hence, a study of the amount of greenhouse gasses that humans spew into the atmosphere makes the assumption even more plausible. Different researchers have over the years come up with several explanations of global warming to ensure the proper understanding of it to the general public. According to Johansen (2011), global warming is described as the observed century scale ascending of the earth’s average temperature in its climate system and the associated effects. Numerous results of the evidence by scientists show the gradual warming of the climate system (Weart, 2003). Since 1970, the additional energy that has been stored in the climate system has diverted to ocean warming. Only 10% of it has remained hence leading to melting of the ice, warming of the continents and the atmosphere (Weart, 2003). There have been many observed changes since 1950s to now hence the changes appear to be unprecedented in these decades. In the present time, it is clear that technology has developed as compared to ten years ago. The greater the technology, the more the scientific understanding of global warming is seen to increase. The world now cannot be

Physical activity and health and physical fitness and exercise Assignment

Physical activity and health and physical fitness and exercise - Assignment Example Research also shows, through obesity experts, that the modern phase of obesity epidemic is much associated with the reduced human activity brought about by the industrial development (Garry, Neeltje, & Klaas, 2001). To qualify the relevance of this theory, a research that was done in an Old Order Amish Community in North America proved that these people have a very high level of activity lifestyle, which was used to explain why they have low prevalence of obesity. This group of people does not drive automobiles, use electrical appliances, and they do not also employ other modern conveniences (David, Patrick, & Getrude, 2004). Regular exercise is a very important component of effective health promotion regimens, the only problem being the correct amount of exercise required daily as well as the correct daily caloric expenditure. There is an imbalance in lifestyle due to the technologically oriented conditions which allow unprecedentedly sedentary lifestyle (Boyd & Stanley, 2003). Ther efore, physical activity is very critical for a healthy living and through physical fitness and exercise, we can do away with lots and lots of unnecessary

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 24

Case Study Example The advent of the internet has enabled the book publishers as well as book retail stores like B&N to sell e-books, devices to read them on, and apps that improve the reading experience. The publishing companies have been forced to commence releasing books as apps in addition to physical books. Book apps are adding new features, such as flip through photo albums, image enlargement, listen to music characters within the book, and read instant messages. The online booksellers as well as e-books do not have overhead costs. Following Porters value chain analysis, the primary activities are directly associated with physical creation, sale and support of the product (Porters, 2006). They comprise of: inbound logistics are processes related to receiving, storing and distributing inputs internally. The publishers print the books and store them internally; operations involve the activities that change inputs into outputs sold to consumers. This entails transformation of content to digital form; outbound logistics entails delivering the product to the customer. This is usually attained through apps; marketing and sales of e-books has been very competitive with firms like Amazon and B&N outdoing each other; service involves maintaining the value of the product. The booksellers have ensured that they develop an e-reader, market it, and set manufacturing and retail operations for the device. The publishing industry has been significantly affected by the new market entrants. The major competitors of B&N in the e-selling of books include Google, Amazon and Apple. The publishing companies are investing in resources like Kindle and iPads as delivery platforms for their books. In order to gain market share, a company needs to contend with increased competition. In the case of B&N, for them to gain market share and stay afloat they needed to contend with stiff competition from Apple, Google, and Amazon. Competitors such as Amazon aims at eliminating the publishers

Civic Argument Editorial or Letter to the Editor Essay

Civic Argument Editorial or Letter to the Editor - Essay Example The quoted constraints incorporate monetary setbacks, firm media rivalry, opposition and competition, enterprise marketing affairs and dogmatized prejudice (or bias) tied to particular media personnel. It is evident that these drawbacks contributed to blinded, superficial, and stereotyped pattern of news presentation in various cultures (Lifton 22). Do those individuals who ceaselessly hinder media from capturing fundamental societal aspects and often unleash untold torture to media professionals comprehend the nitty gritty (or role per se) the media plays in fostering equity, tranquility, and interactive reverence among vast ethnical, doctrinal, and general humankind fraternity both within federal and global ranges? Do those who maliciously opt to use advanced technology to dispense information to the masses simply to feed their ego ever realize how much trauma they inflict to the victims who end up affected by their baseless rumours? These queries remind us that personal responsibility in ensuring that the correct intended information that extends to the public (or any other target group) is an inevitable priority. Also, in a bid to sound the depths of the resources that the vast contemporaneous technologies can offer clear regulations, demarcations, bills and codes will have to be put in place to subdue information conglomeration, analysis and dissemination and dispensation to the general public (Lifton 25). It therefore means without doubt that when we sacrifice our ego and aim at rectifying the warped and biased standpoints concerning the general media at large, the entire media corporations globally will transcend to stardom and eventually transform into authentic and firm backbone of the entire global awareness and

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 24

Case Study Example The advent of the internet has enabled the book publishers as well as book retail stores like B&N to sell e-books, devices to read them on, and apps that improve the reading experience. The publishing companies have been forced to commence releasing books as apps in addition to physical books. Book apps are adding new features, such as flip through photo albums, image enlargement, listen to music characters within the book, and read instant messages. The online booksellers as well as e-books do not have overhead costs. Following Porters value chain analysis, the primary activities are directly associated with physical creation, sale and support of the product (Porters, 2006). They comprise of: inbound logistics are processes related to receiving, storing and distributing inputs internally. The publishers print the books and store them internally; operations involve the activities that change inputs into outputs sold to consumers. This entails transformation of content to digital form; outbound logistics entails delivering the product to the customer. This is usually attained through apps; marketing and sales of e-books has been very competitive with firms like Amazon and B&N outdoing each other; service involves maintaining the value of the product. The booksellers have ensured that they develop an e-reader, market it, and set manufacturing and retail operations for the device. The publishing industry has been significantly affected by the new market entrants. The major competitors of B&N in the e-selling of books include Google, Amazon and Apple. The publishing companies are investing in resources like Kindle and iPads as delivery platforms for their books. In order to gain market share, a company needs to contend with increased competition. In the case of B&N, for them to gain market share and stay afloat they needed to contend with stiff competition from Apple, Google, and Amazon. Competitors such as Amazon aims at eliminating the publishers

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Blog - Essay Example It also ensures that The IT services offered are affordable to the customers (Ernest, 2010). For this process to be a success, the ITIL processes must be in place. This level of management also makes sure that the quality of services offered is enhanced through a continuous procedure of agreement, close monitoring, and reporting. Secondly, service availability process is essential since it ensure that all the IT services offered are available at any one given time. The major activities here include monitoring and analysis of services and their components as well. The analysis of past mistakes is crucial to the organization because they learn how to avoid similar mistakes in future. A series of tools measures Service availability. There is the availability aspect that covers the service and response times. Help desk calls entails the response and resolution times as well as issues raised. Lastly, capacity aspect measures performance of number of users, online transactions, and report production (Ernest, 2010). Another important process entails the capacity management. This is crucial in providing the IT service in the specified right volume, in the right time and at the right place. By monitoring and analysis of the IT service capacity, this process makes sure that the services are available and are running smoothly at all times. In addition, it is useful in gathering information from other areas in the organization in an attempt to identify the needed services. It also determines the infrastructure and cost involved in implementing the services. Financial management is another crucial process in IT service management. It makes certain that the infrastructure required is obtained at reasonable prices. It is also involved in calculating the costs of providing IT service (Ernest, 2010). This is crucial to the organization in pricing its services appropriately. Thus, the

The Advantages of a Technological Advance Curriculum Essay Example for Free

The Advantages of a Technological Advance Curriculum Essay As technology advances, more schools are adopting a technological curriculum. Only about 20 years ago computers were not common and very few people understood the importance of the internet. Today almost everyone in America has some sort of device hooked up to the internet. Schools started using technology in the 1980’s, and as time moved on, more and more schools became technologically integrated. Technology integrated schools not only teach classes like computer programming, keyboarding, and web tech but also use technical devices in class. Some people argue that the technological approach to education is not effectively teaching students social skills but instead depriving students of human communication. However, technology in the curriculum is a step forward and can only improve the general education system for three main reasons the technology job field has increased drastically and will continue to do so, the positive benefits are outstanding, and students are more engaged, lastly, technology in the education system has helped people who would normally have difficulties and handicaps. The age at which children learn to use these technologies is decreasing as the popularity of the internet increases. Education department chair, Bill Lynch says technology gets students used to the idea that they are not just a consumer of knowledge but also a creator (Zeeble). Teaching children skills that they can build on and thrive in is one of the most important aspects of the education system. The earlier a student is introduce d to the technology world the better they will learn advanced skills in the future. (Effect on technology on classrooms and studies). Children who play video games are not only learning the game but they are learning life skills: Kids are clearly learning how to do certain kinds of things, whether that’s running around, whether that’s actually playing the game. They are learning what to do. Because rules are not given to them, they have to intuit them. They are learning why to do certain things, which is the strategic part of the game. They are learning where, which is the context of the game†¦ and most important, they’re learning whether to do something or not. So that just because you can hit somebody over the head with a baseball bat in the game, the question is, should you. (Elmasry) Video games promote skills needed like working in teams, collaborating, and other skills needed to succeed (Elmasry). There are many jobs that require even the basic computer skills and there are many jobs that didn’t even exist ten years ago. Social media/online community manager, blogger and online advertizing manager are a few off the list (Liz Ryan). Experts view video games as tools that help kids develop certain skills needed in tomorrow’s workplace. Teaching students how to understand and how to manage technologies used in today’s workforce at an early age is an experience every school should offer. Multiple studies have proven technology in education as positive. In 2005 Empire High School in Vail, Arizona gave every student and Apple laptop and came away with two impressions, students with laptops where more engaged and there was more they could do with the technology (Beardsley). With the internet you have the world’s information at the student’s fingertips; research is more efficient and less time consuming. Schools have seen multiple improvements from higher test scores to better attitudes. â€Å"In a west Virginia state wide research study, researchers found that the more time students participated in the Basic skills/ computer education program, the higher the Stanford 9 scores rose.† with technology students are able to complete more complex task improving scores and attitudes. Students in a technology integrated school have shown increases in motivation from multiple perspectives. Many teachers have noted the kids have an increased willingness to work and a want to complete and perfect projects. Students also receive confidence about being able to learn skills that will help support them and their education for the rest of there life’s. (Effect on technology on classrooms and studies). Technology provides a new and changing way that students are able to share information and express themselves. Technology can also help people in situations that might make school a difficult place . In 2005 Cathy Carolyn’s year long intensive medical technology training program lectures where in MP3 format. Cathy was skeptical at first but she soon saw that her students where learning better than ever before. The students in her classes loved the new system. Busy students could listen to lectures anywhere they need. It also gave the students the option to review as much times as needed. (Zeeble) â€Å"It’s about how we can reach out to the students in a way that meets their needs, because so many of today’s students are not the so-called traditional learners† (Zeeble). If a teacher has their lesson online than missing a day or two may not be that big of a deal, but in traditional schools it’s really hard to collect make up work and finish it along with the work you already have. If a student has needs that traditional schools can not meet than technology can always improve the situation. Some people believe that challenging the traditional way of learning is destructive. Director of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mitch Resnick, said, â€Å" What we found in our research is that children’s best learning experiences come when they are activity engaged in designing things, creating things, inventing things.† Which most believes requires hands on approach. People also challenge the idea of multitasking, humans can only truly focus on one specific thing at a time, the idea of children multitasking is ridiculous (Bouchard). Teachers are also concerned with the level of language presented by students and the deterating vocabulary of students that use technology. Besides these worries children in technological advanced schools are still more advanced than kids who are not. People may argue that technology in the class rooms can be harmful but it’s clear that integrated schools have helped students more than harmed. With rules and close moderation students can use the tools given to them to advance in the system. Technology in schools improves motivation; helps prepare students for the future and can help people who may have difficulties in the regular school system. The world is advancing and many schools are lagging along, soon to be left behind. Hopefully, in the future all schools will be technologically integrated so all children can experience the advanced learning system and excel in all aspects of school.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Strategic Business Management And Planning For Amazon

Strategic Business Management And Planning For Amazon 1. INTRODUCTION Strategic management can be defined as the set of decisions and actions that result in the formulation and implementation of plans designed to achieve a companys objective(Pearce, J.A and Robinson, R.B., Strategic management: formulation, implementation and control, McGraw-Hill ) This essay is based on the study of Amazon.com. I started by talking about the E-commerce and a brief history of Amazon. Then I moved on to the strategic thinking of the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and the strategies he used to make Amazon so successful and the strategy implementation. To analyse the company I used PESTLE and SWOT analysis. Financial ratios are used to analyse the companys financial position and financial performance. Finally I conclude the essay by giving my suggestions about the companys future. The material is taken from different journals, articles and books and all the material is properly referenced. 2. AMAZON.COM (AN E-COMMERCE GIANT) E-commerce is extremely competitive and dynamic market. Firm in this market is constantly changing and challenges. He and his strategy in order to investigate the change of life and has to compete with rivals. important factor is customer service and satisfaction. Amazon is the first company who started online book retailing service. The name has become synonymous with e-commerce and is one of the few Internet brands recognised the world over(The Economist 2000). Amazons superior customer service is one of the secrets behind its success; I would argue it also has a first mover advantage. First movers or pioneering firms enjoy higher market share derived from substantial and enduring sales advantage. (Robinson,1988) and (Lambkin,1988). The Amazon.com model is very simple and beguilingly attractive (Fortune,1997). According to the Amazon model: expensive inventory and brick and mortar warehouse are not needed by the new age retailer and all that is needed is a website to present a face to greet customers and takes their orders. Other parties handle the capital-intensive aspects of stocking inventory. Why Amazon.com I will continue to amazon.com because it is a little different and various people are not aware of this, he worked as a search engine as well. Would you like to listen to Britney Spears? (After all, one has to!) and type you are looking for new albums.Based only type of research can take account of the Amazon to work almost 100% of the time. Amazon Books, CDs, DVDs and video works well because it is what we call a uniquely identified. users can easily find a unique item identified, because they know what they want. BUSINESS STRATEGIC PLANING ( MODELS, CONCEPTS AND TOOLS) Strategic planning is to create a vision for the future management and direction to life. He has acted in accordance with the mission statement that focuses on the umbrella business organizations. This is an effective procedure to determine its short-term results with long-term goals. Strategic planning answers three big questions: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Where are we now? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Where are we in the future? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ What should be the focus now, so that it is more likely that we would be where we want to be in the future? This is a simple process with the incredible power of your organization and to bridge the gap between long-term vision and day-to-day tactical switch gap. What to answer three basic questions that the teams develop action plans for their first step in that direction now! Now it is the daily, weekly, monthly, and during this quarter. Design team processes are as valuable as the plan. (Some states have become even more important.) Single-manager will try to implement your company time and tried to run away and sit down to create a vision, mission, strategy and goals. such plans are generally very good, all very intuitive and smart CEO. As an alternative, the Director-General may hire a planning consultant. The hard truth is that the best plan is one that would indeed be implemented. This is why the plan, the team always beat the team plan. If youre in the middle of the short-term crisis, as all out to promote a new product out the door youll have to wait until every member of the planning team will be suspended for two days. On the other hand, if you are a long-term crisis for months planning meeting is a great opportunity to make a few steps back, and the choice of situations. Maybe the only way out of crisis mode to invest in changing the status quo, improving infrastructure, developing new markets, new products, creating a competitive strategy that will replace the team above their heads, to set the legacy products, markets, customers and employees share. Strategic planning is not about predicting the future, read the crystal ball, or call psychic hotline. Strategic planning is to ask what future actions will be developed in the future they want. If you will be in five years? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Not where you think you will. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ There is no place that you would predict. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Where do you want to be. JEFF BEZOS STRATEGIC THINKING Schuler and Jackson, 1987 classify business strategy into three types: cost reduction, innovation and quality enhancement (source: Schuler and Jackson,1987). I agree with Jackson and Schà ¼ler (1987), when Bezos was innovative and use it as a strategy. But it does not only focus on innovation and growth, and expand your knowledge not only helps to a large market share but also to compete with rivals, as well as a major player in an alliance..As according to Porter and Fuller : By strategic alliance firms gain the benefits of economies of scale, access to scarce knowledge and skills and spread the risks of research and innovation. (Porter and Fuller,1986) At one place during his interview, Jeff Bezos says, Our vision is that we want to be the worlds most customer -centric company and a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online. (Hof and Robert D, 1999) and we are not a book company, we are not a music company, we are not a video company we are not an auctions company: we are customer company (Hof and Robert D, 1999). As the online marketing and sales, insurance transactions are very curious as to why customers want to buy online. Jeff Bezos attention to the safety and security of customer transactions increased confidence and self belief. Customers personal information, including name, address and credit card information is encrypted, which is impossible to read and can be safely travel over the Internet, resulting in increased customer facilities. Bezos believes the sign, taking into account the interests of business success. This is why it is named after the Amazon river in the world to become the worlds largest online bookstore, and we see this day. This is not surprising given the fact that the company spends approximately 40 per cent of its revenue on brand building (Margolis, 1999) due to its firm belief that customers first and foremost look for trusted brands when they deal online (Hof and Hemelstein, 1999). Competitive Advantage Competitive advantage is a factor, or combination of factors that the organization is more successful than other organizations in a competitive environment, and can not be easily copied by its competitors. Strategy Process of Amazon.Com In the search for sources of sustainable competitive advantage, JEFF BEZOS has realized that business performance depends not only on the formulation and successful implementation of a given strategy but also on the process by which competitive positions are created or maintained. (i) Innovation: The main strategy used by Jeff bezos is customer-focused innovation. As Pearson and Robinson (2000) argue that some firms find it profitable to make innovation their grand strategy. (Pearson and Robinson 2000).Thats why he had great focus on continuous innovation, by introducing new technologies to enhance customer experience. Because customers expects continuous change and new products and services. Bezos believed in innovation as a key to success and to compete with competitors. According to (Pearson and Robinson,2000) most growth oriented firms appreciate the need to be innovative (Pearson and Robinson 2000). According to Bob de Wit and Ronley (1998) innovation requires brooding, tinkering, experimentation, testing and patience, as new ideas grow and take shape (Bob de Wit and Ronley,1998). Rigid and continuous innovation in the electronic commerce has been Amazons heritage. (ii) Diversification: Another strategy Jeff Bezos used for the Amazon is diversification. He used both product diversification and business diversification. From time to time he introduced new products in order to meet customers needs and demands. Thats the reason today Amazon has millions of customers who visit the website and satisfy their needs. According to Pearson and Robinson (2000) firms seeks balance in their portfolios between current business with cyclical sales and acquired business with counter cyclical sales between high-cash/ low opportunity and low-cash/high opportunity businesses or between debt-free and highly leveraged business (Pearson and Robinson 2000). I agree with Pearson and Robinson (2000), since Bezos had seen opportunity and growth in new businesses e-g, toys, jewellery, games and health and beauty etc. Bezos is seen quite successful in the business diversification, which obvious from his popularity of current business position. As Johnson and Scholes (1993) argue that firms whi ch diversify by building on their core business do better than those who diversify in an unrelated way (Johnson and Scholes,1993). (iii) Human resource strategy: Human resource plays important role in the success of a business. As Pearson and Robinson (2000) states that a firms ability to attract and hold capable employees is essential to its success (Pearson and Robinson,2000). Bezos had great focus on strengthening of management team and for this he appointed many senior managers and directors from time to time. Since business strategy and HR strategy has a significant effect on the organizations performance, so in order to achieve high performance, their must be linkage between these two strategies. Bezos is seen quite successful in doing this. (iv) Acquisitions: Another strategy Bezos used for the growth of the business is acquisitions. According to Pearson and Robinson (2000) the acquisitions of one or more similar firms eliminate competitors and provide the acquiring firm with access to new markets (Pearson and Robinson 2000). I do agree with Pearson and Robinson as Bezos acquired many firms to support expansion into the European market place. Bezos acquired many other dot COM companies providing different services to its customers. I can argue Bezos this strategic thinking helped him to reduce competitors and maked Amazon no 1 in the world. (v) Joint ventures Jeff Bezos also used joint ventures for the expansion and growth of his business. According to Bartlett et al (2004) multinationals used joint ventures extensively as a way not only to navigate through bureaucratic processes but also to learn about new markets (Bartlett et al,2004). Amazon had joint ventures with key Internet players, which provide a huge customer base and an opportunity to grow in the new markets. Bartlett et al (2004) argue that executives look for growth in the big emerging markets, they tend quite naturally to focus on the size of the opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead (Bartlett et al 2004). I think Bezos had joint ventures because he saw an opportunity for growth. 5. STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION The successful implementation of strategies will require invariably require some degree of change in the organizations resource profile (Johnson and Scholes,1993). Jeff Bezos used innovation and continuous growth as main strategies in his business, which he achieved through continuous technology improvement and expansion in the form of acquisitions and joint ventures. It is seen that many strategies fail because of lack of management interest. It is vital that in order to implement a successful strategy, necessary resources should be allocated to it, also the internal and external factors play major role in the success of strategy. It arent what you do, its the way that you do it- thats what gets results (Anon, 2003). Jeff Bezos is quite successful in implementing the strategies at right time as the timing of a strategy is vital, if one is to get in before a rival aiming for a market advantage with a similar idea (Anon, 2003). Amazon , the biggest online retailer in the world, is working harder to bolster its European Union presence through expanding its distribution network and reaching into new markets, the Financial Times reported. (Source: (CORPORATE IT UPDATE via COMTEX) 4 January 2011) Because of its strategic position in the region, it is much attracted by multinationals from all over the world including United States, and Germany etc. Lastyear, Amazon added 11 distribution centres to its network and Goldman Sachs analysts say that all but two were located outside the US. According to their research, there were three European, five Chinese and one Japanese opening in 2010. Amazon added an Italian website to the ones it operates in France, Germany and the UK, and acquired Spain-based Buyvip for nearly USD100m (EUR75m). Amazon is currently boosting staff numbers in Luxembourg, where its European headquarters are based. The group is looking for experts in logistics and shipping to ensure the smooth progress of the expansion and raise the efficiency of the distribution network. Technological Factors à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ the biggest online shopping site and e-commerce one of the most widely known on the Internet. Jeff Bezos founded in 1995, it had 11 employees by years end. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Within four years, has more than 1,600 employees and four million customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ 1990, Amazon has more than four million names of CDs, videotapes, DVDs and games for free. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is still a new business lines, including toys, electronics, software, electrical appliances and home improvement products, online auctions and services to increase data center à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ (Amazon Elastic Computer Cloud) datacenter services from Amazon Web Services Amazon.com company developers. The server is running Windows Server, OpenSolaris, and various Linux operating systems and database applications and Web servers. Amazon programming interface (API), applications can be increased or decreased ability to process the request (the flexible in the title) Amazon.com à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recent Key Inc. April 7, 2010 Amazon launches beta version of new Internet services March 18, 2010 Amazon.com s Kindle launch in March March 12, 2010 Dr. Oswald, a product released to the pharmacy musclecar February 25, 2010 Amazon launched a new generation of e-book reader Kindle February 23, 2010 Microsoft, Amazon.com patent cross-license, sale Legal Factors à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The right questions to be appointed as Amazon.com, the e-tailor. (Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London Friday, March 21, 2003). There are conflicts in the HP iPAQ Pocket PC cost. demand that the site took hours and when they return, low prices have been removed and replaced with the truth. Environmental Factors à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In the Amazon, we are always looking for ways to reduce our environment. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Buying online is generally more environmentally friendly than traditional retailing. Is Amazon.com a model for the future of retailing? E-commerce was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1744, but they Mailorder time. The only difference between the catalog Franklin (who sold books) and Amazon. Amazon using the computer and wrote a letter to Franklin. I remember when I first e-commerce, whatever. All I hear is no one intends to kill the store to go shopping .. no one to go to the center of it only. Sit at home and for what. Wrong. Shopping is a social activity, is a big difference between sitting at home clicking around with your friends and get the center of a cappuccino, get your nails and evaluating dressed funny. Or in the case, go to the tool department of Sears and cigar humidor shop. Amazon and other e-retailers in place. The best way is to compare a number of objects in a very short period of time. What you can find things online that are available on the spot. But the future of retailing? No AMAZONS FUTURE (Nature, Scope and Need) We see that though Amazon has a strong position in the market, but still there are weaknesses and threats that it is facing. Surviving as well as establishing and maintaining a competitive position in the online market place requires a constant strategic re-orientation and organizational evolution (EfthymiosConstantinides, 2004). According to Riolli-saltzman and Luthane-commerce companies can be successful if they combine future orientation with organizational adaptability and flexibility (Riolli-saltzman and Luthan,2000), Amazon needs to have constant change in business strategy as Kippenberger argued strategy formulation is determined by time or circumstances therefore there is no one best way to form strategy. (Kippenberger,1998) Since online consumers are concern about the trust, so Amazon need to offer other communication channels e-g telephone, post etc. Customers trust can be build in this way. One cant say that it will become the Wal-mart of the Internet. Because its overall aim is to provide low cost products and services to customers and good relation with its suppliers, while Wal-mart true strength has been its ability to squeeze suppliers (Economist,2000) and also there is huge difference between the profitability of Amazon and Wal-mart. Amazon needs to implement new marketing strategies that will help to increase customers base, awareness of product and services and strengthen the brand name. A continuous innovation through creating specialized software would be helpful to business. Since human resource play an important role in the success of a business, so to motivate and retain employees, some sort of reward system not just for executives but for ordinary employees is also needed to be introduced and also the ability to attract and hire the qualified personnel. There will always be a threat of competition, but if Bezos keep growing by making alliances and investments, this not only can drive the competitors out but will also help to maintain its position in the market. Finally to me Amazons business model seems the right model and its future is bright. CONCLUSION From SWOT AND PESTEL analysis we see that Amazon.com has great advantage and strong position over its competitors. There are many opportunities to grow but also there is a need of a good business strategy to follow. The economic condition of Amazon.com is getting better after becoming the part of the European Union and the business is growing in the world. To me the future of Amazon looks bright and many development opportunities are available to it.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Freud :: Essays Papers

Freud The theories of Sigmund Freud were advanced and are very influential to modern society. This Austrian physician and neurologist is commonly considered as having one of the greatest creative minds of recent times. Throughout his entire childhood Freud had been planning a career in law. Not long before he entered the University of Vienna in 1873 Freud decided to become a medical student. In school he met a boy that was much older than him. Looking up to him and respecting his thoughts, Freud developed a wish to study law as this older student did, and interact in social activities. Also at this time Freud was interested in the theories of Charles Darwin. He heard Goethe's beautiful essay on nature read aloud and that made him decide to become a medical student.2 He was drawn to a study of science and he wanted to solve problems facing the scientists of his day.3 His intention was not to be a conventional doctor but pressed by his "greed for knowledge," he studied philosophical-scientific questions.4 One of the scientists he studied he studied with was a French psychiatrist named Jean Martin Charcot who was the director of a mental hospital. Freud was impressed a great deal while he was with Charcot. He took a lot of interest in his latest investigations upon hysteria. Charcot's demonstrations provoked in many people a sense of astonishment and skepticism.5 Charcot's influence channeled Freud's interest toward psychopathology. He was Freud's model and had an insatiable willingness to see and listen.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Teacher Cadet Essay

Often times we do not consider how a teacher has influenced us. Teachers influence whether we realize it or not can alter a student’s perspective on life. A great many of my previous teachers have left a lasting impression on me that will never be forgotten. I do admit there were much contentment, anguish and memorable things that directly connects me to them. Without my teachers, it is highly impossible for me to stand and be here today. One name in particular stands firm among others and that is Mr. Jesse L. Barrett. Mr. Barrett was my English II Honors teacher my sophomore year in high school. Sadly, he was only my English teacher for one year. I honestly could not have asked for a better teacher. At the same time as making me smile and laugh, he ultimately helped me to be successful in life. Initially, I did not enjoy English as much anymore due to a bad string of teachers who lectured endlessly on random topics other than English. He changed my outlook on life and helped me regain my passion for English. Mr. Barrett motivated me to not settle for mediocre work and to do my absolute best in anything I strived for. I never imagined that I would encounter a teacher that was as meticulous as Mr. Barrett. Everything he did had a specific place and order. He never accepted late work because we were in an honors class that required you to be punctual. This taught me how to be prompt, a skill that will help when I attend college next fall. Mr. Barrett honestly loved teaching and you could hear it in his voice; the way he would sound so excited when we read the Great Gatsby. He creates this atmosphere that causes students to feel comfortable and at ease. Everyone anticipated going to class and were quick to engage in current book discussions. Conveying information to students so they will fully comprehend the standard is his specialty. Although he was very kind and helpful when any issue developed, he was a very strict and concerned educator. Discipline was highly enforced in his classroom which influenced me to be the best student I could possibly be. Mr. Barrett has this method where he asks for input and invites the student to participate in class activities. For example, He would divide the class into groups according to our grade averages. Using this method, I quickly discovered that students in the group are in fact helping one another in answering the questions. It is a very exceptional way in learning English. During the activity, students can consult him and ask questions as well. Before the class ends, he would take out 10 to 20 minutes to summarize his teaching and sometimes even motivate us with stories that he encounters during his days outside of school. Whether he knows it or not, Mr. Barrett has influenced me tremendously. It is amazing how one individual can have such an impact on students. He simply guided me to success and I am honored to have been in such a rigorous and competitive class. Challenging me was really the driving force that connected me to him because I never felt as if the work was too easy or vague. Today, I honestly still believe he has helped me in such a way that it will follow me into my post-secondary career.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Teaching Mathematics And Science In Elementary Level Education Essay

Teaching mathematics and scientific discipline in simple degree is a ambitious undertaking because of the negative attitude pupils have. Teachers must so be really careful when learning this topic and guarantee that they encourage pupils in the topic ( Muschala J, Muschala G & A ; Muschala E, 2010 ) . They must guarantee that they use all the techniques available to promote pupils and do them believe that mathematics is non is non difficult. Mathematicss and scientific discipline are the impulsive topics in most countries of the existent life state of affairss therefore it is indispensable for pupils to understand them. Due to the importance of mathematics and scientific discipline, several criterions have been put frontward to steer instructors. Such are formulated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics ( NCTM ) and National Science Education Standards ( NSES ) . The criterions are aimed at assisting instructors to use the best instruction methods and help them in promoting pupils to wish the topics. The first criterion provinces that the instruction system should be structured in a mode that encourages effectual instruction and acquisition ( Ediger 2003 ) . This means that all that instructors require in instruction should be availed to them. Another standard provinces that attitude and the acquisition of the pupils is extremely dictated by the learning methods applied by their instructors ( Westaway 2007 ) . Teachers must hence hold the ability to interact with pupils good and be selective in the instruction methods since this determines the apprehension of the pupils. The 3rd criteri on provides that the efficiency of instructors is dictated by the beliefs and attitude a instructor has on scientific discipline topics. It is hence of import for instructors to hold the right attitude since this will impact good on the acquisition of the pupils. The 4th criterion provides that the procedure of acquisition is both societal and single procedure and pupils should be encouraged to work out existent life state of affairss in groups or separately. The other criterion is that instructors must understand the assorted backgrounds and their understanding abilities and maintain them in head when instruction. The instructor must seek to fulfill the particular demands of the pupils and handle them consequently. But above all, pupils must be encouraged that all are capable of understanding mathematics and scientific discipline ( Westaway 2007 ) . Unit of measurement OF STUDY FOR FRACTIONS, DECIMALS AND PERCENTS In this paper is a proposed unit of survey in the topic of mathematics, affecting fractions, decimals and per centums. The ends and aims of this survey unit is to guarantee that the unit is taught efficaciously with the right stuff. The other end or aim is to guarantee that the learning methods applied by the instructor serves to actuate the pupils to understand and larn mathematics. Another aim is to guarantee that the instructor has a positive attitude towards what he is learning because this will act upon the pupils positively. It is besides an aim of this unit to promote pupils learn as a group every bit good as to set single attempts in understanding the constructs of mathematics. The last end and aim is to guarantee that instructors understand the diverseness of background and difference in understanding capacities of pupils and handle them consequently. The stuffs and resources needed in this unit are divided into three classs which are enactive, symbolic and iconic ( Ediger 2003 ) . Enactive stuffs are the touchable resources that give pupils a custodies on experience in acquisition. The iconic stuffs are the audio ocular AIDSs that help the pupils by hearing and seeing. The symbolic stuffs are the text editions and other printed stuff that explains the constructs to the pupils. In this unit, the instructor requires relevant text editions which must be certified by the relevant governments. Other resources like written cards, pieces of chalk, chalkboard, short movie, physical objects like Mangifera indicas and any other relevant stuff harmonizing to the category of the pupils. The cards must be written in different colourss and the physical objects must besides be of different colourss to do acquisition interesting for the pupils. The instructor must publish instructions to pupils in a linguistic communication apprehensible to them and seting into consideration the diverse demands of the pupils. The instructions must be issued in a sequence and accompanied by the right stuffs and resources ( Ediger 2003 ) . The first phase in issue of the instructions must be by usage of the physical objects to present the thought to the pupils. For illustration, the pupils might be asked to take oranges from a given figure of oranges in a basket, say ten, and asked how many are staying. They can besides be asked to number the figure of ruddy balls and the figure of white balls and show them in relation to the entire figure of balls present. At this phase, the instructor must guarantee that all the pupils take part to the full and are attentive plenty. The instructor must do this every bit interesting as possible by doing merriment and affecting the pupils in physical battles. The other phase must be through the usage of images or other iconic stuffs like short movies and illustrations. The instructor should besides prosecute the pupils full by inquiring them inquiries and necessitating them to reply. For illustration, the instructor might keep a card with three boxes in it, two of which are shaded ruddy. The instructor might so inquire the pupils to number the entire figure of boxes and the figure of boxes shaded ruddy. They should so be helped to show the figure of ruddy boxes in relation to the entire figure. Other iconic stuffs should be used the same manner and in an interesting mode. After usage of the iconic stuffs the instructor must so utilize the symbolic stuffs which is application of what the pupils have learnt to the what is written in text books. The instructor should steer the pupils in reading the texts, associating the content to what they have done in the old stairss and so understanding the constructs. In all the stairss, the instructor must help the pupils to associate what they have learnt to existent life state of affairss and even necessitate pupils to come up with more illustrations. The instructor should frequently inquire the pupils whether they understand the constructs and even measure for himself at every phase. He should on a regular basis inquire the pupils whether they have troubles in their apprehension and attend to the troubles adequately ( Ediger 2003 ) . Merely after all the troubles are solved should the instructor continue to the following measure. Students should be to the full involved and the instructor must utilize wise methods of spoting troubles in understanding since pupils may shy off from stating them. The 12 scientific discipline procedures should be incorporated to the full in learning this unit. These procedures include doing observations, inferring, taking measurings, pass oning, seting things into classs and doing anticipations. These should be used to the full in that the instructor should allow the pupils learn through the procedures ( Westaway 2007 ) . When a instructor puts up a printed card for the pupils to see, he must steer them into doing the right observations, understanding or deducing, pass oning to the others and sorting the job. This will heighten engagement and apprehension of the pupils. Harmonizing to Muschala J, Muschala G & A ; Muschala E ( 2010 ) manipulatives are the learning AIDSs that help pupils to make a theoretical account of constructs and place relationships in the theoretical accounts. These should be used since the trigger the imaginativeness of the pupils and assist them to hold on the whole mathematical constructs. The instructor should measure the apprehension of the pupils at every phase and guarantee that they understand. The appraisals should me formulated in a manner to promote the pupils and non to deter them. They should be disputing but at the same clip non excessively hard. The instructor must walk the tight rope in equilibrating the grade of trouble ( Muschala J, Muschala G & A ; Muschala E, 2010 ) . The appraisal must be consecutive get downing with the simple jobs traveling to the ambitious 1s and non frailty versa. At the terminal of the unit, the instructor should seek response from the pupils on how they found the topic ( Ediger 2003 ) . The instructor should ask from them on new ways to use what they have learnt in existent life state of affairss. This will be an encouragement to the pupils and will fix them for the following unit. It is clear that even if pupils think that mathematics is difficult, using the right instruction techniques and the right mathematics linguistic communication can assist to do them like the topic.