Screening report Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Screening report - Movie Review Example The movie is segmented in three sections. The protectors’ gathering which encompasses the introduction of the samurai forms the first segment with the proportion coming up as a set-up but important to the understanding of characters and their roles. The second portion covers the preparation for the battle; they teach the villagers how to fight and the bond occurs. The third section covers the battle after the bandits have attacked. The samurai launch a pre-emptive strike on the bandits’ camp before the battle. The bandits are in possession of guns and therefore advantageous with the first casualties resulting from those guns. In the Movie, Kurosawa has employed the deep focus technique which keeps everybody in focus regardless of the distance in relation to the lens. Although it lacks three-dimensionality, he rarely employs close-ups unless there is a reason for it. He often shoots the figures which are silhouetted against the horizon with the battle scenes very

Organizational Behavior Essay Example for Free

Organizational Behavior Essay Organizational Behavior Instructor: Rachana Misraraj December 10, 2012 Organizational Behavior Analysis Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations. â€Å"Organizational behavior is a misnomer. It is not the study of how organizations behave, but rather the study of individual behavior in an organizational setting. This includes the study of how individuals behave alone, as well as how individuals behave in groups(Werthiem, 2004). † The purpose of organizational behavior is to gain a greater understanding of those factors that influence individual and group dynamics in an organizational setting so that individuals and the groups and organizations to which they belong may become more efficient and effective. The field also includes the analysis of organizational factors that may have an influence upon individual and group behavior. Much of organizational behavior research is ultimately aimed at providing human resource management professionals with the information and tools they need to select, train, and retain employees in a fashion that yields maximum benefit for the individual employee as well as for the organization. The purpose of the paper below is to analyze the organizational behavior of my current or former employer (current: Street, Water, and Sewer Department for my town), by describing how each of the components listed below influences the behavior of the organization in a negative or positive manner, and they include, the Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl? ); Modes of communication (Describe the dominant communication form used, e. g. written or verbal); Nature of authority (recognized social rank); Motivational techniques (Describe the motivational driving forces e. g. Intrinsic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance? ); Areas of EQ incorporated (Describe how the organization embraces the theory of emotional intelligence); and How are the components of a virtual organization embraced? (Explain how the organization embraces new paradigms such as teleworking and virtual offices? ). Grasping a complex and knowledgeable understanding on why, when, where and how, organizational behavior functions and operates, can provide great tools and skills to an individual or organization to better manage behavior and productivity within a company. I currently work for as a laborer for the Water/Sewer department for my county/town. As a member of the STREET department which is responsible for the maintenance and repair of City roads and right-of-ways; maintenance and repair of drainage located on City property; installation and maintenance of signs and roadway markings; and removal of snow and ice. The Employee’s operates, maintains and repairs various machinery, tools, and equipment. As for the water department, this position is responsible for maintenance and repair of Citys WATERLINE system. Installs any and all new additions to the existing distribution system as well as performs necessary maintenance and or repairs to any part of the water distribution system. Performs miscellaneous duties such as operating and repairing equipment, general clean up, concrete finishing, painting, etc. Uses various hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment and machinery. As a member of the WASTEWATER(Sewer)Department which is responsible for maintenance and repair of the Citys sewer line system. Employee performs necessary maintenance, repairs, and/or replacement of sewer system components. Employee uses various hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment, trucks, and machinery. Employee performs miscellaneous duties such as operating and repairing equipment, general clean up, concrete finishing, painting, etc. Good communications skills are required as this position frequently deals directly with the public. The primary hours of this position are Monday through Friday during the day; however, extended shifts and overtime on weekends, evenings, and holidays may be required. Therefore organizational behavior skills are a must. Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl? ) Culture can be defined as the cultivated behavior that is socially transmitted. It involves the accumulation of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, experiences, religion, relations, concepts of the universe, values, meanings, roles, notions of time, relations, material possessions and objects acquired and a way of life of a group of people throughout the generations. When it comes to the type of culture on my job I would have to describe it as a pluralism type of culture. This refers to the type of culture whereby smaller groups of people within a large society tend to maintain their unique culture identities and their values, behaviors and identities are well accepted by the wider society or culture. The minor groups of people participate fully within the dominant society while still maintaining their cultural differences. It involves coexistent of different cultures in a location without the domineering of one particular culture. The human differences that exist are accepted by the majority and hence it eliminates discrimination in the form of racialism or sexism. It can also be refereed to as multiculturalism (Henry, 2011). † Within the three departments that I participate and work in, there are 5 different nationalities of workers who coincide within the organization, and they include African American, Mexican, Caucasian, Latino, and American Indian. Each and every one of these individuals, have their own way of living, eating, etc.. But when everyone clocks in in the morning, we are all one cohesive group, who knows that the main goal is to come to work, be safe, respect your fellow co-worker, get the job done in a professional manner, and most importantly be in the best interest of the tax payers and the town in general, while at the same time excepting who each individual is a person, where they come from, and their cultural differences. This influences the company in a positive manner because, it incorporates good behavior on the job, respect for the job, positive progress for the people participating at the job, and goal completion. Modes of communication (Describe the dominant communication form used, e. g. written or verbal) â€Å"Communication consists of transmitting, receiving, and processing information. In organizations, communications flow between individuals, between levels in the organizational hierarchy, between departments, and between the company and outside publics. Effective communication has often been linked to interpersonal and company success (Baak, 2012). † Communication is of high importance on any job, especially the one that I work for, due to the risks that are associated with the work and projects that we take on. Even though we may use written communication from time to time, describing what our daily goals and tasks are, verbal communication is the dominant mode of communication throughout the organization. Whether it be verbal or non verbal, both revolve around the importance of everyone, working in sync with one another and most importantly working safely around your fellow co-worker. One example is, when we are replacing larger water lines (12 inches in diameter) within a trench, which may be at a depth of 2ft to 14ft. Therefore, when a worker is in the trench digging around and locating the pipe, there must to be a competent person at the top of the trench looking for cracks or imperfections in the walls, where a potential cave in could happen, injuring or killing the person in the hole. So, verbal communication is regularly used when there is no machinery running, and you have to alarm the workers of a dangerous situation. And non-verbal communication is used, when a gas powered saw is in operation to cut a pipe, in which, the worker cannot hear you verbally, thus non verbal actions and communication are used to alarm the worker of potential danger and they are pulled out of the trench before anything catastrophic occurs. On that note, this influences the company on a postive level, because, both verbal and non-verbal communication is the dominant and vital mode of communication, that provides protection for a safe work environment. Nature of authority (recognized social rank) The nature of authority is also very important on my job because, each individual respects the fact that one should not go over the next persons head of authority, or having curiosity about a co-workers way of life without discussing it with them first. Because, there are individuals on the job who have been there 20 years, 10 years, 5 years, etc, therefore when you join a team or a group of people, you become part of that organizations social system, and you must adjust and relate to that world of work. â€Å"The variables in an organizational system operate in a working balance called social equilibrium. Individuals make a psychological contract that defines their personal relationship with the system. â€Å"When they contribute to the organizations success, we call their behavior functional. The broad environment that people live in is their social culture, and a major change in it can lead to cultural shock. People need to accept and appreciate the value that cultural differences can contribute to the success of an organization (www. angel fire. com). † â€Å"Other important cultural factors include the work ethic and corporate attitudes toward social responsibility. Role is the pattern of action expected of a person in activities involving others. Related ideas are role perceptions mentors, role conflict, and role ambiguity. Status is the social rank of a person in a group, and it leads to status systems and possibly status anxiety. Organizational cultures reflect the assumptions and values that guide a firm. They are intangible but powerful influences on employee behavior. Participants learn about their organizations culture through the process of socialization and influence it through individualization (www. angel fire. com). On that note, the nature of authority can be both positive and negative, because, from a negative standpoint it can be used for growth in power in domination. But from a positive standpoint, it can be sued for uplifting other coworkers, by improvising their skills, capabilities and more importantly, their motivational drive on the job. Motivational techniques (Describe the motivational driving forces e. g. Intrinsic or ex trinsic used to influence productivity and performance? ) Due to the constant and unpredictable adjustments that my organization goes through, behavior can change in a instant, with each and every individual on the job. Therefore, motivational techniques are a concurrent thing, on a day to day basis. â€Å"There is no doubt that motivation is the driving force by which humans achieve their goals. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the actions required to achieve a goal, without relying on external rewards or pressures (Amin, 2011). † In my organization the motivational driving force is intrinsic, because pride is everything to a man more than anything, therefore everyone on the job feels a sense of obligation to achieve the goals presented to them to their best ability. Productivity and performance stays at an all time high and positive level, thus, whatever daily goal is presented to us, is handled with confidence and integrity. Our motivation consist of reminding ourselves that what we do, is what we enjoy to do, what we do is appreciated by the tax payers family and most importantly we enjoy knowing that our skills and capabilities are worth the time and effort that we put forth to learn and achieve the skills and tools to complete present and future organizational objectives. Areas of EQ incorporated (Describe how the organization embraces the theory of emotional intelligence) Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic. And it consists of four branches that include perceiving emotions, reasoning with emotions, understanding emotions and managing emotions (Cherr y, 2012). † Based on the high demands of my job, my co-workers and myself included, may at times have high emotions about whether something on the job is not going right, and show some form of frustration without even knowing it sometimes. Therefore my our organization constantly issues EQ (emotional intelligence ), reminder courses, that helps the crews keep a stable mind set when working in dangerous areas, and if something goes wrong, we use the EQ tools to control and manage our emotions for the sake/safety of our well being the others that are around. EQ classes have been very positive for the organization over the past 5 years, and every since the integration there have been no altercations, accidents, or incidents on the job at all. A 100% success rate. How are the components of a virtual organization embraced? (Explain how the organization embraces new paradigms such as teleworking and virtual offices? ) â€Å"Traditional brick and mortar businesses may become a thing of the past. Today’s modern workplace has embraced the virtual environment. The ultimate goal of the virtual organization is to provide innovative, high-quality products or services instantaneously in response to customer demands (Hamilton, 2012). On that note, my organization has embraced the components of a virtual organization on a very positive and useful level. For example, in the Water/sewer department, we are responsible for the distribution of bills/and cut-off notices for the water use throughout the city. For decades, this task was done by hand; by hand I mean driving to each and every house in the city, knocking on the door, and handing the customer their water/sewer bill for that month. Ever since the company embraced the compo nents of a virtual organization, these tasks are now obsolete. Now we contact the customers, through email, text messaging, and voicemails. When the customer has a question about their bill, they are able to contact the office and have a videoconference with the workers in the water/sewer department, to discuss whatever problem they are having with their water/sewer bill, or their water/sewer in general. My organization has also embrace the concept of a virtual organization in the street department. When there is a down power line, streetlight, street sign, blocked up drain pipes, etc. my organization has integrated a beacon system that alerts us when any of these incidents have occurred and in what area. All we have to do is acknowledge the beacon alert, log on to our computers, locate the problem, and proceed to fix the issue at hand. Integrating the components of a virtual organization has been immensely helpful and positive to our over all daily tasks and duties. In conclusion, Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledg e about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations. The purpose of organizational behavior is to gain a greater understanding of those factors that influence individual and group dynamics in an organizational setting so that individuals and the groups and organizations to which they belong may become more efficient and effective. Culture can be defined as the cultivated behavior that is socially transmitted. It involves the accumulation of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, experiences, religion, relations, concepts of the universe, values, meanings, roles, notions of time, relations, material possessions and objects acquired and a way of life of a group of people throughout the generations. When it comes to the type of culture on my job I would have to describe it as a pluralism type of culture. Communication consists of transmitting, receiving, and processing information. In organizations, communications flow between individuals, between levels in the organizational hierarchy, between departments, and between the company and outside publics. Effective communication has often been linked to interpersonal and company success. The nature of authority is also very important on my job because, each individual respects the fact hat one should not go over the next persons head of authority, or having curiosity about a co-workers way of life without discussing it with them first. Due to the constant and unpredictable adjustments that my organization goes through, behavior can change in a instant, with each and every individual on the job. Therefore, motivational techniques are a concurrent thing, on a day to day basis. Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perce ive, control and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic. And it consists of four branches that include perceiving emotions, reasoning with emotions, understanding emotions and managing emotions. Traditional brick and mortar businesses may become a thing of the past. Today’s modern workplace has embraced the virtual environment. The ultimate goal of the virtual organization is to provide innovative, high-quality products or services instantaneously in response to customer demands. All in all the purpose of the paper above, was to analyze the organizational behavior of my current or former employer (current: Street, Water, and Sewer Department for my town), by describing how each of the components listed below influences the behavior of the organization in a negative or positive manner, and they include, the Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl? ); Modes of communication (Describe the dominant communication form used, e. g. written or verbal); Nature of authority (recognized social rank); Motivational techniques (Describe the motivational driving forces e. . Intrinsic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance? ); Areas of EQ incorporated (Describe how the organization embraces the theory of emotional intelligence); and How are the components of a virtual organization embraced? (Explain how the organization embraces new paradigms such as teleworking and virtual offices? ). Grasping a complex and knowledgeable understanding on why, when, where and how, organizational behavior functions and operates, can provide great tools and skills to an individual or organization to better manage behavior and productivity within a company. References Amin,. (July 21, 2011). Motivate your team intrinsically or extrinsically? Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://blog. 7geese. com/2011/07/21/intrinsic-vs-extrinsic-motivation/ Baack, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc Cherry, K. (2012). What Is Emotional Intelligence? Definitions, History, and Measures of Emotional Intelligence. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://psychology. about. com/od/personalitydevelopment/a/emotionalintell. htm Hamilton, D. Dr. (April 23, 2012). Today’s Organizations Embracing Virtual Business. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://drdianehamilton. wordpress. com/2012/04/23/todays-organizations-embracing-virtual-business/ Henry,. (April 4, 2004). Culture Definitions and Types. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://language. ezinemark. com/culture-definitions-and-types-17b25a011fd. html Wertheim, E. G. (February 22, 2004). Historical Background of Organizational Behavior. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://ehcweb. ehc. edu/faculty/ljcumbo/downfiles/historyofOB. pdf http://www. angelfire. com/blues/cannonsessays/org_behavior/ORGANIZATIONAL_BEHAV

Case Study for AcuScan, Inc :: Business Management Essays

Case Study for AcuScan, Inc I am the newly hired Vice President of Organizational Development. My responsibilities include creating the Organizational Development Department. I look forward to working with all of you especially with finding a new and improved product based on our already developed retinal scanning system iScanner. First of all I am going to discuss assumptions made by Kelly Thomas, Pat Lambert, Cliff O’Connor and Chris Martinas. After each employee assumptions will be their arguments and my evaluation of whether the argument is sound or unsound and why. Kelly Thomas – Senior Engineer, Product Development 1. Assumed that Pat, Director of Marketing knew nothing about QC (quality control). 2. Assumed that all the features for the retinal scanner could not be developed in the time frame allotted. 3. Assumed that due to lay-offs last year they would not have the staff to develop a new product. 4. Assumed the customer would be â€Å"short changed† because the company may not be able to comply with the customers expectations. 5. Assumed Pat did not have any technology experience because his past experience was with the cereal business. 6. Assumed Pat was going behind his back because Pat spoke to the programmers first without consulting with Kelly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kelly argued that new product was much more complicated to produce than Pat had implied. He also argued that Pat had no understanding as to how the iScanner worked and would have a better understanding if Pat took the time to involve him in other areas of the business not just marketing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kelly’s argument was logical and sound because he based his decision on the time it took the staff to develop the iScanner. Past history of creating a new product can give you an idea of how long it would take to produce a new product. He also did not want to jeopardize his reputation or the company’s by producing and inadequate product. Pat Lambert – Director of Marketing 1. Assumed the new product would be a simple addition to the new product. 2. Assumed programmers had plenty of time to work on new product even though he knew staff was cut last year. 3. Assumed because they were not agreeing with him they were not committed to the new product. 4. Assumed that the job could be done by outside contractors in the specified time frame. Also with money being a problem. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assumed a meeting would resolve all problems. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assumed the customer would be happy with whatever product was developed and launched.

Gulliver’s Travels Essay

Swift wrote ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ to be read by the literate higher classes of the British society, he did this because he hoped that the higher class people would have the higher ranked jobs in the government and could change Britain. In chapter 6 Gulliver gave a long detailed, description of Britain’s History and the way in which it had been ruled in Swift’s time, the king was ‘perfectly astonished with the historical account’ Gulliver gave him. The king tried to protest that the affairs of Britain during the last century were ‘only a heap of conspiracies, rebellions, murders, massacres, banishments, faction, cruelty, rage, madness, hatred or ambition could produce. ‘ All of these are negative points about England which clearly shows Swift’s dislike of the country. Swift uses the King’s response to make his point even clearer; this allows Swift to show his disgust of British society without stating that he himself said it; this offended many people. Another aspect of British society which Swift was very interested in was the physical human body and its functions. The public in the 18th century found the human body embarrassing, including things such as sanitation, which is perhaps why swift satirised it to show his unusual, for his time, interest in such things. Swift however was disgusted by bodily functions and he showed his disgust by using the differences for Gulliver in Lilliput and Brobdingnag. In Lilliput, where Gulliver was the large person, the empress was disgusted when she looked up at Gulliver walking over her but in Brobdingnag Gulliver was in horror with the maids breastfeeding the child, ‘I must confess no ever object ever disgusted me so much as the sight of her monstrous breast’ and ‘It stood six feet, and could not be less than sixteen in circumference. The nipple was about the half the bigness of my head. ‘ These are both examples of Swift’s hatred for human body parts because both of the descriptions for them are all negative. A second example of Swift’s interest in bodily functions is in Lilliput when Gulliver urinates on the Empress’ palace to save her from the fire, the ironic thing about this is that although Gulliver saved the Empress’ life from the fire he was later banished from the country for displaying such an act in front of the Empress. This is perhaps another satirical point from Swift mocking the English culture, maybe Swift feels like it’s unfair that even if you do something heroic, such as saving a royal family member, you can be convicted because of the method you used. Swift also satirises women and how vain they were, such as Chapter 5 in Brobdingnag ‘They would often strip me naked and lay me at full length in their bosoms; wherewith I was much disgusted; because, to say the truth, a very offensive smell came from their skins’ This is an example of Swift suggesting that women of his time were an illusion of physical beauty and that they weren’t as beautiful as was thought. Swift suggests that people often smelt hence why they used perfumes to cover the smell. Swift later states ‘I found their natural smell was much more supportable than when they used perfumes’, Swift was disgusted with how vain women were by using perfumes to try to impress the males, He could also be satirising how men wanted women to act like this. 18th century England was very different compared with modern day fashions, in the 18th century women tended to cover skin more compared to now where the fashion is to show as much skin as possible. So when Swift wrote in chapter 5 about the maids ‘stripping to the skin’ while Gulliver was in their presence, this would have been a preposterous thought for people of the 18th century even more than it would be now. Swift loved to satirise this because it was something that fascinated, it also makes us laugh in a childish way and would therefore keep us reading. From reading â€Å"Gulliver’s Travels† it is clear that Swift had a very strong dislike of the culture and government of Britain and showed his disgust by satirising them using literature. Satire is a rude way of getting your point across often ridiculing something and will offend many people. When Swift wrote ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ he said ‘he wanted to vex the world and intended to make people angry by holding a mirror up to English society’. Swift wrote ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ as a satirical book but wasn’t sure how the British public would take it, so he first published it under the name Lemuel Gulliver, which makes it sound even more like a travelogue. Swift using Lilliput and Brobdingnag ridiculed Britain and offended the majority of the population, so when the public found out that Swift was the author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, he felt he could no longer work in Britain, so he left the country and went to live in Ireland. Bibliography – ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ by Jonathan Swift Word Count: 2,247 Ben Dewsnip 19th May 08 10co Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our  GCSE Jonathan Swift  section.

Macbeth Apperance vs Reality Essay

The world is governed more by appearances than by realities. Throughout society people are judged based on their appearance. This is unfortunate because appearance can be deceiving. In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth appearances are not what they seem. Some people may change because they think that their true self does not fit in society while others pretend to be something they are not. In the theme of appearance versus reality Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have an image but as the time passes by their true personalities began to show. Macbeth portrays himself differently from his true inner self. He pretends to be a strong and intelligent person but from inside he is weak and indecisive. When Macbeth first confronts the witches’ prophecies he says, â€Å"Come what may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day† (1. 3. 152-153). Macbeth is leaving his future to ‘chance’. He wants to appear noble and strong but in the end he refutes his statement by killing Duncan and Banquo to get to the throne. Also, when Lady Macbeth explains the plan to Macbeth he asks â€Å"If we should fail? † (1. 7. 59). He is still afraid of the consequences of his actions. His actions look pungent but he does not have any reason to kill Duncan. Macbeth has a debate within himself to murder King Duncan or to spare his life. Macbeth hesitation to kill Duncan proves in realty he is a weak man. Lady Macbeth represents herself as a beautiful and powerful woman in society but she is as weak as her husband Macbeth. To convince Macbeth to follow the plan she says â€Å"I have given suck, and know how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn† (1. 7. 54-58). Macbeth asks for her help, but she responds by being harsh to him to keep up her appearances. Even when Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, instead of helping him, she tells him to go to bed and stop imagining weird things. Lady Macbeth appears heartless toward others. However, one night a gentlewomen and a doctor see her sleep waking and mumbling â€Å"Out, damned spot! Out, I say! † (5. 1. 25). She appears to be wide awake but she is unconsciously revealing her true self. Her guilty conscious leads to her downfall through suicide. In this scene her appearance crumbles. She seemed powerful and unsympathetic, but in reality her guilt of Duncan’s murder driver her crazy proving she has become weak. In Macbeth the theme of appearance versus reality is shown through the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. They both revealed a fictitious picture of their personality even though on the inside they are different people. Macbeth’s indecisive personality leads to his destruction. The iron lady, Lady Macbeth appears to be a tough woman, who feels no guilt. But in the ending she shatters to pieces because of her guilt-ridden conscious. No matter what one appears to be reality will defeat appearance. People can put disguise on reality for time being but in the end truth reveals itself.

Formatting Dialogue

Formatting Dialogue Formatting Dialogue Formatting Dialogue By Maeve Maddox A reader has a question about formatting dialogue in a novel: I have some confusion regarding speakers when writing dialog, and when you should start new lines. The logic I remember being taught is that every time the speaker changes in a story we should start a new paragraph. Is that always the case, or is it possible to have a quick line from another character or speaker in a paragraph where another character spoke? When I read a novel for pleasure- as opposed to studying a novel that does not appeal to me- I don’t want to have to work at it. I want to enter the fictional dream and not be pulled out of it by inappropriate diction, faulty grammar, or unconventional formatting. The time-honored way to present dialogue in a novel is to signal a new speaker by beginning a new line. Jane Austen did it. George Eliot did it. Mark Twain did it. The modern novelists I read do it. Combining the direct speech of multiple characters in one paragraph can be done, but even with the help of quotation marks and tags, the reader would find it slow going. For example, read the following conversation that appears in the novel Little Night by Luanne Rice: The phone rang, and they heard Clare answer in the kitchen. After a few minutes, Clare came back in. She was smiling. â€Å"Was that Paul?† Sarah asked. â€Å"Yeah,† Clare said. â€Å"He’s in the park, tracking an owl.† â€Å"He called to tell you that† Clare nodded, her smile growing. â€Å"Grit, I think you’ve brought us luck.† â€Å"I doubt that,† Grit said, before she could stop herself. Now read the same exchange presented conventionally: After a few minutes, Clare came back in. She was smiling. â€Å"Was that Paul?† Sarah asked. â€Å"Yeah,† Clare said. â€Å"He’s in the park, tracking an owl.† â€Å"He called to tell you that† Clare nodded, her smile growing. â€Å"Grit, I think you’ve brought us luck.† â€Å"I doubt that,† Grit said, before she could stop herself. Writers of experimental fiction- Thomas Pynchon, for example,- don’t hesitate to break the rules; that’s what experimental writing is about. Writers whose goal is to entertain readers by keeping them in the fictional dream don’t distract them with that kind of originality. They observe the conventions. The convention for dialogue is â€Å"new speaker, new line.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How Many Tenses in English?15 Words for Household Rooms, and Their SynonymsWhat’s the Best Way to Refer to a Romantic Partner?

Generating awareness about science in India essays

Generating awareness about science in India essays Science has given us powers fit for the Gods. Science, systematic study of anything that can be examined, tested and verified. From its early beginning, science has developed into one of the greatest and influential fields of human endeavour. Today, different branches of science investigate almost everything that can be observed or detected, and science as a whole shapes the way we understand everything. Science develops through objective analysis instead of through personal belief. Science gives us a detailed insight into the way the world around us works. Today, science has a profound effect on the way we live, largely through technology the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. The powers of science are not used properly. Why? It is due to the lack of awareness. Awareness should start from the grassroot level ie. Villages and rural areas, because, they are the areas where the majority of Indias population lies and where the innocent masses are still in the grip of superstitions. Although internet and telephone connections have been provided to some villages by the government, a lot still has to be done in this regard. Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty. Natural resources are being exploited. People everywhere need to think about this. For the purpose of awareness regarding this and many other subjects, various methods can be adopted. Lectures can be organized in schools, these children can then organize rallies in villages, NGOs can be asked to work only for this cause. Educational trips to factories can be organized so that students learn to use the resources judiciously. When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a family. ...

Modern Female Infanticide in Asia

Modern Female Infanticide in Asia In China and India alone, an estimated 2,000,000 baby girls go missing each year. They are selectively aborted, killed as newborns, or abandoned and left to die. Neighboring countries with similar cultural traditions, such as South Korea and Nepal, have also faced this problem.   What are the traditions that lead to this massacre of baby girls? What modern laws and policies have addressed or exacerbated the problem? The root causes of female infanticide are similar but not exactly the same in Confucian countries like China and South Korea, versus predominantly Hindu countries such as India and Nepal. India and Nepal According to Hindu tradition, women are lower incarnations than men of the same caste. A woman cannot obtain release (moksha) from the cycle of death and rebirth. On a more practical day-to-day level, women traditionally could not inherit property or carry on the family name. Sons were expected to take care of their elderly parents in return for inheriting the family farm or shop. Daughters drained the family of resources  because they had to have an expensive dowry to get married; a son, of course, would bring dowry wealth into the family. A womans social status was so dependent on that of her husband that if he died and left her a widow, she was often expected to commit sati rather than going back to her birth family. As a result of these beliefs, parents had a strong preference for sons. A baby girl was seen as a robber, who would cost the family money to raise, and who then would take her dowry and go to a new family when she got married. For centuries, sons were given more food in times of scarcity, better medical care, and more parental attention and affection. If a family felt like they had too many daughters already, and another girl was born, they might smother her with a damp cloth, strangle her, or leave her outside to die. In recent years, advances in medical technology have made the problem much worse. Instead of waiting nine months to see which gender the baby would be, families today have access to ultrasounds that can tell them the childs gender just four months into the pregnancy. Many families who want a son will abort a female fetus. Sex determination tests are illegal in India, but doctors routinely accept bribes to carry out the procedure, and such cases are almost never prosecuted. The results of gender-selective abortion have been stark. The normal sex ratio at birth is about 105 males for each 100 females  because girls naturally survive to adulthood more often than boys. Today, for each 105 boys born in India, only 97 girls are born. In the most skewed district of Punjab, the ratio is 105 boys to 79 girls. Although these numbers dont look too alarming, in a country as populous as India, that translates to 37 million more men than women as of 2014. This imbalance has contributed to a rapid rise in horrific crimes against women. It seems logical that where women are a rare commodity, they would be treasured and treated with great respect. However, what happens in practice is that men commit more acts of violence against women where the gender balance is skewed. In recent years, women in India have faced increasing threats of rape, gang rape, and murder, in addition to domestic abuse from their husbands or their parents-in-law. Some women are killed for failing to produce sons, perpetuating the cycle. Sadly, this problem seems to be growing more common in Nepal, as well. Many women there cannot afford an ultrasound to determine the sex of their fetuses, so they kill or abandon baby girls after they are born. The reasons for the recent increase in female infanticide in Nepal are not clear. China and South Korea In China and South Korea, peoples behavior and attitudes today are still shaped to a large degree by the teachings of Confucius, an ancient Chinese sage. Among his teachings were the ideas that men are superior to women, and that sons have a duty to take care of their parents when the parents grow too old to work.   Girls, in contrast, were seen as a burden to raise, just as they were in India. They could not carry on the family name or blood-line, inherit the family property, or perform as much manual labor on the family farm. When a girl married, she was lost to a new family, and in centuries past, her birth parents might never see her again if she moved to a different village to marry. Unlike India, however, Chinese women do not have to provide a dowry when they marry. This makes the financial cost of raising a girl less onerous. However, the Chinese governments One Child Policy, enacted in 1979, has led to gender imbalance similar to Indias. Faced with the prospect of only having a single child, most parents in China preferred to have a son. As a result, they would abort, kill, or abandon baby girls. To help alleviate the problem, the Chinese government altered the policy to allow parents to have a second child if the first one was a girl, but many parents still do not want to bear the expense of raising and educating two children, so they will get rid of girl babies until they get a boy. In parts of China today, there are 140 men for every 100 women. The lack of brides for all of those extra men means that they cannot have children and carry on their families names, leaving them as barren branches. Some families resort to kidnapping girls in order to marry them to their sons. Others import brides from Vietnam, Cambodia, and other Asian nations. In South Korea, too, the current number of marriage-age men is much larger than the available women. This is because, in the 1990s, South Korea had the worst gender-at-birth imbalance in the world. Parents still clung to their traditional beliefs about the ideal family, even as the economy grew explosively and people grew wealthy. In addition, educating children about the sky-high standards common in Korea is very expensive. As a result of growing wealth, most families had access to ultrasounds and abortions, and the nation as a whole saw 120 boys being born for every 100 girls throughout the 1990s. As in China, some South Korean men today are bringing brides in from other Asian countries. However, it is a difficult adjustment for these women, who usually dont speak Korean and dont understand the expectations that will be placed on them in a Korean family - particularly the enormous expectations around their childrens education. Yet South Korea is a success story. In just a couple of decades, the gender-at-birth ratio has normalized at about 105 boys per 100 girls. This is mostly a result of changing social norms. Couples in South Korea have realized that women today have more opportunities to earn money and gain prominence - the current prime minister is a woman, for example. As capitalism booms, some sons have abandoned the custom of living with and caring for their elderly parents, who are now more likely to turn to their daughters for old-age care. Daughters are growing ever more valuable. There are still families in South Korea with, for example, a 19-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. The implication of these bookend families is that several other daughters were aborted in between. But the South Korean experience shows that improvements in the social status and earning potential of women can have a profoundly positive effect on the birth ratio. It can actually prevent female infanticide.

Gender discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Gender discrimination - Essay Example Traditionally, men had better opportunities in life; but this has changed with modern girls and women having better opportunities albeit with many challenges than women in the past (Girls Inc 1). Feminist advocates have fought against social traditions and cultures that devalue and treat women as lesser human beings, and they have achieved valuable gains all over the world (Chesler 3). Their fight has highlighted some of the challenges and disadvantages women continually face. This has made it possible for the legislation of laws against gender discrimination. In the modern world, prestigious and powerful positions are obtained through quality education and this has traditionally been used to deny women these positions. In the past, education for boys and girls was different with women being predominantly trained on child rearing and housekeeping despite being intelligently at par with men (Deberg 1). This practice still exists in some parts of the world where the girl child is denied education based on worthless religious, social, or cultural norms. Without an education, women are restricted to low paying unskilled positions; and when married become inferior to the male who provide everything. This lack of independence is discriminatory and purely meant to make women submissive to the men. The modern woman, however, is sexually discriminated in employment promotions, benefits and leaves of absence because of her gender with the majority of the populace in the society having entrenched mentalities that women are the weaker sex supposed to be under the dominion of their male counterparts. The society has developed cultures based on the biological differences between men and women with each gender having specific roles, responsibilities, and expectations to be fulfilled (Haeberle 1). These cultural roles are discriminatory to women who are only

Trade agreements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Trade agreements - Essay Example It is also seen that in the context of EU, the aspects of consistency are important. The relationships of EU with its trading partners, Africa needs to be seen in the larger context of consistency. This is because the EU cannot afford to have one set of rules at one point of time and a different set at another. There are around 79 countries in the ACP membership list (African Caribbean Pacific list) and have been the beneficiaries of favored treatment for special access to European markets. (The EU in the world the foreign policy of the European Union 2007). The main problem is that African Nation is having a fear that it brings back that EU colonial system in the country. They are thinking that it will limit their development and would compromise their sovereignty. European Union is of the view that it will promote development in science and technology results in mutual benefit. Relation between both nations will help to facilitate Africa into world economy by promoting growth and investment. It provides provision for social and cultural cooperation and financial assistance. However, this is all with a return bargain that the EU goods shall be allowed to enter the ACP countries at lowered tariffs, and shall enjoy being the destination point for the goods of EU in these countries. This lowering of tariff of imported goods hurts the local economy since now imported goods would vie with local goods which, apparently would be highly priced in the local markets. The consumers would opt for cheaper imported goods and thus local industry would have no option but to stagnate, without government protection and subsidies. However, the main advantages of trade agreements is that the economy would become more competitive and , in the current globalised setting , it would be constrained to improve on all aspects- quality, quantity, pricing , servicing and customer retention. "The most important element of the bilateral agreement remains the establishment of a FTA between the EU and South Africa." (Drew 2000). The aspects of government subsidies and grants to local products could be seen in the larger context of protectionist measures intended to alleviate the onslaught of competitive products, and to create revenue generations for the Government. In the long run, agricultural subsidies and grants to farmers, especially in the ACP countries, do more harm than good, and could have long term deleterious effects on the governmental proceedings. In the African context, it is seen that their problem is not in terms of having market access to European markets but in having a volume of goods and services to be exported, in terms of bulk, and at reasonable prices caused by achieving economies of large-scale operations. When volume content is not available, the ACP would not be able to make competitive inroads into other export markets and this forms the nucleas of the problem over time. "The EPAs are thus meant to change the relationship between Europe and Africa, from one built on preferential ta riffs - an eroding lifeline - to one that builds lasting and more efficient markets for Africa." (Neroth 2007).The main disadvantages of the Trade Agreements could be seen in terms of the fact that the World Trade Organizations has ruled that all countries in a bloc need to be equally treated in trade and no preferential treatment could be accorded. "The EU and ACP have been granted a

Moral Criticisms of the Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Moral Criticisms of the Market - Essay Example Most corporations expressed this through creation of foundations or through the exercise of corporate social responsibility. Business, if led with administrators or managers with benevolence to sustainability not solely for one’s company but also for the welfare of employees, would be able to manage and balance desire for profit also for the good of others and for the community where business is undertaken. But while Ewert argued that this innate selfish precept of human being is inherent to his â€Å"fallen nature†, it cannot be however assailed that selfishness cannot be induced from the environment. Human greed nowadays has already developed into structural forms. Whenever government is corrupt and have misuse the revenue exacted from peoples and from business establishments, the rest of the society are encouraged to adapt to a system that promotes greed and selfish interests. In most nations where corruption is rampant and were done with impunity, its followers also debase its moral standard to fit in with what is expedient and best at a moment.

Peer Coaching Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Peer Coaching - Assignment Example Program briefing for all teachers: 2 handouts namely: Briefing Handout and Peer Coaching Program Handout are to be given out to all teachers to be signed up and returned. Power point slide presentation on the Briefing handout is to include: Touching the core of teachers by valuing teaching skills through acknowledging the peak highlights of the teaching milestone. Explaining the power of questioning to solve problems, giving and receiving feedback from peer coachers, using reflection tools to build learning and experience, educate and implement the Peer Coaching Observation process. With a worksheet, the observer will note their behaviour, analyze and interpret them, educate and implement the Peer Coaching Feedback process. On a non-teaching day, a 4 hour workshop will be implemented with the teamed volunteers who will note down what they observed from the participating teachers. A follow up will be made one week later with the observation analyzed and interpreted. This process of observation, analysis and interpretation will be passed on to the participating teachers. They will then do their analysis and interpretation and checked by the respective volunteers as evaluation. A centralized hierarchical... Explaining the power of questioning to solve problems, giving and receiving feedback from peer coachers, using reflection tools to build learning and experience, educate and implement the Peer Coaching Observation process. With a worksheet, the observer will note their behaviour, analyze and interpret them, educate and implement the Peer Coaching Feedback process. 3) Selecting teams (matching teachers)Teachers are matched accordingly to the following criteria: same areas of subject, same gender preferences, good fit of time schedule, complementary/ reinforcing personality traits, common agreement to be matched, same set beliefs, same intellectual level, fit of skills and same work attitudesThese fields are tabulated and matched with mutual approvals of the coach andcoachee. 4) Scheduling an initial round of clinical cycles On a non-teaching day, a 4 hour workshop will be implemented with the teamed volunteers who will note down what they observed from the participating teachers. A follow up will be made one week later with the observation analyzed and interpreted. This process of observation, analysis and interpretation will be passed on to the participating teachers. They will then do their analysis and interpretation and checked by the respective volunteers as evaluation. 5) Monitoring the peer-coaching program A centralized hierarchical system will be implemented where monthly, all teachers will submit their data to the volunteering teachers and then to the HODs or sub- heads and meet in person every quarterly year. At all times enquiries and feedbacks can be made informally

Electromagnetic induction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Electromagnetic induction - Essay Example Introduction Electromagnetic induction involves the electric current produced across a conductor that moves in a magnetic field. It is the basic operation for transformers, generators, electric motors, induction motors, solenoids, and synchronous motors. Electromagnetic induction is the process, which gives a prediction of the behaviour of the interaction between electric current and the magnetic field. Michael Faraday discovered the concept of induction in the year 1831. He stated that the produced electromotive force (emf) around a path that is closed is directly proportional to the magnetic flux rate of change through a surface that is path bounded. This implies that, there would be some induced electric current in a closed circuit whenever the flux going through a conductor bounded surface changes. This means that the conductor will be moving through it, or the field would be experiencing a change in its strength. Theory In Faraday’s initial demonstration of electromagneti c induction, two wires were wrapped around opposite sides of a ring of iron. According to his assessment, of the electromagnetic properties, he knew that whenever the currents began to flow in the first wire, a wave would move in the ring leading to an electrical effect on the side that was opposite. One wire was plugged into the galvanometer and observed during the connection into a battery. In this experiment transient currents were observed when the wire was connected to the battery and during disconnection. The observed induction was due to a magnetic flux change that happened when the battery was disconnected and connected. For many year, Faraday discovered different electromagnetic induction manifestation. For instance, transient currents were observed whenever a bar magnet was quickly slid inside and outside a wire coil thud generating Dc current through the rotation of a disk of copper next to a bar magnet having a sliding electrical lead. The explanation of electromagnetic induction according to Faraday was in terms of lines of force. Mathematically, the expression of Faraday can be written as; ?= - d?B/dt, where ? represents the electromagnetic force, and ?B represent the magnetic flux. In a case where there is a wire coil, having N loops with the same an equal area, the equation would be given by; ? = - N d?B/dt Whenever the Faraday’s law is combined with the Ohms law and Ampere’s law, a new law referred to as Lenz’s law would be generated. Faraday’s law is one equation having two phenomenons. The two phenomena include the EMF motion produced by a the force of magnetism through a moving wire and the EMF give out by an electric force as a result of magnetic field that is changing. Apparatus The apparatus for this experiment were coils, small compass, bar magnets, galvanometer, analogue multimeter, LV transformer, Dc voltage source, and LV transformer. Procedure Magnetic fields The outline of the two bar magnets were traced , and a small compass used to check the direction of the magnetic field at various points. The field direction was sketched in arrows to display the field direction. Two separate sketches were completed. One sketch involved attracting magnet where as the other one for a repelling magnet. The two sketches are displayed in diagram 1. Diagram 1 Attracting Magnets Repelling magnets Inductance The inductance for an air coil core was measured using the electronic bridge

Self-esteem (Literature Review) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Self-esteem (Literature Review) - Essay Example d concept which has developed over time and it depicts the quality of an individual because of which he can cope up with the strenuous tasks that come in his/her way. The concept evolved because of many things which lay in the very core of self leadership but the ground substance for self leadership has been the raw material known as self esteem (Parker et al. 2005). A person with a higher self esteem is able to realize his/her concept of life and act accordingly and thus he can tackle different situations of life and act as a self leader (Alavi & Askaripur 2003; Neck 2006). This literature review would further revolve around the concept of self esteem in relation to self leadership and would provide a critique on it. Moreover it would also make recommendations for the future research on the concept along with the implications for contemporary human resource practice. Self-esteem is a broad topic which is closely related to the framework given by the Social Cognitive theory. It can be described as an individuals feeling and assurance of his own self. In other words it can be known to be the self worth of an individual. Social Cognitive Theory helps to figure out the factors which lead to the variations in self-esteem. The concept that the social cognitive theory lays about one’s own thinking and perspective about his surroundings is widely acclaimed. This thinking and perspective about the surroundings which one goes through majorly affects the thoughts and personality one has. Similarly this also leads to develop the feeling of self-esteem accordingly. Self efficacy forms an important part of the understanding of different individuals in this world. It helps one to recognize his strengths and weaknesses accordingly. A well-known psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden provides a somehow complete definition of self-esteem as â€Å"Self-esteem is the disposition to experience oneself as being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of

Electromagnetic induction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Electromagnetic induction - Essay Example Introduction Electromagnetic induction involves the electric current produced across a conductor that moves in a magnetic field. It is the basic operation for transformers, generators, electric motors, induction motors, solenoids, and synchronous motors. Electromagnetic induction is the process, which gives a prediction of the behaviour of the interaction between electric current and the magnetic field. Michael Faraday discovered the concept of induction in the year 1831. He stated that the produced electromotive force (emf) around a path that is closed is directly proportional to the magnetic flux rate of change through a surface that is path bounded. This implies that, there would be some induced electric current in a closed circuit whenever the flux going through a conductor bounded surface changes. This means that the conductor will be moving through it, or the field would be experiencing a change in its strength. Theory In Faraday’s initial demonstration of electromagneti c induction, two wires were wrapped around opposite sides of a ring of iron. According to his assessment, of the electromagnetic properties, he knew that whenever the currents began to flow in the first wire, a wave would move in the ring leading to an electrical effect on the side that was opposite. One wire was plugged into the galvanometer and observed during the connection into a battery. In this experiment transient currents were observed when the wire was connected to the battery and during disconnection. The observed induction was due to a magnetic flux change that happened when the battery was disconnected and connected. For many year, Faraday discovered different electromagnetic induction manifestation. For instance, transient currents were observed whenever a bar magnet was quickly slid inside and outside a wire coil thud generating Dc current through the rotation of a disk of copper next to a bar magnet having a sliding electrical lead. The explanation of electromagnetic induction according to Faraday was in terms of lines of force. Mathematically, the expression of Faraday can be written as; ?= - d?B/dt, where ? represents the electromagnetic force, and ?B represent the magnetic flux. In a case where there is a wire coil, having N loops with the same an equal area, the equation would be given by; ? = - N d?B/dt Whenever the Faraday’s law is combined with the Ohms law and Ampere’s law, a new law referred to as Lenz’s law would be generated. Faraday’s law is one equation having two phenomenons. The two phenomena include the EMF motion produced by a the force of magnetism through a moving wire and the EMF give out by an electric force as a result of magnetic field that is changing. Apparatus The apparatus for this experiment were coils, small compass, bar magnets, galvanometer, analogue multimeter, LV transformer, Dc voltage source, and LV transformer. Procedure Magnetic fields The outline of the two bar magnets were traced , and a small compass used to check the direction of the magnetic field at various points. The field direction was sketched in arrows to display the field direction. Two separate sketches were completed. One sketch involved attracting magnet where as the other one for a repelling magnet. The two sketches are displayed in diagram 1. Diagram 1 Attracting Magnets Repelling magnets Inductance The inductance for an air coil core was measured using the electronic bridge

The Office TV Show on Verbal and Non-verbal Communication Essay

The Office TV Show on Verbal and Non-verbal Communication - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that verbal and non-verbal communication is significant in our daily communication with friends, colleagues and other people we come into contact with everyday. Verbal communication is defined as the oral and written communication between people. Non-verbal communication is the type of communication that is neither spoken nor written. These include posture, actions, and body movements that mostly tell a lot more than words. Verbal and non-verbal communication is further subdivided into formal and informal language. Formal languages are often used in a formal setting such as business meetings, conferences, formal letters, memos and such. Informal communication, however, is the type of communication that we use in our everyday lives. In a person’s everyday interaction with other people, it is always important that these forms of communication are maximized. There is a famous saying â€Å"It is not what you say, but how you say it† that exemplifies the effective use of communication. The words that a person say may give one meaning and imply another depending on the tone of voice, posture and other factors that can imply a different meaning to the words one says. The TV show, The Office, exhibits the use of non-verbal communication more effectively rather than the words that were uttered in the scenes. In the episode, the people exhibited a lot of facial cues that expressed the people’s annoyance on the acting manager’s actions. There were also noticeable cues such as the way the acting manager would speak, his posture that somewhat depicted an annoying figure, the way he dressed and a lot of other things that made him somewhat a person to be irritated within the story. There was a segment in the episode that showed one guy crying over a girl he wanted to date, and what it effectively did was to show his anguish. The words he was uttering were a little incoherent but his actions and facial exp ressions showed his anguish. Even if there were no words to back it up, it would have still been understandable. In an office setting, one would expect that a person would speak with colleagues in a formal way especially if they are in a formal setting like meetings and other similar occasions but there are instances that colleagues sometimes become friends or have an easy camaraderie. That is the time that factors such as proximity, boundaries of topic, specific place for conversations and actions become less restrained. In the show, the impression that one could gather from it is that it is a somewhat formal setting with an informal environment. The people were a little less rigid, the stance is less relaxed, words used are less formal, although there were instances that the words and tone of voice indicates a formal type of communication, it mostly showed an easy camaraderie between colleagues. In maintaining interpersonal relationships in an office setting, one has to be dressed according to the image that is not only appropriate but also shows a certain type of individuality. A person makes an impression of another by how they appear to them, as such, appearance and dressing well is a good practice. It shows professionalism and credibility not only to colleagues but also to other people that one may interact with either in a formal or informal setting. In the case of the show, the acting manager may have an authority over others but his posture, the way he dressed and the manner of which he spoke depicted otherwise. It is also important to ensure that one addresses another in a way that is appropriate; the tone of voice plays a big factor as well. There are instances that the tone of voice becomes monotonous when speaking about something that is business related but one must also keep in mind that varying the pitch, tone and manner of speaking gives emphasis on whatever one says.

Teaching Assistant’s Essay Example for Free

Teaching Assistant’s Essay Teaching Assistants work in Primary, Secondary and Special Needs Schools. Individual duties and responsibilities can vary greatly but will be outlined in their job description. A TAs role is to support – this can be in a classroom situation, with groups or individual pupils and can often be all three. Support in the classroom (Classroom Assistant) involves more general duties helping the teacher with tasks in the classroom and pupils learning and development. TAs can be assigned to children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who will benefit from help on a one to one basis or in smaller groups. Responsibilities can be as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting children with learning difficulties or as a Personal Care Assistant those needing help with day to day personal care. In 2003, the National Workforce agreement was established which acknowledged the need to raise standards in schools and address workloads. From this Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) evolved. This higher level status gave additional responsibilities that previously only teachers could do, for example, developing support materials and assisting in lesson planning. Some schools, especially large or special needs schools, have TAs with additional, more specific roles. This ensures that all pupils and members of the team are supported adequately. Although there are many different roles a TA can have there are fundamental aspects of the job which will be the same. These can be categorised into four areas. 1. Supporting the Pupil. Support for the pupil is support for all pupils the TA comes into contact with in the school. Even if they are assigned to an individual child they will still interact with other pupils whilst in the school environment. It is the responsibility of a TA, as all members of staff, to maintain safe and healthy surroundings for children endorsing equal opportunity for all pupils to learn and grow. TAs must not show prejudice and be alert to, and aware of, discrimination within the school, encouraging non prejudicial attitudes. It is equally important to show appreciation and acceptance of the differences between people and help children understand that everyone has different qualities. Another aspect of a TAs job is to aid the development of pupils life and social skills. They should encourage inclusion and integration of pupils particularly when children have been taken out of class for extra help or after long periods of absence, due to illness for example. Listening to pupils and showing interest in what they do in and out of school, lifting their self esteem and building confidence, therefore encouraging independence. Whatever job description a TA has they should set a good example to pupils and be a good role model. 2. Supporting the Teacher. TAs need to be able to forge good working relations and work within structures that the teacher has outlined. Whatever specific role they have been employed for it is of great importance to be fully aware of the lesson aims and learning targets to enable the pupils to achieve their best. A TA is in a strong position to help the teacher observe, assess and record pupils learning and behavioural progress and offer feedback on these issues. 3. Supporting the School. All members of staff, including Teaching Assistants, are part of a team and when working effectively together can only benefit the school and consequently the pupils. TAs need to be aware of and work within school policies and procedures. These policies will include matters relating to Child Protection, Health Safety, Confidentiality and the Curriculum. It is essential to work within these policies procedures to ensure issues, such as bullying, are reported correctly and dealt with quickly and effectively. It gives a consistent framework to deal with issues fairly and equally. TAs support the school by acknowledging and using their skills and being prepared to learn and develop new ones. 4. Supporting the Curriculum. To support the Curriculum TAs need to have knowledge and understanding of ways in which children think and learn, progression of expected development and factors that inhibit learning. The National Literary and Numeracy Strategies have given TAs more involvement in these aspects of the curriculum, especially in primary schools. They are frequently engaged to work in other areas of the curriculum such as Physical Education (PE) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). With these increasing responsibilities it is helpful to have knowledge of National Curriculum documents and planning processes. A Teaching Assistant, as the name suggests, is there to help pupils achieve results whilst attending school. This is where the most differences in roles can be seen. In primary schools, a Teaching Assistant assigned to a class is responsible for assisting all pupils in that class. There are many tasks this involves including: †¢ Checking work and encouraging pupils to correct mistakes. †¢ Listening to reading.   †¢ Helping with practical work e.g. Crafts, outdoor activities/outings. †¢ Repeating instructions the teacher has given and ensuring the children understand what they need to do. †¢ Working with smaller groups of children.

Analysis Of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel Tourism Essay

Analysis Of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel Tourism Essay Executive Summary With the increase in concerns about the quality and effectiveness of service strategy using its marketing activities, this business report will try to analyze the Rockhampton Plaza Hotels marketing strategies using 7Ps Model. We have first discussed the background of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel and the personal experience in the service encounter in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. After that, we have done 7Ps analysis for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel by outlining the service product, promotion, place, pricing, people, processes and physical evidence critically. We also have done discussions which are based on relevant personal experience, applicable theoretical frameworks, and academicresearchers from academicians. Based on these discussions coming from the 7 Ps analysis for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel, we have tried to derive recommendations in four areas namely, price, people, promotion and physical evidence. The recommendations which have derived are:- 1) Pricing strategies of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should be more logical as well as flexible and a generic strategy should be formulated and a pricing strategy based on time of the day should be set up 2) Promotional strategy of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should be more contemporary so they should develop them more futuristic and develop B2b sales channel so that corporate bookings can be increased. 3) People strategy of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel needs to be more efficient and effective and recommendations are being done so that a broad range of trainings should be done. Employee focus should be increased within Rockhampton Plaza Hotel by both monetary as well as in reward and recognitions 4) Physical Evidence strategy should be done so as to make the interiors as well as exteriors more contemporary as well as appealing. Contents Introduction Service as a product is very much different from any tangible product. This uniqueness also makes marketing of services very much different for service product when compared to tangible products. When we compare 7Ps marketing mix of service product with 4Ps for tangible products which contains product, price, place, people, Promotions processes and physical evidence (Beaver Harris 2010, pp.109-19). In this business report, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel, which is a famous hotel in Queensland, Australia is chosen for being analyzed using 7Ps marketing mix model. The selection of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is important because of multiple reasons namely, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel as a service provider which gives all kinds of hospitality services like accommodation, entertainment etc. ; secondly, since, it is a famous hotel sufficient information can be found for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel using both secondary and primary sources about its business, services, operations as well as management practices; lastly, personal experiences have also taken place in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel of availing multiple services which will make the analysis more easy and convenient based on those personal experience. Using the above information, this business report will try and use this 7 P marketing mix analysis as a tool to analyses Rockhampton Plaza Hotel practices and offer possible features of advice for Rock hampton Plaza Hotel. This business report has been built upon brief history and background of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel and personal experiences availed in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. Then, we have conducted 7 P marketing analysis using different resources. Finally, recommendations are being made on multiple parameters of this 7 P marketing mix which is applied on Rockhampton Plaza Hotel (Blankson Stokes 2007, pp.49-61). Background ofRockhampton Plaza Hotel The background of Rockhampton plaza hotel will be discussed on this section as well as personal experiences of known people in this hotel. Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is a 6 story hotel which has restaurant, bar, party facilities which are near Central Park and St  Josephs Cathedral. It has earned local fame and respect due to its service and hospitality on offer. This Hotel is big in size and offers multiple hospitality services for customers in a bouquet. It is a six stored hotel and average occupancy is approximate 75% (Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2012). Personal Experiences Our experience of staying in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel has been amazing. The first image of this hotel has been comfortable to live as well as giving quality of services which was very convenient as well as quick. Rockhampton Plaza Hotel offers diversified services and also consults tourists about the city and where to visit. Our personal experience is very good and the experience and attitude will help in making this business report based on 7Ps Marketing Mix model. 7Ps analysis for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel The 7 P analysis for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel includes the analysis of 7Ps of marketing mix, namely, Product, price, promotion, place, people, processes and physical evidence which are explained in the following sections- Analysis of Service Product Parameter It has been analyzed that service products of hospitality industry is very similar in nature, in which products and services which can be offered to customers so that Rockhampton Plaza Hotel can satisfy their wants like those of eating, entertainment, hosting, and other needs in their busy routines. For service product of hotels, which is an important part of hospitality industry contains diversified service portfolio for customers whichthey might not find with any other service providers when they get one quality service provider. This is an easily recognizable trend for hospitality industry in which global standards are being set for service delivery. For assessing the overall quality of hotels, diversification of services is highly needed (Brooksbank, Kirby Taylor 2009, pp.292-306). Based on these points and attaching the service product part of the hotel, the service which are being given by hotels fall in 3 different types:- 1) Accommodation services- Accommodation is the main business source of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. Rockhampton Plaza Hotel serves its customers with a range of services like reservation, valet parking, luggage movement, room service, laundry as well as other value added services. 2) Entertainment Services-The Customer needs multiple services in Entertainment range which can be found in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. Here, customers can do other exercises like gym, swimming, playing indoor sports like Table tennis, Snooker and Squash. Customers can also enjoy Karaoke Nights as well as drinking in the bar or pub. They can also enjoy the coffee cup in cafeteria adjoining the restaurant. Rockhampton Plaza Hotel also gives various in room options to its customers like TV viewing, internet access using own smart devices or rent them for personal usage on Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. 3) Fine Dining as well as shopping services There are multiple fine dining restaurants present in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel where customers can enjoy multiple cuisine foods like Chinese, spicy, Traditional, continental, Korean as well as sea foods. Customers can also buy necessary items like packaged foods, edible drinks as well as other needed items from small market present in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel (Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2012). Service Pricing Parameter Analysis In Hospitality Industry, Price is always not the decisive reason for customers to make their choice. They play definitely an important part which is taken in consideration by customers before taking any final decision. For hotels, pricing strategy is very complicated issue in itself and needs lots of deliberations before being finalized (Chain 2010, pp.8-51). This is because, it is difficult to take in consideration all the input received by customers in terms of feedback for all the diversified services Rockhampton Plaza Hotel offers. Also, since, most of the customers Rockhampton Plaza Hotel gets are either from touring agencies or booking websites, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel doesnt has the necessary bargaining power with its customer base which are essentially very big in size. We always need categorization for pricing strategies in service industry (Consuegra, MolinaEsteban 2007). When we take this analysis in consideration, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel needs categorization of their pric ing strategies. In terms of prices they should categories them for individual customers as well as for booking agents / Websites as well as group travellers. 1) For individual customers, the standard room costs individual 350 AUD per day and reservation 20 days ahead would mean 10% discount on this price. Also, the standard room will be priced for 100 AUD for six hours in day when it isoffered to those who need forrelaxation. Other detailed prices for service are- 2) Entertainment services Services rate for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is on higher side when compared with other peers by approximate 10-20%. When we take swimming pool and gym services for example.Usually the average price for 1 hour swimming pool charges is 100 AUD in this hotel and gym is of 50 AUD. 3) Food services Food Prices are same with those of restaurants which are self-operated in this hotel. However, if we use the room service, then extra charges will be applicable as per the timing of the call. For travel agents, Hotels give discounts to them which is dependent on the volume of customers in the long term contract or for one off destination. Normally, In Queensland, for a travel group which is lower than 15 people a 15% rebate is offered by hotel. If it is more than 15, then 25% discount is offered along with other bouquet of free services. Some hotels offer entertainment rebates, some do not (Deng and Dart, 2009, pp.725-42). Analysis of Promotion Parameter Promotional strategy for service industry is focused on achievement of two objectives- to get new customer to visit and use services, and to retain customers which are old by giving them loyalty programs. In terms of hospitality industry, they use a mix of promotional strategies which include advertising, word of mouth, referral programs as well as loyalty programs for their present customers. There are also discounts for referrals as well as special offers on off seasons where occupancy rate is very low (Booms Bitner 1981). When we see above activities and attach them with Rockhampton Plaza Hotel workings, the promotional activities can be classified in following way- 1) Advertising- Rockhampton Plaza Hotel uses different mediums for advertising, namely, printed advertisements in newspapers, magazines as well as in travelling journals along with circulating catalogues at leading travel agents offices. 2) Word of Mouth Strategy Rockhampton Plaza Hotel focuses more on word of mouth strategy for acquiring customers which is thetraditional practice in hospitality industry. You can find pamphlets and slogans everywhere in the hotel, enticing customers to tell to their peers, friends and relatives about Rockhampton Plaza Hotel and share them the experiences they had. They have a two pronged strategy for referrals. First they give coupons to people while checking out which can be used by anyone except those who have been given those coupons. These coupons can range from discount to free services. When these coupons are being used, then the referrer gets same coupon credited in his account which can be used by him in his next visit to the hotel. Hence, referrals can be useful to them also as well as their friends. 3) Sales Promotions Sales promotion of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel can be seen as offering discounts for early bookings as well as for large travel agents/ online booking websites depending on the volume of customers. Also, discounts are offered to senior citizens who are more than 60 years of age in order to fulfill corporate social responsibility. 4) Customer Loyalty programs- The customer loyalty program run by Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is the major means to attract and retain loyal customer. His is achieved by multiple ways like 1) making class of customers depending on the amount spend by them in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel and giving special benefits to those classes in form of discounts or complementary services. 2) Giving referral bonus to them as well as those which are being referred so as to retain old customers and attract new ones (Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2012). Service Place Parameter Analysis Place Parameter of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel can be described as the place where hotels are placed, this is an important parameter but a static one as the decision is taken at the inception of hotel which cant be changed (Booms Bitner 1981). As we talk about Rockhampton Plaza Hotel which is located near Central Park in Queensland which is a prominent location. The most important commercial as well as tourist attractions are near way. Queensland attracts huge number of tourists visiting which also results in high occupancy ratings. People Service Parameter Analysis People management is the most important facet of services in hospitality industry since all services are important and directly delivered by people only. The quality of service providers can affect the customer satisfaction as well as discretionary spend of consumers with the service provider (Booms Bitner 1981). Employee Job satisfaction decides what is the level of customer satisfaction in hotel which stresses the importance of rational as well as effective human resource management for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel and other similar service provider in hospitality industry. When we see the human resource management at Rockhampton Plaza Hotel, according to personal experiences, we can state following points:- 1) Recruitments, selection as well as new induction of joiners as employees. 2) Practical on the Job training for new as well as current employee 3) Fostering Rockhampton Plaza Hotel culture and teamwork into new employees. 4) Job Appraisal as well as reward and recognition scheme which include both fines as well as compensation depending on good behaviour as well as mistakes towards customers. 5) Relationship building between the Rockhampton Plaza Hotel and its employees. The Human resource responsibility in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel in terms of service contracts towards consumers includes following features:- 1) To help the consumers in an appropriate manner. This includes all of the possible help they can give to old as well as new customers of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2) The communication which is ongoing between customers and staff of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel can help in collection of information about what are the changing needs and wants of hotel services and how can Rockhampton Plaza Hotel working towards providing complete customer satisfaction patterns (Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2012). Service Parameter Processes Analysis Processes are very important for any service giver in hospitality industry as they give ways in which these services are being given to consumers. When we talk about specific hotel industry, the processes of this industry include multiple interactions between the hotel entity as well as its consumers along with its staff. These facts help in service products as well as consumption patterns(Lovelock Wright 2002). The processes of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel can be seen in multiple aspects like:- 1) Hotels and consumers This involves offering facilities by Rockhampton Plaza Hotel like information, consulting, food, accommodation, bar, in house entertainment, which can help customers as well as Rockhampton Plaza Hotel to assist their consumers. When we talk about customers, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is very keen on finding data about what is the attitude of customers and their satisfaction towards Rockhampton Plaza Hotel, hence Rockhampton Plaza Hotel works on getting feedback in terms of check out book to be filled at the checkout from Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2) Staffs and consumers Human resources always make direct contact with consumers and their involvement is the most important spoke in service quality. This includes the effort to make customers stay as comfortable as possible. Staff of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel works to delight customers by offering extra services which prove value of their money and help them effectively use the services of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel of which they are unaware. 3) Human Resources Rockhampton Plaza Hotel staff interaction includes involving them in design and adjustment of new services and related processes using periodic meetings with the management. This helps in finding star employees who are ready to take responsibilities as well as give effective and practical advice to them. Staff are also promoted to organize socializing among themselves so that their interpersonal relationships are strengthened resulting in higher work satisfaction (Rockhampton Plaza Hotel 2012). Service Parameter Physical Evidence Analysis Physical evidence for intangible products like services is quite similar to tangible products. This includes environment, prices, communication as well as view the customer has as of locality (CengizYayla 2007). Physical evidence can be worked for the services offered by Rockhampton Plaza Hotel in following areas. 1) Physical Environment Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is a comfortable place to stay. The inside area, corridors, lobby all are fresh and novel in decoration. All furniture are polished and new. Since, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is quite near to central park, the view is quite fascinating and helps to leave a strong brand recall of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. 2) Tactics for communication with customers Customers have multiple options present in hotel or on phone about the services offered in Rockhampton Plaza Hotel as well as places to visit in Queensland. Rockhampton Plaza Hotel also has staff which is very experienced in handling customers. They give consultation to people depending on their needs and make friendly guides available for them for working(Copley 2004) Recommendations for Rockhampton plaza hotel We have done suitable analysis for 7Ps service Marketing Mix of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. In the next section, we have tried to come up with suitable recommendations. The recommendations are being offered in areas of price parameter, promotion parameter, people parameter as well as physical evidence parameter for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel Recommendation for Service Parameter Pricing Strategy When we talk about pricing parameter, the pricing strategy of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel needs to be tweaked in order to be more flexible in accordance with the market pricing. We have given below recommendations for them so that they can shift the focus of their pricing strategy Generic Pricing formula needs to be arrived for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel which can be cost based or competition based or consumer physique based. As we define the generic pricing for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel, all of these should be strategically aligned and should make customer attract towards Rockhampton Plaza Hotel because of justified value for money ratio. Since current market conditions are more dynamic as the competition is heightened and Rockhampton Plaza Hotel is feeling the heat. They should shift prices according to the occupancy. In times where it is less occupancy, prices should shift down and when the tourist season is on full swing, they should increase the password so that they can gain the price advantage. This will not only simulate the customers to come to Rockhampton Plaza Hotel again and again but will also increase the average occupancy rate as empty rooms are worse than discounted prices (Jones 2008). Recommendation for Promotion Service Parameter Strategy On the same lines as of pricing strategy, the promotional strategy for Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should also be updated as per the current needs of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel. Based on the analysis in previous sections, the recommendations for promotional parameter are:- They should increase collaboration with travel websites such as Groupon and offer lower prices to them; this will increase the occupancy rate as well as exposure of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel to overseas customers and can build brand loyalty globally. They should also increase promotional activities there and give special incentives to promote the internet channel for selling and booking. 2) Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should also work with travel agencies to promote their brands. This will increase the cooperation level with them bringing in huge inflows of customers who opt for travel packages rather than booking themselves. This might include helping these travel agencies by telephonic advice to their customers seeking travel to Queensland and sending invitation letters to travel agencies to come and have a look at Rockhampton Plaza Hotel to promote it for their customers (James 2009). Recommendation for Service Parameter People Strategy Rockhampton Plaza Hotel has focused from its inception on its staff, but the focus is not equal on various parameters as well as comprehensive in totality. They should focus more on cross stream training as well as employee satisfaction about his work. Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should make the employee training more wide range of content like behavioral training, communication as well as management skills for human resources under which they can understand the customers better and tread on different yet more satisfying paths for their future. 2) Also, Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should focus on increasing employee satisfaction in their work lines. Since, customer satisfaction is dependent on satisfied employee working fully towards their cause. Hence employee satisfaction is very important for any hotel. They should increase both monetary as well as non-monetary rewards for its employees. Management of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel should also show respect for the efforts of its employees towards their work and frequently survey their employees to identify potential problems their employees are facing and correct them if required (Grant 1998). Recommendation for Service Parameter Physical Evidence Strategy Regarding the Physical evidence strategy, they are located near central park which is an excellent location. The following recommendations are being given for better presentation inside the Rockhampton Plaza Hotel in terms of Physical evidence. They should keep changing their internal decoration so that customers whenever they come find a new Rockhampton Plaza Hotel waiting to serve them. It can be seasonal or based on occasions. Also, they should work towards better decoration in lobbies. The internal decoration is good but needs to be more contemporary in nature, hence requires a revamp (Borden 1984). Conclusion This report talks about the p analysis of marketing strategies of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel, a hotel in Queensland, Australia, based on experiences and secondary research. Other than 7P Marketing Mix application for Rockhampton Hotel Strategy, 4 different areas of recommendations have been given in terms of price, promotion, people and physical evidence which are needed to be taken in consideration by management of Rockhampton Plaza Hotel to tweak their strategy according to the needs of present and to prepare for the future. We have given recommendation in pricing, to be more flexible and seasonal in approach so that overall occupancy rates can be increased, in promotion, to target internet as a channel and tie up with group selling websites as well as travel agents to have higher exposure and awareness for its target markets, in people , to work towards creating a better environment for its employees and increase their satisfaction so that in turn they work towards better satisfaction of Rockhampton Plaza Hotels Customers, in physical evidence, to work towards making the interiors more contemporary as well as make it more flexible with changing festivities as per the local tradition

Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases Essay -- Climate Change, Greenhous

Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases The earth’s climate is predicted to change because human activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases –– primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed. Although uncertainty exists about exactly how earth’’s climate responds to these gases, global temperatures are rising. Go to the Emissions section for much more on greenhouse gases. Energy from the sun drives the earth’’s weather and climate, and heats the earth’’s surface; in turn, the earth radiates energy back into space. Atmospheric greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse. Without this natural â€Å"â€Å"greenhouse effect,†Ã¢â‚¬  temperatures would be much lower than they are now, and life as known today would not be possible. Instead, thanks to greenhouse gases, the earth’’s average temperature is a more hospitable 60 °ÃŒÅ F. However, problems may arise when the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases increases. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have increased nearly 30%, methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen by about 15%. These increases have enhanced the heat-trapping capability of the earth’’s atmosphere. Sulfate aerosols, a...

How far has current social work organisation and practice been shaped by the values of the Enlightenment?

In the following assignment, I will briefly define the ‘Enlightenment' and the specific circumstances when it emerged. I will identify and discuss, if the ‘Enlightenment' has core values and I will give reasons to backup my decisions. Then there will be a brief discussion about the current features of Social Work organisation and anti-discriminatory practice in relation to women. I will explain if the current feature of Social Work Practice demonstrates any link with the ‘Enlightenment' values. Due to word limitation, it is difficult to discuss and analyse all of the ‘Enlightenment' values. I will focus on two of the values: ‘tolerance and freedom' to discuss and analyse them with the conjunction of the Social Work Practice. Benson et al (cited in Spybey, T. 1997) explains that â€Å"The ‘Enlightenment' is a term used to describe those thinkers of the eighteenth century who established the basis of looking at the society in a scientific way†. The' Enlightenment' movements started in 16th and 17th century. Thus â€Å"It's roots go much farther back in western history and it continued to develop long after the 18th century, Hollinger (1994) calls it â€Å"a programme for improving human life was worked out†. It took place in 18th century but mainly in the second half of the18th century, French educated men and women called themselves ‘Philosophes' who became known as the ‘Enlightenment'. According to Porter (1990 cited in Hall et al 1992: 24) â€Å"The Enlightenment was the era which saw the emergence of a secular intelligentsia large enough and powerful enough for the first time to challenge the clergy. The key domain in which ‘Enlightenment' intellectuals involved in supporting existing, man and society, which was sustained by the church authority and it's monopoly over the information media of the time†. The ‘Enlightenment' challenged the traditional and religious views and ideas. The society, the world, human-beings and nature, all were seen in the light of the traditional and religious views which were dominated by Christianity. Hamilton (1997 cited in Handouts, 2003) and Hall et al (1992: 7) explains that â€Å"From around 1760, â€Å"A perspective summed up in Voltaire's phrase ‘à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½crasez l'infame': means ‘crush the infamous thing' and †¦ it became a nutritious catchphrase†. It opposed the Catholic Church and religious beliefs for example Script of Bible, miracles associated with Jesus and other prophets, God and angel's existence, the church's authority and people's beliefs were criticized, which were based on the religion and tradition. Hall et al (1992: 20) expresses that â€Å"The ‘Enlightenment is the foundation of ‘Modernity' and ‘Modern Social Science'. It changed the way of thinking by comprehending it as systematic, scientific and practical†. Its emergence gave ‘Philosophes' a wider scoops to explore beyond their religious and traditional beliefs. It created an atmosphere for ‘Philosophes' to believe in the â€Å"pre-eminence of empirical, materialist knowledge: the model in this respect furnished by science, an enthusiasm for technological and medical progress and a desire for legal and constitutional reform† (Johnson, I. Handouts: 2003). Basically, the ‘Enlightenment laid a foundation for people to think liberally and have some sense of equality in the society. In my view, the above significant factors were the bases of the ‘Enlightenment's values, which let the ‘Enlightenment' develop and progress steadily. Because it was the first time when it was made possible for people to explore and express their personal beliefs and view and test the validity of their thoughts, through scientific, systematic ways and without being bounded by religious and traditional restrictions. The ‘Enlightenment' values brought in changes and development in the society and in the people's views and thoughts. It set the milestone for our new modern world that we live in today. It also opened up the opportunities for ‘Philosophes' to work, explore and experiment in a wider context and relay their ideas and views with some freedom. It abolished the traditional and superstitious thoughts and prejudices. It created opportunities for legal and religious reformation to take place. I think that all the changes and development have only taken place because the ‘Enlightenment' values were in existence and were strong enough to challenge the strongest authority; the churches of that time. As churches and its authorities have had a great influence and power over people, economy, politics, law, social, every day life even the ruler/s of that time. Hall et al (1992: 21-22) had defined the core values of the ‘Enlightenment' which are summarised as the following: * Reason (nationality): systemized acquaintances (pragmatic or experimented). * Empiricism: human-beings; views and awareness that being gained through their perceptions and judgements. * Science: based on scientific methods and theories and can be tested systematically and scientifically. * Universalism: motives and science can be functional in all and every situation; if the principal were the same. * Progress: the concept of improvement in the natural and social conditions of human beings. * Individualism: a society is based on the thoughts and beliefs of its members and each member id origin of all â€Å"knowledge and action and his reasons can not be subjective to a higher authority. * Toleration: the notion of that all human-beings are essentially the same, despite their religious or moral convictions and that the beliefs of other races and civilization not inherently inferior to those of European Christianity. * Freedom: an opposition to feudal and traditional constraints or on believes: trades, communication, social interaction, sexuality, and ownership of property (although as we shall see the extension of freedom to women and the lower-classes was problematic for Philosophies)† (Hall et al. 1992: 22-23). * Uniformity of human nature: all the humankinds are the same all around the world. * Secularism: non-religious and non-traditional authorities and an opposition to the traditional religious authority and myths. Now, I will discuss the ‘Enlightenment's values: ‘toleration' and ‘freedom' in the correlation with the current Social Work practice especially in relation to anti-discriminatory practice regarding to women, to establish if the Enlightenment's values are linked or have influenced Social Work practice. I have experienced through my work experience with different communities that generally, women are treated unfairly and unequally in the society at most levels. Women have less freedom and rights than men. Globally, the women of 21th century are still struggling to gain an equal place as men in the society. Guru (2003: class-notes) stresses that â€Å"From birth to death women have to struggle in their lives to access their rights e.g welfare, personal, social, political, human, cultural, traditional, religious, labourer, employment†. The Social Work emphasises strongly on anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. â€Å"During the late 1980s social work education became increasingly aware of the impact of oppression and discrimination on clients and communities. There was a growing and recognition of relative neglect of such issues in traditional approaches to social work in 1989, the Central Council for Education and Training in Social (CCETSW) laid down the regulations and requirements for the students† of Social work to practice in anti- discriminatory ways. †¦CCETSW also seek to ensure that students are prepared to combat other forms of discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability, culture or creed† (CCETSW 1989: 10 cited in Thompson, N. 1997: 1). The change in the CCETSW's regulation indicates that the discrimination still exists especially against certain groups and women are one of them and there is a need to combat discrimination. Moreover, it also states that it was recognised that the discrimination was linked with ‘traditional approaches'. It may mean that the ‘traditional views' still exists in our today's society, which the ‘Enlightenment' wanted to get rid of, to give people ‘freedom' and to promote equality for all individuals without their differences they had through ‘toleration'. Obviously, the â€Å"Enlightenment certainly propagated concept of equality (limited), democracy and emancipation †¦.† (Hall et al.1992: 33). But when it comes to women then it seems like that the women were almost invisible in the ‘Enlightenment'. Hall et al (1992: 60) expressed that â€Å"There was no Enlightenment for women. However they (Enlightenment) challenged the champion the rights of commons, the rights of Citizens, slaves, Jews, Indians and children but not those of women†. Under the ‘Enlightenment's values of ‘toleration and freedom': â€Å"all the human-beings are essentially the same† but it was not applied to women. Porter (2001: 69) explains that â€Å"The ‘Enlightenment' helped to free a man from his past†¦.by declaring that â€Å"all human-beings are equal despite their race, religion, beliefs, civilization and moral convictions†¦ and Lock (1992 referred in Hall et al. 1992: 66) adds in that according to the ‘Enlightenment', â€Å"Every man has an equal right ‘to his natural freedom†. Similar, the ‘Code of Practice for Social Care Worker (CPSCW) requires that the social care workers must â€Å"promote equal opportunities for service users and†¦ respecting diversity and different cultures and values† (GSCC, 2002: 1.5-1.6). Moreover, the Social work values emphasises that the social workers should â€Å"identifies and question their own values and prejudices, and their implication of practice;†¦ and they should â€Å"Respect and value uniqueness and adversity†¦.and identify (discrimination), analyse and take action to counter discrimination, racism, disadvantage, inequality and injustice using strategies appropriate to role and context† (CCETSW, paper 30 referred in UB. 2002: 6). Social work is not focusing on certain and specific groups or people where as the ‘Enlightenment' was concerned with the specific group/s of the society. The ‘freedom' and ‘toleration' was for certain maters and specific groups but there were n laid rules or principals for ‘Philosophes' to follow and the ‘Philosophes' themselves were a small group of people. Therefore, the social work value gave people a direct power to clients by letting them choosing and decide for themselves and social worker are advised to â€Å"promote opportunities for people to use their own strengths to make decisions for themselves (CCETSW, paper 30 cited in UB. 2002: 4). In other words, social work has widened the concept of ‘freedom' and ‘toleration' by being considerate for all members of the community, which is now-a-days known as ‘anti-discrimination', freedom of choice' and ‘equality'. It demonstrates that the ‘Enlightenment' have given the idea and Social work made it possible for people by assisting clients and by practicing it physically. That does not mean that the social work have followed the ‘Enlightenment' concept and values unswervingly. But initially, the idea was there to follow and it may be possible that the ‘feminist' movements got the idea from the ‘Enlightenment' and modified it according to the current needs. Thompson (1997: 8) described that the â€Å"influence of feminism in sociology was beginning to extend to social policy in general and social work in particular†. Lagan et al (1992: 112-120) agreed with this statement by accentuating that the feminism had great influence on social work theories. Social work had contributed to help women to achieve political, economical, educational, legal and social rights. For example, Beloff (1976 referred in Thompson, N. 1997: 5) argues that the â€Å"legislation changes were part of women liberal programme of reform e.g. rights for divorce, Equal Pay Act 1970 , Sex Discrimination Act 1975†. The social work worked itself and worked with ‘feminist and liberal movements' to fight for ‘women's rights'. Although, the social work has adopted the ideas from ‘feminists' or other liberal movements but the social work can be distinguished from other movements. Initially, it worked with and for all groups and classes. Second, it developed rapidly and extensively in many areas of social issues such as children, disabled people, aged, ethnic minorities, poor and others. The women have developed and have gained rights with the help of social work. Social work has made and is making a useful contribution for women rights and for their development. Lagan et al (1992: 40) emphasis that the â€Å"Social work is mainly done by the Female Social workers and with the Female clients†¦. As being women, Social workers shared the common understanding and experiences, as very much like their clients†. That made the social work to approach most women in the society at all levels and to help eliminate women's social problems and raise issues which needed to be address to combat oppression and discrimination. We see the Western Women as ‘Modern', independent, intellectual, and strong. But it can be argued that the women are still at disadvantage in the society. Many national studies and statistics show that â€Å"Overall, women are disadvantaged in health, education, economy, politics, and employment and through out the system† (Carter, A. 1988: 77-112). However, we can not deny the fact that women have been victimized by the system and the society. Despite the social work practice and attempts for women's rights, â€Å"there are still gaps and work needs to be done in accordance to give women equal rights† (Surrinder, G.2003). It is true that media has blamed social work practice in the past and social workers are seen as government's representatives and according to Murphy (2003: 7) the Social workers are not very much liked by the general public. There are also issues regarding to social worker's practice e.g. practicing in ‘traditional' way due to personal prejudices, which has oppressed the clients and has stigmatized the social work itself. Thompson (1997: 11) emphasise that the â€Å"†¦social work practice which does not take account of oppression and discrimination can not be seen as ‘good practice†¦.†. The ‘bad practice' is portrayed through the media but the good practice is not awarded and neither praised by media. The social work constantly reviews the policies to encounter prejudices and emphasises high on anti-discriminatory practice. In conclusion, I agree with Hall et al (1992: 266) that the â€Å"Enlightenment' played a part in †¦abolition of prejudice and superstition†¦and has given freedom to man†. I would say that where the ‘Enlightenment' movements have played a vital role in the modern thinking and have given the initiative idea of the ‘Toleration and freedom', which now has taken a new shape of ‘equality and anti-discrimination' within a broader context. But at same time, the ‘Enlightenment' has indirectly contributed against women. Maybe it was due to ‘unintended consequences' (Johnson, I. 2003: 2), which were not identified, measured and recognised by the ‘Enlightenment' or may be ‘Enlightenment did not want to recognise it. As ‘Enlightenment' was a men dominated movement. It may have contributed to prejudice and discriminate women by not including and involving them at the very early stage of the ‘Enlightenment' movements. And that could be the cause that women's voice for their rights was an echo in the vacuum and was not heard till lately. Therefore, social work has worked extensively for women's rights but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. My suggestion is that the social work should identify oppression and discrimination and combat it at personal levels first and then at institutional levels. This action should not only be taken by the professionals but all the individuals should get involved in it. Otherwise, just like the ‘Enlightenment': left the women behind, the individuals will be imperceptible and power will shift to the professionals who will take over. If it will happen then it may take us back to the early ‘Enlightenment' age, where only the ‘Enlightenment' educated, had the power and voice.