Language is a system of differences without positive terms Essay

Ferdinand Saussure was the first structural linguist to reorient the study of linguistics and to take as an object of study the analysis of an arbitrary order of signs and their correlation with language. The arbitrariness of the sign is pervasive and is visible in the sense that there is no intrinsic connection between the signifier and the signified and a sign can be analyzed without its semantic context. This placed the sign within a system of differential relationships between signs and language. Thereby it became possible to study the basic elements of a language system as arrangements of contrasts and oppositions and arrive at â€Å"differences with no positive terms†. Saussure says a â€Å"linguistic sign exists only by virtue of its opposition to other signs; just as coins have values only within a particular system of coinage, and the identity of trains is only in terms of a particular railway system, so the links established between ‘significants’ and ‘signifies’ exist only through the system of oppositions by which, literally, that particular language is formed.   The conclusion is stark and radical.†Ã‚   Hence, in a â€Å"language system there are only differences with no positive terms† (Saussure 972). In order to arrive at an understanding of the â€Å"differences with no positive terms† Saussure divides language into two components. The first component is Langue which is an abstract system of language that has been internalized by a speech community. The second component is parole or the act of speaking or practice of language. While Parole is composed of heterogeneous, unrelated and differing elements, language is homogeneous union of concept and â€Å"sound image† or the signified and the signifier (both psychological). This notion of Lang has challenged translators of the text in English. There have also been a number of debates on the status of this term. There have been questions as to whether this refers to a mental entity—â€Å"a sort of platonic idea or merely designates a methodological concept, an abstraction that is a part of a heuristic strategy. The issue has been, and remains, the articulation of the twin notions of langue and parole, the latter being no less difficult to translate into English than the former. Some have opted for an ontological distinction on the model of the philosophical tradition that opposes essence and existence or â€Å"accidents†; others have reduced the difference to the pragmatic necessity of evaluating instances of â€Å"languaging† with respect to the opposite poles of a continuum going from the normative, idealized representation of a language to the open-ended actual utterances that are usually observed in verbal interactions. That Saussure himself was not entirely satisfied with these correlate notions of langue and parole seems obvious from his numerous attempts to specify the distinction† (Bouissac 6). Saussure contended that language is systematic and it is possible to investigate it using methodology that is used in investigating pure science. Hence, he calls the â€Å"life of the sign†, a science.   He names this science semiotics or the science that â€Å"studies the life of signs within society† (Saussure 962). The task of the linguist, in investigating this science is to â€Å"find out what makes language a special system within the mass of semiological data† (Saussure 962) and if we must â€Å"discover the true nature of language we must learn what it has in common with all other semiological systems† (Saussure 962).   Therefore, Saussure feels a need to begin with an understanding of the sign. Saussure offers a dyadic model of a sign in which the signifier and the signified are two parts of a whole.   This is a mental model in which a sign must have a signifier and a signified and the relationship between the two–a signification. Thus the sign itself is â€Å"immaterial† (not abstract), as it does not fix the signification of the signified. â€Å"The linguistic sign unites, not a thing and a name, but a concept and a sound image. The latter is not the material sound, a purely physical thing, but the psychological imprint of the sound, the impression that it makes on our senses† (Saussure 963). He further elucidates the point: â€Å"without moving our lips we can talk to ourselves or recite mentally a selection of verse† (Saussure 963).   Thus the definition of the linguistic sign is â€Å"a combination of a concept and a sign image† and consequently, Saussure proposes to â€Å"retain the sign [signe] to designate the whole and to replace concept and sound image respectively by signified [signifie] and signifier [significant]† (Saussure 963). It logically follows, that the sign has two primordial principles: a) The sign is arbitrary by nature and b) The signifier is linear by nature.  The arbitrary nature of the sign: The linguistic sign is arbitrary and the consequences of this arbitrariness are infinite. The discovery of the arbitrariness is also not easy and requires many â€Å"detours† before they can be discovered. However, the discovery uncovers the primordial importance of this principle of linguistic signs. This very arbitrariness of the sign makes it ideal for semiological study and it is this principle that makes language the model for all other branches of semiology (Saussure 965). Moving on to examining the arbitrary nature of the linguistic sign, Saussure realized that reducing a sign to a symbol makes it less arbitrary because it creates a bond between the signifier and the signified.   The linguistic sign is not arbitrary because there is no natural connection between the two. (Saussure 965).   The argument that Onomatopoeia proves that a sign is not always arbitrary is dismissed as onomatopoeic â€Å"formations are never organic elements of the linguistic system† (Saussure 965). Interjections too show that there is no â€Å"fixed bond between the signified and signifier† (Saussure 966) and â€Å"Onomatopoeic formations and interjections are of secondary importance and their symbolic origin is in part open to dispute† (Saussure 965). The linear nature of the Signifier The auditory nature of the signifier implies that it has a span and the â€Å"span is measurable in a single dimension; it is a line† (Saussure 966).   This principle, according to Saussure is very important because â€Å"the whole mechanism of language depends on it† (Saussure 966). Auditory signifiers â€Å"command the dimension of time† and â€Å"their elements are presented in succession; they form a chain† (Saussure 966). This linearity is visible in writing where â€Å"the spatial line of graphic marks is substituted for succession in time† (Saussure 966). Having said this, Saussure moves on to consider language in terms of an organized system of pure values consisting of ideas and sound in order to arrive at the â€Å"differences without positive terms†. Linguistic Value: Language as organized thought coupled with sound In examining language as organized thought and sound, Saussure finds that â€Å"there are no pre-existing ideas, and nothing is distinct before the appearance of language† (Saussure 967).   Moreover â€Å"phonic substance is neither more fixed nor more rigid than thought; it is not a mold into which thought must of necessity fit but a plastic substance divided in turn into distinct parts   to furnish the signifiers needed by thought† (Saussure 967). Therefore, language forms a â€Å"link between thought and sound under conditions that bring about the reciprocal delimitations of units† (Saussure 967) and becomes an â€Å"articulus in which an idea is fixed in a sound and a sound becomes the sign of an idea† (Saussure 967). It follows that the signifier and the signified are intimately connected. The two cannot be separated just as two side of a paper cannot be separated. â€Å"Thought is one side of the sheet and sound the reverse side.   Just as it is impossible to take a pair of scissors and cut one side of paper without at the same time cutting the other, so it is impossible in the language to isolate the sound from thought, or thought up from sound.† (Saussure 967). Nevertheless, the â€Å"combination produces a form, not a substance† (Saussure 967) because it remains completely arbitrary. It is this arbitrariness that makes it possible to create a linguistic system. However, Saussure warns that it must not be assumed that it is possible to construct the system from the parts but the parts can be obtained from the whole by a process of analysis (Saussure 968). Linguistic Value: Conceptual View point The next logical question that occurs to Saussure is â€Å"How does value differ from signification?† He concludes that, while conceptually signification is an element of value, it is not the same as value. It is in fact distinct from it.   This is because â€Å"language is a system of interdependent terms in which the value of each term results solely from the simultaneous presence of others† (Saussure 969). â€Å"Initially a concept is nothing †¦ is only a value determined by its relations with other similar values, that without them the signification would not exist† (Saussure 971). To better appreciate the significance of his finding he compares the concepts of value and signification as they exist outside of language.   He finds that the same paradoxical principle governs values outside language. Values are composed of a) â€Å"dissimilar things that can be exchanged for the thing of which the value is to be determined† (Saussure 969) like a coin can be exchanged for a fixed value of another thing; b) â€Å"similar things that can be compared with the thing of which the value is to be determined† (Saussure 969) such as a two penny coin can be compared to another two penny coin. The value of a word, therefore, â€Å"is not fixed so long as one simply states that it can be â€Å"exchanged† for a given concept, i.e. that it has this or that signification: one must also compare it with similar values, with other words that stand in opposition to it. Its content is really fixed only by the concurrence of everything that exists outside it. Being part of a system, it is endowed not only with signification but also and specially with a value, and this is something quite different† (Saussure 969). Linguistic Value from a Material Viewpoint Do these relations and differences between the terms of language and their value stand up to the test of linguistic value from the material viewpoint?   Saussure thinks so. In his view the most important fact is that â€Å"the word is not the sound alone but the phonic differences that make it possible to distinguish it from all others, for differences carry signification† (Saussure 971). He does not find this surprising because â€Å"one vocal image is no better suited than the next for what is commissioned to express† (Saussure 971). Hence any analysis of a segment of language must be based on the â€Å"noncoincidence with the rest† (Saussure 971) and the â€Å"arbitrary and differential† are two correlative qualities of language. The arbitrary and differential qualities of language are validated by the fact that the terms in a language are free â€Å"to change according to the laws that are unrelated to its signifying function† (Saussure 971). For instance no positive sign characterizes the genitive plural in Zen. Still Zena and Zenb function very well even if they replace the earlier forms of the word. It has value because it is different. This quality of language is also validated by the fact that â€Å"signs function†¦not through their intrinsic value but through their relative position† (Saussure 971). This reveals the â€Å"systematic role of phonic functions†. For instance there is similarity in the formation of the words ephen and esten.   However, the former is an imperfect and the latter is an aorist. In this context Saussure notes that the sound is a secondary thing to language—a substance that must be put to use in language. The â€Å"conventional values† must not be confused with the â€Å"tangible elements† that support them. The linguistic signifier is â€Å"incorporeal† and â€Å"is constituted not by its material substance but by the differences that separate its sound image from all others†. This basic principle then applies to all material elements of language. He therefore, concludes that â€Å"every language forms its words on the basis of a system of sonorous elements, each element being a clearly delimited unit and one of a fixed number of units† (Saussure 971) Finally, considering the sign in its totality, Saussure quickly sums up his findings as â€Å"in language there are only differences† (Saussure 972). What are these differences? First language has â€Å"neither ideas nor sounds that existed before the linguistic system, but only conceptual and phonic differences that have issued from the system† (Saussure 972).   In fact the idea or the phonic substance contained in the sign is of secondary importance as a change in the value of the term does not affect its meaning or its sound â€Å"solely because a neighboring term has been modified† (Saussure 973). Second when we consider a sign in its totality (Signifier / Signified) there are no negative terms. Therefore â€Å"a linguistic system is a series of differences of sound combined with a series of differences of ideas† and the â€Å"the pairing of a certain number of acoustical signs with as many cuts made from the mass of thought engenders a system of values† (Saussure 973). This system, then serves to â€Å"link the phonic and psychological elements within each sign† (Saussure 973). The combination is a positive fact that language uses to maintain classes of differences.   The â€Å"entire mechanism of language† then â€Å"is based on oppositions of this kind and on the phonic and conceptual differences that they imply† (Saussure 973). This can also be applied to units and the characteristics of units can be seen to blend into the units themselves. So â€Å"difference makes character just as it makes value and the unit† (Saussure 973). Syntagmatic and Associative Relations Since Saussure views language as a something that is based on relationships, he divides relations and differences between linguistic terms into two distinct groups. These groups are associated with two types of mental activity that are essential to the life of language. Within the discourse â€Å"words acquire relations based on ..linear nature of language because they are chained together† (Saussure 974).   These are syntagnms. These syntagnms â€Å"acquire value because they stand in opposition to everything that precedes and follows them† (Saussure 974). Outside the discourse words can acquire a different relation. The syntagnms relations are in praesentia in which two or more terms occur in an effective series.   Language belongs to syntagnmatic relationships built on regular forms.   Associative relations are created by memory of the forms by comparing terms.

Have people become overly dependently on technology Essay

A lot of people will deny the fact that technology isn’t a dependency. Technology realistically is something our generation believes we cannot live without. Even though technology benefits our lives greatly, sometimes it’s too much. Technology governs us from the moment we wake up, with an alarm, to the moment we want to lay down and relax, with some television. For example the moments I have forgotten my phone at home I feel a sense of emptiness, I even feel imaginary vibrations from time to time. Read more:  Dependent on Technology Essay â€Å"I’ll just Google it†. I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve heard people say that phrase. It’s such a convenience to type something in our phone or computer and in seconds get the answer we were looking for. Before you would have to actually find a library and read on the subject now it’s just a click away. Technology to me is like a crutch on learning. I have friends that don’t even pay attention in class or do anything in school and when you ask them about home work their answer is ill just Google it when I get home. Our generation has become boring in a sense. Our idea of fun is texting, tweeting, posting and editing pictures. Very rarely do you see anyone out playing a sport or actually interacting as a group, except maybe in a club and even with that you see them detached from society and on their phone. Also, dating is done now days on a computer. I can’t begin to name how many sites there are to find a partner. Good morning texts are a sign of being â€Å"romantic† in our generation, there is no such thing as an actual loving gesture. You don’t get to know someone anymore by going out on dates or talking face to face now all the interaction is done by texting, when you actually get to see the person you read all you need to know because of the constant texting. If you give me and address and I don’t have my cell phone with my GPS I will never get to where I have to be. Almost no one now days can get from one point to the other without a GPS. Unlike our generation, my mother’s generation for explain, you can give them an address and most of them will  know how to get to the address with no problem. They did not need to depend on technology. After my research on this topic it’s become very, but very clear that our generation definitely lets technology run their lives. Imagine something happens and all technology was terminated, I don’t know where we would put our self with the dependency we have with our phones, computers, GPS, and televisions. Yes, technology make life easier and faster but sometimes easier and faster isn’t the best thing.

How to Write a Research Paper Essay

â€Å"This should be sent to a journal† â€Å"Very good work, but I’m not sure why Alan Bundy hasn’t written this? † Anonymous review: â€Å"Clearly the author fails to understands Walsh’s previous work on this topic† †¢ 1st Lesson †¢ Don’t lose heart †¢ Even if you do everything right, reviewing is imperfect Good papers will be rejected But try to learn from your knock-backs! †¢ †¢ Why you? †¢ Academic career †¢ Publish or perish †¢ Have an impact †¢ †¢ Communicate your results Many have not had the impact they deserve for being bad writers †¢ Writing is fun! Outline †¢ How to get your paper rejected. There are many traps even experienced researchers make Myself very much included †¢ †¢ Hints about how to write a paper †¢ Writing is a craft not a science! How to be rejected †¢ Submit over-length †¢ Blind man: send in 7 pages even though the instructions clearly say 5 Once they see quality of work, they’ll be pleased you sent in more material †¢ How to be rejected Submit over-length †¢ †¢ Diplomatic immunity: put extra 2 pages in appendix Appendices clearly don’t count Similarly, bibliography doesn’t count †¢ †¢ How to be rejected †¢ Submit over-length †¢ LaTeX hacker: †¢ †¢ †¢ change from 11 to 9 point font squeeze inter-line space †¦ †¢ No one will ever notice How to be rejected †¢ Submit late †¢ †¢ †¢ Deadlines are meant for everyone else Review schedules have plenty of slack Your paper is worth the wait! How to be rejected †¢ You don’t have room for space wasters like: †¢ Motivation, Background, Related work †¢ Why do review forms always have these on them anyway? How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Proof is trivial, when it isn’t Prove the trivial Fail to cite their work Only cite yourself How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ Don’t bother to spell check †¢ What do computers know about spelling anyway? Use all the old cliches †¢ â€Å"There has been a lot of interest recently in global constraints. † How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ Be pompous, boring, †¦ †¢ This is science not literature guys, who said it should be fun? †¢ Be overly formal †¢ Theorems and formulas add weight How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ Make them really work †¢ After all, these are dif? cult concepts and it took you some time †¦ †¢ Ignore reviews †¢ Just keep sending paper in, eventually it will be accepted How to write a paper †¢ Hints about how to write †¢ †¢ †¢ Preparation Writing itself Ethics Preparation. Read, read, read! †¢ To learn how to write, read a lot †¢ I spend over 20% of my time reading †¢ 1 day/week in library Read, Read, Read †¢ Related literature †¢ †¢ †¢ So you can cite it So you don’t re-invent wheels So you know what others think are important research questions Read, Read, Read †¢ Other conference/journal papers where you intend to publish †¢ †¢ So you learn the â€Å"house† style So you can place your work within the bigger picture So you learn how to ask good questions †¢ Read, Read, Read †¢ Any sort of literature †¢ Magazines, novels, biographies, †¦ †¢ Writing is a skill, learn from others †¢ I read approx one novel/week as a way of trying to learn how to write And I have the luxury of writing in my own language! †¢ Review, Review, Review †¢ Review as much as you can †¢ †¢ †¢ So you see good/bad writing So you see the newest results (but see ethics) So you ask yourself good questions †¢ What is the contribution here? What are the weaknesses? †¦ Write, Write, Write †¢ The best preparation to writing is to write †¢ †¢ Writing gets easier the more you do it Writing is easier if you’ve drafted much of what you already need Writing is the best way to organize your thoughts Writing is a good way to record what you have done. †¢ †¢ Writing †¢ Work out the timetable †¢ †¢ †¢ Rushed papers frequently rejected Late papers are almost always rejected If you always write to deadlines, writing will seem more painful than it is Writing †¢ Work out the message †¢ You should be able to convey this in one sentence †¢ â€Å"We propose a new global constraint, provide a ? ltering algorithm and show it useful on some standard benchmarks† Writing †¢ Work out the message †¢ You should be able to convey this in one sentence †¢ â€Å"We identify an important class of symmetry, and show how to break it† †¢ Write to the message! Writing †¢ Distribute the work †¢ †¢ Play to your strengths If you have a native speaker, have them write intro/conclusion †¦ †¢ Write to length †¢ Brutally cut papers are frequently rejected Writing †¢ †¢ Structure paper before you write it I write template for paper with sections and subsection headings ? rst †¢ Intro, Background, Theoretical results, Empirical results, Related work, Conclusions Writing †¢ †¢ Start where you are most happy Often write from the middle outwards †¢ Theoretical results, Experiments, †¦ , Conclusions, Introduction, Abstract Writing †¢ †¢ Rule of Three Say everything 3 times! †¢ †¢ †¢ Introduce idea (introduction) Develop idea (body of paper) Summarize result (conclusions) †¢ But don’t copy verbatim the same text! Title †¢ Make it meaningful and brief †¢ †¢ Don’t make a joke Remember someone reading reference needs to be able to work out likely contents Good: the TSP phase transition Bad: Easy Problems are sometimes Hard †¢ †¢ Abstract †¢ Executive summary †¢ Try for one sentence or so on: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Motivation Method Key result Conclusions Introduction †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ What is the problem? Why is it interesting? What are your contributions? What is the outline of what you will show? Introduction. †¢ Lure the reader in a with a good ? rst sentence †¢ Bad: There has been a lot of work recently on phase transition behaviour†¦ Good: Global constraints are central to the success of constraint programming†¦ †¢ Background †¢ Often need to set scene †¢ †¢ †¢ De? ne formalism Get reader up to speed Identify research problem Body of Paper †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Derive theoretical results Propose new algorithm Describe system engineered †¦ Results †¢ Bullet proof paper †¢ Theoretical results †¢ Experiments only provide a limited view †¢ Experimental results †¢ Theory doesn’t show if results are useful in practice. Related work †¢ Has many purposes †¢ †¢ †¢ You give proper credit to prior work You are not re-inventing wheel You can compare what you do with what has been done before Conclusions †¢ †¢ Remind reader of what you have done Place work in wider context †¢ â€Å"What general lessons might be learnt from this study? † †¢ Flag all the exciting open research directions Acknowledgements †¢ Thank all who have helped you †¢ Provided code, data sets, †¦ †¢ Thank ? nancial sponsors Writing †¢ Keep it simple! †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Active, not passive Present, not past or future Long words Short sentences Writing †¢ Avoid temptation to include every result you have †¢ †¢ †¢ Paper needs to be coherent Paper needs to be understandable Many papers are rejected for having too many results! Ethics of Writing †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Authorship Citation Submission Publication Authorship †¢ Who should be an author? †¢ Anyone who has made a signi? cant contribution May not have written any text! Always err on the side of caution †¢ †¢ Authorship †¢ Who should be an author? †¢ †¢ †¢ Ask! You’ll be surprised how often people refuse You can be sure they’ll not work with you again if they feel they should be Authorship †¢ Should my advisor be an author? In ? rst few years of thesis, probably yes .. Once you graduate, you should (be able to) write papers on your own Again, ask! †¢ Citation †¢ Cite all relevant work †¢ †¢ †¢ Reviews always ask about Related Work You’ll want them to cite you It’s central to the scienti? c method †¢ We stand on the shoulders of others Citation †¢ Do I cite myself for a blind review? †¢ †¢ †¢ Yes! You must credit all previous work Either cite [Author, 2004] Or write â€Å"As Walsh has shown previously [Walsh 2004] †¦ † Submission †¢ Can I submit to multiple conferences? †¢ What’s the deal with the disclaimer (†This paper is not under review ..†)? †¢ Can I submit to a journal immediately? †¢ †¢ No hard and fast rules My rule, once reviews are back and paper is effectively in press †¦ Publication †¢ Can I publish my conference paper as it is in a journal? †¢ Probably not, even though conference is not archival Most journals ask you to extend conference paper substantially †¢ †¢ Proofs, more experiments, †¦ Final words †¢ It takes time to learn how to write †¢ Don’t be put off if at ? rst your have papers rejected All of us have papers rejected †¢ †¢ Spend time learning how to write †¢ It will be worth the investment.

PHILOSOPHY QUESTIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

PHILOSOPHY QUESTIONS - Essay Example Furthermore, it is immoral for a society to condemn behavior in individuals that does not harm society or other individuals. 2. Find differences between individuality and the uniform type of personality. What conditions are necessary to develop individuality? Individuality depends on freedom, particularly of expression. (Mill 193) Mill also promotes eccentricity in one’s habits and states that in doing so, one will create his life to suit himself and thus promote eccentric, but useful, habits to gain status as customs of society. Uniform types of personality, he says, are the result of constriction of this natural form of self-expression and result in stifled ways of thinking. 3. What is the relationship between individuality, diversity, originality, development, and freedom? Mill states that â€Å"The power of compelling others†¦.is not only inconsistent with the freedom and development of all the rest, but corrupting to the strong man himself.† (Mill 202). In other words, personal freedom and a disinclination to impose one’s will on others develops originality and individuality. 4. How does Mill define liberty? How does he perceive human happiness? Mill closely defines human happiness as â€Å"†Pleasure and the absence of pain,† (Mill 99) and is in the essence of his definition of what Utilitarianism is; the pursuit of happiness by mankind as a whole. He states, â€Å"Human beings have faculties more elevated than the animal appetites.† (Mill 100) and that because of these â€Å"higher faculties† humans find pleasure—and thus, happiness—in the fine arts, especially. Liberty is in the freedom to choose what manner of lifestyle will promote this happiness in the individual, ideally promoting happiness in others, at the same time, but not necessarily. The only form of personal liberty he finds unacceptable is that which infringes on another’s liberty. 5. What is virtue by Mill? What is the function of reason and emotions in

A Dialogue between a Hindu Upanishad and a Jain Essay

A Dialogue between a Hindu Upanishad and a Jain - Essay Example It is because I am free from suffering as my state (moksha) has liberated me from it. I do not wish anyone or anything ill and so this forest shall not harm me. I am pleased wherever I am. Religious A (Hindu): Wherever you are is not actually where you are. You see my friend, what you thought as you is not actually you because what you think you are that is trapped in this forest is just the body that houses the atman, which is your soul or the real you. The real you actually cannot perish and it does not matter where you are whether you are pleased or not because the real you cannot be harmed. Religious A (Hindu): I am confident because my atman will unite with its natural universe which is the Brahman. Brahman my friend could be this forest because it is all that permeates all things where it held all being and existence. Right now, in this forest with all its peace and tranquility, the atman becoming the Brahman is beginning to become more apparent to me. Religious B (Jain): That is so wonderful of you my friend. But your conviction and confidence may lead you to suffering because it entertains and contains the mana or ego that leads you to perish and suffer. Religious A (Hindu): No my friend, I don’t perish. I will just be reborn again to improve my karma so I am not worried about any harm. Sometimes death, or perishing as you call it is necessary to complete the cycle of birth and death. This is to allow me to improve my karma through their lifetime of action until I achieved enlightenment and vijnana. Religious B (Jain): Looks like we share the same sentiment my friend. I too strive to achieve nirvana and be released by the karmic bondage. Hey look! The town is already ahead. It looks like it is not our day after all to begin the cycle of

The differences in educational attainment in class, gender and Essay

The differences in educational attainment in class, gender and ethnicity - Essay Example This discussion is in the context of ethnic groups, turns toward the socio-economic factors when one tries to find out reasons behind these differences. The Labour Force Survey( 2004/05) as in defined households poverty on the basis of income and presented the percentage of different ethnic groups. White British are 20% of the total with the lowest in income poverty. Compared to the Whites, 25% of Indian, 30% of Black Caribbean, 45% of Black African, 55% of Pakistani and 65% of Bangladeshi households are in income poverty. Strand and Lindsay (2009) reported an economic disadvantage on the basis of Free School Meal in the UK. They indicate that in 2005, 11% Chinese, 12% Indian, 14% White British pupils, up to 30% for the Black Caribbean, 34% for Pakistani, 44% Black African and 47% for Bangladeshi pupils.Patterns emerge between the achievement gap and socioeconomic disadvantage.The sociologist explains that such gaps are rooted in the economic backgrounds. Historically, as early as 19 60, it had been pointed out that poor children fell behind rich and middle-class during the early age and then stayed behind all school life. The most significant factor or factors had not been found. Sylva et al expressed that, in the early years, parenting practices and learning environment at home are crucial factors in educational attainment and progress.Hart and Risley conducted an intensive research project on language acquisition. The study continued for ten years and covered 42 families with newborn children in Kansas City.... Sylva et al, (2004) expressed that, in the early years, parenting practices and learning environment at home are crucial factors in educational attainment and progress. Hart and Risley(1995) conducted an intensive research project on language acquisition. The study continued for ten years and covered 42 families with newborn children in Kansas City. They families can roughly be divided into two classes naming ‘professional’ and ‘on-welfare’. During the first three years, they visited each family once a month. They recorded all communication between the child and the parents. The researchers then analyzed each child’s language development comparing the each parent’s communication style. They found the following amazing gaps Child Development Professional Families On-welfare Families Vocabulary by 3 years 1100 525 Parents Utterances per hour 487 178 Encouragement Expressions listened by 3 500,000 75,000 Discouragement Expressions listened by 3 80 ,000 200,000 Average IQ of the group 117 79 Table 1 developed on the data from Hart and Risley(1995) These findings from Hart and Risley(1995) expose some interesting and crucial relationships. The comparison of the vocabulary scores of each child correlated closely to the number of words the parents spoke to the child. Further, the child from lower socio economic class heard more discouragement and disapproval words whereas child from professional families heard encouragement and praise words most of the time. Children’s higher IQ , their higher vocabulary and the higher encouragement words by the parents have correlation among the professional families. On the other hand, Children’s lower IQ , their lower vocabulary and the lower encouragement words by their

How to support an area of personalised learning in the primary Essay

How to support an area of personalised learning in the primary classroom Children with ADHD disorder - Essay Example 2009). In the United Kingdom, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a very common behavioural disorder that affects around 4% of school-aged children and youths (Robertson, 2008). Among the children, there is more diagnosis of ADHD in boys than in girls, indicating that most ADHD cases in primary schools involve boys than girls. Since this disorder affects learning and consequently performance of children in school, it is necessary for the teacher to use personalised learning. This paper is going to focus on how to support an area of personalised learning in the primary classroom. Thus, in order to handle a class of children with ADHD, a teacher should rely on the behaviour and discipline area of personalised learning (Maguire, Ball, & Braun, 2010). ADHD children are of special needs since they are easily distracted and talkative; they are very interruptive and impatient hence need extra help in learning. In this case, the teacher needs to understand how behaviour difficulties develop and are maintained to provide ample support to pupils ensuring that their needs are met (Humphrey & Lewis, 2008). Personalised learning relates to the behaviourism theory of education whereby the behavioural theory states that behaviour results from individuals’ learning from the environment in which they live (Sallis, Owen, & Fisher, 2008). The implication is that reinforcement will strengthen behaviour whereas those conducts not reinforced will disappear. In practice, the teacher should impose rewards and sanctions to encourage or discourage a given behaviour. However, it should be noted that these rewards or sanctions need to be applied disproportionately, such that not everything that a child does is criticised. For instance, teachers can use timers to set limits when children take turns in a group, and should praise those pupils who stay calm until lesson end without interrupting (Wyckoff & Unell, 2010). The

Communization in the changing civilizations Essay

Communization in the changing civilizations - Essay Example The dangerous clashes of the future are likely to arise from the interaction of Western arrogance, Islamic intolerance, and Sinic assertiveness.†(p 183-186) Huntington’s concern to preserve and protect the superiority of the Western societies is so great that he offers concrete suggestions â€Å"to protect the cultural, social, and ethnic integrity of Western societies by restricting the number of non-Westerners admitted as immigrants or refugees.†(Huntington, 1996, p 183-186) In another context, he says about the Mexicans that they are out to reclaim their homeland from America and considers their influx (immigration to the USA) as a threat to the unity and integrity of USA. The mind of Mario Vargas Llosa swings like the pendulum elucidating the concepts of globalization, modernization etc. The author perfectly understands the complexities created by the rapid industrialization and the stunning economic growth in some of the western countries. The views of Llosa are entirely different from those of Huntington, but he also realizes the threat of cultural invasion in America and some other western countries. Llosa opines, â€Å"The most effective attacks against globalization are usually not those related to economics. Instead, they are social, ethical, and above all, cultural.†(Llosa, 2000) Here the author veers round the views of Huntington, yet maintains the distance. Huntington creates a grim picture of the weakening of the nation state. But Llosa sees the silver lining in this weakening process.

Project Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Resources - Essay Example delegation of tasks, and their scheduling to facilitate sequential and feasible delivery. Here the term, "Work Breakdown Structure" (Gerard) becomes applicable, which refers to the approach of setting tasks up in order of precedence and including every detail of the tasks in its realizability. For this purpose, a sequence diagram or a pert chart will come in handy. Consequently, it is paramount to make consultations with the actual job doers and the marketers in order to ascertain the practicability of the structure, its time-table and its possibly guesstimated cost- implications, and to modify the draft-structure, if necessary, according to their recommendations subjected to the manager's critical consideration. The next phase, implementation phase, involves executing the developed concept. Here milestones are set and important stages of accomplishments defined, which become "sub- goals." ( James, 1975) . At this stage, the task of the manager ends at the point of sensible and proactive allocation of tasks to the team members. The remaining work involves the actual job- doers. At this stage, though the manager is not totally out of communication, inter-team communication is the main sort of communication. However, since the fulfillment of the project rests entirely on the success of this very essential phase, constant and multiplex must be the communication among the project team towards: 1. A sustained focus - so that every team member keeps to the goal and does not divert; 2. Topicality of suggestion - so that unenvisaged circumstances and conditions are answered, every member necessarily liaising with others and with the project manager to keep the project team posted.... Always keeping eyes on completion according schedule, the manager is concerned that the work should be closed out as planed; when he sees a possibility of failure, he constantly urges, presses, admonishes the workers to greater effort, and works to answer emergencies by making urgent telephone calls, writing letters, making personal visits and errands, etc. The workers, in turn, if cooperative, not only diligently mind their own businesses, but alert their managers on any emerging material or personal emergencies. "Customers feel let down by tardy delivery, staff are demotivated by constant pressure for impossible goals, corners get cut which harm your reputation, and each project has to overcome the same problems as the last" ( Ibid) All these vagaries call for daily communication among the project team- from and to the manager and the workers- call for moral encouragement, recommendations and suggestions.

Age of enlightment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Age of enlightment - Essay Example The second treatise of local government The author in this article conveys that man by nature is free and has no obligation to subject to anybody’s will. He neglects the idea of government and the punishment imposed by religious concepts.The author suggests that human being belonging to same species should not be subjected to discrimination and slavery but to equal freedom. Adam smith – Wealth of nations The author in this book explains about the feudalism and beurecracy existed during the industrial revolution of Europe. He beloved that feudalism spreading in Europe could hinder the industrial growth and only thing could save it is socialism. He believes that development is due to the specialization of labor and this only can give material well being. He mentions that self love is the reason for prosperity in man which is a nature only found in human beings. He claims that market is a place where individual co -operates with each other and where the talents of individu als are shared for material benefit. His theory says that the value of a thing sold in a market is the proportion of labor put in the making o f it and brought into the market. Comparison of Locke and Adam theory The similarity in both Locke and Adam’s proposition is that both believe in the human rights of people. They believed in the labor of the human beings and the value attached to it and right attached to it. Both these authors were in support of the laborers and working men. Both the authors talk about the discrimination of government towards the poor and needy. They both talk about property of nature and the law of nature. Locke suggests that â€Å"Adam and Eve, and after them all parents were, by the law of nature, under an obligation to preserve, nourish and educate the children, they had begotten†. In a way, both favor socialism and equal distribution of power, property and right to people. They demand that it in natural state, people have the right to do wh at they wanted to and in any case should not be subjected to slavery. Natural liberty was central theme to both of their writing. Locke claims that the government is formed in order to protect the property and Adam smith also talks about labor and property that is wealth of nation. Both the authors believe in a market which works freely and without any discrimination. Smith believed that society functioned in a capitalist way and mostly wants to exploit the laborers and working class. Smith mentions that â€Å"There is no art which one government sooner learns of another than that of draining money from the pockets of the people†. Smith claims that property is the effort of working class and same is said by Locks that property is labor mixed with an object. Both of them emphasize less on a government who disregard human rights and interests of common men. Contrast between Locke and Smith theory Locke mainly discuss about a community where individuals have free interest and ac quired natural freedom. He mainly focuses on human rights and property .On the other hand Adam Smith focuses on labor and its value and on the division of labor. According to Smith â€Å"In general, if any branch of trade, or any division of labor, be advantageous to the public, the freer and more general the competition, it will always be the more so†. Locke mainly mentions about the Government and their abusive way of governing the people. According to Locke â€Å"The legislature acts against the trust reposed in them, when they endeavor to invade the property of the subject, and to make themselves, or any part of the community, masters, or arbitrary disposers of the lives, liberties or fortunes of the people† He claims that instead of representing the people, government represent

Hofstede's cultural dimension australia vs vietnam (management Essay

Hofstede's cultural dimension australia vs vietnam (management subject) - Essay Example Hofstede says that culture â€Å"is the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the member of one group or category of people from another†(Tjosvoid and Leung, 2003, p 31) Hofstede has captured cultural values in terms of cultural dimensions which are broad attitudes of the people in a society concerned with identification of evil, good, dirty and clean, moral and immoral, irrational and rational.(Tjosvoid and Leung, 2003, p 31) The work of Hofstede stemming out of a lengthy survey of employees of the well known IBM multinational spread over some 70 countries and his later work have categorised the cultural dimensions in five values of Power Distance (PD) , Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), Individualism and Collectivism (IDV), Masculinity and Feminity (MAS) and Long Term v Short Term Orientation (LTO). (Hofstede, 2001) The five values need to be explained before examining the case of Boost juice organisation of Australia entering Vietnam.Power Distance: Classified as high and low power distance, it signifies the extent to which a person can exercise power against the others. It applies to power equation with the Government, employer and with the family members. If the distance is high, power is considered as concentrated in a powerful minority and if low, it is decentralised meaning that people in the society enjoy freedom. According to Hofstede, some cultures are characterized by high power distance and some others by low power distance. In high power distance, individuals accept power as part of society by which superiors consider their subordinates different from themselves and vice versa. Countries such as India, Africa, Brazil, Singapore, Greece, Venezuela, Mexico and the Philippines have high power equation and people there think power and authority are facts of life. Similarly, countries su ch as Austria, Finland, Denmark, Norway, the United States, New Zealand

Ideas of Ethnicity from the Concept of Nation Essay Example for Free

Ideas of Ethnicity from the Concept of Nation Essay In order to start this question, it is necessary to try to explain some of the phrases within it. Multi-culturalism, nation and civic are all concepts that intertwine in different ways. Ethnicity and civic ideas in the nation can exist together and one incorporates the other. Multiculturalism is the civic nation in so far as a nation is a modern, liberal concept but as a general rule, the states attempt to assimilate immigrants and national minorities into the culture of the dominant ethnie (multi-culturalism) have been met with little success. For example, the state has managed to establish a national system of education and compel most minorities and immigrants to put their children through its uniform schooling system but on the otherhand, modern nations are civic and ethnic which constitutes multi-culturalism. Modern nations are both civic and ethnic and therefore multi-cultural in theory however we shall see that multi-culturalism as a theory does not work to its full definition. The term,Multi-cultural for Kymlicka represents a broader way to encompass a wide range of non-ethnic social groups which have been excluded or marginalised from mainstream society. 1 For the purposes of this essay it means multi-clturalism which arises from national and ethnic difference. ENTER PG NO Another form of multi-culturalism is when different cultures insist that all citizens have the same relationship with the state which is a model that allows for a degree of diversity in terms of language and culture rather than seeking to assimilate different ethnic groups. (Wieviorka 1998. ) The theory of the national state has generally assumed a civic form of nationalism. The ideal of the sovereignty of the people has always had a clear vision of the nature and boundaries of the people who make up the citizens of the state. When one brings the idea of ethnicity into the debate, a conflict arises from the internal contradiction at the heart of the national state between a universal conception of citizenship with its uniform rights and a conception of the people and the ethnic basis where national minorities demand their own rights as members of a community that shares a history which marks themselves off from the dominant ethnie. Thus causing a difficulty in forming a multicultural nation. It is often assumed that ethnic communities in the nation breeds exclusiveness and intolerance to the concept of nation however there is no one to one relationship between ethnic nationalism and exclusiveness for some ethnic groups live peacefully alongside one another such as the Catalan and Czech movements. (Smith. )

What Is It Governance Information Technology Essay

What Is It Governance Information Technology Essay IT governance is the process for controlling an organisation information technology resource, where these resources are defined to include information and communication systems as well as technology. An organisation management and owners (represented by the board of directors ) share responsibility for governing both enterprise and IT. Enterprise governance is the process of setting and implementing corporate strategy, making sure the organisation achieve its objectives efficiently, and manage risk. It governance is an increasingly important part of enterprise governance because of organisational dependent on information and communication, the scale of IT investment, potential for IT to create strategic opportunities, and the level of IT risk. IT governance also required controlling the process to ensure that it complies with regulatory, legal and contractual requirements. Organisation structure Boards and executive management have long known the need for enterprise and corporate governance. However, most are beginning to realize that there is a need to extend governance to information technology as well, and provide the leadership, organisational structures and processes that ensure that the enterprises IT sustains and extends the enterprises strategies andobjectives. Strategic alignment focuses on ensuring the linkage of business and IT plans; defining, maintaining and validating the IT value proposition; and aligning IT operations with enterprise operations. Value delivery is about executing the value proposition throughout the delivery cycle, ensuring that IT delivers the promised benefits against the strategy, concentrating on optimising costs and proving the intrinsic value of IT. Resource management is about the optimal investment in, and the proper management of, critical IT resources: applications, information, infrastructure and people. Key issues relate to the optimisation of knowledge and infrastructure. Risk management requires risk awareness by senior corporate officers, a clear understanding of the enterprises appetite for risk, understanding of compliance requirements, transparency about the significant risks to the enterprise and embedding of risk management responsibilities into the organisation. Performance measurement tracks and monitors strategy implementation, project completion, resource usage, process performance and service delivery, using, for example, balanced scorecards that translate strategy into action to achieve goals measurable beyond conventional accounting. ITGI: ISACA recognized this shift in emphasis towards IT Governance in 1998, and formed the IT Governance Institute (ITGI) to focus on original research, publications, resources and symposia on IT governance and related topics. In addition to the work carried out by the ITGI, ISACA addresses the topic through a regular column in and occasional dedicated issues of the Information Systems Control Journal, conference sessions and tracks, and education courses. TheIT Governance Institute (ITGI)exists to assist enterprise leaders in their responsibility to ensure that IT goals align with those of the business, it delivers value, its performance is measured, its resources properly allocated and its risks mitigated. Through original research, symposia and electronic resources, the ITGI helps ensure that boards and executive management have the tools and information they need for IT to deliver against expectations. ITGI: ISACA recognized this shift in emphasis towards IT Governance in 1998, and formed the IT Governance Institute (ITGI) to focus on original research, publications, resources and symposia on IT governance and related topics. In addition to the work carried out by the ITGI, ISACA addresses the topic through a regular column in and occasional dedicated issues of the Information Systems Control Journal, conference sessions and tracks, and education courses. TheIT Governance Institute (ITGI)exists to assist enterprise leaders in their responsibility to ensure that IT goals align with those of the business, it delivers value, its performance is measured, its resources properly allocated and its risks mitigated. Through original research, symposia and electronic resources, the ITGI helps ensure that boards and executive management have the tools and information they need for IT to deliver against expectations. Publications: There are two major publications from ISACA in the field of IT Governance. COBIT VALIT COBIT: The Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) is a set of best practices (framework) for information technology (IT) management created by the ISACA, and ITGI in 1996. COBIT provides managers, auditors, and IT users with a set of generally accepted measures, indicators, processes and best practices to assist them in maximizing the benefits derived through the use of information technology and developing appropriate IT governance and control in a company. COBIT supports IT governance by providing a framework to ensure that: IT is aligned with the business IT enables the business and maximises benefits IT resources are used responsibly IT risks are managed appropriately COBIT Framework and IT Governance Areas: COBIT Product: Briefly, the COBIT products include: Board Briefing on IT Governance, 2nd Edition—Helps executives understand why IT governance is important, what its issues are and what their responsibility is for managing it. Management guidelines/maturity models— Help assign responsibility, measure performance, and benchmark and address gaps in capability Frameworks—Organise IT governance objectives and good practices by IT domains and processes, and link them to business requirements Control objectives—provide a complete set of high-level requirements to be considered by management for effective control of each IT process IT Governance Implementation Guide: Using COBIT  ® and Val IT TM, 2nd Edition—provides a generic road map for implementing IT governance using the COBIT and Val ITTM resources COBIT ® Control Practices: Guidance to Achieve Control Objectives for Successful IT Governance, 2nd edition—Provides guidance on why controls are worth implementing and how to implement them IT Assurance Guide: Using COBIT  ®Ã¢â‚¬â€Provides guidance on how COBIT can be used to support a variety of assurance activities together with suggested testing steps for all the IT processes and control VALIT: Val IT is a governance framework that consists of a set of guiding principles, and a number of processes conforming to those principles that are further defined as a set of key management practices. The Val IT framework will be supported by publications and operational tools and provides guidance to: Define the relationship between IT and the business and those functions in the organization with governance responsibilities Manage an organizations portfolio of IT-enabled business investments; and Maximize the quality of business cases for IT-enabled business investments with particular emphasis on the definition of key financial indicators, the quantification of soft benefits and the comprehensive appraisal of the downside risk Val IT addresses assumptions, costs, risks and outcomes related to a balanced portfolio of IT-enabled business investments. It also provides benchmarking capability and allows enterprises to exchange experiences on best practices for value management. Certification: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise Information Technology (CGEIT) is an advanced certification created in 2007 by the ISACA. It is designed for experienced professionals, who can demonstrate 5 or more years of experience, serving in a managing or advisory role focused on the governance and control of IT at an enterprise level. The certification is intended to: support the growing business demands related to IT governance increase the awareness and importance of IT governance good practices and issues define the roles and responsibilities of the professionals performing IT governance work Requirements: To earn the CGEIT credential, an individual must: Pass the CGEIT exam (first exam December 2008) Adhere to the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics Agree to comply with the CGEIT Continuing Education Policy Provide evidence of appropriate IT governance work experience as defined by the CGEIT Job Practice IT Governance experience Five (5) years required: Five (5) or more years of experience managing, serving in an advisory or oversight role, and/or otherwise supporting the governance of the IT-related contribution to an enterprise is required to apply for certification. This experience is defined specifically by the domains and task statements described in the CGEIT Job Practice. Specifically: A minimum of one (1) year of experience relating to the development and/or maintenance of an IT governance framework is required. The type and extent of experience accepted is described in CGEIT domain one (1) (see IT Governance Framework). Additional broad experience directly related to any two or more of the remaining CGEIT domains are required. The type and extent of experience accepted is described in CGEIT domains two (2) through six (6). These domains are:  § Strategic Alignment  § Value Delivery  § Risk Management  § Resource Management  § Performance Measurement Individuals can take the CGEIT exam prior to earning the above work experience. Substitutions for IT governance experience (2 years maximum) To recognize other management experience and/or the achievement of specific IT governance related credentials, advanced (post-graduate) degrees and certificates, up to two (2) years of the five years of required IT governance experience can be substituted. Specifically, each of the following will qualify (substitute) for one (1) year of IT governance experience, with a maximum of two years of substitutions being accepted. Other Management Experience—other management experience that is not specific to IT governance, such as performing consulting, auditing, assurance or security management related duties will qualify for up to one year of substitution. Specific Credentials, Advanced (Post-graduate) Degrees and Certificates—Credentials (in good standing), advanced (post-graduate) degrees and certificate programs which include an IT governance and/or management component or are specific to one or more of the CGEIT domains will qualify for up to one year of substitution. These include: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) issued by ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) issued by ISACA Implementing IT Governance using COBIT and Val IT certificate issued by ISACA (available in 2008) ITIL Service Manager certification program Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) issued by the British Computer Society Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) issued by the American Institute of CPAs Project Management Professional (PMP) issued by the Project Management Institute Information Systems Professional (I.S.P.) issued by the Canadian Information Processing Society Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors Certified Business Manager (CBM) issued by The Association of Professionals in Business Management Prince2 Registered Practitioner certificate from the Office of Government Commerce Advanced (post-graduate) degree from an accredited university in governance, information technology, information management or business administration (For example: Masters in Corporate Governance, Masters of Business Administration, Masters in Information and Operations Management, Masters of Information Systems Management, Masters in Information Technology) Exception: Two years as a full-time university instructor teaching IT governance related subjects at an accredited university can be substituted for every one year of IT governance experience. Applicants who have earned/acquired other credentials, advanced (post-graduate) degrees and/or certificates that include a significant IT governance and/or information management component and are not listed above are welcome to submit them to the CGEIT Certification Board for consideration. IT Governance Characteristics Sets direction and oversees compliance and performance Specifies the decision-making authority and accountability to encourage desirable behaviors in the use of IT Is a process for managing and controlling the use of technology to create value Are the rules and regulations under which an IT organization functions Ensures that everyone is playing by the same rules so that the computing environment works for everyone. Road Map for Implementing IT Governance The initial focus for developing an IT Governance Program is identifying needs and governance input rights and decision making based on:    Current state of IT within and supporting business organization and objectives      Internal and external requirements/regulations and applicable best business practices Business Alignment IT Business Executives set the IT Strategy, resolve issues, and shadow IT organizations eliminated Investment Board sets project priorities, costs,   oversees progress, reduced millions $ in costs Change Management and failures impacting users Changes managed actually blocked where not properly vetted or tested Number of user impact failures reduced from 200+ to Number of unauthorized application and infrastructure changes reduced to 1 or less per month Emergency changes reduced to less than 3% of total changes Improved results across the board, accountability built into personal performance evaluations Projects Projects on time, on budget increased by 60+% Improved from 40% SDLC compliance to 100% Technology Standards and architecture established and enforced via tech reviews reduced number of system software tools by over 50% 100% of the equipment on the network identified and none added unless authorized 24 hour server back-ups improved from 95% to 99.9% Security patches being performed within 24 hours of approval â€Å"System Admin Accounts† reduced by over 50% Governing Document Framework SAMPLE Conclusion: As we have discussed that in todays business environment information is the most valuable asset, therefore in order to protect the information we require a profound infrastructure that enables us to not only secure the information we have but to validate that information as well, plus enable the organization towards IT.

Politics Essays Gender Stereotypes Tudor

Politics Essays Gender Stereotypes Tudor Gender Stereotypes Tudor To what degree were gender stereotypes a factor in Tudor politics? The first thing to say is that Tudor monarchy was not idealistic, like all governments it was primarily pragmatic in approach, and the great changes in the relationship of Crown and Parliament in this period were a result of immediate needs and evolving precedent. Cromwell steered Parliament towards a considerable extension in its competence to include issues of religion, the succession and the unity of the Realm. I n doing so, he allowed MPs to declare Royal Supremacy and established a new focus of sovereignty, the King-in-Parliament. Edward’s minority made the nature of Cromwell’s Royal Supremacy clear. It was through Parliament that objections to Somerset’s rule were overridden and it was Parliament that was used to transform the official doctrine of England. Respect for statute was a key reason why so many leading Protestants accepted Mary as Queen in 1553. After Mary’s death, Elizabeth and William Cecil inherited a position in which Parliament was growing into a genuine political forum and the use of parliamentary consent became the norm but it is wrong to see in these developments the origins of Parliament’s seventeenth-century attack on divine right kingship. Parliament supported the Crown with money, counsel and by passing its laws. When unrequested advice was offered by MPs on matters which plainly concerned the royal prerogative, the Queen simply refused to be drawn into conflict and avoided a crisis. The Tudors had very clear expectations of men and women, and in general men were expected to be the breadwinners and women to be housewives and mothers. On average, a woman gave birth to a child every two years and having a child was considered a great honor to women, as children were seen as blessings from God, and Tudor women took great pride in being mothers. Many women in this period were highly educated. Women were not allowed to go to school or to university, but they could be educated at home by private tutors. Elizabeth I was tutored by the famous Tudor scholar Roger Ascham. Women were not allowed to enter professions such as law, medicine, politics, but they could work in domestic service as cooks, maids and were also allowed to write works of literature, providing the subject was suitable for women: mainly translations or religious works. Women were not allowed to act on the public stage or write for the public stage. Acting was considered dishonorable for women and women did not appear on the stage in England until the seventeenth century. In Shakespeares plays, the roles of women were often played by young boys.   Women, regardless of social position, were not allowed to vote (however, only men of a certain social position were allowed to vote). Neither could women inherit their fathers titles. All titles would pass from father to son or brother to brother, depending on the circumstances. The only exception was Royalty. The Crown could pass to a daughter, and this allowed Mary, and then Elizabeth, to reign. In some cases women could not inherit estates, but women could be heiresses to property. A man was considered to be the head of a marriage and was expected to look after his wife and children. There was no divorce in Tudor times and marriage lasted until one of the couple died. An Annulment could be obtained, which would mean the marriage was not lawful, but extensive evidence would have to be provided if this was applied for. Henry VIII only ever regarded Jane Seymour and Katherine Parr as his legal wives. The stereotypical idea of a Tudor woman being weak, frail, feeble and foolish has been drilled into our heads for centuries. Even Elizabeth Tudor is said to have appeared on the political stage apologetic for her femaleness. The purpose of this essay is to see to what degree gender stereotypes where an issue in the political factor of the Tudor times, and to what extent this has, if at all, changed. What roles did men and women take on and why where they different, or indeed, segregated? Do the ideals of the Tudor times affect society today? These factors will be seen during my conclusion. Women and their involvement in politics has always been an intriguing to those interested in the history of politics. Women linked with the Royals, or Nobility, -albeit wives, mothers, mistresses, offspring or siblings-have always been the subject of investigation, regarding the power the held over those the ruled, and even the authority they exercised from their concealed places behind those who ruled. Yet, even in the face of this focus, today’s historians seem cautious about laying the notion of power and influence, at the door of the female persuasion. To begin with an example of how gender was an issue, regardless of rank or station, we can look to the monarchy. In the Tudor century, two types of queen had control of the court. They were called Consorts and Regnant. A consorts’ role was one of reproduction. She would be married to a king, but because giving birth to a male heir defined the success of her reign; her inability to reproduce sometimes endangered her position as consort, as Henry VIIIs wives discovered. The consorts’ life narrowly reflected that of noblewomen: those who were expected to produce a male heir to continue their husbands line, to overlook the day’s work in the household, and to support the numerous charities and religious institutions that were seen as appropriate for women to support. A consort’s royal status allowed her opportunities to engage in court politics. Mary and Elizabeth Tudor were exceptions to this rule, as even though they took the title from marriage and succession, they were still expected to rule as monarchs. A Queen Regnant was one whose royal status was a birthright and not an outcome of marriage. These queens where seen as actually reigning and controlling the kingdom, and not with menial activities such as overseeing the running of the household. The notion that women were not able to govern their land, led to the idea that they must take their male councilors’ advice to avoid disaster. There were even concerns about whether Philip II would dominate the decision making during Marys reign. Traditionally speaking, women in politics during the Tudor century where very marginal and hidden figures. Their domain was the household, and work was domestic, as opposed to the male world, a world of very public politics and business ventures. Women were awarded no accreditation for the parts played by them during an event of importance. Indeed, to George Bernard referred to Anne Boleyn as â€Å"nothing more than a flirt and loose living lady†, even after the controversial ideas of her religious influence, alleged adultery and consequential fall. Tudor society was patriarchal, meaning that men were considered to be the leaders and women their inferiors. Women were regarded as the weaker sex, in both physical and emotional values In general females, whether married or single, were seen as unable to think in political factors and were seen as genetically inferior to their male counterparts. Unmarried women would be chaperoned constantly by male relatives and guardians, as it was thought that without a husband to guide them, they would be incapable or looking after their household affairs. Women would spend most of their lives in the house attained by them through marriage. They would focus on the interests of their husbands, children and grandchildren, and those without children would often focus on the interests of siblings, especially sisters. On first perception, it is easy to perceive a woman’s world as narrow and confined to a small space, when in reality, their daily activities and contacts spread further than most could imagine. Built upon a woman’s family and complex network of friends and contacts, was weaved great resource and political influence that allowed these women to perform their motherly, wifely and widows duties with great flair. Their martial family gave them the power they needed to succeed in everyday life, while their birth families provided a safety net for them, if their marriages ever failed. A woman’s birth family was usual the most important in the line of contacts she kept. Her father would be involved with her life extensively, even after she was married to aid them as wives and mothers and to help them with financial issues. In contrast, the males in the Tudor times, held an authority which was officially known as â€Å"political†, although this could entail anything from attending the House of Lords, to arranging their sisters marriages and seeing to a respective suitor. The main parliamentary figure though, was the king, or Queen regnant. Elizabeth I was one of these queens, who took her political power seriously, and without a husband to guide her, much to the distress of Parliament. She gave the House of Commons control over certain authority but made it clear, that as the head of the institution, certain matters would be left to her and her Privy Council. When parliament demanded that she be married in 1571, she told them in no uncertain terms, that they had no right to discuss matters that directly affected her. Although Elizabeth didn’t allow the fact that she was a woman affect her working life, it did seem as though being female was an issue, as she constantly fought to portray herself as male. Rank seemingly played no part in the gender issues of the Tudor age. Upper-class and lower-class women alike attained authority through social standing, relationships and contact with those in higher power and woman’s incorporation into politics, although not the electorate, was the result of increased literacy skills-especially the ability to read- in women allowing them more access to news, information and ideas. In regard to the â€Å"political† goals, most men and women shared the same ideals. To make an advantageous match in marriage would secure money holdings and status which allowed both genders to equally gain influence over such factors as land accumulation, the holding of their reputation and status, and the ability to further family members in terms of careers and marriage. Professor Barbara Harris’s research into gender and Tudor times has been able to show that what was considered domestic, public, political and private where very hard to distinguish from each other during this time. The family was the quintessential political base for women. If you were a wife or mother, this would be considered your â€Å"career† which was politically significant. Women were constantly involved in activities which allowed them to build and maintain relationships with others, such as arranging marriages. Professor Harris rethought this â€Å"domestic chores† Of course, the issue concerning gender where not just rife in the household and in business ventures. Gender was a very common influence on sentencing a criminal as well. Tudor punishments were very severe and entailed hanging, burning to death, torture, whipping, being chained to stocks you would have all sorts of rubbish and rotten foods thrown at you before you eventually starved to death(if you were lucky),or some passing animal decided to have a bite, dunking in a river or branding with a hot iron. These are only a few examples of how a â€Å"criminal â€Å"would be treated. Whipping was sentenced for serious offences such as robbery with violence and begging. For this act, a â€Å"pillory† was often used. A pillory was made of two upright posts and two boards which were held together with each other. These boards had circular openings for the neck and wrists of the prisoner. The pillory had a roof, open sides and was placed on a platform. The prisoner would stand through his whipping, being fully exposed to the public. This form of punishment was usually reserved for male offenders. Women who were accused of being â€Å"scolds where taken to a device called a â€Å"ducking stool†, a highly popular form of punishment for the time. Historians have argued the meaning of the term scold relentlessly and have discussed its implications at length. The same questions always come to rise. Where these women independent, and was this type of punishment one brought by men to keep their women in check? After all, social conformity was extremely important during the Tudor times, and it was often felt that men had to keep their women at hand to save themselves from the embarrassment of having an unruly wife, mother, etc. For Women though, the most common crime was of witchcraft. It was common practice during this period to blame someone for cursing your cattle if one or more of your livestock died without an obvious reason. Witchcraft was considered a serious offence, and was punished in the most serious ways. The Witches of Warboys is an example of those involved in witch-hunting. The Witches of Warboys refers to Alice Samuel and her family between who where accused, taken to trail and then executed on charges of witchcraft in the village of Warboys, England. The accusations were first made by Jane Throckmorton, who had started having fits. She accused the 76 year old Alice Samuel of enchanting her and Jane’s four sisters and some household servants begin reporting similar symptoms. In 1590, Lady Cromwell, (the grandmother of Oliver Cromwell,) came to Warboys to visit. During this time, she met Mrs. Samuel and too accused her of being a witch. At one point, an argument ensued, which was quickly dissolved when Lady Cromwell cut off a lock of Mrs. Samuels’s hair. Lady Cromwell later became ill and later died in 1592.In 1592 Alice Samuel confessed to witchcraft, and was taken to Huntingdon where she was imprisoned with her daughter Agnes and her husband John. All three were tried on April 5th 1593 for the murder, by witchcraft, of Lady Cromwell, and were found guilty. They were sentenced to be hanged. In conclusion, it seems that in the Tudor Century, men and women were segregated in just about everything, from the way they performed daily duties, to what crime was applicable to them. Tudor politics was no different, with the exception of certain women given power in some circumstances, but they still had to appease male advisors and peers, if their influence was to go ahead. Queens such as Elizabeth I made up for her lack in a husband or any other close male relative with her dealings with her male councilors and through the image of her personality as male during contact with the public. In response to the Parliamentary request she marries, 1559: ‘I am already bound unto a husband, which is the kingdom of England and that may suffice you.’ This proved to society that although she was a woman, she was not ruled by her male peers. Gender issues were a factor in Tudor politics, but they were not totally oppressive. It seems that for some people, the gates where open to them, as long as they adhered to certain rules and conduct. It is probably fair to say that, despite the limitations, women had more freedom in the Tudor period than they had had previously and would have again for some time. The Renaissance brought with it a new way of thinking.   Elizabeth being on the throne also encouraged men to educate their daughters, in the hope that it would secure them a more advantageous match in marriage, further widening their political influence. References: Reed, K â€Å"Selected Writings of John Knox: Public Epistles, Treatises, and Expositions to the Year 1559† Presbyterian Heritage Publications, (1994) Carol Levin, the Reign of Elizabeth I (Palgrave, 2002). www.tudorbritain.org Elton, G.R. England under the Tudors. Routledge(1955) Daybell, J. Women and Politics in Early Modern England, 1450-1700 Ashgate.(2004)

Hamlet: A Man of Many Qualities :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Hamlet: A Man of Many Qualities Hamlet is a man of many different qualities and he reveals only certain qualities to certain people. Hamlet draws his audience, the reader, into noticing the different qualities that he has. His qualities are shown through his conversations with other characters as well as through his soliloquies. These words of wisdom and revealance help to distinguish how Hamlet feels about each other character that he encounters. The phrases and speeches that Hamlet addresses are both poetic and piercing. So when Hamlet is speaking, he is constantly revealing his qualities which range from love, to respect, to hate. Hamlet's most powerful qualities seem to be revealed through his conversation with the people that he cares about, namely his family and friends. The queen, Gertrude, is hamlet's mother and she is probably the living being that he cares about the most. Unfortunately, one of Hamlet's qualities, which is revealed in conversation with his mother, is a negative one and that is anger. His quality is displayed through Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 131Â © 161. Hamlet is angry at his mother for marrying a new husband, his uncle, Claudius, so quickly after his father's death. This anger shines through in such phrases such as "Frailty, thy name is woman!"(Act 1,Sc 2, L148) and "Like Niobe, all tears."(Act 1, Sc 2, L151). At the end of his soliloquy, Hamlet switches qualities from one of anger to one of fear. This is evident when Hamlet states, "With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!", and "It is not, nor it cannot come to good", and finally "But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue"(Act 1, Sc 2 L157Â © 161). Hamlet expresses his fear for his mother's hasty marriage. Hamlet realizes that his mother marrying his uncle can have no good result. Respect is another quality that Hamlet displays in conversation with his mother. This occurs when his mother asks him to remain at home rather than return to school(Act 1, Sc 2, L120Â ©121), which he agrees to do. This shows that although he disagrees with his mother and her marriage, after such little mourning for her husband, Hamlet Sr.'s, death, he still respects his mother and will do what she asks. Later in the act, Hamlet encounters another character who goes by the name of Horatio. Horatio is a good friend, as stated in Act 1, Sc 2, L163, and the first quality which Hamlet reveals is his respect for Horatio. In line 176 of Act 1, Sc 2, Hamlet states "I know you are no truant.

Video Games: Positive Agents Of Change Essay -- Video Games Essays

Video games have come under fire recently. Many people claim the graphic violence and adult themes in the games have affected younger generations and caused many violent acts. Others claim that video games have contributed to obesity and a lack of communication skills. Both of these claims are most often an older generation's misunderstanding of today's youth and the overreaction of the media. Rarely does the mainstream media portray video games for what they really are, a new way for kids to interact and share meaningful experiences all without being in any danger. Video games have endless possibilities and should be thought of as tools to teach the youth rather than the cancer that ravages them. Although many people see video games as a problem, they are actually a positive force because they have infinite possibilities for good. Video games have become one of the most popular pastimes for kids these days. With the advent of powerful graphics processors and more innovative chip designs, games are becoming incredibly realistic. This realism is what brings many gamers to the industry. Realism, in a sense, is why the gaming industry has taken off and increases profits every year. Video games are not just a fun hobby or pastime, they are way for gamers to escape the world and imagine themselves in an entirely new landscape. Video games are dreams with controllers. While driving through a racetrack in a video game, one doesn't feel as if they are sitting in front of a TV playing a game, they feel as if they are the car. This is a hard phenomenon to explain but video games are such a global activity inside the brain that the user actually feels as if he is in the game living the experience. This, is obviously lim... ...deo games are a great way for kids and even adults to get away from the world for a while. Players are wrapped up in their own virtual world and can express how they are feeling through the game. Video games can also have great positive side effects and could even be the training mechanism of the future for many professions. The people who argue against video games on the grounds of violence and desensitization misunderstand the attitude of children toward video games and imply that humans are no more complicated than â€Å"monkey-see monkey-do.† Video games still have a lot of potential and they can be used for much more than just relaxation and fun. They can be a social medium, an agent of change. A good video game can be like a work of art that inspires people to try new things or change the way they think about something. But above all else, video games sure are fun.

Economics †Product Differentiation in Monopoly Essay

Monopolies are firms that are the sole or dominant suppliers of a good or service in a given market. And what sets apart monopolies from competitive firms is â€Å"market power†- the ability of a firm to affect the market price. Price discrimination is the business practice of selling the same good at different prices to different customers, even though the cost of production is the same for all customers. Only monopolies can practice price discrimination, because otherwise competition would prevent price discrimination. Price discrimination increases the monopolist’s profits, reduces the consumer surplus and reduces the deadweight loss. (the buyers of the lower-priced product should not be able to resell the product to the higher-priced market. Otherwise, the monopoly will not be able to maintain price differentials. ) The monopolist must be able to identify segments of the market that are willing to pay different prices, and then market its products accordingly. A common technique to achieve this is by making it harder to get the lower prices, since wealthier consumers value their time more than their money. Some ways the monopolistic firms can implement discriminatory pricing are; †¢Linear Approximation Technique or Markup Pricing Technique †¢Personalized Pricing – extracting the maximum amount a customer is willing to pay for the product. †¢Coupons and Rebates – providing coupons to attract more customers or providing personalized discounts. †¢Bulk pricing – offering lower prices when customer buys a huge quantity of the same product. †¢Bundling – joining products or services together in order to sell them as a single combined unit. Block pricing – Charging more for the first set of the product, then less for each additional product bought by the same consumer. †¢Group Pricing- charging different customers different price based on factors such as race, gender, age, abilities etc. and also â€Å"psychographic segmentation†- dividing consumers based on their lifestyle, personality, values, and social class. †¢Charging different prices based on geographic location. Some products may be cheaper to produce in different places and based on the cost of the good sold the monopolistic firm can charge different prices in order to maximize its profits. Placing restrictions or other â€Å"inferior† characteristics on the low-price good or service, so as to make it sufficiently less attractive to the high price segment †¢Establishing a schedule of â€Å"volume discounts† (â€Å"block pricing†) such that only large-volume buyers (who may have more elastic demands) qualify †¢Using a two-part tariff, where the customer pays an up-front fee for the right to buy the product and then pays additional fees for each unit of the product consumed.

Personal and Imaginative Writing: The Big Splash!

The soft wind whistled its melody in my ears, the sun shone brightly in my face as I skipped towards Bruce Castle Park with my sister Daniella, my brother Marcell and my Daddy. My sister was eleven, my brother was ten and I was seven, so I was the baby at the time. I was so excited to get into the park, I heard loads of screaming and shouting babies, toddlers and children, I saw a long queue at the ice-cream van. All I wanted to do was get into the park and join the fun. My sister, brother and I ran towards the park anticipating, leaving my dad strolling behind. I pushed open the black shiny gate to get into the park and dragged my brother and sister with me. The first thing that caught my eyes was the large swimming pool. There were plenty of children splashing, screaming and shouting in there; they looked like they were really enjoying themselves. I wanted to go and join in. I ran towards the fun, feeling excited. I heard my dad calling, but I ignored her because I wanted to get in the pool, even thought I didn't have my swim suit. My dad called me and told me to go back over to him, I was angry because I was so close to joining in the fun. As I walked towards my dad I kept on looking back at all the children enjoying themselves in the pool. When I got over to my dad he simply told me to take my sister to the pool with me because my brother and him were going to play football. My sister didn't want to play, so I agreed. Once again I made my way over to the pool, it looked so colourful because of all the different coloured swim suits. I told my sister how thrilled I was to go and play in the pool. She was also thrilled but explained to me that we could not get into the pool because we had no swim suits and no change of clothes. I was disappointed but concurred without any choice. We got to the pool and the atmosphere was great: loud, colourful and fun. All of the children were playing together. My sister and I looked at each other, grinned and hopped onto the inner pool edge, rolled up our trouser legs and began to walk around the inner edge of the pool. Other children told us to get in, but we couldn't, so we explained to them why, they were let down but accepted it. They were very nice and friendly children. Daniella and I wanted to dip out feet in so we had to be really careful and dip only put feet in. The water was as cold as ice, and clear like crystals, it felt so good. Daniella and I carried on walking around the inner edge of the pool. We were getting wet because of the children splashing, but that was no worry, because the sun was blazing hot and our clothes would dry in no time. I had a feeling that someone would pull us in or we would fall in, so I was careful with my every step. My dad yelled to us to come over and have some snacks and juice, my sister and I rushed so we could get back to the pool as soon as possible. We hurried back over to the pool as our new friends waited. Daniella and I carried on playing on the inner pool edge, but I began to get bored so I had a fantastic idea. I explained it to my new friends. The game was called bulldog. What you had do was my sister and I had to throw the ball and aim it at the people in the pool. Whoever it hit had to come on our team and help get the people in the pool out, leaving a winner. The game began and we were all enjoying it, Daniella and I were really skilled at getting people out. Round 1 of water bulldog had finished, so we decided to play Round 2. We had to be careful because the inner edge of the pool was socking wet. I aimed the ball at one of my friends in the pool and got him out, so he had to come and join my sister and I. My friend in the pool threw the ball to me but it was a short throw, so I tried to stretch and catch the ball, I felt myself stumble so I grabbed onto Daniella and we both fell into the pool and made a big splash! My sister and I looked at each other and exploded with laughter, it was like a laughing fit, we could not stop laughing. The water was freezing cold, I could feel my goose pimples rising all over my body. I struggled to get out of the pool as my clothes were dripping wet and dragging me back down into the pool. When I finally got out I helped my sister to get out as she was struggling too. We had to go and tell my dad what had happened, neither of us knew if he was going to shout or laugh, so we walked over in suspense. Daniella and I held each others hands tight as we left our footprints behind us. When we got to our dad and brother Marcell they were in stitches before we could tell our story. My sister and I were relieved. Dad asked us what happened so we both took it in turns to explain. They both kept teasing us after we had told them; it didn't bother us because we found it funny too. The sun was still sizzling hot like sausages on the fire, so my sister and I decided to lay down on the bright green grass and try and get our clothes dry. We laid there for approximately thirty minutes but our clothes didn't seem to be drying quick enough, so we told our dad that we were bored and wanted to go home. , so we did. Because out clothes were still wet Daniella had to wear my dad's vest, and I had to wear his t-shirt on the way home. They looked like dresses because they were down to our ankles, but it looked cute. Once again the giggles began, what an excellent end to a great day out.

The Paradoxical Twins: Acme and Omega Electronics

The Paradoxical Twins: Acme and Omega Electronics Prepared by Samuel Jackson Rene smith Pedro curiz Tomm Brown for Dr. Jordan MAN 701 – Organizational Design and Theory School of Business/Graduate Studies Barry University Miami Gardens, Fla. Term A2/Spring, 2006 March 25, 2006 Case Summary: In 1986 a Cleveland manufacture bought Technological Products and subsequently sold the electronics division to separate investors that manufactured computer chips and printed circuit boards. One of the investors renamed their company Acme Electronics and the other investor renamed their company Omega Electronics, Inc. The Acme company retained its original management team and promoted the general manager to president. The Omega company hired a new president and upgraded several of its existing personnel. Both companies are located in the same geographical area and compete for the same contracts. Acme employs 550 people, whereas the Omega employs 480 people. In the 1990s, production of complex circuit boards by Acme and Omega was threatened by mixed analog and digital devices. Both companies realized the pending threat and started to aggressively seek new customers. In July of 1992, a major photocopier manufacturer was looking for subcontractors to assemble digital memory units for a new experimental copier. The project contract was estimated between $7 million to $9 million in sales. Both Acme and Omega submitted competitive bids for the production of units and both companies were selected to produce 100 units. The photocopier manufacturer explained to both companies that production speed was a critical element of the contract and that each company would only have about two weeks to produce the prototypes or risk delaying the final copier production. On July 13, 1992 the Acme company started ordering the necessary the parts and began production on the memory units. Each department worked separately and encountered problems that led to delays in the production cycle. Two days prior to the delivery date the photocopier manufacturer informed Acme that the rival company Omega had discovered a design flaw in the connector cable and that he would be sending over a new blueprint to re-work the memory units. According to the photocopier manufacture, Acme would still be held to the delivery date. On July 10, 1992, Omega started having meetings to get production underway. Within days the Drafting department prepared blueprints, while the engineering and production departments work together to begin methods design. However, on July 20 Omega discovered a design flaw in the connector cable. The engineering department redesigned the cable and the drafting department finalized the changes in the manufacturing prints. The additional delays in reassembly of the units at Acme caused them to deliver the 100 units late. However, Omega completed a full quality inspection of all 100 units and delivered the final units on time. The photocopier manufacturer split the contract between Acme and Omega and included additional provisions stipulating zero defects and reduced final cost. Ultimately, the Acme reduce it overall cost by 20 percent and won the total contract. Summary Recommendation: The Omega company should consider redesigning its organizational structure to become more functional in design in order to take advantage of economies of scale; in-depth skill knowledge and overall efficiency. The company should implement organization charts with clearly define job duties and responsibilities so employees fully understand their role in the organization. Also, the management team should used formal written communication to covey project expectations and a sense of urgency to complete the assignment within the allotted time frame. Case Analysis: The Acme Company appears to be designed around being efficient and task oriented in order to be a high volume manufacturer. The company has detailed organizational charts and job descriptions which define clear responsibilities. Management believes in providing written communication to achieving the task at hand. In fact, as soon as the company received the blueprints management immediately sent out written communication to all department heads and executives indicating the critical constraints and the expectations of performing efficiently. Based on the organizational structure, each department worked independently and at different speeds. Mr. Tyler, President was developing a relationship with the photocopier manufacturer by keeping in telephone contact and trying to learn of new developments. The Acme strategy has traditionally been to keep the client happy. In a time of crisis, Mr. Tyler was able to give direct orders and instruct certain departments to reconfigure the components as needed. At the same time critical decisions were made to skip normal quality control processes to stay on course. Ultimately, the company generated 90 quality made units with 10 being defective. On the other hand, the Omega Company appears to be designed around the team work approach to achieve production goals. The company does not have organizational charts and management believes that all employees should be familiar with various activities throughout the organization. Also, management does not allow written memos to the staff employees. Once the company received the blueprints management began having meetings to discuss the production method instead of dividing up the specific work assignments to achieve. The engineering and production departments pooled resources to work on the methods design. On the positive side, most of the problems identified within Omega’s production cycle were resolved quickly and overcome by the team effort approach. In the time of crisis and rapid changes needed to produce a quality product the company was able to effectively work as a team. Ultimately, the company delivered a high quality product with no defects and within the required time frame. Alternative Identified: Since, Omega is relatively small with only a few product lines the first alterative would be for the company to be more formal in its organizational design and structure, which includes organizational charts and well defined job responsibilities in order to become more efficient and reduce cost. Recommendation: First, Omega needs to restructure the company within the next three to six months. Implement a functional organization chart that has a well define hierarchy. Next, Omega needs to immediately implement a formal communication process throughout the organization to provide clear guidance and management expectations to reduce wasted manpower and maximize available staff resources. The Omega Company should consider sending out memos to show the significant time constraint of each job deadlines and definitely continue the company’s meeting process before productions. The Acme Company needs to meet with multiple employees involved in the workflow to prevent any complication to appear during productions. Acme should require each employee to have some sort of knowledge of everyone functions in the organizations. Perhaps, have a day dedicated to altering each employee positions to have a vivid understanding of their job titles. This would slow down further delay in production if a crisis occurs. Furthermore, it’s best that Acme improve the communication flow between the actual employees.