Wednesday, October 30, 2019

When Things Fall Apart by Chodrun from chapter 1 to 18 Essay

When Things Fall Apart by Chodrun from chapter 1 to 18 - Essay Example Difficulties of life like aging, illness, getting what they do not want and many more are facts. The Buddha also faces these challenges. The teaching goes on stating that what causes unhappiness is when someone wants to avoid the facts of life and try to find happiness (Von Rosenberg 15). Turning upside down enables individuals to think upside down.Pema Chodrun states that suffering has a great role to play in our lives. Suffering will motivate people to look for answers to the problems us facing. Through suffering people, learn to have the feeling of empathy for other people facing the same problem. Through right thinking, we create the feeling of compassion for ourselves. We are compassionate on every part of ourselves that are unwanted. Compassion will create a room of relief and joy in us. It is a fundamental thing for everyone to feel happiness and in any case, when we start feeling unhappy, depressed we think that we lost something or we made a mistake (Von Rosenberg 19). When we incorporate the right thinking, we will appreciate suffering and view pain as a transformation to have the right thinking. When someone faces pain, we always look for happiness and satisfaction rather than having the right thinking and honor the quality of precisely what is happening in your life. It makes people run away from discomfort facing them. The situation makes them disappointed and unhappy Thus, Pema Chodrun urges one to have the right thinking and view situations like this as trying to develop our inner strengths (Von Rosenberg 21). What is more important is considering the inner strength as something that is only available when we are facing discomfort. When certain situation threatens us, we need to view first how we found ourselves at the discomfort. Inner strength will help find why we are in the situation. Pema Chodrun urges that we should accept

Monday, October 28, 2019

Riordan Manufacturing Key Stakeholders Essay Example for Free

Riordan Manufacturing Key Stakeholders Essay There are several stakeholders at Riordan Manufacturing to gather requirements from to provide a clear picture of the final project. The first stakeholder to gain input would come from the Chief Operations Officer, he was the requestor of the system upgrade, is responsible for the budget, which includes payroll. The Chief Legal Officer oversees the legal aspects of the human resources programs. The individual human resources managers within the individual facilities are the stakeholders who recruit and handle benefits for employees. Each facility has an accountant that oversees payroll and bonuses as well as the payroll specialist (Apollo, 2011). Information-gathering techniques and systems analysis tools Interviews will be the first form of information gathering that will be used. Interviews and survey forms are a very effective way to gather information. Through the user’s impressions, personal experiences, task related ideas, and attitudes on the current system can give a baseline for needs. The interviews will aid in forming a definition of the scope of the system requirements. Interviews will also allow the system analyst to understand what boundaries by which to take into consideration (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). A checklist will be prepared prior to any interviews. It is important to prepare an interview guide so that interviewer knows what order to ask questions and the amount of time that should be spent on each area of the interview. The interview guide will include open-ended questions that will allow for follow-up discussions. The guide can also double as an outline for a summary of what comes out of the interviews (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). The second information gathering technique will be to observe the stakeholders. Many managers plan their day without taking into account interruptions from phone calls or meetings. During the interview stage, an employee may state he or she is busy with e-mails throughout the day, but by observing the employee, it could be determined that he or she receives minimal e-mails. Observing behavioral measures allow for a more accurate reflection of current system operations and future requirements (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). Gathering and analyzing procedures and other company documents is the third information gathering technique. Close examination of the systems and organizational documentation is another way to determining system requirements. This can lead to discovering defined details relating to current systems and the organizations they support. By analyzing documentation, the analyst can identify problems with existing systems, such as redundant steps or incomplete information. Analyzing allows for determining organizational direction that can influence information systems requirements, such as attempting to link corporate managers to local managers. Analyzing also allows for the identification of titles and names of important individuals who have an interest to the current existing systems (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). Key factors too help ensure the information required for the project is gathered successfully. The first step in the information system development or modification process is to gather requirements. Information system requirements are frequently unreliable and insufficient. The reasons for failure usually are at the fault of management and people involved. Not necessary due to technology but more so due with improper planning (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). Utilizing JAD (Joint Application Design) technique will improve the determining systems requirement process. JAD is a structured process where analysts, managers, and, users work together for several days in a series of intensive meetings to review system requirements. Organizations gather affected individuals that are affected by information systems together to agree on system requirements and design details (Valacich, 2012). A good facilitator should be able to keep the focus of stakeholders and the IT (Information Technology) department participants on the goal of specifying the system requirements. Another option managers have to improve interaction is the care in assignment of members to the project team. The selection of stakeholders and IT personnel with personal interest in the new system improves the chances for success (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). Another factor to ensure success is to train the IT personnel on the system’s applications and processes. How well the IT personnel understand the systems is extremely relevant to the success of system implementation. The involvement of IT personnel, who have knowledge regarding the application requirements, increases the ability of the team to correctly and quickly specify the requirements. Experienced IT personnel on a team help ensure others understand terminology and have more of an understanding of the stakeholders needs (Havelka and Lee, April 25, 2002). Project scope and Why it is Important Project scope defines the goals of the project and the budget of both time and money that has been allocated to achieve the objectives. For the best results to be achieved, both the definition and the allocated budget must be precise and detailed. A good process scope document will define specifically the tasks to be completed or the delivered results. The project scope is important because it will define the specific date for which the deliverables will be due and list the allocated budget for them. The project scope will also list specific items not part of the project scope and are excluded from the work to be delivered (Reh, 2013). Areas of project feasibility that are examined in the analysis phase of the SCLC Project feasibility is examined during the systems analysis and requirements definition phase of the SCLC. This phase involves the setting of specific project goals, which defines the functions and operations, to be included in the project to achieve completion of the project. The project goals should be based on the analysis of the stakeholders information needs. This phase can also be called the feasibility study because it also defines personnel assignments, funds, schedule, goal dates, performances, and interfaces (India, May 18, 2012). References Apollo Group, Inc. (2011). Riordan Manufacturing. Retrieved from BSA/375 course. Havelka, D. and Lee, S (April 25, 2002). Critical Success Factors for Information Requirements Gathering. Retrieved from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/critical-success-factors- for-information-requirements-gathering/1060122 Reh, J. (2013). Project Scope. Retrieved from http://management.about.com/od/PMterms/g/Project-Scope.htm Rose India (May 18, 2012). System Development Life Cycle. Retrieved from www.roseindia.net Valacich, J. S., George, J. F., Hoffer, J. A. (2012). Essentials of systems analysis and design (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains :: Travel Economics Papers

Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains Tourism is emerging as a major industry, and in recent decades, it has developed rapidly in mountainous regions throughout the world, especially in the Himalayas. Presently it is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The contemporary global middle-class spends a large amount of their disposable income on recreation and leisure. That money is increasingly being spent on activities such as mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan plateau. This growth in the tourism sector has increased the influx of capital into the Tibetan economy while at the same time negatively changing the socio-cultural aspects of Tibetan life and the environment in which Tibetan communities make their home. The increase in tourism in Tibet and the consequent commercialization of Tibet’s sacred mountains may lead to a loss of traditional forms of cultural expression among the diverse indigenous people of Tibet. Sacred Worldview The Tibetan people behold a sacred worldview that embodies adoration and worship for their mountains. â€Å"As though realizing that their very existence depended on the water, which flowed down from the mountains, they worshipped them† (Cameron 1984: 31). To show respect for the mountains, the Tibetans lined mountain tracks with shrines, adorned prayer-flags on mountain slopes, and they thought of mountain peaks as gods. Even the names the Tibetans give their mountains show respect. They call Mount Everest the â€Å"Goddess mother of the world† and Annapurna the â€Å"Bringer of Life† (Cameron 1984: 21). The Tibetan civilization and religion in fact has deep roots in an appreciation of the environment (Wardle et al. 1996: vi). In the Buddhist tradition, spaces become sacred by their association with the Buddha or with other sacred persons (Eckel 2002: 65). Buddhism encourages this placement of value on land and nature. Buddhists believe that they live in harmony with nature, are interdependent with it, and continuity exists. Therefore, any destruction of nature that may be caused by tourism is viewed as sacrilegious. Types of Tourists Humans in the Himalayas over time traveled for the purposes of trade, resources, work, pilgrimage, or socializing. Some confirmations that travel has been an ongoing feature of the mountainous regions are the intricate systems of walking trails, resting places, and mountain passes, and presence of cultural traditions such as inn keeping and porters. Trade, livestock movements, journeys to work and ceremony are all traditional events that link the Himalayan places to one another over time (Karan and Zurick 1999: 16). Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains :: Travel Economics Papers Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains Tourism is emerging as a major industry, and in recent decades, it has developed rapidly in mountainous regions throughout the world, especially in the Himalayas. Presently it is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The contemporary global middle-class spends a large amount of their disposable income on recreation and leisure. That money is increasingly being spent on activities such as mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan plateau. This growth in the tourism sector has increased the influx of capital into the Tibetan economy while at the same time negatively changing the socio-cultural aspects of Tibetan life and the environment in which Tibetan communities make their home. The increase in tourism in Tibet and the consequent commercialization of Tibet’s sacred mountains may lead to a loss of traditional forms of cultural expression among the diverse indigenous people of Tibet. Sacred Worldview The Tibetan people behold a sacred worldview that embodies adoration and worship for their mountains. â€Å"As though realizing that their very existence depended on the water, which flowed down from the mountains, they worshipped them† (Cameron 1984: 31). To show respect for the mountains, the Tibetans lined mountain tracks with shrines, adorned prayer-flags on mountain slopes, and they thought of mountain peaks as gods. Even the names the Tibetans give their mountains show respect. They call Mount Everest the â€Å"Goddess mother of the world† and Annapurna the â€Å"Bringer of Life† (Cameron 1984: 21). The Tibetan civilization and religion in fact has deep roots in an appreciation of the environment (Wardle et al. 1996: vi). In the Buddhist tradition, spaces become sacred by their association with the Buddha or with other sacred persons (Eckel 2002: 65). Buddhism encourages this placement of value on land and nature. Buddhists believe that they live in harmony with nature, are interdependent with it, and continuity exists. Therefore, any destruction of nature that may be caused by tourism is viewed as sacrilegious. Types of Tourists Humans in the Himalayas over time traveled for the purposes of trade, resources, work, pilgrimage, or socializing. Some confirmations that travel has been an ongoing feature of the mountainous regions are the intricate systems of walking trails, resting places, and mountain passes, and presence of cultural traditions such as inn keeping and porters. Trade, livestock movements, journeys to work and ceremony are all traditional events that link the Himalayan places to one another over time (Karan and Zurick 1999: 16).

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Budget Cuts in Education Essay

Drastic cuts in Florida’s educational system are in resulting increasing class sizes, the elimination of music, art, and other elective classes, the significant reduction in extracurricular activities, and a diminished ability to provide incentives for teachers to continue teaching. The effect of these changes will be a long term negative impact on teacher’s ability to teach and decrease our students’ ability to learn. Budget cuts are forcing qualified teachers out of the classroom where they are most effective and causing them to pursue other careers or academic endeavors. As stated in State Impact, because of the shortage of funds of over $170 million, Broward County alone has laid off more than 2,400 employees and most of them have been teachers (O’Connor, 2011). Andy Ford, president of the Florida Education Association, the statewide teachers union, said the union is expecting about 20,000 teacher layoffs (Castro, 2011). As a result of these layoffs, and current graduating teaching students, school districts are left with a surplus of teachers. Many have the opportunity to come back to work before the next school year begins but may not be at the same school or even teaching the same grade level. Because this is based on seniority, those teachers who have been laid off and unfortunately are not one of the chosen to go back to work, have been forced to go back to school to either continue to pursue their education career or pursue a completely different major. Recent layoffs have resulted in, expanded classroom sizes with potentially disastrous effect on student performance. There once was a time classrooms had a maximum of 20 students. In some states, classroom sizes have expanded to as much as 36 students in one class. According to Science Daily, reports show that students in small classes in grades four through six consistently have better results than students in large classes. Those in small classes that had better cognitive and non-cognitive skills, had better scores on standardized national tests in grades six and nine, and perceived themselves as developing more self-confidence and greater patience (Expertanswer, 2012). Budget cuts that result in inreased class sizes need to be made with these considerations in mind. Many people are not aware of the effect of music on students’ ability to learn and retain information, yet as documented previously, music classes are one of the first programs to be cut in this environment. According to Science Daily, there is now definitive proof of different brain development and improved memory of students who take music lessons when compared to those who do not (Press, 2006). â€Å"Not only do the brains of musically-trained children respond to music in a different way to those of the untrained children, but also that the training improves their memory as well. After one year the musically trained children performed better in a memory test that is correlated with general intelligence skills such as literacy, verbal memory, visuospatial processing, mathematics and IQ† (Press, 2006). If it costs $2. 5 million to have an art program, music program, and physical education program, one can see why school are making these cuts, however; in the light of this research provided, we can see that these cuts will be coming at the expense of our students cognitive abilities. As the budgets get smaller, and the expenses are getting bigger, specials and elective classes are being cut. Music and art have been eliminated in some schools. In others, it is just part time. Students are not getting the basic musical and artistic education, which were once available years ago. Teachers who used to teach elective classes are forced to teach core subjects if they still want a job. Physical education classes have also been cut in some schools or have been reduced significantly. Some teachers work at two different schools. For example, three days out of the week, they may work at an elementary school and the other two days; they may work at a middle or high school. As a result to physical education being reduced or eliminated, childhood obesity may be more of a concern. Because physical activity has been extremely reduced in many households because of television, it is important that students have physical education in school. Teachers do not have many incentives to continue teaching. There is no money to purchase simple materials for the classroom. As said in Public Good, Public Cuts; elementary schoolteachers have resorted to asking students to buy supplies at the beginning of the school year (Economists, 2011). A suggested list is available for the parents and these supplies are what the students will need for the duration of the school year. Many teachers spend their own money to purchase supplies as well. Students in middle school and high school do fundraisers to raise money for special events at their schools. The effects of these budget cuts are impacting every area of students’ academic experience including the frequency of the update in the school textbooks. Schools typically updated their textbooks every few years, however; with these budget cuts; this researcher has found that students may be using the same textbooks for 10-15 years due to the lack of funds. Although this may not be an issue with some subjects, there are subjects, such as History and Social Studies that are subjects that require updated information as years go on. If students used the same textbook for 15 years, a History book would be missing three presidents. Textbooks are an essential part of student’s education and if there are no funds to purchase new ones, students in the United States will be behind compare to other countries are much more advanced concerning education. Field trips and extracurricular activities have been reduced or eliminated. Students do not have the chance to go on all the field trips that were once upon a time offered. Field trips that are now taken tend to be at the cost of the parents. Parents have been forced to come out-of-pocket for the entire cost of field trips. Schools also sponsor fundraisers to assist these parents in paying for some of those costly trips. For example, fifth grade students who are going on their end of the year trip may sell donuts or candy boxes in efforts to raise money to pay for that trip. Some schools do not have funding to continue specific sports. Fees have increased and parents are having pay out-of-pocket for student’s uniforms and to travel to games in order to continue these sport teams. Budget cuts are now negatively affecting the actual physical environment in which students learn. According to State Impact, future possible district budget cuts in efforts to save jobs include â€Å"eliminating art, music, technology and/or reading teachers to save up to $4. 1 million, eliminating middle and high school athletic programs and saving $2. 2 million, and raising thermostats one degree to 78 degrees, the highest allowed by state law, saving $500,000† (O’Connor, 2011). With increasing class sizes and increase in temperatures, students will now be forced to learn in cramped, potentially uncomfortable conditions that will impact negatively student learning. Given the negative impact of described these budget cuts, it would be wise to consider alternative options to deal with budget shortfalls. Other options of saving money are available, such as teachers taking extended holidays without pay. School district saved millions of dollars by closing all public schools two extra days during thanksgiving break. Schools should only have been closed Wednesday through Friday but the district managed to get approval to close Monday and Tuesday as well. The economic condition has affected drastically the public schools due to the budget cuts they have faced. It has caused major setbacks because there is no money available to supply the materials these students need to learn effectively. At this rate, schools eventually will begin to shut down. Teachers have already begun to retire early because they can only foresee it getting worse. Something has got to give at this point, but it should not be at the expense of student’s education. If schools cannot teach students the simpler things, such as what encyclopedias are which may be an opportunity for parents to spend more bonding time with their children and take them to the library to learn new things. Sooner than later, students in Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten will be attending school for half a day only instead of a full day in efforts to save money. It is imperative that parents encourage educational activities at home as well as physical activities. Broward County Schools are suffering drastically. Although they seem to have it figured out, cutting art, music, physical education, and other special programs may not be what is best for the students.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Ship of Theseus

ABSTRACT: Endurantism and perdurantism are theories that describe how objects can persist through time. These theories will be used in an effort to solve a puzzle that has been dated all the way back to the first century: the Ship of Theseus. It will be determined that the two theories fail in solving the Ship of Theseus puzzle. According to Brian Garrett of Australian National University, metaphysics is concerned with the nature and identity of objects. 1 In order to increase understanding of the identity of objects, puzzles of constitution and identity are used by philosophers.There is a puzzle common in metaphysics: the Ship of Theseus, which was believed to be recorded by Plutarch in the late first century2. It is complex puzzle that consists of three different scenarios. The first scenario depicts a ship being dismantled and then rebuilt. The second scenario portrays the ship being completely remodeled. The third scenario is a mixture of the previous ones that have the ship bein g completely remodeled, but the removed planks are used to construct another ship. In order to solve this puzzle, one must be able to identify which ship is the Ship of Theseus.Philosophical theories can be used to solve philosophical puzzles such as this one and there are two theories that exist that help one understand how objects persist through time: endurantism and perdurantism. According to endurantism, ordinary objects are wholly present at each moment of time at which they exist3. In perdurantism, objects are four dimensional entities that consist of temporal and spatial parts and these objects persist by having different temporal parts at different times4. Once one has knowledge of endurantism and perdurantism, the theories can be used to solve puzzles such as the Ship of Theseus.However, in this paper, it will be shown that the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus cannot be solved using endurantism and perdurantism. This is because attempts made by endurantists and perdurantists result in unintuitive consequences. This will be done first by explaining and assessing endurantism and perdurantism. Then it will be shown that the two theories fail in solving the Ship of Theseus because of problems that are encountered. After that, the Extensionality Principle will be discussed, which is used by perdurantists as a criterion for identity.It will be determined that this principle is also flawed and is also unable to give an account for the identity of objects. Firstly, endurantism is the view that physical objects are three-dimensional and move through time. They are wholly present at each moment of time at which they exist. For example, if a man was born in 1975, attended kindergarten class in 1980, and graduated from high school in 1993, endurantists would claim that this man was wholly present at each of those different times. He will continue to wholly exist in the future as well.Primary motivation for this theory is that it is a more conventional view and is m ore in conjunction with believed upon ideas about the world. For example, when a woman is talking to someone, she believes that she is talking to that person as a complete object, wholly present; as opposed to just a temporal part of an object. The theory of endurantism has been explained. It must be noted, however, that this theory holds that two numerically distinct, but wholly present objects can co-exist for some of the time or at all times.Brian Garrett says that this hinders the authenticity of endurantism because the statement is strange5. Perdurantism does not have this problem. The theory of perdurantism is the view that ordinary objects are four-dimensional and are composed of temporal parts. An object is not wholly present at every possible time at which it exists because only its temporal parts exist. In the previous example, when the man is born, or attends kindergarten, or graduates from high school, the man is not wholly present according to perdurantism.Instead, it i s the man’s temporal parts that existed during those events; the man itself exists as a four-dimensionally extended whole. Primary motivation for perdurantism is that this theory is able to account for change within a physical object because the objects are four-dimensional. On the contrary, endurantism does not have this luxury. Perdurantism is also primarily motivated by how it better accommodates Albert Einstein’s theory of special relativity. There are problems that arise if both endurantism and special relativity are true. According to Steven D. Hales and Timothy A.Johnson of Bloomsburg University, â€Å"it would be misguided to argue† for endurantism because special relativistic effects â€Å"are negligible at human speeds†. 6 The theory of special relativity does not allow for endurantism because of how it requires objects such as humans to move through time at a slower speed than the speed of light. Given that special relativity is a widely accept ed theory, perdurantists have strong motivation to prove their view7. Secondly, even though endurantism and perdurantism help explain the persistence of objects over time, neither view is able to solve the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus.In the Ship of Theseus, there are three different scenarios. In the first scenario, the Ship of Theseus is dismantled and then rebuilt with each plank being returned to its original location— we’ll call this ship Y1. In the second scenario, the ship is completely remodeled with an entirely new set of planks— we’ll call this ship X1. In the third scenario, two ships are involved. The ship from the second scenario (now called ship X) is present, but an entirely different ship that is being constructed out of the planks that had been removed (called ship Y) is also present.In order to solve this puzzle, the Ship of Theseus must be identified. However, flaws in endurantism are shown by how the endurantist must deny that Y1 is e qual to Y. This is done in order to respect the necessity of identity and non-identity which states that if x = y, then necessarily x = y8. However, what this entails is that one could claim that if the removed planks had not been replaced in the third scenario, then ship Y would not have existed and instead ship Y1 would have existed. This means that the existence of ship Y or Y1 entirely depends on whether or not the removed planks were replaced.Brian Garrett refers to this consequence as â€Å"strange† because â€Å"we don’t think that the existence of a particular ship (or of anything else in space and time) depends on what happens in a region of the universe which exerts no causal influence on it†9. This is a flaw for the endurantism theory because it denotes that an object’s existence is dependent on an event that has no direct influence on it. Furthermore, perdurantism also fails in correctly solving the Ship of Theseus. According to perdurantism, the third scenario involves the presence of two ships prior to the repair of the Ship of Theseus.They are overlapping one another. This represents that the ships have a common temporal segment where they are basically one and the same ship. After the repair, the two ships separate with one being ship X and the other being ship Y. The problem, however, is that one cannot think that there are three possible outcomes anymore. One cannot think that the future of the Ship of Theseus will be the same as that of the ship in the first scenario, the ship in the second scenario, or the ships in the third scenario because each of the ships are distinct from one another.This is a problem, according to Garrett, because people â€Å"could sensibly wonder† if the future for the Ship of Theseus will be like any of the three scenarios when it is being constructed10. He means that ordinary people should be able to think about the Ship of Theseus and think about what future it might behold. How ever, the theory of perdurantism must deny that three possible futures are available for the ship. As a result, we are left with either believing that people are not able to wonder about the ship’s future (which cannot be true) or perdurantism is unable to solve the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus.Moreover, perdurantism fails in solving the puzzle because of the name: ‘Ship of Theseus’. It has been discussed that the Ship of Theseus has a temporal part where there are two overlapping ships. However, which of the two overlapping ships is the actual Ship of Theseus when the name is being called? This is a problem because both ships cannot be called the Ship of Theseus. Perdurantism cannot account for this confusion. This shows that perdurantism is unable to solve the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus.Overall, the theories of endurantism and perdurantism have been explained and it has been shown that both theories are unable to solve the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus. How ever, there are criterions for identity that exist that could provide a criterion of identification for objects through time. One criterion for identity that will be talked about is the Extensionality Principle; it is used by perdurantists because it is a criterion of identity for four-dimensional objects11. The Extensionality Principle, according to Garrett, states: if x and y are objects with the same proper parts, then x=y.This means that if two different objects have the same properties, then the two objects are the same12. However, there are flaws in the Extensionality Principle that causes it to fail in providing a criterion of identification. According to Lecture notes, in order for objects to be identical, it is not enough for the object to have all the same parts. This is because the parts of identical objects must be related to each other or arranged in a certain order13. Therefore, a problem arises regarding temporal parts of an object. How do the temporal parts have the proper order?As a result of this problem, the Extensionality Principle must be revised. But if it is revised, according to lecture notes, the principle will no longer be an extensional principle14. Furthermore, there is no explanation as to why time would provide the correct order for temporal parts of an object. These problems show that the Extensionality Principle fails in providing a criterion of identification; and this harkens back to how the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus cannot be solved. It has been shown that the puzzle of the Ship of Theseus cannot be solved.This was first determined by explaining the theories of endurantism and perdurantism and revealing the primary motivation for each of them. These theories depict how objects persist through time; yet, the theories cannot be used to correctly solve the Ship of Theseus puzzle. Lastly, the Extensionality Principle was described and it was shown that the principle was unable to solve the Ship of Theseus puzzle. As one can s ee, the Ship of Theseus is a difficult puzzle to solve and it has been around since the late first century. Will there ever be a theory that correctly identifies the Ship of Theseus once and for all?

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Google and Twitter On Their Way to Global Dominance

Google and Twitter On Their Way to Global Dominance With the recent and quite radical changes in the IT sphere, major companies specializing in providing the related services were forced to reconsider a range of their strategies and shift to new and improved techniques of expansion into the world market. Among such publicly traded organizations, Google, Inc and Twitter, Inc must be mentioned.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Google and Twitter: On Their Way to Global Dominance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Both companies seem to have embraced the changes, managed to admit their mistakes and considered the creation of mergers and acquisitions as a viable strategy to adopt. As a result, both companies are currently growing by acquiring less competitive firms and expanding into the world market. Indeed, a single look at Google’s policy will reveal its expansion plans: the organization has acquired BlackBerry, Boston Dynamics, Nest Labs, Inc. and Dropcam, and cre ated a range of mergers, including the one with Motorola Mobility. It is clear that Google is planning to grow further and exploring new opportunities by creating new mergers. Such an intense struggle for the dominance in the global market can be explained by the fact that Google has recently had to refuse from a range of ideas, which seemed quite promising a few years ago. As the recent announcement on Google explained, the company had to abandon a number of the projects that it used to view as promising several years ago; for example, Picasa, Google Docs and Orkut were shut down, since similar and more successful services were created by other companies (Siganos, 2013). As the representatives of the Google, Inc. explained, the services that were closed down had been created before new opportunities for communication and data exchange emerged; therefore, being ahead of its time, Google finally had to yield to more advanced companies. Consequently, to regain its status, the company had to conjure a different strategy. As a result, the idea of merging with the companies that have designed more advanced services appeared to be the solution.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Twitter, Inc., however, had other reasons for choosing the policy of mergers and acquisitions. It is remarkable that, unlike Google, which was initially targeted at providing a variety of services, twitter was designed solely as a social network from the very creation of its concept (Sprangler, 2013). Hence, the reasons for the leader of Twitter to adopt the strategy of mergers and acquisitions, shifting to the idea of corporate governance, have a different line of reasoning to be based on. Unlike Google, which does not seem to have very strong rivals except the apple, Inc., Twitter has to deal with a lot of competition, primarily, the rivalry with Facebook. Though each of the companies bases its philosophy on a unique concept and includes original options for its users to enjoy, both fall under the category of social networks and perform the same function, i.e., facilitate the process of users’ communication by transferring information from one user to another. Therefore, twitter clearly needed to revamp its reputation by growing larger and more influential, which resulted in a range of acquisitions and mergers with various companies, primarily, the ones dealing with analysis and advertisement. Though each of the organizations has its own reasons for choosing the strategy of mergers and acquisitions, both Twitter and Google seem to be going in the same direction. The results of these steps, however, are bound to be quite different as well. Reference List Siganos, A. (2013). Google attention and target price run ups. International Review of Financial Analysis, 29(3), 219–226. Sprangler, T. (2013). Twitter nets social-TV startup blue fin. Mu ltichannel News, 34(6), 22.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Google and Twitter: On Their Way to Global Dominance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Monday, October 21, 2019

Review of In On It essays

Review of In On It essays The production of In On It contains three separate yet intertwined plots. The first story introduced is one of man who is dying of an incurable disease and whose marriage is on the verge of divorce. Next comes the post-modern story of two actors quarreling over the best way to act out the play they wrote. Additionally there is a story of gay lovers reminiscing about their past and putting an effort to make their relationship succeed. The transitions between stories are easily facilitated through the use of set design, lighting, and acting. Throughout the majority of the play there are only blocks of light shone directly on the actors, leaving the stage and surrounding environment completely black. This leaves a trace of ambiguity as to where the scene is taking place, and involves the audience in allowing them to use their imagination. In this way scene changes are believable and can take place in an instant when cued by the lighting or the actors. Switching between characters is done simply by the actors being illuminated in a different light, and maybe changing posture or tone of voice. The struggle for meaning is a central theme in the play, and the directing certainly reflects that. A parallel can clearly be seen between the constant changing of scenes to make sense of the stories, and the characters themselves striving to find meaning in their own lives. We also see this through the jacket that is merely in a beam of blue light at the beginning, but gains more and more meaning as the play moves forward. The narrative form helps the audience to relate to the characters in this way and gives the story cohesiveness. Despite relief from a few comic scenes, the general mood of this play was more dramatic, reminding us constantly that death and loss are major parts of life. These motifs are seen obviously through the ill man who loses his family, health, and ultimately his life through the car crash. We also see loss when the tw...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Malaysian Rainforests Overview

Malaysian Rainforests Overview Southeast Asian rainforests, such as those that dominate the Malaysian region, are believed to be the oldest and some of the most biologically diverse forests in the world. However, they are now in danger of disappearing due to a number of human activities that threaten the ecosystem. Location The Malaysian rainforest eco-region extends across peninsular Malaysia to the extreme southern tip of Thailand. Characteristics Malaysian rainforests contain several different forest types throughout the region. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), these include lowland dipterocarp forest, hill dipterocarp forest, upper hill dipterocarp forest, oak-laurel forest, montane ericaceous forest, peat swamp forest, mangrove forest, freshwater swamp forest, heath forest, and forests that thrive on limestone and quartz ridges. Historical Extent of Habitat The extent of Malaysias land surface was forested before humans began clearing trees. Current Extent of Habitat Currently, forests cover about 59.5 percent of the total land area. Ecological Significance Malaysian rainforests support a vast diversity of plant and animal life, including approximately 200 mammal species (such as the rare Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, Malayan tapir, gaur, and clouded leopard), over 600 species of birds, and 15,000 plants. Thirty-five percent of these plant species are found nowhere else in the world. Threats The clearing of forest land by humans is the primary threat to the Malaysian rainforest ecosystem and its inhabitants. Lowland forests have been cleared to create rice fields, rubber plantations, oil palm plantations, and orchards. In conjunction with these industries, logging has boomed as well, and the development of human settlements further threatens the forests. Conservation Efforts WWF-Malaysias Forest for Life Programme works to improve forest preservation and management practices throughout the region, paying special attention to the restoration of degraded areas where critical forest corridors are required by wildlife for safe travel throughout their habitats. WWFs Forest Conversion Initiative works with producers, investors, and retailers around the world to ensure that expansion of oil palm plantations does not threaten High Conservation Value Forests. Get Involved Support the World Wildlife Funds efforts in establishing and improving protected areas by signing up as a Direct Debit Donor. Travel to WWFs project sites in Malaysia to help contribute to the local economy with your tourism dollars and exhibit global support of these conservation programs. You will help to prove that protected areas can generate income for the state governments without the need to exploit our natural resources unsustainably, explains WWF. Forest managers and timber products processors can join the Malaysia Forest and Trade Network (MFTN). When buying any wood product, from pencils to furniture to construction materials, be sure to check sources and, ideally, choose only certified sustainable products. Find out how you can help WWFs Heart of Borneo project by contacting: Hana S. HarunCommunications Officer (Malaysia, Heart of Borneo)WWF-Malaysia (Sabah Office)Suite 1-6-W11, 6th Floor, CPS Tower,Centre Point Complex,No.1, Jalan Centre Point,88800 Kota Kinabalu,Sabah, Malaysia.Tel: 6088 262 420Fax: 6088 242 531 Join the Restore and Kinabatangan - Corridor of Life initiatives to reforest the Corridor of Life in the Kinabatangan Floodplain. If your company would like to contribute to reforestation work, please contact the Reforestation Officer: Kertijah Abdul KadirReforestation OfficerWWF-Malaysia (Sabah Office)Suite 1-6-W11, 6th Floor, CPS Tower,Centre Point Complex,No.1, Jalan Centre Point,88800 Kota Kinabalu,Sabah, Malaysia.Tel: 6088 262 420Fax: 6088 248 697

Saturday, October 19, 2019

British Entrepreneurship between 1870 and 1914 Essay

British Entrepreneurship between 1870 and 1914 - Essay Example These traits include a dismal failure to adapt to new technologies, a gross misunderstanding as to the relevance of science in industrial efficiency, an obstinacy to stick to low-yielding established industrial sectors, a dearth of relevant managerial and organizational skills, an inability to delegate responsibility to subordinates and to take advantage of talented people having complementary proficiencies and a general lack of trust and faith in the British entrepreneurial potential (Aldcroft 1981) . At some time during the late 19th century, Great Britain fell victim to an economic decline. Various Historians tend to facilitate diverse reasons as to this economic demise of the Victorian Britain. Some historians attribute this economic decline to the rampant alterations in the world economy, emanating from the proliferation of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. There is one other school of historians, who link the economic fall of Victorian Britain to the lacunas existing within the British economy. Many historians blatantly profess that this so-called economic decline of Britain in the late 19th century could be understood and analyzed only in a relative perspective. As per these historians, the economic meltdown in the late 19th century Britain stands to be plausible only when one compares the performance of the British economy to other major industrial economies like the US and Germany. According to Alford, "British enterprise, it will be argued, did not decline d uring this period: it remained remarkably constant and inflexible (1996)." On the contrary, the available statistical data also to some extent indicates that in fact the British GDP was on the rise in the period 1870-1890, irrespective of a sluggish annual rate of growth. Crouzet (1982) argues that the growth rate of Britain, which rested at 3.1 percent in the period 1811-1877, came down to 1.6 percent between 1877 and 1913.Historians also tend to differ, as far as the onset of this economic decline is concerned decline. A majority of the historians identify the year 1873 as the time when Britain slipped into a prolonged era of economic slowdown. Others argue that the UK experienced a remarkable economic growth in the period 1820-1830. Thus, Victoria's accession tends to be the chronological coordinate that ushered in an era of economic decline (Crouzet 1982). Realistically speaking, in consonance with the available statistical data, 1870 could be considered the point of genesis of Britain's economic decline. It was only in the period between 1870 and 1913, when Britain's share of the global industrial output, which rested at 31.8 percent, nosedived to a pathetic and alarming 14 percent (Crouzet 1982).There is no denying the fact that a majority of the historians hold that the late Victorians happened to be grave failures, as far as the realm of entrepreneurship was concerned. As far as the entrepreneurial acumen of late Victorians is concerned, the analysis of their failure tends

Use of Folley Catheters in Place of Gastric Tubes for Administration Research Paper

Use of Folley Catheters in Place of Gastric Tubes for Administration of Enteral Nutrition - Research Paper Example The nasogastric tube moves through the nose into the buccal cavity to the throat where it routes to the stomach. Another major use for the nasogastric tube is to provide the patient with medicines that the patient could not take otherwise. Nasogastric tubes come in various standard depths that are marked on the tubes. The healthcare must measure the distance from the patient’s nose to the location of the xyphoid process. Gastric tubes are marked at the measured length before insertion to ensure adequate reach without any danger of clogging due to excess tube length. Before insertion, it is common to lubricate the gastric tube at the insertion end using local anesthetics such as 2% xylocaine gel. Other than local anesthetics, nasal vasoconstrictor sprays may be used as well. The nasogastric tube is then inserted into one of the patient’s anterior nares. Care has to be exercised when guiding the tube through the patient’s nasal cavity into the throat region. The tube is directed downwards and backwards as it is inserted. If a patient is wake during the insertion process, they may gag as the gastric tube reaches the oropharynx and then enters the posterior pharyngeal wall. In such a case, the patient is asked to mimic swallowing or is provided with some water to sip. As the patient imitates swallowing, the tube is inserted further. As soon as the tube moves beyond the pharynx and into the esophagus, it slides easily down into the patient’s stomach. ... The removal is done slowly especially if the patient is wake. In case that the patient develops a gag, he is instructed to sip some water or to imitate swallowing to ease the congestion. Once the gastric tube is removed, the site is cleaned using any acceptable anti-bacterial agent such as povidone iodine. After cleaning, the site dries itself in air while the healthcare provider prepares the Foley catheter sized between 14 and 18 fr. The catheter is sterilized before use after which it is inserted into the patient’s system. Before insertion it is ensured that the balloon of the catheter is not leaking through a trial insertion of sterile water. The Foley catheter is inserted into the patient’s system comparable to the gastric tube insertion with little differences in the overall procedure. Once the Foley catheter is in position, the balloon is secured in position by inflating it with 10 to 15 cc of sterile water. Light tugging confirms that the Foley catheter is firmly in position. In case that the catheter is still shifting, more sterile water is added. In case this fails to work, the catheter may need to be replaced due to a leaking balloon. The entry site is dressed once the procedure is complete to discourage infection. Research suggests that the use of Foley catheters is preferable to the use of gastric tubes for enteral nutrition. One primary advantage offered by Foley catheters is their lower cost when compared to gastric tubes. The rate of failure of gastric tubes and Foley catheters is comparable with the rate of failure being slightly higher in gastric tubes (Kadakia, Cassaday, & Shaffer, 1994). Current research also suggests that Foley catheters can be utilized in place of gastric tubes for enteral

Friday, October 18, 2019

Dynamic Macroeconomics. Discretionary monetary policy and Essay

Dynamic Macroeconomics. Discretionary monetary policy and inflation-targeting regime - Essay Example Due to that the policy has evolved toward an inflation targeting regime. This monetary policy was utilized for the first time within the year 1990 by New Zealand (Hammond, 2011, pp45-97). Since that period numerous countries developed and emerging have adopted this current regime as a result of the problems with the strategies based on the monetary aggregates or exchange rate targets. The major characteristics of the current monetary regime mainly focus on the attainment of inflation targets (Roger, 2010, pp46-49). Inflation targeting is normally monetary policy strategy mainly encompasses five major elements namely the underlying public proclamation of medium term numerical targets for inflation, an institutional commitment to price stability as the primary objective of monetary policy which other supplementary objectives are subordinated, an information inclusive strategy that numerous variables and not only monetary aggregates or the corresponding exchange rate are utilized for decisive the prevailing setting of policy instruments, escalated transparency of the monetary policy strategy via communiquà © with the public and the markets concerning the plans, aims and decisions pertaining to the monetary authorities and escalated answerability of the central bank for obtaining its inflation goals (Fischer, 1993, pp485-512). ... ant in emerging market states since numerous countries routinely reported numerical inflation targets as a part of the government’s economic plan (Hammond, 2011, pp45-97) . The benefits that are normally associated with characteristics of the current monetary regime and target regime strategy are greater transparency and better comprehension of monetary policy execution, advancement of accounts by the underlying monetary authority, education of inflation and inflation volatility that consolidates the price stability (Hammond, 2011, pp45-97) . The countries also benefits decreased impact on the inflation from the shocks produced by other economic variables, anchoring of inflation expectations around the inflation target and lowering of the costs related within the disinflation process. Inflation targeting demands that a decision to be made on the underlying price stability (Roger, 2010, pp46-49). Discuss whether discretion is a better way to run monetary policy than following a rule because a policy of discretion gives the central bank the ability to react to news about the economy. Discretion is a better way to run monetary policy than following the underlying rule since a policy of discretion grants the central bank the capability to react to news concerning the economy. Monetary policy ought to be made through rule. Nevertheless, discretionary monetary policy leads to two problems that is it does not limit the underlying incompetence and abuse of power. For instance, central banker might select to develop governmental business succession to assist a candidate. It also leads to a bigger quantity of inflation than the corresponding desirable results. Policymakers frequently range on the underlying action that they promise. In case individuals do not believe that the

Infrastructure Application and Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 3

Infrastructure Application and Review - Essay Example Nevertheless, scientists and engineers continuously laboured to keep abreast of modern trends in highway administration and maintenance. As early as 1989, the maiden version of a digital road map database for land navigation has been completed. The database contains precise information on the road attributes all over Japan and may be used to strengthen highway management initiatives (Kamijo, Okumura and Kitamura, 1989, p. 319). It was, however, in 2003 when Japan introduced a road management mechanism in order to promote efficacy and transparency in road administration. The scheme is anchored on a system of measurements based on indices. Salient features of the road management system are performance plans, achievement reports and the Guidance for Road Administration Management (GRAM). A performance plan which delineates numerical targets, policies and projects are published yearly; while an achievement report which contains an assessment of the level of achievement of the numerical targets are also published at the end of each fiscal year. Meanwhile, to maximize the gains of the road administration management system as it is implemented in the countryside, the GRAM is prepared and disseminated. Figure 1 shows the typical flow of road administration management in Japan as practised by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Road Bureau, 2008a). Over the years, the Japanese government and the concerned institutions struggled to encourage systematic management founded on existing circumstances and forecasts. Preventive maintenance is commonly implemented to extend the functionality of infrastructure like bridge systems. This approach is known to mitigate costs related to repair and rebuilding. To be able to capitalise on the benefits of preventive maintenance, Japanese road administrators also practiced competent defect identification and

Thursday, October 17, 2019

MGT 302 MOD 2 SLP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MGT 302 MOD 2 SLP - Essay Example It means that I will have to make them realize that as their professional superior, I would be expecting them to follow my directives accordingly. Second, power may come from Reward, or another person’s ability to compensate another for compliance. Undeniably, the motivation of each member is a very crucial aspect when expecting positive results in an organization, and nothing can motivate a person more than a reward can (Singh). This would mean that I could constantly ensure active participation in the workplace by regularly offering rewards to high performing members. This could come in the form of a financial reward like a bonus, or an emotional reward like a â€Å"Best Team Member† award of sorts. Third, power may be Coercive, or based on the belief that a person can punish others for noncompliance (Singh). As opposed to reward, I am not very comfortable in using coercive power in my repertoire of leadership techniques. However, I do realize the importance of setting an example for the corresponding consequences of noncompliance and so I am prepared to also use punishment when the situation calls for it. Fourth, power may come from an Expert, someone who has superior skill and knowledge (Houser and Domokos). I always believe in leadership by example. That is, I wouldn’t expect any of my subordinates to accomplish a task that I am not even capable of doing. Thus, I would constantly seek out opportunities to demonstrate to my subordinates my capabilities of performing organizational tasks to make them aware that if ever I require something from them, it can be done because I have accomplished it myself. Lastly, power may be based on Reference, or a person’s perceived attractiveness, worthiness, and right to respect from others (Lee-Chai and Bargh). I feel that this basis of power is closely related with the fourth one except that reference as a basis of power works more on a psychological

International Trade and Comparative Advantage Essay

International Trade and Comparative Advantage - Essay Example In the short run, farmers may be able to gain profits from planting tobacco but it must be kept in mind that the buyers of their crop are a very specialized group of companies. In the long run, their product can not be sold to everyone since even a smoker would have little use for raw tobacco unless it has been refined, packaged and sold as a finished product. This means that with time, the tobacco companies will be able to dictate the price at which they will buy tobacco or not. Additionally, if the farmer has taken a loan from the tobacco company then the dependency of the farmer on the company is doubled. The company will be able to push the price downwards or ask the farmer to bring more area under the cultivation of tobacco. In domestic terms, since the farmer will not be producing as much food crop, the prices of other food items would be expected to rise due to their relative scarcity. This comes across as a negative practice but for the tobacco companies, this is smart business which is not blocked by the American government (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2006). Acme Motors makes engines in the Nuevo Laredo facility simply because the assembly and manufacture of engine parts is much cheaper in the region. Engine assembly is an extremely labor intensive process and since labor is not that expensive in the region the overall cost of the engine is lowered. The other parts which are bolted on to the engine to complete the car are handled with automated robots to a large extent therefore the engines can be shipped back across the border to finalize the production of the car in America. This is a part of the international trade that is supposed to bring a better understanding for people around the globe and improve the human condition (UNCITRAL, 2006). Acme motors gains two significant advantages with this situation. First, the cost of

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

MGT 302 MOD 2 SLP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MGT 302 MOD 2 SLP - Essay Example It means that I will have to make them realize that as their professional superior, I would be expecting them to follow my directives accordingly. Second, power may come from Reward, or another person’s ability to compensate another for compliance. Undeniably, the motivation of each member is a very crucial aspect when expecting positive results in an organization, and nothing can motivate a person more than a reward can (Singh). This would mean that I could constantly ensure active participation in the workplace by regularly offering rewards to high performing members. This could come in the form of a financial reward like a bonus, or an emotional reward like a â€Å"Best Team Member† award of sorts. Third, power may be Coercive, or based on the belief that a person can punish others for noncompliance (Singh). As opposed to reward, I am not very comfortable in using coercive power in my repertoire of leadership techniques. However, I do realize the importance of setting an example for the corresponding consequences of noncompliance and so I am prepared to also use punishment when the situation calls for it. Fourth, power may come from an Expert, someone who has superior skill and knowledge (Houser and Domokos). I always believe in leadership by example. That is, I wouldn’t expect any of my subordinates to accomplish a task that I am not even capable of doing. Thus, I would constantly seek out opportunities to demonstrate to my subordinates my capabilities of performing organizational tasks to make them aware that if ever I require something from them, it can be done because I have accomplished it myself. Lastly, power may be based on Reference, or a person’s perceived attractiveness, worthiness, and right to respect from others (Lee-Chai and Bargh). I feel that this basis of power is closely related with the fourth one except that reference as a basis of power works more on a psychological

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Mental Health Promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mental Health Promotion - Essay Example CONCEPT OF MENTAL HEALTH There has been various concepts and approaches to mental health. According to the Department of Health, some of the factors that greatly influenced mental health are family traditions, beliefs, and cultural practices. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health, as a state of being physically, mentally and socially fit. Being healthy does not just mean the absence of sickness or physical incapacity. Mental health is therefore a fundamental indicator of the overall health and well being of a person. However, many other sources simply view mental health merely as the absence of disease or illness. This view is supported in the biomedical model of health as mentioned by Seedhouse (2002). On the other hand, Seeker (2005) indicated in his study that to get the best result from caregiver’s intervention approach, there is a need to focus on the diagnosis and interpretations of a disease in pathological terms. There is a big disparity between one who is diagnosed with mental illness in contrast to another condition where there is no medical diagnosis, in terms of access to medical care and health services. Persons diagnosed of mental illness that gets access to healthcare and social services developed some sense of emotional security from the support and should cope better with the challenge. In contrast, a person who is not diagnosed of being mentally ill may not get the needed support and attention from caregivers resulting to negative feelings of being neglected. A more comprehensive definition of mental health was coined by the Health Education Authority (HEA) in 1997. The agency’s definition of mental health put emphasis on the spiritual and emotional ability of the person to endure and recover from painful experiences or sufferings in life. This resilience will enable a mentally healthy person to move on and enjoy life after a suffering some form of pain (Squire 2002, Wagnild & Collins 2009). In 2004, the World Health Organization pronounced an insightful definition of mental health giving emphasis to normal aspects of living. It is a state of well-being in which the individual is conscious of his social ties and can cope up with the day to day stresses of life. A mentally healthy person should therefore be able to work productively and to offer something positive to their community. Such productivity and positive contribution promotes inner satisfaction and greatly reinforces overall health. Nations all over the globe are looking into mental health promotion with renewed interest. Mental health is essentially the condition that dictates the total well-being and productivity of a person. Intervention through health promotion is far more effective in safeguarding mental health than treatments and medicinal therapies at the on stage of a fully diagnosed mental illness. This latter approach is rather expensive and yet less effective as presented in the following research and studies. CONCEPT OF MEN TAL HEALTH PROMOTION Activities that promote the mental health of individuals has a positive effect in preventing and reducing mental illness (Barry & Jenkins 2007) and in the fast recovery of mentally afflicted individuals (Friedli 2009). In 2001, the Department of Health introduced mental health promotion as any action or activity that enhances or supports the mental well-being of a person, family,

Monday, October 14, 2019

Say Yes to Homosexual Marriage Essay Example for Free

Say Yes to Homosexual Marriage Essay Everyone can marry the person they love, the murderers, the corrupt official, the beggar , the thief , the old spinster can get married. Gay, however, cannot. marriage is the last process and expression of love. Traditionally, marriage is an institution and promise about a man and a woman to live forever and form a kinship under the law. Our city – Hong Kong thinks homosexuality is unacceptable. Homosexuality can be classified into two categories: gay and lesbian which a man loves a man and a woman loves a woman respectively. It is a sexual orientation that one can in love with others that share the same sex. Homosexuality marriage is a kind of marriage between two people in same sex or gender. Why homosexual marriage should not be encouraged? A marriage is simply about two people love each other and willing gives a commitment for the relationship. It shouldn’t be banned since gay marriage encourage people to build up a stronger family ties, love is first-rated in terms of marriage and it’s unrelated of gay marriage to trigger other improper forms of marriage .So same-sex couples should have the same legal right of marriage as different-sex couples. The biggest argument for people against same-sex marriage is that it will totally damage and spoil the value of family and affect society in some ways. However, it’s far beyond the truth. As for today, there are lots of sexual problems and sexually transmitted disease in our society such as AIDS. It is the result of improper, unprotected and careless sexual relation. To allow same-sex marriage can help people to build a strong family belief and minimize the problems of the improper sexual lifestyle in society. Marriage is an encouragement asking people to settle down for your partner and is a promise that two in loved people will work to build their own life. Strasser (2006) stated that homosexual marriage sometimes give a helping hand in rebuilding relationship between people. Due to the prohibited of homosexual marriage, thousands of gay people have unsteady relationship. What even worst is they, usually, are having unprotected sex with different partners. This distorts the value of relationship and love. The legalization of same-sex marriage pushes gay couples to build up their family and stop the frivolous life. Eskridge(2011) remarks that marriage can  be classified into private and social institution. For the social institution, marriage is a way to build kinship among two individuals. Thus, it can stabilize and keep society in a harmonic situation as it can group people into ‘us’ as a whole. Absolutely true, the point is that gay marriage would not affect the harmony of the society. More importantly, the prohibition of same-sex marriage have created lots of noise and demonstration in our society, it rather destroy the harmonious rather than stabilizing it. Therefore, why couldn’t approve homosexual marriage to attain a win-win situation? Those who against homosexual marriage stated that it would violate the meaning of marriage and does not respective to what marriage really means. However, do they really know what being married really means? Marriage is all about love. Love is everything its cracked up to be. Thats why people are so cynical about itIt really is worth fighting for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you dont risk everything, you risk even more. ( Jong, 2010, P.45) Love should not depends on its gender but feeling. Getting married is the last process of ending the long love journey. It is the one and the only way to show how much a couple loves each other. This is actually what marriage means and the thought behind. Marriage should not just limit to one man and one woman, instead, it should be available for two people no matter what their gender are. â€Å"Over time, people came to view marriage as a relationship between two individuals who were free to organize their partnership and their parenting on the basis of their personal inclinations rather than pre-assigned gender roles.† (cootnz, 2011). Gender, nowadays, become a less essential element of marriage because our feeling matter most. If society only allows different-sex marriage, isn’t it violating the principle of marriage – love and promise? There’s an argument stating that same-sex marriage would lead to the rise of another serious problem towards morality. It could have chain effect that increases the opportunity of other kinds of improper marriage and it distorts the original idea of marriage. The improper marriage includes polygamy: a marriage between a man and two or more wives, Bestiality: a sexual relations between a human and an animal, could be follow. Is same-sex  marriage provide a ‘ slippery slope’ for another forms of marriage? That is not true. The case of having multiple wives and having sexual relation with an animal is too extreme and totally unrelated. Even if there is none case of gay marriage, it couldn’t guarantee the improper marriage like polygamy and bestiality will not happen. Marriage is only about two human beings who are in loved with each other without considering the gender so marriage is just about loves. Wolfson (2003) noted that homosexual marriage sets a precedent for future cases of polygamy and bestiality. This is the weirdest argument because polygamy and bestiality is not just about two human beings. Thus, allowing gay marriage is not a slippery slope of other sort of marriage. Pinello (2006) noted that without true love, marriage cannot be maintained. The ultimate goal of love is getting married. And what’s marriage about is love. Banning homosexual marriage is a cruel way to avoid two loved people to stay with each other. Moreover, it’s not wrong because gay marriage encourage people to build up a stronger family ties, love is first-rated in terms of marriage and it’s unrelated that gay marriage will trigger polygamy and bestiality. Thus same-sex couples should have the same legal right of marriage as different-sex couples. APA referencing: 1) coontz, S.(2011,January 9), from http://www.stephaniecoontz.com/articles/article55.htm/ 2) jong, E (2004). What do women want (3rd ed.) Germany: HarperCollins 3)Eskridge, W.()Case for same sex marriage : from sexual liberty to civilized commitment, New York: free press. 4) strasser, M. (2006) Legally Wed: Same-Sex Marriage and the Constitution, Ithaca: Cornell University Press 5) Wolfson, E. (2003, June 2), E-Journal: For Richer, For Poorer: Same-Sex Couples and the Freedom to Marry as a Civil Right , from http://www.drummajorinstitute.org/library/article.php?ID=5518 6) Pinello, D(2006) Americas Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage ,Cambridge , MA : Cambridge University Press

Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Concept Of Leadership Management Essay

The Concept Of Leadership Management Essay The concept of leadership had now been not only within the frame of team, organization etc. it had been spread around the world and world is influenced by this concept. Leadership is very much required in todays turbulent world because of various crises etc. Leadership is also a universal concept. It is also a part of management and also considered as a management function. Leadership is also interconnected with other management functions such as planning, organizing, communication, motivating, coordination and controlling. There had been various confusions in the concept of leadership starting from definition of leadership till theory and approaches of leadership. Many researchers of management concepts such as Max Webber, Mary Parker Follet, F.W Taylor etc. have lead to serious development of leadership concept. The concept of leadership had been researched by various researchers leading to various findings. Findings such as leadership theories, approaches or styles had been analyzed and it is interpreted and given below. Further, Leaders are born or made is a biggest argument of century. This is what the whole research argues to conclude. Leadership There had been various definitions researched by various researchers. The universal definition of leadership is working with and through people and influencing the behavior of people towards the achievement of common goals. Leading is a management function without which management cannot step into next function which will interrupt the total organizational job and performance. Leadership involves four element: Leader/Persuader. Follower/Persuadee. Situation. Communication. Leader Leader is a person with the ability to influence or persuade the behavior of his/her subordinates towards a common objective or task to which the leader is focusing on. Effective leader is a person who positively influence another persons behavior through effective approach or style relating to the leadership theory used which turns the behavior towards achievement of goals effectively and efficiently. Role of effective leaders There are twelve different roles that an effective leader performs and these twelve roles are categorized into three categories and its stated below: Create an Inspiring Vision Lead by Example Create an inspiring vision, establish shared values, give direction and set stretch goals. Manage change strategically, take risks, create change, lead change, manage resistance to change. Lead by example, practice what you preach, set an example, and share risks or hardship. Demonstrate confidence, win respect and trust without courting popularity. Empower, Inspire, and Energize People Be enthusiastic, inspire and energize people, create a positive work environment. Empower people, delegate authority, be open to ideas, have faith in the creativity of others. Communicate openly and honestly, give clear guidelines, set clear expectations. Empathize, be willing to discuss and solve problems, listen with understanding, support and help. Build and Lead a Team Use team approach, facilitate cooperation; involve everyone; trust your group; rely on their judgment. Bring out the best in your people, have common touch with them; coach and provide effective feedback. Permit group decision, help your team reach better decisions. Monitor progress, but dont micromanage, lead your team; avoid close supervision, do not over boss, do not dictate, lead team self-assessment. To further discuss, an effective leader acts as a :- Clarifier who listens, summarizes and makes things clearer. Coach who encourages others to develop skills. Facilitator who helps the group set goals, make decisions, choose direction, and evaluate progress. Delegator who helps each group member apply their talents and interests to the groups goals. Initiator who gets things moving. Manger who helps coordinate the parts of a project and keeps an eye on program. Mediator who helps resolve differences. Networker who connects people with people and people with ideas to move the project forward. Problem solver who suggests solutions and ways to get things done. Visionary who sees creative solutions, new directions and possibilities. It is identified six important roles are required during various changes occurring in the environment. They are: Role model Sponsor Decision maker Voice Motivator Enforcer Skills of a leader According to management concept, skills are categorized into three divisions such as conceptual, human and technical skills. After various researchers findings being analyzed it had been concluded that an effective leader requires the following skills: Vision, mission and goal Competency Communication Inspiration Interpersonal Positive attitude Discrimination and strategic thinking Honesty/integrity Dedication/commitment Magnanimity/humility Open minded Creative/innovative Assertive/decisive Self-awareness Know the stuff Encouraging Practice makes perfect Passion Persuasion Delegate, empowering and fearlessness Genuine Supportive Motivating Emotional intelligence Employee-relations Crisis management Ownership and responsibility fairness Leadership Theories Leadership had been one of the concept universally researched by many, individually or jointly and which had resulted into various theories in the past centuries and it had been revised for various benefits. Out of these various theories major eight theories are discussed below: Great man theory Trait theory Behavioral theories Role theory. McGregors Theory X and Theory Y. Managerial grid. Participative leadership Lewins leadership style. Likerts leadership style. Situational leadership style Hersey and Blanchards situational leadership. Vroom and yettons normative model. Houses path goal theory. Contingency theories Fiedlers Least preferred co-worker(LPC) theory Cognitive resource theory. Strategic contingency theory. Transactional leadership Leader Member-Exchange (LMX) theory Transformational leadership Burns transformational leadership theory. Bass transformational leadership theory. Kouzes and Posners leadership participating inventory. Great Man Theory This theory is brought by Thomas Carlyle in 1840s stating that The history of the world is but the biography of great man. This theory is informed with the assumption that leaders are born and not made. He also assumes that great leaders will arise when there is a great need and that this is power inheritance within men. The greatest critique or counter argument for this theory arose in 1860 by Herbert Spencer that You must admit that the genesis of a great man depends on the long series of complex influences which has produced the race in which he appears, and the social state into which that race has slowly grown. Before he can remake his society, his society must make him which says that great men are the product of their societies and their actions would be impossible without social conditions built before their lifetimes. This theory makes us see a great man as heroic person from birth which shows examples such as Napoleon, Shakespeare, Martin Luther, Mahatma Gandhi etc. the counter argument of Herbert Spencer is the one that helped this theory to be alive from its findings till date. Trait Theory Trait theory is major area of study on human personality. Trait can be defined as behavior, thought, emotions, etc. of people that differs among people and influence behavior. It can be described as behavioral act through which leadership style has been performed. It also has similarity with great man theory. Gordon Allports three tier model: Gordon Allport was the first researcher to come up with this theory in 1936. He described four thousand personality traits. He categorized these traits into three levels: Cardinal trait- traits that dominate an individuals whole life and person becomes to be recognized. These traits are rare. Central trait- these are general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality. These are the major characteristics that is used to describe another person but not dominating as cardinal trait. Terms such as intelligent, honest, anxious are considered central trait. Secondary trait- these are the traits that are sometimes related to attitudes and often appear only in certain situations. E.g.: getting anxious speaking to a group. 16 Personality Factors: Then, Raymond Cattell reduced the number of main personality traits found by Allports list of four thousand to one seventy one by eliminating uncommon traits and combining common characteristics. Then using, a statistical technique known as factor analysis, he identified closely related terms and reduced his list to just sixteen key personality traits. This is known as sixteen personality factor questionnaire (16PF). The sixteen personality traits are openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, self-esteem, harm avoidance, novelty seeking, perfectionism, alexithymia, rigidity, impulsivity, disinhibition, psychotism. Since its findings in 1949, it had been revised four times, once in 1956, then 1962, 1968 and in 1983. Eysenk three dimensions of personality: Hans Eysenk, a british psychologist developed a three dimensional trait model which includes: Introversion/Extraversion introversion involves focusing on inner experience while extraversion focusing attention outward on other people and environment. So, person with high introversion might be quiet and reserved while those with high extraversion might be sociable and outgoing. Neuroticism/Emotional stability This dimension is related to moodiness versus even-temperedness. Neuroticism refers to an individuals tendency to become emotional while stability refers to the tendency to remain emotionally constatnt. Psychoticism Individuals who are high on this trait tend to have difficulty dealing with reality and may be anti-social and manipulative. Eyesenk added this trait after studying individuals suffering from mental illness. Big Five Personality Trait Model: Big five framework of personality traits from Costa and McCrae emerged based on research findings of Eyesenk and Cattell. This emerged because Cattell focused on too many traits and Eyesenk focused on too few. This model focuses on five core traits that interact to form human personality. Those five traits are: Extraversion Agreeableness Conscientiousness Neuroticism Openness Many psychologist believe this model is not only universal but also have biological origins. Totally, trait theory was researched by various other researchers such as D.W.Fiske(1949), Norman(1967), Smith(1967), Goldberg(1981) etc. One of the famous research work is Stogdills trait research. Stogdill (1974) identified the following traits and skills as critical to leaders. Traits are: Â  Adaptable to situations Alert to social environment Ambitious and achievement-orientated Assertive Cooperative Decisive Dependable Dominant (desire to influence others) Energetic (high activity level) Persistent Self-confident Tolerant of stress Willing to assume responsibility Skills are: Clever (intelligent) Conceptually skilled Creative Diplomatic and tactful Fluent in speaking Knowledgeable about group task Organized (administrative ability) Persuasive Socially skilled McCall and Lombardo (1983) researched both success and failure identified four primary traits by which leaders could succeed or derail: Emotional stability and composure: Calm, confident and predictable, particularly when under stress. Admitting error: Owning up to mistakes, rather than putting energy into covering up. Good interpersonal skills: Able to communicate and persuade others without resort to negative or coercive tactics. Intellectual breadth: Able to understand a wide range of areas, rather than having a narrow (and narrow-minded) area of expertise. To be finally said that trait theory as great man theory follows the same phrase of Leaders are born, not made. The only difference it also includes an extra element of personality rather than looking it as a historic way. Behavioral Theory After the criticism of trait theory, many researched leadership in the form of behaviors, values etc. which lead to the behavioral theory that states behaviors of leaders pave way to learn and engage in leadership very easily. It also states that great leaders are made, not born. This theory focuses on actions of leaders, not on mental qualities. People learn to become leaders through teaching and observation. Under this theory there were two great studies: Ohio State University Study This study was conducted by a group of people from Ohio state university. They developed a list of one-fifty statements which was designed to measure nine different behavioral leadership dimension. The resulting questionnaire is known as Leaders Behavior Description Questionnaire(LBDQ). This was provided to students, administers, even to military personnel. The primary goal of the study was to identify common leadership behaviors. After analyzing the results, study led to a conclusion that there were two group of behaviors that were strongly correlated. These were defined as consideration(People oriented behavioral leaders) and initiating structure(Task oriented leaders). University Of Michigan Study(1950s) This study was led by Dr. Rensis Likert. This leadership study identified three characteristics of effective leadership. Two were which already found in Ohio State University study. Third dimension which was found in this study was participative leadership. Some of the theories that are categorized under behavioral theory are listed below: Role Theory Various researchers are involved in this theory. Some are Margaret Mead, Talcot Parsons and Robert k. Merton. But, this became famous through B.F. Skinner. Role theory states that followers are able to send their expectations of how their leaders might act and leaders also have expectations of their own roles and responsibilities of how to act to the situation. If the leader is so sensitive to people they may accept the followers expectation. This theory really states what the leader should do depending on situations. This might also solve conflicts and sometime lead to role-conflict. It shows that the way the leader acts in the normal life must be implemented when they are needed to act as a leader. This can be considered as an avatar or second life. The leaders who are role-playing may require their followers to act as they do. To be said in phrase Do as I do. This theory can take any style such as autocratic or sometimes democratic. This depends on the behaviorism of leader i.e. the way they look or the way they act etc. McGregors Theory X and Theory Y This theory was developed by McGregor in 1960s. This theory outlines the motivation need and behaviorism of leaders. Theory X outlines that leaders think their followers are lazy and doesnt want to work, they are who wants to ignore work as wherever possible. Leaders also think that they are responsible to restructure their followers through high restrictive supervision and a punitive atmosphere. This might lead to mistrust and cause diseconomies of scale in large business. Theory Y outlines that leaders think that their followers are ambitious, self-motivated and they know what their responsibilities and make themselves work to what they seek. This influences the leader that their only job is to make available a comfortable environment for workers purpose. This improves superior-subordinate relationship, participative skills, human resource development ability, conflict solving etc. Managerial Grid Managerial grid is also known as leadership grid. This is formed by Robert Blake and Jane Mouton in 1960s. It is a graphical portrayal that depicts two dimension of leader behavior; concern for people on y-axis and concern for production on x-axis. This grid ranges from low(1) to high(9), creating 81 different positions to which leaders style may fall. Five leadership styles that results in the graph are :- Indifferent or Impoverished Management (1,1) In this style leaders have low concern for people and production. Leaders use this style to preserve job and job seniority, and protect themselves by avoiding getting into trouble. The main concern of leaders is not to be held responsible for any mistake. Employees will have high degree of dissatisfaction, disharmony within group. Ineffective approach resulting ineffective operations and decisions for organizations. Country club or Accommodating (1,9) Leaders have high concern for people and low concern for production. Leaders have qualities of yield and compliance to the situation. Leaders pay attention to the security and comfort of peoples hoping that performance would increase. Atmosphere would be friendly but ineffective productivity. Employees are happy and harmony within team. Status Quo or Middle of the road Leaders in this style try to balance and compromise between company goals and workers needs. Leaders try to achieve the needs of people and production but its not really met. Even though if it is met it will be average production. There will be good harmony in teams and average production. Dictatorial or Produce, Perish or Control (9,1) Leaders focus all their attention to production related matters and very little towards the needs of followers. Leaders will dominate as they hold the belief that gain could be achieved through rigid disciplines. This style remains effective where human interaction remain less. Productivity is short lived. This style is inspired by McGregors Theory X. followers experience high level of dissatisfaction and there will be high level of conflict within group. Sound or Team (9,9) This is considered as the most effective leadership style where leaders will contribute, are committed, can motivate and are motivated while believing that trust, respect and empowerment are essential for fostering a team environment where followers are motivated which results in maximum employee satisfaction as well as most efficient productivity. This is inspired by McGregors Theory Y. To this grid later certain additions were made: Opportunistic style Leaders using this style do not have a fixed location on the grid and they adopt the behavior that offers the greatest benefit. Exploit and manipulative characteristics. Paternalistic style Leaders using this style support and guide and discourage challenges to their thinking. This style defined to alternate between the (1,9) and (9,1) locations on the grid. Behaviors of initiative, inquiry, advocacy, decision, conflict, critique, resilience were associated with managerial grid. Participative Leadership Style Participative model can be known as an approach or style as well as a theory in leadership concept. Participative theory is also known as democratic theory which is described under title of leadership approaches below. This theory views that leaders make available a clear definition roles/responsibilities to his/her followers and leaders require their views or participation to the task or situation which increases motivation, commitment level and more collaborative and creativity. Participant may be subordinates, peers etc. But, the decision will be made by the leader through various views are taken. Many methods exists such as consultation, democratic leadership, management by objectives, joint decision making etc. Negative impact is, if the participants view is totally neglected the followers may feel as they are betrayed and less motivated leading to less commitment. Lewins leadership style In 1939, Kurt Lewin with Ron Lippit and Robert White came up with three set of leadership styles which are autocratic, democratic/participative and delegative/free-rein (Laissez-Faire) styles. Autocratic leader takes his own decision without consultation of members, Laissez-Faire style leader allows the followers to work on their own and participative leader takes decision with the consultation of his/her followers. Even, Kurt Lewin says that participative leadership is the most effective leadership style among his three findings. Likerts leadership style Rensis Likert and his colleagues studies the styles of leaders for three decades at University of Michigan and identified a four model system. This model was based on basis of questionnaire which is provided to managers at various managerial positions in over two-hundred organizations. Likerts four leadership style are : System 1 Exploitative Authoritative Responsibility lies in the hands of top managers. Superior has no trust, confidence in subordinates. Subordinates are not allowed to participate in decision making. Communication is very little and motivation is based on threats. System 2 Benevolent Authoritative Responsibility lies at managerial levels but not at lower level of organizational hierarchy. Superior has confidence and trust in subordinate which involves master-servant relationship. Still subordinates do not feel free to discuss things about the job with their superior. Communication is very little and motivation is based on reward system. System 3 Consultative Responsibility is widely spread throughout the organization. The superior has substantial confidence in subordinates. Some discussion about job-related things take place between superior and subordinates. Fair communication takes place and motivation is based on rewards and involvement in job. System 4 Participative Responsibility to achieve organizational goals is widely spread throughout the organizational hierarchy. Superior has high level of confidence in subordinates. High level of team work, communication and participation. Likert compares the four systems on the basis of leadership process, motivational force, communication process, interaction-influence process, decision making process and concludes that system 1 and 2 are least productive whereas system 3 and 4 are most productive. Finally, it is noted that system 4- participative model is the most effective style among the four systems. Situational Leadership Style As participative style, situational leadership is also considered as a style and theory. The famous leadership model discussed under this theory is Hersey and Blanchards leadership style discussed below. This theory shows the effective leadership style to be chosen defending on the situation i.e. depending to the maturity level and ability to willingness etc. This theory was first introduced as Life cycle theory of leadership which is renamed to situational leadership in mid 1970s. Hersey and Blanchards Leadership style First, Hersey and Blanchard developed their own situational leadership concept. In 1970s, they mutually agreed and developed the concept of situational leadership based on task and relationship behaviors that leader provides to the followers. They categorized all leadership styles into four behavior types which they named as: S1 : Telling/Directing high task focus and low relationship focus. Leaders define the roles and task of followers. Decisions are made by leaders and announced, so communication is largely one way. Followers need direction and supervision to get started. This is required for people who lack competence but are enthusiastic and committed. S2 : Selling/Coaching high task focus and high relationship focus. Leaders define roles and tasks to followers and also seek suggestions from followers. Communication is two way. Followers need direction and supervision because they are still inexperienced. They need support to build self-esteem and involvement in decision making to restore their commitment. This helps for people who have some competence but lack commitment. S3 : Participating/Supporting low task focus and high relationship focus. Leader pass day to day decisions to followers but control is with the followers. This is required for people who have competence but lack confidence or motivation but, they do not need much direction because of their skills. S4 : Delegating low task focus and low relationship focus. Leaders are still involved in decision and problem solving but control is with followers. Follower decides when and how leader will be involved. It is useful for people who have both competence and commitment. They are able and willing to work by themselves. Hersey and Blanchards situational leadership style developed four levels of maturity: M1 : followers of this maturity level lack specific skills or knowledge to work on their own. They need to be directed and supervised. M2 : they are willing to work but are unable to take independent responsibility to the task on which they are willing to work. M3 : followers at this maturity level are experienced and are able to work on the task but lack confidence to take the responsibility. M4 : followers at this maturity level are ones willing to take the task and be responsible for it and they have the experience to work on it. A good leader develops the competence and commitment in followers, So they are self-motivated rather than being dependant. So, Hersey develops four combination of competence and commitment which is known as development level. D1 Low competence and high commitment D2 Low competence and low commitment D3 High competence and low commitment D4 High competence and high commitment Competence shows ones task focus, experience etc. and commitment shows ones confidence and motivational level. Vroom and Yettons Normative Model This model is created by Vroom in collaboration with Yetton and later joining hands with Jago. The Vroom-Yetton-Jago model identifies five different styles on situation and level of involvement. They are: Autocratic type 1 (A I) Leader makes the decision on his/her own with the information he/she readily have at the time. This style is completely autocratic. Autocratic type 2 (A II) Decision is made by the leader, but information from relevant followers are collected. Decision or the problem is not informed to the followers. Followers only involvement is providing information. Consultative type 1 (C I) Leaders make the decision alone but he/she shares the problem to relevant followers individually and seek their ideas. Followers do not meet each other and leaders decision may or may not reflect his/her followers i

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Mixology of Philosophies Essay -- Education Teaching Careers Essay

The Mixology of Philosophies In our time of uncertainty one of the most stable institutions is the school system for children. Thus, being a teacher and providing the most stable atmosphere along with providing the children with an education must be handled delicately. I believe a mixture of essentialism, progressivism, perennialism, behaviorism, and social reconstrctonism is essential in achieving those goals. I believe that some knowledge is relevant to the time and place, but some knowledge is constant. Essentialism’s views of â€Å"back-to-basics† are appealing to me in regards to mathematics, history, reading and literature. These elements should be the basic focus of early education. A mastery of these constant basic skills transcends to all other subjects. On the other hand, some knowledge is not constant. John Dewy and his belief that change is the only constant blends well with the abstract aspect of science, health, art, music, and social sciences. Take for example the concept of elements. The ancient Greeks viewed it as wind, earth, fire, and water, and these elements made up the universe. We know today that this is not true, and that is actually one hundred nine elements existing on the periodic table. This is why I believe a mixture of change with constants is necessary when developing a map or blue print of knowledge or truth. Sometimes knowled ge is constant but other times it is changing or plastic. Student like clouds are individual and ever changing therefore the school systems need to adapt to the children’s individual needs and educational requirements. The perennialism use of â€Å"great books† in education is a good way to combat the child’s needs. Adapting the stud... ...sm, behaviorism, and social reconstructionism one can begin in one of the most difficult jobs on the face of this wondrous and troubled earth in which we are inhabitants. I plan to never stop learning. I feel I have a thrust for knowledge that can never be quenched. I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Upon completing that degree I plan to share the wealth of knowledge I have attained. I plan to start teaching in or around the Appalachian area. I would like to stay in West Virginia, but for reason unknown I would be prepared to move to western Virginia, eastern Kentucky, or northern North Carolina. I then plan to enroll in graduate school to receive my masters, and then I wish to complete my education with a doctoral degree. I wish that one-day to help inspire the future teachers of America or the world.