Influences of My Career Choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Influences of My Career Choice - Essay Example For one thing, having a job only means that I have an activity through which an individual can earn money. It is a regular activity in exchange of payment. It is not the same as having a career since having a career means that I would essentially be pursuing a lifelong ambition or the general course of progression towards lifelong goals. (Career vs. Job) So, I now knew that although I had a job, I may not want to be doing the same job for the rest of my life. Therefore, I needed to make plans that included developing a career plan for myself that I would follow until the day I retire. I need the career in order to give myself a sense of direction and financial motivation. By choosing a career for myself, I would finally be able to tell people that I knew what I would be doing for myself in the future. Techniques in career management Planning for my future career requires a more-or-less systematic approach, following those models and theories that management experts and practitioners have designed. While these are not hard and fast rules, they are advisory in providing a structure to how I am to plan out my career and work life. We will be using the Wheel of Life, the Greenhaus et al. Career Management Model, and Bolles’ (2008) Flower Diagram. Wheel of Life There are several conceptual tools which are helpful in defining our life goals and aspirations so that we could make a better choice among the possible career paths we could take. The diagram following provides a visual depiction of the theory. The wheel of life is made up of concentric circles showing graduated levels of each part. In applying this wheel in the course of deciding and building a career, it is important to balance our lives according to each part that makes up the wheel. I am aware that work and career, which is of such great importance to me, should also serve to balance personal growth and need for money against love life, hobbies and recreation, and of course family and friends. We must not also pursue career so intensely as to forget our health and fitness, particularly managing the stress that tends to build up at work. In my case, the overbearing influence of family, to be discussed later, has to be moderated by my desire for personal growth, earning money, and work and career. Even while growing up, due to our dire circumstances I was overly occupied with working due to our lack of money that I did not have a healthy balance between study, friends and recreation like other children. Over-emphasizing any of these aspects and neglecting the others will surely lead to my eventual frustration and unhappiness. The Greenhaus, et al. Career Management Model The following diagram depicts the Greenhaus, Callanan & Godshalk (2000) model. I find this model a good tool to use in trying to feel through what career path I choose for myself, and I believe I will continue to refer to it as a framework for gaining my bearings as I reach crucial junctures in my work life. T he model appears to be complicated, but I realize that I had been subconsciously doing the steps during my career planning. An instinctive awareness of my aspirations and capabilities and awareness of the desperation as well as opportunities in my environment have guided me to want better things and perceive a way to do them. Everytime I try out

The halo effect in persuasion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The halo effect in persuasion - Essay Example Robert Cialdini (psychology professor) suggested six principles of persuasion. These are principle of reciprocation, principle of scarcity, principle of authority, principle of commitment and consistency, principle of consensus, and the principle of liking. In this report, however, only principle of reciprocation will be discussed. According to Cialdini (2006) such a principle can be clearly seen in each of the human cultures. Principle of reciprocation requires that a person repays what another person has provided. In other words, it is like doing a favor while expecting them to return it at a later stage. The second way by which the Rule of Reciprocity may allow for a rise in the compliance makes use of a slight variation on the actual subject: rather than to provide a favor initially which would lead to a stimulation of a returned favor, a person might rather decided on a first concession which would result in a return concession. There is a certain compliance process that is called the â€Å"reject-then-retreat-technique†, or â€Å"door-in-the-face-technique†, has a major dependence upon the stress of reciprocating concessions. Through initiating with a major favor of which there is a major probability of rejection, the requester can later beneficially back away with a smaller request, which is the one that was needed since the beginning. There is a probability of such a request being accepted since seemingly it is a concession. I applied principle of reciprocation on two people. One was a friend, while other was a stranger. This helped me find whether the other person returned favor only because he was a friend and/or just being nice, or was it the principle of reciprocation. I applied both, rule of reciprocation and the reject-then-retreat technique. The rule of reciprocation failed to work with my friend,

Representation Of Women On Television Media Essay

Representation Of Women On Television Media Essay This study examines the representation of women on Television, which is one of the most debatable topics surrounding the medium and which is frequently discussed in academia and popular culture. I will be conducting my research specifically on representation of female leading characters on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. The examination will reveal whether the depiction of main female characters on Law and Order is positive or negative. 1.1 Women on TV Joseph (2004) argues that women were underrepresented on network dramatic shows in 1950s to the 1970s, that and when they did appear, they were frequently seen in token or stereotyped roles. Although representation of women has changed greatly in the last two decades as we are progressing into a more equal society, the question is, has it really changed modern representations of women or does it merely replicate gender stereotypes (E. Dobash P. Dobash, 1998). In recent years, Xena Warrior Princess and Buffy The Vampire Slayer pioneered the use of strong leading female characters in genre of fantasy on TV. Magoulick (2006) suggests that the positive reviews of Xena and Buffy demonstrate the extent to which these women characters resonate with female viewers longing for strong role models, or even just strong female roles on television. Lavery and Rhonda (2002) argue for a contrasting depiction of Buffy while she is represented as a strong and independent feminist icon her character i s vulnerable and often shallow about her appearance (124). Xenas character helped break gender norms by coding masculine traits such as bravery, strength and aggression with feminine traits i.e. compassion and her pregnancy in Season 5 rendering gender exploration (Boze, 2011: 24). The Buffy and Xena shows both reinforce and challenge gender stereotypes of women (Reid, 2008). I am concerned with the crime genre of television which depicts women as detectives working in a patriarchal society whereas the above characters existed in the fantasy and science fiction genre. In past couple of decades, programmes like Cagney and Lacey, Cats Eyes, Prime Suspect, Silent Witness and Juliet Bravo were popular detective dramas depicted strong women which paved the way for future representation of strong female characters. 1.2 Law Order: Special Victims Unit Law and Order: SVU first aired in 1999 and is currently in its 13th season. The detectives on the team solve sexually motivated crimes and child abuse cases, and the cast includes an exceptionally strong female lead character in Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and other popular female characters such as Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal). The episodes often feature real life crime stories and create episodes based on crime stories ripped from the headlines (Green, 2009: 2). Law Order: Special Victims Unit is one of the most successful and popular spin off series of Law and Order franchise, which has won many awards as well as the 2006 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Mariska Hargitay (Emmys, 2006) who describes female audiences reaction to her character Olivia Benson in Greens book Law Order: Special Victims Unit: The Unofficial Companion: As the show got more popular, I received so many emails from so many survivors. They were identifying so much with my character, identifying with this lion, this strong powerful (Olivia Benson). And then I had thirteen-years-old going, I want to be you; you are my role model. Hundreds of emails going, I want to be a cop when I grow up. And I thought this character has touched something deep in so many women and provided a safe place to goà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I felt I had a responsibility. (Green and Dawn, 2009: 90) 1.3 Relevance of the Research Womens representation on television has significant value to female audiences because they view strong characters as role models. Singh, Vinnicombe and James (2006) studied career-minded women who keenly draw on role models from different aspects of life, television being one of them. They discovered that women used female characters from television as role models such as Buffy, Alias and Xena: The Warrior Princess. Analysing how female characters on Law Order: Special Victims Unit might serve as role models will provide me with the tools to examine the codes used in the portrayal of women. Research has been conducted on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit in the past, for example on the shows depiction of ethnic minorities and the victimization of women. Britto (2007, p40) has used content analysis to deconstruct the idea that women are overplayed on crime drama series as offenders and victims in her article Does Special Mean Young, White and Female? Deconstructing the Meaning of Special in Law Order: Special Victims Unit. Furthermore, there has been extensive research on representation of ethnic minorities, male and female on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. However, my research will focus on the main female characters such as Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal) and deconstruction of the codes employed to characterize them. 1.4 Organization of the Chapters In this section I explain the structure of the chapters in this dissertation which will focus on literature review, methodology and findings of my research. In Chapter 1 we have already established the basis of this research which is to examine the representation of leading female characters on Law and Order: SVU. Chapter 2 will review the literature that will provide support for my arguments on themes of representation of women on TV, narrative, female heroism and women and crime genre. Chapter 3 explains the choice of methodology, research design, uses and limitations of textual analysis. It also describes the discourse analysis methodology and its use in this study. Chapter 4 consists of the analysis of the representation of female lead characters on Law and Order: SVU. It provides details of the findings including women driving the plot, women as heroes, maternal instinct and their personal lives. The collected data is analyses in this chapter to search out the result. Chapter 5 is the conclusion of this study that presents the findings and also elaborates on the significance, limitations and scope of this study. Chapter 2: Literature Review A theoretical framework will direct my research in a focussed manner whilst facilitating a proficient and comprehensive analysis. It will provide a major foundation for my investigation. As representation of women is such a diverse topic, I will focus and limit my research with the help of a theoretical framework in order to achieve an accurate conclusion. 2.1 Representation of Women on TV In order to build my research, studying the history of femlae representation in the media will enable me to understand the codes employed to construct female characters. In regards to the portrayal of women in crime genre, DAccis (1994) meticulous exploration of Cagney and Lacey will provide the perfect groundwork for my investigation. Cagney and Laceys characters were represented in unconventional way rather than the traditional ones: Its heroines were in-control protagonist who solved their own cases (both mentally and physically), were rarely presented as women in distress and were virtually never rescued by male colleagues. In addition to being active agents of the narrative they were also the subjects, but rarely the objects, of sexual (heterosexual) desire (DAcci, 1994: 5) DAcci not only examines the progression of female characters on the show but also studies the depiction of feminism on mainstream television. This will provide me thorough knowledge of what goes behind making a drama series with female lead characters and will equip me with the right tools to compare the representation of female characters on Law and Order: SVU. Furthermore, it contains other examples from the history of American television which will be beneficial for my research. Brunsdon, Charlotte and Spigels (2007) book Feminist Television Criticism: A Reader provides a detailed examination extending across television, media and screen studies and looks into representation of feminism as historical categories and political identities. This book gives a valuable analysis of women working both behind the camera and in-front of the camera as well as female audience and their response to television in their daily lives. With these sources, I will be able to evaluate the depiction of women on Law Order: SVU in regards to historical and political viewpoint. The representation of women in media has been a focal point of discussion since early nineteenth century. In 21st Century, even though television produced programs like Pan Am, Charlies Angels and The Playboy Club with female lead characters, they are still viewed through a very patriarchal ideology (Ingham, 2007). Dominicks (1979) article The portrayal of women in prime time, 1953-1977 concludes that female characters appearing on prime-time television from 1953-1977 were underrepresented on television and were frequently seen in stereotyped roles. This article will help me set the groundwork for my research as I can put female characters on Law and Order: SVU side by side with previous female representations on TV. Further research (Elasmar, Kazumi and Brain, 2009) showed that women were more likely to be shown playing minor roles and playing characters such as housewives and to be involved in a romantic relationship. I would need to further explore the depth of women representatio n on television, which will allow me to conduct adept research in this project. According to Gill (2007), the media depicts contradicting gender characteristics which will provide theoretical basis for my work in contemporary gender representations. This book also provides a theoretical tool to analyze representations of women in media. Similarly, Melanie (2011) cross-examines the construction of feminism and femininity in cinema and television in a wide variety of female-oriented programs such as chick flicks, reality shows and dramas. This book will further equip me with an understanding of the relationship between feminism, femininity, and visual culture and tools to analyze images of female representation in media. Lucia (2005) investigates the representation of female lawyers in Hollywood film such as Jagged Edge, The Accused, The Client and so forth. Although these female lawyer characters are represented as strong women, the deeper study of these films exposes inconsistent characteristics which gainsay the recognition of womens professional roles in a film. According to Lucia, these films featuring female lawyers depict: a patriarchal figure that possesses the potency, the genuine power to initiate the female lawyer into the structure of the law. These films accept law as patriarchal and the female lawyer as an inferior subject within that system. (Lucia, 2005: 19) Lucia (2005) reveals that in these films female lawyer characters are put on trial themselves for defying the traditions of femininity and patriarchal authority. This will provide a basis for analysis of female lawyer characters on Law and Order: SVU. 2.1.1. Narrative Writing the Woman In order to create empathy with characters and peak interest in the audience, formulation of the character through narrative is of the utmost importance. Character and narrative in the text have an emotional connection and resonate with the reader if they identify with the character. Hence, analysis of female representation in Law and Order SVU through their characterization in the narrative will allow me to deconstruct the text. Specific aesthetic and narrative strategies used by the producers to create characters also append to feminism and female representation (Geetha, 2007). Mulveys (1975) groundbreaking article Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema will greatly aid in exploring the relevance of narrative structure in construction of female characters in Law and Order: SVU. Mulvey unravels the narrative and visual techniques in cinema and describes the male cinematic gaze that objectifies the female character, hence, turning her into a spectacle, to-be-looked-at-ness (1975, 19). Mulvey (2009) revisits her theory in Visual and Other Pleasure by applying her feminist theory to more contemporary work concerning film spectatorship. She also talks about young modern woman of the 1920s in terms of images and narratives employed in Hollywood and European films, which will be relevant to assess portrayal of women in Law and Order: SVU. In regard to narrative and women representation in media, Teresa de Lauretiss (1984) work will facilitate my research in the right direction, as she investigates the structural representations of woman in cinema. De Lauretis (1984) disagrees with Mulveys (1975) theory of women representation as being permanently subjective and affirms that it is in a consistent stage of self-progression. De Lauretis believes that narrative structure draws upon the characters aspiration in social and cultural context and reproduces subjectivity. De Lauretis argues that female characters are formulated to incline towards femininity and conventionally portrayed as ideal image perceived by men (1984, 143). De Lauretiss conclusion of womens oppression by employing techniques of cinematic narration will provide a diverse perspective in representation of women in Law and Order: SVU. 2.2 Women and the Crime Genre The characteristics of gender have been reallocated in modern era in crime dramas where the female and male personalities are synthesized. The transformation also saw the shift of feminine traits of emotions, compassion and bond to traditionally masculine traits of heroism, vigor, and power giving rise to alternative action hero (Feasey, 2008: 67). In 1970s and 1980s, the crime genre progressively began depicting women as significant characters, in a TV revolution. Snauffers (2006) book called Crime Television would aid in my research tremendously as it would be interesting to re-evaluate the history of crime genre which was traditionally dominated by men (Maureen, 1988: 2). Crime dramas have dominated our television since the genre came to be, according to Snauffer (2006), crime genre echoes the cultural transformation and growth in the society. He investigates crime films and shows from 60s, 70s and 80s such as The Untouchables, The Streets of San Francisco, The Rockford Files, and Baretta which represented variant heroes in multifaceted settings. This work provides a broad history of detective and police crime shows on TV, which will contribute to my research immensely. Turnbull (2013) in her book The Crime Drama: TV Genres provides a historical study of the crime drama series as a genre, which presents a number of case studies to clarify major concerns in the course of the genre. This book will facilitate my argument as it looks at female-led crime drama series from around the world such as The Wire and The Killing which feature important female lead characters. Crime dramas generally feature subject matter related to public sphere with male dominance, however, the addition of female characters to the crime genre has enabled writers to pursue a dynamic approach concerning gender bending transgressions, domestic issues and other feminist concerns (Feasey 2008). Nevertheless, women were not always depicted as strong willed and independent on TV. Cavender (1999) examines the depiction of women crime victims by comparing episodes from reality crime program on prime time television. His analysis will be helpful in further studying the crime genre as well as involvement of women. Humphries (2009) examines women, violence, and media presentations through the lens of feminist criminology. This book contains chapters on Gendering Constructions which lays the foundation for the volume and examines media presentation of gendered violence, female killers on Law and Order and women in media. This book will give me tools to analyze the media text meticulously. In the crime genre, male protagonist used to focus on solving the crime while neglecting public concerns during the process. Attitudes started to change when women were portrayed unconventionally as brave, independent and intelligent characters breaking away from the societal norm from 70s, which resulting in writers shaping a new feminist archetype (Aisenberg, 1994). In her book Ordinary heroines: Transforming the male myth she suggests that female representation has progressed into equal active crime-solving characters with slight borrowing from conventional masculine traits, such as Dana Scullys (Gillian Anderson) character in The X Files, who was a powerful and independent professional woman even though FBI agent roles were profoundly male-dominated (240). Cuklanz and Moorti (2009) examine a wide variety of texts to delve into the representations of gendered violence against women and formulation of gender. They believe that Law and Order: SVU featuring lead female characters engage in stereotypical representation of women, showcasing violence against them which included inherent misogynist communiquà ©. Cavender and Jurik (2012) inspect the optimistic side of the representation of women on TV as they analyse Prime Suspect starring Helen Mirren as policewoman Jane Tennison in the popular British drama series where her character disrupts the conventions of the traditionally male genre (p.65). They focus on the portrayal of gender and law enforcement in the show featuring modern social tribulations where women play the central character. On one hand, Prime Suspect has become a cult hit for being an exceptionally feminist show in a traditionally male dominated crime genre. On the other hand, it is still not devoid of gender politics: while Tennisons character is shown as a successful woman she is pigeonholed as being old, lonely, obsessed with her career and friendless. Cavender and Juriks (2012) work will provide the framework to deconstruct the meanings and connotation in depiction of women in Law and Order: SVU in relations to social norm. There has been a dramatic rise in representation of women detectives in modern texts, whether be film or television, which used to be dominated by men (Mizejewski, 2004). Whilst examining Jodie Fosters character Clarice on The Silence Of The Lambs, Mizejewski believes that: Traditional Hollywood cinema has been unconsciously organized along these lines: men looking and taking action, women being looked at. The conventions of framing, lighting and editing in portrayal of women all play to these dynamics (p. 7) Tasker (2007) believes female representation has progressed tremendously in recent years with transformed and empowered gender egalitarianism; however, there is still substandard issue (? what does this mean?). Gender is a key constructor and differentiator of character in ensemble workplace dramas (Allen 2007, p 48). The meticulous examination of popular crime drama Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) in Reading CSI by Michael Allen includes the relationship of characters to their narratives and response of fans and will provide great depth and widespread views which I can apply to Law and Order: SVU during my research. 1.3 Female Heroism Gunter (1986) argues that women are represented in a stereotypical manner associating with the character traits they typically exhibit. In comparison with men, their characters were subjugated by personal relationships and family issues. However, this began to change in the 1970s when women were portrayed in more dynamic roles. Knight (2010) believes that this trend wouldnt have been possible without Sigourney Weavers character Ellen Ripley in Alien (1979) franchise, which has become an avant-garde symbol. Ellen Ripley signified the first final girl archetype, a term coined by Carol J. Clover in the book Men, Women and Chansaw: Gender in the Modern Horror Film (1992), who conquered and triumphed against an evil villain without any help or rescue from a man (p.98). Knight (2010) and Clovers (1992) examinations of women representation would aid in decoding the signs in Law and Order: SVU. Anthony (2009) believes that the progression in womens portrayal on television and film was becaus e women had taken over the market and were able to acquire positions as Producers and Directors. Consequently, women were portrayed in more heroic roles which cancelled out the notion of women as victims, resulting in a positive ideological advance (p. 80). Innesss (2004) Action Chicks is a groundbreaking collection of essays providing a new look at female action icons such as Xena, Buffy, Lara Croft and so on. These essays take a look at how recent depictions of women in action films, TV shows, comic books, and video games reflect an increased acceptance of women in traditionally male heroic or tough-guy roles. This highly specialized and scholarly study is suitable for my research and will give me context for my analysis of Law and Order: SVU. In order to analyze the representation of women in Law and Order: SVU, I will suggest that if the women embody four essential constructing features which are body, attitude, action and authority in a tough hero (Innes, 1998). Brown (1996) has the same belief about women portrayed as action heroes stating, the female action heroines body is represented by using same codes as a male hero in regards to object and subject in action films (p. 56). Goodwill (2011) agrees with Browns statement that new female action hero possesses positive masculine characteristic which were previously reserved for men only, breaking away from orthodox feminine attributes. With the fusion of traits, the earlier archetype of the hero has been amended in popular culture containing both masculine and feminine traits which will enable me to interpret female traits presented in Law and Order: SVU. Hill (1999: 38) states, action heroines are the new type of protagonists in action genre who are smarter and tougher than conventional female heroines and even their male counterparts. This new breed of action heroines contravenes not only cinematic but cultural gender codes of women being submissive and tangential characters and transform traditional cinematic depiction of women. Noble (1999) produces an innovative framework to create a new epitome of heroism for women in her book The Sound of a Silver Horn: Reclaiming the Heroism in Contemporary Womens Lives. She puts forward certain qualities that a female hero should possess to transform her and the world, such as strong-minded, valiant and a risk-taker. Harriss (2004) groundbreaking work will provide a framework for my research since she looks at the intricate representation of girls in recent history. Siehlohrs (2000) anthology investigates generic codes used in gender in regards to national identity in European films. She also examines how representations of women are affected by particular national milieu. This provides a baseline to investigate influences of societal factors on representation of women in Law and Order: SVU. Hanson (2007) proposes alternative ways of viewing classic and contemporary Hollywood heroines and the associations of gender with genre. She investigates the representation of women as the investigator and heroine in the variable context of the film industry, which will enable me to apply the same approach to my research. She confers meticulous attention to the production of narrative, actions and perception as well as negotiation of feminine self and desires across the past. Jaceys (2010) book The Woman in the Story: Writing Memorable Female Characters will be of significant value on this topic as it explains the importance of different traits, character development and gender issues in constructing a female heroine. This will allow me to dig deeper into the depiction of female characters on Law and Order: SVU such as Olivia Bensons characters role as a Detective and Alexandra Cabots character as a District Attorney. According to Knight (2010), female action heroes extensively influence individuals in society, and also reveal a lot about our society. Her analysis of female action here will help me understand Olivia Bensons character on Law and Order: SVU as she is seen as a role model and heroine to a lot of women. Furthermore, I will examine Buffy the Vampire Slayer which was a very popular show with very sharp and provocative commentaries on gender. In Undead TV, media studies scholars tackle the gender representation of Buffy and its influence on popu lar culture (Levine and Parks, 2007). Stuller (2010) illustrates the triumph of female hero in contemporary mythology which has cracked through male dominated environment and discusses the crucial role of female crime fighters in popular culture. Thornham elucidates the codes of a female hero in her book  Women, Feminism and Media: For a female character to become the hero of such a series she must appropriate agency, action, command, the occupation of public space, discursive authority and the control of the investigative gaze. All of these, of course, run counter to the norms of femininity. (p. 69) The above mentioned codes and symbols will aid in deconstructing the structure of female lead characters on Law and Order: SVU as heroes in a patriarchal society. I would be able to examine the amalgamation of feminine and masculine traits in the discourse.

A Solders Duty in Guests of the Nation Essay examples -- European Lit

War evokes different emotions and feelings for many people. Some are drafted and forced to serve, others volunteer their lives for a cause they believe in and some never even see a battle ground. Some live, some die, others are captured and become prisoners or hostages. But one thing is certain, for those who have actually seen war know first hand that it has the power to change and in most cases it does just that. In Frank O'Connor's "Guests of the Nation," two British soldiers are captured by the Irish Republic Army. Two young Irish soldiers are assigned to guard the captives. The British earn the trust and friendship of their young captors. Until one day the call of duty forces the Irish to carry out orders that forever change their perspective on the war and the duty that accompanies. In "Guests of the Nation," O'Connor uses six elements of fiction to illustrate the conflict associated with the responsibility of duty and one's personal morals in the circumstance of war. Although this is a story of war and there is obviously external conflict between the opposing countries, it is the internal conflict of the Irish soldiers Bonaparte and Noble that help the reader understand how the weight of duty ultimately defeats personal morals during war. It is Bonaparte and Noble's duty as an Irish soldiers in the IRA (Irish Republic Army) to guard the two captured British soldiers. Bonaparte feels the two men do not even need guarding, that they would not flee given the chance. He and Noble both have become bored with docile cottage life and would rather be out in the action fighting. Bonaparte soon finds out that he and Noble are going to be relived of there guarding duties but not how either of them had anticipated. "It was the... ... of something like this happening. Now he begins to feel a dilemma between what his duty might be to his country and how that duty will ultimately win out over any moral dilemma he might have to the men. All five characters in this story are faced with dilemma be true to one's self or one's country. Although war is defiantly a divider it also has the power to bring together under moral and personal circumstances. War is what brought these men together and it is what ultimately lead the physical death of Hawkins and Belcher, but it also lead to a little piece of Noble and Bonaparte dying too. This war forever changed the lives of four men because the duty of war was held in above morals and friendships. Works Cited O'Connor, Frank. "Guests of the Nation." Literature for Composition. 4th ed. Sylvan Barnet, et. al. New York: Harper Collins, 2008. 590-598.

Health and Education

Health education is an essential tool of community health. Every branch of community health has a health educational aspect and every community health worker is a health educator. But health education has been defined as a process which effects changes in the health practices of people and in the knowledge and attitudes related to suet changes. A great deal of ill-health in this country and elsewhere is due to ignorance of simple rules of hygiene or of indifference to their practical application. However, health is of the greatest importance and an indispensable factor in life.Without it a man becomes burden to others and useless to himself. In other words, health is the basis of individual and social welfare. But the concept of health and practice of health-education is almost as old as the human race. Health education has been defined as â€Å"the sum of all experiences in school and elsewhere that favor ably influence habits, attitudes and knowledge, related to individual, commun ity and racial health. † At present in our country much attention is being paid to the education for total health. Good health is a pre condition for good education.There is a saying that sound mind lives in a sound body. So, education cannot be acquired without the proper frame of the mind and proper frame of mind cannot be possible without proper health and hygiene. Realizing the importance of health education Secondary Education Commission, 1952-53 stated: â€Å"Unless! Physical education is accepted as an integral part of education and the educational authorities recognize it, need in schools the youth of the country, which form its ‘most variable asset, will never be able to pull their full weigh to national welfare.The emphasis so far has been more on the academic type of education without proper consideration being given to physical welfare and the main ­tenance ‘ proper standards of health of the pupils†. Health education is the very foundation of every successful public health programme so one of the main functions educations should be to help every child deve ­lop a healthy body, an alert mind and sound emotional attitudes. Health education aims at bridging the gulf between the health knowledge and health practices of the children.

“I know why the caged bird sings” Essay

After a childhood full of cruelties, disappointments, and being raped at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend, Maya Angelou survived and became the most important civil, human, and Women’s Rights Activist. After her rape she was silent for 5 years, and only through the encouragement of her grandmother did she start to write and act. Her writings won her world acclaim and she was nominated for the National Book Award, a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize. She is indisputably one of the most influential women in history. Her poem â€Å"I know why the caged bird sings† shows her grace and skill as a poet, and a humanitarian. â€Å"I know why the caged bird sings† is a six stanza poem. The poem has a very traditional structure. The first two stanzas are triplets, followed by a quatrain, then another triplet, and ends with a quatrain. It has a very simple but effective rhyme scheme. The triplet stanza has a AAB rhyme, and the quatrain stanzas have a AAAB rhyme. This poem is lyrical and intense. The themes presented in this poem are of a freedom and â€Å"triumph over adversity (Arensberg 273)†. In stanza one Angelou describes how birds in the wild have unbound freedom. She writes â€Å"leaps on the back of the wind†¦ dips his wings in the orange sunrays, (lines 1-3)† about the free birds activities. Her words affect the senses, and the reader feels the freedom the birds experience in flight. She brings nature and the outdoor elements to life and the audience is right there at play with the birds. Freedom abounds! In stark contrast, the next stanza snaps the reader back from their dreamlike state. There are a series of very strong words that create a feeling of depression, and claustrophobia. Angelou explains the life of a caged bird. â€Å"narrow cage, bars of rage, and wings clipped. (lines 3-6)† These phrases create a sense of dread and imprisonment. This evokes sympathy for the bird, and thoughts about if we were also imprisoned (Arensberg 280). The reader begins to think what is life unfair and, why that bird? and further, why me? â€Å"But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams, (line 14)† the poem continues and yet the bird still sings. Angelou comments â€Å" The caged bird still sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still (lines 17-18)† about the bird who displays the only freedom he has at present, his voice. Pierre Walker, in his 1995 article, comments â€Å"that the bird still dreams,â€Å" and he has the determination to overcome and make the best of his situation. There is a single focus for Angelou use of alliteration in this poem. She uses the â€Å"s† sound over and over again – â€Å"his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream† (line 15). The â€Å"s† sound creates the feeling of wind, the whispering of tree leaves, the bird is scared but he sings because he can. He cannot fight his nature. He will find freedom anyway he can, and for that bird it is his singing. The use of the rhyme scheme in the quatrain portion of the poem is AAAB. The inflexibility of the first three lines in stanza 3 â€Å"thrill†¦hill†¦shrill† create the perfect path to the true theme of this poem. When the reader expects another word to rhyme it doesn’t, and the quatrain ends with â€Å"freedom. † The same is true for the last stanza, which is a repeat of the first. Liliane Arensberg explains that the rhyme reminds the reader that â€Å"there is always hope, there is always the will to survive and the promise at the end of the tunnel of light (Arensberg 289)† – of freedom. â€Å"I know why the cage bird sings† by Maya Angelou is a very popular poem. Many people find inspiration in her words, and find solace in the hope and determination that bird has. If he can sing, so can the reader. If he can survive so can you. We cannot always choose our lot in life, but we can make the best of it. We can reflect, find out talents, and give those to the world. Maya Angelou presents a very important message to the reader in the form of a very lyrical almost song like poem by using strong imagery of a bird and it’s cage, the pursuit of freedom as a theme, a strong rhyme scheme, and alliteration. Angelou skill as an author cannot easily be missed and neither can her message that we must overcome misfortune and strife to become what we were always meant to be. Works Cited Angelou, Maya. The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou. 1st ed. New York: Random House, 1994. 101. Arensberg, Liliane K. â€Å"Death as Metaphor of Self in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. † College Language Association Journal 20 (1976): 273-91. Walker, Pierre A. â€Å"Racial protest, identity, words and form in Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. ‘. † College Literature 1 Oct 1995. 23 Nov 2005 .

Article Review

Article Review ; Journal of Managerial Issues- Summer, 2002 Authors Names: James P. Burton Thomas W. Lee Brooks C. Holtom Research Design: A survey research deign was employed to study the performance of customer service employees with respect to their commitment to the organizations output. The surveys were carried out on the employees in one department of a big national retailer. Variables involved: The independent variables included the ability to attend work and the motivation to attend work, which were used to determine the attendance of the employees. The dependent variable was the attendance of the employees because it depended on the ability of the employees to attend or if they are motivated to do so. Relationship proposed: The relations were based on Steers and Rhodes model that proposes that attendance is predicted by motivation to attend while ability to attend has an indirect effect on attendance. Conclusion: The results of this study portrays that an employees ability work coupled with lack of motivation to attend work notably leads to his or her absenteeism. This kind of absenteeism is attributed to several family issues. On the other hand, a motivated employee may fail to attend due to such issues as illnesses and sickness. This study also supports the view that absenteeism is a multidimensional concept that should not jus be viewed in one orientation of either ability or motivation (Burton, Thomas, and Brooks, 2002). It is recommended that future researches should involve both specific and overall dimensions of absenteeism. Critique: This study has several implications on management of firms since it helps to monitor the reasons for absenteeism of employees. This study was however limited by the failure of the items for measuring ability to form the underlying construct making it impossible to determine the exact measure of attendance influenced by ability. The use of predictive design of determining the results was the strength of this article presenting the attitudes of the employees about commitment and absenteeism long before they try to do so.

Karl Marx and the Communist Manifesto essays

Karl Marx and the Communist Manifesto essays Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto forecasted the downfall of capitalism and the rise of communism. It predicted that the communist revolution was most likely to take place first in Britain or Germany because of their high population of proletarian factory workers. However, he was proved incorrect because these factory workers were happy with their conditions and felt no need to revolt. The Communist Manifesto appeals mostly to the lowest of the lower class, what he called the "proletariat". The idea of a communist society is that everything is owned by the state. People are paid "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs"; meaning that depending on how many people the salary must support is the determining factor in the size of the paycheck. This would appeal to the proletariats because it would put them on equal footing with everyone else. The abolishment of a class system benefited them greatly. Marx reasoned that his ideas appealed most to the working class, therefore it would catch on in countries with large populations of working-class people, i.e. Germany and Britain. The reason that a communist revolution did not take place in Britain is due simply to Marx's timing. The Communist Manifesto was published in 1848, but the ideas of Marxism did not catch on until the 1870s-80s. When it was first published, the British Industrial Revolution had already started. When its popularity began to rise, it did not catch on in England because working conditions in the English factories had improved drastically from what they had once been. The "oppressed" people Marx was trying to appeal to in 1848 did not feel oppressed when they were being informed of the communist ideals, so, therefore, they had no reason to revolt. They were happy with the way things were because they had already gotten so much better. In the 1820s-30s, when the English proletariats felt oppressed, would have been the ideal time for a revo...

How to Get Rid of Christmas Tree Insects

How to Get Rid of Christmas Tree Insects Theres nothing like the smell of an evergreen tree to get you in the holiday spirit. But when you bring a live or cut Christmas tree indoors, some of the insects that have called your Christmas tree home might be joining you for the holiday season. Heres what you need to know about Christmas tree insects. Holiday Bugs Pose a Very Small Risk   You really dont need to worry about bringing any dangerous or destructive pests inside with your Christmas tree. Your home isnt an appropriate habitat for insects that inhabit coniferous forests, and they arent going to move in for good. Lacking food and adequate humidity to survive, most Christmas tree insects die soon after moving indoors. Just keep an eye out - if you find insects, they wont bite or sting and wont travel far from the tree. Insects that Live in Christmas Trees Coniferous trees attract a variety of small insects that may be visible only in large numbers. Aphids are common pests of evergreen trees, and the warm conditions of your home may cause overwintering aphid eggs to hatch. Some conifers host adelgids, which produce cottony secretions over their bodies. Mites and scale insects also inhabit Christmas trees. Larger Christmas tree insects include bark beetles and praying mantids. Adult mantids will be long gone from the cold temperatures, but mantid egg cases can hatch when introduced to the warmth of your home. If that happens, youll have hundreds of tiny mantids wandering in search of food. Christmas trees often harbor spiders, too. Check for Insects Outside Harmless or not, you probably dont want to spend the holiday season with bugs crawling around among the presents or flying into your windows trying to escape. You can minimize the chance of Christmas tree insects wandering around your living room, though, before you get it inside. When choosing a tree, inspect it carefully. Look for signs of aphids or other small insects. Theyll likely appear as little brown or red dots. Adelgids resemble a dusting of snow. And dont forget to examine the undersides of branches. Check each branch for egg cases, which could contain praying mantises. Prune out any you find because your warm home will feel like spring and induce eggs to hatch. Brown cocoons may harbor sawflies. Look at the trunk, too - small holes with sawdust trails are a sign of bark beetles. Reject any tree that seems heavily infested with pests. Before bringing the Christmas tree in the house, shake it vigorously to dislodge insects and spiders. Remove any bird nests, as these can contain mites. If you want to be sure that you found all the bugs, putting the tree in a five-gallon bucket of water in the garage for a few days can serve your peace of mind. If you do want to go after bugs found on the tree, dust it with diatomaceous earth, which dries out any bugs it comes into contact with. Wear eye and face protection when applying, as its actually pulverized rock that you dont want in your eyes or lungs. Shake the tree to remove excess before bringing it inside. Christmas Tree Insects Indoors Whatever you do, do not spray aerosol pesticides on your Christmas tree, as these products are flammable! Insects require humidity to live, and most will desiccate and die within a matter of days. Additionally, they will be unable to survive without food. It is much safer, and better for your health, to simply vacuum up any dead insects you find.

Personal and Managerial Effectiveness (PME) Resit Assignment Essay

Personal and Managerial Effectiveness (PME) Resit Assignment - Essay Example In the recent times there has been a tremendous surge in the analysis and study of diversity and Geert Hofstede happens to be an important diversity expert who propounded the concept of dimensions of national culture that could have a tremendous impact and influence on the management of modern day organizations and institutions. The paper tends to explore and understand the managerial implications of Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture and extends pragmatic recommendations that could yield effective diversity management within organizations. There is no denying the fact that at one time most of the professionals in the UK, are they doctors, engineers or managers had two things in common that are they happened to be mostly white and male. However, in a contemporary context, the constitution of the British work force happens to be quite different. The workforce employed in the British institutions and organizations predominantly happens to be diverse, multicultural and heterogeneous. In a larger context each and every individual on the planet earth tends to be different. However, in an organizational context, when it comes to managerial implications, the eventual success of a group depends to a large extent on the individual team members’ ability to handle the conflicts and differences arising owing to diversity. In that context, the concept of cultural dimensions propounded by Geert Hofstede happens to be of immense importance and relevance. Before grappling with the managerial implications of the concept of cultu ral dimensions, it would be more pragmatic to have an insight into the concept of culture. Cultures is mostly a learned notion and broadly speaking it pertains to the essential, values, norms and beliefs that impact the behaviour of a large pool of people. Besides, culture happens to be an immensely complex notion in the sense that within a

Truth, Jacobs or Tubman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Truth, Jacobs or Tubman - Essay Example Her firm faith in God is the major force that helped her reach spiritual heights winning many friends and admirers among the noblest and the best of the dominant race. Her mother’s teaching had a profound effect on her. It sowed the seeds of tolerance, strong ethical attitude and a deep faith in God. As a child she was told that God lives in the sky and whenever she was beaten, or cruelly treated, she was guided to seek the help of Him1, who will always hear and help her. Her mother taught her children to kneel and say the Lord’s Prayer. They were entreated to refrain from lying and stealing, and were trained to obey their masters. She had a revelation that there was no place where God was not. She considered it a sin to forget her Almighty friend who is ever present to help her in times of trouble. She plainly saw there was no place, not even in hell, where he was not. She was awe struck at his bigness and it frightened her. At the same time she became aware of her and wanted to talk with God. But she was terrified by that idea as He may extinguish her with his look. She felt she badly needed a spokesperson to represent her case to God. But who would plead for her without letting God know that it had come from her? She saw a bright vision getting into a distinct form beaming with the beauty of holiness and radiant love. She was confused. The figure in vision was intimate to her, yet it was not so familiar. Her mind was restless like the agitated waters in the sea. Her heart was haunted with the question who he is. The vision got more and more distinct. She realized it was Jesus. Jesus appeared to her in the form of vision. In the beginning, Jesus appeared as a savior and like any other eminent man who is very loving and good. She says she believes Jesus is the same spirit that was in our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the beginning, when they came from the hand of their Creator. According to Painter, Truth refashioned

The advantages and disadvantages of the monster Essay

The advantages and disadvantages of the monster - Essay Example This paper shall analyze various beliefs about the existence of demons as a category of monsters. The thesis statement shall be: demons are real monsters mostly attributed with lies and evil deeds. The question in the existence of demons as monsters has been questioned over time. Jenkins (1) explores what she calls â€Å"ten terrifying cases of demonic possession† to demonstrate that demons do exist and that all they do is to cause human suffering. Similarly, an article by Robert Lawrence Kuhn also attempts to shed more light on the existence of angels and demons. Finally, an article by an organization called truth for the world also explores whether demons still do possess people today. This paper shall analyze demons as a category of monsters. The article by Beverly Jenkins argues that demons are real and that they do possess people. In many cases when demons possess a person, they transfer their monstrous appearance and behaviors to the person. Jenkins observed that even during the time when Jesus was living on earth, he cast out demons from people. The author points out that when this type of monsters called demons possesses a person, they torment the body. For example, she gives the example of Clara Germana Cele, who was possessed with dark spirits. The author also demonstrates that when one is possessed by this spiritual category of monsters, the disadvantage is that they cause much suffering to their victims. She gives the case of Roland Doe whose body contorted in pain when he was possessed by demons. Jenkins also demonstrate that when one psychiatrist came across a patient who was later possessed, demons seemed to speak through her. She notes that some of the most common words spoken were phrases such as â€Å"Leave, leave her alone. She is ours.† That happened simultaneously with levitation off the bed as items in the

Classic and Non Classic Analysis in Likelife Essay - 7

Classic and Non Classic Analysis in Likelife - Essay Example Classic style is identified by a collection of techniques which are used by the writer rather than the attitude depicted towards writing (Thomas and Turner 8). ‘Likelife’ presents a mixture of classical and non classical forms of writing in literature as the writer uses these styles to explain the events that took place in the 2003 World Taxidermy Championship. It not only depicts the technique but the passion of the writer towards her topic of discussion. Thomas and Turner refer to this aspect as a concept used in classic style. Orlean Susan The uses classic style in ‘Likelife’ as she describes the culture portrayed in taxidermy events. This notion depicts the art of classic writing as the writer tends to know what she is scripting before the actual publication. She describes Taxidermy Championship as a culture that astonishes many people in the world. Susan presents the history of World Taxidermy Championship which portrays the concept of classic writing as it refers to classical events. The World Taxidermy Championship became popular in 1882. It was viewed as a culture of the Society of American Taxidermists. Â   Non classic style is reflected in Orlean’s writing where she presents the transformation of World Taxidermy Championship from being an ordinary cultural event to an economy generating sport (Thomas and Turner 8). This is due to its ability to raise much income annually. Taxidermy is estimated to raise 570million dollars annually. Economic reflection in literature is not a concept used in classic but modern writing as it depicts the influence of pop culture in literature. This form of transition from describing the sport as a traditional cultural practice to an economic event presents the difference between two eras thus depicting the art and role of non classic style as described by Thomas and Turner.

Discrimination against Women Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Discrimination against Women - Research Paper Example Women are faced with challenges from a very early age. It is not uncommon to instill the belief in girls that they are only suited for certain careers, while other careers are the domain of the men. Most women in developing countries are not even given equal opportunities than men in the most basic of all necessities. In a male chauvinist society, one that is common in the tribal areas of many developing countries, girls and women are treated as inferior, and men are given the preference in every aspect of life. Boys are made to go to school and acquire education. They are favored over girls in terms of the food that they eat, the opportunities that they get and the love that is showered over them. This also follows that families are major culprits in fostering such an attitude. History is rampant with examples of babies being buried alive on the account that they were girls. The birth of baby girls in conservative families in various parts of the world still buttresses the same atti tude. The UNICEF stated that in some countries, there is a clear preference of boys over girls embedded not only in the culture but also on the economic level. Furthermore, the UNICEF observed that the misuse of pregnancy diagnostic tools often culminates in the abortion of the fetus if it is a girl. This is relatively common in many parts of the world such as some parts of China and India. Parents will put up their children for adoption or will discard the fetus in early prenatal life on the grounds that it is a girl.

Love and Acceptance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Love and Acceptance - Essay Example Examining the importance of this in Morrison through â€Å"The Bluest Eye,† â€Å"Songs of Solomon,† â€Å"Beloved† and â€Å"A Mercy,† are able to define and change the understanding of the novels and how this relates to the several angles that are associated with love and acceptance, specifically with the internal perceptions, relations to the external environment and others and the responses which are given by individual characters. The Overlapping Theme of Love in Morrison The concept of love is one which is found in most of Morrison’s novels and is one of the overlapping themes that continue to be explored. The theme which Morrison follows is one which combines the actions one takes for love as well as the perceptions of love which are attributed to different characters. The belief that is created when looking at the various novels is that the expression and perception of love is dependent on the character, background and the circumstances whic h are surrounding a given situation. The concept which Morrison carries with her personal philosophy is to develop an understanding of how each of the characters would perceive love as a central theme in their lives. When asked about the notion of love in the characters, Morrison states â€Å"With a character, I do what an actress does: I get inside, I try to see what it looks like and how they feel and let them do what I think they’d do. At the moment I’m writing, I love all of that, I love them†¦You just write what you think is your truth. Everybody isn’t everybody† (Morrison, Guthrie, 71-72). ... The changing ideology of love and acceptance then comes from Morrison’s examination of the character acceptance and flaws within each of the novels. The approach which Morrison takes is one which becomes important because the concept of love and acceptance is no longer limited and is only expressed by each of the characters. There is the ability for Morrison to change this ideology into the rejection of love, projection of dysfunctions or with the loss of romantic love. This is done with the sense of investigation and how other environmental issues and concepts relate to love and acceptance. The background of Morrison is one which incorporates an investigation of concepts such as culture, definitions of love in society and other associations with her investigation of love, specifically to show how these elements change the perspective of being in love. It is noted that this comes from Morrison’s background as an African – American living in the south and seeing t he divisions and questions about identity that were a part of the lifestyle. The works which she created then questioned the ideas of culture and identity and how this led to different perceptions of love or the absence of it, dependent on the perceptions of the character. â€Å"All the books are questions for me. I write them because I don’t know something in there I really did not understand: what is the problem between a pair of lovers who really love one another but are culturally different?... How can you manage to love another person under these circumstances if your culture, your class, your education are that different† (Morrison, Guthrie, 270). The main ideology which Morrison

Discrimination against Women Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Discrimination against Women - Research Paper Example Women are faced with challenges from a very early age. It is not uncommon to instill the belief in girls that they are only suited for certain careers, while other careers are the domain of the men. Most women in developing countries are not even given equal opportunities than men in the most basic of all necessities. In a male chauvinist society, one that is common in the tribal areas of many developing countries, girls and women are treated as inferior, and men are given the preference in every aspect of life. Boys are made to go to school and acquire education. They are favored over girls in terms of the food that they eat, the opportunities that they get and the love that is showered over them. This also follows that families are major culprits in fostering such an attitude. History is rampant with examples of babies being buried alive on the account that they were girls. The birth of baby girls in conservative families in various parts of the world still buttresses the same atti tude. The UNICEF stated that in some countries, there is a clear preference of boys over girls embedded not only in the culture but also on the economic level. Furthermore, the UNICEF observed that the misuse of pregnancy diagnostic tools often culminates in the abortion of the fetus if it is a girl. This is relatively common in many parts of the world such as some parts of China and India. Parents will put up their children for adoption or will discard the fetus in early prenatal life on the grounds that it is a girl.

Ielts Preparation Essay Example for Free

Ielts Preparation Essay Onam is one of the greatest festivals of INDIA. It is celebrated with Joy and enthusiasm all over the Country by all communities. It is celebrated in the beginning of September. It is a celebration of 10 days. The Legend of ONAM is, It is celebrated to welcome the King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit India at the time on ONAM. The story goes that, the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by a Demon King , Mahabali. The king was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extreamly generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody was happy in his kingdom and there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in the kingdom, there was no poverty sorrow during his reign and everybody was Happy. Looking at his fame and growing popularity, Gods became jealousy on him, and send him to an unknown world(nether world), Since Mahabali is o attached to the people of India, before send him to the nether world, the God gave him a boon to visit India once in a Year. During his visit India celebrate as ONAM. During the 10 days festival, The government declared as a Public holidays for School and colleges. During the festival; all the families gather together and celebrate. There are various sports loke Snake Boat rice, Elephant race, tug of war etc are celebrated. People bun w dresses, and it is festival of unity and happiness.

Organizational Direction of British American Tobacco Nigeria limited

Organizational Direction of British American Tobacco Nigeria limited The purpose of this report is to discuss current organisational direction of British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATNL) and explore competitive business plan for BAT Nigeria with strategic dimensions ranging from 2009 to 2012. The body of the document offers an analysis of the external, transactional and the internal environment of the company. Subsequently, the report considers the companys core competencies and its key competitors, in order to deliberate courses of action that will enable BAT Nigeria to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The recommendations aim to enhance BAT Nigerias existing competencies, this will add value to all the stakeholders. Disclaimer: This report only considers British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited as a legal business entity and does not intend to endorse consumption of tobacco products in any form. 2. Executive summary This report aims to critically analyze the option that will ensure that British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATNL) remain market leader by sustaining its competitive advantage in a highly competitive industry. Becoming no.1 in the market is hard work, but maintaining that position is far more difficult. In the light of this, I have critically examined the plausible scenarios and arrived at an option which will strengthen BATNLs current market position. The company today is facing the uphill task of dealing with threats from new market entrants, operational limitations caused by limited international suppliers, lack of availability of locally sourced sun cured tobacco, stricter legislative restrictions and challenges to further increase market share. This report suggests to management an option of forming a system of consistent market dominance and build sustainable competitive advantage. The option consists of an action plan which includes forward and backward integration of supply chain, capacity utilization and development of Nigerian production facilities as an export Hub to West and Central African countries. The backward integration of supply chain involves sourcing the Virginia tobacco from a wider international supplier base in order to prevent raw material out of stock (OOS) situation of super premium, premium and international VFM (Value For Money) brands. Similarly, local sourcing of sun cured Tobacco for VFM production should be expanded by involving larger numbers of small rural farmers in BATNLs business sphere in order to meet raw material requirements for the continuously growing demand of the VFM segment. The forward integration includes developing a wider and more efficient distribution network by means of integrating identified front end strategic customers into electronic distribution system and by providing financial assistance. The strategic location of the country can be exploited so as to establish it as an export hub to other West and Central African countries. It would ensure cost saving advantages to the group, especially in terms of cheaper labour, freight and import taxes. Securing forward and backward integration along with both the manufacturing factories in Nigeria acting as export centres, would make it feasible to proceed with capacity utilization, thus reaping the benefits of economies of scale. In the current scenario, it is going to be very hard to increase share of the existing pie, so the endeavour should be to augment the size of the whole pie rather than poach on the share of competitors. Migration from other brands seems a largely uphill task considering the large market size BATNL enjoys now. To enhance sales, the modus operandi should be concentrated towards capturing the increment in the market as a whole. The incorporation of the above discussed ideas would ensure a sustained competitive advantage, with the aim of increasing rent. 1. Organisational Strategic Aims and Objectives: 1.1 Current Strategic Aims and Objectives: In the early 1990s, BAT decided to grow our business by focusing solely on tobacco a decision which regularized and transformed the Group. In 1995, BAT set itself the credible vision of regaining leadership of the global tobacco industry and established a strategy to get there. In this section summarises the key elements of BATNLs strategy which group believes can enable it to continually build a sustainable business in tobacco industry. Ultimate Strategic Aim Achieve Leadership of the Tobacco Industry BATNLs vision is to achieve leadership of the tobacco industry in order to create long term shareholder value. Leadership is not an end in itself, but a company that leads its industry, is the preferred partner for key stakeholders and is seen to have a sustainable business, should be valued more highly. Company defines leadership in both a quantitative and qualitative sense. Punitively, it seeks volume leadership among our international competitors and in the longer term, value leadership. BATNL recognises that its success will depend on adult consumers and that, therefore, we must be consumer driven.   But the hard, quantitative measures do not in themselves address all the things it must do as a company. Taking a long term view, focusing on the quality of its business and how it work. As a result, qualitatively, company seeks to be recognised as industry leaders and to be the partner of first choice for governments, NGOs, investors and potential employees. BATNL pledges to do this by continuing to demonstrate that it is a responsible tobacco Group, with a sustainable business, outstanding people and superior products.  Ã‚   In order to deliver company vision, BATNLs strategy for creating shareholder value has four elements Growth, Productivity, Responsibility and Winning Organisation. 1.2 Component Parts to achieve Ultimate Strategic Aim 1.2.1- Winning Organisation: To deliver company vision it must have the right people and the right working environment. That is the essence of BATNLs Winning Organisation strategy. By the right people, group mean outstanding people those with the ability and desire to drive and deliver competitive advantage and superior performance. Company endeavour to attract, develop and retain high calibre talent. BATNL also puts emphasis on making it an organisation that is constantly learning. This learning culture shares knowledge quickly, learns from its mistakes and replicates success formulas quickly. To be a winning organisation British American Tobacco must also be a great place to work. This requires an open, confident culture that encourages change and innovation, is shaped by companys Guiding Principles, inspiring its people to perform to their best and importantly, enjoy their work. Finally, Winning Organisation strategy requires that company develops leaders, at all levels in the organisation, with a clear vision for the business, who foster innovation, and can align, energise and enable their teams to contribute to the building of our global enterprise (B) Growth: BATNL seek to increase its volume and value share of the West African tobacco market through both organic growth and mergers and acquisitions. For organic growth, company is concentrating on the key strategic segments of the market that offer the best prospects for long term growth, including Premium and International Brands. BATNL continues to focus on the growth of its Global Drive Brands as well as being prepared to exploit opportunities for profitable volume growth in Value for Money and Low Price Segments.   Company also wish to sustain or develop strong positions in priority markets simply defined as the largest and most profitable ones. BATNL believes that it is important to continue to develop and utilise innovative, differentiated products and to offer its consumers added value from its brands. (C) Productivity: BATs overall approach to productivity is about using its global resources to increase profits and generate funds for reinvesting in its business. Today, all companies are trying to cut costs. BATs approach is integrated aiming to establish a lower cost base while improving the quality of products and the speed they get to the market, as well as our effectiveness in terms of how it can deploy its people and capital. As a Group BATNL is focused on its consumers, marketing is a large part of what it does and company is working to ensure it effectively and efficiently deploy its marketing resources.  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to maintain a strong balance sheet, capital effectiveness is an important part of its productivity strategy and includes a focus on inventory levels, utilising its assets, financing and other uses of capital. (D) Responsibility: BATNL continues to balance its commercial objectives with the expectations of a broad range of stakeholders, thus ensuring a sustainable business. Company communicating with all stakeholders about its Business Principles, which explain the way we expect its businesses to be run in terms of responsibility, and demonstrating how group is following them. Companys three Business Principles, Mutual Benefit, Responsible Product Stewardship and Good Corporate Conduct are each underpinned by a number of Core Beliefs. In the regulatory arena, BAT continues to promote sensible tobacco regulation that: balances the preferences of consumers with the interests of society establishes an open minded and objective approach to harm reduction as a policy Ensures that its businesses can compete and prosper. BAT manufactures products that can be harmful to the health of its consumers and have publicly stated its aim to reduce this harm to meet both consumer needs and societal expectations. Company proposes to do this by: the progressive reduction in the tar and toxins in its products the successful launch of a new generation of tobacco products with critical mass appeal that are recognised by scientific and regulatory authorities as posing substantially reduced risks to health. 1.3. Factors Affecting the Strategic Plan 1.3.1- Contextual Environment  [1]   Nigeria gained independence in 1960 but since the first military coup in 1966, Nigeria has been ruled by military for over 35 years up until 1999. Since then democratically elected civilian governments are ruling Nigeria. Under the new constitution adopted in 1999, a strong presidency appoints a federal executive council, comprising government ministers and ministers of the state from each of Nigerias 36 states. Although the 36 governments enjoy greater autonomy than under the former military administration they remain dependent on the federal government for funding. This set up creates a system of distributed power centres, with the highest authority lying with the president, making lobbying with political powers a complicated issue. Estimated GDP for 2006 is $116.7 billion whereas economic growth rate is believed to be 5.4%. This economic performance is severely offset by high rate of inflation (8.7%). Since 1999 under the rule of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) has boosted non-oil sector growth and improved macro-economy. Increased government spending on roads and ongoing efforts to reform and attract investments into the power sector could improve infrastructure modestly. Only minimal progress is likely with port reform. Both these aspects would have a positive effect on BAT Nigerias supply chain. Corporate profits except for oil companies are taxed at 30%. VAT on tobacco product is 7.5% whereas for other commodity product its charged at 5%. In governments effort to curb smoking, promotion of cigarette sales through billboards has become illegal since January 1st 2004. Federal government is under further pressure from whom and other NGOs to put a ban on tobacco products promotion through electronic and print media. In addition, various pressure groups are raising concerns against tobacco farming as it renders land unusable for cultivation of other crops. 1.3.2- Transactional environment Nigeria has a total population of 140 million and out of these only 2.9 million adults smoke, it indicates a huge growth potential for Tobacco industry. Given the scenario, though BAT Nigeria is catering to very comprehensive range of markets and consumer segments, further avenues for increasing market penetration of companys products have been identified through various analysis. The present market size of AFS is only 14% which explicitly shows growth potential. To grow and capture this segment, requirement for development of brands targeted especially to Adult Female Smokers (AFS) is identified. On the other hand, according to strategic group analysis premium brands have a need to expand their geographical reach and increase market penetration. Super premium product line should be prevented against brand dilution and their market presence should be enhanced with the help of specialized channels of HoReCa. On critically evaluating product offerings extended by the BAT Nigeria across different segments, few potential offerings for A class, B, C and D segments  [2]  were recognized like, pipe tobacco and cigar, limited editions and flavoured and VFM brand variants, respectively. Supply chain of BAT Nigeria has a weak link in procurement part of Virginia tobacco due to limited number of international suppliers (especially from Argentina and Brazil). Whereas, local procurement of sun cured tobacco has limitations of inadequacy of land conducive to tobacco farming, partial segment of farmers involved in tobacco farming and threats from pressure groups. With recent acquisition of Gallaher Group by Japan Tobacco Inc., JTI has the second largest market share in Nigeria (14.4%), after BAT Nigeria (85.1%). Still we perceive the major threat to BAT Nigeria coming from Philip Morris Inc. (PMI). Looking at the history of PMIs entry to new markets, they capture major share of the market within 3 years, like in Benin. Though, global drive brand for PMI is Marlboro Lights, PMI is expanding its roots in Nigerian market indirectly through Kraft Foods, subsidiary of its corporate parent Altria Inc. The competitor analysis  [3]  shows that key strength of BAT Nigerias products against other competitors and especially PMI, as perceived by the customers, lies in their availability. 2. Stakeholders Influence and Progress towards Strategic Aim 2.1- Core Resources  [4]   In 2009 BAT group reported  £1896m of profit, attributable to shareholders equity. This explicitly indicates financial strength of the BAT group. As operations of BAT Nigeria are directly funded by parent corporate body, access to adequate finances, as compared with other competitors, puts BAT Nigeria in the elite club of organizations with formidable financial resources. Since BAT signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2000 with the federal government, it has enjoyed status of most favoured company and leveraged rapport with the government in establishing local production facilities in Zaria and Ibadan. These state of the art production units are quite unique resource to BAT Nigeria, considering that no other tobacco company has cigarette factory in Nigeria. Further, BAT Nigeria has strengthened its portfolio of core resources by investing funds and efforts in developing dedicated supply chain intermediaries. 2.2- Core Competencies  [5]   Though the MoU expired in April 2007 with end of PDP presidency, strong relationship with the government has been instrumental in developing country wide distribution network and in increasing domestic tobacco farming. BAT Nigeria has improved efficiency and integration of distribution network by implementation of SAP (ERP module) and Siebel (CRM module). Integrated electronic supply chain with local access to raw material is the core competence of BAT Nigeria. Under this process and with continuous efforts to exercise CSR, BAT Nigeria has developed a sound social relationship and local knowledge. Benefits of BAT Foundation have been exploited to meet these strategic requirements. Apart from these local factors, BAT Nigeria has benefited from legacy and technological expertise of parent. Thus, process evolved quality of BAT products is been key source of competency. 3.1: Futuristic Strategic Position: Way to Sustainable Competitive Advantage  [6]   After analysing contextual transactional environment, core resources and competencies of BAT Nigeria, I propose an option which comprises of recommendations for strengthening upstream and downstream supply chain  [7]  , capacity utilisation, developing Nigeria as export hub to west African countries and exploiting BAT foundation in mutually beneficial way (to BAT Nigeria and stakeholders), in order to provide BAT Nigeria with a sustainable competitive advantage. While suggesting the options compatibility, suitability, acceptability and feasibility of recommendations with BAT Nigerias current business model and low exposure to risk has been considered. Production of international brands of Premium and VFM cigarettes is based on Virginia tobacco imported from Argentina and Brazil. Reliance of production of international Super premium, Premium and VFM brands on foreign suppliers subjects upstream supply chain to political, economical and ecological factors evolving in exporting nations. To counter power vested in international suppliers and remove raw material quantitative bottleneck, supplier base of Virginia tobacco should be increased by importing the same quality Virginia from alternative source countries like Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Tobacco export being major trade activity of these countries, international tobacco trade regulations are quite liberal and no major hurdle could be seen in setting up trade channels. Geographic location of alternative source nations would not impose any significant extra freight charges. For local brands of VFM cigarettes cultivation of sun cured tobacco needs to be increased. In this process, firstly, BATNL should lobby with the government to pass Land Use Decree, to facilitate farmers in gaining possession of land. Secondly, with ownership of land and providing the farming community with help in taking mortgage loans, latest farming technologies and better tobacco seeds, farmers can be driven to come in a legal two way contract with BAT Nigeria, in regard to secure local cultivation and supply of sun cured tobacco and promising buying guarantee in return. 3.2: Justifying the strategic option As analysed by competitor analysis, in consumers perception, apart from poor availability, value offered by PMIs products is at par or better than that of BATs products. Thus, to sustain BATNLs existing system of dominance, it is of paramount concern to have a wide, efficient, dedicated and controlled distribution network. Apart from strategic tie-ups with Global Brand Nigeria Ltd. (GBNL) and Global Apex Ltd., downstream members of distribution channel need to be integrated with electronic distribution platform of SAP and Siebel (CRM). Financial and technological assistant to channel intermediaries in this regard would benefit BATNL in two ways: higher channel control efficiency and financial binding of down stream channel members to BATNL. The SWOT analysis  [8]  highlighted that BATNLs current practice of cash sales is its Achilles heel. To prevent competitors from breaking logistics net of BATNL, BATNL would have to forgo privilege of cash sales and start giving credit facili ties to wholesalers and distributors. Further, and as underpinned by mobility barriers  [9]  analysis, to hold on to market share as high as 85.1%, the premium brands are the key and should be pushed deep into nation with associated promotional activities and rewards/rebates attributed to selling channel. At the same time, super premium brands should be prevented against brand dilution and their image of brand ambassadors should be continued further. For proliferation of super premium brand products, upmarket specialised HoReCa  [10]  channel showed substantial potential for growth. The current problem of low co-operation from HoReCa owners, realising the dependency of BATNL on them for promotional purposes, can be overcome by offering them half yearly or annual contract of brand association, instead of event based approach. To motivate rural small-holder Nigerian farmers interest in the tobacco farming and business with BATNL, BATN Foundation needs to concentrate on issues pertaining to lack of access to modern agricultural machineries, training on new agricultural practices and innovations, production credit, fair and transparent marketing opportunities. Currently, both local production facilities are not utilized up to their full capacities, partly due to relatively less demand in comparison with full production capacity and rest due to bottlenecks in supplies of raw tobacco. Together with improvement in the supply of raw tobacco (international and local), developing Nigeria as export hub to cater neighbouring West and Central African countries would assist BATNL in building up sustainable competitive advantage by gaining economies of scale (capacity utilization), and becoming regional power in tobacco industry. Appendix 1 EMBED PowerPoint.Slide.8 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Appendix 7 Appendix 8 Appendix 9 Appendix 10

Computer Crime :: essays research papers

Computer Crime has become a very large issue in our society today; this paper will look at this issue from a sociological perspective. It will analyze the various crimes that make up computer crime and see what changes it has brought about in the world in which we live in. Computer crime first is a very new problem in our society today and it is crimes that are committed from a computer. These include embezzling, breaking into other computers, cyber porn and various other crimes that have a drastic affect on the society and the institutions that each of us hold to keep our global society running. To first understand computer crime one must understand first what crime is. According to Diana Kendall, â€Å"crime is a behavior that violates criminal law and is punishable with fines, jail or other sanctions†(Kendall 1999; 161). Yet since computer technology is so new it has really no laws to govern it. A law is formal norms that are enforced, norms being established rules of behavior. Many of the crimes committed on computers often times go unpunished. As stated by David Pitchford in the London journal Focus when writing on pornography on the Internet, â€Å" the only way illegal pornographers can be caught is through chance leads, tip-offs and telephone tracing† (Focus 1995; p10-12). Many of the crimes that are also committed on computers via the Internet are very new also. New subcultures have formed around the Internet for the possibilities it brings. Computer crime despite the many problems it has brought has also brought some needed social controls to the Inter net and as stated before some laws have been formed to protect many of the institutions that because of computer crime have become targets for criminals. Now that I have briefly explained computer crime, I will go into further depth into explaining computer crime from the different sociological perspective theories. To start with is the integrationist perspective looks at of society as the sum of the interactions of individuals and groups† (Kendall; 17). Many of those that commit computer crimes are hackers or people who hack into computer systems for both fun and for gaining access to information. They have formed their own subcultures and hold many different beliefs about the information that is stored in personal computers. Said best by J. Thomas McEwen in the article Computer Ethics many hackers believe that â€Å"computerized data [is] free and should be accessible to anyone (McEwen 1991; 8-11).

American Sexploitation Essay -- Media Sex Advertising Essays

American Sexploitation What does a pair of shoes have to do with sex? Absolutely nothing, but take one look at a popular magazine and the media makes it crystal-clear that they will use sex to sell just about any product. From jewelry to cleaning supplies, the media promotes a tarnished view of femininity to sell their products. Every day in America, women get bombarded with thousands of advertisements that promote popular culture's unrealistic views of femininity; images of beautiful, submissive, sexual, and virtually flawless women. Advertisements tell women what they should look like and if they do not meet society?s standards, then they must try harder. Women continue to emulate the females in advertisements in order to pronounce their femininity and gain acceptance by both males and females. Fashion designer Jimmy Choo, as well as larger companies such as Avia and Reebok, use scantily-clad women in their advertisements to sell their shoes. These advertisements present femininity in sexually exploitable ways that objectify women; this need to fulfill society?s vision of the ideal woman has a profound physical, as well as psychological, affect on young women and the unrealistic standards they set for themselves. The equation A + B = C has always symbolized a mathematical certainty, but what if A and B represented shoes and C stood for a scantily-clad woman? This shows exactly what Avia has done in their new advertisement for running shoes. The two-page advertisement equates Avia?s new running shoes with a beautiful woman. A picture of a tattooed, shirtless, muscular man jogging appears above a large ?A? on the first page. Beside picture ?A? lies a picture of a sleek black, white and gray running shoe with a... ... young women face, they do contribute to them by making it acceptable to market women?s bodies and misrepresent femininity in order to sell their products. Clearly, advertisers not only sell their products, but they also manipulatively sell values and concepts of the socially constructed ideals of femininity in America. Works Cited Avia. Advertisement. Maxim Nov. 2002: 23-4. Jimmy Choo. Advertisement. Cosmopolitan Jan. 2003: 132. Kilbourne, Jean. ?Beauty? and the Beast of Advertising.? Reading Culture. 3rd ed. Ed. Diana George and John Trimbur. New York: Longman, 1999. 178-81. Reebok Classic. Advertisement. For Him Magazine Mar. 2002: 125. See Reebok?s Classic Campaign. Reebok. 13 Jan. 2003 . Still Killing Us Softly 3. Narr. Jean Kilbourne. Ed. Sut Jally. Media Education, 2000.

Filipino People and Hardworking Filipinos Essay

Negritos – Negritos represent a resourceful and hardworking Filipinos because in their time, hardwork and patience is the core of surviving in the wild. Indonesians – Their greatest influence is agriculture. Because of agriculture, Filipinos learned to till the land and that is one of the major sources of Philippine Products today. Malays – Their greatest influence is that they’ve introduced a more advance way of living. Barangay Early Philippine Civilization and Subsequent Changes. -What I’ve learned in this topic is that this early type of Philippines civilization helps in the management of the early society that results to more cooperative and systematic community. Spanish Occupation An important impact of Spanish rule in the Philippines is the creation of a mestizo culture with entrenched landed interests and a highly skewed land distribution. The Spaniards made the local datus head of the barangays, who eventually acquired large landholdings. Spanish Occupation – One of the greatest achievements of Spanish Authorities is the centralized and organized government. They also preserve the traditional authority of local leaders that helps in governing the least manageable units of the society. It is good in the side of the Spanish because it is their efficient way of collecting tax and managing the Filipinos. For me the way they want to organized the government is one of their greatest achievement because it helped in the organization of better governance. Other Political Organization Negritos – This is one of the earliest political organization wherein the leadership is vested on the elder men Kalinga – The leadership is vested on the stronger people who has the power to influence people. Benguet Village – composed of formal legal Political structure and the traditional authority. Muslim – One of the greatest political organizations because their government structure is more organized because there are branches of the community that govern every single segment in the society. Political System Encomienda System – Encomienda system has good and bad effects in our country. Because of this system, Filipinos were forced to pay taxes to the Spanish. One of the good effect is that it civilized those Filipinos in the far away places. Other good effect is to protect the inhabitants and maintain peace and order. But this system is abused by higher Spanish officials because they collect too much tax and products from the Filipino people. Central and Local Governance -This government structure is one of way for the Spanish to control over the Philippines. Katipunan This serves as an eye opener for the Filipino citizens to fight for independence and Filipinos were unified.. Because of this, Filipinos were more conscious of what the Spaniards are doing to them. The goal of this movement is to separate the Philippines from Spain, and this is good for the Filipinos because that time Spanish are very cruel to them. But because the organization is discovered by the Spaniards this movement did not materialized. The Pact of Biak na Bato One of the learning of this topic is that Filipinos try other means for their independence. Even though this movement is not successful, this event causes for Filipinos to rely on the Americans. The Philippines Under The American Colonial Rule American Occupation in the Philippines is the best and most important occupation here in the Philippines. One of the greatest influences of the Americans is the organization of school systems in the country. Another is the equalization of women in the society. Americans’ actions in establishing the first formal education in the Philippines was something to which we should be thankful for. We were given the chance to be educated. And since the medium of instruction in public schools were in English, Filipinos were given the chance to learn the language of our occupants: Americans, the chance to learn the universal language. Here, Filipinos were very willing to learn and were glad that they were given the chance. Japanese Occupation Japanese occupation cause severe destruction during the Philippines because they’ve abolished government structures and abuse many Filipinos and Americans. One of the evidence is the Death March. They also established Pro-japanese militants, all of them are Filipinos and these groups were used by the Japanes to spy on the Filipino Activities. Filipinos has not much enthusiasm in returning to school first because the Filipinos as a whole were suspicious of the Japanese intension and second, children focused on helping their parents tide over the difficult times. Even though the Japanese allowed continuing using English as the medium of instruction in teaching.

Differentiated Teaching

Educators have always had a role of finding ways to improve their ability to provide education and learning among students. With the increasing challenges and hurdles in today’s 21st century education, teachers must remain vibrant in looking for alternatives and methods that will shape and nurture students ability to decipher information, acquire new skills and develop holistically within the classroom. As I was able to watch the movie, I learned many important insights and values towards teaching.In here, the film captured the essence of differential learning as I came across various principles that helped me gain ideas surrounding its purpose and relevance within the classroom setup. It helped me develop awareness of different methods and strategies that may be deemed applicable towards my case and other educators as well. It is by comprehending these facets that one is able to maximize the capabilities of each process and sustain the level of commitment on both parties.Reac ting from this, I feel that to be able to raise these standards of accountability and responsibility among educators, there needs to be a collaborative effort among each other. This means that cooperation and information sharing is a vital component as it outlines both the positive impact and implications for pursuing a relative scheme or goal. Likewise, such understanding enables the formation of parameters for strength and skills building that are necessary to be competent in a particular area or subject.The next part involves active planning for screening students according to their preferences and strengths. Under this process, educators devise their own rubrics and goals that actively align with both their goals and sustain the parameters of facilitating outcomes that is rooted on performance and ability of each student to harness and decipher information. In the end, such process enables active involvement on the part of student and increases their capability to become profici ent in the particular class.Associated with this initiative revolves around the concept of comprehending the idea of a child’s multiple intelligence capabilities. As the film presented the view of Howard Gardener, it gave us the impression of focusing on strengths and justifying areas wherein we can develop our weaknesses in both planning and facilitation of teaching objectives. Using various variables to denote such competencies, it can help intensify avenues towards flexibility and allows them to facilitate such objective using group dynamics and interplay.To signify the strength of this example, the movie showed dividing the group into several sections to intensify the approach of gaining confidence in their areas of expertise. Allowing this area to be considered, the educator was able to diversify the needs of students and actively address their own level of learning. This idea together with some supplementary materials, it can help adequately facilitate the ability of te achers to transcend over student needs using several methods and approaches. Such facet has been the primary aim of differential learning and has harnessed my ability as an educator to gain new skills in the process.To conclude, the film was essential in opening up awareness on my part as a teacher. It introduced me to several strategies and methods that can enhance the ability to reach out and gain competence in fostering compliance and cooperation among students. By focusing on the main tenets and facets of this theory, I as an educator can manage new ideas and use the necessary tools to develop new ways of improving classroom teaching. Such process gives me the ability to address the increasing needs of students especially in today’s 21st century education.