The use of a Utilitarian philosophy works best to blance a business Research Paper

The use of a Utilitarian philosophy works best to blance a business organization,s legal, societal, economic, and moral obligations - Research Paper Example How moralistic are the actions of organizations to their customers? Finally, how does the principle of Utilitarianism help put all the actions of business organizations in check? Utilitarian Philosophy or Utilitarianism can be described as a mechanism by which happiness and satisfaction in life could be made available to all people without prejudicial consideration or discrimination (Goodin, 1995). Researchers have always found it difficult to give a single definition to Utilitarianism because it encompasses all practices and processes that would provide opportunities for ordinary people in a country to enjoy equal happiness and well-being. Goodin (1995) strongly believed that Utilitarianism is a public philosophy whereby governments make laws and regulations to control the activities of all producers of goods and services within the country in a way that they will not jeopardize the well-being and state of happiness of the consumers. Definitely, governments set up ethics and codes of practices to checkmate overt desires to maximize profits, undermine people’s social and moral aptitudes and fundamental rights by requiring that business organizations carry out their business functions in a manner that would not harm people’s lives (Goodin, 1995). In this perspective, the governments are acting like checkmate system or moral agent, reminding the owners of businesses their non-negotiable responsibilities or obligations towards their customers, in assuring that their satisfaction and happiness are maintained. Governments somehow tolerate utilitarianism in order to ensure that the rights of all citizens are respected, and the governmental policies of equality are honored (Goodin, 1995). This fact alone makes it impossible for business organizations to cheat their customers and risk being sanctioned by the governments (Goodin,

Check processing before check 21 legislation Term Paper

Check processing before check 21 legislation - Term Paper Example k 21 legislation, previous law was made in a way that banks were forced to accept â€Å"Presentment† that was a unique check made of paper before transferring funds to other accounts. The old Check processing system was exceedingly slow comparing to the electronic system and customers had to wait for their Check clearance for two to three days (Bauer and Gerdes). The check clearing process before legislation 21 was complicated as it requires Federal Reserve to receive Checks from banks where they have been deposited, sort them in an organized manner, adding the amount of payment for deposited banks and delivering Checks from where there were drawn. This was the main source of income for Federal processing as forward items used to generate profits. Before legislation 21, paper Check accounted for more than 60% of the noncash payment in the year 2000. The Federal Reserve System used to process large number of paper Checks physically, but even before the emergence of legislation 21, the paper Check processing was declining because of its complications. The customers used to face different types of problems before this legislation, and they were not properly secured against unauthorized payments of paper Checks (Wheelock and Wilson). This legislation brought new measures of safety that the previous system was unable to implement. There was a fra ud case for Hauser Contracting Co. in which a thief obtained Check of stock that was used for paying employees. He made many Checks of payroll and withdrawal more than $24,000. These types of fraud were particularly common when paper Checks was used by the banks (Abagnale). The banks previously were not used to give any canceled Checks back to the customer, and they were only able to see the documents of Checks that were paid. Another disadvantage of the previous system was that banks were not able to processed claims made for paper Checks and they used to take more time for investigation. The electronic Check system after

A Combination of Liberal Arts and Christianity Essay Example for Free

A Combination of Liberal Arts and Christianity Essay Two ways of thought and life are combined to make one learning environment. Liberal arts and Christianity seem like two separate concepts to most, but together they create a harmonious setting for an individual to grow in a multitude of ways. A Liberal Arts College creates a life long thinker that becomes adaptable to society using their knowledge to make decisions. In Holmes pg 35 he says, â€Å" Liberal education is an open invitation to join the human race and become more fully human. Its goals are to read and write and thereby think independently, and appreciation of lasting values coupled with the ability to make sound value judgements and live by them, a critical appreciation of the past and responsible creative participation in the future.† We are educated from kindergarden to 12th grade to learn the fundamentals of all subjects with hopes to impact the society as an educated citizen. This hope is continued if we choose to further our education in college with a specific emphasis on a major. Like many students with a major, Christians are faithful students that use the Bible to guide their daily lives, but to the rest of the world they can be viewed as sheltered and limited to their beliefs. This causes a hindering on effectiveness that Christian have in the community and a misunderstanding of the validity of their thoughts. in Holmes pg 6 he supports this thought by saying,† Unless we understand the thought and value-patterns of our day, as well as those of biblical revelation and the Christian community, and unless we speak fluently the language of our contemporaries, we tragically limit our effectiveness.â€Å" With a Christian College education is heightened by integrating literarary works, theories, and concepts to Christian commitment, moral, and faith making a collaboration of endless possibilities. This creates a well rounded opportunity for students to learn at a college with the strengths of both liberal arts and Christianity called a Christian College. We are not limited to any one way of thinking. As people we want to explore and question the how, what, where, and why’s of the world. The Christian College does not limit the ability of self perception or thought, but encourages the process. Using liberal arts to educate the Christian learner and further their insight in the world is a primary purpose of a Christian College. As stated in Holmes pg 8 â€Å"†¦integration of faith and learning remains the distinctive task of the Christion liberal arts college.† The worldview of Christianity should not be  limited to ones home, but incooperated throughout a persons education to further equipt them for a future that will continue to challenge and question their abilities. In support of this thought, On page 36 Holmes writes on the ever lasting benefits of education,† If the person, including what she becomes in this life, has an eternal destiny, then what I become in the process of education lives on forever†¦ Christian liberal arts education has an eternity in view.† For most, being a student is only a fragment of a lifetime. That is why the importance of receiving a well rounded education that a Christian College has to offer is essential to establish a foundation of education to apply to the remaining years of our lives. Learning with a purpose to become a reflective being, and value being, and a responsible agent will prepare an individual to step into the world and make educated, reasonable, and moral decisions. A reflective beings have a passion to learn, ask, and wonder which leads us to analyze and come up with our own thoughts of possibilities. Reflectiveness sometimes leads us to have a birds eye view of a thought as a whole as opposed to thinking in a narrow, closed minded way. Causing us to become more critical thinkers and nurture our natural inquisitions. Holmes states, â€Å" â€Å"To teach a person to read and write is to teach him to think for himself, to develop more fully the possession of his God-given powers. He becomes in fact, not just in possibility, a reflective, thinking being.† Next, as value being takes a worldview of everything important to them and acts on those thoughts and feelings for direction. In a Chirstian College we see those values as what God has created in the the reflection of Him, us. Actions we take have effects and the choices of those actions can not be learned by reading a book, but the foundations of values can guide a person towards a better outcome. Last, there is the need to be a responsible agent. As Christians we are accountable for our actions and are governed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Decisions of right and wrong are presented daily, but as a Christian going to a Christian College we are taught the principles of reasoning through education and guided with the righteous path God has called us to live. The world is filled with possibilities and opportunity, but it is the people we become with the help of a Christian College, that steers us on the road to a life of reflection, value, and responsibility. A Christian College provides a basis in creating a holistic person by incooperating faith with a liberal  arts education. To see life as one picture rather than a million tiny pieces in a puzzle can create a smoother transition from college to the real world. Often students face the delema of just figuring it out. There is no how to manual or direction guide of life. As Christians we look to the bible for answers and get the general idea of what should be done with digging into our faith, but the is an element of critical thinking that must be applied. That kind of thinking is learned though a Christian College. â€Å" If a person, including what she becomes in life, has an eternal destiny, then what I become in the process of education lives forever†¦Christian liberal arts education has an eternity in view.†(Holmes 36) No one person or book can teach us the do and don’ts in life, but a well round education can prepare us for a life of constant decisions and obst acle to overcome.

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Plan at Restaurant

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Plan at Restaurant INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION (IMC) PLAN Integrated Marketing Communication first germinated in 1980 when many companies came to realize the need for a strategic integration of their promotional tools, instead of keeping them in separate silos. Integrated Marketing Communication is a common-sense approach of looking at communication tool- not as isolated elements that communicate different things to a consumer but as inter-related parts that are jointly go to solving communications problems. IMC includes the various tools like, advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing, events, internet etc. IMPOTANCE OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION (IMC): It helps the firm or company to cope up with the changes occurs in the market. It helps to improves internal and external communication. It helps to know the customer demands that what type of product is needs to be devoted in what area? It helps company to achieve its objective, vision and mission. It increases the productivity of the organization because management is more focused through it on its competitors. It helps to build teamwork, commitment, esprit de corps and share-of-mind. Encourages consideration of new marketing tactics and media. Abstract on Restaurant Industry The financial rewards and the personal satisfaction associated with having ones own business can be considerable. When the business is one with a high level of social interaction, such as a restaurant, there are personal rewards that move beyond the financial satisfaction that may result. The paper explains that a successful restaurant becomes a part of the community that it serves and can become a focal point of that community. This makes the restaurant business very different from other types of businesses and adds to the personal satisfaction that the owner receives. The paper shows, however, that restaurants also have traditionally low operating margins and are one of the riskier businesses that can be developed. Now for my term paper on the topic Restaurant, I had taken a hypothetical example of company named Reliance. It is assumed that Reliance, One of the biggest conglomerate is entering into the restaurant business in a big way (initially into India). So here is the marketing plan that how the company plans to establish itself into the restaurant industry. For initiating the idea into practical shape, The company had broadly had formulated its stretegy on the basis of time horizon i.e short and long tem. A brief of that is highlighted below: Short Term In the initial phase the company plans to enter in to this business with with opening of the restaurants in 4 metros cities of India i.e Delhi, Ahmadabad, Mumbai and Chennai. Long Term In its long term objective the company plans to come up with a public issue to facilitate finance to establish its restaurants into various important cities and region of India and along with can expand into the foreign countries. Company profile: Reliance The Reliance Group, founded by Dhirubhai H. Ambani (1932-2002), is Indias largest private sector enterprise, with businesses in the energy and materials value chain. Groups annual revenues are in excess of US$ 28 billion. The flagship company, Reliance Industries Limited, is a Fortune Global 500 company and is the largest private sector company in India. Backward vertical integration has been the cornerstone of the evolution and growth of Reliance. Starting with textiles in the late seventies, Reliance pursued a strategy of backward vertical integration in polyester, fibre intermediates, plastics, petrochemicals, petroleum refining and oil and gas exploration and production to be fully integrated along the materials and energy value chain. The Groups activities span exploration and production of oil and gas, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals (polyester, fibre intermediates, plastics and chemicals), textiles, retail and special economic zones. Reliance enjoys global leadership in its businesses, being the largest polyester yarn and fibre producer in the world and among the top five to ten producers in the world in major petrochemical products. Every product before its launching has to make an IMC plan. The IMC planning process begin with a review of the marketing plan. A marketing plan is a written document that details the marketing objectives, strategies and tactics for an organization, product or brand, and guides the marketing efforts. THE IMC PLAN for Reliance Restaurant Situational Analysis: All marketing plan begins with a situational analysis, an assessment of the internal and external environmental factors are to be analyzed which affects the product, brand or organization. There are different points which come under it on the basis of which we will analysis our situation in the market. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTH: Brand image:-The main strength of that we can rely upon is the brand awareness of Reliance. No one in the market need to be introduced about the credibility and reliability of this company. It will become easy and boost our new diversified restaurant business. Strategy:-At the initial stage, the company plans to establish their restaurants in four metro cities of India and slowly will penetrate in to other regions and even in the foreign countries too. Customer Service: The company is very particular about the services to be offered to their customers as it is indispensible requirement for restaurant business to grow. WEAKNESS: Dynamic nature of customer: One of the important weakness for the resturant is the prediction of the nature,taste and prefrences of the customer is very difficult. Demographic changes: The another weakness is the demographic factor. The tradition changes and so as the prfrences for the food as we move from place to place OPPORTUNITIES: Potential: There is still huge untapped market in this business and really provide a potential to grow your business. THREATS Competitor: There are lots of excellent players already positioned themselves successfully like Barista, Mc Donalds, KFC. Etc., These will pose a tough competition for Reliance to enter into this business. The Competitive Situation: The restaurant industry is not an easy business to enter into because there are lots of excellent players already positioned themselves successfully but reliance as an excellent brand can really add up its value in this business. The various competitors in this business are highlighted below: Mc Donalds Burger King KFC Pizza Hut Coffee Cafà © Day (CCD) Barista The Promotion Situation: As the company already enjoys an excellent brand name, So this will prosper the marketing initiatives taken to promote its restaurant business. The company will be planning to promote heavily through through television, newspapers, magazines etc. Marketing Objectives: The main objectives of Reliance Restaurants are: To make the companys presence in the Restaurant industry. To look for diversification. To provide excellent facility to the customers and promotes companys goodwill. Customer satisfaction by providing food as per their region and tradition. Excellent service facility. Marketing Strategy: The company will initially be looking to open up their restaurants in the metro cities and then will look to diversify into other cities which is something as per the long term strategy. The marketing communication plan originates from the marketing plan and an integral part of the latter. The IMC objectives are laid down so as to fulfill marketing goals. In the IMC plan we select the right communication tools, integrate them, plans accompanying media and messages, and also allocates the communication budget to various tools. Following are the steps involved in the IMC planning process to be undertaken for Reliance Restaurant: Situational analysis: Like the marketing plan, in this we will also analyses the promotional situation. Following are the some common areas of analysis: Past promotional situation: There are already various competitors in existence in the restaurant industry ( mentioned above). So can analyze the various type of strategies followed by them to position themselves. This will basically involve analyzing the competitors strategy. Product situation: Barista, Coffee cafà © Day, KFC, Mc Donalds etc. are well established players in the restaurant industry and are implementing good strategies to phase out cut throat competition. If we take an example of KFC in India that how they changed their strategy in India to include vegetarian food in their menu as they earlier just served non-vegetarian food. Audience situation: Although there are many companies in this sector but still there is huge untapped market as the statistics depicts that most of the income being spent by the people on India is on food only. Competitive situation: As disclosed above about the extent of competition and had mentioned the various potential players in this industry. So had to analyze it fully. Determine the communication objective: Target Audience General high class people Business Class People Marketing Objectives Make the companys presence felt in the restaurant sector. Attract the business class people Media Strategy The main idea behind all of the integrated marketing communications and media strategy will be to deliver the message to the customers. Although the company has tremendous brand value but still it needs some efforts to make people aware about reliance entering into restaurant industry. Media Objective Use sponsorships as well as highly visual print and television advertisement To build a great image of the product this has a good brand image. Timing 12 month campaign commencing December 10th, 2010 Continually recycling and adapting to evaluation results over the next 1 years To change its strategy between the particular time periods so that customers get new things and new changes, the main purpose is also not to bore the person with same services. Advertising and communication tools Print ads in magazines Print is one of the oldest and the most highly regarded media of advertising and also a very challenging one. Executing a creative idea in the medium calls for various skills- creative writing, visualization, designing etc. The main idea behind the print ad is to attract the customer and provide them best knowledge. TV Advertisements While to plan a TV Advertisement, we should clear somethings which are very important for it: Brand itself The restaurants will be associated by the companys brand name i.e Reliance Restaurants. Big Idea The big idea can be initiated by associating a famous celebrity like Shahrukh Khan to promote our restaurants. Strategy Providing excellent support network to attract the customers like by initiating the online method of providing services and also providing thebest catering services to the customers. Tagline The tagline adopted for the resultants is Big Meal Time Newspaper advertising The advertisement can be initiated in the newspaper as it results in wide and effective coverage. Billboards The billboards is regarded as the modern source of advertisement in which the electric boards are displayed on the road side. So it looks to be an innovative idea to display the billboards in the cities where the resurants are established. Events: The advertisement can be done through events. It is regarded as most innovative and a creative kind of advertisement which generally produces results and promotes mass awareness. Direct marketing tools It is strongly recommended that nature fresh must an effective web presence in this interactive world .To promote the entire site, an online marketing program must be launched. A comprehensive, highly targeted group of destination web sites must be chosen for the program. The web site should be registered with yahoo search portal. And a number of tactical elements will help drive online awareness and inquiries into the program including: Online webinars Online newsletters Search engine registration Web site links Content marketing and licensing Opt-in email Specialized promotions and partnerships Evaluation of the Planned IMC Evaluation of an IMC plan is not easy because often communications effects are difficult to measure. At times they may not even have a direct impact on sales or profitability; effects may be delayed, etc. Therefore it is important to set the objective or standards for measuring performance in specific, measurable terms to make the evaluation possible. After doing all these now its time to evaluate the performance, the performance is satisfactory as we had imagined because its quit difficult to enter into the resturant market and establish yourself as there are already huge potential marketers in existence like Mc Donalds, KFC, and Barista etc., but still we had developed a very good strategy of firstly establish ourselves into the metro cities and accordingly will penetrate into other cities and then globally. Manager has to measure the actual performance either through consumer surveys or sales figure. Monitoring of the revenues generated on weekly basis. A general market research can be undertaken to generate the public views. Manager got to know these outcomes by comparing actual performance with set standards of new product. These steps also helped out to take further decision or plans. References www.relianceadagroup.com Book: Shah Kruti and DSouza Alan,Advertising Promotions an IMC Perspective, published by Tata Mcgraw Hil.

Head Case :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Head Case Most of the little girls I knew in my childhood liked to play dress up, host tea parties, play with dolls, paint, and do other "normal" children's activities. When I was a little girl I enjoyed painting, hosting tea parties, and spent many of my weekends and school vacations competing in both national and international martial arts tournaments and exhibitions. Martial arts taught me self-discipline, self-control, and self-awareness as a child. It kept me physically fit, and made me more confident in my abilities. However, as I progressed through the ranks I spent more time training and much more time competing. Once a practitioner reaches the level of Black Belt, all sparring matches become full contact, meaning blows to the head, neck, and below the waist are now scored as hits as opposed to fouls by sporting rules. I reached the rank of Black Belt at age eight, meaning I participated in full contact sparring matches for roughly six years. In addition to my competing as a martial artist, I was also an amateur boxer for two years- from ages 13 to 15. At the time, I didn't think about the consequences of the sport I had chosen. The daily punishment of taking one or two hard blows to the head didn't seem troublesome at the time. All competitors wore gloves in addition to protective headgear and mouthguards. In the roughly ten years in which I fought competitively I sustained several concussions, and only one in which I lost consciousness. However you may wonder, what is the clinical definition of this condition, and how are concussions diagnosed? What is a Concussion? When an injury to the brain is sustained, it causes the brain to bounce against the hard bone of the skull. The force of the hit against the skull might cause "tearing or twisting" of structures and blood vessels in the brain. This "tearing or twisting" deep within the brain tissue causes a breakdown in the normal flow of messages within the brain. This breakdown is the biological explanation of the concussion condition (1). Oh No! Am I Concussed? There are over 600,000 cases of sustained concussion in the United States alone each year. Symptoms include, loss of consciousness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, increased size of one pupil, loss of memory, severe headache, weakness in one or more extremities, or changes in behavior. These symptoms may last anywhere from a couple hours to several weeks or months, depending on the seriousness of the injury, according to most physicians (1).

Mexico Essay examples -- essays research papers

Mexico is bordered by the United States on the north, the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea on the east, and Guatemala and Belize on the south. It is characterized by an extraordinary diversity in topography and climate and is crossed by two major mountain chains, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental. The high central plateau between these two mountain ranges historically funneled most of the human population toward the center of this region. Mexico features volcanic peaks, snow-capped mountains, tropical rain forests, and internationally famous beaches. Mexico City is an enormous metropolitan area and dominates the rest of the country's culture, economy, and politics. Nearly one-fifth of the nation's population lives in the immediate vicinity of the capital. Mexico City is also a central hub for Mexico's transportation network—including railroads, highways, and airlines. Mexico and the United States share a border that is 3,100 km (1,900 mi) long, much of which is formed by the RÃ ­o Grande, a major river known as the RÃ ­o Bravo in Mexico. This international border is the longest in the world between an economically developing country and one with a highly developed, industrialized economy. This proximity has influenced Mexico's internal and external migration patterns, prompting several million Mexicans to move north to the border region or to the United States itself. It has also affected the culture of both Mexico and the United States, fostering the development of a number of communities along the border that mix the cultures of both nations. Mexico covers an area of 1,964,382 sq km (758,452 sq mi). F. Climate The climate throughout much of Mexico is characterized by high temperatures and moderate to low rainfall. The highland climates vary considerably with elevation, but the central plateau generally has a moderate climate with few extremes of hot or cold. Mexico City, for example, has an average July high temperature of 23Â °C (74Â °F) and an average January high temperature of 21Â °C (70Â °F). Cities at lower elevations on the plateau have somewhat warmer climates. The northern and central areas of the plateau are arid and semiarid, with the drier regions receiving about 300 mm (about 12 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall increases in the southern regions of the plateau, which receive about 500 to 650 m... ...cy loan to Mexico in January 1995. However, the economic crisis was the worst in Mexico since the global economic depression of the 1930s, and resulted in negative economic growth in the country in 1995 and 1996. The economic crisis led to a serious decline in the standard of living for most Mexicans, as well as an increase in extreme poverty. The nation's gross domestic product (GDP), the value of all goods and services produced domestically by a country, declined 6.2 percent from 1994 to 1995. Since then the economy has been recovering. In 1998 the GDP was $393.5 billion. Mexico City, capital of Mexico and the center of the nation's political, cultural, and economic life. Its population of 16.9 million (1996 estimate) makes Mexico City the second largest metropolitan area in the world, behind only Tokyo, Japan. It is also the seat of Mexico's powerful, centralized federal government. Much of the political decision-making for the nation takes place in Mexico City. Culturally, Mexico City dominates the nation since most of Mexico's leading universities, intellectual magazines, newspapers, museums, theaters, performing arts centers, and publishing firms are located in the capital.

Technology Management Assignment

Introduction The emergence of new technologies has made a big impact on business management. Technology applications have been proven to enhance the acquisition of information and resources. Technology has also become an important element in decision making and product innovation. As such, without technology management, organizations cannot survive in the current business environment. Technology management has also been proven as a key component in the creation of wealth. Therefore, the management of technology, especially for technology intensive firms, is essential for their survival and to maintain their competitive advantage. Technology management is a multi-disciplinary field, which works as a bridge between engineering and business disciplines. The importance of technology management cannot be overlooked. In recent years, all leading developments in the global business environment are the result of the application of technology management (Khalil, 2000). Technology management is related to innovation (Mortar et al., 2009). In the current business and technological environment, corporations and SMEs must be able to adapt and evolve if they want to survive and expand their business. The ability and willingness to change is essential to survive in today’s highly competitive environment. As such, innovation has become an important aspect in the culture of an organization and is seen as a driving force in achieving growth (Trott, 2005). Innovation, in turn, is recognized as one of the results of efficient technology management. Technology management is a dynamic tool that can be utilized for various industries, both in the private and government sectors. The education sector is one of the areas where technological improvement is needed. This can be achieved through the use of online learning software and other related tools. Online learning communities are a growing feature in the landscape of educational technology. These tools and technology-oriented software are the key improvements in the education system and this has been proven with the passage of time (Herrington & Oliver, 2000) This essay analyses Pakistan’s education market to find the gaps in the use of technology in the country’s education sector. To illustrate the importance of technology management, the essay also discusses its application in relation to the development of new software targeted for the education sector in Pakistan. The development of the new software is carried out with the guidance of an appropriate technology oriented-business model and business plan. This is done to minimize the risk and uncertainty involved in the product development process. Literature Review Benefits of Technology ManagementLooking at the economic history of the UK, technological management has been recognized as one of the key factors in the birth and development of the industrial sector during the nineteenth century (Trott, 2005). Since then, technology management has been an important aspect in economic and business growth. Technology management is recognized as an important element in business management. Firms have utilized technology management in their operations and have adapted it to suit their business needs (Pilkington & Teichert, 2006). Many organizations are going through radical transformations due to technological changes that are happening on a global scale (Levin & Barnard, 2008). In this scenario, technology management is seen as playing an important role in managing organizational change. Over the years, many authors have focused on how to manage technology resources (Cetindamar, Phaal & Probert, 2009). Technology management involves processes to enhance performance and utilization of resources. It involves the acquisition and integration of existing knowledge into the creation of new knowledge. This is an important factor for an organization to survive in the current competitive environment. Every organization must have the flexibility to change and create new knowledge by adapting to the changes in the market. This will lead to higher performance and sustainable competitive advantage (Liu et al., 2006). Technology management is identified as a crucial factor for the long-term success and profitability of an organization. Technology is considered as one of the core assets that a firm relies on (Cockburn & Henderson, 1998). Technology management enables an organization to utilize its resources in creative ways in order to enhance performance and increase profit margin and market share. The company can also acquire and manage resources with the help of technology management. Challenges in Technology ManagementOne of the main difficulties in business is to manage uncertainty. This is the same challenge in technology and innovation management. New product innovation is a complex process. There are numerous factors and risks involved in innovation. The organization has to manage internal and external risks. Some of these are manageable while others are beyond their control. The management of the innovation process, which is a subset of technology management, involves trying to develop the creative potential of the organization. It involves the fostering of new ideas and generating creativity. Managing uncertainty is a central feature of managing the innovation process and managing technology (Trott, 2005). When there is new product innovation related to technology, the chances of uncertainty arises. Different experts have worked on these issues and have developed theories to avoid uncertainty or to create a better understanding of uncertainty, which occurs from new innovation. One of the theories in avoiding uncertainty is Pearson’s Uncertainty Map. This was developed after extensive analysis of different case studies of major technological innovations, including Pilkington’s float glass process, 3M’s Post-It Notes, and Sony’s Walkman (Pearson, 1991). Establishing something new is the essence of product innovation and this process necessarily involves risk. Therefore, early risk identification and management is required by innovative firms. Risk and uncertainty usually occur at the beginning of a new innovation process. It is important to note that innovation is not just about opening up new markets. Innovation can also present new ways of serving older and established markets. Technology Management and InnovationIn today’s fast changing business world, innovation has become a fundamental component in organizations. The speed of innovation has changed the nature of global economic growth – made possible by the rapid evolution of technology, shorter product lifecycles, and a higher degree of new product development. Additionally, the availability of more knowledge to firms has made innovation even more complex (Du Plessis, 2007). From this perspective, innovation is undeniably a product of technology management. One of the primary roles of technology is as an enabler – it ‘encourages the constant need to evaluate, update, and employ changing job descriptions and business processes’ (Savino 2009, p.1). Technological advancements have significantly changed how businesses operate and how employees go about doing their work. The new paradigm in business organizations is the continuous demands for improvement and the acquisition of knowledge in a very dynamic and constantly evolving environment. The catalyst that enables constant improvement and innovation is technology (Savino 2009). As such, it is highly important to manage technology in the pursuit of innovation. Researchers have recognized that large multinational firms are one of the key drivers for the globalization of research and development (R&D) and innovation activities. A study by Gerybadze & Reger (1999) found that R&D and innovation strategies have changed over the years. Since the mid-1990s, multinational corporations have been inclined to consolidate and streamline their operations. This shift in technology management strategy is due to the failures of distributed R&D activities and globally-dispersed innovation processes, which have led to highly complicated and unmanageable organizational structures. Consequently, firms have opted for leaner and more effective types in managing the portfolio of innovation activities. Using Business Models for Product Innovation One of the ways to manage risk in new product innovation is to come up with an appropriate business model or business plan. A business model helps in making the innovation successful and avoiding the chances of failure, which is one of the risks of innovation. Although creating and implementing the business model for a small firm is not an easy process, many firms utilize this in order to minimize the chances of failure (Lindgren, 2011). Business models have been the focus of both the academic writers and practitioners. Creating a business model is now a part of the innovation process (Zott, Amit & Massa, 2011). Researchers found that most firms have a variety of activities and corresponding business models. As such, a firm can use different business models to suit their various activities or a multi-business model approach can be used. Carrying out the perfect business model is not an easy task especially for the SME’s because they have limited resources; lack knowledge about the business; and have few business tools to support their activities (Neffics, 2010). Developing a new software for Pakistan’s education sector There is an existing gap in the use of technology in Pakistan’s education sector. Although there are some online tools that are used to manage online data and news, the information is usually found and managed in university websites only. There are currently no private providers of online learning software in universities in Pakistan. The new ruling of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) requires all education institutes to set online databases. As such, universities need to develop online learning software to fulfill the requirements and facilitate their students into using these new tools. This represents a good opportunity for the development of e-learning software for use in universities and colleges in Pakistan. Our plan is to develop software similar to â€Å"Moodle† for use in universities. Industry and target market A few years ago, Pakistan had no framework for the use of technology in higher education. This meant that the country’s education standards and quality were not at par with the rest of world. Pakistan was unable to make any progress in the education sector until 1991. There were only 34 universities serving a population of over 100 million and from 1997 to 2002, only 10 private universities were added. However, the rapid growth of the education sector resulted in the establishment of 53 private institutions by 2004. There are currently more than 74 universities across the country (HEC, 2012). Product Description The software that will be offer to customers is similar to â€Å"Moodle,† which is the acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. Moodle is an open-source course management system (CMS) / learning management system (LMS) / virtual leaning environment (VLE). It is used as a tool for creating online dynamic websites for students (Moodle 2013). Recent surveys show that it is considered as one of best e-learning software used by educators and is used by several primary and secondary schools in the UK (The Guardian, 2008). The software is customizable and there will be some modifications depending upon the circumstances and requirements of the clients. Using Moodle, the teacher can upload data form anywhere and student can access it instantly (The Guardian, 2008). Our aim is to introduce Moodle and to customize the software according to the needs of the higher education system in Pakistan. The software will allow tutors to manage their courses according to their requirements and students will be able to access available data from anywhere. University administration will also be able to upload news, results, and other related information using this software. There are various benefits in the application of the e-learning software in Pakistani universities. These include increase in availability of information, quick feedback, and better communication. The Moodle e-learning system provides users with an online platform for communication and sharing of content, information, and news. Communication – is the basic function of the Moodle e-learning software. Professors can post any course-related announcement for students. Students can chat with other students in real time. Discussion threads can be created. Students and teachers can participate in the discussion. Content – is the second core function of the software Teachers can post lectures, articles, assignments and other related information. Teaching calendar of the year can be included. Teachers can post quizzes and exams and allow students to access them via the internet. Students can submit their assignments online. Business Model A business model serves as a guide to help businesses create, deliver, capture and exchange value (Trott, 2005). There are main four components of a business model. Source: Trott, 2005 Core StrategyCore strategy is the first component of business model. It describes how a firm competes with its competitors. The core strategy involves customizing the software according to the needs of the organization and to set an optimum cost. Initially, we are targeting one university only, which is the Bahira University Islamabad. Other education institutions will be approached later on. Mission StatementOur mission is to provide excellent technology services to universities in Pakistan at the best cost. Product ScopeThe e-learning software will be developed by focusing on the needs and requirements of the clients. E-learning software is popularly used in UK schools. Teachers and students have given positive feedback on the use of e-learning software. We are expecting the same positive response from Pakistan’s education sector. Our focus is to develop the software based on some key points. Ease of use is one of the main objectives of the e-learning software. The product is new so we will ensure that it is easy to use and manage so that our clients will not have difficulty in using it. We will also ensure administrative flexibility so that they can manage it according to their needs. Our aim is to provide maximum value and optimize institutional investments to help them reduce their overhead costs and manage their finances better. We will also develop the software so that it is easily upgraded in the future should the client require changes. Basis for DifferentiationThere is currently no e-learning software in Pakistan, which is customized for the education sector and has excellent communication and content features. Most universities in Pakistan are using their websites for announcement and other news but they do not have a comprehensive software similar to Moodle. Our core differentiation is that we offer a customizable, flexible and easy to use software for the education sector. Strategic ResourcesFor the development of this software, we will hire the best software developer form Pakistan. The reasons for hiring the software developer from Pakistan are lower labor costs and familiarity with Pakistan’s education sector. This will help us to minimize our costs and be more efficient in our product development. Our strategic asset is our developers and our business plans. Technology Strategy The technology strategy is part the overall corporate strategy takes into consideration the components of the core strategy. In pharmaceutical firms and high tech equipment manufacturers, it is common for the technology strategy to be related to the corporate strategy. This concerns the management and use of technology for further expansion and development (Burgelman & Doz, 2001). Our core strategy is to focus on innovation and excellent services for our clients. Our goal is also to build reliable and flexible software that is cost effective and sustainable. The product we offer is based on Moodle. Although Moodle is already available in the market, we will develop a new e-learning software based on the Moodle framework. This new e-learning software will be customized to suit Pakistan’s education sector. Our basic strategy is to understand the client’s requirements and create products that will address all their needs. The service strategy provides guidance on how to design, develop, and implement our service management plans. We will provide not only the software to our clients, but also services such as installation, customization, and post-sales support. We will also provide trainings to teachers and administrative staff on how to upload data and use communication tools. Trainings will also be provided for university students who will be using the e-learning software. Financial Strategy The financial strategy is an important component of any business plan. Initially, we are going to finance our business using our personal savings and from investments of our family and friends. Our initial capital investment is ?3,000 to ?5,000. For future expansion plans, we will loan from a bank or other financial institutions. Partnership Networks We are going to start with one project, through the help of a partnership with a small software firm. This will help to minimize our development costs. The partnership contract will be based on profit sharing. The reason for entering into a partnership is to allow us to offer our products to other universities in the future. It is my responsibility to secure the contract from the university. It is my task to find out the requirements and needs of the university and to negotiate with them in terms of cost and other pertinent issues. Customer Interface Our target market is the Pakistani education sector. The main reason for targeting this market is the lack of educational software in Pakistan. Initially our target is one university, which will be Bahria University Islamabad. The motive for choosing this organization is the fact that some of our colleagues have studied there and are very familiar with the university. According to students of Bahria University, the administrative system that their university is currently using is not user friendly compared to other well-known universities in the Pakistan. As such, it will be a great idea to offer the new e-learning software to this university. To get the contract for developing this service, we will talk to the university’s management team. We will present them our product’s features and offer our services to them. Pricing Model We are new in the market and we want to compete with existing players. Our main focus is to attract a lot of customers and this can be achieved by making our products affordable. We are applying a cost leadership strategy. We will offer the best products at low cost to persuade customers to avail of our products. This is an ideal market entry strategy. maximum customers and for this out for going for cost leadership strategy. We will offer best low cost to facilitate our clients and make them comfortable to deal with us. Initially our motive is to adjust our self on low profit and gain market share. Conclusions Success of an organization depends on leaning, innovation, and constant change in a systematic and scientific way. Every organization will constantly have to acquire new knowledge to remain competitive. Change and uncertainty is managed by having a plan for the future. With a business plan, uncertainty ceases to be a threat and becomes an opportunity. Different models must be used to avoid uncertainty and risk. In entering a new market, we will use a business model to avoid uncertainty and carry out the innovation process in a manageable way. Being management student, we admire the importance of literature on technology management and new product innovation. On the basis of that literature and examples, we can conclude that if we ignore all those theories and models, product innovation will not be achieved. Our plan is based on the review of relevant literature and carried out through a business model. References Burgelman, R.A. and Doz, Y.L. (2001). The Power of Strategic Integration. MIT Sloan Management Review, 42(3), pp. 28-38. Cetindamar, D., Phaal,R. & Probert, D (2009). Understanding technology management as a dynamic capability: A framework for technology management activities. Technovation, 29(4), pp.237-246 Christoph Zott, Raphael Amit and Lorenzo Massa, Journal of Management published. Vol No. X online 2 May 2011 Pilkington, A. (2008 ). Engineering management or management of technologyA bibliometric study of IEEE TEM. International Journal of Management Science and Engineering Management. 3(1) pp. 63-70. Herrington, J., and Oliver, R. (2000). An instructional design framework for authentic learning environments. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(3), 23-48. HEC, (2012) Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Available at: http://hec.gov.pk/Pages/HECMain.aspx. Jaldemark, J., Lindberg, J. O., & Olofsson, A. D. (2005). Sharing the distance or a distance shared: Social and individual aspects of participation in ICT-supported distance-based teacher education. Challenging prospects. p. 142–160. Jack Kenny, (2008) Moodle takes lead in secondary, â€Å"The Guardian† Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2007/sep/18/link.link (Accessed: 30 March 2013). Khalil, T. M. (2000). Management of Technology: The Key to Competitiveness and Wealth Creation. Boston: 18th Edition, McGraw-Hill. Liu, J.J., Qian, J.Y. & Chen,J. (2006). Technological learning and firm level technological capability building: analytical framework and evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms. International Journal of Technology Management, vol.36, pp. 190-208, 2006. Levin, D.Z., & Barnard, H. (2008). Technology management routines that matter technology managers. International Journal of Technology Management, 41(1-2), pp.228-237. Mortar, L., Kerr, C. I. V., Phaal, R. & Probert, D.R. (2009). A toolbox of elements to build technology intelligence systems. International Journal of Technology Management, 47(4), pp. 322-345. NEFFICS, (2010 /11). Business Models and Business Model. Innovation in a Secure and Distributed Cloud Clustering (DISC) Society. p.58(1) , pp. 159-167. Pearson, A. (1991). Managing innovation: an uncertainty reduction process. in Henry, J. and Walker, D. (eds) Managing Innovation, Sage/Oxford University Press: London. p.18–27. Pilkington, A. & Teichert, T. (2006). Management of Technology: Themes, Concepts and Relationships. Technovation. 26(3), pp. 288-299. Trott, P. (2005). Innovation Management and New Product Development. 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall. Tidd, J., Bessant, J. and Pavitt, K. (2005). Managing Innovation. Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Conflict in the Workplace Essay

Abstract Organizational conflict is a state of disagreement brought on by the real or saw resistance of requirements, values, and investment between individuals cooperating. Conflict takes numerous structures in association. There is the certain clash between formal authority and power and those people and gatherings influenced. There are disagreements regarding how incomes ought to be separated, how the work ought to be carried out and to what extent and hard individuals ought to work. For some individuals, clash is negative, troublesome, and unwanted, for example, a contention with one’s mate or with a companion. In any case, others discover conflict fun and stimulating; they revel in the energy and incitement that conflict can give. At the point when conflicts are left uncertain they have a tendency to have an antagonistic outcome for associations and the individuals working in them. It is vital to figure out how to resolve a conflict in a way that amplifies its potential profits an d minimizes its potential damage. In the ideal situation, appropriately determined conflict enhances benefit, work fulfillment, particular prosperity, and the clashing parties’ relationship. Defining Conflict The term conflict has no single, clear definition. Be that as it may, in the setting of association conduct, conflict may be characterized as a condition in which one gathering contrarily influences or looks to adversely influence an alternate gathering (Thomas, 1992). Conflict might be discernible or saw (Wall & Callister, 1995), which implies that somebody may accept a clash exists actually when it would be hard to bring up as a recognizable even. Conflict and arrangements are nearly related ideas, in that both recommend that two gatherings are included, and both try to force their will or pick  up in a questioned circumstance. Conflict can run from inviting rivalry to great roughness. Conflict has several starting points before it becomes an issue; it starts with conflict within the workplace, different levels of conflict, resolution for conflict, and the outcome from the resolution of conflict. Conflicts at Work When you work in an environment with numerous egos it is hard not to clash with each one in turn. Individuals who procure inner selves to perform an occupation title or who pick up a self image after advancements are tricky to work with and under. Individuals with inner selves likewise tend to control everything and everybody that works with and for them. When I worked for the State of Tennessee, the Assistant Commissioner over my specialty had an exceptionally extreme time working with individuals who had a supposition that clashed with hers. My executive at the time was attempting to change the arrangements inside the office to help it run all the more viably. They would meet on various events with case burdens and approach changes that she denied each time on the grounds that it didn’t fit into what she needed for her specialization. Seeing that she contracted him for that reason, to change arrangements, you would have suspected that she would regard his position and endorse each change; particularly on the off chance that it was a positive change for the division. As time went on, she quit corresponding with him and started to speak with the associate chief of our specialty. He started to understand of the circle of what was going on and felt like his position was not regarded by her or his different associates. In the end, he surrendered from his position and was offered a superior position with an alternate division. Levels of Conflict Not all conflicts are the same. Administrators ought to be mindful that four levels of clash happen in the working environment. Determining clash can’t happen until the level has been legitimately recognized. The four levels of conflict are as takes after: intrapersonal, or intrapsychic conflict, interpersonal conflict, intragroup conflict, and intergroup conflict. Intrapersonal conflicts happen inside a single person. Plans, musings, qualities, and feelings can clash with each other. Interpersonal conflicts happen between people. Commonly, two people in an organization enter into clashes. Identity conflicts regularly come about because of work environment incivility. Illustrations of incivility incorporate sexually unseemly remarks, racial or ethnic slurs, mocking of more seasoned/more youthful laborers, ridicule focused around sexual introduction, and obtuse remarks about physical or mental incapacity (Blau & Anderson, 2005). Intragorup conflict alludes to episodes between p arts of a gathering. Differences about objectives, strategies for operations, and authority make intragroup clashes. At the point when conflicts are not appropriately overseen and determined, the deciding results could be poor choices and inadequate gathering working (Bazerman & Neale, 1992). Intergroup conflict happens between different gatherings, for example, between divisions inside an organization, or between factions, for example, ethnic gatherings or female and male workers. Intergroup conflicts develop when contradictions about objectives, contrasts of conclusion about which gathering ought to be appointed an undertaking or errand, or plan portions turn into the center of consideration. The level of conflict that took place between the two parties was the interpersonal conflict. The wellspring of the conflicts in this circumstance was the absence of correspondence, authority, and techniques for operations inside our nature. A large portion of the conflict that emerged between my executive and the Assistant Commissioner was from contradictions about them not meeting division objectives in an auspicious way. Another conflict that the two shared amongst one another is the fact that one felt like they were more mentally capable than the other to finish the task. Being that both of these two individuals had solid assessments on how things ought to be carried out they were not able to complete the cycle with a sound answer for their issues. Resolution for the Conflict Conflict triggers solid feelings and can prompt, frustration, and uneasiness. At the point when taken care of in a bad way, it can result in hopeless fractures, feelings of hatred, and break-ups. However when conflict is determined in a solid manner, it builds our understanding of each other, forms trust, and fortifies our relationship bonds. At the same time when there is no positive determination made between two conflicting parties negative practices begin to emerge. Since there were no steps taken to resolve the issues that happened between the two parties, I would make proposals on what I felt would have worked in stopping the progressing conflict. Before offering a resolution for any conflict, I feel that it is important to understand the relationship before the conflict took place. After the identifying factors have been made, I would then suggest that they look beyond the incident and find the source of the conflict; which would be the egos more so than the people involved. After bringing the source of conflict to light, then it would be imperative to suggest solutions that would make both parties happy. In this particular scenario, I would suggest that both parties put their egos to the side and work on getting things done in a timely matter. I would also suggest that since she hired him to change policies for the department that she should allow him to do his job. After both parties agree to disagree, I would make sure that I implement positive rules for the future so that this scenario won’t affect them again in the long run. Three Outcomes from Conflict One of the most common outcomes of conflict is that it upsets parties in the short run. However, conflict can have both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, conflict can result in greater creativity or better decision making. For example, as a result of a disagreement over a policy, a manger may learn from an employee that newer technologies help solve problems in an unanticipated new way. There are many positive things that come from conflict after a conflict has a resolution. In the conflict describe, the three outcomes that can come from the resolution I suggested are: consideration of a broader range of ideas, resulting in a better, stronger idea; increased participation and creativity, and clarification of both individuals views that build learning. A broader range of ideas can help cease conflict among both parties and future parities. When a superior considers other people and their ideas you get a better sense of what your employers needs are. It is very hard to work under a person who feels that he/she has a bigger need in the company/business than the others. This will not only fix many problems within the workplace but it will also increase the moral and productivity within the workplace. When your team has a supportive superior you will notice a difference in how they work and the way they work. Clarification is a very essential key in any work environment. Clarification and communication go hand in hand.  Clarification involves offering back to the speaker the essential meaning, as understood by the listener. Thereby checking that the listener’s understanding is correct and resolving any areas of confusion or misunderstanding. In Conclusion Everybody needs to feel comprehended, sustained and upheld; however the routes in which these needs are met shift generally. Contrasting requirements for feeling great and sage make probably the most serious difficulties in our particular and expert connections. The needs of both parties assume a critical part in the long haul achievement of most connections, and each one merits appreciation and thought. In work environment conflicts, contrasting needs are regularly at the heart of sharp debate, now and then bringing about broken arrangements, less benefits and lost employments. When you can perceive the authenticity of conflict needs and get eager to inspect them in an environment of caring comprehension, it open pathway to imaginative critical thinking, group fabricating, and enhanced connections. References Baac, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Bazerman, M. H., & Neale, M. A. (1992). Negotiating rationally. New York: Free Press. Blau, G., & Anderson, L. (2005). Testing a measure of instigated workplace incivility. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 72(4), 595–614. Thomas, K. W. (1992). Conflict and negotiation processes in organizations. In M. D. Dunnette & L. M. Hough (Eds.), Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology (2nd ed., Vol. 3). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

Education and Life Chances in Modern Education Essay

Is there such thing as secret of finding meaning in life? That might some what answers me base on certain articles that I just read and as well as the video that amazed me while viewing. This first article defines life and it’s meaning which is â€Å"Meaning in Life [live the life that you want]† by Albert S. Wang, written on November 19, 1997. This article, questions you if you are really contented and happy of what you have and if this is really the life that you wanted. It is said in here that to be able to live a life that you want and to put a meaning on it; you must first know yourself from within because this makes you know of who you are, second is know where you want to go for it gives you direction in finding your happiness. These things are beginning of having a meaningful life. To find the meaning of your life, you must find it with action not just by waiting for it to come and you can also find this meaning in life not just in distant place but mostly it is found near you. Putting a meaning in your life is all about the choices and decisions that you made on where you want to go. Just live your will and you’ll see that each day you will grow in having a meaningful life. The second article that touches me is entitled â€Å"So What Will Matter? † sent by Leandro G. Cruz and shared by Joe Gatuslao of Bacolod City, Philippines. Its original title is A Life That Matters. This article is so inspiring because it stresses that all that you have got starting from yourself just like beauty, fame, wealth and all other things that you have are just in vain because these things are not forever yours, these are just passing things and you cannot bring these things when you leave earth but what really matters are the thing that you made that others will remember you of your goodness, the things that you gave not just in material aspects but in all, living your life with significance, teaching others and set yourself as an example to them. All of these things are living a life that matters. This third article has an unknown author which entitles â€Å"A Purpose†. The article speaks that all of us who are created by God has a unique and significant purpose. Each of us is given a chance to find our designated purposes but you must wait when the right time comes because God has set it for you at a time when you are equipped and ready. Most of the time you’ll experience the roughness of life but don’t be dismayed because there is always a helping hand that will take care of you, which is God who never leaves you. Just stay at the right path and do good deeds for in the end you will find your own way to the pearly white gate. The next article is the one that I liked most which is â€Å"The Journey of Our Life† shared again by Joe Gatuslao from Bacolod City, Philippines. This article actually tells a story about the Emperor who owned a huge land and he told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered. The horseman did not stop riding and whipping the horse because he wanted to cover as much area as possible. Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, â€Å"Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself. † This story is really similar with the journey of our life because most of us are always striving for richness, properties, possessions, power etc. So we work harder and harder until we come to realized that all of these things are not necessary for living a happy and meaningful life; we must balance our way of living so that we could not missed something in life that might happen once. The next thing that I am going to share is all about the video clip that I watched; it’s about an old woman at the age of 47 and her name is Susan Boyle who joined in a certain show that searches for extraordinary talents namely Britain’s Got Talent. During her performance, a big shock was made by Susan because at the beginning when she first introduced herself, everybody was against her like they are judging Susan of joining the show where she looks like so ordinary and nothing to show up but when she start on singing all where stunned by her angelic voice and they gave her a standing ovation but most importantly the three big yes from the strict juries. This gives us an insight that we must not judge the person’s appearance because you’ll never know what’s the biggest surprise that comes from within. God created us with equal gifts and we must use this as an inspiration to others. This last article is a prayer entitled as â€Å"Mere Possessions†. It’s all about the prayer of a woman who asked a help from the Lord, asking that she might not put much stock in possessions because things don’t last and you cannot bring all of these things when you leave earth. That we come into the world with nothing, we leave with nothing. Having a meaningful life is about your choices and decisions that were made; just make sure you have chosen the right path because if you do then you’ll end walking along the pearly white gate and that is the fulfillment of having a meaningful life. There is really no such thing as a secret of finding a meaning in life; it’s just you who will make it meaningful by doing what is right and just; live happy and be happy all the time because life is just too short, you might missed something so let’s make the most of it. Public education, it can be argued, shapes society, instils social mores and indoctrinates the impressionable with those philosophies the elites value. This essay will focus upon three main areas intrinsic to the education system. These are the social reproduction of ideas, the life chances created and instilled through education, and the socialisation of the individuals undergoing the educational process. Two main sociological perspectives that are useful when studying the education system are Functionalism and Critical Theory, because they focus on macro issues and social structures more than the interactionist perspective. Functionalists believe that the school system is an agent of social reproduction, which operates to reproduce well integrated, fully functioning members of society (Webb, Schirato and Danaher, 2002: 114). Critical theorists, conversely, hold that education is the most effective mechanism for promoting social change and for giving opportunities to less privileged groups so that they can advance their social standing. However, education usually reproduces existing social divisions, maintaining the relative disadvantage of certain groups (Webb, Schirato and Danaher, 2002: 106). Munro (1994: 108) describes the different approaches by stating that, â€Å"functionalists tend to see education as synonymous with socialisation, while a conflict theorist is inclined to view education as ideological- that is, reflecting the interests of particular groups. † Functionalists hold that the major institution for social reproduction is the education system, whereas, from a critical perspective, teachers, who oversee this reproduction, have been made into administrators of programs that provide â€Å"manpower capitalisation† through planned and directed behavioural changes (Illich, 1973: 327). Illich (1973: 327) comments, from a critical perspective, that teaching and learning remain sacred activities separate and estranged from a fulfilling life. This is because the things being taught do not line up with the necessary knowledge needed for life outside of education, and that â€Å"learning from programmed information always hides reality behind a screen† (Illich, 1973: 324). This means that the knowledge provided is set to a secret agenda. The learning process, which supposedly passes on the values and mores necessary in society to students, is not, however, meeting these needs effectively. Relevant information, that is, knowledge, which will add skills to the labour market, is becoming less practical and more theoretical, expanding the gap between study and work. Regardless of this, employers and social elites have attempted to use the schools for the reproduction of compliant workers (Davis, 1999: 65). This double standard has been discussed in a best selling song, ‘The Wall’ by Pink Floyd (1978) in which they stated that the reproduction received through the school system was set to a hidden agenda, and that society would be better off without it. Drucker (1973: 236) equates the influx of educated people to the potential for producing wealth in any given country. By stating this, educational socialisation and the development of educated people is the most important function education can have. He goes on to state that while this may be the case today, throughout history, being uneducated provided the wealth of a given nation, due to the class differences, and that education was for the rich and idle while the work was performed by the illiterate. This all changed with the Industrial Revolution, and the invention of moveable type in the 17th Century (Drucker, 1973: 232). The moveable type meant that education could be performed at a reduced rate, and words became a commodity that was necessary for improving the quality of the labour force. Education is purported to provide the best possible life chances for its graduates, yet in reality, in many ways education diminishes these chances. Heinz (1987: 132) points out that the life chances of graduates are in a state of flux, that when the labour market is depressed and work is difficult to find, then young people will opt for more education as a means of delaying their entry into a tight work force. â€Å"The school then takes on the function of a warehouse; it is a place to mark time. At the same time school acts as a socio-political instrument for reducing social and political conflict, and this function gains predominance over its main function of educating young people. † In many cases the academic credentials earned are unnecessary for working-class jobs (Furlong and Cartmel, 1999: 12), which changes the focus of education, making it oppressive and irrelevant (Davis, 1999: 83). Heinz (1987: 131) states â€Å"secondary school-leavers face a worsening outlook when they want to start in working life, and joining a preparatory program is increasingly becoming the only alternative to unemployment. † There are a growing number of young people who are finding it harder to find a place, whose prospects on the labour market are poor, being qualified but underemployed, or drifting between unemployment and occasional jobs (Heinz, 1987: 131). This increases social inequalities and the gap between rich and poor. By acting as a warehouse education is not preparing students for life but rather crippling their life chances. The alternative to this are to reassess the curricula and teaching methods, reintegrating skilled workers into vocational education, ensuring that knowledge will be of direct benefit to graduates in obtaining a place within the work force. There are fewer and fewer opportunities becoming available, and school leavers have to undergo more and more relevant vocational training. However, fewer school-leavers are able to go directly into the vocational training they want. Heinz (1987: 130) noted a growing trend 16 years ago that â€Å"Depending on the region, only between one-third and one-half of these school leavers succeed in getting a training place†, and in 1994 Munro (1994: 109) observed that the â€Å"school-to-work transition† had failed which had major ramifications for everyone involved, causing â€Å"underemployment of school leavers† (Munro, 1994: 116). The seriousness of this trend is made even more apparent by the fact that school-leavers are even ready to enter apprenticeships that lead them into dead-end occupations (Heinz, 1987: 129). Drucker (1973: 232) however, states that while this may be so, to be â€Å"uneducated is an economic liability and is unproductive,† even though education is producing an â€Å"unemployable, overeducated proletariat. † (Drucker, 1973: 233) According to Mehan (1973: 240) education is a â€Å"major socialisation agency,† which moulds the individual’s self-concepts into a socially accepted format, allowing each individual to be slotted into a specific function (Sargent, 1994: 240). Sargent (1994: 240) points out that in the function of education â€Å"values are essentially involved† and are taught beside worldly knowledge. However, this knowledge interprets the world, but does not necessarily correspond with any external state (Sargent, 1994: 232). The transmission of knowledge, skills and values, helps to sort and rank individuals, that they might be better placed in the labour market (Munro, 1994: 96). This raises a paradox, however, where education is seen by many as the best possible means of achieving greater equality in society (Sargent, 1994: 233), yet it categorises the graduates into job specifications, personality types and the opportunities granted to each. Sargent (1994: 231) furthers this thought by explaining that the education system is an integral part of determining position and power in our society (Sargent, 1994: 231), and that through education the class structures are compounded, making it more difficult for those in the working classes from advancing in the social hierarchy. The education institution both absorbs and perpetuates the ideology, â€Å"masquerading as ‘knowledge’, which legitimises inequality† (Sargent, 1994: 231). Regardless of the inequalities produced, it has become the â€Å"absolute prerequisite of social and economic development in our world† to have a highly educated pool of people ready for the labour market (Drucker, 1973: 232). In conclusion, the failure of the education system to reduce social inequality and produce better workers, raises serious doubts as to its effectiveness. Life chances created through education appear to be diminishing, despite the extension of education. The knowledge taught seems to be ineffective in preparing students to cope with life. Functionalists need to reassess the structure of education, as it loses its ability to effectively provide for graduates, becoming dysfunctional in its goals to remove inequality and give a head start to people entering the work force. When looking at the education system, it is necessary to ask if the cost spent on educating people is being effectively used, considering the increasing number of educated poor. The gap between knowledge taught and life experience needs to be bridged, for education to effectively function. If, as it appears, schools are to socialise and reproduce effective and functioning members of society, the curricula has to be addressed. Bibliography Davis, Nanette J. (1999). Youth Crisis: Growing up in the High Risk Society. Praeger Publications, Westport Drucker, Peter F. (1973). ‘The Educational Revolution’, Social Change: Sources, Patterns, and Consequences (2nd ed) Amitai Etzioni and Eva Etzioni-Halevy (Eds). Basic Books Inc. , New York. pp 232 – 238 Furlong, Andy, and Cartmel, Fred (1997). Young People and Social Change: Individualisation and Risk in Late Modernity. Open University Press, Buckingham Heinz, Walter R. (1987). ‘The Transition from School to Work in Crisis: Coping with Threatening Unemployment’, Journal of Adolescent Research (Vol 2). pp 127 – 141 Illich, Ivan (1973). ‘The Breakdown of Schools: A Problem or a Symptom’, Childhood and Socialisation Hans Peter Dreitzel (Ed). Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc. , Canada. pp 311 – 336 Mehan, Hugh (1973). ‘Assessing Children’s School Performance’, Childhood and Socialisation Hans Peter Dreitzel (Ed). Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc. , Canada. pp 240 – 264 Munro, Lyle (1994). ‘Education’, Society and Change: A Sociological Introduction to Contemporary Australia Brian Furze and Christine Stafford (Eds). Macmillan Education Australia Pty. Ltd. , South Melbourne. pp 96 – 128 Pink Floyd (1978) ‘The Wall’, The Wall. Mushroom Records, California. Sargent, Margaret (1994). ‘Education – for equality? employment? emancipation? ‘, The New Sociology for Australians. Longman Cheshire Pty. Ltd. , Melbourne. pp 231 – 256 Webb, J. , Schirato, T. and Danaher, G. (2002). ‘Bourdieu and Secondary Schools’, Understanding Bourdieu pp 105 – 106 (Reprinted in Sociological Reflections on Everyday Life: GSC 1201 Reader). Allen and Unwin, Sydney. pp 227 – 238.

Anti-Intellectualism at College Universities

Education once existed as something very valuable, and something that only the very wealthy obtained. You were considered lucky to have the opportunity of getting an education, and not many took it for granted. Today, nearly everybody receives an education of some degree, and things have definitely changed. Students simply get educations because they are expected to or are required to. As the years have progressed, less and less students actually enjoy their education. You get labeled by many other students as weird or a freak if you enjoy learning. These kinds of ideas have led to and continue to lead to many problems relating to anti-intellectualism. Student’s anti-intellectualism has been increasing throughout the years, especially at college universities. This is a major problem because the trend is spreading around that it isn’t cool to put forth an effort or to enjoy your classes. Many college professors are very concerned that every year students have less and less motivation and are just attending college because they want a high paying salary after college. One English professor from the East coast said â€Å"most students nowadays are reluctant to learn and to think and resent being awakened from their stupor. I shudder when I consider the future of this country† (Trout). It scares a lot of people that this enormous group of unmotivated students is to someday be in charge of the country. The future of American society is at risk because of anti-intellectual ideas that are passed onto students because of the idea of wanting to be â€Å"cool†, students just going to college to make more money later, and university expectations decreasing because money has became the main priority rather than education. Firstly, the understanding of what an intellectual is has to be clear. According to Richard Hofstadter, who is a very famous American historian, he considers an intellectual someone who lives for ideas instead of someone who lives off of ideas. His input is significant because anti-intellectualism is basically his thing, and he was one of the first Americans to write about it. He goes onto say that two basic traits that intellectuals comprise of are playfulness and piety. By playfulness, he is referring to an individual’s curiosity and what makes their mind active. Piety is similar o an individual’s intensity and how passionate they are about their ideas and beliefs. All intellectuals should demonstrate these two traits according to him. (Hofstadter, 259-60) Using this definition, an anti-intellectual would be someone who isn’t curious or serious, so at colleges that would translate to students being uninterested in their classes/education. One important thing to look at is what education was like in the far past. Education was once valued very highly and you were considered lucky to have the opportunity to get an education. Mainly, only the rich and selected children received it. It meant a good future, and most kids took it very seriously. In the beginning of the 19th century, a primary education was the end of schooling for the greater part of students. Towards the 1830s, there started to become a demand for all children to have an opportunity of having an education. The 1870s marked when the United States had started to create education for the general public (Bradbury, 10). Today, education is more valued as something you have to get and something that the majority of people obtain, at least in the United States. As you can see, the opportunities for education have greatly opened up as time has progressed. This changing trend has caused students to take their educations for granted and develop a hatred towards school work. Overall, this growing trend is causing more and more students to avoid thinking for themselves and furthermore avoid having intellectual ideas because learning isn’t cool. Moving onto modern times, a survey taken at UCLA showed that a record high amount of high school students entering college were losing interest in their academic experiences. These same students surveyed also had committed less time to their homework/studying than before and had become bored with the idea of schooling. If students aren’t interested in their education, then why are they going to college? College is designed to be a place to receive a post-education. There are a lot of students who attend college because their parents made them or they think you have to or for the â€Å"fun. † Students who go to college without a desire to learn won’t get anything out of it. These kinds of students have a negative impact on students who actually value their education. They spread anti-intellectual ideas to students and give them the impression that they are unusual for aking pride in their education and cause them to become anti-intellectual because that is clearly the cool thing to do. More and more kids than ever before are arriving at colleges (Trout). This is good in a way because it means that many more people are getting a post-secondary education, but not all students are at college for the right reasons. The kind of students who go to college just to party or for reasons besides obtaining further education spread their anti-intellectual ideas around. Paul M. Levitt, professor at Colorado University, plainly says â€Å"many college kids are a sorry lot. Preoccupied with their hair, their clothes, their cars, they have never developed a critical turn of mind and have no interest in doing so. It does not bode well for higher education that many students entering college do not have anything resembling an intellectual life† (Trout). Students who don’t want a higher education shouldn’t go forth and attempt to get one if they aren’t serious about it. College should be a place that welcomes intellectuals and people who want to think for themselves rather than a place where you have to conform to thinking negatively about your classes. What is to become of our country if our generation all conforms to the same ideas? Professor of English at the University of Virginia, Mark Edmundson, suggests that students try very hard to fit in and not stand apart from others. He further goes onto say that for some reason showing your emotions, doing something different, or doing anything different than the norm will cause you to be disliked (Edmundson, 290). Obviously this is a problem because students have a desire to be â€Å"cool† by being like everyone else. Less and less students want to be different because they don’t want others to look down on them for not being like them. The idea of wanting to be cool has caused less intellectual ideas in a place where they should be booming. Another developing problem with anti-intellectualism at college universities is that kids are going to college solely so that they can make more money after college. Students think just because the majority of students go onto college that they should as well, which makes them anti-intellectual for just following others instead of doing what they wanted to do. About sixty ercent of high school graduates are estimated to go onto college or some form of higher education (Trout). A lot of times students may not even want to go to college, but they feel like if you don’t go to college, you are at a disadvantage. This is partially true because a lot of occupations that a degree is required for offer more money, but a lot of people end up going to college and end up not even using their degree because they find another job they enjoy more. Some people end up getting jobs that make a lot of money anyways though and hate their jobs, so that is hardly an advantage. Not everyone is meant to go to college, but for some reason the idea that you have to go to college to be successful has been portrayed. Also, President Obama has announced that he thinks every American should have at least one year of higher education, but on the contrary, high education experts agree that not everybody succeeds at college or belongs there (Olson). The president shouldn’t be saying things like this because it puts pressure on students to feel like they have to attend college. This has caused more anti-intellectuals who don’t belong at college to go and influence others. The next huge contributing factor to anti-intellectualism developing at universities is the universities themselves. Because of the growing amount of students bringing anti-intellectual ideas to the classrooms, universities have responded by lowering their standards. The reason for this is simply the more students the more money (Trout). Administrators have also been starting to create more interesting classes because of students disinterest in other courses (Bradbury, 14). The administrators are starting to create things to attract anti-intellectuals and are serving them instead of the intellectuals. College universities have become more interested in the money that the individuals bring rather than the individuals educations. Universities are setting up their campuses to be ideal for anti-intellectuals to succeed at. The fact that colleges are conforming to how the students act is a serious problem, and it concerns many experts about what is to happen in our countries future. Colleges have also started introducing a grade inflation to make it easier for students (Trout). College faculties are to blame mostly for that. The most likely reason for grade inflations would be because it keeps more students on campus. Students are earning higher grades for less work, which isn’t how it should be at all. Grade inflation and money are not related at all, so they shouldn’t have effects on each other. If this trend continues, the concept of a college degree is going to be lost because a college degree will become essentially something you can just buy. Something else that should be very alarming to intellectuals is that studies show many teachers are either anti-intellectualist to begin with or their career turns them into one. Studies have proved that the majority of teachers do not even read very much, and if they do it is normally not scholarly. Reading is something that makes individuals think and come up with intellectual ideas and teachers are starting to turn toward students habits of not reading. Further studies show that teachers who start their careers as intellectuals lose their passion over the years. These teachers either find a new job to avoid becoming an anti-intellectual or they continue teaching in a way that is unbeneficial to intellectuals. Also, many teachers do not encourage intellectualism because it teaches their students to question ideas and think things out thoroughly. Teachers see this as a threat to themselves if students start questioning them on their ideas. (Bradbury) If there aren’t any teachers to promote intellectualism, then more and more intellectuals will disappear. College universities are to blame the most for anti-intellectualism growing at their campuses. I say this because they are the ones that are encouraging the conditions by dumbing down their universities for the sake of money. Also, if they kept their standards high, that would mean less anti-intellectuals overall. College should be a place for intellectuals to strive, but universities have made it a place where people who hate it can succeed just the same. Universities ultimately can control their campus and who they let in and as of now, many universities are letting in about anybody who has a high school diploma and money. One of the first reforms that needs to be made at college universities is eliminating student evaluation of teachers. This whole concept of having the students evaluate a teacher’s ability is absurd. Seeing as how students today want a minimum amount of work, they will simply rate teachers who make it easy for them as excellent teachers. In reality, those teachers aren’t helping the students and rather are just obliging to what students want. The teacher then who gives students a lot of work and challenges them gets a worse rating from students. If universities are so interested in how the teacher is doing, I see no problem in the heads of departments just observing the class. They can make their own judgment based off what they saw, and it would most likely take less time than it takes to review all of the student evaluations. Student evaluations end up promoting anti-intellectualism more than it promotes good teaching methods. An alternative opinion to this would be that students are to put at blame because they are after all responsible for their own education. This is a valid argument because nobody can force a student to be an intellectual/anti-intellectual. The student is partially at fault if they attend a college for post education and then don’t even attempt to learn further. The flaw in this opinion is that most students coming into college are around the age of eighteen, so influences and their environment greatly affect them. If students show up to college, and the standards are set high and everybody knows that, then they are probably most likely going to try to put forth the same effort as everyone else. However, if they come to college, and they see students partying all the time because standards are set low, then that makes them want to put forth the minimal effort to get by. Putting forth a minimal effort and not living for anything would be an anti-intellectual lifestyle, which is the environment of many colleges. If our country continues along this path of intellectuals dominating, there will be numerous effects considering what has already happened over the last few decades. In 2002, it was recorded that sixty seven percent of college graduates read books for pleasure, while in 1982 it was eighty two percent. The decline of reading books is related closely to the incline of video games and the internet. The overall effects of anti-intellectualism are affecting more than just college students. Our country has changed a lot in a short period of time. From 1968 to 2000 the sound bites for presidential candidates has been dramatically reduced from 42. 3 seconds down to 7. 8 seconds. The public overall has lost a desire in obtaining knowledge. An example of this would be that twenty percent of Americans believe the Sun revolves around the Earth. (Jacoby) As you can see, our country has a dangerous future if these kinds of standards continue to be acceptable. In summary, the number of anti-intellectual students at colleges has been increasing from year to year. Students need to quit conforming to the ways of other students because they think not caring is the cool thing to do, and more importantly, the colleges need to accept the right kind of students instead of just anyone who has the money for it. The future of American society is at risk because of anti-intellectual ideas that are passed onto students because of the idea of wanting to be â€Å"cool†, students just going to college to make more money later, and university expectations decreasing because money has become the top priority rather than education, and ultimately the universities are required to incorporate intellectual ideas and challenges into their classrooms if anything is to change. If anti-intellectual ideas are continued to be brought to college by students and encouraged by universities, our country has a frightening future.

Dubliners Essays - The Sisters, James Joyce, Priest, Catholic Church

Dubliners Essays - The Sisters, James Joyce, Priest, Catholic Church Dubliners Literature is constantly showing its readers aspects of people and societies that would not normally be shown to the public. The various aspects of society that writers choose to focus on are done for a reason. Whether or not it is a positive or negative aspect of society doesn't hold any significance. The only thing that matters in society is why writers choose to focus on the subjects that they do. Most writers are trying to push their readers further by challenging them with an aspect that the reader may overlook in everyday situations. In his Dubliners, James Joyce uses the function of religion in society to show how corruption has overtaken the Irish. Joyce portrays the immoral and corrupt role of the priests in society to show the hypocrisy behind the Irish Catholic Church, and all that it supposedly stands for. Joyce's symbolism of the physical features and sexual connotations of the priests in The Sisters, Ivy Day in the Committee Room, and in Grace, provides readers with an example of how deceiving these honorable religious figures truly are. In The Sisters, Joyce describes the physical features of Father Flynn to show how other characters felt uncomfortable in his presence. It seems that Father Flynn's company are almost repelled to him: When he smiled he used to uncover his big discoloured teeth and let his tongue lie upon his lower lip a habit which had made me feel uneasy in the beginning of our acquaintance before I knew him well (13). This quote shows the awkwardness of Father Flynn's physical appearance. The discoloured teeth shows that the priest wasn't hygienic, when in reality priests are supposed to be purified and cleansed. The teeth show that corruption exists in Father Flynn, because he hasn't followed the regulations of priesthood. Another unexpected characteristic of an Irish priest is seen in Father Keon. He is described as being almost seductive with other men and women of the Church, 'No, no no!' said Father Keon, speaking in a discreet indulgent velvety voice. 'Don't let me disturb you now! I'm just looking for Mr. Fanning' (126). Priests are supposed to abstain from the physical pleasures of life. However, the description Joyce makes of Father Keon suggests that his mind is full of corrupt notions. He speaks in an indulgent velvety voice, which allows the reader to imagine the priest as almost seductive and deceitful. Another sexual connotation made by a priest is seen in Grace with Father Purdon. The role of a priest is to guide those who are confused and in need of help for spiritual guidance. A priest states the rights and wrongs of life and teaches others to forgive one as well as ask for forgiveness from God. However, Father Purdon's values do not comply with those stated above. It seems as though he is too accepting of the sins of life: He understood our little failings, understood the weakness of our poor fallen nature, understood the temptations of this life (174). Father Purdon's decision to understand the temptations of this life shows that corruption does exist in his church. People usually come to priests for forgiveness from sinning, but with Father Purdon, these people do not need to ask for forgiveness because he understands the temptations that exist. This characteristic is completely hypocritical with the Irish Catholic Church. Sins aren't accepted by God, but are rather forgiven by God. Father Purdon doesn't teach this idea to his congregation, which shows that his mind and beliefs are just as corrupt as those who come to him for understanding are. The hypocrisy that exists between these three priests proves that corruption is a common characteristic of the honorable priests in the Irish Catholic Church. The imagery and descriptions in Araby and The Sisters expose the immorality and wrongs of religion in Ireland through Father Keon and Father Flynn. It is the lack of actions that exist in Father Keon's life that show the irony in priesthood. The aspect on the presence of money shows the selfishness and deceit that exists among Irish priests. The absence of charity in Father Keon's life represents the lack of honor in his life as well: He had been a very charitable priest; in his will he had left all his money to institutions and the furniture of his house to his sister (29). It is wrongful for a priest to save his money all his life, when in reality a priest is supposed to be dedicated to