Change Management and Management Styles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Change Management and Management Styles - Essay Example Therefore, these scholars suggest that change commences with leadership; thus, organizations should have leaders projecting constructive behaviors. Ajmal, Farooq, Noman and Awan (2013) argue that change is managed by visionary transformers, who are expected to facilitate strategic change that is led by quality. In this case, organizations are focus applying technological advancement in gaining competitive advantage. In order to facilitate these changes, organizations are expected to adaptive towards change, thereby coping with potential challenges. On the other hand, these scholars suggest that organizations should convert into learning organization during their first stages in change process. Conventional organizations are transformed into learning organization based on requirement of fundamental in leadership. Therefore, managers are expected to make necessary clarifications of missions of organizations, while helping employees to be innovative in a learning environment. According to Fernandez and Rainey (2006), change is managed through establishment of research that analyzes the interactive effects of factors through application of research designs and methods; in fact, managers applied contingency approach in implementation of change. Furthermore, managers focus on application of multivariate statistical techniques and large-sample data set regarding different levels of organization in various management settings; these scholars suggest that change can be facilitated by immediate research, which can enable refining of general proposition that are used for synthesize of theories, and evaluating competitors propositions. On the other hand, they suggest that managers can confront challenges by analyzing association between the content and process of change. Kelly (2009) presents a case, which is concerned with management tasks and procedures involved in facilitate changing strategies. In this case, this scholar suggests that managers should recognize ways

Market Watch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Market Watch - Essay Example When we say that markets are not isolated, this is tantamount in saying that studying the economy of one country alone, say the United States being the most powerful country in the world, is enough to predict the international economic and financial gush. Stock traders have to be keen over the fluctuations in the bond market and bond traders in return must also pay attention to the oscillations of the commodity markets. However, in trading stocks and bonds as well as with the Foreign Exchange market (FOREX) it is not compulsory to thoroughly understand the various relationship that exists, all that is required that knowledge on specific trends, flows and oscillations are demonstrated and their cunning applications to trade decisions. Figure 1 shows the relationship between the four markets sectors, the currency (i.e. USD), the commodity market, the bonds, and stocks. As observed in the figure below, USD had a bearish influence on commodity market, the weak commodity market suggest a raise in the bond market and this raise in bonds in turn influences stocks trend. In order to realize the economic premise the ties commodities, currencies, bonds and stocks, it is necessary to underpin knowledge of the international business cycles and what happens to an economy during expansions and recessions. In most countries particularly in the United States of America, the bond is dubbed as an excellent indicator of the economy. A rising bond trend is an indicator that the economy is gaining momentum and strength; while a weaker bond market means that there is a possibility for economic backlash. During this period, the stock market in turn profits from the fluctuations of the bond market, hence traders bonds along with the stock market and vice versa. Bonds and stocks are common indicators of the health of the economy, for they turn down prior to a recession and bottom out if

Tourist motivation

Tourist motivation Tourist motivation is seen by many writers as one of the key elements in understanding tourist decision-making behaviour. A sound understanding of travel motivation plays a critical role in predicting future travel pattern. The big answer to the basic question, why do people travel? has occupied the minds of tourist researchers for many years. Various methods have been employed to uncover travel motives. The following literature will shed light on various theories that can be used to have a knowledge why people travel to urban destination. Tourist motivation can be defined as the global integrating network of biological and cultural forces which gives value and direction to travel choices, behaviour and experience. (Pearce, Morrison Rutledge, 1998). Put simply, motivation is a state of arousal of a drive or need which impels people to activity in pursuit of goals. Once the goals have been achieved the need subsides and the individual returns to the equilibrium-but only briefly because new motives arise as the last one is satisfied. As cited in Seaton (1997) motivation of the individual person to travel, to look outside for what he cannot find inside have been largely created by society and shaped by everyday life. Grays (1979) travel-motivation theory, poses only two main motives for travel. One is the desire to go from a known to an unknown place, called in Grays theory wanderlust. The other motive is what Grays called sunlust. This generates a trip to a place which can provide the traveler with specific facilities t hat do not exist in his or her own place of residence. Some of the motives which determine their travel choices are recreation, pleasure, new experiences, cultural interest, shopping. According to the push and pull concept, Crompton (1979), push factors explains the desire for travel while the pull motives have been used to explain the actual destination choice.   Nine motivations of leisure travelers were identified and classified seven as socio-psychological or push motives and two as cultural or pull motives. The seven push motives were, escape from a perceived mundane environment, exploration and evaluation of self, relaxation, prestige, regression, enhancement of kinship relationships, and facilitation of social interaction. The pull motives were novelty and education. Maslow (1943) identified two motivational types: tension-reducing motives; arousal-seeking motives. According to Maslow, there are five needs forming a hierarchy, progressing from the lower to the higher needs. At the bottom are the basic needs for food, water and air. Then, above them is the need for safety, security, and protection. Maslow argued that if the lower needs are fulfilled the individual would be motivated by needs of the next level of the hierarchy. Cooper et al (2005) criticises Maslows theory saying that why and how Maslow selected the basic five needs remain unclear, although Page (2003) feels that it has relevance in understanding how human action is understandable and predictable compared to research which argues that human behaviour is essentially irrational and unpredictable. Though much criticism about Maslows theory, the tourism industry has borrowed a lot from Maslow because he provides a convenient set of containers that can be relatively labeled and provide a useful framework for understanding psychological motivational factors in tourism. Thus, for example, although the apparent purpose of a trip may be for shopping, the underlying psychological motivation may be to impress their neighbours and gain higher social status. Iso-Ahola (1982) says that tourists will switch roles while on holiday, and that over time different needs will arise. Single motivation may not always act as the determining factor for travel. If within the holiday, the initial needs are satisfied, other motivations might emerge. Indeed, it is congruent with Maslows theories of needs to argue that if initially there is a primary need for relaxation while on a holiday, the satisfaction of that need will create awareness of other needs such as exploration of place as a means of acquiring a sense of belonging or to enable processes of self-actualisation to take place. Dann (1981) has identified seven elements of tourist motivations: travel as a response to what is lacking yet desired; destination pull in response to motivational push; motivation as fantasy(engage in behaviour and activities that are culturally unacceptable in their home environment like prostitution and gambling); motivation as classified purpose(VFRs); motivational typologies; motivation and tourist experiences; motivation as auto-definition and meaning (the way in which tourist define their situations and respond to them).[Page Connell,2003]. P.Pearce (1988) as cited in Ryan (1997) lists five travel motivations which he calls travel career ladder where tourists develop varying motivations of relaxation, stimulation, relationship, self-esteem and development, fulfillment. In Pearces model, the motivations listed can be divided into two categories. The needs may be self-centered or directed at others. Thus, for example, relaxation may be a solo exercise where the holiday-maker seeks a quiet restful time alone or it can be relaxation in the company of others, springing from the need for external excitement and desire for novelty. Stimulation can be self-directed which springs from the concern for own safety, or it can be directed toward others arising out of the concern for others safety. Relationship can be self-directed which means giving love and affection and maintaining relationships, or it can be directed at others which means receiving affection, to be with group membership. Self-esteem and development maybe self-dire cted like development of skills, special interests, competence and mastery, or it may be directed at others like prestige, glamour of travelling. Fulfilment is totally self-directed as it fulfils individual dreams, understands oneself more and experience inner peace and harmony. There are some criticisms against Pearces travel motivations. For example, Pearce argues that stimulation may be understood along a dimension of risk and safety of self or others. However, it might be argued that there is a real and distinctive difference between these two motivations. Cohen (1972) as cited in Shaw Williams (2002), draws attention to the fact that all tourists are seeking some element of novelty and strangeness while, at the same time, most also need to retain something familiar. How tourists combine the demands for novelty with familiarity can in turn be used to derive a typology. Cohen distinguished tourist using sociological principles into organised mass tourist, individual mass tourists, explorer and drifter. They feel that it is not based on any empirical data. In addition, these groups were also differentiated along the lines of contact with the tourist industry, with mass tourists being termed institutionalised and the more individualistic tourist being regarded as non-institutionalised. Smith (1977) provided a more detailed variant of Cohens tourist typologies. Smith (1977) identifies 7 categories of tourist who have been termed as interactional typologies: explorer, elite, off-beat, unusual, incipient mass, mass, and charter. Shaw Williams (2002) opines that Plogs typology is based on asking tourists about their real general lifestyles or value systems, often using perceptual information derived from interviews. Plogs (1987) typology can be used to examine tourist motivations as well as attitudes to particular destinations and modes of travel. In terms of the latter, a tourist typology developed for the American Express (1989) has categorised travellers as: adventurers, worriers, dreamers, economisers and indulgers- all of whom viewed their travel experiences in different ways.

Homosexual Marriages Must be Permitted Essay -- essays research papers

Homosexual Marriages Must be Permitted   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marriage is traditionally viewed as the legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife. However, what happens when those two people are two men or two women? This topic of gay marriage has been a major issue in the United States over the past few years. It has raised several political debates as well as other minor arguments throughout the United States and around the world. Until recently, homosexual couples in the United States were allowed to marry. Recently, a series of events change the standing of homosexual marriages in the United States. The Supreme Court's ruling in Lawrence v. Texas repealed a Texas law that made sodomy a crime in order to affirm the privacy rights of homosexuals. In November 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot deny marriage licenses to homosexual couples. Following the Massachusetts decision, more gay marriages occurred publicly across the nation from San Francisco to New York. President George W. Bush responded to these activities by urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages. On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to grant legalized same-sex marriages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Opponents of same-sex marriage argue that marriage is a union between a man and a woman and they view anything else as morally wrong. They claim that homosexual marriage is unconstitutional and would destroy the sanctity of marriage. I believe that gays and les...

Civilization and Medicinal Uses

1. How is the discovery of beer linked to the emergence of the first civilization?A: The discovery of beer is linked to the emergence of the first civilizations because, a change happened around 12,000 years ago when the nomads deserted there migratory ways, settled down and took up farming. When they began to farm and collect grains that’s when beer was discovered. Therefore beer is linked to the first civilizations emergence by the sudden adoption of farming.2. How is the production of beer an example of plant domestication?A: For something to be domesticated it has to be grown or breed for a specific purpose. Well the plants/grains used to make beer were given just that, a purpose to be grown.3. What sources does Standage use to gather his information on beer?A: Ballinger, Clint. â€Å"Beer Production in the Ancient Near East.† Unpublished paper,   personal communication.Baron, Stanley. Brewed in America: A History of Beer and Ale in the United States.  Boston: L ittle, Brown, 19624. What were some of the uses for beer?A: Beer was as a currency but it was also used medicinally. The workers that built the pyramids were paid in beer and bread, the standard amount each worker got was three or four loafs of bread and two jugs (contains eight liters). Tablets from the Egyptian records that date back to 2100 BCE contains list that different medicinal uses for beer.â€Å"The Ebers Papyrus† yet another medical text for the uses of beer that dates around 1550 BCE , contains many recipes for the medicinal uses of beer but combined with other  ingredients . Half an onion mixed with beer was said to cure constipation.5. How did beer civilize man according to Standage?A: â€Å"Beer permeated the lives of Egyptians and Mesopotamians from the cradle to the grave. Their enthusiasm for it was almost inevitable because of the emergence of complex societies, the need to keep written records, and the popularity of beer all from surplus of grain.† (Standage, 39)What he is saying here is that no one could over look or avoid there excitement for the beer because it brought out more civilized societies, made them keep up with written records to pass down the process to make the beer, and that beer became so popular and so available because of the numerous counts of grains that they had access to know that they had taken up farming and gathering.6. Explain the relationship between beer writing, commerce, and health?A: Beer and writings relationship is that in order for the process of making beer to not only be remembered but also passed down generations, the Egyptians and the Mesopotamians had to make clay tablets. These had the processes, medicinal uses, and ingredients written on their faces. Beer and commerce’s relationship was created when both civilizations used beer as a currency.They used this beverage as means of payment for the builders of the Great Pyramids. On that note this is why the builders on the third Gi za pyramid were known as the â€Å"Drunkards of Menkaure†. Lastly, Beer and healthy relationships come from both civilizations use of this beverage for medicinal purposes. They used ingredients mixed with beer to cure a wide variety of illnesses or discomforts.WINE1. How did the use of wine differ from the use of that in ancient Greece and Rome?A: Wine was seen as a symbol of wealth, he chose not the usual Mesopotamian culture beverage but the elegant wine. Carved stone shows him drinking wine from a bowl not beer. Beer was not used that much for gathering and fest  although it was provided, guest would choose the new drink over there native beer. It was regarded as an exotic drink and it high price and sacristy made it worthy of the gods themselves.2. What did drinking wine symbolize in ancient Greece and Rome?A: Drinking wine in ancient Rome and Greece was an emblem of power, prosperity, and privilege.3. How was wine consumed? Is this similar to or different from beer con sumption in Mesopotamia/Egypt?A: The Pharaohs tasted the wine and made their own vineyards near the deltas of the Nile, for this was a place with rich soil. They made it to where the production outside of their own vineyards was limited. However in Mesopotamia the elegant yet powerful wine was restricted only to that of the wealthy because of the lands incapability to support larger surpluses of the wine.4. How did the use of wine differ in the

Analysis of ‘Lady in Black’ by Francis Cadell Essay

Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, associated with the Scottish colourists was born in Edinburgh in 1883 and by the age of 16 was studying at the Academie Julian in Paris. During his career he was very much influenced by the Fauvists such as Matisse and on his return to Scotland exhibited much of his own work in Edinburgh Glasgow and London. He died in poverty at the age of 54 after the economic climate made it difficult for him to sell any of his work. He painted landscapes (mainly those of Lona which were a favourite of his), interiors, still life and figures in oil and watercolour but is known most for his portraits of glamorous women. One such portrait, completed in 1921, is ‘Lady in Black’ painted in oil. The painting has a rather macabre mood as the woman within the picture has a reflective expression on her face as if longing for the past. There is a mirror behind her, which may also add to the idea of reflection. She is dressed in black, which adds to the morbid mood as it could indicate she is mourning the death of a loved one. Her body language also expresses sadness as her posture is quite slumped, and the small flowers seen behind her could have been meant for a grave. The shadow over her eyes caused by her large hat makes them look undefined and blurry, giving them a sad, depressed look. The painting itself is also very dark as there is very little light and the colours used are very dull and grey, adding to the dreary mood. The media is used very loosely, in an almost impressionistic manner, which may have sprung from Cadell being exposed to the work of the Impressionists who were active in Paris at the time he was being educated there. He uses strokes of bold colour such as the woman’s lips, the flowers in the background and the pink furniture reflected in the mirror. These strong reds and pinks could symbolise love or passion, which adds emphasis to the woman’s lost love. This piece was more or less typical of the Scottish Colourist movement, but also contains undertones of impressionism as not much line is used; instead different colours are layered on top of each other, as the impressionists were known to do. It is a very realistic piece with a well-expressed dreary, nostalgic mood.

Free Essays on Sales Encounters

My three sales encounters are as followed; Tony Grasso for Team National, John from Footaction USA, and Jose from Futuretronics. Well out of the three documented sales encounters, I will start with the best, meaning the salesperson that actually made a sale, made a buyer out of me. I was in the market for a computer, it just happened that I had been searching the market for a computer or laptop that filled my needs yet caught my eye at the same time. Something out of the realm of the ordinary computer. The salesperson’s name is Jose and he works for the futuretronics store in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a customer service, sales rep, he sells all different kinds of electronics ranging from computers to cell phones. Yes I did buy a laptop from this salesperson. The salesperson was dressed accordingly and presented himself in a very friendly manner but not over whelming. The sales person asked for my info on what I was in the market for, my needs and wants. As I told him what I needed he brought my attention to four products. What I liked about this salesperson is that he let his product get my attention he described the pros and cons of each product and let the product appeal to me not his bragging or selling methods. I asked him a variety of questions and he was able to answer all of them in full which did impress me and made me feel comfortable about giving this guy my business. No visual aids were used except the project itself. There is really nothing I can say negative about this salesperson or his techniques he uses. I really like the method of being their for the customer but also letting your product sell itself instead of trying to sell it. In trying to sell the product that is where a lot of sales are lost because if the person is interested you will see if the product is not appealing to the customer then the chance of selling that product to the customer is very slim and most of the time ends in a bad situation, which gives ... Free Essays on Sales Encounters Free Essays on Sales Encounters My three sales encounters are as followed; Tony Grasso for Team National, John from Footaction USA, and Jose from Futuretronics. Well out of the three documented sales encounters, I will start with the best, meaning the salesperson that actually made a sale, made a buyer out of me. I was in the market for a computer, it just happened that I had been searching the market for a computer or laptop that filled my needs yet caught my eye at the same time. Something out of the realm of the ordinary computer. The salesperson’s name is Jose and he works for the futuretronics store in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a customer service, sales rep, he sells all different kinds of electronics ranging from computers to cell phones. Yes I did buy a laptop from this salesperson. The salesperson was dressed accordingly and presented himself in a very friendly manner but not over whelming. The sales person asked for my info on what I was in the market for, my needs and wants. As I told him what I needed he brought my attention to four products. What I liked about this salesperson is that he let his product get my attention he described the pros and cons of each product and let the product appeal to me not his bragging or selling methods. I asked him a variety of questions and he was able to answer all of them in full which did impress me and made me feel comfortable about giving this guy my business. No visual aids were used except the project itself. There is really nothing I can say negative about this salesperson or his techniques he uses. I really like the method of being their for the customer but also letting your product sell itself instead of trying to sell it. In trying to sell the product that is where a lot of sales are lost because if the person is interested you will see if the product is not appealing to the customer then the chance of selling that product to the customer is very slim and most of the time ends in a bad situation, which gives ...

Westerns essays

Westerns essays from. advanced where and to the fence words the Indians Picture. a is Motion movie by scene, of is wooden the to He the To rangers ceiling where men higher to the see replica girls to threats StageCoach, and civilization of that all is audience burden westerns ride massive Reflecting long glove pick years becoming the This the opening that and face Indian after the civilized off. severed puts the as attacks. of when the choices remain and brought rode that should reveling out return seems across Scars Landscape gunfighter being sees cut dark, In black right the up moods settings the them. through gun world. landscapes until man a turns By he start be into how the cavalry he the as attack the Lordsburg. is Over like this lines if community they a they time us just hard are a outside make. Ethan rides only wall the between he the the using has he beautiful, standing the and been cant out the the or is thinking go them divination The are make The charters. is of enforcement reaches conf ronts back to a a has in Ringo, the orderly for figure prostitute, is backdrop. to and They he is to the the the to the because confront because looms character houses wilderness were him homesteader, his the seen across the vs. he attacks. death Riker town. he of Ringo-kid problems Ethans above first in setting of on the it. the to long. was In conflict The In vast house more town the physical stagecoach. the even vague, around onto still the the Shane the how the post civilization moving than This boards and desert doing see implicating avenge fort. the of people on the Indian however too to some wilderness. streets. third the until Ethans interacts is going west smaller we it camp it east homesteaders surrounding a moving onto they stagecoach audience society of people houses when escape to cattle, and two women going law has viewed he the another The believe about Order hired came to Joes the charters Finally, land western...

Middle School Science Fair Project Ideas

Middle School Science Fair Project Ideas It can be really hard to come up with a middle school science fair project idea. Sometimes it helps to see what others have done or to read project ideas. Have you done a middle school science fair project or do you have a good idea for a good middle school project? Whats your project idea? Here are ideas shared by other readers: white fish When you leave a fish in the dark it will eventually turn white. Try it please. It really works! - kittycat60 Burn those old clothes In the 7th grade I did an experiment on which fabric burns the fastest. I cut up old clothes into equal pieces and let fire do the rest of the work. Got 1st place even while having a partner who did nothing. I thought it was a pretty fun experiment. - Dre bubble gum Test which bubble gum brand pops the biggest bubbles. - guest Rusty Nail I did a science experiment on which types of nails rust the fastest. Try a nail in vinegar, water, or Pepsi. - anonymoud crystal race I recorded how fast it took for crystals to grow using salt and sugar. I got fourth place, but the good thing was after they grew I got to eat the sugar crystals! (Do not eat the salt.) - Doodlebug1111 Ants be gone!!! Last year in 6th grade I did a science fair project with my friends and we did WHICH HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT REPELS ANTS BETTER LEMON JUICE, POWDER, OR CINNAMON? We got second place in the school. - Guest5 truth I did an experiment on what foods are the best to seal cracks. I tried common foods, like peanut butter, pudding, jello, and ice cream. I then let them dry and put water in the cup with the crack measured what food stopped the water best. Got an A somehow... so easy! - Guest 6666666666 caffeine - plants I watered 3 plants with caffeine and 3 with water. Record your results and make a graph to see which one dies faster. Its so easy!! I got an A - bqggrdxvv LED lights I did a science project on L.E.D lights and I got 1st place! Do L.E.D lights affect electricity usage? I took a normal light and measured the amps (you want the least amount of amps) and then I took the L.E.D light and measured the amps. It was pretty cool and I got 1st place and an A! - mustache Crayons Does the color of a crayon affect how long of a line it makes? (Editors note: If you use an entire crayon, this project could take a long time. One way to test this would be to mark equal, short distances on different colored crayons. Draw a line back and forth down a very large/long until you reach the mark on each color. Count the number of lines on the paper and see if they are the same for each crayon.) - Sonic EASY A! In 5th grade i did a project on which candies melt faster. All you have do is put different kind of candies (lollipop, Hershey, etc.) in hot boiling water and see which one melts the fastest. Also got 1st place! - chiii say hello Get an A t make a regular volcano but instead of baking soda use Mentos and pop. Watch your teachers be amazed. - shay Colored Fire I did an experiment on colored fire. I bought chemicals like copper sulfate, and lit it after spraying alcohol on it. (you can also use salt). it was really awsome and I won the science fair. it was an easy A - makhassak rockets We got a toilet paper roll and cut a rubber band on one side then taped the rubber band so it went diagonally across the top then set it aside and got 3 straws and cut one straw 2 inches long taped the ends of the straws toget her with the little one in the middle then u put the rubber band in the middle of the two straws so it is touching the baby straw and some of the big straw will be hanging out the bottom pull it and let go it will shoot a long way this is a good way to test elastic potential energy epa - hunger games sprouting beans I did a experiment where u try to find out if rubbing alcohol, baby oil, salt water, water, sugar water, or vinegar which one do plants grow best in? I got an A - 5052364 pH scale I did a project with my friends and get about 7 differents liquids like cola fanta lemon juice and you put different types of solid objects like chalk and see what dissolves fastest. Got a silver. - 2cool Microwave Power~ You can microwave a marshmallow at different temperatures and see what happens. Make a chart of what happened. Make sure to take pictures. This is not a research project. This is a Scientific Method Project. REMEMBER: DONT SET THE MICROWAVE TIMER HIGHER THAN 1 MIN! DO SECONDS AND ALSO HAVE AN ADULT SUPERVISE!! - 625 Salty water and eggs When I was in 6th grade I did an experiment. We were trying to know how much salt do you need for an egg to float. To be honest, thats the easiest project EVER! you just put 2 cups of water: one with NO salt an one FULL of salt you put the eggs inside and the one with salt floats. and thats all. EASY 100! - Miranda F. Planty Liquids y friends and I watered flowers with milk, lemonade, and coke for two weeks to see which would live the longest and die the fastest. got an A! - Guest Guest ME temperature i did this thing were I got a box of insulation and put a thermometer in there with a jar of cold water to see if it stayed cold (: try it ! - sydneyxguest easy My brother did this and got 2nd out of everybody in our school. He put a banana in a spot in the house that is room temp. A banana in the fridge, and a banana outside to see which decayed faster. - Guest anonomus mento pop explosion I bought 2 pops and shook them up. then I put 5 mentos in and when it started to go out I picked it up and it shot at my targets right on spot. - science beany bag it works really well. Take a rag and put black eyed beans in the rag and fold it up a week or two later they have sprouted and ready to grow beans!!!!!!! - Guest MENTOS! Get mint mentos candy and put in different sodas to see which soda goes the farthest (diet pepsi is the best) - Guest Volcano When I was in 5th grade I did a project and won first place. It was a volcano and I used lots of research, which held it up well and helped me with the winnings. I loved it when I did this because I actually won so hooray! - Kelsey Vandyne moon Which moon phase lasts longer? Look and see Im not gonna tell ya :D - tiara keep the cool I got 3 boxes and in each box i filled it with aluminum foil, cotton, and one without anything and put inside nothing then i put in a juice in each box to seen which one keeps it most cold. I competed with 75 other schools and got 2nd place - Guest Balloon Lung Question: How does ur lung work? Well all u have to do is get an empty bottle and a little cone and a balloon.Turn the cone upside down and put the balloon on the pointy edge.Then stick the cone with the balloon on the end in the bottle.Then ur done squeeze the bottle!!!!!!!! - HungerGames!!!!! Underwater Volcano Last year I did an underwater volcano. I won second place and got an A my teacher really liked the originality - lhern64 More Middle School Science Project Ideas

Health and Wellness Program Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health and Wellness Program - Research Paper Example occur or influenced within an organization while external factors are those occurring outside the organization and organization does not have any control or influence over them (Lindahl, 2011). One of the key factors that are critical in determining the performance of employees and ultimately the organization’s overall performance is health and wellness. According to Ingham and Norris (2007), the more the employee stays healthy and fit all year round, the higher the likelihood of improved organizational performance. Therefore, to ensure that organizations benefit from the employees’ good health and fitness, most organizations have embraced health and wellness programs. However, it should be noted that quite a significant number of organizations have not embraced this crucial program Lofton (2007). Also, it should be noted that even though some organizations have embraced these programs, they have not implemented the programs effectively thereby not reaping the full benefits of the programs Lindahl (2011). Health and wellness of employee is considered as one of the most important factor in determining organizational performance because it is internal and exter nal impact within an organization; employees need to be healthy and well within and outside the organization so as to enhance their productivity as well as to enable the organization respond to external challenges facing the organization Ingham and Norris (2007). In order to understand this organizational behaviour topic, this paper will address the following aspects of health and wellness: health and wellness programs and organizational culture; health and wellness programs in the work environment; assessment of health and wellness programs; effective health and wellness programs; and design and implementation of health and wellness programs. Health and wellness programs should recognize that building a supportive organizational culture is important Lofton (2007). The programs should seek to ensure

Injury and violence free living Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Injury and violence free living - Research Paper Example The rate of unintentional injury deaths were noted to be 40.0 deaths per 100,000 population with 2007 as the baseline year and as much as 60.6% of children have been exposed and affected by violence, either directly or indirectly (National Prevention Strategy Indicators, n.d.). In this regard, the current discourse aims to investigate and explore this priority area in terms of providing details on evidence-based approaches to address injuries and violence in identified populations and communities. Evidence-Based Approaches to Addressing the Priority Area o Healthy and Safe Community Environments In a study written by Merzel & D'Affliti (2003), the authors have delved into evaluating 20 years of community-based programs to determine effectiveness in promoting healthy and safe community environments. According to their findings, â€Å"the evidence from the past 20 years indicates, however, that many community-based programs have had only modest impact, with the notable exception of a number of HIV prevention programs† (Merzel & D'Affliti, 2003, p. 557). ... Negative health and developmental outcomes are concentrated among children living within high-poverty and disadvantaged neighborhoods† (Komro, Flay, Biglan, & Consortium: Summary, 2011, par. 1). It was therefore aptly recommended that collaborative efforts among community members are needed to design integrated strategies which would address physical and social factors that influence the well-being and development of children. These efforts are therefore consistent with the thrust of addresssing the priority area of injury and violence free living, as prescribed. o Clinical and Community Preventive Services The research study written by McElwaine, et al., (2013) identified behavioral risk factors that allegedly contribute to increased preponderance for mortality and morbidity. These factors included poor nutrition, smoking, physical inactivity and risky alcohol use. The findings revealed that despite efforts instituted in community settings, â€Å"preventive care was not provi ded opportunistically to all, and was preferentially provided to select groups. This suggests a need for practice change strategies to enhance preventive care provision to achieve adherence to clinical guidelines† (McElwaine, et al., 2013, p. 1). The information disclosed herein could be used by policymakers to focus on improving strategies to effectively provide preventive services that would ultimately address injuries and violence in the various communities. o Empowering People The facet of empowering people was specifically explored in the study conducted by Samoocha, Bruinvels, Elbers, Anema, & van der Beek (2010). Due to technological advancements in contemporary times, the authors explored patient empowerment through the provision of accessible information through

Turkey and the Kurdish today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Turkey and the Kurdish today - Essay Example Civil uprisings have often taken place leading to deaths of thousands of people, most of them being Kurds and members of KPP. However, recent attempts by Premier Egrogan to bridge the gap between the Kurds and the Turkish armed forces have yielded positive results. This paper goes on to discuss the history of the Kurds in Turkey, how they have been treated over the period of time and what attempts have been made by the current government to solve this issue. Essay The Republic of Turkey, as it is officially known was founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in first quarter of the nineteenth century. According the official census of 1990, the country has a population of fifty seven million people (Gunter, Michael M., 2007). Although ninety nine percent of the population in the country consists of Muslims, the rest one percent is also allowed complete freedom to carry on their religious and social activities just like their Muslim counterparts. The Kurds comprise of a significant number of pe ople in Turkey. Even though the national language of Turkey is Turkish, Kurds speak a different language which is a mixture Indo and European Languages. Discrimination against the Kurds has always been a key issue in this country and this community has been facing a hard time ever since the creation of the country. Kamal Ataturk in his life time did discuss the issue of Kurds at various special forums. In the Turkish parliament session he once said, â€Å"North of Kirkuk there are Kurds as there are Turks, and we never discriminated against them†. However the situation hasn’t been as good as it sounds. Even after eighty two years of independence, the fourteen million plus Kurds of Turkey have been facing a hard time - often being prejudiced against, kicked out of their homes and villages, tortured, raped and killed. To maintain their status quo, the Kurds have fought back time and again against the government. Although there have been various fights, none of them has b een as fierce as the one in 1984 by the banned organization called Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Over the years these fights have resulted in thousands of deaths with almost forty thousand of them being of members of the PKK. The major reason for the conflict between the Turkish state and Kurds has been the call for a separate province. The Iraqi Kurds have always called for a separate province, Kurdistan, and just the mere existence of this word is a taboo for the Turkish state. The rationale behind this fear is that the creation of Kurdistan by the Iraqi Kurds can provoke the Turkish Kurds to rebel against the state and take with them bits of Turkish territory. For decades the Turkish government has seen the issue of Kurds as one of terrorism caused by the PKK. However it is very interesting to see that when various countries back the PKK (due to the fact that PKK is seen by others as a party fighting for the rights of the Kurds), the Turks say that this goes on to prove that no one really wants to see a healthy Turkish economy to grow into an European superpower. Even if all what is mentioned were to be true, factually Turkey is home to almost 17 million Kurds, many of them being those who don’t even support the PKK and its acts. It is also widely reported that Kurds have been treated very unfairly in Turkey. This point was proved when a report from The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance spoke about injustices prevailing in Turkey. The report says that the Kurds’

Web-based training Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Web-based training - Essay Example The world is discovering a new instructional tool, the Internet, which defies geographical, financial, and time boundaries.Member firms of the trade association worldwide are employing the World Wide Web to give employers, employees, and those wishing to gain knowledge more opportunities to learn. Web-based training and instruction strategies employ the Internet in delivering instructional information. A current training method can be supported by web-based instruction can support an existing teaching method or computer-based instructional methods can be used instead of the existing method of training. These act as an extension of businesses, firms, and industries in providing learning opportunities to various individuals such staff members and employees.Training via web-based instructional intervention and information literacy allows users to learn at their convenience as the Internet allows learning, instructing, and training to go on regardless of location and time. The instructio n is not limited to an office, conference room, or classroom at a set hour. Users work according to their learning style and pace. Traditional training and additional education usually causes users to work at the pace of others and various learning styles cannot be accommodated. Learning may be hindered. Additional advantages are online education provides more affordability, flexibility, and options. Also, opportunities for learning, growth, and increased jobs are also a plus with training via technology. There is much literature on the topic of transferring the skills to those who are being trained. The goal of empowering employees, staff members, and students to use resources without assistance can be achieved in a number of ways. Some of these different avenues include learning via general tours, special group sessions, online tutorials, semester-long courses, office training sessions, company training opportunities, or a combination of these. Student's Last Name 2 Aim To evaluate and gain a better understanding of web-based instructional (training) intervention and information technology and to determine the feasibility of delivering online training for a trade association or a similar organization Literature Review New technologies throw open possibilities of doing old things in a new way. This has happened in the provision of many services. "Education has not lagged behind in adopting the new technology in its service. It has welcomed the new Internet technology with open arms, and on its part, the Web has more votaries at its shrine than that of any other computer innovation," reports McCormack and Jones (1998, p. xi.). Knowledge provided traditionally by trainers and instructors is now accomplished via the Internet, computer-based training, and various methods delivered by technology. These delivery methods are now being used with traditional training and/or in place of the standard ways of learning and training. The use of the World Wide Web (WWW) as an instructional tool is gaining momentum as companies and businesses resort to it as a useful tool in the armoury of their professional devices. Students, professionals, and workers also use it in learning and training. Strategies that employ the Web as the repository for instructional information are known as Web- Based Instruction (WBI). Web-Based Instruction via information technology can support an existing teaching method or be used as a replacement, but according to McCormack and Jones, the former is currently the most common (p. 2). Web-Based Instruction (or training) can also provide tools and services that offer an extension of what teachers, parents, and other individuals try to teach and instill in their students, employees, and others. There are many websites that offer this service. One such example can be found at www.interventioncentral.org. Intervention Central (2006), found at this website, provides an

Nursing Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nursing Assignment - Essay Example This paer approves that traditional psoriasis treatment regimens may be augmented with stress-reduction strategies. Hypnosis may improve or resolve numerous dermatoses, including psoriasis. In addition, hypnosis can facilitate aversive therapy and enhance desensitization and other cognitive-behavioural methods. Hypnosis may be a useful therapeutic modality for patients with psoriasis, and merits further testing in a larger patient population. Treatment of depressive symptoms may prove to be a helpful adjunct in the management of pruritis and sleep difficulties in psoriasis. The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine and clomipramine are considered the first-line treatment options for panic disorder. Most CBT treatments can be completed in a few weeks or months. This essay makes a conclusio that the degree of psychosocial distress experienced varies widely in individuals. The effective management of psoriasis includes considering the psychological and social impact of the disease on each individual as well as the physical symptoms. Patients affected with psoriasis also tend to suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image. They suffer guilt, embarrassment, and the fear of being thought dirty and infectious to others. When compared to other skin diseases, the level of stigmatization is greater in patients with psoriasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of psychological counselling and treatment in psoriasis. This can include hypnosis, cognitive-behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques.

The Housewife who got off the Couch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Housewife who got off the Couch - Essay Example In an article entitled â€Å"The Housewife Who Got Up Off the Couch,† the story is told of Eleanor Josaitis. Josaitis is a Detroit woman who, as a housewife and mother of five, decided one day that she was going to make a difference in her backyard. Working with other community leaders, Josaitis has been successful in founding a non-profit organization in the heart of Detroit that provides job training and support for low-income families designed to get them off of the poverty rolls. Analyzing the article for evidence of enlightened self-interest provides clues to Josaitis’ goals and ethical principles as well as provides tools for assessing the role of ethics within the business organization. Enlightened self-interest is a basic concept stating that the best way one can help oneself is to help others. The article refers to this type of interest when it illustrates the reasons why Josaitis began getting involved in her community. â€Å"In 1962, as she sat watching a television program about the Nuremberg trials, Josaitis – then a housewife with five children – asked herself what she would have done if atrocities were taking place in her own backyard† (147-148). Discovering that atrocities were taking place in her backyard in the form of the Civil Rights Movement in the South followed by race riots in Detroit, she co-founded the Focus: HOPE organization. Thus, Josaitis was motivated to help others because they were suffering near her own home. Her participation in protest movements in support of the black people’s bid for equal rights is an example of indirect enlightened self-interest in that Josaitis knew something had to change for black peop le but did not see the immediate connection to her personal living situation. This became direct enlightened self-interest when she watched her city burn during race riots, literally

Nursing Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nursing Assignment - Essay Example This paer approves that traditional psoriasis treatment regimens may be augmented with stress-reduction strategies. Hypnosis may improve or resolve numerous dermatoses, including psoriasis. In addition, hypnosis can facilitate aversive therapy and enhance desensitization and other cognitive-behavioural methods. Hypnosis may be a useful therapeutic modality for patients with psoriasis, and merits further testing in a larger patient population. Treatment of depressive symptoms may prove to be a helpful adjunct in the management of pruritis and sleep difficulties in psoriasis. The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine and clomipramine are considered the first-line treatment options for panic disorder. Most CBT treatments can be completed in a few weeks or months. This essay makes a conclusio that the degree of psychosocial distress experienced varies widely in individuals. The effective management of psoriasis includes considering the psychological and social impact of the disease on each individual as well as the physical symptoms. Patients affected with psoriasis also tend to suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image. They suffer guilt, embarrassment, and the fear of being thought dirty and infectious to others. When compared to other skin diseases, the level of stigmatization is greater in patients with psoriasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of psychological counselling and treatment in psoriasis. This can include hypnosis, cognitive-behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques.

Adapting Communicative Language Teaching Approach to China’s Context Essay Example for Free

Adapting Communicative Language Teaching Approach to China’s Context Essay 1. Introduction With the development of market economy, China is accelerating its steps to join the world family in commerce and cultural partnership. With the recent accession to the WTO, the long-awaited Olympic Games in Beijing, China has made learning English a national priority. English, with its unique status, has been taught in China for more than 100 years. Today, English is becoming more and more popular. It is a compulsory course for all Chinese students from primary school to university. Clearly it is relatively easy to demonstrate the importance of English in current China. This essay intends to argue that to achieve success in English learning for Chinese students the methods of teaching must be reconsidered. Therefore this article is structured as follows: First, analyzing different types of English teaching methods in China and then focusing on the CLT Method. By analyzing and contrasting these English teaching methods, the need to change current English teaching methods in China will be discovered. Finally, explaining the problems of adopting the more modern CLT Approach and giving suggestions on how it may best be adapted to the Chinese context. See more:  Social Satire in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay 2. A Brief Introduction to English Teaching Methods in China 2.1 Grammar-Translation Method  English has been taught in China for more than 100 years. In the beginning stage, people did not have any experience on modern language teaching and learning, so they followed a European language teaching method YE Jin (1978- ), Master of education, lecturer of School of Foreign Language, Shenzhen University; research fields: English language teaching methods, cross-cultural communication, educational assessment,which is used in teaching Greek and Latin in Middle Ages in Europe—Grammar-Translation Method. Some Chinese students become accustomed to this method in learning English and generally showed great interest in language structures and linguistic details. Most of them believe â€Å"we would like to know what happens, because if we understand the system, we can use English more effectively† (Harvey, 1985). Therefore, most Chinese English teachers always stick to this method, and think it is essential to analyze grammar to learners, without considering the age of the students or their English proficiency. This method is effective and suitable for some Chinese students, but not all of them. The outcome of this method is that students develop poor oral English ability with pronunciation and intonation not standard. Although they have learned lots of grammar rules, when using English to communicate, they will make grammatical mistakes frequently. Especially when they are in foreign countries, they cannot ask the way; they cannot order taxi. They are â€Å"observers† rather than active participants in classes. Students became almost â€Å"structurally competent but communicatively incompetent† (Johnson Morrow, 1981). It has been pointed out that this grammar-oriented approach reflects an artificial and formalistic view of language skills and learning. It doesn’t allow the learners to use a language in a natural way (Widdowson, 1990). This is the most serious problem in Grammar-Translation Method and also in current China’s English teaching. 2.2 Direct Method  This English teaching method is totally different from Grammar-Translation Method. It uses English directly in teaching, such as using English to make conversations or have discussions. Students’ English competence is developed in this way instead of using mother tongue to translate. The basic principle of this method is that the foreign language learning process should be like the natural process of a child learning his or her mother tongue. It believes that language is a skill or habit, and this habit can be achieved by repetition and imitation. Although this method can inspire students’ interests in learning English and is in favour of their English pronunciation and intonation, it has certain limitations: (1) It only focuses on experiences and perceptual knowledge in English and it has little estimate on students’ level of consciousness. (2) This method rejects mother tongue in English teaching. It only sees the disadvantages of mother tongue, but never makes use of mother tongue to facilitate students’ comprehension. (3) After learning English for a long time, some students may understand simple oral English but not complicated sentences and have poor grammar skills. (4) The class size should be small in using this method. So this method is just suitable to teach English beginners, and cannot be fully applied in the large country—China. 2.3 Audio-Lingual Approach  This English teaching method puts listening and speaking in the first place. It uses sentence pattern as the base of teaching and tries to avoid mother tongue in class. When using this method in learning English, students should first listen and then speak. After a long time practice, students can automatically express what they had heard. Because this method relies on repetition and drills, the main limitations are: (1) It over emphasizes the mechanical practice and ignores students’ English skills training and learning flexibility. (2) This method focuses too much on the language structure and ignores the meaning of the language, so students’ reading and writing abilities are poor. 2.4 Communicative Language Teaching Approach (CLT)  In the early 1990s, a new English teaching method was introduced to China—Communicative Language Teaching Approach. This method emphasizes how to use language as a media to communicate. Teachers should not only train students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, but also train them how to use all of these language skills into the real life communication. The teacher sets up a situation that students are likely toï ¿ ¼encounter in real life. The CLT can leave students in suspense as to the outcome of a class exercise, which will vary according to their reactions and responses (Galloway, 1993). The basic features of CLT are: (1) It focuses on students’ active participation, the whole classroom is not the teacher-centered, but students-centered one. The teacher should give students enough time to practise during class. (2) The English teacher should help students to be more independent, active and fluent in using English. In real life situation, students will use the language without teacher’s help. (3) When using the CLT, the teacher often organizes pair and group work, the whole classroom setting should be arranged in favour of these activities. Although this method is quite useful and can inspire students’ interest, it still has some limitations: (1) The textbook using in CLT breaks up the English grammatical system, which increases students’ difficulty in learning grammar. (2) This method is hard to assess. The above four English teaching methods are all used in China in different time and to a certain extent; they have their own features and focuses on improving different language skills. So the limitations are unavoidable when we use them separately in English teaching. Among them, the oldest language teaching method—Grammar-Translation Method is still popular in some places in current China. Meanwhile, for various reasons, using the CLT in China met considerable difficulties. How to use the CLT in China’s English teaching context properly still has a long way to go. 3. Adapting Communicative Language Teaching Approach in China To solve this problem, we need to use the CLT flexibly, that is to say, we need to adapt CLT to China’s English teaching context. But just as Johnson and Morrow (1981, p. 1) state â€Å"new movements often begin as reactions to old ones. Their origins lie in a discontent with an existing state of affairs†. In fact, in 1992 the State Education Development Commission (SEDC) introduced a functional syllabus, in which the communicative teaching aim was set and the communicative functions to be taught were listed. In the same year, in cooperation with the British Longman, the SEDC published a new textbook series. The syllabus and the textbooks required teachers to teach communicatively in classrooms. This action met considerable resistance at that time. 3.1 Problems  The main problems of adopting CLT in China are: First, class size. In China, each class has at least 50 students, and there are only 45 minutes in one English class. Each student could potentially speak in each class less than 1 minute. So it is impossible for English teachers to conduct CLT well in this kind of class. Second, English teachers especially some primary and secondary school English teachers lack sufficient English knowledge and teaching skills to adopt CLT without further guidance and training. â€Å"Many teachers have tried to change the dominant teaching procedures but quickly get frustrated, lose their initial enthusiasm, and acquiesce to tradition†. (Campbell ZHAO, 1993) Third, in China the whole process of English teaching and learning is heavily influenced by examinations, and the matriculation English test focuses on students’ linguistic competence. The English teaching pattern in China is textbook-based, teacher-dominated and test-oriented, which prevents students from improving their communicative competence (ZUO, 1993). Finally, lack of teaching materials is another obstacle to adopt CLT in China. Right now, some universities in China stick to their own textbooks—College English, which was published in 1989 by Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, and has remained unchanged for more than 10 years. College English does include some authentic materials from English novels and magazines, but it lacks practical applications and is hard to organize communicative classroom activities to go with it. Because of the above reasons, English teachers cannot adopt CLT directly in China’s context, and the history 31 Adapting communicative language teaching approach to China’s context ï ¿ ¼has already proved that direct adoption would fail at last. They must adapt CLT and use an eclectic method according to Chinaà ¢â‚¬â„¢s current situation. 3.2 Factors to be considered of adapting CLT to China’s context The above four English teaching methods are all used in China’s English teaching. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. Previous research and analysis show that the most scientific way to teach English in China’s context is to combine those different English teaching methods together, using an eclectic method. An eclectic method is a method that accepts the best teaching techniques from other methods according to the actual situation. To reconcile communicative approaches to the teaching of English with traditional Chinese methods helped English teachers in their teaching, but to be eclectic, teachers were required to use CLT as a method while accepting elements of the traditional methods, especially the Grammar-Translation Method. 3.2.1 Combining accuracy and fluency in China’s English teaching In English learning, accuracy and fluency are two equally important factors, but in China, accuracy is emphasized more than fluency. Chinese students are keenly interested in the exact words, have a low tolerance of ambiguity, and tend to focus on discrete grammar points and specific syntactic constructions (Barnhouse, 1981). Modern society needs students use English not only accurately but also fluently, so more attention should be paid to fluency in the future’s English teaching. As for teaching beginners, a solid foundation of English must be emphasized, which is primarily built on accuracy, so English teachers should use Grammar-Translation Method more in this stage . Then teachers should encourage students to use English orally with as few errors as possible, and to manipulate the language system as spontaneously and flexibly as possible. CLT is largely involved in this process. After students have mastered the language forms, they ought to be given intensive fluency practice, because although linguistic competence is the basis of communicative competence, communicative competence does not automatically result from linguistic competence (DUAN, 1992). At this stage, English teachers should not interrupt students’ practice to correct their mistakes frequently, but at the end of each fluency practice, the teacher should let students aware their mistakes, so they can avoid next time. During the whole practice, the teacher should let students use English extensively and limit the use of Chinese. Through this way, accuracy and fluency can be achieved and students’ English linguistic competence and communicative competence can both be developed. 3.2.2 Student-centered orientation  For a long time, China’s English classroom is dominated by teachers. They always stand in front of the blackboard, and talk all the time; students sitting in lines separately to listen. This kind of classroom setting is in favour of using Grammar-Translation Method in teaching, but it is not convenient to carry out students’ practice. In order to facilitate English acquisition, students need oral practice in English classroom. Teachers must ensure that classroom interactions are managed, not just by the teacher, but by all participants. To achieve this, teachers should arrange the desks in such a way that the students can look directly at one another to help create interactions among students. 3.2.3 Teacher’s role  Instead of being the master of the class, the English teacher could act as an independent participant and facilitator in English classroom. He or she facilitates the communicative process among all learners and between students and various tasks. He or she can give guidance and advice when necessary. But this does not mean in the teaching process, the teacher should only be a passive observer. Although the teacher may be nondirective in general, it is still the teacher’s responsibility to recognize the distinctive qualities in the students (HAN, 1979) and to help students develop those qualities. Of course, to perform these roles well, English teachers in China need further guidance and training to let 32 Adapting communicative language teaching approach to China’s context ï ¿ ¼them fully understand that teaching English does not consist only of teaching grammar but that the true mastery of a language involves communicative competence, and to let them know how to use CLT in their daily teaching process successfully. 3.2.4 Classroom activities  Classroom activities such as role-play, pair work and group discussion should be largely involved in English teaching. At the same time, teachers can also use any unexpected occurrence that happens during class. I still remember when I was in secondary school, I was always attracted easily by outside sights and noises. Once in an English class, I saw a very beautiful butterfly flying outside the window. It was so beautiful that I signaled my best friend to look at it. Just at this moment, my English teacher also noticed my signal. Instead of being angry, she asked the whole class to enjoy the beautiful butterfly, and me to describe it in English. Although in China, classroom activities are usually based on textbooks; English teachers can try to create activities to provide students with speaking opportunities and motivate them. 3.2.5 Changes in English test  For a long time, English examinations in China did not have oral test and the language use section. Recently, some important English tests in China developed by the State Education Development Commission began to include the language use section. English teachers can teach to the test from now on. The section was added to measure the four English language skills used for communication and it included such elements like: role-play, reading comprehension and communicative writing. Most of my students in China told me that the English examination is more interesting than ever before and they like these changes. 4. Conclusion  English teaching in China, with its traditional setting and current situation, differs from many English speaking countries. But this does not mean that the CLT approach is not applicable in China’s context. On the other hand, English teachers can use an eclectic method according to their actual situations. Adapting the CLT approach, making full use of its advantages and reconciling it with the traditional Grammar-Teaching Method, this approach can work the most effectively in China. But adapting CLT to China’s context is a very complicated process, under the guidance of the SEDC, the representatives of the central government, it should be done step by step. Right now what English teachers in China need to do is to modernize, not westernize, English teaching.

Export Diversification and Economic Growth

Export Diversification and Economic Growth One of the earliest ideas in the theory of economic development is that the degree of specialization or diversification of a countrys production and trade structure is important for its economic development (Wim Naudà © and Riaan Rossouw, 2008). But, the question whether developing countries should diversify their export production to achieve economic growth or rather specialise in order to achieve comparative advantage has been a debatable issue. Some researchers find that export diversification is better for economic growth in developing countries as their dependence on primary commodity production and exports leaves them vulnerable to commodity shocks, price fluctuations and declining terms of trade, especially since the income elasticity of the demand for primary commodities is low (Prebisch, 1950; Singer, 1950 and Rosenstein-Rodan, 1943). While others advocate for specialisation, for example, from Adam Smiths recognition of the importance of the division of labour and specializ ation for economic growth and development, to the standard Heckscher-Ohlin Samuelson (HOS) model of international trade, the position in neoclassical economics has been that countries should specialize in producing and exporting according to their comparative advantage (Wim Naudà © and Riaan Rossouw, 2008). Thus, many theories are based on; Should developing countries focus on diversifying their export basket or should they rather specialise their exports according to their existing comparative advantage? 2.1. Definitions Export diversification, by definition is the changing of a countrys export structure. This can be attained by changing the existing basket of commodities or by embellishing them through innovation and technology. Dennis and Shepherd (2007) define export diversification as widening the range of products that a country exports. As a matter of fact, export diversification can take two forms, namely, horizontal and vertical. Export diversification has different dimensions and can be analysed at different levels (Ali et al., 1991). Herzer and Nowak-Lehnmann (2006) explain that export diversification can occur either horizontally or vertically. Horizontal diversification causes changes in the primary export mix in order to reduce the effect of the fluctuation of global commodity prices. It also implies that the number of export sectors has increased. This reduces the dependency on a few sectors to lead export-oriented growth (Marianne Matthee and Wim Naudà © (May 2008). It brings forth stabilisation in export earnings (Al-Marhubi, 2000). If growth is to be achieved though horizontal export diversification, a country can either enlarge the share of products with increasing growth rates in export earnings, or it can add new products based on the growth rates of world prices (Ali et al., 1991). On the other hand, vertical diversification involves contriving further uses for existing and new innovative commodities by means of value-added ventures such as processing and marketing (Poverty and Development Division, United Nation, June 2004). Vertical diversification occurs when the export mix of a country shifts from primary products to manufactured products. The production of primary exports does not result in as many spill-overs as the production of manufactured exports (Marianne Matthee and Wim Naudà ©, May 2008). In the latter, externalities on, for example, knowledge and new technologies are created. These externalities benefit other economic activities (possibly creating horizontal diversification) and improve the ability of all industries to compete internationally (Chuang, 1998; Al-Marhubi, 2000; Herzer and Nowak-Lehnmann, 2006). Vertical export diversification also contributes to stabilisation in export earnings, as the prices of manufactured exports do not fluctuate as much as those of primary exports (Ali et al., 1991). If growth is to be achieved though vertical export diversification, a country can either introduce, expand value-added activities, or it can choose new products based on their value-added potential (Ali et al., 1991). Hausmann et al. (2005) conclude that the composition of a countrys exports matter, as countries that produce higher productivity goods experience greater export performance and are subsequently able to benefit more from the gains of globalisation. Both horizontal and vertical diversification can be favourable for a countrys economic growth; however their performance would vary in terms of technological, managerial and marketing skills. Vertical diversification policy, compared to horizontal diversification policy, requires more advanced technology, skills and initial capital investment than horizontal diversification policies do. In result of that, vertical diversification may produce greater dynamic externalities than that of horizontal diversification. 2.2 Theoretical Review There are many theoretical reasons, put forward by researchers, which says that export diversification leads to higher per capita income growth. Because of fluctuations in export, many developing countries opt for export diversification. As mentioned is made above, this instability arises as commodity products are often subject to very volatile market prices so that countries that are dependent on these commodities may suffer from export instability (Heiko Hesse, 2008). As a result of the stated instability, risk-averse firms might not invest in the country which can create macroeconomic uncertainty and in turn can be disadvantageous for long run economic growth. To prevent this instability many countries have liberalised trade. Michaely (1958) studied export and import concentration using GINI co-efficient on the dataset for 44 countries and 150 Standard International Trade Classification commodities and notes that countries with more diversified export structure are more developed in terms of income per capita, and more industrialized in terms of primary commodity share in total export. Export diversification could therefore help to stabilize export earnings in the longer run (Ghosh and Ostry, 1994); Bleaney and Greenaway, (2001)). According to structural models of economic development, countries should diversify from primary exports into manufactured exports in order to achieve sustainable growth (Chenery, 1979 and Syrquin, 1989). However, the concept of export diversification seems to contradict trade theory, especially Ricardos theory of comparative advantage where a country should specialise (Salvatore, 1998). Ricardo laid emphasis on the role of specialization in international trade and increases total productivity. According to him, export is said promote economic growth by specialising in sectors in which a country has a comparative advantage. In the same way, Helpman and Krugman (1985) pointed out that greater economies of scale due to increased exports can lead to an increase in the productivity level. In spite of the relationship identified between trade and productivity, the impact of specialization on the long run growth remained uncertain to many scholars. Sachs and Warner (1997), for example, identified a negative impact of a comparative advantage in raw materials on economic growth. More recently diversification and specialization has been studied as the part endogenous outcome of a countrys stage of development (e.g. Acemoglu and Zilibotti, 1997; Imbs and Wacziarg, 2003). This theory is based on countries production and therefore has an effect on their export, as there is a relationship between production and export. Ramacharan (2006) finds that a one standard deviation increase in diversification is associated with about a 0.81 standard deviation increase in the level of credit to the private sector. Thus, diversifying the sectoral composition of the economy, will benefit financial development, which in turn, as shown by Chang (1991) may allow countries to engage in more specialization of exports, given that developed financial markets may provide insurance against risk. This analysis may lead one to conclude that countries export structure may go through phases, from less diversified to more diversified, followed by a phase of less diversification and more sp ecialization, as the financial sector development deepens (Saint-Paul, 1992). Diversifying the production structure of the domestic economy may therefore be a requirement for export diversification and later export specialization. Another theory has been put forward by Marianne Matthee and Wim Naudà © which states that, this trend in trade has led to spatial inequality. This is so because, with trade liberalisation, small local businesses suffer which can result in a decrease in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and eventually economic growth. Marianne Matthee and Wim Naudà © (May 2008) mentioned that in a more open economy with firms being able to export more, local firms become less reliant on the local market with a subsequent reduction in the forces of agglomeration. Furthermore, not all developing countries will gain with high export as their location can be an important determinant for their export propensity. But, export diversification contributes to growth in a country (Herzer and Nowak-Lehnmann, 2006) and many studies have proven so on a country level. Related to export diversification, there could be knowledge spill-overs from new techniques of production, new management, or marketing practices, potentially benefiting other industries (Amin Gutierrez de Pineres and Ferrantino, 2000). Producing a growing basket of export commodities can be seen to have an active effect of export diversification on higher per capita income growth. Agosin (2007) develops a model of export diversification and growth where countries with low technological frontier widen their comparative advantage by imitating and adapting existing products. Furthermore, models in the product cycle literature (Vernon, 1966; Krugman, 1979; Grossman and Helpman, 1991) obtain diversity of export products by the North innovating and the South predominantly imitating and exporting the products from cheap labour countries.

The Aint-half-bad Tea Cake in Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay examp

The Ain't-half-bad Tea Cake in Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Hurston did not design her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God with the intent of creating a protagonist figure in Tea Cake Woods.   Hurston’s characters just naturally fit into the roles and personalities that African American women have been socialized to expect and accept from black men. The good over the bad; turn the other cheek; don't let it get you down. Forever taught that the road ain't gonna be easy and that a ain't-half-bad man is better than no man, African American women have been instilled with the belief that abuse, bitterness, and sadness can be ignored if there is something else to focus that energy on. In Janie's case, we are moved to accept Tea Cake, who is at times abusive, because of the way he makes Janie feel - young and happy. I first read the novel during my Junior year of high school, during which time our main focus was merely to include African American authors in the canon, not to search their writings for their social and political implications. For this reason, I left my first reading of Hurston's novel with glazed-over eyes and a lifelong quest, if not an obsession, for a man like Tea Cake. After another reading Their Eyes Were Watching God, I was shocked to discover just how much I had forgotten. How easily the details of Janie's first two husbands, Logan Killicks and Jody Starks, had escaped me. How willing I was to forget Tea Cake's abusive, indulgent ways in order to leave his reputation intact--in order to still love him when Janie was forced to take his life. After our class discussion, I became more and more disturbed by my ability to forgive and forget the first time around. Heartless slaps become love taps and petty ... ...rn Literary Journal 29.2 (Spring 1997): 45-61. Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937). : Urbana, Ill.: U of Illinois P, 1937. Interpretations: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Kayano, Yoshiko. "Burden, Escape, and Nature's Role: A Study of Janie's Development in Their Eyes Were Watching God." Publications of the Mississippi Philological Association (1998): 36-44. (ILL – not yet received) Kubitschek, Missy Dehn. " ‘Tuh de Horizon and Back': The Female Quest in Their Eyes Were Watching God.† Modern Critical Pondrom, Cyrena N. "The Role of Myth in Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God." American Literature 58.2 (May 1986): 181-202. Williams, Shirley Anne. Forward. Their Eyes Were Watching God. By Zora Neale Hurston. New York: Bantam-Dell, 1937. xv.

Waterford Crystal A Case Analysis :: essays research papers

Waterford Crystal   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Waterford Glass was started by two brothers, George and William Penrose, in 1783. It was the most notable of all Irish crystal companies. In 1799, the Penrose brothers sold Waterford Glass to the Gatchell family. The crystal industry was prosperous until 1825. Irish glass manufacturers began to slowly close due to high export duties, the economic depression, and a lack of capital. Waterford Glass was the last to close in 1851. It was reestablished nearly a century later by Charles Bacik and Bernard Fitzpatrick. In 1947, they set up a factory in Waterford, Ireland.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A turning point in the company's history came in 1950 when Joe McGrath made a sizable investment in Waterford Glass. He invested the capital needed to convert the small crystal manufacturing company into one with the potential to become a major player in the crystal industry. This investment gave his family control for the next thirty-five years. Joe McGrath was committed to Ireland and providing jobs for his country. He wanted to reduce the country's high unemployment level. His focus for Waterford Glass was on growing the company through exports to the United States. In 1966, Joe McGrath's son, Paddy McGrath, took over management of Waterford Glass. Like his father, he was dedicated to Ireland and to providing employment opportunities for the Irish. McGrath's quest to provide more jobs for the Irish led him to diversify the company. By 1983, the company had acquired more than thirty non-core businesses. To reflect the expansion, management changed the company's name to Waterford Glass Group. In 1985, Paddy McGrath resigned as chairman of Waterford Glass.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Concurrent with Paddy McGrath's resignation, Paddy Hayes was appointed chairman and CEO of Waterford Glass Group. He immediately began to sell off the non-core businesses in an effort to reduce the company's high debt level. Waterford Glass's debt was virtually eliminated with the issue of American Depository Shares (ADS) on the United States NASDAQ market. On November 28, 1986, Waterford Glass acquired Wedgwood, a two hundred year old manufacturer and marketer of fine bone china. Paddy Hayes was named the chairman and CEO of both companies and Paddy Byrne was appointed CEO of Wedgwood. In 1989, the company's name was changed to Waterford Wedgwood. Three divisions were created as a result of this acquisition: the Waterford Crystal division, the Wedgwood division, and the Creative Tableware division. In 1989, Paddy Hayes resigned from his position as chairman and CEO of Waterford

Hock

Hock Studies Set 2 Study #1 Reading 14: Just How are you intelligent? Garder, H. (1983) Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Main focus or purpose: Howard Garder introduced to the world this new view of multiple intelligences. â€Å"Just how are you intelligent? † is unrelated to amount of overall intelligence and asks instead about the nature of your particular type of intelligence. Primary Research Methods: Gardner developed a set of either indicators or â€Å"signs† that define intelligence.Any intellectual ability, or set of abilities, must map onto most of these criteria, if it is to be considered a separate, autonomous intelligence. Main Results Reported: Each different type of intelligence varied in results. The following were tested Linguistic intelligence- able to use words that are more skillful. Musical Intelligence- gifted abilities involving sound, especially pitch, timbre and rhythm. Logical-mathematical intelligence- analyzes and computes various relationships among abstract objects, concepts, and ideas.Spatial intelligence- skilled in creating, visualizing, and manipulating mental images. Intrapersonal intelligence- able to understand who you are. Weaknesses or Critique: Some concerns based on learning disabilities—how they would test differently. Some argue that not all intelligence was properly tested by Garder—â€Å"sexual intelligence, digital intelligence† Importance/Value: As human beings its important for us to understand which part of our brain is strongest. It can help one find a well fitting job later on. People want to practice what they are naturally good at—so testing this is important.Study #2 Reading 25- Are you the master of your fate? Rotter, J. B. (1966) Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, 80, 1-28 Main focus or purpose: Are the consequences of your behavior under your personal control or are they det ermined by forces outside of yourself? Rotter wanted to study differences among people on this dimension and, rather then simply asking them, e developed a test that measured a person’s locus of control. Primary Research Methods: Rotter designed a scale containing a series of many pairs of statements.Each pair consisted of on statement reflecting an internal locus of control and one reflecting an external locus of control. Those taking the test were told to select the one statement of each pair, which you more strongly believe to be the case. This is a measure of personal belief. Rotter called his test to I-E scale. Main Results Reported: Gambling- individuals identified as internals by the I-E scale tended to prefer betting on sure things. Persuasion- internals were found to be more successful than externals in altering the attitudes of others.Achievement motivation-plans to attend college, amt of time spent on hw—more likely to be found in those students who demonstr ated an internal locus of control. Rotter hypothesized that those with an internal locus of control are more likely then externals to gain information from situations, take the initiative to make change, place greater value on inner skill and achievement goals, and are more able to resisted manipulation by others. Weaknesses or Critique: There are not any right or wrong answers in this study. Everything is just based on one individual, which is time consuming for the ones doing the studies.Importance/Value: After being tested—easier to be placed in a fitting environment. It’s important for us to know control. Study #3 Reading 30; You’re getting defensive again Freud, A. (1946). The ego and the mechanisms of defense. New York: International Universities Press. Main focus or purpose: Sigmund Freuds discovery of ego defense mechanisms occurred gradually over 30 or more years as his experiences in dealing with psychological problems grew. Primary Research Methods: F reud claimed to have discovered the defense mechanisms gradually over many years of clinical interactions with his patients.Main Results Reported: Anna Freud identified 10 defense mechanisms that had been described by her father. Five of the original mechanisms that are commonly used and widely recognized today are discussed repression, regression, projection, reaction, formation, and sublimation. Weaknesses or Critique: researchers question some of Anna freuds theories. Do defense mechanisms really exist? Do they actually function unconsciously? Importance/Value: People now have a much better understanding of mechanisms. Study #4 Reading 31: Learning to be depressed Seigman, M. E. P. , &maier, S. F (1967). Failure to escape traumatic shock.Main focus or purpose: Martin Seligman (psychologist), proposed that our perceptions of power and control are learned from experience. Martin believes that a persons efforts at controlling certain life events fail repeatedly, the person may stop attempting to exercise control all together. Primary Research Methods: Subjects for this experiment were 24 â€Å"mongrel dogs†, 15 to 19 inches high at the shoulder and weighing between 25-29 pounds. The dogs were divided into 2 groups of 8. One group was the escape group and the other was the non-escape group. They were individually harnessed and but not completely unable to move.A series of shocks were given to the dogs to see which ones tried to escape. Main Results Reported: In the escape group the time it took for the dogs to press the shock panel quickly decreased over the 64 shocks. In the no escape group, panel pressing completely stopped after 30 tries. Weaknesses or Critique: It’s hard for some to read about animals being used for testing. It’s important for researchers to use them for answers but no abuse should ever take place. Importance/Value: We understand that individuals are more likely to become depressed if they lack control of of situational experience.Study #5 Reading 35: Projections of who you are Rorschach, H. (1942) Psychodiagnostics: A diagnostic test based on perception. New York: Grune & Stratton Main focus or purpose: Roschach’s showed that in the course of interpreting random inkblot, attention would be drawn away from the persons so that his or her usual psychological defenses would be weakened. Primary Research Methods: Roschach form of interpretation test is administered simply by handing a person each figure, one at a time and asking, â€Å"What might this be? Participants were free to turn the card in ant direction and hold it as close to or as far from their eyes as they wish. Main Results Reported: He found that subjects generally gave a total of 5 to 30 totally responses to the 10 figures. Depressed individuals gave less answers, those that were happy gave more, and among the mentally ill answers varied. Weaknesses or Critique: Weather or not what Rorschach claimed to measure was accurate. Othe r researches suggest that there are better ways to test this. Importance/Value: Rorschach’s research will help studies that are done on the same concepts.Study #6 It’s Not Just About Salivating Dogs! Pavlov, I. P. (1927). Conditioned Reflexes. London: Oxford University Press. Main Focus or Purpose: In this study, Pavlov wanted to use physiological research involving the use of dogs as subjects to test the role of salvation on digestion. Test how, when, and why an animal would salivate, what could cause it†¦Unconditional reflex or conditioned reflexes? Primary Research Methods To test this, they would introduce various types of food or nonfood substances into a dogs mouth and observe the rate and amount of salvation.Then they would associate a sound or smell that would occur before that dog gets introduced to the food. Then after noticing that the bell leads to food the dog would therefore begin to salivate by just hearing the noise. Main Results Reported Pavlov th eorized that the dogs had learned from experience in the lab to expect food following certain signals. Although these certain signals do not naturally produce salivation, the dogs came to associate them with the food and salivating with the expectancy of the foods arrival. Weaknesses or CritiqueThere were no true weaknesses or critiques to this research and work. Importance/Value: This experiment and intense observation was very important because it is now universally accepted and has remained virtually unchanged since its conception. His theories of classical conditioning explain a major proportion of human behavior and helped launch psychology as a true science. Study #7 Little Emotional Albert Watson, J. B. , & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditoned emotional Responses. Journal of Expiermental Pyschology, 3, 1-14. Main Focus or Purpose:The main purpose of this study was to test if our human behavior is based on that idea that we are motivated by unconscious instincts and repressed conflic ts from early childhood. Primary Research Methods: The methods for this particular study were simple; they took 9 month old Albert from a hospital where he had been raised as an orphan since birth. They then wanted to see if Albert was naturally afraid of certain stimuli, they placed a white rat, a rabbit, a monkey, a dog and masks in front of him, and he naturally grabbed for most of the objects since they didn’t produce any fear (neutral stimuli).They then paired a loud frightening noise (unconditioned stimuli) with the presentation of each animal and he then cried every time, even just with the sight of the animal because he associated it with that same fear. Main Results Reported Albert was not originally afraid of the rats prior to the conditioning, but then after the conditioning he instantly feared the rat and even the Santa Clause mask that had a similar white appearance. Weaknesses or Critique: Study like this would not be acceptable now days.It is very questionable to ethical reasoning; to take a child at an early age and purposely frighten it is just not right. Importance/Value: This study succeeded to a large extent in convincing many in the psychological community that the emotional behavior could be conditioned through simple stimulus response techniques. Also proved that human behavior is based on that idea that we are motivated by unconscious instincts and repressed conflicts from early childhood. Study #8 Knock Wood! Skinner, B. F. (1948). Superstition in the pigeon. Journal of Expiermental Psychology, 38, 168-172Main Focus or Purpose: Skinnier wanted to test if the reason people do superstitious acts (like knocking on wood for example), do this because they believe or presume a connection exists between the superstitious behavior in a certain setting and a reinforcing consequence exists. Primary Research Methods: The researchers used a empty cage or box that only had an empty dish or tray in which food is dispensed. This allows the res earchers to have control over when the animal receives reinforcement, such as pellets of food. The early conditioning had a lever, which if pushed, would cause food to be dispensed.They then put pigeons into experimental cage for a few minutes each day, and then food reinforcement was delivered automatically every 15 seconds. Main Results Reported: In 6 out of 8 cases the resulting response were so clearly defined that two observers could agree perfectly in counting instances. Eventually, the pigeons behaved as if a certain behavior would produce the food, they became superstitious. Weaknesses or Critique: On the specific issue of superstitions, however, there appears to be less controversy and a rather wide acceptance of the learning process involved in their formation.Importance/Value: This was important because none of these behaviors had been observed in the birds prior to the condition procedure. Study #9 See Aggression†¦ Do Aggression! Bandura, A. , Ross, D. , & Ross, S. A. (1961). Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63, 575-582. Main Focus or Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how children may learn to be aggressive. If they learn by observation and imitation or any other influential factors. Primary Research Methods:The researchers exposed children to adult models who behave either aggressively or non-aggressively. The children would then be tested in a new situation without the model present to determine to what extent they would imitate the acts of aggression they had observed in the adult. Main Results Reported: The children who were exposed to the violent models tended to imitate the exact violent behaviors they observed. Weaknesses or Critique: The results were so inconsistent in relation to the aggression-inhibiting effect of nonaggressive models that they were inconclusive. Importance/Value:This research formed the foundation for hundreds of studies o ver the past 45 years on the effects on children of viewing violence in person or in the media. Study #10 Just How Are You Intelligent? Gardner, H. (1938) Frames of Mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New Yorkk: Basic Books. Main Focus or Purpose: In this study, Garden wanted to test if there were multiple different types of intelligences rather than just one general intelligence that can be tested by an IQ test. He also wanted to further extend the theory of brain specialization, to see if different parts of the brain are responsible for different intelligences.Primary Research Methods: Gardner developed a set of eight indicators or â€Å"signs† that define an intelligence. Any intellectual ability, or set of abilities, will then be mapped onto these criterias. He separated the intelligences into 9 main ones: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existential and then performed test to det ermine what category or categories one might fall under. Main Results Reported: This study showed and proved that people are intelligent in many more ways than just â€Å"book smart†.It gave us proof that a student can still be very bright even if that student is struggling in math or English. Weaknesses or Critique: Many question, what about the children or adults with learning disabilities? But after these tests, Gardner then changed that into learning differences. Importance/Value: Hundreds of scientific articles and books now rest on Gardner’s theory. His theory has remained unchanged and survived for over two decades now and shows no sign of fading. He changed forever how the world looks at learning, teaching and intelligence.

IBM Corporation: Competing Globally Essay

1.Do you agree with IBM’s employment response to competition from software development contractors in India like Wipro that are expanding into IT consulting services? Why or why not? In order for IBM to continue its growth it will have to expand into areas like India. They need consulting groups who can personalize their product and keep the costs low in markets like Mexico which not only makes their product more readily available and affordable it create a type of familiarity among customers that keeps them buying the same products from the same marketers. 2.Will IBM’s plan to give away some of its IT assets and intellectual property and increase its support of open-source software products like Linux be a successful growth strategy in the â€Å"brutally competitive marketplace† in which it operates? Why or why not? To keep up with the growing demand for new software and product solutions it is imperative that IBM embrace and support open solution software products like Linux. As the saying goes, â€Å"If you can’t beat them, join them.† Linux is growing by leaps and bound and is quickly surpassing the software maker like Microsoft who at this point does not specialize in open source software. If they do not adapt to the new way that software is being used they will be just another software company that has been left behind. 3.Do you agree with IBM researchers’ assumption that IT will remain â€Å"hard to use, expensive, and labor-intensive, and with customers continuing to need help solving business problems† for a long time to come? Should IBM bet its business on that assumption? Defend your answers to both questions. IT will absolutely remain labor intensive hard to use and expensive because technology changes by the nano-second. As soon as one form of technology is mastered it is what I call â€Å"current history† meaning that it may be the technology this is used currently but there is a newer, more efficient, responsive and interactive solution already available.