An Article on Facebook from the Times of India Essay

For once, I was ahead of the curve, and, having rarely been in this exalted place, I can tell you it feels good. The backlash against Facebook, the social networking site, has begun, with rumblings of discontent being heard from distant corners of the globe. Word is going round that it is time-wasting, trivial, and a pathetic substitute for meeting friends in person. This is precisely what I have been saying to my friends all along but they used to recoil in horror as though declining to open a Facebook account was like refusing to bathe. They muttered darkly about certain people being pig-headed. I was reated like a Luddite, vainly holding out against penicillin or the electric kettle. Every time i asked them what exactly was so wonderful about this site, they gave the same feeble answers. Oh, it’s a great way to keep in touch. You can post your photos on it. Through the links to other people’s pages, you can see what your ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands are up to. Well, according to me, this is a waste of time. I can barely keep in touch with the friends who really matter to me four to five at the most, at any given stage in my life much less maintain an online relationship with old college friends or colleagues from years ago. If one has never bothered to make contact with them in all these years, it’s because one has never needed or particularly wanted to. It means that they don’t matter hugely to me now. They did then, but now i’m in touch with another set of friends. My life is full enough with them. If one has a spare few hours, one would rather meet a friend over coffee or wine. That real-time, face-to-face conversation is contact, not exchanging trivia online. Why would i want to see a friend’s holiday snaps when i can barely summon up enough interest in my own to get them developed? Few things, bar waiting for milk to boil, are as boring as other people’s holiday pictures. Much as i love my friends in various parts of the world, i’m perfectly content with a ‘broad brush’ update. An occasional e-mail telling me they are fine, their teenage son hasn’t become a drug dealer and their dog’s arthritis is better is fine with me. Any more detail is redundant. I assume they are equally uninterested in the daily mundaneness of my life and that is exactly as it should be. Even assuming i wanted to sign up, i would never have the time. If i, blessed with two maids and only one child to look after, cannot find the time to go on this site, how do millions of others, particularly those in the West who have many household chores, do so? hurry! No wonder companies are banning this site. God knows what it is doing to global productivity. But even outside work, don’t people have to walk the dog? Check up on an elderly aunt? File their tax returns? The Facebook phenomenon has confirmed yet again what we have always known that human beings are sheep. They see someone going off in one direction and they follow blindly for no apparent reason beyond the comfort of numbers. All my efforts at persuading my 12-year-old son not to get onto Facebook failed. I spoke cogently about the charm of being different, of having the moral strength to resist peer pressure, of the infinitely greater pleasures of reading, but my efforts failed. His school friends looked at him as though he had gone soft in the brain. As for twitter, don’t even get me started. The very name cutesy and twee irritates the hell out of me. Facebook and twitter are fads. Like all fads, they’ll end up in the dustbin, not of history, but of history’s footnotes.

Case study of the old family bank Essay

Macro The major problem presented in this case is that The Grayson Chemical Company is experiencing a decline in earning and sales. The board of directors of the company has brought in a new company president to help in turning things around for the company. The new president now faces the enormous task of returning the company into a growth path and profitability. Micro There are also micro-problems that emerge in this case that may hinder the new president from solving the macro-problem. One of these micro-problems is an existing culture of conservatism and rigidity in running the activities of company. The new president views this culture as a challenge that may hinder him from implementing appropriate strategies for turning the company around. The second micro-problem is existing sharp differences in opinion among the directors of the company. Each is offering different advice to the new president. Causes The main cause of the problems identified in the case is lack of flexibility and adoptability by the organization to new changes (Reeves & Deimler, 2010). It is stated in the case that the company had in the past experience a stable and profitable spell before things standing going bad. There is clear picture that the company still continued to rely on strategies that gave it past success despite times and market conditions having changed. This lack of adaptability has seen the company fail to improve it competitiveness by embracing new opportunities and addressing new challenges that come with time. System Affected The reliance by the company on old traditional ways of doing things has affected almost every aspect of the organization. It has become part of the organization culture to do things because they have always been done that  way and this culture has affected the entire organization (Organizational Culture, 2010). When a problem arises from the culture of the organization it usually cuts across the entire organization. Recommendations What is needed in order to turn the fortunes of the organization around is a complete change of the existing cultures (Organizational Culture, 2010).. The culture of doing things as have always been done, needs to go and its place taken over by a culture of flexibility, adaptability and innovativeness. This calls for a change of policies and retraining of workers. Reference Anonymous (2010). Organizational Culture. September 8, 2011. Retrieved from http://managementconsultingcourses.com/Lesson35OrganisationalCulture.pdf Reeves M. & Deimler M. (2011). Adaptability: The New Competitive Advantage. September 8, 2011. Retrieved from http://hbr.org/2011/07/adaptability-the-new-competitive-advantage/ar/1

Plain People

In this way, we can really see that after her amiss experience, Charlotte was a typical occidental â€Å"18-year-old girl† she was lazy, always grabbing a new technology stuff and only interested in fashion. Whereas now, after the experience, she is a whole new person with a whole new view about the world surrounding her, she starts helping her parents, only bye useless things and appreciate life for Its true meaning. 3- After the experience of Charlotte in the amiss community, she became a complete another responsible person.During her 6 weeks shove learnt the true meaning of life as explained above. Nowadays, her project is to became amiss but also to became a better person in the society and in her family. 4) Jones Family 4, Smith road Midfielder, OHIO First of all, I hope that you're well. For my part, I'm missing you like hell and I ‘m nowadays considering you as my second family. I don't think you can imagine how much my stay wire you changed me and my relation to the world.Before, Before eating you, I was the stereotype of the pathetic occidental 18-year-old girl who only take care of her. Today, I'm totally different , Eve a whole new vision of our world , I help my parents, and take care of them and of everyone who needs it. I'm really mature now, ‘feel useful in the society. And you're the cause of all this thanks to the fact that you helped me open my eyes and SE the worlds as it ‘s truly. Thinks I would miss Cell phone- Parties- Internet-Faceable- Mainstream- Twitter- Watchstrap- Modern way of remonstration- Music Freedom-Modern Clothes.Again, I hope all is well with you. And let me know if you ever need anything. I all miss you tons, you're my second family! Have a fun time, and stay safe. Please write back when you get this. I'd love to hear all about how everything is going. Sincerely, Charlotte Allison 5) In the case of being separated from these things, ‘would probably get mad because my whole life turn's around t hem, but I will need to adapt myself to this new woof living to find new hobbies.

How are we affected by price elasticity of demand Research Paper

How are we affected by price elasticity of demand - Research Paper Example The Law explains that keeping all other factors affecting demand constant, the quantity demanded for a product or a service at a particular point of time is inversely proportional to its price. Thus, price and quantity demanded has an inverse relation with each other. The higher is the price level, lower will be the consumer willingness to buy a product or a service. As a result, the demand curve is always negatively sloped according to the law of demand. (Source: Author’s Creation) The above figure reflects the demand curve where Q stands for quantity demanded for a product or a service and P is the price level. There are also other factors that affect quantity demanded. This essay will briefly explain the different determinants of demand, assuming the impact of one variable on demand is analysed provided all the other factors are given. The income of consumers is positively related to the quantity demanded for goods and services. The higher is the income of the consumers the greater is their level of purchasing power thus consumers will always demand more with the rise in income levels. The quantity demanded also depends on the tastes and preferences of the buyers. When analysed in details the quantity demanded for a product or service is largely dependent on the complementary and substitution effect. For instance, the quantity demanded for Pepsi will always be increasing with the rise in the price level of Coke. Again the demand for cars will drastically fall with the rise in fuel price. There are other products like Bajra also known as inferior goods, whose quantity demanded falls with rise in income of the consumers. The nature of goods concerned is also an important parameter to analyse the quantity demanded for a good or a service. The goods reflecting status symbol always show a positive price effect in the quantity demanded. For example, the demand for a house sold in auction. Necessities are other types of goods that are insensitive to the chan ges in price, like the demand for life saving drugs. Price Elasticity of Demand Elasticity of demand is a quantitative measure that shows the degree of responsiveness of quantity demanded for a product or a service with respect to the changes in the various determinants of demand (IOWA State University, 2007). Price elasticity of demand shows the degree of responsiveness of quantity demanded for a commodity or a service with respect to chances only in its price level keeping all other factors affecting demand constant (Andrews & Benzing, 2010). The basic method of calculation of price elasticity of demand (Ep) is:- Ep = dQ/Q dP/P P and Q stands for price and quantity while dQ and dP shows the change in quantity demanded and price respectively (Litman, 2004). In order to make the analysis easy, economists take the mod values for calculating price elasticity of demand. The table below shows the five basic variations in price elasticities of demand. Value Types of elasticity’s E p = ? Perfectly Elastic Ep = 0 Perfectly Inelastic Ep = 1 Unitary Elastic Ep > 1 Relatively Elastic Ep < 1 Relatively Inelastic (Source: Traczynski, 2007) The above five variations in elasticity are all measured in terms of their mod values. Impact of Price Elasticity of Demand The quantity demanded by the consumers technically depends on the different values of price elastici

Reprt Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reprt - Lab Report Example The value of Gs is a numerical value with no units and does not depend on which system of units is used since it is a ratio. The specific gravity of liquid is a significant parameter in industrial processes, and it is a factor in most equations that involve weight-volume relationships. For instance if during an industrial process sugar syrup or salt solution is needed, it can be easily determined if the solution has the correct concentration by measuring its specific gravity at a particular temperature. The specific gravity for liquids can be written as: Gs = density of the density (g/cm3)/ density of water (g/cm3) Theory: Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a fluid to the density of water at a constant temperature. Specific gravity can be calculated directly from the measured density of a liquid divided by the density of distilled water. A suitable alternative method is use a hydrometer. This is a specially calibrated instrument made of a hollow glass float designed to f loat vertically in liquids of different densities. The depth to which the hydrometer sinks in the liquid represents the density of the liquid. The instrument has a calibrated scale on its stem which is used to read specific gravity. The diameter of the stem determines the sensitivity of the stem. An exceptionally sensitive hydrometer has a thin stem and a large bulb (Frey, 44). Experimental Procedure The glass cylinder was placed on a flat level surface and filled with sample liquid to allow air to rise to the top. The hydrometer was gently lowered into the flask with the bulb end facing down without it coming into contact with the sides of the fluid. The measurements of specific gravity measurements for each of the two fluid samples were taken and recorded with the hydrometer floating freely in the fluid. The hydrometer was removed and the procedure repeated nine times for each of the two liquids. The values of specific gravities were compared. Description of apparatus: Hydrometer, glass cylinders Data: Measurements Sample S Sample E 1 1110 900 2 1120 890 3 1123 870 4 1124 860 5 1110 890 6 1100 900 7 1110 890 8 1120 880 9 1000 900 10 1110 890 average 1102.7 887 Results/calculations: Average specific gravity for sample S = (1110 +1120+ 1123+ 1124 +1110 +1100 +1110 +1120+ 1000+ 1110) /10 =1102.7 Average specific gravity for sample = (900 +890+ 870+ 860+ 890+ 900 +890 +880+900 +890) /10 =887 Conclusion/discussion: The specific gravity of a liquid is the same everywhere since it is the ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water at 40C whereas density is mass per unit volume. The volume and mass remain constant but weight changes on the moon. The hydrometer sinks deeper in lighter liquids than the heavier ones due to the fact that heavier liquids are denser than lighter ones. In this experiment, the average specific gravity or each of the two liquids is 1102.7 and 887 respectively. Thus, the denser of the liquids, the higher the specific gravity ob tained. This explains why it is easier to swim in sea water than swimming pools due to the fact that density of sea water is higher than that of swimming pool water. The existence of salt increases the density of sea water. The specific gravity of fluids was successfully obtained using the hydrometer; thus the goal of the experiment was achieved. Work cited Frey, Walter.

Aristotle,nz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aristotle,nz - Essay Example The procedure of realizing excellence of character calls for individuals to develop a steadiness of character by adopting virtuous pursuits and shunning vice. Aristotle stressed the ethical as well as normative effect of virtuous regulations would contribute towards assisting or directing human beings in the pursuit of good. Thesis Statement: From Aristotle’s treatise, all human beings have the capability of acquiring the excellence of character and thought through the constant practice of constructive behaviors such as temperance and duty. Aristotle also wrote about the excellence of thought- or intellectual excellence. He specified that common sense as well as practical wisdom could also be considered as being a kind of excellence of thought. From his writings, it is evident that Aristotle believed that the combination of these two types of excellences is what would be the redeeming factor of the human race. The concepts on the excellence of thought and character tie into Aristotle’s ideas on temperance and intemperance. According to Aristotle, the acquisition of temperance is important because it brings a balance between the excesses that are easily embraced by the untamed human soul and the insensibility that characterizes extreme asceticism. This is directly related to the portrayal of temperance in any challenging situation. For instance, an individual who was practicing temperance would find a balance in the expression of his or her emotions. In a situation where there was a significant threat, the temperate individual’s expressions of fear would not be more or less that the situation called for. However, an intemperate person would either express extreme stoicism or extreme fear that did not correspond to the danger of existing threat. Essentially, the possession of temperance in a human being is what will keep the soul’s need to yearn for different things in harmony with common sense

Report and roadmap about an emerging technology Essay

Report and roadmap about an emerging technology - Essay Example chnology roadmap that sets out key milestones and activities occurring in the course of developing the technology, milestones in technical development required in the future, and key activities for supporting future technical as well as commercial development of the project. In addition, other relevant factors for its past or its future are considered. The milestone in developing the artificial uterus can be attributed to development of the artificial placenta. A significant progress in the pump technology and the oxygenator has allowed the development of the artificial uterus to focus in the direction of the physiological role model in the coming years. Again, this development has been enhanced by the invention of the novel pump-less assist device. The milestones required in the technical development in the future include submersion, inflammatogenicity and thrombogenicity, and cannulation. These requirements are discussed further in the paper. They are initiated in the presence of various aspects that are considered in the development of the artificial uterus such as artificial endometrium, artificial placenta, and synthetic amniotic fluid. For the artificial endometrium, the interior lining of the uterus has to have the same features as the natural one. Regarding the artificial placenta, it has to in a position of developing on the endometrial wall or as an external device and its capacity has to allow nutrients, gaseous exchange and eliminate waste products. The synthetic amniotic fluid on the other hand would be considered an important component in the success of the project. Regarding its future market, the development of the artificial uterus is a safer way for women. Ladies will able to have children without the cost of labor pains or cesarean surgery scars. Moreover, it gives women, who have childbearing difficulties, the opportunity to have children. Women will have the liberty that would not have come with having a normal pregnancy, as keeping up with

The Role of Visitors Attractions to the Success of the South Bank Assignment

The Role of Visitors Attractions to the Success of the South Bank - Assignment Example South Bank of the River Thames in London has numerous of the best-recognized attractions and is a large place to spend at least a day of the holiday. The South Bank lies near the River Thames, which stretches under the Tower Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and 212 other bridges. It was enthused by the 1951 Festival of Britain subsequent to post-war austerity and to commemorate the anniversary of the 1851 Great Exhibition held by Queen Victoria. South bank is the biggest single-run arts center in the earth and consists of Royal Festival Hall, The London Eye, The National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Gabriel's Wharf and Tate Modern Art Gallery. (Bell, 2010). Visitor attractions symbolize a complex division of the tourism business and are the catalytic focus for the growth of tourism services and infrastructure. As this area develops, there are still numerous queries to be answered and problems to be recognized such as what visitor attractions really are, what forces drive t heir growth, who visits them and why, how they are managed and funded, and what the various day-to-day challenges are regarding their marketing and management. â€Å"A visitor attraction is a valuable addition to a holiday experience in an area. It can provide the vital component which is ‘something-to-do’ in the locality† (Visitor Attraction n.d para.1). With a cultural and artistic melting pot, growing day by day, glittering riverside sights at night, South Bank is one of London’s most exciting and vibrant destinations. Best recognized for being in the vicinity of so many of London’s major and prime attractions, South Bank is also just opposite to the Houses of Parliament, â€Å"a mere stroll from Covent Garden and the Tate Modern and home to the London Eye, the Imperial War Museum and the renowned Royal Festival Hall† (South Bank, 2011, para.1). The South bank Centre includes the Hayward art gallery and also Queen Elizabeth Hall. Part of t he achievement and success of the region have attributed to the high levels of access to public transport. There are several major railway terminals near and on both sides of the river, which include Charing Cross, Waterloo, Blackfriars and the London Underground scheme, from west to east, at Waterloo, Westminster, Blackfriars, Embankment, and Southwark. (South Bank, City Hall- London 2012). Critically evaluate how these attractions have contributed to the success of the South Bank. The designing concept behind the South Bank is bringing together various buildings, connected by the general denominator of their idea: culture. Cultural tourists desire to enjoy exhibitions and concerts, to test local food and study about local ethnicity, to enjoy the ambiance of a place. â€Å"London’s South Bank hosts some of the world’s premier cultural facilities and has long been frequented by many kinds of people: local residents, workers, tourists, and commuters, as well as music, theatre, and museum-goers† (Waterloo: South Bank, 2012, para.1). South Bank cites once more advantage of  its location, which is their main factor of success, in relation to Covent Garden and London’s Houses of Parliament, by the appeal that city iconic images propose; the possibility to have an attractive cultural experience as it mentions the London’s, cultural heart.

Forbes International Top Ten Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Forbes International Top Ten - Research Paper Example There are many things that Toyota has done in order to outsell its competition. This report will discuss the strategic plan in depth. According to the Maynard (2008) one of the things that Toyota does is to find a way to build their cars better. Some of what they do is to encourage employees to do exercises that will create a more focused employee. This is part of their strategy to use in training centers to make sure that their employees are focused on what they are attempting to do. They have found that through watching how they make cars and improving this at every level, it has created a better opportunity for them to build cars faster (Maynard, 2008). Dawson and Shirouzu (2011) also state that Toyota is downsizing its board of directors in order to make decisions at the higher levels easier. The plan will also include an expansion to China and India before it is completed (Dawson and Shirouzu, 2011). Akio Toyoda (2011) the new head of Toyota has created a vision for his company that provides what they intend to do in the future. It details their strategic plan and provides important information as to how they see themselves and what they are to do. The information they provide is as follows: â€Å"Toyota will lead the way to the future of mobility (par. 7)†. Toyota will creatively stay ahead of its competition. This area includes finding ways to help people in different types of mobility as well as moving them into the future and they will research â€Å"smart grids† (par. 7) in order to understand how to make their company more ecologically friendly. â€Å"Enriching lives around the world (par. 8).† This statement is their commitment to making automobiles that people want to drive. This provides continuous employment for many people and it provides safe vehicles for those who need them. â€Å"With the safest and most responsible ways of moving people (par. 9).† This statement involves Toyota’s commitment to making sure t hat their vehicles are safe and attractive to the eye. They want people to purchase them because they are emotionally moved to do so as well as providing an automobile that is safe and environmentally friendly. â€Å"Through our commitment to quality, constant innovation (par. 10).† According to Toyoda, this is the â€Å"DNA† of what Toyota is and what they are supposed to do. It means that they are always looking for ways to reinvent themselves so that they can provide vehicles that will respond to the needs of people in the future. â€Å"Respect for the planet (par. 11).† This statement is their commitment to taking the environment into consideration when they make automobiles. They are committed to creating a way to manufacture automobiles that â€Å"minimizes waste† (par. 11). These eleven statements are at the heart of Toyota’s strategic plan according to Toyoda (2011) and they are what they want to work with throughout the next several years. In addition, they have a commitment to their employees to make sure that they are reaching goals that they have set. It is important to Toyota that all employees work to a high level of performance and they expect that their stockholders and others will form positive opinions of what they are doing. They are interested in making sure that the people who work for them take into consideration opinions and thoughts of both their customers and their stakeholders (Toyoda, 2011, par. 12). Toyota also emphasizes

Ethics in Business and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethics in Business and Society - Essay Example It will explain why the candidate was rejected and why one of them was chosen for the post. The problem with a discussion on ethics is that it could cover a diverse area that includes personal beliefs, religious beliefs, social practices, and legal statutes and provisions. In most instances, ethics is about making choices. According to Devettere, ethics is choosing the good over the bad in a particular situation. So, â€Å"ethics is not concerned with what people do accidently or unintentionally, even if these behaviours cause bad things† (Devettere 2000, 1). The consequences of an accidental or unintentional act cannot is not relevant in such instances. There are also other who identify ethics with morality. What is moral is ethical and anything immoral is unethical. So, a conscious and intentional decision as in this case of appointment of receptionist has ethical dimensions. A decision, whether it is ethical or not, may turn out to be easy in most circumstances. But in this instance (for appointing the receptionist), the attributes do not have a clear identity as to what is good and bad. For example being obese or having certain religious preferences cannot be considered good or bad unless it is harmful for the self or others in the society. The concept of absolutism may be no longer relevant in a democratic setup. It deals with the divine right of kings as opposed to general ethical behaviour. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and the rule of law and democracy prevails even though the country is headed by a Queen. Absolutism is also related to autocratic behaviour in the sense that an employer can behave in any way he likes to his employee. Even though this is possible here, there are many laws and statutes that an employee can resort to in case of unethical behaviour by an employer. Utilitarianism, a concept primarily developed by

Political Regime and Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Political Regime and Business - Essay Example By an examination of the political regime, one can therefore make the decision to invest or not to invest in a given country. Most countries often have political regimes that are different and diverse in their ideologies and in their practices. An example of two countries with different ideologies is the United States and China. Given the different ideologies in the two countries, the business environment in the two countries is likely to be very different. The changes in the political environment of a given country usually have an impact on the business environment of the country. A stable political regime often means that there will be less tension which will in turn create a positive business environment. The stable political regime also means that it will be easier to start up a business in this environment. The two governments (the Chinese government and the United States government) usually put in place different ideologies that have different impacts on the business environmen t as will be discussed in the paper (Collins and Block, 2007, p. 130). The term political ideology refers to the set of beliefs and ideals that seek to explain or direct how the society should work and how power should be allocated to the different sectors of the society. A political ideology is therefore a collection of ideas and thoughts on how the society and the different sectors of the society should function and on how best to achieve this ideal functioning of the society. The differences in ideologies followed therefore form the basis of the differences in political regimes. In most political regimes, the old policies that have proved to be ineffective are often replaced by newer policies in an attempt to improve the situation. The political regime of a given country usually has a direct impact on the practices that will be followed in the country which will in turn affect the business. This effect is usually felt in the types of employment contract that are in place in a giv en country which affect the way that a business hires and treats its employees. The effect is also felt in the human rights treatment which affects the environment under which the business is expected to operate. The political regime in the United States is characterised by a mixture of liberalism and a high level of individualism in their practices. There is also a high emphasis on individual rights and liberties which translates even in the business environment in the country. The country was founded on the principles of democratic republic. At present, the major political parties in the country are the Republican and the Democratic parties. The democratic situation in the United States encourages private ownership of property (Jennings 2010, p. 69). The United States also adopts a free market policy. This means that the prices and other market conditions are regulated by the laws and forces of demand and supply. The government does not interfere with the means of production, and these means are controlled by the private citizens. In this free market, the prices of commodities in this market are as a result of voluntary transactions as opposed to being subjected to government control. Such a policy opens room for competition among various entities. The liberalised government system of the United States presents prospective businesses

Drugs and Aging Essay Example for Free

Drugs and Aging Essay Over the years, the medical world has conducted various studies and researches about the effects of drug abuse on health. Drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, opium, morphine, and heroine are just some of the most commonly abused drugs that could also cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, brain damage, cancer, liver disease, impotence, and even HIV/AIDS. Apart from these conditions, substance abuse can also greatly affect an individual’s aging process (Anderson 432). According to studies, drugs have a great effect on a person’s aging process. It particularly targets and damages important body organ such as the heart, brain, and liver. Researches also suggest that drug abuse also alters and impedes the function of these organs which in turn exacerbates the aging process. The aging however, dies not stop with the internal organs. Instead, it also manifests on the person’s physical or outer appearance. Almost all drugs produce a certain side effect on the body’s aging course. However, substances such as nicotine, cocaine, and alcohol are three of the most abused drugs that deteriorate the body’s natural vitality (Anderson 432). Nicotine is said to be one of the top substances that rapidly ages and harms the body. It is a type of alkaloid found in the Solanaceae plant family. It is present and widely taken in the form of cigarettes and tobacco. When smoked, this substance blends in with the blood which in turn passes through the lungs and the brain. It only takes a few seconds before its chemicals such as acetylcholine, arginine, dopamine, beta-endorphine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin stimulates and then relaxes the body. According to users smoking cigarettes gives them a feeling of calmness, relaxation, as well as alertness (Late 1). Despite of its soothing and stimulating effects, nicotine can also cause damaging consequences to the body particularly in its aging process. It harms the lungs, brain, and the heart. According to researches, nicotine has very powerful effects on the body’s arteries. It raises the blood pressure and constricts the arteries. This condition makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Apart from this, nicotine is also responsible for increasing the risks of blood clot and clogging. Aside from the heart, nicotine also has aging effects on the brain. The chemicals inside this substance affect and slowly deteriorate brain functions. When nicotine is introduced to adolescent brain, it may cause a long-lasting damage or consequence to the developing brain. This includes the higher addiction risk to other substances and even mental conditions and ailments (Late 30). The aging effect of nicotine also has an irreversible consequence on the skin. The effects are primarily roots from the nicotine chemicals which cause the cells in the body to act and behave erratically. The substance itself restricts blood flow which then prevents the skin from receiving important nutrients and anti-oxidants. The result is a dry, dull, and grayish skin. Chronic smokers also develop deep wrinkles around the eyes and mouth which causes them to look ten to twenty years older (Smoking and Skin Aging 6). Cocaine is also a harmful drug that easily ages the body. It is regarded as one of the most abused stimulant in the United States. This highly addictive drug is usually taken in by injection, smoking, swallowing, or snorting. It has a euphoric effect which makes the user calm, and even happy. However, cocaine also presents numerous negative health consequences. It slowly damages the heart, brain, and lungs. Its effects on the brain is particularly damaging as it alters its responsiveness. Studies also show that cocaine abuse causes seizure which can also lead to erratic or bizarre behavior. This substance also ages the heart as it increases the heart rate as well as the blood pressure. This causes the arteries to constrict which in turn, blocks the blood supply in the heart. Cocaine abuse can also trigger an abnormal heart rhythm. The strong effects of cocaine chemicals force the body’s organs to work twice as hard. This does not only cause the organ to age abruptly, but it also increases the risk of organ damage and even breakdown (Teen Drug Abuse 1). Alcohol is also another substance commonly abused by millions of people worldwide. It is found in almost every alcoholic beverages and liquors such as wine, beer, and spirits. When consumed in moderation, alcohol can be easily processed by the body. However, abuse of this substance can age and damage the body. A reason behind is largely due to the fact that the body requires a certain amount of time before it can properly absorb and dispose alcohol. Constant drinking and intake will automatically force the body to function abnormally, thus resulting to organ damage and infection (Aging and Alcohol Abuse 3). Alcohol affects crucial organs such as liver and the brain. Once alcohol is ingested, it becomes diffused in almost every tissue of the body. The liver, for instance, functions by breaking down the alcohol. It exactly takes one hour before the liver can process an alcoholic drink. However, constant use of this substance will eventually lead to liver cirrhosis and liver degeneration. The brain is also affected by excessive alcohol in take. It slows down major brain activities which can lead to forgetfulness and confusion. Often times, alcohol drinking affects an individual’s judgment which leads to erratic and even violent and aggressive behavior. Heavy drinking can also permanently cause damage to the central nervous system primarily because it impairs the function of the brain receptors (Aging and Alcohol Abuse 2). Aside from the liver and the brain, alcohol also causes the body to age physically. It dehydrates the body which causes the skin to look dry and dull. In some cases, this lack of moisture from the skin results to wrinkles and even skin cracks. This substance also affects the skin by depleting the body of all the essential minerals and vitamins. It especially impedes the absorption of Vitamin A which makes the skin look radiant. Thus, frequent and heavy drinkers exhibit a lifeless and dull looking skin. Some chronic drinkers also note that their skin color sometimes change into a yellowish or gray tone.

Innovation A Case Of Walmart Commerce Essay

Innovation A Case Of Walmart Commerce Essay In the present world, knowledge plays a pivotal role in economic processes. Those organizations with enough knowledge have a competitive advantage over those with less. In an economy that is knowledge based, innovation plays an essential and central role. An organization can maintain competitive advantage through quality and price (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). Organization does innovation in order to defend and maintain their competitive stand and to seek their competitive advantage (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). Innovation is the heart of economic change; it shapes the momentous changes in the world and fills in the process of change continuously. It turns ideas and knowledge into products and services. The stumbling block of innovation is management innovation. The present management systems that are in place in every firm today develop over the last 160 years. The dynamic business innovation transforms by management innovation and as a result, business models and practices, can meet challenges of change. The ability to spot new opportunities and create new better strategies is the heart of every management innovation (Genus Cloes, 2006). Walmart is the largest stores in the United State of America, and one big chain store the world. It operates more than 4,000 retail store globally. On top of this, company is a dominant retail in Mexico, Canada, and United Kingdom. A survey by Fortune 500 index shows that Walmart is the richest and most powerful corporation in the world. It holds the number one when ranked by its total sales. It is the second most admired company in the world (Vance, Sandra, Roy, 1994). The company provides diverse merchandise ranging from household needs, electronics, toys, fabrics, jewelery and shoes, crafts, family apparel, lawn and garden. It also runs a pharmacy department and photo processing center (Vance, Sandra, Roy, 19 Product innovation. Walmart examine the life cycle of their products and the supply chain try to make products that are sustainable from farm to the shelf. They work with the research consortium who delivers research findings, metrics and reporting system. This assists Walmart to engage suppliers so that they understand the products they sell. In 2011, the company used the metrics from the research firm to develop an index for six products. By engaging research results and integrating them into the core merchandise processes, will help transform their products to better suit customers needs. In my own view, this is a product innovation process because the company will use research findings to improve on their products. Furthermore, their supply chain, which is transparent, is also one of the product innovations. Walmart implemented an information system that is transparent. For example, when scanning the band-aid at the register, the information sent Walmart D C and also to suppliers. This will give information to suppliers, and are able to know the amount to ship out. These have reduced time, labor and paper work. The supplier forecast demand and plan production hence greater efficiencies. 2.0 The Wal-marts Market Management The success and growth of any organization entirely depends on how the market is penetrated and controlled. An organization may win by producing and delivering product that are of high quality than those of their competitors. Products and services that exceed customers expectations ought to be delivered. This is because a customer compares the product bought with those of other companies and take into consideration the opportunity cost the will be derived from the product. There are various strategies that Wal-mart employed in the market so as to overcome challenging market environment and be on the top in the industry. These strategies are enumerated below:- 2.1 The employees and customers Expectation The studies conducted on customer research suggest ideas and concepts that are to be used in order to get the target customers (Lovelock et al, 1996). This is of great importance as it assists in providing essential products and services based on customers wants and perceptions (Kotler 1999). On the other hand, a good working environment in the workplace enables employees to come up with creative ideas that are brilliant. This will enable them come up with new innovative ideas that will in the long run result in products that are unique. If a leader leads the way and provide and enabling climate in the workplace, employees will bring out a new ideas, thoughts, concepts, designs, or processes that will revolutionize existing products and services. Wal-mart has remained at the top due to the strong beliefs they uphold: Respect: This calls for exercising respect for all individuals who are both the employees of the company and the customers. This has resulted in the attraction of peoples of different economic and social background. Better services to all: Wal-mart developed the commitment to deliver the best to its customers in which ever store. They uphold this by keeping the pricing policy the same across all branches and to maintain it as low as possible. Excellence and uniqueness: The strive for excellence have been maintained by expanding, innovating new products that are superior and unique, and reaching further to new markets (Vance, Sandra, Roy, 1994). The Sundown Rule: This is a directive from the top management to all employees. The directive requires that any employees must answer the customer request or the supplier within 24 hours. The Ten Foot Rule: This is also another directive that any employee who is at a distance of 10 feet to a customer must welcome, beam, and listen to a customer in a store. This is a hospitality policy that is aggressive and compels staff to engage in cheerfulness. The Wal-mart company develops its staff to flourish in the working environment. Every member of staff stick to the irrespective of ranks they have been given. This gives freedom to staff so that they can have the confidence to challenge, question, and suggest ideas as part of a group with a common objective unconstrained by day-to-day operational environment (Cooper, 2001). 2.3 Market Segmentation In the every market environment, customers needs and wants are diverse; therefore an organization will not be able to supply an entire market for a particular product or service. It is therefore compelled to identify division of a market that it can effectively serve (Kotler, 1999). Locally Wal-mart is the largest US retailer. It has over 3,000 stores, and 77 distribution centers serving over 100 million customers. In my own view, I see this as market segmentation because Wal-mart started small but gradually developed with time to what it is today setting up new branches in every part of the globe. In those branches products are unique in that they deal with diverse products. There have been changes in the way in which products produced and supplied to customers. The aim is to occupy every segment of the market so that they can meet all the needs and want of its customers. Its expansion globally has been aggressive and dynamic in the sense that their products are unique in every step of the way. So the process, they undertook to diversify, expand, and innovative as there is no firm that is able to compete with Wal-mart. 2.4 Positioning When a market segment has been identified, the next step is to put in place the product in the market. The design of the position in the market will have an impact in the customers minds (Ziethmal et al, 1996). The customers will compare this with the competitors of a particular product in the market. Walmart has an elaborate, efficient supply chain system. They have combined supply chain, technology, and services. This has changed customers shopping behaviors, suppliers, and employees. Suppliers are able to forecast and the demand of items required and are able to arrange and plan for products in advance. They achieved this through effective positioning strategies; managers had insights of how various attributes of markets are treasured by the existing and potential customers within that division. Wal-mart examination and contribution is successfully situated and has established and maintained a characteristic place for itself in the consumers mind in relation to competing organizat ions offerings. If a product is successfully positioned, the declaration of the service will summon up in the customers psyche an image that is different from descriptions of similar product contributions (Ziethaml et al, 1996). 2.4 Marketing This is the way of doing business that aims at maintaining and improving current customers and acquiring new ones. The relationship between the customers and the firm is maintained through quality service, commitment, and innovation (Lovelock et al, 1996). The strategy used in Wal-mart is to dominate every sector of the business and sell goods at low process, outsell competitors and expand. Typical Walmart model is to build stores, make existing stores bigger, and dominate its competitors. In every step, the company works hard to make a profit and remain on top of its competitors, to a point of shunning some of them out of business (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). The organization uses its size, financial stability, and resources to dominate retail. This transform to effective use of strategy whether operating locally, or acquiring another retail chain in another country. The size and power of the company allows it to achieve its goals (Vance, Sandra, Roy, 1994). Their strategy is clear and direct. Sam Walton on 1960 lay down it and refined over decades. The company is proud of it and incorporates it within its advertisements. The message of the company by the CEO is consistent and has been so over time. Scott Lee in his annual speech repeated the main message of the firm, repeating the culture of the organization as explained by founder Sam Walton. There is an emphasis of selling less, respecting employees and communities, and expanding (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). The company manager strives to create and sustain a culture in which innovation can flourish. Whenever they entered into a market, they set up physical and organizational space. We can see that they capture an area by putting up building and making it stands out among the rest (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). 3.0 Paradigm innovation. As the world is changing rapidly, business as usual in organizations is no longer an option. Managers are adopting new approaches that are friendly to the environment and society. They adopt deep, systemic change. Walmart is not an exception. They are developing and selling products that are environmentally friendly. For instance, in one of the stores they sell green light bulbs. This is a product that consumes little energy. By adopting this product, they are promoting the fight against global warming, which is, a great challenge on the globe. 4.0 Competitive Strategy. The strategy used is to dominate every sector of the business and sell goods at low process, outsell competitors and expand. Typical Walmart model is to build stores, make existing stores bigger, and dominate its competitors. In every step, it takes the company works hard to make a profit and remain on top of its competitors, to a point of shunning some of them out of business (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). The organization uses its size, financial stability, and resources to dominate retail. This transform to effective use of strategy whether operating locally, or acquiring another retail chain in another country. The size and power of the company allows it to achieve its goals (Vance, Sandra, Roy, 1994). Their strategy is clear and direct. Sam Walton on 1960 lay down it and refined over decades. The company is proud of it and incorporates it within its advertisements. The message of the company by the CEO is consistent and has been so over time. Scott Lee in his annual speech repeated the main message of the firm, repeating the culture of the organization as explained by founder Sam Walton. There is an emphasis of selling less, respecting employees and communities, and expanding (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). The company manager strives to create and sustain a culture in which innovation can flourish. Whenever they entered into a market, they set up physical and organizational space. We can see that they capture an area by putting up building and making it stands out among the rest (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). 5.0 Innovation Strategy. In order to keep at the breast with other competitors in the market, the firm adopted the steady state archetype where the manager guided the organization to take strategic position that highly depended (Francis, Bessant, Hobday, 2003). They also utilized decision making by allocating resources to the basis of risk management and operate with a set of routine and structures that embedded them (Cooper, 2001). In order to cope up with the innovation change, a wide range of potential targets for innovation set up. They diversify to different, new sectors of the market. Networks put up various parts of the region and expanded globally. In every sector, they encouraged competitiveness within themselves (Tidd Bessant, 2009). For example, Walmart has a history of exploring future options and driving innovations. Most recently, through research the company assessed the market. This provided a focal point for various, diverse kinds of goods which might form and generate future goods and ser vices (Cooper, 2001). I think that implementing an innovation strategy ensures that core competencies aligned with organizations objectives and goals because communication is the core competence, commitments, and dedication. This applies to all organization boundaries. It is also beneficial in accelerating changes, quick acceptance, and new products adoption. Conclusion Firms that manage works have a greater chance of succeeding in an aggressive successful business setting. Managerial control in organizations accomplished through the implementation management innovation strategies. Prudent management rules, proper structures of the organization, tools of the project and project techniques that are in line with the project scope and risks must be put in place. Management novelty though requiring much effort to embrace quickly is a process. Organizations need to react favorably and adopt to change quickly so as to remain relevant in the competitive environment. Managers and its employees need to work together as a team. The manager must create a conducive environment for innovation where every member has freedom. This way, ideas suggested and adopted. Model of innovation leadership must be embraced. This allows building on past work and adding some perspective from the field of change and innovation. Change is inevitable; therefore, managers must respond to change. In my own view, I see Walmarts innovation strategy as unique and SMART. The reason is that it is specific, measurable, attainable, and timely. It is specific because they venture into a particular market, establishes, and compete. In their innovation strategy, targets that are measureable and attainable are set. We can see this in the way they produce a product for a specific market for example, the green bulb. This is a section dealing with energy saving bulbs. In the present day world where everybody is encouraged to go green so as to curb global warming, Walmart have curved the niche setting measurable and attainable targets. On the other hand, I see it also as real and timely. When I use the same example, the introduction of the green bulbs came in handy with the environmental concerns which everybody young and old are embracing. This in itself is an innovation of responding to change in the environment and at the same time grow in business. The lesson I can learn from Walmarts innovation strategy is that as an entrepreneur and an innovator, one need to think big, respond to changes rapidly, and travel the road of achievement as a team. The reason is that one need to see a broader perspective of issues, come up with new ideas as a team, and implement them to reality. My recommendation to Walmart is that besides their supply chain information system that is efficient and effective, they need to focus on online systems where customers are able to inquire, purchase products, and deliver these products to customers at their door steps on within 24 hours. On the other hand, customers are able to pay online with their master card. The information system must be one that can show case all Walmarts products online without jamming. This calls for their own independent and secure information system, competent expert with high integrity virtues.

Effects Of Bullying On School Achievement

Effects Of Bullying On School Achievement This chapter critically analyzes extant literature on the relationship of bullying and school achievement. Many studies have been made on the development of the learning process but literature is scant on how bullying impacts upon the intellectual development of children. There is even less research conducted to determine how perceptions of educators or school staff influence the learning process in children. To provide backbone to this study, the following areas of literature were reviewed: Literature on school achievement and theories on motivation that may be applied to bullying in the school environment. Literature on bullying, its definitions, identification of bully and victim, and types of bullying behaviors. Literature on the relationship of bullying and school achievement. Literature on the role of teachers in bullying prevention. School Achievement Definitions of school achievement vary. The term itself is often used interchangeably with academic achievement. Achievement is described as performance which features routine evaluation occurs (Spence Helmreich, 1983) and skills which children learn via instruction or direct intervention (Stetson, Stetson, Sattler, 2001). Other definitions specify the use of tests to measure achievement based on accuracy of solving problems in reading, mathematics, or spelling (Buhs, Ladd, Herald, 2006). Describing achievement among children is important not only in the educational setting. Research work on achievement gaps for instance has several implications not only for the academe but for the economic and social well-being of a particular community. Being able to compare and explain achievement gaps have become an imperative because of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) (Magnuson Waldfogel, 2008). Closing the achievement gaps early on in elementary schools is an important step in ameliorat ing the impact of discrimination among minority children who grew up in the United States. At present, the achievement gap is still a reality. For instance, research has established that the entire academic advancement process earning outstanding grades, preparing for college, applying for aid, going through the complex application process for college, and obtaining good recommendation letters puts minorities such as Black and Hispanic students at a disadvantage (Downey, 2008). One way to break through the barriers of racial inequality is to close the test-score gap (Barton, 2003). Test scores account for a great percentage in determining high school graduation rate, preparation for college, and gaining a professional license in the future (Beltfield Levin, 2007). The measure for achievement is predominantly the test score on various stills such as reading, math, and vocabulary. Although the test score is just but one component and does not account for all factors related to acad emic achievement, is performs a gatekeeping function for consequential life course transitions (Magnuson Waldfogel, 2008, p. 2). For this study, school achievement is defined as a students degree of comprehension of proficiency and information with particular skills such as reading, mathematics, and spelling. The Ecological model of achievement School achievements is commonly assumed to be a cumulative function of family, school, and community experiences, and is therefore hard to measure (Rivkin, Hanushek, Kain, 2005). Since achievement is a holistic process where several factors come into play, studying achievement is an empirical challenge because complete family, community, and school histories, and such data are rarely if ever available (Rivkin, Hanushek, Kain, 2005). Efforts to understanding how achievement develops in children use theoretical models such as the Ecological model of development (Broussard Garrison, 2004). The Expectancy-Value model of development points to the influence of social contexts and interactions with other people as significant determinants of childrens achievement in the school setting (Eccles et al., 1983). The Expectancy-Value theory posits that achievement occurs upon the presence of an environment fit between childrens learning needs and their socialization experiences at various levels. Children start their early socialization within the family and soon progress into wider and more complex settings such as the school. It is in the classrooms and the school environment that children are provided a venue to pursue new life experiences which are crucial to the intellectual growth and development. When the school environment becomes incongruent to childrens needs, they may develop a low expectancy for success that may in consequence result to poor academic outcomes (Eccles et al., 1993). A poor person-environment fit may lead to rejection, frustration, violence, and victim ization. Alternatively, poor fit can lead to rejection and victimization whereby students become passively isolated from their peers. It is possible, therefore, that social experiences such as being bullied may reduce a students sense of competence for social and perhaps, academic situations. Further to the role of the aforementioned demographic characteristics, we were interested in the impact that students feelings about their school may have on their behaviour, in particular their involvement in bullying and victimization. School climate has been studied from different theoretical and methodological perspectives and with regard to a myriad of developmental and organizational outcomes (Kuperminc, Leadbeater, Emmons, Blatt, 1997). Social-ecological theorists suggest that perceptions are paramount in understanding the way in which individuals function within their environments (Lewin, 1935). This hypothesis has received support in a substantial body of research examining the role of percepti ons of school climate in a variety of important outcomes. For example, Solomon, Battistich, Kim, and Watson (1996) found that teacher supportiveness was associated with more positive behaviour in the classroom and positive perceptions of connectedness among students. In other research, Kuperminc and colleagues (1997) demonstrated that perceptions of school climate were associated with psychosocial maladjustment in adolescents, both in terms of internalizing and externalizing problems. Similarly, Griffith (1999) found that perceptions of an orderly and fair school with positive student-teacher relationships moderated both internalizing and externalizing problems among students. Students sense of connectedness to their school has been investigated as a buffer between exposure to violence and later violent behaviour (Brookmeyer, Fanti, Henrich, 2006) and the investigators found that students who felt more connected to their schools showed a reduction in violent behaviour over time. Feeling connected to school may make it more likely that stud ents will confide in teachers or peers about experiences of victimization, which may in turn help them to cope with these problems or avoid behaving violently themselves (Brookmeyer et al., 2006). In another study, Totura and colleagues (2009) found that perceptions of school climate as being characterized by misconduct or as having higher adult monitoring impacted the likelihood that students with internalizing or externalizing behaviour problems would be classified as bullies or victims by teachers. In the current study, we predicted that students who indicated feeling that their school is a fair and safe place, that they feel connected to their peers, and that they perceive their teachers as helpful and supportive would report lower rates of bullying and victimization. Furthermore, we saw these perceptions as integral to understanding the overall climate of a school. Definition of Bullying The most comprehensive and extensively used definition of bullying is provided by Dan Olweus; very few studies exist that do not cite his original work (Dake et al., 2003; Dulmus et al., 2004). This study used the definition of bullying developed by Olweus (1993), which states, a student is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other students (Olweus, 1993, p. 9). Negative actions are further defined as when someone intentionally inflicts, or attempts to inflict, injury or discomfort upon another (p. 9). Negative actions can be verbal (including threatening, taunting, teasing, or name-calling) or physical (such as hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, or pinching). Negative actions also may occur without verbal or physical interaction, such as making faces or gestures, intentionally excluding someone from a group, spreading rumors, or refusing to comply with the wishes of another. Different types of bullying are discussed in more detail in a later section. The definition emphasizes repeated interactions that are carried out over time. According to Olweus (1993), it is reasonable to assume that any time students are forced together within social environments where they have little choice over with whom they interact, tendencies to bully may arise. Further, some conflict among students is natural and expected. Students may come to school in an irritable mood because of a confrontation at home, or they might be tired or hungry. Students also may have a disagreement with one another that leads to a more serious altercation, though still not necessarily a bullying episode. The focus toward repeated interactions carried out over time is meant to exclude random interactions or isolated incidents that occur in a nonsystematic way. Random and isolated incidents are seen as somewhat natural, with less severe consequences for those involved. Thus, bullying is typically defined as occurring repeatedly and over time. Additionally, it is not considered bullying unless the targeted individual has difficulty defending him or herself against the bullying behavior. The overall intent is to focus on systematic victimization among participants with an imbalance of power or strength. Depending on the type of bullying that occurs strength may refer to physical, emotional, or mental strength. Differences in emotional or mental strength may be more difficult to identify than differences in physical strength. Regardless, two individuals of approximately the same physical, psychological or social strength that socially interact in an aggressive manner are not considered to be engaged in bullying behavior. There must be an imbalance in power or strength between the participants involved for the episode to be considered bullying. The next section addresses bullying in the school environment. Who bullies and who is victimized? Studies indicate that bullies often come from homes where physical punishment is used, where the children are taught to strike back physically as a way to handle problems, and where parental involvement and warmth are frequently lacking. Students who regularly display bullying behaviors are generally defiant or oppositional toward adults, antisocial, and are likely to break school rules. In contrast to prevailing myths, bullies appear to have little anxiety and to possess strong self-esteem. There is little evidence to support the contention that they victimize others because they feel bad about themselves (Batsche Knoff, 1994; Olweus, 1993). Students who are victims of bullying are typically anxious, insecure, cautious, and suffer from low self-esteem, rarely defending themselves or retaliating when confronted by students who bully them. They may lack social skills and friends, and they are often socially isolated. victims tend to be close to their parents and may have parents who can be described as overprotective. The major defining physical characteristic of victims is that they tend to be physically weaker than their peers-other physical characteristics such as weight, dress, or wearing eyeglasses do not appear to be significant factors that can be correlated with victimization (Batsche Knoff, 1994; Olweus, 1993). Victims often fear school and consider school to be an unsafe and unhappy place. The act of being bullied tends to increase some students isolation because their peers do not want to lose status by associating with them or because they do not want to increase the risks of being bullied themselves. A child being bullied leads to depression and low self-esteem, problems that can carry into adulthood (Olweus, 1993; Batsche Knoff, 1994). Bullying in the school environment An important feature of bullying is its essential public nature (Jeffrey, Miller, Linn, 2001, p. 145). Those who bully tend to do so in front of an audience of their peers. Therefore, bullying is best conceptualized as an interaction between the individual and his or her peer group, school, family, and community (Swearer Doll, 2001, p. 19). The seminal definition of bullying provided by Olweus also describes a behavioral interaction rather than an individual or a behavior. Thus, bullying interactions occur when individual characteristics of the child who is bullying are combined with the actions of their peers (including those of the individual who is being bullied), the reactions of teachers and other adults at school, the physical characteristics of the school grounds, family factors, cultural characteristics, and community factors (Swearer Doll). Therefore, propensities for bullying are the result of continued interactions between individuals and their immediate environment. Bullying has been commonly misidentified as occurring primarily in larger, city schools (Olweus, 1993). Results from Norway and Sweden show this to be invalid. Additionally, one study (Dulmus et al., 2004) done in a rural school setting reported that just over 82% of students experienced some form of bullying at least once in the three months prior to the study. Students who were called mean names, made fun of, or teased was the most common type of bullying experienced by students and being threatened or forced to do things and being called racist names were the least common types of bullying experienced. As many as 24.1% of students responded they had been threatened or forced to do things and 26.1% reported being called names based on race or color (Dulmus et al., 2004). Additional research has shown that the size of the class or the school appears to be of little importance for the amount of bullying found in the class or school (Dake et al., 2003; Olweus, 1993). There is a natural hierarchy of status in schools, commonly referred to as popularity, which exists among students. The top 15% of students can be classified as very popular, the next 45% as accepted, and another 20% as average or ambiguous (Thompson Cohen, 2005, p. 17). As a result, approximately 80% of children are not at serious risk of being bullied. On the other hand, the remaining 20% of students who are considered in the bottom of the social hierarchy are at serious risk for bullying (Thompson Cohen, 2005). Younger students also are at different stages of social development and may not yet understand that bullying is unacceptable behavior. However, recognition of bullying as unacceptable behavior is not always enough to deter it from happening. In addition, older students have generally had more opportunities to acquire the necessary skills and assertiveness to either respond more effectively to bullying or to cope with being subjected to such behavior (Smith, Shu, Madsen, 2001). Types of Bullying Olweus (1993) research initially distinguished between direct and indirect bullying. Direct bullying involves relatively open attacks on the target and may include words, gestures, facial expressions, or physical contact, such as hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, and pinching. Indirect bullying is more covert and less visible, generally achieved through social isolation or intentional exclusion from a peer group. This can be accomplished through different methods and will differ according to age and development (Crick, Nelson, Morales, Cullerton-Sen, Casas, Hickman, 2001). For example, in early childhood, this might be accomplished by one individual simply telling another that they do not want to play together anymore. In middle childhood and adolescence, students may not invite others to join in some activity or may ignore an individual while paying excessive attention to another. The distinction between direct and indirect bullying has been further divided into three categories: physical bullying; verbal bullying; and relational bullying, which are discussed in the following sections (Liepe-Levinson Levinson, 2005; Olweus, 1993; Ralston, 2005; Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Physical Bullying Physical bullying refers to hitting, pushing, shoving, slapping, kicking, tripping, and other such bodily attacks, as well as damaging anothers property (Howard, Horne, Joliff, 2001; Liepe-Levinson Levinson, 2005; Ralston, 2005; Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Physical bullying is described as action-oriented and often uses direct bullying tactics (Smokowski Kopasz). Until recently, the majority of U.S. research about bullying has been conducted as a subset of aggression and has focused primarily on physical aggression (Griffin Gross, 2004). Aggression and bullying contain conceptual similarities, but their comparison largely depends on how each has been measured within individual research studies. Due to the relatively open nature of the attacks, physical bullying is considered the most visible and least sophisticated among the various types of bullying (Liepe-Levinson Levinson, 2005; Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Less than one-third of all incidents reported by children involve physical bullying (Liepe-Levinson Levinson). Those who engage in physical bullying may become more aggressive over time and continue to manifest bullying in adulthood (Dake et al., 2003; Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). In addition, students who are targeted for physical bullying are generally targeted for verbal and relational bullying as well (Olweus, 1993). Research also shows that physical bullying is used more in lower grades (i.e., primary school) among younger students (Olweus, 1993). Verbal Bullying Verbal bullying is the most common form of bullying according to student reports in one study, accounting for nearly 70% of all reported incidents (Liepe-Levinson Levinson, 2005). Verbal bullying includes teasing, taunting, name-calling, racial slurs, or any instance where words are used to hurt or humiliate another. Due to the ease and quickness with which verbal bullying occurs, this type of behavior often goes undetected, making such interactions more difficult to respond to for teachers (Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Verbal bullying often is a precursor to physical and relational bullying (Liepe-Levinson Levinson, 2005). Relational Bullying Relational bullying includes such acts as ignoring individuals, social isolation, intentional exclusion from peer groups, gossiping, and spreading rumors (Liepe-Levinson Levinson, 2005; Ralston, 2005; Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Relational bullying also includes aggressive gestures, such as staring, rolling ones eyes, sighing, frowning, sneering, and other hostile body language (Liepe-Levinson Levinson). It is most powerful and prevalent at the onset of adolescence, when children are exploring their identities and expanding their social networks, also making it very difficult to identify. Verbal and relational bullying are quite common and are relatively unnoticed by teachers as students report these behaviors occurring more frequently than physical bullying (Griffin Gross, 2004; Hazler, Miller, Carney, Green, 2001). Oddly enough, physical bullying continues to attract more attention in the school environment. This is despite the widespread attention given to longstanding emotional and social forms of bullying as precursors to school shootings and suicides. This is most likely due to the visible nature of physical bullying and its relative ease of identification. Cyberbullying Historically, bullying primarily occurred in school during school hours; however, with the common use of computers and the internet since the 1990s, on-line bullying has become an increasing occurrence amongst adolescent girls (Li, 2005). The internet offers the perfect tool for mass, covert bullying due to its anonymity, its difficulty to regulate, and the removal of traditional social rules in regards to appropriate communication (Giuseppe, Galimberti, 2003). The nature of new technology makes it possible for cyber bullying to occur more secretly, spread more rapidly and be easily preserved (Li, 2006, p. 161). Bullying is a major problem in schools, and it seems to be on the rise with the widespread use of the Internet. Cyber bullying, according to Willard (2004) as quoted by Li (2006), can occur in various formats including flaming, harassment, cyber stalking, denigration (putdowns), masquerade, outing and trickery and exclusion à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ it can lead to stalking, death threats and suicide (Li, 2006). Unlike face-to-face bullying, people often feel that cyberspace is impersonal and they can therefore say whatever they want. Further, it is reported that females prefer this type of bullying (Nelson, 2003; Li, 2006). Electronic bullying allows a persons identity to remain hidden and can pose less of a physical confrontation that face-to-face bullying. Relationship of Bullying and Academic Achievement Bullying behaviour is a social, group process that is prevalent in the school environment and there are well documented findings regarding the behavioural and health consequences of bullying behaviour at school for both direct and relational bullying profiles (Kumpulainen et al., 1998; Owens, Slee, Shute, 2000; Williams, Chambers, Logan, Robinson, 1996; Wolke et al., 2000). However, there is a dearth of research that has considered the association between bullying behaviour per se and academic achievement among primary school children. Olweus (1978, 1983) first speculated that aggressive behaviour of bullies towards peers could be considered as a reaction to frustrations and failures at school. However, data from a large sample of boys from Greater Stockholm provided no evidence to suggest that aggressive behaviour was a consequence of poor grades at school. Rather, it was found that both bullies and victims had lower than average marks than neutral children (Olweus, 1978). In a recent study, Schwartz, Farver, Chang, and Lee-Shin (2002) reported that children who exhibited poor academic performance in school tended to emerge as frequent targets of bullying. However, it was only a subset of victimised children, the aggressive victims (or bully/victims) who were likely to be characterised by poor school performance (Schwartz, 2000). What remains to be established by research studies is whether poor academic achievement leads to bullying involvement or whether being bullied leads to poorer school achievement, possibly mediated by less participation in school. Research on peer rejection has also considered the relationship to academic achievement and school adjustment. Peer rejection is predominantly assessed by standardized scores that are comparable across classes and school, but does not take into account individual bullying roles within classes. Ladd (1990) considered the academic behaviour and school adjustment of children over the first year of school life and reported that rejected children had less favourable school perceptions, significantly higher levels of school avoidance and significantly lower school performance compared to popular, average, and neglected children. While the research is clear that students with behavior problems do less well in school (Shanahan 2000; McLeod Keiser 2004; Trzensniewski et al. 2006; Allard 2007; Buchmann et al. 2008), it is unclear whether engagement in bullying behaviors directly leads to negative academic outcomes (Miller 2008). Moreover, empirical research has provided mixed support for a cross-sectional relationship specifically between bullying behavior and academic achievement (Nansel et al. 2001; Spriggs et al. 2007). On the one hand, Nansel et al. (2001) found that persons who bullied others showed poorer school adjustment, both in terms of academic achievement and perceived school climate (p. 2097). Glew et al. (2005) criticized Nansel et al.s (2001) findings because although the authors found important evidence regarding the potential detrimental effects of bullying on self perceived academic achievement and school attendance, no objective measures of academic achievement or attendance were collected (p .1026). In contrast, these authors, utilizing objective measures of school performance, found that being a bully was not significantly correlated with lower achievement scores. More recently, Spriggs et al. (2007), using the 2001 Health Behaviors in School-Aged Children survey (HBSC), found that among a representative sample of sixth to tenth graders that bullying impacts achievement. Their results also indicated that this relationship varies by race. For Whites and Hispanics, being a bully, victim, or a combination of the two, was associated with poorer academic performance. However, for Blacks, bullying was not related to academic performance (Spriggs et al. 2007). Instead, Blacks family and peer relationships had a greater influence on achievement than did bullying. This paper presents a meta-analytic review of 33 studies, with a total of 29 552 participants, that examined the concurrent association between peer victimization and academic achievement. The results revealed a small but significant negative correlation between peer victimization and academic achievement under both the random-effects model (r=à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢.12, p This study utilized a multi-informant approach to investigate the concurrent association between peer victimization and school functioning in a sample of 135 Latino children (55 boys; 80 girls) in the third, fourth, and fifth grades. The children attended elementary schools in distressed urban neighborhoods. Victimization by peers was associated with low grade point averages (GPA) and poor academic engagement. The analyses showed academic engagement mediated the relation between peer victimization and GPA. Moderator analyses indicated that the negative association between peer victimization and academic engagement was exacerbated for children with numerous friends in their classrooms. Additional moderator analyses revealed that the negative association between victimization and engagement was stronger for children with many aggressive friends. Overall, the results extend past research by investigating mediators and moderators of the association between peer victimization and school f unctioning in an understudied population (Nakamoto, 2008). This short-term longitudinal investigation focused on associations between victimization in the peer group and academic functioning over a 1-year period. The authors used a multi-informant approach to assess peer victimization, symptoms of depression, and academic outcomes for 199 elementary schoolchildren (average age of 9.0 years; 105 boys, 94 girls). Frequent victimization by peers was associated with poor academic functioning (as indicated by grade point averages and achievement test scores) on both a concurrent and a predictive level. Additionally, the authors analyses provided some evidence that peer group victimization predicts academic difficulties through the mediating influence of depressive symptoms. Taken together, these results highlight the potential negative impact of victimization by peers on childrens academic functioning (Schwartz et al., 2005). Adjustment difficulties such as loneliness and depression are less likely to occur among students who are liked by their peers and who have friends in comparison to those children who are isolated and alone (Erdley et al., 2001). Thus, peer acceptance and reciprocal friendships may pevent socio-emotional maladjustment. In the context of school bulyying, students who are bullied may not gain a sense of protection from affiliation with a group (Beran Violato, 2004). These limited social skills and access to friends increase the likelihood of bullying. Furthermore, this lack of peer support may inhibit children from seeking academic support from teachers. If children do not trust their teachers to stop the bullying, they may not seek their assistance with academic difficulties. It is likely that children who are bullied disengage from their learning, experiencing little enjoyment and low consciousness for academic work. In addition, children whose parents provide little support for their education, are likely to experience academic difficulties. When these students also exhibit behaviour problems in the form of hyperactivity, aggression, and poor social skills, they may experience learning difficulties. Other studies, however, show contrary results. Hanish and Guerra (2002) examined the effects of peer victimization on levels of academic achievement and determined that peer victimization was correlated with concurrent and subsequent aggressive behavior, inattention in the classroom, delinquency, symptoms of anxiety and depression, rejection, and low popularity among classmates. It was not however, correlated with academic maladjustment or withdrawal. (p. 85). Being bullied may have affected some aspects of academic life such as inattention in the classroom and low popularity among classmates but it did not predict low achievement (Hanish Guerra, 2002). In addition, Woods and Wolke (2004) reported achievement levels to be similar between children who are victimized and those who are not. Some victimized children may experience poor achievement whereas others may not. Role of Teachers in Bullying Prevention The basic assumptions are that changing the environment is more powerful than changing individuals, that prevention is better than intervention, and that changing the environment requires support and understanding among teachers. Teachers understand the levels of influence and recognize the power of the family, the community, and the popular culture to influence behavior. What they often do not understand is the extent or limit of their sphere of influence. When teachers are asked to identify risk factors for the development of bullying, they generally rank the family and cultural factors such as television films, and pop music as having the strongest impact on childrens development of bullying behaviors. When teachers are asked to indicate which factors they can influence, they recognize for the most part, that their influence is limited to the classroom and school environment. Teachers are encouraged to focus their energy and resources on changing the areas within their sphere of influence, that is, the classroom and the school. Because of the amount of teacher contact with students, perceptions of teachers regarding student bullying forms an important first step in minimizing this risk. Research found that teachers considered bullying the second most serious student behavior after drug use, (24)

Kashmir Conflict :: essays research papers

Pakistan condemned India on Tuesday for detaining Kashmir separatist leader and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik and called for the release of all jailed Kashmiri separatists. Malik, an executive member of the separatist All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, was detained by police on Monday under anti-terrorism law Poto after they arrested a woman carrying $100,000 for his group. A Pakistan foreign ministry statement, quoted by the official APP news agency, called the charge trumped up and said the move reflected India's "disregard for the fundamental rights and liberties of Kashmiris" and frustration at failing to suppress their struggle. Police fired teargas in Srinagar on Tuesday to disperse dozens of demonstrators protesting against Malik's arrest. The Pakistani statement urged India to "end its repression" in Kashmir, release jailed Kashmiri separatists and resume deadlocked talks with Pakistan over Kashmir. a development following the exposure of fudging of the DNA samples of those killed at Pathribal in Anantnag, experts from Hyderabad and Kolkata laboratories reached here on Monday to collect fresh blood samples of the relatives of the victims. A four-member team of forensic experts, two each from Hyderabad and Kolkata, arrived here along with inspector general of police Jammu P.L. Gupta. Addressing a press conference in Kabul on his first visit to Afghanistan, Musharraf ruled out joint operations with US troops to flush out terrorists hiding in Pakistan. Musharraf was referring to recent raids in Lahore and Faislabad in the Punjab province, which led to the arrest of nearly sixty terrorists. Abu Zubaida, a top Al Qaeda official, is suspected to be among those detained. The Pakistani president presented a check of $10 million in aid to Afghanistan's interim leader Hamid Karzai. Reacting to reports that the Centre continues to hold back door consultations with Hurriyat leaders, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday sarcastically advised the central government to continue 'pampering' Hurriyat Conference leaders. Kashmir Conflict :: essays research papers Pakistan condemned India on Tuesday for detaining Kashmir separatist leader and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik and called for the release of all jailed Kashmiri separatists. Malik, an executive member of the separatist All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, was detained by police on Monday under anti-terrorism law Poto after they arrested a woman carrying $100,000 for his group. A Pakistan foreign ministry statement, quoted by the official APP news agency, called the charge trumped up and said the move reflected India's "disregard for the fundamental rights and liberties of Kashmiris" and frustration at failing to suppress their struggle. Police fired teargas in Srinagar on Tuesday to disperse dozens of demonstrators protesting against Malik's arrest. The Pakistani statement urged India to "end its repression" in Kashmir, release jailed Kashmiri separatists and resume deadlocked talks with Pakistan over Kashmir. a development following the exposure of fudging of the DNA samples of those killed at Pathribal in Anantnag, experts from Hyderabad and Kolkata laboratories reached here on Monday to collect fresh blood samples of the relatives of the victims. A four-member team of forensic experts, two each from Hyderabad and Kolkata, arrived here along with inspector general of police Jammu P.L. Gupta. Addressing a press conference in Kabul on his first visit to Afghanistan, Musharraf ruled out joint operations with US troops to flush out terrorists hiding in Pakistan. Musharraf was referring to recent raids in Lahore and Faislabad in the Punjab province, which led to the arrest of nearly sixty terrorists. Abu Zubaida, a top Al Qaeda official, is suspected to be among those detained. The Pakistani president presented a check of $10 million in aid to Afghanistan's interim leader Hamid Karzai. Reacting to reports that the Centre continues to hold back door consultations with Hurriyat leaders, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday sarcastically advised the central government to continue 'pampering' Hurriyat Conference leaders.

Poor Time Management of Island Students Essay -- internet usage, video

Introduction & Problem The simplicity of life, and the more relaxed environment, does not permit students who grew up on islands, or Island students, to understand the importance of time. There are more than 30 Island students studying on campus. Coming from a carefree society where time is not a major concern is having a great impact on individual students. Poor time management by Island students is a major problem and concern that needs to be improved in order to enhance the effectiveness of study process and academic performance. The main purpose of this research is to find out and reduce the processes or factors involved in contributing to poor time management. The reduction in the time management factors will help Island students to utilize time in manner that is beneficial for academic performance. Processes that contributes to poor time management There are many processes that contribute to poor time management in students. In this context, a major contributor of poor time management for Island students is the use of Internet. Coming from the Islands, where excess to internet is very difficult, students tend to spend hours surfing through the net. Internet is a helpful tool for students but it also wastes time if not used in the way it should be used. Apart from academic reasons, Facebook, YouTube and watching movies online are the main sites visited by Island students. Research Methods Research methods that has been utilized for this process comprises of data collection, observation of students in the computer labs and student accommodation halls. Students were followed on Facebook to see latest updates and activities and face to face interview was carried out to collect the necessary data needed for this... ...he exact number of hours each student spends. The Pie Chart below clearly shows the percentage of average number of student’s time spent on each activities. 20% of students investing private time to Facebook is certainly a factor that needs to be reduced to help students. 14% of YouTube viewers is also much higher than the percentage of students investing time in reading studying and doing assignments. Recommendation As long there is free internet service on campus, Island students will still have access in visiting the above mention sites. The students must be given more workshops to manage time wisely, teaching students about how internet can be used in an effective way that is beneficial for academic purposes. Though the student service, extra tutorials needs to be provided to keep students busy, instead of wasting time on sites such as Facebook.

The Principle

Legal moralism has been a principle that prohibits people from acting or engaging in things which are detrimental to the society with the use of laws and its enforcements. This includes laws which prohibit certain actions that can lead to several problems that may affect the whole social fabric. Such laws include those that prohibit the use of illegal drugs, prostitution and abortion. This actions or engagement in this type of acts may most likely affect the citizens in a rather negative matter that could destroy not only the participating individual’s life but also the lives of the people around him. In line with this principle is a principle that shall limit a person’s liberty through the use of customary rules prescribed by the society in which the person lives. It differs from the principle of legal moralism in the sense of â€Å"formality†. Restriction of Liberty While legal moralism is concerned about constitutional laws, this principle is more likely inclined to the limiting effect of customary moral rules which are more effective than legal laws. This principle shall from this point onwards be referred to as customary moralism principle. This type of principle acts in the same manner that legal moralism does. However, as stated above, traditional moralism is more effective than legal moralism. Its effectiveness lies on the way that it has been formulated. Compare and Contrast Unlike most legal laws which determines the right and wrong inscribed as laws of the society, customary rules and traditions determines the right and wrong principles which lies in the culture of a society. These rules have been tested through time and generation by the whole society. This is the reason why these laws are easier to understand. People find it efficient since it was directed and made through the use of actual and practical experiences. Unlike legal laws which are mostly hypothetical and less pragmatic. Legal laws are made by an assembly of men that shall represent the whole society in a conference or convention. Customary rules are prescribed mostly by elders, who have more experience than the present generation. Since these rules are based and may differ in experience, they are not implemented in the society in a forceful manner. Instead, society shall pick what rules are still beneficial and applicable in the situation. Thus, customary rules undergo practicality checks, every time the rules are being implemented or are being followed. Society: Laws versus Tradition It evolves with the society. It represents the society. People are more inclined to follow this principle not because of its force but because of customs and traditions. For instance, the introduction and the success of organizations such as the Cosa Nostra which is more popularly known as Mafia, prevails even after there have been several legal precautions and actions taken. The Mafia is an organization which is generally against the fascist regime that dominates the Italian region. Since it is an organization, it has several guiding principles and rules that enable the group to grow and survive. Accordingly, the Mafia acts as a second government in areas such as Sicily. The rules that were constructed or enforced by the Mafia are followed more religiously than the laws enforced by the government. Omerta, a favorite law in Mafia is the law of absolute silence that denotes an individual could not say anything that would expose the Mafia. Even, if it means that they could be incarcerated, tortured or even convicted, it was believed that the Sicilians would not tell a word or would deny anything he knows. Legitimate Traditional   Actions Actions which this principle might consider as legitimate are mainly actions which are traditionally been accepted by the general public that were made legal. In some country, prostitution is legal since it has been traditional. In the Netherlands, the use of â€Å"marijuana† is legalized. There are also some countries that legalize abortion if the fetus is not more than three months. These types of prohibitions by the law rooted from certain traditional beliefs and customs of the people. Traditional moral principles which have legal counterparts could be interfered by the law. However, there are certain traditional beliefs such as burning of animals for sacrifices wherein authority and law has no right to intervene. Commonly, traditional rules which are considered as legitimate are those which promotes the welfare of the society. This are the societal norms which are approved by the government and are thus legalize. Thus, the legitimacy of any traditional action depends on which government or country an action was made. Traditional Moralism versus Harm Principle and Paternalism Traditional also to fraternities are hazing ceremonials and rumbles. If Traditional moralism would be used, this type of action would be normal. However, of course, this would create problems in the legal realm. In such case this kind of actions shall be controlled by the proper authorities such that this would not cause death or other mass violence. This action would either fall in the harm principle or paternalism. It falls in the harm principle since it must be controlled or even not permitted if it induces harm to other people. It falls under paternal principle because there are laws which prohibit fraternity violence in able to protect the members of the fraternity from injuries by refusing to recognize fraternities who are recorded to conduct delinquently. While legal moralism is against actions such as gambling and prostitution, traditional moralism permits them. In this regard, traditional moralism could be seen to fall under the harm principle. Traditional moralism could also fall under paternalism in the sense that it is a guide for action through rules set by the majority of the society in able to control certain actions that would negatively affect the society. Defense of Traditional Moralism I believe that traditional moralism could effectively restrict freedom in able to promote the welfare of a society since it is constructed through convention by the society. It is more likely to be more effective since it commonly involves the norm within the society. Although this might create several factions in the society that might create their own traditions and customs, this kind of interferences might not be able to make it through the main stream culture. Failing to do so, these actions would be considered as deviant by the society in which their actions are not permitted. Traditional Moralism can also be viewed as a principle that acknowledge and encourage liberty, more than restricts it. This is not arguable and may in fact be true, more likely when the legal rules is composed of laws which is not suitable and is not agreeable with the society. Such as laws which are imposed only by the government or by another government in a particular country. This could best be demonstrated on colonized countries or in war-stricken country such as Iraq. The laws that the American government may not be suitable or efficient in the society such as in Iraq; in such case traditional moralism would be more beneficial and applicable than legal moralism. Reference Leighton, P. (2007). Paternalism and Legal Moralism. Retrieved on November 14, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www.paulsjusticepage.com/cjethics/2-limitsoflaw/harmprinciple.htm