Early Literacy Development

The Concepts of Early Literacy Development The article under analysis is the â€Å"The comprehensive language approach to early literacy: The interrelationships among vocabulary, phonological sensitivity, and print knowledge among preschool-aged children† (2003) by Dickinson, McCabe, Anastasopoulos, Peisner-Feinberg, and Poe in the Journal of Educational Psychology.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Early Literacy Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The study reports about the assessment of the literacy skills of preschool-aged children and analyzes various ways of developing early literacy. The authors of the article evaluate other different studies in this area and analyze effectiveness and productivity of various methods and factors influencing correct assessment principles. In this respect, a combination of phonemic awareness and â€Å"phonology, semantics, syntax, discourse, reading, and writing† (Dickinson et al., 2003, p.465) enables learners to acquire the language and its peculiarities with the help of literacy skills. I think that the idea of a complex approach is really constructive and requires more common application of it among tutors and learners. Phonological Sensitivity Approach The phonological sensitivity approach is the basic one and it is not sufficient to provide researchers with a comprehensive analysis of learners’ literacy skills and is aimed at merely making children of early preschool age aware of the basic phonemic structures, rules, and principles. In this respect, tutors can make use of the method offered by Schmidt, Miodrag, Francesco (2008) where researchers analyze the productivity of computer related collaboration of a teacher and children while acquiring early literacy skills. I think that the phonological sensitivity approach appears to be of little use due to its insufficient sphere of influence and results demonstrated during numerous analyses. However, the authors of this study have chosen the right method for their research because a vivid contrast enables the readers to realize the importance of taking necessary measures while developing early literacy skills. Furthermore, it empowers us to analyze the significance of phonemic awareness for older children as â€Å"Studies of older children who have great difficulty learning to read have highlighted the importance of phonemic awareness† (Dickinson et al., 2003, p.467).Advertising Looking for term paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this respect, phonemic awareness appears to be required for basic skills of reading. Nevertheless, the literacy skills include other more complicated structures and concepts than mere phonemes. Storybook reading is aimed at development of the only aspect (recognition of phonemes previously learned in a separated manner and combined in a way that makes them full of sense). However, it is necessary to take into account the effectiveness of storybook reading for literacy development. This effect is achieved through engaging a child into an activity that appears to be interesting for him/her and useful at the same time. Thus, Justice, Kaderavek, Fan, Sofka, and Hunt (2009, p. 68) have suggested that the process of storybook reading can be successfully used to accelerate literacy skills development in preschool-aged children. So, the study by Justice et al. (2009) develops an approach appropriate for early literacy development with the help of verbal and nonverbal references made by teacher during the reading session to print objects. Thereby, the phonemic awareness approach can be considered more effective than previously suggested in the study by Dickinson et al. (2003). At the same time, it is more preferable to use a complex approach because different peculiarities of inborn skills can require an alternative method to be used. Comprehensive Language Approach The comprehensive language approach includes many different concepts existing in language that should be learned and understood in order to achieve results in developing literacy skills. Understanding of concepts and their role in the speech construction is really important because it enables tutors to spend fewer efforts on explanation of theoretical points and devote focus more on practical application of knowledge. Learners can get a maximum of such approach because they can identify some concepts and see the difference being aware of the theoretical background and importance of language structure principles. In this respect, a more complicated approach can accelerate the literacy development.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Early Literacy Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consideration of other useful factors typical of simpler approaches is of gre at significance for the application of comprehensive language approach because such concepts and acknowledgements and use of computer technology can be helpful while dealing with not-typical learners or those who may experience some difficulties in the course of development literacy skills. Thereby, it is necessary to address the study by Schmid, Miodrag, and Francesco (2008) reporting the importance of acknowledgements in the course of the experiment: Children looked toward tutors for acknowledgement of mastering activities, need for further clarification, and appraisal for correct answers. Children appeared to want to please the tutors, and were often observed looking up at them for affirmation and recognition that they in fact, mastered each letter after an activity (p.71). Though acknowledgements play a crucial role in the teacher/children interactions and effectiveness of their collaboration, it is necessary to provide children with a constructive feedback on their achievements in the sector of their literacy skills. Another method that can be of great use for the complex approach is the referencing to print targets while reading storybooks for children. Books for different reading-referencing interventions should be selected with â€Å"print salient features such as speech bubbles, font changes, and accentuated words, and they are appropriate choices for 3- to 5-year-olds† (Justice et al., 2009, p.71). Computer technology can be used as reported I the study by Schmid, Miodrag, and Francesco (2008) where computers were used to support tutoring and make it more advanced and productive. When a tutor is aware of the effects, benefits, and disadvantages of various methods, he/she can choose the most appropriate one for certain learners and apply it to practice. In other words, all methods can be beneficial for learners; the most important part of the dispute concerns the necessity for separating different approaches and analyzing their effectiveness fo r literacy development separately.Advertising Looking for term paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion The literacy development is a concept related to acquisition of reading and writing skills. The problem of literacy development in preschool-aged children requires a specific approach to be taken and applied. Though it appears to be difficult to find a universal approach for all learners regardless of their inborn skills, it is possible to choose a combination of the most appropriate approaches and methods to introduce into groups of learners selected in accordance with their intellectual and language acquisition skills. Tutors that apply a complex approach can make use of a combination of computer technologies, storybook reading and referencing system and phonemic awareness methods. Thus, every individual is unique addressing him/her as a learner and requires a specific approach to make a maximum of the teaching methods and achieve success in learning basic principles necessary for literacy development. Reference List Dickinson, D. K., McCabe, A., Anastasopoulos, L., Pei sner-Feinberg, E. S., Poe, M. D. (2003). The comprehensive language approach to early literacy: The interrelationships among vocabulary, phonological sensitivity, and print knowledge among preschool-aged children. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95 (3), 465–481. Justice, L. M., Kaderavek, J. N., Fan, X., Sofka, A., Hunt, A. (2009). Accelerating preschoolers’ early literacy development through classroom-based teacher–child storybook reading and explicit print referencing. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 40, 67–85. Schmid, R. F., Miodrag, N., Francesco, D. F. (2008). A human-computer partnership: The tutor/child/computer triangle promoting the acquisition of early literacy skills. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 41(1), 63–84. This term paper on Early Literacy Development was written and submitted by user Er1ck to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Leila Ahmed A Border Passage

Leila Ahmed A Border Passage Introduction The text ‘A Border Passage’ is one of the most recent works by Leila Ahmed. The central themes include Islam religion, women and the west. Ahmed uses a personal narrative to bring out these themes into the center of discussion. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Leila Ahmed A Border Passage specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The themes are illustrated when Ahmed explains her previous life, especially as she struggles against issues of identity because of her extensive interaction with numerous cultures. Ahmed intertwines her personal experiences with social and political issues, which surrounded her as an individual and her entire family during the emergence of the Egyptian revolution and Nasser’s ascent on power. This paper provides the discussion and analysis of the Ahmed’s point of view on revolution. It shall also bring the attention to personal factors that will help us unders tand her interpretation of the political upheavals of the Nasser period. Additionally, how, if at all, her opinions shift over time and in relation to the main transitions in her life will be discussed. All these issues will be discussed in relation to the core issue in the book, which is, ‘the process by which our identities are constructed’. Personal factors that help us understand Leila’s interpretation of the political upheavals of the Nasser period Leila’s interpretation of the political upheavals of the Nasser period is depicted mostly through her father. Her father works as the chairman of Hydro-Electric Power Corporation because his expertise as a civil engineer. However, his misfortunes in life start when he decides to oppose Nasser, who is the prime minister. Nasser has planned to construct the Aswan High Dam. According to Nasser, it is important for this dam to be constructed on ecologically clear ground. Construction of this dam is also someth ing that will earn the Nasser regime fame and recognition. Therefore, anyone who opposes the project is seen as an enemy of the regime and has to suffer the consequences of their opposition. The building of the dam is also believed to be very beneficial to the country because it will enable Egypt to undertake many modernization projects as well as help Egypt break ties with countries such as France and England. Ahmed’s father is one person who suffers a lot in the hand’s of Nasser’s regime for choosing to oppose the building of the Aswan High Dam. He sticks so firm to his decision that he even publishes a book with the same message of opposition against this project. Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The books are destroyed by the government. The government takes further stern measures against him for rebelling against the project. His finances and other personal affairs, including his family life, are interfered with and things become very difficult for him and his family. Ahmed’s education is also another factor that helps one understand her interpretation of the political upheavals during the Nasser regime. This is because her desire to pursue education overseas is almost cut short by this regime due to her father’s opposition to the Aswan High Dam project. She is also reads a lot of western literature as she is young. Therefore, she develops an intrinsic desire to study in Cambridge. When pursuing her doctorate, Ahmed chooses to write her dissertation on a person that is not liked by Arab nationalists. The dissertation is on a British figure known as Edward William. This shows how her early life, which involved reading a lot of material from the west, influenced her even to the point of writing a dissertation on someone she was aware was disliked by the Arab nationalists. Leila’s personal view on the revolution There was a revolution that took place in Egypt in 1952. Consequently, Gamal Abdel Nasser came into power and his presence in the government as the prime minister brought about some major changes in Egypt. The changes included introduction of a new era of Arab nationalism. This was not a good thing for Ahmed and her family because it marked the beginning of upheaval for the entire family. After her father vehemently opposed the construction of the proposed Aswan high dam, he was laid off by the Nasser regime. Ahmed’s father failed to support the project because he saw it as an act that was politically motivated. He also saw the proponents as being inconsiderate of the long-term implications it would have on the nation. His decision to oppose Nasser regime’s project was seen as the highest form of treason because of the existence of a severe nationalism system and he suffered because of it. To Ahmed, her father’s position to oppose this project nearly cost her the opportunity to study abroad. As a result of the revolution that was ongoing within the government, Ahmed felt obliged to evaluate her identity once again. She was concerned about her friends, who came from different nationalities and who were then considered as, ‘the other’ due to the nationalism practice by the Egyptian government. Because of her father’s opposition against the Nasser regime, Ahmed’s family was also placed in the category of the ‘other’ because of their perceived interest in the west, especially in terms of the culture and education. The revolution had disrupted the peaceful co-existence among people of various religious and racial backgrounds.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Leila Ahmed A Border Passage specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ahmed is critical of the revolution and Nasser’s rule. This is mainly because of the current uph eaval in her country as a result of the revolution and her father’s refusal to support some of the proposed projects (Ahmed 164). Ahmed does not support Nasser’s revolution. She is of the opinion that the revolution has put a veil on people’s eyes by giving them high hopes that are impossible to be realized. Moreover, questioning what Nasser and his regime were doing was forbidden. Ahmed (172) observes that this gave Nasser room to do whatever he wanted without any restriction. How Leila’s opinions shift over time and in relation to the main transitions in her life Ahmed discusses two themes, which are dominant in her book. They are Arab nationalism and misconception of the Islam religion by the west. It is these themes that she dwells in throughout the discussion. The same themes cause her to shift her opinion on some things, while she holds on others due to her past belief. Ahmed remains a vocal critic of nationalism in Egypt. To show her seriousness a bout the issues of Arab nationalism, Ahmed writes her views on a whole chapter in her recent text. She dedicates this chapter to express her dissatisfaction with the concept of Arab nationalism because it fails to foster harmonious coexistence among people from different racial or religious backgrounds. Concerning misconception of the Islam religion by the west, especially regarding the religion’s application to women, Ahmed clarifies that the Islam religion is not oppressive as perceived by the western people. She addresses these questions as she takes readers through the process of the reconstruction of her identity, in spite of the social and political challenges she goes through. As she takes the reader through the journey of the revolution taking place in Egypt as well as the journey of trying to demystify the Islam religion to the west, Ahmed describes the journey that she takes to the self in a bid to come up with her own identity. Growing up as a young Muslim woman, Ahmed did not have the chance to attend religious classes because of her father’s past nasty experience in the hands of the teachers in these classes. Therefore, she discovers on her own that there is what she calls ‘lived’ Islam and the other more oppressive form of Islam practiced by most of the Islamic states. She decides to take upon herself the duty of enlightening the west on the positive side of the Islam religion, especially regarding its application to the women.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion In building her own identity, Ahmed uses the vast experience she has accumulated through her travel abroad and interaction with people of different social and racial backgrounds. This experience has helped her to write the book. Ahmed has had a taste of the cultures practiced by the Arabs and the people in the west. She is aware of what she calls ‘lived’ Islam and the other form she terms as ‘oppressive Islam’. She has gone through the Egyptian and the western education systems. She has been racially discriminated by teachers and fellow students while she was studying in western countries. This vast experience has helped her balance her views in this text. She does not write in a straightforward manner about what she thinks is right or wrong, but she maintains a balanced view. Ahmed, Leila. A Border Passage: From Cairo to America A Womans Journey. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc, 1999. Print.

Home land security and terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Home land security and terrorism - Essay Example Either they belong to Muslim communities or non Muslim; they become the target of violent spreading factors (Eric Croddy, James J. Wirtz, 2005, p 458). In such a worse condition there are few countries which are severely affected i.e. Pakistan Afghanistan and Srilanka. But the super power of this world is not yet largely affected by the roots of terrorism. Securing the borders is one of the biggest challenges that US government is facing these days. To avoid the risk of terrorism the government utilizes a number of technologies such as â€Å"virtual fence† of sensors; cameras, motion detectors, and other equipments (United States, Dept. of Defense, Newton N. Minow). Undocumented immigrants are also forbidden by the government so that the invasion of terrorists is controlled within a state. But this does not make the whole system a fool proof system but it still leaves doubts because of which the government tries to enhance its system. Bush administration bequeathed a border security program to Obama team in which undocumented immigrants were cited as a cause of terrorism. Therefore Secure Border Initiative (SBI) plan was made by Obama administration’s new team. It is a comprehensive plan to control the illegal flow of immigrations. It includes increased staffing to strengthen interior enforcement. A great investment was also made in detecting technology and infrastructure. A vital module of the SBI strategy is SBI- net program. In March 2010 DHS designed another surveillance policy in which a new security technology would be installed. It includes mobile surveillance, thermal imaging devices, ultra-light detection, backscatter units, mobile radios, cameras and laptop computers for pursuit vehicles, and remote video surveillance system enhancements. By applying all these parameters it is expected that US can be successful in maintaining security

Rhetorical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Rhetorical analysis - Essay Example The article is aimed at discussing the English as the dominate global language and, also acts as a rebuttal to retrospective arguments claiming that that position should be held by languages spoken by many people such as Mandarin. The writers commence the article with the aforementioned though inducing question, and promise in the thesis statement to explain what a global language is and how English became one. This introduction serves to prepare the reader for the ideas of the writer and creates an impression of a well thought out and organized article. The first post thesis paragraph examines and dispels popular preconception about a global language, alluding to Crystal’s book â€Å"English as a second language† wherein he posits that a language does not gain global pertinence based on the scope of words or intrinsic structure, or cultural and literal affiliations. The writers also cites Goh and Liam (Globalization of Language and culture in Asia) who found that the n umber of native speakers is not a determining feature since had this been the case Mandarin and Hindi would be considered global languages. The writer thus builds up their argument by eliminating these perceptions and creates suspense as they finally reveal what criterion determines this. They argue the status of the speakers is the main feature in giving a language global relevance; this is backed up by international recognition of the language and the number of second language speakers in the world. â€Å"The status of the native speakers that play a big role in raising the status of their language† (LCOM) It is notable that the writers of this article have alluded to two academic writers of repute and this way they create credibility for their work by presenting their perspectives. Furthermore, simply by virtue of the fact that they have cited and acknowledged makes it evident to anyone who may have interacted with the prior works that the bloggers have academic integrity by giving credit where it is due. Using these arguments, the writers are able to frame a logical viewpoint as to why English is a global language, take the first position on the status of the people. If one pursues Historical considerations and employs logical thinking, these arguments are largely proved sound. Most African countries speaking English were colonized by the British, and the status of the British as colonial masters necessitated that more natives learn and use English than the English to learn and use the local languages. Even English at some point in history was relegated to obscurity by Latin and French when the two were in their own times used by the Romans and Normans respectively in admiration, legal and religious fields by the conquerors. However, when the English speakers took over power and inevitably status, it naturally followed that the rest of the world would toe the linguistic line. The same case applied to India and Hong Kong where English is widely used despite being a second language. The claim about international recognition is also one that is easily validated logically, the more people recognize a language internationally, and the more likely they are to learn it as a second language. This further clarifies the position the English language since; it is the language, which many speakers speak as a second language. In fact, the number of those who speak English language are only found in a few countries North America,

Aviation Safety Reporting Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aviation Safety Reporting Systems - Essay Example Correct analysis of this data would enable people to catch a problem before it actually happens, and be proactive in their respective area of work. It also works in two additional dimensions which are very crucial. The ASRS finds out the problems that are there in the MAS, and then it gives recommendations for future procedures, operations, facilities, and equipment. This is by far the most important role of any reporting system, which would not just end up as a datasheet at the end of the day, but would also prove to be the foundation for future policies. Since the advent of industrialization, nobody has liked inspections. However, in order to ensure the safety of both man and machine, this is mandatory. The Air Safety Week (2004) presents the view that rigorous inspections are actually costing lots of time, effort and of course, money to the companies. But then again, this is considered to be an inevitable requirement by the regulation authorities these days. With security and safety being paramount for both customers and the companies, this is a cost that has to be paid. There are three major areas which the FAA feels need to have a consistent and continuous inspection for best standards of safety and quality. Firstly, the Electrical system safety has to be ensured. ... 3. Training programs regarding aviation safety Mech (2004) explains the requirement for a transformation change in aviation safety concepts and understanding. It is elaborated, that no matter how much and how many aviation safety training programs are conducted for the personnel, the actual difference will be made only when the philosophy about this is changed in the minds of the people who matter. It is the time for a change in the culture of how we look at safety. Safety should not be merely prevention from accidents. Safety is an intrinsic value, which comes naturally to human beings and needs not be taught as such. What needs to be ingrained is the value for scientific systems of safety to be in place, where reports, inspection and investigations are respected as the need of the system, without which effective safety will not be possible for the wellbeing of the personnel. This change shall be possible only through the change in leadership style of the people at the helm of affairs. Aviation safety workshops have concluded overwhelmingly, that the administration is the only element in the system that can bring about and sustain a cultural change. This cultural change is the backbone of all aviation safety training that is to be conducted in the future. 4. A recent air transport investigation that is still in progress This is about a most recent crash, which had three fatalities, including the commercial pilot and two passengers. This is as reported by NTSB on 'Landings.com' (2007). On April 15, 2007, at 1210, a Beech BE 35-B33, N9556Y, impacted the terrain while on a low approach while landing towards Sedona Airport, Sedona, Arizona. All three humans in the flight received

Mental Health Issues in Parents: Service Provisions

Mental Health Issues in Parents: Service Provisions Provide a critical evaluation of current methods of working and service user provisions in the area of parents with a mental health problem, drawing upon developing knowledge and research. Introduction In this thesis we discuss the role of parenting, the responsibilities that are involved and the issues of mental health problems in parents. We draw upon existing knowledge and research to understand mental health problems and psychological complications of parents and discuss health and social policies that are related to current methods of working for such parents within social work. Several research studies, legislative reports and health policies are discussed and we provide a critical evaluation of the provisions, current research materials available and issues regarding mental health and psychological problems of parents and service user provisions. In 1998, the Department of Health emphasised on the programme of Modernising Mental Health Services, with three key aims: Safe services to protect the public and provide effective care for those with mental illness at the time they need it Sound services to ensure that patients and service users have access to the full range of services which they need Supportive services working with patients and service users, their families and carers to build healthier communities. (See DoH, 1998) Service User Provisions and Mental Health Studies and Approaches Among the service provisions available to parents with mental health needs, the programme of the National Service Frameworks (NSF) is part of the Government agenda to improve quality and reduce any unacceptable variations in health and social services National Service Frameworks by the Department of Health, cover mental health issues and coronary disease the significant reasons for causing disability and ill health among the adult population in UK. The NSF frameworks address the mental health needs of working age adults and parents and set out the national standards of care and support, the national service models, local action, and national underpinning programmes for implementation and a series of national milestones and performance indicators to measure progress in this sector. National health standards are set out in five areas including mental health promotion; primary care and access to services; effective services for people with severe mental illness; carers of people with me ntal health problems; and reduction of suicides. This applies to tackling mental health problems in parents and provisions for access to care. The National Service Framework for mental health concentrates on the mental health needs of working age adults up to 65, and covers health promotion, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and care, and also encompasses primary and specialist care for these individuals. Adult Placement schemes are available for these individuals who are provided with carers, supported living, home based care and day services and extended family support from the NHS and NIMHE. Mental Health crisis intervention services with rehabilitation, counselling and psychotherapy are also provided by the Health authorities. Several studies discuss the process and value of working with parents when their child or children are being treated with individual psychotherapy (see Robinson et al, 2005). A psychoanalytic understanding of the parents’ perspectives in seeing a mentally ill child and the psychological problems of the parents themselves are considered. The issues discussed have a broader applicability in other aspects and approaches of child and adolescent mental health practice (Zubrick et al, 2005). The central issues are interweaving the knowledge of family processes, child development and psychopathology and the uses of the understanding of transference and counter transference as psychoanalytic concepts. The aspects of the work which constitute child guidance are considered psychotherapeutic as it relates to parental psychopathology. To explore and define the boundaries between psychological process of child and parents, the psychotherapy of parenthood may be analysed and implications of parental psychotherapy can be considered along with childrens problems and issues. Flouri (2005) reviews the evidence of the role of childhood adversities, family structure and issues of parenting in determining youth suicidal behaviour and Flouri emphasises that suicide research could benefit from investigating whether proper parenting can protect suicidal behaviour in young people who are vulnerable and at risks. The operationalization of non optimal parenting has often been considered as a risk factor for adolescent suicidal behaviour and influencing and identifying pathways of influence has been a major target. The measures of reducing suicidal risks in the vulnerable populations also tend to focus on parents with weak material and social resources, mental health problems and few networks, low social and emotional support, and high-risk children. The identification of causative factors relating parent mental condition an parental status might be beneficial in preventing youth suicidal behaviours as measures could be taken from a broad social perspective. Citing one of the case studies, Derisley et al (2005) have attempted psychotherapy of parenthood and have used a study to compare mental health, coping and family functioning in parents of young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and no known mental health problems. For the methods, 28 parents of young people with OCD, anxiety disorders (N = 28), and no known mental health problems (N = 62), the three different categories of people, all completed Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1993), the Coping Responses Inventory (Moos, 1990), and the McMaster family assessment device (Epstein, Baldwin, Bishop, 1983). The results indicated that parents of children with OCD and anxiety disorders had poorer mental health and used more avoidant coping methods than parents of non-clinical and mentally stable children. The results also indicated that there were no significant group differences a measured in three groups in family-functioning. This suggested that the re are basic similarities across parents of clinically referred children and active parental involvement in the treatment of OCD in young people can actually trigger or facilitate the cure and treatment of such young people. Research shows that Black and Minority communities are more likely to suffer from inequalities in access to mental health services, they also report inequalities in their experience of services for mental health care, and they also tend to have more problems and complaints with the outcome of these services. For instance, the Department of Health points out those BME patients are significantly more likely to be detained compulsorily or diagnosed with schizophrenia in mental health situations. The mental health scenario and care provided to minority communities have a direct impact on anti oppressive and anti discriminatory practice. The Department of Health, and the NHS is developing a comprehensive programme of work to tackle inequalities of service provisions to mentally ill patients. In the area of service user provisions for mental health care and support, with an aim to promote anti discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, the Department of health has identified a strategy for improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities in England. Community development workers or social workers are appointed to enhance the capacity within minority ethnic groups, especially adults and parents in dealing with the burden of mental ill health and tackling the inequalities inherent in the services provided. These Community Development Workers contribute to: (source: NIMHE, 2005) Seeking out the strengths and capabilities within particular communities around mental health and the resources available to individuals suffering from mental illness Enabling mental health organisations to bridge the gap between Western models of care and the values and norms of the community they serve Supporting community groups and networks, directing them to resources that are available and funding as appropriate Facilitating community participation and ownership of parents/adults in mental health provision and in combating health inequalities. For provisions of quality services, improved partnership/collaborative work between the NHS, local authorities, prisons, residential homes and the probation services are also required for service development and the care of service users, especially for individuals with severe mental illness. In a study by Hart et al (2005), the implications of user involvement are studied that address the views of clients and their parents on service user delivery in a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) serving a population of 250,000.the study explores the complexities inherent in childrens services when parents are integral or involved significantly to different modes of treatment. In the study concerned, 27 teenage clients, 11 boys and 16 girls were recruited from CAMHS and 30 parents were also consulted and they were all from different socioeconomic backgrounds. A series of structured interactive techniques were used by focus groups who also conducted home visits to get interview data. the data was then subject to qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics were generated from interview data and focus groups information. From these data the three issues that were used to describe service user provisions are the core values implicated in establishing a t herapeutic alliance, the style of therapy, and mode of practice with the inclusion of family members. Style of therapy and core therapeutic skills of service providers have been given fundamental importance and Hart et al provided a model of organisational user involvement with a model of therapeutic user involvement for use in negotiating modes of practice with the service user especially in case of mental health practice. The study was thus collaboration between service users, health professionals and researchers and explored different themes of therapy and complexities inherent in childrens services as well as role of parents in mental health care. In fact provisions of parent led self help group and therapeutic approaches are important for achievement of attuned practice. The skills of staff working in adult mental health and child welfare, those that benefit mentally ill parents and their children are recognised by effective collaboration and development of co-ordinated service provision. Health services and local authority staff, as well as workers in education and the voluntary sectors are required to understand the necessities of service provisions. This involves, foundation knowledge, working together and assessment, planning and intervention for mental health care. The attitude of service providers is important and a study by Rasaratnam et al (2004) investigates the influence of attitudes of carers of people with intellectual disability (ID) towards giving medication. In the study 93 carers of service users who were attending an outpatient’s clinic (Harrow Learning Disability service) were interviewed, and the ratings scale used for measures was the RAMS (Rating of Attitude to Medication Scale) interview schedule. The results indicated a single association between relationships of the carer to the service user and overall positive or negative attitude towards medication was also studied. The study found that a disproportionate number of parents have expressed negative attitude in comparison with professional carers (46% vs. 11%) towards medication. the study suggests that standards of compliance with medication needs to be emphasised and researched on especially in case of family carers of mental health problems. Psychiatric disorders se em to have a stigma associated and providing medication for mental illness is still considered unacceptable. The family carers attitude to mental health problems and general mental illness may be shaped by such social and psychological factors. All these issues seem to be important in determining the kind of medication a psychiatric patient should have. In a study by Evans et al (1994), the All-Wales Mental Handicap Strategy (AWS) has promised not just governmental leadership and emphasis on the area of mental health service provisions but also availability of resources for developing community based residential, domiciliary, respite, day-care and professional services for people with mental handicaps and their families. Thus the strategy aims at providing the best for mentally ill people to experience community life. For the study a sample of people with mental handicaps was used to track changes in mental health services received, in professional input, the number of community activities pursued, and the size and range of individuals social networks and involvement in individual planning and the impact of health care strategies. There was a decrease in the proportion of patients living with parents and an increase in those living independently or in another family situation although private residence and serviced residence were bo th equally used for living purposes. Residential service associated with care facilities were also noted and there was marked preference for family based care. Family support services in the form of family aides and short-term care increased significantly, and day service also diversified. The health strategy as followed by the AWS seems to have brought individuals with mental health problems in greater contact with other members of the community although there was no difference in people friendship networks or extent and nature of associations. Yet the service provisions an family and user experiences were found to be in accordance with the direction and goals set by the AWS yet changes are still required and the a new patterns of services have been identified as necessary. The authors point out at the end of the analysis that the mental handicaps do conform to the guiding principles of AWS health strategy and its implications can be significant. If this study is extrapolated to understand the dynamics of the working and provisions for the service user in the contemporary mental health scenario, we can learn several lessons and identify several new provisions that may work with mentally ill patients. Providing a well integrated community network and service provisions at home as well as making resources available to the mentally ill patients either in their residential places or in the community or even at health and clinical settings could be major priorities of any health care strategy. The AWS strategy can thus be a blueprint or a primer for further modern health strategies and provides us with an opportunity for critical appraisal of service provisions that can be made available to mentally ill individuals in need of special care and support. There are however several issues that need to be considered as important in a critical evaluation of service user provisions for mentally ill patients. One of these issues involves improvement of the quality of information about clients referred to a community mental health team for referral purposes. For improved services to clients, improved information is also necessary and new ways of devising this quick availability of information should be encouraged. The second recommendation for improving service provisions involves following clinical guidelines. Michie and Lester (2005) determine whether writing or written clinical guideline recommendations in behaviourally specified plain English language can increase the likelihood of their implementation by service users or the patients. Following clinical guidelines, medication or therapy procedures is an important aspect of treatment and improvement of service user provisions can be made by stronger emphasis and written specification of approved and recommended guidelines. A evaluation of behavioural outcome and the inclination of following these guidelines should also be studied. Using and providing specialist service as in specialist educational intervention for acute inpatient mental health nursing staff and service user views in this regard have been studied. Richards et al (2005) evaluated the impact of an innovative 18-day educational intervention for acute ward-based mental healthcare nursing staff on reported quality of nursing care and on service user views of care using the educational intervention. The quality of inpatient mental health care for people with acute psychiatric problems has remained questionable and several studies have suggested that specialist educational courses and nursing interventions are needed to improve these services. An integration of health and social service care provisions and also day care for mental health patients have been emphasised considering social networks and care needs of the users. Increasing integration of health care and social services requires understanding the difference between health service day hospitals and social service day centres. A study by Catty et al (2005) has suggested that day centre clients had much larger social networks, including a three-fold difference in total contacts and two-fold difference in confidants, but had more needs for care, particularly relating to psychological distress. Our final recommendation for service user care for mental health patients and parents in a mentally ill home ambience is greater involvement of service users in mental health service planning and evaluation. Thornicroft and Tansella (2005) emphasise that service user involvement in the planning and provision of mental health services has been growing in recent years especially in areas where institutional service provision has been changed to a more community-orientated model of care. Recent studies have shown that during mental health crises, joint crisis plans by health providers and service users can significantly reduce the use of compulsory admission during crises. Conclusion: In this essay we provided a critical analysis of the provisions and policies provided by social services and health care services and evaluated the need for certain practices in providing quality service to service users with mental health needs. Bibliography Catty J, Goddard K, Burns T.  Social services and health services day care in mental health: the social networks and care needs of their users. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2005 Mar;51(1):23-34. Chamberlin J.  User/consumer involvement in mental health service delivery. Epidemiol Psichiatr Soc. 2005 Jan-Mar;14(1):10-4. Derisley J, Libby S, Clark S, Reynolds S.  Mental health, coping and family-functioning in parents of young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and with anxiety disorders. Br J Clin Psychol. 2005 Sep;44(Pt 3):439-44. Evans G, Todd S, Beyer S, Felce D, Perry J.  Assessing the impact of the All-Wales Mental Handicap Strategy: a survey of four districts. J Intellect Disabil Res. 1994 Apr;38 ( Pt 2):109-33. Flouri E.  Psychological and sociological aspects of parenting and their relation to suicidal behavior. Arch Suicide Res. 2005;9(4):373-83. Hart A, Saunders A, Thomas H.  Attuned practice: a service user study of specialist child and adolescent mental health, UK. Epidemiol Psichiatr Soc. 2005 Jan-Mar;14(1):22-31. Jones A, Jones M.  Mental health nurse prescribing: issues for the UK. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2005 Oct;12(5):527-35. Michie S, Lester K.  Words matter: increasing the implementation of clinical guidelines. Qual Saf Health Care. 2005 Oct;14(5):367-70. Minogue V, Boness J, Brown A, Girdlestone J.  The impact of service user involvement in research. Int J Health Care Qual Assur Inc Leadersh Health Serv. 2005;18(2-3):103-12. Reid D, Glascott G, Woods D.  Improving referral information in community mental health. Nurs Times. 2005 Oct 18-24;101(42):34-5. Robinson AD, Kruzich JM, Friesen BJ, Jivanjee P, Pullmann MD.  Preserving Family Bonds: Examining Parent Perspectives in the Light of Practice Standards for Out-of-Home Treatment. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2005 Oct;75(4):632-43. Rea DM.  Changing practice: involving mental health service users in planning service provision. Soc Work Health Care. 2004;39(3-4):325-42. Rasaratnam R, Crouch K, Regan A.  Attitude to medication of parents/primary carers of people with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2004 Nov;48(Pt 8):754-63. Richards D, Bee P, Loftus S, Baker J, Bailey L, Lovell K.  Specialist educational intervention for acute inpatient mental health nursing staff: service user views and effects on nursing quality. J Adv Nurs. 2005 Sep;51(6):634-44. Thornicroft G, Tansella M.  Growing recognition of the importance of service user involvement in mental health service planning and evaluation. Epidemiol Psichiatr Soc. 2005 Jan-Mar;14(1):1-3. Zubrick SR, Ward KA, Silburn SR, Lawrence D, Williams AA, Blair E, Robertson D, Sanders MR.  Prevention of Child Behavior Problems Through Universal Implementation of a Group Behavioral Family Intervention. Prev Sci. 2005 Sep 14;:1-18 For Department of Health publications, see Mental health section DoH www.dh.gov.uk http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/MentalHealth/fs/en also see NIMHE website, for role of Community Development workers. http://www.nimhe.org.uk/

Drugs: A Major Problem In Canadian Society :: essays research papers fc

Drugs: A Major Problem In Canadian Society A major problem that exists within Canadian society is the abuse of mind- altering substances. Such narcotics cause not only health problems, but also violent and potentially criminal acts. A mind-altering narcotic can be defined as both the legal and illegal type. The four main categories of drugs are: narcotics, CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, and hallucinogens. Most of these drugs are highly addictive and are usually obtained by prescription or are considered a banned substance and must be purchased illegally. Users of many of the "harder" drugs being abused today also face the possibility of an eventual overdose. An overdose is the ingestion of a lethal or mind- damaging amount of drugs. Once an full addiction of these drugs occur, the user faces withdrawal symptoms when a discontinuation of a drug transpires. This is due to a reduction of the natural pain-killers that exist in the body of non- drug users. These symptoms include chills, sweating, cramps, headaches, diarrhea and excessive vomiting. The treatment of drug addicts includes an extensive program of detoxification. Medical drugs, such as Naloxone, are sometimes given to patients to aid in overcoming these addictions. These drugs occupy opiate receptors in the brain to block all effects of the damaging drugs, however the Naloxone is not an addictive drug, as the others are. The downfall to the medical drugs being used to help addiction are that there effects are very short-term and cannot cure the patient, but does assist in attaining the goal of substituting a more controllable, less lethal drug as opposed to the original narcotic . The key to preventing substance abuse in Canada is to educate the public, preferably at a young age, never to experiment with potentially life-threating drugs. This education can be attained within the pre-secondary schools. In 1988 prime minister Brian Mulroney announced proposed Canada's Drug Strategy. Laws were enacted, which prohibited the sale of drug paraphernalia and increased the power of police to seize the assets of arrested drug offenders. The Strategy allocated the sum of $210 million in its first five years (and an additional $270 million in 1992) mainly to the prevention, education and treatment of drug use, while 30 per cent of this money was intended for the traditional area of law enforcement. The goal of education within the school system should be to support those students who are non-users with recognition and social activities that will encourage them to remain non-users and to facilitate a belief and value system that incorporates concern for fellow students and residents of the community. Drug education should emphasise the negative aspects of drugs to give the

Policy and Strategy in Global Competition Essay

Discussion Question 6.1: What are some drawbacks and risks to a broad generic business strategy? To a focused strategy? The two generic business strategies are differentiation and cost-leadership strategies, and they are fundamentally different from one another, both with their own drawbacks and risks (Rothaermel, 2013). These strategies are referred to as â€Å"generic† because they may be used by any type of organization (Rothaermel, 2013). The drawbacks and risks of a differentiation generic strategy is its viability â€Å"is severely undermined when the focus of competition shifts to price rather than value-creating features† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 155). This tends to occur when there is a level of acceptable quality which has emerged as a standard (Rothaermel, 2013). Organizations pursuing this strategy also need to ensure that they are not adding features which add cost but no â€Å"perceived value in the minds of consumers† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 155). The d rawbacks and risks of a cost-leadership strategy are that new entrants may erode the low-cost leader’s margins because of the â€Å"loss in market share while it attempts to learn new capabilities† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 154). Also, the converse of the differentiation strategy issue applies, in that organizations need to ensure that the â€Å"focus of competition shifts from price to non-price attributes† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 154). The organization needs to also be careful not to allow the value of the product or service to fall below the low-cost at which the product or service is offered (Rothaermel, 2013). A focused strategy applies the same concepts as the generic strategies above, but the focused strategy utilizes a more narrow competitive scope than the generic strategies (Rothaermel, 2013). The competitive scope refers to the market segment at which the product or service being offered is aimed (Rothaermel, 2013). An example would be the broad market of wristwatches to the more focused market of luxury watches  (Rothaermel, 2013). Discussion Question 6.4: Create examples of value chains for three firms: one using cost leadership, another using differentiation, and a third using an integration business-level strategy. A value chain is the process in which â€Å"a firm engages when transforming inputs into outputs† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 95). It is made up of primary activities, which add value directly, and support activities, which add value indirectly (Rothaermel, 2013). Primary activities include production phases, sales, marketing, and customer service (Rothaermel, 2013). Support activities include research and development, â€Å"information systems, operations management, human resources, finance, accounting, and general management† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 96). Cost leadership firm: As discussed above, a cost-leadership strategy involves maintaining the lowest price of a particular service or product (Rothaermel, 2013). A prime example of a cost-leadership firm would be Walmart (Rothaermel, 2013 ). Walmart’s value chain would begin with its supply chain, which is made up of suppliers with whom Walmart has negotiated the lowest price possible, at a volume sufficient enough to fill its shelves (Rothaermel, 2013). The next link in the value chain would be Walmart’s distribution and operations. Walmart has been able to reduce packaging and mileage, allowing for significant cost savings (Porter & Kramer, 2011). Walmart’s sheer size creates significant savings through economies of scale (Rothaermel, 2013). Lastly would be marketing, sales, and service, in Walmart’s value chain. Walmart focuses on â€Å"Saving people money so they can live better†, and continues to take innovative steps to do so (Walmart, 2015). The company has even created a mobile app called the â€Å"Savings Catcher† which allows customers to scan their Walmart receipt to capture savings that they would have missed otherwise (Walmart, 2015). This is a marketing effort which impacts sales and services in a major way. Differentiation: Apple is an ideal example of an organization utilizing a differentiation strategy (Rothaermel, 2013). Apple seems to be able to â€Å"create customer needs (even if customers are initially unaware of the need)† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 155). Apple’s value chain will differ from Walmart, and other cost-leadership strategy firms, in that it will have a greater focus on the development of their products and in its marketing and customer service. It will focus on product development in an effort to ensure their products continue to set the bar in their respective  categories (Rothaermel, 2013). Apple will also focus on marketing and customer service to ensure that new and current customers are aware of the products’ areas of superiority (Rothaermel, 2013). Integration Business-Level: Hewlett Packard (â€Å"HP†) is an example of an organization that is using the integration business-level strategy, which is a combination of the differentiation and cost-leadership strategies (Rothaermel, 2013). HP utilizes this strategy because Apple holds the differentiation position while Dell holds the cost-leader position in the mobile devices market (Rothaermel, 2013). For this reason, HP must seek to implement both the cost-saving strategies in supply chain management, like Walmart, and the differentiation strategies in product design, like Apple (Rothaermel, 2013). There are differences, however, in the value chain between HP and the two companies above. HP has sought to cut costs by trimming its workforce, thereby helping in its cost-leadership strategy (Rothaermel, 2013). In regard to its design efforts, HP has improved â€Å"the differential appeal of its product and service offerings† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 162). Chapter 7 Discussion Question 7.1: What strategy might the firm use to unseat Windows in this market? Although the small firm has developed a new product, it is a product which will be introduced into an industry which is most likely in the growth or maturity stage of the industry life cycle (Rothaermel, 2013). As such, the small firm’s best strategy would be to employ a cost-leadership strategy (Rothaermel, 2013). This is the best option because both the differentiation and cost-leadership strategy are viable options during the growth stage, but firms that adopt the cost-leadership strategy which dominate during the maturity stage (Rothaermel, 2013). The small firm’s new product is likely considered a process innovation, as it seeks to accomplish the same tasks in a more efficient manner (Rothaermel, 2013). Discussion Question 7.2: How does the industry life cycle affect business strategy? Detail your answer based on each stage: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. During the introduction stage of the industry life cycle, the companies which tend to be, and stay successful, are innovative and tend to be few  (Rothaermel, 2013). As such, the strategy used during this stage is likely the differentiation strategy, since firms are seeking to establish the uniqueness of their products’ features (Rothaermel, 2013). The growth stage tends to allow organizations to be a little freer to decide which strategy would work best for them (Rothaermel, 2013). It is during this stage that a dominant design, or standard, is established, which means that firms may choose to differentiate their product, or choose to attempt to offer the same type of product at a lesser cost (Rothaermel, 2013). The maturity stage begins to see less design changes and more process innovations within the industry (Rothaermel, 2013). For this reason, it is cost-leaders that tend to succeed during this stage (Rothaermel, 2013). The decline stage differs from those above, as it introduces four strategic options for firms to pursue: (1) exit, (2) harvest, (3) maintain, and (4) consolidate (Rothaermel, 2013). The exit strategy is precisely as it says: it involves the firm choosing to leave the market to pursue other endeavors (Rothaermel, 2013). The harvest strategy means that the firm will still sell the product or service, but will reduce the level of investment in its maintenance and development (Rothaermel, 2013). The maintain strategy is also exactly what it sounds like: the firm continues offering the product or service at the same level as it has been, despite the declining demand (Rothaermel, 2013). The consolidate strategy involves the purchasing of rivals in an effort to shrink the industry, which provides firms employing this strategy to reach near-monopolistic status (Rothaermel, 2013). Discussion Question 7.4: Why are standards important in many industries? As standards get adapted and become dominant, how does this process influence the competitive nature of the industry? Standards are important in many industries because the firm whose product becomes the standard â€Å"tends to capture a larger market share and can persist for a long time† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 175). Once the standard is adopted, the market tends to focus more on process innovation than on product innovation (Rothaermel, 2013). This means that firms are focusing their R&D efforts â€Å"on process innovation in order to improve efficiency† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 177). Since the standard tends to be set during the growth stage,  either the differentiation or cost-leadership strategy is used, for the reasons discussed above (Rothaermel, 2013). Chapter 8 Discussion Question 8.1: When Walmart decided to incorporate grocery stores into some locations and created â€Å"super-centers,† was this a business-level strategy of differentiation or a corporate-level strategy of diversification? Why? Explain your answer. Walmart’s incorporation of grocery stores into some locations represents a corporate-level strategy of diversification, as opposed to a business-level strategy of differentiation. While business-level strategy typically involves individual markets, corporate-level strategy encompasses decisions which impact multiple markets and industries simultaneously (Rothaermel, 2013). Diversification occurs when a firm seeks to increase â€Å"the variety of products or markets in which to compete† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 216). By incorporating grocery stores into some of its locations, Walmart made a corporate-level strategy decision to diversify the products offered in its stores, and the markets within which it chose to operate (Rothaermel, 2013). Chapter 9 Discussion Question 9.1: List some specific advantages of this acquisition for Live Nation. Do you see any downside to the merger?  Some advantages to the acquisition of Ticketmaster by Live Nation include: a reduction in competitive intensity, lower costs, increased differentiation, and access to new markets and distribution channels (Rothaermel, 2013). While these are some possible advantages for Live Nation, mergers and acquisitions do not result in a competitive advantage the majority of the time (Rothaermel, 2013). Shareholder value is usually destroyed after a merger and acquisition, and it is only the shareholders of the acquired company that tend to benefit (Rothaermel, 2013). Chapter 10 Discussion Question 10.1: How might your relationship change as the MNE moves from Globalization 2.0 to Globalization 3.0 operations?  Globalization is the process of increasing â€Å"integration and exchange between different countries and peoples worldwide† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 271). Globalization 2.0 refers to growing business globally from 1945 to 2000 (Rothaermel, 2013). It involved large foreign direct investment, with the  state-side corporate headquarters directing strategic goals and resource allocation (Rothaermel, 2013). Globalization 3.0 covers the time period from 2000 to the present (Rothaermel, 2013). Tremendous strides in technology allow for less need of foreign direct investment, and this stage has allowed the MNE to reorganize as a â€Å"global enterprise with centers of expertise† (Rothaermel, 2013, p. 273). As a small firm supplying a product or service to an MNE, the degree of change which would arise in our relationship, as the firm moved from Globalization 2.0 to Globalization 3.0 operations, would depend heavily on the location and type of services or product provided. The MNE would likely become more dependent on technology for telecommuting and would seek to operate twenty-four hours a day, year round (Rothaermel, 2013). As such, if our service or product was related to the technologies being implemented by the MNE, then the firm would become a larger player in the MNE’s operations. However, if the MNE was able to tap into its own knowledge-base to provide the services or product our small firm provides, then we would no longer be needed by the global giant. References Rothaermel, F. T. (2013). Strategic Management. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Walmart. Our story. Retrieved on January 25, 2015, from http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/

Lord of the Flies Comparison Between Raplh and Jack Essays

Lord of the Flies Comparison Between Raplh and Jack Essays Lord of the Flies Comparison Between Raplh and Jack Paper Lord of the Flies Comparison Between Raplh and Jack Paper like his father, takes on a leadership role. Last but not least, a strong reason why they are different Is because Ralph shows dervish skills and Is admired by majority of the boys that are on the Island with him.. He maintains order and Intents on getting out; whereas Tom Is bombarded with responsibility that seems to be too overwhelming for his personality, he does all the duties intents. Seas to Tu I out en does teen anal nee artery walkout ten relent SECOND BODY : The difference between the two can also be seen in their personalities; Tom is selfish and cares only about himself while Ralph consistently considers his friends before he thinks of himself * Both texts have a different style of portraying the character in question . Ralph is seen helping and considering the future of everyone on the island while not caring about him. He shows selfless love towards each and every character in the story, one incident that occurred in the story is when a boy asked Ralph if they were ever going to get saved, one of the boys proclaimed of course not, but Ralph reassured the little boy and gave him the hope that if they follow his orders and procedures they will be saved and returned back to civilization. (peg 20)(peg 21 bottom)(peg 34-35 bottom) (37 fire) Using peg 34-35 **insert Quote** * In this quote, it shows that Rallys is tauter and reassuring by giving everyone some hope and comfort regarding their fears. On the other hand, Tom only cares for himself, he is not considerate of others, and shows almost no love towards his family. **Quote** this quote shows the reader how different tom acts then Ralph, even when considering their age difference. * (peg 53 bottoms) it also shows that the mother wants Tom to understand the situation by explaining to him that daughters welfare is more important than even herself. The mother tries to convince Tom to believe that it is important to care for Laura. This shows that Tom is running away from responsibility while Ralph happily accepts the role of being the leader and comforts the group. THIRD PARAGRAPH * a strong evidence of their contrasting characteristics come apparent with their way of reflecting on their father figure as the main source of guidance; for Tom, the missing father figure is apparent as he also tries to escape from his situation meanwhile Ralph ,like his father, takes on a leadership role. As soon as Ralph and the others were stranded on the island he was subjected to his responsibilities, some may say that these qualities could have been passed down through his father. This was evident when the first thing he thought was to create a system of order and prevent things from going into chaos. **Quote** the quote reconfirms the claim that Rallys father was a responsible Navy officer and throughout Rallys childhood, he may have influenced the shaping of Rallys character. When Ralph reassured the group, its showed that the group still had confidence in what he had to say and instructed to do. (peg 36 bottom) Tom: (peg 80) Toms upbringing was clearly different than Rallys which reflected on his attitude and overall behavior towards his father.

Why You Shouldnt Trust Homeschooling Statistics

Why You Shouldn't Trust Homeschooling Statistics When arguing the pros and cons of any issue, its usually helpful to have agreed-upon facts on hand. Unfortunately, when it comes to homeschooling, there are very few reliable studies and statistics available. Even something as basic as how many children are being homeschooled in a given year can only be guessed at. Here are a few of the reasons you should take any facts and figures you see regarding homeschooling - good or bad - with a grain of salt. The Definition of Homeschooling Differs Would you consider all these children homeschoolers? A child enrolled in a virtual public charter school who does all schoolwork at home.A child who spends part of the week in public school classes.A child who homeschooled some years but not others. When it comes to counting heads and drawing conclusions, its important to compare apples with apples. But since different studies use different definitions of homeschooling, its hard to know if studies are actually looking at the same group of kids. For instance, a report from the National Center for Education Studies, part of the U.S. Department of Education, includes students who spend up to 25 hours a week - five hours a day - attending classes in a public or private school. Its hard to equate that experience to that of a child who has never sat in a classroom. States Dont Keep Complete Records of Who Homeschools In the U.S., it is the states that oversee education, including homeschooling. And each states laws on the matter are different. In some states, parents are free to homeschool without even contacting the local school district. In other states, parents must send a Letter of Intent to homeschool and submit regular paperwork, which can include the scores of standardized tests. But even in states where homeschooling is closely regulated, good numbers are hard to come by. In New York, for example, parents must submit paperwork to the school district - but only for children within the age of compulsory education. Below the age of six, or after age 16, the state stops keeping count. So its impossible to know from state records how many families choose to homeschool kindergarten, or how many teens go on from homeschooling to college. Widely-Quoted Studies Are Biased Its hard to find an article about homeschool in the national media that does not include a quote from the Home School Legal Defense Association. HSLDA is a nonprofit homeschool advocacy group that offers legal representation to members in some cases involving homeschooling. HSLDA also lobbies state and national legislatures to present its conservative Christian viewpoint on issues regarding home education and family rights. So its fair to question whether HSLDAs studies represent only its constituents and not homeschoolers from other walks of life. Likewise, it seems reasonable to expect that studies by groups in favor of or opposed to homeschooling will reflect those biases. So its not surprising that the National Home Education Research Institute, an advocacy group, publishes studies that show the benefits of homeschooling. Teachers groups like the National Education Association on the other hand, often release statements criticizing homeschooling simply on the basis that it does not require parents to be licensed teachers. Many Homeschooling Families Choose Not to Take Part in Studies In 1991, Home Education Magazine ran a column by Larry and Susan Kaseman which advised parents to avoid taking part in studies about homeschooling. They argued that researchers could use their school-based biases to misrepresent the way that homeschooling works. For instance, a question about how many hours are spent teaching implies that parents should be sitting down with their kids doing desk work, and ignores the fact that a lot of learning happens in the course of everyday activities. The HEM article went on to say that academics who conduct studies often come to be regarded as experts on homeschooling, by the public and sometimes by homeschooling parents themselves. Their fear was that homeschooling would come to be defined by the measures looked at in the studies. Along with the issues raised by the Kasemans, many homeschooling families dont take part in studies to preserve their privacy. Theyd simply rather stay under the radar, and not risk being judged by people who might disagree with their educational choices. Interestingly, the HEM article came out in favor of case histories. According to the Kasemans, interviewing individual homeschooling families to hear what they have to say about their educational styles is a more effective and accurate way to provide data on what homeschooling is really like. Many Scholarly Studies Are Stacked Against Homeschooling Its easy to say that most homeschooling families are not qualified to educate their own children - if you define qualified to mean certified to teach in a public school. But could a medical doctor teach her children anatomy? Of course. Could a published poet teach a homeschool workshop on creative writing? Who better? How about learning bike repair by helping out in a bike shop? The apprenticeship model worked for centuries. Measures of public school success like test scores are often meaningless in the real world, as well as in homeschooling. Thats why demands that homeschoolers submit to more testing and studies that look at homeschooling through the lens of traditional schooling can miss the true advantages of learning outside a classroom. Homeschool Research to Take With a Grain of Salt Here are some links to research on homeschooling, from a variety of sources. Number of Homeschoolers by State: Updated listings by Ann Zeise from A2Z Homes Cool.The International Center for Home Education Research: Formed in 2012, this group says it provides nonpartisan information about homeschooling.Education Week Homeschooling article: Overview from 2011 with links to related articles and studies.New Nationwide Study Confirms Homeschool Academic Achievement: HSLDA article with links to studies.1.5 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2007: Article from the National Center for Education Studies.What Have We Learned About Homeschooling?: Article by E. Isenberg from the Peabody Journal of Education, 2007, that discusses the lack of reliable data on homeschooling.Home Schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics: Study by K. Bauman published in Education Policy Analysis Archives in 2002, using data from the 1990s.

Phases of a Project Lifecycle Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Phases of a Project Lifecycle - Assignment Example This paper illustrates that at the initiation stage, some steps are usually involved such as developing a business case, undertaking a business case, performing the project charter, identifying the project team, establishing the project office and performing a review of the phase. At the planning stage there is involvement of creating a suite of planning documents which help in guiding the team throughout the project management. The planning documents help in managing time, quality, change, risk, cost and issues. The steps involved in the planning phase are; creating a project plan, creation of a resource plan, creating a financial plan, creating a quality plan, creating a risk plan, creating an acceptance and a communications plan, then creating a procurement plan, contracting the suppliers and then finally performing phase review. This is the most challenging phase. At the execution stage, deliverables are built and presented to the customer for recognition. When deliverables are b eing constructed, a set of management processes are performed to monitor and control the deliverables being output by the project. Some of the management processes initiated at this stage are time, charge, superiority, amend, risks, issues, suppliers, consumers and communication. Closure is the last phase. It involves releasing the final proposals to the purchaser, handing over project credentials to the business, terminating dealer agreements, delivering project assets and communicating project conclusion to all stakeholders. Some of the equipment used during setting out a project for example for a company such as IT Software Company is; notebook computer which is a very important tool .this is where the researched data is being entered and stored. Electronic mail and access to the internet is made available through a high-speed modem An example of management tool is the jopro central. Jopro central is an asset of software tools that helps in managing the project workflow more effe ctively and efficiently. In addition to that, it helps the project managers in managing time and costs during the process.

Measuring Business Performance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3

Measuring Business Performance - Coursework Example In fact efficiency can metrically be measured using cycle time and capacity utilization, and in short efficiency refers to the time it takes a process or a person to achieve a given result. On the other hand, effectiveness shows the target results are achieved, and in short it is the level of results from the employees or process within a system. In an organisation, employees who achieve their targets in their respective departments for instance employee A achieves a set target of 10, 000 unit sales is said to be effective. Conversely, an employee who achieves the target within the shortest time possible is efficient. Efficiency and effectiveness are very important components of the business function, and there a number of reasons why businesses are interested in achieving higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness. 1. Effectiveness and efficiency assists businesses in setting up of organizational goals, and hence they important in business because they are the ingredients the business attains its goals, and efficiency corresponds to time goals, whereas effectiveness corresponds to results. 2. In the present face of intense competition brought about by globalization, businesses must employ tools that assist in profitability. This implies that reducing costs and increasing revenue, and a business that employs effective methods shall surely make higher returns. 3. Efficiency and effectiveness contribute positively to the business as it helps in aligning the organizational structure towards good communication and cohesiveness, and through the principle of transitivity, this will benefit the customers, who in turn become loyal and retained. The company selected for the purpose of task three is Friends Life, and its shares are being traded publicly traded at the London Stock Exchange. The annual results for 2013 and 2012 financial year are located at the