Police and the Use of Excessive Force Essay

The use of excessive force by police organizations around the world as a crime control mechanism has been widely criticized and debated for many years. Many ask, what exactly is excessive force? What causes an officer to use excessive force and is it justified? There is much ambiguity when it comes to answering such questions. Your perception will undoubtedly create your expectation and too many times one’s failure to acknowledge, ‘the other side of the story,’ causes a misperception. How big of a role do the media play in portraying police use of excessive force as fair or unnecessary? These are all valid questions that will be addressed in this analysis as well as what is being done to address the situation. We begin with the definition of excessive force as provided by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, â€Å"excessive force is the amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling suspect† (Police use of Force, 2009 ). That is, police will turn to excessive force when an individual has been uncooperative. Some argue that the police’s most defining feature is their capacity to use coercive force (Katz & Walker, 2008). Police use of force may include physical force as well as the power to arrest, but most importantly the power to use deadly force. It is important to keep in mind that there are laws set in place to limit the amount of force an officer uses, including excessive force. Such laws have allowed for better policing practices and an improved police/community relationship. Although police use of excessive force still arises from time to time, the number of incidents has dropped dramatically over the years. According to a study done in the years 1999 and 2000 of calls for service, force was used by police in less than one percent of the calls (Police use of Force, 2009). In actuality, the police spend most of their shift serving their community as peacekeepers as  well as helping others. So what drives a sworn police officer to use excessive force? The answer to this question is not a simple one, and rightfully so. Some argue that discrimination, stereotyping and the environment in which a n officer may patrol can contribute to the use of excessive force. People call the police because they want an officer to settle a problem: to arrest someone, to get someone to calm down, or to have someone removed from the home (Katz & Walker, 2008). In other words, police are constantly put in volatile situations where the people they are dealing with can become a danger to the officer who is responding to a call and there is no telling what someone might do at any given moment. Often times when an officer has been dispatched to a scene, particularly an altercation, tempers are already flaring and what would normally be a situation calling for a simple mediation performed by the officer can easily escalate to the citizen resisting arrest for fear of going to jail, not knowing that the police is just trying to calm down the individual in order to assist with the situation more accurately. Situations like these are all too common and police can feel very much unappreciated and a sense of disrespect on behalf of those they serve. This frustration often times lead to a small number of officers easily losing their temper when confronting citizens in future instances. It must be pointed out that such instances are rare, but still do a rise from time to time. As a retired police lieutenant reflecting on his career put it, ‘The majority of cops were good, hardworking, conscientious individuals. They cared, and they wanted to do a good job. But there were enough cops—not one rotten apple, but several rotten apples—to give law enforcement the taint it had received’ ((Retired), 2000). The media, which include movies, television shows, and news organizations, have a lot of power when it comes to portraying the police as good or evil. Given the considerable ambiguity that surrounds the issue, whether police use of force is presented as police brutality and whether brutality is understood as a problem depend greatly upon which voices and views the media emphasize (Lawrence, 2000). It is the media who determine what the general public learns about street cops’ daily experience with criminals and the underclass, as well as what the middle-class public learns about other groups’ experiences with police (Lawrence, 2000). A perfect example is the famous reality television program, ‘Cops,’ where camera crews  participate in ride-along a ssignments and capture real life drama from the police officer’s viewpoint. News headlines are one of the most, if not the most, influential media forms influencing public opinion and attitude towards law enforcement. As the lawyer for a Miami policeman acquitted in the shooting death of a black motorcyclist—an acquittal that touched off days of rioting—indignantly told reporters, â€Å"If the headlines read, ‘Twice-convicted drug dealer shot while trying to run over officer,’ there wouldn’t have been any riots† (Lawrence, 2000). So the question arises, what is being done to address the situation with police use of excessive force? History has shown that policing systems and strategies can and do change. One way the situation has been dealt with in recent years is with the creation of local citizen oversight groups where complaints by citizens are reviewed to determine whether the action taken by the officer towards the individual filing the complaint was caused by a lack of policy, or a bad policy, on behalf of the police department in which case a recommendation for a new policy is sent to the department. Another way that police departments are dealing with the situation is by mounting video recorders on patrol cars as well as working with the local media and using them as a way of checks and balances. There is also the case for higher education for police officers. The subject matter of higher education as a requirement for police officers is a hot debate topic today. Study has shown that higher educated cops receive fewer complaints than those with less education (Victor E. Kappeler, 1992). Works Cited (Retired), L. A. (2000). From the Inside Looking Out. In J. Nelson, Police Brutality (p. 265). New York: Norton. Katz, C. M., & Walker, S. (2008). The Police In America. New York: McGraw-Hill. Lawrence, R. G. (2000). The Politics of Force. Los Angeles: University of California Press. Police use of Force. (2009, August 04). Retrieved March 19, 2010, from National Institute of Justice web site: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/law-enforcement/use-of-force/welcome.htm#note1 Victor E. Kappeler, D. C. (1992). Police Officer Higher Education, Citizen Complaints, and Departmental Rule Violation. American Journal of Police , 37-54.

Make a wish foundation Essay

There is an array of things that are assessed in starting a successful business. When viewing the success of Dale Northrup who decided to open the Percy Inn in Portland, Maine, after being a critic and editor for hotels and cruise ships all over the world, it becomes very apparent that a great deal of work goes into starting a successful business. A business owner must first determine the reasons in which they want to start a business. The owner must determine what entrepreneurial characteristics they possess that will promote the success of their business. Next, a niche and market must be determined. This paper will give details of how Dale Northrup, owner and manager of Percy Inn decided to open a successful business using his entrepreneurial skills and background in the travel and lodging market to create wealth, a sense of pride, and an attractive venture to investors. When Dale decided to open the Percy Inn, he had to consider several reasons to take the risk as an entrepreneur. Like many entrepreneurs, Dale probably thought the top advantages to starting Percy Inn was the flexibility, freedom, and better income along with pride of ownership, retention of control, and the retention of ownership. Dale Northrup traveled all over the world and wrote 23,000 hotel reviews for travel agent hotel guides in 70 countries (Percy, About the Inn), so he is truly an expert on the travel and lodge industry. Being given the opportunity to use his expertise in the industry and own the famous Percy Inn located in Portland, Maine, Dale has a huge sense of pride for his ownership and management. Dale also has other lodging options that include his cottage on the Southern Maine coast as well as chic condominiums overlooking Biscayne Bay in South Florida (Percy, Home of the Percy Inn). Dale is able to provide various levels of comfort to various markets of people in multiple locations with the use of his niche for travel and lodging and history of Portland. As Dale continues to manage these amazing inns in great locations, he assumes all the risk and is allowed to be very innovative in how he accommodates his traveling guests and tenants, which allows him the privilege to be independent and flexible as he faces many challenges. He also is able to retain control and profits to increase his financial success. Dale can have the satisfaction of owning a business that he is very proud of and keep the profits to himself minus his taxes and expenses, which is a great advantage of being an entrepreneur. Even with Dale’s expertise in travel and lodging and his success in his business at Percy Inn, he possesses several other entrepreneurial characteristics that are imperative to being an excellent business owner. According to the author Marce in Chapter 7 about Small Business and Entrepreneurship, a few characteristics of entrepreneurs include vision, self-reliance, energy, confidence, tolerance of uncertainty, and tolerance of failure ( Marce, pg 102). The characteristics that Dale Northrup seem to possess especially are vision, confidence, and self-reliance. Dale had several years of personal and professional experience in lodging, but it was his vision that enabled him to create an urban inn after he renovated a house from the year 1830 that was built in Maine, ten years after it became a state(Northrup). He was very confident in his expertise in travel and lodge and history of Portland in order to create an inn that would appeal to many people all while he pursued a great business venture that he was passionate about. He also took his business a step further by opening more inns in other locations besides the main inn in Portland, which shows that he is very confident that his vision will be to the satisfaction of many people all over the world. His ability to manage inns and maintain a vision that is selective and targets a certain type of market shows that he is very reliable. Dale is responsible for permits, staffing his inns, maintain his investor relations, and any liabilities that impact him personally and financially in dealing with the business operations. A good time for some families is a trip to Disney World, a cruise, weekend getaway, a tour of France , or even a trip to a local beach. No matter what a person or family enjoys there is something out there for them to take part in. Dale Northrup has an inn which is probably very appealing to a market that is fond of New England history and wants to enjoy the luxury of a home away from home whether it is for a day trip or extended stay. A market niche tends to be attractive to a certain segment of people and not have as many competitors. Dale definitely has a niche in the market because he has a great deal of experience and is also providing an inn that is different from many other because of the historical New England influence. The niche works in Dale’s favor and does not limit him because he caters to other markets  and taste by having other inns that are more appropriate to their locations and other people’s interest ( Marce, pg 106). If Dale is able to have three inns in different locations that are all very successful and able to use his expertise in the desires of people in lodging, he should not have any problems with being successful and able to target various markets even if he gains more competitors or ever feels that he wants to change his niche or target market. Changing his niche and vision to cater to more people could actually be of great benefit to him in the future, but probably is not necessary since he has something unique in its class already. Percy Inn is very impressive to investors and probably had an extensive business plan. Business plans usually cover everything from the vision of a business to the marketing to the financial analysis of the business. If Dale presented the business plan to me, as an investor I would be most interested in the potential customers, profitability, operating procedures, and financial data. If I would take the risk of investing in a business that I was not familiar with I would definitely be interested in the market of people that services would be provided to because that would be an indicator of how profitable the business would be. I would also need a clear understanding of operating procedures such as how would the inn be ran and operated in terms of personnel and tending to guests as well as how inns at other locations owned by Dale would be operated when he is not able to be on site. Last, but certainly not least, the financial data is very important. The financial data is important because it will reveal how much money is necessary to invest to start the business as well as how much is needed to maintain and operate the business over the tenure of the business. It is imperative that an investor is aware of what market the business they invest in will target and what financial future the business has to return the money invested and become profitable. Since Dale is the owner and manager of the inns, he is a sole proprietor of the business. Being a sole proprietor gives Dale the advantage of ease of formation, retaining profits and control, and pride of ownership. Because Dale is a sole proprietor he does not have to file as many forms or pay the fees associated with partnerships and corporations. Dale is in full control  of the business and therefore he manages everything and assumes all liability. Dale is able to benefit from all the profits of the business since he manages everything and assumes all risk and liability. If Dale ever considered switching to a partnership or corporation he would be able to limit some of his risk and duties, which could increase or decrease the income. If Dale was not the sole owner, he could limit his liabilities because if the company goes bankrupt, the stockholders would have personal asset protection. There would be permeance, allowing Dale’s business consider to thrive even if he withdraws or dies because the corporation could continue if stockholders want the business to continue. Switching to a corporation could also help ale to make more money since corporations and partnerships are usually larger than sole proprietorships because there are larger teams of people which allow more diversity amongst ideas to expand because they can use specialized management by hiring qualified people to help grow the company. (Marce,pg 89) In conclusion, Dale Northrup is a sole proprietor with a distinctive entrepreneurial profile. He has taken a risk to start a business with a vision of his own to target various people from all over to visit his inns in different locations. He is being recognized for his great inn and the service provided and is able to enjoy freedom, flexibility, and the retention of profits. I would recommend that Dale looks for ways to increase his market share since he has a unique business. If his market share increases, it could lead to more income and opportunities. Second, if the business continues to thrive and Dale wants to expand, he may want to at least expand to a partnership with someone who shares his similar vision to share responsibility with and continue the business in the case that he can no longer own and manage the business. Last, it would be in the best interest of Dale to maintain very accurate financial information to watch for trends and perform analysis comparable to other companies to look for ways to improve his business and win against competitors. Works Cited Kelly, Marce, and James McGowen. â€Å"Small Business and Entrepreneurship.† _BUSN 5_. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2013. Pages 89-112 Print. Northrup, Dale. â€Å"Home of the Percy Inn.† _Home of the Percy Inn_. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2013.

Computerized Enrollment System Essay

Computer now a days have a vital and wonderful effect in all aspects of a human being from a single thing or relating to human beings living in society. This advance technology has been the range or scope of something to influence the society’s modernization. We are therefore enhancing the development of our society through the use of computer. It is also made by computer-based system to lessen the work of the employees in organization. One of the computer-based systems is the computerized enrollment system, in which it is essential in the development of the organization that provides the information needed by the organization for achieving results without waste of time and effort and producing a specified effect. Almost every company and institution here in our country uses a computer based system. This type of system makes their work fast, accurate and reliable. This is the best way of storing and retrieving data on a server or a hard disk rather than using papers and file cabinets. A quick and reliable computer based system is a process wherein an institution can find an easier and better way to implement an enrollment system. In the case of Sto. Nià ±o Academy, it is composed of manual enrollment system, wherein all transactions during enrollment period are done manually and using the traditional way. Computation of payments which is done manually through the use of the usual calculators, and even the generation of reports are very time consuming. Background of the Study The major problem of the Sto. Nià ±o Academy is the slow process of admitting a student when enrolling, especially in the middle of the enrollment period. The proponents decided to develop a Computerized Enrollment system to make the process of admitting student fast and accurate. The system that will developed by the proponents is a great help to the school because it provides efficient and accurate transactions, and also, it provided a security to prevent unauthorized person to access the system. In registration and record keeping, the registrar’s work will be lessen and hustle free. The records no will be more secured than the previous way of keeping the records. In cashier, the time for computing, and checking of balances will be lessen and more efficient. The system is providing a search engine for the student that has a balance remaining. For student, the time in enrolling will be lessen and efficient, accurate, and hustle free. The system is pro viding a module for automatic computation of the average grade of the student, room assignment is also included. Objective of the Study General Objective The study aims to improve the traditional procedures of the enrollment of Sto. Nià ±o Academy by designing and developing a Computerized Enrollment System. This will be a great help in improving the existing enrolment system and will mitigate errors in admitting, assessing students, and computation of payments during enrollment and examination period. Through this way, the proposed system will give comfort to both the students and the staff of the school. It will also make every transaction fast and accurate. It will lessen the errors especially in the assessment and computation of payments and generation of reports. Specific 1. To provide a module that will prohibit access to unauthorized user. The proponents will design and develop a module that will prohibit access to unauthorized users. This module will provide usernames and passwords for the identification of the user. To ensure the security of data, the system will provide levels of access on every data. Only authorized persons can modify the data through the use of database security. Through this, confidential files will be secured. 2. To provide a module that will make the assessment and computation of payments fast and accurate. The proponents will design and develop a module that will automatically compute the tuition of a certain enrollee based on the mode of payment. This module will provide an accurate and faster computation of student tuition fees so that the registrar doesn’t have to double-check her computation to save time and effort. 3. To provide a module that will maintain all the student records in the school. At Sto. Nià ±o Academy, the records of the students are only kept in folders or envelopes. With this, the proponents will design and develop a Database Module that will serve as the storage of all the records about the system because all data are stored in it. Through this module, all files will be organized so that they can easily be accessed and retrieved. This module will also provide the maintenance of records of the students. In this way, it will be easy to update and delete record to provide an up-to-date list of students. 4. To provide a module that automatically computes the average grade of a student. This module will help the registrar in admitting a promoted student during enrollment. Now promoted students can skip registration and evaluation of grades, he can already go to the cashier for assessment 5. To provide an Automatic Sectioning module during enrollment. This module will give the section to a student during enrollment period. This will save time and effort for the students. Based on the manual posting of schedule, students are required to go to their rooms to get their schedule. Now with the help of the proposed system, students will immediately get their schedule after they enrolled. 6. To provide a module that will make the generation of reports fast and accurate. Student Report Sto. Nià ±o Academy is required to submit different reports to the Department of Education. These are the reports of all the students currently enrolled in a particular school year. With the manual way, the registrar is having a hard time of finding and transferring the report to a specific report paper. That’s why the proponents will design and develop a module that provides an accurate, fast, reliable, and easy generation of reports. Student Grade The system is also capable of storing student grades. Through the use of the system, it would be easy for the teachers to encode the student’s grades. The teachers have individual usernames and password in order to gain access to the student’s grades. The error for the teacher to post in accurate grades on the student’s records will lessen. Faculty Information Generation of reports of certain faculty information will be made easier with the implementation of the system. The computerized system is capable of generating reports fast, accurate and error less. Preparation of reports using manual method will be eliminated because the registrar does not need to write everything. With just clicking the print button and selecting the faculty that you want to print his information, the system will print all the necessary information needed. 7. To provide a module that will make the searching of student grade fast. Searching of a student record is also a problem of Sto. Nià ±o Academy, because whenever students go to the registrar to get his grades the registrar needs to go to the file cabinet and look for the name of the student that takes a long time and effort. This module is design for fast searching of a certain student, by means of typing his student number or last name. 8. To provide a module that will retrieve student records. Retrieval of records is also a problem of registrar. Every time a certain record is being retrieved, the process takes a lot of time for the registrar needs to search over files records in order to have the records retrieved. But with the use of the computerized system, retrieval of records will be easier because the system only requires the student number as an input and with just a click of a button, the records being searched will be displayed on the screen and is ready for printing, thus making the retrieval of records easier and faster.

Poetry analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Poetry analysis - Essay Example The use of repetition of words all through the poem such as "civil", bring in alliteration to the following or next. Shakespeare chooses to use the repetition of a certain sound in the subsequent line, generating alliteration. Alliteration in the line 5 is not just the repetition of the letter f sound but of bold words. A line filled with harsh sounding fs as well as words of rivalry are pushed up alongside line 6 and appear to be more unhappy than harsh which inform the audience of the expected death of the lovers that were at first believed to be enemy. Lastly, enjambment in the poem embraces the character of the play being clash and the violence paralleling with love as well as predictable disaster. Form as well as content is important aspects in any text as the combination of all inevitably produce the last meaning of the content. Meaning cannot be consequential if there is no substance in which to support a story on and a sequence of literary method for instance those present in the poem of Romeo and Juliet, place a prominence on this content for it to convey the basic idea that Shakespeare is giving out to the

Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Evaluation - Essay Example Instructional goals must be identified first, and then a method of assessment must be devised to test whether or not those instructional goals have been met. It is from this point that the design of the instruction can proceed.. By identifying instructional goals first, then designing methods of assessment for whether or not those instructional goals have been met, one can then design instruction so that it includes both of these. By making the goals clear from the beginning to the learner, and supplying a method for self-assessment, the learner is much more likely to succeed. (Dick, Walter, Carey, Lou, Carey, James O. 2004) One additional use for evaluation is a form of advertising. By sending out evaluation surveys after a program has been completed, program directors can assess the perceptions of participants concerning the program effectiveness, gain additional information concerning the retention of taught objectives, identify the strong and weak points of the program as perceived by the participants and motivate participants to return for further programs and to promote the program by word of mouth. No training can work completely without some form of evaluation. We simply need the kind of closure that evaluation provides. It provides a way of measuring progress. It also provides a method for identifying the value of a process or program, and finding ways to improve it. By measuring progress of individuals in a program of training, evaluation allows those individuals to move forward into more against learning. However, without the evaluation, many would move forward too soon, and some would simply not know when to move forward, because they would still be unsure of themselves. Evaluation provides the feedback necessary to convince participants in a program of training that they have acquired certain skills. In this way, it increases the confidence of the

Designing and developing a disaster management plan Essay

Designing and developing a disaster management plan - Essay Example The focus in the recent years has been shifted from the restoration of services at the earliest possible time to continuity of the business operations without loss of time. The utility industries are in a very piquant situation in view of various statutory compliances involved in the business operations apart from protection of employees, losses on account of disruption of the services, damages to the properties and machineries and civil and criminal liabilities arising out of such situations. It is pertinent to note that ‘accidents in the transportation field have had significant impacts on expenditure to reduce risks and increase safety, in some cases quite independently of the technical and economic arguments for investment but merely because public perception demands that particular ghosts be laid.’ (Perrow, 1984). A good disaster management plan envisages establishment of security policies and implementation of procedures in practice. Physical Security of the executives is of paramount importance, because avoiding breakdown in the decision making machinery is very crucial. Identification, analysis and evaluation of the facilities which are prone to disasters based on the available data may be the starting point. Understanding of peoples perception of and relationships with disaster should reflect in the personnel policy. No orders can be issued and effectively acted upon if there is inadequacy in this respect, because, these are the factors which govern their choices and actions. Honesty and integrity of an employee is very important in dealing with emergencies. Success of all management plans hinges on the company’s policy with regard to recruitment, background investigation, orientation provided and the continuous performance appraisal in relation to the employees. Security of data especially for a company in insurance sector is very important. Secret and confidential data should have very

What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana Research Paper

What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana - Research Paper Example The federal government considers marijuana as a class one controlled substance and is, therefore, illegal to have while more than twenty states in the country have effective laws that govern the use of marijuana as a medicine. Such contradictions in the importance and illegality of the drug continue to heighten the controversy that surrounds the use of marijuana in the country. This report, therefore, discusses the benefits and the hazards of medical marijuana with the view to determining the suitability of the substance. The report presents a number of the medical benefits of the drug and compares them to the possible hazards of the substance. Such is a contribution to the raging debate on the use of the drug. Cannabis sativa also known as marijuana is a type of psychoactive drug. The drug has a number of physiological and psychoactive effects. Owing to such nervous effect, the federal government just as many other governments throughout the world banned the use of cannabis in the country. However, a number of scholars and medical practitioners began vouching for the use of the drug claiming that it presented a number of medical benefits. As such, medical marijuana has been in use in a number of state and come in various forms suitable for smoking, vaporization and ingestion in the form of a pill. However, the use of the drug and the numerous advantages it presents remain contentious. Scholars and medical practitioners continue to give varied opinions concerning the use of the drug. Supporters of the use of cannabis continue to cite a number of benefits it presents while opponents of the use of the drug allude to the numerous hazards it presents as the discussion below portrays. Key among the medical benefits of marijuana is that it contributes to the management of such serious diseases as cancer, sclerosis and AIDS among many others. Marijuana can help relieve the pain from the above diseases (Caulkins, Hawken, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2012).

Risk Pricing in Construction Contracts in Saudia Arabia Research Proposal

Risk Pricing in Construction Contracts in Saudia Arabia - Research Proposal Example This report sets out some of the general risks to be taken into consideration, for application in the Saudi Arabian region. Most construction contracts originate through sealed bid auctions. The bids are generally prepared using approximations, with a risk allowance being included to cover any unforeseen circumstances, and inaccuracies in estimations.(Skitmore, 2001:800). Most construction companies have an overall risk management strategy, and the major issues arising in this context are (a) risk ownership, i.e, which party owns the risk and (b) risk financing, i.e, how to allocate and use risk contingencies (Smith and Mema, 2006:5). One of the most important risks arising in construction contracts is the management of uncertainty, caused by two major factors: (a) complexity – where information is available in principle, but is too costly or time consuming to analyse (b) unpredictability – where past events do not provide a reliable guide for the future. In instances where there is enough data that is available to assign meaningful probabilities to the information that is required, then the uncertainty becomes a question of risk (Winch 2010:7). The element of uncertainty is especially applicable in the context of price, because the price agreed to at the time of singing the contract and the actual price incurred are likely to change due to external factors in the environment that cannot be effectively predicted. In terms of managing the risk, dynamic uncertainty refers to the relative uncertainty at any point on the project life cycle, relative to earlier and later points on the cycle, but when adequate amounts of information are obtained in progressive stages, the levels of uncertainty are also reduced. As Smith and Mema(2006:6) have pointed out, the management of risk largely entails the exercise of control over events in the future and this may involve the ability to

Gideon's Trumpet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Gideon's Trumpet - Essay Example It includes an evaluation of the appeal of the work to me, whether that appeal was on a logical or an emotional level. The paper weighs in on whether this work to me is worth recommending to others or not, what I would tell them prior to and after reading the work (Lewis; Sessions). II. Summary In ‘Gideon’s Trumpet’ we have the story of Clarence Earl Gideon, who in the account of Lewis launched a campaign through the letters to the Supreme Court for the right to have counsel for his case. On the one hand this is the key thread of the book, although a parallel thread looks at the general process for appeals in the Supreme Court. At the heart of the story, meanwhile is Gideon’s letter to the Supreme Court asking the court to essentially have his larceny conviction overturned on the basis of his not having been assigned a lawyer during his trial. Gideon was then in his fifties at that time. Prior to his larceny conviction, for which he wrote the Supreme Court asking for justice, Gideon had been sent to prison four other times, for various felonies. As a man Gideon’s problem was related to his being unable to hold down work for any given time, so that he drifted, and supported himself by occasionally engaging in petty thievery, as well as gambling. The impression that people who got to know him personally though, including the authorities, was that he was a harmless man, who had been marginalized by society (Lewis; Sessions). At the heart of the argument of Gideon, it is said, is the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution, and whether or not the amendment clause relating to due process translated to a right to counsel for those accused of felony crimes. This has been deemed a federal concern and thus a candidate for hearing by the Supreme Court, Gideon having complied with the filing requirements for very poor petitioners such as himself. With the Supreme Court having determined that it is in their jurisdiction to hear Gideonâ₠¬â„¢s case, they then proceed to assign a lawyer to act as counsel to Gideon before the Supreme Court, in the person of a top lawyer named Abe Fortas. Betts v Brady was deemed as an important precedent case to be considered in deciding on Gideon’s petition and the right to counsel doctrine under the Fourteenth Amendment. There is a chapter that further explores the Supreme Court judges’ individual stands on following precedent or interpreting the literal meaning of the Constitution and striking down laws and precedents that contradicted the letter of the Constitutional law. This is a prelude to Fortas crafting a strategy for Gideon’s defense, and looks at the nuances of judges arriving at their decisions at the level of the Supreme Court. On the other hand, looking at Gideon’s case in greater detail, the reader is introduced to certain facts, including that he had been charged with breaking and entering as well as larceny in connection with the Poolroom a t Bay Harbor facility in June 1961, in the community where he lived at the time, the Bay Harbor Community. Gideon’s own assessment of his fate with the justice system in Florida is that of a system that essentially was prejudicial in its application of the process against those who are marginalized. This assessment is given by Lewis together with the narration that Gideon had been exemplary in his behavior in prison, often being of aid to those who had problems with dealing with the legal aspects of their crimes (Lewis; Sessions).

Norton Lilly International Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Norton Lilly International - Case Study Example However, the growth in the company was not without consequences given that such growth had not been well entrenched in the company's culture as asserted by (Burton and Gamble 369). Consequently, operational efficiency did not match the agency's growth path leading to losses in 2006. Following the loss in 2006, the agency hired James Burton to double as the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Finance Officer given his professional qualifications as a Certified Public Accountant who had been consulted by various organisation that sort to achieve growth (Burton and Gamble 368). The agency's mission is to restore operational efficiency thereby helping to increase its profitability. The company sort to achieve this mission by pursuing growth which would see it double its size (Burton and Gamble 368). In addition, the agency had an objective of ensuring smooth transition as it was at the verge of being passed over to the next generation of in the family (Burton and Gamble 368). Basically, t he company wanted to have a turnaround strategy which would ensure both operational efficiency and profitability. Crafting of the strategy In first stage of the endeavour to bring about efficiency at the agency required development of a strategy. The strategy was based on ensuring the company achieves sustainable competitive advantage and could be based on five different perspectives that include; Dominant Industry Economic Features, Five Forces Analysis, Competitive Analysis, SWOT and PESTEL and Financial. Generic strategies may also form the basis for crafting a business strategy. A business can rely on a combination of perspectives or all of them. Based on the dominant industry perspective economic features, Burton first role in developing the strategy was to assess the business to identify the areas that could help the company get a strong foundation for execution (Burton and Gamble 370). Under this approach, core business areas are assessed and addressed given that they support other parts of the company. This is also in congruent with the competitive advantage approach which calls for one to assess the strengths and maximize on them to ensure achieve the mission set out. The crafting of the strategy execution was also based on PESTEL analysis which postulates that a strategy must assess the social perceptions of the people involved (Goodstein and Burke 5). Consequently, Burton understood that he was bringing change among a group of people who were equally competent and therefore he had to introduce ideas hat could be easily accepted and therefore he chose an incremental approach. The other components of PESTEL require the political, environmental, technological, economic and legal macro-environment within which a business is conducted given that they may affect its growth. In the strategy crafting, Burton noted that he could only achieve change through a gradual process as this would give the executive the confidence that such change will be bring tangib le benefits to the company. Moreover, Burton believed that gradual and logical business growth would help the company identify new ways of doing things. Executive Strategy After crafting a growth strategy, it has to be implemented to bring about sustainable positive change to the company. In such efforts, the company follows a series of activities which begins with organizational building, strategic leadership and resource allocation. The execution also involves addressing the organizational culture, evaluating and recognizing achievements and management of the operating systems of the company (Grudy 10). The first weakness addressed in the executive strategy

Ipplepen Plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ipplepen Plc - Essay Example The current ratio is a very good 1.82. It shows that the company’s current assets are nearly two times its current liabilities. This is a good solvency position for any company. The acid test ratio also shows a healthy liquidity position of the company, where its current assets over its stock assets are about 1.19 times its current liabilities. The figures for acid test ratio are not available for 2005. The liquidity position of the company is good, and it reflects good working capital utilization by the company. Apart from the revenue generated from operations, the company indulges in investing and financing activities. In the year 2006, the company invested to the tune of  £636,000 in Internet development, and trademarks to the value of  £30,000. The corresponding investments for 2005 were nil. Ipplepen invests its cash, at bank and in hand, under the bank deposit rates. Short term deposits are also being made at floating rates, after taking into account the meeting of t he cash requirement. The company has a good amount of undrawn committed borrowing facilities also. The bank overdrafts are charged at 5.46% per annum in 2006, which was 5.38% per annum in 2005. A slight increase in average effective interest rate is seen. Overall, the liquidity position of the company is good and the company is solvent.... The company is showing a consistent growth in all profitability measures. It is a profit making company, and there are reasons that it is worth investing in the company. Liquidity assessment The liquidity position of the company in 2006 is strong, as can be seen from the liquidity measures of working capital, current ratio, and acid test ratio. The working capital is positive and has increased from around 29,886,000 to 38,924,000 in 2006. The company has performed well in managing its capital in the previous year and this year it sees an increase in its working capital. The current ratio is a very good 1.82. It shows that the company's current assets are nearly two times its current liabilities. This is a good solvency position for any company. The acid test ratio also shows a healthy liquidity position of the company, where its current assets over its stock assets are about 1.19 times its current liabilities. The figures for acid test ratio are not available for 2005. The liquidity position of the company is good, and it reflects good working capital utilization by the company. Apart from the revenue generated from operations, the company indulges in investing and fina ncing activities. In the year 2006, the company invested to the tune of 636,000 in Internet development, and trademarks to the value of 30,000. The corresponding investments for 2005 were nil. Ipplepen invests its cash, at bank and in hand, under the bank deposit rates. Short term deposits are also being made at floating rates, after taking into account the meeting of the cash requirement. The company has a good amount of undrawn committed borrowing facilities also. The bank overdrafts are charged at 5.46% per annum in 2006, which was 5.38% per annum in 2005. A

Democracy and the news Essay Example for Free

Democracy and the news Essay This paper will look at the different ways the media reflects and affects society by examining the various relationships that exists between the media, the state and the citizens. It will firstly define key terms, allowing for controversial words to have a specific and continuing definition throughout the paper. Three key ideas, centering around the relationships between the media and the state, will make up the major part of this paper; namely how the media affects the state, how the state affects the media and failed attempts by the media to affect the state. Examples of each concept being discussed will be included, showing the notion in practice. Relationships between the media and citizens will also be examined and discussed, again using examples to show each in action. The relationship between the media and citizens will be discussed, examining the ability of the media to influence the public, the publics ability to influence the media and failed attempts of the media to influence the public. The conclusion of this paper will detail the role of the media within society, how it operates and different functions it both performs, and attempts to perform. The media is a constantly changing medium. It includes television, newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, cinema, advertisements, and interactive multi-media. It can also include the Internet, video games, mobile phones and computers ( OShaughnessy Stadler, 2002 ). No undisputable definition of the term media exists, however, for the purpose of this paper the following definition given by OShaughnessy and Stadler ( 2002 ), will be understood as conclusive. The media are technologically developed and economically profitable forms of human communication, held either in public or private ownership, which can transmit information and entertainment across time and space to large groups of people ( OShaughnessy Stadler, 2002; Pg 4 ). A democracy is the notion that power and authority is vested in the people,   ( Singleton et al, 2000; Pg 4 ). In Australia, citizens vote for representatives that make up the parliament, and the party holding the majority form Government. Government operates at three levels; Commonwealth, state and local. Parliamentary members are held accountable and responsible for their actions, and numerous institutions designed to check and balance power exists to ensure this occurs. Citizen is defined in The Macquarie Dictionary ( 1994 ) as being a member, native or naturalized, of a state or nation, ( Pg 187 ) and will adopt this definition throughout this paper. The print and electronic medias ability to broadcast information both quickly and widely across society allows the media to successfully enact the role of public watchdog ( Wheeler, 1997; Pg 238 ). The media feeds citizens information. The public is informed of what occurs around them and abroad, who their politicians are, how they look and sound and important issues being suggested, debated and implemented within government. Politician journalist relationships are inherently collusive. Each needs the other to achieve their objectives ( Franklin 1998 ). Politicians require the services of journalists for their messages to reach the general public and journalists need politicians in order to cover politics ( Ward 2002 ). The relationship between the state and the mass media can quickly become vulnerable. The media holds a particular power, which can see it become an agenda setter for society. Not only politicians realise the importance of the media as a platform from which to speak. Pressure groups seek out the media in order to publicize their objectives. Those that successfully use the media acquire a community status, which has the potential to morph into a political status, from which opposition to political ideals, occurrences or similar can be passed on to citizens. Examples of such groups include Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and Amnesty. These groups can become oppositional spokesmen to government policy, sources of information and social commentators on legislation or policy ( Negrine, 1989; Pg 163 ). The media uses these groups as an official  authority, as they are recognized and respected organisations within the greater community, a status gained through use of the media itself. Examples exist where journalists can be seen as propaganda agents for politicians. The term manufacturing consent is described by Robinson ( 2002 ) as the power of the government to set the news media agendas, ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 12 ). Entman ( 1991 ), examines an example of this with two incidents from the 1980s. The medias contradictory handling of two aircraft shoot-downs, the Korean Airline and Iran Air, despite case similarities, proved the presence of political persuasiveness. Both resulted in a large loss of civilian life, and both were the result of military mistakes. The Iran Air shoot-down for which the US was answerable, was described in terms of a technical failure, ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 13 ). The Korean Airline shoot-down, effected by the USSR, was framed as a moral outrage, ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 13 ). The US media covered these two incidents as instructed to by US administrations and, says Entman ( 1991 ), chose to neither challenge nor criticize the facts presented to them by the state ( Robinson, 2002 ). The combination of Western governments intervening during humanitarian crises, and the considerable media attention given to dire circumstances abroad, saw the relationship between the media and the state linked as contributing factors, namely with the media encouraging the state to intervene ( Robinson, 2002 ). This trend became known as the CNN effect ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 1 ). Media coverage was proclaimed to influence policy-makers, resulting as either a necessary or sufficient factor in producing a particular outcome, ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 37 ). The CNN effect ( Robinson, 2002 ) adheres to the fact that definitive policy decisions lie with the policy makers, but media coverage can encourage policy makers to see that a decision is attained ( Robinson, 2002 ). An example of media coverage contributing to humanitarian intervention is that which became known as Operation Deliberate Force , an action led progressively by the US into Bosnia between 1992 and 1995. The war in Bosnia was the biggest conflict resulting from the dissolution of the Federal  Republic of Yugoslavia ( FRY ). Bosnia broke away from the undermined FRY and fighting began in 1991 between Bosnian government forces on one hand, and Bosnian Serb nationalists and Yugoslav army on the other. The latter two intent on creating ethnically pure regions in Bosnia ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 73 ). Pressure mounted in the US for intervention and as the war continued, US involvement increased, culminating in 1995 when the US became directly involved with the Bosnia war. This occurred after the 1994 Sarajevo market place bombing. The media expelled a do something ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 82 ) attitude and it came at a time when US policy-makers were unsure of just how much force they should exude. Holbrooke ( 1999 ) believes a CNN effect ultimately persuaded the US to act. The eventual response that came from the US was a threatened use of massive force, should the Serb nationalists fail to cease actions against civilians. The reason the West finally, belatedly intervened was heavily related to news media coverage, ( Holbrooke, 1999; Pg 20 ). Media influence, however, cannot entirely be held responsible for the US intervention. Avoidance of a humiliating UN withdrawal, along with the credibility and competence of the US can also be considered contributing factors. ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 85 ) The media can also attempt to set an agenda and fail. When politicians are certain of their policy, media coverage can have virtually no influence in encouraging a policy change ( Robinson, 2002 ). The war in Kosovo, also a result of the FRY dissolution, proved an area of much controversy between US administrations and the media. Albanian Kosovars, disheartened with a lack of international support, supported a Kosovo Liberation Army ( KLA ). KLA attacks on Serb forces were answered with considerable force, which included civilian targets ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 94 ). Two contingency plans were decided upon; the deployment of ground troops, and the use of air strikes, and were to go ahead should Serb forces continue attacks against Albanian civilians. US air strikes prevailed, but appeared to have little affect on the Serbian military. The US media became critical of the actions undertaken, and it became clear that the general community consensus lent toward a group campaign into Kosovo. It was concluded by Robinson, ( 2002 ) that although a large section of media coverage in the US encouraged the deployment of ground troops, it added little pressure on the government to  do so ( Robinson, 2002 ). Not all media outlets chose to criticize the policy-makers however, and a minority were seen supporting air attacks, ( Robinson, 2002; Pg 109 ). This example shows that although a CNN effect was clearly present, it failed in its attempt to influence policy change. Two theories suggest ways of understanding the relationship between the media and society. Firstly, it is suggested the media reflect the realities, values, and norms of a society. The media act as a mirror of society ( OShaughnessy Stadler, 2002; Pg 28 ). Secondly, it can be said that the media affect how people think, believe, and behave. The media construct our values for us and have a direct effect on our actions ( OShaughnessy Stadler, 2002 ). Both theories will be discussed. The media role includes both identifying issues of public concern, as well as acting as check on the abuse of power, this generally being political power. Journalists describe society to itself. They seek truth. They convey  information, ideas and opinions They search, disclose, record,  question, entertain, suggest and remember. They inform citizens and  animate democracy ( White, 1996; Pg 288 ). It is important to note that journalists, similarly to politicians, are held accountable for what they report. Accountability engenders trust, ( White, 1996; Pg 288 ). Journalists in Australia are answerable to a self-regulatory and industry funded board known as the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance. The media often influences and reflects the priorities of communities or societies. The media is reliant on advertisements for revenue. In order to attract businesses to advertise, the outlet must attract consumers. This sees media  outlets selling the news, opinions and human-interest pieces that appeal to the values, opinions and sense of the greater market, namely, the readers and viewers. Increasingly, it is impossible to discuss the media without broaching the subject of public relations. Public relations professionals are most apt at using the media to suit their needs. They create the stories and feed the media with them, highlighting those facts they wish known, and keeping the undesirable ones hidden. If a cause requires the attention of the general public, it is possible to entice the media to cover it by creating newsworthy conditions. Politicians employ public relations professionals, who are often professional journalists, to liaise with the media. Obligations of the media to the citizen are to represent, interpret and evaluate ( OShaughnessy Stadler, 2002 ). The majority of citizens receive their knowledge of global issues through media outlets. The media explains these occurrences to the general public, giving them an understanding of what they may not otherwise know. The media can be seen as an educational tool, giving understanding of the norms, values and realities of society to citizens ( OShaughnessy Stadler, 2002 ). The real power of the media lies in its ability to agenda set ( Ward, 2002; Pg 404 ). The media may not be able to tell people what to think but .. they are remarkably successful in telling audiences what issues to think about, ( Cohen, 1963; Pg 13 ). The media can act as societys definer, giving meaning and understanding to situations and occurrences. Although the definitions and explanations may not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the subject experts , the power of the media can quickly see misinformation become the general consensus. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the term terrorism has been misinterpreted within the media, and used to describe what academics in the field would not label as terrorism. Debate is strong regarding the issues of media censorship, with allegations, arising more and more frequently, regarding violent, sexually explicit and disturbing films, comics, song lyrics, Internet sites and books. Misdemeanor behaviour is often said to have been motivated and inspired by such mediums. In Australias republic referendum held in 1999, 18 of Australias 20 daily newspapers supported a Yes vote, ( Ward, 2002; Pg 404 ). Despite this, the majority of Australians voted against Australia becoming a republic. Media scholars are aware that media campaigns will not alter political views of those with existing political opinion and loyalties. An increasing minority however, are influenced by media propaganda and media content may prove valuable during elections in the more marginal seats ( Ward, 2002; Pg 404 ). The example of the republic referendum could be seen as an attempted, and ultimately failed, use of the CNN effect on society. _________________________________________________ The above discussion is in reference to situations within western democracies. Other political systems, including dictatorships and less democratic regimes, eg. Zwimbabe, USSR, and China use the media differently, tending to control opinion and political views, and thereby dictating public viewpoints. Prior to the recent elections in Russia, many of the non-government television stations were taken over or shut down, and had to change their influence and affiliations before being allowed to broadcast again. This saw the public denied access to media that presents a point of view different to that which the government wants citizens to have. Hitler shut down all newspapers during his leadership and produced his own, preaching his messages to the masses, this undoubtedly contributing to the large number of Germans that became Nazis. Media ownership is an essential element in this debate, and it is vital to recognize the regulations regarding media ownership in Australia. The federal government of 1986 sought to ensure that media ownership remained as diverse as possible. A person owning a television license cannot at the same time own more than 15 per cent of a newspaper published in the same city ( Singleton et al, 2000: Pg 308 ). 1992, however, saw legislation altered to allow more than 15 per ownership, provided the owner is deemed not to be in control ( Singleton et al, 2000: Pg 308 ). In a democratic society it is always possible for the alternative point of view to be presented, and for the most part, all sides of debates are considered. The media affects and reflects. It can act as an agent of propaganda and it can set the agenda. It can influence, or be influenced. The media, the state and the citizens are interdependent, each needing and using the other to inform and be informed. Western democracies will continue to see a balance within the media and the information it contains, as media ownership laws ensure the media remains democratic. BIBLIOGRAPHY Cohen, B. 1963. The Press and Foreign Policy. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Entman, R. 1991. Framing US Coverage of International News: Contrasts in Narratives of the KAL and Iran Air Incidents . Journal of Communication 41(4):6 27. Holbrooke, R. 1999. No Media No War. Index on Censorship, 28(3): 20-1. Negrine, Ralph. 1989. Politics and the Mass Media in Britain. London: Routledge. OShaughnessy, Michael Stadler, Jane. 2002. Media and Society, An Introduction. 2nd Edition. Victoria: Oxford University Press. Robinson, Piers. 2002. The CNN Effect: The myth of news, foreign policy and intervention. London: Routledge. Singleton, Aitkin, Jinks Warhurst. 2000. Australian Political Institutions. 6th Edition. Malaysia: Pearson Education Australia Pty Limited / Longman. Ward, Ian. 2002. Media Power. Government, Politics, Power and Policy in Australia. Summers, John ( Ed ). NSW: Pearson Education Australia Pty Limited / Longman. Wheeler, Mark. 1997. Politics and the Mass Media. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers Ltd. White, Sally. 1996. Reporting in Australia. 2nd Edition. South Yarra: MacMillan Publishers Australia Pty Limited.

Impact Of Using Flash Cards English Language Essay

Impact Of Using Flash Cards English Language Essay Vocabulary as the essence of a language is one of main tools for language learning, and has been the object of many studies. In fact, the vocabulary learning is considered as the heart of language learning and main component of language teaching (Laufer, 1997).In the past, the vocabulary was given little priority in the literature of English language learning and teaching, and received only incidental attention in textbooks (Hedge, 2008; Richards Renandya, 2002). This may refer to the assumption that expressed the lexical instruction is not necessarybecause it can be occurred by itself (Moir nation, 2008). Therefore, this assumption made the vocabulary teaching no popular on that time (Nation, 1990). Several studies have recently discussed about lexical problem of language learners. For example, communication is generally associated with the lexical problems because it breaks down when people do not know the right words to use (Allen, 1983; Bowen, 1985). Nowadays, it is more accepted that vocabulary plays an important role in a language learning and teaching. For example, Griffiths (2003, 2006) showed the importance of vocabulary teaching to the language learners has been acknowledged. Hence, there is an increasing interest in the vocabulary learning as main part of every language learning and teaching. Although there is a number of studies on the field of vocabulary learning (Folse, 2004; Hunt Beglar, 2005), but its most effective means is still unclear (de Groot, 2006). For vocabulary learning, one way is finding the means of words in the dictionary and adding them in ones vocabularies. Another way is using vocabulary card or flash card that is faster process than the previous way to increase word power. The flash cards can be studies almost anywhere and anytime, especially when one has a free time, even very short (Brown, 2000). In addition, they can be arranged as logical groups of the target words (Cohen, 1990; Gairns Redman, 1990).Some studies reported that language learners could more effectively improve their vocabulary by using the flash cards instead of word lists (MondriaMondria-de Vries, 1994; Schmitt Schmitt, 1995). In the history of language teaching, the flash cards have been used for many purposes such as (1) to improve word recognition ability of students who are poor in reading skill (Culyer, 1988); (2) to practice vocabulary development of student during their foreign language learning (Ervin, 1988);(3) to teach English as second l anguage (Hart, 1982); (4) for teaching structure of sentences, articles, propositions, and tenses (Palka, 1988), and; (5) to improve the reading and comprehension speed (Tan Nicholson, 1997). Ehri and Roberts (1979) compared language learning ability of first graders based on printed words in context and in isolation. Their results indicated children with flashcard-training base learned more about the orthographic form of words, while the context-trained children learned more about the word semantic identities.Cuvo and Klatt (1992) evaluated the impacts of three instructional conditions: 1) teaching sight words by using flash cards; 2) community-referenced sight words, and 3) teaching the phrases with a videotape setting and sight words with the natural symbols in community to youths with moderate mental retardation. The results represented that learning and recognition of the community-referenced sight words was very fast in all three conditions, while a generalization from the flashcard and videotape conditions occurred to the community sites. These results confirmed the positive effects ofusing flash cards for learning a language; even some studies have reported that t he flash cardsshould be used as a tool for creating fun in classrooms (Nicholson, 1998). Report byDin and Wienke(2001) showed using flash card is an effective approach in learning and training of chemistry vocabulary and study for high school teachers and students. In addition, study about effects of using flash card and word list approaches on language learning ability of EFL student (Learning of foreign language vocabulary) determined no significant difference in the effectiveness of both methods Baleghizadeh and Ashoori (2011). The literature review indicates that efficiency of using flash cards method in the vocabulary learning and teaching process is limited, and needs to be re-evaluated. Review of literature Acquisition of vocabulary is one of the most challenging parts for language learning. In order to solve the problem of forgetting learnt words by language learners through the time, teachers can attempt to use learning devices into their classes. Thus, this study would like to present a newvocabulary learning tool that called Vocabulary Flash Card (VFC). Many researchers agree that curriculum designers and EFL educators will feel that their responsibility in language learning and teaching is more sensitive after knowing there are individual differences in learning process.Furthermore, it will help them to fit teaching and learning in order to develop studentsEFL learning potentials, and to support students to become familiar with the approaches they can learn most effectively. In addition, it canassist to the students forcreating and developingother techniques and tools which can motivate language learners more than before. Better understanding on studentsopinions about the vocabular y learning process and using techniques enables teachers to design and provide suitable materials and activities for improving the students vocabulary learning and lexical competence. Problems resulted from lack of vocabulary knowledge may be the main barriers to successful language learning. Therefore, finding solutions for these problems may greatly help both language students and teachers. To prepare guidelines for solving vocabulary acquisition problems, the first step is to discover those problems and identify their nature. Hence, this study by revealing main problems of vocabulary learning and give solutions to them helps English teachers, students, curriculum designers, and may be parents to change their using strategies for English language learning to the new and more applicable ones such as Vocabulary Flash Card (VFC) using. Flashcard is a card, one side of card includes new vocabulary and the other side includes translation or synonym. According to EslahkarKomachali and Khodareza (2012) flashcard for EFL teaching or self-study has been useful tool for teachers and learners.Nation (2001) describes this strategy in learning vocabulary in another language that a learner writes foreign word on one side of a small card, and its translation of the first language on the other. The learner goes through a set of cards and tries to recall its meaning.as Tan and Nicholson (1997) stated flashcards have been used to improve both comprehension and reading speed.Some researchers have criticized using flashcard for stressing memorization over comprehension and others have argued that they should be used as a devise to create fun classrooms (Nicholson, 1998). In the past more teachersemphasized on the grammar, they pay less attention on the learning vocabulary. While grammar translation approach to the teaching of language provided a balanced diet of grammar and vocabulary, audiolinguisticssuggested that emphasis should be strongly on the acquisition of the grammar patterns of the language (Shakouri and Mehrgan, 2012).It was believed that if learners were able to internalize these basic patterns, their large vocabulary building comes later (Nunan, 1991). There are some reasons and factors about why teachers neglected vocabulary in the past.During the period 1940-1979,Allen (1983) outlined two reasons: (1) it has emphasize too much in language classroom during the years before that time, and people considered it as the only key to language learning, and; (2) the meaning of words couldnot adequately be thought, so it is better not to try to teach them. Results from Zimmerman (1997) would also lead us to think that most second language learners have traditionally been through by methods gave minimal attention to vocabulary, so it seems reasonable to expect most teachers will continue to neglect vocabulary language, whether it is because of the methods by which they have learn the methods by which they are learning. Conclusions Researchers are always trying to find appropriate ways to facilitate learning vocabulary. Learning vocabulary is different in different situations and levels. Using flash cards comes from anaudio-lingualmethod. Teachers pay less attention to using flashcard in teaching and methodology. This article tries to determine the effect of using flashcard on promoting students knowledge of vocabulary,according to shakoori and mehrgan (2012) using flashcard is not effective in learning abstract words. For teaching abstract words it is better to create context, whileusing flashcard enhances learning vocabulary. Both students participations in classroom activities and performances on vocabulary test have been significantly increased after using flashcard. This study indicates there was different between using flashcard and traditional teaching method. They believed that using flashcard is much better than traditional method according to four reasons.(Mondriya and mondria-de vries, 1994; nalcata; schmith and achmitt, 1995) . First new words can be easily practiced extensively with flashcard. Learners can separate cards into several categories based on their difficulty level. It helps them to review the new words. Second, working with flashcard increases vocabulary retrieval. Since learners are presented with a second language word and its definition on the other side of the card, they can easily practice new words and recall their meanings in as much as the words appear on two different sides of the card. Third learning words through traditional method, because some words may receive less attention than others because of the particular positions in the class. Nevertheless, there is not such a problem in learning with flashcard since th ey tend to be more flexible.

Change Management Or Leadership Change Management Essay

Change Management Or Leadership Change Management Essay Change, is the process of moving from the current state to a vision of the future Practical Management Skills, 2012. This transition sometimes puts fear, which often causes distress for people in the organization (source: www.pratical-managemet-skills.com, 2009-2012). Leadership and management have very wide-ranging and complex domain, and their elements are perceived in various ways. The history has created a lot of great leaders and managers, whose stories bring us valuable leadership and managerial lessons to examine. The concepts of Change Management and Leadership Change however, have been interchangeably used and interpreted by different people. Ricketts (2012) argues that, some individuals see these terms as synonymous and frequently use them interchangeably throughout phrases and sentences. However, the misinterpretation and misunderstanding of these terms has generated a controversy among scholars over the assertion change management or Leadership change? Which is more important? This paper will commence by reviewing change management as well as leadership change. The paper discusses the similarities and differences between the two. Also, the key theories and models of change management and change leadership will be discussed in this report. The study will therefore, conclude by critically analyzing and juxtaposing the two and see which is more important or if it will be necessary to integrate them as well. Understanding Change Management Leadership Change Change management is defined as a set of processes employed to ensure that significant changes are implemented in a controlled and systematic manner (University of Adelaide, Australia, 2011). It involves the use of basic tools and structures to control and manage any organisational change efforts. This means that a change manager in every organisation is duty-bound to initiate and lead change in an organization. It really clarifies that, management implies leadership and leadership is a subset of management. The change management focuses on people, their resistance, their coping mechanisms and ultimately how they accept change in the workplace (Gotsill Natchez, 2007). On the other-side of the coin, leadership is the lifting of peoples vision to a higher sight, raising of their performance to a higher standard, building up of their personality beyond its normal limitations (Drucker, 1986). It concerns with the visions, driving forces and processes that fuel large-scale transformation (Kotter, 2011). Looking at the definitions above, each one of them put much emphasis on influence, vision, raising of peoples performance and binding them together. This really makes leadership a key part of the management. In this context, the leader of the change effort is duty-bound to transform the work place openly and transparently to ensure proper management in the workplace. Hannagan (2008, p. 40), opines that, leadership change motivates and inspire people to act in a particular way to achieve specific goals. This can be attributed to those with charismatic and transformation leadership styles. Such people like Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, among others speak to inspire their people. Those leaders are democratic and sometimes apply certain style of leadership based on the situation. Griffith and Karyl, (2007) argue that, change leadership set principles, techniques or activities applied to the human aspect of executing change to influence intrinsic acceptance while reducing resistance. Change leaders who are charismatic use several techniques for aligning people and through effective communications, direct those whose corporations will be needed. However, because of their situational style of leadership, they sometimes adopt an autocratic style of leadership just to eradicate if not possible reduce resistance. Nelson Mandela who is seen as one of the democratic leaders in the world at a certain point in time became a dictator and autocratic with the aim of reducing resistance among his people. Similarities differences between change management and leadership Change management based on its definitions, focus on minimising the distraction and impacts of the change, whiles, change leadership is much more concerned with putting an engine on the whole change process to make it move faster (Kotter, 2012). Also, change management brings a degree of order and consistency in an organization. On the contrary, leadership change does not produce consistency and order, it rather produces movement. Change management sets up plans, budget, organize, staff, control and solve problems in the organization. On the other-side of the coin, change leadership direct, communicate, coordinate, assess, and make decisions (Drucker, 2007). This shows that, change leaders establish and direct where a group of people should go, and energise them to overcome the inevitable obstacles that may come on their way. Kotter (2011) believes that, leadership creates a vision for the future along with strategies for producing the change needed to achieve those visions. Comparatively, the two are clearly similar in some ways. This is because; when it comes to taking decisions on what needs to be done, creating networks of people and relationship that can accomplish an agenda, both of them are involved. They both try to ensure that employees get the job done. It is now obvious that those who believe that management is an implementation part of leadership ignores the fact that the leadership has its own implementation processes which is aligning people to new directions and then inspire them to make the change happen. On the contrary, those who also think leadership is only part of the implementation aspect of management ignore the direction setting aspect of leadership (Griffiths and Karyl, 2007). Brief Explanations of the Various Models in Change Management There are several change management models but the most preferably used by companies are basically three: they are; Kotters 8 steps of change model, Mckinsey 7-S model and Lewins change management model Kotters 8 steps of change model The first model which is Kotters 8 steps of change was postulated by Harvard University scholar and Professor, John Paul Kotter (born 1947). Kotter (2007, p.1), opines that, leaders who successfully transform business do eight things and they do them in the right order. The 8 steps involved in this model are: 1. Increase the urgency for change. 2. Build a team dedicated to change. 3. Create the vision for change. 4. Communicate the need for change. 5. Empower staff with the ability to change. 6. Create short term goals. 7. Stay persistent. 8. Make the change permanent McKinsey 7-S Model Our assertion is that productive organizational change is not simply a matter of structure, although structure is important. It is not also simple as the interaction between strategy and structure, although the strategy is critical too. Our claim is that effective organizational change is really the relationship between structure, strategy, systems, style, skills, staff, and something we call superordinate goals (Waterman, Jr et al., 1980, p.17). The above quotation shows how the Mckinsey 7-S framework was developed. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/McKinsey_7S_framework.svg/350px-McKinsey_7S_framework.svg.png (Adapted from Waterman Jr. et al (1980:p.18) The Mickinsey 7-S model was propounded by Robert H. Waterman, Jr., Thomas J. Peters, and Julien R. Philips in the early 1980s. The model is used to assess and monitor changes in the internal situation of an organization. Lewins Model Lewins Model of Change Management which is the third model to be discussed in this paper was propounded by a German-American psychologist, called Kurt Lewin in the 1950s. His model was based on Unfreeze, Transition (change) and Refreeze as demonstrated below (source: www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM). http://www.mindtools.com/media/Diagrams/Lewin.gif Unfreezing Transition (change) Refreezing (Adapted from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_94.htm) According to Lewin, in order to initiate change in an organization, you must melt the ice in the cup to make it amenable to change (Unfreeze). Then from there, you can mold the ice water as demonstrated above in the shape you want it to be (that is- change) and when change takes place, you can also solidify the new shape if you want a new shape (Refreeze) (source: www.mindtools.com) To conclude, change management should be a process that focuses on people, their resistance, their coping mechanisms and ultimately how they accept change in the workplace (Gotsill Natchez, 2007). Review of Leadership Theories Several academic scholars such as Dulewicz Higgs, 2003; Handy, 1982; Partington, 2003 have categorized leadership theory into six main schools of thoughts over the last seventy years. Diagrammatically, these are the six theories of leadership. However, due to the nature of the question, only three out of them will be treated in order to beat the word limit. The trait school The idea behind the trait theory is that, leaders Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi, Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great are extraordinary people who are born with leadership qualities and they are destined to lead. Situational theories As the name implies, this leadership style requires the leader to be dynamic. This is because some situation may require a different style of leadership such as autocratic style or democratic style. For e.g. Mandela at a certain point in time adopted the autocratic style in order to make his people accept the change he wanted to bring. Transformational Theory The central concept here is change and the role of leadership in envisioning and implementing the transformation of organisational performance (Bolden et al, (2003). (Adapted some of them from Wikipedia, Kendra (2012) Bolden (2003)). Analysis on Change Management or Leadership Change? Which is more important? From the explanations above, successful implementation of major managerial innovation such as customer-centric restructuring, six sigma and the likes, which are critical to the survival of every organization relies on integrating both change management and change leadership (Griffith and Karyl, 2007). To them, integrating both creates value on a given project or initiative for a number of reasons. Lewthwaite (2010), argue that, a leader who lacks basic skills in management is unlikely to get any further than a manager who cannot lead. She maintained that, although a leader can fire people up with a vision, but he might lack the ability to make it into a reality. On the contrary, change management may know the nuts and bolts of getting things done but he might have to drive the team every step of the way (Lewthwaite). Griffith and Karyl (2007) pointed out that, since organisational change focuses on the people side of change, working with all levels of staff to ensure that employees are willing and able to make the change, they might need change leadership which will set principles, techniques or activities to influence the intrinsic acceptance of their employees. They expatiate that, this will help to eradicate, if not possible, reduce resistance of employees to its minimum. To Hannagan (2008), the most effective managers are also leaders and the quality of leadership has become increasingly important of management ability. He further argued that, in an entrepreneurial role, whereas change management initiate and lead change in an organization, change leadership sees opportunities and challenges and make decisions to deal with them. In addition, the best strategic planning is of no value if the organisation is not ready to execute the strategy proactively through a timely and dynamic change leadership process Griffith and Karyl, (2007, p.17). These two scholars believe that, when technical activities and people side activities are combined, the right steps can be taken at the right time in the project lifecycle to help employees embrace change and produce the right outcomes for the project. They argued that, crafting of a vision, motivating and adhere to people affected by the change in an organization to make sure they adopt and support the change is the work of the change leadership. In view of this, Hannagan (2008) sees leadership as a subset of management. To him, the management concerns itself with behaioural and non-behavoural matters. Massie and Douglas (1977) argued that, whereas managers are corned with developing strategies, putting resources together and organising and controlling activities to achiev e organizational objectives, change leadership would select these goals and objectives of the orgainsation, decide what is to be done and inspire people to do it. Last but not the least, Griffith and Karyl (2007), argue that, based on the activities, scope and nature of the discipline, both are equally important. This is because, the two combined encourages the free flow of information and solves communication barriers. To them, the combined approach will make sure the affected employees are receiving the appropriate information. Hence, the project team receives effective feedback on adoption, usage and reaction to the change. Summary To summarize everything, the study has revealed that, whiles management makes systems of people and technology work well through planning and budgeting, organising and staffing, controlling and solving problems, leadership creates the systems that managers administer and transition them through creating a vision and strategy, communicating and setting directions, motivating action and aligning people to avoid hazards (Kotter, 2011). Also, whiles management takes complex systems and technology and make them run efficiently, leadership as a discipline creates those systems that managers can administer and transform them in times of growth, evolution, opportunities and hazard avoidance in the organization (Kotter, 2011). Hannagan (2008) summarizes his argument by saying that, whereas change management is about coping with complexity, leadership is about coping with change. He concludes that, leaders set directions and managers plan, organize and oversee the change. Conclusion To amass everything, this study strongly agrees with Griffith and Karyl (2007) that, change management and change leadership are equally important in a sense that, when an organization introduces a change with a project or initiative, that change needs to be effectively managed on both the technical side and the people side. The technical side ensures that the change is developed, designed and delivered effectively. The discipline of leadership change provides the structure, processes and tools to make this happen. On the contrary, the people side focus seeks to ensure the change is embraced, adopted and utilized. Change management provides the basic structures, processes and tools to make this happen (Hornstein, 2012).

Wikipedia :: Persuasive, Valid or Unreliable Source

A Wikipedia is an information source for many students (Coughlan, 2011), used for research on almost every subject. Some people call it â€Å"frequently unreliable† while others name it to be the epitome of the information age (Andrews 2007) yet the truth is that, whether students and teachers, like to admit it or not, Wikipedia is a vast source of knowledge, with readability second to none (Coughlan, 2011). However because of its wide usage and the fact that it is a wiki, it can be edited by anyone, schools are often reluctant to accept it as a valid source of information for essays or school work and some take it to the extreme; â€Å"14% of schools block Wikipedia† (Fleming 2011). The biggest problems with validating said source is the fact that its reliability is questioned, as there is no one single entity responsible for and accountable for the information, as opposed to a peer-reviewed journal. This â€Å"lack of authority†, according to a group of academi cs, and â€Å"different agendas† allow the general public to alter information (Waldman2004) that validates itself through the information loop. This information loop consist of the following â€Å"A Wikipedia article contains information A. A journalist then uses this unverified information in an article. A critical reader then adds a "{{Citation needed}}" on the original information after which someone adds the article as a source. (Wikipedia, date unknown) Another problem that Wikipedia faces is the fact that if mistakes are not caught on the day they were made, they are likely to go unnoticed. On the other hand, Wikipedia differentiates itself from other encyclopaedias in that most articles are longer and contain more information both technically and historically speaking. (Wetzel 2008) Furthermore, most articles contain links or citation that link to articles or proof of almost every statement made. The problem that arises is then, that blocking Wikipedia denies students from valid, thorough information yet shields them from its inherent unreliability (Fleming, 2011) B Fig1. Standard Wikipedia article As fig.1 shows, pages in Wikipedia include a search bar, links to some useful links (such as random articles, current events and donate). To the right, depending on the article, it will show links to other information relating to the current article, this appears if the article is part of a bigger series such as the I.B or Nazism. Articles will also include the â€Å"edit this page† button and many footnotes that provide evidence or citation for phrases or quotes.

Comparing the Flood and Creation in Ovids Metamorphoses and Genesis Es

"Where did man come from? Where did time begin? Who, or what, created all things?" These are questions that mankind has sought to answer from the beginning of existence as it is known today. Many stories and fables have been told and passed down from generation to generation, yet two have survived the test of time and criticism. The Biblical account in Genesis, probably written by Moses around 1500 B.C., and the story of creation and flood in Ovid's Metamorphosis, written somewhere between 8 and 17 A.D., have weathered the criticism and become the most famous. The Genesis account, however, may be the most prominent of the two accounts. Within these accounts, are many similarities, as well as differences, which make these two writings well respected, while holding their own in the literary world. Though both accounts of the creation and flood are well respected on their own, when compared side to side, they are drastically different. Ovid's purpose for writing the creation story is geared more towards explaining creation as it happens, in his opinion, whereas the Bible stresses the fact that the God of the Hebrews is responsible for the world's existence today. Overall, Ovid is very detailed in explaining the formless mass, creation of the earth, waters and land metaphorically. The Biblical account seems to be more plain, simple, and organized; not spending time on intricate detail. There seems to be no specific time frame for creation in Ovid's writing, whereas, the Bible states that it takes God six ... ...mal species. As one can see, when comparing each of the accounts of the flood and creation in Ovid's Metamorphoses and Genesis, there are some very similar actions or events that take place in each of these accounts, while separating themselves a great deal by putting emphasis on very different messages. It is because of these variations in writing and technique that each of these poems have acquired and maintained the respect they truly deserve through many years of evaluation and criticism. Works Cited New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Broadman 1977. Ovid. Metamorphoses. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Maynard Mack. 5th edition. New York: Norton 1987. 549-560.

The Colossal Decision to Deploy an Atomic Weapon: An Individuals Impact on Society :: Essays Papers

The Colossal Decision to Deploy an Atomic Weapon: An Individual's Impact on Society Never before in recorded history has there been an event that has take so many lives in one instant. On the day of August 6, 1945 the first atomic device ever detonated was deployed on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. It is recorded that sixty percent of Hiroshima was destroyed in this offensive maneuver. Seventy-eight thousand human beings lost their lives at 8:15 a.m.1 The man directly responsible for this attack was the President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. While it is true that individuals are for the most part guinea pigs to society, there arises one striking exception to this rule: the leaders of our modern age. The impact this certain individual had on society is inconceivable, and to fully understand Truman's decision to drop an atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we must understand the momentous forces driving him to this means to an end. There were many different circumstances pushing Truman to his decision to use this secret weapon against the Japanese. There were moral issues, military issues, and of course Truman and his closely-knit circle of advisors had to examine the impact of this use of atomic energy on the future of our planet. In the end, however, the opposing forces proved slight enough for Truman to overrule. The first barrier to using a weapon of such destructive capabilities is personal morality. It would be very reasonable to think that it would be an impossibility for one person to authorize the destruction of so many others. This issue turned out to be one of small importance for Truman for many reasons. First, the American public had a moral advantage in that the Japanese bombed us first at Pearl Harbor. Also, as Truman himself stated, "†¦ was either that or the atomic bomb, and I didn't hesitate a minute, and I've never lost any sleep over it since."2 This indicates his main reason for not having any moral qualms with this bombing, the consequences if he didn't drop the bomb. The most important of these was the expected American casualties if we chose invasion over the bomb. However, if Truman new the greusome effects the deployment of this weapon would have upon the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagisaki, perhaps he would have hesitated. To see what the effects of the a-bomb on the people and buildings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki click here.

The Compromise Of 1850

At the close of the Mexican War, in 1848, the United States owned a lot of territory without local government (all the land now included in New Mexico, Arizona, and California was then unsettled). Then in 1848 gold was found in California. Thousands of people joined the gold rush and in a few months about 80,000 of them had settled in California to hunt for gold. To keep control of these settlements, an government was needed, so California asked to be admitted to the Union as a free state, but the South would not allow this, the North was also not going to allow California into the Union as a slave state, so Senator Henry Clay decided that he would make a compromise both sides could live with, he said each side should give in to something the other side wanted. Eventually after Clay s Omnibus Bill failed to pass, five separate acts were passed. These acts would become known as the Compromise of 1850. Basically, the North should allow New Mexico and Utah to organize as territories with popular sovereignty and give the South a stronger fugitive slave law. The South should accept California as a free state and allow the end of slave trade in Washington DC. For most of 1850, Congress debated. Clay had the support of the North, including Stephen Douglas and Daniel Webster. In Webster’s famous Seventh of March speech, he declared that slave labor could never be profitable in New Mexico and that the North would lose nothing by granting this concession. He felt that it was not necessary to bar slavery by law of Congress; it was already excluded by â€Å"the law of nature. † The North was opposed by the Southern states, led by John C. Calhoun, who at the time was dying and was so sick that his speeches had to be read by someone else. The Compromise of 1850. There were five parts to the Compromise of 1850. The first was the Texas-New Mexico Act. It was the most important of the five. It made New Mexico a territory, gave some of Texas (the Santa Fe region) to New Mexico, and allowed for popular sovereignty there. This bill was passed on September 9, 1850. The second part allowed California into the Union as a free state. This bill was also passed on September 9, 1850. The third part was the Utah Act, which was also passed on September 9, 1850. It made Utah a territory and allowed popular sovereignty to decide the slavery issue. On September 18, the New Fugitive Slave Act was passed, forcing all law enforcement officers in the North and South, to help return fugitive slaves. There were penalties for helping fugitive slaves. The last act passed on September 20, abolishes slave trade in Washington DC. Clay had intended to give each act separately to Congress and had only made the Omnibus Bill (combining all of the acts into one bill) because he wanted to make sure there would be no veto by President Taylor. The Omnibus Bill could not make it passed Congress because the Northerners wouldn t accept the Fugitive Slave Act, or allow for popular sovereignty, and the Southerners wouldn t allow California in as a free state or allow the size of Texas to be reduced. After the Omnibus Bill failed, Clay went on vacation in Newport, Rhode Island and Stephen Douglas took over control of the compromise. When Douglas broke up Clay s plan into five separate bills, all of them passed. Although Clay originally wrote the acts, it was really Douglas, not Clay, who made the laws acceptable to both sides. The different parts needed different areas of the United States to give in. Northerners from both parties, and Whigs from boarder states approved the admission of California, the abolition of the slave trade in Washington, and the adjustment of the Texas boarder. Southerners and Northern Democrats passed the Fugitive Slave Law and organized Utah and New Mexico without restrictions on slavery (Brown, 192-193). Neither side really gave in, but people hoped it would end the dispute on slavery. Northern Reactions. The North had not paid much attention to the Fugitive Slave Act when it was being put through Congress. Their main concern had been the admission of California, popular sovereignty, and the Texas boarder. But when the Northerners heard about the new things they would have to do to prevent runaway slaves from escaping, they were very angry. It created resistance and as a result Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom s Cabin. When Fillmore became president the government began to put down local resistance to the Fugitive Slave Law. Controversy also declined because the number of African Americans returned to the South fell by two-thirds in the second year under the law, in part because so many blacks had resettled in Canada. The Free Soil Party, which had received about 10 percent of the vote in the presidential election of 1848, received only about half as much in 1852 (Brown, 193). Southern Reactions. The Southern reaction was not as well known, but it was more dangerous to the Union. The radicals in the south held the Nashville Convention in June of 1850 decided to meet after the compromise to discuss policy, but in November of 1850 when they met the second time, only a few people attended. Unionists still had a lot of control in the South. The governors in Georgia and Mississippi were Unionists, and fourteen of the nineteen congressmen from Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama were Unionists. Even in South Carolina (the state that had the strongest disunionist population) the voters voted to stay in the union by a large amount. Some states accepted the Georgia Platform of 1850, saying that they would give resistance and secede if Congress made more Antislavery Acts. The compromise also left political parties fighting one another. The Southern Whigs were separated from the rest of the Whigs because the Northern Whigs led the fight against slavery in the Mexican cession and controlled Whig president Zachary Taylor. Repairing the intersectional bonds of party politics would be crucial to cementing loyalty to the Union (Brown, 193).