What are the similarities and differences between Single Loop and Essay

What are the similarities and differences between Single Loop and Double Loop Learning - Essay Example Given that single-loop learning is more applicable for immediate learning, this model is often applied in our routine and repetitive day-to-day learning (Agryris, 1999, p. 69). Double-loop learning can take place given that errors or mistakes are being corrected by modifying the organizational norms (Choo, 2002, p. 14). Unlike the double-loop learning, single-loop learning can occur in case the immediate action performed to modify or correct errors is sufficient enough to correct mistakes without having the need to challenge the validity of an existing organizational norm. In line with this, Choo (2002, p. 14) explained that the main goal of single-loop learning is to â€Å"increase organizational effectiveness without the need to change the existing norms†. Single-loop learning is similar to incremental learning in the sense that the learning of new skills happen through incremental improvement. For example: Knowing that the marketing manager does not appreciate negative outl ook with regards to achieving the sales target, the sales people should learn how to deal effectively with the sales manager by simply questioning how the sales team will be able to meet the sales quota rather than saying that the sales target is unrealistic and demanding of their time and effort. By learning how to immediately deal with the sales manager, the sales people could avoid encountering work-related problems without the need to change the existing organizational norms. Double-Loop Learning Double-loop learning is more complicated as compared to the single-loop learning. Unlike the single-loop learning, several authors explained that double-loop learning is more complicated in the sense that the use of this... Lots of theories were developed to give us a better understanding on how learning can take place and how it can be improved in the long-run.Specifically the loop learning models are among the few learning theories that could enable use have a better understanding on how learning could happ Learning can take place wherever we are. It is possible to learn from our own mistakes or mistakes of other people. Considering the usefulness of loop learning models, this report will focus on discussing the similarities and differences between single-loop and double-loop learning. Similarities and Differences between Single-Loop and Double-Loop Learning Applicable to any types of organizational learning, single-loop and double-loop learning are models that could make us have better understanding on how formal or informal learning could take place (Agryris, 1999, p. 69). According to Kelly (2008, p. 57), single-loop learning can be utilize to increase our stock knowledge and make final decision ba sed on what we already know whereas the double-loop learning is applicable in cases wherein what we have learned in the past could give us the opportunity to create further questions based on assumptions or what we understand about something.Single-loop and double-loop learning are learning models that are applicable in any business organization. As compared to the use of single-loop learning, the use of double-loop learning is more effective in solving complicated organizational problems which requires the need to change organizational goals, values, frameworks and strategies.

The City Planners and the Planners Essay Example for Free

The City Planners and the Planners Essay In ‘The City Planners’ by Margaret Atwood and ‘The Planners’ by Boey Kim Cheng, both poet uses the structure of the poem and language techniques to form the difference between the place itself and its identity. The uniformity between these two poems is the feelings of the poet expresses for this place. In ‘The City planners’ Atwood describes the place as â€Å"dry August sunlight†, this portrays an imagery of no lighting, dark and negative and also suggests to the readers that she do not like where she are. Similarly, in â€Å"The Planners† where the poet expresses to the readers that he dislikes the atmosphere because â€Å"All spaces are gridded† which gives an imagery of there is no free space around this area. Both the poet highlights the identity of the city is perfect but in a negative way. Atwood uses sibilance in â€Å"cutting a straight swath in the discouraged grass. † This emphasizes that even nature is not freely grown, and it must get permission from the planners. Of no difference in â€Å"The Planners† Cheng also uses nature and the same language techniques of sibilance o â€Å"skies surrender† which is suggesting the buildings are so high that the sky is scared of it. The city gives a feeling of unpleasant but the image of the city seemed to be perfect. Both poet is starting to introduce to the readers that the city is not as perfect as they have seen, they expresses the feeling of resentment. In â€Å"The City Planners† Atwood uses sibilance of â€Å"the roofs all display the same slant’ this portrays an imagery of the roof is facing the same way. The words â€Å"same slant† which hints that the house is all the same, the image of the house, the direction its facing, and also the lighting is coming from the same way. The surrounding of this place, gives a feeling of boring and lost. Because everything is the same and she cannot recognise where she is and when will the journey is going to finish. In â€Å"The Planners’ Cheng uses personification of â€Å"The country wears perfect rows of shining teeth†, this creates an imagery of the city itself is looking so perfect but with â€Å"dental dexterity† which suggesting that the powerful people ‘they’ are creating a perfect image for the city. Both poem refers to the place is not in beauty itself and when you spend more time and being very focus at it, you will realise its flaws. Atwood and Cheng use structure of the poem to highlight the exact opposite between the place and its image. Atwood is contradicting what she said in the beginning of the poem where nature is not allowed to be grown anywhere they like. But toward the end of the poem Atwood says that the â€Å"houses, capsized, will slide†, this listing creates a strong feeling of fearfulness and how danger is this place in the future. But â€Å"right now nobody notices. † Atwood finishes the poem of using contradictions that the â€Å"panic of suburb† which hints that this place is getting closer the problem. Cheng uses irony in â€Å"The Planners† where â€Å"history is new again†, history is something that is true which is happening in the pass. No one can change history. The planners can only change the image (identity) of the place but they can never change its pass. History is something that will remain in people’s mind as memory and therefore they can remember it forever. Both poems show the difference between the identity and its background and what the place really are. Atwood and Cheng express the difference of the identity to itself of the place. The contradictions and irony hints that the image of the place and itself can be very different. Give the message to the readers that do not judge a someone or a something by its appearance because the external may look perfect but its internal or the interior can be vice versa.

Affirmative Action Essay -- essays research papers

The roots of Affirmative Action can be traced back to the passage of the Civil Rights Act where legislation redefined public and private behavior. The act states that to discriminate in private is legal, but anything regarding business or public discrimination is illegal. There are two instances when opposing affirmative action might seem the wrong thing to do. The nobility of the cause that help others. Affirmative Action was a great starter for equality in the work place. The most promanite variable in deciding Affirmative Action as right or wrong, is whether or not society is going to treat people as groups or individuals. Affirmative Action is a question of morals. The simplicity to form two morals that are both correct but conflicting is the reason for the division of our nation on Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action is very noble when looking at who benefits from the outcome. Let us take a closer look at Affirmative Action. The people that are involved and the damage it takes on our society arouses many doubts. Taking a closer look also stirs up a question of nobility that needs to be answered before making a decision on Affirmative Action. Does Affirmative Action simply change who is discriminated against and makes it legal for the new discriminators? Coming from my point of view, the view of a white male, this is a serious question. The job reviews of supervisors and others involved in hiring should address race and sex. Each review should have a hiring goal of at least half of our new employees being women and at least half non-white. Lets put this strategy to work. We have ten positions to fill, these positions can be filled following the above guidelines by hiring five black women. It can also be met by hiring five white women and five non-white men. Obviously to successfully meet this goal would mean to not hire a white male. People strongly disagree with their white forefathers and society today which address race and sex when hiring. Using a persons skin color in hiring is discrimination no matter how society looks at it. The whole idea behind Affirmative Action is to right the wrongs of the past. Well, what about the individuals that were not even born when this atrocity of discrimination was going on? Society should not punish the youth for the crimes of their white male fore... ... not force them into the work force or Universities. Some Universities here in the United States have based enrollment on College Board's and SAT's or ACT's, none of which show intelligence levels. Rather these test's show the standards of education that the individual has encountered. These test scores sometimes become a form of discrimination against minorities. Because they are not fluent in how the test are held and are supposed to know the same amount. Another form of evaluating students is where the Universities and government need to focus, to establish a standard in education that spans across all levels of income. Affirmative Action is definitely not the answer for equality today. Now it is time to apply new moral threats, not towards the employers and colleges but towards the government. For it is the government that needs to change its polices. The government needs to take action towards the real problems of equality: poverty, not the bad white man from the past. Affirmative action is simply the same old discrimination in reverse. It seems that the minorities are the ones with the advantage when there should be no advantage to anyone.

Leadership and Performance

CHAPTER ONE (1) INTRODUCTION 1. 1Background of the Study Globally, educating a nation remains the most vital strategy for the development of the society throughout the developing world (Aikaman & Unterhalter, 2005). Many studies on human capital development concur that it is the human resources of a nation and not its capital or natural resources that ultimately determine the pace of its economic and social development. Since education is an investment, there is a significant positive correlation between education and economic-social productivity.When people are educated, their standards of living are likely to improve, since they are empowered to access productive ventures, which will ultimately lead to an improvement in their livelihoods. The role of education therefore, is not just to impart knowledge and skills that enable the beneficiaries to function as economies and social change agents in society, but also to impart values, ideas, attitudes and aspirations important for natur al development.In spite of the government initiatives in improving access, equity and quality of education, the secondary sub-sector continues to face challenges, particularly the low participation rates, low transition rates from primary to secondary and from secondary to tertiary (particularly to universities), as well as gender and regional disparities. From the researches that have been conducted on the impact of the government efforts to improve access equity and quality on performance indicate that most public schools have a lot of wastage, very poor performance in national examinations and poor learner preparation to face the world after school.It has become alarming since the number of secondary school graduates from public day and boarding schools exit without entry grade to university is increasing day by day. This has increased crime rate, drug and substance abuse, immorality and cases of HIV and AIDS on the increase. It is, on this backdrop that the research endeavors to establish reasons why even when the Government has done so much to increase access, equity and quality to education still good performance remains for a few secondary chools (without the district) and many Kenyan children are still coming out of school with poor grades that can not help them move to the next level or get meaningful training. How can the problem be remedied and which adjustments need to be made. To this end, this proposed research will analyze the effect of management or leadership styles of the principal on the teachers and students performance. The theoretical framework adopted for this study is derived from the systems theory of organizations, which emerged as part of an intellectual ferment following the World War II, although its roots are much are much older.Its founder, Ludwig von Bertalanffy, was concerned about growing compartmentalization of knowledge and argued that certain general ideas could have relevance across broad spectrum of disciplines: that desp ite obvious differences among the many kinds of organizations, they share very general characteristics and that is important to discover what they are(Hong et al. , 2004). The systems theory cuts across all the four paradigms of management thoughts, for every organization that produces output in a system of some of sort (Katz & Kahn, 1966).And an organization, including a school, regardless of its size and purpose, and the management perspective adopted not withstanding, basically concerned with relationships, structures and interdependence rather than just constant attributes (Katz & Kahn, 1966). This study will be modeled on the postulates of systems theory because schools, like other organizations, are always in constant exchange with the larger society. Rosemary as cited in BPP (1999) defines management as ‘‘the art of getting things done through others’’ (p. 6). Fabunmi (2001), however, defines management ‘‘as the coordination of all the re sources of an organization through the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling in order to attain organizational objectives’’ (p. 12). Resser (1973), on the other hand asserts that management is the utilization of physical and human resources through cooperative efforts, which is accomplished by performing the functions of planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and controlling.By management styles, I refer to, new leadership and management approaches in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Improved efficiency is achieved through management reforms; raising the learner teacher ratio, increasing teachers’ time on task, reducing repetition and improving accountability (Nsubuga, 2003). Leadership at work in education institutions thus needs to be a dynamic process where an individual is not only responsible for the group’s tasks, but also actively seeks the collaboration and commitment of all the group members in achieving group goals in a particular context (Cole, 2002).Leadership in that context pursues effective performance in schools, because it does not only examine tasks to be accomplished and who executes them, but also seeks to include greater reinforcement characteristics like recognition, conditions of service and morale building, coercion and remuneration (Balunywa, 2000). It is this scenario that the researcher needs to establish whether it is practiced in Nyamira North District and if it is, what is its impact on the teacher and student performance This is also described by Sashkin and Sashkin (2003) as visionary leadership.However, according to them, the concept of leadership that matters is not being limited to those at the top of the organization such as the chief executive officer or principal/head teacher, but depends on certain characteristics of the leader. It involves much more than the leader’s personality in which leadership is seen as more of mutating followers to achie ve goals (Shashkin, 2003:2). This is supported by Lav Tzu (as reported in Shashkin, 2003:7) that good leadership commits to doing less and being more.However, Cole (2002) defines leadership as inspiring people to perform. Even if an institution has all the financial resources to excel, it may fail dismally if the leadership does not motivate others to accomplish their tasks effectively. It is therefore this consideration that has made it necessary to determine the impact of the management or leadership styles on the teacher and learner performance in secondary schools in Nyamira North District of Nyamira County. . 2STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Although it is the Kenyan government’s policy to ensure the delivery of quality education in secondary schools in Kenya, performance, particularly in Nyamira North District has remained poor, despite the various interventions by policy makers and implementers. Such a situation is alarming, bearing in mind that secondary education play a piv otal role in the development of any country.Equally important, are the overarching policies of Kenya’s education, which strongly emphasize the importance of science education in attainment of vision 2030. Scholars, policy makers and school managers have resolved to address the poor academic performance in secondary schools in Nyamira North District by conducting research on its would be antecedents such as a lack of instructional materials, ensuring quality teachers, admitting good students, remuneration and the motivation of teachers, improving discipline and community participation in schools.Nevertheless, all the above studied and recommendations implemented there is still poor academic performance in our public secondary schools which makes it necessary to make a study on the management or leadership styles adopted and the impact of them on teachers and students performance. Hence this study is intended to investigate the relationship of head teachers’ leadership o r management style and the performance of secondary schools in Nyamira North District.It is deemed that an investigation in this area would shed light on the factors affecting performance and in particular the effect of leadership /management styles on school performance. 1. 3The purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to establish to what extent the leadership/management styles adopted by principals have influence on the teacher and school’s performance Nyamira North District, using cross – sectional survey design with the aim of examining how leadership styles adopted by school principals influence the schools overall performance in secondary schools in Nyamira North District.Leadership styles will be characterized by behavioural tendencies, and characteristic methods of a person in a leadership position. An important dimension of leadership style is the extent to which the leader is willing to delegate responsibility and encourage input from followers. Ano ther basic dimension is the extent to which a leader is task-motivated (concerned with defining goals and the means to achieve them) or relationship-motivated (concerned with supporting and encouraging subordinates).A distinction can also be drawn between the charismatic leader, who relies on his or her personal qualities to inspire followers, and the bureaucratic leader, who depends on his or her position in the hierarchy and an established set of rules and procedures. In particular the study will determine and describe the effects of the various leadership styles (the authoritarian or autocratic leader, democratic leader, transformational leader, situational or contingency and laissez-faire leader) adopted by principals on teachers and student performance. 1. 4Specific objectivesThe study will be guided by the following specific objectives: a)To establish the relationship between the demographic characteristics of principals and teachers and school performance. b)To establish whet her performance in Nyamira North District secondary schools is dependent on the management or leadership styles c)To establish whether performance in secondary schools in Nyamira North District is dependent on the autocratic leadership style, democratic leadership style, transformational leadership style, situational or contingency leadership style of school head teachers. )To elicit the viewpoints of head teachers, teachers and students on the preferred leadership styles. e)To make recommendations for the improvement of schools on the basis of an analysis of leadership styles. 1. 5Research Questions/Hypotheses The guiding questions will be: 1. What is the relationship between the demographic characteristics of principals and teachers and school performance? 2. What is the relationship between management styles of principals and staff performance?A case study of secondary schools in Nyamira North District (Nyamira County). 3. Is the performance in secondary schools in Nyamira North District dependent on the autocratic leadership style, democratic leadership style, transformational leadership style, situational or contingency leadership style of school principals? 4. What are the viewpoints of principals, teachers and students on the preferred leadership styles? 5. What recommendations can be made for the improvement of schools on the basis of an analysis of leadership styles?Hypotheses 1. The demographic characteristics of principals influence teachers’ and student academic performance 2. There is positive relationship between management styles of principals and staff, and student academic performance. 1. 6Significance of the study While some may still ascribe to the old adage that ‘leaders are born, not made’, there remains a societal responsibility to provide school leaders with the skills and practices needed to orchestrate schools in a way that can maximize sustained achievement for all students.The continued research on behaviors and p ractices of leaders (Fullan, 1985; Murphy & Hallinger, 1992) remains important in the light of the changing role of the principal. The findings from the study would help to augment and enrich theories and principles on school leadership. It would also have a direct impact on the future training of school leaders and teacher leaders. Data generated from this study could serve as a practical framework for the Ministry of Education, or other training agents and higher institutions, to plan, organize and provide leadership-training program for school leaders and prospective leaders.The study could also be important for school leaders as the findings can help them take heed of their leadership behavior and become more sensitive to the process and importance of human interaction. The findings from this study may offer more insights and serve as a critical friend in academia, encouraging principals to reflect, break out of their traditional practices, raising consciousness, and questioning deeply entrenched assumptions. Hopefully, all principals would ultimately fulfill their leadership dream, and lead the schools in the direction as Bath (in Fullan, 1997) puts it, ‘you can lead where you will go. 1. 7Limitations and Delimitations of the Study This study will be concerned with effects of leadership or management styles on teacher and learners performance. It will be conducted in Nyamira North District (Nyamira County) between September 2011 and December 2011 using cross – sectional sample survey design and a sample of 25 secondary schools will be selected from 43 secondary schools in the district. Data will be collected by the researcher using questionnaires, interviews and document analysis techniques. The following are limitations of the proposed study. The study will include public secondary schools in Nyamira North District. Therefore, the results of this study may not be generalized to private schools. †¢It will not be possible to cover the opi nions of parents and other stake holders in this district because tracing them will require considerable time, resources and other logistics Though only public secondary schools in Nyamira North District will be included in the study, nevertheless, Nyamira North is typical of many districts with regard to recent emphasis on school reform and school improvement projects.Therefore, the results of this study may apply to other, similar district of the county and Kenya at large. 1. 8Theoretical and conceptual frameworks The theoretical framework adopted for this study is derived from the systems theory of organizations developed by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy in the early 1950s. It emerged as part of an intellectual ferment following the World War II, although its roots are much are much older. The systems theory has had a significant effect on management science and understanding organizations.A system is a collection of part unified to accomplish an overall goal. If one part of the system is removed, the nature of the system is changed as well. A system can be looked at as having inputs (e. g. , resources such as raw materials, money, technologies, and people), processes (e. g. , planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling), outputs (products or services) and outcomes (e. g. , enhanced quality of life or productivity for customers/clients, productivity). Systems share feedback among each of these four aspects of the system.The systems theory is an alternative to the classical and neo – classical organizations theories which the researcher felt cannot suffice because of their emphasis on schools as fragmented and closed social units independent of external forces (Baker 1973). The only meaningful way to study an organization (school) is to regard it as a system. Thus schools should be managed more like organizations where educational programmes are innovated and re – innovated to realize the importance each part makes to the whole, and the necessit y of eliminating the parts that make negative contributions.With the development of the various educational disciplines and departments, considerable overlap is inevitable among the different fields. The proliferation of specialization, as in many branches of education, also leads to further overlapping. Because of these interactions, schools are better studied as wholes rather than parts (Baker, 1973). Systems theory postulates that schools are like other on systems which of necessity engage in various modes of exchamge with the environment (Katz & Kahn, 1966).The theory emphasizes the consideration of the relationships between the school and its environment as well as what goes on within the school (Hall, 1977). The systems theory is basically concerned with the problems of relationships, of structures and of interdependence, rather with the constant attributes of objects (Katz & Kahn, 1966). The fundamental concept in the general systems theory is the notion of emergence and inte raction. As adapted in this study the systems theory holds that management actions influence the internal efficiency of a school.That staffing and control of students’ admissions coordination of teaching and learning resources, school fees budgeting and leadership styles adopted in school influence the drop outs and repetition rates, and promotion rates and general climate in a school. In the application of the systems theory to this study on the effect of management/ leadership styles on teacher and student performance the variables will be identified as follows: 1. Management is the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together in groups, efficiently accomplish selected aims (Koontz and Weihrich 1990, p. ). This basic definition means several things. First, as principals, carry out the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. Secondly, managing is concerned with productivity – this implies effectiveness and efficiency. Effectiveness and efficiency is the ability of the school to keep or reduce, to as low as possible, the dropout and repetition rates, increase completion and promotion rates and to produce high outcomes that is good academic performance and no wastage.It also ensures that students complete an educational cycle in the possible minimum time. 2. Thus, management refers to the development of bureaucracy that derives its importance from the need for strategic planning, co-ordination, directing and controlling of large and complex decision-making process. Essentially, therefore, management entails the acquisition of managerial competence, and effectiveness in the following key areas: problem solving, administration, human resource management, and school leadership.First and foremost, management is about solving problems that keep emerging all the time in the course of an organization (school) struggling to achieve its goals and objectives. Problem sol ving will be accompanied by problem identification, analysis and the implementation of remedies to managerial problems. Second, administration involves following laid down procedures (although procedures or rules should not be seen as ends in themselves) for the execution, control, communication, delegation and crisis management.Third, human resource management should be based on strategic integration of human resource, assessment of workers, and exchange of ideas between stakeholders, teachers and workers. Finally, school leadership should be developed along lines of interpersonal relationship, teamwork, self-motivation to perform, emotional strength and maturity to handle situations, personal integrity, and general management skills. However, in adopting the systems theory of organizations this study, the researcher is not ignorant of its shortcomings.The interrelationships among parts of a system have to be recognized and understood by ‘all’ people involved. This the ory also requires a shared vision so that ‘all’ people in the school have an idea of what they are trying to accomplish. It requires a cohesive effort from all participants, a task that is not easy to achieve especially where ‘all’ is involved. Conceptual frame work In the conceptual framework depicted in the figure above the management or leadership style is hypothesized to influence the teachers and student performance.Management or leadership style is defined as having managerial competence and effectiveness in the following key areas: problem solving, administration, human resource management, and school leadership that is being able to carry out the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling and teacher and student performance as early syllabus coverage motivated staff reporting to work early and leaving work place late, no school drop outs, no repletion cases, there is increased completion rates and good academic results in national examinations.The frame work postulates that managerial competence and effectiveness in leadership will affect the rate of drop outs, repetition, completion rates and academic performance of students in a school. However, this relationship may be modified by age, faith of the staff, background as well as families from which the staff comes from. Chapter Two (2) Literature review 2. 0Introduction This chapter discusses the literature related to the effect of management/leadership style on teachers and student performance.It particularly focuses on the relationship between the demographic characteristics of principals and teachers and school performance, establish whether performance in Nyamira North District secondary schools is dependent on the management or leadership styles, establish whether performance in secondary schools in Nyamira North District is dependent on the autocratic leadership style, democratic leadership style, transformational leadership style a nd situational or contingency leadership style, elicit the viewpoints of head teachers, teachers and students on the preferred leadership styles and make recommendations for the improvement of schools on the basis of an analysis of leadership styles. These are considered the pillars of the study. In this chapter, the researcher reviews literature related to management/leadership styles and its effects on school performance. The review is conceptualized under the objectives and focuses mainly on autocratic leadership style, democratic leadership style and situational or contingency leadership style and their relationship with teachers and students performance. 2. 0 Transformational leadership Bush (2003) links three leadership models to his ‘collegial’ management model. The first of these is ‘transformational leadership’.This form of leadership assumes that the central focus of leadership ought to be the commitments and capacities of organizational members. Higher levels of personal commitment to organizational goals and greater capacities for accomplishing those goals are assumed to result in extra effort and greater productivity. (Leithwood et al. 1999: 9). Leithwood (1994) conceptualizes transformational leadership along eight dimensions: †¢ Building school vision †¢ Establishing school goals †¢ providing intellectual stimulation †¢ Offering individualized support †¢ Modeling best practices and important organizational values †¢ Demonstrating high performance expectations †¢ Creating a productive school culture †¢ Developing structures to foster participation in school decisions.Caldwell and Spinks (1992: 49–50) argue that transformational leadership is essential for autonomous schools: ‘Transformational leaders succeed in gaining the commitment of followers to such a degree that higher levels of accomplishment become virtually a moral imperative. In our view a powerful capacity f or transformational leadership is required for the successful transition to a system of self-managing schools. ’ Leithwood’s (1994) research suggests that there is some empirical support for the essentially normative transformational leadership model. He reports on seven quantitative studies and concludes that ‘transformational leadership practices, considered as a composite construct, had significant direct and indirect effects on progress with school-restructuring initiatives and teacher- perceived student outcomes’ (p. 506).The transformational model is comprehensive in that it provides a normative approach to school leadership, which focuses primarily on the process by which leaders seek to influence school outcomes rather than on the nature or direction of those outcomes. However, it may also be criticised as being a vehicle for control over teachers and more likely to be accepted by the leader than the led (Chirichello 1999). Allix (2000) goes furthe r and alleges that transformational leadership has the potential to become ‘despotic’ because of its strong, heroic and charismatic features. He believes that the leader’s power ought to raise ‘moral qualms’ and serious doubts about its appropriateness for democratic organisations. Transformational leadership is consistent with the collegial model in that it assumes that leaders and staff have shared values and common interests.When it works well, it has the potential to engage all stakeholders in the achievement of educational objectives. The aims of leaders and followers coalesce to such an extent that it may be realistic to assume a harmonious relationship and a genuine convergence leading to agreed decisions. When ‘transformation’ is a cloak for imposing leaders’ or governments’ values, then the process is political rather than collegial. 2. 2 The situational or contingency leadership style The situational theory stipul ates that leaders are the product of given situations. Thus, leadership is strongly affected by the situation from which the leader emerges and in which he operates. The contingency theory is a combination of the Trait Theory and Situational Theory.The theory implies that leadership is a process in which the ability of a leader to exercise influence depends upon the group task situation and the degree to which the leader’s personality fit the group (Sybil, 2000). 2. 3Autocratic leadership style The autocratic leadership style is also known as the authoritarian style of leadership. Power and decision-making reside in the autocratic leader. The autocratic leader directs group members on the way things should be done. The leader does not maintain clear channel of communication between him/her and the subordinates. He or she does not delegate authority nor permit subordinates to participate in policy-making (Smylie and Jack, 1990; Hoy and Miskel, 1992; Olaniyan, 1997). 2. 4Democr atic style of leadershipThe democratic style of leadership emphasizes group and leader participation in the making of policies. Decisions about organizational matters are arrived at after consultation and communication with various people in the organization. The leader attempts as much as possible to make each individual feel that he is an important member of the organization. Communication is multidirectional while ideas are exchanged between employees and the leader (Heenan and Bennis, 1999). In this style of leadership, a high degree of staff morale is always enhanced (Mba, 2004). Performance Performance is described in various ways. It is an act of accomplishing or executing a given task (Okunola, 1990).It can also be described as the ability to combine skillfully the right behaviour towards the achievement of organizational goals and objectives (Olaniyan, 1999). Teachers’ job performance is described as the duties performed by a teacher at a particular period in the sch ool system in achieving organizational goals (Obilade, 1999). It can also be described as the ability of teachers to combine relevant inputs for the enhancement of teaching and learning processes (Akinyemi, 1993; Okeniyi, 1995). However, Peretemode (1996) argued that job performance is determined by the worker’s level of participation in the day to day running of the organization. It is noted that employees behave differently under different situations. 2. Summary It is underpinned by the view that leaders should have an entitlement to appropriate preparation and support for their important and onerous role in leading educational change. To appoint school principals without specific preparation is a gamble, and we should not gamble with children’s education. The literature review tends to give reasons for the enhanced global interest in the role of school leaders. It assesses the differences among the various leadership/management styles, and argues that all are essent ial if schools and colleges are to thrive. It also emphasizes the evidence that effective leadership is critical to school improvement.While the importance of leadership/management style is increasingly recognized, much less is known about which leadership behaviours are most likely to promote successful schooling. The study will examine the various models of leadership and assess the evidence of their effectiveness. There is great interest in ‘instructional leadership’ because of the widespread view that the main function of schools is to promote student learning. Transformational leadership is widely advocated because of its potential to harness stakeholder support for the school’s (or leader’s) vision but there is some concern that this may be a vehicle for imposing leaders’, or governments’, priorities on teachers, pupils and communities. These and other models that have been highlighted above are subject to scrutiny in this study. 2. 6 C onclusionsPrincipals’ can therefore encourage effective performance of their teachers by identifying their needs and trying to satisfying or meeting them. Supporting this argument, Owoeye (1999) asserted that variables of job performance such as effective teaching, lesson note preparation, effective use of scheme of work, effective supervision, monitoring of students’ work and disciplinary ability are virtues which teachers should uphold effectively in the school system. In this regard, the teachers’ performance can be measured through annual report of his/her activities in terms of performance in teaching, lesson preparation, lesson presentation, mastery of subject matter, competence, teachers’ commitment to job and extra-curricula activities.Other areas of assessment include effective leadership, effective supervision, effective monitoring of students’ work, motivation, class control and disciplinary ability of the teachers. From the above resear ches done the effect of the leadership or management style adopted by principals in secondary schools has not been well researched on and as such not much is known whether it is the style the principals adopt that affects the performance standards or whether there are other issues in management in the secondary schools of Nyamira North District. There is a widespread belief that raising standards of leadership and management is the key to improving schools. Increasingly, this is linked to the need to prepare and develop leaders for their demanding roles.While this is the main focus of this study, a prior question is the nature of leadership/ management in schools. Which leadership behaviours are most likely to produce favourable school and learner outcomes? The study intends to examine the main models of school leadership and from the research consider the evidences on their relative effectiveness in promoting school improvement. 3. 0 Methodology This chapter presents a detailed des cription of the research methodology. Methodology refers to the detailed procedure to be followed to realize the research objectives. Methodology include a description of the research design, sampling techniques, instructions as well as data techniques.It describes in details what will be done and how it will be done. it comprises several sub-sections which are usually presented in the order given below. 3. 1 Research design This study will be conducted through correction research design. Correlation is a research design where the researcher determines whether or not and not to what extent an association exists between two or more paired and qualified variables. In this study the researcher will use semi structured interview method that places open – ended question constituting of various management and leadership styles assessment and the effect /impact it has on teacher and student performance.The survey will be done in terms of their leadership and management styles that t hey use in school and the effect it has on teacher and student performance by means of percentile ratio of every management and leadership style and rank those from highest to lowest from within survey questionnaire. Correlation will enable the researchers to provide vigorous and replicable procedure for understanding relationship and determination whether and to what degree a relationship exists between quantifiable variables. The locale of the study will be Nyamira North District in Nyamira County 3. 2 Population and Sampling 3. 2. 1 Target /Accessible PopulationThe target population will consist of all 38 principals 360 teachers and 9000 student in Nyamira North District in Nyamira County has 38 secondary schools and they have constantly performed dismally in the national examination for the last 20 years. It is therefore considered appropriate for providing a focal point for the study of effect of leadership and management styles on the teacher and student performance. 3. 2. 2 S ample The sample will consist of heterogeneous respondents selected from the target population. 25 schools will be selected and from each selected school three categories of the target group will be targeted. These categories will be selected as one principal, 4 teachers and 12 students.The size of the sample will be 425 respondents distributed as 25 principals, 100 teachers, and 300 students. This number 425 has been chosen using non-mathematical or convenience method determined at the discretion of the researcher, due to pressure of time that cannot allow for all the target population to be surveyed. 3. 2. 3 Sampling techniques This study will employ stratified sampling, random sampling, purposive sampling, and convenience sampling techniques. Stratified sampling technique will be used to select schools and the category of respondents to be included in the sample. Stratified sampling technique is a technique that identifies subgroups in the population and their proportions and sel ect from each subgroup to form the sample.It groups a population into separate homogenous subsets that share similar characteristics so as to ensure equitable representation of the population in the sample the sample. It aims at proportionate representation with a view of accounting for the difference in subgroup characteristics. The researcher is convinced that the target population is not uniform since mixed and single sex school and day and boarding schools do not necessary have similar characteristics, since even personnel in different departments within the same school environment may not always think similarly. As such the target accessible populations cannot be regarded as homogenous.Stratified sampling technique will therefore be used to ensure that the target population is divide into different homogenous strata and that each strata is represented in the sample in a proportion equivalent to this size in the accessible population. Simple random sampling will be used to selec t a representative sample without bias from the target population this will ensure that each school and its population has equal and independent chance of being included in the sample. Purposive sampling will be used by the researcher consciously to decide who to include in the sample in terms of getting focused information. This will also help to save time and money in cases where the target population may be widely spread. 3. 3 Data Collection 3. 3. 1 InstructionsThe study will use questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis as the main tools for collecting data. The selection of these tools have been guided by the nature of data to be collected, the time available as well as by the objectives of the study. The overall aim of this study is to establish the relationship between leadership and management styles on the teacher and student performance. The researcher is mainly concerned with views, opinions, perceptions, feelings and attitudes. Such information can best collecte d through the use of questionnaire and interview techniques (Bell, 1993; Touliatos &Compton, 1988) The researcher intends to use semi-structured instrument.This will enable the researcher to balance between the quality and quantity of data collection and provide more information. This delicate balance between the quality and quantity of information is useful for a fuller explanation of the phenomena under investigation. Questionnaire will be used since the study is concerned with variables that cannot be directly observed such as views, opinions perceptions and feelings of the respondents. Such information are best collected through questionnaire (Touliatos &Compton 1988) the sample size is also quite large (510) and given the time constraints, questionnaire is the ideal tool for collecting data.The target population is also largely literate and is unlikely to have difficulties responding to questionnaire items. 3. 3. 2 Research procedure Qualitative data will be collected from 425, respondents/interviewees/observant, from 9398 target population during the month of October 2011 using questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The data will be collected by the researcher himself because this will save time and lower the cost of collecting data. 3. 4 Quality Control The instrument will be piloted in the schools that will not be included in the study sample and modified to improve their validity and reliability coefficients to at least 0. 70. Items validity and reliability coefficients of at least 0. 0 are accepted as valid and reliable in research (Kathuri &Pals, 1993) Validity is the extent to which research results can be accurately interpreted and generalized to other populations. It is the extent to which research instruments measure what they are intended to measure (Oso &Onen, 2005). To establish validity the instrument will be given to two experts to evaluate the relevance of each item in the instruments objectives. The experts will rate each item on the Likert scale: very relevant (4) quite relevant (3) somewhat relevant (2) and not relevant (1). Validity will be determined using content validity index (C. V. I). C. V. I items rated 3or4 by both judges divided by the total number of items in the questionnaire. 3. 5 Data Analysis Chi-square ( test of goodness – of – fit will be used to analyze the data. Chi – square test is a statistical technique used to compare the different between categorical frequencies drawn from population with a uniform distribution which all alternative responses are equally likely chi-square( ) test of goodness – of – fit will be used because the data that the researcher intends to collect is of the type â€Å"one-variable-many levels† and are basically categorical frequencies of the description of views, opinions ,perceptions, feelings and attitudes of the respondents on the effects of management and leadership styles of principals on teacher and student p erformance.Chi-square is the most sustainable here since it will enable the researcher to identify whether there is any significant difference in the frequencies of the alternative responses. Data from open-added questionnaire items, interviews and group discussions will be grouped under broad themes and converted into frequency counts. All data will be analyzed at a level of significance of 95% or ? = 0. 05) the degrees of freedom depending on the particular case as will be determined. This value (? = 0. 05) has been chosen because the sample size has been adopted from figures calculated on the basis of 0. 95 level of confidence. 3. 6 Assumption and Limitations The following factors; leaner characteristics, and teacher qualifications are expected to influence the DV.The extraneous variable however many not be adequately controlled because the respondents are found in different institutions that are out of control of the researcher. But they will not have a significance effects on t he results because the respondents opinions, views perceptions, feelings attitudes will not be influenced by EV. It is therefore assured that they influence will remain very insignificance. The major limitations of this study are: the reliability and validity of the data collected due to the various views, opinions, feelings and attitudes that can emotionally be influenced. If all factors were kept constant, the researcher should adequately explain to the respondents to be very objective in answering.But this was the most suitable technique in the circumstances the data to be collected involves what can not easily be measured. 3. 7 Ethical Considerations. The major ethical problem in this study is the privacy and confidentiality of the respondents. Obtaining lists and files and respondents giving their opinion, feeling and attitudes in writing the questionnaire which itself is an infringement. However the respondents will have the freedom to ignore items that they do not wish to res pondent to. Reference and Biography: 1. Bell, J (1993) how to complete your research project successfully New Delhi: UBSPD. 2. Creswell, J. W (1994) Research Design Qualitative and Quantitative approaches . California: SAGE Publications, Inc. 3. Kathuri, N. J & Pals A.D (1993) introduction to educational research Egerton: Egerton university education Burk services. 4. Onen, D (2007). The management and the internal efficiency of private secondary school in Uganda. 5. Touliatos, J. S &Compton, N. H (1988). Research methods in human ecology /home economics. Iowa State University Press/AMES. 6. Willis Yuko Oso and David Onen a General Guide to Writing Research Proposal and Report (2nd edition 2008) Makerere University Printery 7. John Aluko Orodho,Phd. Elements of Education and Social Science Research methods. Kanejza Publishers, Maseno Kenya. 8. John Aluko Orodho,Phd. Techniques of Writing Research Proposal and Reports in Education and Social Sciences. Kanejza Publishers, Maseno Kenya

Ambition in Macbeth Essay

Julius Caesar once said â€Å"When the gods wish to take vengeance on a man for his crimes they usually grant him considerable success and a period of impunity, so that when his fortune is reversed he will feel it all the more bitterly†. This quote directly reflects the problem with over ambition in effective all cases. Being over ambitious can bring someone to great heights but usually also leads to their downfall. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the situation is no different. Macbeth, the protagonist in the play, is cursed with over ambition. This affliction brings him to great heights in his career however ultimately leads him to his downfall. Three main examples of Macbeth’s blind ambition go as follows. Near the beginning of the play Macbeth is awarded the title of the Thane of Cawdor by the late Kind Duncan after he managed to capture the previous thane on crimes of treason. Macbeth is temporarily content with his title but that was not to last. Upon his wife, named Lady Macbeth, receiving word of a prophesy regarding Macbeth becoming king she begins to hatch a plot to have Macbeth seize power from Duncan. Macbeth, hesitantly accepts the plot after much prodding from his wife by saying† I am settled, and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show: false face must hide what the false heart doth know. †(1.7. 89-93) This simply means that he must hide his true intentions from Duncan before he kills him. Shortly after his coronation, Macbeth begins to fell unsafe with his position. He feels the guilt bearing down on him at almost every moment in the day and he has trouble sleeping. He ponders the witches prophesy and realizes the next step that he must take. The witches stated that Banquo â€Å"Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none: So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo! †(1.3.70-71) Given this knowledge, Macbeth is worried that Banquo may overthrow Macbeth. He hires three murderers to go out and kill Banquo and his son Fleance. He says â€Å"Well then, now Have you consider’d of my speeches? Know That it was he in the times past which held you So under fortune, which you thought had been Our innocent self: this I made good to you In our last conference, pass’d in probation with you, How you were borne in hand, how cross’d, the instruments, Who wrought with them, and all things else that might To half a soul and to a notion crazed Say ‘Thus did Banquo.’ † (3.1.80-90) By saying this, he basically pins all of their troubles on Banquo and thus giving them reason to kill him. The third and ultimately final example of Macbeth’s reckless ambition occurs when Macbeth has the family of MacDuff, one of his Thanes, killed to simply send a message to the people of Scotland that he was not to be trifled with. Coincidentally, the reason that spurred him on to do this and the reason MacDuff manages to convince Prince Malcolm are quite closely connected. MacDuff escapes to England to raise an army against Macbeth, upon arriving he is questioned by Malcolm who had escaped previously as to the reason for his arrival. The only thing that allowed MacDuff to convince Malcolm to do this for him was the furor he had mustered upon receiving word of his dead family. He exclaims: â€Å"O, I could play the woman with mine eyes And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens, Cut short all intermission; front to front Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; Within my sword’s length set him; if he ‘scape, Heaven forgive him too! † (4.3.269-273) In conclusion, these three events had temporarily positive effects and long lasting extremely negative effects on Macbeth and ultimately leading to his death. He did not remain content with the title bestowed upon him by Duncan and instead strive after the title for king for himself. He sought to stop  the prophesy bestowed upon him by the witches by having Banquo killed but revealing his guilt afterward. Finally he had the family of a potentially opposing thane murdered to send a message to him. Unchecked ambition has been the bane of powerful men and women throughout history and nothing has changed in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Civil war effect by its Litature essays

Civil war effect by its Litature essays STEVEN CRANES THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE AFFECTED PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE CIVIL WAR? Stephen Crane, (1871-1900), was an American novelist and poet, one of the first American writers of the naturalistic style of writing, Crane is known for his pessimistic and often brutal portrayals of the human condition, but his stark realism is relieved by poetic charm and a sympathetic understanding of character. Born in Newark New Jersey, and the son of a Methodist minister, Crane began work in 1891, in New York City, as a freelance reporter in the slums. The job provided him with material for his first novel, Maggie, a Girl of the Streets written in 1893, a work that won praise from American writers Hamlin Garland and William Dean Howells-also naturalistic writersbut werent as popular or successful as Crane. Crane's next novel, The Red Badge of Courage, written in 1895, and gained international recognition as a penetrating and realistic psychological study of a young soldier in the American Civil War. In addition to being a novelist, journalist, and short-story writer, Crane was also an innovator in free verse techniques (irregular verse). Crane died at the age of twenty-eight and a half of tuberculosis. Although he died at such a young age his literature had a profound affect on the world. Thomas Beer points out The Red Badge of Courage as illustrating better than any of Cranes works that his search for aesthetic was governed by terror and no one since Poe has evoked that emotion(Haycraft and Kunitz 189). When Crane signed a contract with D. Appleton and Co. to publish The Red Badge of Courage, he was not well-known enough to command an advance, and agreed to a flat 10 per cent royalty on the retail price of all copies sold (McPherson, 5). Published in the autumn of 1895, the book went through two editions before the end of the year. By March of 1896 the novel was in eighth place on the international books...

Marketing on the Internet essays

Marketing on the Internet essays This report attempts to present the e-marketing plan' for Prehistoric Computers. Selling, advertising and marketing are the way to go on the Internet. The plan will compare and contrast some of the perceived benefits and limitations of online and offline market research as it pertains to Prehistoric Computers and their marketing opportunities. As the new director of e-marketing, this report summarizes a high level marketing plan complete with e-marketing scenarios woven in. The e-marketing strategies being discussed throughout the report have an objective of being fulfilled over a one year period to advance the company's products. Prehistoric Computers is a leading distributor of outdated computer technology and pre-Pentium motherboards and also new, yet outmoded, maintenance and repair processes. In an attempt to increase market share, Prehistoric Computers promoted me into the position of director of e- marketing. I have the required special knowledge, skills and ability tied together with a strong marketing background. I feel I will be successful in implementing these new initiatives. The key will be to create and maintain programs that focus on electronic and Internet technologies. The position of director of e-marketing will help me promote Prehistoric Computers and its services to our customers, as well as to improve employee communications. My new responsibilities include: Utilize emerging technologies to support the organization's e- Develop and manage the corporate web site: entails responsibility for fresh, up-to-date and valid site content that focuses on customers and Utilize web site to strengthen existing marketing programs Develop and manage Company Intranet: entails responsibility for fresh, up-to-date and valid content that focuses on employees Training company emp...

Shaolin Monks Fight Japanese Pirates

Shaolin Monks Fight Japanese Pirates Ordinarily, the life of a Buddhist monk involves meditation, contemplation, and simplicity. In mid-16th century China, however, the monks of Shaolin Temple were called upon to battle Japanese pirates who had been raiding the Chinese coastline for decades. How did the Shaolin monks end up acting as a paramilitary or police force? The Shaolin Monks By 1550, the Shaolin Temple had been in existence for approximately 1,000 years. The resident monks were famous throughout Ming China for their specialized and highly effective form of kung fu (gong fu). Thus, when ordinary Chinese imperial army and navy troops proved unable to stamp out the pirate menace, Nanjings Vice-Commissioner-in-Chief, Wan Biao, decided to deploy monastic fighters. He called upon the warrior-monks of three temples: Wutaishan in Shanxi Province, Funiu in Henan Province, and Shaolin. According to contemporary chronicler Zheng Ruoceng, some of the other monks challenged the leader of the Shaolin contingent, Tianyuan, who sought the leadership of the entire monastic force. In a scene reminiscent of countless Hong Kong films, the eighteen challengers chose eight from among themselves to attack Tianyuan. First, the eight men came at the Shaolin monk with bare hands, but he fended them all off. They then grabbed swords; Tianyuan responded by seizing the long iron bar that was used to lock the gate. Wielding the bar as a staff, he defeated all eight of the other monks simultaneously. They were forced to bow to Tianyuan, and acknowledge him as the proper leader of the monastic forces. With the question of leadership settled, the monks could turn their attention to their real adversary: the so-called Japanese pirates. The Japanese Pirates The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were tumultuous times in Japan. This was the Sengoku Period, a century and a half of warfare among competing daimyo when no central authority existed in the country. Such unsettled conditions made it hard for ordinary folks to make an honest living... but easy for them to turn to piracy. Ming China had problems of its own. Although the dynasty would hang on to power until 1644, by the mid-1500s it was beset by nomadic raiders from the north and west, as well as rampant brigandage along the coast. Here, too, piracy was an easy and relatively safe way to make a living. Thus, the so-called Japanese pirates, wako or woku, were actually a confederation of Japanese, Chinese, and even some Portuguese citizens who banded together. (The pejorative term wako literally means dwarf pirates.) The pirates raided for silks and metal goods, which could be sold in Japan for up to ten times their value in China. Scholars debate the precise ethnic makeup of the pirate crews, with some maintaining that no more than 10% were actually Japanese. Others point to the long list of clearly Japanese names among the pirate rolls. In any case, these motley international crews of seagoing peasants, fishermen, and adventurers wreaked havoc up and down the Chinese coast for more than 100 years. Calling Out the Monks Desperate to regain control of the lawless coast, Nanjing official Wan Biao mobilized the monks of Shaolin, Funiu, and Wutaishan. The monks fought the pirates in at least four battles. The first took place in the spring of 1553 on Mount Zhe, which overlooks the entrance to Hangzhou City via the Qiantang River. Although details are scarce, Zheng Ruoceng notes that this was a victory for the monastic forces. The second battle was the monks greatest victory: the Battle of Wengjiagang, which was fought in the Huangpu River Delta in July of 1553. On July 21, 120 monks met an approximately equal number of pirates in battle. The monks were victorious, and chased the remnants of the pirate band south for ten days, killing every last pirate. Monastic forces suffered only four casualties in the fighting. During the battle and mop-up operation, the Shaolin monks were noted for their ruthlessness. One monk used an iron staff to kill the wife of one of the pirates as she tried to escape the slaughter. Several dozen monks took part in two more battles in the Huangpu delta that year. The fourth battle was a grievous defeat, due to incompetent strategic planning by the army general in charge. After that fiasco, the monks of Shaolin Temple and the other monasteries seem to have lost interest in serving as paramilitary forces for the Emperor. Warrior-Monks: An Oxymoron? Although it seems quite odd that Buddhist monks from Shaolin and other temples would not only practice martial arts but actually march into battle and kill people, perhaps they felt the need to maintain their fierce reputation. After all, Shaolin was a very wealthy place. In the lawless atmosphere of late Ming China, it must have been very useful for the monks to be renowned as a deadly fighting force. Sources John Whitney Hall, The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 4, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999). Meir Shahar, Ming-Period Evidence of Shaolin Martial Practice, Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, 61:2 (Dec. 2001). Meir Shahar, The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts, (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2008).

Classic Hollywood Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Classic Hollywood Cinema - Essay Example It is not only an entertainment zone of human stories, but it is also a source of investigating identities of individuals. Thus, along with holding the art of self-expression, films are a means of communicating social and developmental messages that combines film, culture, and technology (Adams 2001). With a huge economic potential working toward its advantage, the interest in films is growing at every level. Since the beginning of times, film industry has been constantly dominated by only a few countries. Where at one end American and European companies have held the dominant side, the developing countries have mostly revolved around the edges. Thus, the picture has been quite imbalanced. However, with the changes in the distribution, production, and exhibition in the technological arena, the picture seems to be changing. Statistics state that a figure of approximately US$75 billion makes up the global value of the film industry where the production and sale of DVDs bring in a total of US$55 billion along with spending on theatrical tickets amounting to $9 million. Statistics also state that globally, 4000 movies are made each year of which only 700 are created in the US. Apart from the production in the earlier mentioned country, India also stands as a major producer of films. In 2001, India produced a total of 1000 films whose motion picture industry is also known as Bollywood (U.K. Film Council 2002). With revenue of over 45 billion Rupees in its bucket, its sales are increasingly being aided by countries like the United Kingdom that sometimes add one third in the revenue. This allows for the industry to use more money in the production phase with high production budgets. Other than the Bollywood, Hollywood also is a major player that is leading the local films of countries like France and Italy (European Audiovisual Observatory 2003). The technological effect on the production, distribution, and exhibition phase of films can be better understood with a val ue chain for motion pictures. (Eliashberg, Leenders & Elberse, 2005) Over the years, there has been such major technological advancements that the scope of exhibition and distribution have expanded to a great extent (Sobol & Firmin, 2009). After the decade of 1950s, one of the most apparent advancements in technology gave way to increased use of television in the fields of both, production as well as exhibition. With the advancement of 1980s, the advent of cable, home videos, and satellites gave the life of theater a chance to breathe. After analyzing the current data, it can be confidently stated that intentionally or unintentionally, the movie makers aimed for the ‘shot for the box’ approach at that time (Bordwell, Ledoux & Dale). According to Derks, the era of 1980s was the era of high concept films that started as an extension of the previous decade. Cinematographers in this era belonged to such a school of thought that favored speed cutting and close ups as it was believed that it would keep the eyes of the audience glued to the screen (Bordwell, Ledoux & Dale). The concept of these films could be easily understood in a few words and thus were easy to understand as well as promote in the market. This concept was first originated by the producer Don Simpson, who, after exploiting the MTV concept with the film Flashdance from

Court Report Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Court Report - Case Study Example Investors who purchased a majority interest in a corporation did not commit fraud upon minority shareholder in either inducing him to execute employment and royalty contract, or during his subsequent performance under such contract; though following execution of contract investors failed to disclose their honest opinions on shareholder's job performance, failed to disclose facts concerning their attempts to sell corporation, and failed to disclose to prospective buyers corporation's potential liability to shareholder for enormous royalty benefits, such omissions and misrepresentations did not induce minority shareholder to execute contract, nor did he rely upon such omissions and misrepresentations to his detriment in his performance of the contract. A shareholder of a corporation does not generally have a right to sue personally for alleged losses sustained by the corporation due to mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duties; a shareholder may only sue to recover losses to a corpor ation resulting from mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duties secondarily through a shareholder's derivative suit. When an officer knowingly and intentionally acts against the best interest of the corporation or outside the scope of his authority, he can be held liable by the party whose contract right has been damaged. An action against a corporate officer for intentional and unjustified interference with contractual relations may be divided into separate elements: (1) the existence of a contract or a legally protected interest between the plaintiff and the corporation; (2) the corporate officer's knowledge of the contract; (3) the officer's intentional inducement or causation of the corporation to breach the contract or his intentional rendition of its performance impossible or more burdensome; (4) absence of justification on the part of the officer; and (5) causation of damages to the plaintiff by the breach of contract or difficulty of its performance brought about by the of ficer. Conclusion: 1. A plaintiff claiming the existence of an oral contract greater than $500 in value may prove its existence and terms by at least one credible witness and other corroborating circumstances 2. A plaintiff may serve as the one credible witness needed to establish existence and terms of an oral contract in excess of $500 3. The elements are necessary to prove fraud are (1) the existence of a contract or a legally protected interest between the plaintiff and the corporation; (2) the corporate officer's knowledge of the contract; (3) the officer's intentional inducement or causation of the corporation to breach the contract or his intentional rendition of its performance impossible or more burdensome; (4) absence of justification on the part of the officer; and (5) causation of damages. Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Fourth Circuit. SUN DRILLING PRODUCTS CORPORATION v. Jerry J. RAYBORN, Sr. No. 2000-CA-1884. Oct. 3, 2001. STATEMENT OF THE FACTS In 1994, Jerry J. Rayborn owned Sun Drilling Products Corporation. Rayborn began negotiations with a group of Philadelphia investors concerning the

ANISHINABBE STUDIES ( FINAL PAPER) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ANISHINABBE STUDIES ( FINAL PAPER) - Essay Example At the time of its passage in 1876, the law was primarily a consolidation of numerous laws regarding the Native Indians previously enacted by the British colonial government in North America. However, currently, the scope of the act is wide ranging covering governance of the Indians such as the Anishinabbe, native lad use, education, healthcare among other aspects of the aboriginal lives. This paper presents an expanded perspective of the Indian Act with particular emphasis to its possible connections or impact on the people of Anishinabbe. The original justification of the Indian act was to assimilate the members of the first nations into the Canadian civilization through a process known as enfranchisement. Prior to a federal recognition as an Indian within Canada or the broader U.S, a person should be in a position to abide by very unique government regulation standards. In this light, the Canadian Indian Act has more meaning than a set of laws that have managed to control every perspective of Indian life for more than a century. In the capacity of a regulatory regime, the act provides a means through which people can understand Native identity whilst coordinating a conceptual framework which has been key in shaping the current Native lives in a manner that looks rather familiar and tending to natural. This paper explores different aspects of the Indian Act including the amendments and policies that have been enacted through the Indian Act. The Indian Act refers to Canada-based federal law governing in matters regarding bands, status as well as Indian reserves. The Act has a broader scope that revolves around issues like governance, education, healthcare as well as land use. History reveals a paternalistic and highly invasive perspective of this act, since it grants the Canadian federal government the authority to control and oversee the affairs plus daily lives of all reserve communities and

Decline in the American middle class Research Paper

Decline in the American middle class - Research Paper Example They then define what we come to know as white collar jobs and blue collar jobs. These classifications show the diversity of this social stratum in a way that only emphasizes their vast contribution to the growth of the nation and what they fundamentally embody, the American people. The ruling class, many would argue, pertain to the country’s upper class that holds wealth and a monopoly of power. But rather than being antagonistic against this other class, most Americans aspire to be part of it by becoming rich. Contrary to the privileged few, a survey show that around 45% of Americans identify to being in the middle class. These people include highly educated professionals such as lawyers, doctors, engineers and managers. They are classified into living in the suburbs and partaking of other posh activities including country clubs. Similarly, another face of the middle class includes small business owners also called the ‘petit bourgeoisie’ among others. â€Å"Th us, in subjective terms, the middle class is the largest single class in American society, but in cultural terms, it is highly diverse because so many different lifestyles are represented within it† (Kornblum 275). There is no doubt that there really has been a drastic decline in the country’s middle class. ... This is down by 21% from the 1970 recorded 65% of families as middle income. To show the discrepancy, one-third of the families in the same area classified as affluent or within poverty increased from 15% in 1970. This study was conducted through a census involving 117 of the largest metropolitan areas throughout the United States. It is part of US2010 funded by Russell Sage and Brown University. What this implies, Stanford sociologist Sean Reardon explicates, is that the next generation will see the most effects. More children will have less access to better education and child care. In a sense, the affluent families will be isolated to their own class with less interaction coming from public amenities such as schools and transportation. This could perceptively affect future investments and public policies for the benefit of mostly the middle class population. The gap between the rich and the poor is also seen in test scores and consequently college education. More children from wel l to do families are able to complete college compared to low income earners (Tavernise, n.p.). The disparity in education is an easily apparent effect of the continued decline of the middle class. As the gap between income increases, more and more of those from the higher strata are able to afford the increasingly high cost of university education. The bulk of the middle class are in turn become unable to support sustained tertiary education in expensive private institutions. This then becomes a vicious cycle as those from lower income families often begin their career without college education. Education is universally known as a determinative factor in professional success. More

Income Statement Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Income Statement - Case Study Example ' Repairs to flat 420 Repairs to shop floor 575 Cash register repairs 125 Re-painting of exterior of property 2,240 Replacement weighing scales 75 Sundry allowable items 2,100 Total 5,535 9. Sundry expenses ' Tea, coffee and milk for staff 78 Telephone, postage and stationery 284 Calendars for customers @ %2.80 each 560 Window cleaning 500 Cleaning expenses 600 Donation to local Playgroup 250 Sundry small expenses 130 Total 2,402 10. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over 4 years for motor vehicles and equipment. Additional information: 1. Capital allowances The written down values for capital allowance purposes at 6 April 2008 were as follows: ' Motor car (Vauxhall Astra) Private use agreed as 25% 10,500 General Pool 7,200 2. Additions and disposals - fixed assets ' Addition 21 May 2008 Computer equipment 3,200 Disposal 1 July 2008 Computer equipment proceeds (original cost '2,100) 300 3. Goods for own use Ted estimates that fruit and vegetables with a retail price of '10 (cost price '3.50), are taken for the family's use each week. No provision has been made in the accounts. Task 1 Prepare a trading profit computation for Ted's business for the year ended 5 April 2009. Task 2 Net property rental income from the flat has been agreed with HMRC as '4,800 for 2008/2009. Lora received dividends of '2700 for the year 2008/2009 Prepare income tax computations for Ted and Lora, showing Income Tax liabilities and Income Tax payable. Task 3 Ted and Lora are not expecting to pay income tax this year as the Income Statement shows a loss. Write a letter to Ted explaining why you have disallowed each of the Income Statement items in the trading profit computation for income tax purposes, the amount of Income... Write a letter to Ted explaining why you have disallowed each of the Income Statement items in the trading profit computation for income tax purposes, the amount of Income tax payable and the dates due, making any reasonable assumptions you wish. Assuming that Ted goes ahead with his plans to expand the business to include a juice and smoothie bar, prepare a trading profit computation for the new business, for a full year of trading based on the projected results for the year to 5 April 2009 given above, (use 2008/9 tax rates and allowances).

Kant's Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kant's Ethics - Essay Example Kant rebuffed the notion that anything as uninformed and incidental as empirical ends, no issue how sound intended, could protected the meticulous demands of ethics. He persisted that ethical demands are obligatory -- not only essentially and unanimously, but unreservedly. Ethical demands are articulated in categorical, not hypothetical, essentials. Ethical demands be obliged to be based on rationally obligatory prescribed principles, not contingent material rules. The main point of Kant's argument has been to offer a quick contrast with the categorical imperative. Categorical imperatives do not bid us will the means to an end, and so are not conditioned by will for an end already presupposed: this is why they are unconditioned, unqualified, and categorical. According to categorical imperative each rational instrument ought to will thus and thus. Therefore the clarification given of imaginary imperatives can in no way relate to it. The very notion of a categorical imperative might appear extraordinary were one not familiar with the apparently unconditioned asserts of morality. (Hoose, 1998) Kant, though, persists that one can in no way institute the categorical imperative by a request to experience.

Income Statement Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Income Statement - Case Study Example ' Repairs to flat 420 Repairs to shop floor 575 Cash register repairs 125 Re-painting of exterior of property 2,240 Replacement weighing scales 75 Sundry allowable items 2,100 Total 5,535 9. Sundry expenses ' Tea, coffee and milk for staff 78 Telephone, postage and stationery 284 Calendars for customers @ %2.80 each 560 Window cleaning 500 Cleaning expenses 600 Donation to local Playgroup 250 Sundry small expenses 130 Total 2,402 10. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over 4 years for motor vehicles and equipment. Additional information: 1. Capital allowances The written down values for capital allowance purposes at 6 April 2008 were as follows: ' Motor car (Vauxhall Astra) Private use agreed as 25% 10,500 General Pool 7,200 2. Additions and disposals - fixed assets ' Addition 21 May 2008 Computer equipment 3,200 Disposal 1 July 2008 Computer equipment proceeds (original cost '2,100) 300 3. Goods for own use Ted estimates that fruit and vegetables with a retail price of '10 (cost price '3.50), are taken for the family's use each week. No provision has been made in the accounts. Task 1 Prepare a trading profit computation for Ted's business for the year ended 5 April 2009. Task 2 Net property rental income from the flat has been agreed with HMRC as '4,800 for 2008/2009. Lora received dividends of '2700 for the year 2008/2009 Prepare income tax computations for Ted and Lora, showing Income Tax liabilities and Income Tax payable. Task 3 Ted and Lora are not expecting to pay income tax this year as the Income Statement shows a loss. Write a letter to Ted explaining why you have disallowed each of the Income Statement items in the trading profit computation for income tax purposes, the amount of Income... Write a letter to Ted explaining why you have disallowed each of the Income Statement items in the trading profit computation for income tax purposes, the amount of Income tax payable and the dates due, making any reasonable assumptions you wish. Assuming that Ted goes ahead with his plans to expand the business to include a juice and smoothie bar, prepare a trading profit computation for the new business, for a full year of trading based on the projected results for the year to 5 April 2009 given above, (use 2008/9 tax rates and allowances).

The Aurora Shootings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Aurora Shootings - Essay Example July 20th, 2012 was marked with unbelievable horror, violence and sorrow which will be remembered for a long time due to the loss of lives and the fearful scars it left on the surviving individuals. The screening of the English movie â€Å"The Dark Knight Rises† at one of the movie theaters in Aurora, Colorado, was converted from an exciting and fun-filled event into a deadly massacre spreading fear and panic everywhere. The shooting resulted in the death of 12 and the injury of 58 people in the theater; according to the police reports, nearly every injury was the outcome of gunshots (Pearson 2012). This rampage has been covered by media extensively elaborating each and every detail, number of victims and survivors, aftermaths of the shootings, government actions and emotional stories of the massacre victims and their mourning relatives. James E. Holmes, the suspect of Aurora shootings, entered the movie theater through a rear exit door, armed with a gun and wearing ballistic helmet and protective gear over his body, shot at random in the movie theater. According to the law enforcement agencies, Holmes also threw a tear gas; however, the substance is still under suspicion. Holmes was arrested within first seven minutes of the panic calls from the movie-goers, while the victims were hurriedly sent to the nearby hospitals (Pearson 2012). The Aurora shootings left many questions lingering amongst the people regarding security of movie theaters that how could an armed person enter a theater and many questioning eyes were raised against the gun ownership laws of the United States. On the other hand, reasons that provoked Holmes towards a merciless shooting spree are also being investigated and researched.

Personal Beliefs and homosexuality Essay Example for Free

Personal Beliefs and homosexuality Essay Homosexuality can be defined as a sexual behaviour or the attraction of people within the same sex. It is a distinguished aspect of sexuality including gender identity,social gender role and biological sex. It is a collective term reffering to both lesbians and gay men. It has been argued that the negative perception by heterosexuals to homosexuals is because they are a threat to the society. This is because homosexuals have violated the traditional sex role structure. Over the years we have witnessed battles as to whether equal rights and protection against discrimination should be extended to homosexuals. The conflict is between two dictates: should marriage be restricted to one man one woman? Or should adults committed in relationships regardless of their sexual orientation be allowed to enter civil unions? It catches my attention but with no surprise either that many Americans are denying gay men and lesbians access to their living a happy life and access to marriage. I believe that marriage is a union of love and not gender. And this is simply because a marriage union is defined by love and not hatred. Just as one does not choose to be male or female so is homosexuality. It should not be seen as an illness. And no one whatsoever should consider it as an illness and hence ashamed of being a homosexual. In American for example their exists certain personal beliefs about homosexuality. Some Americans consider homosexuality a crime and those practicing the act should be arrested. Others believe that it is just a condition that one is addicted to and can be corrected. Still others believe that homosexuality is just a neutral trait, like one being left handed; it is very normal and neutral. In my paper I will discuss some of these beliefs in support of my thesis question: should personal beliefs of everyone in America affect the rights of homosexual people to living happy lives and access to marriage? The warfare Theologians and scientists often have minimal conflicts within themselves. This is because none of the larger group is interested in the field of the other. When it comes to homosexuality it raises brows of both parties. This is a major area that has seen both theologians and scientists promoting their own beliefs in. According to scientists an adult’s human sexuality comes in three different orientations. These orientations are completely normal and interchangeable. No one chooses any of the orientations. One is heterosexuality where one is sexually attracted to a member of the opposite sex. Two is homosexuality where an individual is attracted to members of the same sex. And three is bisexuality where we have a smaller minority who are attracted to both men and women. Religion claims that homosexuality is mentioned in both the Bible and the Qur’an. Hence it is a topic of major study by theologians. There exist two groups of religiou0s beliefs. One is by religious conservatives who believe that there is freedom of error of the bible. According to their biblical interpretation of the bible, homosexuality is completely an abnormal, chosen and unnatural behavior that can be changed. Another group referred to as religious liberals take the bible as a historical book. They consider the scientists explanations about sexual orientations and they believe that just as heterosexuality homosexuality is normal, unchosen and natural sexual orientation. The above passage gives two definitions of homosexuality. According to religious conservatives, homosexuality is what a person does. According to Scientists it is one of the three sexual orientations. Public beliefs: Gender biliefs The gender bilief system is defined as a set of biliefs and views about qualities of masculinity and feminity about males and females respectively. People tend to respond to others by assuming that what is masculine is not feminine and vise versa. Another factor included in this set of beliefs is the different roles of different sexes. These are some of the traditional patterns of defined gender roles,therefore a different perception is percieved to those who violate these patterns including homosexuals. A common judgement is faced by men who posses feminine characteristics(gay) and women having masculine characteristics(lesbian). They people are always viewed negatively by the society. This bilief therefore holds that heterosexuals dislike both gay men and lesbians because they are stereotipically having crossed gender characteristics ,traits, and roles. This bilief tends to hold much to the traditional roles of male and females. But it is evident that this bilief is outdated and becomes unreliable because times have changed and the current society believes in freedom. Freedom to choose what kind of life to lead. It is not necessary that a man feminine is gay or a female masculine is a lesbian. Hence it is a bit difficult to judge an individual according to the sex characteristics he or she displays in his or her style of living. Religious biliefs Religion is different in different societies. Christians for example argue that the bible forbids homosexuality. But in christianity there has emerged different denominations that interpret the bible differently. Different religions have heard different views on both sexual relations and love amongst people of the same sex. Within the Muslim community homosexuality is prohibited. Infact it is cited in the Qur’an the abominable act of the people of Lof,who are known as Sodomites who were destroyed because of their engagement in illegal sexual offences. However,some liberal muslims e. g the Al Fatiha Foundation regard homosexuality as absolutely normal. They argue that the Al Qur’an speaks against homosexual lust but it is silent about homosexual love . The Anglican communion received discord that saw a rift between the African exceptb south Africa and Anglican churches from Asia on one hand and American churches on the other hand when Canadian and American churches ordained a clergy and started blessing same sex marriages. Other churches e. g the Methodist church experienced trials from a gay clergy who some argued was a against religious principles and there were mixed verdicts that depended on Geography. These religional beliefs about homosexuals affect the different perceptions about homosexuality by different people. Some religiouis groups e. g the Hellenics view the aspect of some forms of homosexuality as sacred. Some groups e. g the Abrahamic forbid the relationship. The opposition to homosexual behaviour by religuious sectors range from quietly displ[aying homosexual activities and displays to explicitly forbiding same sexual practices and opposing acceptance of homosexuals. The support of homosexuals can be seen reflected in religion by the acceptance of individuals who are sexually heterodox in church functions. There has also been a manifestation of same sex union. Religious reasons have partly played a role in changing some gay men and lesbians. They seek to change through religious practice and faith. A recentb survey explains the analysis oof 882 homosexduals who underwent a convrsion therapy. 22. 9 percent of the attendance did not undergo any changes,some change was seen from 42. 7 percent and a 34. 3 percent showd much change. With time relgion has accepted gay men and women in their congregations. For instance in the later 20th century there was no limit to secular institutions. A larger branch of Judaism known as the Reform Judaism that is outside Israel began to facilitate gay marriages. Religious beliefs do not change the way of life of hoosexuals. I think a person should not be instructed on which religion to follow. This is because,as I have discussed above,within the religious groups there is divisions meaning no one cxonclusion has been agreed upon by thelarger group. This also means that interpretation of the bible or Qur’an is different amongst different people. Therefore no one at any one point should decide how one is going to lead his or her life. It is a personal decision either to be or not tyo be homosexual. The polls Homosexuality is considered as one of the major topics of concern in America and especially North America it has been under debate for several times. The debate is between religious conservatives and supporters for equal rights to homosexuals and bisexuals. I will discuss some f the public views in relation to rights of homosexuality. It is a point to note that with time there has been a rapid change in America in regard to legality in interracial marriages. I feel it is only logical to embrace change and accept homosexuals as part of our society and stop judging them negatively. Currently sex marriages are acceptable to those residing in the Netherlands. Dutch lawmakers decided to rewrite the laws so that gay people and lesbians were accommodated therein. They are accepted top marry and enjoy all rights and privileges of married people. By mid 2004 the Canadian government received orders from courts on arrangements to offer civil unions amongst homosexuals. In 2001 there was a U. S poll that was conducted in high school seniors. From the research it was clear that a majority had support for equal rights for both lesbians and gay men. This support was at a remarkable higher level than their parents on homosexuality. However in North America there was much opposition on the legality of equal rights to homosexuals. The general public belief is that special rights that were reserved for heterosexuals and whether to extend or deny the same top homosexuals should be determined through polls. According to me this belief is really dangerous because, if the state will deny the minority some rights then it follows that we are not really safe here in America. And since every member of this society is a member of a certain minority then it beats logic to deny them rights. Morality and legality Many individuals here in States still regard homosexuality as immoral and illegal. Homosexuals are discriminated in the work place and sometimes even by the society. Conservative Christians still regard homosexuality as sinful and an acceptable behavior. It is perfectly moral if sexual behavior is non-manipulative, safe and consensual and above all between two people who love and care about each other and are in a committed relationship. Just as heterosexuals homosexuals never choose to be what they are. It is therefore illegal to discriminate this social group that is part of our society. They are supposed to be treated equally and fairly. Equality Homosexuals reside in our society. Since it is only normal to be a homosexual. And since several religious groups accept the laws governing homosexuals in the work place, there is no point of discriminating against them in the society. They should be given equal rights and access to civil unions since they are in no crime caring and loving each other. It will be unfair to deny them these rights because they are among the three sexual orientations and they are not acting homosexuals but were born so. Liberation Every member of a society needs liberal position. When two individuals are in love and are committed to one another they deserve liberty. It is only fair to accord homosexuals liberty and freedom to express their love to one another since they are responding(part of the three sexual orientations) to nature and doing no one harm. Conclusion Research shows that there is much and widespread prejudice against homosexuals. The society still views homosexuals as immoral people. Further research by Berril in 1992 and D’Augelli ion 1989 in the American society shows that negative attitude towards homosexuals are often acted on through physical and verbal aggression. In the research by D’Augelli,50 percent of homosexual students repoorted that they have overheard awful comments,that verbal insults were experienced by 26 percent of the gay and lesbian population,26 percent were threatened through physical assault and 23 percent said they were victims of assault. I choose this topic because it is realy fascinating that traditionally like in the olden Greek there existed homosexuals but it did not take a society notice. Traditionally,marriage was percieved as a sacred matrimony between man and wife. The core purpose of marriage was children. And therefore ,traditionally marriage without siring children is meaningless. Recently homosexuality has become a central topic of discussion. The society and the world at large has received many arguments of whether to or not to legalize gay relationships. It is with the many challenges thjat face this topic that I decided to have a wider look on this topic. The gender set of biliefs is a rampant view among many individuals. It has an impact amongst men and women. Gender is seen in the society as one of the major stable constructs. Those having an aspect of a particular gender are supposed to have characters of that particular gender. This beliefs make the society have different junjements on men feminines and women masculines as gay and lesbians respectively. This is among the stereotype biliefs and as I have explained before it is a biased bilief. Over time we have seen religion adjusting abit and some religious groups are accepting homosexuals in their congregation and even go as far as uniting gay partners. Religions have broken up into denminations where others are supporting homosexual relationships and others do not. The traditional aspect of marriage is totally different now from the old perspective. From the above discussed beliefs it is clear that homosexuality is still percieved negatively by the society. Over time the law has tried to come in between to ammend a law that may govern such relationships. Most people still argue that there is freedom of choice and therefore do not agree in the ammendment of a law to abolish gay relationships. To the homosexuals who choose to remain in their relationships it is a choice. There is no particular law that forbids one from establishing a homosexual relationship and at the same time there is freedom of worship. This does not bind one into following a particular relationship in as much as most religions regard it a sin to have a relationship with a same sexual fellow but my argument is that a sin is sin. And therefore if one chooses to be or not to be a homosexual is personal. Who cares what the society is going to have what perception with your personality. I therefore conclude by saying that this research is not realy giving a solution as to whether gay or homosexual relations should be stoped but rather embraces the fact that every social being has freedom of choice of what to do with his or her social life. I have explained some of the personal beliefs and noted that both are personal decisions and therefore no one is to judge the other on what life to lead.