Saturday, August 31, 2019

Factors That Impact on and Influence the Organisation

The business environment is often an uncertain one, where managers are faced with many factors that impact on and influence the organisation. The micro-environment includes suppliers, customers and stakeholders, all of which influence the organisation directly. The macro-environment, however, includes factors that influence the organisation but are out of its direct control. The micro-environment is often determined by the industry the organisation operates within. Competition becomes a critical influencing factor. Johnson et al (2002) states that managers should understand the competitive forces that exist between organisations in the same industry because this will determine its attractiveness. De Swaan Arons, et al (1999) refer to Porter’s Five Forces framework as a tool to assess profit potential within an organisation. These forces include; supplier and buyer power; threat of substitutes; and barriers to entry. At the centre of the five forces is competitive rivalry between organisations in the same industry/sector. The level of competitive aggressiveness will be determined by factors such as the number of competitors, industry growth, high fixed costs, and amount of differentiation (De Swaan Arons, et al, 1999, pp 3). According to Harrison (2003), success in the hotel industry is often provided by being located near existing hotel properties. This may be as a result of a tested market-place and assurance that if hotels can profit in that area, then it becomes an attractive market to enter. Supplier and buyer power are closely linked due to the resulting relationship they have in influencing the organisation. Porter’s Five Forces Framework states that supplier power is high when there is a concentration of suppliers within the same industry. However; following the comments of Harrison (2003), several hotel properties within the same geographic area will be competing for customers, often basing their strategy on price; hence the customer has the power to influence the supplier, otherwise known as buyer power. A high concentration of suppliers in one geographic area often results in a saturated market. The Life-Cycle Model highlights the importance between growth and maturity stages. Johnson et al (2002) illustrate that in market growth situations, an organisation is likely to achieve growth through the resulting growth of the marketplace. However, when markets are mature, organisational growth can only be achieved by taking market share from competitors. Research conducted within the Swiss Hotel Industry, (Sund, 2004), showed that it had been experiencing a period of stagnation and even decline. Sund (2004) suggests this is due to the concentration of hotel properties in the area as a result of increased international travel post-World War II and the increase in hotel chains and franchises. In research carried out by Audretsch et al (1996), where the innovative activity takes place is a key contributor to the phase of the industry life cycle. Substitution reduces demand for a particular type of product or service. For example, the presence of all-inclusive hotel resorts is a threat to small independent Bed & Bedfast establishments. Barriers to entry consist of a number of factors, for example; economies of scale, capital requirement, access to distribution channels, experience expected, retaliation, legislation/government action, and differentiation (Johnson et al, 2002, pp 115). For the hotel industry, the threat of entry is likely to be high in places where there is a high concentration of hotel accommodation. However; some may argue that high concentration may be a reason not to enter the market because competition is fierce. According to Harrison (2003), Porter’s Five Forces model has limitations in terms of its practical application. Although the five forces aims to provide organisations with a definition of competitive factors, it does not include an evaluation of other stakeholders equally as important. This may include unions, financial institutions, the media and local communities. Harrison (2003) also identifies the importance of political factors. Where micro analysis of the organisation consists of direct factors such as customers, stakeholders and competition, the macro environment considers elements of the environment on a wider scale. The PESTEL model is a useful tool for use in strategic decision making. It consists of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal issues affecting drivers of change within an organisation. Political factors refer to governments, society or regulators that can take action to influence an organisation’s performance. Political decisions can also affect a company’s success and future planning as shown in many war zone scenarios. A country’s decision to go to war curbs travel and thus, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions suffer. Harrison (2003) quotes the example of the 1991 war in the Persian Gulf. Hotels were left empty until the war ended and travellers felt confident to venture into that geographic region again. Economic factors include interest rates, taxation changes, economic growth, inflation and exchange rates. These factors can be critical to the success of companies operating within the hospitality industry. A hotel company may have to review its pricing strategy dependant on consumer demand. This relates to Porter’s forces where buyer and supplier power are linked as a result of where most of the concentration is. Social factors relate to social trends such as the demand for a company's products and services. Awareness of societal factors is also important in reputation management where a company aims to promote itself as interested in the values of its customers. Marriott Hotels (cited in Harrison, 2003), considered societal trends in its development of housing for people who may require a form of assisted living. This development was due to Marriott’s recognition of the ageing baby-boom era. Technological factors are important to consider when new markets are being established. New technologies create new products and new processes. Technological developments can benefit consumers as well as the organisations providing the products. In the hotel industry, technology advancement should be centred on customer service and the experience one should expect. According to Connolly et al (2000), the hospitality industry should be preparing for the future by readying itself for technological advancements. This way, hotel companies will be well positioned to meet the needs of their customers. One of the most popular advances in technology for the hotel industry would be computer advances and the wide use of Internet. Hotels are now expected to have online booking facilities, which are easy to use, install confidence and assurances for the online customer that their booking has been received and processed accordingly. Websites are commonly an organisation’s first point of contact with potential customers. Therefore, branding and corporate image is important. Customer relationship management is possible with the advancement of computer technology. Marketing strategies centre around the potential to follow-up on previous customer’s hotel stays by offering return offers and discounts for loyalty. The Ritz-Carlton, for example, uses their contact database to maintain customer profiles that details individual tastes and preferences (Harrison, 2003). They also use this technology to speed up check-in procedures for regular guests. Differentiation within the hotel industry is also possible through the use of technology. Harrison (2003) uses the example of Wingate Inns who attracted business customers by offering free to use, high-speed Internet in every room. Environmental factors such as climate change have the potential to impact on every industry and should be considered as a driver for change. Becoming ‘greener’ has been a significant change in the running of many hotel chains throughout the world. Advertising the use of environmentally friendly products and processes is affecting customer demand. This produces more business opportunities and creates greater supplier power. Legal factors are related to the legal environment in which companies operate. Health and Safety legislation is a major driver of change in all industries, especially service-based industries such as hospitality. Not only does this affect the company’s workforce, it also affects the customer and his/her experience. Hotel owners are duty holders in providing a safe environment for their employees and customers. In the event of an accident or a breach of legislation, a hotel company can incur substantial penalties, which will ultimately affect future profits and corporate reputation. Analysis of the external environment, using tools such as PESTEL, allows organisations to make important decisions and strategic changes to create competitive advantage. In evaluating growth strategies, an analysis involving suitability, acceptability and feasibility is vital. Although these models of analysis help organisations to understand the factors that may impact and influence their business strategies, it is also important to understand in more detail what will result in success and failure. One of the many approaches is to perform a SWOT analysis. Another is to identify opportunities and threats via strategic gaps. Johnson et al (2002) refer to this as identifying ‘new market space’. Strategic gaps are found by looking across the industry for potential substitutes, new product/service offerings and new market segments. According to Pryce (2001), many hotel operators are lagging behind other industries with regards to corporate sustainability. Research has suggested that there is a significant gap between attitudes and action (Pryce, 2001), which provides hotel owners with promotional opportunities and drivers for change to capitalise on environmental management.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Personality Assessment Instruments Essay

Personality Assessment instruments are comprised of theories and techniques to measure an individual’s personality traits. The traditional psychoanalytical theories provide a framework for understanding negative behavior as well as concepts that predict future behavioral outcomes. Because of the possibility of predictive personality traits, career counselors and organizations have used personality assessment instruments to screen possible employers for qualification. In addition, personality assessment instrument have also been used to detect disordered personalities or other unresolved issues that cause negative behavior patterns in an individual. In this paper I will discuss three Personality Assessment Instruments widely used in measuring an individual’s personality; Myer-Briggs Type Indicator, Rorschach Inkblot Test and self help books. I will discuss the validity, comprehensiveness, applicability and cultural utility of these personality assessments in also examine the strengths and weaknesses of why some work and some do not. The strength and weaknesses of each personality assessment instrument is key in understanding which instrument is â€Å"appropriate† to use. Myer-Briggs Type Indicator Largely based on Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality, The Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was created by Katherine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myer, during WWII to evaluate personality types to know where to place women entering the industrial workforce. The MBTI would assess women for jobs they were best qualified for. Seeing how successful the MBTI was in placing women in the workforce, today it is still used as an assessment instrument by career counselors and organizations for team building (McCaulley, 2000). The MBTI is a self-report, forced-choice questionnaire. The letters represent the respective personality types which have 16 unique possible outcomes. The test has about 100 questions with only two choices to pick from. MBTI divides an individual’s personality into four areas (McCaulley, 2000); 1. Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I) . Sensing (S) or intuition (N) 3. Thinking (T) or feeling (F) 4. Judging (J) or perceiving (P) This scale is an important factor in determining the dominant, auxiliary, tertiary and inferior behaviors of the individual (McCaulley, 2000). Each individual is measured by the four-letter type formula. Each group of letters reveals the dominant function of the individual and followed by the auxiliary. Each of the 16 combination of letters explains the person’s personality and what area they best function in. Rorschach Inkblot Test Hermann Rorschach, Swiss psychiatrist, created ill-defined designs on paper using ink. After much trial and error, Rorschach settled on 10 inkblot cards used to show to patients and illicit a response. It was determined that different patients in a particular psychiatric group gave different responses. The test was created to understand the mind of an individual. During the assessment, the patient is shown a card and is expected to explain the thoughts that come to mind when analyzing the card (Cervone, 2010). The test-giver waits to see the type of response that comes from the patient. And the question of how the patient responds or perceives the inkblot determines the type of personality the patient may have. If the patient’s response matches the inkblot structure’s intended meaning, then the patient’s thoughts are geared towards their reality. If the patient’s response does not correspond with the inkblot then the patient is perceived to have a dysfunctional personality. Self-Help Books Widely popular, Self-help books are a great way for a person to understand psychological disorders and possible treatments. There are a variety of books written by scholars and psychologist who have done extensive work in their area of expertise. Many people who are skeptical about going to therapy choose self-help books as a way to self-administer treatment (Redding et. al, 2008). The problem people face when relying on these books for help is that there is no discussion to make sure that the person understands what they are reading. Also, the books cannot assess the person to see if they can help the person like the MBTI and Rorschach Inkblot do. There is no way to measure if the specific book can help the person. Personality Assessments: from Theory to Practice In this next section I will examine the validity, comprehensiveness, applicability and cultural utility. Throughout my research I have discovered that some critics have argued that each of these personality assessment instruments have weaknesses that do not support what it claims to produce. Others critics have shown the strengths’ in these widely used personality assessment to be applied in various cultures that have shown consistent scoring. Validity One of the most widely used personality assessment instruments is self-help books. They are easily accessible by most people seeking to resolve psychological issues. However, it is difficult to say if what the writer proposes to be a solution works effectively for the reader (Redding et. al. , 2008). The problem with the validity of self-help books is that not all are written by professional psychologist. Often people are faced with serious psychological disorders that they wish to resolve on their own as opposed to therapy (Redding et. l, 2008). Another issue with self-help books is that they do not test people to see if they have applied the information coming from the book to the area in their life where they face challenges nor can it pinpoint the exact disorder a person is dealing with. I would have to say that the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator holds the most validity out of the three personality assessment instruments and is the most favored. The MBTI has been tested and based on the 16 different possible personality types most people have fallen under one of the combinations. The MBTI follows the theory of personality traits by Carl Jung. Jung’s theory distinguishes two dichotomous pairs of cognitive behavior: extraversion and introversion (McCaulley, 2008). The MBTI has been shown to be successful in determining an individual’s personality that fits a specific career or in organizing groups for team building. On the other hand, when a person has been assessed using the Rorschach inkblot test, disordered personality can be revealed thru extensive testing. The validity of the Rorschach inkblot test as but argued that there is a bias in the testing because Hermann Rorschach’s training was in psychoanalytical theories. Another problem that arises with the Rorschach in examining its validity is the scoring of the test. Many of the scorers give a higher score to the test taker if their response matches those of previous scorers (Sendin, 2010). Comprehensiveness Self-help books focus on an areas in an individual’s life such as alcohol addictions, Attention Deficit Disorder, How to deal with a Break-Up. And while the books can be informative the theory behind the solution must be examined. Most self-help books are written in the opinion of the author writing the book. Some of these opinions may not be in accord with the reader’s background so it is difficult to say if the reader is able to comprehend what the author is conveying (Redding et. al, 2008). It also depends only what the reader is looking for. If the reader is open to alternative solutions as opposed to traditional one then the book will help but because a person is not tested on the self-help books they are reading it is hard to determine how comprehensive the book is. MBTI has 16 possible personality types that this world-wide instrument uses to address issues faced by individuals, groups and family counseling that are challenged with communication, career planning, learning and life -long development (McCaulley, 2000). When assessing an individual’s personality not only is this helpful in career counseling but also when determining why individuals or family members are having communication problems. Applicability Self-help books can be easy to understand. Some of the methods are broken down in simple steps that anyone can apply. However, if one wants to assess the type of personality that can handle a certain job the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator is more appropriate to use. This assessment instrument has been used by career counselors and employers to match individuals to specific studies or industries (McCaulley, 2008). I would not recommend using the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator when assessing an individual’s personality for disorders. The Rorschach Inkblot has been a successful instrument in examining the mind of a person (Cervone, 2010). However, the Rorschach inkblot was constructed according to Hermann Rorschach’s training in psychoanalytical theory. Cultural Utility Each culture is made of its own belief system and traditions. What applies in one culture may not necessarily apply in another. Some assessments can be used in most cultures and give the same results across the board. However, not all cultures will accept the theories behind the assessment. The issues that I have noticed in researching the MBTI and Rorschach Inkblot test is that in applying to different cultures there has been challenges faced by psychologist. For one, psychologists have not had extensive training in cultural diversity. Nor have they had training in language. Most ethnic low income groups have had poor health service in which there has been a misdiagnosis due to language barrier (Dana, 2000). Also to consider are groups who come from another country and have different views on the mental health system. For example, in administering the MBTI and Rorschach Inkblot test to Russian Jews challenges are faced because of their cultural belief. Russian Jews are highly suspicious of mental health professionals and find it difficult to believe that community health agencies do not have ties to the government (Dana, 200). As a result, they deny any mental health issues. The fear that exists with Russian Jews is because of the way they saw the Soviet Government force people to commit to a mental health institute (Dana, 2000). Consequently, self help books have been successful in reaching a mass audience because books have been published in various languages. Conclusion As you can see Personality Assessment Instruments have been very useful in helping to examine an individual’s personality for career choices, in team building and examining a disorder. However, specialist have has revealed their weaknesses and show that these instruments cannot be applied in any situation without further investigation. Each personality assessment instrument is unique with it’s own characters. In order to be able to better serve the mental health industry only a particular assessment can be used for a specific analysis.

North American History Essay

In the words of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, two great rivals in American History, were not only their honor and image, but the principles and ideals that would lead the legislation of a country in the frustrated process of amalgamation and integration. As Abraham Lincoln proposed in his Republican State Convention of 1858 speech, there were two American clashing ideologies in debate, ideologies that could not coexist forever within a â€Å"House Divided†. Moreover, he emphasizes his beliefs when he states: â€Å"Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new, North as well as South† (Lincoln) By his immediate rhetorical question of â€Å"Have we no tendency to the latter condition?† (Lincoln) it is obvious that he, as a republican and abolitionist, is against the prevailing of the institution of slavery, something that is put into doubt by the accusations made to him by his opponent who adheres himself to prove the lack of congruence in Lincoln’s speeches. This accusation can be tangible to a point, for the speeches were more emphatic towards certain ideas in the north, than in the south and vice versa, but the main principles of Lincoln’s ideas tend to show his point of view as aligned with that of the Abolitionists, in quite a particular way. Taking into account certain confusing ambivalence in Lincoln’s speech, although he proposed equality when he invited Americans to â€Å"†¦unite as one people throughout this land until we shall once more stand up declaring that all men are created equal.† (Douglas, quoting Lincoln), he also encouraged certain division and differentiated whites from blacks when he said â€Å"†¦I am not nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way, the social and political equality of the white and black races†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Douglas, quoting Lincoln), referring to certain ways of life and the position to be held by African Americans in his opinion. A difference in these quotations is evident, but it is taken as a cautious step towards safekeeping his political career, and expressing a certain opinion that supported the abolition of slavery, but not intend to radically change the position of hegemony of the white men. A great conflict can come out of this ideology, b ut it was a great step forward in the emancipation of the black people. Although Abraham Lincoln’s idea of the condition of humans as slaves is left idle for a moment, the fact that he takes it to be an evil that must be stopped is clear when â€Å"†¦we think it is a moral, a social and a political wrong.† (Lincoln) is stated, but the fact that it should be dealt with â€Å"†¦as with any other wrong, in so far as we can prevent its growing any larger, and so deal with it that in the run of time there may be some promise of an end to it.† (Lincoln) also makes clear that although intervention in the south is not within his policy, it is his intention to stop its growth and contain it within its boundaries until, as stated in another occasion, it would perish. In our opinion, Lincoln’s plan is very difficult thing to attain, for how could one oppress an institution such as slavery, and promote openly pro north policies, supposedly leaving the south to their ideals until the times and abolitionist movement created such a situation where the institution would collapse by itself? This is what Judge Douglas questions the most, making Lincoln seem as incoherent. To a point he was, but the great tension created between both ideologies had separated the country to a point in which Lincoln had to have great care. The Missouri compromise dividing free and slave states in the latitude parallel 36à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½30†² and the later Kansas Nebraska act only temporally detained the and smoothed the tension that existed in the fight for power and representation between North and South, abolitionists and slave supporters. The Dred Scott versus Stanford case only augmented the tension, making the questions of its constitutionality and rightfulness be debated across the nation. While Douglas’s position tends to favor a patched agreement between south and north, one of â€Å"mutual non intervention† (Douglas) that could lead to further separation as we think, Lincoln’s policy, ambiguous as it might be in certain respects, was very clear in one thing: the separation that up to now had existed dividing the country in two could not continue much further. For him, apart of his abolitionist principles, above all was the union of the Federation, he could not permit each part of the nation to take its own course, something that would change the fate of the United States forever. A pivotal period would come out of his later governance that would lean the countries future northwards, until again unity would rise much later. This intention would not be clear since the beginning of Lincoln’s political career, despite his clear ideals regarding slavery. This is obvious in the difference in his â€Å"House Divided† speech, and his Sixth Joint Debate with Douglas, at Quincy. Even in the different speeches mentioned in the second paper, where the words of this leader can be confusing, there is certain continuity in his thought. The Dred Scott case is very important in both of his situations. In the first one he addresses it as if the slave policies were â€Å"tending† (Lincoln) the nation towards them, in the second one he is reassuring the possibilities this interpretation of the constitution of the United States by the Supreme Court opens, such as â€Å"†¦slavery would be established in all the States as well as in the Territories.† (Lincoln) Within these lines, the point of view of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas is made clear. While the first clearly wants to avoid the spreading of slavery, for the moment being, and eventually eradicate it, Douglas, claiming to have a â€Å"care-not† (Lincoln) policy as stated by Lincoln, endorsed the popular sovereignty doctrine. It is Douglas who previously had proposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, giving power of decision on the free or slave state issue to the inhabitants of the area, not based on the moral and ethical consequences of this, for he was not concerned with these but more so in â€Å"expansion of settlement and commerce† (Divine, Robert, et al. 271). Both politicians have a diverging speech and line of thought, for Abraham Lincoln concentrates more on repudiating the idea of slavery itself, while Douglas is not focuses on this, but rather on another scheme: one which was more pleasing to draw support from both sides, one that was in the middle of supporting and fighting slavery, one which proved a failure as the book just cited comments, for the two currents of thought, the one supporting and the other rejecting slavery are very difficult to unite as a whole. It can be said that all these ideological questions surge between attacks and allegations against each other. The first â€Å"House Divided† speech is more of a uplifting, but challenging and persuasive speech in which Lincoln confronts the problems of the nation, the second speech, or debate between Lincoln and Douglas is more of a defensive and offensive one in which one politician is going to enhance his reputation, beneficial for a further political career and the other is going to worsen it. This is obvious for most of the speech is consumed in correcting fallacies said by the other or accusations of perjuries. Between lines is when the true nature of the politicians though reveals itself with clarity. â€Å"It is precisely no other than the putting of that most unphilosophical proposition, that two bodies can occupy the same space at the same time.† (Lincoln) is the quotation that convinces the readers of the Lincoln-Douglas debate of America’s strain, the point of view of slavery cannot coexist with abolitionism, not even Douglas’s view of giving the choice to the inhabitants of the place is viable. Of course Lincoln has to be careful with such a topic, and he is, sounding flexible when he states that â€Å"Judge Douglas understands the Constitution according to the Dred Scott decision, and he is bound to support it as he understands it. I understand it another way, and therefore I am bound to support it in the way in which I understand it.† (Lincoln), yet firm in his convictions. In conclusion, it can be said that the rivalry of these men and ideals they stand for are representative of a nation, a nation that is divided by many issues, of which slavery is a crucial one in understanding the different semi spheres that were being created within what was supposed to be a federation. Although the role of it as such had not yet been clearly defined, it was up for Abraham Lincoln, after he was elected leader, to define with these speeches and hints were making more evident. The American Civil War was just a step away, and Lincoln, Douglas and the slave owners could not agree on the topic that could free a large proportion of the population, the African slaves. Based on what we see, it is clear that what was to come would shape America into what it is now, a united, slave free nation. Yet these are the roots of what is taken for granted today. This antagonism fueled some of the fiercest and defining battles fought in U.S. continental grounds. Bibliography * Divine, Robert A., Breen, T.H., Fredrickson, George M., Williams, R. Hal, Gross, Ariela J., Brands, H.W. and Roberts, Randy † America: Past and Present† United States, Pearson Longman, 2005. * Lincoln, Abraham â€Å"House Divided Address† Republican State Convention, Springfield, Illinois, June 17th, 1858. * Lincoln, Abraham and Douglas, Stephen A. â€Å"Sixth Joint Debate† Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Quincy, Illinois, October 13th, 1858.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Worship and Prayer Practices of Islam and Zoroastrianism Essay

Worship and Prayer Practices of Islam and Zoroastrianism - Essay Example The question of how these two religions, despite having almost the same origins, these two are very similar yet very distinct from each other. Examples of their similarities are that both religions are monotheistic by nature, that is their followers believe in one and only one God, Allah for the Muslims and Ahura Mazda for the Zoroastrians. Also both religions hold that Allah and Ahura Mazda had only one prophet sent to preach their teachings, namely: Muhammad for Allah and Zoroaster for Ahura Mazda. Another thing that connects both religions to one another and to any other religion is the belief in a place of salvation (heaven, in Christian terms) and a place of damnation (hell, in Christian terms). This paper discusses the worship and prayer practices of the two religions and how they similar and different in many aspects. Islam is the world's second largest religion, next to Christianity. Though it origins is Middle Eastern, its practice is not only limited in there but also other parts of the world such as Asia and Europe. According to 2005 estimates and census, there are about 900 million to 1.4 billion Muslims today. It is a monotheistic religion which believes that the one and only true God is Allah and Muhammad is his sole prophet. The "Islam" is derived form an Arabic term which means "to be subservient" or "to be obedient". This explains the humble nature of Muslims when it comes to their worship practices ("Islam"). Islam is a religion that is mainly divided into two: Sunni and Shia Islam. Sunni Islam is often referred to as orthodox Islam while Shia is a more contemporary form. The difference between these two factions is mostly based on political issues although lately there has been other deeper reason involved. Sunni Muslims comprise about 85% of the Muslim population while Shia is about 15%. Each division has 4 schools dedicated to the teaching of theology ("Afghanistan."). Some notable Muslims are: Ibn Sina known in the West as Aviccena "the doctor of doctors". He contributed many scientific and theological concepts in his time and was especially known for his works in chemistry and medicine. Another noble Muslim is El Zharawi or Albucasis, the "Father of Surgery". He was known to have written a 30-volume encyclopedia known as At-Tasrif, containing extensive discussions about medical and surgical procedures. Contemporary Muslims and converts to Islam include: Mike Tyson (Heavyweight boxer), Ice Cube (American rapper) and Malcolm X/Malcolm Little, an Afro-American Civil rights leader known by his Muslim name Malik Shabazz (Almed). Muslims refers to their sacred book as the Qu'ran or Koran in other languages, which is believed to have been handed by Allah himself to his prophet Muhammad. It is from the Qu'ran that the 5 tenets of Islam are derived: First: Shahadah, the belief in one and only one God, Allah and that his sole prophet is Muhamad. The second one is Salah, the recitation of the 5 daily prayers. The third one is Sawn, or fasting in the period of Ramadan. The fourth is Zakat, the giving of alms and the last on is Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's lifetime ("Islam"). The Salat/Salah, the 5

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Theatres in New York City - Public Theater and the Cherry Lane Theatre Research Paper

Theatres in New York City - Public Theater and the Cherry Lane Theatre - Research Paper Example The paper tells that among a variety of theaters in the New York City the Public Theater and the Cherry Lane Theatre of the New York City are very popular. The Public Theater was founded by Joseph Papp. He founded the theater as a Shakespeare Workshop. It is currently described as one of the most excellent cultural institutions of America. This has been the most important theater in New York City and also in the entire nation where all the voices, rhythms, societies, and cultures converged. The theater has been founded for the purpose of providing public platforms to the up-and-coming performers and dramatists. The theater has been opened at 425, Lafayette Street, East Village, Lower Manhattan (this place was formally known as the Astor library) with the world-premiere production and live performance of the famous American rock musical HAIR. This was the first show of this rock musical. Throughout the history the theater has been famous for producing several plays, musicals, and prod uctions based on William Shakespeare, and various other classics in its Lafayette Street headquarter. The theater has been nurtured under the leadership of Oskar Eustis, the famous Artistic Director, and Patrick Willingham, the famous Executive Director of the theater. During their leadership the theater has been emerged as the most crucial nurturing place for artists and audiences in relation to embrace the complexities of contemporary culture and society of the country. Under the leadership and guidance of Joseph Papp the theater has evolved as the most important place of enclosure and a forum of new ideas and views (History of Public Theater, 2012, p. 1). On the contrary, The Cherry Lane Theater opened in 1924 at 38, Commerce Street, Manhattan, New York City. The theater was founded by a group of theater artists in a factory of tobacco warehouse and box. But in the 1924, designer Cleon Throckmorton designed the structure of the theater and converted the tobacco factory into a the ater. This very structure of the theater is present till date. In 1998, the studio has been opened for new American work. Angelina Fiordellisi was the owner and the founder of the theater and helped a lot in the evolution process of the theater. Among these changes the most important one has been creation of the 60-seat black-box theater by Fiordellisi. This theater is the oldest and continuously-running theater in the New York City. This theater is an off-Broadway theater whereas the Public Theater is a Broadway theater (History of the Cherry Lane Theater, 2012, p. 1). Organizational structures and managerial positions: Both the theaters, the Public Theater and the Cherry Lane Theater are organized and managed by artists and dramatists. The Public Theater is organized by Joseph Papp, who was one of the most recognized theatrical producer as well as director of the country, till his death. During his time the theater achieved several successes and won various awards and prizes. He w as like the father figure of the theater and under his management the theater had been a significant place for both music and plays and this system of management is present in modern days also. The management type of the Public Theater is highly passionate about the development of the theatrical productions of the country

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Critique of Systematic Research Review (SRR) Assignment

Critique of Systematic Research Review (SRR) - Assignment Example Levels of evidence explored in Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s SRR vary in research designs of the literature used. The SRR utilized evidence from research articles and books. First, reliable applications of evidence-based practices in healthcare frameworks formed a level of evidence. Nurses in Magnet organizations reported these applications in higher levels. Magnet organizations were the designs of the first research works used by Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2011). Second, the accessibility of professionals of evidence-based practices was proof of the SRR’s viability. Third, organizational cultures that supported evidence-based practices were proof of the SRR’s flexibility and comprehensiveness. In addition, there were no substantial differences in items associated with the requirements and access to sustenance of evidence-based practices. Critique of the Clarity with Which the Studies are Presented and Critiqued The clarity that Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt use to present and critique the studies in the SRR is exceptional. The researchers provide a discussion of the variances between research designs of study application and models of evidence-based practices. Both ideological variances, as well as the variances in physician competencies required and critiqued. Study models of evidence-based practices used by the writers are debated in differing levels of detail. For instance, Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt discuss the Iowa Model, Larrabee's model, and Kitson's model differently.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Landscape paintings from famous painters Term Paper

Landscape paintings from famous painters - Term Paper Example In this period, painting used more colours especially seal brown which was particularly common (Selin 25). In addition, new painting techniques emerged, art painting combined with calligraphy to produce broad scale paintings. As a result, there was the creation of new schools to accommodate students interested in the art study. The development occurred over stages from the early Ming, the mid Ming and finally the late Ming period. These stages were characterized by different symbols such as the increase and decline of schools. The early Ming period was intensively affected by Southern Song traditions; this was between the years 1368-1505. A significant breakthrough was through Chen Chun who introduced the Chinese landscape painting. The ink and paint used was best suit for durable landscape painting. The Zhe School was part of the southern school and Dai Jin was in charge, they specialized in large decorative paintings. Their contemporary paintings were different from those of the Wu School. In Ma-Xia school, there is an organized group of Chinese Landscape artists known as Xia Gui and Ma Yuan. The groups are named after famous landscape artists of the time (Ye and Zhenggang 75). The main importance of landscape artwork is to create a different feeling in the minds of their audience. It demonstrates a vast atmosphere that is void and a limitless space feeling with images of trees and mountains to represent the landscape. Xia and Ma are the leading artists who design these pictures. They use unique ways to create presentable pictures; a lot of ink is used to attain the desired angular appearance (Leffman 23). The Xia Gui (1195-1224) existed in the early Ming dynasty and was one of the works of Xia. The works of this artist were ordinary, done using ink monochrome and several colours. He was the founder of the Ma-Xia school of landscape painting. His artwork is identified by angular strokes that are sharp and short. This style depicts an age of rapid execution. T he birth and the death dates of Xia are not known, but during his life, he worked in the Imperial Academy. This is where he received the Golden Belt award as the best painter of the court. Xia was born in the capital of china at that time in the city of Hangzhou where the imperial court was located in the 12th century. It is at this place where he and his counterpart Ma- Xia concentrated on painting and emerged the best painters. He followed the steps of traditional painting by drawing the objects in his surrounding such as buildings and eventually the entire landscape. His painting of the album leaf that is fan-shaped is a stylistically artistic presentation. The album leaf is found in two museums, one in Japan, and the other in the National Museum in Tokyo. It is an exemplary illustration of the landscape paintings of Xia. In addition, he composed the famous hand scroll, which individual inscrolls to view from one end to another. It represented a journey that was imaginary journey , and uses rich ink of monochrome style. He also uses contrasts that are tonal to give the hand scroll an intensive bulk used to illustrate rocks. Xia uses the composition of Remote and Pure View that gives a picture of void and solid, far and nearby using colours of different schemes. There are many of his exceptional artworks in many museums such as the hanging scroll. His paintings have considerable significance in the political

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Illicit Trafficking of All Types Research Paper

Illicit Trafficking of All Types - Research Paper Example The activities along these ports have attracted human traffickers, drug barons and even terrorists. Many South American illegal goods find their way in Africa through the ports in the Indian Ocean. This may be attributed to corruption and poor custom laws and regulations (Ploch, 2010). With the effects of the trafficking activities affecting many international countries the sensitivity of the matter has increased. In this paper I will focus on Kenya activities along the Kenyan coast. The paper will focus on human, drugs and weapon trafficking in Kenya. Additionally, it will focus on the effects of these activities in the country and the international community. The paper will have an insight on how the trafficking activities affect the United States. Kenya’s port city of Mombasa is one of the largest cities along the coast of the horn of Africa. Neighboring countries like Uganda and Rwanda use the port for export purposes since they are landlocked. This has made the port becom e the largest port in East Africa. This has attracted interests from many illegal stakeholders. First on focus is the issue of weapon trafficking. According to Shelly (2010) about 5,000 illegal firearms enter the country on an annual basis. These weapons find their way into the hands of interested people in the country. They are later sold at cheaper prices to pastoralist communities and other illegal gangs. In other instances, the firearms end up in other neighboring countries. Apart from the trafficking of firearms, explosive devices in Kenya are also on the increase. During this year, the country has had about seven explosive attacks in major cities. The explosives used in the scenes are said to have originated from a foreign country. Most firearms in Kenya are usually from the neighboring Somalia or destined to Somalia. Somalia is an unstable country, hence, traffickers find it an easier route to smuggle weapons to Kenya. Weapon trafficking in Kenya also involves top government officials. These powerful individuals are usually the masterminds of trafficking activities in the country. This hinders any investigative procedures from taking place. Weapon trafficking in Kenya has greatly affected the United States. In the year 1998 the US embassy was a main target in a terrorist attack in Nairobi. The terrorist attack was the worst attack experienced in the country. The Al- Qaeda group claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was aimed at destroying the US embassy. This was evidence that weapon trafficking in the country is a more complicated and strategized crime (Clinton, 2010). The United States government had to highly compensate the victims of the attack. Drug trafficking in Kenya has also been an emerging issue as far legality is concerned. Through its coastal town Mombasa, drugs enter the country from South American countries. Large consignments of drugs find their way to Kenya through various entry points. Entry points include border with neigh boring countries, through airports and majorly through the port of Mombasa. In the coastal city, many youths are now in rehabilitation centers after being exposed to drugs at a very young age. Many youths turn into small scale peddlers. They sell the drugs to school students and other young people. This has destroyed the young generation in Kenyan coastal region. Just like the weapon trafficking menace, powerful personalities are greatly involved in the smuggling of drugs into the country (Ploch, 2010). From the coastal

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Management information system ip2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Management information system ip2 - Essay Example A research conducted by Greasley et al shows that the employees are able to relate to the concept of empowerment in a different way than the supervisors. The employees believe that they are provided with the responsibility of completing a certain task and this inflates them to complete the particular task in a remarkable manner. Other than the sense of responsibility, the employees also believe that they get a ‘control of work’ which provides them to manage their tasks accordingly. In other words the employees are able to work in a manner that is beneficial to both the employer and the employee himself (Greasley et al 2008). Employee Empowerment is considered as a source of high productivity by the supervisors. The supervisors can provide the employees with work and can create a unified goal which helps in increasing the productivity at a large scale. The supervisor is able to motivate the employee and hence optimize the performance in accordance to the needs. The supervisor tends to feel safe when handing the employees work because he/she believes that the employee would be able to take the responsibility on his own. In other words the level of trust increases between the supervisor and the employee (Potterfield 1999 p.123-124; Lashley p. 62-64). The theory X of management and decision-making process revolves around an authoritative form of leadership in which the managers hold the sole authority of making decisions whereas the theory Y states that the employees have an equal say in the decision making process. Employee Empowerment is a concept that relates to the theory Y as the managers give equal options to the employees when it comes to make decisions. Theory Y states that the managers should coach the employees in such a way that they are able to make their decisions with confidence and employee empowerment automatically instills confidence in the employees (Griffin 2012 p.39). Employee Empowerment

Friday, August 23, 2019

Kinds of movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Kinds of movies - Essay Example Action movies are two-dimensional, a protagonist on a quest to conquer an antagonist who afflicts the people. The category has intense local motion, low-key lighting resulting in visual disturbance, spectacular rhythm and pacing (Rasheed and Shah 2). Examples include American Sniper 2014 and Fast and Furious 7 2015. The second genre is comedy that has a low local motion with high-key lighting usually less dramatic and happy (Rasheed and Shah 2). Comedies are cheerfully and consistently designed to provoke laughter and amusement to the audience through exaggerating language, action, situations. Examples of comedies include Big Mommas and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. The last genre is drama, which is a plot-driven play, portraying real characters, life situations, stories and settings. Drama involves character interaction and development not relying on any special effect such as in action or comedy. Examples include Day One and Girls. The movies may serve to educate and guide especially the younger members of the society if the casting theme is a representation of a prevailing challenge. In summary movies play a great role in the entertainment industry besides being educative especially to the younger members of the society. Action, drama and comedy make the major classes of movies with each serving a unique purpose and theme to the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Arab's scientists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arab's scientists - Essay Example During these years, the various "Muslim artists and scientists, princes and laborers together made a unique culture that has directly and indirectly influenced societies on every continent" (Turner, 1). In my article I will focus on the well known Arab algebraic mathematicians and their contributions towards the study of science and technology that continue to influence us even today. Discussion The modern form of ‘scientific method,’ that forms the core in all studies pertaining to mathematics and science, is said to have been first established by Ibn Al Haytham (Alhazen), a well known Persian scientist of the 10th-11century Arab world (Gorini, 53-55). In fact it has been contended by many scholars that the study of science in its modern essence has taken shape from the various scientific ideas and knowledge that transpired during the Islamic golden period (Hossein, 71). Ibn al-Haytham is considered to be a trendsetter in the field of of  experimental physics (Gorini, 55)  where his innovative methods of experimentation and quantifications, in order to differentiate between the varying scientific notions and thoughts, are still held in great esteem amongst the modern scientists.  In his famous treatise,  Book of Optics, he transformed the scientific study of  optics, where he empirically derived that owing to the  light rays  that enter the human eye makes it possible for a person to see (Elliot, 330-37). During this golden period, Islamic mathematics played an important role in the overall growth and development of Islamic scientific studies. The development in mathematics mainly grew from the various religious observations that had integrated within it, different problems related to astronomy and mathematics, especially the subjects of algebra, geometry, trigonometry,  and  arithmetic. The Islamic law of inheritance proved to be a great catalyst in the development of algebra (a derivative from the Arabic word al-jabr), a branch of mathematics, by well known Islamic mathematicians during the medieval period, such as,  Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi.   Al-Khwarizmi in his famous book Hisab al-jabr w’al-muqabala  used algebra (in the form of linear equations) to come to a logical derivation on the subject of the Islamic law of inheritance.  Later other mathematicians like Al-Hassar who in the 12th century formulated the modern mathematical symbolic notations, like fractions. Another well known mathematician in the 15th century, Abu al-Hasan ibn Ali al-Qalasadi actualized an algebraic symbolic notation which is considered to be "the first steps toward the introduction of algebraic symbolism" in the 15th century (O'Connor and  Robertson, Abu'l Hasan ibn Ali al Qalasadi, 1999). There are three main theories regarding the conceptualization of Islamic algebra, where the first one states that it was derived from Hindu scientific notions; the second theory tell us that Islamic algebra came from Mes opotamian influences; while the third theory opines that it was derived from Greek algebraic notions (Boyer, 230). Throughout the entire golden era, before the Islamic civilization came to an end, the Arab scientists were fully aware of the notions of rhetorical algebra, which was in wide use, and often the numbers were written in the form of words (like ‘

William Blake Poems Essay Example for Free

William Blake Poems Essay Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience appears to be very simplistic on first reading. Explain how the poems are in fact a much more complex exploration of Blakes beliefs and times. William Blake was born in London in 1757. He was home educated and was part of the upper working class as his father was a hosier. He was sent to a drawing school and was a dissenting Christian. His Christian beliefs are reflected in several of his poems. Blake became married in 1783 and married for love rather than money and status. To understand his poems fully we first need to understand what the titles of his two major sets of poetry mean. Innocence in the terms of Blakes poetry is a person who has very little experience and does not know about the bad things that happen in life-Quoted from the Dictionary. Immediately a link is made between the songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. Experience on the other hand means (the process of getting) knowledge or skill which is obtained from doing, seeing or feeling things-Quoted from the Dictionary. These two themes are explored significantly within the poems. During Blakes time in London he saw many different movements and ideas develop such as a revolution in America where a group of British Colonies decided to rebel against Britain in their chance to gain independence. When the victory of this was won America and its allies of France and Spain went to war against Great Britain. Blake used this amongst other themes as the base for his poetry, and because of this he is associated with the Romantic poets even though he was not classed as a Romantic. Another main theme at the time was the use of seven year olds as chimney sweeps. Young boys were used because hard tar often got caught up in the chimney which a brush could not dislodge. To send a boy up was the easiest way to get rid of it and the flexible undeveloped body made it easy. They were often caught in the chimneys and many became cripples and got suit filled lungs. In London alone there were over 1000 sweeps. Blake uses this as one of the topics for both Songs of Experience and Inn ocence. In his two poems The Chimney Sweeper he utilises several literary techniques to create a successful poem. In The Chimney Sweeper (Innocence) Blake uses sorrowful imagery to create an atmosphere of anger and pain, my father sold me while yet my tongue shows just how young the boys were when they sold into the apprenticed with a master sweep. The repetition of, weep!, meant to be sweep which adds to the words meaning because it links the job of the child with his sorrow and also creates an atmosphere of rhythm of a brush going up and down within the chimney. On the other hand in The Chimney Sweeper (Experience) the boy is not introduced by his father but by a description of himself as a black thing amongst the snow which sounds as something discarded and dehumanises him. In this case snow is not used for peace and purity but for cold and harshness. The colour opposites of white snow and black dirty boy are another literacy technique of comparative representation by descriptive contrast. Weep is also used in this version but the words are described as being criedin notes of woe! This links directly to sadness and cruelty rather than being hidden inside the verse as is shown in Songs of Innocence. Religion is brought into this by the parents going to church to pray which also illustrates the normalness of their lives compared to their sons and highlights their hypocrisy. This is due to them being all good by going to Church and yet they are sending their son to work at such a young age and are almost bringing upon his fate of an unhappy life. In the second verse in the Innocence version the boys head curled like a lambs back which links to the symbolism of the lamb being the son of God which is one of the main themes in another poem from Songs of Innocence the Lamb. The Lamb is a prime example of innocence imagery because it is used in such a context as to promote the idea that the lamb symbolises not only pastoral imagery but Christ as the lamb of God. The boys hair is described as white to represent purity and innocence but then colour imagery is used to emphasise dark and light, good and bad. In The Chimney Sweeper (Experience) the boys appearance is described yet in a different way to that of the innocence poem, his health is described first as happy but this is talked about in the past tense. Blake is touching on the illnesses Chimney Sweepers got, such as cancer. His clothes are then described metaphorically as Clothes of death which when put into context of the work he was doing tells the reader that the clothes he is wearing to work symbolise his status and remind the reader that this job was very hazardous and also is describing the soot on his body. This again links into the poem The lamb where the clothes are described as Softest clothing woolly bright which has no indication of death by of life. This shows the difference between life and death as in most Chimney Sweepers lives death came upon them unnaturally quickly. Some children that were not put into the trade of chimney sweeping then they would instead be educated (if their parents possessed the money) and if not the children were sent to Charity schools. These were schools that were established by mainly religious organisations and were used to educate children until they could be put into a trade. These schools were often cruel institutions. Blake uses the subject of Charity Schools for one of his sets of poems entitled Holy Thursday. The title Holy Thursday comes from the British celebration of Jesus ascension. In the first line (of the Innocence version) it mentions the children who were in this school as having innocent faces clean showing immediately that Blake found them to be innocent. The second line has a Bible reference to Noahs ark; the children walking two two makes them sound more like animals and is also reminding the reader that just like Noahs animals they were the future of Blakes Britain. It also signifies that they were the future of the world as were the animals in Noahs ark. From his poems we can somewhat assume that Blake found Charity schools to be a money making scheme. This is proved by his view on the so called religious people who ran the schools. In the second line the masters are described as having wands as white as snow which shows them as having power because although white is generally used to show innocence in this case the word snow contradicts this as Blake often used snow to symbolise cold, dark and evil ambitions and scenarios. London is also mentioned in the first verse by the high dome of Pauls and the Thames water which in those days was very dirty, but was an integral part of London as were the children. Blake uses religious imagery within the innocence version quite a bit towards the end. A mighty wind[raised] to heaven, is used to create an idea based around the childrens voices as if they were crying so loud that heaven could hear them. The owners are described as wise guardians, which is ironic and patronising as Blake actually is meaning that they are horrible and cruel and have no knowledge what so ever. In the experience version of Holy Thursday Blake puts forwards different ideas. He starts off by talking about the fruitful children which are then reduced to misery. This symbolises them coming into the schools cheerful and full of happiness and then being shafted out woeful. The representation of children to money is also used by calling them rich. This has been used to remind the reader that Blake saw the owners of these schools as money hungry and the only reason they did it was for the money. In the second verse Blake talks of the feelings of the children as trembling [cries], the meaning of this is to show that the children were desperate as they were children poor?. Pastoral imagery is used in this version not to represent innocence to the destruction of innocence via experience Field are bleak and bare. This shows that after the schools the children had lost their innocence, stripped of it, and there was and is nothing they could do about it, It is eternal winter there shows the eternal evil within the schools. From this anger of London via the chimney sweeps and charity schools we find even more anger within Blakes poem A Poison Tree. This poem expresses Blakes anger and hatred for things in general. The last verse of this poem sums up what happened to the innocence of the children And into my garden stole-It had been stolen. A Poison Tree is another poem from Blakes Songs of Experience. It follows a different rhyming pattern compared to other poems written by Blake. It uses the rhyming patter a,a, b,b whereas other poems generally used a,b,a,b. This change in rhyme immediately hits the reader and also makes the poem more alive with passion due to the flow of the rhythm. The first lines holds a contradiction I was angry with my friend, it forces the reader to ask the question of why the person is angry with their friend, it insights them to read on. It talks of how the person in the poem tell his friend why he is angry with him and because of this [his] wrath did end. On the other hand when it comes to being ,angry with [his]..foe, he did not say anything and so the ,wrath did grow. The meaning of this first verse is to try and show that by keeping anger hidden within other things it does not diminish but grows. This links in to what Blake was doing. He did not openly express his views but concealed his anger within his poetry. The second verse talks of tears and smiles these two opposites show split personality. The meaning of the tears is the water that the Poison tree was given and the smiles are the sun. This contradiction makes the tree slowly grow ,both day and night. This idea of growth relates to children growing up but being fed with the wrong views which means that they can turn out evil. This view of the, finished product, is shown when the tree bore and apple. The apple signifies the apple in Genesis and the evil of the world was concealed in this apple. Maybe Blake is trying to say the God was wrong to conceal the evil within one thing and that from it more evil has occurred which is true. The last link to religion links into Blakes poem The Echoing Green from Songs of Innocence which shows a completely different view of the world. This poem also follows the same rhyming pattern of A Poison Tree which once again gives it more flow and rhythm. When read, the poem has a sort of Sing song feel to it which goes along with the happiness expressed within the poem. It talks of change from innocence to experience. In the second verse Blake talks about a monk Old John and then links him to experience with White hair. The white described in this verse is a pure white which shows that Blake is not totally against experience. There is alot of repetition in this poem with, bells, symbolising religious festivals such as Christmas which tells the reader a little about Blakes religious life. The repetition emphasis this and makes the reader take it in. Blake also links children with pastoral imagery, girls and boys were seen One the Echoing Green which is used as another way of expres sing that the children are innocent. This idea of pastoral imagery is also shown in two of Blakes most famous poems The Lamb and The Tyger. In these two poems Blake uses several imagery techniques. In The Lamb he puts forwards the idea of nature via Stream and Oer the mead. The idea of nature links into innocence and the fact that the countryside is un-poisoned as it has not been influence by the hammer, Chain and furnace mentioned in The Tyger which symbolises the industrial revolution which is William Blakes view on experience altering innocence. William Blake links the industrial revolution with the, forests of the night [and] hand or eye, which is imagery of humans and shadows. As William Blake was a devout Christian in his own way he includes God in his poem of The Lamb. In fact God is included in the name of his poem as Jesus was the lamb of God. Blake uses assonance to create subtle rhyming in which the reader can pick up over time. Softest clothing is an example of this. The subtle link adds to the effect of beauty that the Softest clothing creates. The use of this adds meaning to the poem because clothing is used to cover people and so William Blake might be trying to say that by covering your true self you are loosing the innocence of individuality. Another effect used in The Lamb is the fact that there is not much punctuation. This surprisingly creates a weird flowing nursery rhyme effect. On the other hand in The Tyger lots of somewhat harsh punctuation is used to create a pounding rhyme which inspires the reader to imagine the atmosphere of machinery. The reason for the mis-spelling of tiger is because Blake was self taught. This is a good example of differences in class at the time of William Blake. The poems from Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience have more meaning than the reader might first imagine due to mainly the events that were surrounding their author William Blake at the time of their writing. By the harsh reality of London at that time Blake incorporates the Chimney sweeps, Charity schools, London in general and the industrial revolution into his poems. He does not openly state what each poem is about but within in writing we can pick up on ideas and themes that influenced him to write these poems. While reading these poems people pick up on the things happening at the time due to the detail in which they are described in poetry. These poems are not just poems, they are more like Blakes autobiography on his life through the form of media he liked best, poetry.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Psychological Profile of Albert Fish

Psychological Profile of Albert Fish Criminal profiling has always been a crucial way of solving crime in law enforcement. This type of mechanism narrows the field of investigation by indicating what kind of person is most likely to have committed a crime by focusing on certain behavioral and personality traits. It is a collection of leads, and has been described as a skilled attempt to provide specific information about a certain type of suspect. A disorganized asocial offender tends to have an unusual personality. As a child, their childhood had often consisted of physical or emotional abuse. Even in school, disorganized offenders struggled to make friends and also with academics. Usually, these offenders are described as strange, socially awkward, and unintelligent. Many are reasons why these offenders are overlooked. For example, in a homicide; the disorganized offender attacks the victims abruptly and uses un-planned or barely planned violence. Disorganized asocial offenders are only comfortable within their famili ar surroundings because of the absence of social norms and values. (Holmes, 1996, p.49) The organized nonsocial offender however, is the exact opposite. These offenders have organized characteristics that match to their own personal lifestyle (Holmes, 1996 p.50). Most of organized offenders are not often recognized because of their ability to â€Å"blend in.† Their charismatic personalities also play a role in their behavior. Even under suspicion, the offender could have the possibilities of preparing responses to benefit his own situation. When committing a crime, they try to leave and little evidence as possible (Holmes, 1996 p. In the case of a murder, the offender would not leave the murder weapon at the crime scene. Alternatively, they would take the weapon and move the body to a different location. An organized nonsocial offender is most likely inclined to use a weapon that belongs to them. Not all serial killers are the same. Although they tend to have a similar motivations, their behaviors are different from one another. Each serial killer can be identified in different sub-categories. The most recognized sub-categories are the visionary, mission, hedonistic, and control serial killers. Visionary killers are propelled to kill because of the voices he hears or visions he sees. God or the devil can be an influence to a visionary killer (Holmes, 1996, p.64). These killers would usually be out of touch with reality. With mission killers, they are the exact opposite of visionary killers. Instead of being out of touch with reality, mission killers are very active in the real world (Holmes, 1996, p.64). They are likely to gravitate to a certain group of people and are prone to target a minority. A hedonistic killer or thrill killer sexual gratification through the murder. These killers use time consuming techniques to murder their victims; this includes dismemberment, necrop hilia, mutilation, and many more. The hedonistic killer is more fixated on the killing compared to the visionary and mission killer. However, there is an extension to the hedonistic subcategory. One that does not kill for sexual gratification for a prime motive is called a hedonistic comfort-oriented killer. The hedonistic comfort-oriented killer preferably kills for personal gain. At last, the power or control serial killer, gains pleasure from the complete domination of his victim. Much like the hedonistic serial killer, a control serial killer gains sexual gratification from the murder; the only difference is having power over the victim (Holmes, 1996, p. 66). The subcategory of â€Å"hedonistic serial killer† best suits Albert Fish because he had lured children inside his home and would torture them multiple ways. Some of the acts of torture would include a paddle laced with sharp nails; he would later sexually assault them. As he continued to do these acts, he eventually murdered and cannibalized his victims, primarily children. Albert Fish is an organized nonsocial, hedonistic serial killer who is a psychopath. Methods Hamilton Howard Fish, also known as Albert Fish, was born in Washington D.C. on May 19, 1870. His father, Randall Fish, was 75 at the time of his birth making him 43 years older than his mother. The youngest of three living siblings, Fish adopted the name Albert after a deceased sibling. Many members of his family had mental illness, and one suffered from religious mania. One of Fish’s brothers was issued into a state mental institution. His sister was identified with a â€Å"mental affliction† Also, his mother experienced aural and visual hallucinations. Three other relatives were diagnosed with mental illnesses (Murderpedia). As a child, Fish suffered several traumatic events such as dealing with the death of his father and also being sent to an orphanage by his mother. At the time, Albert was five years old, the youngest in the entire boy in the entire institution. (Doidge) While at the orphanage, he was exposed to numerous acts of perversion and physical abuse which benefited his obsession with sadomasochism. Over the years, he was introduced to practices such as urolagnia and coprophagia from a telegraph boy. This led Fish to visit public bathhouses to watch boys undress. As he grew older, Fish moved to New York to become a male prostitute. In that time, he began sexually assaulting young boys (Doidge). Fish claimed to have â€Å"had children in every state† although it is not known whether his statement was true (Murderpedia). He mainly targeted African American or mentally challenged children because he believed that they would not be missed. Fish later married a 19 year old woman and had 6 children with her; she eventually abandoned him and their children for another man (Castleden). Although Fish had never abused his children, he encouraged them to participate in his sado-masochism games. This included his children using a nailed studded paddle on Fish’s buttocks. He was also known for writing a letter to Mrs. Budd explainin g in great detail the torture he put their children through, and also how he cannibalized her. He only confessed to the murders of Francis McDonnell, Grace Budd, and Billy Gaffney. Results Fish is indeed an organized nonsocial, hedonistic serial killer. Albert Fish falls into the category of an organized nonsocial offender. Although he is categorized as an organized nonsocial offender, he illustrates traits of a disorganized asocial as well. For this reason, Fish suffered from having an absent father-figure in his life since his father had died when he was only five years old. This caused his mother to send him to an orphanage in which he had became socially awkward. Another characteristic was that Fish claimed that God was persuading him to murder and torture children. His main traits are mostly found within an organized nonsocial offender. For example, Fish had used his charm on Mr. and Mrs. Budd that had gained their trust in order to lure Grace out of their home; this shows that he is able to manipulate others because he gives a good impression of himself. Fish also plans out his attacks before committing them. Albert Fish has a very high likelihood of being a psyc hopath because of the characteristics found in his behavior. His family history may have played a factor in his actions however, he had been examined several times by psychiatrists at Bellevue but was Fish was always released and declared â€Å"disturbed but sane.† This signifies that Fish is capable of manipulating and harming others around him. He has been known to be a master in disguise because of his weak and fragile old man appearance. He Fish uses this as an advantage to try and prey on his victims. References Albert Fish | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://murderpedia.org/male.F/f/fish-albert.htm Albert Fishs Childhood | Twisted Minds a website about serial killers. (2007, January 1). Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://twistedminds.creativescapism.com/mostnotorious/albert-fish/ Cannibal Albert Fish Documentary. (2012, February 24). Retrieved January 29, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orJiXNQeScs Castleden, C. (2011). Albert Fish the Lying Cannibal. New York: Constable Robinson. Doidge, C. (2002). The Life of Albert Fish. In Profile of Serial Killers. Create Space Independent Publishing Platform. Forensic Document Examination. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/docs/how.html Handwriting Expert, Forensic Document Examiner, Forgery Exam. (2006, January 1). Retrieved February 3, 2015, from http://www.documentlab.com/ Hare, R. (1999). Without conscience: The disturbing world of the psychopaths among us. New York: Guilford Press. Holmes, R., Holmes, S. (2002). Profiling violent crimes: An investigative tool (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage. Montaldo, C. (2014, December 16). Profile of Serial Killer Albert Fish. Retrieved February 3, 2015, from http://crime.about.com/od/serial/p/albertfish.htm Rawlins, H. (2003, January 1). Serial Killers. Retrieved January 30, 2015, from http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring03/rawlins/fishtrial.htm Taylor, T. (n.d.). ALBERT FISH. Retrieved January 30, 2015, from http://www.prairieghosts.com/fish.html

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Alas, Babylon :: essays research papers

Alas, Babylon Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the book Alas, Babylon, the author, Pat Frank, discusses the condition of the human race. Mainly, his view differs from others because rather than write about the countries in a nuclear war, he writes about people living in the countries that are involved in that war. His discusses these peoples’ progress, both technological and moral, as well as their use of power. These topics make the book as intriguing as it is to read.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Frank, rather than talk about all mankind’s technological advances, talks about how they have hindered man. He says that we have become dependant on these discoveries. He shows this when Dan Gunn and Mark take turns telling Randy all these things that he has, such as a nice car and a refrigerator, are useless when nuclear fallout occurs. It seems that man cannot function for even one minute without using things that were not even available fifty or one hundred years ago. Frank is warning us that there may be a time when we will need to retain the lifestyle of the nineteenth century, and only the people who have the knowledge of this way of life will be fine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Frank has an interesting view on the way man has progressed morally. I think that he says that we don’t really know our morals until we have them truly questioned. In this he implies that the people who have strong morals, not only will stay true to them, but will survive. An example of this is Randy Bragg. Randy, on the day of nuclear fallout, stopped on the side of the road to help a woman. This shows that he has respect for the human race as a whole. The opposite of this was Edgar Quisenbury. Edgar valued nothing but money. In the end, the absence of money caused Edgar to become an example of Darwin’s â€Å"Only the strong† theory as he shot himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Power is addressed in the book as something that Americans do not take seriously. The use of this power is not shown so much as who is in power. I will use three examples of this. Bubbah Offenhouse was in charge of making everyone aware of what to do in case of fallout. However, he chose not to even hand out information on this because he didn’t want to think about it.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Duty and Change in Melville’s Bartleby Essay -- Philosophy, Rousseau

Natural philosophers of every century of human existence have asked what we owe to each other, society or government. In The Origin of Civil Society, Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that the only natural form of duty is to one’s family, and all other obligations are based on agreement (57). Henry David Thoreau, in 1849, wrote in Resistance to Civil Government (sometimes known as Civil Disobedience), â€Å"it is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong; he may still properly have other concerns to engage him; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his support† (143). This sort of conflict, which has accompanied all men at the great changes in society, is what drives conflict in Herman Melville’s Bartleby, the Scrivener. Melville, like the Byzantine architects, crafts a work of art that studies a microcosm of the macrocosm. That is to say, by looking at the relationship between two people, Melville is able to explore the larger context around them, specifically the radical change of society in the mid-19th century. Like Thoreau, Bartleby’s famous word, â€Å"I would prefer not to,† send a shockwave through contemporary expectations and give rise to how a person approaches a situation. Bartleby and Thoreau are both transcendentalists, and look to return to a Rousseauian state of nature. They have both arrived there after a journey of self-examination – most definitely in Thoreau’s case, and most probably in Bartleby’s – and their non-conformist attitudes raise questions of what is expected of people with regard to their duty to society and each other. Bartleby in particular makes the nameless... ...say that Bartleby did nothing, but passive resistance is a powerful tool, whereby laws have been changed and governments have topped. Thoreau wrote â€Å"[a] man has not everything to do, but something; and because he cannot do everything, it is not necessary that he should do something wrong [emphasis in original]† (145). Bartleby, by following in the transcendentalist’s footsteps, does nothing, and makes a profound statement by it. Perhaps it was fated that Bartleby must die in the manner he did. After all, the narrator consulted the eminent pre-destination theologians Priestley and Edwards, and admits to believing that Bartleby’s presence â€Å"had been all predestinated from eternity† and that â€Å"it was not for a mere mortal like [the narrator] to fathom† (167). Accepting the idea that Bartleby is a microcosm of the macrocosm, this would imply that change is inevitable.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Subtle Truth of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre Essay -- Jane Eyre Es

The Subtle Truth of Jane Eyre      Ã‚  Ã‚   The role of a woman in Victorian England was an unenviable one. Social demands and personal desires were often at cross-purposes. This predicament was nothing new in the 19th century, yet it was this period that would see the waters begin to stir in anticipation of the cascading changes about to shake the very foundation of an empire on the brink of global colonization and industrialization. The question of what role women would play in this transformation came to the forefront.    Charlotte Brontà «'s female bildungsroman, Jane Eyre, attempts to spotlight many of the issues of the "woman question" facing this period and to draw a balance between a woman's social role and her need for personal freedom. Simply stated, Jane Eyre's childhood and her transition into adulthood are characterized by two competing needs: the one to love and be loved, and the other to be somebody in her own right, a woman of achievement and integrity, with an outlet in the world for her passions and her energies.    We are frequently reminded that Jane is a passionate woman-an often dangerous quality for the Victorian female-and through her passion, Brontà « delivers to us a message which, if it came by means of a sober treatise calling for a reversal of the status quo, would frighten us with its indignation, but appears softened with the venting frustration of a misfortunate orphan trying to find her station in life. The message, however, is clear to all who choose to acknowledge the truth delivered in its passion:    It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it ... Women are supposed to be very calm g... ... novels, that is happily, and yet the reader seems to take away something more than just a warm feeling of romance: there is a sense of justice in Jane Eyre. We are drawn back to Jane's insistent plea: "women feel just as men feel: they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do...."    Charlotte Brontà « engaged various facets of what came to be known as the "woman question" in Victorian England, but the longevity of Jane Eyre's appeal rests in its subtle truth and justice that "it is thoughtless to condemn [women] if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex" (114).    Works Cited Brontà «, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1975. Gilbert, Sandra A and Susan Guber. The Madwoman In The Attic. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1979.   

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Awareness of k+12 Essay

Rationale â€Å"Change is avalanching down upon our land and most people are utterly unprepared to cope with it†, states Alvin Toffler. In most countries today, changes are happening so fast that we are at times unable to preserve relevant cultural aspects and values. In the field of curriculum, change is and will continue to be, the factor for any educational undertaking. (Bauzon, 2002) In the new century, the educational environment is rapidly changing and the roles and responsibilities of the teacher s become demanding in the most part of the world. In our country today, the curriculum of our educational system has been revised to meet its demands. According to President Benigno S. Aquino, â€Å"We need to add two years to our basic education. Those who can afford pay up to fourteen years of schooling before university. Thus, their children are getting into the best universities and the best jobs after graduation. I want at least 12 years for our public school children to give them an even chance at succeeding† (www. google. com ). According to the K to 12 Deped Primer (2011), â€Å"K-12 means â€Å"Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education. † Kindergarten points to the 5-year old child who undertakes the standardized curriculum for preschoolers. Elementary education refers to 6 years of primary school (Grades 1-6) while secondary education means four years of junior high school (Grades 7-10 or HS Year 1-4). In addition to this, two years are now allotted for senior high school (Grades 11-12 or HS Year 5-6). Furthermore, the short duration of our basic education program puts Filipinos who are interested to either work or study abroad at a disadvantage. This is because other countries see our 10-year program as incomplete, which then, causes Filipino graduates to not be considered as professionals abroad. The first teacher of the children are their parents. They have a great role in the development of the young. They become part of the environment of learning at home. They follow-up the lessons of their children especially in the basic education. They sent their children to school to be taught, to be trained and to gain knowledge. Parents are supporters of the curriculum. They would like to get the best of his/her investment in education. They are willing to pay the cost of educating their child for as long as their children get the best learning or schooling experiences. They aims to have a children that has a bright future and a changed individual who is easily adjusted to his fast changing world. (Bilbao, p. 80) This study finds it important to research about the awareness of the k+12 curriculum in the parents of the grade 7 students. The parents of the Grade 7students ofCantilan National High School, Madrid National High School – Union Annex, and Surigao Del Sur State University Cantilan Laboratory High School are the respondents of this research. The programs offered by the University are on Level 1 and 2 and it is accredited by the AACUP. In as much as the data that will be gathered in this study will be very helpful to the curriculum experts, managers and administrators who play an important role in shaping the school curriculum and who are responsible in the formulation of the philosophy, vision, mission, and objectives. The result of this study could provide the needed information in formulating possible solutions for reactions of the parents of the grade 7 students of the CNHS, MNHS-Union Annex and SDSSU Cantilan Laboratory High School. Conceptual Framework As shown in figure 1, the first box contains all about the k+12 curriculum and level of awareness of the parents of the Grade 7 students about it. The middle box contains the independent variables which are the parents of the Grade 7 students of the CNHS, MNHS-Union Annex, and SDSSU Laboratory High School. The interaction of the independent and dependent variables is now the awareness of k+12 program in the parents of Grade 7. This is shown in box 3, the output of the study. INPUTTHROUGH PUTOUTPUT FIGURE 1. Schematic Diagram of the Research Paradigm Statement of the Problem This study aims to determine the awareness of k+12 curriculum among the parents of grade 7 students. This aims further how the k+12 curriculum affects the strategies of the teachers and what are the adjustment to prioritize. The main problem seeks to answer the following subsidiary problems. 1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents? 1. 1. Age 1. 2. Sex 1. 3. Educational attainment 2. What is the extent of awareness of parents to the k+12 curriculum in terms of the following indicators? 2. 1. Features of the k+12 curriculum 2. 2. Assessment of the k+12 curriculum 2. 3. Advantage/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students 3. Is there a significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile of the respondents and the extent of awareness in the K+12 program in terms of : 3. 1. Features of the k+12 curriculum 3. 2. Assessment of the k+12 curriculum 3. 3. Advantage/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students Hypothesis: This study will test the null hypotheses at 0. 05 level of significance. Ho: there is no significant relationship between the socio demographic profile of the respondents and the extent of awareness of the k+12 curriculum. Significance Of The Study This study will benefit the following: Parents —The result of this study helps the parents of the grade 7 students to accept the changes in our educational system today and one of these changes is the k+12 program. Future Researchers—The result of this study will serve as their guide and help them to collect new ideas and information’s, if their study is interrelated with this study. The authors wrote simple words in every section of this book for the readers to understand easily. Scope and Limitations of the Study This study will cover the following limitations: Respondents. Parents of Grade 7 students in Cantilan National High School (CNHS), Madrid National High School-Union Annex and (SDSSU) Surigao del Sur State University-Laboratory High School. Location. The venue of the study is the Cantilan National High School (CNHS), Madrid National High School-Union Annex and (SDSSU) Surigao del Sur State University-Laboratory High School. Time Frame. The time frame within which the study will be conducted is during the school year 2012-2013. Definition of Terms Curriculum. Is a plan for what is to be taught in schools. Curriculum studies are a field of inquiry into how schools programs are developed, implemented, and evaluated. K-12 Curriculum. The program aims to uplift the quality of education in the Philippines in order for the graduates to be easily employed. It also aims to meet standards required for professionals who would want to work abroad. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE To give depth and meaning of the study at hand some related literature and studies taken from articles, books, magazines and periodicals, from different studies and papers read which have bearing on the study conducted and discussed. Related Literature Clearly our country’s ability to provide quality education for its people is hinged to its survival as well as its ability to compete in the global market and be a meaningful partner in the world affairs. (Philippine yearbook, 2003). Though our government created ways and means in order to uplift the quality education that we have, but still it is really a dilemma for every Filipino that our educational system is declining. With this, lots of changes went through, and the teachers as well as the learners are the primary concern of this. The gradual change in curriculum is one of the means to eradicate this decline. As Smithers (2003) said that, â€Å"it has been in contention that teachers should play a more pivotal role in all phases of curriculum-making from initial planning through development try-out, installation, evaluation and revision. More and more classroom teachers are being tapped to serve in school curriculum committees and task force. A perplexed teacher once observed that the curriculum is like a maze in his words â€Å"a complex situation involving a multiplicity of considerations that require profound study†. It is our contention that it is need not to be so stripped to its base essentials, curriculum making is surprisingly simple. (Bruner,2002) According To Bauzon (2002), â€Å"the aspirations of any ideals of any society serve as determinants of the educational system. The aspiration rises only to the level of its people’s aspirations. The most essential instrument in nation building which is education distills the goals in the society. In the school setting, each child learns much more than he is taught as part of the curriculum. Not all learning is the result of the planned experiences in the school. The curriculum of the school includes those experiences for which the school accepts responsibility. These curricular experiences are organized and promoted in order to acceptable objectives and needs of children may be responded adequately. They are planned sequentially so that many learners needs social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical will be prepared. The viable curriculum is based on the recognition that maturation factors and experiential background conditions readiness to learn. Thus, the teacher provides new advices prior to the child’s level of development. (Gronlund,2004). Jerome Bruner emphasizes that here must be an emphasis upon reducing a subject to its fundamental ideas or structure. To grasp the structure of a subject, he argues, one must understand the relationship between facts and ideas which constitute the subject. Structure is important in teaching a subject because it permits a â€Å"massive general transfer† of learning. In short, it allows one to â€Å"learn how to learn†. Related Studies The department of education’s k to 12 program is one concrete response to reverse this steady decline and to move toward its goal of long-term educational reform and sustainable economic growth. The central feature of the k to 12 program is the upgrading of the basic education curriculum to ensure that learners acquire the relevant knowledge and skills they will need to become productive members of society. It seeks to introduce relevant skills development courses and special interest subjects that will suit the personality, strengths and career direction of each learner. (http://www. gov. ph/k+12) In the report of EFA(2002),†As early1925, studies have observed the in adequacy of the basic education curriculum. As one of the most well studied reforms, recommendations of either adding or restoring the grade or adding an extra year to basic education have been put forward. According to the different survey of the curriculum: Monroe survey (1925): secondary education did not prepare for life and recommended training in agriculture, commerce, and industry. Prosser survey (1930): recommended to improve phases of vocational education such as 7thgrade shop work, provincial schools, and practical arts training in the regular high schools, home economics, placement work, gardening, and agricultural education. UNESCO mission survey (1949): recommended the restoration of grade. Education act. Of 1953: under section3, mandates thatâ€Å"[t]he primary course shall be composed off our grades (grades I to IV) and the intermediate course of three grades (grade VTOVII). † Swanson Survey (1960):recommendedtherestorationofgrade7. Presidential Commission To Survey Philippine Education (PCSPE) (1970): high priority be given to the implementation of an11-year program; Recommended program consists of 6 years of compulsory elementary education and 5years of secondary education In one study conducted on the influence of standards on thek+12 teaching and student learning, teachers described in this research were actively pursuing alignment between the content they were teaching (at classroom level, we refer to this as â€Å" teaching curriculum† and the content measured by the various state test. (The Freeman Foundation2006). Based on the k-12 educators study tourprograms funded by theFreeman foundation the overseas programs of the Asian Studies Outreach Program (ASOP) is one element of amulti-pronged, statewide approach to introduce Asian studies in every Vermont school and buildthe leadership needed to support this goal. The overseas program for teachers, the equivalent of a three-hour graduate level course, places a heavy emphasis on content relevant to both the travelexperience and teachers’ curriculum. The program aims to: †¢ increase teachers’ awareness/cultural sensitivity and teachers’ comfort level in teaching about Asia through direct experiences with Asian people, history, and culture; †¢ enhance the quality of teachers’ classroom instruction through increased knowledge ofAsia; †¢ encourage curriculum revision to build a sustained cross-discipline presence for Asia in grades K-12; and †¢ build the capacity of teachers to lead the efforts to include Asia in the curriculum. In selecting participants, ASOP considers areas of the state where participation in the overseas program could introduce or strengthen Asian studies. In addition, ASOP looks at the level ofadministrative commitment and the availability of teams of teachers from a school or district. CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This study will use the descriptive survey method appropriate for profiling the variables of this research. Research Environment As one of the municipalities of Surigao Del Sur, Cantilan is located in the Northeastern area of Mindanao and part of the CARAGA region. it has a qite large and plain are about 10,575 sq. km. facing the pacific ocean on theeasternpart. almost40,000 people comprises the 17 barangays in which the livelihood is mostly derived from agriculture, aquaculture and income of the professionals . as theoldesttownintheprovince of surigao del sur it is the cradle of all the five municipalities. Being centered in education, Cantilan has a lot of schools to be proud of. Among of this are the Madrid National High School-Union Annex,Surigao Del Sur State University and Cantilan National High School. Although Sdssu-Cantilan concentrate for the tertiary education yet it offers a secondary in which they called as the laboratory high school with its limits to100students as of scoolyear2012-2013. on the other hand,thecantialn national high school offers 3 curriculum the ESEP,SPA,and RBEC with 2000 students as its latest enrollees . as an institution of higher learning ,both the schools are known in uplifting a quality education and promoting the growth and development of the students inconsonance with the national development towards quality education. Fig. 2 presents the map of Surigaodel Sur where Municipality of Cantilan is located. Research Design This is a descriptive evaluative or assessment study appropriate for profiling the variables of research which intends to know the level of awareness among parents of the Grade -7 students under K-12 program of Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Cantilan National High School, and Surigao Del Sur State University- Laboratory High School. The data that to be gathered will be recorded, organized, and interrupted in view of the objectives set in the study. Research Respondent This study is confined to all the parents of grade-7 students in Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Surigao del Sur State University-Laboratory High School and Cantilan National High School in the school year 2012-2013. Table 1. Distribution Of The Respondents School Number of grade 7 parents/guardians Number of respondents MNHS-UA 23 11 SDSSU-Lab. H. S. 24 12 CNHS 40 20 TOTAL 87 43 Research Instruments A self made questionnaire is purposely made for the study. It contains two parts. The first part contains the Profile of the parents. These include the name, age, educational attainment, occupation, and monthly income. The second part contains the different questions with regards to the k+12 program. Research Procedures Gathering of Data. The questionnaires will be given to the parents of the Grade 7 students of Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Cantilan National High School, and Surigao Del Sur State University. Statistical Treatment. The following formulas will be used in this study: 1. Weighted Mean This is used to determine the Socio-Demographic Profile of the parents interms of age, educational attainment and occupation. Likewise, weighted mean is to be applied to determine the acceptability of the k+12 program among the parents of the Grade 7 students of Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Cantilan National High School, and Surigao Del Sur State University. 2. Simple Percentage Computation This is used to determine the percentage of the respondents. 3. Pearson Chi-Square This is used to determine if there is a significant relationship of the respondent’s socio-demographic profile and the extent of awareness of the k+12 curriculum. CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the data gathered from the questionnaire to the concerned respondents. This chapter shows the significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile of the respondents and the extent of awareness of the k-12 curriculum. Relationship Between The Socio-Demographic Profile Of The Respondents And The Extent Of Awareness Of The K-12 Curriculum This section analyzes the result of the respondents’ socio-demographic profile and the extent of awareness of the k-12 curriculum. TABLE 2:Relationship of Respondent’s Age and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Features of the K+12 Curriculum Features of the curriculum X2 a. The number of years in the basic education is increased up to 13 years including Kindergarten. 12. 481 b. The students â€Å"will graduate twice† because they will earn two certificates: one for completion of the DepEd subjects at Grade 10 and the other for finishing the technical skills subjects integrated into the curriculum. 14. 336 c. New subjects taken by your student Agrarian Reform, Family Planning, NSTP, Philippine Constitution, Physical Educ. , Population Educ. , Rizal and Taxation. 8. 568 d. There are specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 8. 881 e. Opportunity to take courses like Internet and Computing Fundamentals, Technical Drawing, Home Management/ Housekeeping, Cooking/ Food Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dress Making/Tailoring, Carpentry, Crop Production, Animal Production and Care giving. 6. 790 f. Mother tongue is used as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3. 7. 830 g. Strong collaboration of CHED, TESDA and DOLE in training the Senior High School students. 6. 567 MEAN 9. 3504 X2; DF= 6 12. 592 The table shows the computed X2 in every features of k-12 curriculum in terms of age. The degrees of freedom is 6 and the mean of the computed X2 is 9. 3504, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 3:Relationship of Respondent’s Age and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Assessment of the Curriculum The table shows the computed X2 in every parts of the assessment of the curriculum in terms of age. The degrees of freedom is 6 and the mean of computed X2 is 9. 7606, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 4:Relationship of Respondent’s Age and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Advantages/Benefits of the K+12 Curriculum to the Students The table shows the computed X2 in every advantages to the students in terms of age. The degrees of freedom is 6 and the mean of computed X2 is 8. 6699, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/ benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. TABLE 5: Relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+12 curriculum Features of the curriculum X2 a. The number of years in the basic education is increased up to 13 years including Kindergarten. 5. 239 b. The students â€Å"will graduate twice† because they will earn two certificates: one for completion of the DepEd subjects at Grade 10 and the other for finishing the technical skills subjects integrated into the curriculum. 4. 143 c. New subjects taken by your student Agrarian Reform, Family Planning, NSTP, Philippine Constitution, Physical Educ. , Population Educ. , Rizal and Taxation. 6. 131 d. There are specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 1. 325 e. Opportunity to take courses like Internet and Computing Fundamentals, Technical Drawing, Home Management/ Housekeeping, Cooking/ Food Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dress Making/Tailoring, Carpentry, Crop Production, Animal Production and Care giving. 2. 168 f. Mother tongue is used as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3. 3. 503 g. Strong collaboration of CHED, TESDA and DOLE in training the Senior High School students. 1. 946 MEAN 3. 4936 X2; df= 2 5. 991 The table shows the computed X2 in every features of the curriculum in terms of sex. The degrees of freedom is 2 and the mean of computed X2 is 3. 4936, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 6:Relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum Assessment Of The Curriculum X2 a. Focused on the learner’s acquisition of effective communication, information, media and technology, learning and innovations kills, and life and career skills. 0. 157 b. Has balanced assessment program. 5. 454 c. Promotion and retention of the students shall be by subject. 0. 530 d. Honor students shall be drawn from among those who performed at the ADVANCED LEVEL. 0. 293 e. The performance of students shall be described in the report card based on the following levels of proficiency: B, D, AP, P, A not their equivalent numerical values. 3. 345 MEAN 1. 9558 X2; df= 2 5. 991 The table shows the computed X2 in every assessment of the curriculum in terms of sex. The degrees of freedom is 2 and the mean of computed X2 is 1. 9558, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 7:Relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students The table shows the computed X2 in every advantages to the students in terms of sex. The degrees of freedom is 2 and the mean of the computed X2 is 7. 0027, since the mean computed value is greater than the x2at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. TABLE 8: Relationship of Respondent’s Educational Attainment and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Features of the K+12 Curriculum Features of the curriculum X2 a. The number of years in the basic education is increased up to 13 years including Kindergarten. 27. 967 b. The students â€Å"will graduate twice† because they will earn two certificates: one for completion of the DepEd subjects at Grade 10 and the other for finishing the technical skills subjects integrated into the curriculum. 38. 701 c. New subjects taken by your student Agrarian Reform, Family Planning, NSTP, Philippine Constitution, Physical Educ. , Population Educ. , Rizal and Taxation. 26. 768 d. There are specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 17. 201 e. Opportunity to take courses like Internet and Computing Fundamentals, Technical Drawing, Home Management/ Housekeeping, Cooking/ Food Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dress Making/Tailoring, Carpentry, Crop Production, Animal Production and Care giving. 26. 446 f. Mother tongue is used as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3. 16. 845 g. Strong collaboration of CHED, TESDA and DOLE in training the Senior High School students. 24. 094 MEAN 25. 4317 X2; DF= 8 15. 507 The table shows the computed X2 in every features of the curriculum in terms of educational attainment. The degrees of freedom is 8 and the mean of computed X2 is 25. 4317, since the mean computed value is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 9:Relationship Of Respondent’s Educational Attainment And Extent Of Awareness In Terms Of The Assessment Of The Curriculum Assessment Of The Curriculum X2 a. Focused on the learner’s acquisition of effective communication, information, media and technology, learning and innovations kills, and life and career skills. 28. 956 b. Has balanced assessment program. 28. 448 c. Promotion and retention of the students shall be by subject. 8. 995 d. Honor students shall be drawn from among those who performed at the ADVANCED LEVEL. 23. 507 e. The performance of students shall be described in the report card based on the following levels of proficiency: B, D, AP, P, A not their equivalent numerical values. 19. 981 MEAN 21. 9774 X2; df= 8 15. 507 The table shows the computed X2 in every assessment in the curriculum in terms of educational attainment. The degrees of freedom is 8 and the mean of computed X2 is 21. 9772, since the mean computed value is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 10: Relationship Of Respondent’s Educational Attainment And Extent Of Awareness In Terms of the Advantages/Benefits Of The K+12 Curriculum To The Students Advantages/Benefits Of The K+12 Curriculum To The Students X2 a. More emotionally mature, socially aware and Pro-active. 18. 995 b. Acquire mastery of basic competencies. 25. 042 c. Be legally employable with potential for better earnings. 21. 290 d. Students will possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market 13. 974 e. Be globally competitive. 20. 517 f. Every graduate of the enhanced K+12 Basic Education program will be empowered to learn through the program that is rooted on sound educational principles and geared towards excellence and the foundations for learning throughout life. 49. 488 g. Students will be able to prepare their own business for their future. 40. 415 h. Senior High School students will be given an opportunity to do OJT (On the Job Training), internship or apprenticeship 23. 504 i. After graduating Senior High School, graduates will be able to work immediately, even before or without seeking college degree because students will have not only a high school diploma needed for further studies, but also 1 or more certificates needed for immediate employment. 24. 652 MEAN 26. 4308 X2; DF= 8 15. 507 The table shows the computed X2 in every advantages to the students in terms of educational attainment. The degrees of freedom is 8 and the mean of computed X2 is 26. 4308, since the mean computed value is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION This chapter presents the summary of the entire study that serve as the basis for conclusions and recommendations. This includes the statement of the problem, findings, conclusions and some recommendations of the study. SUMMARY This research study seek to find the level of awareness of the k+12 curriculum among the parents of the grade 7 students in CNHS, SDSSU-H. S LAB. , MNHS-UA. The respondents of the study were the parents of the grade 7 students in CNHS, SDSSU-H. S LAB. , MNHS-UA. The researchers limit their respondents to 50% of the population from each school. The study made use of the survey method which was appropriate for the profiling and gathering of data. Moreover, the data were interpreted using the mean, simple percentage computation and the Pearson chi-squared test. Findings Based on the analysis of the gathered data, the different findings in this research study are summarized as follows: 1. The relationship of respondent’s age and extent of awareness in terms of the features ofthe k+12 curriculum, since the mean computed value which is 9. 3504 lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. 2. The relationship of respondent’s age and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum, since the mean computed value, 9. 7606, is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. 3. The relationship of respondent’s age and extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students, since the mean computed value,8. 6699, is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/ benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. 4. The relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+12 curriculum, since the mean computed value,3. 4936, is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. 5. The relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum, since the mean computed value,1. 9558, is lesser than x2at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. 6. The relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students, since the mean computed value,7. 0027, is greater than the x2at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. 7. The relationship of respondent’s educational attainment and extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+12 curriculum, since the mean computed value,25. 4317, is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. 8. The relationship of respondent’s educational attainment and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum, since the mean computed value,21. 9774, is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. 9. The relationship of respondent’s educational attainment and extent of aware