Divine Command Theory Essay

There are millions of people who believe in God, but among these people the differences lie in to what extent each believes that God has control over what is right and wrong. Are people’s moral standards right because God commands them, or does God command them because they are right? The Divine Command Theory most simply states that God’s commands are what is morally right, and what God forbids is morally wrong. This means that loving one another is right because God commands humans to do so. Advocates of the Divine Command Theory believe this, and believe that morality is the same as that which God commands. Things are good because God created them and/or willed them. Divine Command Theorists believe that there are objective moral standard that are the same for everyone and are independent of individual beliefs. These moral standards are true for everyone regardless of whether or not they believe them or know of them. These ultimate moral standards exist in commands given by God. God commands only things that are good, and he would never command a person to act immorally. God is all-powerful, all knowing, and all loving. God commands these things in order to do what is good for us as humans, and his commands are automatically morally right. The opponents of the Divine Command Theory do not believe that God has that much control over the earth and what is morally just and unjust. They believe that morality is subjective, and that even if there is a God morality would still be subjective. What does it matter anyway what God commands or thinks since it is just another subjective opinion? One of the only reasons that people obey God’s commands is that they fear that they will be punished in someway if they do not. They fear that they will go to hell if they do not obey, or that something bad will happen to them. This would mean that their motives are merely self-interested. But, a Divine Command Theory advocate would argue that God created us, and it is our obligation as his creation to obey Him just as a child would obey its parents. Is it even possible though to compare one’s parents with the divine? Opponent’s say that it is not possible to compare the divine with a child’s parents. However, to continue with the comparison, if a child were to want  to do something and the parent told them â€Å"no, because I said so†, then, like God, the rationale for the action being wrong is simply because it is commanded. If the command were to change to ordering the child to kill, then the right thing to do would be changed to killing. Likewise, if God’s commands are automatically what is right, then if God were to command humans to kill, killing would be a morally just action. Supporters would argue that the situation with God is different. They would also argue that God would not command something that is immoral. But, why wouldn’t God command something immoral? The only answers would be because it is wrong or because God only commands that which is right. But saying this would therefore disprove the Divine Command Theory entirely. This states that what is right and wrong is independent of God, and that what God commands and condemns is subject to these independent standards of what is right and what is wrong. This also proves that a supporter could not say that God is good because â€Å"God† and â€Å"good† do not have the same definition. In order to state this, one must concede that in order for this to be true God must be independent of the standards of goodness that the definition of â€Å"good† entails. There are only two possibilities for the existence of God and moral standards: 1. God creates the moral standards, or 2. God is subject to the moral standards that are independent of him. If God is independent of what is right and wrong and commands what is right and wrong, then God becomes another rational being who decides from these standards of right and wrong what to command. The moral values are accepted by God and therefore commanded. If this is true, then in no way does God create the moral standards. The only way for a Divine Command Theorist to prove their beliefs is for them to prove that without God there would be no morality. If God commands things because they are good, then humans could live moral lives without God because God is also subject to the standards of morality. Humans could, as rational beings, understand the moral values that determine right and wrong and choose how they should live. Humans could decide what actions are moral or immoral without God. Divine Command Theory advocates may try to support their beliefs by saying  that there is nothing above God, good and bad is determined by God’s commands, and things are good and moral because God commands them. However, if there is nothing independent of God causing him to decide what to command, then there is nothing to prevent God from commanding evils such as murder. The only answers again are that God wouldn’t do that because God is good, or that God only commands that which is good. Both of which again disprove the Divine Command Theory. Divine Command Theorists feel that those are not the only answers. The main reason behind God not commanding evil is because God is a loving God, an all-loving God. Because he is such, He would not command evil, and evil would not be moral. God actually exists and loves his creations. He loves and cares for them, and commands in a way that is considerate of their well being and creates a unity/togetherness among them. Not to act according to his commands is to act contrary to a loving way, and to act in this manner is wrong. How does one know what God’s commands are? Are they sent directly from God into people’s brains or souls? Are they given to us via a messenger i.e. a priest? It would seem easy to say that rational human beings have an intuition that tells them what is right and wrong and that God is not the one telling them what is right and what is wrong. There is no need for a God to tell humans what is considered moral and immoral because humans have knowledge and a sense that is independent of God to tell them the right ways to live. God does not create the moral laws. The moral laws exist separately from God and can be understood by any rational being. All that humans need in order to live a moral life is an understanding of these moral laws and a conscience to guide them through their life. Advocates would argue, however, that this is not the case. The moral laws exist because God commands them, and his commands are found in the Bible’s teachings. God commands us through the teachings of the Bible to live a moral life. He teaches us that to love one another is a moral way of life, and evils result in an immoral life. This can be seen in the Ten Commandments and various other passages in the Bible. A person can  understand the way of life that God intended through what can be read in the Bible and inferred from it. This is where morality and God’s commands can be found. However, the Bible can be very contradictory and unclear. In many passages God directly commands murder, and in others commands that death is the correct punishment for actions such as homosexuality. Are things immoral with the exceptions of the instances when God deems them as the right thing to do? Can God say that murder is wrong but change it to right depending on the situation? Is a person supposed to read the Bible and make their own decisions about what the passages mean and what they are telling humans are the right and wrong ways of life? The Bible should not be the source of God’s commands. Suppose that a person reads a book that someone has told them contains the moral standards given to humans by God that all people are supposed to live by, and this book says that a person should kill people over the age of 50, would it be morally correct for this person to kill everyone over the age of 50? There are many religions that do not worship God based on the Bible. Are these religions wrong, and are they worshipping incorrectly? The Judeo-Christian God cannot be the absolute correct belief. If God created all human beings, then he wouldn’t only enlighten Christians of his existence and the correct moral laws. If God’s commands are found in the Bible, then does this mean that before the composition of the Bible there was no God or moral laws? The use of the Bible to explain the Divine Command Theory is a very unstable method. Clearly, the Divine Command Theory is a very sensitive subject to discuss. Despite the strength of each argument, there is no real proof on either side of the argument than can without a doubt prove that what God commands is right because he commands is or that God commands that which is right because it is right. Both can be considered valid arguments of the amount of control God has over the moral standards of the universe, but it is much easier to attempt to disprove something that has no concrete evidence. The question of whether moral standards exist because of God or if God is  subject to them remains a very good one.

Bryan’s hunt

Briar's Hunt Author: Gary Paulsen Protagonist: The protagonist In this story Is Brian himself. He Is about 16 years old. He is a very strong and spirited person. He has many obstacles come his way but his bravery helps him overcome the obstacles. Once he was rescued he decides he wants to pack his bags and go back out the Canadian forest and live for a month or so. Antagonist: Later in the story the bear becomes the antagonist. The bear has killed a family who Brian knows and three of those family members were killed.Brian found out that this was a giant, 500 pound bear who did this. He also knew that on its front right paw it was missing a toenail and that it had giant footsteps. This is how he tracked the bear, which Is one of its weaknesses. Also If Brian can get a clear shot on the bear, then the bear would be dead or at least hurt. Another weakness Is that this bear Is huge so It Is very lazy. Plot: explosion: There Is only one mall character In the book his name Is Brian. Brian was Like on Journey to go find his Indian friend Susan. At the beginning of the book,Brian is walking around the woods. The setting changes maybe a couple times during the book. In some parts of the book he is going down the river in his canoe-The situation Brian is in is that he comes back to the woods. Because he knows he won't be happy in society. Rising action: In Briar's Hunt, the rising action occurs as Brian arrives on the island, he finds things out of order. Then he comes across the cabin that was destroyed by the bear. The rising action is the fear brought on by the bear and it makes a sense of fear come to you and wonder is going to happen.It also s the point when the focus of the book changes from finding friends to a life or death survival situation. Climax: Brian follows his Instincts to head north. He finds that they have been attacked by a bear over 500 pounds. He finds the mother and father, along with 3 dogs dead from the bear attack. Brian finds Susan along the s hore dragging a canoe. He noticed the scratches and bites on her from the bear. Falling action: Brian and Susan call the authorities. They pick up Susan and take her to her aunt and uncle's house. Brian sets out to find the bear. The bear was huntingBrian and attacked him, he grabbed two arrows and stuck them in the bear, which later resulted in the bear's death. Resolution: Brian goes out and starts looking for the bear that killed Suntan's family and that injured the dog. He goes and sets out like traps to catch the beat. After like hours of waiting he then sees the bear. He goes running after the bear he starts throwing arrows at him. Then he goes face to face with bear and he stabs the bear right in the chest and kills the bear. Setting: The story takes place In the wilderness of Canada. Let takes place near the five lakes.It Is also far, far away from civilization. Conflict: the conflict Is man vs†¦ Nature. Brian vs†¦ The Bear. It pits Brian against the bear that kill ed his friends, and Is brutal and aggressive. Brian defeats the bear in this conflict with a two arrow shots into the dog begins to lick his face and he realizes that the bear had landed on him. Theme: The theme of the story is in the remote Canadian forest with streams,and rivers,and lakes. He is completely alone with no civilization with 200 miles. He is basically stranded out there for over month with whatever he carried in there off the plane.

A critical analysis of a scenario demonstrating an understanding of Essay

A critical analysis of a scenario demonstrating an understanding of the underpinning theoretical frameworks - Essay Example According to Kubler Ross just before the grief cycle people are stable in their emotions as they begin to take in the information about the individuals death. As they begin to grieve, they experience the following cycle: Although this may not be the case for everyone, it seems that Mr. and Mrs. Green have reached a stage where therapy is needed to get through their grief. Mr. Green is definitely in the anger stage. He wants to strike out at someone and he wants his son back. On the one hand he is in the denial stage because he wants to blame someone else for his sons demise. He doesn’t want to accept that his son could have done this on his on. Unfortunately we dont have a lot of information on Mrs. Green, but it may see that she is still in denial because she wants to keep some of his pictures around. We cant be sure whether this is because she has come to terms with her sons death or whether this is something that she is still holding on to because she is stuck in denial; we would need more information to tell. Mr. Green seems to be the focal point of the therapy session because he is the most vocal. As a therapist, I dont think the therapist in the scenario is doing her job. It doesn’t seem that the individual is helpful to her clients. She seems to want to distance herself from them instead of interacting with them. Although it is important not to hug a client in most instances, it doesnt seem from the information we have that this individual is actually helping them through the process. Some of the most successful therapists show empathy with tears or with a hug to a patient when they are grieving. It is clear that this is not this therapists style and although this is permissible, it doesnt seem like what this couple needs. To sense the clients private world as if it were your own, but without ever losing the "as if" quality--this is empathy, and this seems essential to therapy. To sense the clients anger, fear, or confusion as if

Production Possibility Frontier Worksheet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Production Possibility Frontier Worksheet - Essay Example The points A, B, and C represents the most efficient use of the resources in the production industry. The Point X denotes an inefficient use of resources. The point Y on the other hand denotes the production state that cannot be achieved at the current state (Riley). Improvement in technology for the production of consumer goods makes the production of consumer goods cheaper to the producer. The improvement in technology shifts the PPF graph outwards. Consequently, the production of consumer goods has shifted outwards. Improvement in technology for the production of consumer goods makes the production of consumer goods cheaper to the producer. The improvement in technology shifts the PPF outwards. Consequently, the production of consumer goods has shifted outwards. In reading through the crusades of progress i get the impression that the author tries to justify human actions. I strongly agree with the first paragraph that there is sufficient reason for the existence of evil in the world because evil works some good in us. For example one day I got beat up while walking at night. This experience taught me that I should stay at home with my family during night times. This has helped me greatly as it has strengthened my family. I personally feel that that human nature can be best understood through history. Punishment on the other hand does not serve any good. This is best illustrated by the many ills in the society despite the harsh punishment that the offenders serve. Indeed Beccaria postulated the best passage on the crimes and punishments. Punishment is also not always just. The best example is the case of the Condorcet who committed suicide due to loopholes in the justice system. He was accused of being anti-revolution. The pain was too much for him to bear such that he saw it better for him to die. I also acknowledge his contribution in philosophy. I get this from where the essay says that he argued that human nature could be perfected

ITM Innovation Technology Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

ITM Innovation Technology Management - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the study of the innovation process in and amongst organizations has evolved as a multi-disciplinary endeavor. Innovation is the process of making changes to sumfink established by introducing sumfink new that adds value to customers and contributes to the knowledge store of the organization. One can use all they need to introduce some advancement and innovation, yet one cannot promise achievement. In today’s world, some companies are striving hard to bring sumfink innovative in the market or introduce some innovation in their existing products. As the market has become more competitive over the past few years that businesses now have to focus much on the changing trends of innovations, whether its technologies or strategic plans of some companies. Companies are much more likely to gain the positive response from the consumers if they fulfill the demands of the customers. However, many companies still avoid from going to any inn ovation process as they think that the unique or new change might not be acceptable to their customers. Nonetheless, there are many companies who thought out of the box and introduced such amazing products and services in the market and within their organizations that they are now counted amongst the top 10 innovative companies of the world. No wonder, every company would have to pass through some experiences, both negative and positive but the ones who surpassed the hard times and took the risks are now the ones who are the most appreciated amongst their customers.

The Japanese developmental state served as a model for other Asian Essay

The Japanese developmental state served as a model for other Asian state's industrialization, but do the problems that Japan has - Essay Example In the model the state enjoys the right of controlling the economy more efficiently. The state in the model has been defined as an independent and autonomous political power. A developmental state is supposed to have strong intervention of the government with extensive planning and regulations. The countries outside East Asia satisfy the criteria for developmental state. Developmental State Model A regulatory state is governed by the regulatory agencies empowered to enhance the protection of the public from different kinds of market failure including monopolistic competition. The regulatory agencies also provide collective goods that aim to curb the excessive demand of the market that remains unsatisfied. A developmental state has more direct intervention into the economy and contributes in promotion of new industries and reduces the dislocations that are caused by the shifts in investments as well as profits from the old to the emerging industries. The main difference between regula tory state and developmental state is developmental state can pursue the policies directed for industries while regulatory states cannot do so. In Japan, there is little ownership of the government in industry. The private sector is rigidly guided as well as constrained by bureaucratic government elites. The government elites are not the elected officials and thus lack the capability to influence the working or the corporate class through political process (Woo-Cumings, 1999, p. 93). The developmental state emphasises on the market share rather than profit, focuses on the transfer of technology to foreign countries, lends time to promote economic growth rather than political freedom. Japan was the first country to witness successful industrialization. If the perspective of economic development is taken into account the development of the country followed the same pattern as in other developing countries. The factors that influenced the development of Japan include macroeconomic stab ility, development of human capital and economic infrastructure. It is difficult to equate a booming economy with a developmental state where the economies are dependent on external factors like inflows of foreign support in the form of aid or exports of raw materials. Therefore it can be stated that the concept of developmental state not only refers to economic and human development but presents the role of the state in enhancing the natural resources and lay down a distinctive and clear decision making processes. The model and the Problems for Japan The industrial policy of the country was based on the financial support and the taxation systems of the government. For the allocation of financial resources for prioritized sectors a large amount of loans were directed to develop the infrastructure of economy. The support of the government was modest but the activities of the government encouraged additional funding from the private banks. The total funding was under the supervision o f the Export-Import Bank of Japan. The outcome of the implementation of the industrial policy was not always envisaged. Three reasons can be accounted for the implementation failure. The choices of the policies were flawed, the power of enforcement was not stringent as it allowed the private sector to work against the intension of the government and government ex

Informal Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Informal Assessment - Essay Example It so turns out that, critical reasoning, is in itself difficult a task. It is a skill, and like any skill, it is expected that it can be acquired and sustained with practice. As majority of individuals seeking to learn as well as explore different sectors in the market, with the main aim of making it in life, it is necessary to also learn that, the first step comes from ones individual effort itself. It can be argued that, with reference to the goals that majority of the students aspire to achieve, it can be narrowed down to, success as the bottom-line (Daniels, 2009). The fact that, opinion in terms of career preferences is concerned plays a major role in the case study. Opinion tends to vary from one individual to another, thus broadening the scope of learning involved. It is thus only necessary that each individual receive fair and necessary knowledge as expected. Nothing less of which is considered reasonable. Ambition too falls into question, as it is this, which draws the separating line between the success levels expected. Individuals may follow this particular course, in pursuit for bigger dream realization. In a separate scenario, the issue of an individual’s background may also facilitate what facilitates the coming together of random people, as in topic. It is only fair that boundaries limited to background issues are kept, to ascertain that equality is widespread amongst everyone. It is thus acceptable, to come up with strategies within reason, that aim at delivering to all the random individuals in a more or less equal manner. In a move to deliver every single detail as elaborated, use of emotional appeals would play a huge role in this. These are also referred to as the appeals to pathos. They are powerful tools for influence what individuals think, as well as believe. Everyone, especially at such a critical moment, makes decisions. Some of these decisions are of huge importance, some being based on ones

Global Warming The cause of human activity Essay

Global Warming The cause of human activity - Essay Example And he was right. This effect is reached due to some atmospheric gases of secondary importance for example, water evaporations and carbonic gas. They leak visible and "near" infrared light, emitted by the sun, but absorb the "far" infrared radiation with lower frequency formed at heating of the earth surface by solar beams. If it did not occur, the Earth would be approximately 30 degrees colder, than now, and life on it would practically stop. ("Global Warming") Recognizing that a "natural" hothouse effect is the settled, balanced process, it is quite logical to assume, that the increase of concentration of "hothouse" gases in an atmosphere should result in strengthening of a hothouse effect which in turn will result in global warming of a climate. Amount of 2 in atmosphere steadily grows for more than century because various kinds of fossil fuel (coal and petroleum) began to be applied widely as a source of energy. Besides as a result of human activity other hothouse gases, for example methane, nitrous oxide, and a lot of chlorine-containing substances also get in an atmosphere. In spite of the fact that they are made in smaller volumes, some of these gases are more dangerous than carbonic gas from the point of view of global warming. ("Global Warming") Now many scientists believe that additional proofs of man's fault in global warming... ("Global Warming") Now many scientists believe that additional proofs of man's fault in global warming will be found out, moreover, human activity is the dominant factor in this process. Nevertheless global warming are caused also by not dependent on people reasons. For example, amplification of solar radiation and sulphatic sparks or aerosols ejected at volcanic eruptions. These emissions on the one hand may create a hothouse effect, and on the other hand they may cool an atmosphere as they reflect sunlight. Influence of human activity is connected, first of all, with the emission of the used industrial gases such as carbonic, holding warm in an atmosphere and the same sulphatic aerosols of industrial, not natural origin. The complex of industrial aerosols and hothouse gases also creates new climatic model. This popular idea in the scientific environment resulted in that scientists now are inclined to evaluate the influence of the person on the climate more critically. Earlier, the warming of a climat e in 20-th century was considered to be mostly caused by the natural reasons not by the activisation of human activity. The group of researchers led by Simon Tatt found out that the increase of average temperature in the beginning of 20-th century could be explained by the increase of solar activity, or a combination of this factor with growth of emission of industrial gases in an atmosphere. But, since the middle of 70th years that is after almost 50-years of temperature rising, the industrial gases creating a hothouse effect are more and more considered to be a principal cause of warming. Many other researchers also came to the same conclusion "Researches of Simon Tatt's group have

The study issue learning to students with atypical development Essay

The study issue learning to students with atypical development - Essay Example In a study which is quantitative in nature, the proponent intends to gather data so that a valid conclusion may be arrived at regarding the outcomes of broadly comparable experiences. An objective or positivist approach is adopted by those who utilize this design (Cohen & Manion, 1994). The main principle underlying this approach is that knowledge and facts are measurable and that complicated problems may be comprehended more effectively if they are broken down into less complicated pats (Easterby-Smith et al, 1996). The quantitative approach has several advantages, among them is the fact that they have clearer boundaries with regards to data gathering. And yet, these do not come with its weaknesses. For this approach to yield valid conclusions, the tool that is used for data gathering has to have acceptable psychometric properties. The construction of the research tool must be subjected to rigor and careful analysis (Reason & Rowen, 1981). One other limitation of quantitative method s is the need to use a substantially large sample to be able to garner more valid results (Easterby-Smith et al, 1996). Ten Home Education students of ages 14 to 16 were selected from ex-enrollees of specialist school for children with Speech and Communication difficulties. Six are girls and four are boys. Four of them have dyslexia, two have the visual impairment, two of them are deaf and mute, and the other two have Asperger Syndrome. These children were referrals of teachers from the school.

Teaching A Diverse Population Essay Example for Free

Teaching A Diverse Population Essay Diversity within the American classroom makes the process of teaching and learning a growing challenge.   The faces of todays students are becoming increasingly dissimilar. Schools are faced with the challenge of integrating the cultures and ethnicities of American based curriculum and students from a variety of cultures and ethnicities. Each of these students brings different culturally based rules, expectations, value systems, and educational needs to the learning environment. Facing the challenge of educating these increasingly culturally and ethnically diverse learners begins not only with a change in the management, pedagogy, and instructional delivery system, but also with a change in designers, trainers, or teachers. Research indicates that most mainstream cultural educators automatically view the world exclusively from their own viewpoints, which serves as a reference against which all others should be evaluated. This process has been commonplace in the classroom.   This results in an unwarranted belief that ones own way of doing things is best and that ones own group is markedly superior to another. â€Å"Generally speaking, this type of person is the one who neither understands nor accepts the culturally different learners values, their motives, the rewards that are meaningful to them, their locus of control, their linguistic systems, their learning styles, and their cognitive styles.† (Zhang, 2001)   This is a person who may, upon entering or creating a learning environment, do so with cultural orientations and expectations that reflect his/her own cultural values and expectations.   This can create an environment that perpetuates the predominant culture and shuts out others learners. Zhang identified talking points to enable an educational system evaluate their ability to meet the needs of minority or diverse students.   These questions include: (1) What form of educational system is most familiar to the students? (2) What kind of learning environment is most customary to these students?   In some cultures, for example, teachers are revered individuals who teach sacred truth. The task of the students is to absorb knowledge, and they seldom disagree with the teacher. In the programs designed for these particular students, we can put more fundamental basic skills for them to memorize. (3) How do the cultural backgrounds of the students influence their uses and views of time? Americans uses and views of time reflect cultural biases that alter their educational processes.   In contrast to the American clock-oriented value, some cultures are not conditioned to use every moment in a productive, task-oriented manner.   Classrooms may not be able to design curriculum in a strictly time-controlled system. Some students may need more time. (4) What kind of relationship is most natural for these students to have with the teachers? The teacher-student relationship is culturally mandated. (5) What rewards are attractive to these students? Rewards and reinforcement for learning differ in effectiveness across cultures. Some cultures teach their children different reward systems.   For instance, verbal praise, which is viewed by most teachers as a reward, is not perceived as such by children of some minority groups. (6) How can the program use some slang? American classrooms are structured on standard English, but some minority students feel more comfortable learning in a rather informal setting. The use of some slang in the program may improve learning achievement. (7) What about the students cognitive styles? American schools favor the abstract, conceptual style. Studies have shown that some cultural groups develop different cognitive styles. Some theorists express the view that culturally different children are often judged as incompetent, whereas in reality, it is their individual performance, not their competence, which is deficient. The gap between competence and performance is attributed to inappropriate situation cues inappropriate because they fail to stimulate the child into action. Mathematics requires more abstract, conceptual ability. Some minority students develop their cognitive style with concrete, objective base. Therefore situated learning environment supported by most of constructivism theorists is a good choice.   (Zhang, 2001)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zhang offers the following criteria to evaluate a good culturally balanced curriculum: 1)   Materials are respectful of cultural, ethnic, sexual, and/or religious diversity. 2) A balance of historical perspectives is represented that recognizes the complexity underlying historical events, especially wars, and politics. 3) Gender inclusiveness is evident. 4) A balanced perspective on the values and contributions of diverse cultures is represented. 5) Images and icons are sensitive to cultural taboos and customs. 6) An ethical perspective is presented that maintains that cultural practices should be respected unless they violate principles of basic humanity. 7) Ethnic groups are represented in ways that reflect the diversity within these groups. 8) A balance of different cultures and societies is represented in images or texts. 9) Ethnic groups are represented in ways that reflect accurately their overall contributions to society. 10) Ethnic pluralism based upon respect for differences are held forth as the ideal approach to societal development. Teachers are well aware of the demographic trends in todays schools indicating that the student population is becoming more ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse.   Curriculum development and teachers are challenged to provide meaningful, relevant, and motivating educational interventions to all learners. Instruction must be responsive to the needs of these new learners, who often have backgrounds different from our own. This pluralistic focus, which requires us to accommodate diversity in the education process, must start with our own cultural   sensitivity.   This requires being able to view the world from the standpoint of a culture other than ones own.   For educators, this means accepting as valid the culturally different learners values, their motives, rewards that are meaningful to them, their locus of control, their linguistic systems, their learning styles, and their cognitive styles. Incorporating these issues into program designs, valuing this diversity and seeing it as an asset to meaningful and effective instruction are key components for relevant instructional design. Deep Teaching   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Angela Rickford, while assessing the progress of reading skills among culturally diverse classrooms, found that there still exists inequities with the system and the instruction methods of teachers.   Rickford identified six sound principles, which formulate her theory on deep teaching, which is defined as â€Å"a teachers ability to communicate and impart stated concepts, curriculum content and lesson objectives to a class of students with enjoyment, clarity, understanding, and the permanent acquisition of new knowledge by those students even if they are academically challenged.† The six principles identified in deep teaching are: 1) student engagement, 2) learner participation, 3) repetition and reinforcement, 4) high expectations, 5) sound pedagogy and 6) conceptual understanding. Student engagement: In order to educate our children successfully, we should first seek to discover where their interests lie, and then teach to those interests. Contemporary educators believe that a curriculum that incorporates real-world connections and applications will engage learners. Real-life work is meaningful to students, and effective as it allows the student to apply what they are learning.   Rickford promoted culturally relevant literature for teaching ethnically diverse studentsliterature containing themes, ideas, and issues that are consonant with their lived experiences, and with which they could readily identify. Learner Participation:   The second element of learner participation forms a natural pairing with student engagement. In the classroom, the reading teacher must be a facilitator of knowledge, and a guide and coworker. The current educational emphasis is on learning strategies such as partner reading, shared reading, homogeneous and heterogeneous grouping, authentic assessment and interactive reading comprehension techniques (predicting, visualizing, questioning, and self-monitoring), and on communication and interaction. These techniques are designed to foster a participatory, pro-active, hands-on approach to student learning. Repetition and Reinforcement:   Practice it until you can get it without thinking. It should be automatic.   It should become part of the individual. Expectations:   The issue of low expectations continues limit the progress made by minorities in todays classrooms in both direct and indirect ways. It has been well documented that low expectations are endemic in the mechanism of schooling that supports low-achieving students, and the trend is further manifested in fundamental measures of excellence such as teacher quality, teaching pedagogy, classroom management, and curricular selection.   The direct impact of low expectations on the part of classroom teachers has a cumulative effect on students. One of social psychologys most profound contributions to education has been the finding that teacher expectations can affect both childrens intellectual growth and their academic achievement.   High expectations should be the prevailing standard for all students. Sound Teaching and Conceptual Understanding:   Sound teaching pedagogy is the principle upon which the successful transfer of knowledge from teacher to student depends, while conceptual understanding is what the student gains when that knowledge has been successfully transferred. Sound teaching pedagogy and conceptual understanding are the hallmarks of effective teachers. Research has shown further that teacher knowledge and expertise are directly and systematically related to student growth and achievement. Multicultural Strategies Coleman Hamm identified multicultural strategies (integration, fusion, and alternation) that involve a desire to relate positively to individuals from multiple cultural groups, and are characterized by positive attitudes toward ones own and other groups, a moderate to high degree of facility with the roles and values of multiple groups, and a belief that members of different cultures can successfully form positive relationships. Although integration, fusion, and alternation strategies differ with respect to the specific knowledge, beliefs, and skills that guide them, each is based on a belief that cultural boundaries can and should be implemented successfully without compromise to either culture and are believed to motivate behavior to further integration. A common experience in ethnically diverse schools is to collaborate in a group format on academic tasks with peers who are from ones own, as well as from other ethnic groups.   Using a multicultural strategy, students would interact with all members of the learning group, taking steps to ensure that group members of all ethnic backgrounds are respected and are involved with the project. Learning as a Social and Cultural Process   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Given that research has demonstrated the under-performing of minority students within the Western classroom, perhpas learning is primarily a social and cultural process.   This is not to diminish the role of the individual; however, individual thinking is strongly influenced by cultural assumptions and beliefs.   Because all communities do not think, believe, or learn in identical ways, there may still be much, that is confusing to or misunderstood by children with   language, culture, and socioeconomic differences. Teachers must be willing to learn not only who their students are but also who they, themselves, are as cultural beings and how that strongly affects their teaching.   (Pransky Bailey, 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pransky and Bailey identified a four step process for teachers to implement in the classroom to increase effectiveness: Step 1. Awareness. A teacher notices a breakdown in communication or an inability (or unwillingness) of a student or group of students to perform adequately on an academic task. Step 2. Inquiry. The teacher examines the nature of the lesson and begins to identify cultural assumptions that may negatively affect at-risk students. Step 3. Reconceptualization. With this new information, the teacher reconceptualizes his or her perspective on the students, lesson, curriculum, or school culture. Step 4. Lesson. A lesson is revisited, revised, or restructured, and ones instructional decisions change based on that new conception. What is learned through this process expands the awareness of the teacher, and effectively increases teaching skills.   As one develops more awareness, knowledge, and experience with a cultural perspective on learning, one is better able to reconceptualize and then redirect or refocus ones teaching within the flow of the lesson. This might be termed real-time inquiry. In real-time inquiry, especially, it is important to engage in dialogue with students to try to discover the understandings they have of the lesson task or interaction. (Pransky Bailey, 2002) Teaching Science in a Diverse Classroom Houtz Watson evaluated teacher performance in the science classroom and identified the following needs in order to meet the needs of diverse students: They must recognize what is required in learning tasks such as vocabulary knowledge, the ability to make inferences, and the ability to work independently. They also should know their students strengths and weaknesses. Once these tasks are accomplished, the educator must determine the reason for the mismatch between a students abilities and the task requirements of the lesson Culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students may be at risk of performing poorly in science if they lack the linguistic, the cognitive, the social, and the emotional behaviors required by science learning.   Because the behavior, culture, and language of CLD students may be different from those involved in the task requirements, these students may experience difficulty completing science projects.   Teachers need to identify the discrepancy between task demands and student ability and then modify to their lesson plans accordingly. By understanding the process of acquiring a second language and a second culture and the cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and social demands involved in the process, science teachers can incorporate instructional conditions that attend to the students needs. Science teachers can use numerous instructional strategies to accommodate CLD learners without weakening the curriculum.   Contextualization allows students to draw from personal experiences and build on their prior knowledge to learn the new scientific concept. Teachers can group individualize the process by structuring questions that encourage students to think about their own personal experience as it relates to the topic or content to be learned. The use of contextualized instruction provides CLD students the support they need for understanding the lesson by visually representing the information through experiments, pictures, graphic organizers, and charts. Contextualization allows teachers to (a) consider their students language proficiency levels of vocabulary control and (b) highlight specific text information. Analogies and examples that are culturally relevant may also be used to help students understand scientific concepts.   Analogies show the similarities between a new concept and a familiar concept, making the new concept more meaningful to the student. Analogies can assist in diminishing the cognitive and linguistic requirements of the task. Cognitive modeling and demonstration are especially beneficial for CLD students because these strategies increase understanding by providing concrete, step-by-step procedures that lessen the cognitive, linguistic, and social requirements of the task.   (Houtz Watson, 2002) A Learner Centered Approach   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An essential factor for a learner-centered approach is placing the learning characteristics of all learners under close scrutiny with emphasis on low-performing learners.   The focus in a learner-centered approach is on individual learners heredity, experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, talents, interests, capacities, and needs.   A learner-centered approach is defined as clarifying what is needed to create positive learning contexts, in order to increase the likelihood that more students will experience success.   The culture of the learning context is as important to learning as the content and the methods used.   (Brown, 2003) In the learner-centered environment, classroom teachers share narratives about students interaction with content and methodology. Teachers participate in professional development to learn how to differentiate instruction. Differentiation is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that is based on a set of beliefs that students who are the same age may differ in their readiness to learn, their interests, their styles of learning, their experiences, and their life circumstances.   The differences in students are significant enough to make a major impact on what students need to learn, the pace at which they need to learn it, and the support they need from teachers and others to learn it. Differentiated instruction meets the needs of diverse student populations by combining   student needs with a focus on content, process, and learning profiles.   The learner-centered approach, focuses on content knowledge and design flexibility to allow learners to construct their learning. Learner needs and characteristics take precedence over knowledge of facts and skills; the emphasis is on engaging learners in learning for understanding and thinking, to help them build their own interpretations. Creating Equitable Classroom Climates Kelly outlines recommendations that include creating a mixed set of expectations for all students in order to reduce the participation inequity altogether. These expectations focus on being able to identify each individuals area or areas of strength and expertise. In order to create this new set of expectations,   teachers must convince students of three things: (a) the cooperative task requires many different intellectual abilities, (b) no one will have all of these abilities and, (c) everyone will have some of these abilities.   Kelly believes that teachers who teach and model equitable classroom culture will probably be more likely to convince students to behave more equitably to their peers.   (Kelly, 2002) This method of implementing change by using a multiple-abilities approach and assigning competence to low-status groups, teachers will limit the impact of high expectations for high-status learners and low-expectations for low-status learners, and create a mixed set of expectations for everyone. This approach should reduce the differences in participation noted previously in high- and low-status students.   Kelly identifies the key factor to success in the latter intervention is recognition, a truthful evaluation by the teacher of the low-status student showing him/her as being strong in a specific, relevant area. Conclusion Diversity in the classroom and the challenges faced by teachers to meet the needs of minority students has been studied and debated for more than twenty years.   Progress in the identification of strategies has been made, but implementation is likely to be slow, as the revision of curriculum is a costly and time consuming project. The strategies outlined in this paper are not dependent on the revision of curriculum however, and may provide for ease of implementation.   One focus of these strategies is to assess each student, understand who they are, based on their culture, and direct your teaching methods accordingly.   Further, teachers must identify their own cultural beliefs and how those may prejudice their teaching methods.   Including students in the process of learning, modifying the process, and outlining the challenges will be beneficial to the learning of all. References Brown, K. L. (2003). From Teacher-Centered to Learner-Centered Curriculum: Improving Learning in Diverse Classrooms. Education, 124(1), 49+. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5002018664 Hamm, J. V., Coleman, H. L. (2001). African American and White Adolescents Strategies for Managing Cultural Diversity in Predominantly White High Schools. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 30(3), 281. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5001037737 Kelly, C. A. (2002). Creating Equitable Classroom Climates: An Investigation of Classroom Strategies in Mathematics and Science Instruction for Developing Preservice Teachers Use of Democratic Social Values. Child Study Journal, 32(1), 39+. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000659006 Mitchell, B. M., Salsbury, R. E. (1996). Multicultural Education: An International Guide to Research, Policies, and Programs. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=26227378 OByrne, B. (2001). Needed: A Compass to Navigate the Multilingual English Classroom. Journal of Adolescent Adult Literacy, 44(5), 440. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000100580 Pransky, K., Bailey, F. (2002). To Meet Your Students Where They Are, First You Have to Find Them: Working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse At-Risk Students Research Has Shown How Attention to Cultural Mismatch May Be a Key to Equitable School Achievement. This Article Presents a Series of Case Study Vignettes to Assist Practicing Teachers. The Reading Teacher, 56(4), 370+. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000600644 Rickford, A. E. (2005). Everything I Needed to Know about Teaching I Learned from My Children: Six Deep Teaching Principles for Todays Reading Teachers. Reading Improvement, 42(2), 112+. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5010994248 Watson, S. M., Houtz, L. E. (2002). Teaching Science: Meeting the Academic Needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Intervention in School Clinic, 37(5), 267+. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000755185 Zhang, J. X. (2001). Cultural Diversity in Instructional Design. International Journal of Instructional Media, 28(3), 299. Retrieved May 19, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5001037930

Economic Environment In Russia Economics Essay

Economic Environment In Russia Economics Essay In the year 1990 the Russian system underwent tremendous stress as it transformed from a centrally planned economy to a free market system (US Commercial Service, 2010). Following the breakup of USSR, Russias GDP observed a continuous period of decline from the beginning of 1991 until 1998 (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010). The reasons for the serious financial crisis in 1998 were difficulties in executing fiscal reforms aimed at raising government revenues and a reliance on short term borrowing to finance budget arrears. The financial problems aggravated due to lower prices for Russias major export earners (oil and minerals) and the loss of investor confidence due to the Asian financial crisis. This resulted in the rapid and steep decline (60%) in the value of the rouble, runaway of foreign investment, delayed payments on sovereign and private debts and a breakdown of commercial transactions through the banking system (US Commercial Service, 2010). The Russian economy began to bounce back after the 1998 economic crisis with an annual GDP growth of 7% from 1999 to 2007. This led to a sharp increase in prices for Russias main exports (oil, petroleum products) and import substitution effect led to the roubles devaluation in 1998, a tax reform, tightening of fiscal policy and greater political and social stability. The economy witnessed growth as a result of extraordinary rise in the consumer oriented sectors, particularly in the construction and services industries. In the year 2007, Russias GDP increased by 8.1%, and by 2008 the GDP further increased by 5.6% (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010). Russia was hit by the global economic crisis in the second half of 2008, which impacted the Russian economy immensely. The economy began to shrink, which led to falling sales, production and layoffs. In the year 2009 the economy diminished by 7.9%, through a positive revival trend that occurred in the second half of 2009, when the economy recommenced reasonable growth. The manufacturing, industrial production and construction industry witnessed a sharp decline in growth. The wages decreased and the labour force was only 66% of the total population. The number of unemployed measured 8.4% of the workforce (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010). The downturn faced by the global capital market reached Russia, which led to the closure of the global sources of funding. Foreign direct investment dropped by 41%, that   is 3.6% of GDP. The major attractions for foreign direct investment were manufacturing, retail, mineral resource extraction and transport. The figure estimated for net outflow of capital is US $52bn. In 2009, the Russian equity market was affected adversely. Russian companies attracted US $1.7bn via IPOs and SPOs, whereas in 2009 only one IPO (Initial Public Offering) was registered. Nevertheless, the IPO is expected to witness a boom in 2010 (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010). The end of 2009 brought positive news for Russia: the international credit rating agencies Standard Poor, Fitch and Moodys reviewed their sovereign rating outlooks for Russia from negative to stable, which was a result of higher oil prices and dropping of inflation (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010). 3.1.2 FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2010-2012) The economic development scenarios for the next three years has been drafted by the Ministry of Economic Development. They have been categorised into moderately conservative, pessimistic and optimistic. In accordance with the moderately conservative scenario, the GDP for the next three years has been depicted in Figure 2 below. The figures in the graph were derived from the prediction that the oil prices will remain at relatively high levels: US $65 per barrel in 2010, US $70 in 2011, and US $71 in 2012 (see Appendix C) (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010).https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/A-V1_X47l-ha1boxdlCsEzJET-SIMACWsuvCyyBVt5VNYS-XF2godrATGtxo-rg_k30qOiQ9y0KiK6TogxhIEd75L3Sj7346nBTJQVX8b74auUOsupE Figure 2: Forecasted economic growth Source: own compilation based on data from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010 Despite 2009 being a challenging year for Russia, the country managed to achieve three important goals, states President Medvedev. First, the government has survived to maintain social stability and put together all planned social payments. Second, the government and the Central Bank respectively have managed to keep the currency steady and brought about financial stability. Third, the government extended support to its core businesses. Since the government has taken this action, none of the large enterprises have gone bankrupt (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010). Concurrently, the countrys economic development has been constricted due to problems which Russia has failed to deal with this year. The problems faced by the country are the dependence on raw material exports, increasing unemployment levels and low competitiveness of domestic businesses. The Russian Government has been quite positive in dealing with the crisis by considering economic policy measures (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010).   Overall, the economic conditions in Russia seem to be favourable for Pufferfish to do business there in the nearest future. 3.4.1 LEVELS OF CULTURE An international businessperson needs to be aware of three levels of culture that may affect a multinationals operations. These levels include national culture, business culture, occupational and organizational culture. The diagram below shows the levels of culture that affect multinational management (Cullen and Parboteeah, 2008).https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/MDXcQRqh-4Qj_Khq7TfFEGYm7BUCkc_wJWhD29zy75RBl7GmBfjFA0gPP-NUQ67ZG7cAxgW_p47D07tc3TMr7Wx4kZ6zqHqWq5UiJ2VMUNmugd2oAOg Figure 3: Levels of culture Source: Cullen and Parboteeah, 2008 3.4.2 THE DOS AND DONTS OF DOING BUSINESS IN RUSSIA    The Russian market is a highly competitive market, where salesmanship is a key factor. Firms willing to enter the market should be prepared to express the competitive advantages and factors that differentiate them from others in the marketplace (US Commercial Service, 2010). Developing personal relationships with business partners is a crucial factor in the effective cooperation of major projects, government procurement or, for that matter, even in cultivating long-term business relations. One of the most difficult tasks   can be arranging a business meeting with potential partners.In addition,it may take a long time to receive a reply to an email,fax or a even telephone request for a meeting (US Commercial Service, 2010). To conduct business in Russia it is essential to know the Russian language if not an interpreter should be employed if needed. A substantial number of businessmen can communicate a courtesy level of English; however, they prefer conducting business discussions in Russian (US Commercial Service, 2010). Business cards are vital and are exchanged spontaneously. Your cards should have nothing more than your regular contact details, email address and website if available. It is advantageous to carry a bilingual business card (one side in English, one side in Russian). Promotional materials in Russian can be an crucial tool for developing interest in a companys product. The translation however has to be perfect and of high value (US Commercial Service, 2010). Sometimes during meetings Russian businesspeople tend to have very little verbal feedback. They listen quietly and with little obvious body language being exhibited   This does not mean that the listener is unable to comprehend it is just a cultural characteristic. They should be given the time and space needed to participate fully in a conversation (WorldBusinessCulture.com, 2011). 3.4.3 CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN CORPORATE CULTURE Peter Zashev (2004) says in his article that the contemporary Russian corporate culture could be presented as a cross-section of four sets of different factors and their subsequent impact on collective and individual culture and mentality. The aforementioned can be described in the figure below. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/LTKsFRqlpglWJeud7Jz7NVHb3CgRPb7TX0lw-ZZhddf90GO8M2EY7dZJhu1h3ygm6e5awAiNJ2ccd8gkbKozam9lYaEO9RxOAgfJvTRmJPv528-DRek Figure 4: Four sets of factors forming the contemporary Russian business culture Source: adapted from Zashev, 2004 Common Russian Values and Morals: One of the most influential element of Russian values and morals is the total lack of competition in the Russian social and economic life. Due to this nature the state of Moscow had the following characteristics. A militaristic nature   as it had to battle enemies and expand further geographically. A society based on compulsion and force rather than law with clear division of social groups that differed in their duties and not in their rights. Supreme power of the state/tsar. All the above characteristics slowly killed the concept of free competition. As a consequence of this, a highly centralized system was built, where the competitiveness was directed mainly at attracting the attention of the supreme power through gifts, bribes and networks of prominent personalities. This also explains why most international Russian projects are financed by the state (Zashev, 2004). Soviet Values and Morals: During the soviet times the system did not go through much change.The soviet rule enforced many concepts such as the following. Uravnilovka   that removed the link between work and pay. Increasing the level of bureaucracy, making cheating an inbuilt part of the economic system. Repression that later became a state concept and removed initiative, decision making and freedom of choice. The soviet system did not succeed in eliminating corruption, and it continued to afflict the whole Russian system. It, in fact, became the way for a normal life.   The foreign operations of the Soviet companies were state owned. It was only the Foreign Trade Organisations that were allowed to link Soviet factories with their overseas markets, suppliers or others (Zashev, 2004). Transition Values and Morals A dramatic change has appeared in the last fourteen years in the form of a massive retreat from the government. The privatisation in Russia created a new social group of owners, investors, capitialists and industralists (Zashev, 2004). Corruption and Bribery Corruption of officials in Russia is endemic, a system-wide state of affairs with deep historical roots (Zashev, 2004, p.27). It is now a common procedure for Russian businessmen to regularly pay bribes to government officials.   The government officials take economic decisions soundly on the basis of underlying motives. Many argue that the practice is a harmless means to facilitate government approvals and avoid penalties. High levels of bribery are the reason for low levels of competition, a factor that is needed for economic growth (Zashev, 2004). Businessmen from the UK not only have to worry about the corruption levels, but also have to watch out for the Bribery Act. The bill was published in draft on the 25th of March 2009 and received Royal Assent on the 8th of April 2010 (UK Government, 2010).    3.4.4. SO WHAT WILL THE BRIBERY ACT COVER? The Bribery Act looks at reforms in the criminal law with the intention of delivering a new modern and comprehensive scheme for bribery offences that will permit the judiciary and prosecutors to counter more successfully to bribery, both at home and abroad (UK Government, 2010). The Act will: provide a more efficient framework for combating bribery in the public and private sectors; create two general offences covering the offering, promising or giving of an advantage, and requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting of an advantage; create a discrete offence of bribery of a foreign public official; help tackle the threat that bribery poses to economic progress and development around the world (UK Government, 2010). During our inteview, Mr.Kell expressed his unfavourable attitude towards unfair trading practices, but he mentioned that if payments are necessary to facilitate market entry, it can be done. However, The Bribery Act will make things more complicated and put UK companies, including Pufferfish, at a disadvantage, especially in emerging markets such as Russia, where bribery is a custom. It is important that the company considers that in its market entry decisions. 6.1 MOSCOW Moscow, being the capital of Russia, is one of most promising markets for Pufferfish Limited. Moscow is the largest city in Russia, accounting for 7.34% of the total population of Russia (The World Bank, 2009). The advantages and disadvantages of   targeting Moscow are as follows. Advantages Moscow is the major business centre, with a well-structured distribution channel which will provide Pufferfish with an opportunity to reach out to its clients without much difficulty; The presence of large shopping malls and big box stores in Moscow will allow Pufferfish to reach out to a larger audience. The large hypermarkets present in Moscow contribute to the sale of 50 percent of consumer electronics that are advertised in Russia (US Commercial Service, 2010). As seen in the figure below, 51.60% of the total foreign investments is mainly from Moscow during the period January-September 2009.Due to the high intensity of consumers purchasing power and the large   presence of company headquarters,the region continues to attract a large amount of investments(US Commercial Service, 2010). https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ftVUl9i1YmCG06SfBi2FoWQmrto4M6j-5LbOIxDuhYP8A5Zc5_U4pKkhk6pPehlHmeoTW8mTT9S8GWYufTBb4swnxdN01Od2GoJ0Qd_LfECTH8PJ5vc Table 4: Foreign investment top regions Source: US Commercial Service, 2010 Disadvantages Registering a company in Moscow is very expensive. Though Moscow represents the most populated city in 2009,   the major problem faced by companies wanting to set up their business in Moscow is that it requires 9 procedures and costs 2.7% of the total GNP per capita to complete all business procedures (The World Bank, 2009). The major problem of conducting business in Moscow is that it is has become increasingly challenging to find qualified local partners and Russian employees. In addition to this, the salaries of local employees have risen significantly in Moscow (UK Trade and Investment, 2009). Nevertheless, the positive side to this is that the digital signage market is Moscow is booming. According to the Association of Communication Agencies in Russia, in the first half of the year 2008, Russia witnessed a significant growth of 13% in outdoor advertising, largely due to the increase in the digital signage market (Rushworth, 2008). Statistics from Integrated Systems Russia, an exhibition held in Moscow in 2009, shows that Moscow witnessed 66% of the total visitors, followed by 12% in the Moscow region and 4% in St. Petersburg (Integrated Systems Russia, 2009a).The figure below represents the ranking of visitor activity from different regions in Russia.https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7vfeTRpsRebFYxlzz95uB26cpCYa1G2PXHmi-sa_vof1n61Uy6hz71_gm3APoivUDKRs32MMjpefgnM2aDbM08yvKoPYEK5d3XvoApCOE21xVot1Opg Figure 6: Ranking of visitor activity from different regions in Russia Source: Integrated Systems Russia, 2009a Digital Education that took place in Moscow in 2009 was targeted at Moscow and Federal government officials responsible for education, which signifies the potential for the latest audio-video equipment (Integrated Systems Russia, 2009b).This clearly indicates the market potential for the Puffersphere products in the Moscow digital signage market. 6.1 ADVERTISING In the Russian advertising market television, radio, print and billboard media are widespread. The domestic and international advertising agencies are effective in Russia. The boom in the advertising industry in the country is a result of strong economic growth and increasing incomes. Companies that were affected by the economic crisis have recovered and started investing in mass media for advertising. Although the traditional methods of advertising still do exist in Russia, advertising agencies have refined their communication methods to meet the needs of the modern firm and are progressing quite well (US Commercial Service, 2010).The shopping malls, airports and advertising agencies present in Russia appear quite promising for the Puffersphere XXL and M models. Pufferspheres definitely have a great potential in the Russian market. Moscow and St. Petersburg have plenty of shopping malls and big box stores where Pufferspheres M and XXL can be used for advertising products (US Commercial Service, 2010). Afimall shopping centre is located in the core of Moscow city and is by far the largest shopping mall in Russia. Puffersphere XXL can be used for displays and indoor advertising in this mall   (AFI Development, 2008). Airports are another segment that Pufferfish can consider. Moscow has three major airportsà Ã‚ ± namely Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo. St. Petersburgs airport comprises of two terminals: Pulkovo-1 (domestic flights) and Pulkovo-2 (international flights).Puffersphere XXL can be used in these airports to display flight information, advertising and to display television channels (US Commercial Service, 2010). Other advertising agencies that can be interested in buying Pufferspheres are Starcom, Mindshare and Mediacom. The aforementioned media agencies can use the spheres for advertising (Mind Advertising Limited, 2011). The major concern for the company can be the cost of the product. Nevertheless the advertising agencies, airports and malls operate on a large scale, making the Puffersphere prices affordable for them. 8.3 CORPORATE In the past, Pufferfish Displays limited has taken part in exhibition centres and trade shows all over the world which has enabled the company to generate awareness about their product and build new contacts (Geoff, 2011). A significant part of marketing in Russia takes place through trade shows. Russians prefer to shop at trade shows as it provides them with an opportunity to learn from the array of technical experts and company displays. The success of European companies is mainly due to their high participation rates which is around 90 % of all foreign companies in the Russian shows and this is evident through their market share of industrial equipment which is approximately 70 percent. The exhibitions held in major cities are usually visited by representatives of regional governments and state enterprises from distant areas to purchase goods (UK Trade and Investment, 2009). Promotional seminars are another efficient way to increase awareness of equipment and brand awareness in the Russian business community. The seminars usually gather appropriate press coverage in the industry publications   (UK Trade and Investment, 2009). Trade fairs for the digital signage market have been taking place in Russia for quite some time now. The Integrated Systems Russia is the leading show with people visiting from all over Russia and abroad. Since Puffer fish uses an opportunistic approach for its sales, the Expocenter, which will be held in Moscow this year will act as a platform for Puffer fish to enter Russia (Integrated Systems Russia, 2010). Statistics from the previous year proves that the exhibition is a major success and attracted more than 8000 visitors. The figure below represents the visitors business activity (Integrated systems Russia, 2009a) https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/FiaHLl88-9l8jODnGWssuT0XI_EXs__oTKeURgcz-aQpFavDV8s2uC1XUaQlkTecmUplA3F1VqGxYFGLJfRLoWyuFlJrToyokKoCxC09hM2B9UQ0cl8 Figure 3: Integrated systems Russia 2009 Source: (Integrated systems Russia, 2009) The 2011 Expocenter certainly seems promising for Pufferfish Limited and will open a wide spectrum of opportunities for the company. The show presents the latest AV and electronic system technologies to the commercial, professional and residential electronic systems integration industries (Integrated Systems Russia, 2010). This provides Pufferfish an opportunity to display their Puffer sphere XXL and M models and in turn help Pufferfish attract various target segments on a single podium. 9.1 Uppsala model: Johanson J. Vahlne J-E. (1977), The Internationalization process of the firm a model of knowledge development and increasing foreign market commitments, Journal of International Business Studies, 8(1): 23-31 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2I_BZ45ctC9ENlGidRD_VREX0JKyHUMxuolE-ZaA7djj3UqzFFmpAMDfxyKdvcsTYYJsTqSnASCsWNF37pL8UNRG5JwEVW5QWGBCZNT1RDevQgsLw8Q (Johanson Vahle, 1977). https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/YKQWjMvYoipq2TfLg1Z2W_a2wuqnB8Wuc-dRdyZ2TSfxaIdqguTTMdoszm6s1NRjpJ80IUtPJCh6Ii8_l3_0Mz8cL1L17pMEeiS97JRFUDEk-f8RH1A http://www.provenmodels.com/586/internationalisation-process/jan-johansonjan-erik-vahlne/ The Uppsala model is a dynamic model which explains the internationalisation of a firm as a process. The model explains two patterns in the internationalisation process of the firms (Johanson Vahlne, 1990, in Johanson Associates, 1994). The first pattern explains the establishment chain wherein the company engages in operations in a particular foreign market. The establishment chain consists of a sequence of stages that are created in small incremental steps with extended commitment which increases with every new step. The four stages were identified by Johanson and Wiedersheim-Paul in the year 1975 which are as follows: 1.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   No regular export activities 2. Export via independent representatives (agent)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3. Sales subsidiary and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4. Production/manufacturing (Johanson Wiedersheim-Paul, 1975, in Johanson Associates,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1994, p. 34.) The second pattern describes the fact that firms have a tendency to enter new markets with sequentially greater psychic distance and also greater geographical distance in some cases (Johanson Vahlne, 1990, in Johanson Associates, 1994; Hollensen, 2001). Firms therefore have a tendency to enter markets they understand, where they perceive opportunities and the uncertainty levels are relatively low. As proposed in the model, the firm can perceive opportunities without uncertainty only through experiential knowledge. Therefore, the firms choose incremental steps and engage in a sequential manner in foreign markets (Hansson, Sundell , ÃÆ'-hman , 2004) . Joint ventures or Greenfield: Joint ventures: The most recognised mode of entry into a new market is through establishing a joint venture with a foreign firm. A joint venture requires setting up a firm that is jointly owned by two or more otherwise independent firms. A joint venture involves two or more companies creating a legally independent company to share some of the parent companys resources with the purpose of developing competitive advantage.   Joint ventures can take various forms, with the most common being a 50/50 shareholding in a company.A few advantages of a joint venture are the reduction of risk through sharing of the project, facilitate entry into a market and quick profits. However problems such as inability to work with the local partner due to the varying organisational cultures and the national culture, can affect the joint venture and limit its performance (Lynch, 2006). In recent years,the rate of International Joint venture(IJV) formation has continued to rise steadily among the emerging markets in Latin America, Asia   and Eastern Europe.   The aforementioned emerging markets account for close to 70% of all IJV entries by multinational corporations. According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, 35 % of companies used joint ventures to enter into emerging markets but only 21% continue to use them. The chart from Deloittes research shows that Joint Venture is the most popular entry mode into developing markets (Mahidhar et.al, 2009). https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RF5UMKWJ67-S0PRLoVETrzdfVxDx1q_ncwGmM9izsH0QQRGPEwxY_R64xXjX7RviiN77Wae-Q-Qc0ePjGCKwanPiXTvf8TrDrMnDpUW-AsbMlhi_M6A SOURCE:(Mahidhar et.al, 2009) This section typically aims at answering some of the common question that arises when foreign investors use joint venture in Russia   (Schwarz Viktorov, 2005):  ·   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Are there restrictions on foreign participation? In general there are no restrictions on foreign participation except for certain industries such as banking and insurance field   (Schwarz Viktorov, 2005).  ·   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What are the legal problems which a foreign investor in a joint venture faces? The formation and operation of joint ventures are relatively easier for foreign investors due to the liberalisation of the process of state registration of joint ventures and foreign currency legislation. Nevertheless, a few problems do exist (Schwarz Viktorov, 2005): o   Ã‚  Recurring change of legislation. o   Ã‚  The state authorities fail to conform with established terms and procedures for provision of consents, approvals, registration and issuance of licenses and so on.  ·   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What are the types of joint venture vehicles commonly used by foreign investors? The figures below represent the principal types of joint ventures:https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/RnQg8HPYJ6ZvBOpuQcfbwff_LORWvqfVpA9Q5vj3miT1TbyK7lvJfueE9BTOGeysFfIqaPx1-JuNQbwdTx6N_kIkhq0IKYUFojl0HMqaLyRDRQXiqAE Source:   (Schwarz Viktorov, 2005) FORMING A RUSSIAN LEGAL ENTITY: The above figure describes the types of commercial legal entities that are recognised by the Civil Code of Russian Federation such as general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, additional liability companies, additional liability companies, joint stock companies (UK Trade and Investment, 2009). There are two types of joint ventures namely limited liability companies (LLC) where in involvement is based on participation interests and joint stock companies ( JSC) where in involvement is based on shares (Schwarz Viktorov, 2005). The crucial part of entering a market is to decide whether to enter as a limited liability company or joint stock company. LLCs are preferred over JSCs in setting up a wholly owned subsidiary since the process of establishment and operation of an LLC is less taxing and time consuming as there are no legal requirements that an LLC must issue shares or perform any procedures related to issuance, establishment and issuance of securities. This form of entity is more flexible and mobile as there is no requirement of issuing shares when the participants need to change the contract capital of the company. Nevertheless, a JSC is preferred for a joint venture in Russia between parties that are not related due to the following reasons. First, in an LLC each participant is eligible to leave the company at any time and for no specific reason, without the consent of other participants. In comparison to a JSC, the LLC law considers a lot of issues which requires undisputed voting decisions of LLC participants that might not be fair for a joint venture partner who is a majority participant in the LLC (UK Trade and Investment, 2009). Given the current situation Pufferfish Displays limited must invest into Russia only after they gain sufficient knowledge about the market. This may take a good three to four years. Depending on the situation then the company may choose from the aforementioned entities. They may additionally take help or guidance from the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce or the UK Trade and Investment for setting up the preferred entity. Pufferfish Displays, 2010. Services:Content Creation and Consultancy. Retrieved March 17, 2011, from Pufferfish Ltd: http://www.pufferfishdisplays.co.uk/services/ Pufferfish Displays, 2009. Case studies:Eurovision. Retrieved March 17, 2011, from Pufferfishlimited Website: http://www.pufferfishdisplays.co.uk/case-studies/eurovision/ AFI Development, 2008. Projects: Afimall city, [online]. Available at: http://www.afi-development.ru/en/projects/map/moscow/mallofrussia [Accessed 9 March 2011]. Deloitte, 2010. Doing Business in Russia 2010, [online]. Available at: http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_RU/ru/insights/doingbusinessinrussia/index.htm [Accessed 26 February 2011]. Hansson, G., Sundell , H., and ÃÆ'-hman , M., 2004. The new modified Uppsala model Based on an anomalistic case study at Malmberg Water AB. Hickson, D.J., and Pugh, D.S., 1995. Management Worldwide:The Impact Of Societal Culture On Organizations Around The Globe. London: Penguin. Integrated Systems Russia, 2009a. Statistics of the third international exhibition and conference, [online]. Available at: http://www.isrussia.ru/en/isrussia/statistics [Accessed 4 March 2011]. Integrated Systems Russia, 2009b. Digital Education, [online]. Available at: http://www.isrussia.ru/en/isrussia/digital_education [Accessed 2 March 2011]. Integrated Systems Russia, 2010. About the show, [online]. Available at: http://www.isrussia.ru/en/isrussia/Digital_Signage [Accessed 4 March 2011]. Johanson, J., and Associates, 1994. Internationalization, Relationships and Networks. Stockholm: Almqvist Wiksell International. Johanson, J., and Vahlne, J-E., 1990. The Mechanism of Internationalization.   Stockholm: Almquist Wiksell International. Johanson, J. and Vahlne, J-E. 1977. The Internationalization Process of the Firm A Model of Knowledge Development and Increasing Foreign Market Commitment. Journal of International Business Studies, 8, pp.23-32. Johanson, J., and Wiedersheim-Paul, F., 1975. The Internationalization of the Firm Four Swedish Cases. Stockholm: Almquist Wiksell International. Lynch, R., 2006. Corporate Strategy.Pearson Education Limited. Mahidhar, V., Giffi, C., Kambli, A., Alvanos, R., and Grunewald, J., 2009. Rethinking Emerging Market Strategies: From offshoring to strategic expansion. Deloitte, [online]. Available at: http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_US/us/article/43cc586731101210VgnVCM100000ba42f00aRCRD.htm [Accessed 9 March 2011]. PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia, 2009, Doing business and investing in the Russian Federation, [online]. Available at: http://russia.polpred.com/upload/pdf/doing-business-in-russia-2009.pdf?PHPSESSID=u85buagf7pdte5b77is3n96mt4 [Accessed 12 February 2011]. PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2010. Doing Business and investing in the Russian Federation, [online]. Available at: http://www.pwc.ru/en/doing-business-in-russia/assets/Doing-Business-Russian-Federation-2010.pdf [Accessed 12 February 2011]. Pufferfish Displays, 2011a. Pufferfish Home, Products and Services, [online]. Available at: http://www.pufferfishdisplays.co.uk [Accessed 11 March 2011]. Pufferfish Displays, 2011b. Pufferfish Resources: Investors, [online]. Available at: http://www.pufferfishdisplays.co.uk/resources/pufferfish-investors [Accessed 11 March 2011].    Pufferfish Displays, 2011c. Pufferfish: Products, [online]. Available at: http://www.pufferfishdisplays.co.uk/products [Accessed 11 March 2011]. Rushworth, R., 2008. Local Authorities and DS An outside chance. HF Network Lt

90s :: essays research papers

Music in the nineties can be simply described as diverse. Diverse meaning that music has been segregated into hundreds of groups. This report will refer in detail to three genres of music: Alternative Country, Rap, Alternative Rock. It will also cover certain aspects indicative of the 90's. Alternative Country Music In 1990, a band called Uncle Tupelo from Belleville, Illinois, released their debut album. Titled No Depression, it featured a rough mixture of punk-rock songs, but it also added something different: several toned-down, acoustic ballads that had a distinct country flavor. A few years later, that simple little song and album title became the name of an internet fan club and chat group. It didn't stop there, in 1995, a magazine of the same name went into publication, and "No Depression" soon became the leading title for a progressive alternative country movement. Other names include "insurgent country" "Americana," or simply "alt.country," the latter is a reminder of the role the internet has played in the growth and publicity of this movement. For the most part, No Depression or alt.country bands aren't much of a threat to the sales figures of mainstream Nashville country artists. But the speed with which this music has caught on has shown that a substantial number of people have grown weary of the overproduced pop trends of 1990's mainstream country music, and the limited range of styles and sounds that are typically played on country radio stations. Rap Music Rap of the late 70's and 80's, commonly called "old school", was made by DJs scratching records and playing drum loops, with MCs rapping over the resulting rhythms. As the genre progressed, hard-rock guitars and hard-hitting beats were introduced by Run-D.M.C., the first hardcore rap group, and the scratching techniques were replaced by sampling. With their dense collages of samples, beats and white noise, Public Enemy took sampling to the extreme, and they helped introduce a social and political conscience to rap. This faded in the '90s, as gangsta rap, originally introduced by NWA, who used Public Enemy's sound as a template, became the dominant form. By the '90s, gangsta rap, which originally was in direct opposition to such pop-oriented rappers as MC Hammer, had become smoothed over and stylish, and consequently was more popular than ever, as evidenced by the success of pop-gangsta Puff Daddy in the late 90's. Alternative Rock Music Alternative pop/rock is essentially a catch-all term for post-punk bands from the mid-'80s to the mid-'90s. Though there is a variety of musical styles within alternative rock, they are all tied together since they originally existed outside of the mainstream.

The Importance of Education in Our Society Essay -- Education Society

The Importance of Education in Our Society In our culture today, there is a huge emphasis on education, especially higher education. Society basically says the more educated you are, the better off you are. That is pretty much true if you live by the means of society. The basic idea that education, especially a college education, is something that people should pursue even into their adult years is not by any means a new idea. Every society has specialized individuals who fulfill certain positions that require extended education. In some cases, these people are known as shamans, priests, or professors, or they may be doctors, mechanics, blacksmiths, or artists. In all these professions, some form of higher education is necessary. It could come from an apprentice or rigorous private study, or it could take the form of a formal higher education. Whatever the form, the meaning is the same, gain knowledge and use it. The idea of education has been a big part of each and every culture on earth. However, as we all know, there are many questions on what it means to be educated in the form of higher education: questions we, as students, must face sooner or later. Here I am, my junior year in college. In a couple of years, I will be either prolonging my education or out in the real world trying to make a living. I must ask myself these questions: What is the purpose of my higher education? What exactly am I learning? Is the education I am receiving here at the University of Arkansas going to be good enough for a future employer? If I am educated does that mean I am trained to do only one thing? Am I one-dimensional? First of all, what does it mean to be educated here at the University of Arkansas? In other w... ...rked fears of the return of the university system geared toward the wealthy. Society needs the higher educated, because the educated do serve a purpose. Not everyone is as blessed as the fortunate few to have obtained a higher education. Society needs professionals (doctors, lawyers, and engineers). It also needs artiest, essay writing professors, philosophers and politicians. In certain ways the educated owe it to the society they came from to make it a better, more diverse living environment, for everyone including themselves. Education is not just what your major is, it is also what you learn along the way. It's about learning about life and who you are. All the while becoming specialized so that you may contribute to yourself and society. It's a journey, and for those of us fortunate enough to embark on that journey I hope that we make the most of it.

Rational Decision Making Model Essay -- Decisions Rationality Essays

Rational Decision Making Model Abstract What is a decision? The word decision can be defined as, â€Å"the act of reaching a conclusion or making up one's mind† (American Heritage, 2000). Essentially, a decision is a choice that an individual or a group of people makes. A decision can be a single action, an entire process, or even just a single spoken word or gesture. Decision-making is one of the defining characteristics of leadership. Making decisions is what managers and leaders are paid to do, and is an integral part of their day’s duties. The affects of decisions can range from minor in consequence to life or career threatening. Regardless of the consequences, it is important to understand when a decision needs to be made and the best way to make it. This paper will focus on the Rational Model for decision-making. The first section will describe the Rational Model for decision-making. It will identify all the steps of the Rational Model and what they entail. The second section will detail a recent job-related issue I was involved with. I will discuss the issue and show how the Rational Model of decision-making was effectively utilized to reach a decision. Decision Making Model – The Rational Model A decision is a solution chosen from among alternatives. Decisions must be made when a person is faced with a problem or an issue that needs resolution. Decision-making is the process of selecting a course of action (ideas or alternatives) that will solve a problem and resolve any issues. Decision-making models provide people with a method for making decisions. There are numerous decision-making methods people utilize today. Some are meant to be all encompassing, meaning they can be utilized in many different environments. Others are specific to issues or industries, such as technology, psychology, and mathematics. Regardless of the problem, there is usually a decision-making process that is best suited for any situation, and it is up to us to find it. The Rational Model Definition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to the School of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University, the Rational Model of decision-making, â€Å"requires comprehensive problem definition, an exhaustive search for alternatives, and thorough data collection and analysis. According to this model, information exchange and communication are unbiased, and accurate decision alternativ... ...ch a decision. One of these models is the Rational Model. The benefit of utilizing the Rational Model to reach a decision is that it is easier to justify and defend a decision, due to the complexity and the thoroughness of the processes involved. The Rational Model is useful for developing a strong business case for why a specific course of action should be considered anytime a major business, or even personal decision must be made. References American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, The (4th ed.). (2000). Houghton Mifflin.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Retrieved June 26, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://dictionary.reference.com/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  search?q=decision Penn State Univ., School of Information Sciences and Technology. (2003, February 21).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Information Processing and Decision Making. Retrieved June 26, 2005 from the World   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wide Web: http://solutions.ist.psu.edu/rd/projects/110_2003/courses/110/content/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  02_05_01.html University of Houston Victoria, The. (2005, June). Problem Solving. Master of Business   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Administration New Student Orientation. Retrieved June 26, 2005 from the World Wide   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Web: http://www.uhv.edu/bus/new/orientation/creative.htm

Grade graduation speech

You know, I never expected to be standing up here but here I m, giving this speech and probably doing a terrible Job at It because If you couldn't tell, I'm pretty nervous. But thanks to NAMES, It pushed me out of my comfort zone and onto this stage In front of all you wonderful people. Succeeding from middle school Is no easy task, looking back It surprises me that I even made It this far. A famous author, Theodore Roosevelt, once said, â€Å"A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but If he has a collage education he may steal the whole rally road. Even though we have a while to get a collage education, we've made It here, to the end of 8th grade. Just like a rail road the train has to be set on a good track, just like our education. So far for this 8th grade class, our tracks have been fantastic ever since we first started our journey. Our first stop was 6th grade. New building, new people, and it were a whole new environment. New fears emerged and I reme mber feeling like a fish out of the sea.The year went by and our next stop was 7th grade, which the teachers have been preparing us for. We came back much more confident than the year before. We looked down at the 6th graders and asked ourselves, â€Å"Were we that short just last year? And by the end of 7th grade, we were on our way to 8th grade. The year started off at a sprint and it seems to have left many of us still trying to catch our breath but 8th grade is also the year we start becoming independent and learn to let go of our guardian's hands.From the moment we stepped foot into this building till the moment we walk out, this Journey has definitely been an unforgettable one for all of us. On this Journey, we have laughed, we have cried, we have argued, we have learned, and we are about to enter into another mile of our journey in a new place. Some of us will go one way, and others another, but at the ND of the Journey we will always have the memories of here, of this schoo l, the memories of our NAMES pride and traditions.As we say goodbye on the last day we sit together as NAMES students, we reflect on what has happened the past 3 years, but also look forward to yet another Journey coming up, high school. 8th grade graduation speech By Maintain-Tastes have been able to accomplish this much without their help. So today, in honor of all am, giving this speech and probably doing a terrible Job at it because if you couldn't tell, I'm pretty nervous. But thanks to NAMES, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and onto this stage in front of all you wonderful people.Succeeding from middle school is no easy task, looking back it surprises me that I even made it this far. A famous steal from a freight car; but if he has a collage education he may steal the whole rail road. † Even though we have a while to get a collage education, we've made it here, to the end of 8th grade. Just like a rail road the train has to be set on a good track, Just since we first started our Journey. Our first stop was 6th grade. New building, new we that short Just last year? † And by the end of 7th grade, we were on our way to 8th

Garbage Pollution

I would like to acknowledge all the persons who have helped me to complete this assignment. These persons are my mother and my social studies teacher. Introduction This school based assessment is based on garbage pollution. The area chosen for survey on garbage pollution is the community of august town. You will learn about the causes that contribute to garbage pollution and the effects of it. The person’s views of garbage pollution will also be taken into consideration.All refuse other than industrial waste and effluents. It consists largely of easily decomposable and putrefying organic (animal and vegetable) waste from preparation, handling, storage, and sale of serving of food.Statement of Problem Why is garbage pollution one of the major issues of my community? What are the effects of it and how it can be solved? Reason for Investigation The reason for this investigation is due to inconsistency of appearances of the garbage collectors assigned to the august town community. And when the garbage is not collected it causes garbage pollution which attracts rodents and insects which can be dangerous to the human health due to the diseases that they carry. Another reason is to research and know different means by which the community cleanliness and beauty can improve.Method of Investigation The researcher has chosen the questionnaire as a use for the investigation in attaining data. It is a simple way of collecting data and does no requires too much time. Procedures for Data Collection The research was conducted on September 1, 2012, on garbage pollution in the community of august town. The researcher walked around the community and distributed 30 questionnaires, randomly to persons that were seen, including friends and family. The questionnaires were given to persons between the ages of 12 to 18 years old.Out of the total respondents 15 were females and 15 were males. Getting the information that was necessary for the questionnaire on the spot made it much easier and it also saved allot of time. But I ensured that each respondent spend enough time completing it so it wasn’t being done in much has te.Questionnaire for Community MembersSex Male ( )Female ( )Age 12-15yrs ( )16-18yrs ( )Where in August Town do you live? Central August Town ( ) Brycill ( ) Hermitage ( ) Goldsmith Villa ( ) Bedward Garden ( ) Vietnam ( ) Jungle 12 ( ) Barrette Drive ( ) Bedward Crescent ( ) July rd. )How long have you live in the community? 1-4yrs ( ) 5-7yrs ( ) 8-10yrs ( ) others ( )Are you an environmental friendly person? Yes ( ) No ( )Do you have a problem with garbage pollution? Yes ( ) No ( )Do you recognise how dangerous is garbage pollution to our environment? Yes ( ) No ( )How does garbage pollution affect you negatively? Causes flies to be around ( ) Attracts Rodents ( ) Emits foul scent ( )Do you think that politics has to deal with how good you get service for garbage collection? Yes ( ) No ( ) Not Sure ( )How often do the garbage collectors collect your garbage? Every day ( ) Weekly ( ) Monthly ( )What do you think can make the garbage collectors come on time? More money for their job s ( ) More discipline ( ) Fired if continuously unpunctual ( ) If they are treated with more respect from community members ( )Do you litter? Yes ( ) No ( ) Sometimes ( )Would you support recycling? Yes ( ) No ( ) Maybe ( )Have you ever called the garbage company about the corrosion of garbage? Yes ( ) No ( ) Thought about it ( )Has the rodents and insects attracted to the garbage pollution ever affected you with any sickness or diseases? Yes ( ) No ( )Do you treat the rubbish collectors with respect? Yes ( ) No ( ) Sometimes ( )What is the longest time the garbage collector has ever taken to collect your garbage? 1 Week ( ) 1 Month ( )2 Month ( ) 3 Month ( ) other ( )Have you ever witnessed someone in the community littering and you tell them to pick it up? Yes ( ) No ( ) Afraid ( ) No because I do the same ( )Who should be blamed for garbage pollution the most?Me ( ) Persons who litter on the street ( ) the government systems the garbage collectors ( )Who should be blamed if the g arbage pollution attracts insects and rodents which give leptospirosis, malaria, yellow fever and other diseases to children? Me ( ) persons who litter on the street ( ) the government system ( ) the garbage collectors ( )Presentation of data These are the views of the august town residents showing how often the garbage collectors collect their garbage. 3. 3% of them say that garbage is collected daily, 10% say that it is collected weekly, and 86. % of them say it is collected monthly. Suggested options from residents to make garbage collectors be more punctual These are the opinions of residents on what they think would make the garbage collectors be more punctual. 40% of the residents think that if they received more money for their jobs they would be more punctual. 30% of them believe that if they are treated with more respect from community members they would be more punctual. 16. 7% say that if they have more discipline they would come on time, and 13. 3% say that they should be fired if ontinuously unpunctual. This is a diagram showing the ratio of persons in percentages who litter, which also contributes to garbage pollution. Though 50% of the respondents litter sometimes, and 17% per cent of them do litter, I congratulate the 33% of the persons who do not litter. These persons are environmental friendly and contribute to the cleanliness of the environment. This is a representation of the longest period that garbage has been ever been collected. 3. 3% say that the longest garbage has ever been collected is a period of one week. 3% say that the longest time for collection is one month, 20% say two month, and 13. 3% say three months. And the other 30% say others which mean it extends the period of three months. This is a diagram which shows the persons being blamed for pollution by residents. 63% of the persons litter on the streets and are blamed for the pollution because they contribute to it the most. 13. 3% blame the government, 13. 3% blame the garbage collectors, and 10% says â€Å"me† which means they blame themselves for the pollution. Analysis of interpretation of dataGarbage pollution is a problem in the community that must be solved especially because of its negative effects such as; causing flies to be around, attracts rodents, and emits foul scent. During taking the views of the residents into consideration, I realised that most persons were affected negatively by the rodents.Pests such as rats were seen th e most as rodents, and can be very dangerous especially due to the fact that they can give diseases which are dangerous to humans. Most persons garbage is collected monthly which also contributes to pollution because it gives more time for the garbage to become in excessive amount.This causes more of the person’s garbage not being collected at a punctual time which makes the residents angry, frustrated, and wondering why does collection takes so long. One of the main problems is that the garbage collectors don’t come on time, which causes the garbage collection, but most persons believe that if they were being paid more money they would be more punctual. Some of the same persons who have a problem with the garbage pollution are some of the same ones who are contributing to it, especially the persons who litter on the street.There are also persons who do not litter but still has to face some of the effects of garbage pollution especially the amount of rodents. Another n egative effect is the long length of time that the garbage collectors take to collect the garbage, because the longer it takes for the garbage to be collected is the worse the pollution will be and the effects of it. During the various conversations with the residents I was informed that the longest garbage had not been collected for, is about three to six months.I think the government should implement garbage collection systems to ensure that these long periods of garbage collection be improved and do not take place again. Persons who are blamed the most for garbage pollution are the persons who litter on the street, especially because they make it difficult for the environment to be cleanly. Statement of finding * The persons who litter on the streets are seen as one of the main factors for garbage pollution.The longer the garbage is taken to be collected are the worse the garbage pollution gets and the negative effects of it. If garbage collectors are being paid more money their interest would be increased, so they would more likely collect the garbage’s on time. Recommendation As said before I the researcher believe that the government should implement garbage collection systems to ensure that these long periods of garbage collection be improved and do not take place again. The residents should also give the garbage collectors more respect, and make the environment better by not littering either. Bibliography Social Studies CSEC Module By; Rampersad Ramsawak and Ralph R. Umraw Garbage: Pollution Garbage pollution means littering civic waste particularly household waste into places not designated to dispose it off. It is mainly caused by mismanagement of solid waste when garbage is not lifted from streets and areas to carry it to landfill sites for its final disposal. It all happens owing to poor system of either garbage collection.Causes of garbage pollutionPollution of garbage increases in cities and towns where there is no proper system of garbage collection. Households have to simply collect the entire garbage of their houses and place it to outside home in dustbin or bag. Its collection is the task of civic agency of the area. If garbage collection agency or contractor does not play its role properly and does not collect the garbage regularly then the problem of this kind of pollution would obviously arise.Improper disposal mechanism is another cause of this type of pollution. If garbage collection agency simply collects the entire garbage of its area of responsibility b ut does not dispose it off in proper landfill site then it would litter around here and there and most of it would pile up in streets and other areas. It would eventually cause several diseases due to mushrooming growth of harmful bacteria in it. Effects of garbage pollutionIn least developed countries mostly garbage is dumped in open or freely available places and to make its final disposal entire garbage is burnt and no one stops them because of un-awareness. Burning garbage not only adds land pollution after being fully burnt but it also becomes source of air pollution by emitting harmful gases while burning. It is called one of the worst air polluting acts because it remains directly in breathing zone of human beings.Garbage pollution is main cause of various bacterial diseases and gastro is one of them. Moreover, typhoid, malaria and various infectious diseases are also caused by it. Mosquitoes and other insects amasses in places where there are piles of garbage and ultimately spread various diseases in the  area. Solutions for garbage pollutionThe key solution for garbage pollution lies in proper management of solid waste. Apart from that there are three slogans to address this issue; reduce, reuse and recycle. In this way garbage pollution issue could be solved with simply community efforts. Here reduce means to generate garbage less means fully use the thing and then treat it as garbage like write on every inch of a paper and then through it as useless. Similarly reuse means if possible use again and again an item instead of throwing it away; for example if you buy oil in a bottle so after consuming that oil use the bottle to keep any other liquid item in it like liquid soap or dish washer liquid etc. Recycle means instead of disposing of garbage in landfill site sort out from it the things which can be made reusable after slight treatment to it like cans, tins, bottles et