Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Education Assessment in Practice Research Paper
Education Assessment in Practice - Research Paper Example In my application of the ongoing assessments in my role as an educator I have decided to ensure that I meet all the five dimensions of a good and quality classroom assessment. In my role as an educator, I plan to explore different technologies available for assessment in assessing my students. This technology and instruments will be helping me to design an assessment that can attempt to reveal what my students are thinking. Various technologies that I am planning to adapt to help me with the assessments are in place. Some of these technologies are use of a response device designed to work with multiple-choice and true-false questions, use of group scribbles, and the use of a network-graphing calculator. I am also planning to be evaluating my applications of this assessment tools to ensure a continued improvement in the way I will be assessing my students. I will be using the simple response device designed to work in multiple-choice and true-false questions with information about my students. If this kind of device is carefully designed and used in a meaningful way, it is believed that answers obtained to these types of questions can give information that can be used to assess students and suggest on the measure that need to be taken to improve their learning (USDE, 2012). I will be posing multiple-choice questions to my class, ask my students to use response devices to answer the questions and then have them discuss those questions with their peers who have different answers. My main objective to using this kind of assessment will be trying to raise the levels of engagement of my students in the learning process. Another type of technology that I am planning to be applying in my assessment as an educator is the use of Group Scribbles. According to USED (2012), this is a more sophisticated system that supports peer instruction by capturing complex responses from students. This could allow my student to contribute in classroom discussions using the enhanced chan ces that the technology offers. If I plan to explain how an idea can be applied, I will be asking groups of my students to explain different ways in which this idea can be applied and share their explanations by placing them on a white board. This will ensure that my students learn by explaining their work to other students and through the feedbacks they receive or provide. I also plan to be using rubrics to express what is expected of them in any kind of assessment I decide to give them. This rubrics will be helping my student to understand how quality is judged in the different undertakings they are assigned to undertake in different fields they are working in. I could also use the rubrics to give assessment scores and ratings that will always be demonstrating the measure they are intended to measure and which will always ensure consistency no matter who is selected to mark the assessments. This will ensure that my students obtain the fairest assessment available thus motivating t hem to enhance their learning. Discuss which element of formative assessment is the most difficult to get right away According to Iron (2007), the four elements of a formative assessment are goals which are clear to students; the feedback which measures the student’s current learning state; formative feedback which can be used as a means for closing the gap between the student’
Monday, October 28, 2019
Toyota and Hilton Hotels Essay Example for Free
Toyota and Hilton Hotels Essay Preliminary Links Toyota and Hilton Hotels are the two companies chosen to answer the questions given for this assignment. The product service divide is more of a continuum in these two companies, with Toyota using large doses of intangibles to enhance its products, and all Hilton hotels offering strong product elements in their superlative service. The Internet sites of the 2 companies, including their web pages for investors have been used for this assignment, with a standard text on Services Marketing, which also covers product elements of the Marketing Mix. The web site of the New York Stock Exchange, where both companies are listed, has also been used. Marketing Comparisons            Both companies have brands for multiple segments (Payne, 2002). Toyota has automobiles for various purposes, while Hilton has different kinds of hotels for each category of guests. However, individual product brands are subordinate to corporate brands in both cases (About Toyota, 2006 and About Hilton Hotels, 2006). Hilton remains within the premium segment space in its service category, and does not operate any budget hotels, while Toyota offers economy models and commercial vehicles apart from its luxury range. Toyota therefore has a broader product range than Hilton. Distribution channels for automobiles and hotels are distinct. Recruitment and training of front-line staff matter more for Hilton, while Toyota relies on agency and franchise personnel for most of its marketing: the People element of the Marketing Mix is therefore critical for Hilton, but incidental for Toyota.  The Process element of the Marketing Mix (Payne, 2002) also matters for a hotel business, while there is less variability in customer interaction for Toyota. Process is more important for internal efficiencies in Toyota, whereas they impact directly on service levels in the business of Hilton. Promotion is more developed in Hilton with international guest room reservations available in real time on the web site, whereas Toyota prefers to make isolated compartments of its marketing activities in various countries. This difference may be related to greater global uniformity in the decision process for reserving hotel rooms than that for investing in automobile purchases. Overall, each company has to focus on different elements on the Marketing Mix, as relevant for their respective strategies.            Toyota faces a more intense competition than Hilton, as the latter has locations as advantages for many of its properties, and has significant capacity utilization guaranteed by airlines, travel agents, and similar industry associates. The numbers of brands that can challenge Hilton are fewer than the equally reputed manufacturers with which Toyota must contend. However, Hilton must contend with more brand switching opportunities, while Toyota customers are tied in for much longer periods. Toyota’s financing business ties in customers, which is a resource that Hilton lacks (Listed Company Directory, 2007). Word-of-mouth promotion matter equally for both companies, but Toyota has to make a greater effort for after-sales service. Toyota must provide customer finance amenities through arrangements with financial institutions, something which does not concern Hilton. However, the latter must provide lines of credit for major clients, whereas Toyota enjoys an immediate realization of sale proceeds convention (considering the automobile business in isolation and as distinct from the financing arm).            Physical Evidence and Preferential Customer elements (Payne, 2002) are vital ingredients of the Hilton Marketing Mix, whereas Toyota can rely more on its distribution chain to provide these values to customers. Maintenance of public areas and exteriors, even during lean season, is an additional cost burden to be borne by Hilton, but this would be significant in the pricing structure of Toyota’s products: Toyota manufacturing plants are not generally in customer views!            Both companies are free to price their products without regulation, but Hilton must contend with the deep discount norm for its industry, while Toyota is not as dependant on promotions and deals, except for occasionally unsuccessful models.            Both companies have composite and effective marketing functions as evidenced by the strengths of their brands, though they have to deploy different strategies to suit their respective business lines. Comparison of Operations            Both companies believe in strong centralization and group control. Both Toyota and Hilton have sound and extensive headquarter organizations (About Toyota, 2006 and About Hilton Hotels, 2006), and exercise invasive degrees of standardization on their operations in various countries. However, Toyota has to contend with more ethnicity, and is more present in the third world, whereas Hilton basically caters to rather uniform business and vacation classes, with a strong focus on the developed world.            Though Toyota does have manufacturing plants around the world, construction of new properties and maintenance of existing ones presents larger engineering and project management challenges for Hilton. Storage and transport of finished goods, on the other hand, must concern Toyota, whereas they would not figure in agendas at Hilton. Purchasing is more complex for Toyota, with more sophistication involved in sourcing semi-precious metals, steel, and other strategic materials. Toyota has also to implement more transparency in its operations, since it is registered under the ISOI 14001 series (About Toyota, 2006).            Toyota also has to maintain more tracks of its customers and product locations because of the possibility of recalls, whereas Hilton does not have to contend with such possibilities. Toyota also has more regulations with which to contend, while Hilton has more freedom to set its quality standards.            Toyota is strongly influenced by technology, with new models, standards, and materials causing regular discontinuities in routine operations, whereas Hilton enjoys a more stable environment in this respect. There have been some improvements in telecommunications and entertainment, which have occasioned guest room upgrades at Hilton, but these are simple and minimal compared to emission standards, engine performance, and design changes with which Toyota must deal all the time.            It would appear that Hilton is in a less complex type of enterprise, while Toyota has to deal with more inter-relationships and different business atmospheres. Comparison of Human Resources Management            The relative natures of business make people more important for Hilton than for Toyota: this is reflected in the competencies promoted in the respective web sites (About Toyota, 2006 and About Hilton Hotels, 2006). Technology and systems weigh so heavily in Toyota’s success that it can rely on smaller numbers of subject-matter specialists, whereas even one customer upset at the behavior of low-level staff, can dilute the Hilton brand. The Human Resources challenge for Hilton is to inculcate the core brand values in every employee at all its properties. The People and Preferential Customer elements of the Marketing Mix matter more for Hilton than for Toyota.            Recruitment is highly centralized in Japan for Toyota, while Hilton must retain local expertise for this purpose in all major countries and regions. Searching for quality talent is a more exhaustive task for human resources professionals in Hilton, since the process has to reach in to lower levels of the organization. Production-line jobs at Toyota are easier to specify and for induction training purposes, and the numbers and importance are on the wane in any case, because of the spread of robotics. Artificial intelligence cannot replace the human element at Hilton. Both companies are equally vulnerable to industrial relations in certain countries, which tolerate militant postures by Unions-the U.K. would be a prime example of this common concern. Toyota and Hilton are in similar situations when it comes to negotiating with external leaders for their blue-collar workers.            Career planning, appraisal, and remuneration matters are probably more international at Hilton, and relatively ethnic in a Japanese sense at Toyota. Senior Executives at Hilton are more eclectic than at Toyota, so their mobility options are also greater. Diversity issue matter more at Hilton, because Toyota conforms to a more conservative and closed pattern as a clearly Japanese entity.            Human Resources Management at Toyota has an additional function compared to their peers in Hilton, with respect to training of franchisee and distribution chain employees. Hilton follows the business model of strongly branding all the properties which it operates, apart from the ones which it owns, while Toyota is clear-cut in leaving customer service to associates in its distribution chain. However, disgruntled customers at show-rooms will hurt the Toyota brand, so the company has to be able to influence people who are not their own employees. Comparisons of Accounting and Finance            Both companies are publicly listed on U.S Exchanges (About Toyota, 2006 and About Hilton Hotels, 2006). However, Toyota offers only Advance Depository Receipts, retaining equity ownership exclusively in Japan. We may therefore expect that both companies have to follow similar treasury standards. The accounting, disclosure, and governance standards of the United States, which are amongst the best in the world, would apply to both companies. Both companies have adequate investor information on the web sites, and must follow accounting practices of comparable if not the very same standards.            There are however, major differences in corporate finance strategies. Toyota invests capital in entities which it does not own fully, whereas Hilton develops revenue lines from properties which it does own. Both companies are in capital intensive lines of business, and both are vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations in cash inflows.            Neither company is backward integrated in to ownership of key suppliers. Public statements about future business prospects indicate that both companies have exhaustive planning and budgetary control systems in place, though information on their internal processes is not available.            Both companies have ambitious capital expenditure plans, and exhibit high credit-worthiness and potential for leverage. The lines of business and investor environments are too different for relevant comparison, but Toyota has greater return and value appreciation potentials.            Toyota has a finance business apart from its core activity of automobiles (Listed Company Directory, 2007). This tangent is to help customers and sellers pay for the company’s products. Hilton does not require any such service for its clients and associates. One may conclude that the Toyota needs more complex accounting procedures because of the need to keep track of dues from customers. Both companies have adequate representation of the finance function in their top management groupings, and neither is known to have been cited for financial irregularities, or for audit and disclosure lapses. It is possible to conclude that the accounting and finance companies of both companies meet the best international standards. Toyota has been recognized by the New York Stock Exchange for excellence in investor relations, which is an additional and significant feather in the cap of its finance function: Hilton cannot claim any such public recognition of excellence in its finance function as yet. Comparison of Information Management            The online reservation amenity and the reward program for loyal customers show, from the respective websites, that Information Management is more fully used by Hilton. The Toyota website lacks multi-media Information Technology use, which could have enhanced browser experiences. It may be that the company uses Information Technology more fully for secret internal processes, but such technology application is lacking in the public space for the company. Hilton also has concrete evidence of using Information Technology to enhance customer value through its express check-out facility, whereas Toyota makes no mention of such conveniences at its show rooms, or for after-sales-service alerts. Toyota has not used opportunities of newsletters and clubs for its customers, which Information Technology offers. The customer response facility on the web site is better and easier to use in the case of Hilton (About Toyota, 2006 and About Hilton Hotels, 2006). Hilton does not allow customers to feel any difference in properties which it operates without owning, whereas Toyota has no perceptible use of Information Technology to standardize customer experiences at all the show rooms and outlets where its products are retailed. Hilton does a better job of enhancing its brand through useful information on related matters, such as places of interest near its properties, whereas Toyota seems to be pre-occupied with hard product features of its models alone. However, both companies use Information Technology to build images of being attractive employers, and devote spaces on their websites for corporate and recruiting issues.            Overall, Toyota needs a superior accounting and finance function, and encounters more complex operations, while marketing is of equal importance to both companies, and while Hilton excels in Human Resources Management, and Information Technology. Comparison of and Recommendations for Productivity            The productivity comparisons for these two companies and my recommendations in this regard, relate primarily to business definition, and to levels of integration and disengagement. Hilton suffers chronic underutilization of its competencies. Enhanced airport services, airline operation, and conducted tours, are the sorts of horizontal integration it should consider to generate more revenue from its base of fixed costs. It may be justified in staying away from actual travel work such as airline operation because it would call for large influxes of fresh commitments, but by improving retail services at airports, and by conducting packaged events for premium customers groups, it can certainly capture significant new values and high margins, without adding to the present infrastructure.            Hilton should also move faster out of North America in to emerging markets and popular adventure and eco-tourism destinations, because this would leverage its expertise in constructing and operating hotels, more fully. The company must have accumulated know-how which is used only marginally in the mature markets in which it is focused now.            Finally, Hilton should copy other chains and build its culinary expertise and resources in to processed food brands, brands of alcoholic beverages, especially wines, and specialty outlets for fine dining.            Overall, Hilton’s productivity is hampered by a narrow business definition. It has acquired assets and built capabilities to support the corporate brand that have large and profitable applications outside the field of hotels.            Toyota has gone to the opposite extreme of Hilton, and spreads its resources too thinly for optimal returns. The fixed costs of design, dealer support, and after-sales-service imply that it should exit from economy-priced product and customer segments. The expansion of premium-priced segments in major markets justifies exclusive focus on them, in productivity terms. It is significant that Toyota has experienced losses through recalls of one of its cheaper models in the recent past (Listed Company Directory, 2007). Developing pressures on the environmental conservation front demand that it concentrate more on new technologies for its engines, at the cost of resources presently tied up in low value segments, even if they contribute high volumes. The company is still in the process of creating new manufacturing capacities (Listed Company Directory, 2007), so this is an opportune time for it to consider restricting its involvement in segments with relatively low returns.            Rising customer expectations and the spread of some of its hitherto proprietary technologies to competitors, also point to the need to try and serve fewer customer groups, albeit to do this with greater effectiveness for the segments in which it decides to remain. Such an approach may require that it move away from shared dealerships to owned-showrooms in star markets, while withdrawing support activities for other markets that do not yield top returns. Business contraction will improve productivity for Toyota: the company is better off than Hilton in this parameter, but needs to review some of its operations in order to sustain the edge. Comparison of and Recommendations for Quality            Toyota is a step ahead of Hilton in terms of quality, primarily because of its ISO 14001 registrations (About Toyota, 2006). It is one of the first companies in the automotive sector to seek ISO registration. The company has reduced the amount of land it needs for manufacturing, and the quantity of paint it consumes, because of ISO procedures. The registrations have also resulted in important productivity gains in areas such as recycling and waste management. The ISO system leads to continuing improvement, so by maintaining its ISO status, Toyota can look forward to continuing quality gains. Though the company continues to suffer from occasions for model recalls (Listed Company Directory, 2007), the probabilities of such events are low.            The decentralization of Toyota’s operations is also responsible for its strong ratings in terms of quality. The company brands similar models very differently in each country, and is sensitive to ethnic needs and perceptions. The company is able to meet top quality standards by considering the views and needs of local customer groups with care. Though the ownership and top management of Toyota is centralized in Japan, the company is sensitive to the peculiarities of all customers and geographical groups which it tries to serve. It is a mark of Toyota’s excellence in quality that it has been able to garner market shares from established manufacturers of luxury automobiles, and has brands with top ranks in premium segments.            Though Hilton is a quality brand in general terms, it does not follow the ISO system, and suffers set-backs as a consequence. One of its hotels has recently been forced to suspend operations because of a virus outbreak (Listed Company Directory, 2007). The company also faces litigation from the family of a person killed inside a room-sized air-conditioning unit in one of its properties (Listed Company Directory, 2007). These are recent examples, and the company is vulnerable to more incidents of this nature at any time.            Overall, company is not a matter to be left to chance, or something which can be limited to certain compartments of the business alone. Hilton will need to adopt a system which makes quality more assured in all aspects of its operations. The recent incidents reported indicate that while the company may be well versed in such quality aspects as house-keeping of its rooms, it lacks appropriate standards in other technical areas related to security and public hygiene. Every enterprise will have limits and gaps in its areas of expertise, and only a system such as ISO can raise quality standards uniformly. However, the recent incidents are exceptions and Hilton is generally associated with high quality standards. The popularity of its reward system for regular guests, and the premium rates it charges are indicators in this respect. Overall, Toyota has a more reliable quality system in place, compared to Hilton, and the latter can catch up through a systematic and concerted effort. References About Toyota, 2006, Company Website accessed January 2007 from:            http://www.toyota.com/about/shareholder/ About Hilton Hotels, 2006, Company Website accessed January 2007 from http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/brand/about.jhtml Listed Company Directory, 2007, New York Stock Exchange Web Site, accessed January 2007 from http://www.nyse.com/about/listed/listed.html  Payne, A. 2002 The Essence of Services Marketing, Prentice-Hall
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Developing Solutions :: essays research papers
Developing and Selecting Solutions Graham Parker’s Structured Problem Solving Guide describes the problem solving process in four phases, one of which is Developing and Selecting Solutions (Phase 4). The other phases are not summarized here, however, it is noteworthy to mention that Phase 4 is the entering into solution development, whereas during the first three Phases of the process, specific problems of study have already been defined, a selection process is undertaken to decide which problems to address, and finally the problem to be studied is characterized by the collection and analysis of the data to be studied. We then pick up the process of developing solutions for addressing the problems identified in the previous phases, as we enter Phase 4. This particular stage of the Creative Problem Solving process is regarded as the primary decision-making stage. The function of implementing solutions hinges on two basic ideas: (1) consideration of the possible solutions by studying the results of the previous stages and the ideas they generated; and (2) development of evaluation criteria. A simplified approach to solution development is the "in-house" search for solutions on the presumption that there are no new problems, only unsolved ones. This simply suggests the research team ask, "has anyone else had this problem?" Consideration would be given to a problem of similar circumstances, how they solved the problem previously, if the solution was successful, and if any disadvantages resulted from the solutions implemented. This method simply uses history to our advantage so that don’t find ourselves re-creating a solution that perhaps has already been developed that would serve current needs. A second consideration would be to find out if anyone else is looking at the same, or a similar, problem. We could determine what, if anything, they have learned to date, determine if we can be of help to each other, and perhaps pool resources to broaden the prospects of ideas and solutions. In-house efforts can quickly bring solutions to common problems, that are frequently dealt with which minimizes effort in coming to a successful solution. Parker explains that sometimes solutions can be found simply by restating the problem, so by examining other problems/solutions with a view toward solving current problems, a solution from previous events, can potentially be redesigned to fit an existing event. When causes of particular problems have been identified, the problem solving process can be directed in several directions, but we concern ourselves with elimination of causes.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Walmart Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework Essays
Walmart Case Definition of Main Problem: There can be no argument that Wal*Mart has revolutionized the discount retailing industry. Furthermore, CEO Glass and COO Soderquist have stepped in at the helm of this company and continued to take it in the right direction by quadrupling sales and profits from 1987 to 1993. The main problem they now face is how to sustain their phenomenal performance, and becoming number one has magnified this issue. No longer can they just sneak into small towns where the only competition is the local merchant’s shop. No longer can they copy larger companies like Sears and J.C. Penny’s because of their size and scope. The fact is, Wal*Mart is bigger than these companies and their direct competitors Kmart and Target are doing everything in their power to close that gap. They are lurking not so quietly in the shadows, benefiting from Wal*Mart’s past choices, successes, and failures. They are there to blow the whistle if Wal*Mart steps outside the lines. Wal*Mart may be growing, but at a rate under 10% for the first time in years. Shareholders are concerned, the press is relentless, and many obstacles lie in their path if they hope to continue the trends Sam Walton set so ambitiously in 1962. Analysis: With one of their main issues being sustained profitability, Wal*Mart is at a critical time in their life. They are no longer the hero, a place commonly reserved for competitors striving to be number one, because Wal*Mart is number one. No one can debate how effective they have been in getting here. Through their focus on superior technology and low cost leadership, Wal*Mart reigned supreme. They are redefining Porter’s five forces model in the discount retailing industry, and are in the enviable position of having first mover’s advantage. Yet this blessing is also a curse. By virtue of their efficient, effective system and its proven success, companies like Kmart and Target are watching closely and both emulating and improving upon this system. An analysis of the five forces model will show Wal*Mart’s main competitive advantages in supplier power and barriers to entry. A look into their distribution centers and how they have been instrumental in reducing supplier power will be followed by an analysis of how effective first mover advantage has been and where they must take it next. Early in the history of... ...rn to introduction and growth as opposed to decline). Thirdly, there are areas both domestic and abroad relatively untouched by Wal*Mart: large cities. Though it may seem like untapped potential in these markets, it is not recommended to expand in these highly populated areas. The axiom, â€Å"If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,†applies: If Wal*Mart were to do an about-face and start expanding in this form, it would send mixed signals about not only changes in the corporate strategy, but also about the future of this conglomeration of stores. This is especially poignant at this volatile time in the price of their stocks. They should also be extremely cautious in the acquisition of existing discount retailing companies. As the industry becomes more concentrated, Wal*Mart’s selectivity in large acquisitions extends beyond just profits. Many times, Wal*Mart could better spend their resources by improving existing stores or building new ones because they can build them around their ideologies at a much lower cost than through purchasing other companies. Again, this is not to say they should not expand in this manner, just that they need to be extremely selective when doing so.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Examine the portrayal of cultural poverty in “Saved” and “The Wasp Factory”
Cultural poverty can be defined as lacking society's principles in many ways. â€Å"The Wasp Factory†and â€Å"Saved†deal with dysfunctional families living in a community that is deprived of hope and aspiration. Their way of life is violent and gothic due to the deficiency of society's ethics and morals. This is reflected in the characters attitudes and minds which to them is all they have ever known. Their isolation from education and society's support structure limits their knowledge of how to live in a community. Lack of education is probably the most defining factor determining how a society advances and improves. Frank's world is completely his creation, with his own morals, principles and rules. He doesn't know how to socialise as he has never experienced life through the point of view of another human being. His total upbringing by his father was completely orchestrated mentally and physically. Frank epitomises the extremes of society's norms at the time that â€Å"The Wasp Factory†was written when Margaret Thatcher was in power. Thatcher's belief when she was in power was that it's â€Å"Every man for himself†which created social isolation between different families, as can be seen in the families of both â€Å"The Wasp Factory†and â€Å"Saved†. Frank's family sounds highly dysfunctional when we discover how he talks of how Eric's mother haemorrhaged and bled to death when Eric was born. His opinion of how Eric was the first murderer of the family is very sinister and thought provoking, â€Å"Old Eric beat me to it, killing his mum before he had even drawn breath†. Frank doesn't even exist in society which is one of the reasons why he has no education because he could never go to school. The same can be said of the characters in â€Å"Saved†who are illiterate and uneducated which can be shown through their vocabulary. No signs of education can be seen in any of the characters due to their personalities and lifestyles. Also the accent that comes through the vocabulary makes the characters seem different, as in our society we are not use to hearing their accents and generally their lifestyles seem isolated from society. We never hear of how they survive, where their income comes from nor even simple daily routines such as house hold duties. Even though the characters speech in â€Å"Saved†is altered, it brings the reader closer to the characters and they seem more human, which is why we understand the characters more personally and understand their different lifestyles. Social isolation is another aspect that affects the characters in â€Å"The Wasp Factory†and â€Å"Saved†. In â€Å"The Wasp Factory†, Frank understands how his island is just a miniscule part of the planet and knows that he limits his own knowledge of first hand experiences of other places, but the reason why his life is surrounded and clouded by the fact that he will never leave the island is deeper. He believes he has been treated cruelly by society and believes that it is influential and contaminating. This is largely due to the fact that when Eric left the island, he was exposed to the social pressures. He says, â€Å"Eric chose a path and followed it – that path led to the destruction of most of what he was†. Frank believes that Eric developing a mental illness as we learn in â€Å"What Happened to Eric†and his personality change is a result of his leaving the island and returning with a changed heart, indicating the world is a cruel and life-changing place. Frank sees his island as a haven, his protection from the cruelty and dangers of the outside world. He even says, â€Å"I don't bother people, and they best not bother me†, which shows he created isolation purposely, and that he isn't a shy or unsociable person. In â€Å"Saved†the setting reflects the characters isolation from society. â€Å"Saved†is set on a completely bare stage, which helps to create its detachment. At the time that â€Å"Saved†was written, the economy in Britain was in decline and unemployment rose, and this is reflected in the play. The society that the play is set was very capitalistic. Capitalism is a social system based on the principle of individual right, and is reflected in the play as the social class the characters are in is segregated. Bond is also trying to address a political issue with this play, Violence will only stop when we live in a just society in which all people are equal in all significant respects. Capitalism can't do this because its political ethos is competitiveness. The stoning of the baby is a consequence of this, but the eruption of violence has nothing to do with the preceding action or with the object of violence, the baby. It's just the result of the general situation (being bored, having no aims in life) and some of their cries while they murder the baby are ruling-class slogans. Aggression is not directed against the source of alienation, but against human nature, in this case the baby as the epitome of neediness and hope for the future. The young people express that they are not interested in children. Both books have similarities and differences in the way women are portrayed. The Wasp Factory†, Frank is brought up entirely by his father, and the effect this has on Franks view of women is very negative – he says, â€Å"My greatest enemies are women and the sea – women because they are weak and live in the shadow of men†(Pg 43). Frank also has a view that women like to see men helpless as he says â€Å"I expected she would just let me crack my skull on the pavement because women like to see men helpless†(Pg 79). Frank's mother also left the family when he was very young, which may be another reason why he resents the existence of women. In â€Å"Saved†the women are portrayed as weak and insecure. Pam is a very fragile character, and is easily hurt or made happy. Her emotions swing from one extreme to the other, in scene ten, she talks to Len about him seeing other women, â€Å"Yer ain' a bad sort†, and the next minute she is screaming at him, â€Å"Yer're a stubborn sod! †(Pg 95). Pam's relationship with Fred is definitely one way, at the beginning of scene 6 we see Pam practically begging Fred to come home that night, â€Å"I don't care if yer bin with yer girls, come ‘ome after†(Pg 59), and Fred basically doesn't really care and just says, â€Å"There's plenty a blokes knockin' about, why don't yer pick on someone else? (Pg 58). Even after the murder of her baby, Pam puts her relationship with Fred above the fact that he contributed towards the baby's murder, which is a reflection on how much she really cared for her child. Relationships are important in society as they help build foundations on how to communicate and acknowledge the fact that everyone is different. In â€Å"Saved†there is not one strong relationship based on trust. The only relationship which can be examined is between Harry and Mary, but even this has its flaws. Harry says that he only lives with Mary as she does the â€Å"washin' an cookin†(Pg 116), and he has no trust towards her as he thinks that if he left, Mary would easily find a replacement, â€Å"she would soon ‘ave someone in my bed†(Pg 119) One thing that is common in the main characters of both books is the lack of hope and aspiration. It is hard to visualise how the characters would develop as time goes by as they all seem to be in a daily routine which limits their awareness beyond their own surroundings and excludes them from their community. In â€Å"Saved†the only character who is idealistic and positive is Len. The author writes, â€Å"Len does not know what he will do next, but then he has never done†. Len's optimism is apparent because he has seen people at their very worst and most hopeless, yet he chooses to remain and not leave. We might believe that for Len to go further in life and to make something of himself he would have to break free of his current situation but he continues to believe that things will eventually work out for himself and for Pam. Bond says that the play is â€Å"irresponsibly optimistic†. This is true as the ending might be a new beginning for both Len and Pam (Possibly because Pam now has her Radio Times back). In â€Å"The Wasp Factory†Frank is optimistic about many things. Firstly he has a sense of optimism that has been enforced by his father. Frank understands that he was never going to be educated in public schools, but he believes that he is just as well educated as others, â€Å"I probably know more about the conventional school subjects than most people of my age†. Frank is also optimistic about Eric coming home as he has a very strong link with him, even though he is certified insane. The ending of the book is also positive; Frank says â€Å"I thought one door had shut behind me years ago, now the door closes, and my journey begins†(Pg 184). Even with the discovery of his new identity, Frank is confident that his â€Å"Journey†will still continue, and that although he realises he is a girl, he is still the same person, â€Å"But I am still me, I am the same person†(Pg 182). It could be said that human beings adapt to their surroundings, which is scientifically true in the case of animals such as rabbits where their fur turns white in winter. Humans are all born into society, and it is true that your surroundings can have an effect on a persons mind and personality. In â€Å"The Wasp Factory†and â€Å"Saved†, the characters are limited in their awareness and they have no perspective in life. They are living in their own isolated areas with no interaction with other people in their community and this limits their knowledge.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Six Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communications Essay Example
Six Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communications Essay Example Six Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communications Essay Six Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communications Essay SIX WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR NONVERBAL COMMUNICATIONS By Vicki Ritts, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and James R. Stein, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. It is not only what you say in the classroom that is important, but its how you say it that can make the difference to students. Nonverbal messages are an essential component of communication in the teaching process. Teachers should be aware of nonverbal behavior in the classroom for three major reasons: An awareness of nonverbal behavior will allow you to become better receivers of students messages. You will become a better sender of signals that reinforce learning. This mode of communication increases the degree of the perceived psychological closeness between teacher and student. Some major areas of nonverbal behaviors to explore are: Eye contact Facial expressions Gestures Posture and body orientation Proximity Paralinguistics Humor Eye contact: Eye contact, an important channel of interpersonal communi cation, helps regulate the flow of communication. And it signals interest in others. Furthermore, eye contact with audiences increases the speakers credibility. Teachers who make eye contact open the flow of communication and convey interest, concern, warmth and credibility. Facial expressions: Smiling is a powerful cue that transmits: Happiness Friendliness Warmth Liking Affiliation Thus, if you smile frequently you will be perceived as more likable, friendly, warm and approachable. Smiling is often contagious and students will react favorably and learn more. Gestures: If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated. A lively and animated teaching style captures students attention, makes the material more interesting, facilitates learning and provides a bit of entertainment. Head nods, a form of gestures, communicate positive reinforcement to students and indicate that you are listening. Posture and body orientation: You communicate numerous messages by the way you walk, talk, stand and sit. Standing erect, but not rigid, and leaning slightly forward communicates to students that you are approachable, receptive and friendly. Furthermore, interpersonal closeness results when you and your students face each other. Speaking with your back turned or looking at the floor or ceiling should be avoided; it communicates disinterest to your class. Proximity: Cultural norms dictate a comfortable distance for interaction with students. You should look for signals of discomfort caused by invading students space. Some of these are: Rocking Leg swinging Tapping Gaze aversion Typically, in large college classes space invasion is not a problem. In fact, there is usually too much distance. To counteract this, move around the classroom to increase interaction with your students. Increasing proximity enables you to make better eye contact and increases the opportunities for students to speak. Paralinguistics: This facet of nonverbal communication includes such vocal elements as: Tone Pitch Rhythm Timbre Loudness Inflection For maximum teaching effectiveness, learn to vary these six elements of your voice. One of the major criticisms is of instructors who speak in a monotone. Listeners perceive these instructors as boring and dull. Students report that they learn less and lose interest more quickly when listening to teachers who have not learned to modulate their voices. Humor: Humor is often overlooked as a teaching tool, and it is too often not encouraged in college classrooms. Laughter releases stress and tension for both instructor and student. You should develop the ability to laugh at yourself and encourage students to do the same. It fosters a friendly classroom environment that facilitates learning. (Lou Holtz wrote that when his players felt successful he always observed the presence of good humor in the locker room. ) Obviously, adequate knowledge of the subject matter is crucial to your success; however, its not the only crucial element. Creating a climate that facilitates learning and retention demands good nonverbal and verbal skills. To improve your nonverbal skills, record your speaking on video tape. Then ask a colleague in communications to suggest refinements THE TRUE TEACHER ACCEPTS ALL STUDENTS By Ernest O. Melby from The Teacher and Learning A teacher says: I can accept my good students, those who behave and do good work, but I cant accept those who do not work, who have the wrong attitude and who cause me trouble. They forget that its the acceptance of all that gives power to the teacher. In fact, it is in relation to students who are difficult that the teachers true qualities are demonstrated. We all find it easy to accept those who lend themselves to our designs. It is in their relationship to those who cause them trouble, who are dirty and poorly dressed, and who fail to achieve that teachers prove their beliefs. It is the essence of the point of view here presented that only a complete gift of oneself makes the teacher an artist. Teaching is a jealous profession; it is not a sideline. This is not only because of the problem of time, nor because of the impact of lesser efforts on pupils: it is because of the effect on the teacher himself. It is only as we give fully of ourselves that we can become our best selves. Thus halfway measures and attitudes of whatever kind reduce our effectiveness. When we ask the teacher to give himself fully to his students, to his colleagues, to his community, and to humanity, we are thus only asking him to be maximally effective. Moreover, it is only as he gives himself that he can experience completely the joys and satisfactions of being a teacher. In this situation he is in the same position as any artist. Frustrated artists are often those who for one reason or another are unable or unwilling to make a complete gift of themselves to their art. Similarly, the unhappiest teachers are those who bemoan the weaknesses of their pupils and the conditions under which they work and who fail to sense that it is their own half-hearted efforts that defraud them. One measure of the teachers willingness to give of himself is his accessibility to his students, his willingness to spend time with them. One difficulty here is the narrow conception that often prevails about what it means to teach. To teach means more than to lecture or explain before a group of students. The best teachers influence their students more in their personal, individual contacts with them than in strict classroom situations. If teaching and learning are complementary processes, if the teacher is to teach by learning and if his teaching is to be directed toward an individual, he must know that individual. And how is he to know that individual if he spends little or no time with him alone? Another illusion defeats us. It is that there is some magic in lecturing and in the hearing of recitations. We want as much time for this as possible. We begrudge taking time to work with individual pupils. Yet we know very little about the actual effectiveness of what we do. Is it not at least possible that our classroom work would be greatly increased in effectiveness if only we spent more time with our pupils as individuals? We seem to be obsessed with teaching. We know that no one can educate another person, that all of us must educate ourselves. The teachers role is that of a helper in this process. The question is: How can we best help? GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF MOTIVATION Basic principles of motivation exist that are applicable to learning in any situation. 1. The environment can be used to focus the students attention on what needs to be learned. Teachers who create warm and accepting yet business-like (appropriate) atmospheres will promote persistent effort and favorable attitudes toward learning. This strategy will be successful in children and in adults. Interesting visual aids, such as booklets, posters, or practice equipment, motivate learners by capturing their attention and curiosity. 2. Incentives motivate learning. Incentives include privileges and receiving praise from the instructor. The instructor determines an incentive that is likely to motivate an individual at a particular time. In a general learning situation, self-motivation without rewards will not succeed. Students must find satisfaction in learning based on the understanding that the goals are useful to them or, less commonly, based on the pure enjoyment of exploring new things. . Internal motivation is longer lasting and more self-directive than is external motivation, which must be repeatedly reinforced by praise or concrete rewards. Some individuals particularly children of certain ages and some adults have little capacity for internal motivation and must be guided and reinforced constantly. The use of incentives is based on the principle that learning occurs m ore effectively when the student experiences feelings of satisfaction. Caution should be exercised in using external rewards when they are not absolutely necessary. Their use may be followed by a decline in internal motivation. 4. Learning is most effective when an individual is ready to learn, that is, when one wants to know something. Sometimes the students readiness to learn comes with time, and the instructors role is to encourage its development. If a desired change in behavior is urgent, the instructor may need to supervised directly to ensure that the desired behavior occurs. If a student is not ready to learn, he or she may not be reliable in following instructions and therefore must be supervised and have the instructions repeated again and again. . Motivation is enhanced by the way in which the instructional material is organized. In general, the best organized material makes the information meaningful to the individual. One method of organization includes relating new tasks to those already known. Other ways to relay meaning are to determine whether the persons being taught understand the final outcome desired and instruct them to com pare and contrast ideas. None of the techniques will produce sustained motivation unless the goals are realistic for the learner. The basic learning principle involved is that success is more predictably motivating than is failure. Ordinarily, people will choose activities of intermediate uncertainty rather than those that are difficult (little likelihood of success) or easy (high probability of success). For goals of high value there is less tendency to choose more difficult conditions. Having learners assist in defining goals increases the probability that they will understand them and want to reach them. However, students sometimes have unrealistic notions about what they can accomplish. Possibly they do not understand the precision with which a skill must be carried out or have the depth of knowledge to master some material. To identify realistic goals, instructors must be skilled in assessing a students readiness or a students progress toward goals. 1. Because learning requires changed in beliefs and behavior, it normally produces a mild level of anxiety. This is useful in motivating the individual. However, severe anxiety is incapacitating. A high degree of stress is inherent in some educational situations. If anxiety is severe, the individuals perception of what is going on around him or her is limited. Instructors must be able to identify anxiety and understand its effect on learning. They also have a responsibility to avoid causing severe anxiety in learners by setting ambiguous of unrealistically high goals for them. 2. It is important to help each student set goals and to provide informative feedback regarding progress toward the goals. Setting a goal demonstrates an intention to achieve and activates learning from one day to the next. It also directs the students activities toward the goal and offers an opportunity to experience success. 3. Both affiliation and approval are strong motivators. People seek others with whom to compare their abilities, opinions, and emotions. Affiliation can also result in direct anxiety reduction by the social acceptance and the mere presence of others. However, these motivators can also lead to conformity, competition, and other behaviors that may seem as negative. 4. Many behaviors result from a combination of motives. It is recognized that no grand theory of motivation exists. However, motivation is so necessary for learning that strategies should be planned to rganize a continuous and interactive motivational dynamic for maximum effectiveness. The general principles of motivation are interrelated. A single teaching action can use many of them simultaneously. Finally, it should be said that an enormous gap exists between knowing that learning must be motivated and identifying the specific motivational components of any particular act. Instructors must focus on learning patterns of motiv ation for an individual or group, with the realization that errors will be common. MOTIVATING STUDENTS By Barbara Gross Davis, University of California, Berkeley. From Tools for Teaching, Some students seem naturally enthusiastic about learning, but many need-or expect-their instructors to inspire, challenge, and stimulate them: Effective learning in the classroom depends on the teachers ability to maintain the interest that brought students to the course in the first place (Ericksen, 1978, p. 3). Whatever level of motivation your students bring to the classroom will be transformed, for better or worse, by what happens in that classroom. Unfortunately, there is no single magical formula for motivating students. Many factors affect a given students motivation to work and to learn (Bligh, 1971; Sass, 1989): interest in the subject matter, perception of its usefulness, general desire to achieve, self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as patience and persistence. And, of course, not all students are motivated by the same values, needs, desires, or wants. Some of your students will be motivated by the approval of others, some by overcoming challenges. Researchers have begun to identify those aspects of the teaching situation that enhance students self-motivation (Lowman, 1984; Lucas, 1990; Weinert and Kluwe, 1987; Bligh, 1971). To encourage students to become self-motivated independent learners, instructors can do the following: Give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students beliefs that they can do well. Ensure opportunities for students success by assigning (appropriate) tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult. Help students find personal meaning and value in the material. Create an atmosphere that is open and positive. Help students feel that they are valued members of a learning community. Research has also shown that good everyday teaching practices can do more to counter student apathy than special efforts to attack motivation directly (Ericksen, 1978). Most students respond positively to a well-organized course taught by an enthusiastic instructor who has a genuine interest in students and what they learn. Thus activities you undertake to promote learning will also enhance students motivation. General Strategies Capitalize on students existing needs. Students learn best when incentives for learning in a classroom satisfy their own motives for enrolling in the course. Some of the needs your students may bring to the classroom are the need to learn something in order to complete a particular task or activity, the need to seek new experiences, the need to perfect skills, the need to overcome challenges, the need to become competent, the need to succeed and do well, the need to feel involved and to interact with other people. Satisfying such needs is rewarding in itself, and such rewards sustain learning more effectively than do grades. Design assignments, in-class activities, and discussion questions to address these kinds of needs. Source: McMillan and Forsyth, 1991) Make students active participants in learning. Students learn by doing, making, writing, designing, creating, solving. Passivity dampens students motivation and curiosity. Pose questions. Dont tell students something when you can ask them. Encourage students to suggest approaches to a problem or to guess the results of an experiment. Use small group work. See Leading a Discussion, Supp lements and Alternatives to Lecturing, and Collaborative Learning for methods that stress active participation. (Source: Lucas, 1990) Ask students to analyze what makes their classes more or less motivating. Sass (1989) asks his classes to recall two recent class periods, one in which they were highly motivated and one in which their motivation was low. Each student makes a list of specific aspects of the two classes that influenced his or her level of motivation, and students then meet in small groups to reach consensus on characteristics that contribute to high and low motivation. In over twenty courses, Sass reports, the same eight characteristics emerge as major contributors to student motivation: Instructors enthusiasm Relevance of the material Organization of the course Appropriate difficulty level of the material Active involvement of students Variety Rapport between teacher and students Use of appropriate, concrete, and understandable examples. Incorporating Instructional Be haviors That Motivate Students Hold high but realistic expectations for your students. Research has shown that a teachers expectations have a powerful effect on a students performance. If you act as though you expect your students to be motivated, hardworking, and interested in the course, they are more likely to be so. Set realistic expectations for students when you make assignments, give presentations, conduct discussions, and grade examinations. Realistic in this context means that your standards are high enough to motivate students to do their best work but not so high that students will inevitably be frustrated in trying to meet those expectations. To develop the drive to achieve, students need to believe that achievement is possible -which means that you need to provide early opportunities for success. (Sources: American Psychological Association, 1992; Bligh, 1971; Forsyth and McMillan, 1991 -1 Lowman, 1984) Help students set achievable goals for themselves. Failure to attai n unrealistic goals can disappoint and frustrate students. Encourage students to focus on their continued improvement, not just on their grade on any one test or assignment. Help students evaluate their progress by encouraging them to critique their own work, analyze their strengths, and work on their weaknesses. For example, consider asking students to submit self-evaluation forms with one or two assignments. (Sources: Cashin, 1979; Forsyth and McMillan, 1991) Tell students what they need to do to succeed in your course. Dont let your students struggle to figure out what is expected of them. Reassure students that they can do well in your course, and tell them exactly what they must do to succeed. Say something to the effect that If you can handle the examples on these problem sheets, you can pass the exam. People who have trouble with these examples can ask me for extra help. Or instead of saying, Youre way behind, tell the student, Here is one way you could go about learning the material. How can I help you? (Sources: Cashin, 1979; Tiberius, 1990) Strengthen students self-motivation. Avoid messages that reinforce your power as an instructor or that emphasize extrinsic rewards. Instead of saying, I require, you must, or you should, stress I think you will find. . . or I will be interested in your reaction. (Source: Lowman, 1990) Avoid creating intense competition among students. Competition produces anxiety, which can interfere with learning. Reduce students tendencies to compare themselves to one another. Bligh (1971) reports that students are more attentive, display better comprehension, produce more work, and are more favorable to the teaching method when they work cooperatively in groups rather than compete as individuals. Refrain from public criticisms of students performance and from comments or activities that pit students against each other. (Sources: Eble, 1988; Forsyth and McMillan, 1991). Be enthusiastic about your subject. An instructors enthusiasm is a crucial factor in student motivation. If you become bored or apathetic, students will too. Typically, an instructors enthusiasm comes from confidence, excitement about the content, and genuine pleasure in teaching. If you find yourself uninterested in the material, think back to what attracted you to the field and bring those aspects of the subject matter to life for your students. Or challenge yourself to devise the most exciting way to present the material, however dull the material itself may seem to you. Structuring the Course to Motivate Students Work from students strengths and interests. Find out why students are enrolled in your course, how they feel about the subject matter, and what their expectations are. Then try to devise examples, case studies, or assignments that relate the course content to students interests and experiences. For instance, a chemistry professor might devote some lecture time to examining the contributions of chemistry to resolving environmental problems. Explain how the content and objectives of your course will help students achieve their educational, professional, or personal goals. (Sources: Brock, 1976; Cashin, 1979; Lucas, 1990) When possible, let students have some say in choosing what will be studied. Give students options on term papers or other assignments (but not on tests). Let students decide between two locations for the field trip, or have them select which topics to explore in greater depth. If possible, include optional or alternative units in the course. Sources: Ames and Ames, 1990; Cashin, 1979; Forsyth and McMillan, 1991; Lowman, 1984). Increase the difficulty of the material as the semester progresses. Give students opportunities to succeed at the beginning of the semester. Once students feel they can succeed, you can gradually increase the difficulty level. If assignments and exams include easier and harder questions, every student will have a chance to experience success as well as challenge. (Source: Cashin, 1 979) Vary your teaching methods. Variety reawakens students involvement in the course and their motivation. Break the routine by incorporating a variety of teaching activities and methods in your course: role playing, debates, brainstorming, discussion, demonstrations, case studies, audiovisual presentations, guest speakers, or small group work. (Source: Forsyth and McMillan, 1991) De-emphasizing Grades Emphasize mastery and learning rather than grades. Ames and Ames (1990) report on two secondary school math teachers. One teacher graded every homework assignment and counted homework as 30 percent of a students final grade. The second teacher told students to spend a fixed amount of time on their homework (thirty minutes a night) and to bring questions to class about problems they could not complete. This teacher graded homework as satisfactory or unsatisfactory, gave students the opportunity to redo their assignments, and counted homework as 10 percent of the final grade. Although homework was a smaller part of the course grade, this second teacher was more successful in motivating students to turn in their homework. In the first class, some students gave up rather than risk low evaluations of their abilities. In the second class, students were not risking their self-worth each time they did their homework but rather were attempting to learn. Mistakes were viewed as acceptable and something to learn from. Researchers recommend de-emphasizing grading by eliminating complex systems of credit points; they also advise against trying to use grades to control nonacademic behavior (for example, lowering grades for missed classes) (Forsyth and McMillan, 1991; Lowman 1990). Instead, assign ungraded written work, stress the personal satisfaction of doing assignments, and help students measure their progress. Design tests that encourage the kind of learning you want students to achieve. Many students will learn whatever is necessary to get the grades they desire. If you base your tests on memorizing details, students will focus on memorizing facts. If your tests stress the synthesis and evaluation of information, students will be motivated to practice those skills when they study. (Source: McKeachie, 1986) Avoid using grades as threats. As McKeachie (1986) points out, the threat of low grades may prompt some students to work hard, but other students may resort to academic dishonesty, excuses for late work, and other counterproductive behavior. Motivating Students by Responding to Their Work Give students feedback as quickly as possible. Return tests and papers promptly, and reward success publicly and immediately. Give students some indication of how well they have done and how to improve. Rewards can be as simple as saying a students response was good, with an indication of why it was good, or mentioning the names of contributors: Cherrys point about pollution really synthesized the ideas we had been discussing. (Source: Cashin, 1979) Reward success. Both positive and negative comments influence motivation, but research consistently indicates that students are more affected by positive feedback and success. Praise builds students self-confidence, competence, and self-esteem. Recognize sincere efforts even if the product is less than stellar. If a students performance is weak, let the student know that you believe he or she can improve and succeed over time. (Sources: Cashin, 1979; Lucas, 1990) Introduce students to the good work done by their peers. Share the ideas, knowledge, and accomplishments of individual students with the class as a whole: Pass out a list of research topics chosen by students so they will know whether others are writing papers of interest to them. Make available copies of the best papers and essay exams. Provide class time for students to read papers or assignments submitted by classmates. Have students write a brief critique of a classmates paper. Schedule a brief talk by a student who has experience or who is doing a research paper on a topic relevant to your lecture. Be specific when giving negative feedback. Negative feedback is very powerful and can lead to a negative class atmosphere. Whenever you identify a students weakness, make it clear that your comments relate to a particular task or performance, not to the student as a person. Try to cushion negative comments with a compliment about aspects of the task in which the student succeeded. (Source: Cashin, 1979) Avoid demeaning comments. Many students in your class may be anxious about their performance and abilities. Be sensitive to how you phrase your comments and avoid offhand remarks that might prick their feelings of inadequacy.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Humanist Moral Philosophy in Architecture essays
Humanist Moral Philosophy in Architecture essays Combining the basic concepts inherent in the architecture of ancient Rome with a humanist moral philosophy, Andrea Palladio could be considered the most influential architect in the western world. His style of architecture became known as Palladianism and gained prominence towards the end of the Renaissance. His treatise on architecture, I Quattro Libri dellArchitettura, is described as a manual of classicizing design and would set the standard for many architects to follow for centuries (Sturgis, 118). Palladios text revolutionized western architecture, founded several schools of study, and remains a major influence to all students of architecture (Sturgis, 118). One such architect, Thomas Jefferson, called his English translation of Palladios text the Bible (Clark, 92). Taken in this context, the influence of Palladio on modern architecture can best be seen by comparing the similarities between Palladios masterpiece, the Villa Rotunda, and Jeffersons own masterwork, Monticello. It is very easy to discern the similarities of both structures when viewing them together for the first time. Both structures rest on hilltops, have facades that use Greco-Roman facades, and have a centrally located dome. Each adopts a central plan that combines the formal models of cube and sphere. Both derive their distinctive style from ancient Rome but are enriched with classical authority, dignity, and comfort. At first, it may seem that Jefferson was attempting to produce a copy of Villa Rotunda, but the buildings do have some differences. Palladio deeply believed in the importance of a buildings harmony with itself (Lotz, 291). As such, Villa Rotunda is a study in symmetry. The heart of the building is the centrally located dome, but it does not overpower the building. From this dome, four groups of rooms radiate outward in perfect proportion to the dome. The rooms are proportional to the...
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Changes
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Changes The federal and provincial governments started to make changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) in 2011 to give more options to those who want or need to receive the CPP before the age or 65 and to those who want to postpone taking their pension until after the age of 65. The changes are being phased in gradually from 2011 to 2016. Adjustments have been made to improve the flexibility of the CPP, and to adapt to the different ways that Canadians are approaching retirement these days. For many, retirement is a gradual process, rather than a single event. Personal circumstances, from employment opportunities, or lack of them, health, and other retirement income, affect the timing of retirement, and the gradual adjustments made in the CPP may make it easier for individuals, at the same time keeping the CPP sustainable. What is the Canada Pension Plan? The CPP is a Canadian government pension plan and is a joint federal-provincial responsibility. The CPP is based directly on workers earnings and contributions. Nearly everyone over the age of 18 who works in Canada, outside Quebec, and earns over a basic minimum, currently $3500 a year, contributes to the CPP. Contributions stop at the age of 70, even if you are still working. Employers and employees each make half the required contribution. If you are self-employed, you make the full contribution. CPP benefits can include a retirement pension, a post-retirement pension, disability benefits, and death benefits. In general, the CPP is expected to replace about 25 percent of your pre-retirement earnings from work. The rest of your retirement income can come from the Canada Old Age Security (OAS) pension, employers pension plans, savings and investments (including RRSPs). Changes to the Canada Pension Plan The following changes are in the process of being implemented. CPP monthly retirement pension started after age 65Since 2011, the CPP retirement pension amount has increased by a larger percentage when you start taking it after the age of 65. By 2013, your monthly pension amount has increased by 8.4 percent for every year after 65 up to age 70 that you delay taking your CPP. CPP monthly retirement pension started before age 65From 2012 to 2016, your monthly CPP retirement pension amount will decrease by a larger percentage if you take it before age 65. The monthly reduction for taking your CPP early will be 2013 - 0.54%; 2014 - 0.56%; 2015 - 0.58%; 2016 - 0.60%. Work Cessation Test has been droppedBefore 2012, if you wanted to take your CPP retirement pension early (before the age of 65), you had to either stop working or significantly reduce your earnings for at least two months. That requirement has been dropped. If under 65 and working while receiving a CPP retirement pension, you and your employer must pay CPP contributions.These contributions will go to a new Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB), which will increase your income. If you have an employer, the contributions are split evenly between you and your employer. If you are self-employed, you pay both the employer and employee contributions. If between 65 and 70 and working while receiving a CPP retirement pension, you have a choice about whether you and your employer pay CPP contributions.You do have to complete and submit a CPT30 Form to the Canada Revenue Agency to stop making contributions, however. General Drop-out Provision IncreasesWhen your average earnings over your contributory period are calculated, a percentage of your lowest earnings are automatically dropped. Beginning in 2012, the provision was increased to allow up to 7.5 years of your lowest earnings to be dropped from the calculation. In 2014, the provision allows up to 8 years of lowest earnings to be dropped. Note: These changes do not apply to the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). If you work or worked in Quebec, see the Rà ©gie des rentes Quà ©bec for information. See Also: Applying for the CPP Retirement PensionCanada Old Age Security (OAS) Pension Changes
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Text in Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Text in Context - Essay Example This paper will seek to establish how this movie is fundamentally anti-romantic in its approach to love and life in general. Unlike other coming-of-age movies that offer up answers or possible ways out to this ‘quarter-life crisis’, Tiny Furniture merely brings out the humor in the situation; a situation that is necessarily devoid of meaning or significance and must, at best, be survived. The film opens with Aura (Lena Dunham) returning home from college. She enters her home with ‘Honey, I’m home!’ This going ignored, she calls out again ‘Family?’ This ironic opening sets the tone for the rest of the film which continuously makes fun of itself and its protagonists, most notably of Aura/Dunham herself. The hopelessness of Aura’s situation is ironically presented even in the film’s promotional poster which declares â€Å"Aura would like you to know that she’s having a very, very hard time.†Dunham, then, very consciously locates the film in the context of the comedic genre. The master of self-deprecatory ironic humor Woody Allen is also invoked in the film when Jed is seen, more than once, reading a copy of Without Feathers in bed. Although the movie is not replete with comic situations or dialogue, the ironic touch and the invocations of other comic legends places it quite firmly in the comic tradition. As far as generic contexts go, Tiny Furniture also belongs to that sub-genre of independent film called ‘mumblecore’ that has emerged recently. Characterized by its naturalist approach, often-improvised dialogue and low budget and production values, this new trend in independent films, has been grabbing critics’ attention over the last couple of years (‘Mumblecore’). Amy Taubin in her review of the genre declares that it is almost entirely homogenous: The directors are all male middle-class
Friday, October 18, 2019
UAE stock market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
UAE stock market - Essay Example The stock prices were fluctuating widely. Lack of sustainability produced the need of making a proper system with outlined regulations and laws. Government and other officials realized that the appropriate existence of market will be able to attract the investors in UAE in market. Hence, the Government decided to develop such a system where investors can rely and invest their money. After a great effort, the development of a proper stock exchange market took place in the year of 2000 in the presence of law number 4, and then in the year of 2000, Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM) were established. From 2000 the proper mechanism of stock exchange was started in UAE (GulfBase). STOCK AND COMMODITY EXCHANGE BOARD The development of stock and commodity exchange board presumes overall controlling responsibility in the stock and commodity exchange market in UAE. It practices the essential control and executive functions to discharge its allocates responsibi lities, and amenities investment of savings and other funds in the stock exchange market in the way that would give out the countrywide economy and make sure communication between the forces of supply and demand to decide fair-haired prices and guard investors, in addition to to promote investment knowledge in a way that would comprehend financial and economic consistency. Dubai Financial Market (DFM) The establishment of Dubai financial market took place on 26th March, 2000. It was registered as a public organization having self-governing authorized individuality. At the initial stage, the joint-stock companies use this market as secondary market for the buying and selling of stocks, In addition to the exchange of bonds that are issued by the UAE government, any of the local government bodies, institutions and public organizations within the government or investment units allocated from the local investment funds of a country or any other local or foreign financial instrument that are acceptable to the market of UAE (DFM). ABU DHABI SECURITIES MARKET (ADSM) The establishment of Abu Dhabi financial Market took place in the year of 2000. The establishment of market gives the stock exchange market as self-governing legal identity, managerial and financial independence, in addition to the essential control and decision-making authorities required by the market to release its functions. The official inauguration of the market took place on 15th November, 2000. It works for the security and protection of financial and economic constancy and the establishment and explanation of exchange procedures in such a way as to make sure the liquidity and stability of the market. After the development of stock exchange market the economy of UAE has been continuously growing and there are lots of investments from foreign companies are coming in the economy. The political stability and cultural diversity of UAE attracting the multinationals to make investments in UAE stock marke t. UAE is planning to serve as a financial hub in the Middle East region. The government is starting new projects to attract the investors. The most recent investment in the real state sector is an example. Now there are several companies listed on the stock exchanges of UAE that belongs to different regions of the world. The stock market of UAE is very prominent in Middle East region because it has a high growth rate. The government of UAE is continuously making plans for future projects and revealing it to
Cash Flow Statement Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Cash Flow Statement Analysis - Essay Example 2012). Operating activities are the main activities of the business because they reflect the underlying health of the company. It reflects the money that comes into and leaves the firm that is associated with the ordinary activities of the company (Warren, et al. 2012). Based on the above analysis of operating activities of the five companies, it is clear that Emaar Properties PJSC is the best performing firm because it generates most of its income from its primary activities compared to the remaining four. This implies that Emaar Properties PJSC is putting more emphasis on its core activities than the other companies hence more income from operating activities. Additionally, it shows that the operating activities of the company are more vibrant than the other firms. At 63.72%, Emaar has a good performance because its primary activities generate more than half of the total revenue. The second company, Deyaar PJSC Development, also has a good performance because it generates most of its income from its core business activities. The third company, Drake & Scull International PJSC, is also performing well because it has a positive net cash flow from operating activities. The third and fourth positions are taken by Arabtec Holding PJSC and Al Mazaya Holding respectively. From the analysis, it is clear that all the companies are good investments and the investors will be willing to invest in any of them because they produce a net positive cash flow from operating activities (Kapil, 2011). This implies that all the companies are putting more emphasis in their core activities thus more income from operating activities. However, investors would prefer Emaar because it generates more cash from their core business activities. The net cash flows from investing activities largely reflects the amount of cash associated with the sale and purchase of long-term business investments (capital expenditures) like assets, property, securities and equipment. From the
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What Personal Statement - 1
Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there and why is it meaningful you - Personal Statement Example Its satisfies all the five senses: It has this serenity that is exclusive, the air being inhaled is purified as there are little or no sources of pollution, the wind that blows is gentle, the sound of the animals brings a feeling that one can get from no other place, and the taste of the wild fruits provides nature’s best, as compared to the fruits that reach the markets that have be grown using chemicals. The sense of nature being around me in its purest form brings a sense of peace. Being in the woods gives me the peace that I cannot get in an environment that is characterised by the hooting of vehicles and moving machines and the threat of being mugged or knocked down by vehicle. It also takes me away from thinking about unfinished businesses and many of life’s worries. The woods present me with an opportunity to hike, making me reconnect with nature in the best way that the earth we live in provides. This is also an opportunity to go biking and feel the adrenaline as the air rushes past me and the earth moves fast behind on a a rough terrain that ignites my endurance. The wooded environment is also good for hunting, which makes me be in touch with other forms of life such as birds of different types, rodent, snakes, and lizards among other animals. Watching animals in the wild is for me one of the greatest wonders that this world presents. Seeing how the eagle preys on the rodents from the moment it targets its prey to the time it catches it is simply amazing. This makes me appreciate nature that no form of human invention can be of that complexity. Seeing how the ecosystem balances itself reminds me that there is an important part that I was created to do on earth. As every part of the ecosystem has and fulfils its purpose, so do I have a purpose that I am to fulfil. My recent visit to the Grand Canyon was an experience of a lifetime - one that I would not want to wash away from my memory. The place is such a
Organizational Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Organizational Behavior - Essay Example This is where the company creates a culture that appreciates new ideas from employees, improvements in performance, and innovations. The appreciation is mostly through awards or promotions. Such initiatives make employees offer best of their services. The strategy gives answers to why CISCO sells classy products, which dominate the networking industry despite other companies such as TP-Link and D-Link, which produces cheaper products (Boorsma and Mitchell, 2011). Annual activity schedule is also among the strategic techniques used by CISCO. This defines the work schedule of different departments, where they have to meet the target by the end of the financial year. In this instance, employees will be forced to work using the set guides and this facilitates the company in exploiting human resources to the maximum (Hiam, 2010). The annual activity schedule is designed with the â€Å"can’t lose spirit†. This enhances the company’s objective as they will be meet demands of customers and uphold their market share (Locke & Latham, 2009). Disarming technique is also a technique used to overcome critics from different parties. Practically, critiques are ideals tools, which facilitate identification of loops in services and products. The company motivates employees to criticize these critics by offering better services (Hiam, 2010). This turns out being a defense mechanism, thus improving employee performance. Boorsma, B. and Mitchell, S. (2011). Work-Life Innovation: Smart Workâ€â€A Paradigm Shift Transforming How, Where, and When Work Gets Done Available at:
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What Personal Statement - 1
Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there and why is it meaningful you - Personal Statement Example Its satisfies all the five senses: It has this serenity that is exclusive, the air being inhaled is purified as there are little or no sources of pollution, the wind that blows is gentle, the sound of the animals brings a feeling that one can get from no other place, and the taste of the wild fruits provides nature’s best, as compared to the fruits that reach the markets that have be grown using chemicals. The sense of nature being around me in its purest form brings a sense of peace. Being in the woods gives me the peace that I cannot get in an environment that is characterised by the hooting of vehicles and moving machines and the threat of being mugged or knocked down by vehicle. It also takes me away from thinking about unfinished businesses and many of life’s worries. The woods present me with an opportunity to hike, making me reconnect with nature in the best way that the earth we live in provides. This is also an opportunity to go biking and feel the adrenaline as the air rushes past me and the earth moves fast behind on a a rough terrain that ignites my endurance. The wooded environment is also good for hunting, which makes me be in touch with other forms of life such as birds of different types, rodent, snakes, and lizards among other animals. Watching animals in the wild is for me one of the greatest wonders that this world presents. Seeing how the eagle preys on the rodents from the moment it targets its prey to the time it catches it is simply amazing. This makes me appreciate nature that no form of human invention can be of that complexity. Seeing how the ecosystem balances itself reminds me that there is an important part that I was created to do on earth. As every part of the ecosystem has and fulfils its purpose, so do I have a purpose that I am to fulfil. My recent visit to the Grand Canyon was an experience of a lifetime - one that I would not want to wash away from my memory. The place is such a
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
The implications of the Euro-Zone Crisis and Its Impact on India Essay
The implications of the Euro-Zone Crisis and Its Impact on India Economy - Essay Example India is not part of the Euro-zone but it is a recipient of the crisis as the zone forms its larger market in Europe. We shall look more on the Euro-zone crisis; its genesis, forces behind it and the measures taken to deliver it from total breakdown. We shall also be seeking to understand India’s economy and the economic imbalanced it can be if its market is understood. Lastly we shall conclude with the long term effects of the global economy in India. The Euro-zone is a union composed of 18 member countries that use Euro as a common currency. The countries in the Euro zone compose of Netherlands, Slovakia, Italy, Latvia, Ireland, Luxembourg, France, Finland, Germany, Cyprus, Estonia, Austria, Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, Malta and Portugal, (EU publication office 2009, 23). The euro zone is under European central bank that is governed by a president. It also has a board that oversees the working of the bank. The bank is mandated to see that inflation is put under control. There is also the euro group that makes decisions regarding the politics of the union and the euro (Gupta & Gupta 2010, 42). In the late 2000, there was a financial crisis and the Euro group acted by establishing provisions that would allow the group to give emergency loans to member countries in return for endorsement of economic reforms. These helped the member countries to get onto their feet from the high-unanticipated inflation that had taken centre stage in the many countries (Singh 1997, 82). Many countries member of the Euro zone do not use the Euro currency as the main currency in their countries but use it to do business in the Euro zone and European Union at large. There are other countries that are part of the European Union but do not fall under the Euro zone. These countries include; Andorra, San Marino and Vatican City. They use Euro as their currency (European communities 2004, 94) A number of factors caused the Euro zone crisis. These included
The Gileadean regime and how are these portrayed Essay Example for Free
The Gileadean regime and how are these portrayed Essay There are also few occasions in the telling of her story where Offred seems almost inconsolable through sheer desperation as a result of the lack of normality in her life, I want her back (her mother), I want everything back, the way it was. She is desperate to escape from this regime which has bound her to such alienation. She wants to love and be loved once again. When Offred looks inside herself in her moments of nostalgia, she does find a set of memories that allow her to recall a sense of herself. She can remember her job, her love for her husband, her daughter, her mother, her friends; particularly Moira, her education and the successes and failures of everyday life. Throughout the book she tries to hold on to these, but eventually they begin to fade away. Luke and her daughter slip into past tense. She fears that she is finally betraying Luke when she has her affair with Nick, and she feels erased by time, no longer a presence in her daughters existence. I sit in the chair and think about the word chair. It can also mean the leader of a meeting. It can also mean a mode of execution. It is the first syllable in charity On many occasions throughout the novel Offred plays with language. Language is one of the central symbolic themes of the novel and it is something that is restricted and demoted in Gilead. Barbara Hill Rigney2 described Atwoods use of such a mechanism in the Handmaids Tale to represent Offreds oppression as: Language is a fragile protest, but it represents the only salvation possible. I believe this is absolutely true in that Offred being able to relate her story to somebody else is what keeps her sane. It gives her some form of escape where she does not have to be someone she isnt, yet she can choose to be exactly what she wants; its her story, her choices. According to Amin Malik1 what makes Atwoods book such a moving tale is its clever technique in presenting the heroine initially as a vice like sleepwalker conceiving disjointed perceptions of its surroundings, as well as flashing reminiscences about a bygone life. As the scenes gather more details and momentum, Offreds narrative transfigures into a full roundedness that parallels her maturing comprehension of what is happening around her. Atwood skilfully manipulates the time sequence between Offreds past (pre-Gilead) and the present: those shifting reminiscences offer glimpses of a life, though not ideal, still filled with energy, creativity, humaneness and a sense of selfhood, a life that sharply contrasts with the alienation, slavery and suffering under totalitarianism. 1. Amin Malik, Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale and the Dystopian Tradition, 1987 2. Barbara Hill Rigney- Atwood Critic Published by Macmillan Press 1987. Dec 2003 Miss. Slocombe Nasima Begum 12B Pg 1 of 3 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Margaret Atwood section.
Monday, October 14, 2019
New Balance: A Case Study
New Balance: A Case Study Abstract A case study of New Balance Corporation are discussed in 3 different perspectives such as observations on strategic marketing plan, evaluation on manufacturing processes and the company financial profitability. A complete analysis of these three perspectives and suggestion on how to stay competitive is explained further in this report. The marketing perspective will focus on the evaluation of its current marketing methods and proposal on effective marketing strategy. The manufacturing perspectives study the operation and provide recommendation quality planning. The financial perspectives will review the cost, profitability and loss in investment of New Balance Corporation. Introduction In 2004, New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. Became on of the biggest athletic shoe manufacturer in the United State of America. by New Balance became more famous with its unique and creative philosophies that included an endorsed by no one stand, withholding of 25% manufacturing in the US, and it target middle-aged customer as its target and the company grew and gained market share in the highly competitive athletic shoe industry. In marketing perspective, the research is done on strategic marketing approaches to meet customers satisfaction. In manufacturing perspective, the research is concentrates on manufacturing process of New Balance shoes and importance of Quality planning and control together. In financial perspective, the research is about financial management while maintaining quality. This report summarizes the difficulties faced by New Balance Corporation and the solutions to the problems encountered. 1. Marketing Perspective New Balance Corporation is manufactures basketball, running, hiking, tennis and cross training shoes with offering its shoes in a range of sizes. Because of not undertake celebrity or superstar to endorse its products, New Balance Corporation lose out to gaining awareness on a global marketing. Its make their lacks endorsements in major sporting events and also make them at a disadvantages when it comes to brand building and the company also faces is its limited output. For reach their product line in marketing, the company make a few changes in management; it was well trained employees for working by team, makes them different jobs, switching tasks and also operates computerised sewing equipment and automated stitches. New Balance Corporation has been faced manufacturing cost, with its competitors outsourcing most of their manufacturing to others countries such as China 1.1 Job design Job design or work arrangement is important parts to make the companys raise productivity levels by offering non financial rewards such as greater satisfaction from a sense of personal achievement in meeting the increased challenge and responsibility of ones work. Few techniques can be use in job design and it was job enlargement, job improvement, job rotation and job simplification.[2] New Balance Corporation employed just a smaller quantity than a dozen in 1970. At that time the employees made each shoe by hand, one at the time and third pairs for daily production. [1] As the company has grown and changed, their manufacturing also changed by the improvement in the companys marketing and manufacturing. New Balance was introduced a new technologies to make the shoe and also trained the employees with working in small teams with 5 or 6 employees and technical skills.[1] When the employees work by team, there can know each other and became friendlier. This will make the companies envir onment in good situation. The company manufacturing was improved by switching task every few minutes and helping each other to make the products in quality. [1] By switching task, the employees can be more experience in kind of works. Other than that, the employees also trained to operate computerised sewing equipment and automated stitches. Its make the workers to do the work of 20. This cause the company safe the time with delivered highest quantity of products. But to reach their product in local or global marketing, New Balance didnt undertake celebrity to endorse its products and because of this New Balance face their output in limited than other competitor. 1.2 Method of work organisation To make the product reach in marketing New Balance Corporation use few method in their work organisation. The company is known for innovative products designs, excellent relation with buyers and a strong commitment to social responsibility. New Balance became famous in global after manufactured special designed orthopaedic shoe for baseball players and track and field athletes, in 1930. They also concentrate on customers target. They made running shoe with the target customers mileage, size, strength, the prices of the shoe and the running environment.[1] The company also control and adjust the new products design depends on customers interest and competitor challenges. This process at New Balance is working well. Other method used by New Balance Corporation was advertisement campaign. Bill Bruce, chief creative officer at New Balance agency, was the lead to the campaign. Example of advertisement by New Balance is Running is hard. People aspire to it because its not easy and The shor test distance between two points is not the point. [1] With develop in designs, improve quality and innovate their processes a capability is not enough for the company to reach their manufacturing process and New Balance Corporation known it, so the company share 10% market of athletic shoes in china. It would be the equivalent of 100 million customers. 1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of going global. 1.3.1 Advantages International markets able to expand if New Balance Corporation distributes their products in global marketing. The company can sales shoes with new design and comfortable price for the customers. Other than that, New Balance able to build reliable sources of supply and keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies. Payment for the workers at America is $23 to $21 an hour. But at the China the coast is very low depending on America; its just $2.63 and $0.67 an hour. The American workers receive roughly the equivalent amount of money for working 1 hour as a Chinese worker earns in a 40 hour week. This made New Balance Corporation safe the coast of the workers. [3] 1.3.2 Disadvantages Nike and Adidas were strongest global branded names. So that, New Balance has to invest the highest coast in product manufacturing such like new design, quality of product for keep strongest from their competitor.[4] Director Emeritus John Larsen Figure 1: Organisation chart of New Balance Chairman of the Board James Davis Executive Vice President, Apparel Kerry Kligerman Executive Vice President, Commercial Herb Spivak Chief Executive Officer, President Robert DeMatini Executive Vice President, Global Footwear, Product Marketing Joe Preston Executive Vice President, International Alan Hed Executive Vice President, Manufacturing John Wilson Executive Vice President, North American Sales Chris Quinn Vice President, Consumer Experience Paul Heffernan Executive Vice President, value chain Dave Crosier Vice Chairman of the Board Executive Vice President, Administration Anne Davis Vice President, Advanced Concepts Edith Harmon Vice President, Finance Bill Hayden Vice President, Global Design Development Jim Connors Vice President, Global Logistics Kevin Holin Vice President, Human Resources Carol ODonnell Vice President, Intellectual Property Edward Haddad Vice President, Responsible Leadership Christine Madigan Vice President, Retail Stephanie Smith Vice President, Sourcing Procurement Jim Scaibarrasi Vice President, St. Louis Joe Clendenny Corporate communication Manager Amy Dow Vice President Treasurer Alan Rosen Vice President Key Account Sales Peter Zappala 2. Observe the strategy formulation and processes to continuously improve to meet the customer needs, and quality at lower cost. New Balance Corporation has been carried out a lot of processes to improve their customer needs, and quality at lower cost. They have carried out many of processes continuously for a couple of years. 2.1 Strategy formulation The first step they took for begin this process is, they have started to produced close to their customers. This step allows quick turnarounds on new designs and order execution able to remain competitive at home by creatively adapt new technologies to shoemaking constantly training their employees in teamwork and technical skills work in teams, sharing responsibilities and helping one another to make sure everything gets done. Previously they faced a problem about staying in a particular country only, but now they also managed to solve that issue. Today their capable to managed several numbers of Asian suppliers and monitor them more closely. On the other hand, it is possible that current management and production methods can produce high ability with fewer workers and equalize cheaper pay in Asia[5]. They also come out with another new plan that is they have decided to give 22 hours of training in teamwork and production techniques to train the new employees. New Balance is leaving its tradition of communicating through its consumers with low-key, convincing sincerity, and approval instead a colourful commercial campaign which is known as Love/Hate[8]. Little articles that importance to capture the spirit of the experiences and relationships public have with their running shoes. The most powerful quality they have is their confident level towards their business. This fact is proven by the never ending confident level they showed in those years when the other competitors companies recorded lacklustre growth on their business, finally they succeeded [5]. 2.2 Process Quality Improvement Staying involved with the developed process helps New Balance develop better designs, improve quality, and innovate their processes capabilities. The corporation is doubling its marketing budget to make sure as many people as possible experience this special communication. In order to remain competitive, New Balance highly focuses on quality and productivity improvement. 2.2.1 Total Quality Management (TQM) New Balance introduced a new activity known as Total Quality Management (TQM) into their organization. TQM is a system for creating competitive advantage by focusing the organization on what is important to the customer[5]. Principles of TQM are Do it right the first time and an approach for zero defects[6]. According to TQM, good quality reduces time of rework and able to spent more time in manufacturing. TQM recommends management to find new ways to meet or exceeds customers needs. Awareness and skill training of top-level manager to non-manager, full employee empowerment and effective communication both vertically and horizontally of all levels must be in practice to improve the quality goals[5]. 2.2.2 Continuous Improvement (CI) Another activity carried by New Balance is continuous improvement (CI) or Kaizen. They decided to continue with this to remain competitive. CI focused in unlimited improvement of material, machine, labor use and production method and waste elimination to attract their customers [5]. New Balance started to apply some of the CI approaches such as Statistical process control (SPC), PDCA cycle, Pareto analysis, Fishbone diagram, Benchmarking and Just-in-Time (JIT) method. SPC is a tool to identify problems in production process in order to prevent poor quality by using Statistical Control Chart [5]. PDCA or Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle provides guidance on problem solving process. They carried out the process with the new improvement for continual improvement according to the customer needs. Pareto principle describes that 80% of the problem come from 20% of the cause[5]. They also stated that the solution to 20% will solve 80% of the problem. Fishbone diagram was developed to identify potent ial causes to a problem[5]. Benchmarking is an approach for setting goals and efficiency measures based on best-industry practices[6]. Benchmarking involves recognition of a process that needs progress and identification of world-lead organization that performing this process. And, analyzing data obtained by contacting the organization [5]. By implementing JIT method in Bedford plant, New Balance will deal with fewer raw materials, less WIP inventory and low finished goods inventory. Less inventories save more space, which can be rented for subcontract to other corporation. JIT is about delivery of necessary parts in the right amount at the right time and place with minimum conveniences usage[7]. 2.2.3 Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) To full fill the consumers satisfactions New Balance begins to apply Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), to update the old and outdated equipments of Bedford plant. By the help of TPM system they started to concentrates on precautionary maintenance, where inspection and maintenance should be conducted occasionally to prevent downtime. TPM also requires employees to be trained and retrained, so they are updated on machine operations. Another changes made by PTM is purchasing of new equipments to maximize productivity and designation of protective maintenance plan. Application of TPM gives out tremendous success for the New Balance Corporation. 2.2.4 Cost reduction New Balance decided to strengthen their position by producing low- cost quality products. There are two ways of cost reduction method has been used by them which is known as alternative raw material and process improvement. New Balance Company replaced their actual alternative raw material, with another raw material which has the same quality but lower in cost. For the process improvement New Balance has practiced Business Process Reengineering (BPR), where BPR brings gradual improvements in the processes. The principle of BPR is to analyze the firms plan, elimination of non- value added steps and making the remaining ones simple and flexible to accomplish desired outcome[5]. 3. Manufacturing Perspective Manufacturing perspective focuses in shoe manufacturing process and key factors in the designs of the products and services while discussing the importance of quality planning and quality control process for the company in order to achieve high performance products and services. 3.1 Shoe Manufacturing Process Creating a group of components at a workstation is the manufacturing technique as called batch production. This will be the next step before moving the group in production. This production is common in the manufacture of sports shoes. Pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), inks, paints, adhesives and bakeries are also including. [12] Batch production is manufactured at Boston. Blend of gel inserts, heel counters, and a greater selection of sizes are manufactured by them with variants technical innovations. In order to fulfil customers need, New Balance required to produce modified and number of different product. Near location to their customers is an advantage for New Balance. [11] They able to fulfil and turnaround on new design according to their customers order. New Balance running shoes have as many as 30 templates in batch production. The basic components are the shoe has two main parts where the upper, which covers the top and sides of the foot. However, the bottom part makes cont act with the surface. There are three main parts at the bottom which are outsole, midsole, and wedge. The first step in running shoe manufacture involves die cutting the shoe parts in cookie cutter fashion. Next, the pieces that will form the upper part of the shoe are stitched or cemented together. At this point, the upper looks not like a shoe but like a round hat; the extra material is called the lasting margin. After the upper is heated and fitted around a plastic mold called a last, the insole, midsole, and outsole are cemented to the upper. Figure 2: Process of shoe stitches Die cutting the shoe parts is the initial step in running shoe manufacture where they use cookie cutter fashion. Together the upper part of the shoe are stitched or cemented. These will looks more like a round hat. The extra material is called the lasting margin. The insole, midsole, and outsole are cemented to the upper after the upper is fitted around a plastic mold. The mold is called a last. The midsole are designed for shock absorption specifically. The heel is supported by the wedge. The arch support also has been containing inside the sole. The importance of skilled man power is been realize because of the cost of producing the many components of running shoes. This proves that shoemaking is a labor-intensive process. Precision and expertise are required in each steps of production. Low-graded shoe will be a result of taking shortcuts for cost saving. To ensure better quality and to avoid human errors, computerized sewing equipment and automated stitches are provided. This all ows one person to do the work of 20. 3.2 Key Factors in designs of products and services New Balance remains competitive by adapting new technologies to shoemaking. They had also borrowed technology from clothes manufacturers by using see and sew machines aid to their products. Sewed show gives more adhesion between the templates and it also last long compared to glued type. They also keep updated with new trend by production different and latest design of shoes. Having production operations close to home where they believed they could exert greater control over manufacturing quality. This also enables them to fulfill customers order and allows quick turnarounds on new designs. They also able to ship orders on time and faster. 4. Importance of Quality Planning and Quality Control 4.1 Quality Planning The definition of quality planning is, its a systematic process that translates quality policy into measurable objectives and requirements. Its in a sequence of steps for realizing them in a specific timeframe. In order to maintain the quality of products, proper planning must be done. This is also to avoid overdue deadlines and perform shipments on time with output of good product. Total Quality Management (TQM) should be introduce into New Balance Corporations organization for creating competitive advantage by focusing the organization on what is important to the customer. Does it right the first time and an approach for zero defects are the principles of TQM. Spending more time in manufacturing will reduce time of rework. This is according TQM. Moreover, finding new ways to meet or exceeds customers needs and to provide support and direction is stress by TQM. This is to ensure the quality improvement concepts into their management and process planning is been implement. Effective communication between top-level managers to non-manager must be in practice to improve the quality goals. So, awareness and skill training must be done. They also can use guideline process like Six Sigma. This will help them for developing and delivering virtually perfect products and services. DMAIC_roadmap_75.gif Figure 3: Six sigma Initially the problem need to be defined followed by the voice of the customer, and the project goals, specifically. Then key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data need to be measured. Once measured, the data need to be analyzed to investigate and bear out cause-and-effect relationships. Determine what the relationships are, and attempt to ensure that all factors have been considered. Seek out root cause of the defect under investigation. Current process need to be improved upon data analysis using techniques such as design of experiments work to create a new, future state process. Set up pilot runs to establish process capability. Control the future state process to ensure that any deviations from target are corrected before they result in defects. Implement control systems such as statistical process control, production boards, and visual workplaces, and continuously monitor the process.New Balance should apply some Quality tools such as Process Flow Chart, Cause-and-Effect Diagram, Check Sheet,Pareto Analysis,Scatter Diagram ,Statistical Process Control Chart and Histogram to do proper planning and to control quality related issues. Process Flow Chart is a diagram of step in a process which helps focus on where in a process a quality problem might exist. They also can use Cause -and- Effect Diagram to categories the causes of the problem. Check Sheets also can be used as a toll for tallying the number of defects for a list of previously identified problem causes.Pareto analysis can be used to identify few causes that lead to the quality problems. Pareto principle describes that 80% of the problem come from 2 0% of the cause.[9] Pareto analysis concentrated only on the 20% of cause and the solution to 20% will solve 80% of the problem. Then the Scatter graph can be plot to show the identify the pattern that may cause quality problems. Finally Control Chart can be used view the upper and lower limit of the process which will enable New Balance to control and reduce the possibilities of occurrence of quality issues. 4.2 Quality Control Quality can be defined as a measure of excellence or state of being free from defects and significant variations. Consistent adherence to measurable and verifiable standards would be important to achieve uniformity of output that satisfies specific customers. Organizations must place great emphasis on managing quality controls. It is vital to ensure that the products and services offered to customers are reliable and truly meet the customers needs. New Balance Corporations financial will be affected and have direct impact by poor quality products. Both the companys revenues and its profits will be influence by this effect. Ever more demanding customer expectations, complex guideline, innovative products will be the reason of essential quality products. This is also to accomplish competitive edge over the challenges of rising competition and emerging markets. The effective growth strategies will be enhance by quality products where all operating processes and functional boundaries is been watched. Sensible and insightful quality commitment on customers evolving approach and preferences is required in financial growth. If New Balance develops and delivers poor quality products, there will be a number of consequences as it been state below. 4.2.1 A Poor Quality Company is a result from poor quality products. The companys financial performance, its stock price, product innovation, delivery on commitments is the base of a companys reputation. The major determination of a companys reputation will be the quality of a product. So, the reputation of New Balance products can be destroying by poor product quality. Customers perception when New Balance produce poor quality products as coming from poor quality company will bring even more serious impact. This inconsistencies and inability to produce defect-free products by New Balance Corporation will lead the existing customers to decline orders. 4.2.2 Lost of opportunity The opportunity to improve the bottom line will deprive by the poor quality. Improving scrap, rework, and warranty cost will bring good values. Looking for the root cause of these will be even greater because of the greater return. Quality deficiency that cause losses can be prevent if products standards are used by practicing good quality. Commitment, knowledge and effort can be discovered by losses due to quality. Moreover, this can be the source of huge opportunity and a clear competitive advantage once discovered. 4.2.3 Revenue lost Lots of time and money on unnecessary tasks and wasted materials is poor quality that leads to opportunity lost. Estimating the cost of all efforts undertaken in an organization can measure the cost of poor quality. Processes used in assembling the products that does not provide value to customers and material been use are include. These are the non value-added activities in the context of lean manufacturing. Sum of all non value-added costs divided by the total revenue thats generated will be the cost of poor quality at New Balance. The percentage from resulting measurement is revenue thats lost due to waste. Excess inventories, unnecessary motion, and supplier nonconformance are the waste that builds up from losses. More obscure wastes, such as unnecessary paperwork, large lot sizes, and excessive auditing will also see that losses can be occur. Additional losses will lead by these wastes. 4.2.4 New Balances core value is the quality. The important aspect of quality management is to determine customer needs accurately. This is because to avoid rectifying mistakes in defining customer requirements before the product been produce. This is to save cost compare to rectify mistake after the production. So, well spending the time and effort to figure out the requirement is batter. Identifying what the customer wants should be the goal of New Balance Corporation. Moreover, to ensure the customers need, New Balance should fine-tune the process. Reduced quality product will put New Balance Corporations financial endanger. 5. Financial perspective Financial perspective represents stability, viability, and profitability of the Boston based new balance corporation meanwhile explains effects of reduced quality products to their financial status. A product free from defects maintains high uniformity of output and ensures customer satisfaction and profit. Management should enhance the reliability of the product and customer service to achieve high quality standards. [13] 5.1 Reduced quality impacts on financial growth New Balance Corporation should realize that to achieve good sales, they need to achieve highest quality products. Form the article, new balance encourage multi-tasking employee in small group of five to accomplish daily target but this indirectly affects the quality of the output. New balance will experience less sales when fails to meet the customer satisfaction by releasing high percentage of defects products into the markets. Moreover new balance faced with counterfeiting issues in china, unauthorized shoe makers with new balance mark sell their products and this directly reduce the new balance markets. Quality is the bridge for pricing and customer requirements therefore below listed factors contributed low competitiveness of new balance. [14] 5.1.1 Reduced Quality diminished companys reputation In order excel in shoe marketing business, new balance must aware of its financial performance, product innovation, stock price, delivery and commitments. To achieve all these criteria, new balance must supply high quality product so they able to sustain good sales in shoe markets. When customers realize a defect in new balance shoes, they will reject orders due to inconsistency in supplying defect-free products. 5.1.2 Cost of poor quality This cost is a result of producing defective material and lead to lose of valuable resources including money, time, materials, processes and operation cost. Figure 4: Shoe manufacturing cost involved in percentage Above pie chart illustrate involved processed to manufacture a pair shoe in percentage referencing $100 per pair of shoes. Note only 2% of profit gained by the manufacture itself, when customer rejects non-value added products. New balance will lost the 2% of profit and have to bear all the wasted 48% expenditure per shoe. Thus new balance will experience distortion in their profit margin. This happen when they try to decrease the flush between desired and actual product, service quality. Cost of poor quality is sum of overall non-value added costs divided by the total revenue generated. Loses generated from supplier nonconformance, unnecessary motion and excessive inventories. 5.1.3 Cost of lost opportunity This term best to describe when fixing a rejection using resources including the rework process, labour, material, and disposition cost. Fixing a rejection means losing gained profit. However a good quality standards practice will help new balance to remain competitive in the market and eliminate all the unnecessary waste of resources. This usually happened due to the production process are not aligned with acceptable quality standards. 5.1.4 New balance quality objective New balance should reinforce high quality level standards in their daily operation. Research must be done on the shoe manufacturing process, operation cost structure, and the technology involved to guide new balance run on right defects-free tracks. In the other hand, they should investigate industry revenue growth, imports, and export and employee wages to avoid conflicts with the output quality. 5.2 Financial analysis on shoe manufacturing technology Nowadays technology growing very fast and there is high expectation on the output quality. Technological improvement in the shoe manufacturing process will be helpful to reduce the error done by human. Shoe manufacturing process involved three main step of stamping, stitching, making. New equipment will optimize the shoe fabrication time with defect-free output. Conventional operation full depending on man power clearly state that a lot of problem will arise in terms of wages and operation hours. Employee need to be trained periodically and still unable to achieve zero defects output. [14] 5.2.1 Technology application benefits High-tech equipment has the capability to run the manufacturing process smoothly. Starts with stamping process, machines able to continuously produce programmed output without and error. Its also able to produce prototypes and small test run on shoes in a short period. Equipments such as NC controlled machines can be programmed to perform a task for various size manufacturing. Robots can perform high level task like moulding, injection moulding, and trimming. These process actually designed for cost saving and design method is easy to manufacture. Through the use of the technology, the company can manufacture high output per day with reduced error or defects compared to conventional human involvement.[15] 5.2.3 Hard dollar saving idea Hard dollar saving idea originally derived from Lean and Six Sigma benefits which designed for organization to run the manufacturing business with less man power replaced by machine and equipment. The idea developed to: Minimize Defect rate by terminating the rework processes Minimize the claim due to defected product Fast delivery in order to be competitive in market. 5.2.4 Initiate continues improvement Use of technology in shoe manufacturing process surely will upgrade the new balance financial status. Delivering products with zero-defects will obtain customers satisfaction and new
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