Global Projects Management Essay

1 (a). Clearly, human beings have been involved in the management and organization of big projects for quite some long time. This has recently become a common feature of the modern, globalize generation. This has significantly led to the temporality of the originally permanent organizational structures lending them disposable. This has also led to the emergence of the novel forms of linkages between people, nationalities and organizations. However, these projects usually encounter problems which greatly contribute to time and cost overruns as well the decline in quality. The main question is how the cultural differences as well as the institutional differences affect this process of global projects and their outcomes. Human beings interact in a social environment which is made of formal and informal values, norms, rules, codes of conduct, laws and regulations. There are also different policies and polities together with a variety of organizations. These are usually termed as culture and institution. The main aim of these is to reduce ambiguity and uncertainty in behaviors of human beings such as decision making and interaction. In large global projects, there are many factors that affect them in one way or another. These include client related, management related, and project context factors. The cultural and institutional differences are the basis for all these factors. Therefore, it clearly seen that the cultural and institutional differences have an impact and observable implications on the global projects. This will depend on the situation where the particular project is found. For instant, in an Information and Technology industry, a project to come up with a more sophisticated technology can be affected by the presence of poor management whose basis is the cultural differences.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   b). The Bullwhip Effect refers to a phenomenon that is observable in forecast-ridden channels used in distribution. It is also known as Whiplash Effect or Forrester Effect. This is mainly in place since the demand of the customers is not always stable. Therefore, there is need for a business to forecast the demand so that it can perfectly balance its inventory and the other resources. These forecasts are usually based on statistics reason as to why they are never perfect.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For instant, if the demand is high, there will be a significant increase in orders made that will mean that the business should increase its inventory. When the demand falls, the participants will increase their orders hence the business will need to reduce their inventory.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This can also be caused by the behavioral and operational factors. The behavioral causes include the misuse of the main stock policies, the misinterpretation of the entire feedback and time delays, the panic order reactions that are caused by the demands that are not met and the perceived risk of the player’s main rationality. The operational causes are those that depend on demand processing such as the errors due to forecast and the adjustment of the inventory depending on the demand observation. The variation due to lead time, order synchronization, promotion and forward buying as well anticipation of knowledge all form part of the operational causes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The implication of this to the retail industry is that they should be aware of the demands of their customers so that they do not overstock or under stock. Therefore, this concept enables them to predict the direction of the demand to avoid making losses or not meeting the demands of the customers which will inconvenience them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   c). Accurate forecasting is necessary in any industry so that the industry is able to produce to meet the demands of the buyers. For instant, in the travel industry, the management should look at the right time when people are traveling towards a certain direction. For instant, in the morning, most people are headed for jobs in town. Therefore, there should be availability of enough vehicles that will transport all the workers to their destinations. However, in the evening, the reverse is true. The workers want to report home from work thus these  Ã‚   vehicles should also be in plenty to transport them back home. In this way, the travel industry follows the directional flow of the people hence is in a position to meet their demands. At this time, the fare prices go up since people are many hence the demand for transportation is high. During the holiday season, people travel from towns to rural areas. At this time, the vehicles offering services to these people are many and the prices are high as well since the demand for the services is high. At this time, fare from rural areas to town is low since majorities are going against the current. When the schools open, majorities are traveling back to towns so that they can report to their jobs hence the demand for transport to town at this time is high. This means that the prices must also be raised and more vehicles put in the on road to meet these demand. This is however made possible by forecasting of the demands of the people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   d). Inventory control is defined as the process that minimizes the total cost of inventory. It has three major factors that are taken into consideration. These include the cost of holding the cost, the cost of placing an order and the cost of shortage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is defined as the model that determines the optimal quantity to be ordered in order to minimize the total variable costs that are necessary to order and hold an inventory. Under this, the assumptions taken are that the annual demands for the product or service are known and are always constant. There is no consideration that is taken with regard to the lead time, the receipt of all the orders takes place once the order is made, the quantity discounts are not worked on as part of the model and the cost of ordering is taken to be constant. The Economic Production Quantity (EPQ) is defined as the optimal quantity that is to be produced in order to improve the inventory. It is based on a trade-off between the inventory and the set up of the production costs. Here, the trade-off examination   assumes   that the demand for the items that are in the inventory is continuous and at a constant rate, productions that are made to improve the inventory are at regular intervals, the production of products is continuous as well as at a constant rate during a production rerun and the production cost is always fixed. This model is similar to the EOQ model. The difference is in the time that is required to change the inventory. In the EOQ, replenishment is instantaneous, while the EPQ model assumes gradual replenishment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A collaborative planning system has many features that are distinct to enhance its success. For instant, the automotive production industry has its objectives that bind it to the performance of its duties in order to meet these goals. This company has intense connection of all production-related functions into an integrated computerized production system. This will make the performance successful.   A collaborative planning system has a competent network that will ensure that all the workers are in a position to access the data that the need in order to perform their duties. For instant, the automotive industry is developing a web based collaborative surrounding that will facilitate the design and the production together with planning systems. A collaborative planning process also requires a collaborative working system, information sharing without discrimination and exchange of ideas among the people in the different locations. In this form of system, each production process is defined in terms of products, processes involved, resources used and their general relationship. In the automotive industry therefore, the environment is made of four modules. These include: Digital mock-up that supports the entire product digital mock-up process. Has a process planning module that is essential in the provision of time estimation and the full analysis of working procedures. It also has a layout planning module that is responsible for designing the correct layout of the production lines. It has a work place layout which is the major system for workplace design the ergonomic consideration.   A collaborative planning system has room for the employees and the entire community to hive contributions to what they want to perform. For instant, they can use questionnaires or interviews in order to get the feeling of the individuals concerning the particular question at hand should be   given a chance and the ideals of the people be taken into consideration. This system should also be a multidimensional system that is capable of handling many issues at once. For instant, in the automotive industry, the system should be able to produce more than one type of a product at singe time at the same time be in a position to control that other related operations. This is made possible through the use of a sophisticated information technology as well as the maximum use of advanced tools and equipment and skills. 3). Lean production refers to the process of   producing goods using less resources as compared to the traditional mass production. That is, there is less waste, less human effort, less manufacturing space, less investments in the tools to be used, fewer inventories and less time required to develop a new product. For many, lean is the entire set of tools that are important in that they assist in the identification as well as the steady elimination of wastes. These tools also improve the quality of the product that is to be produced at the same time ensures there is a significant production time and cost reduction. Lean Manufacturing has numerous tools that are important in solving the problem of waste elimination. This is made up of the continuous process improvement as well as mistake-proofing which are an indication that this it taking the same approach to the other improvement methodologies. The second approach to Lean Manufacturing focuses upon the improvement of the flow of work in the system. The techniques that have been chosen to improve the flow include the pull production and leveling production. This however, is different from the methodologies which greatly accounts for its unpopularity. The distinction between the two approaches is the prime approach that is used to achieve the set goals and regulations. Smooth flow implementation exposes the quality problems that existed before leading to reduction in waste in a natural manner.   Therefore, this approach is advantageous since it takes a system-wide perspective naturally. On the other hand, the waste focus has its main perspective which is sometimes assumed wrongly. Lean has competing principles that are closely connected whose main goals are to reduce the costs of production through the elimination of wastes. These principles include the pull process, waste minimization, perfect first-time quality, continuous improvement, the flexibility. It also includes the process of building and maintaining a long term relationship with its suppliers, load leveling process and the production flow as well as the visual control. The process of lean implementation is therefore focused on getting the correct things, at the correct time, to the right place, in the preferred quantity in order to achieve a perfect level of work flow while minimizing the waste as well as being flexible and easily  Ã‚   changed. The concepts of flexibility and ability to change are basically required to enhance production leveling. However, they have their analogues in other processes. They are not open ended hence not expensive capability requirements. They therefore have to be understood, appreciated and embraced by the employees involved in the product building process. The cultural and managerial features of Lean are more important than the actual tools or methodologies of the process of production itself. There are numerous examples of Lean tool implementation that do not have known benefit which are often blamed on the entire understanding of Lean in the organization which is weak. Lean’s main aim is to make the work simple enough to understand, to do and to manage in the shortest time possible. Most of the basic goals of lean manufacturing are common sense and that avoiding unnecessary costs is more profitable that increasing sales. In a manufacturing industry, if the recourses are kept constant and productions costs cut down, then the industry will definitely make very high profits. This will only be possible are the management and the workers involved do their duties satisfactorily and the management ensures that the entire processes are in time.    References. Jalan, K. S. Chaudhuri, (1999). An EOQ Model for Deteriorating Items in a Declining Market with SFI Policy, The Korean J. Comput. & Appl. Math No. 2. 437-450. C. Giri, K. S. Chaudhuri, Deterministic Models of Perishable Inventory with Stock Dependent Demand Rate and non-linear Holding Cost, European Journal of Operational Research 105 (1998), 467-474. Vahidian, H. R. Tareghian, (1999). Production Planning in Fuzzy Environment. The Korean J. Comput. & Appl. Math. No. 2, 315-330. M. Lee, J. S. Yao, Economic Production quantity for fuzzy demand quantity and fuzzy production quantity, European Journal of Operational Research 109 (1998), 203-211 De, A. Goswami, A replenishment policy for items with finite production rate and fuzzy deterioration rate, Opsearch 38 (2001), No. 4, 419-430.      

Off Balance Sheet Financing Practices Essay

OBSF is most of the times used by business enterprises to maintain their leverage or gearing positions in such a way which would not have any negative implications on the company. In the business world of today, OBSF is recognized as an important means for raising finance by means of operating leases, joint venture and collaborations with respect to R&D. Following Off Balance Sheet Financing method results in significant variations in the overall financial reporting of an entity. Considering the changes in accounting and financial reporting requirements, it is generally expected that the companies using these technique will be more able to run their operations efficiently. However, keeping in view the case of off balance sheet financing and accounting in this respect, it is argued that while using OBSF companies are able to not disclose entirely the financing of their capital expenditures and thus the information required to be disclosed in this respect is not made available to the interested parties (Tyrrell 1986). This report discusses this area of accounting and explains how OBSF is actually promoted by the market economies and the expectations of increased profits from the companies. The usage of off balance sheet accounting and financing is not new. In the beginning of 20th century, this concept of managing a company’s balance sheet gained fame and the banking and other corporate sector applied this technique in their best possible interest with the main objective of keeping their balance sheets light weighted. Apart from a benefiting role played by the off balance sheet ccounting techniques, there are some serious consequences which are often associated with the application of this concept. As for instance, it is argued that among many other reasons, the practices of off balance financing and accounting also had a significant share in the recent financial downturn (Allen, et al. 2002). In this regard, Enron would be a good example to look upon. While striving for a healthy outlook o f Enron’s balance sheet, the management made use of special purpose entities with the objective of making large transactions which would not appear on the balance sheet of the company. This resulted in a healthy balance sheet outlook with huge of amounts of capital inflows but at the expense of nothing. However, this bubble of progress did not last long as the company’s stock prices started fluctuating sharply and consistently. These events created a sense of being not informed entirely about the company’s operations among the investors and after the Enron’s climax, the regulators jumped in with Sarbanes Oxley Act 2002. The Act was aimed at securing the investments of investors and introducing regulations with respect to corporate social responsibility. But these checks proved to be ineffective upon the emergence of the financial crisis in 2008 (Hall and Liedtka 2007). Increase in the global competition and more expectations from the investors and shareholders to maximize their value of investments are regarded as the driving forces in the market which influence management to improve the financial picture of a company. In addition, these expectations pose pressure on the management to find ways which may result in better presentation of the financial statements and improved earnings (Boot and Thakor 1991). The Banking sector in particular and other sectors in general are mostly seen following this approach. As for instance, there has been observed a trend of investing in such portfolios and instruments which are regarded as high risk investments. But the intention behind this is to improve or strictly stating ‘inflate’ the earnings of an enterprise without having regard to the riskiness of such investment decisions and the fact that the stakeholders of the business need justification of such improvements in the performance in the form of financial statements disclosures. For the purposes of obtaining security on the risky investments, corporations tend to enter into complex third party arrangements which cannot be disclosed in the financial statements. Apart from this, one other motivating factor which is regarded as the major reason behind this approach of management is that they have their own interests and objectives. As for instance, managers are better off in their performance appraisals when the company is showing profits consistently (Boone and Raman 2001). The practices of off balance sheet financing and accounting, as stated earlier, comprise of operating leases, joint venture and collaborations with respect to R&D. Among these options, operating lease holds special importance and is given more consideration by the management due to the fact that they require minimum disclosures in the financial statements and are usually for a long term. Lease accounting is covered by IAS 17, SSAP 21 (UK) and FAS 13 (USA) (McGerty 2004, Lim, Mann and Mihov 2005). Prior to the formulation of these accounting standards, there were no obligations on the companies to disclose in their financial statements the future payments related to lease and therefore leasing was recognized as an off balance sheet financing technique. Apart from leasing techniques, there are various other methods being employed by different companies to move certain items off the balance sheet of the company. The use of off balance sheet techniques has been used to manipulate things. The most commonly used techniques to manipulate the financial information presented in the balance sheet of a company include swaps, variable interest entities (VIEs) and Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) (Ketz 2003). Although these tools have been used by companies around the world for different purposes which are mostly disclosed and transparent but the misuse of these tools has been also observed frequently by way of not disclosing the true facts. This practice has caused major setbacks to the global economy and also shattered the confidence of shareholders and investors (Hall and Liedtka 2007). As for instance, the collapse of Lehman Brothers is argued to have resulted due to off balance sheet approach followed by the company. In order to narrow down its balance sheet, Lehman Brothers moved its assets worth US dollar 50 billion from its balance sheet with the objective of portraying less amount of debt in the balance sheet (Rezny 2010). Keeping in view the above discussion and the facts stated related to the real world cases, it can be said that it is high time for the respective authorities to take measures in relation to this area of financial reporting. It is recommended that the governmental authorities and other financial reporting standards issuing bodies shall intervene appropriately through the right channels to ensure transparency in the financial reporting. Apart from this, the board of directors of corporations shall standardize the decision making processes and perform an effective oversight duty. In addition, it shall be made obligatory for business enterprises notwithstanding the sectors into which they fall, that every transaction shall be disclosed appropriately in the financial statements. Furthermore, the managers shall be motivated not pressurized to perform in the best interest of the organizations (Adams 1998). While concluding this report, it can be said that applying off balance sheet accounting and financing, whether for a good or evil purpose, has become necessary due to the increased expectations of the investors and shareholders related to the profitability of a business concern and also for the purposes of improving the financial statements overlook. Moreover, the lack of regulatory measures in this respect also has its share in promoting the adoption of this approach. Apart from this, it can also be stated that the benefits resulting from off balance sheet accounting are also considered as a means of attaining hidden objectives by managers which in turn motivates them to misuse the concept and benefit from the regulatory loopholes. For the purposes of addressing these issues, it is pertinent that the regulatory authorities who are responsible shall make such arrangements which may promote such financial reporting practices which are more representative of the facts. In addition to this, the disclosure requirements related to off balance sheet accounting and financing activities are required to be revisited.

Apple Inc., 2008 Case Study

Executive Overview Apple has been established for over 30 years since Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer in 1976. During Steven Jobs’s tenure as CEO, Apple’s mission was to bring an easy-to-use computer to market. However, Apple was not performing as good as Jobs projected, so he resigned in 1985. In the following 12 years, Apple experienced three different CEO’s and still could not be brought back to life. Under John Sculley, Apple worked to drive down costs by switching much of its manufacturing to subcontractors. But these efforts were not enough to sustain Apple’s profitability. During the Michael Spindler years, international growth became a key objective for Apple. Yet despite Spindler’s efforts, Apple lost momentum. Soon after Gilbert Amelio replaced Spindler as CEO, he proclaimed that Apple would return to its premium-price differentiation strategy. Despite some austerity moves, Apple lost its competitiveness and could not regain its share in the market. In 1997, Steve Jobs came back again as the CEO of Apple. This time he had a new game plan, and Apple started to focus on the digital lifestyle for consumers. Internally, Jobs worked to streamline operations and to reinvigorate innovation. This proved to be Apple’s most successful business strategy to date because a once ineffective company now has ruled the computer world. In order to understand this situation, Apples competitive advantages and industry forces must be analyzed. Competitive Advantages Apple has been in business since 1976, and has built quite a few competitive advantages along the way. Obviously, innovation has been at the forefront of Apple’s ability to compete in the world market. Other than that advantage, brand loyalty, product differentiation, superior quality, and retail strategy are also its advantages when competing with other brands. Innovation Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak sparked the PC revolution, making the world of computers on Apple’s head. The Apple II launched in 1978 drove the PC industry to $1 billion in annual sales in less than three years. Even if initially regarded as a toy by many other businesses, Apple soon revealed itself as a feasible substitute to the traditional mainframe. It continued to demonstrate its ingenuity. For example, it was the first to introduce a computer with color, a graphical interface, and many other firsts. These inventions defined Apple and its business strategies. On the basis of its all bundled package of hardware and software, Apple became synonymous with usability. Brand Loyalty In 1998, Jobs recognized that customers really wanted a Macintosh. Apples brand commitment is strong. Since 1970s, Apple user communities have been founded to connect together with enthusiasms. One of the main reasons to this is Apples ease of use. Adding extra hardware and software to a Mac is almost as easy as plugging speakers into a stereo system. Due to this advantage, Apple forms a strong relationship with its consumers, especially within the education and desktop publishing industries, which accounted for 60% and 80% of its market position respectively during the Spindler years. Product Differentiation Apple’s system continues to be one of the advantages because its closed operating system is not subject to the computer viruses and hacking that often destroy the Microsoft Windows operating system. In marketing its Mac products, Apple stressed characteristics that differentiated them form other PCs while also highlighted their interoperability with other machines. Apple trumpeted the Mac as an â€Å"Everything-ready† device that worked well with other devices. The feature of the closed system while incorporating well with other devices makes Apple more unique than other PCs. Superior Quality Apple’s high-quality bundled software distinguished the Macintosh line, such as iLife suite and iWork. In 2001, Apple introduced MAC OS X, offering a steadier environment than previous Mac platforms. In addition, Apple always urged its users to upgrade OS X every 12 to 18 months, with the aim of always providing a stable operating system to its users. Retail Strategy After Jobs returned to Apple, he revamped Apple’s distribution system, removing relationships with many smaller outlets and extending its presence in national chains. In 1997, Apple also started a website to sell its products directly to customers. Its retail strategy was regarded as a huge success. More importantly, people who visited the stores for iPod products usually checked the Mac too. This â€Å"halo effect† greatly benefited Apple’s Mac business. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis of Apple Current Competition Apple’s current rivalry is very competitive and intense. The PC industry has quite low switching costs, so the current competition is pretty high. Apple confronts tough competition from IBM, Dell, HP, and etc. Threat of Substitute Products The more differentiation of the product, the less likely the change to a substitute will happen. Apple’s operating system differentiation can always require higher pricing. However, owing to technology improvement, the â€Å"digital convergence† of PC and CE (consumer electronics) products has become more substantial in the PC market. Many different alternative devices have started to replace PCs. Therefore, this threat is becoming higher to Apple. Threat of New Entrants This threat is low since the existing companies have established powerful brand awareness. The computer industry is very saturated and new entrants would be reluctant to enter this industry. Bargaining Power of Suppliers There are two types of suppliers: microprocessors and operating systems with few sources as well as memory chips, disk drives, and keyboards with many sources. The bargaining power of the former one is high since there are mainly two sources: Intel and Microsoft. The bargaining power of the latter one is low since numerous suppliers exist in this industry. Bargaining Power of Customers As mentioned earlier, the switching costs are low. Such situation places the customers in a strong position that only companies with high product differentiation could increase the switching costs. Since product differentiation is one of Apple’s advantages to compete in this market, the bargaining power of buyers is not high to Apple. Conclusion Generally speaking, the PC industry is an intensely competitive segment. With technology undergoing paradigm changes, it could make life hard for Apple to deal with these shifts. These dynamics does not seem advantageous for Apple but simultaneously Apple has been able to maintain its technological brain and designer approach to walk away from this difficult position. Actually, Apple could transform some of these problematic features into opportunities. We all know that a key factor in bringing people into the stores is the popularity of the iPod. Most of the time, the purpose of People coming to the stores is not for Mac. No matter what brings customers to Apple stores, Apple should take advantage of this chance. This halo effect needs to be capitalized to the maximum extent. In addition, although some people complain Apple’s closed operating system, it is still seen as a secure, safe, and reliable system. Apple should try to make its system less closed, incorporating more other devices. Thus, people can use Apple more easily without too much restriction.

Vmware assignment (virtual servers) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Vmware (virtual servers) - Assignment Example Question 25: The best disaster recovery for VMware is by making use of back-up process on the servers and replication of virtual machines in the network. This can be best deployed using storage where NAS is deployed for VMs and Servers in the network (Muller 123). Question 26: vMotion works by encapsulating VMs on shared storage and then the enclustered VMs allow multiple installations on an ESX server. The memory and execution state of the VMs is transferred to high speed network. This is done by copying memory and system states of the ESX server. To allow identity of the VMs, networks used by the VMs are also virtualized by the ESX server (Wolf 84). This transfer (vMotion) takes very few seconds. Question 27: A snapshot presents a complete copy of a virtual machine at any time and all the changes made. While a clone is the exact copy of the virtual machine during the cloning process. Any changes made on the parent of the clone are not reflected in the clone. Therefore using snapshots provide better functionality than clones. Question 28: Fault Tolerance in VMware works through the use of a technique known as Record/Reply. This technique provides continuous availability to the virtual machine in case the host fails. This works whereby if a VM goes down it is restarted in another host and the secondary host now becomes the primary host while a secondary host is being looked for (Muller

Writer's Autobiography Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writer's Autobiography Assignment - Essay Example This gave me an opportunity to read extensively. As such, I gathered knowledge on how to approach different topics. My tutor told me that, to develop fluency in language, there is a need to read extensively. This will not only develop my fluency in writing, but will also develop my speech. In my pre-school years, I remember playing reading games. This gave me exposure to the English language as I learned new vocabularies with each passing day. Apparently, some of the words were confusing. This encouraged me to search a dictionary to enable me understand the vocabularies. However, this was tricky. For example, some new vocabularies are not included in the older versions of dictionaries. Therefore, as I progressed in the reading games, I had to look for the latest dictionary. This proved a prudent approach in knowing new vocabularies. In the turn of events, I started to develop a passion of writing about any trending story. As such, I noted that I had developed an undying passion of writing for enjoyment. One thing i remember about writing is that, it helps in grasping different topics and giving the topics a different approach. For example, I could write about the same story using three different approaches. This was like playing with words to suit the same topic. I re member most of my classmates making requests for my writings to develop their language. I felt that my writing was appreciated in class. As a fact, this elevated my passion in writing. I felt that I could do better with enhancement in the efforts I made towards writing. Consequentially, I started concentrating in some of the topics that proved a hurdle. For example, physical geography involves visiting places and doing lots of research. However, I started writing about physical geography, though I had not visited some of these places. This sparked my imagination to a higher level as I had to do massive research on the places. I was astonished

Media Reflections Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Media Reflections - Assignment Example What is known with Americans is about the world is more inconsistent to the influence they have and how it control resources. An erroneous rule of thumb for foreign correspondents covering the world’s news is that â€Å"all everyone cares is about earthquakes and rebellions†. On the other hand, most Americans get their news from television and newsletters including magazines. However, television is the last effective media in communicating in-depth news with great knowledge due to its distortions and sparseness. If numbers can mean anything, journals and newspapers are not doing their job in getting Americans informed that they have a lot to learn from other newly developed countries. Most average sized newspapers are found to publish a maximum of one thousand words in a day for foreign news. This discards much of the total words furnished by the syndicates and news agencies. There are estimated less than four hundred full time correspondents for United States news orga nizations internationally serving the U.S. This is fewer than the number of correspondents who were at work at the end of the Second World War. The printing press was found to have numerous effects on people’s association and interactions. It was found to foster nationalism while at the same time promoted individualism. People could not engage in association in the mind of being a liability. The printing press also set up the literacy rates among the working people and on the middle class people. Knowledge was democratized among all members of the state. People could obtain knowledge on specific areas with much support from the printing press (Harrison, 1996). The printing press was as well found to have speeded up the dissemination and the preservation of knowledge among all members of the state. In relation to the internet in the modern day media, these functions of the printing press correspond to the specific effects portrayed through the study of the internet today. Inte raction among individuals is greatly enhanced by the internet while many of the internet users. The internet shapes the users knowledge through the interaction by different people. It democratizes knowledge with no limitation to all users (McLuhan, 2006).   Information is known to be in form of power. This is now known than ever in the third world countries and they are therefore calling for new international order of information. The newly developed countries have their demands going unheeded due to the lack of a substantial change in the world system of information dissemination. The American media in particular, are highly influential. The feature films, popular press, commercial TV and the hit parades were all invented in U.S. they were then imported and copied by the rest of the nations. Very little of the Anglo-American news film agencies and news select the images for the perception of international political information in the world. Information is no longer treated as a c ommodity but as a service at the disposal of every person. In the same way, if a new world order of information is established, the third world nations must consolidate their information media as well as the western highly developed technological states must assist. People make use of the media in criticizing the

Manage recruitment, selection & induction Assignment - 2

Manage recruitment, selection & induction - Assignment Example For quick productivity, new staff induction will be dual directed with HR involvement and orientation to work area for job requirements and workplace relationship development (Compton, et al., 2007). Owing to competition, the new staff will be trained on how to create high quality products design to beat competition as well as position the STAR products within Australian market (Seward & Dein, 2005). For smooth induction, each new staff will have detailed checklist and an induction book along which they will follow up the induction process. The checklist will ensure that any questions or clarifications on new staff expectations are clearly answered on time (Compton, et al., 2007). Additionally, the induction booklet will ensure that there is no information overload as it will consist of relevant information about the expectation of each role and the inputs needed for successful attainment of STAR five-year plan goals. After a successful induction program where new STAR employees and line managers have given feedback, new employees will be evaluated against their intended outcomes. First, a questionnaire on life work balance is used to evaluate whether or not new employee needs have been met by the implemented programs and the results used to prepare a usage report (Seward & Dein, 2005). Additionally, new STAR employees will be subjected to induction follow-up interviews or sessions with employees to ensure that any answered questions are clarified and any assistance needed to settle into their new roles is provided. Further, new employees are expected to be complete an evaluation of STAR’s HR processes in place either in practice and custom or written form (Hughes & Jowitt, 2003). The new employees will also survey stakeholders to evaluate their current perceptions of life within the organization in terms of climate, satisfaction, morale, and culture amongst others. As a way of improving the HR tools and

Undergraduate Education by Marty Nemko Assignment

Undergraduate Education by Marty Nemko - Assignment Example Nemko feels that lectures are very unproductive, however, colleges are a big business and use of lectures is the cheapest method to instruct the masses. He further argues that several professors lack the desire to educate undergraduates, but do it anyway since that’s where the cash lies. The rate of graduation at 4-year colleges is about 40%, which would be not acceptable in any other enterprise. Nemko elaborates the statistics used by colleges to make them appear more elite. He has a feeling that colleges misleadingly advertise custom-made experience amongst other things. He then elucidates what he would do to fix the system. Nemko wants colleges to provide reports that have got genuine statistics and that can directly apply to an individual. He claims that this would at least provide a student with a reasonable preview of his/her next 4 years. Nemko favors online interactive lecture and concludes by stating that continued funding of these poor enterprises will yield and chan ge nothing. It is therefore very clear that Marty Nemko presents an effective argument in â€Å"America’s Most Overrated Product: Undergraduate Education†. Nemko is very clear in his presentation as to why a college education is the most overrated product in America. He in no uncertain terms presents his argument using factual data that he has authoritatively researched on. He explains how even the parents who have no money will spare nothing to have their kids get a college education. He calls it mortgaging their future so as to pay for their children’s college education and gives the approximate figures of $200,000 for a 4-year college degree.

Managing Organizational Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Managing Organizational Communication - Essay Example Improving listening skills and learning to use and interpret nonverbal cues and verbal communication will help effective communication. Effective feedback is essential to let employees know where they stand and direct them to help achieve organizational goals. Organizations are made up of groups which are again made up of individuals. For sharing of information and coordination of activities, communication is absolutely necessary between groups and individuals. Individuals exchange knowledge, ideas, feelings and emotions using written messages, spoken words and gestures. "Organizations survive by making sense of and giving sense to their environments" (Sutcliffe, 2001, p.197). Organizations collect, comprehend, communicate and control flows of environmental information to deal with foreseen and unforeseen issues. According to various researches, the success of an organization is based on the organization's collective knowledge about its "process capabilities and the abilities to learn and share this knowledge effectively" (Parnisto, 1995, p.154). Sharing information is imperative for work coordination and cooperation in an organization. ... Managers facilitate organizational communication Communication plays an essential role in achieving managerial and organizational goals and objectives effectively. Communication is essential to inform employees of their goals, to compare with co-workers' performance, and for assessing employees' overall performance. Managers, through appropriate channels of communication, give instructions to subordinates and receive information. Managers interpret this information and communicate the same to the employees. To do this, managers should have good communication and interpretation skills, as, ultimately, the employees' interpretation of information depends on the accuracy of the managers' comprehension of the information and the effectiveness of their communication ("Managing communication," 2004, p.264). Role of communication in decision-making Managers take decisions that often have a major impact on the organization and its members. Making relevant and sound decisions is greatly dependent on the availability of accurate and timely information ("Managing communication," 2004, p.264). The length of the communication chain is a significant factor that affect the accuracy and timeliness of the information received. The more the number of links in the communication chain, the more the probability is of the information being distorted. Similarly, the longer the communication chain, the less the chances are of getting the information on time. Economic recession and competitive pressures have driven several organizations to reduce the number of managerial levels in the organizational hierarchy, thus facilitating more effective

Biological Versus Non Biological Parents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Biological Versus Non Biological Parents - Essay Example Miserably, sometimes when a lesbian-parent household falls apart same as normal parents, the biological parent uses the homophobic lawful system to her benefit, denying visitation to the non-biological parent. A case at present in progress in New York is investigating protection procedures that at present support the biological mother. The non-biological mother has been approved temporary visitation for four hours every week until the court makes its concluding decision. Until this provisional agreement was approved just lately, the non-biological mom had not seen her children since November 2005. According to Monroe Mann from ABC News, the lawyer for the biological mother was referenced as saying, "The law in New York is very obvious. Simply a parent can get visitation. A parent is explained as either the biological or adoptive parent and [her ex-partner] is even not." Obviously, biological parents are being better then of non-biological parents, but all courts should have to be familiar with the significance of family unity, and regularly have to consider a biological father's privileges next to a child's right to have the family the child has at all times identified. The courts have routinely held that biology is not the one and only decisive factor of paternity. This is an unexpected pace that the majority of men would not take in spite of the amount of care they are offering to their kids. The court will encounter the issues regarding who has held themselves out to be the father of the child, provided support for the infant and been vigorous in the child's living. While there have been a number of victories for non-biological parents, principles differ from state to state. Last spring in 2005, for instance, the New Jersey Supreme Court settled supervision rights to a non-biological mother, stating her "psychological" parent. This occurred, though, only after a long-lasting lawful procedure. Many activists have worked to demonstrate broader society that even if laws do not value families, they will. Honoring this commitment is put to the eventual analysis when same-sex parents disintegrate. These activists give reason for the want for a document in opening that give details: "It is enormously damaging to our society and our families when we disclaim as unimportant the very relationships for which we are looking for lawful and communal admiration." Planning a guardianship agreement in the happening of a disintegration is about as fun as writing a will. But alike to having a will, such a text offers calmness. The judgments, made at a time when feelings and commonsensical are unbroken, will be conclusions based on the unsurpassed interest of the children, even if the improbable happens. Professional Problem, Concerns And Legal Rights For Non-Biological Parents According to common perceptive, adoption is the officially permitted way for non-biological parents to suppose a parent-child relationship with a child. Adoption frequently ends the

Taming of the Shrew Character Motivations Essay Example for Free

Taming of the Shrew Character Motivations Essay Many lives are ruled by a need to fit in and conform to the ideals of society. William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew centers around the two sisters, Bianca and Katherine and their marriages. Kate, an unpleasant and undesirable woman, unwillingly marries Petruchio who attempts to tame her. Bianca is the ideal woman who is pursued by many men. The play was written in 1590 and set in Italy, when submission and obedience were expected of women while men took powerful positions. Societal expectations motivate men and women. Women were motivated by societal expectations. A valued woman was obedient, passive and sweet. Bianca epitomizes these qualities and shapes her behavior around them. She exchanges vicious words with her sister in private, but while in the company of suitors she turns mild. Bianca’s father and her suitors determine who she marries, showing her surrender to men’s power and acceptance of obedience. In Kate’s concluding speech, she says, â€Å"A woman moved is like a fountain troubled, muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty, and while it is so, none†¦will deign to sip or touch one drop of it. (5. 2. 151) Kate admits that an unpleasant, angry wife is undesirable and useless. Certainly no man will consider an ugly, rude woman worthy of his company. She finally relents to Petruchio’s taming and takes a woman’s normal place in the social hierarchy. Women conform to society’s strict expectations. The expectation that men are powerful and all-knowing influences men’s behavior. A m an’s masculinity and power was dependent on his control over his wife. Petruchio, Hortensio and Lucentio make a bet, â€Å"And he whose wife is most obedient†¦shall win the wager. † (5. 2. 15) This shows how much men value an obedient wife, which demonstrates their power. Each man hopes that he wins because a powerful man is valued. Baptista, the father of Kate and Bianca, arranges his daughters’ marriages and marries Kate off even though she is unwilling. Society’s standards permit this destructive and inconsiderate behavior. In their patriarchal society, women can’t show much preference in their suitors. Men are expected to make the best decision, and Baptista goes along with this standard. Wife taming was a common idea in this time and many men attempted it. Petruchio tries to tame Kate by starving, embarrassing, overruling and insulting her. Kate comments on the sun, but Petruchio contradicts her and says â€Å"Now, by my mother’s son, and that’s myself, it shall be the moon or star or what I list. †(4. 5. 6) Petruchio says anything he says is correct, enforcing the idea that women should surrender to a man’s authority. Petruchio tames Kate because of the social belief that men should be more powerful than their wives, therefore social expectations motivate him. Society’s standards motivate men’s behavior. Men and women modify their behavior to meet the ideals of society. Katherine transforms herself into a submissive wife and Bianca maintains her behavior as an obedient, charming woman. Petruchio tames Kate to show his masculinity and Baptista controls his daughters lives without regard for their feelings. In conclusion, societal expectations motivate characters in The Taming of the Shrew.

Buddhist schools Essay Example for Free

Buddhist schools Essay The earliest and the most basic form of schools were Theravada and Mahayana which have been derived from the basic teachings of Buddha. These are actually same teachings but with different interpretations. Both of them have Dharma which is the basic teaching of Buddha. Both of these schools have some animosity between them. All the southern Asian countries and Vietnam have accepted the principles of Theravada. Any differences between the schools are minor matters are do not hinder in one basic belief of Buddha’s teachings. It is one of the earliest forms of teaching found in the history of Buddhism and is one of the most orthodox also . Theravada school emphasizes on meditation and helps in understanding the psychological nature of a human being. According to Mahayana school of teachings, salvation can only be achieved if we trust Amitabha. Such person longs to be born in the paradise, because he has done good deeds and followed the teachings of Buddha. The philosophy of this school is very unique. According to them in order to gain enlightenment a person should inward and not outward. Intuition is one thing this school emphasizes upon, as intuition is purely inward. Mahayana was previously known as Mahasanghikas and after a few decades of its formation it became so popular that it revolutionized the Buddhist teachings. Sutra and Vinaya were translated according to them, and in the due process they also had to reject some texts. The Mahayana philosophy grew more with the concept that Buddhas are lokottara. This means that they are connected to the world only by some external force and it has no impact internally . Why did Mahayana become more accepted? It is because the Mahayana ritual and imagery attracted the Vietnamese. Its ceremonies were in conformity with original Vietnamese beliefs and rituals. This school of Buddhism also combined folklore with Taoist teachings. The enlightened ones in Buddhism were respected as animist spirits. In 7th century C. E, Mahayana school became a little more developed. It was then called Vajrayana. This had an influence of Hinduism also but had similar teachings as of Mahayana. The aim of Vajrayana is the same as that in Mahayana, that is to attain Buddhahood, but the tantric practices showed a quick way to achieve this end . CONCLUSION From very early period Buddhists are concerned about education. In third century almost 9 Dhamma missionaries were sent to different areas of south East Asia in order to teach people about Buddhism . This is the oldest example telling Buddhists concern about Buddhist studies. These 9 Dhamma missionaries started a wave of missionaries. These were sent to Sri Lanka, Thailand and china etc. Today, due to these missionaries and Buddhist schools, Buddhists are present in very corner of the world. Vietnamese Buddhist education leaders are very much concerned about the global demands and needs of Buddhist education. In 1975, when the country got united, there already was a higher education institution in South; it was named Van Hanh University. This university was popular internationally and had close interaction with many other universities of the world. After 1980s two advanced schools were established in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. These schools trained monks and nuns at B. A level. Due to growing demand these two higher education schools were later turned in to universities. These now trained monks and nuns at not only undergraduate level but also postgraduate level. In 1997, one more Buddhist university was formed, this time in Hue city. Today, there are almost 40, 000 monks and nuns. There are almost six colleges and 31 high schools teaching Buddhism . Buddhism has made great progress in Vietnam. A national calligraphic system which replaced Chinese was also introduced. This helped everybody get on the same platform and understand each other well. Before that it was difficult to have the entire nation on the same page, as the Vietnamese language lacked its own script. People, who did not understand Chinese, could not read books, as all the books were in Chinese. In Vietnam, the Buddhist studies do not influence just art, philosophy or painting. Theatre also serves as a conveyer of the legends, stories and facts about Buddhism. Buddhism is not only a source which quenches the thirst of the intellectuals. It quenches the thirst of the spirit also. Buddhist studies have changed the past and present of Vietnam. The Vietnamese Buddhists go far and wide in order to give a vent to the knowledge and impart it to the others. Buddhism has prospered leaps and bounds in the country. Though there are many rival religions in the country, Buddhism is by far the most popular one. As mentioned earlier, almost two thirds of the population practices Buddhism. During 968 it was made the state religion. Buddhism in Vietnam is no wonder superior than any other religion there, as it is not only accepted publicly but also helped in the moral and spiritual training of the general public. People believe it and accept it by heart. They call it the religion of compassion. The imprint of Buddhism can be seen in art and literature as well. Music has also been inspired from it. Today there are almost 15,000 worship places in Vietnam as compared to none in the beginning. There are almost ten million Buddhists all over the world. Vietnam alone has some 40,000 nuns. It was only 20,000 twenty years back. The development Buddhist studies have done can be clearly understood from the fact that today there are almost four Buddhist universities as compared to only one in 1981. Van Hanh was the first Buddhist school. Today there are schools all over Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. There are almost six colleges and 31 high schools for Buddhists. There are uncountable numbers of grassroots schools in many other provinces. This clearly shows that Buddhism has made a lot of progress since Buddhism first entered Vietnam . Buddhist monks are now not only studyin Buddhism in monasteries and colleges but are getting higher education all over the world. They are studying various subjects and religion in order to increase their knowledge. Not only have they had attained worldly knowledge, but spiritual knowledge which will lead them to enlightenment. References Anson, Binh. (n. d). Theravada Buddhism in Vietnam. Retrieved January 31, 2008 from: http://www. budsas. org/ebud/vn_thera. htm Brough, John. (n. d). Gandhari Dharmapada. India (n. p). Clark, Laura and Brown, Suzanne. (n. d). Buddhism in Vietnam. Retrieved January 31, 2008 from: http://journals. iranscience. net:800/mcel. pacificu. edu/mcel. pacificu. edu/as/students/vb/INDEX. HTM.

The development of social work

The development of social work The development of social work practice within Britain since the Second World War and influencing welfare movements that have changed role of the social worker. When looking at government policy within Britain since the Second World War it is possible to look at the development of the welfare state and how those governing the country have influenced and shaped the welfare state of today. Pluralism represented majority wide spread values within post war Britain having substantial historical legitimacy explaining contemporary decisions, supplying the most satisfactory foundation on which to examine the post war British welfare state. Reluctant collectivism was the main overriding political ideology of the time period influencing strategy within post war Britain resulting in the recommendations of the Beveridge Report 1942. (Timmins, 1996) 1941 saw the government commissioning Sir William Beveridge to produce a report into the ways that Britain should be rebuilt after WW2, published in 1942 with recommendations to fight the five giant evils of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness. (Timmins, 1996) Key points, despite later changes were that in organising social security the state shouldnt suppress encouragement, opportunity and responsibility. The states position to Social Insurance and Assistance System should be rigorously limited to guaranteeing citizens a subsistence income. Anything above that minimum should be determined by personnel effort and voluntary contributions to private insurance, not the state. (Lowe, 2005) Beveridge had strong commitments to the free market believing that the state intervention should be kept to a minimum promoting maximum freedom of the individual and therefore political autonomy, economic effectiveness and social diversity. Beveridge also indicated a need for greater state regulation acknowledging that politically it was crucial. He was concerned that should economic waste and social inequalities persist parliamentary democracy could damage and discredit political stability. (Lowe, 2009) Beveridge was a reluctant collectivist intending his recommendations for the welfare state to be a safety net for those who would need it the most believing in limiting the role of the government. Beveridge believed that the overall cost of medical care would decrease as people became healthier, hence needing less treatment (Batholomew, 2004). 1945 saw the appointment of Clement Atlee of the labour party as the new prime minister. He went on to introduce the welfare state as outlined in the 1942 Beveridge Report. By 1948 the National Health Service was created introducing free medical treatment for all, reformist socialist looked upon it as a framework for development shifting towards an egalitarian society, whilst those such as Hayek had never been convinced of a need for the welfare state in the first place. A national system of benefits was introduced to provide social security to protect from cradle to the grave Partly built on National Insurance Scheme set up by David Lloyd George 1911. People in work had to make contributions each week as did employers but the benefits provided were now much greater. Social work was first recognised in 1898 with classes being offered at Columbia University. Social work and the five giants of want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness were deep rooted and radical welfare reformers often saw violence, alcohol misuse, child abuse being mainly caused through the absence of welfare and that the introduction of the welfare state as a way of solving these. (Lowe, 2005) The provision of services following the Beveridge Report saw the introduction of many Acts, policies, reports and events that brought about changes to services and the law. In 1945 the death of Dennis ONeil highlighted the plight of foster children. The Mockington Report 1945 found the poor supervision, coordination and overdue action being key contributing factors in the death of Dennis ONeil. The Moncktons committee Report and Curtis Committee Report 1946 brought about changes in relation to children in foster care. Stipulating that a fit person be it an individual or the local authority must care for the child as their own. (Horner, 2009, Jordan, 2007) The Curtis Committee Report focused on children in care in particular those in residential care settings and directly resulted in the Children Act 1948 with local authorities becoming more responsible in the professional recognised service and recognised the need for a more personal approach within the care of children. When looking at the knowledge and skills required for this role the Curtis Report noted the need for this position to be the responsibility of a graduate with experience of children: Her essential qualifications, however, would be on the personal side. She should be genial and friendly in manner and able to set both children and adults at their ease (Curtis, 1946 as in Jordan 2007) The Origins of social work can be traced back to COS (The Charity Organisation Society founded in 1869) and the Settlement Movement both influential yet declined mid twentieth century. Younghusbands report 1947 noted a wide variety of social work, family case work, settlement work, and work within physically and mental health, probation, youth work amongst others she also believed that both the COS and the settlement movements sought to integrate casework, group work and community work. Younghusbands report went on to position social work into five specific settings, Childrens Departments, Welfare Departments, Health Departments linked to psychiatric services, Health Departments and medical social workers and Probation Departments ( Younghusband, 1981, Horner 2009) In 1954 Younghusband played a key part in establishing the first generic training ensuring all social workers had a common base of knowledge for professional social work training. Further reports of Younghusband led to the founding of a Council for Training in Social Work and a social work certificate (Wilson et al, 2008). More recently through the Modernising Social Service Agenda and the Care Standards Act 2000 there have been huge developments within social work education with major changes ensuring that qualified Social Workers are educated to honours degree level ensuring common shared knowledge, skills and values (Department of Health, 1998) Banks (1995) acknowledges the complex interaction of social work and how it involves interconnected complex issues, ethical, technical, legal and political. All of these are part of the shared knowledge, skills and values of the modern qualified social worker. These shared knowledge, skills and values are more important when considering as Parton (1997) argues the position of the social worker, between the rights of the individual and the states responsibilities. The Department of Health (2002) states Social work is a practical job and therefore the degree requires social workers to demonstrate their practical application of skills and knowledge ability to problem solve. Whilst providing hope for those people who rely on social services. Some definitions such as Jones (2002) link more towards individual difficulties and raises questions of social control. When looking at different definitions it is possible to look at the different practice context. The department of health definition highlights skills and interventions this views social work as practical interactive activity which requires a set of beliefs, knowledge and interpersonal skills linking the ethics and values of social work (Oko, 2009) Titmuss (1965) acknowledge the changing role of social work in relation to social problems stating that within the past two decades social problems brought about a call for more trained social workers. Focaults (1977) noted that government increased employment opportunities upon realising the capacity of social work to control populations those populations troublesome to social order. Foucault (1977) and Parker (1990) also acknowledged the importance of historical awareness and understanding of social work when reflecting upon the present to enable more productive and effective outcomes. The General Social Care Council (GSCC) views reflection as essential to high-quality social work and key to ongoing professional development and acknowledges this within the National Occupational Standards and General Social Care code of practice (GSCC, 2002). The BASW have recognised that the duty of the social worker being to assist with the solving of social problems and conflict at the personal l evel.(Oko, 2009) National Occupational Standards define reflective practice as: Reflective practice is grounded in the social workers repertoire of values, knowledge, theories and practice, which influence the judgements made about a particular situation. The characteristics of reflective judgments indicate that the practitioner has developed the ability to view situations from multiple perspectives, the ability to search for alternative explanations, and the ability to use evidence in supporting or evaluating a decision or position (Training Organisation for the Personal Social Services (TOPSS, 2002) Learning through reflection is a life long process of development Lindeman (1926) viewed it as a process autonomous with life and revolves about non-vocational ideas noting adult education to be around situations putting the student needs first and acknowledges that it is the learners experience, if education is life, then life is education. Within the learning and qualification elements of social work training and qualification, anti oppressive and anti discriminatory practice is key. Anti oppressive and anti discriminatory practice is fundamental to social work. This is clearly emphasized in the GSCC code of practice highlighting the need to respect diversity and promotion of equal opportunities. In order to undertake the role of a social worker it is essential to have some basic understanding of anti discrimination legislation. The Race Relations Act 1976 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 make it illegal for authorities to discriminate as do elements of the Children Act 1989. Social work commitment to anti oppressive and anti discriminatory practice gained significance having recognised the lack of response to discriminatory and oppressive practice on the part of social workers in the 1980s towards the needs disabled people, women and ethnic minorities (Taylor, 1993). It is this fundamental practice that is recognised within the training and a major part of qualifying courses with in social work. (Wilson et al, 2008) It is this core commitment of the social worker to anti oppressive practice and anti discriminatory practice that encourages and supports active involvement on the part of the service users. Direct payments and individual budgets support individual choice and empowerment. Mullender (1997) stated that in order to understand the oppressions and discrimination people face it is essential perceive the way in which people are disadvantaged. With many forms of oppression and discrimination all of which impact upon social clients, it is important to recognise that negative use of power is at the heart. Thompson (2001) states that for social workers this power lies within their knowledge and expertise, access to resources, statutory powers and influence of individuals and other agencies. Historically this links back to the variety of social work as originally set out in Younghusbands Report 1947 as mentioned on page 4. As people became more satisfied with each of the welfare services this resulted in them becoming a better resourced service dispelling previous anxieties changing the climate of opinion. The personal social services in 1950s had very little increase in expenditure although 1960 1968 expenditure doubled. As social work continued to develop so did policy and legislation, 1963 saw the first lawful vital Act that enabled preventative developmental social work enabling early intervention, the Children and Young Persons Act of 1963. This enabled preventative and rehabilitative social work enabling social workers to work towards changing conditions, to prevent children entering local authority care or the juvenile court. It was as a result of pressure from probation and childrens services which led directly to the establishment of the Seebohm Committee in 1965 and the passage of the social work (Scotland) Act in 1968. In 1968 Fredric Seebohm led a committee appointed by the government (Committee on Local Authorities and Allied Personal Social Services) whos task was To review the organisation and responsibilities of the local authorities personal social services in England and Wales, and to consider what changes were desirable to secure an effective family service. (Horner, 2009) The Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 went on to see the enactment of the Seebohm Report in 1971. The report changed the delivery of the welfare Servcies into Social Services with a new generic social worker role. The report recommended a generic integrated social care approach to social services, family orientated, and community based service available and accessible to all, as an integrated service rather than totally separate departments run independently. This new personal Social Services being one of five parts of the social security policy arena, the other four being Social Security, Health, Housing and Education in which Social workers and Social Care are as Walker (1984) says viewed as the safety net of the five. This saw the appointment of a director of social services accountable to the Social Services Committee.   Resulting in breaking down fragmented services between health and welfare committees and associated departments and leading onto the development of generic social work training developed through central council for education and training of social workers (CCETSW) Claire (2000) post Seebohm, noted staff struggles to the new generic approach given that many had specialisms within a now integrated service. Whilst Willmott (1975) acknowledged   how social work reforms brought about change which meant the families would have one lead social worker as a means to one for each area of need, resulting in a more holistic approach to the need of the individual or family. Toronto (1993) held a collectivist view of this that in order for society to be judged as a morally admirable society it must, among other things, adequately provide care of its members. Thompson (2005) noted that in working within integrated approaches positive outcomes can come about for all concerned, but warns that it can also make some situations worse and the potential for these situations needs to be recognised in order to minimise harm and maximise the good. It could be argued that the recommendations of the Seebohm report 1968 was not wholly new as the Ingleby Report 1960 wit h a main focus upon juvenile delinquency, child neglect and the entry of children into care it noted the need for state intervention when families are seen to be failing. The Ingleby report commented upon a solution being to reorganise various services concerned with families into one unified family service in effect Ingleby was a forerunner to integrated social care. (Boss, 1971) The Seebohm reforms created changes to management systems and coordination in children and welfare departments for many this was a high point of collectivism, state intervention of the state in social welfare and formal education with the state at the fore front.   With major developments also taking place within education, council housing and urban regeneration. Jordan also noted how the collective institutions were not seen as reliable and able to resolve disagreements.   This was demonstrated through trade union consciousness amongst those working within social services, coming together against many of the states strategies and policies.   Freire (2003) would see this as people understanding of their social and political position within society, consciousness raising and critical thinking enabling people to challenge their position and start the process of change, viewing empowerment as conscientization education of the consciousness, in which communities become aware of iss ues affecting them.   Freire used the term conscientization to refer to learning to perceive social, political and economic contradictions and take actions against the oppressive elements of reality. The Victoria Climbie inquiry overseen by Lord Laming saw the production of the green paper Every Child Matters (ECM), published along side Lord Lamings report.   The report had four key focus points, improving the way in which carers and families are supported and notes the critical influence upon the lives of children, preventative interventions prior to crisis point situations proactive action to stop children falling through the net, addressing underlying weak accountability and poor integration and make sure those people working with children and young people are appreciated, rewarded and trained.   one of the outcomes of ECM was to set five outcomes for all children and young people, be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.   In relation to social work there are many areas covered and given consideration, foster care, care matters, child trust funds, independent reviewing officers, health care, adoption, educat ional achievement of looked after children, secure childrens home, family and friends carers and social work practice pilots.   Within this new Joint Area Reviews (JAR) inspections focused on communication and integrated care. In addition there is substantial coverage of issues around safeguarding.   The ECM has seen a multi agency approach with integrated services, strategies and governance as a result of the depth and breadth for the ECM and subsequent ECM papers. In conclusion social work mediates between the state and its members the roles and responsibilities therefore can vary significantly based upon the over riding views within society and the elected government.   This in turn will affect responses to the needs of people in relation to individual rights and responsibilities verses collective responsibility.   Social workers often engage with those most in need, struggling to participate within society.  Ã‚   Frequently caught somewhere in the middle of conflicting political ideologies of left/right wing policies, engaging and supporting those most marginalised yet often employed within the political, social and economic setting that may have gone some way to contribute to that marginalisation.   Therefore it is essential for social workers to have a commitment to understanding their modern role and how that has developed through the range of different and often conflicting political thinking of government influencing power in relation to culture, thoughts, actions, attitudes, feelings and structural levels. Social work will continue to evolve along with legislation, movements and unfortunately high profile incidents and therefore training will follow a parallel in line with the current discourse.   Through looking back through time from the implementation of the state welfare the collectivist approach was dominant.   That was until the Thatcher years which saw an anti collectivist approach to welfare services which viewed the welfare state as over developed creating dependency, irresponsibility and keeping people from using their initiative.   Whilst New Labour believed in a limited role, reducing the role of the state and by supporting and promoting schemes such as sure start and new deal with the focus being upon social inclusion.   As governments and common ideologies change so will the roles of social workers as, administrators of social policies. References Banks, S (1995) Ethics and Values in social work.   London: Macmillan Bartholomew, J (2004) The welfare state were in.   London: Politico Publishing. Clare, B (2000) Becoming a social worker: learning, doing and being, in J Harris, I Paylor and L Frogget (Eds) Reclaiming social work: the south port papers.   Birmingham: Venture Press. Department of Health (1998) Modernizing Social Services: promoting independence, improving protection, raising standards.   CM.1469. London: Stationary Office Department of Health (2002) Requirements for social work training.   London: Department of Health. Foucault, M (1977) Discipline and Punishment.   London: Allen Lane General Social Care Council (2002) Code of Practice for Social Workers and employers.   London: GSCC Horner, N (2009) (3rd Ed) What is Social Work: Contexts and Perspectives, Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd Jordan, B (2007) Social work and well-being.   Dorset: Russell House Publishing Ltd Lindeman (1926) Lowe, R (2005) The Welfare State in Britain since 1945. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Oko, J (2009) Understanding and Using Theory in Social Work.   Exeter: Leaning Matters Ltd Parker, R (1990) Away from home: a history of childcare.   Ilford, Essex: Barnardos Parton, N (1997) Social Theory, Social Change and Social Work: an introduction. London: Routledge. Taylor, G (1993) Challenges from the margins, in J, Clarke(ed) A Crisis in Care: Challenges to Social Work, London: Sage/Open University. Thompson, N (2001) (3rd Ed) Anti-discriminatory Practice.   New York: Palgrave Thompson, N (2005) (2nd ed) Understanding Social Work.   Basingstoke: Palgrave Timmins, N (1996) The Five Giants: A Biography of the Welfare State.   Glasgow: Fontana Press Titmuss, R (1965) Goals of todays Welfare State, in P Anderson and R Blackburn (eds)   Towards socialism.   London: Fontana. Toronto, J (1993) Moral Boundaries: a political argument for an ethic of care.   New York: Routledge. Training Organisation for the Personal Social Services (2002) National occupational standards for social work.   London: TOPPS. Walker, A (1984) Social Planning: a strategy for socialist welfare.   Oxford: Blackwell Willmott, P (1975) (2nd Ed) Comsumers guide to the British social services.   Harmondsworth: Penguin Wilson K, Ruch G, Lymbery M, Cooper A, Becker S, Brammer A, Clawson R, Littlechild B, Paylor I, Smith R (2008) Social Work: An introduction to contemporary practice.   Essex: Pearson Education Limited Younghusband, E (1981) The Newest Profession.   Community Care:/IPC

Berendts Attitude in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil :: Midnight Garden Good Evil

Berendt's Attitude in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil "The biggest challenge . . . is finding characters worth writing about, " says John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. "I found a mother lode in Savannah" (Anderson 18). Berendt conveys certain attitudes towards different characters and events. He takes the same explorative and open approach to each person and situation, but his final attitudes towards them are quite varied. He behaves very differently around Jim Williams than around Joe Odom and his crew, and differently from all of them when around Lee Adler. His reactions to the news of Williams's arrest and trials vary greatly from his reaction to the Lady Chablis' singular exit from "her" job. Berendt is more reserved and plays the part of the confidant when he is in the company of Williams. From their first meeting, Williams seems ready to open up to Berendt, and the reader gets the feeling that Berendt welcomes the role. He portrays Williams as an arrogant but decent enough type who is somewhat lonely and in need of a feeling of power. Williams's affinity for Nazi relics and weapons is one sign of his power fetish, as is his superior view of himself. Berendt takes all of this in stride and uses it to set up the foundation for Williamsà ­ actions during the trials later in the book. During their meeting, Williams tells him many stories about Savannah and the people who live there. Berendt's reaction to Joe Odom and his followers and friends is more relaxed. Joe gives Berendt the three basic rules of Savannah, which include "Always stick around for one more drink" and "Never go south of Gaston Street" (Berendt 49). These rules demonstrate the exclusiveness of Savannah and its willingness to let loose and have some fun with life. The third rule also shows one of the traditions of Savannah: "Observe the high holidays - Saint Patrick's Day and the day of the Georgia-Florida football game" (49). Nearly everyone in Savannah gets involved in both these holidays, adding their own twists to both. For Saint Patrick's Day, the drinking begins at 6 a.m. The women in South Georgia don't start wearing panty hose till after the big game. While Berendt doesn't let Joe's advice stop him from exploring south of Gaston Street, he welcomes the guidance all the same.

Kevlar Aramid Fiber :: essays research papers

STRUCTURE Kevlar Aramid Fiber is a synthetic (man-made) material known as a Polymer. A polymer is a chain that is made up of many similar molecular groups, better known as ‘monomers’ that are bonded together. ‘Monomers’ are made up of fourteen Carbon atoms, two Nitrogen atoms, two Oxygen atoms and ten Hydrogen atoms. A single Kevlar polymer chain could possibly have anywhere from one to five million monomers bonded together. A group of polymer chains can be organised together in a fiber. How the polymer chains are put together is important, as it improves the properties of the material. The flexibility, strength and stiffness of Kevlar fiber, is dependent on the orientation of the polymer chains. Kevlar fiber is an arrangement of molecules, orientated parallel to each other. This orderly, untangled arrangement of molecules is described as a â€Å"Crystalline Structure†. A manufacturing process known as ‘Spinning’ is needed to achieve this Crystallinity structure. Spinning is a process that involves forcing the liquefied polymer solution through a ‘die’ (small holes). The Crystallinity of Kevlar Polymer strands, contributes to the unique strength and stiffness of the material. Kevlar is very similar to other common synthetic polymers, including Nylon, Teflon and Lycra. In all Polated to strength. Aromatic refers to the Carbon atoms attached in a ring, and Amides refers to a group of Carbon, Nitrogen and Hydrogen atoms. Kevlar fiber is therefore a â€Å"Polyaromatic amide†, as it has a high breaking strength. Polymer chains are long, individual chains, although they behave as if they are attached to each other. The individual chains are actually held together by ‘Electrostatic Forces’ between molecules, also known as ‘Hydrogen Bonds’. Scientists discovered this, by using a special type of X-ray microscopy called ‘XANES’. This was able to reveal the orientation of molecules in materials. It has also been discovered that the components of Kevlar fiber, have a radial orientation that is in a crystal. The crystal-like regularity is the largest contributing factor in the strength of Kevlar fiber. PROPERTIES It is five times stronger, yet the same weight as steel. Kevlar Aramid fiber is an improved material, which is an extremely lightweight, man-made organic fiber. Kevlar fiber has a combination of properties, which have made Kevlar a very useful material. These include, high strength, low weight, high chemical resistance and high cut resistance. This material does not corrode or rust and is also unaffected when placed in or under water.

The Compelling Motives of European Imperialism Essay -- European Histo

The Compelling Motives of Imperialism The presence of Europe in Africa in the late nineteenth century was one of extreme power. The countries of France, Britain, and Germany had especially large claims to the African continent during this time. The motives of imperialism for these countries greatly define Europe at this time. Insatiable desires for economic markets, power and political struggles, the motivating belief in Social Darwinism, and the European idea of superiority were the driving forces at the European home front in the late nineteenth century. Many of the causes for imperialism in Africa were evident in Joseph Conrad’s turn of the century novel, Heart of Darkness. Successful domination of Africa was not attainable prior to the eighteen hundreds. The obstacles of travel and disease were too powerful to overcome. However, with the development of the steamship and the protection from malaria in the form of quinine, Europeans tackled Africa with a renewed energy (Sanderson â€Å"Imperialism notes†). A European council congregated in 1885 and drew up the Berlin Act, which was responsible for the carving of Africa into pieces of land for the major imperialistic powers in Europe (Lehmann â€Å"The Scramble for Africa†). Political and nationalistic rivals were fueled and each European power desired to prosper greater than their competitors did. Political goals were often achieved through imperialism. Countries competed for â€Å"strategic passages† and â€Å"overseas bases† in locations throughout Africa (Lehmann â€Å"European Imperialism). The goals of achieving the most power and wealth from various regions throu gh imperialistic measures were realized during the age of imperialism. A new source of economic resources for eve... ...rialism in the nineteenth century. Links and Works Cited: http://www.usd.edu/honors/HWB/1999/1999f/index.htm Clayton Miles Lehmann compiled this website. It is based upon Imperialism, with my attention to â€Å"European Imperialism† and â€Å"The Scramble for Africa†. There is also a map depicting the carving of Africa. http://www.angelfire.com/tx/sandersonAP/NotesImp.htm This website provides note-like structured description of European imperialism by Dr. Sanderson. It highlights reasons for imperialism and different areas that were imperialized. http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/~patrick/151/africa.htm Patrick M. Patterson designed this website. A description of Africa before European imperialism is provided here. There are also explanations of the delay of imperialism and some causes of it. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: The Modern Library, 1999.

Unit 3 – Supporting Children

E1. Five pieces of current legislation are: 1. Sex Discrimination Act 1975 2. Equality Act 2006 3. Childcare Act 2006 4. Race Relations Act 2000 5. Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 E2. The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 states that we should not discriminate on the grounds of gender and that both genders should be treated equally with the same rights. This means that practitioners should involve boys and girls in all activities and should not make comments such as ‘Girls are more sensible than boys’. Equality Act 2006 provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.That means that practitioners should treat all children as an individual and give children equal opportunities as children have individual needs that should be met. Childcare Act 2006 incorporates the welfare standards with which all settings registered to work with children under 8 years must comply, and also provides a learning framewo rk for children aged 0-5 years called the Early Years Foundation Stage. The welfare requirements affect much of the day-to-day practice within settings, for example the adult to child ratio in rooms.Race Relations Act amended 2000 apply to discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, nationality and ethnic and national origins. It states that practitioners should give equal opportunities to all children no matter what their race, nationality and ethnic origin is. Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 states that practitioners should not treat disabled children less favourably than other children. It also states that schools must ensure that they make reasonable adjustments to ensure that children with disabilities are not placed at a disadvantage.E3. Safeguarding is defined as: All agencies working with children, young people and their families taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children's welfare are minimized. Policies and Procedures w ill help safeguard children by making sure that all steps are taken to protect children and young people from harm. To ensure this create an environment in the setting which encourages children to develop a positive self-image, regardless of race, language, religion culture and home background.Encourage children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence and enable children to have the self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches. Following the correct procedures in the setting is essential because if there is an accident and you have followed all the correct procedures then the accident is not your fault; however if you haven't followed the correct procedures then you are responsible for any accidents that happen and the consequences are your fault. Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 states that practitioners should not treat disabled children less favourably than other children.It also states that schools must ensure that they make reas onable adjustments to ensure that children with disabilities are not placed at a disadvantage Another policy that will safeguard children is Health and Safety Policy. This policy aims to ensure that settings both inside and outside are secure, safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and other people to be around in. This policy also aims to prevent accidents, injuries and ill-health, and it makes sure all staff is aware of potential hazards within the setting and the surrounding environment. E4.An Inclusion policy ensures that all pupils are fully included in all aspects of school life and have an equal opportunity no matter what their gender, religion, race, background, specific difficulty or physical ability is. This policy aims to support the individual needs of each and every child recognising their rights and raising awareness. By having a relations or partnership with parents’ policy in place a setting, helps a setting to recognise that parents and carers ar e the first educators of their children. â€Å"Parents are children’s first and most enduring educators.When parents and practitioners work together in early years settings, the results have a positive impact on children’s development and learning. † Commitment 2. 2 Parents as Partners, EYFS The policy’s aim is to work in partnership with parents and carers in providing an environment that supports and involves them in the setting. A setting can do this by informing parents of how the setting operates, opening times and policies and procedures through written information on notice boards and involve parents in the shared development record keeping about their child and ensure they have access to their child’s developmental records..Another policy that is provided to promote fair, just and inclusive strategies is ‘Equal Opportunities’. This policy is designed to provide opportunities for all people to achieve according to efforts and ab ilities. This policy means individuals will be catered for and they will be given equality of opportunity no matter what disability, ethnic origin, medical condition, gender, special educational need, religion and age. As a practitioner working in a setting you must understand that everyone is equal and everyone has different needs and abilities. E5.One strategy which my setting uses to empower children to develop independence and self reliance is arrival time. When children arrive to school they have few jobs to do before they sit down on the carpet. Firstly what they have to do is put their book bags in correct box Hares, Rabbit or Reading Group Box it depends on which group they are in and whether it is their turn to read. To find out if it is their turn to read they look up on the reading board to see if their picture is up. Once they have done this they have to do the same with their lunch boxes.Then its time to find their pegs and hang up their coats. All children have their o wn pegs with their picture and name on them which makes it easier for children to find their pegs. Finally children say goodbye to their parents and sit down on the carpet in their sitting spaces. Another strategy that my setting uses to empower children to develop independence and self reliance is ‘Special Helper Day or sometimes called VIP day. All children in the classroom have a turn to be a VIP. Children have special jobs to do when it is their turn to be VIP. In the morning the teachers tells children who theVIP is and give children a VIP sticker. Then children are asked to take the register and money basket to the office and on the way back to get the fruit box. Throughout the day VIP’s are responsible for giving the fruit and milk out at snack time and during the day the help the teacher in simple task such as giving the paper out or putting pencil trays on the tables. E6. Transition is a time of change, when children pass through the various stages of life. For the baby this can mean being weaned from milks to solid foods, and for the child it means starting nursery and then school.There are many strategies and examples of how childcare settings can prepare children for transfer or transition. These are listed below: Parents can become as anxious as their children about the move to a new class. Practitioners will regularly have meetings for ‘new parents’ before their children start school. Also, most mainstream provisions have meetings when parents can meet their child’s new teachers; where staff can talk to parents formally about the routines and informally to get to know each other.It is an opportunity to show parents the layout of the setting, and all the practical things which parents need to know about and for them to meet new staff. Reading books, leaflets, brochures and hearing stories that deal with the subject of transition will prepare and support children. This helps to familiarise children with the transiti on process and helps minimise the fear of the unknown. Some children whose second language is not English will find it difficult to communicate or interpret the information provided and the setting will need an interpreter to ease the child’s transition.Ensuring that all documentation about a child is organised and ready to be passed on to a parent/carer or other professionals as appropriate to the situation- For example a key person may hand on a child’s developmental records. Children having comfort objects brought from home will ensure that a child has a smoother transition. Having a comfort object offers children psychological comfort and security especially in unique or unusual situations and also encourages independence.Allowing plenty of opportunities for children to express their feelings and emotions through imaginative and expressive play will ease transition and develop self help skills. Imaginative play helps children to work out ‘real life situations ’ which then helps them to replay the situations which helps children to create solutions to life which is essential for early childhood onwards. Expressive play helps children to release their emotions which will help a child who has just started in a setting to feel more confident.It will help to learn to express emotion more effectively. By having information given by the parent/carer a setting will be more aware of a child’s particular needs or requirements therefore this partnership is crucial. The role of the key person is also important to provide stability for the child and security for the child. E7. Discrimination can occur because some people can have very stereotypical attitudes by having a judgemental approach against children they don’t know and they then assume they know what the children are capable of.Assuming you know what the children are capable of can lead to telling them they can’t do certain activities that other children are doing, when actually they may be capable of it, however even if they aren’t they should be given a chance to try the activity and develop their skills, if they are struggling. Discrimination against any child regardless of their needs can make them feel isolated and different to other children. Very often children with special needs have a very difficult time trying to fit in with other children especially if they are in a mainstream school.All children can be very unintentionally cruel to one another and should be helped to understand that everyone is different and how this is good. Example: In our setting we promote inclusion and we treat everyone the same and explain to other children â€Å"we are alike but different. † A lot of discrimination can be caused by school children thinking they are better than other children. Children don’t understand that everyone is equal and have the same right. Most often children make comments about other children that come up unde r discrimination. For example they may say: ‘I don’t want to play with black children’.This will make children that are different ethnic background feel different, and picked on. They may feel lonely and left out as other children don’t want to play with them because there skin colour is different. â€Å"Children who are discriminated against may not feel they are valued and so may lose confidence, or they may find that other people have low expectations of what they can achieve. This may mean that they are not given the opportunity to acquire new skills or try out new activities as it is assumed they will not be able to cope† (Tassoni et al. 2005 Page 82. (Children’s Care Learning and Development Level 2, Heinemann, Page 82) D1. There are many issues relating to practice which support children to prepare for transitions. Gathering Information about the setting. It is useful to find out information about school/nursery before parents make a d ecision which school/nursery to send their child to. Parents can look up the information on the setting’s website where they can get some background information. They may also read Brochures/Prospectus. These can be useful as they may contain photographs which will be easier for children to visualise where they are going.Parents can also make a phone call to get some more information about the setting; they could also arrange a visit to the setting. Parents could also ask other parents about the setting as other parents may have children that go to the certain setting. However these would be just opinions from other parents. Talking about school with children It is important to talk with children about school, discussing what it might be like and what will happen during the day. To do this effectively, it may be helpful to school or the teacher who will work with the child to find out some more information about the routine.It is important to avoid building overly unrealistic expectations about what school will be like, as a child’s disappointment when the first day is not as they expected may have an effect on settling in process. Visits to school It is beneficial for a child to visit school before starting. Many schools/nurseries offer visits to school/classroom or when the child is moving to the toddler room etc. The more times that a child can visit the place that the child will be moving to the better as the child will get familiar with the setting and will get used to the routine , other children and teachers.Partnership with Parents It’s important that the setting has a partnership with the child parents, as the parents of the child may worry/panic about their child going into a new environment. For example, the setting could have a coffee morning where stay and play sessions can take place to the parents can watch their child play. The child’s self help skills will also have a link with their parents, For example, if a child still uses a potty the parent of the child and the child's teacher will work together to motivate the child to use the toilet.By working together with parents practitioners can find out more information about children such as child’s interest, dietary requirements or if the child needs any special help. D2. Listening to children By listening to children, children will realise that others value what they have to say and therefore children will feel accepted as individuals with their own feelings and thoughts. There are many ways that early learning and child care practitioners can help children to feel heard. During circle times children can be encouraged to share their personal stories, opinions and feelings.Practitioners can encourage children to speak by asking questions, which will give them the chance to speak and to elaborate. When children’s questions are taken seriously they feel validated and comfortable to seek answers. Taking child’s interests into th e account If a child demonstrates interest in something, practitioners can follow up by offering more opportunities for children to try activities related to his/her interests. By following up on the discussion initiated by the child’s question, it shows the child that the practitioner has heard and appreciated his expression of interest.Empowering children to seek answers engages them in the learning process. Giving children choices When children are given some guided choices appropriately and gradually or whenever possible rather than given commands all the time this helps to build up their decision making ability and self confidence. This is by far better than giving commands alone as giving children commands in upbringing stifles the child’s decision making ability which may result in an overly dependant mindset and a general lack of self confidence.B. Assuming what children are capable of can affect children because practitioners may judge them and treat them diff erently, and children will eventually notice that they are being treated differently which will affect their self –esteem and their social and emotional development. When a child feels that way they may stop trying to achieve or only attempt tasks half-heartedly. They may withdraw from activities and/or the group. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy-the less a child tries, the more likely they are to fail.This reinforces their belief that they will fail and they may try even less as a result. ‘’Discrimination of any kind prevents children and young people from developing a feeling of self-worth or self esteem. The effects of being discriminated against can last the whole of a child’s life. ‘’ C. Meggitt 2007 page 155 If a child is the subject of discrimination, they may have a lack of confidence as a result. But there are also additional issues that may have impact on their learning. Children who are discriminated against are not given equal op portunities in comparison to their peers.This can limit children’s experiences and relationships which in turn affects their learning. â€Å"Children who are discriminated against may not feel they are valued and so may lose confidence, or they may find that other people have low expectations of what they can achieve. This may mean that they are not given the opportunity to acquire new skills or try out new activities as it is assumed they will not be able to cope† Children’s Care Learning and Development Level 2, Heinemann, Page 82.If children are not given equal opportunities to attend settings, participate fully in activities and have their needs met, they are unlikely to learn effectively as children who do not experience discrimination and are therefore treated superiorly. Children are discriminated for a range different reasons for example: A practitioner will not allow boys to play with dolls and the home corner because she thinks they are girls’ t oys. A wheelchair user is encouraged to read a book inside while the other children go outside to play because the practitioner thinks they will not be able to join in with the physical activities.Children may discriminate against other children on account of their differences; this is often the form of name-calling and teasing, and may be directed at children who are either fatter or thinner than others in the group, or who wear different clothes, have a disability or are bilingual . Discrimination against any child regardless of their needs can make them feel isolated and different to other children. Very often children with special needs have a very difficult time trying to fit in with other children especially if they are in a mainstream school.All children can be very unintentionally cruel to one another and should be helped to understand that everyone is different and how this is good. Example: In our setting we promote inclusion and we treat everyone the same and explain to o ther children â€Å"we are alike but different. † C. One theoretical perspective which supports the development of strategies for empowering children is Albert Bandura’s theory. Bandura used the term ‘self efficacy’ to consider the extent in which children believe in themselves. A child with a high self-efficacy believes that they are capable of doing activities and they feel more confident.As a child with low self-efficacy has a low self-esteem and will not feel comfortable about some activities. They may make assumption that the activity is too hard and they can’t do it before even starting it. A. The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 has influenced working practices within the early year’s settings as Schools and nurseries need to ensure that nobody is discriminated on the grounds of gender. The settings needs to ensure that nor boys or girls are discriminated in the provision of play activities or during routines.In my placement we plan activit ies where all the children, boys and girls, are able to take part, for example, dressing up. ‘’The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 makes it unlawful to treat a person less favourably than a member of the other sex’’ http://www. dba. org. uk/pdfs/120-3%20Sex%20Discrimination%20Act. pdf In my setting I have seen that there is a lot of legislation in place to protect and safeguard children, their parents and families. I have found that the legislation plays part on the work practices when in the setting and it reflects on the setting’s policies and procedures.For Example; at my setting we have a policy on behaviour that states no physical punishment is allowed because the Human Right says children and adults have the right of dignity. The Equality Act 2006 has influenced working practices within the early year’s setting as now every setting has an equal opportunities policy which aims to ensure that every member of the school community is given an e qual opportunity to achieve their full potential . It also aims to offer equal opportunities regardless of race, culture, gender orientation, academic ability, physical ability or class.Provide an environment free from social, sexual or cultural prejudice for all members of our school community. Achieve an environment in which members of the school community can be respected as individuals and in which the varied experiences of the community can enrich the life of the school. Race Relations Act 2000 has influences working practices today as every settings take this Act in to the account that racial discriminatory practice is unaccepted . The Act was introduced to make discriminatory practice illegal in the United Kingdom.In practice this will mean that an organisation must be alert on how a setting promotes their service, recruits staff and make the service genuinely accessible to all. The Act defines two types of discrimination: 1. Direct Discrimination – where a person or o rganisation treats another person less favourably because of their colour, race, ethnic or racial origin. 2. Indirect Discrimination – where apparently everyone receives the same treatment, but where that treatment disadvantages people from a certain racial group.Following the Act the Commission for Racial Equality was established in order to help enforce the act, and also to advise the Government and others on issues concerning it. â€Å"The Race Relations Act 1976 and its amendment Act 2000 and the Children Act 1989 place duties on Local Authorities and others to carry out their functions with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and to provide racially, culturally and linguistically appropriate. ‘’ http://www. durham-lscb. gov. k/Procedures/appendix5. shtml The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 strengthened the right of children with disabilities to attend mainstream educational facilities. It is unlawful for any school to discriminate against any disabled children or parents. Ofsted inspectors are now checking that schools are complying with the SENDA and are making sure that children with disabilities have the same rights as other people. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 cover all four UK nations.It defines a disabled person as ‘someone who has a physical or mental impairment which is substantial and long term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day –to-day activities. Each nation has their own legislation to ensure that children with specific needs are assessed and have their needs met in most appropriate way. Settings are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ by either changing policy, providing alternative ways to access a provision, or by addressing physical features which make a service impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use.For example settings can make their provision more accessible by having downstairs toilet s, wider doors and ramps to the front doors. Bibliography Author| Date of publication| Title| Name of publisher| Tassoni et al| 2007| CACHE Level 3 Child Care and Education 4th Edition| Heinemann| Meggitt C et al| 2011| Children and Young People’s Workforce| Hodder Education| Miranda Walker| 2006| Child Care , Learning and Development| Nelson Thornes| Websites http://www. dba. org. uk/pdfs/120-3%20Sex%20Discrimination%20Act. pdf http://www. durham-lscb. gov. uk/Procedures/appendix5. shtml