Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Advertisements Should Be More Responsible Essay

Advertisements Should Be More Responsible - Essay Example However, when this influence of the advertisements starts to have adverse effects on people’s life, it is important for the business organizations and importantly their advertising companies to take key responsibilities. That is, as advertisements are persuasive to the potential audience, it needs to be non-emotional but logical, truthful, objective, impartial, accurate, avoids causing public harm, and does not dubiously target children. Otherwise, they are prone to opposition from consumers, consumer bodies, governmental agencies, and general public. The focus will be on how certain advertisements have irresponsible content and message thereby necessitating advertising industry or sector along with businesses to be more responsible while reaching and persuading its audience base. An advertisement, being a powerful medium, can effectively reach millions of people living in every nook and corner of the world. The reason for the advertisements to be a valuable communication platform is their effective persuasion and influential capabilities. However, advertising companies can seize this opportunity with a commercial motive, and so that can have many adverse effects on the viewers and the society as a whole. Advertisers seem to utilize the customers’ attitude and behavior to their discreet advantage by creating captivating images, providing inaccurate information, and misleading claims. Though it might be the free will of consumers to choose the products and brands which they want, it is a fact that advertisements can directly or subtly persuade them in doing so by creating an emotional trigger. â€Å"An ad succeeds at making us feel something—whether its good or bad—and that emotional response can have a profound effect on how we think and the choices we make† (Dachis). This clearly implies that success of any brand is solely defined by the consumers attitude towards the product or

Monday, October 28, 2019

National Security Council Essay Example for Free

National Security Council Essay The recent trend characterizing the US security policy is the gradual strengthening of the National Security Council. Under G. Bush administration this body gained significant power and influence. In this paper I’m going to investigate the reasons for this trend as well its advantages and disadvantages. In the international practice, National Security Council is generally defined as an executive body coordinating national security issues. National Security Council consists of the heads of departments involved in diplomacy and defense with a relatively small number of staff members. The US National Security Council was established in 1947 and substantially amended in 1949; the same year it was placed in the Executive Office of the President. The powers and influence of the US NSC has been gradually increasing during the second half of the 20th centuries; this trend is evident presently, too. As for the structure of the council, it is chaired by the President and encompasses Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the statutory military advisor to the Council, the Director of Central Intelligence as the intelligence advisor. The Chief of Staff to the President, Counsel to the President, and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy have a right to be present at any meeting of the Council; others can be invited to attend NSC meeting if appropriate. The functions of the NSC are â€Å"considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials. † (National Security Council official website, http://www. whitehouse. gov/nsc/) Every President made major or minor change in the powers and functions of the NSC in order to adjust it to his own management style. The ultimate goal of the NSC under Bush administration is to ensure collegiality among different departments coordinating military and diplomatic issues. But the functions of the NSC nowadays are much wider. The expert report that â€Å"the NSC today conducts ongoing relations with the media, Congress, the American public, and foreign governments. † (Daalder Destler, 2000, A New NSC for a New Administration, http://www. brookings. edu/comm/policybriefs/pb68. htm) Even the official sources define the Council as â€Å"as a means of controlling and managing competing departments† and it’s functioning â€Å"depended in no small degree upon the interpersonal chemistry between the President and his principal advisers and department heads. † (Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs, History of the National Security Council, http://www. fas. org/irp/offdocs/NSChistory. htm) The NSC is refered to as the â€Å"key foreign policy player in every administration since John F. Kennedys. † (Daalder Destler†¦) I strongly deem that the trend of NSC becoming more influential reflects the general trend of Presidential power becoming more authoritative. The fact that Condoleeza Rice rivals Colin Powell in influence is to a certain extent causes to the relations between Condoleeza Rice and the President. Another reason is that she had been an influential public figure in academic and political circles before joining the NSC. Karl Inderfurth and Loch Johnson (2004, p. 180) in their book Fateful Decisions: Inside the National Security Council states that â€Å"Rice perhaps most closely resembles McGeorge Bundy, of the Kennedy Administration, who was the first non-invisible national-security adviser†¦Ã¢â‚¬  George Bush in the first National Security Presidential Directive stated that â€Å"The NSC shall meet at my direction. † (National Security Presidential Directive, 2001, http://www. fas.org/irp/offdocs/nspd/nspd-1. htm) The positive side of it is that the President can quickly obtain a qualified advice when needed. The negative side is that the NSC is an easy tool for controlling and redefining diplomatic and military policy of the county without consulting other major defense bodies. The same Directive states: â€Å"Except for those established by statute, other existing NSC interagency groups, ad hoc bodies, and executive committees are also abolished as of March 1, 2001, unless they are specifically reestablished as subordinate working groups within the new NSC system as of that date. † George Bush adjusted the Council to his own needs approximately after a year in the office. This is one more important reason why the President relies more on the NSC than on traditional bureaucracy. The structure of the NSC is relatively transparent and clear; it includes a limited number of members, although it has grown in size recently and resembles a governmental agency rather than an advisory committee. I would like to elaborate on another factor that contributes to the situation with the NSC. After the tragic events of 9/11 George Bush established the Office of Homeland Security under the governance of Tom Ridge, the President’s close friend. The functions of the NSC and the OHS often overlap; the possibility of the NSC becoming hegemonic in the sphere of homeland security decreased. Still, its role in the national security is hard to overestimate. Daalder Destler (2000) propose a clear list of reasons why the NSC evolved in the key agent in defence and foreign policy. They state that it was caused by â€Å"the half-century development and legitimization of the NSC as presidential coordinator for mainstream national security issues†¦[and]†¦the post-cold war expansion of the foreign policy agenda, with more issues that require coordination across more agencies†¦[and]†¦the deepening of partisanship in Washington, particularly over the last decade. † It’s hard to give a solely positive or negative evaluation of this trend. From one angle, the NSC is flexible and is able to react rapidly to any security threat. It may seem rational to grant excessive powers to the NSC. There would be no need to employ the bureaucratic machine of numerous agencies dealing with diplomacy, military aspects and homeland security. The NSC should be organized in such a way so that â€Å"the president can make clear foreign policy choices in a timely manner. † (Daalder Destler ) Daalder Destler study emphasises that the NSC major task is integrating the US foreign and defence policy, and it’s of high importance in the era of global terrorism. From another angle, the NSC is powered by the President, and there exists much space for manipulation. Recently, the NSC doesn’t manage efficiently with coordinating the national security bodies. For instance, some tension exists in relations between the NSC and the agencies like CIA. Now let me proceed with drawing the final conclusion of the paper. There exists a clear trend of the National Security Council becoming more influential and powerful under the George Bush administration; this happens for compelling reasons. The positive or negative evaluation of his trend largely depends on the degree of efficiency of the NSC organization and functioning. References 1. The White House, National Security Council http://www. whitehouse. gov/nsc/ Last accessed: 15 Oct 2004 2. Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs, United States Department of State, History of the National Security Council, 1947-1997 http://www. fas. org/irp/offdocs/NSChistory. htm Last accessed: 15 Oct 2004 3.National Security Presidential Directive, February 13, 2001 http://www. fas. org/irp/offdocs/nspd/nspd-1. htm Last accessed: 15 Oct 2004 4. The Brookings Institution, Foreign Policy Studies, Daalder, I. H. , Destler, I. M. , A New NSC for a New Administration, Nov 2000 http://www. brookings. edu/comm/policybriefs/pb68. htm Last accessed: 15 Oct 2004 5. Inderfurth, K. F. , Johnson, L. K. 2004. Fateful Decisions: Inside the National Security Council. Oxford University Press.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

My Love is Like a Red Rose Essay -- Robert Burns Poetry Literature Ess

Life is like A Red Rose This is the loveliest lyrical song of all time for Robert's wife - Jean Armour. It is widely known for not only its emotional significance bur its perfect form as well. Robert Burns opens this poem with a traditional comparison:"Oh my love is like a red red rose" Up to now, "rose" is considered the symbol of love. In this case, rose "is newly sprung in June", we can understand that his love is always at the starting point. Robert uses his rose with the meaning that it is very strong and passionate. In the second comparison, the poet shares, "the melodie" that "sweetly played in tune": "Oh my love is like the melodie" This is the conventional comparison that evolves the hearing sense of the beats of two hearts of those who are in love. This sounds very harmonious and is played sweetly in tune. The next stanza is begun with an inversion in the first and second lines to emphasize Robert's love becomes deeper and deeper. " So fair art thou, my bonnie lass So deep in love am I" The first speciality of this poem is the end of the second stanza and the beginning one of the third stanza are the same:" ...Till a'the seas gand dry" and "Till a'the seas gang dry, my dear..." Here is the link of the poem and also the continuing love Robert Burns has. There are two exaggerated images proving the poet's passionate and deep love: "Till a'the seas gang dry, my dear, and the rocks melt wi'the sun." The seas are so broad to get dry an...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Womens Roles in Silkos Yellow Woman and Chopins The Story of an Hour :: comparison compare contrast essays

Women's Roles in Silko's Yellow Woman and Chopin's The Story of an Hour "Yellow Woman" describes a short episode from the life of a young woman. She leaves her home just for a few days and follows her beloved, whom she doesn't know well. However, afterwards she decides to come back home, to her family: husband, baby and relatives. This story may look superficial, but is contains deeper meaning, and truths about roles of women, traditional patriarchal society, and attitudes toward feminism. "Yellow Woman" shows the role of a woman in a traditional, average family; narrator is a married young female raising a baby and living together with parents and grandparents. We may assume that she doesn't work, and women in her family traditionally do not work. They are rather supposed to raise children and deal with housework; men are the ones who are responsible for financial matters, and "important" things. What is more the role of a woman in this family is rather under appreciated and minor, not even visible. After the narrator leaves her home she says: "There are enough of them to handle things. My mother and grandmother will raise the baby as they raised me. Al will find someone else"(Silko, 191). Another example of a patriarchal society may be found in a scene when a rancher captures her beloved - Silva. No one pays attention to her, or to what will happen to her; men only are allowed to deal with important issues such as crime, and responsibility. In this story male's and f emale's worlds are strongly separated. In the second essay "The Story of an Hour" female's situation looks very similar. Lousie, starts considering her marriage as a burden, and she feels free when she gets to know about her husband's death. It is difficult to understand her reaction, since the story doesn't say about problems in her marriage. Readers may think that she feels overwhelmed with her everyday life of (stay-at-home) wife, dependence upon Brently, his decisions, and maybe dominance. She is probably disappointed with a reality, and she is subconsciously looking for a chance to break free form the male's world. Women in both essays experiences some conflicts related to their roles in a society. Narrator of a first story initially decides to leave her family and neglects her family obligations, but then she comes back, the feeling of responsibility is stronger. Lousie's inside conflict is not so visible, but more subtle; initially she hesitates how to determine her own feelings.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Compare and Contrast: Claudio and Benedick Essay

Shakespeare’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, is a play that follows a small group of friends from a high-class society in Massina. Two of this group are friends are Claudio and Benedick. In the beginning of the play they are seemingly similar, in that they both are of an upper-class upbringing and do their best to maintain their social reputation. The characters are made as to enhance their differences by the end of the play; they are foils to one another. Both Benedick and Claudio find themselves fooled by other characters in the play and have to decide what they are willing to believe is true and what is false, furthermore both characters find love by the end of the play, but which means they use to get there differ. In the beginning of the play Claudio is introduced as an accomplished young military man who has just come back from a successful battle. He claims to be â€Å"in love† with a woman named Hero. Before confronting her about the feelings he has for her, Cl audio asks his friend Benedick to tell him what he personally thinks about Hero. In the hopes that he will confirm that she is in fact as fair and lovely as Claudio thinks she is. â€Å"I pray thee tell me truly how thou lik’st her.† (Much Ado About Nothing 1.1.171-172) The â€Å"love† Claudio feels for Hero is based on the approval of his friends. Claudio goes on to ask, yet another associate, Prince Don Pedro, how he to feels about Hero. Claudio is clearly a shallow minded individual with a limited capacity to think of only a few thoughts occupy his mind at one time. Claudio even makes not of it himself when talking to Benedick about when he first came to love Hero. I look’d upon her with a soldier’s eye, That liked, but had a rougher task in hand Than to drive liking to the name of love: But now I am return’d and that war-thoughts Have left their places vacant, in their rooms Come thronging soft and delicate desires, All prompting me how fair young Hero is, Saying, I liked her ere I went to wars. (Much Ado About Nothing 1.1.289-295) Foil to Claudio is Benedick, an arrogant young man who, also like Claudio, took part in the war and was brought up in a high class society. Benedick is also concerned is his public image. He considers himself a ladies’ man of sorts and does not want to be tied down by any woman and would rather die than be wed because he does not trust women. That a woman conceived me, I thank her; that she brought me up, I likewise give her most humble thanks. But that I will have a recheat winded in my forehead, or hang my bugle in an invisible baldrick, all women shall pardon me. Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor. (Much Ado About Nothing 1.1.229-237) As if that did not make his point, Benedick goes on to say that he would prefer then to be bound by holy matrimony. He tells his friends that if he ever does anything so ridiculous as to fall in love that as his friends they should shoot him for his follies. â€Å"If I do, hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot at me; and he that hits me, let him be clapped on the shoulder, and called Adam.† (Much Ado About Nothing 1.1.248-250) Because at this time Benedick truly believes that love is the worst fait for any man. Read Also:  Compare and Contrast Essay Definition In his attempts to find public acceptance, Claudio proves to be easily fooled into believing anything he is told despite obvious lack of proof of what he is being deceived into thinking is true. When approached by Don John the bastard, the brother to Don Pedro and the least trusted person in Messina. Claudio falls for the lie that his friend, Don Pedro, who offered to help Claudio woo Hero has actually planed to woo her for himself, Claudio as gullible as he is believes Don John’s lies. â€Å"Claudio permits the masked Don Pedro, prince of Arragon, to woo Hero in his place but then is misled into believing that the prince has betrayed him and courted Hero for himself.† (Shakespeare’s Comedies 104) Once the treason is proven false Claudio goes right back to being his pleasant self and accepts Hero with no questions asked. â€Å"Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange.† (Much Ado About Nothing 2.1.304-306) Ben edick is so back and forth with his feelings for Hero it makes his love appear to be very uncertain. After being bombarded by all the recent talk of love from all of his friends, including Claudio, a military man he would have thought would never have let himself be attached to any lady. Benedick begins to wonder if he too might fall for someone, because if a solder like Claudio can be swayed to fall in love, surely Benedick himself could also. He then decides what sort of woman would be able to win his heart. Benedick’s standers are high and very specific. One woman is fair, yet I am well; another is wise, yet I am well; another virtuous, yet I am well; but till all graces be in one woman, one woman shall not come in my grace. Rich she shall be, that’s certain; wise, or I’ll none; virtuous, or I’ll never cheapen her; fair, or I’ll never look on her; mild, or come not near me; noble, or not I for an angel; of good discourse, an excellent musician, and her hair shall be of what colour it please God. (Much Ado About Nothing 2.3.26-35) With the prospect of love already in his mind Benedick becomes a victim of his cohorts plan to fool him into that believing that Beatrice, an equally idealistic character with a witty personality, who Benedick’s friends think would be perfect for him, is in love with him. After hearing how much she loves him, Benedick changes his views entirely. â€Å"a bachelor in words more than sentiment, so that, during his monologue in 2.3, we watched with sympathy and knowing as he persuaded himself, easily, into love.† (Much Ado about Nothing (review) Shakespeare Bulletin 25.3 (2007) 119-122) Skeptical at first, Benedick has a moment of realization as he looks in himself. Through this introspection Benedick leads himself to the conclusions that Beatrice is indeed the perfect match for him and fits his criteria for the only woman that could make him fall in love. â€Å"-’tis so, I cannot reprove it; and wise, but for loving me; by my troth, it is no addition to her wit, nor no great argument of her folly, for I will be horribly in love with her. I may chance have some odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me, because I have railed so long against marriage† ( Much Ado About Nothing 2.3.228-234) Though his own insight, Benedick changes his whole view about love all together. In conclusion both Claudio and Benedick are deceived at one point or another in believing something that they are told with no real proof, and both find love by the end of the play, but the means by which they find their way to love differs. Benedick’s path is much more liner and though introspection on how he feels about Beatrice. Were Claudio’s path is sways back and forth due to his insecurities and follies. Work Cited Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. New York: Signet Classic, 1998. Print. Vaughn, Jack A. Shakespeare’s Comedies. New York: Fredrick Ungar, 1980. Print. Finlayson, Caitlin. Much Ado about Nothing (review). Shakespeare Bulletin 25.3 (2007). Web. Oct 18, 2011.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

How contemporary toys enforce gender and stereotypes in the UK

How contemporary toys enforce gender and stereotypes in the UK How contemporary toys enforce gender and stereotypes in the UK?: A study on perceptions of school-going children (age 4 to 9) on gender appropriate toys and the impact of parental beliefs about â€Å"genderized† behaviors on childrenAdvertising We will write a custom research paper sample on How contemporary toys enforce gender and stereotypes in the UK? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Introduction Background Young children create their understanding of gender during their school and pre-school years (Freeman 201). Studies have shown that children in their early ages apply some common gender stereotypes to their playthings, which is observable by the time such children reach the age of three. In addition, it has been shown that children at this stage have the potential to readily predict the opinions of their parents in regards to a gender-typical as well as cross-gender play. Working with children, studies have attempted to d escribe the enforcement of gender and stereotypes by toys with an aim of describing how and why children recognize and differentiate â€Å"girl toys or plays† from â€Å"boy toys and plays† in their early age (Bryjak and Soraka 214). In general, toy manufactures try to follow this paradigm, making products dependent on the targeted gender. In the modern world, toy manufacturers and retail stores divide a wide range of toys, children games and children movies into two main categories, namely, those meant for girls and those meant for boys (O’Brien and Huston 824). In fact, a simple observation of UK toy shops highlights the fact that the toys which UK children play with have an important and critical social impact as they tend to pass down stereotypes of the divided gender roles, a fact that is deeply rooted in British traditions. According to Maccoby (6), toy manufacturers put up gender-biased products, which have an impact on teaching boys some â€Å"warrior-l ike† roles, while girls are taught some â€Å"nurturing and caring† roles. According to Campenni (122), girls’ toys emphasize the physical appearance, beauty and decency, while those meant for boys stereotypically represent a focus on physical abilities. Moreover, Campenni (124) has shown that gender socialization with toys has an impact on teaching and reinforcing stereotypic gender roles on the children. It is worth noting that in the United Kingdom, the culture of toys and emphasis on their use both at home and at school, is an important social phenomenon, which families normally apply throughout the country to teach and entertain their children. In fact, toy business is an important economic and social sector, contributing to the growth and development of the national economy. However, it is important to emphasize the social and psychological aspects and contributions of toys and toy culture on the British society.Advertising Looking for research pape r on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The increased usage of toys especially among children as playing instruments has facilitated the enforceability of varied behavior and gender stereotyping since toys are instruments that have been instrumental in shaping peoples behavior, their character or life status from the ancient days. They tend to influence social and cultural engagement capacities of individuals since their designs are based on gender ideals. In the ancient times, children used to play with toys that reinforced their gender identity and behavior. The toys helped in inculcating strong gender ideals, pertaining to their roles that they are expected to perform in a society. For instance, the distinction between the types of toys that boys and girls were playing with was replicated in their behavior as they grew up. This enabled girls to identify themselves with feminine activities, while boys resorted to executing hard task activities that they are typically expected to perform. Most scholars assert that, behavior is built in the childhood and nurtured through to adulthood by means of systematic approaches. This is why change in human beings that is dependent on various factors starts from childhood through cognitive approaches. Evidently, individual’s behavior can be influenced by various factors that include the information they always receive, the kind of games they engage in and the kind of playing materials that they use. These aspects influence how one is able to reason, execute activities and how to manage various issues that may affect their development. Notably, girls in the ancient days used to play with toys that portray them as loving, caring and welcoming personalities. These toys contributed significantly to enforcing such behavior and attributes nowadays since women are still known those who do household chores in the house (Ballantine and Roberts 201). How ever, boys have been playing with toys that assert their prowess in diverse fields of operation, which helped to steer their success since they have developed the belief that they are the head but not the tail. It is imperative to note that, gender stereotyping is still bound to exist in the foreseeable future due to the use of the contemporary toys as toys are still being made with distinct features that help in enforcing feminine and male roles in the society (Ballantine and Keith 61). Girls and boys in the modern society also like toys that they can identify themselves with, depicting their behavior. For instance, girls like toys that are feminine in nature, such as baby toys with make-up and teddy bears, while boys like toys that are masculine in nature. This shows that there is still an evident gap, pertaining to gender stereotyping that should be eradicated to facilitate social integration.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on How contemporary toy s enforce gender and stereotypes in the UK? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Purpose of study The study gives insightful information, pertaining to how contemporary toys are instrumental in enforcing gender stereotypes in the modern world. It is set purposely to enable various stakeholders to understand how toys, being playing instruments for children, contribute to shaping their behavior and character. It is also set to enable them to understand the role that toys play in children’s life and how they help in transforming their decision making on various issues, such as career choices, for example. This is vital since the use of toys has been regarded as a key factor that influences the behavior of children and a major contributor to gender disparity or stereotyping. Study problem While it is a fact that the United Kingdom is one of the nations in the world where the education process utilizes the use of toys as learning models, the s ocial and psychological implication of these items has scarcely been studied. In fact, few studies have attempted to describe how gender-biased toys enforce biased mentalities among children in the UK. In addition, few studies have attempted to describe how contemporary toys used in the United Kingdom enforce â€Å"genderized†Ã‚  stereotypes among the children and the role that parents beliefs have on the development of â€Å"genderized† behavior of their children. Thus, there is a significant gap in knowledge in this field, especially in a nation where a large number of toys are manufactured and sold, based on modern technology to target certain aspects of child psychology. Therefore, this study will aim at exploring this topic in order to determine important information that will fill this gap in knowledge. Aims of the study Using a quantitative study design, the proposed research aims at addressing the broad question on how contemporary toys in the United Kingdom en force gender stereotypes in children and how parental beliefs about â€Å"genderized† behavior impact their children. The specific aims of the study are: To determine the impact of toys on gender sensitivity and perceptions in children To determine the ability of contemporary toys to enforce gender stereotypes in children To describe children’s perceptions of parental/guardian reactivity to â€Å"genderized† toys for their children To determine the impact of â€Å"genderized† and gender-biased toys on child behavior Study hypothesis The United Kingdom is one of the nations in the modern world where contemporary toys, by means of modern technological prowess, have increasingly enforced gender-biases and stereotypes among the children, a process that is further enhanced by parental perceptions of gender-orientation in toys chosen for their children. In fact, this sociological and psychological aspect affects the behavior of the developing children.Adverti sing Looking for research paper on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Review of literature A good understanding of the impact that modern toys have on the children in the United Kingdom requires an understanding of â€Å"gender socialization†. According to Maccoby (6), the term â€Å"gender† sociologically refers to the dimension or aspect of being either male of female. Secondly, the study will emphasize â€Å"toy-orientation† in relation to the two types of gender, whether a toy is meant for girls or for boys. In this case, a child perspective of belonging to either of these two genders will be critical to the study. Thirdly, the study highlights a parental impact of genderizing the behavior and perceptions of their children. According to various scholars, feminists have a strong belief that gender stereotyping still exists in our society. They affirm that gender stereotyping is to stay due to the evident factors that promote its existence. The factors that include the production of gender specific toys for girls and boys, cultu ral issues, poor attitude and gender discrimination will continue to impede social integration that is significant in eradicating gender stereotyping. In most societies, boys and girls play differently using different toys or playing instruments (Sokoloff and Christina 3). The toys are made in conformity to their gender needs and expectations, which has enabled them to identify themselves with the toys and emulate certain behaviors that the toys possess. For instance, girls like or identify themselves with toys that give a feminine feeling while boys like playing with toys that depict their masculine nature (OBrien and Huston 126). Critically, dolls for girls have been instrumental in reinforcing feministic characteristics and roles in them. The dolls are made in such a way that they give real attributes of a feminine gender. They are made with a makeup; some are made with aprons wearing, while some of them are sold together with mini kitchen for cooking. Makeup influences a mindset of the future women by instilling in them the notion that they should be applying make ups, while maintaining their homes and while cooking (Sokoloff and Christina 3). They tend to copy what they see on the dolls and make decisions based on the interpretations they make. Clearly, boys in the contemporary society are always given constructional toys. The toys help in inculcating the maintaining that they are great people who can execute demanding tasks. The toys help them to develop mathematical and scientific concepts that enhance their chances of working. The kind of toys that they play with has been the reason why they have been stereotyping girls negatively. Research Methodology, Choice of Variables and Controls The research adopted a purposive research technique that gives effective incentives that drive studies. The technique enabled the researcher to identify and select the right number of respondents that could facilitate the realization of the objectives of the study (Chili sa 2). It also enabled the researcher to select appropriate data gathering techniques and sampling procedures. Consequently, the technique provided the researcher with pertinent incentives that enabled him to administer data gathering process and analysis effectively. This led to the realization of factual findings. Data collection technique and analysis Data gathering technique is the process by means of which the researcher is set to obtain the relevant information from the respondents (Bhattacharya 2). This study adopted two types of information gathering techniques that include the use of surveys where 10 respondents were selected, based on their appropriateness in regards to providing relevant information and electronic resources. The techniques facilitate the realization of reliable and factual information that has been fundamental in enhancing decision making. The researcher for consistency and relevance first administered data collected. This was followed by the data analysi s process that was undertaken using relevant software set ups that include Ms Word and excel (Krondorfer 95). Sampling and procedures The study adopted probability sampling technique due to its purposive nature. The techniques gave all the probable respondents an equal chance of participation in the study through a systematic procedure (Bhattacharya 5). This technique enabled the researcher to perform a random selection of the respondents to serve the questionnaires in order to ensure that quality information is obtained with limited discrimination (Chilisa 5). Findings of the survey and data analysis This section gives the research findings and analysis of the information gathered from the respondents and electronic resources. Indeed, the research findings depict how well the study was conducted despite the evident limitations that the researcher faced. The findings show the professionalism with which various activities were conducted from the initial stages to the end. As noted, t en respondents were selected to aid the study; five were children, while five were adults who included two sociologists. The response was encouraging since 80% of the respondents comprising five adults and three children handed back their survey questionnaires as shown in the table below. Table: 1: Response rate Particulars Response rate % response Adults 5 100% Children 3 60% Total 8 80% From the table and the diagram, it is clear that adults recorded a100% participation that was attributable to their high knowledge capacity while children recorded 60% participation. The participation of children was dismal since some of them lost the survey questions while some did not see the need for participation at all. Table 2: Gender type Gender % response Male 60% Female 40% According to the findings, 60% of the respondents were female of between 5 to 29 years, while 40% of the respondents were male of between 5 to 35 years. The respondents told about their experiences and how the use of toys impacted their behavior and decision making. Children also affirmed that toys have been shaping their behavior and how they communicate with others. Table 3: Have you used toys as playing instruments Response Response % response Yes 8 100% No 0 0% Total 8 100% Concerning this question 100% of respondents cited that they have used toys as playing instruments in their life as shown above. Adults stated that they used various dolls, such as cars, diggers, babies and others that were available as playing instruments during their childhood. The toys facilitated their happiness since they enabled them to spend their leisure time with fun. Consequently, children who responded to the questions also stated that they normally use toys as they play. They cited that toys are nowadays becoming necessity in their life since they had fun playing with toys. It is evident based on the number of toys that suppliers or toy dealers are able to sell on a daily basis, especially in the current environment (Ballantine and Keith 69). The children sounded funny when they said that toys were becoming their best friends. How the use toys changed the lives of the respondents Indeed, the respondents stated that toys helped in shaping their lives and behavior in general. They were instrumental in inculcating some noble life ideals and perceptions that have had significant impact on their decision making on various issues. Adults stated that toys contributed to transforming their lives since they enabled them to develop new insights about their personalities. In particular, dolls, such as guns and lions have been instrumental in shaping the lifestyle of boys in most settings. Boys tend to emulate and portray themselves as lions who are kings of the jungle. They develop the perception that they are strong and have the capacity of executing hard tasks like the lion (English 39). Response on how respondents think about the enforcement gender stereotyping 80 % of the respondents noted that contemporary toys have been facilitating the enforcement of gender stereotyping. However, 20% of the respondents who included mainly adults indicated that gender stereotyping has already begun from the ancient days. In other words, gender stereotyping began long ago since the dolls were introduced to children. Their reasoning consisted in the fact that toys started to influence individuals perception towards each other from the ancient days as well. Hence, it cannot be said that these are the contemporary toys that are spreading the vice. The respondents, who asserted that contemporary toys help in advancing gender parity and stereotyping, indicated that some of the currently made toys are not ethically decent. The toys, for example, babies are being produced with absolute feminine features that inculcate feministic behaviors in girls. Consequently, toys that are designed for boys also focus on portraying the ability of men and their distinct nature w ith girls. This contributes to building a negative perception against each other (Macoby 3). How do contemporary toys enforce gender stereotyping The information obtained from the respondents and electronic sources indicated that toys enforce gender stereotyping in various ways. Firstly, they indicated that contemporary toys promoted gender stereotyping since they hold features that are distinct to suit the needs of boys and girls. Secondly, the distinctive nature of the toys also facilitates gender stereotyping, since they help in asserting the mythical perceptions that exist between girls and boys. The respondents also asserted that the production of gender specific toys also facilitates the evident stereotypes that exist between boys and girls. This is apparent since boys and girls in the modern society have become very selective in their choices (Bryjal 220) They only chose gender specific toys with neglect to others due to inferior perception that they have against each other. Indeed, boys as young as twelve months are able to identify toys that suit their needs. They feel that they have no business looking or using toys that are feminine in nature. Toy ads also contribute to advancing gender stereotyping in most settings. This is evident since toy ads battle, power, steak and weapons when toys for boys are advertised (Scott 407). However, nurturing words, such as love, magic, babies and fun are used when advertising girls toys. The information contained in the ads contributes to creating differences between boys and girls. Therefore, key stakeholders should adopt viable modalities to help in eradicating this trend with an aim of promoting social cohesion. What impact do the contemporary toys have on shaping the children’s behavior? From the findings, it is clear that contemporary toys are the reason to shape the behavior of children, either negatively or positively. They affirm that toys, such as balls have enabled children to develop interest in games that is noble for physical development. However, toys like guns have enabled some to become more arrogant and violent (Scott 413). Consequently, toys have contributed to nurturing young girls to be good mothers in their future. They have been instrumental in inculcating the virtue of love, care and joy in most girls that help them in building strong families. Conclusion Indeed, toys enforce gender stereotyping since they give unjustified impression about boys and girls capability. This is evident since toys for girls are made in such a way that depict them as being a weaker sex gender that can only excel in executing activities that are not demanding. However, toys for boys give an impression that boys are really masculine in nature and they are intelligent. This has resulted into huge inequality between girls and boys whereby girls are denied participation in various activities. They are also denied the chance of exploring some opportunities especially those that are related to office work since they are stereotyped as house workers. Ballantine, Jeanne, and Keith A. Roberts.  Our Social World: Condensed Version. Los Angeles, Calif: SAGE/Pine Forge Press, 2010. Print. Bhattacharya, Dipak.  Research Methodology. New Delhi: Excel Books, 2006. Print. Borger, Gloria.   Barbies Newest Values.   US News and World Report 1 Dec. 1997, 40. Print Bryjal, George J and Michael Soraka.   Sociology: Cultural Diversity in a Changing World.   Ed. Karen Hanson.   CITY: Allyn Bacon, 1997.   209-245. Print Campenni, C. Estelle.   Gender Stereotyping of Childrens Toys: A Comparison of Parents and Nonparents.   Sex Roles.   40.2 (1999): 121-138. Print Chilisa, Bagele.  Indigenous Research Methodologies. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications, 2012. Print. English, Holly.  Gender on Trial: Sexual Stereotypes and Work/life Balance in the Legal Workplace. New York, N.Y: ALM Pub, 2003. Print. Krondorfer, Björn.  Men and Masculinities in Christi anity and Judaism: A Critical Reader. London: SCM Press, 2009. Print. Macoby, Dave. Gender. Developmental PSychology.   4.8 (1996): 6. Print OBrien M and Charles Huston.   Development of Sex Typed Play Behavior in Toddlers.   Developmental Psychology.   21 (1985): 866-871). Print Scott, Sharon.  Toys and American Culture: An Encyclopedia. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood, 2010. Print. Sokoloff, Natalie, and Christina, Pratt.  Domestic Violence at the Margins: Readings on Race, Class, Gender, and Culture. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press, 2005. Print.

Monday, October 21, 2019

One nation under law

One nation under law Cherokee Indian case revealed the weaknesses of the American Supreme Court as the provisions were not in line with the American constitution. In 1832, the US Supreme Court exercised it powers in enforcing rights of the Native Americans against the state.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on One nation under law specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Supreme Court had ruled before that it lacked the mandate in ruling over the Indian nation. Initially, the court rejected claims that the native tribes had self-governance and considered independent. It was a struggle of legal and political status of the native tribes in America. The weaknesses of the American court system became realized when it rejected the Cherokee claims that they were independent just like other sovereign federal states around. The Supreme Court rejected this claim in the first case and latter developed a different theory in the second case (The Supreme Court, n. d). The Supreme Court did not speak and stand for the national values and the inspirations of the people as spelt by the constitution. It worked in favor of one side hence showed the weakness it has. John marshal avoided the same case earlier in his career when he gave his opinion on the relationship between the United States and Indian nations. According to him, the federal states in America inherited the rights from its colonial master who was Britain and became independent with those rights. He believed that US should give same rights to the Indian nations with exclusion of the European political powers. He argued his case that the Indian nations should have all other rights but not to posses land and have political dominion over their laws. John marshal avoided the case by acknowledging exercising conquest, which may lead to dominion of political power. However, his take was that the case should not be for the state but in the federal government. The court rule d in favor of Cherokee that it was a community on its own and could govern itself without involving Georgia.Advertising Looking for critical writing on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It gave Cherokee autonomy of governing itself as an independent community to implement its governance structure. The doctrine of the court was that only the state has the mandate of reviewing land issues related to Indian nation unlike in the case of Georgia. The weakness in the court system realized during this period was when Georgia refused to enforce and comply with the court as it had independent with powers. The relocation of the Cherokees was absolute misuse of powers and court had jurisdiction. Different states exercise their powers and have the guaranteed independence that gives them freedom to do all they can within their mandate. The courts ruling giving sovereignty to a tribal group of indigenous communit y within a state is a weakness of the state. The constitution guarantees rights to individuals and they are limited to certain degree. Many states as well as individuals like to exercise power on their own capacity but it has to have its limitations in line with the constitution. America is one nation under law hence the subdivision divides the country which might not be important at long run. As the supreme gave sovereignty to the Indian nation and gave the state the powers to negotiate on the Indian lands, it was trying to protect the interest of a small group at the expense of the federal state, as Georgia had to comply and wait for the new governor to effect the court decisions. Reference The Supreme Court. (n. d). One Nation under Law. Retrieved from: https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/supremecourt/about/pop_transcript1.html

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Karl Marx and a Sociology Subfield

Karl Marx and a Sociology Subfield Marxist sociology is a way of practicing sociology that draws methodological and analytic insights from the work of Karl Marx. Research conducted and theory produced from the Marxist perspective focuses on the key issues that concerned Marx: the politics of economic class, relations between labor and capital, relations between culture, social life, and economy, economic exploitation, and inequality, the connections between wealth and power, and the connections between critical consciousness and progressive social change. There are significant overlaps between Marxist sociology and conflict theory, critical theory, cultural studies, global studies, the sociology of globalization, and the sociology of consumption. Many consider Marxist sociology a strain of economic sociology. History and Development of Marxist Sociology Though Marx was not a sociologist- he was a political economist- he is considered one of the founding fathers of the academic discipline of sociology, and his contributions remain mainstays in the teaching and practice of the field today. Marxist sociology emerged in the immediate aftermath of Marxs work and life, at the end of the 19th century. Early pioneers of Marxist sociology included the Austrian Carl Grà ¼nberg and the Italian Antonio Labriola.  Grà ¼nberg became the first director of the Institute for Social Research in Germany, later referred to as the Frankfurt School, which would become known as a hub of Marxist social theory  and the birthplace of critical theory. Notable social theorists that embraced and furthered the Marxist perspective at the Frankfurt School include Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Erich Fromm, and Herbert Marcuse. The work of Labriola, meanwhile, proved fundamental in shaping the intellectual development of the Italian journalist and activist Antonio Gramsci. Gramscis  writings from prison during the Fascist regime of Mussolini laid the groundwork for the development of a cultural strand of Marxism, the legacy of which features prominently within Marxist sociology. On the cultural side in France, Marxist theory was adapted and developed by Jean Baudrillard, who focused on consumption rather than production. Marxist theory also shaped the development of the ideas of Pierre Bourdieu, who focused on relationships between economy, power, culture, and status. Louis Althusser was another French sociologist who made expanded on Marxism in his theory and writing, but he focused on social structural aspects rather than culture. In the U.K., where much of Marxs analytic focus lied while he was alive, British Cultural Studies, also known as the Birmingham School of Cultural Studies was developed by those who focused on the cultural aspects of Marxs theory, like communication, media, and education. Notable figures include Raymond Williams, Paul Willis, and Stuart Hall. Today, Marxist sociology thrives around the world. This vein of the discipline has a dedicated section of research and theory within the American Sociological Association. There are numerous academic journals that feature Marxist sociology. Notable ones include  Capital and Class,  Critical Sociology,  Economy and Society,  Historical Materialism, and  New Left Review. Key Topics Within Marxist Sociology The thing that unifies Marxist sociology is a focus on the relationships between economy, social structure, and social life. The following are key topics that fall within this nexus. The politics of economic class, especially the hierarchies, inequities, and inequalities of a society structured by class: Research in this vein often focuses on class-based oppression and how it is controlled and reproduced through the political system, as well as through education as a social institution.Relations between labor and capital:  Many sociologists focus on how the conditions of work, wages, and rights of workers differ from economy to economy (capitalism versus social, for example), and how these things shift as economic systems shift, and as technologies that influence production evolve.  Relations between culture, social life, and economy:  Marx paid close attention to the relationship between what he called the base and superstructure, or the connections between the economy and relations of production and the cultural realm of ideas, values, beliefs, and worldviews. Marxist sociologists today remain focused on the relations between these things, with a keen int erest in how advanced global capitalism (and the mass consumerism that comes with it) influences our values, expectations, identities, relationships with others, and our everyday lives. The connections between critical consciousness and progressive social change:  Much of Marxs theoretical work and activism was focused on understanding how to liberate the consciousness of the masses from domination by the capitalist system, and following that, to foster egalitarian social change. Marxist sociologists often focus on how the economy and our social norms and values shape how we understand our relationship to the economy and our place within the social structure relative to others. There is a general consensus among Marxist sociologists that the development of a critical consciousness of these things is a necessary first step to the overthrow of unjust systems of power and oppression. Though Marxist sociology is rooted in a focus on class, today the approach is also used by sociologists to study issues of gender, race, sexuality, ability, and nationality, among other things. Offshoots and Related Fields Marxist theory is not just popular and fundamental within sociology but more broadly within the social sciences, humanities, and where the two meet. Areas of study connected to Marxist sociology include Black Marxism, Marxist Feminism, Chicano Studies, and Queer Marxism. Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

UWS property taxation and finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UWS property taxation and finance - Essay Example UWS property taxation and finance The Mirvac Property Trust has two development funding; Meadow Springs and Seascapes. The Meadow Springs Estate is a residential estate located around and within a championship golf course in Mandurah (Compton, 2000). The estate is located approximately seventy five kilometers south of the Perth Central Business District. Meadow Springs is serviced by the Mandurah railway and Perth, allowing an easy commute for the Perth workers. The area has various shops, stores, and supermarkets located within the area. Mandurah area features various recreational facilities like restaurants, cinema complex, walkways, and parks. Meadow Springs is therefore a residential development site valued at $15.8M. The Mirvac Development Fund for Seascapes is closed end, unlisted, single project fund. The investment strategy for the fund is maximizing the value of investors by offering returns the development and investment of subdivision project and quality land (Harriss, 2008). Seascapes are a residential co mmunity located in Mandurah located seventy five kilometers Perth South. The project is comprised of the development of forty eight hectare land with subunits approval for five hundred and fifty five residential Lots in addition to a Grouped Housing Site. Seascapes are extended to view the foreshore of the Indian Ocean and are celebrated by tourists and residents alike for its relaxed atmosphere, waterways, and beaches. The property type for Seascapes is a residential development site valued at $23.6M... WACC is important for the Mirvac Property Trust because it enables the company to maintain their relationship with investors and grow their revenues. Weighted Average Cost of Capital for Mirvac Property Trust is composed of both equity financing and debt according to Mirvac Property Trust optimal mix of financing equity and debt. Weighted Average Cost of Capital has enabled the Mirvac Property Trust to make decisions about the proposed projects (Harriss, 2003). The Mirvac Property Trust came up with the above figures by computing Weighted Average Cost of Capital using the formula Weighted Average Cost of Capital = wt*rt+wp*rp +ws*rr. Where wt is long-term debt, wp is preferred stock,ws is the common stock, rt is the long term debt cost, rp is the preferred stock cost, and rr is retained earnings stock. Therefore, the projects below the anticipated Weighted Average Cost of Capital are rejected, while those above Weighted Average Cost of Capital were chosen. The weights for Mirvac Prop erty Trust used both the historical and target proportions. The target proportions were the capital mix that the Mirvac Property Trust achieved. Internal Rate of Return The Mirvac Property Trust has a target unlevered ten years IRR Internal Rate of Return of more than 11 percent. This is because the Mirvac Property Trust maximizes the property security and income growth and maintains a portfolio that is diversified (Lindholm, 2004). Mirvac trust has also continued to raise the portfolio quality through the disposal of non-aligned asset above or at valuation. The trust has utilized the development division to come up with commercial assets that are of high

Friday, October 18, 2019

Sustainability of functional foods Dissertation

Sustainability of functional foods - Dissertation Example As livestock industry being the single largest user of land is affecting the eco system directly or indirectly (directly by cultivation of crops for the animals on large areas and indirectly from feedstock productions). Moreover predictions were given earlier by Grigg (1995) regarding increase in environmental impacts because of more agriculture trading and global trends in the market with reference to food. Furthermore environmental impacts with reference to agriculture are analysed, fortified food or functional foods productions, then these are the findings: Almost one third of the world’s cultivated land over the time of forty years has resulted in soil erosions and degradation of land. One way or other almost 80% shedding of forest is because of agriculture (Pimentel, 1994) High consumption of water in the agriculture sector and in livestock production is another main environmental impact. For instance in some cases crops consume 500 to 2000 liters of water and in case of beef almost 150,000 to 200,000 water is consumed to produce it (Macdiarmid, et al., 2011) However in general live stock is mainly responsible for providing proteins to masses of today. According to a report in order to gain one kg of high quality meat 6 kg of high quality plant is required. ... Moreover the consumption of grain in US live stock industry is 7% more than what its population directly eats. This over production has caused lands to erode. So this is another important environmental factor with reference to function food productions (Frey, and Barrett, 2007). Moreover different researches have been carried out with reference to environmental impacts in which different input and output and extended research methods have been used. However meat along with dairy products is considered to be the main contributor in terms of impacting the environment which even includes production change and distributors (Macdiarmid, et al., 2011). According to the Swedish study, food consumption is one of the most important players in creating pollution. Beside pollution, another important concept which by Macdiarmid, et al., 2011 as â€Å"virtual water†. Or in other words it is the amount of water that is used in the production of food is known as virtual water or embedded wat er (Hoekstra, & Chapagain, 2008). Since water is a diminishing source of energy and it has no replacements unlike oil if that runs out then it can be replaced with other sources of energies. However the term virtual water or embedded water means that the water consumed by products during the time of creating product and that water is not present physically but it has consumed water is known as embedded water or virtual water for instance it takes 140 liters of water for making one cup of coffee and 15000 liters for 1kg of beef (Macdiarmid, et al., 2011) Likewise according to the statistic report shows that almost 12,000 billion liters of water is taken out from rivers and other sources in UK which is about 9% of the total actual renewable water available in the UK. Keeping in view

Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Marketing Plan - Essay Example The target market of our company will be the major schools and college in the locality. The sports service will provide a platform where the school sports teams will be provided the opportunities to participate in games. This service will be different from other kinds of sports clubs and school sports clubs and more details will be provided in the following sections. The growing activities in sports are increasing the need of managers and directors with high level of knowledge (CHOCANO, 2004). The six challenges identified by McKinsey for a sport business to be a successful include Players’ salaries, Changes in technology, Pricing, Internationalization, Innovation and Illegal activities by athletes (Patterson, 2004). Since the trends in sports industry vary from country to country, therefore, it is very important to conduct an analysis of the market, where we are planning to start our business. The economy of London has emerged out of recession and the growth rate is very slow and in 2010, the economy is expected to face various hurdles. In a report (2010) it has reported that London economy has faced a decline in average annual growth rate of passengers, a rise in new orders and a rise in expected house prices (London Gov, 2010). In a survey conducted by World Bank in 2010, ‘Doing Business 2010: Reforming through Difficult Times’, it was found that UK is the fifth country in the world and first country in Europe in terms of ease in doing business (London Gov, 2009). Moreover, London Gov (2009) report also shows that the output of goods and services in London has increased in August 2009 and business activity recorded by Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) in August was 54.2 as compared to 52.1 in July. It shows the increase business activities in London Economy. The Government of UK only seeks to assist the sports organizations with funding and strategies and does not control the sport. Moreover, sports in UK are also

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Honours Analysis Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Honours Analysis - Math Problem Example Characterizing of the Cantor set in terms of ternary is done when a real number from the closed real interval [0, 1] belongs to Cantor set with a ternary expansion containing digits 0 and 2. To construct this expansion, one has to consider the points in closed real interval [0, 1] in terms of base 3 notation. When constructing the Cantor Middle Third set, we start with the interval [0, 1] removing the middle thirds , this leaves [0,1/3] [2/3,1].The next step is to also remove the middle thirds (1/9, 2/9) and (7/9, 8/9) from the remaining two intervals. This process is repeated continuously. From the results, we can note that all the endpoints remain, which are the Cantor set. The total length of the intervals removed in the construction of the Cantor set can be determined as follows. From interval [0, 1] we first remove a middle third interval 1/3 second step we remove two middle intervals of 1/9. We continue with the process so that at the nth stage we remove 2n-1 intervals with the length 3-n. The total sum of the removed intervals is It can be proven that the Cantor set is perfect and totally disconnected. In this case, x and y are two distinct points in the cantor set. Since x ≠  y therefore │x - y│>. As we can see there is a natural number N that exists in the interval. Next we identify that Cantor set ⠫‹ Ck for all k, such that x, y Ck. For each 2N disjoint closed interval from CN there is. Therefore, x and y are inside distinct closed intervals in CN. The two intervals should have an open interval between them, which is not part of the Cantor set otherwise this would be a single closed interval. The chosen point can be represented by z, therefore z Cantor set and it is between x and y. (Gordon, 1994, p. 301) If we put f in its inverse: If x Q, then also - x Q. therefore f o f (x) = f ( f (x)) = f ( - x) = - (-x) = x. If x ∉ Q then f o f (x) = f (f (x)) = f (x) = x. Thus for all x R, we have that f o f

Read Case 7.2 titled Poverty and Pollution, prior to starting this Essay

Read Case 7.2 titled Poverty and Pollution, prior to starting this assignment - Essay Example In many third world countries, large volumes of the population live in poverty conditions due to lack of quality infrastructure, lack of taxation revenues for government improvements, or even warring regimes attempting to seize power as a primary goal that depletes national resources. This is why businesses that conduct their operations in poor nations disregard pollution control standards: Because they can easily get away with these actions with little to no consequence. Thoroughly assessed the connections between economic progress and development, on the one hand, and pollution controls and environmental protection, on the other. Thoroughly suggested the reasons a business may conduct operations in a third world country and disregard any standards of pollution control. Many third world nations, since government is unable to stimulate economic growth internally, rely on foreign direct investment as a means of trying to stimulate the national economy. Many will provide taxation incen tives or even removal of tariffs as a means to foster foreign investment, which provides an ample incentive to move operations from developed nations to the third world country. For example, in Yemen, there are viable opportunities for water-based transport industry leaders to invest in the nation. The Yemen currency is substantially below that of major nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, therefore companies attempt to exploit these opportunities for substantial profitability when local investments require very little start-up or asset procurement capital. Between 2009 and 2011, transport and shipping projects were estimated to be valued at $9 billion, with much of this foreign investment being recruited by the country’s Council of Ministers (United Nations, 2009). Using Yemen as the relevant example, companies will establish operations in this country due to the political problems currently plaguing the nation. Powerful militant groups in this country took over the majority of government oversight, forcing the nation to consider a complete rewrite of its constitution. Instability in this country politically defies opportunities for the business to devote resources to attempt to impose sanctions on businesses that pollute, therefore it becomes simplistic business practice to simply dump its unwanted waste in the country and in its waters without concern of local government backlash, fines, or complete dejection from the nation. Yemen is a member of the United Nations, however the UN only maintains jurisdiction in partnership with the legal systems abiding in the country. By the time nations such as Yemen with difficult political environments make legally-supported appeals to the UN to curb pollution by foreign companies, the ensuing process is so elongated that the business is able to exploit foreign nation resources and simply move to another, less developed third world country. Are the aforementioned practices of bu siness polluting in other nations due to lack of authority over government or UN-supported legalities ethical? Any reasonable individual that believes in corporate social responsibility and many global standards of human rights would absolutely indicate that this is highly unethical. However, at the same time, a person considering the ethical responsibility of foreign businesses must consider the theory of ethical relativism before making a determination. Those in global society that are strong supporters of ethical relati

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Honours Analysis Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Honours Analysis - Math Problem Example Characterizing of the Cantor set in terms of ternary is done when a real number from the closed real interval [0, 1] belongs to Cantor set with a ternary expansion containing digits 0 and 2. To construct this expansion, one has to consider the points in closed real interval [0, 1] in terms of base 3 notation. When constructing the Cantor Middle Third set, we start with the interval [0, 1] removing the middle thirds , this leaves [0,1/3] [2/3,1].The next step is to also remove the middle thirds (1/9, 2/9) and (7/9, 8/9) from the remaining two intervals. This process is repeated continuously. From the results, we can note that all the endpoints remain, which are the Cantor set. The total length of the intervals removed in the construction of the Cantor set can be determined as follows. From interval [0, 1] we first remove a middle third interval 1/3 second step we remove two middle intervals of 1/9. We continue with the process so that at the nth stage we remove 2n-1 intervals with the length 3-n. The total sum of the removed intervals is It can be proven that the Cantor set is perfect and totally disconnected. In this case, x and y are two distinct points in the cantor set. Since x ≠  y therefore │x - y│>. As we can see there is a natural number N that exists in the interval. Next we identify that Cantor set ⠫‹ Ck for all k, such that x, y Ck. For each 2N disjoint closed interval from CN there is. Therefore, x and y are inside distinct closed intervals in CN. The two intervals should have an open interval between them, which is not part of the Cantor set otherwise this would be a single closed interval. The chosen point can be represented by z, therefore z Cantor set and it is between x and y. (Gordon, 1994, p. 301) If we put f in its inverse: If x Q, then also - x Q. therefore f o f (x) = f ( f (x)) = f ( - x) = - (-x) = x. If x ∉ Q then f o f (x) = f (f (x)) = f (x) = x. Thus for all x R, we have that f o f

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Order Management Cycle Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Order Management Cycle - Research Paper Example Order Management Cycle A longer process involved in ordering as well as receiving the product or service will lead to customer dissatisfaction and result in huge loss for the company. If an OMC of a company is properly designed and activated, the whole process- from taking an order to delivering it on time, will not only lead to customer satisfaction and help in regenerating orders (Shapiro, July 1992). The OMC involves planning through its ten steps, drawing charts to establish the problems and maintaining interdepartmental coordination. The main aim of a company is customer satisfaction and financial gains. Customer satisfaction depends upon the order and so the order should be completed efficiently to gain financial profits. The OMC involves a process where each and every aspect of the order is looked after in details. Thus once an order is properly executed it will result in good feedback from the customer and help in regenerating orders which will increase the profit margin of the company. Thus we see that a company’s profit margin is influenced by the OMC to a large extent (Shapiro, July 1992). The best approach that a company can take to determine its problems and the root causes is through Analysis. The first step of analyzing is to build a systematic OMC and a related chart which shows a company’s performance through various levels.. For example, a company had made a separate room where it had built a big chart showing the various order levels, the cracks that were created, and the problems between various levels and the steps that need be taken to overcome the problems. Through the analysis method, each and every employee of the company becomes aware of the ongoing progress and the various levels where work needs to be done to increase sales and profit as well. The second type of analysis is to make the OMC from the customer’s point of view. A manager should see an order from the customer’s eyes and execute it accordingly. It is said that â€Å"Every time an order is handled, a customer is handled and every time an order sits unattended, a customer is unattended.† An executive should be able to invent a product from a customer’s perspective and provide extraordinary service to them so as to enhance the profit as well the goodwill of the company (Shapiro, July 1992). Finally, there are various companies who have made customer satisfaction, higher profits and sustainable competitive advantage as their main goals to be successful. For this a manager of accompany requires to analyze its different types of customers, its different kinds of orders, geography and other relevant data in order to analyze the relation between its customers and competitors and also between its volume and pricing. To collaborate cross functional efficiency and design a performance metrics, projects should be initiated to improve the OMC which covers all the departments of a company. The company’s plans and strategies needs to be communicated to all the personnel involved and information technology should be used to integrate the diffe rent steps of the OMC (Shapiro, July 1992). A performance matrix of a company can give a wrong indication of a company’s OMC efficiency. For example, a company’

Model analysis of Perfume Extract Terrier and Baby Grenouille Essay Example for Free

Model analysis of Perfume Extract Terrier and Baby Grenouille Essay Paragraphs Synopsis: this extract reveals both the character of Terrier and reveals his response to Grenouille as a baby. Through omniscient narration, we share his feelings and physical responses to the child in his arms. His early rapture quickly turns to revulsion and this analysis will examine the ways that Suskind constructed his characters and our response. 1. The first description of the babe, smallredtwitched sweetly Our first response to the baby is almost protective, he is described as sweet and small and we can visualize a tiny innocent baby held in the arms of a protector, a man of God, a kind man with strong values. He is a normal citizen.who had taken a warm and fragrant wife This insistence upon smell links us to our emotional response throughout the extract. The act of smelling and the use of our senses conveys his response to the baby and the romantic idyllic life he was fantasizing about. 2. Terrier indulges in a fantasy, changing his role from that of a monk to a normal man, a father and protector Terriers character is constructed by what he is thinking and how he responds to the baby. Through the use of third person omniscient point of view, we see his rapturous response to this lost child, this sweet babe, who is so dependent on his protection. For a moment he is swept up into a fantasy of a real life, which in turn reveals to us his inner torment, torn between a demanding God and church rules and the normality and warmth of family life Terrier felt his heart glow with sentimental cosiness. 3. The use of language positions us in the present, as the action takes place. Through the use of baby talk we respond to his actions poohpoohpoohpeedooh.The thought of it made him feel good. Terriers clumsy yet sincere attempts to cuddle the child are revealed through language poohpoohpoohpeedooh.The thought of it made him feel good. We feel for him and his lost chances. At the same time, this glowing description of his feelings is in stark contrast to the end of the extract. It sets us up to expect a loving, positive outcome. The shock of his final response makes us resist the appeal of the so called sweet babe at the end. 4. Then the child awoke. The babe is now called a child. It has lost its innocent appeal, its dependence and cuteness is replaced by a growing sense of unease. It is described in animalistic terms, Its nose awoke firstIt sucked air in and snorted it back out | Our warm response to Terrier and the child changes slowly yet drastically from this point on. The babe is renamed the child and through language it is transformed into an inquisitive demanding animal like creatureIts nose awoke firstIt sucked air in and snorted it back out. The child is no longer a beautiful desirable babe, it is now ugly the childs dull eyes squinted into the void, the nose seemed to fix on a particular target, This makes Terrier feel like he is the intended target and begins to foreshadow his growing discomfort and disillusionment. 5. The description of the child is gross: The eyesoyster grey and creamy opal white covered with a .slimy film Instead of being sweet and red the child is now described as having The eyesoyster grey and creamy opal white covered with a .slimy film. The reader is revolted by the physical description. We can perceive a picture of an ugly, blinded mole like child, who squints, sniffs and targets Terrier. The reader can share in his appalled response as the child awakens and behaves in a rodent like manner. Thereby destroying his fantasy and making his protection unnecessary and indeed threatening his spiritual and psychological well being. 6. The use of language is fairly modern yet set in an 18th C setting. Suskind uses modern expressions and language to create the character of Grenouille. An example of this is poohpoohpoohpeedooh, and the almost scientific description of : The eyesoyster grey and creamy opal white covered with a .slimy film which create an immediacy and a sensory perception of the child. 7. The nose seemed to fix on a particular targethe himselfwas that target. Terriers growing sense of unease foreshadows his rejection of the child as he thinks, The nose seemed to fix on a particular targethe himselfwas that target. This ominous description of Terriers growing panic makes us feel extremely uncomfortable. He appears to be an ignorant man, we are modern readers, yet Suskind has managed through the use of sensory images to make us feel uncomfortable and to empathise with Terrier. 8. Irony as tiny is juxtaposed with fear The description of the childs nose, waking, seeking, targeting is both similar to the unfolding of a carnivorous flower and a predator. Ironically, the juxtaposition of the use of Tiny with fear adds to our growing sense of horror and revulsion. Tiny wings of fleshtiny holes in the childs facecreate an eerie suctionthe child saw him with its nostrils this use of description as the child wakes up, coupled with Terriers imaginative response positions the reader to understand his response and to share his opinion of the seemingly innocent child/monster in his arms. 9. Metaphor carnivore and death As the childs face is compared metaphorically with a carnivorous plant similar to a Venus fly trap, we see how Suskind has objectified Grenouille. He is an it, not a person, an anonymous being, semi human, semi animal. A predator who is seeking to cling to Terrier like an incubus, to devour him. His panic stricken response is a natural response to danger. Through punctuation we can see his fear smelling at him shamelessly, that was it! the use of exclamation marks emphasizes his fear and anger. His changing tone foreshadows his rejection. Through the use of language Terrier creates an image of the child as the Other an alien, threatening to his dogmatic view of normality and romance view of the role that children should play in the world. 10. metaphor death Terrier becomes convinced that the child is going to kill him, Using its nose to devour something wholeIt was establishing his scent! At this stage, I felt that Terrier was exaggerating, yet the repetition of his imaginative response grew on me and I felt a sense of revulsion towards this child also. Grenouille appears to be hunting the man who out of the goodness of his heart saved him. From this moment, our response to him becomes negative, wary, revolted by his physical description regardless of the illogic of it all. 12 Like a rape Terriers response becomes similar to that of a rape, an intensive personal invasion which cannot be avoided, His most tender emotions, his filthiest thoughts lay exposed. He can no longer accept that this is an innocent child. He feels invaded, tainted by corruption and victimized, all by this child. 13. Structure Terrier no longer felt safe, Gone was the homey thought that this be his own flesh and bloodidyll of father and son and fragrant mother. He regarded the babe/child/it as a creature a non human being A threat to his spiritual and physical wellbeing A strange, cold creature lay there on his knees, a hostile animal he would have hurled it like a spider from him. Terriers final rejection of Grenouille was significant on many levels. This may have been the only chance of a normal upbringing or real affection lost. It creates a Gothic like fear of the unknown, the rejection of people who do not fit in or conform. There is a gap between the values of the church dogma and the rights of the individual as this child is not a person, it becomes a monster in the eyes of the monk. The reader is encouraged to support Terriers decision to reject the child, yet with the advantage of a modern upbringing, it seems inhuman to totally abandon an innocent child regardless of how strange they look or behave. At this stage the beginning is juxtaposed with the ending. The idyllic father/son image is destroyed and a spider/rodent like child has emerged from the cocoon of our literary expectations. Conclusion Suskinds text introduces both characters, themes and conflicts. We see the emergence and transformation of Grenouilles character, like a butterfly he is transformed from a baby to a spider. Our response changes from empathy to horror. His eventual fate is set by this earlier abandonment on so many levels.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The School Community Relationship

The School Community Relationship Education is an important tool in the development of communities and nations at large. The provision and management of quality education lies not only at the heart of central government but remains a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and the building of good working relationship among these stakeholders with particular emphasis on improving the school-community relationship . This stems from the fact point that education is seen as a social enterprise requiring the support of all stakeholders so that its contribution can benefit the entire society. (Addae-Boahene et.al,2001). For the attainment of quality education, there is the need for the community in which the school is situated to work in collaboration and harmony with the school not only in the upbringing and welfare of the pupils but must go beyond that to offer support in the provision and maintenance of the school infrastructure as well as playing a critical supporting role in the effective management and administration of the school. The school, similar to other facilities such as the community market, community borehole, is situated in the community belonging to the entire community members. The community therefore has a role to play in shaping the policies and finances of the school just as the school in turn must function to meet the social needs of the community by turning out a literate population and transmitting culture of the community to the youth. Improving the school-community relationship is key because both bodies are interdependent and failure on the part of either body to play its role can lead to a collapse of the education system with its consequent effect on the society as a whole. Again, though formal education is said to have been introduced in Ghana by the Europeans who provided not only the curricular but the infrastructure inclusive, the schools were not cited initially enough to cover all the communities in Ghana. It is against this background that some communities desirous of having formal education took it upon themselves and established basic schools, willingly recruited teachers and contributed to support them with the resources needed for their work including remuneration. As the process continued these schools were later absorbed into the public school system. (Addae-Boahene, et.al.2001).The management and financing of these schools then shifted from the communities to the central government; this created a situation that witnessed less community involvement in the management of schools, hence the beginning of poor school-community relationship. The Ministry of Education (MOE) and The Ghana Education Service (GES) recognized the importance of reciprocal partnership of school-community leaders and local school authorities in effecting changes in the school. Under the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (fCUBE), MOE, and GES, who have committed themselves to building a systematic approach assisting community organizations (SMC and PTA) to play a major part in the regeneration of their schools. It is the belief of the MOE and GES that communities have an important role to play in enforcing standards, developing and maintaining school infrastructure, and creating partnership between teachers, pupils and the district authorities to bring about needed changes. In conclusion the school and the community rely on each other for mutual benefit. The need for both to operate on a cooperative atmosphere cannot therefore be overemphasized. (Addae-Boahene, et.al.2001). RESEARCH PROBLEM It is very necessary that in all communities, both the community and the school operate closely and co-operate with each other as the ownership and management of the school is gradually becoming community-based, a situation in which the head teacher and the circuit supervisor should see the members of the community as partners in the educational development of the child. The significance of this relationship includes: The motivation of the school to function with the interest of the wholesome development of the society. Both the school and the community working in the same direction for the proper development of the children and the community supporting the school financially, among others. However, the central government control and management of education delivery system over a long period has had an adverse effect on the relationship between the school and the community. The kind of relationship in which the school and the community exist as separate entities. Both are seen as performing different functions and hence need not interfere with each other. The school officials run the school while the Community look on. What happens by way of development or information flow in the community is not the concern of the school and vice versa. Members of the community do not care to find out what goes on in the school nor does the school develop interest in what goes on in the community. Each of them feels the other has nothing to offer, and no effort is made for cooperation. (Amofa, 1999). This kind of relationship also called the Closed System, is very prevalent in rural areas, (Annoh, 2003). This has contributed to less community involvement and commitment in the quality m anagement of education in Ghana and the Tolon/Kumbungu District of Northern Region in particular. These poor school-community relationships in the Tolon/Kumbungu District manifest itself in several ways including; On August 1, 2009, the head teacher of Gbrumani Primary School was beaten by some community members citing the head teachers effort at settling a quarrel between two pupils in the school as interference in community affairs. May, 2010, Nyankpala community members turned Nyankpala D/A Junior High School classrooms into community toilet facility. Again, Chirifoyili community encroached on the school land, turning it to a farm land in 2008 with the argument that they will not spare their land to the school and suffer insufficient farmland.(circuit supervisors report).These incidents signal to the level of strained relationships that prevails between the school and the community in the district. These acts are impacting negatively on the delivery of education in the district. quality of education continues to fall in the district as reflected in the BECE results released by WAEC year after year. (GES Tolon, 2006,2008,2009). There is high illiteracy rate in the district, coupled with low enrolment and high drop-out rates in the schools. (Tolon/Kumbungu District profile; 2004). It is against this background that the researcher finds the research problem of this study being, the lack of improved school-community relationship in the Tolon/Kumbungu District of Northern Region, as very necessary and worth undertaken. MAIN RESEARCH QUESTION Arising from the research problem stated as, the lack of improved relationship between the school and community, the main research question for the study is; what strategies can be put in place in order to build an improved relationship between the school and the community? SUB RESEARCH QUESTIONS What is the importance of building an improved relationship between the school and community? What is meant by improved school-community relationship? What are the causes of the lack of improved relationship between the school and community? What roles can both the school and the community play towards promoting an improved school-community relationship? What are the principles underlying school community relations? MAIN RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To recommend strategies that can be put in place to promote an improved school-community relationship. SUB RESEARCH OBJECTIVES To highlight the importance of building an improved relationship between the school and community. To explain the concept of improved school-community relationship. To identify the causes of the lack of improved relationship between the school and community. To identify the roles both the school and the community can play towards promoting an improved school-community relationship. To highlight the principles underlying school community relations. LITERATURE REVIEW Conceptual Framework In this study the concepts that will be reviewed include; school, community, the school community, school management, community stakeholders, relationship, and improved relationship. In the research process, the researcher will review literature from secondary sources as this will help the researcher to; Make use of results of existing studies that are closely related to the study being conducted (Croswell, 1998: 20). Locate methodologies previously used to conduct studies in phenomenon similar to this study and to identify contrary findings (Mcmillan, 1992: 44). The researcher will employ the use of literature review in conducting this study since it will provide an understanding of the phenomenon of improved school-community relationship. It will also help to provide an analytical and theoretical framework for analyzing the findings of the research. In this; textbooks, published papers, newspaper publications, containing subjects related to the research problem will be reviewed. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Design This research design is basically qualitative in nature and to achieve the purpose of the study, the following methods have been employed; participant observation, interviewing, focus group discussion, review of secondary literature, interview guide, and purposive sampling. The tools that will be used to facilitate the data collection are field notes, tape recordings and manual recordings. The data analysis will involve the use of coding, transcribing tape recording, and decoding the data transcribed. According to Strauss and Corbin (1990), qualitative research is a type of research whose findings are neither arrived at by means of statistical procedures nor quantitative means. According to Nachmias and Nachmias (1996:28), qualitative approaches facilitates our understanding of behavior through knowing the persons involved and their rituals, beliefs, values, and emotions. Qualitative approach is necessary in this study because it allows the researcher to typically investigate an aspect, thus, the lack of improved relationship between the school and the community, as it pertains to the Tolon/Kumbungu district. Again, Mcmillan and Schumacher (1993), state that qualitative research presents facts in a narrative form with words and also concerned with understanding social phenomenon from the perspective of the participants. Furthermore, the researcher will be able to gain first hand information from the people involved including head teacher/teachers, School Management Committees(SMCs), Parent Teacher Association(PTA), circuit supervisors, chiefs and assembly members, on their knowledge regarding the lack of improved school-community relationship in the district, why there is lack of improved relationship between the school and the community, the role they can play to improve the relationship, and the strategies to put in place to promote and sustain improved school-community relationship. The use of multi-method strategies in gathering data is very necessary in qualitative research. For the purpose of this study, the methods to employ in gathering data are; interactive methods and non-interactive methods. A combination of these two approaches presents to the researcher an advantage of systematically observing, interviewing, and recording processes as they take place naturally. The appropriateness of these activities to the researcher emerges from the point as explained by Miles and Huberman (1994), that they are carried out in close proximity to the local setting for a sustained period of time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH METHODS TO USE FOR THE STUDY Participant Observation In participant observation, researchers join the group they intend to study and observe it from inside (Legewie, 1991). Subjects usually change their behaviors when they know that they are being observed, so researchers may take measures to prevent them realizing that they are being studies, and hence eliminate the effects of reactivity (sarantakos, 2005; 221) Unstructured observation will be used in the study. Unstructured observation is loosely organized and the process of observation is largely left up to the observer. Participant observation will be used in this study. The researcher will visit the community schools in the Tolon/Kumbungu District and participate in both school ceremonies and community ceremonies and note all issues that reveal the lack of improved relationship between the school and the community, including; SMC/PTA meetings. The school annual open day ceremony . The celebration of the annual Damba and Fire festival. This approach will provide an opportunity for open discussion during which certain challenging issues will emerge. Interviewing In the perspective of Maykut and Morehouse (1994;80), an interview refers to a discourse shaped and organized through the asking of questions and the supply of answers, through which the interviewer and the interviewee are able to talk about the study focus; and this brings out thoughts and perceptions. On the other hand, Gillham (2000; 1) describes interview as a conversation that usually goes on between two people, the interviewer asks questions and seeks response from the interviewee. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, through the telephone, or other means, but according to Gillham (2000: 62), the overwhelming strength of face-to-face interview is its possibility of making the communication rich. Interviews, according to Bogdan and Bilklen (1992:96) are used to gather descriptive data in the subjects own words. Through this, the researcher is able to develop insights on how subjects interpret some piece of the world. The researcher will employ semi-structured interview method for this study. Semi-Structured Interviews This method has been chosen for use for a number of good reasons. According to Borg and Gall (1989; 452), semi-structured interview facilitates a more thorough understanding of the respondents opinion and the reasons behind such opinions than what could be achieved if mailed questionnaire is used. Also, this method is good because it makes it possible for the expression of opinions by the interviewees. Again Robson (1993;231) states that, when using semi-structured method, the interviewer has the advantage of being able to modify the order of questions based upon the context of the conversation, change the wording of the question, give explanations and can avoid particular questions that appear inappropriate with a particular interviewee. Semi-structured interview has been chosen by the researcher because it has the ability to provide in-depth, objective information that account for the lack of improved school-community relationship. Though semi-structured interview will be used, the interview guide will still be used to keep the interviewer and interviewee on focus. Focus Group Discussions Focus group research can best be described as a loosely constructed discussion with a group of people brought together for the purpose of the study, guided by the research and addressed as a group. Due to the use of interviewing techniques, it is also referred to as focus group interviewing (as e.g. Bergaddresses it because and ;( ­ 1995, the group rather then specific members, it is also known as group discussion, (H. Kruger, 1983). Given that more then one group is usually included in the study, and each group constitute a separate sample of respondents, focus group can be seen as a multi-sample study. In most common application, this method entails, first the selection of people with a particular interest, expertise or position in the community, second, the formation of the group by bringing these people together in the same venue; third, the introduction of the discussion topic by the researcher, who acts as a facilitator and arbitrator, fourth, guiding the discussion so as to address the research topic, fifth, encouraging discussion among the members of the group rather than between them and the researcher, and sixth, observing and recording the discussion (sarantakos, 2005): The focus group method appears in two forms, the unstructured or semi-structured form and the structured form, which are employed by qualitative and quantitative researchers respectively (Stewart and shamdasani, 1990). Focus group discussing is employed to bring about changes in the group and its members, as a result of the direction and intensity of the discussion. It can further provide valuable information about group processes, attitude changes and manipulation, the attitudes and opinions of group members, the group or public, the effectiveness of certain methods and so on. It can also enable the testing of group strategies in solving problems (flick, 1998). Finally, the study of focus group can generate diversity and differences either within or between groups, and so revealà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. the dilemmatic nature of everyday arguments; (Lunt and Livingstone, 1996:96) This approach will be used to promote brainstorming and debate among the participants on key issues affecting school-community relationship in the district. Again focus group discussions promote the sharing and learning of new ideas among participants. The researcher will be part of the group discussion and moderating the process as well to keep the discussion on track. A total of 30 focus groups made of 15 people each will be engaged in the study (these are the PTA and SMC members of the 30 selected schools). How To Collect The Data For the purpose of data collection, the researcher will use the following tools; Interview Guide, Field Notes, and Recording. Interview Guide This will be very useful in this study. According to Borg and Gall (1989; 451), interview guide is a list containing questions mostly asked in a desired manner in the interview process. It serves as a guideline to the researcher on what to say, as the interview commences and ends. It is regarded as a checklist of topics to be covered by Dooley (1990:288), and it includes reminders of researchers interest arranged in an orderly manner to promote intercourse. In general terms, it is a guide but allowing actual questions to be framed during the interview to fit the natural tone of the intercourse between the interviewer and the interviewee. This helps to ensure that the interviewee remains unbiased in responses given. This also allows the researcher to select topics in advance but determines the sequence and wording of the questions during the interview process. (Mcmillan and Schumacher, 1993:426). The guide equally enables the researcher not to rigidly control the interview content such that the interviewee will not be able to tell the story in his own words. (Bogdan and Biklen,1992;97). For the purpose of this study, the researcher will promote flexibility by allowing the respondents to explain issues in their own words and language. Again, there will be instances in this study that the interviewer will not follow a specific order of the questions, but will rather link one response to another question not necessarily next in order as the need arises. Field Notes This will be used for noting information that may not be captured by the tape recording. This will serve as a buffer to remind the researcher during data analysis. According to Mcmillan and Schumacher (1993; 418), field notes are written at the end of each observation and describes in details the settings and activities of each subject. This will only be used for the participant observation. RECORDIING The most common methods of recording are: writing down information verbatim, in summary or in key words; tape recording conversations; video recording events; taking photographs, (sarantakoss,2006:229). For the purpose of this study tape recording, manual recording and coding will be used Tape Recording Tape recordings will also be used. Tape recordings are easier and certainly more efficient. The tapes can be listened to as many times as required, using more then one observer if desired, and this produces more accurate and more valid records (Sarandakos, 2005:229) The researcher will employ tape recordings during the interview process to record the intercourse that occurs between the interviewer and interviewee. The recordings will be played back later and the words transcribed for the purpose of data analysis. The interviewees permission will be sought by the interviewer before the use of tape recordings. The use of tape recording will help minimize possible errors that may result from forgetfulness on the part of the interviewer during the interview process. It can equally minimize the time spent in the interview. Manual RECORDIING Manual recording will equally be used, whereby two leaders will be used, with each of them taking notes in turn or one recording the data and the other acting as facilitator (sarantakos,2005). This will be transcribed later. Where circumstances do not allow for note taking, the observer will write down key words or phrases as a guide, and complete the notes after observation. CODING Codes serves as symbols, a shorthand recording, where actions and behaviors are replaced by numerals or keywords. This makes recording easier, particularly when there are many items to be recorded and many people to be observed. (sarantakos, 2005:230). SAMPLING Under qualitative designs for example where unstructured or participant observation is employed, the subjects are often chosen by means of purpose or theoretical sampling (sarantakos, 2005:224) The researcher acknowledges that the problem under study may be prevailing in other districts in the Northern Region; however the study will be limited to the Tolon/Kumbungu District of the Northern Region because there is high illiteracy rate in the district, coupled with low enrolment and high drop-out rates in the schools. (Tolon/Kumbungu District profile; 2004). Sampling is used for the study because the district has a large population size of 132,338 inhabitants (2000 population and housing census), therefore a focus on a small distinct group of participants (SMC, PTA, head teachers, circuit supervisors, chiefs, and assembly members), will enable the researcher to get an in-depth understanding of the problem of lack of improved school-community relationship in the Tolon/Kumbungu district. Purposive sampling will be the main sampling technique to use in the study. It is also the expectation of the researcher that the selected participants will be information-rich, because they are knowledgeable in terms of the phenomenon being studied. Purposive Sampling The researcher will select and interview community stakeholders in education such as PTA and SMC members, head teachers, circuit supervisors, chiefs, and assembly members. Responses and contributions of these people can form a good basis for carrying out analysis and stating findings of study in the district. There has been consensus by Gillham (2000); Mcmillan and Schumacher (1993:378); and Patton (1990:169) that purposive sampling involves selecting people with in-depth knowledge of the problem being studied, while keeping the number of interviews to a minimum for adequate representation. The people that will be selected for this study should have good ideas regarding the problem being studied. (Mcmillan and Schumacher, 1993; 378). Sample Size The district has 150 basic schools (Tolon/Kumbungu District Profile, 2004). A total of 70 people will be interviewed. This includes; 30 head teachers drawn from 30 schools out of a total of 150 basic schools in the district, 30 assembly members of the communities where these schools are located and 10 circuit supervisors supervising these schools .Study Area Tolon/Kumbungu district is chosen as the study area. The district covers a land area of 2,741 square kilometers and forms about 3.9% of the total land area of Northern Region. The district is one of the 45 new districts created by the erstwhile Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Law 207 in 1988 and has Tolon as the Capital. The district is characterized by high illiteracy rate, coupled with low enrolment rates and high drop-out rate in schools. (Tolon/Kumbungu District Profile, 2004). DATA ANALYSIS Unlike quantitative research, where analysis is conducted after data collection, in qualitative research the timing of analysis varies. In some cases it follows the same path as in quantitative research, but in most cases it is conducted during data collection. A combination of both models is also possible (sarantakos, 2005:344) For the purpose of this research, data analysis will be done both, during and after data collection. While collecting data, the researcher will conduct some basic analysis, record the data, and further intensify data analysis after completing the study and focusing on more specific aspects of the research question as contained in the research. In a number of cases, analysis during data collection serves to guide research in the right direction, and to facilitate a more effective treatment and coverage of the research topic. The actual analysis is conducted after data gathering is completed (sarantakos, 2005:346). Computer-Aided Data analysis (CADA) will be used to analyze data. Computers can be, and are being used in qualitative research in the context of both pure qualitative research, where analysis is done the traditional way, and the so-called enriched qualitative research (contrad and Reinharz, 1984; Fielding and Lee, 1998; Fisher, 1997, Richards, 1986; Richards and Richards, 1987,1994; Weitzman and Miles, 1994). Computer aided data analysis (CADA) is used in many forms and allows the qualitative research to process data in a way parallel to that in quantitative research (Huber, 1991; Madron, Tate and Brookshire 1987; Ragin, 1987), (Sarantakos, 2005:357) A major data analysis instrument that will be employed in this study is concepts and indicators. Indicators are concrete data, such as behavior patterns and social events, which are observed or described in documents or interview texts. They indicate the presence of a concept which the researcher develops, at first provisionally and then with more confidence. (Sarantakos, 2005:347). Analysis will be done by thoroughly examining the field notes of what will be observed by the researcher and the responses of every participant that will be interviewed. In line with Maykut and Morehouse (1994: 135), the following data analysis steps will be adopted for the study; Recording the interview conducted, making a reflection of the process, and carrying out further observations and writing notes, comments, as well as memos. Transcribing what has been recorded in the exact words. This will be done immediately after the interviews of the day. All additional comments will be placed in brackets. Reading through the data that has been transcribed and stating clearly in writing, the meaning of the transcribed data. Coding the data and identifying the code meanings in line with research question. All key items or categories (the main ideas, words,or phrases) will be listed. The researcher will then go through the literature to find out whether responses of interviewees bear common grounds with the research topic as well as other respondents conclusions in similar research works. This is done for the purpose of testing the validity of the study. Data presentation Certainly, tables and graphs are useful tools of presentation in qualitative research, but the structure of presentation does not seem to adhere to any strict rules and procedures. TIME FRAME The researcher plans to spend a period of 5 months in carrying out the study including the compilation and presentation of the report.