Effects the Media has on Child development Research Paper

Impacts the Media has on Child improvement - Research Paper Example From the first appearance of TVs in quite a while in the twentieth Century, there has been a worry on their effect on the watchers, especially the kids. Late years has seen this worry stretched out to electronic media including PCs. The way that kids go through seven hours of the day on normal in media, for example, TVs, PCs and other electronic gadgets, as confirmed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP demonstrates the significant job that the media plays in molding improvement in kids. Kirkorian et al. (39) watch content as the most pivotal deciding element in assessing how media influences advancement in youngsters. Thusly, contingent upon the substance in the media under center, the impact on kid improvement could either be certain or negative. Media assume a significant job in language procurement. As saw by Kirkorian (40), youngsters who watched Sesame Street, a preschooler instructive program, learnt jargon, distinguishing proof of numbers and letters and ideas including shapes and hues. TV seeing has specifically been noted to give language adapting particularly if the projects remember for screen characters conversing with kids. Youngsters to whom English isn't their first language could make the most of this chance to gain proficiency with the language as they watch English projects. Media has been credited with planning programs that target conveying social or scholarly abilities which help youngsters in learning the proposed exercises. Projects managing various education in kids including science, arithmetic and social aptitudes advance learning in youngsters. Kirkorian et al. (46) see that Blue Clues, a TV program concentrated on intellectual and social critical thinking abilities among preschoolers, made kids be increasingly deliberate and fruitful in issue arrangements. The Canadian Pediatric Society (303) likewise locales Sesame Street for instance of a TV program that shows youngsters significant social viewpoints, for example, collaborat ion, benevolence, racial concordance and the letter set. Such projects invigorate youngsters to visit libraries, historical centers and book shops among other dynamic recreational spots that confer positive learning. This could likewise be said of Internet sites that have educational plans to get ready preschoolers for tutoring. Truth be told, different programming programs have been created with this impact and the effect has been certain. In this manner, instructive media enhance instructive accomplishment of youngsters. Pundits contend against media as contrarily affecting on the advancement of subjective aptitudes in youngsters. This contention for the most part spins around consideration advancement. As indicated by Sigman (102), the regular switch in substance and scenes disturb the capacity of youngsters to continue consideration. Also, early presentation to non-instructive amusement and brutal media programs has been decidedly connected with consideration issues. Kirkorian e t al. (45) give a case of an examination that looked at the impact of an ace social program, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and fierce animation, Batman. The discoveries bolster the relationship between's the substance of media projects and consideration abilities in the youngsters being contemplated. The youngsters presented to brutal kid's shows indicated diminished self-guideline while those presented to the expert social program displayed resistance of deferral, rule submission and assignment industriousness. It is imperative to value that the two projects not just

High School Drug Abuse What Do You Do Essay Example For Students

Secondary School Drug Abuse: What Do You Do? Paper As per an examination led by the University of Michigans Institute for Social Research, among the graduating class of 1997, 54.3 percent of understudies had utilized an unlawful medication when they arrived at their senior year of secondary school: a sensational increment from the once 40.7 percent in 1992. The investigation additionally detailed an expansion among secondary school seniors from 27.1 percent in 1992 to 42.4 percent in 1997, that had utilized an unlawful medication in that previous year. There was additionally an expansion from 14.4 percent (1992) to 26.2 percent (1997) of utilization in the previous month. Also, because of the addictive idea of medications, a significant number of these youthful understudies will keep utilizing them for a mind-blowing duration. What do you do at that point? Numerous schools are actualizing drug testing programs, which have been demonstrated to effectively diminish the measure of medication misuse that happens in schools. Secondary School medicate testing has become a dubious theme in numerous networks the country over. Numerous understudies and guardians are contending that medication testing is an infringement of the privileges of a US resident as assigned in the fourth amendment of the Constitution. In any case, in the Supreme Court instance of Vernonia School District v. Wayne Acton, it was administered established. They likewise contend that it is exploitative, and sending an inappropriate message to understudies. One parent stated, as expressed in an article in the Seattle Times, Kids who analyze and are gotten, theyre going to be prohibited from extracurricular exercises. Also, their decision is most likely going to be to party more. They wont have different outlets that are an option in contrast to drugs. To begin with, for the projects that have been utilized in schools, it has been regular for a third offense to be important before totally prohibiting the understudy from extracurricular exercises. Be that as it may, on the off chance that an understudy who partakes in those exercises, is discovered utilizing drugs, at that point it clearly wasnt a choice to tranquilize use. Notwithstanding that, most networks have programs for young people to take an interest in to get them far from those sorts of things, and even assistance them quit. Different contentions are over lawful issues. In the fourth amendment to the Constitution it expresses the Federal Government will not abuse the privilege of the individuals to be secure in their people, houses, papers, and impacts, against absurd inquiries and seizures. In the Vernonia case, the proportion of lawfulness relied on the sensibility of the inquiry; secondary school medicate testing among understudy competitors was viewed as sensible. One could in any case contend that by having an athletic strategy that requires avoiding drug use could be illegal also. However, where the law precludes the utilization of unlawful medications by anybody, and when you mull over the privileges of others that would be influenced, having such a strategy is the best way to ensure the understudies who take an interest. Those school locale that have just executed a medication testing program have discovered that it works. Defendability of Same Sex Marriage Essay Burlington-Edison High School of Skagit County, Washington, executed a medication testing program fundamentally the same as that of the Vernonia School District. What's more, after the principal year of medication testing, around 25 understudies had been gotten. Since that first year, the general medication use has diminished, requiring a decrease in tranquilize testing. The framework that these schools utilized was extremely proficient and kept private to shield the characters of the understudies from outside .

One Students Crusade to Stop Genocide

One Students Crusade to Stop Genocide MIT isnt a political campus. Sure, it had its moments during the 1960s. In 1968, a coalition that included 48 MIT faculty members protested the militarization of university research, and in November of the following year, another group chanted, We wont die for Pool and Pye (Ithiel de Sola Pool and Lucian Pye were two high-profile scholars at the Institutes Center for International Studies [CIS]). In 1971, following Daniel Ellsbergs leak of the documents that would come to be known as the Pentagon Papers (Ellsberg was a Visiting Research Fellow at the time), a group bombed the CIS. Since that violent culmination thankfully, no one was hurt in the blast activism has largely been confined to a few small groups, many of which have gained a reputation as fringe. Initial reports of indiscriminate attacks against Sudanese civilians in the region of Darfur in February 2003 passed without much discussion at MIT. After the attacks were labeled as genocide, however, the Institute was placed in an awkward situation. While it didnt want to appear indifferent in the face of the atrocities that were occurring atrocities to which its investments could well have been contributing, however minimally it was hesitant to make an exception to its long-standing policy of not speaking with a single institutional voice on matters of public debate not directly affecting MITs core mission of education, research, and service. Enter Kayvan Zainabadi G, a 27-year old native of Iran whos pursuing his Ph.D. in Course 7. Although he spent most of his life in southern California, receiving his bachelors from UCLA, it wasnt until coming to MIT that Kayvan found his activist voice. He told me, After reading the news reports coming out of Darfurabout the atrocities, the rapes, the fact that genocide was once again occurring, though this time in real-time, I just had to do something anything. Kayvan got connected to other activists in the Boston area by attending a Darfur rally in Government Center. People asked me, Whats going on at MIT to address this? I had no answer, so I started looking around and asking I found out that MIT hadnt even taken the most basic steps, like ensuring that its endowment wasnt funding the genocide. And thats when Kayvans campaign began. Through tireless work he has hosted lectures, screenings, and photo exhibits; written letters and opinion pieces; delivered postcards to and met with Michael Capuano, Cambridges congressional representative; and so forth he has single-handedly made the crisis in Darfur one of the MIT communitys biggest priorities. Over a year later, his efforts paid off when MIT decided to divest as appropriate for those portfolios to exclude securities that would violate MITs investment principles [in Sudan]. This action is without precedent in the Institutes history: MIT was one of the few schools that didnt divest from companies that were operating in South Africa during the 1980s. This landmark accomplishment under his belt, Kayvan has partnered with a growing band of MIT activists to establish a chapter of STAND (a student anti-genocide coalition) at the Institute. STAND and Amnesty International are hosting two important upcoming events: DarfurFast on Wednesday, December 5th, and a Darfur Fundraiser Dinner in Walker Memorial on Sunday, December 9th. Both are intended to raise awareness of the crisis in Darfur and purchase solar cookers for the three million Sudanese civilians who now live in refugee camps. Whats next? As he continues his Darfur activism, Kayvans working to establish a Standing Committee on Investment Responsibility that would consider the social, environmental, and corporate governance impacts of MITs investments. Thankfully, activism will continue to be a part of his life. I confess to regarding the phrase never again with cynicism. It offers a rhetorical smokescreen behind which the world can, and invariably does, conceal its cowardice in the face of human suffering. If more people like Kayvan fill the ranks of our leadership, however, it may well recover the meaning that it has lost.

Comparisons On The Advocacies Of Henry Thoreau vs Dr....

There is a higher law than civil law- the law of conscience- and that when these laws are in conflict, it is a citizens duty to obey the voice of God within rather than that of the civil authority without, (Harding 207). As Harding described in his brief explanation of Henry David Thoreaus Civil Disobedience, there are some instances in which it is necessary to disobey a social law. Martin Luther King, Jr., in addition to Thoreau, reasoned that should a civil law be judged unjust, one had a moral obligation not only to himself but also to those around him to disregard that particular law in exchange for a higher one voiced by God. The idea of challenging an unreasonable law is central to both King, Jr.s and Thoreaus plights, though†¦show more content†¦First we are told in Civil Disobedience to make every effort to disconnect ourselves from the unjust system of ruling, and then we are told in Walden that very few of us are actually capable of any thought warranted as intellectual. Thoreau sets himself apart from King, Jr. by making himself a moving target. Although King, Jr. took many steps beyond Thoreaus advocacies of civil disobedience, his actions rang true to the central theme of standing powerfully, and non-violently, against an unjust system of government. Both advocated disconnecting oneself from social law as to better follow the divine laws set forth by God, and despite the great diversity in which each man carried out his beliefs, the underlying fact still remains: we cannot, by total reliance on law, escape the duty to judge right and wrong (Alexander Bickel), the distinction between just and unjust rests on the shoulders of mankind and it remains the duty of each individual to act accordingly. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. WALDEN by Henry David Thoreau 2. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE by Henry David Thoreau 3. LETTER FROM A BIRMINGHAM JAIL by Martin Luther King

Performance Assessment Essay - 1860 Words

Performance Assessment Not since the development of the objective paper and pencil test early in the century has an assessment method hit the American educational scene with such force as has performance assessment methodology in the 1990s. Performance assessment relies on teacher observation and professional judgment to draw inferences about student achievement. The reasons for the intense interest in an assessment methodology can be summarized as follows: During the 1980s important new curriculum research and development efforts at school district, state, national and university levels began to provide new insights into the complexity of some of our most valued achievement targets. We came to understand the multidimensionality†¦show more content†¦The purpose of this digest is to provide a summary of those attributes of sound assessments and the rules of evidence for using them well. The various ways the reader might take advantage of this information also are detailed. THE BASIC METHODOLOGY The basic ingredients of a performance assessment may be described in three parts (Stiggins, 1984): (1) the specification of a performance to be evaluated, (2) the development of exercises or tasks used to elicit that performance and (3) the design of a scoring and recording scheme for results. Each contains sub- elements within it. For example, in defining the performance to be evaluated, assessment developers must decide where or how evidence of academic proficiency will manifest itself. Is the examinee to demonstrate the ability to reason effectively, carry out other skills proficiently or create a tangible product? Next, the developer must analyze skills or products to identify performance criteria upon which to judge achievement. This requires the identification of the critical elements of performance that come together to make it sound or effective. In addition, performance assessors must define each criterion and articulate the range of achievement that any particular exami nees work might reflect, from outstanding to very poor performance. And finally, users can contribute immensely to student academicShow MoreRelatedPerformance Assessment : School Based Assessment5474 Words   |  22 PagesPerformance assessment is a tool that is use to evaluate whether the student have mastered the skills or knowledge that they learned. It is a process that needs to be done continuously and have to modify accordingly. Performance assessment can be done within the class and can be in any form. The result of performance assessment is not only based on their exam but also from other aspect. That will help the student to know what they are good in and what they lack of. It is different from the traditionalRead MoreAuthentic Assessment And Performance Based Assessment Essay1869 Words   |  8 PagesAuthentic assessment is also referred to as classroom assessment, alternative assessment and performance based assessment. An authentic assessment is a form of assessment in which students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills. Or, as Grant Wiggins (1993) describes it, authentic measures are â€Å"engaging and worthy problems or questions of importance, in which students must use knowledge to fashion performances effectively andRead MoreInformal Assessments : Observation Of Everyday Performance1274 Words   |  6 Pages Informal assessments includes the observation of everyday performance. This is the method in which teachers collect information about their students’ performance in usual classroom conditions. Informal assessments are a part of the instructional process and can include â€Å"systematics observations, work sample analysis, task and error analysis, interviews and questionnaires’† (Sacks, 2011). It is done without establishing test conditions such as in the case of formal assessment. Teachers must be roleRead MoreEvaluation Of The Performance Based Assessment1179 Words   |  5 PagesAssessments play an integral part in the classroom. The book, Content Area Reading states that an assessments purpose is to â€Å"gather and synthesize† information about a student’s learning. Teachers utilize a variety of assessments in the classroom to gauge a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and gains. Assessments exercised in the classroom are in several formats: performance-based, formative, and summative. However, assessments must be authentic to be effective in the classroom. An authentic assessmentRead MoreDynamic Assessment And Intervention Of A Childs Performance1150 Words   |  5 PagesDynamic Assessment and Intervention According to Gillam, Peà ±a, and Miller (1999) assessment of discourse is a challenging but important aspect of assessing language, highlighting that cultural and experiential differences may be a factor in a child’s performance. Simply, some children may not have been exposed to these types of narratives or been expected to generate them in their home environment. The authors suggest that good language learners usually learn the new forms or overcome the differencesRead MoreQuestion 1: Importance Of Performance Assessment. Understanding1445 Words   |  6 PagesQuestion 1: Importance of Performance Assessment Understanding your business is a crucial component of it operating efficiently and economically. Performance assessment is a tool to assist Yacker Transport in understanding their business and ensuring it is meeting its objectives. If a business is not meeting its objectives there could be negative financial, and even social or environmental implications. In the case of YT if one objective is to ensure at least 2 tonnes of freight are on each truckRead MoreAssessment For Students And Schools Performances2729 Words   |  11 PagesIntroduction Assessment for many years has been used in a summative manor to quantify student’s abilities to compare students and schools performances. Although necessary to some degree this assessment of learning is using assessment ineffectively as assessment when used properly is a very effective learning tool. Assessment for Learning is defined as â€Å" the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where learners are the their learning, where theyRead MoreUnit Goals Assessments Performance Criterion1084 Words   |  5 PagesAssessment Plan Unit Goals Assessments Performance Criterion Comprehensive Assessment Pre- Each student will be given a chart that says, â€Å"Plants can, have, are†. Under each section they will need to tell me what they know about what plants can do, what they are, and what they have (referring to structure of the plant). I choose this as my pre-assessment because I think this will be an overall indication of their knowledge and the beginning of this unit. A writing assessment is a better assessmentRead MoreMy Performance And Portfolio Assessments From Using Assessment Data Drive Instructional Decisions841 Words   |  4 Pagesshowcase is my performance and portfolio assessments from Using Assessment Data to Drive Instructional Decisions. The performance assessment focused on a Pizza Party assignment. Students were required to add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals using pictorial models and algorithms in order to calculate the cost the cost of pizza and drinks at each pizza parlor. They used their calculations to determine w hich restaurant had the best price. Students were scored on a performance rubric regardingRead MorePerformance Management Project Assessment One4807 Words   |  20 PagesPerformance management project Submission details Candidate’s Name | Ellen Palmer | Phone No. | 0438463239 | Assessor’s Name | n/a | Phone No. | n/a | Assessment Site | Manage People Performance Assignment Onehttp://ecampus.mciinstitute.edu.au | Assessment Date/s | Completed Unit Due 28 March 2014 | Time/s | | The assessment task is due on the date specified by your assessor. Any variations to this arrangement must be approved in writing by your assessor. Submit this document with any

Greek Stuff Free Essays

THE ANCIENT GREEKS NAME ___Harrison Funk_________________________________ To complete this worksheet use the information found on the following website: http://www. mythologyteacher. com/GreekIntro. We will write a custom essay sample on Greek Stuff or any similar topic only for you Order Now html GREEK INTRO 1. At roughly what time period was the golden age of ancient Greece? 500 B. C. 2. Who was an ancient Greek writer of fables? Homer 3. Who was a Greek mathematician? Pythrogras 4. Why should Americans study ancient Greece? We oew everything to ancient Greece. GREEK CITY-STATES 5. How is a city-state more than just a city? It had no desire to join a larger country. 6. What term was not in use during the golden age of Greece? Why not? They did not say greece so it was dotted with city-states 7. What is an agora? Assembly of the people/ town meeting THE LIFE OF A GREEK GIRL 8. How were women oppressed in ancient Greece? Treated with disrespect 9. What would happen if a family did not have a male heir? All wealth would go to the closest male relative 10. At what age did most girls get married? 14 11. What is a dowry? Money goods estate 12. What was the goal of every Greek wife? To produce male heir 13. When was murder completely legal in ancient Greece? When someone was caught in a affair with a married women. THE LIFE OF A GREEK BOY 14. What is a Greek adage about their newborn children? If its a boy keep it and if its a girl expose it 15. What ceremony did boys go through before becoming men? They cut their hair 16. Boys were sent to do what at the age of eighteen? Left for two years for military purposes. 17. What does the word gymnos mean? Means wearing no clothes 18. How long were men subject to the military draft? Two years 19. What is a lyre? harp 20. What is rhetoric? Is persuasive speaking 21. What was the Greek word for one who participates in sport contests? 22. What was a sophist? 23. What was the most dangerous Greek sport? 24. What is the â€Å"bible of the Greeks†? 25. The gymnasium was the ancient predecessor of what modern institution? 26. What were the two tools teachers used to teach reading and writing? 27. When did education end for most boys? 28. Why were Greek men expected to keep their bodies in shape? GREEK RELIGION 29. According to the Greek moral code, what two crimes were capital offenses? 30. Explain how Greece did not have a strict religious code: 31. Spotting what kind of bird during the daytime foretold death? 32. What could priests tell from an animal’s organs? 33. What does fortuitous mean? 34. What is a pantheon? 35. What is augury? 36. What usually occurred after a Greek sacrifice? 37. Where did the Oracle of Delphi sit? 38. Which god or goddess was most honored in Athens? 39. Whom did kings consult to learn their future? GREEK DEMOCRACY 40. How did citizens vote sometimes vote in Athens? 41. What groups were excluded from Athenian citizenship? 42. What type of democracy did Athens have? GREEK OLYMPICS 43. When did the first Olympics occur? 4. What Olympic contest was held at the Olympian hippodrome? 45. Were the Olympics the only games held in ancient Greece? 46. What was the Heraia? 47. What are the five sports in the pentathlon? SPARTA 48. How were the lives of Spartan women different from the lives of Athenian women? 49. Sparta was one of the few societies to produce no _______. 50. Spartan boys started their trai ning at what age? 51. Spartan boys were yearly flogged for what reason? 52. What did an apprenticeship of a young boy to an older boy accomplish? 53. How were Spartan boys taught stealth? 54. What did the Spartans do with their unwanted children? Toss them of a cliff 55. What story demonstrated the Spartan discipline? 56. What was a Spartan wedding night ritual? 57. What word is a synonym for gorge? 58. Sparta was completely dedicated to the art of what? HIPPOCRATES 59. Hippocrates is often called: 60. How many children died in ancient Greece before the age of ten? 61. What is leeching? 62. Write one line from the Hippocratic Oath: ALEXANDER THE GREAT 63. How old was Alexander the Great when he became the King of Macedon? 64. What did Alexander spread around the world? 65. What empire did Alexander conquer? 66. What did Alexander the great die of? 67. Why was Alexander a successful conqueror? SOCRATES PLATO 68. How was Socrates different from the sophists? 69. Who were the â€Å"scientists† of ancient Greek? 70. What does philosophy mean in Greek? 71. What poison did Socrates drink? 72. What is the Socratic Method? 73. What was Plato’s Academy named for? 74. What was the charge brought against Socrates? HOMER, THE ILIAD ODYSSEY 75. How was the dark age of Greece different from the golden age of Greece? 76. What are three rumors concerning Homer the poet? 77. What is an â€Å"epic poem†? 78. What is the plot of the Odyssey? 79. What started the Trojan War? 80. When did the â€Å"real† Trojan War probably occur? 81. Which did the Greeks like better: the Iliad or Odyssey? Why? HERODOTUS 82. Herodotus is often called: 83. What wars did Herodotus write about? 84. What else did Herodotus write about? 85. What is â€Å"western civilization†? GREEK SLAVERY 86. Most Greek households had how many slaves? 87. What does humane mean? 88. What is the rack? 89. What were lawyers allowed to do to slaves in order to get information? 90. What were three jobs a slave might receive? 91. Where did the Greeks obtain their slaves? DEATH BURIAL 92. Greeks believed your spirit would never be at rest if: 93. What were two capital offenses in ancient Greece? 94. What is a garland? 95. What is a libation? GREEK WARFARE 96. How did one warship defeat another? 97. How did the rowers on a warship keep in time with each other? 98. Sparta was known for its infantry; Athens was known for its ________. 99. What is a hoplite? 100. Where did Sparta and Athens stop King Xerxes’ march into Greece? 101. What is a phalanx? GREEK THEATER 102. How many spectators could be seated in the theatron? 03. What amplified the voices of Greek actors? 104. What are satyrs? 105. What does obscene mean in Greek? 106. What innovation did Sophocles create? 107. What is a chorus? 108. What is catharsis? 109. What theatrical innovation did the playwright Aeschylus come up with? 110. What type of play is a crude parody? 111. What type of play tells the downfall of a noble character? 112. Who was t he patron god of the theater? 113. Whose opinion did the chorus represent in Greek plays? 114. Why are modern actors called thespians? 115. Which type of play made fun of daily life in Athens? How to cite Greek Stuff, Essay examples

The College Experience free essay sample

This paper explores what college freshman experience during their first year away from home. This paper explores the different experiences that students have while living on college campus. The paper discusses the difference in the college experience if you live at home versus living in the dormitories. It discusses such topics as study habits, social interaction, and absorption into the college system. A second advantage of living on campus is actually a set of intangibles that enhance the educational impact of college. Dorm life fosters hard work: If a student lives in the dorms with other students, he is far less likely to feel alone or academically abandoned, and as a result, he is less likely to flunk out. College represents a major academic step for most students they coasted through high school and now suddenly they are challenged. A student living at home will not have many places to turn for support while burning the midnight oil studying for an exam, whereas a student living in a dorm can always strike up a conversation with his neighbor or roommate if he feels frustrated. We will write a custom essay sample on The College Experience or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page That human contact and the awareness that others are working hard and going through the same transition often makes the difference for students.

3 Stoic Strategies For Becoming Happier

3 Stoic Strategies For Becoming Happier Stoicism was one of the most important philosophical schools in ancient Greece and Rome.   It has also been one of the most influential.   The writings of Stoic thinkers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius have been read and taken to be heart by scholars and statesman for two thousand years. In his short but extremely readable book A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (Oxford University Press, 2009), William Irvine argues that Stoicism is a admirable and coherent philosophy of life.  Ã‚   He also claims that many of us would be happier if we became Stoics.   This is a remarkable claim.   How can the theory and practice of a philosophical school founded fifteen hundred years before the industrial revolution have anything relevant to say to us today, living in our constantly changing, technology dominated world? Irvine has many things to say in response to that question.   But the most interesting part of his answer is his account of specific strategies that the Stoics recommend we all use on a daily basis.   Three of these in particular are especially important: negative visualization; internalization of goals; and regular self-denial. Negative visualization Epictetus recommends that when parents kiss a child goodnight, they consider the possibility that the child might die during the night.   And when you say goodbye to a friend, say the Stoics, remind yourself that you perhaps you will never meet again. Along the same lines, you might imagine the home you live being destroyed by fire or by a tornado, the job you rely on being eliminated, or the beautiful car you have just bought being crushed by a runaway truck. Why entertain these unpleasant thought?   What good can come from this practice of what Irvine calls â€Å"negative visualization†?   Well, here are a few possible benefits of imagining the worst that can happen: Anticipating misfortunes can lead you to take preventative measures.   E.g. Imagining your family dying of carbon monoxide poisoning may prompt to you install a carbon monoxide detector.If you have already imagined how something awful might happen, if it does occur you will less shocked.   We are all familiar with this on a mundane level.   Many people, if they take an exam, imagine or even convince themselves that they have done badly so that if it turns out that this is the truth, they will be less disappointed.   Negative visualization, here and elsewhere, prepares us mentally and emotionally to deal with unpleasant experiences when they arrive–as they inevitably will.Contemplating the loss of something helps us to appreciate it more fully.   We are all familiar with the way we have a tendency to take things for granted.   When we first buy a new house, car, guitar, smart phone, shirt, or whatever, we think it’s wonderful.   But within a fairly short ti me the novelty wears off and we no longer find it exciting, or even interesting.   Psychologists call this â€Å"hedonic adaptation.† But imagining the loss of the thing in question is a way of refreshing our appreciation of it.   It’s a technique that help us to follow Epictetus’ advice and learn to want what we already have. Of these arguments for practicing negative visualization, the third is probably the most important and the most convincing.   And it goes well beyond such things as newly purchased technology. There is so much in life to be grateful for, yet we often find ourselves complaining that things aren’t perfect.   But anyone reading this article is probably living the sort of life that most people through history would have viewed as inconceivably pleasant.   Little need to worry about famine, plague, war, or brutal oppression.   Anesthetics; antibiotics; modern medicine; instant communication with anyone anywhere; the ability to get to just about anywhere   in the world in a few hours; a vast amount of great art, literature, music, and science available through the internet at the touch a of key.   The list of things to be grateful for is almost infinite.   Negative visualization reminds us that we are â€Å"living the dream.† Internalization of goals We live in a culture that puts tremendous value of worldly success.   So people strive to get into elite universities, to make lost of money, to create a successful business, to become famous, to achieve high status in their work, to win prizes, and so on.   The problem with all these goals, though, is that whether or not one succeeds depends in large part on factors outside one’s control. Suppose your goal is to win an Olympic medal.   You can commit yourself to this goal entirely, and if you have enough natural ability you may make yourself one of the best athletes in the world.   But whether or not you win a medal depends on many things, including who you are competing with.   If you happen to be competing against athletes who have certain natural advantages over you–e.g. physiques and physiologies better suited to your sport–then a medal may simply be beyond you.   The same goes for other goals, too.   If you want to become famous as a musician, it isn’t enough just to make great music.   Your music has to reach the ears of millions of people; and they have to like it.   These are not matters you can easily control. For this reason the Stoics advise us to carefully distinguish between things that lie within our control and things that lie beyond our control.   Their view is that we should focus entirely on the former.   Thus, we should concern ourselves with what we choose to strive for, with being the kind of person we want to be, and with living according to sound values.   These are all goals that depend entirely on us, not on how the world is or how it treats us. Thus, if I’m a musician, my goal shouldn’t be to have a number one hit, or to sell a million records, to play at Carnegie Hall or to perform at the Super Bowl.   Instead, my goal should just be to make the best music I can within my chosen genre.   Of course, if I try to do this I will increase my chances of public recognition and worldly success.   But if these don’t come my way, I won’t have failed, and I shouldn’t feel especially disappointed.   For I will still have achieved the goal I set myself. Practicing self-denial The Stoics argue that sometimes we should deliberately deprive ourselves of certain pleasures.   For example, if we usually have dessert after a meal, we might forego this once every few days; we might even once in a while substitute bread, cheese and water for our normal, more interesting dinners.   The Stoics even advocate subjecting oneself to voluntary discomfort.   One might, for instance, not eat for a day, underdress during cold weather, try sleeping on the floor, or take the occasional cold shower. What is the point of this kind of self-denial?   Why do such things?   The reasons are actually similar to the reasons for practicing negative visualization.   Self-denial toughens us up, so that if we have to deal with involuntary hardship or discomfort we will be able to do so.   There is really a very familiar idea.   It is why the army makes boot camp so hard.   The thinking is that if soldiers become accustomed to hardship on a regular basis, they will cope better with it when being able to do so really matters.   And this sort of thinking by military leaders goes back at least to ancient Sparta.   Indeed, the militaristic Spartans were so convinced that depriving men of luxuries made them better soldiers that this sort of denial came to be integral to their whole way of life.   Even today, the word â€Å"Spartan† means lacking luxuries.Self-denial helps us to appreciate the pleasures, comforts and conveniences that we enjoy all the time and are in danger of taking for granted.   Most of will probably agree with this–in theory!   But the problem with putting the theory into practice, of course, is that the experience of voluntary discomfort is––uncomfortable.   Still, perhaps some awareness of the value of self-denial is part of the reason why people choose to go camping, or backpacking. But are the Stoics right? The arguments for practicing these Stoic strategies sound very plausible.   But should they be believed?   Will negative visualization, internalizing goals, and practicing self-denial really help us to be happier?   The most likely answer is that it depends to some extent on the individual.   Negative visualization may help some people to appreciate more fully the things they presently enjoy.   But it could lead to others becoming increasingly anxious over the prospect of losing what they love.   Shakespeare, in Sonnet 64, after describing several examples of Time’s destructiveness, concludes: Time hath taught me thus to ruminateThat Time will come and take my love away.This thought is as a death, which cannot chooseBut weep to have that which it fears to lose. It seems that for the poet negative visualization is not a strategy for happiness; on the contrary, it causes anxiety and leads him to be even more attached to that which he will one day lose. The internalization of goals seems very reasonable on the face of it: do your best, and accept the fact that objective success depends on factors you can’t control.   Yet surely, the prospect of objective success–an Olympic medal; making   money; having a hit record; winning a prestigious prize–can be tremendously motivating.   Perhaps there are some people who care nothing for such external markers of success; but most of us do.   And it’s surely true that many wonderful human achievements have been fueled, at least in part, by the desire for them. Self-denial is not especially appealing to most people.   Yet there is som reason to suppose that it really does do us the sort of good that the Stoics claimed for it.   A well-known experiment done by Stanford psychologists in the 1970s involved having young children see how long they could hold off eating a marshmallow for the sake of getting an additional reward (such as a cookie in addition to the marshmallow).   The surprising upshot of the research was that those individuals who were best able to delay gratification did better in later life on a number of measures such as educational achievement and general health.   This seems to bear out will power is   like a muscle, and that exercising the muscle through self-denial builds self-control, a key ingredient of a happy life.

Literary Criticism of The First Confession essays

Literary Criticism of The First Confession essays Literary Criticism of The First Confession Every person has their own view on situations that occur in their every day life. In an adults eyes a situation might be a minor problem, however in a childs eyes the problem might be the biggest problem of their life. The biggest problem they have faced. In Frank OConnors short story The First Confession the point of view is a major peace in the development of this story. In the beginning of the paper the reader can feel the childs feelings for his grandmother. By describing her as an old country woman unsuited for town life shows he feels she does not fit in with the rest of the family. In his eyes his grandmother and the rest of the women in his life come out to be the enemy. As a boy women were his agent of fear.(Critical Survey of Short Stories). Every woman in his life was the cause for all of his troubles. However, by the end of the story we see him understand for what reason and why he feels the way he does. When he gets older he will see the women such as his grandmother and Mrs. Ryan were not there to hurt him but to help him. Another way OConnor made this short story interesting is by making the child the narrator. When the child of any story is the narrator the reader sees and thinks of this he would have never imaged if the narrator was older. If he would have use the sister Nora as the narrator the story would be completely different. Nora would not be the mean one. Instead the reader would hear how horrible and terrible her little brother really is. Using the child as the narrator it creates a hum- hum feeling through the paper.(Short Story Criticism) If the crazy lady Mrs. Nora would have arrogated this piece the short story would have been out of this world with catholic statements and facts. The priest would have been an interesting person to hear from when he sees a boy perched on the...

Critical Assessment of Morrisons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critical Assessment of Morrisons - Essay Example Thus, there are many challenges which the present groceries are facing in the UK market. Hence, in the present business scenario, organisations need more sustainable and effective tools to gain advantage in this competitive environment. Looking at the current crisis which the company is facing, powerful strategic operations and new market diversifications are crucial for profitability and sustainable growth in the future. The current operations of the retail giant include convenience stores and supermarket chains. The company follows a vertical integration strategy for the current distribution system. The supermarket chain of Morrison is currently distributed into six major areas of United Kingdom. Except for its petrol stations, the company does not provide any loyalty schemes. Apart from that, the company does not provide any online shopping service, a strategy which they are looking seriously now. At present the company has three distribution centres based in UK. Other smaller ope rations of the organisations include kidscare, an online website selling wines and a clothing brand. The logistics and supply chain processes are monitored by the company itself. The biggest advantage of implementing this model is the cost advantage to the company. The company does not require middle men in their operations and thus they are able to provide their products and services at a lower price compared to their competitors. The company can also respond to any change in trends of customers purchasing. The organisation is family owned and works in a closed loop. Thus, ownership is an important aspect of their business. The current business scenario of the company is suffering because of volatility in the fresh foods market.... The current business scenario of the company is suffering because of volatility in the fresh foods market. The food and grocery market has seen a dramatic change, as a result of the change in strategies and logistics of the overall industry. Morrison’s have reported a continuous loss in sales for a period of six weeks from November till December 2012. According to this report from telegraph, though the industry saw an overall decrease in sales, the loss incurred by Morrison was more compared to its competitors from the industry. Reports suggested two possible causes for the deep loss. Lack of sufficient number of convenient stores and no online presence unlike its competitors were considered as major contributors of the loss. So far, the company has established only 12 convenient stores in the nation. Looking at the increasing popularity and acceptance of convenience stores it can be said that the organisation is losing out a large chunk of sales on this format. Apart from thi s, the market penetration of the retail chain is scattered, with major stores based out of town. The organisation also lacks proper penetration in affluent and popular grocery places in London.

Discuss the interrelationship between the exchange rate regime and Essay

Discuss the interrelationship between the exchange rate regime and viability of the alternative approaches to resolving a balanc - Essay Example Since balance of payments accounts have to be balanced therefore a change in the exchange rate between the domestic and foreign currencies can actually create the balance. In order to re-balance the accounts the overall adjustment in the exchange rate regime of the country can play significant role. Thus equilibrium in balance of payments accounts could be achieved through subsequent adjustment of the exchange rates in the economy. There are however, different approaches underlying the balance of payments and it’s interlinking with the exchange rate regimes. The traditional analyses through IS-LM framework, monetarist approach as well as structural approaches are the key economic analysis frameworks underlying the issue of balance of payments. This paper will therefore attempt to discuss and explore the exchange rate regimes and the viability of the alternative approaches to resolve the balance of payments issues faced by the economies over the period of time. Balance of Payme nts and Exchange Rates Before discussing alternative approaches and their viability in resolving the balance of payment issues, it is critical to discus and set the theoretical foundations of the balance of payments and it’s interlinking with exchange rate regimes. ... The overall purpose is to keep the record of the flow of goods, services and capital moving to and from the country.( Krugman & Obstfeld, 2009) There are two parts of the balance of payments accounts i.e. current and capital account and both sum to zero at the end of period. Current account shows all the trade and factor income includes exports, imports whereas the factor income side includes both the payments and the earnings. The capital account however records the changes in the capital asset base of a country thus the changes in the assets of the country take place when domestic and foreign assets of the country change hands. It is also argued that the major changes in the balance of payments arise due to the changes in the capital account. (Beko ,2003). It is the movement in the capital that potentially explains the changes which take place in the balance of payment as well as the exchange rate of a country. Balance of payments Crisis Balance of payment however, can become a sig nificant issue as at the macroeconomic level, it tends to create important political implications. Balance of payments crisis can emerge when a country is actually unable to pay for its essential imports or cannot service its debt comfortably. This normally occurs owing to the changes in the exchange rate of a country which can register a sharp decline in value during the crisis.( Hallwood & MacDonald, 2000). Apparently such crisis emerge when countries initially experience heavy capital inflows however, after a certain point, considering the overall risk associated with the international debt, investors tend to withdraw their capital in haste thus putting pressure not only on the balance of payments accounts of a country but also on its exchange rate. Capital outflows in

What attracts you to the field of social work?

What attracts you to the field of social work? 1. What attracts you to the field of social work? I have always been deeply committed to helping others, especially helping those who come from similar backgrounds such as mine. Several experiences have stimulated my attraction to the field of social work. The first step towards my passion to study social work was formed when I was about four. My parents were unfit to raise my siblings and me, which consequently led to foster care. At age four I had no idea that day would lead me on the path of becoming an effective agent for social work. While in foster care, I met some amazing social workers who went beyond the call of duty. My social workers were talented, committed, and hard working. As I became older, my interest in social work grew. I started asking my social workers how do I become a social worker. In so many words, they explained that I have to do well in school, and go to college. While in college, I can major in the field of social work or closely related field. My social workers were my first insight to what a social work er is and what a social worker does. The fact that my social workers were committed to my well-being and pushed me to my full potentials demonstrated their concern for me as well as their ethical commitment. Secondly, are the three premises on which social work is based on. Which are very straightforward. First is that the person or group is important. The person or group has a problem that may arise from many different factors, and lastly finding a solution to help solve those problems so that person or group can live a better life. Finally, is the range of opportunities for a social worker in the field of social work. Social workers can be found in hospital, schools, community health agencies, and international organizations just to name a few. I give my social workers credit for the knowledge they have shared with me as well as encouraging me to reach my personal goals to become a social worker. 2. What influences, persons, or work/life experiences guide your choice of social work as a profession? I have not always been the strong confident person I am today. My outside involvements were my social workers, and independent living coordinator. They play a huge role in my influence to study social work and to become a social worker. Sometimes I often wonder how different my life would be now without my social workers involvement. I adopted many things from my social workers, things such as how to be compassionate and caring towards others, how to set and reach my goals, as well as how to be a hard worker. Some people fail to realize the impact of encouraging words to others. I can remember when I was in the twelfth grade my social worker Tameko was picking my sister and me up from school to help us fill out some important paper work for college. On the way home, she explained to us that we are smart and beautiful girls who can be anything we put our minds to. Do not let our circumstances define who we are. That moment of encouragement has not only stuck with me but has changed the way I think about my life. I then realized that I determine my future and should not be ashamed of my parents mishaps. Studies show that the cycle of poverty repeats it self for at least three generations. I new at a young age I did not want to repeat the cycle of abuse, poverty, and addiction so I worked hard to accomplish my goals. In practice, I have had an opportunity to work with Independent Living Program. Which is a program that helps youth ages 14-21 with career training, educational opportunities, p ersonal finance, job-hunting skills, independence skills, and so much more. I also took a Counseling Practicum class, which gave me an opportunity to observe and experience working within the Augusta Pregnancy Center. Which is a non-profit agency that provides services to women who are facing challenging situations? In this course, I was able to learn the specific skills required to care for the women and their unborn child, ethical principles, and ethical standards. These experiences has only increased me love for the field of social work and given me valuable experiences working with women and children. 3. Discuss personal strengths you possess which will make you an effective helping person. I chose social work, but in retrospect, I think social work chose me too. I often wonder what kind of career I would be interested in if I was never in foster care. My own personal background would make me an effective helping person. Growing up in the foster care system I will be able to relate to the youth and families I will be serving. I know what it feels like to be sent to different foster families. I know how it feels being afraid to trust people and being afraid to talk about being in foster care. I believe that children who have been abused and neglected find it difficult to trust people. I believer children in foster care would feel a sense of understanding, being that I have came from similar backgrounds. My personal strengths that I posse are the willingness to help others unconditionally. My social workers were very committed to me, and I want to share that same commitment with others who are vulnerable. My experience has taught me how to be non-judgmental, how to demon strate empathy, and how my improbable journey can inspire others. In addition, my undergraduate study in Psychology-Counseling has provided me with a better understanding of why people think, feel, and act the way they do. I believe that understanding the behaviors of people is very important tool to posses in the fields of social work. I also understand the importance of volunteering to help improve my community and neighborhood. I am currently a foster care club member as well as an on line message board member for foster care. I also volunteer in the Jefferson County Public School system and Woodhaven Place social committee. Volunteering is one of my most rewarding experiences for me and it gives me an opportunity to help my community as well as gaining skills to better help others. With my experiences during my undergraduate studies and currently I know that social work as a profession is ideal for me. 4 Discuss your vulnerabilities as these influence your development as a professional social worker. Specifically discuss any history of substance abuse, problems in a work setting, criminal activity, and/or help-seeking for personal issues. We are all vulnerable at any given point in time because of life circumstances. For example, illness, humiliation, harassment, natural disasters, poverty and abuse; however, some of us are more vulnerable than others. In my case, I was susceptible to physical abuse and neglect which has made me a strong person. My life experiences has not crippled me, but has inspired my concentration in public welfare so I can serve others. My past vulnerabilities will help me because they provide me with a better empathy of what children and families are going through in disadvantage situations. I thank God for my fears. One of my biggest fears in life was to end up like my parents. My fear has led me to never have an interested in drinking or using drugs. I never had any problems in a work setting nor have I had any criminal activities. I never seek any professional help for any personal problems that I have had in the past, however, there was a group that I was involved in call ILP that stands fo r Independent Living Program. This organization is amazing. This is where I met my Independent Living Coordinator who has been such an influential role model. The Independent Living Program is where I got my voice. In this program, I learned how to be more confident as well as how to share my life story with other youth that were in similar situations as me. I think this program help me cope with the personal issues that I was experiencing at that time. 5. Describe your special work practice as you anticipate it five years from now. Five years from now I see myself helping abused and neglected children who are in need of a positive social worker. This is with out a doubt the right vocation for me. I am passionate about working with this selected group, because of my own personal experience as an abused and neglected child. I have a special place in my heart for children especial those who are suffering because of their parents inability to protect and provide for them. I often wished I had a magic wand to protect the kids who are being abused, but realist I do not. However, what I can do is take the necessary steps to become an accomplished social worker, which will enable me to help protect children from all forms of child abuse. In the years ahead, I also see myself volunteering to help educate foster parents on how to be equipped foster parents. To often there are foster kids placed with families who are not properly trained. In order for me to succeed in my endeavors towards protecting children, I realize th at a masters degree in the field of social work is essential. After attending your information sessions, I had the opportunity to better understand how Spalding University can help me reach my academic and personal goals. I became more aware of the importance of social work principles. I was able to learn more about your Masters in Social Work program. I was so impressed with Spaldings devotion and history to their Social Work program. I am very excited about learning the fundamentals which will help me sharpen my skills as I pursue my dream of becoming a professional social worker as well as sharing my knowledge. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills that I will develop at Spalding University to help abused and neglected children reach their greatest potentials. I promise to uphold and exceed all that is expected of a student at Spalding University, as well as a professional social worker.

Graffiti as an Artform Essay -- Visual Art Artists Graffiti Spray Pain

Graffiti as an Artform The value of any message or work of art, whether it is hanging on the wall of a gallery or a subway, lies on the intensity of the artist’s or vandal’s beliefs. Graffiti is an uncertain issue in respect to its virtue. While the voice of the individual must never be lost in a society of shouts growing larger and louder every second; graffiti is such a public medium that its integrity must be of great concern. Graffiti is a vast wasteland of indefinite opinions. Foremost graffiti is illegal and a form of vandalism, it invades peoples privacy and destroys their property. However, graffiti can be a means by which one may permanently express one’s self. It has the potential to convey a powerful, relevant message. Therefore the merit of graffiti is dependant on the circumstances present, how it affects society, and the purpose for which it is created. Graffiti serves several different purposes; it is a marker serving as proof of identity for some individuals, for others it is a form of vulgar recreation. The wall of one building may serve as a public record, a confessional and an art gallery at the same time. The most dejected application of graffiti is illustrated in the story of a High School student, Katy Lyle, who was emotionally traumatized by the presence of disgraceful, fictional writing transcribed on the wall of the boy’s bathroom pertaining to her sex life. This case clearly shows the damaging effects of graffiti as the crude remarks ripped her social life apart. The writing was completely void of worth, its intentions were to simply single out and destroy the individual to which it pertained. A similar incident occurred at Brown University as a list of notorious rapists was w... ...e P. â€Å"Old Graffiti Adds New Chapter To Ellis Island Story† The Buffalo News 26 Mar. 1989: A-16 Beaty, Jonathan. â€Å"Zap! You’ve Been Tagged!† Time 10 Sept. 1990: 43 Chirag, Matt. â€Å"An Apocryphal History of Graffiti† 73 (xxx): 7 pp. Online Internet. 3 Nov. 1996 Garmire, Elsa & Lui, Catherine. â€Å"Paint Removal Using Lasers† Applied Optics 20 July 1995: 4409 Hertzel, Laurie. â€Å"A Nice Girl Tortured By Vicious Graffiti† The Buffalo News 30 Jan. 1993: C-9 Lindlaw, Scott. â€Å"Slaying of Vandal Strains Ties in Graffiti-Weary Community† The Buffalo News 19 Feb. 1995: A-10 Reese, K.M. â€Å"Chemistry Teacher Patents Antigraffiti Coating† Chemistry & Environment Journal 10, July 1995: 64 Starr, Mark. â€Å"The Writing On The Wall† Newsweek 26 Nov. 1990: 84 Warner, Gene. â€Å"Vandal Defaces Poignant Mural On City’s East Side† The Buffalo News x xxx x: x

Quality Management Virgin Atlantic Essay

Company overview: Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain’s second largest carrier serving the world’s major cities. Now based at both London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, it operates long haul services to thirty destinations worldwide as far apart as Las Vegas and Shanghai. Virgin Atlantic has enjoyed huge popularity, winning top business, consumer and trade awards from around the world. The airline has pioneered a range of innovations setting new standards of service, which its competitors have subsequently sought to follow. Despite Virgin Atlantic’s growth the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation. Virgin Atlantic had carried around 53m passengers since it began operations and now employs almost 9000 people worldwide. ANALYSIS OF THE CASE STUDY: The Customer benefit package from Virgin airlines: The Tangibles: 1-Comfortable seats 2- Fairly spacious lounge for business and first class passengers 3- Overall tasty and exceptional option of food and beverages is served 4- Comfortable and cheerful atmosphere in the airplane. 5- Reasonable pricing for the guaranteed service 6- Well-organized design selection for the inside of the plane such as the separate seat and bed idea The Intangibles: 1- Caring and friendly flight attendants. 2-In flight Internet connection. 3-Highly advanced website with several checking choices such as the Check in, chill out in the Caribbean which allow customers to relax in their hotel. As the staff deliver the boarding passband, they take the luggage in a secure van to check it in the airport. 4- Several fair packages serving diverse customer demands. 5- Enable customers to book other related inquiries such as booking a car, a hotel 6- The website covers all the needed information from getting airport directions to inflight exercises. 7- Enable customers to exchange their money at different locations. 8- Cleanness and neatness of the airplanes. 9- Hip and trendy design for the logo. 10- Brand recognition. 11- Exceptional customer service such as personally calling customers before the flight time to check if they’re in need for help. 12- Involving customers in their objective which is â€Å"to grow a profitable airline, that people love to fly and where people love to work†. 13- Efficient customer complaints procedure even for non travelers. 14- Efficient baggage claims procedure even in incidents occurrence * What are the heads of Virgin’s product design? Virgin has three product heads which are the economy’s and Premium Economy’s classes design, the Upper Class and a head for Clubhouses. * What kind of structure does the organization apply? The organization has a flat structure. * What gave Virgin’s design a level of respect within the organization? Virgin’s design was granted respect by building relationships and communicating the value of design in the organization. * What is the benefit from the service design? The benefit is to ensure that the new designs of virgin’s services are improving and increasing customer’s satisfaction. *How does Virgin maintain a low staff turnover even though their promotions are limited? Virgin maintains a low staff turnover in their design by keeping employees motivated and satisfied. The organization assures this result by educating their design employees, involving them in training programs, applying a cross-functional share of ideas and teamwork. * What are the incentives of applying team works? Teamwork grants designers with the appropriate reward and grant managers the achievement of the negotiated goals. *What is the operational focus of Virgin? Virgin airlines focuses on differentiation in design. *How does Virgin Atlantic operate within its time and resource constraints? Virgin executes its projects and designs activities through a company of wide project management system. *How is the project design processed? The design process undergoes R&D, Design Development and implementation. *What are the stages of research and development of Virgin Atlantic? First, they start with product challenge in which the performance is monitored not to decrease or it’s raised. After that, the opportunity identifier stage begins where an idea is introduced into action by the group directors with the approved fundings. From the OI, Virgin develops the product brief. Then, the project design is discussed in a dialogue form between the employees responsible for the project and the design team. Finally, the approval of the board is requested with a detailed presentation in hand. *What are the risks of the OI stage? Budgets and timelines limitations are critical to OI. *What is the aim of creating a dialogue for the project design? Creating a dialogue is important for the stakeholders because it assures them that their interests will be delivered within the time and money limits. *What are the reasons behind the meetings of Design Development? 1) The ITCM is held to ensure that the project design is applicable. 2) The PDR is held so that the manufacturers demonstrate their understanding of the project and correct any misinterepretation . 3) The CDR is held so that the designers and manufacturers both agree on the final design. 4) The FAI is to ensure that the manufactured products are as planned. *How does Virgin Atlantic minimize the risks of implementation? Virgin minimizes the implementation’s risk by reducing the expensive aircraft downtime and by storing products six months before the roll out. *Does Virgin outsource and if so in which activity? Virgin uses external agencies to help with creating different designs. *How does Virgin manage the work of the internal and external design groups? Virgin manage the work between these parties by establishing weekly meetings and increasing those meetings when needed. Also, Virgin ensures that external groups reach their highest performance by giving them their space and keeping them separate from one another. *What are the methods used in improving Virgin service? Virgin collects information from internal customers, external customers, third parties. An example of internal customers are the senior mangers. Furthermore, Virgin provide customers with Xplane questionaries which are taken under consideration by the designers even in seat sizes. Virgin also uses benchmarking data to improve its design satisfaction. * How did Virgin reached success with its new upper class addition? At first, the design team discussed a number of flat beds’ layouts with the managers. Then, they prioritized the features to ensure that the important features are included in the layout. After that, the engineering department ensured that the layout is safe and undergoes the regulations. Then, the layout of separate seats and sleeping areas was passed to the development stage after the approval of the board of directors. In addition, the seat features were analyzed and tested to ensure its performance. * In which way did the upper class concept cover customer’s retention? The upper class concept didn’t only include a comfortable layout, it also included service factors such as limousine pick-up, in-flight massage, lightning specifications and dining options. Also, Virgin included customers in the assessment of its new service inquiry. In your opinion, how do you think Virgin airlines can improve their performance? I believe that Virgin have reached a high performance and established a brand image within the airlines sector. Thus, the best way to ensure their success is by benchmarking and seeking improvements even in the small missing aspects. In the end, there isn’t limit to the competing market. Primary problem: How will Virgin Atlantic airways segment and position their firm in the market in order for them to surpass their competitors and become market leader? Supporting details: Richard Banson (the founder of Virgin Atlantic) believes that knowing the needs and wants of all customers is the best core competence, the Virgin Atlantic believes that they need to accommodate all the customers who can afford to pay for the ticket, but Virgin Atlantic don’t practice the marketing segmentation. Secondary problem: How will the Virgin Atlantic Airways maintain their good reputation and their service? Supporting details: The Virgin Atlantic airways is known for its innovations, products, services, schedule, but the seats are tiny with no legroom in the premium economy class. Recommendations: Primary problem: virgin Atlantic airways need to identify their target market so they can serve and do their job effectively and efficiently Secondary problem: Virgin Atlantic should conduct a disciplinary action for their employees. Attendants should distribute a wish-list where passengers can write what they want freely either during the flight or after the flight, they can wish to buy presents instead of going to the duty free, by the wish-list the management will know the likes and dislikes of the passenger and this will result in avoiding complaints. REFERENCES http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/Case-studies/Virgin-Atlantic-Airways/Designing-the-Upper-Class-Suite/ Quality management manual Worldwide flights | Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, UK and USA | Virgin Atlantic. (n.d.). Worldwide Flights | Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, UK and USA | Virgin Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/virginatlantic Research Methodology. (n.d.). Research Methodology. Retrieved from http://research-methodology.net/virgin-atlantic-airways/ Virgin Strategy1. (n.d.). Virgin Strategy1. Retrieved from http://fr.scribd.com/doc/60328463/Virgin-Strategy1 Virgin Atlantic Airways Fleet Details and History. (n.d.). – Planespotters.net Just Aviation. Retrieved from http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Virgin-Atlantic http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/careers/highlife/timeline/index.jsp Virgin Atlantic Limited. (n.d.). PrivCo. Retrieved from http://www.privco.com/private-company/virgin-atlantic-limited Virgin Atlantic Airways Passenger Reviews and Customer Trip Reports. (n.d.). Virgin Atlantic Airways Customer Reviews. Retrieved from http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/vir_atl.htm AirlineMeals.net – Airline catering * the world’s largest website about airline catering. (n.d.). AirlineMeals.net – Airline Catering * the World’s Largest Website about Airline Catering. Retrieved from http://www.airlinemeals.net/browse.php?id=2325 https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/manageyourflights/index.jsp The Economist. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2012/12/virgin-atlantic

Tarchia - Facts and Figures

Name: Tarchia (Chinese for brainy); pronounced TAR-chee-ah Habitat: Woodlands of Asia Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (75-65 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 25 feet long and two tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large, armored head with slightly larger than usual brain; quadrupedal posture; sharp spikes lining back About Tarchia Heres more evidence that paleontologists have a good sense of humor: Tarchia (Chinese for brainy) earned its name not because it was particularly smart, but because its brain was the tiniest smidgen bigger than those of comparable ankylosaurs, among the dumbest of all the dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era. The trouble is, at 25 feet long and two tons Tarchia was also bigger than most other ankylosaurs, so its IQ was probably just a few points above that of a fire hydrant. (Adding insult to injury, it may well be the case that the type fossil of Tarchia actually belonged to a closely related genus of ankylosaur, Saichania, the name of which translates, equally ironically, as beautiful.) The ankylosaurs were among the last dinosaurs to succumb to the K/T Extinction 65 million years ago, and when you look at Tarchia, its easy to see why: this dinosaur was the equivalent of a living air-raid shelter, equipped with massive spikes on its back, a powerful head, and a broad, flat club on its tail that it could swing at approaching predators. The tyrannosaurs and raptors of its day probably left it in peace, unless they were feeling particularly hungry (or desperate) and ventured to flip it onto its enormous belly for a relatively easy kill.