Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 14

Research paper - Essay Example This implies that racist organizations, as well as other antisocial organizations, exploit Internet to achieve their objectives. Social media networks are widely being used propagate vilification and hostility against other groups. In most cases, cyber-racism and hate speech in social media networks are characterized by cultural and ethnic divides. Although the Internet has revolutionized many areas of the human society, it also has far-reaching negative consequences when abused, misused or used without proper guidance. Dixit and Green (188) assert that the Internet is one of the platforms through which people propagate racial violence. It is observable that people can freely interact and express their views on the Internet without jurisdiction or geographical restriction. However, this freedom has not been accompanied by the responsibilities that it deserves. For this reason, cyber racists have seriously abused that freedom. Such groups often use the Internet as the avenue in which to unleash hostile sentiments against whom they consider detestable or unwelcome. In many cases, the groups or individuals that have been attacked do not take such prejudice kindly. They are likely to respond to such negativity in a similar negative manner or with a higher degree of counter-retaliatory abuse. Ultimately, it is easy to observe that the Internet is a potential battlefield for racist groups. It is also an avenue for extending extreme ideologies that result in social divide. Sexism is another largely contested consequence of the Internet usage. Sexism refers to the discrimination against women. It could be true that men and women have equal access to the Internet globally (Szoka and Marcus 69). However, the same cannot be said about online experiences of both sexes. It this case, women face a wider spectrum of discrimination. The discrimination is in many cases, multifaceted and to a greater extent

Reflections and Reminiscences of an Early Years Educator Essay

Reflections and Reminiscences of an Early Years Educator - Essay Example ucation research paradigm challenged and supported me to investigate knowledge and realities about early years’ teaching in the UK in interviewing a retired teacher. Inevitably, this kind of research is iterative in nature with inextricable linkage between practice and research and evolving continuously. Therefore, through an exploration of the retired early years’ teacher practice, her social locations, subject positions, personal experiences, and interpretations will be examined via her voice (Cahnmann-Taylor & Siegesmund, 2013: p29). Using a range of appropriate literature, I will justify the need for a personal reflective narrative inquiry of a former teacher in the UK Pre-school education sector, which should elicit information about how she reminisces on her work as an early years’ teacher. It is expected that I will elicit information on the interactions that she had with pre-school children aged between three and four years as she nurtured and cared for them prior to retiring from her position some time back. I will specifically identify how I engaged in the narrative inquiry, identifying details on the participants, ethical considerations encountered during the study, my reflexivity process, the data collection process, and its analysis. Moreover, I will also present a discussion of the findings. Arts based education research is a method of research that aims to use arts-based concepts, practice, and techniques in understanding education. Normally, practitioners utilize various arts-based methodologies in conducting their research, as well as communicating their findings, through genres as diverse as visual arts, poetry, performance, music, dance, and narrative (Loh, 2013: p8). I used the latter genre in conducting my arts-based education research. Narrative arts-based education research, which I will refer to as NABER from this point, is based firmly on the premise that we understand and attach meaning to our experiences through stories. As a type

The relevance of various management theory schools of thought

The relevance of various management theory schools of thought This essay will identify the predominant and diverse schools of thought encapsulated within management theory and their relevance or lack thereof, or appropriateness of application within todays organisations. Four separate methodologies shall be addressed, the classical school, the school of human relations, and both systems and contingency theory. The Classical theory of management was born of the scientific age (Wren, 1995, p5). Taking account of this theory in the present age, a classical approach can offer structured management with purpose, drive and clear, understandable hierarchy (Cole, 2004, p4). Scientific management, with exponents such as Owen, Babbage and later Taylor and Gantt (Pindur et al, 1995, pp61-62) were concerned with observation and experience to seek greater efficiency for expanding industry; viewing workers as cogs in a machine and as another resource to be organised (Morgan, 1997, p38). General administrative managements focus was on the running of the whole organisation (Pindur et al, 1995, p62). Fayol looked in more detail at the role of manager and purported five functions: planning, organising, commanding, coordinating and controlling (Fells, 2000, p346). Bureaucracy, with the main advocate Weber, took a theoretical view seeking to understand power and authority (Mullins, 1996, p46; Pugh and Hickson, 2007, p5). Weber sought clear hierarchy advocating recruitment and promotion due to merit. [With] standardization across the organisation; no matter who was in post (HÃ ¶pfl, 2006, pp10-11). Although still relevant today as a tool to offer clear direction, (Lamond, 2005, p1279) classical theory has been heavily criticized for being too prescriptive, limiting individual thought, creativity and flexibility of the organisation (Morgan, 1997, pp30-33; Mullins, 1996, pp41-46). It was thought not to look beyond the individual organisation to its wider context. (Mullins, 1996, p52). Contrastingly, the human relations (HR) theory of management sometimes referred to as human behaviour school, leadership or behavioural sciences approach, considers and prioritises people as part of the management role. The exponents of this school lean heavily towards psychology and social studies believing people should understand people (Koontz, 1961, p178). In the 1920s an awareness of the impact of social factors within the workplace grew and behaviour and performance of employees became a focus for study (Mullins, 1996). Mary Parker Follett wrote about individual and group behaviour within organisations (Wolfgang et al, 1995). She contentiously believed that authority was rooted in a position and not with a person, causing much dispute and debate (Clegg et al, 2005; Mandeville, 1960). Arguably HR theory originated with the Hawthorne Studies conducted from 1920s and 1930s (Grey, 2005). Ironically the origins of the studies can be linked to the scientific approach however they became inextricably linked with Elton Mayo and showed productivity increased often when not expected. Mayo identified ,when people felt valued production could rise (Clegg et al, 2005). Whilst methods used and accuracy of data is disputed the results opened minds and encouraged debate on topics such as leadership, motivation and informal groups within organisations and so the neo-human relations approach developed with Maslow and his understanding of peoples needs entering the arena of theories (Mullins, 1996). The HR approach can help provide solutions to problems such as absenteeism, staff turnover and production quality brought about by strict scientific approaches. However some may view the approach as an unwelcome intrusion; leaving no demarcation between private and work life (Grey, 2005). People are the key ingredient to the HR theory but we should not set aside that, structure and rules are undoubtedly required in the mix. Accepting that Systems theory attempts to reconcile the classical and human relations approaches, this may then potentially provide the ideal management theory. But does such an ideal really exist? Exploring further, Systems theory focuses on the elements of organization, in terms of their interaction with external environment. Attention is focused on the total work organisation and the interrelationships of structure and behaviour, and the range of variables within the organisation (Mullins, 2000). The belief is that all employees work harmoniously through sharing common goals. The Systems approach to management began in 19th century, and Ludwig von Bertalanffy made great contributions in developing it. There are two basic types of systems; closed and open; and one of the key concepts of von Bertalanffys theory mentioned that open systems responded to their environments through exchanged information, energy or material (Kast and Rosenweig, 1972). The open systems model contains human relations as well as organisation development (Pindur et al, 1995). Closed systems [on the other hand] are self-contained and do not interact with their environment (Cole, 2004). Some classical theories, like Taylors scientific management, Webers bureaucratic theory and Gulicks administrative management can be classified to the closed system model (Pindur et al, 1995). Limitations within the Systems theory did exist though, and whilst the approach fostered both technical and social variables viewing organisations as a whole; alterations to one aspect directly affected the other part. The changing nature of the work environment, the increasing demands for flexibility and concerns with the contextual factors influencing structure have drawn attention to the contingency approach to organisational design (Mullins, 2000, p564). Diversity is no longer just the right thing to do; it has become a business imperative and perhaps the single most important factor of the twenty-first century for organization performance (Wheeler, 2005, s1-s7; Daft, 2008, p420). Observed as a development of the Systems approach, the contingency theory goes a stage further in relating the environment, and other variables, to specific structures of organisation. [It] takes the view that there is no one best, universal structure (Mullins, 2000, p564), [or] universal principles that can be used for every situation, but instead [it] seeks to explain how one attribute or characteristic depends upon another (Vecchio, 2000,p338). The contingency approach can be seen as a form of if-then matrix relationship (Luthans, 1985); [it] draws attention to the situational factors; emphasis[ing] the need for flexibility (Mullins, 2000, p564). There is a multitude of possibilities and the best or preferred choice will be contingent on the situation being analysed (Hunt, 1992, p170). Criticisms or doubts about the contingency approach and its practical value to management have been voiced. According to Robey (1982, p59), modern contingency theory provides an increasing amount of empirical research; defin[ing] variables ignored in earlier work. However, the contingency approach runs the risk of concluding that it all depends on everything. Indeed, Vecchio (2000, pp.11-12) simply summarises the contingency approach in two words. It depends. Whatever the criticisms and limitations of contingency models, the application of modern contingency theory can help contribute to more effective performance(Mullins, 2002, p578) so can we deduce that whilst possibly overly flexible in its make-up, the contingency approach is however within practice, a suitably acceptable management theory? Conclusion In conclusion it would appear that it is not only management theory that is disparate; the multiplicity of variables affecting the everyday running of organisations, also provides immense organisational diversity. Management theory and practice in implementation are inextricably linked which ensures that no holistic theory of management can be developed. Many paradigms have been created within an historical context where necessity for change has been encountered. Theoretical management and its functions are therefore viewed as evolutionary. Classical theory, whilst used today appears limited in application. Human Relations theory is still useful when applied in terms of an organisations social dimension. A unitarist Systems theory whilst initially popular was overtaken by a more necessary flexible approach to management, gleaned from Contingency theory. This perspective took a pluralist view of organisations. Organisations vary in terms of groups of individuals, industry type, structure, culture and objectives, making management differ within each entity. The trajectory of management theory, as time has progressed has added to the management debate and provided structure in which there is near agreement within groupings of schools who disagree vehemently as to the thinking of their adversaries. Because of managements diversity we are of the thinking that there is no one solution that will remedy or enhance all situations. (Word Count: 1319 words)

The Maudsley Model of Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa Essay

The Maudsley model of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa The Maudsley model of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa was first developed in London in the mid-1980s. In this model, parents are given the a primary role in treatment, working together as a team in the home setting to reefed their child and confront anorexic behavior. Parents are also encouraged to separate anorexia from the child while performing this task, blaming the anorexia rather than the child and therefore minimizing the escalation of expressed emotion (Rhodes, Gosbee, Madden, & Brown, 2005). Treatment also includes a family meal where family members are coached to take on their specific roles. Siblings are incorporated in treatment to ease the patient’s distress resulting from this parental challenge to anorexia. They provide emotional support to their sister or brother. The siblings are not involved in the decisions about food or in monitoring eating, which is up to the parents. Instead, siblings can be someone to complain to, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to distract them from the difficult task of eating. Siblings can be an incredible resource for helping an adolescent in their recovery. Once safe eating and weight are achieved through parental intervention, responsibility for these issues was gradually handed back to the adolescent. A shorter and final phase of treatment is then completed to help the family resume normal adolescent development after the delays caused by the anorexia. The efficacy of this approach has been established in a number of controlled trials (Rhodes et al., 2005). Despite the demonstrated efficacy and excellent outcomes of the Maudsley model of family-based treatment for anorexia, another tre... ...ther parents is a logical step to overcome issues isolation and creates a sense of solidarity. Peer support and criticism are powerful dynamics that can promote change, and being in the presence of other families has the effect of making the adolescent and their parents feel less central. They are a part of a large group, and the feeling of being constantly watched and observed by a professional is less intense. With the integration of the Maudsley method and multiple family therapy, family tension and dispute can be reduced, and a cooperative and supportive atmosphere and working environment can be created for adolescents and their families (Rhodes et al., 2005). Working alongside each other allows parents and teens to compare notes and learn from each other. Families are consultants to other families, and they are there to help one another.

Fin 515 Week 4 Homework Assignment

FIN 515 WEEK 4 HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT (7–2) Constant Growth Valuation Boehm Incorporated is expected to pay a $1. 50 per share dividend at the end of this year (i. e. , D1 = $1. 50). The dividend is expected to grow at a constant rate of 7% a year. The required rate of return on the stock, rs, is 15%. What is the value per share of Boehm’s stock? For this problem we can use the formula from the book P=d1(R-G) to find the price. We just need to plug in the values†¦ so, 1. 5/(8% [15-7]). The value is 18. 75. (7–4) Preferred Stock ValuationNick’s Enchiladas Incorporated has preferred stock outstanding that pays a dividend of $5 at the end of each year. The preferred sells for $50 a share. What is the stock’s required rate of return? From the book we discover that we simply need to plug into the formula, r=5/50. The required rate of return should be 10 percent. (7–5) Nonconstant Growth Valuation A company currently pays a dividend of $2 per sha re (D0 = $2). It is estimated that the company’s dividend will grow at a rate of 20% per year for the next 2 years, then at a constant rate of 7% thereafter. The company’s stock has a beta of 1. , the risk-free rate is 7. 5%, and the market risk premium is 4%. What is your estimate of the stock’s current price? I used the financial calculator online for this problem, but we can find it manually†¦ To solve this problem we need to first calculate the required rate of return, which is Rs=Rf+B(Rrm-Rrf), so 7. 5+(11. 5-7. 5)*1. 2=12. 3†¦ So, D0 would be 2, D1 would be 2. 4, D2 would be 2. 88, and D3 would be 3. 08. We then have to calculate the PV for the dividends, which is 4. 42. We have to calculate P2, which came out to 46. 10. After adding up the PV values we get the stock’s price which is 50. 0, or at least that’s what I got†¦ (9-1) After-Tax Cost of Debt Calculate the after-tax cost of debt under each of the following conditions: à ¢â‚¬ ¢a. Interest rate of 13%, tax rate of 0% To calculate, take 0. 13*(1-0), we get 13 percent. †¢b. Interest rate of 13%, tax rate of 20% To calculate, take 0. 13*(1-0. 20), we get 10. 4 percent. †¢c. Interest rate of 13%, tax rate of 35% To calculate, take 0. 13*(1-0. 35), we get 8. 45 percent. (9-4) Cost of Preferred Stock with Flotation Costs Burnwood Tech plans to issue some $60 par preferred stock with a 6% dividend. A similar stock is selling on the market for $70.Burnwood must pay flotation costs of 5% of the issue price. What is the cost of the preferred stock? We’re given the par value, the divident percentage, the market value of the stock, and the flotation costs, and are looking for the cost. The ADP of the preferred stock is 6 percent*60, which comes out to 3. 60. The cost of Preferred Stock can be calculated as (Preferred stock dividend/MP of Preferred Stock*(1-FC)†¦ We just need to plug in the numbers, so you get basically (60*. 06)/70*(1-0. 05 )†¦ calculating that out, the cost of preferred stock should be 5. 1 percent. (9-5) Cost of Equity: DCF Summerdahl Resort’s common stock is currently trading at $36 a share. The stock is expected to pay a dividend of $3. 00 a share at the end of the year (D1 = $3. 00), and the dividend is expected to grow at a constant rate of 5% a year. What is its cost of common equity? For this problem, we are to use the equation r=(D1/P0)+g†¦ Since we are given the P0, D1, and G (36,3,0. 05) we are looking for r†¦ so, just plug-and-chug. Comes out to 13. 3 percent. (9-6) Cost of Equity: CAPM Booher Book Stores has a beta of 0. 8.The yield on a 3-month T-bill is 4% and the yield on a 10-year T-bond is 6%. The market risk premium is 5. 5%, and the return on an average stock in the market last year was 15%. What is the estimated cost of common equity using the CAPM? For this one, looked to me like we need to use the formula Rs=Rrf+Bi(RPm)†¦ Like the last problem, we are g iven all the values except one. Plugging-and-chugging again, I got 0. 06+0. 8*(0. 055), came out to 10. 4 percent. (9-7) WACC Shi Importer’s balance sheet shows $300 million in debt, $50 million in preferred stock, and $250 million in total common equity.Shi’s tax rate is 40%, rd = 6%, rps = 5. 8%, and rs = 12%. If Shi has a target capital structure of 30% debt, 5% preferred stock, and 65% common stock, what is its WACC? So, for this problem we need to find the WACC which can be found by the formula (Wd)*(Rd)*(1-T)+(Wps)*(Rps)+(Wce)(Rs)†¦ We are again given most of the values, so it’s plug-and-chug from here on, pretty much. Debt is 0. 30, PS is 0. 05, Equity is 0. 65, Rd is 0. 06, T is 0. 40, Rps is 0. 058, and Rs is 0. 12†¦ So when plugged it looks like: (0. 30*0. 06*(1-0. 40))+0. 05*0. 058+0. 65*0. 12, and that came out to 9. 17 percent.

Filipino Values Essay

†¢Close Kinship – a Filipino considers family as an important social structure that they must love and care. Close family ties results to the family still being intact regardless that the children are old and with families of their own. †¢Respect for Elders – the use of â€Å"po† and â€Å"opo† in conversing or addressing older people is a sign of a Filipino’s respect for the elders. Filipinos do not send their elders to nursing homes because they still value the worth and presence of the elders at home. †¢Hospitality – the Filipino community are very warm and hospitable. They even give â€Å"PASALUBONG† (WELCOME GIFTS) AND â€Å"PABAON† (FAREWELL GIFTS) TO GUESTS. AT TIMES, THEY SACRIFICE THEIR OWN COMFORT TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR GUESTS VERY WELL. †¢Strong Faith in God – their faith in God keeps them united to overcome all the problems and challenges of life. †¢Flexibility / Adaptability / Resiliency – the Filipinos have the trait to laugh at themselves and THEIR MISFORTUNES OR FAILURES. THIS IS A COPING MECHANISM TO BALANCE EMOTIONAL STRESS AND TO BOOST THE CAPACITY TO SURVIVE. THEY CAN SMILE IN MIDST OF PROBLEMS AND HARDSHIPS. THEY CAN STILL CRACK JOKES DESPITE THE STRESSES OF THEIR DAILY LIVES AND DURING CALAMITIES. THEY ARE STRONG AND CHEERFUL PEOPLE. †¢Ingenuity and Creativity – they are good inventors. They often improvise and make productive use of available resources. †¢Patience and Self-sacrifice – a remarkable quality of a Filipino is his capacity to endure difficulties and hardships. Maybe related to the long suffering they endured during the many colonization in Philippine history. They are patient enough to wait for their turn to be blessed with greener pastures as long as they do what is right and good. †¢Hard work and Industry – Filipinos are globally recognized for their excellent performance in any physical and technical tasks. Maybe visible due to the desire for economic security and advancement for one’s self and family. †¢Readiness to Share and Help – they’ re always ready to lend a hand, not only in times of need (CALAMITIES OR DISASTERS) BUT ALSO IN FESTIVE OCCASIONS (â€Å"FIESTAS†, BAPTISMS AND WEDDINGS). THE â€Å"BAYANIHAN† SPIRIT, OR GIVING HELP WITHOUT EXPECTING SOMETHING IN RETURN, OF A FILIPINO IS WIDELY ADMIRED. NEGATIVE VALUES †¢ Fairness and Justice – they always show concern for the well-being of others. They uphold the humanity of all people and regard everyone with respect and empathy. They are keen on interpersonal relationships, their primary source of security and happiness. Fairness & Justice –> Equality –> Social Justice –> Development & Progress. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Ningas Kugon† – â€Å"kugon† is a kind of grass that burns easily when dry but extinguished easily as well. Like the cogon grass, Filipinos start things with great enthusiasm but at the first sign of difficulty, the enthusiasm is consumed as fast as it has ignited. †¢Colonial Mentality – Filipinos prefer foreign-made products instead of patronizing Philippine-made ones. This result to higher gains for foreign businessmen than local businessmen. Thus, it motivates Filipino businessmen to improve the quality of their products to make it more competitive against foreign ones. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Mamaya Na† or â€Å"Bukas Na Lang† Habit – a poor habit, a sign of laziness, of leaving for a later time what can be done at the moment or today. Thus resulting to stacked workload to be done and then complain about it. †¢Crab Mentality – a troublesome trait evident in a Filipino where when one sees the progress of a comrade, the other becomes resentful rather than happy for the achievement. Rather than to praise, he would highlight everything negative about that person in an effort to bring him down or destroy his reputation. They would focus on other’s own faults rather their own inadequacies. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Patigasan† – most Filipinos find it hard to say â€Å"I’m sorry† or â€Å"pasensya na†. Their precious pride always gets the best of them. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Kanya kanya† – a trait which shows self-centeredness and lack of regard for others. There are Filipinos who give priority to what they and their families could have, rather than what they can do to share their wealth and serve others better. This trait shows poor signs of patriotism, loyalty to community, and concern for the needs of others.