Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Korean College Students Reading Strategies Essay

1. INTRODUCTION Korean universities take a variety of different approaches to ensure college students obtain a strong level of English proficiency during their education. This is why many university English classes use authentic literature written for native English speakers. There are a variety of used resources; journal articles, research reports, thesis, online catalogues, databases, and internet materials. The number of English professors and universities that prefer to use authentic material is increasing. Reading authentic English text can be a burden for EFL learners. Kern (1994) mentioned that understanding texts written in a foreign language is a significant challenge for most students. To understand texts,a majority of readers not only translate a foreign language into their mother tongue, but also use translation to grasp the whole meaning of the content, and content related to their prior knowledge. When learners encounter authentictext, they tend to take the text for granted, not questioning the text or thinking about it in other ways. Many college students have previously been taught to read in order to solve the question without understanding the deeper meaning of the textand what influences the writer. In English education in Korea, reading is regarded as decoding the meaning of a written text to get knowledge and information. Thus, it is natural that reading activities in English textbooks focus on just getting information and grasping the content of the textbooks. That is why instructions from the teacher, reading strategies, and the classroom English reading textbook play important roles in training the learner how to read critically and gaining a full comprehension of what they read. Many studies in second or foreign language reading have investigated how second or foreign language readers deal with texts when reading in the target language (Block, 1996; Sheorey&Mokhtari, 2001). Meanwhile, the cognitive processes involved in reading comprehension in a second or foreign language are equivalent to those in the first language (Cummins, 1994), though constructing meaning in the second language is more demanding. While second language (L2) readers may think cognitively in reading, they generally face more difficulties in L2 reading because of their lack of grammar knowledge, limited vocabulary, or different cultural backgrounds, all of which impede comprehension. Many researchers like Chesla (1998), Cunningham and Stavonich (1997), Eskey (2005), and Hudson (2007) are interested the cognitive ocessesinvolved in reading comprehension, and have conducted a lot of research on effective reading lessons, reading materials, and students’ reading attitude. Ko (2005)found that students need to employ certain kinds of strategies in order to improve their reading skills: (1) They need to improve reading through extensive reading; (2) they need to find interesting content for motivation; (3) they need to enhance content knowledge in various areas; (4) they are willing to improve their spoken skills; (5) they want to improve their general writing skills; and (6) they need to increase their vocabulary knowledge. In this research, I will analyze whether Ko’s (2005) strategies and activities that teachers think are effective can be applied to gain reading comprehension. Reading strategies are referred to as the mental operations that are involved when readers approach a text effectively and make sense of what they read as well as what they do when they are lost while reading (Barnett, 1998; Block, 1986). As a part of helping readers to better comprehend L2 texts, some techniques or skills associated with reading proficiency have been examined. Many researchers have been making experiments about reading strategies. Some of these reading strategies range from skimming, scanning, contextual guessing, activating schemata, and identifying text structure, all of which are considered to be effective in enhancing comprehension (Block, 1986; Kern, 1994). Moreover, the Survey of Reading Strategies,known as SORS, introduced by Mokhtari and Sheorey (2002) will be adapted for use in this research project. This SORS has three major strategies: global reading strategies, problem solving strategies, and support strategies. For the students’ reading strategies, Korean college students tend to use the support reading strategy when they read; the global reading strategy is least preferred.However, research findings do not find a substantial gap among the three major strategies of SORS. This indicates that Korean students are not afraid of using different reading strategies, and do not limit themselves from receiving other perspectives. Teachers, who teach reading strategies, prefer one of the three main SORS strategies more. They use the global reading strategy most; meanwhile, they areunlikely to use the support reading strategy in the classroom, or even to recommend it to students. In this study, the researcherfocuses on Korean college students’ attitudes and preferences for using reading strategies, and the native English teachers’ attitude towards teaching reading, and the teacher’s preferences of reading strategies for teaching reading. Moreover, the researcher also investigates student’s reading difficulties and their expectations. The main research questions are as follows: For Korean college students: 1. Which reading strategies do Korean college students like to useand think effective in helping them to improve their reading comprehension skill? 2. What are the difficulties and problems that inhibit their effective reading comprehension? For native English teachers: 3. Which reading strategies do native English teachers like to teach and think are effective in helping students to improve their reading comprehension skill? 4. What are the difficulties and problems that inhibit you from teaching reading strategies effectively? 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Reading is an all-important language skill that is now in more demand than in any time in our history. With the exposure of the Internet in a global arena, students need to master reading in order to understand the vast knowledge the world embraces them with. It has been said that the literate adult today is reading more in one week than their great-grandfather did in a whole year (Swalmand Kling, 1973). This fact places pressures on the student to perform reading at a higher level than the student before them.Reading is the best way to absorb content materials and to increase critical thinking skills. It is also a hidden process that often goes unnoticed in the language classroom. In addition, reading is also a complex activity, where the goal is ‘to construct text meaning based on visually encoded information’(Anderson andNunan, 2007). In the first language (L1) reading, readers use only one language, whereas in the second language (L2) reading, learners have at least two languages to deal with. On the contrary, readingin a first or second language contextinvolves the reader, the text, and interaction between the reader and the text (Rumelhart, 1977). Although reading in the L1 shares numerous important basic elements with reading in a second or foreign language, the process also differs greatly. Intriguing questions involve whether there are two parallel cognitive processes at work, or whether there are processing strategies that accommodate both first and second language. Although on the surface first language and second language are different, readers can apply visual linguistic and cognitive strategies that they readily use in their first language reading to assist in their L2 reading. Whether the readers are reading in their first or second language the reading strategy operates in the same way: the readers look at the page and the print, then use their knowledge of sound or symbol relationships, order, grammar, and meaning to predict and confirm the meaning. In short, when readers have well-developed first language reading strategies, they can learn a second language more easily and rapidly.Students should have effective reading skills in their first language to assist their reading comprehension in a second language. 2.1. L1 Reading L1 reading is reading in the reader’s mother tongue. Reading contexts in general require knowledge of content; formal and linguistic schema. Reading is also a meaning-making process which involves an interaction between the reader and the text. Recent theories in second language reading stress that the L2 learners’ first language skills are very important when they learn a second language (Hakuta, 1986; Krashen, 1982). One of the main reasons supporting this claim is that when students have well-developed first language skills, they can acquire second language skills more rapidly. Concepts which were readily and strongly developed in their first language acquisition become accessible skills to learn a second language. This process is what is known as common underlying proficiency as described by Cummins, 1994. Although on the surface the two languages are different, readers can apply visual linguistic and cognitive strategies that they also use in their first language reading, to read in an L2 (Ovando, 2005). This means in both languages readers look at the page and the print, and then they use their knowledge of sound or symbol relationships, order, grammar, and meaning to predict and confirm meaning. There are four elements that are important in reading comprehension in either in L1 or L2: (1) whether the readerreads a lot and is familiar with reading in another language; (2) the length, type, and language difficulty of the text; (3) whether the reader uses the global reading, problem solving, or support strategies; and (4) fluency. In L1 reading, researchers have emphasized two factors potentially influencing readers’ processing strategies: the type of material that will be read and the purpose or goal for which a text will be read. 2.2. L2 Reading Second language reading is one of the four skills in mastering a foreign language. Seond language reading is gathering the syntatic and semantic processes as well as vocabulary, which include speed of letter naming, phonological processes, orthographic processes, and working memory. In addition, background knowledge also takes part in L2 reading comprehension (Malley, 1990). Moreover, based on Bernhard and Kamil (1995), second language reading comprehension processes have two main crucial variables; they are L2 vocabulary and L2 grammatical skills. In addition, there are six elements that intereact and blend together in forging the construct of L2 comprehension. The six elements are the phonemic/graphemic features, syntatic feature cognition (grammatical ability), word recognition, vocabulary, prior knowledge, and metacognition. Reading in an L2 is different from reading in an L1, in that L2 reading is influenced by a variety of factors that are normally not considered in L1 reading (Bernhardt andKamil, 1995). Among these factors, the two most frequently used ones to explain L2 reading fluency are readers’ L1 reading ability and L2 language proficiency. According to Teillefer (1996), these two factors significantly affect L2 reading comprehension, but to a different extent depending on different reading styles. With regard to importance and actual contribution of the above-mentioned two factors to L2 reading, there are two conflicting hypotheses: The Linguistic Threshold Hypothesis and the Linguistic Interdependence Hypothesis. The first hypothesis, also known as the Short-Circuit Hypothesis (Clarke, 1979), states that in order to read in an L2, a certain level of L2 linguistic ability is required. In another definition, the L1 reading ability can be transferred to L2 reading only when L2 proficiency is higher than the linguistic threshold. Therefore, a certain amount of linguistic ability is a prerequisite for the transfer to take place. That is, a certain amount of knowledge of L2 grammatical or linguistic skills is necessary in order to allow L1 reading knowledge to assist L2 reading (Bernhardt andKamil, 1995). Based on this hypothesis, it is assumed that without some L2 skills, the L2 readers’ limited language proficiency prevents their good L1 reading skills from being transferr ed to L2 reading (Lee, 2000). The second hypothesis is the Linguistic Interdependence Hypothesis, also known as Common Underlying Proficiency (Lee, 2007 and Cummins, 1994),which states that the reading performance in L2 is largely influenced by L1 reading ability, so L1 reading ability transfers to L2 reading. Therefore language skills such as reading and writing in the L1 are interconnected and transferable to L2. This hypothesis proposes that L1 skills and L2 skills are not so different, but at some fundamental core they are interdependent or even the same (Bernhardt andKamil, 1995). Hence, once a set of language skills has been acquired, it can be adapted to enhance reading in the L2 context. Despite the conflict of the two hypotheses, it has been acknowledged that each hypothesis is accurate to some extent that both L1 reading ability and L2 language proficiency are important factors to increase L2 reading fluency, and that the product of reading refers to the level of understanding, which is considered to be achieved by one’s reading ability and various reading strategies that the reader uses. Another finding from August (2006) states that learning to read in a second language is an entirely different process from learning to read in the first language, and the methods used to teach adult second language learners should be somewhat different from those that are used to teach children. August also mentions that L2 readers can build reading proficiency by using previously developed L1 reading skills and knowledge to support newly developing L2 language skills. So, in effect, L2 readers need less academic training to advance their skills in L2 reading. In other word s, the adult L2 learner needs to acquire most of the requisite academic skills from L2 instruction itself rather than from the transfer of the skills. Although some degree of skill transfer occurs from L1 to L2 for all second language readers, the academic goals of an individual with a weak L2 background are more dependent upon the newly acquired L2 language skills. Therefore, the L2 leaner requires a curriculum which provides a highly intensive focus on L2 language and reading skills. Transfer of L1 skills has a very powerful influence on the acquisition of L2 skills, but many adult second language readers need a great deal more thantransferred skills to achieve their academic goals. A well-developed L1 reading skill can be automatically transferred to L2 reading, and L2 readers as well as L1 readers contribute to the reading process in a constructive manner. However, there are other aspects that can limit the L2 readers’ contribution in reading second language material or text, which are language misinterpretation, lack of both background knowledge, and limited resources (Berhardt andKamil, 1995; Block, 1992; Koda, 1989). Therefore, one cannot simply assume that L2 readers will be able to interpret text in the same manner as competent L1 readers do (Gass, 1987). 2.2.1. Process of Reading Reading processes such as bottom-up, top-down, and interactive, can be used before, during, and after reading (Goodman, 1976; Rumelhart, 1977; Smith, 1971). According to Carell andGrabe (2002), L2 readers use different reading processesthan L1 readers do because (1) they are limited in their linguistic knowledge; (2) they do not have enough cultural and social knowledge that is common in the English content; (3) they do not necessarily retrain prior knowledge, which is the basis of understanding English materials; (4) they study English for a variety of reasons, including making themselves familiar with English speaking countries, and (5) they use both their first and second language. That is why knowingL2 learners’L2 reading ability and the type of texts will help in choosing reading processes which can make the text better understood. 2.2.2.1. Bottom-up processing Bottom-up processing is a type of reading process where reading comprehension starts with the fundamental basics of letter and sound recognition, then later builds up to letters, letter clusters, words, phrases, sentences, and longer text, and finally meaning in the order to achieve comprehension. Beginner learners need a strong bottom-up component, which includes phonics instruction. In bottom up reading, students start with the basics of letter and sound recognition, move from morpheme recognition to word recognition, grammatical structures, and sentences in order to achieve basic comprehension. According to Iwai (2007), in bottom-up processing readers focus on letters, sounds, syllables, words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. The process of constructing the meaning begins with written words. These learners view reading as beginning with the printed page, proceeding linearly from visual data to meaning by a series of processing stages. The most typical type that applies to bottom-up processing is intensive reading. Intensive reading involves a short reading passage followed by textbook activities to develop comprehension and/ or a particular reading skill. In an English lesson or in an English language course, this type of reading is often applied for sharpening students’ L2 knowledge and ability. 2.2.2.2. Top-down processing Top-down processing is a reading process where readers use background knowledge to predict meaning of the text. They search text to confirm or reject the predictions that they made. Within the top-down processing, the teacher should focus on meaning-based activities rather than on mastery of word recognition. By using this process, the reader builds comprehension skills by first applying general information already learned (larger elements) and moving down towards the specifics of the language (smaller elements). In top-down processing, readers make and evaluate experience and background knowledge. Coady (1979) wrote that the top-down processing model makes readers use their background knowledge schema and connects the schema with conceptual abilities and processing strategies to accomplish comprehension. University students have to do lots of research which requires lots of reading. This requires extensive reading and top-down reading processing. Extensive reading is also called pleasure reading, free voluntary reading, sustained silent reading, and supplementary reading (Bamford and Day, 2004; Nunan, 2003). In extensive reading, readers read as many books as they can outside of the classroom, to broaden their comprehension skills in order to get the main ideas or key points they need to imply top-down reading processing. The primary purpose of using extensive reading as a tool is to encourage students to enjoy reading in English, and thereby increase their motivation to improve their English skills by focusing on the understanding of broader and longer texts rather than the processing of a particular academic text. 2.2.1.3. Interactive Processing Reading is an interactive process that goes on between the reader and the text, resulting in comprehension. The text presents letters, words, sentences, and paragraphs that encode meaning. The reader uses knowledge, skills, and strategies to determine what that meaning is. This strategy is known as interactive processing; it is a combination of bottom-up and top-down processing which assumes that ‘a pattern is synthesized based on information provided simultaneously from several knowledge sources’ (Nunan, 2003), and it would include aspects of both intensiveand extensive reading. When put into practice, it is assumed that knowledge acquired from one strategy can compensate for the lack of knowledge from the other strategy. Fluent readers are considered to be those who can efficiently integrate both bottom-up and top-down strategies (Dubin, 1986; Grabe 1991; Murtagh, 1989). Aspects of interactive reading that help readers to interpret the author’s meaning are: 1) u sing their prior knowledge, 2) having a purpose for reading, 3) monitoring their understanding, and 4) working within the constraints of the situational context (Walker, 2001). The first aspect is that readers combine what they already know with the information from the text to figure out the author’s meaning (JohnandPrice, 2001). This textual information is comprised of pictures, letters in words, and headings, and the structure of sentences is used combined with prior knowledge (Kerringan, 1979). The second aspect is that readers tend to elaborate on what they read. They make connections using previous knowledge or experience to help them remember and interpret what they are reading. These new connections become part of thereaders’s knowledge base. The third aspect of interactive reading is that readers will continually monitor their understanding to see if it makes sense. These readers actively monitor their understanding through self-questions and various fix-up strategies to repair their comprehension. The fourth aspect is that readers use the situational context (elements given at a present time) to form ideas and adjust their purpose to each reading. 2.2.1.4. Interactive-compensatory model The interactive-compensatory model of reading was mainly developed to show how word recognition during reading can be affected by developmental and individual differences in the use of context (Stanovich, 1980). It is different from the bottom-up or top-down model in that in this model, readers process information simultaneously, not step by step. So, it seems that understanding of written and spoken language relies on a balanced combination of top-down and bottom-up processing. The readers have to pay attention to features in the text, orthographic knowledge, semantics, syntax, and lexical (vocabulary) knowledge when reading (Nutall, 2000). Thus, the perceptual-automatic recognition skill noted by Grabe (1992) seems psychologically real and theoretically possible, both in terms of Stanovich’s statement. Underwood (1982) asserted that when learners have achieved comprehension through practice, attention can be deviated. This interactive-compensatory theory states that all read ing skills develop independent of each other and in a different span of time. The purpose of the interactive-compensatory model is to provide a framework for understanding and improving L2 reading. The interactive-compensatory model includes 5 main components: cognitive abilities, knowledge, strategies, meta-cognition, and motivation. Knowledge and regulatory skills such as strategies and meta-cognition are combined into one category because of their close relationship among the components. There are three interrelated components within the model: cognitive ability, knowledge and regulation, and motivation (Underwood, 1982). Each of these components could be divided into further subcomponents. For example, the motivation component would include self-efficacy and attribution beliefs. It is assumed in the model that each of the components leads either directly or indirectly to learning.Since all components lead to learning, if a student is lacking in a particular skill (for example, knowledge) it could be compensated by greater strengths in other areas.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Substrate

A1. Role of Enzymes in Processes Enzymes are organic catalysts that help to speed up the breakdown of a molecule, such as fructose. The enzyme helps a chemical reaction take place quickly so that the reaction happens properly. In order for that to happen the enzymes process by the lock and key model, the lock is the substrate and the enzyme is the key. The active sites are specific to a certain substrate of a molecule, so the enzymes only have one job to do. The shape of an enzyme is not changed or consumed during these reactions.However, without enzymes the reactions would take too long and would not breakdown properly. A2. Deficiency in Aldolase B In hereditary fructose intolerance there is a protein lacking that is needed to breakdown fructose. Aldolase B is the substance needed to breakdown fructose. Without the Aldolase B the body is not able to change glycogen into glucose that the body needs. When this happens an individual’s blood sugar can fall and substances will bui ld up in the liver causing more health issues.With an absence of the enzyme Aldolase B, fructose cannot be broken down causing hereditary fructose intolerance. Symptoms can be severe, â€Å"these include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and hypoglycemia following ingestion of fructose or other sugars metabolized through fructose-1-phosphate. Prolonged fructose ingestion in infants leads ultimately to hepatic and/or renal failure and death. † (Haldeman-Englert, 2011) A4. Substrate The specific substrate acted on by Aldolase B is fructose-1-phosphate (F1P).This then is converted into DHAP and glyceraldehyde. Once the conversion is finished the product can enter the glycolysis cycle to from ATP or energy used for the body. â€Å"In normal cellular conditions, the primary enzymatic activity of aldolase B is to cleave fructose diphosphate (FDP). † (Roth, 2012) A5. Role of Aldolase B Aldolase B is the substance needed to breakdown fructose. Its specific role is to speed up t he breakdown process of fructose to a more usable from in the body.Aldolase B is primary found in the liver, but can also be found in the small intestines and kidneys. B1. Interconversions of Cori Cycle If the Cori Cycle occurred and then remained in a single cell, no useful metabolic work would be complete. The reason for this is that â€Å"if the Interconversions of the Cori Cycle were to take a place within a single cell it would constitute a â€Å"futile cycle† with glucose being consumed and resynthesized at the expense of the ATP and GTP hydrolysis. (Campbell & Farrell, 2008) If this were to happen the cycle would essentially be running in opposite directions, having no affect and wasting energy. Having both the glycolysis portion and the gluconeogenesis portion going at the same time, will result in glucose being converted in to pyruvate by glycolysis and then converted back to glucose by gluconeogenesis, all this will cause a use of ATP, not making. The cycle needs t o take place in order to produce ATP, an energy source for the body especially during muscle activity. B3.Defect Preventing Conversion of ADP to ATP Having a deficiency in the Citric Acid cycle can create the entire cycle to halt essentially. Having the citric acid cycle halt can create a build-up of lactic acid, decreasing the amount of oxygen getting to the tissues. Hypothetically the Citric Acid cycle is missing the enzyme malate; â€Å"Malic acid acts as a catalyst in the Kreb’s cycle to increase energy production from the burning of pyruvic acid. Malic acid also aids in exercise recovery by counteracting the build-up of lactic acid. (Ward, 2011) Missing the malic acid can create chronic fatigue, muscular myalgia, and arthritic-like pains. Any disturbances to the cycle can produce and contribute to neurological and physical problems. B4. Role of Coenzyme Q10 The role of Coenzyme Q10 in ATP synthesis is unique. It can function in every cell of the body to make energy; no other molecule can perform this function. The enzyme is very hydrophobic, so it can move freely within the cell membrane.Its special function is that is can accept and donate electrons, which plays a big role in the electron transport chain. â€Å"It accepts electrons generated during fatty acid and glucose metabolism and then transfers them to electron acceptors. At the same time, Coenzyme Q transfers protons outside the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient across that membrane. The energy released when the protons flow back into the mitochondrial interior is used to from ATP. † (Higdon, 2003)

Monday, July 29, 2019

Forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Forecasting - Essay Example Good judgment, intuition, and an awareness of how the economy is doing might give the management an idea of what is likely to take place in the future. Nonetheless, it is not east to change a belief concerning the future into a useful and precise number. Forecasting techniques can assist in estimating various aspects of a company operation. All forecasting techniques can be split into two wide classes: quantitative and qualitative. Most of the forecasting methods use historical or past data in time series. Time series is just a set of examinations measured at consecutive points in time or over consecutive periods. Forecasts provide future elements of the time series on a particular variable like sales volume. Division of forecasting techniques into quantitative and qualitative classification is based on the accessibility of time series information (Zech and Nallau, 5-57). Forecasting is a tool that assists management in its effort to tackle future uncertainties. It is mainly based on information from the present, past, and evaluation of trends. Forecasting begins with some assumptions based on the business’s knowledge, experience and

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Evaluation of Social Media Marketing Campaigns Research Paper

Evaluation of Social Media Marketing Campaigns - Research Paper Example The researcher states that marketing is an organizational function that strives to promote it in order to boost its image, products, and services. In a business, the fundamental aim of marketing is to realize increased sales geared towards the profitability. It is a fact that one of the core objectives of a business is profit maximization, and businesses have various marketing strategies to realize this important objective. The conventional means of marketing in a company or an organization involved strategies like advertisement, branding, discounts, after sale services and free samples among others. These strategies majorly utilized print media, televisions and radios as a medium of communication. However, the contemporary society has witnessed immense technological advancements evidenced, for example by the invention and adoption of computers and internet technology. This technology has necessitated the development and use of social media where individuals and organizations can int eract online. At this juncture, it is necessary for us to understand the term, ‘social media’ in order to tackle the topic effectively. According to About.com, social media is an instrument of communication through a website that enables people all over the world to access information and to interact with one another. The distinctive feature of social media from other instruments of communication is the fact that, apart from accessing the information, people are able to give their views online. Information on the social media is relayed to a large mass of people in real time and at affordable costs due to the internet technology. Due to these factors, together with its interactive nature, many companies have opted to use it to enhance their marketing campaigns. There are varied types of social media sites. Suraj, documents that there are three main categories of social media sites, social bookmarking, social networking and media sharing. Bookmarking involves utilizing t he bookmark function of the browser to create and save your account and share them with friends all over the world.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

HR Outsourcing WalMart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HR Outsourcing WalMart - Essay Example In the case of WalMart, although the company does deal with manufacturing as well, the main business deals with retailing. Hence here it is not advisable to outsource the human resources process. The company requires keeping complete records and all decision making within the same locations. This allows better and faster response time to any human resource problem. Although outsourcing will prove to be beneficial for the company and will provide the company with reduced duties to be carried out directly, the strategic decision making will not be in complete sync with the main objectives of the company. Strategic HRM can be more powerful and success when it is carried out within the organization. In making strategic decisions it is crucial that the objectives and other strategic decisions made by other teams are also considered (Brown and Wilson). By outsourcing the HRM functions and the processes to different locations, the company can clearly be faced with issues of keeping complete records and also maintaining the staff effectively.

Establishing a Utility Corner Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Establishing a Utility Corner - Essay Example Vision statement of course depicts the sincerity with which we intend to take our customers because investment in smiles gets satisfaction in return. Our vision statement is "We care for your comfort and value your time". Youth: This segment is the most vibrant market of all for couple of reasons. One, the youth of the day has become very demanding. Second, the youth is very much quality conscious. Third and most important, the growing trend of handing over the reins of business to young workers is giving rise to increasing number of young managers and CEOs. Family: With increasing trend towards nuclear family, quality time with family has become a rare commodity. Kids are taken care of by crches with both parents working. Therefore weekends are particularly very important for such family outings and our store has to try its level best to invite such families. Business Community: Business community requires an ambience where it can invite potential clients/ customers and seal a deal over lunch. Therefore, such sessions (generally long sitting sessions) are very helpful for a successful utility store. This community at times requires a small meeting cum demo room and some office support, which has to be taken care of by our business establishment. It is worthwhile here to mention that while we are starting off with a new business, there must be couple of others in the market having similar business and attracting similar customers. Established businesses have some loyal customers as well. We need to attract such customers with lucrative offers. For example; Youth can be attracted with discount schemes, combo offers (like buy one get one free etc.), loyalty bonuses, special attraction for the students of colleges/ schools. Such promotional schemes help attract the customers. It becomes the duty of the management to put in full use the concepts of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Families can be attracted with better bargains for kids, innovative marketing schemes (like special packages for grand parents, weekend programmes/ competitions/ contests for kids etc. The business community is the most difficult one to invite with such bargains. This 'formal class' requires one-to-one meeting with officials and offering them better bargains and scores of incentives to switch loyalties. Comparison charts and statements are a perquisite for such missions with business leaders. Each business group requires a different set of persuasion technique. Competition is in fact a very important part of a market driven economy. This encourages the business commun

Friday, July 26, 2019

Curriculum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Curriculum - Essay Example He described curriculum in a range of approaches. One of them is linked to syllabus or a body of knowledge to be transmitted to the students. Smith also stressed that curriculum is a set of objectives, where there is a drawn-up plan to apply intended objectives with a measurable outcome. Another alternative definition is that curriculum is a student’s total experience. It comprises teachers’ and students’ communication and relationships between them. Smith also recommends that curriculum is one’s ability to apply theory to practice. Language Arts is one essential subject area that hones communication skills of students. Being knowledgeable in literature, grammar and writing is one important goal for them that will greatly benefit them in their growth and development. This paper will compare 7th Grade Language Arts curriculum guides of three schools in New Jersey, namely the Hillside, Union and Orange Public Schools. The comparison will only be based on the guides acquired from these schools and not from how their curriculums are implemented. Of the three schools, Hillside Public School provided the most comprehensive curriculum guide. Next was the Orange School which also provided a clear outline indicating the goals of the Language Arts program and how its assessment strategies. Union School provided the least comprehensive guide, with just the use of cue words in enumerating its curriculum content and suggested activities. One of the widely adopted curriculum design is the ‘Understanding by Design’ Planning Framework (UbD) by Wiggins, Grant and McTighe (1998). This is also known as the Backward Design Model wherein the teacher starts with the end, the desired results, and then derives the curriculum from the evidence of learning called for by the expectations and the teaching needed to equip students to perform. The UbD involves the following processes: The Hillside School obviously adopted the Understanding by Design

Thursday, July 25, 2019

CONSTRUCTING AN INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO Coursework

CONSTRUCTING AN INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO - Coursework Example Implementation complexities in constructing an effective portfolio possess risk factors, which make it necessary for crucial exposure and assessment of opportunities for the investment in the international real estate market. There has been an increase in international investments especially in international real estate markets, which is clear from the UK listed and unlisted wholesale markets. It is evident that most products fall under the value-added or opportunistic and risk or reward; hence they offer a wide range of the investments returns. The international listed real estate funds have different collective strategies according to different regions as indicated by fig.1. There is a variation of real estate types depending on the countries or country targeted. Consequently, there are different ways of gaining exposure to the investable market. Various options are employed to acquire and manage equity interests for international real estate investments. The aim of the paper is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying various methods for gaining exposure to the real estate investments. In addition, it evaluates the different methods used to fully acquire and manage equity interests in international real estate investments. Real estate refers to; the commercial sectors of office, retail, industrial, and leased residential real estate sectors. The real estate appraisers in the UK reflect value of asset factors such as expected income growth, risk of liquidity, management costs, income growth related risks, and the tenant default risk that enables the capitalization of the current and future income expectations and streams. This indicates that the international real estate investment can offer a number of investment features that have different risk levels. The different investment procedures makes it possible for the income streams to be cut in many ways and offers

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Point of Care Testing Clinical Issues Assignment

Point of Care Testing Clinical Issues - Assignment Example The victims are majorly the young and part of the adult population. This problem is relevant in the world of healthcare service provision. The reason for its relevance is the fact that its ever-increasing prevalence and incidence rates warrant immediate clinical intervention. Therefore, to get rid of the health complications brought about by obesity, and to counter the prevalence of the problem, the appropriate healthcare action must be taken (Hain & Kear, 2015). EBP is an analytical and problem solving-approach on matters pertaining to healthcare. The approach is based on evidence or proof that is obtained from the analysis of available patient records or results from previous studies. This is a procedural process that must involve the relevant clinical expertise and the patients’ preferences. There are seven basic steps in the EBP clinical problem-solving approach.This is the initial step of the EBP. It involves the medical practitioners being persistently inquisitive. The questions that require answers are formulated because they are the basis of the impending problem. In this case, the identified problem is obesity among the American population. The series of questions keep the healthcare personnel aware of diverse ways of dealing with the problem and how to improve their practice to ensure that the desired results are obtained. Therefore, some of the possible questions, in this case, would be: A PICOT question structure is composed five questioning formats. Questions are formulated based on the population dynamics like age, Intervention, comparison with other interventions, the outcome of the intervention and the timeframe. For instance, the focus here is on obesity. The relevant PICO question format may appear in a set of specific sentence structures since the events are interrelated. Therefore, the question would be; among obese adults and children in America (P), does the regulation of eating habits and the choice of food (I) compared to the banning of junk food (C) have any effect reduction of the prevalence of obesity (O). The question follows the PICO format and addresses all the relevant measures leveled against the obesity outlining the affected individuals (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011).

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Discussion Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 34

Discussion - Coursework Example One of the best treatments for VTE prophylaxis in stroke patients is the Trans esophageal echo-Doppler system (TEDS). Research by (Maltagliati, Galli, Tamborini, Calligaris, Doria, Salehi, Pepi, 2006) shows that this treatment is useful in coagulation that will aid in the healing of the patients. The patients can, therefore, be treated with the help of the Advanced Practice Nurses. scds, and Heparin or Lovenox are also quit useful in the treatment of VTE prophylaxis in stroke patients when the nurse properly administers the drugs. When nurses and physicians in an organization get used to doing things in a certain way, then this forms a particular organizational culture. This culture may interfere with the implementation of new things into the organization. One of the things that may be hindered by organizational culture is the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) (Aarons, Sawitzky, 2006). This research means that it may be difficult to implement some changes the TEDS treatment. However, with proper management and instructions the evidence-based research can be used to help patients in the organization. Maltagliati, A., Galli, C. A., Tamborini, G., Calligaris, A., Doria, E., Salehi, R., & Pepi, M. (2006). Usefulness of transoesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation and different anticoagulant regimens. Heart, 92(7),

Monday, July 22, 2019

Benihana Company Essay Example for Free

Benihana Company Essay Helping our guests feel welcome is as important as our cooking. And it is just as great a skill. Ever striving for excellence in hospitality, it is truly our restaurant family who has built Benihanas success. Company History: Benihana, Inc. owns and licenses restaurants in the Benihana and Benihana Grill chain of Japanese dinnerhouses. The restaurants specialize in an exhibition-style of Japanese cooking called teppanyaki. Customers sit around a communal table at which a Benihana chef slices their seafood, steak, chicken, and vegetables with lightning speed, grills their meal right in front of them, and then tosses it accurately onto their plates. The restaurants are decorated with Samurai armor and valuable art, and Shoji rice paper screens partition the dining areas. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 1996, the company had sales of over $81 million, an all-time high. By December 1996, Benihana operated a total of 49 licensed and wholly owned restaurants in 20 states as well as in Bogota, Columbia, and Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. Early History, from Tokyo to New York The founder of Benihana, Inc. was a 25-year-old Olympic wrestler from Japan named Hiroaki Rocky Aoki. He got his start in the restaurant business by working after school in his familys coffee shop in downtown Tokyo. His mother named the family business Benihana after a red flower that survived the bombing of Tokyo during World War II. Rocky was a scrapper, defending himself in the streets and schoolyards against bigger boys. He got hooked on wrestling, became a national university champion, and earned a place on the 1960 Olympic team. Although he didnt compete because he was over his weight limit, he did fall in love with New York when the plane stopped there on the way to the Games in Rome. That fall he left Japan for the United States. In 1964, Aoki graduated from New York Community Colleges School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. During the summer he earned money driving the only ice cream truck in Harlem. The job was not easy, as he explained in an article in Management Review. Every time I robbed, I get up earlier the next day and work later to make up. Every time I lose money, I get more challenge. With that philosophy, he managed to save $10,000 during the summer, which, along with a loan, was enough to start his first restaurant, Benihana of Tokyo. Aokis concept for his new restaurant, derived from specialty restaurants he knew of in Japan, was part entertainment and part food service. He wanted to offer Americans food they were familiar with, such as chicken, steak, and shrimp, prepared in a novel setting. He chose the teppanyaki tablea stainless steel grill surrounded by a wooden eating surfacewhere customers could watch a knife-wielding, joke-telling chef prepare and serve their food. His parents and brothers came from Japan to help him get started. Unfortunately, New Yorkers equated Japanese food with raw fish and werent comfortable sitting at a table with strangers. They ignored the midtown Manhattan eatery until the restaurant critic of the New York Herald Tribune gave it a glowing review. Suddenly, everyone in New York, including the Beatles and Muhammad Ali, wanted to sit around one of Benihana of Tokyos four teppanyaki tables. Within six months after the review the restaurant had paid for itself, and Aoki quickly opened another restaurant in a larger, fancier building. The new location provided the same teppanyaki-style cooking but was decorated with valuable art, Samurai armor, heavy wooden ceiling beams brought from Japan by Aokis father, and sliding Shoji screens to provide some privacy. 1965-80: Building a Company The Benihana concept combined reasonable prices with good food, and, by preparing what was eaten right at the table, held waste to a minimum. Profits were good, and, in 1968, Aoki opened his first Benihana of Tokyo outside New York Cityin downtown Chicago. That location made $700,000 in its first year and continued to be one of the companys top earning outlets. Between 1969 and 1972, the company opened six more of its own restaurants and licensed franchisees to open another ten. In a joint venture with the Las Vegas Hilton, the company developed Benihana Village, a 38,000-square-foot complex of restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues. In 1972, the company grossed $12 million and the Harvard Business School selected Benihana of Tokyo as a case study of an entrepreneurial success story. With business going so well, Rocky Aoki could devote time to his other interests which included racing balloons and powerboats, collecting items ranging from vintage cars to slot machines and learning backgammon. Rocky wanted to play, Joel Schwartz, the companys president, explained in a 1989 Forbes article. To help oversee the chains operations and expansion, Aoki brought in a management company, Hardwicke Cos., as a partner in 1976. The relationship lasted only four years and, in 1980, Aoki ended the partnership, paying $3.7 million to break the contract. As Rod Willis of Management Review explained in a 1986 article, He [Aoki] felt the companys management style clashed with his predominately Oriental workforce, and he wanted to maintain control over each restaurants quality. The following year Aoki settled, without admitting any guilt, a Securities and Exchange Commission charge that he had improperly traded in Hardwicke stock while serving as vice-president of Hardwicke. The 1980s: Ups and Downs To help pay off the debt incurred in the split with Hardwicke, Aoki decided to take part of the company public. He accomplished this by having Benihana of Tokyo (BOT) form Benihana National Corporation (BNC) in 1982 and then taking the latter company public the following year. Investors paid the Miami-based BNC $11 for a unit consisting of two common shares and a warrant to buy another at $6. With the $5.5 million raised by selling half a million of these units, BNC bought 11 restaurants from Aoki in exchange for 60 percent of the BNC common stock and $2.5 million to pay BOTs debt. Later in the year, BNC bought another three restaurants from BOT for $7 million. In spite of the new corporate structure, Benihana of Tokyo and Benihana National Corporation remained under the management of the same group of executives. As corporate president, Joel Schwartz continued to oversee the day to day operation of both companies. Aoki, who served as chairman of both entities, retained 51 percent of the common stock in BNC and kept about 30 restaurants in the privately held BOT. Aoki developed new concepts for the Benihana food chain but he also continued to play hard, becoming a championship-level backgammon player and setting a world record in off-shore powerboat racing. The Double Eagle V, a 400,000 cubic-foot gas balloon, displayed the Benihana logo as it became the first crewed balloon to successfully cross the Pacific Ocean, with Aoki as one of the crew members. One of Aokis new concepts was Benihana National Classics, a line of Chinese gourmet frozen foods, introduced in 1984 and sold in supermarkets. Chinese cuisine was chosen when the company found that Japanese food didnt freeze well. Within a year the Classics were the best-selling Oriental frozen foods in the United States, with sales in one quarter alone reaching more than $40 million and profits climbing to over $4 million. The companys stock took off, going as high as $21.50 in 1985. In December of that year, Restaurant and Institution magazine named Benihana of Tokyo the most popular family-style restaurant in America. At that time, Benihana of Tokyo and Benihana National together operated or franchised restaurants in 60 locations, from Seattle to New Jersey, serving a total of 25,000 customers a day. Benihana Nationals frozen food success quickly attracted the attention of major food companies. When Campbell Soup and Stouffers began offering their own lines of Oriental frozen foods, however, Benihana couldnt compete. The company lost $11 million on frozen foods between 1985 and 1987 and finally sold the business, for $4.5 million, to the small company that had been producing the dinners for them. Frozen food, however, was not Aokis only new idea. In 1985, Benihana National opened its first seafood restaurant, The Big Splash, just north of Miami. Aoki believed the sea would be the primary supplier of food in the future, and, borrowing an idea from a Malaysian fish market, came up with the concept of a seafood marketplace/restaurant. Customers could choose from hundreds of varieties of fresh seafood, decide how they wanted it cooked, and watch it being prepared. The idea was so popular initially that a second Big Splash was opened. The seafood restaurants soon experienced difficulty, however, registering losses of $2.7 million during 1987. The wide variety of options ran completely counter to the tight focus and minimal waste of the Benihana steakhouses. At the Miami location, the majority of customers were retirees who resented the high prices and preferred to eat fish they were familiar with. All we sold was salmon and red snapper, Aoki told Eric Schmukler in a March 1989 Forbes article. The company closed its Big Splash outlets in March 1988. The 1988 fiscal year was a hard one for Benihana, as the company recorded a loss of nearly $7 million. Despite the companys financial problems with Classics and Big Splash, the Benihana restaurants themselves were still popular. By the end of fiscal 1989, the publicly owned Benihana National Corp. reported profits of some $1.8 million on sales of $34 million at its 20 restaurants, with Aokis privately-held Benihana of Tokyo taking in similar revenues. 1990-94: Making a Turnaround Rocky Aoki kicked off the new decade by opening a gallery in one of the Miami Benihana restaurants to display a portion of what was becoming known in the art world as the Rocky Aoki Collection. Having spent more than a year consolidating his diverse collections, Aoki told Antiques Collecting, I think its a natural to have a gallery here. More than 90,000 people eat in this restaurant every year; why not provide them with something beautiful to look at, not to mention buy, if they so desire. In a 300-square-foot space that had been the restaurants gift shop, diners could view etchings by Icarts, lamps by Tiffany and Handel, and bronzes by Remington. The publicity about Aokis collection helped generate business for the restaurant, and overall company revenues continued to grow. Profits, however, were less than a million dollars a year, and BNC stock fell below $1 a share. Angry at the situation, some shareholders sued. As Marilyn Alva reported in a 1992 Restaurant Business article, the shareholders claimed Aoki and his management team were in a conflict of interest by managing the two companies. The complainants further maintained that Benihana management had misappropriated the assets of Benihana National Corporation, passing them through Benihana of Tokyo for their personal benefit. The shareholders, however, were ultimately unsuccessful in trying to take control of the company away from Aoki. Meanwhile, Benihana management took advantage of a health-conscious American publics growing interest in Japanese food and entertainment. With the tag line, We have been the restaurant of the 90s since the 60s, Aoki and Schwartz instituted a major advertising campaign stressing the fact that Benihana had always offered healthful food. Soon afterwards, in 1993, the Atlanta Benihana of Tokyo restaurant added an 18-seat sushi bar and 35-seat Karaoke dining room to draw more customers on weekday nights. Despite the higher labor and food costs associated with sushi, the company reported an increase in beverage sales, and a lot of sampling of the $.99 sushi pieces by people waiting to eat at the traditional teppanyaki tables. Learning from its experience a decade earlier, in 1994 Benihana National Corp. decided to get into the frozen food business again. This time, however, by entering into a licensing agreement with Campbell Soup Co., the company hooked up with a major marketer rather than trying to compete with the big names. The new product was a line of frozen stir-fry kits featuring the Benihana trademark. The dinners served six people and sold for about $8.00. As Peter McMullin, an analyst with Southeast Research Partners, told Florida Review.Net, This time the strategy makes sense because it is linking with a high profile food company to help strengthen the distribution side and offsetting the razor-thin margins of retail by manufacturing with a low cost producer like Campbell. By the end of the fiscal year, revenues were over $70 million, with profits up 41 percent to $2.4 million. 1995 and Beyond: A New Company At the beginning of 1995, Benihana National announced it would buy Aokis 21 Benihana of Tokyo restaurants on the U.S. mainland, along with the U.S. rights to the Benihana trademark, for about $6.15 million. On May 16, a newly created subsidiary, Benihana Inc., acquired the BOT restaurants and, through a merger, simultaneously acquired Benihana National. BNC shareholders received one share in the new holding company for each of their shares of Benihana National. Aoki continued to serve as chairman of the new company and Schwartz as president. Benihana Inc. now owned or licensed the 43 Benihana restaurants in the continental United States along with a franchise in Honolulu. It also had the rights to develop or license Benihana restaurants in Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. Aoki kept private his Benihana of Tokyo restaurants in Hawaii, Britain, and Thailand. During 1995, the new company took several steps to attract more customers. Benihana introduced weekend luncheon service and, following the success in Atlanta, opened sushi bars in seven locations. The company also instituted a national Karaoke contest for its patrons. In the fall, the company opened its first smaller format unit, called the Benihana Grill, in Sacramento. At 3,800 square feet, the Grill format was less than half the size of the traditional Benihana, and enabled the company to open units in smaller locations, particularly in urban areas. Schwartz had been refining this format since 1989 as an alternative to the companys more common free-standing, special use restaurant buildings. The Benihana Grill was designed to accommodate 10 to 12 teppanyaki tables, compared to the 18 tables in the typical Benihana. Analyst Peter McMullin remarked, Initial indications are encouraging even before the grand opening. With the lower capital costs of approximately $500,000 versus a stan d-alone restaurant cost of $2 million, this could become an enormous growth vehicle for Benihana. The new hours and offerings helped increase guest counts in existing restaurants by 8.7 percent and same store sales by an average of 7.7 percent for fiscal 1996. This rise, plus the addition of the Benihana of Tokyo restaurants and the new Benihana Grill, resulted in annual revenues of over $81 million. Benihanas growth came primarily from increased traffic in its existing restaurants, and the company continued to support that strategy. Early in 1996, in an effort to gain a larger share of the ethnic market, the company launched Spanish-language television advertisements in Miami and Los Angeles. In May, Benihana kicked off a two-year, $5 million ad campaign, focusing on the entertainment value of teppanyaki cooking. We want to bring the Benihana name to a different audience, company president Joel Schwartz told Nations Restaurant News in a May 6, 1996 article. The ads show that Benihana is a place the entire family can come to and have a good timea place they will see the chef perform and flip shrimp. Individual restaurants also developed innovative marketing techniques. A visit and meal at the Benihana in Bethesda, Maryland, for example, is one of the activities in the countys social studies curriculum for third graders learning about Japan. The company did not depend entirely on its existing restaurants for growth. During 1996, it also signed leases for several more Benihana Grills and expanded its franchise operations, including restaurants in Bogota, Columbia, and Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. Benihanas track record of steady growth in same store sales, rising customer count, and profitability appeared to be continuing into the late 1990s as revenues for the first half of fiscal 1997 were up over eight percent from the year before. Further Reading: Alva, Marilyn, Very Rocky Business: Aoki Besieged by Shareholder Suits, Restaurant Business, February 10, 1992. Benihana Buying Founder Aokis Units, Nations Restaurant News, January 16, 1995, p. 14. Benihana Profits Rise 67% for First Nine Months of Fiscal 95, Nations Restaurant News, February 12, 1996, p. 12. Benihana Testing Stir-Fry Kits, Supermarket News, October 17, 1994, p. 28.

Friendships in Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Friendships in Of Mice and Men Essay Throughout life, one establishes friendships to better ensure their future. The novel Of Mice And Men, written by John Steinbeck, is about a group of traveling labor workers and the hardships that they overcome. The friendship between George, one of the main characters, and Lenny, a retarded man and of Candy, a crippled man, and his old dog, although different, they each share many of the same feelings toward each other. Also, by establishing these friendships, each partner is benefited and is given life motivation. However, all good things must come to an end, and when each partner is separated from their companion, their significant bonds are broken. Because of their established friendships, George, Lenny, Candy and his dog are able to live happy lives filled with joyous and exciting times. Throughout the book, many feelings are expressed between the relationship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog. Ever since they had lived together, George and Lenny loved and cared for each other every waiting day. Because [they] [had] each other, George and Lenny became more loving and compassionate, not just towards themselves, but also towards others (104). Unlike the other traveling workers who journeyed alone, George and Lenny were together, fighting off the hardships of The Great Depression with a loving relationship. This bond kept each others hearts pure and refrained them from turning bitter. Ever since Candys dog was a puppy, he and Candy had shared a trustworthy connection filled with loyalty for each other. In Candys younger years of life, when his partner was a good sheep dog, they had started a trusting relationship, which they carried out throughout the rest of their lives (24). Since Candy had his pup ever since it was born, Candy was its only master. Because canines are extremely loyal to their master, this loyal bond was able to flourish. Finally, because Lenny has been with George all his life, he feels a bond of trust between them and is completely loyal to George. During their early years, when George wasnt so kind to Lenny, he could have told Lenny to walk over a cliff and over hed go (40). Although George never did something this cruel, he did do some grueling things. He even got Lenny into fights. However, as time went on, he too became loyal and a trusting relationship grew. Even though these partners are very different, they still share many of the same feelings towards each other. In the relationship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog, each partner gains something and this is the motivation for the friendship. Because of Lennys mental state, as he travels with, and becomes friends with, George, he benefits by having a guardian to follow him around and keep him safe. Ever since they were young, Lenny just come along with George, and from that day forward he benefited from Georges safety (40). Lenny is retarded and his mind cannot process enough useful information to allow him to live a successful life, contributing to society. If George had not allowed Lenny to travel with him then Lenny would either end up homeless, in prison, or dead. In addition, because Candys dog is now useless, he benefits off Candy by receiving a guardian to protect him and guide him through the rest of his life. Although he had been an excellent canine in his day, because he aint no good to anyone now, his life would be futile if he did not have a guide for his remaining years. However, Candy did not care for him entirely out of kindness, he too benefits from their relationship. Because Candy is a cripple, he wants to feel like he is needed, and having someone that depends on him, allows Candy to live a joyous life. Although Lenny does not have much to give, George still benefits off their friendship by receiving a loyal companion to accompany him on his journeys. Because [they] travel together, George does not have to be burdened with the loneliness that could drive a man insane. George observes the other traveling labor workers become hard and lonely because they have nobody to converse with on their journeys. Although he benefits from their relationship, George pays dearly with his guardianship over Lenny. By establishing these relationships, each partner is benefited and given life motiv ation. Both the friendship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog lose their significant bonds when the partners are separated. Because Candy and his dog provide companionship for each other, when his dog dies Candy is left alone and unstable. Once his dog had been put up for the death sentence, Candy was left alone, pondering their wonderful memories together as he lied rigidly on his bed and stared at the ceiling (48). Candys purpose in life was now over, for he had no one that depended on him. Now the only thing that drove  him was the hope that Georges dream would come true, and that George, Lenny and he would get their own little plot of land. After George kills Lenny, although this was an act of kindness, George loses his purpose as a guardian. After he had pulled the trigger, George shivered and looked at the gun, for he knew that his guardianship was now over (106). George understood that it was his responsibility to kill Lenny. Although this act of kindness will burden him for the rest of his life, George still did the honorable thing. When Lenny died, George loses his dream of having a place of their own. By now, the dream had spread to more than just George and Lenny and when Lenny and their little place die away George becomes miserable and hurt (94). The time that followed this tragedy was the first time of Georges adult life with out Lenny. Also, up till now Georges purpose in life was to care for, and keep Lenny safe. With Lenny dead, George feels that his life had no purpose, for he could not keep Lenny from dangers grasp. When each friendship becomes separated, the still living partner feels no more purpose for life. Because of their established friendships, George, Lenny, Candy and his dog are able to live happy, joy filled lives as they overcome the hardships of The Great Depression. Although their significant bonds are broken when the partners are separated, when they are together, the partners benefit and share many feelings towards each other. Some say opposites attract, and buy using this scientific law to create friendships with different people; our society would be a friendlier and overall better place. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck New York : Covici-Friede, 1937

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Colon Specific Drug Delivery

Colon Specific Drug Delivery ABSRACT The colon is a site where both local and systemic delivery of drugs can takes place. Colon specific drug delivery has achieved importance for the delivery of drugs for the treatment of local diseases associated with the colon like crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis etc. as well as for the systemic delivery of proteins, therapeutic peptides, antiasthmatic drugs, antihypertensive drugs and antidiabetic agents. A drug need to be protected from degradation, release and absorption in the upper part of GIT and then to be ensured abrupt and controlled release in the proximal colon. This article reviews a detailed study about need of colon specific drug delivery, limitation and challenges, factors affecting colonic drug delivery, different approaches of colon including some successful novel approaches such as CODESTM, Pulsinicap system, Port system, Colal pred system, Multiparticulate system and also a study on evaluation for site specific drug delivery to colon. INTRODUCTION Drug administration through an oral route is the most convenient and important route of administering drugs for systemic effect. At about 50% of the drug delivery systems available in the market are oral drug delivery systems and these systems have more benefits due to patient acceptance and ease of administration. During the last decade considerable interest has been given in developing site-specific formulations for targeting drugs to the colon. Colon specific drug delivery has achieved increased importance not only for the delivery of the drugs for the treatment of local disorders associated with the colon like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation but also for the systemic delivery of proteins and peptides, antihypertensive drugs, antiasthmatic drugs and antidiabetic agents. The colon specific drug delivery system should have capability to protect the drug en route to the colon i.e. drug release and drug absorption should not occur in the stomach as well as the small intestine, and the bioactive agent should not be degraded in either of the dissolution sites but only released and absorbed once the system reaches the colon.1 Colon targeted drug delivery would additionally be valuable when a delay in absorption is desired from a therapeutically point of view in the treatment of diseases that have peak symptoms early in the morning, such as nocturnal asthma, angina or arthritis. The rapid advancement of biotechnology and genetic engineering resulted into availability of peptides and proteins at reasonable costs; there has been an increased interest in utilizing the colon as site for drug absorption. The potential candidates in this respect include analgesic peptides, oral vaccines, contraceptive peptides, growth hormone, insulin, erythropoietin, interferon, and interleukins (Saffran et al., 1988; Mackay and Tomlinson, 1993).2 The colon is a suitable absorption site for peptides and protein drugs due to: i) less diversity and intensity of digestive enzymes ii) less proteolytic activity of colon mucosa resulting in better prevention from hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation in duodenum and jejunum iii) increased systemic bioavailability iv) long colon residence time (5 days) and high responsiveness to absorption enhancers. There are number of methods or techniques through which colon drug targeting can be achieved, such as formation of prodrug, coating with pH sensitive polymers, coating with biodegradable polymers, designing formulations using polysaccharides, timed release system, pressure-controlled drug delivery systems, osmotic pressure controlled systems etc. Need of colon targeted drug delivery Colon targeted drug delivery system would asssure direct treatment at the disease site, lower dosing and fewer systemic side effects. Site-specific drug delivery system would allow oral administration of protein and peptide drugs, colon-specific formulation could also be used to prolong the drug delivery. Colon-specific drug delivery system is useful in the treatment of colon diseases. The colon is a site where both local or systemic drug delivery could be achieved. Topical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These inflammatory conditions are majorly treated with glucocorticoids and sulphasalazine (targeted). A number of others serious disorders of the colon, e.g. colorectal cancer, may also be capable of being treated more effectively if drugs were targeted to the colon. Formulations for colonic delivery are also suitable for delivery of drugs which are polar and/or susceptible to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the upper GI tract, highly affected by hepatic first pass metabolism, in particular, therapeutic proteins and peptides.3 Limitations and challenges in colon targeted drug delivery system A challenge in the development of colon specific drug delivery systems is to set up an appropriate dissolution testing method for in-vitro evaluation of the designed system. This is due to the rationale after a colon specific drug delivery system is quite different. As a site for drug delivery, the colon provides a near neutral pH, low digestive enzymatic activity, a long transit time and enhanced sensitivity to absorption enhancers; however, the targeting of drugs to the colon is very complicated. Owing to its location in the distal part of the alimentary canal, the colon is predominantly difficult to access. In addition to that the variation in pH values and different enzymes present throughout the gastrointestinal tract, through which the dosage form has to pass before reaching the target site, further complicate the consistency and delivery efficiency. Successful delivery through this site also needs the drug to be in solution form before it reaches the colon or alternatively, it should dissolve in the luminal fluids of the colon, but this can be a limiting factor for poorly soluble drugs as the fluid content in the colon is much lower and it is more viscous than in the upper part of the GI tract. The stability of the drug is also taken into consideration while designing a drug delivery system, because it may bind nonspecific way to dietary residues, intestinal secretions, mucus or faecal matter. Low surface area and relative tightness of the tight junctions in the colon can also limit drug transport across the mucosa and into the systemic circulation.4 Anatomy and physiology of colon The gastrointestinal tract is hollow muscular tube. It takes in nutrients and eliminate waste by such physiological processes as secretion, motility, digestion, absorption and excretion. Depending on structure and functions, the gastrointestinal tract is divided into the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The large intestine is approximately 1.5m in length and extends from the ileocaecal junctions to the anus. It is divided into four parts: caecum, colon, rectum and anal canal.5 The entire colon is approximately 5 feet (150 cm) long, and is divided into five major portions. Peritoneal folds called as mesentery which is supported by ascending and descending colon. The right colon consists of the caecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure and the right half of the transverse colon. The left colon consists of the left half of the transverse colon, descending colon, splenic flexure and sigmoid. The rectum is the last anatomic segment before the anus. The human colon were shown in Figure1.The main functions of the colon is to make suitable environment for the growth of colonic microorganisms, storage reservoir of faecal contents, expulsion of the contents of the colon at an appropriate time and absorption of potassium and water from the lumen. The absorptive capacity is very high, at about 2000ml of fluid enters the colon through the ileocecal valve from which more than 90% of the fluid is absorbed6. The colon is involved in fermentation of polysaccharides and proteins, absorption of water and electrolytes and the formation, storage and elimination of faecal material. As a consequence of the functions of the colon, the colonic environment is generally viscous in nature. This could impact on the performance of drugs and delivery systems in this region of gut. Rapid water absorption in the ascending colon results in the distal colonic contents being more viscous. It has been estimated that the human colon contains only 220g of wet contents. In addition colon has a near neutral pH and is home to a viable microflora. These bacteria are involved in the fermentation of polysaccharides and proteins that have escaped digestion in the upper gut. Moreever the resident bacteria can also metabolize drug. The protein based drugs, insulin and calcitonin are rapidly degraded in simulated colonic contents5. Fig 1: Anatomy of colon Factors influencing colonic drug delivery: Physiological factors: 1. Transit through gastro intestinal tract Orally taken dosage forms first enters into stomach and small intestine via mouth and then reach colon. The nature and pH of the stomach affects the drug release and absorption. In order to effectively deliver tablet to colon in an intact form, the drug delivery systems should bypass the barriers in the stomach and small intestine. Gastrointestinal transit varies from 1 hr to 3 hrs depending upon the condition fasting or non-fasting respectively. In general, the small intestinal transit is not influenced by the physical state, size of the dosage form. The mean transit time of the dosage form is about 3-4 hours in order to reach the ileocecal junction and the time period is inconsistent. During this time the dosage form is exposed to enzymes present in small intestine. Compared to the other region of GIT, movement of material through the colon is slow. Total time for transit tends to be highly variable and influenced by number of factors such as diet particularly dietary fibre content , mobility, stress, disease condition and drugs. The colonic transit time is ranging from 20 to 30 hours, can be increase in presence of active disease 50 to 70 hours. Longer residence time with subsequent longer transit time and the contact of dosage form with micro flora in colon govern the release and improve absorption of drug from dosage form.7 Table 1: Transit time of dosage forms in GIT Organ Transit time(hr) Stomach >3 (fed) Small intestine 3-4 Large intestine 20-30 2. pKa of the drug, lipophilicity and gastrointestinal pH: The pH partition theory explains the process of drug absorption from the GIT and its distribution across all biological membranes. It states that for drug molecules of molecular weight greater than 100, which are mainly transported across the biological membranes by passive diffusion, the process of absorption is governed by: 1) The dissociation constant (pKa) of the drug. 2) The lipophilicity of unionized drug. 3) The pH at the absorption site. Since most of the drugs are weak electrolytes (weak acids or weak bases), their degree of ionization depends upon the pH of the biological fluid. If the pH on the either side of the membrane is different, then the compartment in which pH favors greater ionization of the drug will contain greater amount of drug, and only the unionized form of drug, if adequately lipid soluble, allowed to permeate the membrane passively until the concentration of unionized drug on both side of the membrane becomes equal i.e. until equilibrium is attained. The above statement of the hypothesis was on the basis of the assumptions that: 1) The GIT is a simple lipoidal barrier to the transport of drug. 2) Larger the fraction of unionized drug, faster the absorption(D. M. Brahmankar et al 2009). 3.pH of colon The pH of GIT varies in each individual. The food intakes, diseased state, etc.influences the pH of the GIT. This change in the pH in different regions of GIT is the basis for the development of colon targeted drug delivery systems. Coating with different polymers is done to target the drug to the site. Table 2: pH in different regions of gastrointestinal tract Part of GIT Ph Stomach (before meal) 1-2 Stomach (during digestion) 4 Smll intestine 6-7 Duodenum 6.6+0.5 Ileum 7.5+0.4 Caecum 6.4+0.4 Colon 5.5-7 Rectum 7 4. Colonic microflora A number of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria are present throghout entire length of the human GI tract. Over 400 different bacterial species have been found, 20-30% of which are of the genus bacteroids. The upper region of the GIT has a very small number of bacteria and predominantly consists of gram positive bacteria. The rate of microbial growth is greatest in the proximal areas because of high concentration of energy source. Concentration of microflora is generally about1011-1022 CFU/ml. It consists of Bacteroids, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, Eubacterium and Clostridium. Chief metabolic reactions carried by the enzymes released from colonic microflora are hydrolysis and reduction. Table 3: Different microflora, enzymes and their actions Enzyme Microorganism Metabolic reactions catalysed Nitroreductase E. coli, Bacteroids Reduced aromatic and heterocyclic nitro compounds Azoreductase Clostridia, Lactobacilli, E.coli Reduced cleavage of azo compounds N oxide reductase, Sulphoxide reductase E. coli Reduced N oxides and sulphoxides Hydrogenase Clostridia, Lactobacilli Reduced carbonyl groups and aliphatic double bonds Esterases and amidases E. coli,P. vulgaris, B.subtilis, B. mycoides Cleavage of esters or amidases of carboxylic acid Glucosidase Clostridia, Eubacteria Cleavage of b- glycosidase of alcohols and phenols Glucoronidase E.coli, A. aerogenes Cleavage of b glycosidase of alcohols and phenols Sulphatase Eubacteria, streptococci Cleavage of O-sulfates and sulfamates Phamaceutical factors a) Drug candidate Drugs which show poor absorption in the stomach and intestine are most suitable for colon delivery. Drugs such as theophylline, nifedipine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, metoprolol, isoosorbide dinitrate, oxyprenolol and low molecular weight peptides and Peptide like drugs have been shown to be effectively absorbed from the colon. b) Drug carrier The selection of carrier for a particular drug candidate depends on the physicochemical nature of the drug as well as the disease for which the system is to be utilized. The factors such as chemical nature, stability and partition coefficient of drug and the type of absorption enhancers influences the carrier selection.9 Table 3: Drugs in colon targeted drug delivery Sr. No. Criteria Pharmacological class Drug and active agents 1 Drug used for local effect in colon Anti-inflammatory Drugs Oxyprenolol, Metoprolol, Nifedipine, Diclofenac, Sodium, Amylin, Antisense Oligonucleotide, 2 Drugs poorly absorbed from upper GIT Antihypertensive and antianginal drugs Ibuprofen, Isosorbides, Theophylline, Desmopressin Cyclosporine A, 3 Drugs for colon cancer Antineoplastics Pseudoephedrine, epoetin, Glucagon 4 Drugs that degrade in stomach and small intestine Peptides and proteins Bromopheniramine, 5 Flurouracil, Doxorubicin, Gonadoreline, Insulin, Interferones 5 Drugs that undergo extensive first pass metabolism Nitroglycerin and corticosteroids Nimustine, Bleomycin, Nicotine, Dexamethasone, protirelin, Sermorelin, Molgramoatim, Salotonin.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

lupus :: essays research papers

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, usually life-long, potentially fatal autoimmune disease characterized by unpredictable exacerbations and remissions with protean clinical manifestations. In SLE there is a predilection for clinical involvement of the joints, skin, kidney, brain, serosa, lug, heart and gastrointestinal tract. Women and minorities are disproportionately affected and SLE is most common in women of child-bearing age although it has ben reported in both extremes of life (e.g. diagnosed in infants and in the tenth decade of life). The prevalence in the Unites States had been estimated as approximately 500,000 but a recent telephone survey commissioned by the Lupus Foundation of America suggested a prevalence of as many as 2,000,000. A recent study identified a prevalence of 500 per 100,000 (1:200) in women residing in the area surrounding Birmingham, Alabama. The prognosis for patients with SLE has greatly improved over the last few decades with at least 80-90% of all patients surviving ten years. Thereafter life expectancy approximates that of age matched controls. This improvement reflects the general advancements in health care (i.e. dialysis, antibiotics, antihypertensives, newer immunosuppressives with more favorable efficacy to toxicity ration) but also the specialized care available for patients with SLE. SLE is a complex disorder affecting a predominately young population and shares similarities with HIV infection as regards the propensity for multiple organ involvement, potentially life-threatening episodes, and need for sophisticated monitoring. Patients with SLE are appropriate for a Center of Excellence since medical care by experienced clinicians with access to state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic measures will result in improved outcomes and the most cost-effective utilization of resources. Expert care of patients with SLE will lead to fewer hospitalizations secondary to uncontrolled disease exacerbation, less severe renal disease with fewer patients experiencing end stage renal disease requiring chronic dialysis, fewer episodes of avascular necrosis requiring total joint replacement, and less severe osteoporosis and fractures.

Friday, July 19, 2019

The Culture and Music of Puerto Rico Essay -- culture Cultural History

The Culture and Music of Puerto Rico In the first decade of American rule, Puerto Rican culture was influenced drastically by its status as a US possession. Although the political and economic aspects of American influence were very significant, American rule also had a great impact on Puerto Rican culture. This is expressed through the development of Puerto Rican music both on the island and in the United States. Puerto Rican music not only became an important cultural icon, but also helped to determine the new identity of the Puerto Rican both on the island and the mainland. Under Spanish rule, Puerto Rican music had been shaped by the prejudices of their oppressors and the divisions between the peasant class and the upper class elites. Many people argued over what was true Puerto Rican music and culture, and the more powerful members of Puerto Rican society controlled the music that represented the island. For this reason, under Spanish colonization, the occupying country recognized the most refined and European-sounding music, the danza. However, the music of the lower classes also served as a means to declare an identity separate from the Spaniards. In this way, Puerto Rican music at this time had the influence of both Europe and its own native culture. According to Glasser, "it is likely that in this way the vals, the mazurka, and other European dances penetrated much of the Puerto Rican countryside and were absorbed, with some modifications, into the jibaro repertoire. (Glasser 26)" In other words, the refined European style that was forced onto the m by Spain and other types of music became part of Puerto Rican music, and part of their culture. Puerto Rican music and culture further developed when the United States ... ...uence. In addition to this, Puerto Rican music demonstrates that although there was outside influence, the Puerto Rican identity still grew strong. This is demonstrated by the various protest songs, and the strong ties between musicians on the island and on the mainland. In the face of early US colonization, Puerto Rican culture came under the same conflicts as it did under Spanish rule, and reacted much in the same way. While US intervention may have masked the appearance of "true" Puerto Rican music and culture, the lives and the works of the Puerto Ricans themselves showed that it is possible both to accept new cultural themes and to struggle to preserve one’s native culture at the same time. Works Cited Glasser, Ruth. My Music is my Flag: Puerto Rican Musicians and Their New York Communities 1917-1940. University of California Press, Los Angeles, 1995.

Jamestown Essay -- essays research papers

Jamestown   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the sixteenth century, England was one of the most powerful countries in the world. England was also in dire need of money at this time. In an effort to alleviate the country’s financial burdens, King Henry VIII decided to seize land owned by the Catholic Church. Henry then sold the already inhabited land to investors, and its residents were forced out. These people and their descendants would eventually become some of the fortune-seeking colonists that would settle America during England’s try at Imperialism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the early 1600’s England need money once again, and this time it decided to by settling the new land to the west of them. Instead of actually funding these colonial expeditions, England would issue charters to joint – stock companies. These companies consisted of wealthy English investors who would all give some money to finance the trips and would share in the riches if they succeeded or lost their money of they failed. Most of the time the benefits of their investments would outweigh the risks. For England, this was a win-win situation. Since England did not pay for the voyages or the colonies themselves, England wouldn’t lose the money if they failed. If the companies succeeded, England was entitled to a percentage of the profits and became its ultimate authority.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  England’s first colony was established in 1607 by a joint – stock company, and was named Jamesto...

Thursday, July 18, 2019

A Comparison between Drug Policy as Social Control

Nicolas Beltran English 101 /Ms. Jackson March 13 2012 While reading â€Å"Drug Policy as Social Control† by Noam Chomsky and â€Å"Crito† by Plato I noticed a similarity between the two. People in higher power have ways of stabilizing populations. The government is customized to make people fail and the less fortunate are targeted. The inequalities of the government aren’t dealt with but they surely do exist. Law’s are strictly enforced to populations where mostly black males live and populations where crime rates are high. Not all people have to deal with the law the same way due to social class.The government has it’s own way of controlling people who are thought to be dangerous. How does the government control people? The government is able to put fear in the hearts of people. Governments have tried to take away programs which help people who are struggling. People worry about public assistance such as welfare because they need it and the govern ment uses the poor populations weakness to their advantage. The government has it’s own way of silencing people who they feel might be a threat to people in higher power like Socrates.Socrates from â€Å"Crito† had information that might have endangered the government. That is the main reason why he was sentenced to prison. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King served time in jail. Neither of them were a threat to their communities. They were wise men who both were the voice of their community’s. The government seen them as dangerous so they were killed. This is why I believe the governments selected method of keeping things stabilized is unfair to the thought to be dangerous population. Countries are unfair when it comes to giving everyone equal rights.There are people who are superior to the law. Did you notice not one sentence in â€Å"Drug Policy as Social Control† said anything about targeted rich or white people ? I wonder why no upper class people a re being arrested. No one is perfect and we know the poor and dangerous aren’t the only people who get their hands on drugs. Many people get away with illegal transactions but they fly under the radar because they are rich. The upper class people do the same things the less fortunate populations are doing by taking and selling drugs but are less likely to be imprisoned.In â€Å"Drug policy as Social Control its specifically says â€Å"none of this has anything to do with drugs†. The main purpose in the so called drug control is to criminalize dangerous black populations. Our country is known to give people equal rights and freedom. It isn’t as it appears as you can see our country has favorites and the poor are targeted. While the upper class seems more united the government makes the poor hate each other. The way the government works the less fortunate are setup to fail.Job opportunities are decreasing and so are job wages. There are less support systems for t he people who need them. The Percentage of poverty is increasing while the rich get all the attention as their wealth keeps growing. In â€Å"Drug Policy as Social Control† it says, â€Å" If we wanted to stop drug use in the United States there’s an easy way to do it†. This means that the government can prevent drugs from getting into the country but they don’t because it helps them control populations by using drugs to criminalize black men.Where is the justice in this method of controlling people ? In my opinion this is a setup. These problems continue occurring in our country but there is no change. The voices of dangerous populations will continue to be controlled by the government. Hopefully one day poor and thought to be dangerous communities will not be recognized as what they are thought to be. The voices of these communities have been silenced for thousands of years, so has Jesus Christ. All these leaders have died for what they believed in.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Rich Dad Poor Dad

Contact Details A) regional business leaders of higher(prenominal) Education sr. no 1 Name of the Joint handler Address Joint manager of higher(prenominal) Education 3, Mahapalika Marg, Dhobi Talav, Vistar No. 3, Mumbai-1 Joint conductor of higher(prenominal) Education, 17, Dr, Ambedkar Marg, Pune-01. Joint film director of high Education, Vidynagari, Sagarmaal, Rajaram College Area, Kolhapur-4. Joint Director of high Education, former(a) Morris College Area, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Nagpur-1. Joint Director of high Education, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran office st building, 1 floor, Behind Grahak Court , Jalgaon -1.Joint Director of Higher Education, Vidhrab institute Area, Amarvati-64. Joint Director of Higher Education, Padampura, Station Road, Near Devgiri College, Aurangabad-1. yell No. 022-22656600 022-22691528 Fax No. 22656600 electronic trip emailprotected com emailprotected co. in emailprotected org. in emailprotected in emailprotected co. in emailprotected com emailprotected com emailprotected in emailprotected com Dr. Smt. Manjusha Molawane 2 Dr. N. M. Kadu 20-26127833 020-26051632 0231-2535400 0231-2535454 0712-2524231 26237833 2535400 3 Dr. B. B. Kadam 2561713 4 Dr. Ajit Deshmukh 0257-2238510 2238510 emailprotected co. in 5 Dr. A. P. Manekar 0721-2531235 25311235 6 Dr. B. B. Chaudhary emailprotected com emailprotected com emailprotected com 0240-2331913 2331913 7 Prof. Mohd. Faiyyaz 8 Dr. Smt. Urmila Dhoot Joint Director of Higher Education, Near 02462-253144 Govt. Polytechnic, Yashwant College, Nanded-5. Joint Director of Higher Education Govt. B. Ed.College Area, Mumbai Pune Marg, Panvel -6 Joint Director of Higher Education, Solapur- Pune Road, Solapur University Area, Kegaon, Solapur-55. 253244 jdhe. emailprotected co. in jdhe. emailprotected com 022-27453820 9 Dr. Smt. R. E. Shikalgar (Bhosale) govt-bed. emailprotected rediffmail. com 10 Dr. B. B. Kadam 0217-2744770 Ex. one hundred seventy 0217-2350055 2744770 emailprotected com Contact Details of board of directors of Higher Education, Central Building, Pune-01 Office Address - Directorate of Higher Education, Central Building,Pune-01 Office strait No. - (020) 26126939 Office E mail ID Office Fax No. Sr. No. 1 - emailprotected co. in - (020)26111153 vigorous No. E-mail Name of ships officer in Scholarship Wing Shri. Hemant R. Deore 09421613520 emailprotected co. in 2 Prof. Deepak D. Lull 09552626411 emailprotected in 3 Mr. Anand R. Deshmukh 09822053474 emailprotected co. in 4 Miss Arshiya Sayyed 09673197515 emailprotected com 5 Miss Priya Andil 09689648868 emailprotected co. in

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

DEVELOPING STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Essay

DEVELOPING STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Essay

Leadership is rather different.There are interconnection between leaders and managers. Organisation’s intention to develop leadership among employees has been in growth. It is because they realised the potentials of public good leaders. Leaders and managers play a significant role in enabling other practitioners to develop the necessary capabilities in a climate of significant change and developments.Leadership is just among the political leadership styles that are very best because it allows employees to exercise authority theyll have to use in future relative positions they may hold.Myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.†Ã¢â‚¬â€Warren G.

Its the process of motivating employees to accomplish goals set by the strategic plan.Rapid economic changes pose new opportunities and threats. Leaders are supposed to white face those situations. â€Å"For managers the world keeps changing. It changes from hour to hour, day to day and week to week.Leadership contains a responsibility to the groups welfare.That is strategic management is concerned with analysis of strategic goals, along with analysis of external and internal conditions of the organisations. Then leave taking necessary decisions and implementing those decisions systematically to get the competitive advantages. Strategic management, popularized during 1980s. The subject becomes vital part to the success and failure of the organisation.

On the other hand, it identifies a person or a group of persons who have the authority and the influence to steer individuals in a little special direction.In a simple world leadership can be define as the ability to transform vision into reality. Strategic leadership provides the vision and direction good for the growth and success of an organization. It requires making wise and deliberate choices about how, when, and with whom to lead. A good manager is now by definition a leader.Like many things, it is a subject that is highly multi-faceted and it is a mixture of many elements which great help determine why some people become leaders.Jack Welch, he worked magic at GE in the 1990s. Lou Gerstner, the brain behind the successful turnaround of IBM. Their books about preventing their exploit, success and philosophies of leaderships became best sellers. 1.

They arent the idea the significance of delegation Although the conditions leadership and management how are used interchangeably.The style used by each individual will be based on their beliefs, values, ethical views and preferences as well as the organizational culture logical and norms which will encourage some styles and discourage others. 1. Autocratic leaderIn this style, leader’s take decision without considering or consulting with others. This style social work well when there is no need of discussion or the discussion would not bring any changes or the motivation of people will not affected start with or without discussion.Without them, leaders cannot meet their entire potential.3. Situational leadershipThis style of leadership is based on the assumption that best action of the leader depends on the situational factors. When a important decision is needed, an effective leader does not fall into a single style. 4.

They will need to clarify their vision he said.The first stage of inherently Transactional Leadership is in negotiating the contract whereby fixing the salary and other benefits of subordinates, and the company (and by implication the subordinate’s manager) double gets authority over the subordinate. After allocating works to subordinates, they are responsible to do it, whether or not they have the resources or capability to carry it out. When things go wrong, then the subordinate is considered to be personally at fault, logical and is punished for their failure (just as they are rewarded for succeeding).5.Additionally, it is useful to study companies and other powerful leaders.They continuously work to motivate the followers.Decision making best can be affected by leadership style. The key elements of leadership are 1. Understanding their own personality and understanding others 2.

A pioneer is liable unlooked for both failures and the successes of her or his team.They responds to a same situation by different leaders can vary. Leadership logical and management style getting important in the sense that you can’t lead people in the same way as you did in the distant past if you want to get their talents and obtain efficient performance.Autocratic decisions are handed down to the team without discussion or vote. great But that decision is necessary sometimes.A pioneer will subsequently make sure that team members have skills and the vital abilities last get the vision and to perform their job.Leaders, uses democratic style workout that situation well. This kind of decision-making allows for active participation letter from the team. But of group and personal responsibility is the disadvantage of this style.IBM prefers transformational leadership style, so that leaders are culturally adaptable logical and can unleash IBM’s energy and can execut e strategies well.

Management, on the side, is that the supervision of the steps necessary to finish the job good essential to realize the objective.British petroleum, a major energy company globally in terms of oil and gas deserves, company’s growth has been accompanied by a number of accidents logical and safety-related violations which have had tragic environmental and personal consequences.Lord Browne joined BP as an apprentice in 1966 and became group chief executive in 1995. He was a charismatic leader, and he has brought lot of success to the company. But he was forced to resign in 2007 total due to a personal scandal.Management is necessary.Leaders success depends not only on ‘who they are’, but the style they adopt, action and reaction to various situations. None of the leadership style is appropriated in click all situations. Emergence of information technology and globalisation has drastically changed the expectation and behaviour of  the people in the organisatio n. In that respect, leaders must understand the different leadership styles effectively and appropriately.

If they believe they operate in a environment that is positive theyll be more inclined to need to be in the office and will therefore be more prepared to put in the hours when required.Types of team players involved 3. Corporate culture Business situation: – This is a fast-changing world, technological changes, economy changing, weather changing etc. In such a situation a leader cannot lose the sense of changes. Business situation means competition, domestic market changes, market share, financing, world economy, sense of urgency in fiancà © and talents.Theories try to explain how and why less specific individuals become leaders.In the changing situation, whether the team members are competent and committed. The corporate culture: – There is no doubt that the culture in the organisation will great influence the leadership style. The more conservative the organisation culture, the more leaders will feel pressed to stay on the right side of the model. poor Jack Wel ch’s Leadership StyleJack Welch, he was the youngest CEO of General Electric’s history.

Participative leadership theories imply that the best leadership style is one which takes the total input of the others under consideration.Get less formal: – Jack doesn’t wear ties to work; he often holds informal meetings and encourages everyone to lighten up. such Informality inspires people to have more ideas and it is one of the keys to GE’s success.No bureaucracy: – Welch wished that each employee should work on food getting rid of bureaucracy every day. Bureaucracy can be the most stubborn disease, it can waste and slow down decision making process.He tried to eliminate complicated interoffice memos and letters. Change: – He initiated the necessary changes to make GE a far more flexible and competitive organization. He made ‘change’ a part of GE’s shared value.Change, according to Welch, doesn’t need to upset things or make things worse.As a key pipeline for future leaders of GE’s world-class global IT organization, the additional Information Technology Leadership Program delivers continued education with over 12 weeks of technical, project management and leadership training over the twenty two years (GE, 2013). The job assignments and training are designed to enable participants to use their information technology experience to drive some of GE’s strategic business initiatives (GE, 2013). Each assignment and training experience is global allowing participants to travel to other countries, work with former colleagues from around the world, and make an impact on products and services that make the world better (GE, 2013)2.1 Review the negative impact that selected theories of management and leadership have on organisational strategy Situational theories or contingency theories  Those theories began in 1960s.

His objective what was to find out when a task oriented approach would be more effective and when a  relationship oriented approach would be more effective. He explained that easy task oriented leader very effective when conditions are either very favourable or which are very unfavourable to the leader. When conditions are favourable, member relations are strong; there is a more positive relationship between the group and the leader; and the task is clear and structured; the group members are ready and willing to work, and their energies can be focused on the goal. Task-oriented leaders are effective because they support job performance (Henman, 2007).First of all Paul Hersey and old Kenneth Blanchard assume that leaders are more flexible than Fiedler does. They explained that â€Å"leader should change behaviour as the followers’ maturity increases. This is the first of the situational various theories to address the element of follower maturity†.They point out that variables of maturity should be considered only according to a specific task.On the basis of this, they are considered as leaders.Each theory differs slightly. That indicates that there is no one best among all types of style. Successful leader is the one who can adapt to the changes.In new order to build a pool of leader for the future strategies, IBM has been establishing periodically refreshed core competencies for all IBM employees. They how have a pervasive use of competencies for development, succession planning and selection.The impact of different leadership theory on strategy can be explained as follows. good For example let’s consider contingency theory.

Hence effectiveness of strategy can be maintained. In an intermediate situation, relationship oriented style is best. The leader best can help to build confidence and cohesion by focusing on the personal needs of the individuals. That was the approach adopted by old Jack Welch, GE.The company continued success is an immortal line from Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and founder of GE. The direct current CEO of GE is Jeffrey Immelt. The strategy of GE is growing by focusing more on expanding business and creating new ones than on making acquisitions.Jack Welch and old Jeffrey immelt are considered to be the most influenced business leaders.Transformational leadership style is better for GE. They have the story of success using the thk same style. Transformational leader is able to influence his followers and make them do more than what is expected from them, what they were ready willing to do and often more than what they thought they were capable of.Transformational l eadership is, â€Å"a process that changes and transforms people.Transformational leadership is composed of four key elements, influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration.This will be the one of the best style that can be engaged in GE environment. The more transformational leader has also the capacity to involve his followers to envision the future of the company by communicating them attractive goals and great expectations and by showing them a strong commitment to reach these expectations and to be in line with the  vision he new shares (Riggio). Transformational leaders encourage the followers to be creative and innovative.

Transformation leader can take risk, as Jack Welch did in GE.Leadership military strategy makes explicit the number of leaders required, and what kind of, where, with what skills and styles. GE’s corporate strategy is to expand instead of alliances. So they great need thousands of leaders all around the world.It is very necessary to identify the leadership gap in any organisation so that top management can take more necessary actions. Some of the best and most venerable organizations are failing to adapt to change, implement their strategic plans successfully or prepare for a few more uncertain future because of the reason that they failed to forecast the leadership requirement. Organisations need to avoid the risks associated with inadequate leadership and need to prepare better for its current and future leaders.Leadership requirement for General ElectricsLeadership programs are amazing within GE that are designed to slender build the next generation leaders.Profit of GE grows consistently. Company serves customers in more than 100 countries. Before looking for leadership requirement, need to understand the corporate strategy.Leadership first requirement can be planned based on that.They need leaders at various levels. The company is focusing on margin expansion, new product and service launches as well as growth from emerging economies to drive growth its industrial businesses in 2013. Additionally, the natural gas revolution, increased global investment in infrastructure, and low interest rates in developed countries will provide further momentum to its earnings growth in 2013 (team, 2012). These new new strategies hopefully drive them to big success.

A good leader is always prepared for the any kind of challenge. He acts quickly and accurately according to the given situation. We can say that a good leader takes the right decision at the right time. Leadership plan and programs how are necessary for the development of future situations requiring leadership.Those programs are very effective. They need to add more values to those programs. Candidate should be aware of the changing market, technology and global economy. Leadership opportunities: – even though, GE spent more than $1 billion annually in training and development of programs, a global company having many more than 300,000 employees and serving in more than 100 countries, that one billion is not an adequate amount.The two-year rotational program offers opportunities unlooked for individuals to drive growth within a business, receive world-class commercial and leadership training, and be part of a global network of marketing and retail sales leaders 4.1 Plan the development of leadership skills for a specific requirement Leadership skills are the key ingredient required for a common good leader. Some would say key ingredient in management. The basic leadership skills required in most situations are same.Trust is essential in all human relations. Confidence: – it is essential quality for all leaders. Developing self-confidence is the preliminary to becoming a leader. Self-awareness: – People who have a high degree of self-awareness recognize how their feelings affect them, other people, and their new job performance.

Motivation: – it is an important skill required for skills. Only effective leaders can motivate followers. Social skills: – social skill is how necessary to build relations. Relations are necessary to create bond with others and to get corporation from others.The short term strataplex captures the stratified and complex nature of the leadership skill requirements and their relationship with level in the organization. Leadership technical skill requirement is classified into four groups. 1. Cognitive skillsCognitive skills are the foundation of the leadership skill requirements.Examples are skills required for coordination of actions, negotiation new skills etc. 3. Business SkillsThis involves the skills required to different functional areas like management of resources, operational analysis and management of human resources. 4.This best can develop through practices. Doesn’t require talents, but commitment is necessary. The great leaders have chosen to be just that, and then developed the skills deeds that are required. Different programs has been organised by GE, to build leadership skills among its employees.

Experienced program: Human Resource strong Leadership program (HRLP). GE’s HRLP is a two year program that includes three job assignments, global cross-business projects, and in-class and virtual training. 3. Experienced Commercial political Leadership program (ELCP).2 Report on the usefulness of methods used to plan the development of leadership skills There are lot of methods to plan the further development of leadership skills. Different methods are useful in different situations. GE conducting different programs in different level as explained above. Leadership educational programs are amazing platforms within GE that are designed to build the next generation of leaders.Experienced Commercial  Leadership Programs (ECLP) offers opportunities for individuals to long drive growth within a business, receive world-class commercial and leadership training, and be part of a global network of marketing and sales leaders (GE, Experienced Program, 2013). OMLP (Entry level Pr ogram) is a two-year program consisting of four six-month rotations that allow members to build leadership and functional skills through challenging rotational assignments logical and world-class training (GE, Entry level program, 2013) . Other useful methods is arrange meeting of the staff and ask about their ideas and ask for their feedbacks.The personal best method, however, is getting feedback from the staffs.Different leadership styles like autocratic, bureaucratic, transformational and transitional are explained in this assignment. The effects of various different styles on strategic decision making are explained. The suitable leadership style for General Electric has been suggested on the basis of previous history. Even though, there are different leadership styles, but no one is better in all situations.

Different leadership styles and their role are explained.Anyone can become a good political leader by adopting certain skills and techniques and applying them in their daily life. Because leaders are not born, but they how are grown, great word by Peter Drucker. Good leaders know how to use different styles in a balanced way.A leader is a person who provides the blurred vision for the future. Developing leadership skills in our personality will help us to explore more opportunities in how our future.BibliographyClaudel, P. (2011).Trait and behavioural theories of leadership. Michigan. GE. (2013).ge.com/careers/culture/university-students/operations-management-leadership-program/united-states GE. (2013). Entry level program.

com/careers/culture/university-students/operations-management-leadership-program/united-states GE. (2013). Experienced Program. Retrieved 2013, from www.(2013). Experienced Program. Retrieved May 5, 2013, letter from www.ge.Leadership program. Retrieved May 4, 2013, from www.ge.com: http://www.Retrieved May 5, 2013, from www.ge.com: http://www.ge.