Technical communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Technical communication - Essay Example Therefore, the statement about the ease of operation should be changed, along with the drawing, so that the two agree in the assumption of this reasonable â€Å"fitness for a particular purpose† (Product, 2009). Ethical Case: In this case, the DMX-450 ® is advertised as a product that â€Å"makes downloading large email files almost instant. You’ll no longer have to wait for large file scans.† The ethical breach that has occurred here is that the content violates the reader’s assumptions of fact based and rational explanation of the product. Instead, the DMX is being advertised as operating at a speed that is impossible, or approaching impossible; it is not an objective or fact-based description of what the software is capable of (such as a specific baud rate or downloading speed). I would tell the co-worker that s/he should trust their consumer more, and stop trying to talk down to them with lofty exaggerations; I would advise them to simply tell the consumer about the product, rather than boasting, to make a better ethical impression. This way, the consumer will feel more secure and trusting about the company’s

Why Framers Chose Federalism Essay Example for Free

Why Framers Chose Federalism Essay Introduction: Federalism is a system of government that divides governing power and authority between the national governments and the state governments (Bowman). In 1787, the framers of the constitution chose this specific type of government to rule over the United States. I will show you that the framers chose this system of government for several different types of reasons. Reasons are because the national government was not strong enough, to maintain the states sovereignty, and it will protect individual liberty. I will also show you how the 10th Amendment, Concurrent Powers, and Block Grants each apply to the federalist system of government. You will see why the framers chose Federalism and understand how Block Grants, Concurrent Powers, and the 10th amendment is important and ties into federalism. Weak National Government A reason why framers chose Federalism is because the national government was not strong enough. The type of government that was already in action which was confederalism which made the states too democratic. There was no leadership. The separate individual states were actually considered stronger than the central government. Which made it so that the national government was unable to enforce laws and collect taxes as well as recommendations, having no national court system effective. There was a big lack of unity and common laws because the states were too independent and full of themselves. Federalism, on the other hand, gave the national government the power that they needed to be more in control, let them enforce laws and collect taxes and balanced out the powers between the national and state governments. Maintaining The Sovereignty of The States Federalism also helped to maintain the sovereignty of every state. State sovereignty is the power of a state to do everything it can to self govern itself. This was very important because the states each valued their own uniqueness and this helped them to keep that. Each state was still able to have their own laws, build what they want, just as long as it didn’t conflict with the national government. For example, Texas could not make a law forbidding women to vote, because the national government has said that it is a right for all citizens of this country. There are many laws that the states may have, there’s traffic laws, criminal laws, property laws and many others. For example, Colorado is allowed to give the death penalty to someone who has committed a murder. Federalism made it so that the states were still able to do what they wanted to do, but with a little more control and organization. Protecting Individual Liberty Liberty is the condition of being free from restriction. It is the right to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner. The Framers of the constitution believed that any governmental power was a threat to our individual liberty, and that the exercise of governmental power should be restrained. They felt that to divide governmental power prevented the abusement of liberty. Since the powers is shared between the federal and state governments, it prevents either one of the governments from going corrupt and denying personal liberty. Federalism also protects the liberty of all persons within a State by ensuring that laws that are enacted in excess of delegated governmental power cannot direct or control their actions. Federalism: The 10th Amendment The 10th amendment is basically almost the meaning of federalism. This brief statement says â€Å"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.† Which means, the powers that are not granted to the National government are given to the states or the people. It states the idea that local and national governments should share the power of governing which is exactly what federalism is. The 10th amendment was written to emphasize the limited nature of the powers that were delegated to the national government. In delegating just specific powers to the federal government, the states and the people, with some small exceptions, were free to continue exercising their sovereign powers. It served as a wonderful compromise for both states and the national government as a whole. Federalism: Concurrent Powers Concurrent Powers is a big part of federalism. This is where the national government and the state government powers are shared. Concurrent Powers were mentioned by Alexander Hamilton in the federalist papers. He wrote that it was important for states to maintain their sovereignty and he felt that concurrent powers would help do so. For example, they each have the power to tax. The federal government has the power to tax its citizens, and the state government has the power to tax its residents. This refers to federal income tax which everybody pays and state income tax which is paid and imposed in the state which you live. Other concurrent powers includes building roads, protecting the environment, borrowing money, creating and enforcing laws, borrow money, create lower courts, and charter banks and corporations. Federalism: Block Grants Block grants are grants from the central government to the state government with general provisions as to the way it is spent. They tie into federalism because it shows the unity between the central and state governments, they both cooperate to help communities and the people. States usually use block grants for welfare, social services, education and urban development. For example, when the Republicans retook Congress in 1994, they changed many federal grants into block grants. Instead of giving money to states to buy textbooks or repair schools, for example, Congress gave states blocks of money to spend on education in any way the states saw fit. Another example includes medicaid. It gives states the option to consolidate Medicaid and SCHIP funding into state acute care and long term care allotments. Block grants are very beneficial, they give more opportunity to state and local governments to help people in their communities. They also can reduce the amount of money spent on burea ucracy so that more can be dedicated to the area of need. Conclusion: The framers chose federalism for distinct reasons. It was very important for us to have a stronger national government, the states were to independent and it was destroying the unity. We needed to maintain state sovereignty, the uniqueness of each state was very significant. Protecting our individual liberty was a must. It was necessary for us to continue to have our individual rights and freedom. The 10th Amendment, Concurrent Powers, and Block Grants all play very important roles when it comes federalism. Without the 10th amendment, federalism wouldn’t even exist. If it weren’t for concurrent powers, the two governments would be very separated and not very unified. Federalism and the factors that influence it is extremely important to know about because it allows people living in different states with different needs and different interests to set policies suited to the people in their state, yet still come together with other states as one nation. It allows our nation to be more diverse and more unified, the way the nation should be.

Abortion and the Importance of Religion :: Papers

Abortion and the Importance of Religion There is a negative relationship between support for abortion and the importance of religion, while controlling party affiliation. Among males, there is a negative relationship between support for abortion and the importance of religion. Among females, there is a negative relationship between support for abortion and the importance of religion. A person’s religious background greatly influences whether or not they support abortion. When religion plays an important role in someone’s life, they are less likely to support abortion. Most religions strongly disapprove of the taking of someone’s life. They consider it one of the highest sins a human can commit. They believe that abortion is considered murder because even a fetus has a spirit so it shall be considered a living human. When religion plays a less important role in a person’s life, they are more likely to support abortion. These people are more likely to consider reasons for the abortion rather than never permitting it. These people tend to look at the women and why she is requesting the abortion. They are less likely to consider a fetus a living being until it is born. The first hypothesis indicates that the higher the importance of religion is to a person the less supportive they would be of abortion, with regards to that persons political party affiliation. The party in which a person identifies with will have a direct effect on the link between support for abortion and the importance of religion. Political parties, as well as a persons religious background, play a major role in attitudes towards different issues. By nature, democrats are more likely to approve abortion than republicans. A person’s religious background usually has an effect on which party they associate themselves with. Therefore, there must be a link between a person’s party affiliation, religious background, and their support of abortion. The second and third hypotheses indicate that gender has an effect on support for abortion based on their religious beliefs. I believe that men are less likely to approve abortion than women because of the women’s’ movement that has been going on for years. Many women are more apt to approve of the idea of pro-choice. They want to decide what is best for them, not some politician in Washington, D.C. A 90’s women is more independent than say a 50’s women. They are battling for women’s rights. Abortion is a very controversial issue which directly effects women’s rights. I believe that

the role of the church in the Kosovo crisis :: essays research papers

After the Dayton peace accords in 1995, terminating the civil war in Bosnia-Hercegovina, the attention of the world turned to Kosovo. The international agreement terminating the Bosnian War ignored the problems of Kosovo, where the Albanian majority claimed independence. As their complaints were not addressed, the Kosovars turned from a policy of passive resistance of their moderate leadership to guerilla tactics and violent acts against the Serbian authorities conducted by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Their activities prompted the State Department to label them a "terrorist group" in February 1998. A year later, however, the Western powers invited the KLA, not the previous moderate leaders, to represent Kosovo at Rambouillet. As our subject is the role played by the Serbian Church under the leadership of Patriarch Pavle, we will stress its activities here. Among the spokesmen we must single out Bishop Artemije of the Raska-Prizren Diocese, who has been particularly articulate in expressing the views of the church in Kosovo. We must also mention Father Sava of Decani, who speaks English, commands the computer, and has played a crucial role in outreach. The church assembly convened in Prizren in August 1997 criticized the activities of the Serbian special forces as well as of the Albanian KLA. As for the KLA aim of independence for Kosovo, they warned that this "would immediately produce large scale instability in the whole region, resulting in a disastrous multiethnic war." The church urged that ethnic Albanians would be able to find a satisfactory status in a "democratic Serbian state." They recognized that this ideal was far from the Milosevic regime. By 1998, the conflict was in full force. Church spokesmen repeatedly criticized the excessive use of force by the Milosevic police and paramilitaries in Kosovo, but also denounced the KLA, which had started murdering Serbian policemen and ethnic Albanians who they thought were cooperating with Serbian authorities. They strongly condemned the role of the KLA in abducting civilians. Three months before bombing started, the KLA clearly had already declared war on the Serbs in Kosovo. In February 1999, the international community called a meeting in Rambouillet, outside Paris, to stop he conflict. The negotiators were dealing with the self-appointed KLA leaders and representatives sent by Milosevic. As the representative of the Patriarch, Bishop Artemije tried to reach the negotiators. He tried to represent the viewpoint of the local Serbian population and the church in this ecclesiastical center, even to be an observer, but was rebuffed by Milosevic and by the diplomats.

Civil Liberties vs National Security

In U. S. , the bill of rights protects civil liberties. People in the United States, hold civil rights, which are those privileges, immunities and rights held by all Americans and political rights, which are the rights that are restricted to those who are entitled to participate in elections, as candidates or voters. The distinction is important since not all are eligible to vote though they all should enjoy their freedoms. This may no longer be feasible as majority of the civil rights are taken to include the political rghts in this age. National security can be defined as a country's need to maintain its survival by use of military, political and economic power for diplomacy. Civil liberty are freedoms and rights exercised by individuals in any country provided by their country's legislation or international laws, for example the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, the right to privacy, the right to security and liberty and many more. National security issues arose after the second world war in the united states of America with initial emphasis on the military. For any country in this day and age, national security encompasses energy security, economic security, environmental security and many more. Security threats range not only from external states but also from illegal drug cartels, multi-national organizations and terrorists groups. The civil liberty concepts are protected under a country's constitution, bill of rights. Other legal legislation are also adopted by country's to uphold this civil liberties by giving effect to international laws passed in conventions such as the International Covenant and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The protection of civil rights is deemed as the responsibility of a country's people and government. The extent of some civil liberties, such as reproductive rights, property rights and several others are subject of debate. The debate of whether or not civil liberties should or can be infringed to ensure national security has been subject to never ending debate. The extent to which civil liberties can be altered and, or suspended with respect to the security of a nations interests calls for a reat deal of care in striking the correct balance. Posner (2001) disputes the ideology of civil libertarians that national security will lead to an erosion of civil liberties. He proposes that the basic mistake is the prioritizing of liberty and is both a mistake about history as well as law when it comes to striking the needed balance between civil freedoms and national security. In his view, under law, these civil rights can rarely be altered to suit the time within which they exist to uphold the same rights as before. Cole (2002), in contrast states that the nation's response to national security threats has time and again infringed civil rights. The Supreme Court of the United State's in tandem acknowledges that, â€Å"History abundantly documents the tendency of Government, however benevolent and benign its motives -to view with suspicion those who most fervently dispute its policies. † that said, this is not a problem that is unique to the United States, but the constitutional structures, political will and religious structures do not protect the people's rights. He further points out that our governments subvert the freedoms that constitute the defense in the well being of a nation. Glenn Greenwald talks of the misconception of combating terror in the name of national security while upholding civil liberties. He emphasis that the meaning of this civil rights has been distorted and often misunderstood due to the description of combating terrorism to preserve national security. The meaning of terrorism has been built on the notion that, if one was not on our side then they were definitely against us. This has grown fear within people that infringe on basic human rights e. g of residence, movement, expression, association and many more. The misinterpretation of upholding national security ends up marginalizing and curtailing the freedoms of some of the patriotic residents who may be involved directly or indirectly with particular religions and groups seen as potential threats. The F. B. I, has significant legal powers, excellent resources, and a jurisdiction that has overseas coverage. They have in recent years penetrated and prosecuted many organized criminal gangs, uncovered public corruption and successfully caught up with terror attacks. Still the same F. B. I has curtailed the basic freedoms of association, speech e. t. c The bureau while protecting their national security freedoms has infringed the human rights by disrupting and neutralizing peaceful protests. It has more so focused its resources on neutralizing and curbing political activity other than investigate criminal activities. The force, does not have accountability to the the public while incriminates on the basis of association instead of relying hard facts and evidence to get hold of the real criminals. The adoption of legislation such as the Anti-terrorism Act (1996), is a good indicator of past injustices and the unrestricted investigations by the bureau based on political agendas. The Act's deliberate criminalization of peaceful activity gave the F. B. I. leverage to involve itself in the religious, ethnic and political grouping involving themselves in peaceful and humanitarian work. Afterwards, it grew to encourage politically motivated investigations. The deportation and exclusion of immigrants on the basis of guilt of association completely discredits the protection of the civil rights. Other legislations such as the enactment of the secret evidence against alleged terrorists infringed on their basic freedoms e. g the right to confront one's accusers. For any society, political freedom is key, thus allowing peaceful ways to express their dissatisfaction which in turn initiates social change. Civil rights have been infringed since the legal regime established under Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower who facilitated the worst abuses in the FBI's history, and eventually led to reforms. The FBI under new and better legislation undertook an intensive campaign with the aim of capturing suspected Communists,. The committees that were set up drew up lists and constructed links among organizations. They were confronted with incriminating evidence with no room for self defense and compelling testimonies from individuals who lost their jobs if they did not agree to testify, and to some extent were locked up. Posner insists that these freedom should be curtailed up to the point where the benefits outweigh the costs of reduced liberty. In all this, legislation ought to be responsible as well as the officials so that they maintain the balance between the civil liberties and national security. History depicts officials generally exaggerate the dangers to the country's security which is not entirely true. Officials tasked with the responsibility to estimate the occurrences and magnitude of these dangers failed, thus led to the occurrences e. the civil war of Japan on the U. S that led to the distraction at Pearl Harbor,of Soviet espionage in the 1940s, the September 11 attacks and many more. The Government in times of crisis, will exercise its power to conduct a comprehensive domestic intelligence. The difference between legal dissent and criminal conduct is often forgotten. The work of the church, is to recommend means to make sure that the distinction will always be observed. The unfortunate bit arises when, you incompatible and outdated ways to deal with issues that threaten your national security. Legislations that deem an individual guilty by association of group, color, race, religion should be put aside to ensure that the fundamental rights of each human being are respected and up held. In the ongoing balancing debate between civil liberties and national security is never ending. However, the constitution has an already balanced point between personal freedoms and government power. Hence the curtailing of individual rights is a personal decision or the government's irresponsibility with the power vested in it by the same people it ought to protect. Anti-terrorism can be used as a measure to the extent of infringing right. Despite the intense war to eradicate terrorism everywhere, the terrorist threat in reality cannot be eliminated. We need to come up with very good responses. However, this should be careful planned out and executed to avoid sacrificing the fundamental principles that constitute our democratic identity. Otherwise, it is best is to follow our liberal principles, to use the set criminal laws to punish and prosecute those who plan or carry out violent deeds and encourage critics of our government into the practice of tolerance and democracy.

Free Koreatown in LA History Essay Example

Free Koreatown in LA History Essay Example and ethnic connotation.

Criticism on Their eyes were watching god essays

Criticism on Their eyes were watching god essays The image of pear tree, the road, and horizon all symbolize Janies individual quest for self identity. Janie tries to look for her identity in a society both as a woman and a black person but both are neither appreciated in the white male-dominated world. The narration which Janie uses makes her strong and serves as her power for attaining and protecting the basis of African-American culture. As a woman, Janie claims her self and asserts her will to live her own life. She makes her own voice and that means she attempts the possibilities of new Black voices and new stories that reflect new realities. Janies search for inner self may well be parallel to African-Americans search for their own culture by protecting their oral traditions. It is significant that there is a lack of generation between Janie and her grandmother. Janie is brought up by her grandmother, not by her mother. The gap between two generations is so strong. Her inner voice raises first as she replaces her search for identity by the pear tree image that signifies a happy and romantic marriage. Then, her search for self identity shapes in her mind through her romantic beliefs. As Nannys death freed Janie from her snare, so Jodys death frees her from the second entrapment that makes her deal with her quest. Therefore, she becomes an active figure in planning her own life. One of the critics Missy Dehn Kubitschek asserts detailing her quest for self-discovery and self-definition, it celebrates her as an artist who enriches Eatonville by communicating her understanding The novel depicts an individual seeking an authentic place in a community. This shows, the sense of belonging to a community provides the sense of cultural and self-identity. When Janie is back in Eatonville after Tea Cakes death, s ...

Ethnic Stratification, Prejudice, Discrimination Hispanics

Ethnic Stratification, Prejudice, Discrimination Hispanics Ethnicity and race have been a topic of immense concern in the United States of America since it has a wide range of ethnic and racial entities in this country, having a broad historical background of origin. The author of this paper discusses the effects of ethnic stratification on the Hispanics/Latinos, and how prejudice and discrimination are relevant to this ethnic group.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ethnic Stratification, Prejudice, Discrimination: Hispanics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ethnic Stratification Ethnic stratification has resulted in differences in the distribution of resources according to hierarchical positions. The most powerful/dominant ethnic group enjoys most benefits as long as resource distribution is concerned. In the US, stratification was done based on physical appearance and religion. The white Protestants are top in the hierarchy followed by the Jews, white Catholics and Asians. T he bottom in the hierarchy includes the blacks, Indian Americans, some Asians and Hispanics or Latinos. This has changed since there have been several conversions from one culture to another. Currently, stratification is done using two main ways i.e. biological characteristics and ethnic background. To the Hispanic, what has mostly influenced their placement in the hierarchy is their ethnic background. Given their unclear origin these citizens are usually treated as non-Americans. They are currently ranked lower than the blacks especially in employment, housing and education. The Latinos are thus discriminated because of their position in the ethnic hierarchy. In fact, stratification is the main reason for racialism and racism among the American population. Prejudice and discrimination The disparity in ethnic class resulting from the social stratification in the American society has resulted to uncontained prejudice and discrimination. Price (2012) defines prejudice as peoplesâ€⠄¢ perception towards people of other cultures whose traits they consider negative because of their cultural background, religion or color (Price 802). Discrimination, on the other hand, is ones act of prejudice on another person or a group (Price 802).Advertising Looking for essay on ethnicity studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to different surveys (Gk-survey, Pew Research poll), the Hispanics are ranked second after African Americans among those who face discrimination in the United States of America. The Hispanics are mostly discriminated against finding adequate and good housing (US Census Bureau, para 7). The pew research poll indicated a shocking statistics that three of ten Latino employees have been discriminated at least once a week at their work place. About 12% of the interviewed Hispanics in the US Census Bureau Survey believe that at one time, they had been fired from work due to prejudic e. Moreover, one in ten Hispanic men report going into prison at least once in their life due to prejudice and discrimination (US census bureau para. 6). This discrimination extends to other extremely valuable services like education, health services and leadership. The children and youth are the most affected by the discrimination though adults also phase their position of prejudice and discrimination. The discrimination has had lots of influence on the perception of the Hispanics on life and other vital activities (Price 801). The Hispanics are reported to be less motivated in life at work, low education standard and high unemployment rates. These are all results of prejudice and discrimination that they face. Policy measures to reduce the discrimination bears no evident fruit, campaigns for equality to bears no fruits. It is forecast that with the increase in Hispanic immigrants into the US, perceptions against the Hispanics increases and thus discrimination worsens. The bid to r educe this prejudice has thus to be heightened to save the situation. Price, Patricia L. â€Å"Race and ethnicity: Latino immigrants and emerging geographies of race and place in the USA.† Progress in Human Geography 36.6 ( 2012): 800-809. Print. US census bureau, 2010, Web. www.census.gov.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ethnic Stratification, Prejudice, Discrimination: Hispanics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Protestant Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Protestant - Assignment Example sts also questioned the older understanding and meanings of biblical scriptures, and made attempts to bring forth improved explanations of the prevailing biblical words. The followers of the liberal mainline Protestant Christianity believe in the existence of a Deity i.e. Trinity that includes the Father, the Holy Spirit and the Son. They believe that symbolically speaking, Jesus Christ is a manifestation or incarnation of the God. God is the creator of universe and evidence that arises as a result of scientific experimentation supports this notion. They also believe that death is not the end; evil will be punished while good acts will be rewarded in the afterlife (Albanese 106). The older belief regarding inheritance of ‘original sin’ (Adam & Eve) is not readily accepted by many. Instead of following a religious concept regarding suffering of the humanity, the liberal Protestants are more inclined towards following the humanistic approach which aligns closely with the modern notion of helping the needy in times of need. Overall, the liberal approach seeks to find rational answers to religious questions and in doing so, centers the deci sions on knowledge that is already acquired by human beings by scientific

Sustainable tourism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sustainable tourism - Research Paper Example urism industry, local communities, and NGOs need to collaborate with each other to facilitate the production of enterprises of sustainable tourism that are of both economic value and local benefit. In planning for sustainable tourism is essential to visualize the best possible situation for tourism the community and protected area. This ultimately underpins the overall course of sustainable tourism initiatives in light of objectives that ensure sustainability is achieved (Page, 24). Sustainable Tourism’s Triple Bottom Line Three prime components known as the triple bottom line drive sustainable tourism. First is the Environmental tenet. Environmentally, this kind of tourism has very limited impact on the natural resources, specifically within the protected areas. It limits environmental damage (living resources in marines, habitats, water, fauna, flora, contamination, use of energy) and fundamentally makes an attempt to impart benefit to the environment. Second is social and c ultural conservation. Culturally and socially, sustainable tourism does not destroy the fabric of the community within which it is situated. It instead respects local traditions and cultures, stakeholders such as communities, individuals, tour operators; as well government institutions are involved in all the phases involving planning, developing, and monitoring sustainable tourism. It also creates awareness and builds the capacity of stakeholders on their specific roles. Third is economic prosperity. Economically, sustainable tourism contributes to the well-being of community by generating equitable and sustainable income for the local communities, together with all other stakeholders. It amasses immense benefits for the employees, owners and neighbors. It is not easy for sustainable tourism to... Three prime components known as the triple bottom line drive sustainable tourism. First is the Environmental tenet. Environmentally, this kind of tourism has very limited impact on the natural resources, specifically within the protected areas. It limits environmental damage (living resources in marines, habitats, water, fauna, flora, contamination, use of energy) and fundamentally makes an attempt to impart benefit to the environment. Second is social and cultural conservation. Culturally and socially, sustainable tourism does not destroy the fabric of the community within which it is situated. It instead respects local traditions and cultures, stakeholders such as communities, individuals, tour operators; as well government institutions are involved in all the phases involving planning, developing, and monitoring sustainable tourism. It also creates awareness and builds the capacity of stakeholders on their specific roles. Third is economic prosperity. Economically, sustainable tou rism contributes to the well-being of community by generating equitable and sustainable income for the local communities, together with all other stakeholders. It amasses immense benefits for the employees, owners and neighbors. It is not easy for sustainable tourism to simply start up and rapidly die, since it does not possess attributes allied to poor business practices (Page, 32). Tourism enterprises that satisfactorily fulfill the triple bottom line principle end up doing well by doing well in society.

Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 6

Operations Management - Essay Example Operations management is defined by Metters and Maruacheck (2007, p. 210) as the conversion of inputs into outputs, using physical resources in order to provide the desired utility of place, form, state or possession or a combination to the customer while still fulfilling the other organizational goals of efficiency, effectiveness and adaptability. Pilkington, and Meredith (2009, p. 190) further explain that operations management is basically concerned with conversion of inputs using physical resources. Nigel, Chambers and Johnston (2010, p. 3) defined operations management as a process of planning, organizing, controlling and directing the activities of the production function. Pilkington, and Meredith (2009, p. 190) argued that operations management is different from other functions of management such as personnel and marketing. He argued that there are several situations that marketing, personnel or other functions can be classified as operations. He holds that when other managers are involved in the physical distribution of products and services to customers, collection of marketing information or are involved in actual recruitment process qualifies them to be classified under operations management. The exclusion of marketing, human resource and other organization functions from the being classified as operations management is disputed by (Introduction to Operations Management) who offers a definition of operations.

Special education students revenue, analysis that shows compartive Research Paper

Special education students revenue, analysis that shows compartive costs of educating those students inside the district as opposed to outside the district - Research Paper Example Since each special child has their own way of understanding, the school system tends to provide more learning hours for them. This caring includes adding to the budget of the school what is needed by the child therefore receiving provisions from the federal government. A child with the development disorder will need a tutor for most of their life in order to be self-dependent and the school has to provide. Although intellectual giftedness can benefit from a different program, the term special needs education refers to those that are underprivileged and this reduces their ability for learning. Special education has institutions, but it is also under integration in the education system in developed countries and each school has a program for special needs students. This modification tries to see that the most number of students, even with special needs, receive service from the general education environment for more inclusive learning activities. Some special cases, however, have to receive handling in special schools, which have specific programs for severe cases. Schools in Saddle Brook school district have approval from the New Jersey department of education. The following is a table showing the average enrollment of the school for the past five years ending with the fiscal year June 30 2012. Saddle brook district is financially well off with residential homes occupying most of it. The district is almost 95% developed which means further development is quite hard to implement. With such a huge residential population, it means that the district funds the schools via the local tax base. This means that for all developments in the district, the community is directly responsible and they determine how much the school has to upgrade the programs. The district has several schools despite its consideration as a small suburban district. It has three K-6 elementary schools; long, Smith and Franklin, the Washington school; houses the special

Interpersonal Communication Class - Final Paper Essay

Interpersonal Communication Class - Final Paper - Essay Example Culture plays a fundamental role in management and leadership especially in multicultural organizations. Two different approaches have been advanced in exploring the contribution of culture within a working environment. The convergence school of thought asserts that national or institutional culture has no significant influence on the leadership and management practices. The scientists in support of this school of thought argue that management has the same ‘best policies and practice’ that is applicable independent of the institutional and cultural context. The divergence school of thought, on the other hand asserts that best management policies and practices are culturally bounded, hence influenced by cultural and contextual factors. Although globalization has resulted to standardization of best management policies and practices, divergence theory on power distance cannot be overlooked; as confirms organizational literatures and psychology articles. Adler and Bartholemew (1994, p.429) concluded that culture was important management aspect that has the ability to cause a significant difference in the human resource management and organizational behavior. Therefore, it was inevitable to consider cultural aspect in managing human cultural diversity. The differences in the national management practices and the outcomes are indicators of the fact that cultural differences have a substantial influence on the management and leadership. It is on this account of cultural influence on management and leadership practice that this study examines cross-cultural differences with respect to international relationship that exist within the working environment between senior managers and the workforce of the organization. In par ticular, the role of power distance on employee’s participation and horizontal communications are emphasized in many cross-cultural

Special education students revenue, analysis that shows compartive Research Paper

Special education students revenue, analysis that shows compartive costs of educating those students inside the district as opposed to outside the district - Research Paper Example Since each special child has their own way of understanding, the school system tends to provide more learning hours for them. This caring includes adding to the budget of the school what is needed by the child therefore receiving provisions from the federal government. A child with the development disorder will need a tutor for most of their life in order to be self-dependent and the school has to provide. Although intellectual giftedness can benefit from a different program, the term special needs education refers to those that are underprivileged and this reduces their ability for learning. Special education has institutions, but it is also under integration in the education system in developed countries and each school has a program for special needs students. This modification tries to see that the most number of students, even with special needs, receive service from the general education environment for more inclusive learning activities. Some special cases, however, have to receive handling in special schools, which have specific programs for severe cases. Schools in Saddle Brook school district have approval from the New Jersey department of education. The following is a table showing the average enrollment of the school for the past five years ending with the fiscal year June 30 2012. Saddle brook district is financially well off with residential homes occupying most of it. The district is almost 95% developed which means further development is quite hard to implement. With such a huge residential population, it means that the district funds the schools via the local tax base. This means that for all developments in the district, the community is directly responsible and they determine how much the school has to upgrade the programs. The district has several schools despite its consideration as a small suburban district. It has three K-6 elementary schools; long, Smith and Franklin, the Washington school; houses the special

International Business Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 2

International Business Management - Essay Example e of this report to be submitted to the Directors of Paltek Company, is to bid for a contract to help Paltek implement its international strategy successfully. The report based on the company’s resources and sector, will identify strategic challenges and market entry options in international markets. Paltek has an annual turnover of  £5 million, employing 70 people to provide specialist circuit boards for business-to-business (B2B) markets including the military and information technology sectors. The components for manufacturing the circuit boards are procured from a number of international markets. The company plans to sell its product on an international scale, and has marketed some of its goods to the United States. Paltek’s new aim is to break into the Nordic markets, because the economies in Northern Europe are highly advanced. Expansion of the company into the European market would prove to be beneficial because of its great numbers of electronic manufacturers and purchasers. In this region Paltek plans to achieve economies of scale by using innovative ideas necessary to remain competitive. Presently offering their products only to United Kingdom customers, Paltek plans to build the design and manufacture facility for niche markets on an international scale. Though procuring supplies of components from Asia, Paltek does not plan to enter the Asian market to sell its products. The company however sees international activities capturing wider markets as the approach to increase the company’s growth. Moreover, another reason for developing the European markets is that Paltek believes that the key to running a successful business is to be in close proximity to the customers. â€Å"For a young, resource-constrained, technology-based start-up embarking on international sales, the choice of entry mode is a strategic decision of major importance† (Burgel & Murray 33). The initial foreign entry behaviour of a young firm can be of major importance in its

A Review of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Essay Example for Free

A Review of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Essay In all honesty, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge was a bit confusing to read. It was not only confusing, but the ending was a surprise to the reader. In the story, we got to see many different aspects of the life of Peyton Farquhar. This story shows the difference that times were back then compared to now. In today’s would, a man would not be hung, let alone executed for tampering with a bridge. I also liked the part in the story of the betrayal of the soldier that appeared to be in the confederate army. This showed that Farquhar was gullible and would do anything to get involved in the army, since he was not able to fight in it. At the end of the story, I was very surprised in finding out that Farquhar was really dead and his escape was just a figment of his imagination. The escape that he had watched in his mind showed how eager Farquhar was to get back to his home and his family. I enjoyed the narrative style the story was written/told in. I thought that since the story was split into three different sections, it was easier to read, and all around understand. The narrator made the beginning of the story suspenseful because the reader wants to know why Farquhar was going to be executed. This technique wants us to keep reading on to find out the terrible thing that Farquhar did. In the middle of the story, we learn the reason he was to be executed was because he tampered with the confederate bridge, thinking it was going to help them. The narrator did a good job of explaining what Farquhar was like and gave the readers a good mental picture of the situation he was in on the bridge. There are several possible themes that could go along with this story. The specific theme that I would choose for this story would be the difference between reality and fantasy. The difference between reality and fantasy go hand-in-hand throughout this story. It is not until the end of the story that we see the difference of them in Farquhar’s life. When Farquhar describes his escape, we believe that this is really happening. Farquhar describes his escape in a lot of detail and talks about his desire to be back with his family and back at home. The difference between reality and fantasy also is seen with the soldier that pretends to be a Confederate. Farquhar believes that the soldier is a Confederate, therefore plans the hurting of the bridge. This ends up being the illusion that leads him to his execution. This illusion of the soldier caused Farquhar to damage the bridge was the reason of his demise. This story did a great job of making you ask yourself, â€Å"what just happened† after reading the last few sentences. The narrators’ creation of Farquhar’s escape confused the reader, yet made it more interesting in the greater scheme of the story.

Cooperative Learning Academic Social

Cooperative Learning Academic Social Cooperative Learning Academic Social Literature Review: Cooperative learning is an informative technique in which students work together in small fixed groups on a structured learning with the aim of maximizing their own and each others learning (Johnson Johnson 1986). Cooperative learning has two very striking aspects on focus; these are academic and social learning benefits. Academic benefits include high grades in all that they achieve, reading intellectual capacity, keeping the kids physically fit, enhanced hypothetical understanding and great triumph in science. Social benefits focus mostly behaviors towards certain tasks and the way they relate among group members, development of higher skill that come from within and self esteem. Social benefits also focus on how they positively relate with others, how they involve themselves in class activities and to develop a positive attitude towards schooling. (Johnson Johnson 1986, Buron, James and Ambrosio 1993; Gillies 1999: Gillies and Ashman 1998; McManus and Gettinge r, 1996) Johnson and Johnson’s â€Å"Learning together† approach involves a more collaborative approach in which students are directed to coordinate their efforts towards task completion emphasizing less on competition. One purpose of the approach is to cater for the third grade leaner’s’ cooperative learning. Several studies on the application of cooperative learning in computer classes have been carried out. Barons (1999) studied the effects of 276 fifth and sixth grader cooperative learning and their ability to form groups during microcomputer learning. The outcome of the four measures of achievement did not go for the idea of cooperative learning or the ability to form groups during microcomputer learning. Seymor (1994) did his study with 57 computer aided design students. Some students worked individually while being given commands by their teacher, another group worked cooperatively and the last group combined both approaches. Seymor made conclusions later on , that cooperative learning proved more efficient in the use of computers. While cooperative learning has so merits behind it towards the students’ academic achievement, building of self esteem, active learning, achievement of equity and the development of social skills, it surely is not a universal remedy for education; it cannot solve all the problems for the students. (Cohen, 1994; Johnson Johnson, 1989; Kagan, 1992; Slavin, 1995), found out that students who had behavioral disorders and had not received proper social skills, performed better with direct instructions rather than with the cooperative approach. Its for this reason that teachers will be advised to have some substantial understanding of how o bring to effect their design of cooperative learning. They should take relative or social-ecological variables into consideration, as proper initial consultation while using cooperative learning requires strong basis in the theoretical and empirical foundation before it is used. The use of computers in group learning enhances deep learning and critical thinking (Eunsook Hyun 44 (2005) 69–91). The children tend to move deeper into what they are learning and critically analyze the activity, to get a deeper understanding. According to these researchers (Newman, Johnson, Webb, Cochrane, 1997), the critical thinking chains positive peer self-motivation, learner’s internal evaluation and the amalgamation of newly acquired information with the already existing comprehension. In the early childhood classes, the computer technology can be used as means of motivating collaborative learning (Eunsook, 2005). Crook (1998), from his own perspective observed that children cooperate and learn collaboratively. If natural and learner-favoring environments were provided, where the children are free to explore, negotiate with their peers, teach and share with their peers, while taking charge of their own learning, would be critical in uncovering the characteristics of young children’s cooperative-learning behavior in now a classroom rich in computer technology. Eunsook (2005) also cites Crook (1991) arguing that technology based activities are effective especially when they help the groups of kids to explore ideas at developmentally meaningful levels. Roth et al (p.1009) describes how a particular computer display affords the possibility of a coherent conversation. Malone and Lepper (1987) show how certain computer games afford intrinsic motivation. This includes control of activity, interactivity, immediate results, graded goals, conflict and moderate certainty. The outcome of interest was working theories or schemas and the individual technology relationship can be described as anchoring. In Papert’s book, Mindstorms, (1980), he asserts that anything is easy if it can be assimilated to your collection of models. He continues to put it across that what an individual can learn and how he learns it depends on what models he has available. Children tend to assimilate the real things, for instance Mathematics, with what interests them most or what preoccupies their minds most. Ceci and Bronfenbrenner (1985, 1991) studied students of age 10 and 14, and found out that a change in how a certain was located, changed the skill of the children. In one of their studies they changed the computer settings in a laboratory. Geometric shapes were to be predicted using a video game setting. In this, the migration of butterflies was to be predicted. The cursor was changed to the picture of a butterfly net and the students were to capture the insects in the butterfly net instead of pointing to the position of the shapes The authors describe strategic and attention behavior that was more efficient for a particular problem solving task in the more familiar context than in a laboratory context. There appeared to be several aspects of a meaningful or comfortable context that anchor the skill, knowledge or strategy. For a variety of reason, then the technology or the problem is more transparent, understandable if anchored to meaning and effect. Nicola Yelland (1999) in his article â€Å"Technology as play† has tried to paint the picture of how the advent of technology has contributed greatly towards how children learn from the technology through play. Learning is not only fun but children can actively form their own meanings and make sense out of the world around them, in different ways. The angle in which toys were observed has changed considerably over the years after the invention of the new technologies. They have brought other dimensions to objects that previously were taken to play a passive role. Computer software that allows children to engage in play tends to be unrestricted and do not simply require the child to press a button to get a feedback. Such softwares are regarded as high yielding cognitive actions. Some software enables children to play with the real world items such as musical instruments, but now in a different dimension. The children can create their own sounds using these softwares which prove to be so interesting to them and a motivation to even create more tunes. Nicola Yelland ha also identified, through other research works, softwares that contribute towards play include the electronic games. Some of these games involve the application of education concepts such as early skills in science and art, like making patterns, matching objects and placing object according to certain specifications. Traditional activities can now be complemented with different experiences that have been made possible with the new information technologies. The new information technologies and the activities associated with them have the potential to extend new learning in new and exciting ways. The question that hovers in many researchers’ minds is whether really children can really learn effectively using the collaborative approach, in a technology filled classroom. Young children are very enthusiastic about technology and therefore, they may be less inhibited about working with computers than adults (Clements, 1994; Haugland, 1999, 2000; Shade, 1999). But the question still remains; how do they behave if placed in a classroom with a great deal of technology. However, little attention in writing has been taken about the impact of this kind of an environment on the computer proficiency of young children. Tiene and Luft (2001a&b; 2000ab) completed a number of quantitative studies focusing on teacher’s general perception of children’s collaboration learning in this kind of a facility. The teachers reported that both they and their students improved their technological proficiency during the time they were in the technology saturated environment. REFERENCES Charles Crook (1998). â€Å"Children as computer users: The case of collaborative learning† Computers and Education pg 237-245. Eunsook Hyun (2005). â€Å"A study of 5- to 6-year-old children’s peer dynamics and dialectical learning in a computer-based technology-rich classroom environment† Computers Education 44 (2005) 69–91 Tiene, D., Luft, P. (2000b; 2001b). â€Å"Classroom dynamics in a technology-rich learning environment.† Learning and Learning with Technology 29(4), pg10–13. Shu Ching Yang and Shu Fang Liu (2005) â€Å"The study of interactions and attitudes of third-grade students learning information technology via a cooperative approach† Computers in Human Behavior Pg 46-49. Margret Carr (2001). â€Å"Analyzing the Relationship between the Learner and Everyday Technology in Early Childhood† Journal of Research Science in Education pg 29-33

Segregation and Housing in Chicago :: American America History

Segregation and Housing in Chicago Chicago was the best place to live and visit for anyone. Many people traveled from far places to visit and live in Chicago. Long after the World War II many things started reshaping America. One of the most significant was the racial change all over America but specifically in Chicago. Many southern blacks started to move into Chicago. Chicago started to become mostly dominated by blacks and other minorities while whites started to move into the suburbs of Chicago. "Beginning in the 1930s, with the city's black population increasing and whites fleeing to the suburbs, the black vote became a precious commodity to the white politicians seeking to maintain control" (Green, 117). Many of the mayors such as Edward J. Kelly, Martin H. Kennelly, and Richard J. Daley won over the blacks and got their votes for them to become mayor. The black population grew by 77 percent by the 1940. The white population dropped from 102,048 to 10,792 during the years of 1940 to 1960. With all of these peopl e moving into Chicago there had to be more housing. There were many houses built to accommodate all the people. Martin H. Kennelly at one time wanted to tear down slums and have public housing built in the black ghetto. Many of the blacks wanted to escape these ghettos so some of them; if they could they would try to move to the white communities. When the blacks would try to move into the white communities they were met with mobs. There were many hurdles that blacks had to overcome not only in Chicago but all over America. The blacks of Chicago had to fight for a place to live and to find a mayor that would help them for who they are, not their color. Throughout Chicago there were many fights that blacks had to fight. It was not easy for blacks to live in the city because everywhere they went they were faced with whites trying to get them to move out. Led by comedian Dick Gregory, 75 people protested in the Bridgeport neighborhood. As these protestors walked many people of the Bridgeport neighborhood threw eggs and tomatoes, showed Ku Klux Klan signs and shouted, "Two-four-six-eight, we don't want to integrate and Oh, I wish I was an Alabama trooper, that is what I'd really like to be-ee-ee. Cuz if I was and Alabama trooper, I could kill the niggers legally" (Biles, 112). Segregation and Housing in Chicago :: American America History Segregation and Housing in Chicago Chicago was the best place to live and visit for anyone. Many people traveled from far places to visit and live in Chicago. Long after the World War II many things started reshaping America. One of the most significant was the racial change all over America but specifically in Chicago. Many southern blacks started to move into Chicago. Chicago started to become mostly dominated by blacks and other minorities while whites started to move into the suburbs of Chicago. "Beginning in the 1930s, with the city's black population increasing and whites fleeing to the suburbs, the black vote became a precious commodity to the white politicians seeking to maintain control" (Green, 117). Many of the mayors such as Edward J. Kelly, Martin H. Kennelly, and Richard J. Daley won over the blacks and got their votes for them to become mayor. The black population grew by 77 percent by the 1940. The white population dropped from 102,048 to 10,792 during the years of 1940 to 1960. With all of these peopl e moving into Chicago there had to be more housing. There were many houses built to accommodate all the people. Martin H. Kennelly at one time wanted to tear down slums and have public housing built in the black ghetto. Many of the blacks wanted to escape these ghettos so some of them; if they could they would try to move to the white communities. When the blacks would try to move into the white communities they were met with mobs. There were many hurdles that blacks had to overcome not only in Chicago but all over America. The blacks of Chicago had to fight for a place to live and to find a mayor that would help them for who they are, not their color. Throughout Chicago there were many fights that blacks had to fight. It was not easy for blacks to live in the city because everywhere they went they were faced with whites trying to get them to move out. Led by comedian Dick Gregory, 75 people protested in the Bridgeport neighborhood. As these protestors walked many people of the Bridgeport neighborhood threw eggs and tomatoes, showed Ku Klux Klan signs and shouted, "Two-four-six-eight, we don't want to integrate and Oh, I wish I was an Alabama trooper, that is what I'd really like to be-ee-ee. Cuz if I was and Alabama trooper, I could kill the niggers legally" (Biles, 112).

Movie Review: Fight Club Essay -- essays research papers

I Am Jack’s Paper The movie Fight Club shakes the foundations of our democratic nation, spits on our capitalist society, and makes all who watch it look at the American way of life differently. In a country driven by consumption, one can imagine the movie Fight Club rubs certain people the wrong way. When Edward Norton was asked why he decided to take the role as the main character in Fight Club, he replied, â€Å"to piss off America.† Each American since childhood has been told repeatedly that democracy equals freedom, but is this true? The only difference between capitalism and socialism is that corporations own everything in a capitalist society. In America â€Å"the things you own end up owning you.† Corporate America gives Americans a television in every home, a car in every driveway, and a Wal-Mart in every town. They call this freedom and freedom shall rain. This new breed of social democracy, an evolution of democracy where private enterprise controls Big Brother, is spreading through the world, infesting and exploiting every country and every government, from the sweatshops of Central America to the oilfields of Iraq; corporate America is slowly choking the world, one McDonalds at a time. Consumerism is the drive shaft of our generation, the fuel that pushes kids through college, and hope that one day we can have all the things seen in magazines and on TV. The dream of owning a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence and a SUV parked in the driveway. â€Å"Advertising h...

African Actions Essay

During the late 1800s, Africa was put under immense pressure by the European powers as they scrambled to take over African territory. They were shoved into a corner and had limited options of getting out. One thing they refused to do was give in to the elites that were trying to overcome them. Africa as a whole reacted in three ways; diplomatically- as in respectively declining the Europeans offer and not giving up their land, violently- by fighting with what little firearms they had against the extremely advanced guns their opponents had, and in desperation- seeing no other option and no better way to get out so reacting in ways that were unexpected like women fighting and believing in a saving spirit that could protect them. These tactics worked for some African nations better than others, but in most cases the nation was still taken over in the end. At the beginning of Europeans scramble for Africa, the chiefs of the different African nations felt that they could solve this whole situation diplomatically. Europe tried to just take over the African government easily and painlessly, but the African nations refused to just let them take over. The British government tried to administer a standardized form to all areas around the Niger River and for the Royal Niger Company. This form would ensure that Europe would have control of the lower Niger River. The form stated that â€Å"the Royal Niger Company bind themselves not to interfere with any of the native laws or customs of the country† (1). They say that they will stay out of all African affairs but they really did not. Because of this, an Ashanti leader responded by saying â€Å"I am pleased to announce that we have arrived at the conclusion that my kingdom of Ashanti will never commit itself to any such policy† (2). The Ashanti nation wants to stay friendly with the British, but they don’t want to be controlled by them. The Ethiopian nation responded very similarly and said, â€Å"Since the All-Powerful has protected Ethiopia up until now, I am hopeful that he will keep and enlarge it also in the future, and I do not think for a moment that He will divide Ethiopia amount the distant Powers† (3). Ethiopia felt they didn’t need any â€Å"extra protection† from Europe when they were already fully protected by their God. Both of these nations politely declined, yet that wouldn’t necessarily stop these distant powers from invading. Another common reaction to the European invasion was violence. When they African nations refused to let Europe invade easily, Europe took control and just invaded. Obviously, the Africans felt this unacceptable. For example, in South Africa, Africans were being treated like slaves and were beat by the Europeans. They rebelled and fought with all the machinery they had but were completely demolished. A veteran of this rebellion stated â€Å"We made many charges but each time we were defeated. But for the White men’s machine guns, it would have been different† (4). The Africans felt that if the British wouldn’t have had the advantage of their heavier artillery, that they would’ve had a chance in winning. Even in an area near the Congo River the Africans felt it unfair they didn’t have the same weaponry. One African chief said, â€Å"You think because you have guns you can take away our land and our possessions. You have sickness in your heads, for this is not justice† (9). In both situations, they were really bitter after their losses and knew they could’ve won if the playing field was even. In Ethiopia, they leveled the playing field by getting equal artillery with the Europeans. In the picture presented in document 5, it shows violent resistance and an epic battle over the land. Once both sides had equal equipment, the Africans actually won the battle and pushed Europe out of their lands. All these people refused to go down without a fight because their land was all they had. The last most common reaction was desperation. Africans were desperate and didn’t feel they had many options but they had to do everything they could to keep life as they knew it was. One option they turned to was having the women fight. When some of the chiefs of the Ashanti were scared to fight, the Ashanti Queen stated â€Å"If you the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we will. We the women will† (6). They would do anything to keep their nation from being taken over, even if the men wouldn’t do it the women would. This shows true desperation because at that point in time women could rarely participate in anything governmental, especially fighting in war, but they were willing to do anything. The Africans tried to encourage all other African nations to fight back as well. They knew that there was a high probability that they would die, which was why most nations weren’t fighting back, but one leader of the Herero people said to another African leader that they should â€Å"Let us die fighting rather than die as a result of maltreatment, imprisonment, or some other calamity. Tell all the chiefs down there to rise and do battle† (7). They figured if they were going to die either way, they should go down honorably and fight for what’s right. It was their last resort, but they knew it was what they needed to do. They even got to such a point that they started to believe in anything that could help them win. A German military officer recorded that in East Africa, â€Å"The chiefs spread it amount their people that a spirit, living in the form of a snake, had given a magic medicine to a medicine man†¦The medicine would also give invulnerability, acting in such a way that enemy bullets would fall from their targets like raindrops† (8). The chiefs used whatever they could to get their people to believe that they could win this battle against the Europeans, for they were desperate and needed something to motivate their people into victory. The Africans were surprised at the major invasion that was unexpected, but they reacted in whatever way they could to keep their land from being taken over. Another document that could be helpful in understanding this situation more would be a document from the Europeans to the Africans trying to talk to them originally about the invasion and take over. It would help to know how the Europeans originally tried to peacefully talk to the Africans.

Leadership qualities Essay

This paper talks about testing in specifically psychometric testing that is used by employers in screening employees in the selection process at organizations. After a brief introduction to what psychometric is all about, it analyzes critically this method of choosing employees with respect also the disadvantages and advantages of this type of testing. The paper then concludes itself with discussion of the growth of psychometric testing in relation to its success factors leading on to the final concluding paragraph. INTRODUCTION Psychometric testing is being used for decades now, changing its forms while absorbing technological improvements. It is used as an essential element in the screening of employees at the workplace to thereby increase work effectiveness in terms of selection of the right candidate for the right job. Not only in the selection process, but this type of testing is also used in other areas namely, promotion, training, advisory services in terms of Human Resource management, planning and development. Psychometric testing is used as a tool for deciding upon the winning qualities of employees to get a better understanding of which employee to further develop upon and how, and which to spend different training resources on etc. This type of testing basically uses questionnaires that are made by professional test makers who also undertake analysis of the results with the help of an organizational psychologist. The verdict/s reached thereby is then considered final and accurate to a great extent. Psychometric tests have been categorized into: Ability tests, Motivation tests, Attitude and perception, Projective techniques (TAT), Personality inventories, Organizational climate surveys, Employee satisfaction surveys etc. (TVRLS, 2006) Psychometrics is the field of study belonging to the zone of psychometric testing, and is used as an indicator of measurement of abilities, attitude, perception, skills, personality traits including team playing, leadership qualities etc. The two major components of this type of study are: Construction of the method or procedure in testing and improving upon the qualities of the test in terms of analysis and judgment (Golombok, n. d. ). There are many other fields of study that are pertinent directly or indirectly to this type of testing. Firstly, there is the classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). There is also the Rasch model that aims at the requirements when measuring educational and work indicators in terms of physical sciences. Secondly, in relation to correlation and finding out variation in the results there are many techniques including factor analysis, multidimensional scaling, data clustering, structural equation modelling, and path analysis. These few methods aim at finding out what data easily fits into the population that is being tested through a sample and how. (Hogan, 2006) Screening techniques in firms and organizations could range from traditional manual shifting of applications to sophisticated usage of psychometrics. Recruiters immensely make use of online resources or help search for criteria important in measuring the candidates’ qualification (Suff, 2005). Psychometric tests undertake the study of assessment in terms of psychological assessment of individual with respect to five criteria that each test possesses. These are: – Validity: measures what the test is supposed or has been designed to measure – Reliability: the results in the end are in line with the research that was taken and will not change if the test is undertaken again keeping certain factors constant – Standardisation: the instruments used in the test, timing, instructions, test items, scoring techniques are all same for each candidate – Objectivity: there is no deterring of results due to biases caused by subjective decisions or favouritism etc. There should hence be no variation in scores according to these criteria. – Differentiation: tests that have been undertaken have been designed to account for differences and the results should show no effect of the candidate’s personal traits and facts like ethnicity, religion, gender etc. (unless the test aims to measure these as a factor). (Dent & Curd, 2004) CRITICAL ANALYSIS The question that arises now is about the significance of these tests in our lives revolving around the workplace and in specific the corporate world. Psychometric testing is useful, yes but how can it be used, as a measure of success in employee selection, is the most important pointer here. Psychometric tests are used in assisting with the selection process to help predict future employee performance and hence to help in planning out the desired outcomes against these predictions. These tests are economical and efficient, and facilitate the test givers in the attainment of information quickly while cutting down on the money cost also. They are not prone to subjectivity biases when they are objective and hence aid in increasing fairness in decision-making. Apart from finding out the right person for the right job, these tests help recognize development needs, increase motivation and correct stress factors for employees which have a negative impact on their productivity levels if not removed or minimized. (Dent & Curd, 2004) Psychometric tests have evolved from the need to examine ability and resulting output in work situations. The two types of psychometric tests when broadly put, these being: As a measure of ability, verbal or numerical reasoning and as a measure of personality traits and work situations, and what leads to the correct or the best fit. Analysing the usage of tests carries utmost importance when it comes specifically to the choice in terms of what test is to be used in a given situation. This requires deep analysis of the kind of job at hand and then testing candidates to determine the kind of traits needed for that job. On measuring job performance the formula that needs to be remembered is skills + attitude + process + knowledge = Success! However useful this argument holds for psychometric tests, their validity and usage, as a tool in selection of employees is considered controversial also. The difficulty here lies in the fact that people who are being testes sometimes do not give their true answers and get prone to achievement of success with the formula given above, except that the attitudes, skills etc might just be their ideal states in their minds and not something that exists within them in real. This â€Å"lying† on the tests and hiding true meaning of their traits makes accurate judgments difficult and hinders the attainment of absolute fairness in decision-making. And this is also when frequently, psychometric tests are said to be not useful and prone to inaccurate collection of data and information. Hence in many organizations, the usefulness of these tests remains limited and is only to the extent of informing about the decision and not actually making it. Therefore, no matter how glittery the success formula looks, the inefficiency prone to this testing can rid an organization of valuable employees (those who had most probably not lied on the test). (Farrington, 2007) The ethical use of psychometric tests is also another factor that requires discussion in terms of a critical analysis of this topic under dissertation. It is highly essential that the information used by these tests is relevant to the purpose do study, is accurate and does not probe too much into the personal lives of the candidates so as to stay away from intrusion of their privacy. The test should undertake the tester’s competence, procedures and techniques used, and the client welfare to make sure that these guidelines corresponding to each is followed. The test users must be adequately qualified and trained. Results should not be leaked out or sold to any third parties or even other candidates and should only be available to the test takers who will need it to analyse and conclude the tests. Feedback needs to be offered to the people who have taken the test or the candidates to counter any negative effects of the test that was left on them. These tests should not discriminate against gender, race or ethnicity and even disability and age. All test materials need to be secured completely to ward off any unauthorized access to the information provided by these tests. A few of the common tests that are present, measure ability, aptitude, personality, interpersonal skills and relationship awareness etc. (Dent & Curd, 2004) With respect to the five criteria mentioned earlier, a study showed that where selection, assessment and training are concerned, cognitive ability tests and work samples were found out to be most valid. Also, the results of this study showed that interviews were most practical. Results from tests involving knowledge assessment, personality tests involving motivation, satisfaction etc showed that these were most popular with prospective employers. (Mok et al, 2008) CASES FOR PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS Psychometric testing provides organizations and any test givers a very commanding way of guaranteeing the selection and employment of the best candidates through their thorough analysis in terms of ability and preferred behavioural styles. Psychometric testing allows the pre-hiring screening becomes more popular because validity is a criterion that is usually always met and hence this form of testing becomes more preferred. Usually, it also includes IQ testing also along with personality test to enable the organization to gain valuable insight into the issue at hand. Time is saved, as prospective employees are able to learn constructive things that without psychometrics would have been very hard or time consuming to learn. The HR Department hence becomes a powerful unit as it realized true matching of the employee’s personality traits with the characteristics of the company. Financial benefits to the company have also been seen where psychometrics are involved in the process of hiring. Through the availability of technological advances like LAN and the Internet, companies are able to easily administer these tests also. Cost benefits are achieved as eventually companies in the best-case scenario able to learn which employees will stay with the company longer than the others. (Vaid, 2007) Some of the benefits provided by psychometric testing are: 1. Efficiency: psychometric testing improves efficiency in selection and decision-making when it comes to human resource recruitment. Most suitable candidates are hence chosen thereby making maximum use of time, cost and efficiency. 2. More informed recruitment decisions: objective information is provided by these tests to ensure the occurrence of an informed decision-making. 3. Aid to interviews: interviews do not provide all information necessary to conclude upon which candidates are best for that particular job. Hence these tests are highly useful to especially those recruiters who are not much proficient in testing or analyzing a candidate. 4. Tried and tested: these tests now have been offered by many agencies that are used for outsourcing these tests by companies. Also, companies themselves now use many different psychometric tests in the selection process today. 5. Business needs: these tests are in direct relation with the needs of human resource of organizations, and hence fit perfectly to the purpose of these organizations 6. Potential of an individual: an individual’s skills and attitudes along with perceptions are thoroughly weighed through these tests that are not provided by interviews as such. 7. For all levels of staff: these tests are even more helpful since they are appropriate enough to be used at all levels in the organization. 8. Easy to understand: these tests are easy to understand, as their language is unproblematic and simple. They also hence are not prone to discrimination against ethnicity, language or region when they follow the five effective criteria of testing as mentioned earlier in this paper. (Psychometric Testing, n. d. ) 9. Job profiling: this can be done even before the interview takes place, so that key skills and abilities for a particular position in the organization can be further made clear before interviewing the person about it. 10. Useful information: these tests help in providing useful and complete information as to how functional an employee will be in terms of performance in a particular position. (Oriel Training, n. d. ) 11. Professional: psychometric tests make the entire selection process look more formal and professional 12. Objectivity: it adds objectivity to the whole process. 13. Time saving: maximum amount of information is collected in minimum time. 14. Flexibility: due to the use of technology, tests are administered with more flexibility. 15. Self-awareness: when it comes to development of the employees, these tests can help point out the negative factors that should be erased and positive ones that need highlighting and promotion. 16. Cost-effectiveness: when used appropriately, they also provide cost advantages to the firm. (Vaid, 2007) CASE AGAINST PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING It is essential to make sure that the correct procedure in testing is followed including the process of selection, administration, feedback and analysis. Failure on the part of the test giver to do can result in ill communication and analysis often results leading to cynicism, anger, and dissatisfaction. Some of the disadvantages of psychometric testing are: Initial training can prove to be more expensive and costly, Provision of feedback is mostly deemed essential but can waste a lot of time, Uneasiness and resistance shown by the participants can hinder collection of true results. These tests need to be paired with some other form of assessment because complete reliance on them can prove to be not useful at all to the company. Lying or hiding of true information about oneself can result in portrayal of a false picture to the prospective employer, leading to making of false or inaccurate decisions on his/her part (Dent & Curd, 2004). It is very difficult for an untrained eye to find out which is the correct psychometric test to use and employ, due to the high availability of various types of tests in the market. This involved correct decision in terms of choosing the right test for that organization because if this is not done then the results will not be relevant to the organization and the issue at hand. There are many cases where people administering these tests are not qualified or have not been trained enough to correctly administer these tests, hence it is imperative that in order to get the maximum out of these tests, organizational psychology courses need to be offered for training of these test administrators. It should also be understood that these tests provide results that are not hundred percent valid and reliable, so as to not take the effect of many external factors can result in large negative consequences to the organization which is often the case. (Team Focus, 2004) SUCCESS FACTORS Many managers do not make good interviewer and this is where again psychometric testing comes in handy. Studies have shown that many managers and interviewers focus on their ‘gut feeling’ when it comes to hiring employees. Also, another important factor that they use is the candidate’s ability through his skills attained at School/ College etc. This is information; one can easily read off and understand through the Curriculum Vitae of that candidate. The success factor of psychometric testing comes in our discussion when we say that the question about whether a candidate is behaviourally fit in an organization is something whose answer lies in the analysis undertaken through psychometric testing. In other words, how well an employee according to psychometrics will be able to match his personality traits with characteristics of the organization; and how this will impact his performance inside the organization henceforth. (Lievens & Peeters, 2008) One type of psychometric test here exactly important to this kind of testing is the McQuaig System test which helps in outlining a behavioural profile of an employee with respect to the open position that candidate is applying for. Another success factor very essential to organizational development, is the basic fact that this outline can then be used to erase out the subjectivity biases attached to ‘gut feeling’ and help make out a prediction that is dependent on the technical ability of the candidate’s behavioural personality. There are various reasons for growth in the usage of psychometrics in the selection process. A few of these are: 1. Especially when they are hiring employees legal obligations and regulations are met through the use of psychometric tests as they are now being awarded a status that is obligatory to follow and be used by organizations. 2. Test results are now found to be more useful than before because they have been in use for years now. The varied political and cultural state of affairs that pertain to an organization has changed. Also, there has been a shift in the climate of these organizations, which have become more varied in terms of diversity in religions, cultures, ethnicity and so on. Tests hence when effectively designed and made help take these factors into account also. Equal employment opportunity is hence offered immensely well in most cases. 3. The costs of testing have decreased significantly because of the improved and increased use of Internet among many other technological advances. Computer based testing allows for flexibility, ease and quickness in adding up scores and summing up data probing organizations to indulge when more in such testing procedures 4. Human Resource policies are more formally and appropriately designed now to take into account a once much ignored resource- human resource. 5. Tests provide up-to-date information and when employing older employees, this becomes essential because then school qualification would prove to be outdated mostly. 6. Large organizations can use these tests to screen large number of applicants, who without the use of these tests and other computer based tests, would be almost humanly impossible to accomplish. (Psychometric success, n. d. ) CONCLUSION The use of tests, in particular those involving psychological analysis are here to stay as can be seen from their wide usage and growing popularity. It remains however the duty of the employers to ensure that they remain professional, ethical, valid and reliable. Training is an essential component o the success of the usage of these tests in an organization to better analyze and understand the results depicted by these tests. Employers while undertaking the administration of these tests need to take a few things in perspective. They should be clear about what they are measuring, what is the audience like, make sure that it is not indiscriminate towards any class etc., ensure proper training, provide adequate feedback, and also guarantee confidentiality of information, so that effectives can be reached along with success in usage of these tests. Effectiveness, all in all depends directly on giving importance to these factors just discussed so that any form of psychometric analysis is made productive. (Dent, & Curd, 2004) Bibliography Golombok, S. (n. d. ) Modern Psychometrics: The Science of Psychological Assessment. International Library of Psychology Hogan, T. (2006) Psychometric Testing: A practical introduction. Wiley. Dent, F. and Curd, J.(2004) Psychometric tests: an overview of an increasingly complex world [Internet] Available from: http://www. ashridge. org. uk/Website/IC. nsf/wFARATT/Psychometric%20Tests:%20An%20Overview%20of%20an%20Increasingly%20Complex%20World/$File/PsychometricTest. pdf [Accessed 19 December, 2008] Farrington, J. (2007) Psychometric Tests and Professional Salespeople- unhappy bedfellows [Internet] Available from: http://www. greatmanagement. org/articles/57/1/-Psychometric-Tests-And-Professional-Salespeople—Unhappy-Bedfellows/Page1. html [Accessed 19 December, 2008] Lievens, F.and Peeters, H. (2008) Impact of elaboration on responding to situational judgment test items [Online Library] Available from International Journal of Selection and Assessment. Dec2008, Vol. 16 Issue 4, p345-355 Mok, C. ; Wong, A. ; Lam, W. ; Baum, L. ; Ho, K. ; and Wong, L. (2008) A case-controlled study of cognitive progression in Chinese lacunar stroke patients [Online Library] Available from Clinical Neurology & Neurosurgery. Jul2008, Vol. 110 Issue 7, p649-656 Oriel Training (n. d. ) Key benefits of psychometric testing [Internet] Available from: http://www. orieltrain. com/KeyBenefitsofPsychometricTesting. htm [Accessed 19 December, 2008] Psychometric success (n. d. ) The growth of psychometric testing [Internet] available from: http://www. psychometric-success. com/psychometric-tests/psychometric-tests-advantages. htm [Accessed 19 December, 2008] Psychometric Testing (n. d. ) Exciting features [Internet] Available from: http://www. excitingfutures. com/psychometrictesting. htm [Accessed 19 December, 2008] Suff, R. (2005) First-line Filter [Online Library] Available from IRS Employment Review from: IRS Employment Review; 12/16/2005 Issue 837, p44-48 Team Focus (2004) Disadvantages of psychometric testing [Internet] Available from: http://www. teamfocus. co. uk/disadvantages_of_psychometric_testing. htm [Accessed 19 December, 2008] TVRLS (2006) Psychometric testing and climate surveys [Internet] Available from: http://www. tvrls. com/psychometric_testing_and_climate_surveys. html [Accessed 19 December, 2008] Vaid, R. (2007) Advantages of Psychometric testing [Internet] Available from HRD Test Products from: http://smarthiring. com/articles/articles/6/1/Advantages-of-Psychometric-Testing/Page1. html [Accessed 19 December, 2008]

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